BusinessMirror January 09, 2025 by BusinessMirror

THE national government’s budget for 2026 could reach about P6.793 trillion, or 7.38 percent higher than this year’s level of P6.326 trillion, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

In a news forum on Wednesday, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said the national budget will be “more or less” than the expenditure program of P6.793 trillion for next year.

“We will still review [the budget level in the] ﬁ rst quarter,” Pangan-

On Wednesday, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that while unemployment and underemployment improved, the number of employed Filipinos declined. (See: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2025/01/08/typhoons-renderfarmers-fisherfolk-jobless-in-november/)

In terms of subsector, the decline in jobs was led by the Agriculture and forestry sector which saw a 1.99-million decline in jobs. e amount includes the 1.6-million jobs in elementary occupations such as farm laborers and ﬁ sherfolks.

“I think there are still typhoons expected to come in, so if that’s the case, we will continue to lose jobs in agri unless we improve on agrilogistics,” De La Salle University economist Maria Ella Oplas told BM

THE government’s cash assistance program Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap) would require beneﬁciaries to present their national IDs to prevent duplication as well as include triggers to release the cash aid.

e controversial Akap was retained in the P6.326-trillion national budget for 2025 and will be receiving P26.5 billion but under “conditional implementation.” Based on the President’s veto message on the 2025 General Appropriations Act, the implementation of Akap shall be in strict compliance with pertinent laws, rules, regulations and jurisprudence, and in accordance with the guidelines to be issued jointly by the Departments of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Labor and Employment (DOLE) and National Economic and Development Author-

“ ere will deﬁ nitely be a food security problem with the continuing typhoons unless we upgrade our agrologistics,” she added. Oplas explained that agrologistics referred to planting, harvesting, sorting, grading, storage, transport, marketing, and others. In short, it is the “whole cycle” and a “comprehensive” approach to agriculture in the country.

Not surprising–Escucha INSTITUTE for Economic Development and Economic Analysis (Idea) President Alex Escucha told BM the job losses in the agriculture sector was no longer surprising. Apart from the typhoons, he said agriculture growth has not been robust.

Escucha said farm growth in the

ity (Neda).

As such, the guidelines are being ﬁ nalized by the agencies and are expected to be issued by the end of the month.

Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said, although not yet fi nal, that Neda Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan wanted to require beneficiaries’ national IDs to confi rm their identities and prevent duplication. As Akap intends to address the strain posed by rising infl ation on the fi nancial capacity of those who earn less than minimum wage, Pangandaman said the agencies should also consider adding a trigger before the cash assistance is released.

Similar to the Department of Transportation’s program where fuel subsidy is provided amid high gasoline prices, inﬂ ation should also be at a high level be-

daman said as the Department of Finance (DOF) is still lining up new revenue measures.

Budget Preparation and Execution Undersecretary Rolando U. Toledo added there are developments to be factored in next year’s expenditure program, since it was done in the previous year.

“ e budget increases because of the increasing revenue collection,” Toledo said, adding that economic growth, inﬂ ation, foreign exchange rates and costs of fuel are factored in.

Pangandaman said the entire Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, outlining the government’s rev-

enues, expenditures and ﬁ scal balance projections, will be reviewed and adjusted this year.

Pangandaman issued the national budget call for 2026 through National Budget Memorandum No. 153 this week to provide government agencies with enough time to prepare their budget requests to the DBM.

A budget forum is set on January 28 to brief national government agencies and state-run ﬁ rms and ensure that their projects are readily implementable and consistent with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, she added.

e 2026 national budget aims to manage the effect of infl ation, support infrastructure investment, sustain the government’s efforts to digitalize public fi nancial management and create an inclusive and balanced development landscape across the country.

DBM ready to face SC AMID looming cases before the Supreme Court questioning the constitutionality of the P6.326-trillion 2025 national budget, Legal and Legislative Group Undersecretary Janet B. Abuel said the DBM

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized P84.356 billion worth of smuggled commodities from January to November 2024, according to an oﬃcial.

During the SGV’s Tax Symposium on Wednesday, Customs Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip C. Maronilla reported that the BOC has conducted a total of 1,572 seizures in 2024, amassing P84.356 billion.

Agricultural products were the most seized commodity last year, with 977 in number of seizures, valued at P856.793 million.

“ is focus reﬂects our dedication to protecting local industries and ensuring food security by preventing the unlawful entry of contraband agricultural activities,” Maronilla said.

is was followed by curren-

cies or smuggled money worth P138.906 million with 169 seizures throughout the year.

A total of P8.583-billion smuggled cigarettes, tobacco and vape products were also conﬁ scated 167 times in 2024.

In terms of estimated value, counterfeit goods topped the list with P34.698 billion, followed by various items at P33.443 billion.

“In addition to its seizure operations and the disposal of smuggled and perfected goods, the Bureau has undertaken decisive action against individuals involved in illicit trade activities,” Maronilla added.

e BOC has revoked the Customs Accreditation of 48 importers and customs brokers found in

violation of Customs Regulations.

Further, the BOC has also ﬁ led 39 criminal cases with the Department of Justice.

Fuel marking

MOREOVER , the BOC has marked 80.23 billion liters of fuel in 2024. is generated P220.77 billion in taxes.

It has also seized 209,673 liters of unmarked fuel and prevented revenue leakage from the commodity. As part of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) law, the program began on September 4, 2019, to ensure that oil products available in the market comply with tax regulations.

According to the law, petroleum products that are reﬁ ned, manufactured or imported to the Philippines such as unleaded premium gasoline, kerosene and diesel, must be marked by an oﬃcial marking agent after taxes and duties have been paid.

As of end-November 2024, the BOC has raised P850 billion in revenues, 4.68 percent higher yearon-year from P812 billion. is represents 90.54 percent of its annual target of P939.7 billion.

However, the BOC will not meet its revenue goal this year due to the implementation of Executive Order No. 62, which reduced rice tariff s and allowed a zero-tariff scheme on specifi c motor vehicles.

Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

Comelec: Gun, appointment bans begin on January 12

THECommission on Elections reminded the public and political hopefuls that with the start of the election period on January 12, the gun ban and restrictions on appointments, suspensions, and transfers in public oﬃce will also take eﬀect.

In a media interview on Tuesday, Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia emphasized the poll body’s authority during the election period.

“Even though they are not yet candidates, the Comelec authority to regulate is already there, especially to ensure the peace and order situation is orderly from the start,” he said.

second and third quarters of 2024 contracted 2.3 percent and 2.8 per-

e gun ban will be enforced throughout the election period, which runs from January 12 to June 11.

It prohibits carrying ﬁ rearms or deadly weapons outside residences or workplaces, transporting ﬁ rearms and their components, and handling explosives or controlled chemicals.

Garcia clariﬁed that having a

cent, respectively. Palay growth even posted a double-digit decline at 12 percent in the third quarter. With slow growth, Escucha said agriculture has not been able to attract job seekers and many children of farmers are also not keen

license to carry ﬁ rearms does not automatically exempt an individual from the ban.

“Even though one has a license or permit to carry outside of residenceall of that is suspended effective January 12,” he said, urging those seeking exemptions to register their applications.

Applications for gun ban exemptions must be submitted online through the oﬃcial Comelec website from Mondays to Fridays (excluding weekends and holidays), 8am to 5pm, in accordance with Resolution No. 11067.

Certain government oﬃcials, including the President, Vice President, Senators, and Members of the House of Representatives, are fully exempt from the gun ban.

Exemptions also cover Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police personnel on duty, department secretaries and undersecretaries, Supreme Court justices, and Department of

on making agriculture their source of livelihood.

“Children of farmers choose not to pursue farming because of the very poor economic and ﬁ nancial returns,” Escucha told this newspaper on Wednesday. e country’s economists, and even the President himself in his last State of the Nation Address (Sona), Escucha also said, have recognized that food security cannot be attained though self-suﬃciency.

He said the lackluster performance of the farm sector and the growth of the population requires the country to not only improve food production but also supplement it with imports. is is crucial, Escucha said, since the Word Bank projects that the agriculture sector for the next 5 years is expected to grow by a percent or less.

Decline in agri, increase in others?

MEANWHILE , Oplas said if there is a decline in jobs in the agriculture sector, this can also mean an increase in jobs in other sectors such as manufacturing and services.

Based on the latest PSA data, manufacturing as well as accommodation and food service activities were the industries that saw the largest increases in employment with an addition of 784,000 and 528,000 jobs, respectively.

For its part, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) said the government has recognized the challenges posed by calamities.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will expand its cash-for-work and training programs to reach climate-vulnerable communities. ese programs include the Local Adaptation to Water Access (Lawa) and Breaking Insuﬃciency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished (Binhi).

“ e eﬀective implementation of the Building on Social Protection for Anticipatory Action and Response in Emergencies and Disasters Program will help minimize the impact of ﬂooding, typhoons, and droughts by preparing communities and implementing protective measures before disasters strike,” Balisacan added.

“ e government complements these eﬀorts by developing climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems to strengthen agricultural productivity and build long-term resilience.”

Moreover, the DSWD, in partnership with Neda and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), is currently developing a tool to better assess beneﬁciaries’ eligibility for the Ayuda Para sa

Justice prosecutors, among others.

e Comelec said it will establish checkpoints nationwide to ensure compliance with the gun ban.

However, Garcia reminded the public that their rights remain protected, and unlawful searches and seizures are prohibited.

“Our law enforcement authorities are limited to checkpoints which are done in plain view...[that means] only what is visible can be inspected,” he said.

Garcia also directed police personnel to set up checkpoints in well-lit, public areas to prevent causing undue alarm.

Meanwhile, Comelec reiterated that appointing, suspending, or transferring government oﬃcials without the commission’s approval is also prohibited during the election period.

“All of that is in the law to ensure that positions [of power] are not used for politics,” Garcia said, speaking in Filipino.

Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap) and minimize leakage or duplication of aid. A process monitoring and impact evaluation mechanism will also form part of the program’s implementation to help ensure its eﬃciency and eﬀectiveness.

“In line with these eﬀorts, we remain committed to achieving our employment targets under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. e 2024 Philippine Development Report, which Neda will release this month, will guide our eﬀorts with evidence-based strategies to create quality jobs and sustain economic growth,” the country’s chief economic planner said. Nonetheless, Balisacan said remains robust given the consistently high employment rates and reduced underemployment.

e latest Labor Force Survey showed a decline in the underemployment rate to 10.8 percent in November 2024 from 11.7 percent in November 2023, indicating better job quality and fewer workers seeking additional work hours or jobs.

“ e next step is to expand business and employment opportunities to enable more Filipinos to actively and productively contribute to the economy,” Balisacan said.

“Moreover, we will encourage business upgrading and skills training programs to ensure that these jobs oﬀer competitive wages as our workers raise their productivity by developing their human capital,” he added.

e labor force participation rate (LFPR) in November was 64.6 percent, lower than the estimated 65.9 percent for November 2023. Youth LFPR declined to 32.4 percent, down from 34.4 percent in the same month last year. Many young individuals cited schooling (402,000) for not participating in the labor force.

Similarly, the female LFPR fell to 53.9 percent, down from 55.4 percent, primarily due to primeworking-age women prioritizing household responsibilities (445,000).

Neda stressed that a multifaceted approach to ensuring an eﬃcient labor market. is approach involves enabling investments in quality job-generating sectors, enhancing skills and workforce mobility, and improving employment facilitation services.

“will act on it accordingly.”

Critics said the government allocated the public works department a higher budget than the education department. e P74billion subsidy for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, the state health insurer, this year was removed.

Abuel explained that the President can only veto a line item in the appropriations and has no power to add back or reallocate items in the budget.

e DBM said the education sector, composed of the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education and other agencies with education programs, will receive a P1.055-trillion budget in 2025 while infrastructure projects will be funded with P1.007 trillion. Meanwhile, PhilHealth will have its subsidy restored next year, according to Abuel.

are better for our sector. To this end, PHOA is committed to supporting the eﬀorts of the DOT to make the country a tourism powerhouse in Asia. To stay competitive, we must improve destination infrastructure and maintain value for money proposition.”

He called for collaboration and support between government and the private sector to “help our industry recover fully and even faster than we expect. e quicker we bounce back, the better it will be for everyone involved.” PHOA recently collaborated with the DOT on the preparation of the latter’s Philippine Hotel Industry Strategic Action Plan, a blueprint to encourage the development of more accommodation establishments in the country. bring down retail prices. e agency said elevated rice prices contributed to high inﬂ ation throughout the ﬁ rst half of 2024, which prevented the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) from lowering interest rates crucial for stimulating investments and generating jobs.

It added that on average, Filipino consumers spend nearly P10 of every P100 on rice, with the burden even greater for households in the bottom 30 percent of the income bracket.

“By tackling both supply and pricing issues, government aims to stabilize the rice market and make it more aﬀordable for consumers nationwide.”

After his meeting with the President, Vasquez is scheduled to appear in several local shows and to come out with a music single during the ﬁ rst quarter of the year after he signed a record contract.

fore cash assistance will be extended to those ﬁ nancially struggling, Pangandaman said. Inﬂ ation accelerated to 2.9 percent in December 2024 while the full-year 2024 rate settled at 3.2 percent. e DBM chief also supports the draft provision stating that political paraphernalia, such as tarpaulins, stickers and shirts with a politician’s name and face, are prohibited to prevent political gains. “We are listening to what the public wants and that is for the program to not be used for any political gain or campaign purposes,” Pangandaman added. With the 2025 national budget labeled as an “election budget,” Pangandaman defended that it is the “budget of the people.”

“We can use the budget to make sure that it contributes to the overall macroeconomic targets of the national government,” she added.

Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

Immigration warns protectors of missing Pogo workers

TBy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE Bureau of Immigration (BI) on

Wednesday warned that criminal charges await companies and individuals who will be found providing refuge to more than 11,000 illegal foreign workers from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) who have yet to leave the country despite the expiry of the grace period given them on December 31, 2024.

“The Bureau will not hesitate to file charges against anyone found violating

Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940,” Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.

“Harboring illegal aliens is a serious offense, and we will pursue violators with the utmost resolve,” he added.

The BI earlier launched a manhunt for the immediate arrest of 11,254 foreign nationals involved in Pogo who are now considered illegal aliens after their work visas were revoked in line with the nationwide ban on Pogos imposed by President Marcos.

The foreign Pogo workers were

DepEd to tap PPP to bridge classroom gap

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

THE Department of Education (DepEd) plans to bridge the current gap of 165,000 classroom backlog with an initial target of constructing 15,000 classrooms by 2027 through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

“The classroom gap is a massive challenge, but we believe that leveraging private investments through PPPs is the most efficient and sustainable way to address this,” said Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara.

Angara presented the plan to President Marcos during a recent meeting in Malacañang, following the signing of the Technical Assistance Agreement with the PPP Center in December 2024.

The initiative, under the PPP School Infrastructure Project (PSIP 3), will cost between P37.5 billion and P60 billion and benefit more than 600,000 students. It is also expected to generate at least 18,000 jobs.

Digitalization, solarization of schools DEPED has also laid out a road -

initially allowed to downgrade their work visas to temporary visitor’s visas to avoid being deported prior to the December 31 deadline.

Viado said out of the 33,863 POGO employees listed by the gaming regulator, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), 24,779 had their visas downgraded.

A total of 22,609 left the country before the December 31 deadline, while more than 11,000 foreign workers opted to illegally stay in the country.

These illegal aliens, according to

map for scaling up construction to 30,000 and 60,000 classrooms through PSIP 4 and 5.

In addition to addressing infrastructure needs, DepEd is spearheading efforts to equip public schools with power and digital tools through PPPs to improve learning outcomes.

Envisioned to roll out by mid2026, the plan for digitalization and solarization of schools includes providing electricity supply to un-energized schools, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet connectivity for unconnected schools, and tablets for learners

Viado, would be pursued by authorities for deportation proceedings and would be blacklisted.

“Let this serve as a stern reminder to all: Anyone who enables these individuals to remain in the Philippines illegally will face the consequences. The law is clear, and there will be no exceptions,” Viado said.

The bureau reiterated its commitment to enforcing immigration laws to protect national security and public order.

“This is not just about compliance; it’s about safeguarding the integrity of our immigration system and ensuring that

only those with legitimate purposes are allowed to stay in the country,” the BI chief stressed.

The BI urged the public to report any suspected violations and assured that all reports will be treated with confidentiality.

Meanwhile, the BI disclosed the arrest of two Chinese who attempted to leave the country with spurious immigration documents.

The two, identified as Wang Dingku, 31, and Su Zhengkun, 25 were intercepted at the departure area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Sunday before they could board a Philippine Airlines flight bound for Bangkok. They are now detained at the BI holding facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City pending deportation proceedings.

The two reportedly presented themselves for departure formalities at the immigration counter when the BI officers who processed them noticed irregularities in the visas impressed on their passports. The visas were thus referred for examination to the BI’s forensic documents laboratory which later certified that their visas were fake.

SC approves family mediation rules

THE Supreme Court en

banc has approved the Rule on Family Mediation which is expected to hasten the resolution of disputes among family members, relatives and partners.

In a resolution dated November 5, 2024 but was officially released only on Wednesday, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, along with the 14 other SC associate justices, approved the Rule as recommended by Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, chairperson of the Committee on Family Courts and Juvenile Concerns (CFCJC).

The SC said the initiative is in line with its duties to adopt procedural rules “to increase the effectiveness of family courts, unclog court dockets, promote the best interests of the child, and address the emerging need for family mediation.”

The Rule describes family mediation as a process in which a mediator, acting as an impartial third party, facilitates the resolution of family disputes and helps the parties in reaching voluntary agreement. It will cover cases within the

jurisdiction of family courts, first and second level courts, and the Court of Appeals (CA).

These include suits between husband and wife, parents, ascendants and descendants, and among siblings, whether full or half-blood.

The Rule also applies to relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, and parties in a common-law, dating or sexual relationship, whether former or current.

FDA flags more ‘toxic’ cosmetic products

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

THE Food and Drug Administration

(FDA) has issued advisories warning consumers against purchasing and using more unauthorized skin-lightening products that pose serious health risks.

The toxics watchdog group

EcoWaste Coalition lauded the move saying cosmetic products tainted with toxic chemicals such as mercury pose serious health risks to consumers. In successive advisories pub -

DepEd. . .

Continued from A3 and laptops for teachers.

Connectivity at this scale is expected to dramatically boost the effectiveness of teachers, while offering Filipino children a wealth of learning resources previously out of their reach.

“With a combination of strategic partnerships and digital investments, DepEd is committed to bridging both the classroom and digital divides to create a futureready education system producing competitive and highly employable graduates,” Angara said.

lished at www.fda.gov.ph during the first week of 2025, the agency identified five imported skin-lightening products that are being sold online without the required certificates of product notification in violation of Republic

Act 9711, or the FDA Act, which prohibits the manufacture, importation, distribution, and sale of any health product without authorization from the FDA.

Among the latest batch of unauthorized cosmetics flagged were those reported by the EcoWaste Coalition to the FDA for containing mercury above the trace amount limit of one part per million (ppm) under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Cosmetic Directive. Mercury, a highly toxic chemical, is prohibited as an ingredient in cosmetic product formulations.z z

“We laud the FDA for its unwavering action to warn consumers about products that can pose significant risks to their health and

safety such as unauthorized cosmetics, which may contain banned substances like mercury,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

“As a public interest group, we will continue our advocacy efforts to assist the FDA in its crucial role as the country’s lead regulator for health and household hazardous products,” she added.

Through Advisory 2024-1716, 2024-1717 and 2014-1718, the FDA banned Q-nic Care Whitening Night Cream, Q-nic Care Whitening Underarm Cream, and Malaysia Erna Whitening Cream, which the EcoWaste Coalition reported to the agency last December 2024.

As per X-ray fluorescence (XRF) screening undertaken by EcoW -

aste, Q-nic Care Whitening Night Cream has 4,113 ppm of mercury, while Q-nic Care Whitening Underarm Cream has 6,109 ppm.

Malaysia’s Erna Whitening Cream was found negative for mercury.

The FDA also banned the Meyyong Ra Seaweed Super Whitening Set and Lady Gold Super Gluta Brightening through Advisories 2024-1720 and 2024-1761, respectively.

TBy Lenie Lectura @llectura

HE Department of Energy (DOE) announced on Wednesday that fuel economy labels (FEL) are now required prior to the sale of vehicles. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, dealers, and rebuilders of all public and private road transport vehicles are required to obtain FEL and Fuel Economy Sticker (FES) from the DOE as part of its Vehicle Fuel

Economy Labelling Program (VFELP).

Mandated under Section 17 of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act or Republic Act 11285, VFELP aims to empower Filipino consumers to make informed decisions about vehicle purchases. It ensures that fuel economy data, including the engine fuel economy ratings, are readily accessible and verified through the performance labeling requirements set by the DOE with the assistance of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Department of Transportation(DOTr) at the point of sale.

Under the VFELP system, all transport vehicle manufacturers, importers, distributors, rebuilders, and/or builders must undergo company registration, covering both head offices and all branches. The registration is valid for three years. Vehicle registration is also mandatory for each model/type of vehicle offered by registered companies. Registration is valid for six years.

To facilitate efficient issuance of the FEL and FES, the DOE has established the VFELP system, which streamlines vehicle registration and fuel economy label issuance, providing real-time application tracking, up-to-date information, and fuel

The said advisories also warned concerned establishments not to distribute the above violative products.

FDA’s regional field offices and regulatory enforcement units, in coordination with local government units and law enforcement agencies, were likewise requested to ensure that violative products are not sold or made available in the market or areas of their jurisdiction.

EcoWaste Coalition will again notify the FDA about the 14 unauthorized skin-lightening products that it recently obtained from retailers, including online sellers, of which nine are deemed adulterated with mercury.

