THE easing of inflation in February gives the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) more elbow room to resume its rate-cutting cycle in its next meeting in April, according to economists.
Inflation cooled to 2.1 percent in February 2025, from 2.9 percent in January 2025 and 3.4 percent in February 2024. It is also the lowest recorded inflation rate since September 2024’s 1.9 percent. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/03/05/ inflation-drops-to-2-1-in-feblowest-in-5-months-psa/).
With the inflation print falling
below the BSP’s forecast range of 2.2 to 3 percent, Citi economist Nalin Chutchotitham said the central bank could resume cutting interest rates by a total of 75 basis points this year—25 bps each in April, August and December, respectively. This would bring down key policy rates to 5 percent.
“In terms of monetary policy conditions, things were still somewhat tight last year, despite the three policy rate cuts by the BSP last year,” Chutchotitham said in a press chat on Thursday.
She said another two 25-bps cut is expected to be delivered by the BSP in 2026, which will reduce key policy rates to 4.50 percent.
The central bank, despite being cautious amid various global
uncertainties, could resume the reduction of interest rates in April as inflation is expected to settle at around the middle of its target due to lower tariffs on food imports, according to Chutchotitham. She said bringing down interest rates down to 5 percent will allow the economy to grow to its potential, which is estimated at around 6 percent. However, “there are still a lot of things to consider. Surprises can happen on both upside and downside,” Chutchotitham added. With a “surprising” inflation in February 2025, she said Citi adjusted its inflation forecast for the Philippines to 2.6 percent from 3.2 percent in 2025.
HOLIDAY HIRING FADES;
JAN JOBLESS RATE RISES
By
THE labor market in the Philippines saw an uptick in unemployment and underemployment in January this year following the end of seasonal jobs from the holiday period, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The Labor Force Survey (LFS) showed that the unemployment rate rose to 4.3 percent, or 2.16 million Filipinos, from 3.1 percent (1.63 million) in December 2024. However, it was slightly lower than the 4.5 percent (2.16 million) recorded in January 2024.
Underemployment, representing those employed but seeking additional work, also climbed to 13.3 percent (6.47 million) in January from 10.9 percent (5.48 million) in December 2024. It was also slightly down from the 13.7 percent (6.30 million) recorded in the same month last year.
Assistant national statistician Divina Gracia del Prado on Thursday attributed these shifts to seasonal employment trends, particularly in industries that ramp up hiring toward the end of the year.
“Even quarter-on-quarter, we observe that employment rates peak around October as manufacturers prepare for increased holiday demand,” del Prado said, partly in Filipino, during the briefing.
Jobs dip in 3 sector concerning REACTING to the PSA presentation, Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the January 2025 LFS “presents a promising outlook for our labor market, reflecting progress in certain areas while also highlighting those in need of focused attention.” However, Laguesma conceded that the jobs decline in certain sectors—manufacturing, professional
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
MORE Japanese firms including Sumitomo Corporation, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, Taiheiyo Cement and Chodai Co., Ltd. have expressed an intent to expand their operations in the Philippines, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
In a statement on Thursday, DTI said Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque met with Sumitomo Corporation’s executives to discuss the company’s “expanding role” in the Philippines’ sustainable industrial transformation and community development.
The DTI said Sumitomo Corporation has announced its intention to “significantly” expand its renewable energy initiatives in the Philippines starting in 2025. DTI highlighted that Sumitomo Corporation is a “significant” player in the Philippines’ infrastructure landscape, particularly through its involvement in the Metro
Manila Subway Project and the MRT Line 3 Maintenance.
Meanwhile, DTI said Fujifilm Holdings Corporation expressed plans to “diversify” its operations at its FUJIFILM Optics Philippines Inc. in Laguna to transform the facility into a regional hub for “sustainability initiatives.”
“This strategic diversification will introduce new business lines focused on sustainable manufacturing practices, positioning the Philippines as a central player in Fujifilm’s regional sustainability strategy,” DTI said. Fujifilm’s initiative will focus on enhancing operational efficiency to reduce its environmental footprint. This facility, DTI noted, will serve as a “pilot project” for Fujifilm’s broader vision of diversifying investments in sustainable technologies and practices.
Currently, Fujifilm’s factory in Laguna produces high-performance optical lenses, critical components for a wide range of devices, including digital cameras, projectors, and surveillance cameras.
Meanwhile, DTI said Chodai Co., Ltd. is “actively” pursuing sustainable business ventures in the Philippines, focusing on clean energy and waste management projects.
Its initiatives include the deployment of zero-initial-cost solar power systems for small-scale resorts and hotels in Palawan.
“This initiative aims to eliminate reliance on diesel power generators, promoting cleaner energy alternatives,” said DTI.
The company also plans to establish a biomass power generation plant in Central Luzon.
Moreover, Chodai is introducing advanced Japanese waste treatment equipment to hospitals in Tarlac.
“This technology utilizes gasification combustion for solid waste and bio-water circulation for liquid waste, ensuring safe and efficient medical waste disposal. In Davao and Mindoro, Chodai is implementing resource recovery and reforestation projects, converting environmental liabilities into sustainable assets,” added DTI.
Secretary Roque said Chodai’s “comprehen-
sive” approach to sustainable development will have a “transformative” impact on communities across the Philippines.
“Their projects in clean energy, waste management, and sustainable industry will drive economic growth while protecting our environment,” Roque noted.
Meanwhile, DTI said Taiheiyo Cement is constructing a distribution terminal in Calaca, Batangas, targeting the Luzon market, which accounts for 64 percent of the country’s cement demand.
“Once operational, this new facility will streamline logistics, optimize supply chain efficiency and ensure timely delivery of cement to this critical region,” said DTI.
“We are forging strong, high-impact partnerships that drive industrial transformation, propel us to the forefront of the global economy, and secure a future where every Filipino benefits from progress, sustainability, and shared prosperity. Through sustainability-driven investments, we are
‘Exporters to US may shift from air to ocean freight’
Dimerco’s Asia Pacific Freight Report for March 2025 noted.
As to Dimerco’s projection for the Philippines, March freight capacity remains stable, but longhaul shipments should be booked two weeks in advance. It also highlighted that with the summer starting in the Philippines, fewer disruptions are expected from rain and typhoons.
As such, Dimerco noted, “Container movement and yard utilization should improve during this non-peak period.”
Despite this, the report said it may be more costly to export Philippine goods to Europe and the United States, as ocean freight rates are rising.
It is also worth noting that goods being shipped by North America bound for Manila may suffer from space constraints.
“Shippers can expect potential space constraints from the West Coast to Asia, especially in Manila,” Dimerco said of the ocean freight market situation of North America.