These two products were among the 12 reported by the group to the FDA last September 26, 2024, which alerted the agency about the upsurge in online product listings of mercury-laced skin-lightening products from Thailand. Based on previous screenings, Meyyong Ra and Lady Gold contained 3,784 ppm and 44,450 ppm of mercury, respectively.

DOE requires fuel economy labels on vehicles for sale

consumption and CO₂ emissions calculations of transport vehicles.

The processing of registrations and label are completed within seven working days for company and vehicle registrations and three working days for FEL and FES. Only companies and vehicles that are registered can obtain an FEL and FES. The FEL, a removable label, displays essential fuel economy performance data, while the FES, a prescribed fixed sticker, includes a QR code linking to detailed vehicle information and the vehicle Fuel Economy Performance Rating (FEPR). This dual-labeling system bears the DOE logo and

Rules. . .

Continued from A3

Under the Rule, a child will be given a chance to be heard and included in the family mediation process when issues relating to them are being discussed by their parents. The cases mandated under the Rule to be referred to family mediation include: (a) those involving issues under the Family Code and other laws which can be the subject of a compromise agreement, such as support, custody, visitation, property relations, and guardianship; (b) settlement of intestate estates (estates without a will); (c) crossborder disputes in international child abduction, support, custody and visitation, guardianship, and other civil cases involving children filed in the Philippines between a Filipino resident or temporarily residing abroad and a citizen of a member-country of the Council of Association of Southeast Asian Nation Chief Justices (CACJ); and (d) other civil cases or civil aspect of criminal cases where mediation is allowed by law, rules, and international conventions or agreements between parties covered by the Rule.

Parties in these cases must first undergo a dispute resolution process and attempt to reach an amicable settlement before filing any court action.

If the parties do not reach a settlement and a case is filed, the court, after the pre-trial conference and once the issues have been joined, shall direct the parties to undergo mandatory family mediation as a final attempt to settle the dispute.

On the other hand, cases not subject to

provides consumers with both readily accessible information and the ability to access more comprehensive data online.

“With VFELP, we’re putting the power of informed choice into the hands of Filipino consumers,” DOE Utilization Management Bureau Director Patrick Aquino said.

“Knowing your vehicle’s fuel efficiency is not just about saving money; it’s about building a sustainable future. Every drop of fuel or kilowatt saved, every gram of greenhouse gas emission reduced will make a real difference in the fight against climate change.”

family

mediation include civil status of persons; validity of marriage or a legal separation; any ground for legal separation; future support; jurisdiction of courts; and future legitime; habeas corpus unless it relates to custody of minors; violations of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004; and all cases involving issues under the Family Code with application for protection orders-restraining orderspreliminary injunctions. To promote effective communication, statements made during family mediation cannot be used as evidence in court unless otherwise agreed upon.

Additionally, recording in any form by the family mediator is prohibited. The Rule allows courts to impose sanctions on any person for contemptuous conduct committed during family mediation proceedings, which include misbehavior, use of foul or disrespectful language, discrediting the authority of the family mediator, disobedience, or resistance to the lawful order of the court and violation of the confidentiality and disclosure provision of the Rule.

Among the sanctions that may be imposed are censure, reprimand, contempt or reimbursement by the absent party of the costs of the appearing party including the attorney’s fee for that day.

The Rule mandates parties to observe the mediation period of 30 days unless the court approves an extension of not more than 30 days. The Rule was published in a newspaper of general circulation on December 14, 2024 and took effect 15 calendar days after. Joel R. San Juan

AKAP, DSWD programs exempted from spending ban–Comelec

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

HE Commission on Elec -

Ttions (Comelec) has approved exemptions from the spending ban for several programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), including the contentious Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), ahead of the May 2025 polls.

Through Memorandum No. 24-09014, made public on Wednesday, Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia authorized the Comelec Law Department’s recommendation to allow 28 DSWD programs to operate during the spending ban.

“By virtue of the authority granted upon me under Comelec Resolution No. 11060, promulgated on 13 September 2024, the recommendation of the Law Department is hereby approved,”

Garcia stated.

This approval ensures that the DSWD can continue providing financial aid to minimum wage and low-income earners through AKAP, designed to mitigate the impact of inflation on their purchasing power.

The program, which has a budget of P882.9 million for the period from March 28 to May 11, offers financial assistance ranging from P2,000 to P10,000 to qualified beneficiaries.

AKAP has earlier faced scrutiny, with some legislators expressing concern over its P26 billion funding allocation in the 2025 national budget.

Critics have warned that it might be used for political purposes in the lead-up to the elections, drawing parallels to the controversial Priority Development Assistance Fund, which the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional.

However, leaders of the House of Representatives have dismissed such claims.

Apart from AKAP, 27 other DSWD programs were also granted exemptions.

Among these, the programs with the largest budgets include the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) with over P38.4 billion, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) with P7.5 billion, and the Walang Gutom Program, allocated P7.2 billion.

Smaller allocations cover initiatives such as the Assistance to Persons with Disability and Senior Citizens (P380,580), Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (P628,200), and the KALAHI CIDSS-National Community-Driven Development Program—Additional Financing (P564,633.36)

Comelec Chairman Garcia earlier urged government officials to

DOH allays fears on respiratory virus surge in China,

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

AMID reports on the alleged surge in the number of people with respiratory virus transmission in China, the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reiterated the clarification of the World Health Organization (WHO), particularly on the Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), saying that the upward trend is expected during the winter season in China and other countries in the Northern Hemisphere.

“Chinese authorities have also clarified to the WHO that the Chinese health-care system is not overwhelmed and that no emergency declarations or responses have been triggered,” the DOH said.

WHO said that China’s reported levels of acute respiratory infections, including hMPV, are “within the expected range” for the winter season with no unusual outbreak patterns reported.

“Chinese authorities confirmed that the health-care system is not overwhelmed, hospital utilization is currently lower than this time last year, and there have been no emergency declarations or responses triggered. In temperate climates, seasonal epidemics of common respiratory pathogens, including influenza, occur often

says no cause for alarm

during winter periods,” WHO said. WHO added that the observed increases in acute respiratory infections and associated pathogen detections in many countries in the Northern hemisphere in recent weeks is expected at this time of year and is not unusual.

“The co-circulation of respiratory pathogens may pose a burden to health facilities,” WHO said.

Amihan season

MEANWHILE , the DOH warned the public that the Northeast Monsoon, or Amihan season, can lead to an increase in respiratory conditions, such as allergies or respiratory infections. The DOH continues to encourage the public to practice respiratory etiquette like covering coughs using elbows; staying at home when with cough, colds, or fever; and washing hands with soap and water often.

Influenza-like illness

THE department’s Influenza-like Illness (ILI) Surveillance System logged a total of 179,227 cases as of December 31, 2024, which is still 17 percent lower than the 216,786 cases logged in the previous year.

This decrease may be attributed to better health-seeking behaviors and practices and better preparations by the health sector.

ILI is characterized by coughs,

colds, and fever. It is commonly due to respiratory viruses with Rhinovirus (1,257/4,921 or 25.5 percent of positive samples), Enterovirus (1,140/4,921 or 23.2 percent), Influenza A (1,072/4,921 or 21.8 percent), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (560/4,921 or 11.4 percent), and Adenovirus (527/4,921 or 10.7 percent) being the top 5 causative agents of ILI in the Philippines.

hMPV

IN the Philippines, hMPV is being tested as part of panel 2 (expanded panel) for specimens that test negative on panel 1 (for Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV) as part of the ILI and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) surveillance of the DOH.

The DOH said that hMPV ranked 6th among the identified causative agents of ILI in the Philippines for 2024.

“hMPV is not a new virus. We have been able to identify it for a long time. Its symptoms are not severe. Like the common cough and cold, it heals on its own as long as our resistance is strong,” said Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.

From January 1 to December 21, 2024, 284/4,921 (5.8 percent) positive samples were due to hMPV.

More recently from December 1 to 21, 2024, 10/339 (2.9

China’s ‘monster ship’ now out of Zambales coast

TBy Rex Anthony Naval

HE Philippine Coast Guard(PCG) on Wednesday announced that China Coast Guard(CCG) vessel 5901 has now departed the Zambales coastline.

ensure the exemptions are implemented impartially and not misused for political advantage.

“Sana naman ay ma- exercise natin itong ganitong klaseng exemption na ‘to upang maipamahagi sa lahat nang walang sinisino o tinitignan kung ito’y supporter o hindi ng isang kandidato… Huwag naman sanang gamitin para i -exclude ang hindi supporter ng isang kandidato,” he said.

Comelec Resolution No. 11060 bars the release, disbursement, or use of public funds for social services and housing-related projects within 45 days before Election Day, except for agencies granted exemptions. The ban is in effect from March 28 to May 11.

In December, the poll body also approved similar exemptions for programs of the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Health, and National Housing Authority.

percent) positive samples were due to hMPV.

hMPV is being detected sporadically, with no unusual clustering or pattern, throughout the year.

Take caution

MOST people infected with hMPV would only have mild upper respiratory symptoms, which include cough, fever, nasal congestion and wheezing.

The rare severe cases can result in bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly among infants, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.

Those with pre-existing lung conditions, such as Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or emphysema, are at higher risk of severe outcomes.

The DOH reminds the general public, especially the young, immunocompromised, and elderly, to take caution by frequently washing their hands, avoiding crowded places when possible, and eating and drinking properly.

Likewise, the DOH urges those at high risk or with complicated symptoms to seek medical care as soon as possible.

“Strengthen our immune system! Remember TED-Tamang pagkain (proper food), Exercise, and Discipline in the body to strengthen resistance and avoid diseases. When sick, just stay home. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use alcohol. Facemasks are still voluntaryfor those with symptoms, and for those who want to avoid the air,” Herbosa said.

within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone,” it added.

‘Akap is not a pork barrel’

THE chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Appropriations on Wednesday assured the public that the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap), a cash assistance initiative by the House of Representatives, is kickback-free and aims to support employed Filipinos who remain below the poverty line.

The House Committee on Appropriations chairman, Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, in a statement, emphasized that Akap is not a pork barrel project as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) oversees its funds and recipient selection.

“Akap is not a pork barrel. This is zero percent corruption. This has no corruption because it goes directly to the people. The congressman does not handle the money; it’s DSWD. The DSWD chooses the recipients. Corruption happens when the funds are handled, like the confidential funds,” he said.

Co revealed that the program was conceptualized during a gathering with fellow former seminarians.

At the time, minimum-wage earners, such as food service crew and Grab drivers, expressed frustrations about being excluded from government programs like the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), which primarily benefits the unemployed.

“They are the ones who work 16 hours. They are the ones who pay for PhilHealth. They are the ones who pay taxes. They are the ones who work double time, triple time, just to make [ends meet]. When they go home, they’re tired. They can’t take care of their children because they need to sleep, and they need to work,” he said.

After validating these concerns with the DSWD secretary, Co spearheaded the creation of Akap.

“Based on the study of [Philippine Statistics Authority], minimum-wage earners need government support because of the rise in rice prices caused by worldwide

Tinflation. They were also affected by Covid-19. In two years [of the pandemic], they lost their savings. They are the 4Ps beneficiaries who graduated to non-poor status but went back to being poor. And when you work and you don’t have children, you’re not entitled to 4Ps,” he said.

“So, it’s a pity that the law is unfair to people who work but don’t earn enough,” he added. Akap provides a range of support, including medical, funeral, food, and cash assistance through the DSWD’s Crisis Intervention Units and satellite offices nationwide, to minimum-wage earners who can show DSWD that their earnings are not enough to sustain them.

Known as a pet project of Speaker Martin Romualdez, Akap was first implemented in 2024. It has a budget of P26 billion under the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

“If I have my way, if I have enough funds, or if we have enough funds, we would give all minimumwage earners P5,000 because I always say the minimum wage should be P45,000. [But if you do that], there will be super-inflation, and many businesses will close down. So the only way to do it is to give it directly as a targeted response to the minimum-wage earners’ hardship,” he said.

Co said he wants Akap to continue beyond his term in Congress.

“The question makes me emotional because I wish that my vision for Bicol and the entire Philippines may at least be sustained. Like this Akap, when we started it, it was really, really about having the political will to push through with it. The opposition turns the good into bad. They will say it’s political,” he added.

Co highlighted Akap’s success in 2024, when nearly five million Filipinos received P5,000 in cash assistance. Regions such as Cagayan Valley, Davao, and Caraga achieved 100 percent fund utilization, underscoring the program’s efficiency and impact.

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

“Based on the PCG’s current monitoring, the CCG vessel 5901, ‘monster ship,’ has departed from the coastline of Zambales and is now approximately 90 nautical miles offshore,” the agency said.

Tuesday and is heading directly to the previous location of CCG 5901.

CCG 5901 is known as the “monster ship” due to its size of 12,000 gross tons. It was detected illegal operating in Philippine waters last January 4. As this developed, the PCG has tracked CCG-3103, which left Guangdong Province

“As of 3 p.m. today [Wednesday] CCG 3103 was detected by Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection at a distance of 60 nautical miles from Pandaquit, Zambales. This indicates that CCG 3103 is likely serving as a replacement vessel for the ‘monster ship,’ thereby sustaining its illegal presence

Labor group to challenge magna carta IRR before Supreme Court

FOLLOWING the release of the Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) or Republic Act (RA) No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers last Wednesday, a labor group said the law may soon face legal challenge before the Supreme Court.

In a Viber message, Federation of Free Workers (FFW) President Sonny Matula maintained that the IRR will not remedy the major flaw of RA 12021 of imposing a bond requirement for seafarers with claims of executions pending appeal.

“It blatantly violates the equal protection clause by unfairly burdening sea-based workers while exempting land-based workers from the same requirement,” Matula said.

PCG chief, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, has ordered the deployment of a PCG Islander aircraft to the area, where it has confirmed the presence of CCG 3103, operating in the area previously occupied by CCG 5901

“Additionally, the PCG vessel BRP Cabra is currently heading towards the location of CCG 3103 to monitor and challenge its presence,” the agency added.

and protection from the government,” Marcos said.

HE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested four of its employees and seven private individuals for their alleged involvement in illegal activities within the bureau.

The arrested NBI employees were all assigned at the NBI-Information and Communication Technology Division (NBI-ICTD), who were believed to be in cahoots with the seven other suspects acting as fixers in the issuance of NBI clearance certificates.

The labor leader, however, commended the IRR for at least having a “prospective in application.”

“So for those cases already pending execution, breathe easy—no bond gymnastics required [for now]. It’s like getting a temporary free pass while the rules figure themselves out,” he said. FFW issued the remark after President Ferdinand Marcos witnessed the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) sign the IRR of RA 12021 in Malacañang last Wednesday. The President called on all concerned government agencies to come out with

“This distinction is arbitrary targeting and discriminatory, creating an unnecessary hurdle for one group while giving the other a free pass,” he added.

the remaining guidelines relative to the implementation of this IRR so RA 12021 can be promptly implemented.

“Let us ensure that every provision of this law and its IRR are not just words that appear on paper but a bulwark that our seafarers can rely on,” he said.

Marcos said the RA 12021 will not only ensure the protection of Filipino seafarers, but also boost their competitiveness by providing them access to skills training opportunities.

“The Magna Carta and the IRR guarantee fair medical treatment and access to free legal representation, ensuring that in moments of vulnerability—whether due to illness, injury, or legal challenges—our seafarers will have the support

“It also envisions a well-prepared and competitive maritime workforce. By enhancing access to advanced training and requiring maritime education institutions to adopt cutting-edge facilities, we are equipping our seafarers and cadets to compete in the global arena,” he added.

FFW initially planned to file a petition before the SC regarding the Constitutionality of the bond provision of RA 12021 last year, but it decided to defer it until a party is already affected by it.

“We are still convincing and eagerly waiting for the proper party to come with us and step forward and file a petition challenging the magna carta’s bond requirement’s constitutionality. Justice should sail smoothly for all workers—whether they’re on land or sea,” Matula said. Samuel P. Medenilla

The NBI said the arrests were made by the joint operatives of NBI-Cybercrime Division (NBICCD) and NBI-Special Task Force (NBI-STF) last January 5 in line with the directive of NBI Director Jaime Santiago to eliminate red tape in the bureau.

The NBI did not disclose the identities of the employees as well as the other suspects.

The operation stemmed from an information, alleging that a certain NBI employee is in collusion with fixers in the issuance of NBI clearance certificates. In exchange of the amount of P800 to P2,000

Acting on the information, NBI-CCD immediately conducted covert inquiries and verification, which confirmed the veracity of the information. Thus, on January 6, joint op -

eratives of NBI-CCD and NBI-STF proceeded to the NBI Clearance Center for the entrapment operation, which resulted in the arrest of four of its employees and the fixers outside the vicinity of the NBI Clearance Center. The four NBI employees were presented for inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice (DOJ)- Prosecutor General’s office for charges of direct Bribery under Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC); Sections 3(b) and (e) of Republic Act. No. 3019 or AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act); Section 7(d) of R.A. No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees); and Section 21(c) and (h) of R.A. No. 11032 (Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018) in relation to Section 6 of R.A. No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012). On the other hand, the seven fixers were charged with violation of Section 21(c), (g), and (h) of R.A. No. 11032 (Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018) in relation to R.A. No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012). Santiago warned NBI employees that corrupt practices will not be

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Thursday, January 9, 2025

Israeli strikes kill 17 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, amid ceasefire hopes

By The Associated Press

ISRAELI airstrikes in southern Gaza killed at least 17 people late Tuesday, nearly all of them women or children, the territory’s Health Ministry and hospital officials said.

Five kids were killed as they sheltered together in the same tent, said Ahmed al-Farra, director of the children’s ward at nearby Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Their bodies were among the eight children and five women brought to the hospital after strikes on tents, homes and a vehicle. Two bodies were unidentifiable.

The Israeli military said it targeted militants who had taken part in the October 7, 2023, attack that sparked the war, without providing evidence. Israel said it took steps to lessen the risk of hurting civilians and blamed Hamas for the civilian casualties.

The Israel-Hamas war in Gaza

is raging with no end in sight, although there has reportedly been recent progress in long-running talks aimed at a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Palestinians in Gaza hope for ceasefire as they endure war’s harsh conditions

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip—Displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip still have hope that Israel’s 15-month war with Hamas will end soon, as both sides appear to be inching toward a ceasefire deal.

“What we are living is not a life. Nobody could bear the situation we’re experiencing for a single day,” said Munawar al-Bik, a dis -

placed woman from Gaza City.

“We wake up at night to the sounds of men crying, because of the bad situation,” al-Bik said. “The situation is unbearable, we have no energy left, we want it to end today.”

She spoke to The Associated Press on a dusty road in the southern city of Khan Younis beside the rubble of a destroyed building. Behind her, a sea of makeshift tents filled with displaced families stretched into the distance.

Muhammad Zaqout, a displaced

Raging wildfires ravage Los Angeles, forcing thousands of residents to flee

By Jaimie Ding, Christopher Weber & Julie Watson

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES—California firefighters battled windwhipped wildfires that tore across the Los Angeles area, destroying homes, clogging roadways as tens of thousands fled and straining resources as officials prepared for the situation to worsen overnight.

The flames from a fire that broke out Tuesday evening near a nature preserve in the inland foothills northeast of the city spread so rapidly that staff at a senior living center had to push dozens of residents in wheelchairs and hospital beds down the street to a parking lot. The residents waited there in their bedclothes as embers fell around them until ambulances, buses and even construction vans arrived to take them to safety.

Another blaze that started hours earlier ripped through the city’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood, a hillside area along the coast dotted with celebrity residences. In the frantic haste to get to safety, roadways became impassable when scores of people abandoned their vehicles and fled on foot, some toting suitcases. The traffic jam on Palisades Drive prevented emergency vehicles from getting through and a bulldozer was brought in to push the abandoned cars to the side and create a path. The fast-moving fire prompted the Los Angeles Fire Department to take the rare step of putting out a plea for off-duty firefighters to help. It was too windy for firefighting aircraft to fly, further hampering the fight.

Flames were being pushed by Santa Ana winds topping 60 mph (97 kph) in some places. The winds were expected to increase overnight, producing isolated gusts that could top 100 mph (160 kph) in mountains and foothills—including in areas that haven’t seen substantial rain in months.

Officials didn’t give an estimate

of structures damaged or destroyed in the Pacific Palisades wildfire, but they said about 30,000 residents were under evacuation orders and more than 13,000 structures were under threat. Gov. Gavin Newsom visited the scene and said many homes had burned.

By evening the flames had spread into neighboring Malibu and several people there were being treated for burn injuries and a firefighter had a serious head injury and was taken to a hospital, according to Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott.

Things were expected to worsen overnight.

“By no stretch of the imagination are we out of the woods,” Newsom warned residents, saying the worst of the winds were expected between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 5 a.m. Wednesday. He declared a state of emergency.

The fires were burning about 25 miles (40 kilometers) apart and it wasn’t known what started them.

As of Tuesday evening, nearly 167,000 people were without power in Los Angeles county, according to the tracking website PowerOutage.us, due to the strong winds.

Recent dry winds, including the notorious Santa Anas, have contributed to warmer-than-average temperatures in Southern California, where there’s been very little rain so far this season. Southern California hasn’t seen more than

0.1 inches (0.25 centimeters) of rain since early May.

The Pacific Palisades fire started around 10:30 a.m. and quickly consumed about 4.6 square miles (11.6 square kilometers) of land in the neighborhood in western Los Angeles, sending up a dramatic plume of smoke visible across the city.

Sections of Interstate 10 and the scenic Pacific Coast Highway were closed to all non-essential traffic to aid in evacuation efforts. But other roads were blocked. Some residents jumped out of their vehicles to get out of danger and waited to be picked up.

Resident Kelsey Trainor said the only road in and out of her neighborhood was completely blocked. Ash fell all around them while fires burned on both sides of the road.

“We looked across and the fire had jumped from one side of the road to the other side of the road,” Trainor said. “People were getting out of the cars with their dogs and babies and bags, they were crying and screaming. The road was just blocked, like full-on blocked for an hour.”

The Pacific Palisades neighborhood, which borders Malibu about 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of downtown LA, includes hillside streets of tightly packed homes along winding roads nestled against the Santa Monica Mountains and stretches down to beaches along the Pacific Ocean.

Long-time Palisades resident

man from Gaza City, said he’s sick of children being killed daily, of the destruction and displacement.

In recent months, families who fled their homes in Gaza have had little access to clean water or enough food to eat, and they struggle to cope with harsh winter conditions that have killed several babies from hypothermia in recent weeks.

Issam Saqr, displaced from Khan Younis, said he hopes the ceasefire “will happen today— before tomorrow!”

Will Adams said he immediately went to pick his two kids up from St. Matthews Parish School when he heard the fire was nearby. Meanwhile, he said embers flew into his wife’s car as she tried to evacuate.

“She vacated her car and left it running,” Adams said. She and many other residents walked down toward the ocean until it was safe.

Adams said he had never witnessed anything like this in the 56 years he’s lived there. He watched as the sky turned brown and then black as homes started burning. He could hear loud popping and bangs “like small explosions,” which he said he believes were the transformers exploding.

“It is crazy, it’s everywhere, in all the nooks and crannies of the Palisades. One home’s safe, the other one’s up in flames,” Adams said.

Actor James Woods posted footage of flames burning through bushes and past palm trees on a hill near his home. The towering orange flames billowed among the landscaped yards between the homes.

“Standing in my driveway, getting ready to evacuate,” Woods said in the short video on X.

The erratic weather caused Biden to cancel plans to travel to inland Riverside County, where he was to announce the establishment of two new national monuments in the state. He remained in Los Angeles, where smoke was visible from his hotel, and was briefed on the wildfires. The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved a grant to help reimburse California for the firefighting cost.

Some trees and vegetation on the grounds of the Getty Villa were burned by late Tuesday, but staff and the museum collection remain safe, Getty President Katherine Fleming said in a statement. The museum located on the eastern end of the Pacific Palisades is a separate campus of the world-famous Getty Museum that focuses on the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. The fire also burned Palisades Charter High School classrooms.

Watson reported from San Diego. Associated Press writers Janie Har in San Francisco, Hallie Golden in Seattle and video journalist Eugene Garcia in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

Trump refuses to rule out use of military force to take control of Greenland and Panama Canal

By Will Weissert & Zeke Miller The Associated Press

ALM BEACH, Fla.—President-elect

PDonald Trump on Tuesday said he would not rule out the use of military force to seize control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, as he declared US control of both to be vital to American national security.

Speaking to reporters less than two weeks before he takes office on Jan. 20 and as a delegation of aides and advisers that includes Donald Trump Jr. is in Greenland, Trump left open the use of the American military to secure both territories. Trump’s intention marks a rejection of decades of US policy that has prioritized self-determination over territorial expansion.

“I’m not going to commit to that,” Trump said, when asked if he would rule out the use of the military. “It might be that you’ll have to do something. The Panama Canal is vital to our country.” He added, “We need Greenland for national security purposes.”

Greenland, home to a large US military base, is an autonomous territory of Denmark, a longtime US ally and a founding member of NATO. Trump cast doubts on the legitimacy of Denmark’s claim to Greenland.

The Panama Canal has been solely controlled by the eponymous country for more than 25 years. The US returned the Panama Canal Zone to the country in 1979 and ended its joint partnership in controlling the strategic waterway in 1999.

Addressing Trump’s comments in an interview with Danish broadcaster TV2, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the United States Denmark’s “most important and closest ally,” and that she did not believe that the United States will use military or economic power to secure control over Greenland.

Frederiksen repeated that she welcomed the United States taking a greater interest in the Arctic region, but that it would “have to be done in a way that is respectful of the Greenlandic people,” she said.

“At the same time, it must be done in a way that allows Denmark and the United States to still cooperate in, among other things, NATO,” Frederiksen said.

Earlier, Trump posted a video of his private plane landing in Nuuk, the Arctic territory’s capital, in a landscape of snowcapped peaks and fjords.

“Don Jr. and my Reps landing in Greenland,” Trump wrote. “The reception has been great. They, and the Free World, need safety, security, strength, and PEACE! This is a deal that must happen. MAGA. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!”

In a statement, Greenland’s government said Donald Trump Jr.’s visit was taking place “as a private individual” and not as an official visit, and Greenlandic representatives would not meet with him.

Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha said his government hasn’t had formal contact with Trump or representatives of the incoming administration but reiterated previous comments from the country’s president, José Raúl Mulino, who said last month that the canal will remain in Panamanian hands.

“The sovereignty of our canal is not negotiable and is part of our history of struggle and an irreversible conquest,” Martínez-Acha said.

Trump, a Republican, has also floated having Canada join the United States as the 51st state. He said Tuesday that he would not use military force to invade the country, which is home to more than 40 million people and is a founding

NATO partner.

Instead, he said, he would rely on “economic force” as he cast the US trade deficit with Canada—a natural resource-rich nation that provides the US with commodities like crude oil and petroleum—as a subsidy that would be coming to an end.

Canadian leaders fired back after earlier dismissing Trump’s rhetoric as a joke.

“President-elect Trump’s comments show a complete lack of understanding of what makes Canada a strong country. Our economy is strong. Our people are strong. We will never back down in the face of threats,” Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said in a post on X. Justin Trudeau, the country’s outgoing prime minister, was even more blunt.

“There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States,” he wrote.

Promising a “Golden age of America,” Trump also said he would move to try to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” saying that has a “beautiful ring to it.” He also said he believes that NATO should dramatically increase its spending targets, with members of the transAtlantic alliance committing to spend at least 5 percent of their GDPs on defense spending, up from the current 2 percent.

In June, NATO announced a record 23 of its 32 member nations were on track to hit that target as Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has raised the threat of expanding conflict in Europe.

Trump also used his press conference to complain that President Joe Biden was undermining his transition to power a day after the incumbent moved to ban offshore energy drilling in most federal waters.

Biden, whose term expires in two weeks, used his authority under the federal Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to protect offshore areas along the East and West coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico and portions of Alaska’s Northern Bering Sea from future oil and natural gas leasing. All told, about 625 million acres of federal waters were withdrawn from energy exploration by Biden in a move that may require an act of Congress to undo.

“I’m going to put it back on day one,” Trump told reporters. He pledged to take it to the courts “if we need to.” Trump said Biden’s effort—part of a series of final actions in office by the Democrat’s administration—was undermining his plans for once he’s in office.

“You know, they told me that, we’re going to do everything possible to make this transition to the new administration very smooth,” Trump said. “It’s not smooth.” But Biden’s team has extended access and courtesies to the Trump team that the Republican former president initially denied Biden after his 2020 election victory. Trump incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles told Axios in an interview published Monday that Biden chief of staff Jeff Zients “has been very helpful.” In extended remarks, Trump also railed against the work of special counsel Jack Smith, who oversaw now-dropped prosecutions over his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol and possession of classified documents after he left office in 2021. The Justice Department is expected to soon release a report from Smith summarizing his investigation after the criminal cases were forced to an end by Trump’s victory in November. The Associated Press writers David Keyton in Berlin, Robert Gillies in Toronto, Jill Colvin in New York and Juan Zamorano in Panama City contributed to this report.

A MAN mourn over the bodies of two members of Abeid family who were killed in the Israeli bombardment in Maghazi, central Gaza Strip, at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. AP/ABDEL KAREEM HANA

‘Record rice imports due to low tariffs, output’

its initial forecast of 19.41 MMT.

SBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

TUNTED palay output, lower tariffs, and anti-smuggling efforts catapulted the country’s rice imports to an all-time high of nearly 4.7 million metric tons (MMT) in 2024, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Data from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) showed that rice shipments reached 4.68 MMT last year, which was nearly 30 percent higher than the 3.6 MMT it imported in 2023.

“Local production was low. The import data responds to domestic output,” Assistant Secretary Arnel

de Mesa told reporters in a press briefing on Wednesday.

“If we compare it to 2023, when we produced more rice, there were fewer imports.”

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the agency expects palay production to settle at 19.3 MMT in 2024, lower than

India considers lifting ban on trade in some crop futures

INDIA is considering revoking a three-year ban on futures trading in seven farm commodities, including wheat and unprocessed rice, after studies found the steps were counterproductive, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.

A government panel recommended ending the suspension, after the findings showed that restrictions imposed in 2021 to tame costs had instead disrupted market-price discovery, the person said, asking not to be identified as the discussions are private. Local crop rates have also stabilized following fresh harvests, the person said.

A final decision will be taken by a group of ministers in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, which will then ask the Securities and Exchange Board of India to lift the curbs or extend them beyond the existing January 31 deadline. Emails sent to the finance ministry and the capital markets regulator weren’t immediately answered.

A revocation would be another step by the world’s leading grain and sugar producer to ease pandemic-era restrictions on several farm goods. After Modi this year won a third term, his government lifted a ban on export of some rice varieties, and sold grains from state reserves.

India started its clampdown some three years ago to ensure a steady supply of grains for a welfare program to provide free wheat and rice to about 800 million people, as inflation hit a threedecade high on rising food prices. It curbed exports of wheat, sugar and rice, discouraged hoarding, and imposed storage limits. The moves roiled world markets and angered local farmers.

A study commissioned by SEBI concluded that the ban on agricultural commodities, including chickpeas, rapeseed, soybeans, green gram and crude palm oil, harmed both futures and spot markets, and prices continued to rise, the person said. The report also highlighted that every suspension led to greater trust deficit in the derivatives market, making it more difficult to attract investors, the person said.

La Niña in Argentina

A LA NIÑA weather pattern that wreaked havoc on Argentina’s farms just two years ago was expected to be kinder this time around. But as the growing season gets under way, a long bout of dry weather is emerging again.

The projected figure is also lower than the record 20.06 MMT the country produced in 2023.

De Mesa said lower rice tariffs had also contributed to the surge in imports last year.

Rice arrivals recorded an uptick following the implementation of Executive Order (EO) 62, which slashed rice tariffs to 15 percent from 35 percent until 2028. It took effect in July 2024.

De Mesa claimed that the lower tariffs removed the incentive to smuggle the staple.

“Because of lower tariffs and because government has been vigilant against smuggling, the smugglers were discouraged from bringing in contraband from other countries.”

Last September, President Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act (RA) 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, which

he said will help the government crackdown against the cartels behind price and supply manipulation for agricultural products.

Of the volume that arrived in the country, BPI data indicated that over 3.56 MMT came from

Vietnam, which remained the country’s largest supplier. Thailand trailed behind, accounting for 598,157.80 metric tons (MT).

The country also imported the food staple from other countries, such as Pakistan (283,517.48 MT),

Myanmar (201,202.75 MT) and India (22,619.10 MT).

Figures from the agency also showed that the BPI approved and issued 9,792 sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs) for the purchase of 9.37 MMT of imported rice.

Last December, the DA said the country’s unmilled rice production in the fourth quarter of 2024 will be higher than the previous year’s level despite the onslaught of typhoons that struck the country in October and November.

Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) survey of standing crops, paddy rice output in the fourth quarter of 2024 could reach 7.44 million metric tons (MMT) due to an expansion in harvest area. PSA said its data indicated that palay production from October to December may increase by 2.8 percent to 7.44 MMT, from last year’s actual output of 7.24 MMT.

PCA taps UPLB for coconut replanting program

nationwide.

T“All I’m reading in the messaging groups are cries for water,” said Francisco Perkins, a grower in Pehuajo. “It could get ugly.”

La Niña is a serious issue in Argentina, the world’s No. 1 provider of processed soy meal and oil. The nation’s soy crop was devastated by a La Niña-fueled drought during the 2022-23 season, slashing the harvest to the smallest since the turn of the century.

“We’re at an inflection point,” said grower Santiago Olano in Intendente Alvear. “Plants’ demand for water is about to seriously ramp up, but there are no reserves in the soil. If significant rains don’t come in the next two weeks, yields will fall.”

The weather pattern is returning this season just as growers grapple with a poor economic backdrop, including low prices and a strong local currency. That’s pushed down their profit margins to lows not seen in a decade, according to a research report by Buenos Aires brokerage house Latin Securities.

Tighter agricultural harvests also may hurt President Javier Milei’s bid for a sustained rebound in the economy.

Plants on the Pampas are already off to a poor start. The soybean crop is harvested in the second quarter and requires rain in January and February to perform well.

“Over spring and the first days of summer, La Niña has begun to make itself felt, producing water deficits across a large part of the farming region,” Eduardo Sierra, a climatologist with the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange, wrote in a Tuesday report.

The forecasts aren’t good. Weather maps published by Sierra predict lower-than-average rainfall through March.

“The expectation is for spotty rains, which would affect crop growth in key areas,” Cecilia Conde, the bourse’s chief estimates analyst, said in a phone message. To be sure, she said, several corners of the Pampas are OK.

The Rosario Board of Trade, which tends to be quicker than its rivals in revising crop figures, is scheduled to publish its monthly estimates report on Wednesday. Its current forecast is for between 53 million and 53.5 million metric tons.

“Soy and corn are doing relatively well for now,” said Santiago Fernandez de Maussion, a farmer in Jesus Maria, Cordoba province. “I hope the drought doesn’t come up this way.” Bloomberg News

Growers are struggling with an incipient drought and need rain in the coming weeks to avoid losses to soybean and corn crops. La Niña, which typically brings dryness to Argentina, is suddenly on the lips of farmers across the prime growing belt.

HE Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) sought the help of University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to bolster the agency’s coconut planting and replanting programs.

The PCA led by Administrator Dexter Buted held a meeting with the UPLB College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS) Dean Amado Angeles last Monday where they discussed the possibility of designating UPLB as a strategic site for planting coconut seedlings, strengthening its years-long commitment to supporting coconutrelated programs.

According to Buted, the engagement with UPLB is part of the agency’s “whole-of-the-nation” approach, which seeks to involve key institutions, stakeholders, and communities in achieving the agency’s goal of planting and replanting millions of coconut trees

“UPLB, known for its role in advancing the agricultural sector, has long been a reliable partner of the authority, particularly in accommodating coconut-related projects, such as the cultivation of new coconut hybrids at its experimental farms,” PCA said.

“Over the years, UPLB has also been at the forefront of efforts aimed at safeguarding and revitalizing the coconut industry, leveraging its expertise in agricultural innovation and research.”

The agency noted that this renewed partnership reflects the crucial role of academic institutions in driving sustainable agricultural initiatives and advancing the growth of the coconut industry.

Known as the tree of life, the coconut is an important cash crop in the Philippines. For instance,

copra—the dried sections of the meat of the coconut—is integral to the goal of the government to cut the prices of animal feeds.

Recently, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that it has expanded its copra meal project to Western Visayas to provide a cheaper protein source alternative for animal feeds in the region. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said he ordered the expansion of the Protein-Enriched Copra Meal (PECM) commercialization project to the region to boost local livestock production.

He said this development is expected to benefit local farmers and feed producers in the region who have been grappling with rising prices for traditional feed ingredients.

“The program not only helps reduce feed costs but also supports the local economy by creating new

markets for coconut by-products, which are often underutilized,” Laurel said in a statement. The PECM project was initially rolled out in Calabarzon and Soccsksargen in 2022 as a response to supply disruptions caused by Covid-19 and the ongoing RussiaUkraine war. It was designed to temper the rising costs of animal feed by using copra meal–a byproduct of coconut farming–as a cheaper substitute for imported soybean meal, which has become increasingly expensive due to global supply chain issues. The agency said PECM was engineered through a solid-state fermentation process, developed by the UPLB Biotech Center, which enhances copra meal’s protein content to about 45 percent. This percentage is comparable to soybean meal which is a crucial component in animal feeds. Ada Pelonia

PHL food staple cheaper in December–PSA

RICE prices were lower in December, latest data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.

Figures from the PSA indicated that the average wholesale price of regular milled rice dropped by 5.9 percent to P43.14 per kilo last month, from 45.83 per kilo a year ago.

The fastest decline in regular milled rice was recorded in Soccsksargen where the quotation of the staple fell by 9.8 percent to P41.87 per kilogram, from P46.41 per kg in the previous year.

This was followed by Western Visayas where the prices dipped by 9.1 percent last month to P39.32 per kilo from P43.27 per kilo in December 2023.

Based on PSA data, the average price in December was also 1.7 percent lower than the P43.89 per kilo recorded in November.

Meanwhile, the PSA said the price of well-milled rice also shrank by 4.1 percent to P47.08 per kilo last month, from P49.11 a year ago.

The fastest decrease was also registered in Soccsksargen where

prices of the food staple dipped by 10.2 percent to P43.57 per kilo in December from P48.53 per kilo in the previous year.

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) trailed where prices declined by 9.5 percent last month to P45.10 per kilo from P49.81 per kilo in December 2023.

The average price of well-milled rice was also 1.4 percent lower than the P47.75 per kilo registered in November.

“Wholesale price refers to the price of commodity transacted in

GEF approves $68M for agrifood

THE Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said it helped 22 countries unlock $68 million in financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to address biodiversity loss, groundwater management, climate change, land degradation, and pollution.

FAO announced in December that the projects were approved by the GEF Secretariat and Councils for the GEF Trust Fund, the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), and the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) meeting this week in Washington D.C.

The projects expect to leverage an additional $273 million in cofinancing to advance global goals

for biodiversity, social inclusion, land and water management, and reducing use of hazardous chemicals.

“The approval of this batch of projects comes at the end of a year of environmental summits that highlighted both the need for finance to unlock transformation of global agrifood systems to this critical agenda,” said Qu Dongyu, FAO director-general.

“We look forward to supporting countries to meet their biodiversity, climate, land, water, and pollution goals through agrifood systems solutions under the overall guidance of the Four Betters.”

“These projects will help change the way we produce our food, fuel, and fiber to address global environmental crises. They will en -

bulk for further resale or processing,” the PSA said.

“It is the actual ‘spot’ transaction price received usually by the wholesalers, distributors or marketing agents for large lots but net of discounts, allowances, and rebates.”

The agency said the monthly data on the average wholesale prices for agricultural commodities are obtained from the results of the Wholesale Price Survey of Selected Agricultural Commodities conducted every week of the reference month. Ada Pelonia

systems solutions

hance coherence between agricultural and environmental sectors and support countries and communities to tackle environmental challenges, food insecurity, and poverty. With this new financing in place, it is now equally important to their success to effectively communicate their goals and impacts,” said Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO and Chairperson, GEF. As part of the funding, the council approved a $19-million allocation for FAO’s first activities as a new implementing agency for the Small Grants Program.

The project builds upon 30 years of impact by bringing FAO’s expertise in working with smallholder producers to support civil society organizations and commu -

nity-based organizations in codesigning and delivering locally led initiatives. It will develop strategies, provide financial and technical assistance, and foster South-South Cooperation, with a strong focus on innovation, scalability, and social inclusion of women, Indigenous Peoples and youth. The project will work with local organizations across 14 countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, Cook Islands, Cuba, Guyana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Nicaragua, South Sudan, Tajikistan, Uganda and Venezuela. It aims to restore 20,000 hectares of land, improve practices across 350,000 hectares, and benefit 45,000 people.

PHOTO FROM WWW.PHILRICE.GOV.PH

DepEd’s bold teacher training initiative seen enhancing education

ThE Department of Education’s (DepEd) recent launch of a comprehensive training program for English, Science, and Mathematics (ESM) teachers marks a significant step towards addressing the country’s persistent struggles in basic education. The initiative, a collaboration with Khan Academy and Frontlearners, aims to equip teachers with modern pedagogical tools and strategies, ultimately boosting student performance and aligning it with international standards. This is a welcome and necessary move, given the country’s consistently low rankings in international assessments like PISA or the Program for International Student Assessment. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “DepEd launches training for ESM teachers to boost learning outcomes, meet international standards,” January 6, 2025).

Secretary Angara’s statement highlights the program’s core objective: to empower teachers to deliver world-class instruction. The phased approach, starting with teacher training, followed by the identification of teachertrainers, and culminating in learner-focused sessions, demonstrates a strategic understanding of the systemic changes required.

The inclusion of socio-emotional learning (SEL) is particularly noteworthy, recognizing the crucial role of emotional well-being in academic success. The provision of learning guides and the utilization of online platforms like the DepEd LMS, Khan Academy, and Frontlearners further underscore the commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced learning experiences.

The ambitious timeline, from the initial teacher training to the eightweek learner sessions, reflects a sense of urgency to address the educational gap. The upcoming examinations for ESM teachers will ensure accountability and identify areas needing further attention. The cascade model, where trained teachers then train others, promises scalability and sustainability, maximizing the program’s impact.

The success of this initiative depends on several key factors. First, the quality of the training materials and the effectiveness of the training sessions are crucial. Effective program implementation hinges on both providing teachers with the necessary tools and ensuring they possess the skills to use those tools effectively in a variety of classroom environments. Second, ongoing support and professional development for teachers beyond the initial training phase are essential for sustained improvement. Third, the program’s impact must be rigorously evaluated through robust assessment mechanisms to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the intended learning outcomes are achieved.

The country’s dismal performance in PISA underscores the urgency of educational reform. While this new program offers a promising path forward, it’s crucial to remember that it’s just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Addressing systemic issues such as inadequate resources, teacher shortages, and inequitable access to quality education requires a multipronged approach involving increased investment in education, improved teacher training and support, and a concerted effort to create a more equitable learning environment for all students.

The DepEd’s effort to strengthen the skills of ESM educators is a vital move for advancing the nation’s educational system. By prioritizing teacher empowerment and student engagement, this program holds the potential to elevate academic performance and, ultimately, the country’s standing in global education rankings.