“It is recommended to book at least a month in advance to mitigate the risk of delays,” the report noted.
With ocean freight rates seen rising for Philippine goods being shipped to Europe, the Dimerco report explained that capacity surged in late February on the North Europe to US East Coast trade lane ahead of upcoming US steel and aluminum tariffs, while Mediterranean utilization remained stable.
The report of the logistics firm revealed the global developments for shippers to keep an eye on.
For one, Dimerco said, “Starting March 4, President Trump’s tariffs on Mexico, Canada, China, and the EU will reshape global supply
Bless Aubrey Ogerio @blessogerio
DICT’s Uy resigns; 5th exec to exit since Feb
MALACAÑANG on Thursday announced the resignation of Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John E. Uy. In a Viber message, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos finally accepted the resignation of Uy.
“An OIC [officer-in-charge] will fill the position until the President appoints a secretary,” she said.
As of press time, there are still no details on the cause for Uy’s resignation and who will replace him.
Uy is now the fifth high-ranking official of the Marcos administration who left their posts since last month.
The four other officials were Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President and chief executive officer Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr., Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, Presidential Communications (PCO) Cesar B. Chavez, and Presidential Security Command (PSC) chief Major General Nelson B. Morales.
As early as last month, there were already rumors of Uy’s impending replacement. Samuel P. Medenilla
ERC to issue PA covering P19-B Meralco refund soon
By Lenie Lectura
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is set to issue very soon the provisional authority (PA) for the proposed refund, initially estimated at P19 billion, of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco).
“We are targeting to issue the order next week,” ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said.
Meralco earlier proposed the refund of P19 billion at an average rate of P0.1138 per kilowatt hour over 36 months. The proposed amount covers
Exporters…
Continued from A1
chains and the geopolitical landscape.”
“The 25-percent tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods, along with the hike on Chinese imports, will disrupt trade flows, driving companies to explore new sourcing options. EU
the difference between the company’s actual weighted average tariff and the last approved rate of P1.36 per kWh from July 2022 to December 2024.
“In compliance with the ERC Order that declared the July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025 of the original 5RP [fifth
retaliation over auto tariffs adds further uncertainty,” said Dimerco.
The logistics firm also projected geopolitical tensions and market volatility to persist, requiring businesses to adapt to minimize disruptions.
Kathy Liu, VP, Global Sales and Marketing for Dimerco Express Group explained that following policy announcements from the Trump administration,
regulatory period] as lapsed period and directed Meralco to file its application for the true-up of its Maximum Average Price [MAP] of P1.3522 per kWh versus the Actual Weighted Average Tariff [AWAT], Meralco filed an application which proposed the refund of a total of P19 billion covering July 2022 to December 2024 at an average rate of P0.1138 per kWh over 36 months,” Meralco had reported.
Dimalanta could not say yet if there are changes to the proposed refund amount. “The ERC has completed the initial evaluation for purposes of issuing provisional approval on Meralco’s application,” explained the ERC chief. Also pending before the com-
“The market slowed considerably after January 20, particularly in the US and Europe. This led to ecommerce platforms canceling charters, disrupting the supply and demand balance.”
“While e-commerce will not disappear, it is shifting from a B2C model to a B2B2C model. This transition is expected to reduce air freight demand, with more shipments moving to ocean freight instead,” Liu also noted. Andrea E. San Juan
Weak…
Continued from A16
the agency’s target of P505 billion. When it was finalized in 2023, the NTDP assumed a foreign exchange rate of $1:P53 for the baseline scenario. (See, “Missed goal: 5.95-M foreign tourists visited PHL in 2024,” in the BusinessMirror, January 6, 2025.)
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said, “The recovery of Philippine tourism from the period of the pandemic in terms of revenues translates to thousands of jobs created for Filipinos, providing livelihood opportunities for many, especially in our rural and underserved areas.” Under the NDTP, employment in the tourism industry is projected to reach 5.7 million individuals this year, equivalent to 12 percent of total employment in the country.
For his part, Tourism Congress of the Philippines president James Montenegro said, aside from the weak peso, “[Visitor] spending is driven by the length of stay of the guest as well.” The DOT reported last year that the average length of stay of tourists in the Philippines had increased to 11 nights versus nine nights in 2019.
Boost from balikbayans “FOR guests spending more, it depends on the tourist sector you
Continued from A1
Meanwhile, HSBC Economist Aris Dacanay said the BSP could cut rates regardless of the action of the US Federal Reserve.
“With inflation finding itself within the lower-end range of the BSP’s target band, there is room for the economy to absorb any foreign exchange-induced inflation if the policy rate differential between the BSP and the Fed were to narrow,” Dacanay said.
Also, household consumption slightly stumbling due to the currently high interest rate environment could pressure the BSP to ease policy rates.
“Given low inflation, we believe
mission is Meralco’s application of Annual Revenue Requirement and Performance Incentive Scheme for the new 5RP covering July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029. Meralco proposed an average distribution tariff of P1.69 per kWh primarily to fund its proposed capital expenditures and operational expenditures totaling P389.3 billion.
The Senate has recently approved on third and final reading House Bill 10926 renewing Meralco’s franchise for another 25 years. This followed the same approval granted by the House of Representatives in November last year. The consolidated bill is set to be enacted into law once endorsed to the Office of the President.
Continued from A1
paving the way for a greener, more inclusive Bagong Pilipinas,” Roque said.
According to DTI, Roque met with the following firms and associations in Tokyo: Nidec Corporation; Ibiden Co., Ltd,; Etoile Kaito & Co., Inc.; Adastria Co., Ltd.; Sumitomo; Fujifilm Holdings Corporation; Chodai Co., Ltd.; Taiheiyo Cement Corporation; Fast Retailing; JR East; Keizai Doyukai; Keidanren; and Koshidaka Holdings Co., Ltd.
are serving. For us in the higherend [hotels], we see a slight increase, but growth is not as high as 2019,” he added.
Most currencies in Asia are also depreciated compared to the greenback, he noted. “Weak peso, weak won, weak yen. We are all the same. The only one that is high is the US dollar. So we are seeing more balikbayans [homecoming Filipinos].”
The DOT reported 1.17 million visitor arrivals in the first two months of the year, of whom 84,506 were overseas Filipinos, defined as Philippine passport holders permanently residing abroad. In comparison, of the 1.16 million visitor arrivals in January-February 2024, 63,448 were overseas Filipinos visited.
However, in January-February 2019, there were only 9,700 overseas Filipinos who arrived among the total 1.5 million foreign tourists, indicating the urgent need for the DOT to further recover the foreign markets prevailing prior to the pandemic.