To achieve lasting progress in the country’s educational landscape, sustained commitment and comprehensive reform are crucial. However, the Department of Education can only fulfill this mission if it receives its constitutionally-mandated budget allocation, which is essential for driving meaningful and sustainable change.

BusinessMirror

Navigating 2025 risks

UOUTSIDE THE BOX

nlESS you started 2024 reasonably confident that Donald Trump would be reelected US president or that South Korea would impeach two consecutive presidents in the last month of the year, you are late to the party calling 2025 a coming year of uncertainty. The “certain” estimates on interest rate movements were seriously uncertain in 2024. We already have had The Year of Uncertainty as I said would happen back in December 2023.

Now comes The Year of Greater Risk. Uncertainty often creates paralysis or wild flight. As an example, end 2024 saw the Philippine stock market 1.2 percent above the 2023 close, with Indonesia down 2.6 percent and Thailand one percent lower. The Argentina Stock Market closed 170 percent higher. The Ecuador General Index was up 1.67 percent.

We can also be certain about major global governments’ response to inflation and economic growth. The central banks led by the Federal Reserve want us to believe that inflation is under control, so much so that benchmark interest rates have been lowered. The US benchmark rate was lowered by 100 basis points because inflation was not a problem.

What might happen with local interest rates? The concern is that the peso will devalue if rates are lowered. I think that over the next six months, the US dollar is going to be the one that devalues. Rather than going into the political firestorm of a massive increase of tariffs, Trump can move quietly for US dollar devaluation to achieve the same end of making foreign imports more expensive. That would be favorable for the peso and the PSE stock market.

risk has changed. Even here, in our tiny space of the world.

As in the Philippines, even with a pro-risk environment, taking a selective stance will be necessary to make money.

Other than Philippine politics, here are the local risks and opportunities I see ahead. What might happen with local interest rates? The concern is that the peso will devalue if rates are lowered. I think that over the next six months, the US dollar is going to be the one that devalues. Rather than going into the political firestorm of a massive increase of tariffs, Trump can move quietly for US dollar devaluation to achieve the same end of making foreign imports more expensive. That would be favorable for the peso and the PSE stock market.

T. Anthony C. Cabangon

Lourdes M. Fernandez

Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug

Lorenzo M. Lomibao Jr., Gerard S. Ramos Lyn B. Resurreccion, Dennis D. Estopace

Angel R. Calso, Dionisio L. Pelayo

Ruben M. Cruz Jr.

Eduardo A. Davad Nonilon G. Reyes

D. Edgard A. Cabangon

Benjamin V. Ramos Aldwin Maralit Tolosa

Rolando M. Manangan

BusinessMirror is published daily by the Philippine Business Daily Mirror Publishing, Inc., with offices on the 3rd floor of Dominga Building III 2113 Chino Roces Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Makati City, Philippines. Tel. Nos. (Editorial) 817-9467; 813-0725. Fax line: 813-7025. (Advertising Sales) 893-2019; 817-1351, 817-2807. (Circulation) 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news.businessmirror@gmail.com www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

by Brown madonna Press, Inc.–Sun Valley Drive KM-15, South Superhighway, Parañaque, Metro Manila Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Founder

Short-term local conditions play a large part in stock price movement. Yet all countries, large and small, are still subject to the same winds of global geopolitics, economic changes, and government policies. There is not much to be uncertain about going into 2025. Except for Italy, G-7 governments that held power in 2024—Germany, Canada, France, the UK, Japan (since October 1, 2024), and the US—have been or will soon be changed, or have a government approval rating lower than the Covid lockdowns.

Yet the US 10-Year Bond yield is up 100 basis points since the Fed lowered rates. The same phenomenon is happening in the UK and to a lesser extent in Canada, Italy, and France. The market seems certain inflation is not under control.

The “Black Swan,” “Gray Rhino,” “Hidden Lion,” and “Headless Chicken” risks will be lurking throughout 2025, of that we can be certain. Nonetheless, how you play the game of risk avoidance, risk management, and the taking of opportunities that come in an environment of greater

I would suggest forgetting about China invading the Philippines—any more than it already has—or any place else for that matter. For one thing, there is a new sheriff in town after January 20th who is not hesitant to go after the money, China’s money. Further, as a result, the saber rattling on both sides of the Taiwan Strait is unnecessary now that the US election is over. Finally, China has an economy in “Desperate Straits” and has a stimulus spending budget of $1.4 trillion that does not need to be upended by war, armed or economic, with “The Trump.”

Expecting a replay of the first Trump presidency of strong US growth and low pre-Covid inflation is more hope than reality. Biden’s borrowing made certain of that. Therefore, rushing into US stocks as in 2016 may require more prudence.

Ask the experts (I have) and you will be told the condominium market needs 36 or 48 or 60 months to clear the backlog. Pick a number and wait for prices to go lower. Lower prices did not happen in 1997. This time will be different. Can the REIT holders stay happy? Time will tell. While the headline reads “Philippine annual inflation surged to 2.9 percent in December,” it is still all about the crude oil price that is still in a multi-year downtrend. Will Brent crude, currently $76+, go below $70? Probably not. Will Brent crude go above $82? Probably not. I do not see inflation as a big drag on the PSE. “Gong hei fat choy” I hope.

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

China’s richest regions cut electricity prices to protect industries

Mor E Chinese regions are cutting electricity prices to help out their embattled industries, which is likely to worsen the squeeze on profits at power suppliers.

The richest coastal provinces have reduced their benchmark thermal power prices by about 10 percent from last year, according to a briefing by UBS Group AG this week. The bank expects power demand for coal, the country’s mainstay fuel, to fall by 4 percent in 2025.

China’s factories are contending with a weak economy at home, stemming from the country’s yearslong real estate crisis, and the threat of a trade war with the incoming Trump administration. At the same time, power supplies are plentiful, with fossil fuel and renewables output all at record levels. That’s creating room for regional governments to ease the cost burden on their local industries, albeit at the expense of energy suppliers.

Jiangsu province, the industrial powerhouse that surrounds Shanghai, trimmed its annual power contracts by 8.9 percent to 412.5 yuan ($56) per megawatt hour at the end of last month. Anhui to the west has cut by 10 percent, according to SDIC Securities Co., while Guangdong has lopped off 16 percent.

Lower rates will continue to shrink coal and gas profits, UBS analyst Ken Liao said Monday in Beijing. “If the property sector fails to recover, it will cap new installations.” he said. “Thermal power prices may drop 10 percent on average.”

China’s industrial firms saw their profits fall in November for a fourth straight month, leaving them on track for the sharpest annual decline since records began in 2000.

The crash in coal prices to near fouryear lows has cut mining profits by over a fifth from the previous year. The utilities that produce electricity have fared better because of cheaper feedstock costs. But the drop in power prices mandated by local authorities will weigh on margins across the supply chain. And the changes afoot in the industry promise more pain to come. Solar firms in particular have been hammered by China’s bid to deregulate power trad-

ing, which will replace governmentfixed pricing by 2030, after spot prices fell across multiple provinces, according to news outlet hxny.com.

On the wire IN v ESTORS in China’s $11 trillion government bond market have never been so pessimistic about the world’s second-largest economy, with some now piling into bets on a deflationary spiral mirroring Japan’s in the 1990s. China’s Zijin Mining Group Co. aims to start producing lithium in the Democratic Republic of Congo early next year from one of the world’s largest deposits of the battery metal. Ports in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong, home to the world’s biggest buyers of Iranian crude, have been urged by their parent company to forbid sanctioned oil tankers from docking or offloading at their terminals, according to people with the knowledge of the directive. Bloomberg

John Mangun

South Korean standoff over Yoon’s arrest risks violent turn

By Soo-Hyang Choi & Sam Kim

South Korea’s impeached leader is barricaded in his Seoul residence, protected by a blockade of buses, barbed wire, crowds of supporters and his own armed security guards. the question now is whether investigators can arrest him without a violent confrontation.

Senior leaders of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials are mulling just how to peacefully bring President Yoon Suk Yeol into custody, five days after they gave up on their first try to haul him in for questioning over his failed bid to impose martial law last month.

The longer the standoff lasts, the more doubt will be cast over the ability of the CIO to carry out its probe into the president. Yoon is under investigation following his brief imposition of martial law last month, a move that blindsided the nation and its allies, whipsawed markets and hit growth expectations for Asia’s fourthlargest economy.

Still, a rushed effort to haul in Yoon that leads to violence could also shake confidence in South Korea’s ability to deal peacefully with its biggest constitutional crisis in decades, just days after Secretary of State Antony Blinken lauded Seoul for its peaceful and lawful response to the political crisis.

“It will have a catastrophic impact on the country if it’s shown you can defy an investigative agency with a legitimate courtissued warrant,” lawmaker Chun Ha-ram of minor Reform Party said in a radio interview with South Korean broadcaster CBS. “Even more troubling would be showing that you can resist with physical force through the possession of weapons.”

A handful of fatalities during the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye occurred amid confrontations between members of the public and police. The latest flashpoint pitting investigators and police against the presidential guard over the arrest of a sitting leader is unprecedented in South Korea.

Yoon’s representatives say the arrest warrant is invalid and illegal because the CIO has no legal authority to investigate insurrection charges and arbitrarily chose a judge in a different district to improve its chances of obtaining it. The CIO has encountered criticism for its unsuccessful attempt to take Yoon in for questioning on Friday and its apparent flipflop on Monday over whether to ask the police to take the lead on carrying out the arrest.

Oh Dong-woon, head of the CIO, apologized to the public on Tuesday for the investigators’ failed move.

“I promise we will thoroughly prepare to make sure there’s no such setback in our second attempt,” Oh told a parliamentary session. He also vowed to make any second go at detaining the president the last attempt, a comment that ramps up the need for more preparation to ensure the success of the operation.

The reluctance of the police to take the lead in arresting Yoon without their own warrant points to the concerns among officials about who would take responsibility for another failed attempt to detain him or any violence that might kick off.

One approach the CIO and police might explore to defuse the likelihood of a physical altercation is the detention of key personnel in Yoon’s security team.

Police officials are already reviewing whether to arrest mem-

A $185B debt sales frenzy draws yield-hungry buyers

BThe longer the standoff lasts, the more doubt will be cast over the ability of the CIO to carry out its probe into the president. Yoon is under investigation following his brief imposition of martial law last month, a move that blindsided the nation and its allies, whipsawed markets and hit growth expectations for Asia’s fourth-largest economy.

bers of Yoon’s security team on site if they try to prevent efforts to detain Yoon again, Yonhap News reported, citing an unidentified police officer. The head of the presidential security service has defied multiple police summons to appear for questioning, raising the possibility of his own arrest, Yonhap said.

The Reform Party’s Chun and some other politicians say law enforcement authorities should exercise their power to take the president into custody even if that results in a physical confrontation.

“You say the presidential security staff is coming at you with guns, that there’s a risk of them firing and unfortunate events happening. But open your chest and tell them to shoot. You need to go with that kind of determination,” Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Sung-yoon told Oh at a parliamentary meeting on Tuesday.

In any confrontation, the police presence is likely to outnumber those in the president’s security team.

Hong Sung-gul, professor of public administration at Kookmin University in Seoul, said the chances of violence remain low at this point as any bloodshed could quickly escalate uncertainties and make it more difficult for the main opposition to keep the situation under control.

“The Democratic Party’s only goal is to hold a presidential election as soon as possible and install Lee Jae-myung as president. Bloodshed will not help them achieve that goal in any way,” Hong said.

South Korea’s Acting President Choi Sang-mok earlier said citizens and civil servants on duty should not be harmed in the process of law enforcement. But he has refrained from actively exercising his power to give guidelines as government agencies collide over the president’s possible arrest.

Following its impeachment of Yoon and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo in December, the Democratic Party has sought an investigation into Choi for alleged dereliction of duty for not taking action. But the party risks rekindling support among conservatives for Yoon if it keeps resorting to impeachment or parliamentary votes against acting leaders, analysts said. Already there’s an uptick in some opinion polls for the ruling party following the impeachment of the prime minister.

How aggressive the law enforcement authorities will turn in their second attemptwill likely hinge on the public reaction to the ongoing saga, Kim Hee-kyoon, law school professor at the University of Seoul, said.

“Police will make the call to mobilize force if they feel pressured by the public,” Kim said. Bloomberg

By Tasos Vossos & Caleb Mutua

orrowerS are flooding global debt markets at an unprecedented pace as they take advantage of demand from credithungry managers flush with cash.

With corporate bond spreads near a 30-year low, more Asia Pacific borrowers came out Wednesday after pricing the most notes since 2023 the previous day, when Europe had a record number of borrowers raising funding, while Wall Street is forecasting a potential January record of $200 billion in the US.

Corporations and governments have raised roughly $184.5 billion across all kinds of bonds globally this year through Tuesday, with more expected to price later this week. Even risky debt from China is bouncing back, while the Airport Authority of Hong Kong priced the largest-ever issuance in the city’s local currency. The strong demand is also fueling a blitz in the leveraged loan market, with over $33 billion of deals launched in the US this week, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Pension funds and insurers want to lock in higher yields ahead of expected central bank interest rate cuts and are willing to settle for low risk premiums to do so. Such demand helped bond funds set a full-year inflow record last year, according to provisional figures by EPFR, and even more money is set to move into the asset class this year, trumping traders’ concerns about deficits in government finances and a possible revival of inflation.

“Issuers are taking advantage of calm markets, low volatility and tight spreads before Jan 20th—Trump’s announcement on tariffs might spoil the party,” said Alfonso Peccatiello, the Chief Investment Officer of Palinuro Capital. “For a record amount of issuance there must also be a large

amount of investors ready to put money at work. This is indeed the case, and it proves the extent of the animal spirits at play here.”

Corporates in particular have good reason to sell as much as they can now. Spreads—or the premium over yields of comparable government bonds—are near their lowest levels in history as the weight of money looking to find a home in credit pushes down borrowing costs. That allows them avoid any geopolitical turmoil later this year that might send borrowing costs higher.

For those borrowers, “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” said Sebastien Barthelemi, head of credit research at Kepler Cheuvreux, as refinancing will allow them to focus on their business rather than their maturing debt.

Fiscal deficits

ON the government side, fiscal deficits are creating some concern ahead of a wave of expected issuance. The US is facing Treasury yields that are rising so fast that there’s a risk it could create market turmoil, Apollo Global Management chief economist Torsten Slok said in an interview on Bloomberg Television, in part because the country’s debt burden is ballooning.

The Treasury Department’s issuance for the year began Monday with a $58 billion sale of three-year notes that was met with slightly soft demand, though the result of the $39 billion reopening of 10-year notes on Tuesday stands to be the highest since 2007. Another $22 billion of 30-year bonds will be auctioned on

Wednesday.

Similar concerns also apply to the UK, which saw long-term borrowing costs hit the highest level since 1998 on Tuesday, raising the prospect of further tax hikes to meet fiscal rules.

Emerging markets have also joined the deluge of debt sales. Countries from Chile to Hungary to Slovenia are tapping debt markets on Tuesday. Those offers follow large offerings from Saudi Arabia and Mexico, which kicked off the year in the developing world with jumbo sales on Monday. The kingdom, one of the largest bond issuers in emerging markets last year, sold $12 billion of bonds to fund its vast economictransformation plan. Mexico sold a record $8.5 billion of notes, more than half of its annual hard-currency debt limit.

Fewer concerns U N LIKE governments, there are far fewer concerns about the health of corporate balance sheets. Investors are so unfazed by the risk of defaults that they no longer require a big premium to hold riskier bonds and companies with junk ratings are

preparing to take advantage of that. Citigroup Inc. strategists including Michael Anderson expect high yield issuance to jump more than 30 percent to $370 billion from 2024, which was the seventh busiest year on record. An expected revival in mergers and acquisitions will also help drive the market, they wrote in a note earlier this week. Meanwhile, global all-in yields— the metric that includes spreads and underlying safe rates—remain near their highest level since the financial crisis. That environment is more likely to remain in place this year as traders have been paring down expectations of further rate cuts in 2025, especially from the Federal Reserve. They now expect fewer than two rate cuts by the Fed this year and two by the Bank of England. Other attractions include returns for US BBB rated dollar corporate bonds being much higher than the earnings yield from the S&P 500. In fact, high-grade bond yields there are starting the year higher than they have in 16 years, JPMorgan Chase & Co. analysts Eric Beinstein and Nathaniel Rosenbaum wrote in a note Monday.

“The ‘contest’ between tight spreads and high yields is continuing as 2025 begins, and recent history shows us that yields have been winning this battle,” wrote the analysts. With spreads in borrowers’ favor and yields on buyers’ side, the stage is set for the deluge to continue.

“The money coming back into funds from December and January maturities means that buyers have plenty of cash to deploy on top of any inflows they might have had,” said Fabianna Del Canto, co-head of EMEA capital markets at Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. With assistance from Aline Oyamada, Nishant Kumar, Annmarie Hordern, Jonathan Ferro, Lisa Abramowicz, Finbarr Flynn and Yuling Yang /Bloomberg

US blacklist of China’s tech giants risks faster decoupling

the uS’s latest move to expand its list of Chinese military companies risks doing more than tanking the shares of some of its most valuable companies: It also threatens to accelerate decoupling of the world’s biggest economies.

The Biden administration on Monday added Tencent Holdings Ltd., the world’s largest gaming publisher, and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., a key battery supplier to Tesla Inc., to its list of “Chinese military companies”— firms it says are working directly or indirectly with the People’s Liberation Army, or contributing significantly to China’s industrial base.

Since the first list was put out in 2021, as mandated by a law passed in the waning days of Donald Trump’s first term, it has expanded to 134 companies—including four of China’s top 20 in terms of market capitalization, which together are valued at almost $1 trillion.

While the list carries no specific sanctions, unlike the Commerce Department’s Entity List, it still discourages US firms from dealing with its members and amounts to a reputational hit for the firms involved. More broadly, the rapid expansion of the register shows the extent to which lines are being blurred between military and civilian enterprises, and risks accelerating the bifurcation of supply chains if stronger measures are applied down the road.

It’s an approach that risks backfiring on Washington, according to Kishore Mahbubani, Singapore’s former ambassador to the United Nations, who called the latest addition “unwise.”

“The whole world will move towards relying on Chinese companies for a whole range of products, including companies like Tencent and CATL,” said Mahbubani, who’s also the author of Has China Won?

“If the US tries to decouple from Chinese companies and their global reach, the US is not just decoupling from China,” Mahbubani said. “It is decoupling from the rest of the

world, too.”

Although the list comes at the end of Joe Biden’s term, one major proponent of tagging CATL and other major Chinese firms has been Marco Rubio, who is nominated to become the secretary of state in Trump’s second term.

That raises the question of whether Trump will adopt a hardline stance toward China, as indicated by his threats to impose tariffs as high as 60 percent, or take a more pragmatic view—as suggested by his efforts to overturn a ban on TikTok and his close ties with Tesla founder Elon Musk.

“We’ll have to see whether this strategy is revised significantly by the incoming Trump administration,” said Josef Gregory Mahoney, a professor of international relations at Shanghai’s East China Normal University. “Conventional wisdom indicates it won’t be, but there are some compelling reasons to change course.”

The US has described the list as a way to highlight and counter what it calls China’s “military-civil fusion strategy”—which supports the modernization goals of the PLA by ensuring it can acquire advanced technologies and expertise developed by Chinese companies, universities and research programs that appear to be civilian entities.

This broad strategy, known as “integrated national strategies and capabilities” in China, has been increasingly promoted under President Xi Jinping and frequently highlighted in state media.

The Pentagon on Monday also added SenseTime Group Inc. and Changxin Memory Technologies Inc., singling out a Chinese maker of memory chips considered crucial to Beijing’s semiconductor and AI development endeavors. And the agency named oil major Cnooc Ltd.

and Cosco Shipping Holdings Co., both of which have been previously targeted by Washington.

The focus has shifted from “traditional” military contractors to include companies that develop tech products with potential military applications, according to Dylan Loh, assistant professor of politics at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. It shows “the broadening ambit of national security,” Loh said. “This is not just from the US but an arguably global one, where countries are increasingly securitizing products, technologies in the name of national security.”

The move comes amid an intensifying tech rivalry between the two countries. The US has imposed export controls to restrict China’s ability to build an advanced semiconductor industry and use artificial intelligence for military purposes. In response, Beijing has tightened its own export controls, including a ban last month on several materials with high-tech and military uses to the US.

The Biden administration has used the metaphor “small yard, high fence” over the past two years to explain its move to limit China’s access to technology. The concept is that sensitive technologies should be contained within a small yard, secured by a high fence of trade and investment controls. This would ap-

ply only to advanced technologies with military applications, while broader commercial trade and investment with China would remain unaffected.

But the latest move targets Tencent and CATL, which, on paper, don’t appear to have regular business dealings with the PLA. Tencent, China’s most valuable company, is seen as a pioneer in China’s internet and private sector, creating a so-called everything app that Elon Musk has held up as a model for X. During the first Trump administration, the US government sought to ban WeChat—Tencent’s messaging service that has evolved into a payment, social media and online services platform—citing national security concerns.

CATL is not only a major supplier to Tesla, but also to many of the world’s biggest automakers, including Stellantis NV to Volkswagen AG. In August, Rubio asked the Pentagon to target the Chinese battery maker because of its potential to become a crucial supplier to the PLA. Around one in three electric cars are powered by CATL batteries, and its widespread presence in the automobile supply chain could cause major disruptions to the global car industry if automakers are forced to find alternatives.

Beijing has repeatedly criticized what it sees as the over-securitization of the US. “Small yard, high fence shouldn’t become large yard, iron curtains,” Foreign Minister Wang Yi told US State Secretary Antony Blinken in September. On Tuesday, China’s Foreign Ministry again condemned US sanctions and vowed to defend its companies’ rights. “We urge the US to immediately correct its wrongdoings and end the illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction on Chinese companies,” Guo Jiakun, a ministry spokesman, said at a regular press briefing in Beijing. With assistance from James Mayger, Christopher Udemans, Yasufumi Saito and Philip Glamann /Bloomberg

2nd Front Page

Solons seek halt in annual tobacco products tax hike

AWMAKERS are advocating a temporary suspension of annual tax hikes on cigarettes and other tobacco products, citing concerns over the rise of illicit trade and its economic impact.

During its Tuesday hearing, the House Committee on Ways and Means vowed to consult with stakeholders before deciding on the proposed moratorium on tax increases for cigarettes and other tobacco products. e proposed amendment to the National Internal Revenue Code would suspend scheduled annual tax hikes on cigarettes, heated tobacco, and vapor products for 2026. Under the proposal, the tax rates would resume their regular increments starting in January 2027, increasing by 4 percent to 5 percent triennially or every three years thereafter.

During his committee hearing, House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda highlighted growing concerns over a surge in the illicit tobacco trade, which he estimated to have cost the government up to P129 billion in the past three years.

“A simple search online shows just how easy it is to purchase bulk cigarettes at one-third the price of taxed, legal cigarettes,” Salceda said.

Salceda also referenced the ﬁ ndings of the National Nutrition Survey, which reported a 5-percent

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TRATEGIC marketing and promotions, improvement of infrastructure, and a relaxed visa policy were among the recommendations made by private tourism stakeholders to boost foreign tourist arrivals this year.

Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa) president Arjun Shroﬀ lamented the 5.95-million inbound tourists in 2024—numbers that missed targets—reported by the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Monday, adding that “the absence of a typical Christmas surge in balikbayans [homecoming Filipinos] further underscores the challenges [in the tourism sector]. Philtoa and other stakeholders are experiencing reduced revenue and [are] advocating for government support to stimulate the industry. eir concerns probably center on the impact on their businesses and the need for strategies to attract more tourists.”

He stressed that “ e DOT needs a multipronged approach, combining marketing with infrastructural improvements, to signiﬁcantly increase tourist arrivals and meet its ambitious 8.4-million target this year.” (See, “Missed goal: 5.95-M foreign tourists visited PHL in 2024,” in the BusinessMirror, January 6, 2025.)

For instance, he said, the DOT should “invest in targeted campaigns highlighting diverse attractions beyond beaches, focusing on speciﬁc source markets. DOT should also target markets which are with direct ﬂ ights and beyond to come to Philippines.”

Address accessibility issues

HE added that the goverment must “address airport congestion and improve local transportation to tourist sites for a seamless visitor experience [and] promote ecofriendly practices to attract environmentally conscious travelers.”

He encouraged the DOT to “collaborate with private tourism stakeholders and airlines to create attractive packages and improve service quality. Special promotion-

al airfares within the Philippines will also help.”

Shroﬀ also called for the “simpliﬁcation of visa process to encourage more international visitors,” and “create or revise/improve all attractions.”

Alfred Lay, Director for Hotels, Tourism of Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC), echoed Shroﬀ, saying, “I’m hopeful in the New Year the government can consider easing visa hurdles to Chinese tourists and therefore meaningfully increasing our arrivals. Without this, I think we will see single- digit growth in 2025, which is below what most industry stakeholders would be hoping for.”

‘Exciting’ visitor receipts IN December, Lay predicted that the Philippines will likely recover its pre-pandemic arrivals of 8.3 million in 2027, assuming that the 2024 arrivals would reach only 6 million. He projected this year’s arrivals to reach just 6.6 million. instead. (See, “Realty expert sees return to pre-Covid arrivals in 2027,” in the BusinessMirror, Dec. 14, 2024.)

Arthur Lopez, president of the Philippine Hotel Owners Assocation (PHOA), meanwhile, excused the DOT for missing its 7.7-million foreign visitors target, saying there “there were a lot of circumstances beyond our control such as the China-Philippines geo-political issue, e-visa challenges and delays, as well as infrastructure and transportation concerns.” Yet Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco has said the agency will be recalibrating its targets for the remaining years of its National Tourism Development Plan for 2023-2028 due to the missed arrivals target last year.

Lopez also chose to highlight “positive signs” such as last year’s visitor receipts of P760 billion as “something we can all be excited about,” since this exceeded the 2019 receipts of some P540 billion. “ e hotel sector is proud to have contributed to this. I read that visitors are staying longer and that is what the accommodation sector appreciates most. Quality tourists

increase in smoking prevalence between 2021 and 2023. e rise is attributed primarily to increased vaping, though a slight uptick in adult smoking was also noted.

“ is does not square with the sharp reduction in revenues from cigarettes,” Salceda remarked, suggesting that high taxes may have driven smokers toward cheaper, untaxed options or vaping products.

While Salceda acknowledged the critical role of tobacco taxes in generating government revenue and deterring smoking, he emphasized the need to address unintended consequences, such as the growth of the illicit market.

“My professional opinion as an economist is that there has been a shift from licit to illicit cigarettes due to the large price diﬀerential caused partly by taxes,” Salceda said. Salceda called on the Department of Finance (DOF) to present its oﬃcial position on the matter,

ments—ranging from 4 percent to 5 percent for cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and vapor products—would be paused for 2026. e increase would resume in January 2027, with adjustments implemented every three years.

Also, under the proposed legislation, all vapor products—regardless of nicotine content or formulation—will be subjected to an excise tax of P60 per milliliter. is includes nicotine salts, freebase nicotine liquids, and nicotine-free products. e excise tax will take eﬀect immediately upon the enactment of the law.

In addition to taxing liquid substances, a separate ad valorem tax of 20 percent will be imposed on electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems sold without accompanying liquid solutions. e tax will be applied based on the net retail price of each device, excluding the excise tax and value-added tax (VAT).

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will ink a memorandum of understanding to fast-track efforts in tackling persistently high retail rice prices.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the collaboration would initially focus on imported rice, but noted that the government’s eﬀorts would extend beyond that.

“Imported rice is just the beginning. We plan to cast the price net wider to include other imported food commodities like vegetables and meat, ultimately beneﬁting the Filipino consumer,” Laurel said in a statement.

For her part, DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, who also chairs the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC), said she would soon convene the interagency council to review strategies aimed at taming food prices and ensuring fairness in the market. e DA is also part of the council.

our eﬀorts to ease the burden on Filipino consumers,” Roque said. Both agencies are also in talks to decide a maximum suggested retail price for rice, aimed at allowing rice importers and retailers to operate proﬁtably while ensuring that consumers will not face excessive prices of the food staple. Laurel recently told the BM that the DA is mulling over the imposition of an MSRP on imported rice ranging from P42 to P55 per kilo. He said the price range would be imposed on 25- and 5-percent broken rice varieties, adding that a “cheaper” price range would be suggested for the 100-percent broken rice variety.

Meanwhile, the agency noted that the DTI will review its existing regulations for selling and labeling manufactured goods and adapt them for agricultural commodities, particularly rice. e DA earlier said it is considering declaring a national food security emergency, which would grant the agriculture chief the authority to release rice stocks held

ITH his recent win in e Voice USA Season 26, Sofronio Vasquez III is now dreaming big by promoting Original Pilipino Music (OPM) in America as he starts his professional music career here and abroad.

Vasquez, who described himself as a dreamer, made the remark in an interview with Palace reporters after his courtesy call on President Ferdinand Marcos and First Lady Liza A. Marcos in Malacañang on Wednesday.

“So why don’t we try it? Maybe it will be a hit. So, I’ll bring OPM to the American music industry. So, it is now possible,” he said in mixed Filipino. Vasquez returned to the Philippines after winning Season 24 of the popular American music reality show, e Voice, last month. As part of his homecoming itin-

erary, he performed in a local variety show, It’s Showtime, earlier this week before his scheduled meeting with the ﬁ rst family in Malacañang.

Presidential impression VASQUEZ said he was honored to perform before the President and the First Lady, who met with him despite their busy schedule.

“It is a big deal for me as a dreamer and as a Filipino, I cannot shake oﬀ the feeling of pagkagalak [joy] in Tagalog of being able to sing before the President,” he said. President Marcos was also equally ecstatic to meet with Vasquez, whom he thanked for bringing the country in the international spotlight and helping cement the reputation of Filipinos of being good singers.

“We should be the one thanking you since you have once again made Filipinos famous,” Marcos

told Vasquez. He recognized how Vasquez demonstrated his “maturity” and humbleness during his performances, wherein he gave way to other singers rather than trying to take the spotlight from them.

“You don’t steal the scene. You are humble and not trying to be showy. And you sing so damn well,” Marcos said.

Coach support

DURING the meeting, Vasquez shared his experience before he became the champion at e Voice, which includes becoming a dental assistant and a cruise ship singer, and even not making the cut in several local music contests.

He said he was grateful to his coach in e Voice, the Canadian singer and songwriter Michael Bublé, for mentoring him during the competition.

“So every round that I was

picked by Michael Bublé, it was just like a culmination and [it made me] think we can make this work. So I trusted him. So for my last two songs, I asked him can you help me? And he told me to ’trust me. We will come up with my song choice,’” Vasquez said. He said he has become close to his coach, who promised to visit the Philippines, if he will hold a local show. Vasquez also thanked the Filipinos who voted for him to win in e Voice.

Before he ended his courtesy call, Vasquez sang one of the President’s favorite songs, “Imagine” by e Beatles. He also performed the piece, which won him e Voice championship: “A Million Dreams.” Marcos was impressed by the said performance and jokingly said he will never sing again until he can sing like Vasquez.

Monalisa Dimalanta. NONIE

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Strong demand, tame input costs buoy RFM optimism

By VG Cabuag @villygc

Food and beverage company RFM

Corp. said it likely ended 2024 on a high note due to the strong performance of its branded consumer products and institutional businesses.

RFM Chief Executive Officer

Jose Ma. A. Concepcion III said preliminary and unaudited figures indicated that the company’s total revenues likely reached P22 billion while its income exhibited doubledigit growth to range of P1.4 billion to P1.5 billion.

buying shares in the market in 2024, said the company. sees strong consumer demand for its brands, such as Fiesta and Royal pasta products. These buoyed 2024 sales on top of the purchases of local government units for their Christmas baskets for constituents, the company said.

will ensure organic growth for RFM in the near term,” Concepcion said.

RFM’s board has approved a P200million cash dividend or P0.05936 per share payable on February 18, with record date as of January 22.

The company declared a total of P1.3 billion in cash dividends in 2024, up from P850 million in 2023.

“For the new year 2025, the CEO expects to sustain the strong performance of RFM’s brands and businesses with input price inflation within reasonable levels so far,” the company said.

Concepcion, who has also been

In 2023, the company reported a net income of P1.26 billion and revenues of P20.68 billion.

“RFM has no debts and has a strong balance sheet that enables our steady declaration of cash dividends. We have also completed some big capex [capital expenditures] in 2024 like the new Silang, Cavite bakery plant and new Selecta Milk lines and will just be on the lookout for opportunities to grow our businesses.

Nevertheless, our pipeline of new products is quite packed for our ice cream, pasta and milk brands which

At a share price of P3.87 at end2024, RFM’s dividend yield for the year reached 10 percent.

The listed food and beverage company owns half of the leading ice cream company in the Philippines that sells Selecta, Magnum and Cornetto brand as well as the leading pasta brands Royal and Fiesta pasta and sauces. RFM also owns the Selecta Milk and White King mixes brands.

Phinma closes deal to buy school

PhINMA Education holdings

Inc., a unit of listed Phinma Corp., on Wednesday confirmed the second closing of its acquisition of St. Jude College (SJC) Dasmariñas Cavite Inc.

The company said it has acquired the land and buildings and payment of debt in accordance with the terms of the share and asset purchase agreement.

On December 6, 2024, Phinma signed the agreement for the acquisition of Phinma Education for a controlling shares of stock of St. Jude College Dasmariñas Cavite for P85 million, investment in additional shares of stock of the school to acquire land and buildings of the campus and pay debt,

MSpectrum energizes solar facility

MS P ECTR u M I nc., a wholly owned solar subsidiary of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), has energized a 33 kilowatt-peak (kWp) solar rooftop facility worth P2.5 million for General Trias Water Corp. (GTWC).

The solar panel is meant to energize GTWC’s water pump in Cavite that is designed to generate around 45,350 kilowatts hours (kWh) of clean energy annually. GTWC is the first in the area to power its water pumps with solar panels in line with its sustainability goals.

“We proudly celebrate the ceremonial turnover of the 33-kWp solar power generating system that will help GTWC achieve their sustainability goals and realize the savings from their electricity bill,” MSpectrum Chief Operating Officer Patrick T. Panlilio said.

GTWC said the utilization of solar panels will also reduce its carbon footprint by an estimated 32.3 metric tons, translating to more than 1,400 trees planted and more than 79,000 kilometers reduced in vehicle travel per year. The project will also allow GTWC to generate energy savings with the operation of the solar project.

A water utility in Cavite since 1995, GTWC serves General Trias City, and the municipalities of Naic and Alfonso. It also serves some areas in Laguna, Batangas and Bulacan. Lenie Lectura

for a total of P344 million.

“The first closing of the transaction was also completed on the same date with the acquisition of shares of the controlling stockholders and payment of P85 million for the said shares,” the company said.

Phinma owns 66.41 percent of Phinma Education, which holds its investments in the education sector.

This marks the company’s entry into the Cavite market and adds 3,000 students to its network.

St. Jude College Dasmariñas is Phinma Education’s 10th school in the Philippines and 12th in its regional network.

“SJC Dasmariñas Cavite continues our thrust to make education as accessible as possible to

underserved youth. Our newest school expands Ph I NMA Education’s presence in Southern Luzon and nearby regions,” h appy A. Tan, Phinma Education country chiefPhilippines, said.

This is Phinma Education’s first school acquisition since the closing of leading private equity firm KKR’s investment in the company.

“We will continue growing our network as we find more ways to reach learners that need education the most. The more students we can serve, the more individuals and families we will uplift through education,” said Chito B. Salazar, Phinma Education president and CEO.

This brings the group’s total student count to 167,000, according

to Phinma Chairman Ramon del Rosario Jr.

The company claims the figure is the largest in Southeast Asia’s private higher education sector in terms of enrollment.

“On its 68th year, Phinma reaffirms its commitment to improving lives and contributing to nation building through well managed and profitable businesses which cater to the underserved. Our education business has proven this well,” del Rosario said.

“We hope to replicate this success story with our other business units, whom we’ve challenged to more directly address the needs of our target market, beginning with housing.” VG Cabuag

Samsung’s shares climb after Nvidia talk offsets profit miss

SAMS u NG E lectronics Co.’s shares rose after Nvidia Corp. founder Jensen h u ang expressed confidence in the Korean company’s ability to resolve technical issues dogging its highest-end memory, offsetting disappointing quarterly results.

The world’s biggest memory maker shouldered hefty research and development expenses and front-end capacity expansion costs in the December quarter in its effort to catch up to SK hy nix Inc. and Micron Technology Inc. in the lucrative AI market. Samsung has struggled to get its latest products certified by Nvidia, allowing SK hy nix in particular to carve out a larger slice of the market for the high-bandwidth memory that AI accelerators depend on.

Investors had braced for disappointing numbers from a company that shed a third of its market value in 2024, even while SK hy nix soared more than 20 percent. On Wednesday, Samsung’s stock gained as much as 3.1 percent after huang said at the CES show in Las Vegas that Samsung has to engineer a new design but that it’s “working very fast.”

Samsung’s mustering its forces in a costly effort to claw back market share in the AI chip arena at the same time that demand for its conventional semiconductor chips for PCs and mobile devices weakened. Its smartphones, TVs and other appliances are also facing growing competition, while the operating rate in its foundry business dropped, the

company said in a statement.

Korea’s largest company reported preliminary operating profit of 6.5 trillion won ($4.5 billion) for the December quarter, falling short of analysts’ average projection for 8.96 trillion won. Revenue came to 75 trillion won, just shy of estimates. Samsung will provide a full financial statement with net income and divisional breakdowns later this month.

“Samsung is just going through one of its toughest moments in its history,” Counterpoint analyst Tom Kang told Bloomberg Television. Samsung missed the high-bandwidth memory boom and needs to show it’s supplying AI memory to new clients. “They are really trying hard to catch up.”

Billions of dollars are at stake. Just last week, Microsoft Corp. said it plans to spend $80 billion building out data centers this fiscal year alone, triggering a broad rally in SK hy nix and other AI beneficiaries. SK hy nix posted record profit in October as Nvidia’s accelerators require more and more memory.

Investors remain cautious about Samsung’s chances at overtaking its smaller but nimbler competitors, however. Samsung remains heavily exposed to weak demand for mobile chips, while it also grapples with a rising supply of legacy chips in China. Demand for its smartphone chips is expected to stay weak in 2025, executives said in October. In the TV and home appliances arenas, steep price

competition from Chinese manufacturers is also eating margins.

In contrast, SK hy nix plans to reduce production of legacy chips and ratchet up capital expenditures to keep pace with the AI infrastructure boom. The Icheon-based company has announced a series of investment plans, including $14.6 billion on a new memory chip complex and other investments at home and $3.87 billion on an advanced packaging plant and research center for AI products in Indiana.

Last year, Samsung chip division chief Jun Young-hyun apologized for disappointing results and acknowledged delays in winning Nvidia certification.

Samsung must now review its organizational culture and processes, Jun had said—echoing previous comments about the need for fundamental change at one of Korea’s oldest companies. It laid off workers in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand last year as part of a plan to reduce global headcount by thousands of jobs, Bloomberg News reported.

Investors will also be watching when Samsung unveils its latest Galaxy smartphone lineup in San Jose on Jan. 22, promising to make better use of AI.

“While Samsung’s fourth quarter numbers are ugly, the firm likely won’t be a non-factor in high-bandwidth memory for long,” Vital Knowledge’s Adam Crisafulli said in a note to investors. Bloomberg News

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

ThE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it is conducting a study for a proposed waste-to-energy facility in Tarlac which could boost power supply and serve the requirements of locators and investors in Clark.

“In the face of a growing energy crisis and surging global waste generation, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) plans to utilize waste-toenergy technology as a renewable energy source in the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, in line with its goal of fostering smart and sustainable development,” BCDA said in a statement on Wednesday.

The state-owned firm said the waste-to-energy study will include site selection, as well as technical, environmental, social, legal, financial, and economic analysis for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the facility.

Once the study is completed, BCDA said it will open the project for public bidding.

“The project is intended to be structured and undertaken pursuant to Republic Act 11966 or the Public Private Partnership Code of the Philippines and its implementing rules and regulations.”

The plan to conduct the said study

PhILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) said on Wednesday it is beefing up its Cebu hub, introducing a new Cebu-Catarman route and increasing flight frequencies to the popular island destination of Siargao.

Starting March 1, PAL will operate a thrice-weekly Cebu-Catarman service, directly connecting Cebu City to Catarman, Northern Samar. The route marks the first direct air link between Cebu and Catarman, a key commercial and educational hub in Eastern Visayas.

“Philippine Airlines is happy to upgrade services to Catarman through this new link from Cebu.

Samar residents and travelers will now have better access to Cebu, and the new route will also give Cebuanos more options to visit Northern Samar,” said PAL Express President Rabbi Ang. The new Cebu-Catarman route will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using PAL’s 86-seater De havilland Dash 8 Series 400 Next Generation aircraft.

Beyond Northern Samar, passengers from Catarman can connect seamlessly through Cebu to

stemmed from the BCDA identifying waste-to-energy as a sustainable alternative to landfills, especially amid the “continuous increase” in waste generated in the country and around the globe.

BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said utilizing waste-toenergy technology will “modernize” solid waste management and promote green energy.

“With waste-to-energy technology, the BCDA can do its part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while also addressing the energy requirements of our community.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday, BCDA denounced the continuous illegal operations of the Metro Clark Waste Management Corp. (MCWMC) of the Kalangitan Sanitary Landfill in Capas, Tarlac in violation of the 60-day Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by the Court of Appeals.

“The TRO essentially allows the land owner, BCDA, to recover the state-owned property, there being no effective injunction that will hinder it to do so.”

BCDA also noted that there is no valid Authority to Operate (ATO) and business permit issued for the Kalangitan Sanitary Landfill.

“It was recently reported and documented that MCWMC has illegally set up a station along the road outside the landfill, encroaching on BCDA land outside of the facility.”

a range of domestic destinations, including Boracay (Caticlan), Coron (Busuanga), Bacolod, Iloilo, and Puerto Princesa.

“We are glad to partner with the Northern Samar government authorities and the local community in helping build up air travel to support the success of this new route to Catarman,” Ang added. Aside from the new route, PAL is bolstering its Cebu-Siargao services. From March 1, midmorning flights will be added on Wednesdays and Sundays, bringing the total weekly flights between Cebu and the surfing haven of Siargao to 18.

Known for its breathtaking beaches, lagoons, and world-class waves, Siargao remains a premier destination for local and international travelers.

Currently, PAL also serves Siargao with two daily flights from Manila and three weekly flights from Clark.

“The new Cebu hub services to Catarman and Siargao are part of our continuing commitment to enhance inter-island connectivity, boosting tourism and stimulating business,” Ang said. Lorenz S. Marasigan

Photo from www.bcda.gov.Ph

‘Quality of SMEs’ financial reporting below average’

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

RAISING the quality of fi-

nancial reporting among small-scale and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) is the segment ProCredit Financing Corp. may put a stake into as the financial technology firm is alarmed at how SMEs meet their business requirement.