The DOT estimates inbound revenues based on results of its “Visitor Sample Surveys made at the country’s major gateways such as Manila, Cebu, Clark, Kalibo, Iloilo, Bohol, Davao, Puerto Princesa, and other destinations with an international airport. Also used are previous arrival/departure cards, shipping manifests, and the current eTravel System.
the BSP has room to rebalance its risks from forex stability and inflation to supporting growth,” he said.
In the coming months, Dacanay said the room to rebalance risks will likely grow larger as global oil prices continue to ease while global rice prices have already fallen substantially.
“With the government aiming to boost rice supply in the economy via its buffer stocks, we can expect retail rice prices to continue delivering downward pressure on inflation,” Dacanay said.
“Our base case is for the BSP to resume its easing cycle in June this year. Due to inflation surprising to the downside, risks are tilted towards the BSP resuming its easing cycle even earlier during its next rate-setting meeting in April,” he added.
Continued from A1
and construction industries—was concerning.
Despite the decline in employment numbers from December, the employment rate in January stood at 95.7 percent (48.49 million), slightly higher than the 95.5 percent (45.90 million) recorded a year earlier.
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan noted the slight year-on-year improvement, highlighting the government’s efforts to create an “enabling business environment” and equip workers with industry-relevant skills.
Vulnerable
jobs
“WHILE we welcome this development, we also acknowledge that these additional jobs are classified as vulnerable,” Balisacan said. “Therefore, our strategy remains clear: to sustain job creation by fostering a dynamic and investment-friendly economy while preparing our workforce for high-growth and emerging industries that offer high-quality, well-paying jobs.”
In terms of broad industry groups, the services sector employed the largest share of workers at 61.6 percent, followed by agriculture at 21.1 percent and industry at 17.2 percent.
Wage and salary workers accounted for 63 percent of employed individuals, with private establishment employees making up the majority at 78.5 percent within this category.
Self-employed workers without paid employees represented 28.2 percent of the workforce, while unpaid family workers and employers in family-operated businesses accounted for 6.6 percent and 2.2 percent, respectively.
Among regions, the Bicol Region recorded the highest unemployment rate at 6.5 percent, while the Zamboanga Peninsula had the lowest at 2.3 percent.
The labor force participation rate (LFPR) in January was at 63.9 percent (50.65 million), lower than 65.1 percent (51.81 million) in December but higher than 61.1 percent (48.06 million) in January 2024.
Among youth aged 15 to 24, the LFPR was at 31.8 percent, compared to 31.9 percent in December and 29.7 percent in January last year.
The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) underscored the importance of industrydriven workforce development and aligning education and training programs with labor market needs.
DOLE: Sectoral challenges IN weighing in on the Labor Force Survey, DOLE’s Laguesma said the latest data “highlight the positive developments in our ongoing efforts to expand job opportunities and strengthen workforce development.”
He gave particular attention to the decrease in underemployment to 13.3 percent from 13.7 percent in January 2024. This, he said, “indicates that more workers are securing adequate hours, a crucial step toward sustainable and quality employment.”
The services sector, he added, “remains a key driver of employment, accounting for 61.6 percent share of total employment, while significant growth is also observed in agriculture, forestry, wholesale and retail trade, and the accommodation and food service sectors.”
With a nod to Women’s Month in March, the DOLE “affirms its commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s economic empowerment,” said Laguesma. The labor force participation of women, he noted, has seen a significant increase, rising from 49.3 percent in 2024 to 52.9 percent year-onyear, “validating our efforts to create decent, productive, and equitable work opportunities for all.”
DOLE, however, “acknowledges the challenges, particularly the decline in manufacturing, professional services, and construction jobs, which necessitate the need for targeted interventions to bolster these sectors. Addressing these challenges is a priority, alongside fostering an environment that attracts investment and innovation.”
Palace sets inspection of ‘Duterte bridges’
By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
PRESIDENT Marcos on Thursday vowed to build another bridge to replace the collapsed P1.225billion Cabagan-Santa Maria bridge in Isabela and hold accountable those responsible for its collapse.
At the same time, a Palace official said she would ask the Department of Public Works and Highways to inspect all major infrastructures completed during the previous administration after noting that the collapsed bridge was completed during the watch of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
sion bridge did not make use of multiple cables like other bridge of the said kind. Instead it made use of metal and cement for its main support.
“So it really has a weak design,” he said.
The bridge, he said, also suffered a major fund cut. It originally has a proposed budget of P1.8 billion but it was reduced to just P900 million.
We will replace the supports. It is like building a new bridge,” Marcos said.
Liable parties
THE 990-meters Cabagan-Santa Maria bridge, which has a carrying capacity of just 44 tons, collapsed on February 27 after three dump trucks carrying boulders each with approximate gross vehicle weight of around 102 tons passed on it.
“Who is responsible is basically who made the design. ‘Cause their design was poor. Look what happened. And then also, those trucks should never have been on the bridge,” he added.
In a press briefing in Malacañang on Thursday, Castro assured that all officials, who have a liability in the said project, even those under the current administration, will be held accountable.
The Duterte bridges were completed during the watch of Sen. Mark Villar, who was Duterte’s public works czar.
“Now, we have to go back and spend big. We we will replace the support. It is like building a new bridge,” Marcos said in Filipino after his unannounced inspection of the bridge with Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan last Thursday. He attributed the collapse to the “design flaw” of the bridge, the result of the apparent attempt by the previous administrations to cut costs, and overloading.
“When it was first constructed—its original budget was probably P900 million [pesos]. It reached P1.2 [billion] for a refit. Why was there a refit? When the construction [of the bridge] was ongoing, there were loose [parts], which were weak. That is why it needed to undergo a refit,” Marcos explained.
Citing the explanation from DPWH, Marcos said the suspen -
He said the savings from the original construction of the bridge is now “useless” since the government would now have to spend more for its repair.
“We will have to spend a lot.
FA-50PH grounding won’t deter maritime patrols, Air Force says
By Rex Anthony Naval
THE Air Force (PAF) assured on Thursday that it has sufficient assets to conduct maritime air patrols despite the grounding of the 11 remaining FA-50PHs.
This, as sources to the investigation of the crash identified the pilots as Maj. Jude Salang-oy, a graduate of Philippine Military Academy Class of 2014 and First Lt. AJ Dadula, a graduate of the PAF Officer Candidate School (OCS).
The sources said Salang-oy, who is from the Cordilleras, left his wife and child while Dadula’s wedding was supposed to be in two weeks.