“The primary challenge we observe is management governance, particularly concerning controls and financial reporting. Overall, the quality of financial reporting is below average which makes it very difficult for lenders to assess credit risk with any degree of confidence, which also leads to borrowers paying much higher interest costs,” ProCredit CEO Adnan Agha told the BusinessMirror in an email interview.

Hence, Agha is offering his firm’s expertise, which is providing advice and guidance on these areas, including introducing qualified financial advisors as well as investors to help SME develop better financial reporting quality.

The fintech, which is registered with the Anti-Money Laundering Council until 2026, mainly offers working capital through short-term loans

Banking&Finance Solons seek oversight of SSS, deferred contribution hike

(6 months to 18 months). Agha said Procredit can customize the repayment cash flows depending on the requirements of the borrower.

He said this approach is generally unavailable from other lenders in the Philippines.

We also provide financial advice and support to our clients to help optimize their borrowing levels and costs, Agha added.

He also noted that SMEs are failing to use the full utilization of technology beyond reducing or eliminating paper-based processes.

According to Agha, technology can have a far greater impact if it leads to substantial improvements in business processes. In general business process improvement is far more important than digitization, which is actually the easy part, he explained.

Agha also noted that more technology-centric players in the market can also transform SMEs and offer more options for easier access to financial support.

“Lenders in this space [techcentric lending] need to become advisors to guide their clients, particularly on financial management, which will help significantly expand access to debt capital for the SME segment,” he said.

SLINGAPORE’S parliament has passed a law allowing the police to control the bank accounts of individuals who are suspected to be the targets of scams, after the number of cases surged in the city-state. The Protection from Scams Bill passed Tuesday gives the police powers to issue restriction orders to banks, which will then limit the banking transactions of people’s accounts. The bill, which was proposed last year, was originally aimed at protecting potential victims from scams conducted remotely, such as via phone calls or online platforms. It has been broadened to cover other kinds of cheating cases involving physical interactions.

“The threat will keep evolving, and we must ensure that we have the appropriate tools to deal with this threat, as this bill aims to do,” Minister of State for Home Affairs Sun Xueling said in parliament.

At least S$385.6 million ($283 million) was lost to scams and cybercrime cases in Singapore in the first half of 2024, up 24.6 percent from the same

period a year ago, according to police data. The total number of such cases jumped 18 percent to 28,751. The data also showed that 86 percent of the reported scams involved “mostly self-effected transfers,” where victims sent or withdrew money from their accounts.

The police and the Monetary Authority of Singapore have worked with major retail banks since 2022 to distinguish scams from legitimate transactions, trace fund flows and freeze accounts suspected to be linked in criminal operations, Sun said. Under the new law, restriction orders can be imposed on bank accounts and credit facilities of individuals who police believe are likely to make withdrawals or monetary transfers to scammers, and who authorities see as necessary to be protected in this manner. Each order would last for up to 30 days, and can be extended up to five times. People whose accounts are restricted have to apply to the police for access to their funds to cover their living expenses and other necessary expenditures. Bloomberg News

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie & Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

AWMAKERS have weighed in on the scheduled increase in Social Security System (SSS) contributions with one in the Lower House seeking its deferment and a Senator pushing for an oversight of the pension fund’s operations and finances.

Baguio City Rep. Marquez “Mark” O. Go cited inflation as the reason for postponing slated contribution rate increase to 15 percent. In his House Resolution (HR) 2157, Go sought to to ease the financial burden on Filipinos grappling with rising costs brought about by inflation. His follows the Philippine Statistics Authority’s report showing inflation climbed to 2.9 percent in December, up from 2.5 percent in November.

The SSS is scheduled to implement its final increase in the monthly contribution of members starting this month in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 11199 (Social Security Act of 2018), which mandates the state-run pension fund manager to increase its contribution rate every two years.

In 2019, the contribution rate was set at 12 percent. It rose to 13 percent in 2021 and to 14 percent in 2023, as mandated by RA 11199.

AFor this year’s increase, 10 percent would be shouldered by employers while employees will pay the remaining five percent.

Go said that the policy body of the SSS, the Social Security Commission, should strongly consider the deferral of the hike in contributions “to provide our low-income earners a breathing space from the continued rising cost of commodities and services.”

Finances, inefficiencies

GO also pointed to the SSS’s robust financial performance as a justification for the deferral.

In 2023, the agency’s revenue increased by 15.6 percent, reaching P353.82 billion compared to P306.16 billion in 2022. Net income also surpassed expectations, totaling P83.13 billion, significantly exceeding its target of P51.06 billion for the year.

Go further emphasized inefficiencies in the agency’s collection

N early Bitcoin investor sentenced last month to two years in prison for tax fraud related to cryptocurrency sales has been ordered to disclose his secret pass codes so US officials can unlock digital assets now valued at about $124 million.

Frank Richard Ahlgren III, who owes the government about $1 million in restitution from the criminal case, must hand over the pass codes and identify any devices used to store them, along with disclosing all his cryptocurrency accounts, US District Judge Robert Pitman ruled Monday in federal court in Austin, Texas.

Prosecutors had asked the judge in December to force Ahlgren to disclose the location of at least 1,287 Bitcoin he moved in 2020 through a “mixing” service that jumbled crypto tokens and made them harder to trace. Those tokens, which have more than doubled in value over the past year, are now worth more than $124 million.

Ahlgren, who lives in Austin, was the first American convicted of tax crimes tied solely to the sale of cryptoassets. He’s agreed to pay $1 million in restitution to the US to cover tax losses from underreporting capital gains on the sale of $3.7 million in Bitcoin. Prosecutors said he used some of the proceeds to buy a house in Park City, Utah.

In their request, prosecutors said Ahlgren’s property “cannot be attached by ordinary physical means.” The government asked “not only to restrain any virtual currency by order of this court, but to obtain the private keys to enable it access so that it cannot be moved by others. Should the

By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto

HE Bureau of Internal Reve-

Tnue (BIR) will now determine whether automobiles will be fully exempted or subject to excise tax reductions.

This was after Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto signed Revenue Regulation (RR) 01-2025 on January 6, which amended Section 9 (E) of RR 25-2003. The latter ruling assigned to the BIR the determination of whether an automobile is hybrid or purely electric.

processes. A 2023 report from the Commission on Audit (COA) revealed that the SSS collected only P4.581 billion—or 4.89 percent of the expected P93.747 billion in premium contributions from delinquent employers. This left P89.17 billion uncollected from 420,627 employers.

Go added that the COA’s finding of SSS’s inefficiency in collecting premium contributions should first be addressed before the government insurance agency proceeds to implement the schedule of contribution rate hikes.

Go’s colleague, Rizal Rep. Juan Fidel Felipe F. Nograles, has appealed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to suspend the scheduled SSS contribution rate hike, citing its potential to further strain workers’ already limited take-home pay amid rising living costs.

Nograles, chairman of the House Committee on Labor and Employment, said that in lieu of the mandated increase, the President could order the SSS to make its collection more efficient and effective first.

“The SSS should address systemic bottlenecks and gaps first to ensure that our collection efforts are maximized,” he added.

Nograles said that the SSS should also be transparent and state what the full effect of a gradual increase is on the pensioner’s fund life.

Oversight body

AT the Upper House, the chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee wants an oversight body and an inquiry into the finances of the SSS.

Briefing Senate reporters, Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian said he will file a resolution seeking the inquiry by the Senate—likely by the Committee on Banks and Financial Institutions chaired by Sen. Mark A. Villar—to undertake the inquiry.

Gatchalian outlined the agenda of Senators as: revisiting the benefits given by the SSS to its members; reviewing its investments—funded by private-sector employees but managed by government; and, revisiting the reportedly huge debts incurred to the SSS by certain private businesses that have not remitted their employee contributions.

“Personally, l will focus on the management of the pension fund, particularly how efficient and transparent it is,” the lawmaker said. Gatchalian explained that “the oversight body should call the SSS officials and make them explain what they’ve done, what they are planning to do, to collect from the “establishments that are not remitting contributions to [the] SSS.”

The Senator also shared his proposal a day after the SSS management said it had no plans to suspend its scheduled premium contribution hike, amid calls to halt this, given the SSS’s robust financial standing.

Gatchalian said they will look into the observation of some quarters that the average monthly pensions under the Government Service Insurance System approximate nearly 80 percent of the state employee’s salaries when they were actively working; while the SSS pensions cannot breach P20,000 monthly, a rate that leaves many private-sector pensioners cash-strapped.

private keys be lost or destroyed, the virtual currency is irretrievable.”

The judge’s order said that Ahlgren cannot “dissipate,” transfer or sell any property without prior approval of the court, but he can spend on “normal monthly living expenses.”

Ahlgren, who pleaded guilty on September 12, was sentenced on December 12. His attorney, Den-

“The BIR shall make a determination whether the automobile is exempt from excise tax or subject to 50 percent excise tax, respectively, on the basis of the Department of Energy’s [DOE] ‘List of Recognized Electronic Vehicles,’ published on its website, without prejudice to the BIR’s authority to conduct any postverification assessment of the automobiles,” read the first RR issued by the BIR this year.

“For purposes of keeping up to date with the latest publications of the list of recognized electric vehicles, the DOE shall furnish the

nis Kainen, said his client will comply with the order.

“We will comply with a court directive, or to the extent that we have a question, we will direct it to the court,” Kainen said. “We appreciate the care that Judge Pitman has taken throughout this case.”

The case is US v. Ahlgren, 24-cr-00031, US District Court, Western District of Texas (Austin). Bloomberg News

BIR with a Certified True Copy of an updated list of recognized electric vehicles,” it added. Previously, the Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesEnvironment Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) was responsible for determining if a vehicle was hybrid or purely electric.

In a statement, the BIR said RR 012025 is pursuant to the provisions of Sections 244 and 245 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), as amended, in relation to Section 84 of RA 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law (Train) law.

The Train law provides tax incentives for electric vehicles, wherein hybrid vehicles are subject to 50 percent of applicable excise tax rates on automobiles, while purely electric vehicles are exempt from excise tax. According to the BIR, RR 01-2025 will take effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or on the BIR website, whichever comes first. Any prior rules or memoranda conflicting with these amendments will be repealed or revised to align with these updated regulations, read the statement issued by the BIR.

RIGHT ON THE APP This undated photo

THE investor was the first American convicted of tax crimes tied solely to the sale of cryptoassets. PHOTOGRaPHER: JUan CaRlOs/BlOOmBERG

Envoys&Expats

Australia’s Ezypay facilitates fintech partnership launch

THE Embassy of Australia has supported the pioneering partnership between GCash, Xendit and Ezypay: an award-winning Australian financial technology (fintech) company.

The collaboration will enable GCash to support recurring payments for the first time that will enhance digital payment solutions for nationwide businesses.

Ezypay’s membership in the Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (ANZCHAM) plays a pivotal role in fostering strong economic ties between Australia and the Philippines. The chamber facilitates such partnerships by providing a platform for networking and collaboration among businesses in both countries.

Amb. HK Yu PSM, FCPA said Australia is helping advance fintech

in the Philippines through strategic partnerships: “[Our] robust fintech ecosystem fosters innovation and collaboration, enabling Australian firms like Ezypay to develop solutions that support financial inclusion and economic growth.”

According to the embassy, the partnership builds on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between FinTech Alliance.ph and Austrade in November 2023. It aims to enhance fintech policy and regulation, promote knowledge sharing, improve access to capital opportunities, and address market barriers.

The embassy anticipates that the collaboration between both countries will focus on leveraging the MOU to drive digital transformation and financial inclusion across the region. It will continue working with organizations like ANZCHAM to foster synergies and innovation. By sharing expertise and resources, both coun-

tries aim to create a more connected and prosperous future.

The Australian government encourages fintech companies and stakeholders from both nations to “seize this moment to innovate and transform the financial landscape, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive economic future for all.”

Sweden signs MOU enabling export financing, development cooperation

SWEDEN’S minister for Infrastructure and Housing Andreas Carlson, with pioneering banker and industrialist Marcus Wallenberg, visited Manila to strengthen the Scandinavian country’s commitment to long-term collaborations with the Philippines focused on sustainable development and digitalization.

Carlson leads the Swedish government’s efforts in transport, infrastructure, community planning and housing, while Wallenberg is a prominent Swedish business leader and member of the influential Wallenberg family. The latter’s contributions span various sectors such as banking, industry, and research.

Some of the most important holdings present in the Philippines are ABB, AstraZeneca, Atlas Copco, Electrolux, Epiroc, Ericsson, Husqvarna, Nasdaq, Saab AB and SKF.

Both gentlemen met Sec. Ralph G Recto of the Department of Finance and participated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Sweden and the Philippines on export financing and development cooperation. This MOU will enable Swedish grants and export credits for local projects.

Carlson said that Sweden is com-

mitted to further increasing its bilateral relationship with the Philippines, including its government’s: “Focus Asia” strategy: “The economic and strategic links between our regions are undeniable. The signing of this MOU on export financing represents yet another step in the deepening of cooperation between Sweden and the Philippines.”

For his part, Recto was proud to take the collaboration to the next level: “We entered another agreement that will enhance the economic security of Filipinos through increased access to Swedish financing for our development initiatives. With this partnership, the Philippines will

have a greater opportunity to invest in more projects that matter most to our people.”

The secretary added that, with this broad range of development areas, “Sweden is certainly one of the Philippines’ strongest poverty-fighting allies, helping us build an inclusive economy for our citizens.”

Carlson and Wallenberg also held talks with Acting Sec. Ma. Cristina Roque of the Department of Trade and Industry. They explored trade and investment linkages between the two countries. Both sides expressed strong support for the recently restarted negotiations on a free-trade pact with the European Union.

The two discussed regional security issues and defense-sector cooperation with Sr. Usec. Irineo C. Espino of the Department of National Defense.

Furthermore, Carlson and Wallenberg met with local business leaders to explore partnerships in transportation, digitalization, health, and responsible mining.

Joined by a business delegation, the minister visited Sec. Ivan Uy of the Department of Information and Communication Technology, as they discussed possibilities for cooperation on Philippines digitalization.

German ambassador leads Manila office

reopening of Fichtner GmbH & Co. KG

AMB. Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke of Germany, with more than 30 leaders from the energy sector, as well as financial institutions, recently witnessed the reopening of Fichtner GmbH & Co. KG’s office in Manila.

The ceremonial relaunch marks a significant milestone in Fichtner’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the Asia-Pacific Region and reinforces its dedication to fostering sustainable growth and innovation within the local market.

“This milestone marks not just the expansion of a distinguished German company, but also again the strengthening of partnership between Philippines and Germany in our shared commitment in sustainability and innovation,” said Dr. Pfaffernoschke, as he expressed support for the initiative by highlighting the strengthening bilateral ties between Germany and the Philippines with such ventures. The event also featured insightful discussions led by key figures from sector leaders, focusing on future collaborations and the role of innovative technologies in shaping the energy landscape in the Philippines. Addi-

tionally, financial institution representatives shared their perspectives on fostering sustainable investment and growth in the region.

“As ‘Consultants and Engineers by Heart,’ we seek for sustainable solutions by means of listening and sharing,” said Managing Director Theophil Laukemann of Fichtner, as he emphasized the firm’s “Knowledge Exchange Approach” through fruitful dialogues with the project partners.

During the announcement ceremony, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Iloilo Waste Recovery Joint Venture Corp. and Fichtner GmbH & Co. KG for “Owner’s Engineering Services for the Iloilo City Integrated Solid Waste Management.”

Japan ships ambulances to Parañaque City LGU

THE Embassy of Japan, represented by by Second Secretary Tokiko Nishimura, recently handed over ambulance units to the Parañaque City local government unit.

The Project for Provision of Two Ambulances in Parañaque, Metro Manila was approved in 2021 under Japan’s official development assistance (ODA) through the Grant Assistance for GrassRoots Human Security Projects (GGP). Key local government unit (LGU) officials led by Mayor Eric L. Olivarez attended the ceremony.

According to the embassy, Parañaque City’s emergency medical services faced significant challenges due to a lack of available ambulances. With a population of more than 680,000, the LGU’s emergency-response department struggled to meet the growing demand for the emergency vehicles. As a result, more than 10 percent of ambulance requests were turned down annually due to shortages.

As a remedial measure, it provided the grant amount of $54,976 or approximately P2.78 million to the Parañaque City local government for the provision of two ambulance vehicles. This, according to the deputation, will enhance the city’s capacity to respond swiftly to medical emergencies. Furthermore, the ambulances will play a key role in daily health-care services by improving access to medical care for residents in need.

In her message, Nishimura highlighted that the ambulances will “dramatically strengthen the emergencyresponse system of the city’s first responders.” She also honored the local officials for their perseverance in “nurturing their constituents with timely and effective health care.”

Last year marked the 70th anniversary since Japan initiated its ODA with the Philippines. The embassy shared that the GGP—launched in 1989 and based on the concept of “human security”—is one of the ODA schemes that provides funding for grassroots-level projects that directly contribute to improving the lives of people and for urgent humanitarian emergencies. The projects, it said, focus on basic human needs sectors such as education, health, medical care, water and sanitation, disaster prevention, and areas related to human security that require urgent attention. As the top ODA donor to the Philippines, Japan has implemented a total of 564 GGP local projects. The latter’s government has been actively engaged in a diverse range of initiatives, from large-scale infrastructure projects to grassrootslevel support.

Japan believes the said projects will boost the friendship with the Philippines, and “will contribute to fostering its strategic partnership” with its Asian neighbor.

PHL, EU sub-committee hold 4th devt cooperation meeting

THE Philippines and the European Union (EU) convened the “Fourth Meeting of the SubCommittee on Development Cooperation” in Manila, where both sides reaffirmed their shared interests and values under the EU-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

Usec. Joven Z. Balbosa of the Department of Finance (DOF)’s International Finance Group and the Head of Unit South and South-East Asia from the European Commission’s DG International Partnerships Mario Ronconi co-chaired the sub-committee meeting. Amb. Massimo Santoro of the EU also joined.

Fichtner is a 100-plus-years-old engineering and consulting company focused on energy and infrastructure sectors headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany with a regional office in Kuala Lumpur. It has subsidiaries in Taipei, Hanoi, Sydney and Chennai. The Fichtner Group has offices worldwide, with around 2,200 employees and project experience in more than 170 countries.

It is also a member of the GermanPhilippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. According to the chamber, the re-opened Manila office “represents a significant step forward in Fichtner’s journey to enhance service delivery, drive operational excellence, and contribute to the sustainable development goals of the Philippines and Southeast Asia.”

Apart from the DOF, officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs; National Economic and Development Authority; Mindanao Development Authority; Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Reconciliation and Unity; Court of Appeals; Department of Energy; Commission on Human Rights; Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority of the BARMM; Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Department of Science and Technology; Philippine Space Agency; Department of Transportation; Department of Energy; and the Bureau of the Treasury represented the government.

At the meeting, the Philippines showcased its strategic priorities and commitment to development, highlighting the country’s economic performance and growth outlook. The EU, in turn, provided updates on the overall policy framework with the mid-term review of its Multiannual Financial Framework between 2021 and 2027.

Both parties reaffirmed that green economy, digital transformation, peace and good governance are key priority areas for cooperation that will be fully significant from 2025 to 2027.

The two also underscored the relevance of the EU’s long-term support for the peace process and the socioeconomic development of the BARMM and Mindanao at large, as well as civil society’s key role in implementing these programs. In addition, particular attention was placed on the active development of Global Gateway investment projects, for both government-to-government operations and at the private-sector level. Ongoing investment operations on disaster-risk reduction and water waste facilities were also reviewed. Possible new investments in the green economy were mentioned as a priority area for prospective loan financing with EU grants (blended finance) and guarantees. To this end, the European Investment Bank and other European Development Finance Institutions’ roles will be crucial, as well as the potential cooperation with multilateral banks such as the Asian Development Bank.

The meeting also covered a possible future cooperation on sustainable use of critical raw materials and green finance. The sub-committee likewise recognized the relevance of regional cooperation, particularly in the framework of the EU-Asean Sustainable Connectivity Package---including support to seafarers action, and “Team Europe” Initiative programs.

On the meeting’s sidelines, Santoro and Balbosa discussed a proposed partnership between the Philippine government and its European development partners such as the Agence Française de Développement, KfW Development Bank and EIB through co-financing or parallel financing of green, energy, and connectivity initiatives under the Team Europe initiative.

In addition, the DOF and the EU Delegation recognized the potential role of the private-sector engagement in contributing to the Philippines’ development objectives.

The sub-committee conducted a comprehensive review of key ongoing cooperation programs, focusing on two primary areas: the Mindanao peace process and good governance, as well as the green and digital economy. Both parties confirmed their mutual commitment to the continued and strengthened implementation of the EU’s development programs in line with the priorities of the Philippine government.

GCASH’S Enterprise Cluster Head Online Michael Baldos, Ezypay CEO James Foster, Amb. HK Yu, Xendit Philippines country general manager Christian Reyes, and ANZCHAM president Benjamin Romualdez

AMB. Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke

SEC. Ralph Recto (left) and Min. Andreas Carlson

SECOND Secretary Tokiko Nishimura (center) and Mayor Eric L. Olivarez (right)

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Health& Fitness

Expert warns of rise in vision problems, pushes for early screening for children

By Rory Visco Contributor

What is it about a person’s vision or eyesight? What do we see? But for most parents with newborn children, their questions are “Can our child see us already” or “What does our baby see?”

a t t he latest h e alth Updates webinar titled “Vision Screening 101: Pearls for Physicians” organized by the University of the Philippines, in partnership with the National te lehealth Center, Dr. Jose a ntonio Paulino, Pediatric Ophthalmology and S trabismus consultant, Department of Ophthalmology, a s ian ho spital and Medical Center, said that vision develops over time. It’s almost the same as w hen a baby develops physical abilities like learning to lift his head or rolling on his side, and then sit, crawl, stand, or walk.