The 11 remaining FA50PH of the PAF were ordered grounded for inspection following the crash of one fighter jet in a mountain in Bukidnon on Tuesday.
“In terms of our regular maritime patrol, we have other types of aircraft that we can use,” the PAF spokesperson, Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, said in an interview.
On the monitoring of the country’s airspace, she said that the PAF is equipped with radar systems that could do this on the ground.
In addition, Castillo said the service has “ground-based air defense systems” (referring to the Spyder air defense missiles systems acquired from Israel) which can be used to protect Philippine skies from airborne threats.
But she clarified that the focus of the PAF now is to conduct a “swift but thorough investigation” so that the grounding of the remaining 11 FA-50PHs can be lifted soon and the jet fighters returned to their external defense mission taskings.
Vloggers trying to derail probe into fake news–congressman
ALEADER of the House of Representatives on Thursday assailed what he said were attempts by some vloggers to derail the investigation into the online spread of fake news being conducted by the chamber’s Tri Committee by filing certiorari and libel cases against lawmakers in court. As the lead chairman of the House’s Quad Committee and chairman of the Dangerous Drugs panel, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers expressed confidence that the libel cases filed against them would not gain traction, emphasizing that he never mentioned any names in his speeches or interviews regarding so-called “narco-vloggers.”
In previous privileged speeches at the House in plenary session, Barbers called out certain vloggers for their disrespect, use of expletives, and abusive language toward members of the House’s Quad Committee and Tri Committee. These committees are tasked with drafting legislation to address the misuse of social media platforms.
The incident damaged four vehicles and injured six people.
Marcos said the possible liability of the designer of the bridge as well as the owner of the said dump trucks is now being determined.
Construction of the bridge started in 2014, but 90 percent of its completion happened during the administration of Duterte, according to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.
“We will first fix the problem. [But] Believe me, we will find out who is responsible,” Marcos said.
jet lost contact with it wingmate minutes before reaching the target area. The other aircraft repeatedly attempted to re-establish contact with the missing aircraft until it returned to the Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu.”
“But that will still undergo investigation if there are those who profited [from the project] not once, not twice, but many times—the President will look into that through an investigation,” Castro said.
Duterte bridges
TO prevent similar incidents, Castro said she will call on the DPWH to inspect other infrastructures, which were built during the Duterte administration.
“We are committed to complete the investigation as soon as possible so that our fighter aircraft can get back to the air as soon as possible and perform their mandate, specifically in our efforts in territorial defense,” Castillo said.
The wreckage of the FA-50PH with tail number 002 along with its two pilots have been located on slopes of Mount Kalatungan in Bukidnon.
“With deep regret and profound sadness, the PAF announces the loss of the two pilots aboard,” she added.
Earlier, the PAF spokesperson said that a FA-50PH was reported missing while about to conduct a “tactical night operation” Tuesday.
“Shortly after midnight on March 4, 2025, an FA-50 fighter jet went missing during a tactical night operation. The ill-fated
Lt. Col. Salvacion Evangelista, spokesperson for the Army’s Eastern Mindanao Command based in Davao, said the FA-50PH flight was dispatched for an airstrike against moe than 100 armed NPA rebels fighting state forces at the boundary of Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur about 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday.
The Philippines acquited 12 FA50PH jets from South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries for P18.9 billion. These were delivered from 2015 to 2017.
The FA-50PHs has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is equipped with hard points and thus capable of being fitted with air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 “Sidewinder” air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons and machineguns as well as bombs.
More members of ‘Piattos family’ surface in Sara’s disbursements
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
He reaffirmed his commitment to uphold free speech as enshrined in the Constitution but argued that this right should not be misused to damage reputations, spread false narratives, or promote propaganda.
Barbers pointed out that many of those who filed cases against him had previously been summoned to testify before the Tri Committee’s hearings but either refused or failed to appear.
“It is clear that they want to use the courts as a shield or a tool to spread lies and defame those who oppose or do not align with their political agenda,” he said.
“Their refusal to attend the Tri-Com public hearings only proves that they lack the courage to stand by their statements and the falsehoods they spread on social media,” he added.
Barbers urged the public to always exercise caution and discernment in consuming social media or online content from sources who are known to be parroting certain lies, deception, misinformation, and other
“If those who filed the libel cases against me all felt alluded to as narco-vloggers, then it could be seen or interpreted that indeed they were. Why will you be hurt if you are not guilty? ” Barbers asked.
See “Fake news,” A4
ALEADER of the House of Representatives on Thursday revealed that fresh findings from the annexes of the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte suggest that the questionable disbursement of confidential funds extends beyond the now-infamous “Mary Grace Piattos”—discovering more “chichirya” and a cellphone model among confidential fund beneficiaries.
House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V said new documents from the complaint show that “Mary Grace Piattos” was not alone, and two additional names have surfaced—“Pia Piatos-Lim” and “Renan Piatos”—both suspiciously linked to her.
However, unlike Mary Grace Piattos, Ortega, who represents La Union, noted that Pia and Renan have only one “T” in their middle and last names, respectively, appearing as Piatos instead of Piattos. Adding to the controversy, the name “Xiaome Ocho” also appears on the list—seemingly derived from a Xiaomi cellphone model from 2018.
“The ‘special treatment’ for the Piattos family is unbelievable. We have Mary Grace Piattos, Pia Piatos-Lim, and Renan Piatos. What is it about them that made them all qualified to receive confidential funds?” Ortega asked.
Like Mary Grace Piattos, Ortega said that none of these individuals have birth, marriage, or death records from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
“At first, we thought only one name was laughable on the list of confidential fund recipients. But now, it appears we have an entire ‘Piattos’ family—and even a cellphone model,” Ortega pointed out.
“You don’t know whether to laugh or get angry when you see ‘Xiaome Ocho’ on the list. A Xiaomi cellphone model from 2018 supposedly received confidential funds? This ‘Budol Gang’ is getting out of hand! First, we had the Piattos family, and now, even a phone?” he said.
Marcos added that he wants stricter enforcement of the capacity limit for bridges.
“We have to be more careful about monitoring the load [of the vehicles]. If it says [it has a limit of] 44 tons, and then you will have vehicles with 200 plus tons [pass through it], it is not surprising that this [collapse] will happen,” he said.
Prior to inspecting the Cabagan-Santa Maria bridge, Marcos also visited the state-of-the-art Rice Processing System II (RPS II) at Barangay Ipil in Echague, Isabela.
“With the help of DPWH and with help of local governments, all bridges especially those that were built during the time of former President Duterte because we don’t know if those were also under designed and therefore needs to be inspected,” Castro said.