“It is important that visual function and maturity is age and functionally appropriate, from seeing the presence or absence of light at newborn to t wo months, to high-contrast images by three to six month. t h is explains why the mother’s areola darkens and enlarges as it serves as a target for an infant, to better tracking at six months to 11 months, to theoretically reaching 2200 vision at one year old, then 2040 at four years old, and eventually 2020 at six to seven years old,” Dr. Paulino explained.

What is vision screening?

V I SION s creening is a basic test that can be done by a school nurse, family doctor, or another certified family he althcare professional to detect eye or vision issues. ho wever, the test is unable to diagnose an exact problem. Vision screening aims to identify reduced vision, and other eye conditions, w hich may progress to loss of vision,

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

After overeating and excess alcohol consumption during the holidays it’s time to get back on a healthy track.

t h e Department of Health (DOH), earlier, warned the public of the “Holiday Heart Syndrome” or HHS which, obviously, occurs during the holiday season.

HHS is a condition that occurs when healthy people experience an irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation) after excessive alcohol consumption.

A lso, the DOH said that they are closely monitoring acute complications of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and bronchial asthma.

AM i D the hustle and bustle of our careers, relationships, and personal growth during our 30s, it’s easy to put our health on the back burner. However, this is the decade when preventive health measures become increasingly crucial. Our bodies change, and our risk for specific health issues heightens. i t ’s time to shift our focus from solely reacting to health problems to proactively safeguarding our overall well-being.

Cornerstones of health

M A i N tA i N i NG g ood health in your 30s isn’t about taking drastic measures; it’s about making sustainable lifestyle choices. Here’s how you can build a strong foundation for a healthy future:

and Dr. Paulino said this can be done quickly and by people without the need for specialized equipment.

“If any problems are found, the patient will then be referred to an ophthalmologist for a complete eye examination,” he said.

t he t ypes of vision screening include the basic one, which is an inspection of the eye and the pupils. t h is can be done on babies and adults to assess the shape and color of the eyes. t he pupils, or the black parts of the eyes, should be of the same size and react to light by becoming smaller.

a n other type of screening, Dr. Paulino added, is photoscreening. “ t h is method uses a special camera and finds disorders like refractive errors and other abnormalities. t he process is automated and is easy to use. ho wever, people must know that this process is quite expensive, not easily accessible and is actually used for mass screening rather than really looking for certain problems,” he pointed out.

Screening of kindergarten kids I N t he Philippines, Dr. Paulino said there is a law, Republic a c t No. 11358 or the National Vision Screening a c t, which was enacted in 2019. t h is law mandates the screening of kindergarten pupils to identify eye problems a nd treat them as early as three to five years old. Prior to the pandemic, school teachers all over the country were trained to use the Philippine Eye Research Institute Vision Screening Kit. Ophthalmologists also went a round the country to perform vision screening but had to resort to do vision screening online when the pandemic struck.

B ased on the law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), the National Vision Screening Program component of the law is to be spearheaded b y school teachers. But why focus on

kindergarten students? Dr. Paulino explained that this is the first time that children are going to learn, and the demands on their vision is higher during this time as they have to look at a farther distance and are being taught lessons in a group setting.

“So, imagine if a child has poor vision but no one really knows about it b ecause vision is dependent on the age and maturity of the child so we do not really expect 2020 vision at three to four years old because it is achieved at six to seven years old if standard charts are to be used. t he re are ways to assess a more accurate vision. Right now, we are just waiting for the law [R a 11358] to be fully implemented,” Dr. Paulino said.

h e e mphasized that vision screening can be done conveniently to help d etect eye problems at the early stages but may be prone to missing some problems entirely because the screening is d one with simple equipment and only at a limited time. It is simply aimed at identifying potential eye disease and detect eye disorders early so they can be easily treated and eye care education is provided.

a n e ye exam, Dr. Paulino said, is done by an optometrist or ophthalmologist where they test not only the v ision but the overall health of the eyes. t he y diagnose any eye problems and prescribe corrective treatment. For this, parents can ask their pediatrician to suggest an eye care specialist.”

Errors of refraction th I S i s the scientific term for what is called “malabo ang mata” in the vernacular. Some of them include myopia o r nearsightedness, astigmatism, or a problem with the cornea, those crystals in our eyes, and hypermetropia or farsightedness, according to Dr. Paulino. he p ointed out that myopia happens globally nowadays, which some blame

as due to the frequent use of gadgets, or probably even due to genetics. Even astigmatism is on the rise these days. h e s aid that myopia is a major public health concern in many East a s ian countries where it affects 80 percent to 90 percent of high school graduates, 10 percent to 20 percent of which have sight-threatening pathologic myopia.

Dr. Paulino added that based on a 2018 Philippine Eye Disease Study done by the Philippine Eye Research Institute, nine percent of kindergarten children are affected with visual i mpairment. t h is doubles when they reach adolescence as 16 percent of high school students are found to have a visual impairment, and 90 percent of these cases were myopia.

What’s scary is that by 2050, it is projected that 52 percent of the world’s population will experience myopia while 10 percent will become myopic, a far cry from the 27 percent of myopia and 2.8 percent of high myopia b ack in 2010.

Dr. Paulino also cited visual impairment problems related to myopia, w here there will be increased risk of cataract development, retinal detachment, glaucoma, macular hole and degeneration, and blindness, particularly f rom related complications.

Interventions

DR. Paulino suggests forms of intervention that may work, particularly b ehavioral, like increased time spent outdoors, and lesser time in the use of smartphones, near digital devices and near tasks. a l so suggested as optical treatments include spectacle lenses or contact lenses. Pharmacological treatment involves the use of atropine eyedrops to dilate the eyes’ pupils. Our eyes are the only set that we will have in this lifetime so we better take care of it because there’s no such thing as eye transplants.”

th E D epartment of h e alth

(DO h ) o n tu esday said a code white alert is in effect until January 10, 2024 for the celebration of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno.

“Ang alertong ito ay nagsisiguro na ang lahat ng itinalagang medical personnel, kagamitan, at pasilidad sa NCR (National Capital Region) a t mga karatig rehiyon gaya ng Central Luzon at Calabarzon a y nakaantabay upang mabilis na tumugon sa mga emerhensiya o insidenteng may kaugnayan sa kalusugan sa panahon ng malaking pagtitipong panrelihiyon. [ t h is alert would ensure that designated medical personnel, equipment, and facilities in the NCR and neighboring regions like Central Luzon and Calabarzon are on standby to quickly respond to health-related emergencies during the religious procession],” according to a news release on tu esday.

t h e DO h is scheduled to deploy medical teams and health stations along key areas of the tr aslacion procession route on January 9, including Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, SM Manila, ay ala Bridge, P. Casal Street and Quinta Market. It added that 201 personnel from the h e alth Emergency Response te am of 20 DO h hospitals in Metro Manila, including Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center,to ndo Medical Center and Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial ho spital in Manila and East av enue Medical Center in Quezon City, will be assigned to provide medical support.

Key roles Pa R t N ER a gencies such as the Metro Manila Development a ut hority (MMDa ), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, National Capital Region Police Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard and Metro Manila Center for h e alth Development will play key roles in ensuring coordinated and effective health responses.

h e alth stations installed along the tr aslacion route will provide basic and advanced care, with ambulances on standby.

for millions of Filipino devotees.

t h e DO h is committed to ensuring the health and safety of everyone],” h e alth Secretary te odoro h e rbosa said.

Quirino Grandstand inspection M MDa officials, headed by Chair Don a r tes, inspected Quirino Grandstand where the traditional “pahalik” (veneration by kissing or touching the image) began tuesday.

t h e MMDa placed plastic barricades to ensure orderliness of the queue and tents to serve as shade for the devotees.

Emergency response is on standby for those who’ll be needing immediate medical attention.

Security cameras are also installed around the areas where the procession will pass to monitor traffic situations and ensure peace and order, in cooperation with the police.

“We have deployed 1,200 personnel for the procession alone, including those who are tasked to maintain the cleanliness of the road right after the procession passes through a certain route,” a r tes said. a r tes assured that clearing and cleaning operations are being undertaken to eliminate not just illegally parked vehicles but also trash and other obstructions in the road.

“We appeal to our kababayans [countrymen] not to throw trash which can cause injury or harm fellow devotees who will join the procession on t hursday, especially since majority of them join the tr aslacion barefoot,” he said in a news release.

t h e number coding scheme will be suspended in Manila on the feast day, declared a special nonworking holiday.

t he MMDa also advised rerouting for affected motorists:

Light vehicles

C OM ING from the south (Roxas Boulevard and ta ft av enues), take United Nations av enue, straight to Nagtahan Street-(Paz Guanzon Street (Otis), left to Mabini Bridge towards Magsaysay Boulevard and Lacson av enue to destination and vice versa.

NCD cases

B A S e D o n the DOH’s latest report, a total of 300 NCDs were recorded during the holiday celebrations.

t h e DOH said that there were 146 stroke cases logged, 74 acute coronary syndrome, and 80 bronchial asthma cases from December 22, 2024 to January 2, 2025. Health Secretary te odoro Herbosa reminded the public to always stay disciplined and avoid stress, noting that the solution to NCDs is lifestyle change.

t h is can be achieved by avoiding smoking, harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets.

Exercise, diet

tH e D OH encouraged the public to always exercise and maintain low fat and low salt diet.

“You can never be wrong with Go, Grow, and Glow foods as a guide whatever you are going to eat,” the DOH said.

G o foods like rice, bread, noodles, pasta, and corn give us energy. Other go foods include root crops like sweet potato, cassava, and potato. Sugars and jams, oil, margarine and butter that make our food tasty give energy as well.

Grow foods build and repair body tissues that make children grow tall. Grow foods also make the muscles strong.

e x amples of grow foods are meat and meat products, chicken and other poultry products, fish and seafood, milk and dairy products, beans and nuts, and eggs.

Glow foods, like fruits and vegetables help regulate body processes by providing vitamins and minerals.

Glow foods give us fiber that makes our digestive system healthy. However, other than these food groups, the intake of water is also necessary. Water and other beverages also regulate body processes as they play an important role in digestion, absorption, metabolism, transport, and utilization of nutrients.

Tetanus

Like W i S e, t he DOH urged those who were injured by firecrackers to go to the doctor immediately to prevent tetanus.

Minor injuries caused by firecrackers should not be disregarded, the DOH said. te tanus is a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated as the bacteria can enter the body through a wound or a cut in the skin.

t he DOh also encouraged devotees to refrain from attending the tr aslacion if they are feeling unwell or showing symptoms such as cough and colds, to prevent worsening their conditions and spreading virus.

It also emphasized the importance of following health and safety precautions during the event, recommending frequent drinking of water to stay hydrated, wearing comfortable clothing, and limiting prolonged exposure to the heat to avoid heatstroke and other heatrelated illnesses.

“Ang taunang Traslacion ay panata na ng milyun-milyong mga Pilipinong deboto. Kasama niyo ang DOh sa pagtitiyak ng maayos na kalusugan at kaligtasan ng lahat. [t h e yearly tr anslacion is a sacred tradition

Noming from the north ( Malabon-Navotas and Port a r ea), take a nd a Circle then take Soriano av enue (Intramuros), Magallanes Drive towards Chinatown Trucks

G OI NG t o North h a rbor from SLEX, straight ahead to Osmeña h i way then right turn to Quirino av enue, straight to Nagtahan Street, going to Lacson av enue, left to Yuseco Street, and straight ahead to Capulong Street. Right turn or turn left to R-10 Road to destination.

tr ucks coming from Parañaque area, right to Quirino av enue to Mabini Bridge, then Lacson ave nue to destination. Same route may be utilized by going to south. Marita Moaje, PNA

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderateintensity aerobic exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise, per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week. r e member, it’s never too late to start. e v en small changes, like taking the stairs or going for a walk during lunch breaks, can make a big difference.

thirties and beyond.

2. Adopt a balanced diet. e n tering your 30s marks a pivotal phase where maintaining a balanced diet is paramount. During this decade, metabolism slows down, making weight management more challenging. f u rther, the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers starts to elevate.

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides essential nutrients to support optimal health and mitigate these risks. i t ’s also high time to limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol intake.

3. Schedule regular wellness check-ups. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear; have regular check-ups with your doctor to detect potential health issues early on. Advanced detection and prevention of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers are crucial for your longterm well-being. By scheduling routine check-ups, you can establish a baseline for your health, identify potential risk factors, and receive personalized guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Discuss with your healthcare provider all the necessary screenings and tests appropriate for your age and risk factors.

1.Maintain physical activity. Staying physically active in your 30s is crucial for long-term health and well-being. While life often gets busier with career and family commitments, prioritizing exercise is an investment in your future self. r e gular physical activity reduces the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. i t a lso helps maintain a healthy weight, improves mental health, and boosts energy levels.

Studies show that individuals who prioritize a balanced diet in their thirties experience improved energy levels, enhanced cognitive function, and a reduced likelihood of developing chronic illnesses later in life.

t h e easiest way to ensure regular exercise is to find physical activities you enjoy, whether it’s dancing, swimming, hiking, or cycling. Make them a part of your routine to ensure a healthy and active lifestyle in your

4. Prioritize vaccinations and health screenings. Vaccinations are not just for children; adults need routine vaccinations, too. t h e HPV vaccine, for example, is recommended for men and women up to age 26. i t ’s a highly tolerated and effective way

Taking charge of your health Y O u r 30s are a time of empowerment and self-discovery. ta ke charge of your health by making informed decisions and prioritizing preventive measures. ta lk to your healthcare provider about routine vaccinations, health screenings, and other preventive health strategies. e v en in your 30s, it’s never too late to start investing in a healthier and happier you.

t h is is an educational message provided by MSD Philippines. to earn more about how you can protect yourself from HPV and cervical cancer, visit https:// guardagainsthpv.ph/ today.

while adulting: 4 strategies to level up your health and well-being to protect yourself against certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that may cause cervical cancer and other types of HPV-related cancers. Cervical cancer is one of only two preventable cancers out there. As such, getting the HPV vaccine is a good investment towards helping prevent cervical cancer. i t ’s easier than ever to secure HPV vaccines. t h ey are usually available in hospitals and clincis with obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN e ) departments. f o r office girls on the go, the most convenient way to secure an HPV vaccine is through a local pharmacy near you. r e gular health screenings, on the other hand, are like a check-up for your body. t h ey allow healthcare professionals to detect potential health issues early on, when they are often most treatable. Depending on your risk factors, healthcare providers may recommend early screenings for different types of cancer, such as breast, cervical, colorectal, and skin cancer. i n your 30s, early screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels are vital in identifying risk factors related to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. f o r women, regular health screenings may also include pap smears and breast exams.

Radenta, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Manila Forge Partnership for internship program

RADENTA Technologies, one of the country’s leading solutions integrators recently established its first ever internship program with San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Manila.

The partnership was signed by Radenta’s People Growth and Empowerflex Workforce Director, Rachelle Christina V. Macabali, CMC®, CHRP® and San Sebastian College Recoletos’ Vice President for Academics and Research, Catherine Q. Castañeda, PhD.

The program is a step-up from the standard on-the-job training in college level education. The tie-up involves students from the College of Accountancy, Business Administration and Computer Studies.

The on-premise training aims to provide students with insights on dayto-day scenarios like how to prepare and

conduct presentations, how to deal with client concerns, problem solving and other intricacies that come with running a tech-focused business with real world IT projects. They will be assisted by a dedicated team from Radenta’s marketing, sales, and technology departments.

An institutional objective of San Sebastian College is to produce academically, and technologically competent graduates equipped with knowledge and skills that empower them to face the challenges of the time. Another is to nurture the leadership qualities and professionalism of students to make them ready for the demands of the

local and global communities.

Radenta is steadily pushing technological advancements in the field of education. It is one of the very few in the country that offers solutions to improve teaching and learning.

“We believe that Radenta can provide the

Make the Freelancer Life Work for You (and Your Wallet) with Maya

REELANCING is all about freedom.

FYou set your schedule, choose the projects you love, and call the shots in your career. Whether you’re crafting creative masterpieces, solving tech challenges, or collaborating on global contracts, being your own boss is empowering. But with great freedom comes great financial responsibility and that’s where Maya comes in.

As the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines Maya is built for ambitious go-getters like you. With smart tools to manage, grow, and protect your money, Maya ensures your finances keep pace with your hustle, no matter how high you set your goals. Getting paid shouldn’t mean giving up a chunk of your hard-earned money. That’s why Maya offers free PayPal transfers, so you can access your earnings instantly without deductions or delays. To sweeten the deal, Maya gives you P250 cashback

when you transfer at least P15,000 from PayPal. It’s Maya’s way of helping you keep more of what you’ve work so hard to earn.

Your freelance income deserves to grow.

With Maya Savings, you can earn up to 15% interest per annum, turning your holiday payouts into extra income, up to P1,200 more per month, by simply using Maya to spend and save.

Need a more focused savings plan?

Take advantage of Maya’s Personal Goals, where you can create up to five mini savings accounts, each earning up to six percent interest per annum until January 31, perfect for saving for everything on your list.

If you’re looking at growing your funds further, Maya’s Time Deposit Plus offers interest rates as high as 5.75 percent, with flexible terms of three, six, or 12 months, so your money can grow while you plan ahead for the season. Saving has never

Celebrating the Elegance of the Finest

EXPERIENCE the finest of Chinese cuisine at Yu Lei, an Okada Manila signature restaurant, with masterfully crafted dishes that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

Under Chef Mikiya Imagawa’s helm, the restaurant has become the place to experience Chinese culinary gems in an elegant flower-themed setting. As part of Okada Manila’s “Beyond Flavors, A Feast for the Soul” campaign, Yu Lei treats guests to unforgettable dining experiences with exquisite flavors that are meant to be celebrated with each bite. With over 35 years of experience,Imagawa transforms the best of Chinese and Shanghainese flavors into gastronomic masterpieces with the most sophisticated techniques. Yu Lei’s menu reflects this dedication to culinary perfection with dishes such as the Chef’s Choice Platter, featuring seven kinds of appetizers, and Goldfishshaped Shrimp Dumplings. Both are crafted to tantalize the palate with diverse flavors and textures and served with its distinctive flair. The Steamed Seafood Dumpling Soup is also a must-try with its rich broth and a plump seafood dumpling filled with sundried scallops, select fresh seafood, and tender Jinhua ham.

been this rewarding (or easy)!

This season is all about giving, but it’s also about enjoying the fruits of your labor.

Whether you’re shopping for gifts, paying bills, or treating yourself, every P1,000 you spend with Maya automatically gives you a shot at winning P1 million in cashback. It’s your chance to turn your holiday spending into something even bigger—so make those transactions count and let Maya reward you for your hard work.

Need a boost to upgrade your workfrom-home setup? Thinking of taking a course to sharpen your skills? Or maybe an unexpected expense came out of nowhere?

With Maya Easy Credit, there’s no need to dip into your hard-earned savings during emergencies. It offers you quick access to funds without the need for collateral or extra paperwork. Its financial flexibility is designed to support your goals and keep your savings intact, because you’ve worked too hard for every peso to let it slip away.

Freelancing is about freedom, and Maya makes sure your finances align with that. It’s an all-in-one platform for managing your earnings, growing your savings, and accessing credit. No more jumping between apps or worrying about financial tools that aren’t built for you—Maya puts everything you need in one place.

To know more visit maya.ph and mayabank.ph, and stay updated by following @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Chinese Cuisine at Okada Manila’s Yu Lei

Showcasing Yu Lei’s

sauce;

and the Crispy Sweet and Sour Kurobuta Pork in Three Types of Vinegar that highlights nuanced flavors of the three vinegars, adding a depth of flavor to the crisp and succulent Kurobuta Pork. A fine meal is made more enjoyable in Yu Lei’s elegant setting. Taking inspiration from the grace and beauty of delicate blooms, the restaurant has several private dining rooms are accentuated with different floral designs, giving guests a sense of calm tranquility as they dine.

As one of over 40 dining options available at Okada Manila, Yu Lei provides diners with unforgettable dining experiences that become extraordinary memories. Each dish is a celebration of exquisite flavors that nourish both body and soul, best enjoyed with good company. Through the “Beyond Flavors, A Feast for the Soul” campaign, Okada Manila continues to set the standards for exemplary fine dining and highlights the transformative power of food made with passion and care.

For more information about the campaign, visit https://www.okadamanila. com/beyond-flavors-a-feast-for-the-soul. For inquiries and reservations, email RestaurantReservation@okadamanila.com or call +632 8555 5799.

professional mentorship that the students at San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Manila deserve,” said IT Program Chair Agnes V. Bernal. We see this agreement as only the first step in shaping our future tech leaders.

The structured internship program is a

stand-alone offering of Radenta. No product purchase is required.

To know how your school can avail itself of a tech-focused internship, call Radenta at 0908-814-7059, email info@radenta.com or visit www.radenta.com.

THE Quezon City Government and Globe at Home joined hands in advocating ecological preservation and sustainability at the first QC Eco-run held on November 24, 2024, at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Dubbed the premier straight run, more than 6,000 runners committed themselves as eco-warriors as they traversed the Quezon Avenue-EDSA underpass in a historic gathering that marked the beginning of a healthier lifestyle. The event fostered camaraderie as families, friends, and co-workers connected as they carried out this fitness initiative.

In line with the activity, Globe at Home reiterated its commitment to sustainability with essential, reliable, and fast connectivity for today’s lifestyle. The brand breaks new ground with a first-of-its-kind product for prepaid fiber customers, offering the flexibility to

BINGOPLUS , your comprehensive digital entertainment platform in the country, has always been supportive of Chelsea Manalo since she was pre-competing for the Miss Universe 2024. As she brought home the historic title of Miss Universe Asia, the brand formally welcomed her to the Philippines.