No Senate session, no impeachment court
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
THE groups gathering one million signatures to force an early convening of the impeachment court to try Vice President Sara Duterte are barking up the wrong tree because Senate President Francis Escudero’s hands are really tied by law, as he claims, a former Senate president said.
Instead, the signature gatherers should direct their pressure at Malacañan to call a special session of Congress to compel the Senators to convene as a legislative body, during which it will then be compelled to convene as an impeachment court, former Senate president Franklin Drilon said.
Drilon is a veteran of two impeachment trials—that of former President Joseph Estrada, and of then Chief Justice Renato Corona.
In a television interview on Thursday morning, Drilon said, referring to faith-based groups
that launched a signature drive on Ash Wednesday: “Firstly, they are barking up the wrong tree. Senate President Escudero cannot start the trial unless the President calls [Congress] to a special session, because in the convening of the special session, [such] will make the convening of an impeachment trial court compulsory.”
While acknowledging the point of Escudero’s critics that “the Constitution says forthwith,” meaning, he must convene the chamber soon after receiving the complaint from the House of Representatives, Drilon reminded the signature campaigners, the trial “can’t start today because the Senate is in recess.”
“I would advise my friends who are getting the signatures” to exert pressure on the Executive [branch] for the calling of a special session, which Congress cannot refuse.”
“Without a special session, the Senate President cannot
See “Impeachment,” A4
March 7, 2025 www.businessmirror.com.ph
Traditional summer power crisis starts
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
CLEAN energy consumer advocate Power for People Coalition (P4P) believes that the yellow alert notice issued the other day by the grid operator signifies the start of “the traditional summer power crisis.”
“The yellow alert issued by the NGCP [National Grid Corporation of the Philippines] on March 5 signals the start of the power crisis that happens every summer. With elections due in around two months, this puts the conduct of electoral campaigns and the elections itself in peril; hence, our belief that power and energy should be among the main issues of this electoral cycle,” said P4P Convenor Gerry Arances in a statement.
The group is concerned that “the traditional summer power
crisis” may affect the conduct of the midterm elections if not quickly addressed by the Department of Energy (DOE), which has been urging the public to adopt energy efficiency measures as temperatures rise with the onset of summer season.
On Wednesday, the NGCP placed the Luzon grid on yellow alert due to forced outage and derated capacity of several plants. A yellow alert indicates that the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement.
The NGCP said that “eight plants have been on forced outage since February, and four other power plants out since 2024; while 16 are running on derated capacities, for a total of 3,362.3 megaWatts (MW) unavailable to the grid.
The energy consumer advocate further warned that the rising temperatures as seen by the dangerously high heat indices will drive demand higher than ever before.
“Power consumption rises along with the temperature, and we hope that the energy sector can deliver. But in the long term, we should also understand that the rising temperatures which we try to deal with are caused to a large extent by our reliance on fossil fuel plants powered by coal and gas, the same plants that fail when electricity is needed the most,” said Arances.
A 2024 study by the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) estimates 51.23 percent of forced outage incidents from 2019-2023 can be attributed to coal plants, with gas plants following at 19.87 percent.
“As long as our power mix re -
mains reliant on coal and gas, plant outages will remain a perennial concern during the summer,” Arances said.
The P4P official called on voters to consider the stances and records of candidates on the energy sector, in the hopes that the election would bring real change.
“Voters should consider if they really want to elect leaders whose policies promote higher electricity prices and dependence on imported fossil fuels. These leaders have promoted a policy where the only response during the summer power crisis is to gaslight consumers into saving electricity while doing little to nothing to address the root cause of the problem—reliance on outdated and polluting fossil fuel power plants that deliver financial benefits only to the owners of the companies at the expense of consumers,” he said.
There was no yellow alert notice issued as of press time yesterday.
Meantime, power industry stakeholders are now preparing for contingency measures, including the Interruptible Load Program (ILP), a voluntary, demandside management program that
DA bans poultry products from 3 US states
Tallows customers to operate their generating sets and collectively reduce their electricity drawn from the grid when power interruptions are imminent to ration limited power supply.
For instance, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said it is always monitoring the power situation following the NGCP’s declaration of yellow alert on the Luzon grid last Wednesday. “We are ready to activate the Interruptible Load Program if needed,” Meralco spokesperson and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga said.
As of February this year, there are 105 companies with a total committed de-loading capacity of 539.69ME that have signed up with Meralco.
Moreover, Meralco has recently secured a 200MW baseload requirement via an emergency power supply agreement (EPSA) with Sual Power, Inc.
“Considering the resulting deficit of baseload capacity and the approaching peak demand during the summer months, Meralco notified the ERC [Energy Regulatory Commission] of its need to enter into an EPSA,” Meralco’s senior
vice-president and head of regulatory management Jose Ronald V. Valles.
The DOE said peak demand this year could hit 14,769 MW in Luzon, while Visayas could reach 3,111 MW, and Mindanao, 2,789 MW. These numbers are higher than actual peak demand during the summer months last year at 14,016 MW in Luzon, 2,681 MW in Visayas, and 2,577 MW in Mindanao.
Energy chief Raphael Lotilla reiterated on Thursday that the country has adequate supply to meet the projected peak demand this year. “While it is an election year, it is also not an El Niño year. In fact, it is seen as a La Niña year and therefore, the constraints that we saw last year would not be as great as this year,” he said. The DOE has also activated the Energy Task Force Election to ensure energy resiliency during the 2025 mid-term elections. Historically, electricity consumption increases anywhere from 10 to 40 percent due to warmer temperatures, according to Meralco. In 2024, there were 62 yellow alert and 16 red alert notices issued nationwide.
Palawan bans new mining applications for 50 years
By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
HE Department of Agri -
culture (DA) imposed a temporary ban on poultry products from three US states where bird flu outbreaks have been confirmed.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed Memorandum Order 14, which authorized the ban on the entry of imported domestic and wild birds, including their products such as poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen from the states of Indiana, New York, and Pennsylvania.
The DA said it decided to issue the ban after US veterinary officials confirmed several outbreaks of H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) in these states. Following this report, Laurel ordered the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to suspend the issu -
constitute the impeachment court,” added Drilon.
Reminded that two lawyers, Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III and former SC Associate Justice Adolf Azcuna, differ with Escudero in their interpretations of the legislative calendar, and the timeline for the Senate as an impeachment court, Drilon said the sui generis nature of impeachment cannot trump the ironclad constitutional requirement for the Senate to be in session first before it convenes as an impeachment court.
“I was a senator-judge twice already. Not only does the Constitution not automatically constitute an impeachment court. It is constituted the moment the Senate is convened. It is the [duty] of the
According to Ortega, the impeachment complaint, which the House of Representatives has already transmitted to the Senate for trial, includes certifications dated December 8 and December 11, 2024, from the PSA.
ance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPSIC) to the affected commodity. He also noted that only birds slaughtered or products processed 14 days before the first outbreak in the particular locality would be allowed to enter the country.
In this case, Indiana’s first outbreak was recorded on January 3, New York’s on January 17, and Pennsylvania’s on February 4.
The agency warned that shipments that failed to comply would be stopped and confiscated by veterinary quarantine officers or inspectors at all major ports of entry.
The DA recently imposed a ban from poultry goods that originated in Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Maryland, and Missouri.
Ban lifted
IN a separate order, the DA lifted
Senate to convene for the trial… but until the Senate session is convened, there is no impeachment court to convene,” said Drilon.
However, Drilon disagrees with Escudero in unilaterally setting the calendar for the impeachment court. Majority of senators constituting an impeachment court can set the calendar, he said.
Drilon stressed that Escudero is right in saying he cannot be pressured into “violating the law” because he is simply following the Constitution. Drilon noted there are only exceptional instances where the Senate can convene a session without need for being called to a special session: when it is in accordance with a legislative calendar approved by both houses; Congress convenes because of vacancies in the offices of the President and VP; three, when Congress would have to ratify a martial law declaration.
“Other than this, you cannot convene
Based on the PSA’s findings, out of 1,992 names linked to the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) confidential funds, only 670 had a “most likely match” in PSA records. Meanwhile, 1,322 individuals had no birth records, 1,456 had no marriage records (with only 536 possible matches), and 1,593 had no death records (with just 399 possible matches).
These revelations were detailed in a letter from National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa to Manila Rep. Joel Chua,
the temporary ban it slapped on poultry products from France. Laurel signed MO 13, which lifted the suspension of shipments of poultry imports, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen from the European nation.
The DA said it decided to lift the ban after French veterinary authorities reported to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) that all reported cases of HPAI have ended with resolved status, and no additional outbreaks were reported after February 4, 2025.
The agency said the lifting of the ban is expected to ease trade tensions and provide support to the poultry industry, which has been adversely affected by the restrictions.
The DA also stressed that the continued monitoring of all incoming shipments, with strict
Congress except if the President calls them to a special session,” Drilon said.
Legal challenge
DRILON conceded that VP Duterte can legally challenge the view that the trial can straddle both the 19th and 20th Congresses.
Escudero, as backed by some lawyers, had said the 19th Senate can convene as the impeachment court when session resumes June 2; and after June 30, when the 12 winning senators from the May 12 polls take office, the 20th Senate will continue the trial.
“When he convenes the impeachment court, that’s in the 19th Congress. After June 30, the 20th Senate takes over...” Drilon agreed that the impeachment court, like all other courts, has a continuing business, and thus the impeachment trial can proceed with the new Senate.
chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability.
During a House Quad Comm hearing, the name “Mary Grace Piattos” first came to light when Commission on Audit (CoA) documents revealed that she had signed an acknowledgment receipt on December 30, 2022.
This transaction was part of the P125 million in confidential funds allegedly spent in just 11 days.
Given these findings, Ortega stressed that Vice President Duterte must provide
quarantine protocols to ensure the country’s biosecurity, remains uncompromised.
Meanwhile, an agriculture official said the long-awaited bird flu vaccines are expected to hurdle field trials by the end of March this year.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the trial results for bird flu vaccines would be presented to the BAI through the Veterinary Technical Advisory Committee (VTAC), which would then be endorsed to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“By the end of this quarter, the two trials would be concluded and then the application for approval will be sent to the FDA,” de Mesa told reporters in a previous interview.
He said the vaccines undergoing field trials came from companies in Hungary and Germany.
However, Drilon warned, “I can assure you that on Day 1, VP Sara will question the authority [of the 20th Senate to try her].”
“For me, the impeachment court being sui generis, it’s a continuing body, and it can continue the trial in the 20th Congress. But this is just my humble opinion, the SC must rule on this,” and he is certain VP Sara will question it, Drilon said.
On Wednesday, Escudero had asserted, “No amount of signatures will amend the law nor convince me to violate it by convening the impeachment court during recess and without complying with the requisite conditions precedent.”
Escudero said in a text message to reporters, “The law is not bendable and should not bow to anyone’s dictate simply because of their own desire, bias and timetable of wanting to rush the impeachment proceedings vs. Vice President Sara.”
clear answers: “Who are Pia Piatos-Lim, Renan Piatos, and Mary Grace Piattos? Who is Xiaomi Ocho? Why were the confidential funds allocated to them?” Ortega asked.
“She needs to explain who exactly makes up this ‘Budol Gang’ when she presents her defense at the impeachment trial,” Ortega added.
“We will continue reviewing the documents attached to the impeachment complaint to expose more members of this ‘Budol Gang,’” Ortega added.
By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga
A50-YEAR moratorium on mining has been imposed by the provincial government of Palawan.
An ordinance passed by the provincial board and signed by the governor imposed a 50-year moratorium on the endorsement of new mining applications.
The approval of the moratorium is a victory for all those who have strongly resisted mining in Palawan. Without their persistent lobbying and protest actions, the 50-year moratorium on mining would not have been possible,” Jaybee Garganera, Alyansa Tigil Mina national coordinator, said in a statement.
Garganera also congratulated the people who pushed for the 50-year moratorium in Palawan, considered the country’s last ecological frontier.
Lawyer Grizelda “Gerthie” Mayo-Anda, executive-director of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (Elac), described the ordinance as a “historical step towards protecting the remaining forests and natural resources of Palawan and upholding the rights of citizens, tribal people, farmers, fishermen and other sectors, particularly the right to a safe and healthy environment.”
The ordinance was pushed through a Pastoral Letter by the Bishops of Palawan, followed by a signature petition by the Save Palawan Movement, other environmental groups, and nongovernment organizations.
political propaganda lines. The House’s Tri Committee, composed of the Committees on Public Order and Safety chaired by Laguna Rep. Dan Hernandez; Public Information under Rep. Jose Aquino II of Agusan del Norte; and Communications and Technology under Tobias Tiangco of
“The ordinance is a clear legal expression of Palawan’s opposition to mining, which the Marcos administration and the DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources] must respect. It reflects the lack of consent by stakeholders for mining contracts and operations in the region,” Garganera said.
“We hope this would pave the way for a total halt to mining operations in the region.”