BingoPlus held Manalo’s homecoming presscon on December 14, 2024, at the Empire Studio. Manalo graced the event with her stunning green dress that complimented her perfectly.

In an interview with BingoPlus, Manalo expressed her appreciation for the brand. She is grateful for how they have gone a long way in showing her great support before, during, and even after the Miss Universe competition.

“I want to say thank you so much to BingoPlus, kasi I already felt na I was home, hindi ako mag-isa. I had so much support when knew they were flying in there to support me, to have a watch-party pa dito sa Philippines. So, thank you so much for giving that opportunity, for everyone here in the Philippines to watch with me or watch with them kung ano yung nangyayari sa Miss Universe. So, all throughout I never felt like I was alone, think I have always been open to my story na I don’t have so much resources. But with BingoPlus, you have all the capabilities that you can have, so I am forever grateful.” Manalo said.

When asked about memories during the competition, she highlighted that being able to stand on stage and represent the country made her feel powerful. According to her, the send-off party is her most memorable memory with the brand, because she

double their internet speeds to up to 100 Mbps.

“Globe at Home understands how essential, reliable, and fast connectivity is for today’s lifestyles,” said Abigail Cardino, VP and Head of Brand Management for Globe’s Broadband Business. “With the GFiber Prepaid speed boost, we’re offering our customers the freedom to increase their internet speeds without being tied to a contract. This proves our commitment to providing accessible, flexible, high-quality internet that adapts to the needs of Filipino households.” For its part, the Quezon City Government led by Mayor Joy Belmonte stayed true to its promise to protect the environment by recycling all the tarpaulins used in the event via their “Tarp-cycling” program. They further bolstered their commitment by distributing vegetable

RADENTA Technologies representatives with officials from San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Manila.

Eco-warriors Unite with Globe at Home during QC Eco Run

Yu Lei’s Chef’s Choice 7 types appetizers that are crafted to perfection with its diverse flavors and textures.

Physical therapy is ‘the best-kept secret in health care’

By Stephen Wade The Associated Press

IF you think physical therapy is only about rehabilitation after surgery or recovering from an accident, think again. For the vast majority, seeing a physical therapist should be about prevention, routine assessment and staying well.

“We’re the best-kept secret in health care,” Sharon Dunn, the past president of the American Physical Therapy Association, told The Associated Press.

Roger Herr, the current president of the APTA, and Gammon Earhart, associate dean for physical therapy at the medical school at Washington University in St. Louis, echoed Dunn’s prevention message in separate interviews with the AP.

“We need to change our image by getting out of our silos, out of our brick-and-mortar clinics,” said Dunn, who teaches at LSU.

The image of the profession tends to be onedimensional. You’ve had knee surgery, your back keeps acting up or you’re injured and you’ve been referred by a physician to a physical therapist.

You go several times, you get an evaluation and you’re discharged with exercises to do and advice about how to move more efficiently.

“That’s a big chunk of what physical therapists do,” Earhart said. “But I think a lot of people don’t understand. They think when they have a major medical problem that a physical therapist is going to massage them until they feel better. That’s not what it is.”

FOLLOW THE DENTAL MODEL

MANY in the profession favor thinking of physical therapists the way we do dentists; patients make appointments for regular exams.

“Even if you’re not having any problem, you go in and have everything checked out,” Earhart said. “If there’s any problems that seem to be brewing, you head them off at the pass.”

An exam could include health history and current health—physical activity, sleep, nutrition, etc. This would be followed by a look at how you’re moving. It might include things like postural alignment and movement patterns as you walk, run, reach, sit and stand. In terms of strength and flexibility, think muscle imbalances.

Herr is a big backer of annual wellness visits. For all ages.

“Physical therapists can fit into all parts of the spectrum,” Herr said. “It can be for the young, emerging athletes or high-end athletes, or someone who wants to age well and be as functional and independent as possible.”

THINK PREVENTION

YOU can now visit a physical therapist in all 50 states without needing a referral from a physician or surgeon. That’s the good news.

“I just don’t think the public knows they can go to a physical therapist without a physician’s referral,” Dunn said.

The bad news for an annual exam might be the price tag. These preventative visits are not usually covered by insurance. Earhart estimated such a visit in the Midwest might cost $150 out of pocket. But an intervention like this might save expenses—and add healthy years—in the long run.

Herr, who is based in New York, suggested a cost of $200 to $300 in a more expensive part of the country.

“Surgery and accidents can still happen, but generally you’re on top of things with these visits,” Earhart said. “I think if people understood more that the way they move might be setting them up for a problem down the line, they’d be much more inclined

HAVE you ever felt the thrill of discovering a hidden gem in a Gashapon Station? Yes, those capsule vending machines offer miniature figures and pop culture trinkets that bring joy to collectors worldwide. There’s a good chance that both the machine and the collectibles you’re getting were made by Bandai Namco Philippines Inc. (BNPI), a company based in Batangas that’s shaping the global capsule toys and capsule toys vending machine industry. For the uninitiated, “Gashapon” is a Bandai capsule toy brand sold through Gashapon Station (the brand’s capsule vending machine). Established in 2012, BNPI has innovated and become the world’s leading capsule toys vending machine producer of Gashapon Station with over 80 to 90% of production share. BNPI’s machines are the backbone of the capsule toy craze.

In 2023, BNPI experienced a notable boost in capsule vending machine production and distribution, which resulted in further expansion

architecture and so forth. It might be useful to evaluate children early to decide what sports or activities suit them. Testing beforehand to avoid a problem later is the perfect job for a physical therapist.

“If we screened kids as they were choosing sports and said this sport is probably not the right kind of stress for the way you are put together, it could save a lot pain and problems down the line,” Earhart said.

“Maybe they don’t have the hips for ballet.”

Distance runners should think this way. Some are built more efficiently to avoid injuries despite pouring on the miles or kilometers. Others are not, and it would be good to know in advance.

FEAR OF FALLING

FALLING—and the fear of falling—is debilitating for the aging population. Herr said physical therapists can help with relatively simple interventions.

“You want to show people they can get back up if they fall,” Herr said. “And once they know they can do it, it gives them confidence and it can help reduce the fear of falling. One of the risks of falling is that people don’t do anything, so you don’t move and therefore you become more out of shape and not as functional.”

in 2024. These machines are more than just vending devices—they’re gateways to a world of excitement where collectors chase and discover unique, limited-edition toys.

BNPI’s success is a testament to the ingenuity and passion of its Filipino workforce.

The company’s Batangas facility is equipped with advanced manufacturing resources, but it’s the people who truly make BNPI special.

A large team of dedicated employees works tirelessly to bring the magic of capsule toys and Gashapon Station to life. Their creativity and commitment are evident in every product they create—from the eye-catching vending machines to the delightful mini figures and novelty toys enclosed in plastic capsules.

“Our mission extends beyond manufacturing toys,” says BNPI senior manager Arvin Salud. “Every Gashapon Station we create is a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship, designed not just to meet expectations but to spark joy and inspire fans around the globe.”

Herr noted that “floor to stand” movements involve

on the floor to stand,” Herr said. “But it’s a great exercise for all age groups.”

ISSUES WITH WEIGHT

EARHART estimated that perhaps 50 percent of physical therapy patients are there because of issues related to being overweight.

“Somebody does not have to be morbidly obese for their weight to be affecting their movement,” she said. “The more weight somebody is carrying, the higher the loads are on their joints.”

Earhart said she sees patients for “prehab” for weight-loss surgery known as bariatric surgery, also known as gastric bypass. This involves the digestive system to limit how much patients can eat, or the ability of take in calories.

The surgery can also involve rehab visits.

Herr said he’s watched obese patients drop weight. It can be a question of motivation, though it’s not always that straightforward.

“I have seen people change based on a milestone, like having a kid and they really want to be a good parent,” Herr said. “They want to be a fit parent, and the same thing with a grandparent. So that motivates people to engage because of a lifestyle change.” n

For employees, working at BNPI is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to be part of something special.

As Ivy, a senior planning supervisor, says, “The Bandai Namco Philippines company has given me the chance to turn my passion into a career. The company’s culture of creativity and collaboration makes every day exciting and fulfilling.”

Gashapon Station has become more than just vending devices; they represent a cultural phenomenon that transcends age, gender, and nationality.

Beyond creating fun and innovative products, BNPI is also committed to making a positive impact on the environment. The company’s dedication to sustainability is evident in its various initiatives, including: recycling programs, where BNPI actively encourages consumers to recycle used capsules, contributing to a circular economy and reducing waste; and using sustainable

Metrobank Foundation kicks off 2025 search for exemplary public servants

METROBANK Foundation (MBFI) officially launched the search for 2025 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos during a ceremony held on December 6, 2024, at the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Bulwagan ng Karunungan in Pasig City. The event, attended by officials from DepEd, Commission on Higher Education, Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, Philippine Savings Bank, and other government and private institutions, also commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program.

The gathering included the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between DepEd and MBFI, reinforcing their continued partnership in recognizing the exceptional contributions of basic education teachers. Representatives from program partners, the Rotary Club of Makati Metro and Rotary Club of New Manila East, were also present to mark the occasion.

The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos annually honors the dedication and excellence of four Filipino teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers. These public servants, through their professional service and tireless efforts in their communities, set a benchmark for others to follow. With the theme “Beyond Excellence,” the program celebrates exemplary individuals whose contributions go beyond the ordinary, inspiring a broader impact for the nation.

The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, hailed as the country’s most esteemed career-service recognition, provide a cash prize of P1 million (net of tax), a Medallion of Excellence, and “The Flame” trophy—a symbol of the awardees’ unwavering commitment to service.

Guided by the vision of the late Metrobank founder Dr. George S.K. Ty, the Metrobank Foundation has consistently recognized the profound contributions of the three sectors that uphold and strengthen society.

In his opening remarks, MBFI president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña emphasized the significance of the program in honoring public servants who exemplify passion and dedication to their work.

“As we mark this historic four decade-milestone of recognizing exemplary public servants, let us recommit ourselves to celebrating excellence for 40 more years and beyond. Together, the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos will continue to honor those who give their all to build brighter, stronger communities for the Filipinos,” he said.

To qualify for the award, nominees must meet the following criteria: Values, Service, and Community. Teachers, soldiers, and police officers who have demonstrated exemplary citizenship, public service, and a positive influence on their communities are eligible for nomination. The deadline for the submission of nominations will be on January 17, 2025. For more details on the award and to access nomination forms, visit the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Facebook page or www. mbfoundation.org.ph/outstanding-filipinos.

PHOTO BY ANNIE SPRATT ON UNSPLASH

Obiena falls to No. 4, eyes major comeback Sports

By Josef Ramos

TWO-TIME Olympian Ernest John “EJ” Obiena fell to No. 4 in the January men’s pole vault world rankings after shadowing the sport’s wonder kind Armand Duplantis at second spot for more than a year.

But he’s not bothered.

“That

All I can do is bounce back,” said Obiena, who remained Asia’s best

vaulter though despite his ordeal with stress fracture in his spine last year.

“I am leaving those memories behind by focusing on getting back

Indoor golf league in loud, swift debut tourney in Florida

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Florida—Ludvig Aberg will be the answer to a trivia question: He made the first birdie in TGL history.

A nd with that, the indoor golf competition that Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy had envisioned for years was finally underway.

TGL had its debut match Tuesday night, with Rickie Fowler, Matt Fitzpatrick and Xander Schauffele of New York Golf Club taking on Shane Lowry, Wyndham Clark and Aberg of The Bay Golf Club in the opener.

The 15-hole match took just under two hours, which is exactly how TGL envisioned this to work. Final score: The Bay 9, New York 2.

“The last time I’ve had that much fun was probably last September,” Lowry said, turning toward Clark as he said that—the obvious reference being how he and Aberg were part of the European Ryder Cup team that beat Clark and the United States in the fall of 2023.

Yes, trash talk is part of TGL as well—even among teammates.

“L ook, I had an amazing two hours,” Lowry said.

Lowry struck the first shot at 9:15 p.m. Four minutes later, the first hole in TGL history was complete when Aberg rolled in a 9-footer for the first point in league play. Yes, it moves that quickly.

“This was just a dream conjured up,” Woods said on the ESPN broadcast.

“Rory and I were talking about it; it’s hard to believe that dream came into reality and we were able to take golf into another stratosphere, really.” Woods and McIlroy—part of the brain trust that put together this venture—were there, as expected. DJ Khaled was there too, milling about while players were warming up, showing off his swing with an imaginary club.

The venue is a 250,000-square-foot facility at Palm Beach State College.

Players hit some shots into a video screen, some off real grass, some off turf, and the bunkers are not just real sand— it’s sand from Augusta National Golf Club, the same sand Woods has at his home practice facility. It’s super-hightech, with data collected off every shot.

“Nobody had more fun than us,” Clark said.

P layers wore microphones, there were betting options and fans surrounded the “course” in an intimate arena where music blared and noise was welcomed. A glorified man cave in a way,” Fowler said. AP

and training,” said the world No. 2 for for 13 months and 15 days behind the seemingly unbeatable Duplantis, the world and Olympic champion and world record holder.

A merican Sam Kendricks, who won silver behind Duplantis at the Olympics last year, and Greek Emmanouil Karalis, who got bronze also in Paris, occupied the Nos. 2 and 3 places in the rankings. “ They deserve it and I’m really happy for them,” the 29-year-old two-time Asian champion and Asian Games gold winner of his friends, Kendricks and Karalis. “Huge congratulations to them, and I am looking forward to facing them in the competitions ahead.”

Obiena’s presently in Saudi

JBy Aldrin Quinto

APAN’S Aguri Iwasaki is set for a homecoming when he sees action in the Philippine Open at the Manila Southwoods in Carmona, Cavite. Champion of the Japan Open in 2023 and No. 20 on the prestigious Japan Golf Tour, Iwasaki has confirmed his participation in the Philippine Open starting on January 23 as a direct invite of the Manila Southwoods. Iwasaki previously represented the Manila Southwoods and helped lead the club to two titles in the Philippine Airlines Interclub, the country’s premier amateur team golf championship.

“He’s coming home, sort of,” Jerome Delariarte, former national player and now Manila Southwoods Assistant General Manager, said of the 27-year-old Iwasaki, who also has status on the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour.

“He’s very excited to come over and play here again, and playing the Open at that,” Delariarte said. “He’s going to be one of the players to watch that week, for sure.”

The Philippine Open will be held for the first time

Arabia for a few days of training and conditioning with Arabian pole vaulter Hussain Al-Hizam, his training partner who’s also under the care of Ukrainian coach Vitaly Petrov.

The 2024 world championships silver medalist will return to Padua in Italy to prepare for the new indoor season that opens later this month in Germany.

“ We’re still in the process of completing our calendar for this year,” said Obiena who added that he’s fully recovered from the spine injury.

O biena became world No. 2 in July 2023 when he joined the elite 6.0 meters club in the Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway, a month before qualifying for his second Olympics by clearing the 5.82-meters standard in Bauhaus-Galan in Sweden.

He was fourth in Paris and dropped to No. 3 before dropping one rung down to start the new year.

O n tap for Obiena this year besides a series of indoor tournaments are the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, in March,cAsian Championships in Gumi, South Korea, in May, and the World Championships in Tokyo in September.

He’s expected to cap the year by defending his title at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December.

since 2019 and returns to the Asian Tour calendar after last being part of the program in 2015.

Philippine Open titlists Miguel Tabuena and Angelo Que along with fellow Asian Tour player Justin Quiban head the local charge in the $500,000 72-hole championship at the world-class Masters course.

Also among the players to watch is young Sean Jean Ramos, who recently earned his Asian Tour card through qualifying.

Mars Pucay and James Ryan Lam topped the Philippine Open qualifying at the Canlubang Golf and Country Club in Laguna last week as Enrico Gallardo and Joey Huerva took the next two spots to make it to the field in the kickoff leg of the 2025 Asian Tour.

More berths will be at stake on Sunday in an 18-hole qualifying among club members

and accredited pros, with the number of open slots now three after Japanbased pro Juvic Pagunsan declined an invitation by the club.

Rianne Malixi, No. 3 on the women’s amateur golf rankings, has also accepted an invite to the tournament that has on its entry list 2024 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner and Player of the Year John Catlin of the US, 2022 Asian Tour top earner Sihwan Kim of the US, Indonesia Open champion Steve Lewton of England, and Suteepat Prateeptienchai of Thailand, winner of the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship and Taiwan Glass Taifong Open.

Iwasaki was part of a formidable Southwoods trio along with now-PGA Tour star Tom Kim and DP World Tour standout Yuto Katsuragawa, who had to beg off because of prior commitments in the former European Tour.

“Aguri has got a well-rounded game, definitely one that

can win a tournament as big as the Open,” Delariarte said. Iwasaki won the Japan Open by two shots over Japanese superstar Ryo Ishikawa. The 27-year-old is also campaigning on the premier US PGA Tour.

PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino will momentarily weave beyond the confines of sports in an effort to help solve the murder of obstacle sports racing (OCR) champion Mervin Guarte as soon as possible.

“I’m hoping that the crime would be solved soon,” said Tolentino on Wednesday, adding he’ll be reaching out to Calapan City Mayor Malou FloresMorillo and Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Hyn Dolor.

“I’ll reach out to them,” said Tolentino, who’s also the mayor of Tagaytay City and was a House representative for Cavite’s Eighth District.

“He’s [Guarte] is a big loss to Philippine sports, for obstacle sports racing and athletics in particular,” said Tolentino as he expressed grief to the Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation, whose president Atty. Al Agra, was appointed as head of the arbitration committee of the POC also on Tuesday, and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association, where Guarte started his career as a national athlete.

SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday expressed deep grief over the murder of obstacle sports racing champion Mervin Guarte at dawn Tuesday in Calapan City.

“I am d eeply saddened by the tragic passing of Mervin Guarte, a young man who brought pride to our nation as a gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games and who served with honor as an Airman First Class in the Philippine Air Force,” Cayetano said in a statement.

“This senseless act of violence has taken away a talented athlete and a dedicated serviceman

Snake year sports

HAPPY New Year, everyone! We’re now at the tail end of Dragon Year 2024, and we can already hear the hiss of the incoming Year of the Snake. Snakes are in for a glistening year, so the likes of Junemar Fajardo (born 1989), Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao (born 2001) can expect to glitter and shine. Snake athletes are supposed to be “enigmatic, intelligent, intuitive” and “hate to fail.” They act “based on their observation and intuition.”

Sounds like Junemar, Carl and KQ, right? Like Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Paul Lee, Poy Erram, Justin Chua, Chris Banchero, too.

But will the Year of the Wooden Snake be a good year for sports? We-ell, according to Chinese zodiac sages, not particularly so. The Snake brings “wisdom, transformation, calmness and creativity,” and sports is anything but calm. But hey, the sporting cup runneth over just the same. International sports and Philippine sports will amuse us in 2025. Although it‘s not an Olympic year, qualifying events are going to pop up here and there to get our adrenaline flowing. Here are world sporting events to watch out for this year: The Australian Open happens first on January 12 to 26 at Melbourne Park, with Novak Djokovic setting his sights on winning a Grand Slam this year. Will he get past world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who is a Snake, by the way, born August 16, 2001? Aryna Sabalenka will try to conquer the Open for the third straight year.

In February comes Super Bowl LIX to the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The Kansas City Chiefs anchored on Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes will also try for a third straight Vince Lombardi trophy. If they win again, they will make history as the first team to win three-straight in the Super Bowl era. Hip-hop megastar Kendrick Lamar performs at halftime.

March will delight Formula One fans as the F1 World Championships unwrap on March 14. The action goes all the way to December, but there’s something unusual this time. Lewis Hamilton will be driving a Ferrari.

In April, The Masters happens in Augusta, with Scottie Schaeffer looking to win also a third title. This Masters will be one to watch as 67-year old Bernhard Langer competes for the last time. Ready the tissue please.

The first Andy Murray-less Wimbledon follows in June.

In September, the Ryder Cup swings out of Bethpage Black Course in New York, so expect the US side to put up a show. The Europeans, however, expect to duplicate their 2023 win at Marco Simone in Rome. C loser to the heart, our women’s futsal team—the Pinays—will compete for Asian Football Confederation Women’s Futsal Asian Cup qualification in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, this Saturday. If they win, they will go on to play in the Asia Cup in China in May. The Asia Cup is a qualifier for the first FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup that will take place here in November.

O ur Philippine Curling Team that made history at the Pan-Continental Curling Championships in Canada last November will compete in the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, starting February 7. They will pass through

Jerry Alcayde, a former newsman from Manila now based in his home province Oriental Mindoro, relayed to BusinessMirror also on Wednesday that Calapan City Police chief Lt. Col. Roden Fulache announced that they have already identified one person of interest (POI).

The POI, according to Fulache, was not among those whom Guarte had a drinking session with the night before his fatal stabbing at the house of the victim’s friend, Barangay Councilor Dante Albo Abel, in Sitio Pinagkaisahan in Barangay Camilmil in Calapan. F lores-Morillo also expressed her sympathy with the family of the victim as she joined them and fellow Mindoreños in seeking justice for Guarte, who a was part of the gold medal-winning men’s relay team of OCR in the Cambodia 2023 Southeast Asian Games.

Owner of silver medals in the 1,500 and 800 meters as a track athlete in the 2011 SEA Games in Indonesia, Guarte was stabbed while sleeping in the sala of Abel’s home after a night of drinking. G uarte, an Airman First Class at the Philippine Air Force, is from Naujan and not Bongabong town also in Oriental Mindoro as earlier reported. Josef Ramos

a pre-qualifier in October, join the Pan Continental Curling Championship in Canada come November, then the Olympic Qualifier in December, in a still undetermined location. The Philippines will send 20 athletes to the February Winter Games. Gilas

AGURI IWASAKI