Meanwhile, Vic Colili, a member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Brooke’s Point, Palawan, clarified that the moratorium applies only to new mining applications.
“ Bagama’t may moratorium ordinance, saklaw lang nito ang mga bagong applications. Lahat ng mga existing applications bago ang ordinansya ay patuloy na papayagan ang operasyon Gayunpaman mababawasan pa rin ang banta sa pagkasira ng kalikasan at kagubatan ng Palawan,” he said. (Although there is a moratorium ordinance, this only covers new applications. All existing applications before the ordinance will still be allowed to operate. Nevertheless, the destruction to the environment and forests of Palawan will be reduced.
Colili underscored the need to be vigilant in monitoring existing mining operations in terms of their compliance with the terms and conditions of their Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP), and Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP).
Navotas, had conducted hearings aimed at hammering out a bill or policy to regulate vloggers and bloggers using the various social media platforms. The complainant-vloggers earlier filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition against Hernandez, Tiangco, Aquino, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez before the Supreme Court. The Court has yet to issue a resolution on the issue. Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz
www.businessmirror.com.ph
Palace studying proposal to require companies to hire K-to-12 graduates
By Samuel P. Medenilla
M@sam_medenilla
ALACAÑANG is now studying a proposal to require companies to hire K-to-12 graduates to help boost the country’s employment rate.
In a press briefing Thursday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro recognized that many private firms are still not hiring Grade 12 graduates.
To address the issue, she suggested for the passage of a new law, which will mandate private companies to hire Grade 12 graduates.
“ Maybe, if there will be a law that at least [one] or two graduates will be hired, it will be a better solution or result for those who will graduate from Grade 12 or senior high school [SHS] because it will intensify their knowledge,” she said in Filipino.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) undersecretary made the remark
when asked about the position of the Palace on calls for the removal of the K-to-12, which added two additional years to the country’s basic education.
T he proposal for scrapping K-to-12, she said, is now being reviewed.
“K-to-12 is also having a good effect. But that will undergo thorough study to determine if it really benefits students,” she said.
In sur vey result released last year, the Philippine Business for Education reported
Integrated approach to rice production key to lower prices, says former Labor official
Athat 4 out 5 companies are willing to hire SHS graduates compared to 2018, when it was at 3 out of 5.
It noted that the available jobs for SHS graduates include personal service work, sales, and clerical support.
H owever, it noted that most companies still pr efer those with a college degree.
Last Thursday, the Palace commended the rise in the number of employed workers last January at 48.49 million compared to
Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), IRDF Executive Director Arze Glipo said that in certain provinces like Kalinga, Mountain Province, Olongapo, Zambales, Batangas, Romblon, and Albay, among others, rice prices range from P50 to P60 per kilo as of February 2025.
45.9 million in the same period last year, which was reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
However, gains in employment was accompanied by the rise in the number of unemployed workers, which rose to 6.47 million from 6.30 million last year.
T he number of underemployed employees or those seeking additional work hours also rose by 7,000 last January year-on-year.
professor of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), stressed that reliance on the imported staple grain would subject the country to price volatilities, especially if exporting countries suffer extreme weather events.
C astro said the Marcos administration is determined to further improve the country’s employment indicators by upskilling the country’s workforce and attracting more job-generating investments. She also said the go vernment is currently trying to boost the quality of education for students by allocating P700 million for the creation of more child development centers (CDC) in local government units (LGU) nationwide.
“That will translate to about P100 billion additional budget for NFA excluding yung pagdami ng mga warehouses na ipapatayo,” Mendoza said.
By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
This would entail support in rice production, post-harvest, logistics and transportation, marketing, and value chain development.
“We need to emulate a strong state intervention in rice trade as exemplified by countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and China,” Ofreneo said.
N INTEGRATED approach in rice production would help make food less expensive, according to a former labor undersecretary. During a press conference organized by the Integrated Rural Development Foundation (IRDF) last Wednesday, former Labor Undersecretary Rene E. Ofreneo urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to adopt an integrated approach to rice sector development to curb rising prices.
Glipo noted that among the reasons behind sustained price increases were rising production costs and the surge of rice imports due to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).
The country’s imported rice shipments hit 4.78 million metric tons (MMT) in 2024, nearly 33 percent higher than the 3.6 MMT imported in 2023.
Teodoro Mendoza, agronomist and former
BI chief orders relief of BI officer responsible for escape of Sokor fraudster
BUREAU of Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado ordered the relief of immigration personnel who were allegedly responsible for the escape of a South Korean national wanted in his home country for fraud.
The 28-year-old South Korean national identified as Na Ikhyeon was able to elude authorities after attending a hearing for an estafa case filed by a Filipina against him at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office last March 4. The complainant, an owner of a small jewelry business, said that Na consigned several jewelries as an agent, but failed to remit the full amount of
sales despite several demands. Na allegedly used the court’s restroom to escape from authorities.
“This is a direct and undeniable breach of duty. We will accept no excuses, no finger-pointing— everyone involved will be held accountable,”
Viado said.
“We will not tolerate negligence, corruption, or collusion within our ranks,” the BI chief added.
The BI did not identify the immigration personnel who accompanied Na during the hearing.
Viado has also ordered an internal audit of all personnel assigned to high-risk deportation and detention cases, ensuring that safeguards are in
Manila Water steps up prep for summer, fire prevention
TO ensure adequate water supply and boost fire safety during Fire Prevention Month, Manila Water has implemented a series of proactive measures at the onset of summer or dry season.
In a statement, the private water concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for the East Zone said it has prepped and checked 3,294 active yellow fire hydrants across the East Zone of Metro Manila and parts of Rizal to support the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) during emergencies. These hydrants are strategically positioned to maximize coverage and efficiency. Each hydrant in commercial areas has a coverage radius of 350 meters, while those in residential areas have a 250-meter service radius. The build quality and spacing of the hydrants strictly adhere to the standards outlined in the Fire Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 9514).
Additionally, four purple hydrants have been installed at the water company’s Marikina North
Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), Ilugin STP, Poblacion STP, and UP STP to provide additional firefighting resources for BFP-NCR. These purple hydrants source water from the wastewater system, lessening the strain on our water supply. Meanwhile, to address the usual increase in demand for water during the summer months, Manila Water continues its aggressive leak detection and quick response across its water network spanning over 5,500 kilometers to ensure treated water goes directly to its 7.7-million customers. Manila Water’s non-revenue water, or water lost due to leaks and illegal connections, remains one of the lowest in Asia, averaging only 13.51% in 2024.
For supply management, operations for the East Bay Water Supply System Phase 1 have commenced, adding up to 50 million liters per day (MLD). The Binangonan Pumping Station, completed in 2024, supports East Bay Phase 1 with a 7-million-liter reservoir. Final testing is also underway for the Calawis Water Treatment Plant, an 80 MLD facility
OCD to introduce ‘enhanced components’ for Q1 NSED
By Rex Anthony Naval
THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Thursday announced that it will be launching new components for this quarter’s Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), which is scheduled for March 13 in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.
In a statement, the agency said the drills will also showcase the region’s existing earthquake response capabilities alongside significant enhancements in coordination and collaboration.
The OCD added that this NSED will serve as a vital platform for demonstrating the preparedness of Sta. Rosa City, neighboring local government units (LGUs), and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) 4A, as well as its assisting region, MIMAROPA.
The inclusion of various stakeholders marks a notable improvement, reflecting the government’s
commitment to a more inclusive approach to disaster management.
Key highlights of this quarter’s NSED include: Ceremonial Venue in Sta. Rosa City: The drill will highlight the earthquake response capabilities of Sta. Rosa City and its neighboring LGUs, showcasing the region’s readiness to handle emergencies effectively.
Expanded Participation: In addition to government agencies and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils at all levels, this drill will include participation from special education schools (SPED), the Laguna Technopark Association Inc. (LTAI), Enchanted Kingdom, ANGKAS, and the Armed Forces Reserve Force.
This expanded involvement of the private sector represents a significant step forward from the November Q4 NSED.
Airlift Support from MIMAROPA: The assisting
place to prevent future breaches.
Viado added that aside from possible administrative cases, those who wil be found involved in Na’s escape will be criminally charged for infidelity in the custody of a prisoner.
Viado earlier ordered a manhunt operation against Na who is wanted in his home country for his involvement in deceptive investments.
Na was arrested by BI agents on May 31, 2023 and was held in the BI’s facility while awaiting his deportation. However, his deportation was deferred pending the resolution of the estafa case. Joel R. San Juan
set to bolster water availability. The Cardona Water Treatment Plant’s capacity is also expected to be maximized up to 110 MLD to meet rising demand, especially in drier months.
Furthermore, a backwash recovery system is being implemented at its Balara Treatment Plants 1 and 2, recovering 30 MLD of water.
“As we work to ensure our water network distribution operates efficiently, we seek the cooperation of our customers to always practice responsible water use to further extend the limited supply, especially in Metro Manila,” Manila Water Communication Affairs Group Director Jeric Sevilla said. Year in and year out, the company has been advocating for the responsible use of water to its customers. Called #WaterWais, the campaign is incorporated into all customer engagement activities and digital channels.
With all these measures in place, Manila Water is optimistic that water supply will be sufficient throughout the summer months. Adding to that, Angat Dam water level is currently at a healthier level (213.26 meters as of March 4, 2025) compared to 204.5 meters last year. Jonathan L. Mayuga
RDRRMC from MIMAROPA will be airlifted from Batangas City to Sta. Rosa City to support the Regional Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Incident Management Team (IMT), enhancing operational capabilities.
Communication Exercise: A dedicated exercise day on March 12 will focus on communication and EOC activation, emphasizing the importance of coordination among various agencies during emergencies.
Full-Scale Exercise on March 13: The full-scale exercise will include various scenarios such as Aerial Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA), Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) response, Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR), jailbreak scenarios, crashed vehicle extrication and rescue, and the evacuation of school children with learning difficulties.
ANGKAS will provide communication support and first aid response, while the neighboring LGU of Biñan will also offer response support.
Senator Bong Go witnesses inauguration of Super Health Center in Carmen, Bohol
S
ENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, witnessed the inauguration of a Super Health Center in Sitio Decker, Carmen, Bohol, March 5 as part of the collective efforts to bring much-needed healthcare services closer to grassroots communities.
In his speech, Go highlighted the importance of accessible healthcare for rural communities.
“Unang araw palang ng aking termino pagka Senador [noong 2019], umikot na ako dahil gusto kongmapa-abotsataoangserbisyonggobyerno… hindiakopolitikonamangangakosainyo,gagawin kolangangdapatkonggawinatmagtatrabahoako paramakapagserbisyosaabotngakingmakakaya.”
said Senator Go. Super Health Centers are designed to provide primary care, consultations, and early detection services, playing a critical role in strengthening the country’s healthcare sector. With free consultations managed by municipal health offices, local government units, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) through its Konsulta program, these centers are expected to alleviate the burden on larger hospitals while ensuring quality healthcare at the community level.
With this, he called for the amendment of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) to further increase thNational Food Authority’s (NFA) buffer stock requirement to cover 60 days of national consumption or 25 percent of the country’s rice output.
Retail prices of imported rice in Metro Manila markets range from P44 to P46 per kilo for well-milled and P36 to P46 per kilo for regular milled, based on the latest government price monitoring report.
Local rice prices range between P42 and P52 per kilo for well-milled and P38 and P45 per kilo for regular milled, government data showed.
Trump grants automakers one-month tariff exemption amid trade war fears
By Josh Boak & Rob Gillies The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—President
Donald Trump is granting a one-month exemption on his stiff new tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada for US automakers, as worries persist that the newly launched trade war could crush domestic manufacturing.
The pause comes after Trump spoke with leaders of the “big 3” automakers, Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, on Wednesday, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Asked if 30 days was enough for the auto sector to prepare for the new taxes, Leavitt said Trump was blunt with the automakers seeking an exemption: “He told them that they should get on it, start investing, start moving, shift production here to the United States of America where they will pay no tariff.”
Trump had long promised to impose tariffs, but his opening weeks in the White House involved aggressive threats and surprise suspensions, leaving allies unclear at what the U.S. president is actually trying to achieve.
Based off various Trump administration statements, the tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China imposed on Tuesday are about stopping illegal immigration, blocking fentanyl smuggling, closing the trade gap, balancing the federal budget and other nations showing more respect for Trump.
All of that has left Canada, a long-standing ally, determined to
stand up against Trump with their own retaliatory tariffs, rejecting a White House overture to possibly reduce some of tariffs imposed on Tuesday.
“We are not going to back down,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said after speaking with the Canadian prime minister. “We will not budge. Zero tariffs and that is it” Ford told The Associated Press that the auto sector in the United States and Canada would last approximately 10 days before they start shutting down the assembly lines because of the tariffs.
“People are going to lose their jobs,” he said.
After the White House announced the one month reprieve, shares of big US, Asian and European automakers jumped as much as 6 percent.
But pausing the 25 percenttaxes on autos and auto parts traded through the North American trade pact USMCA would only delay a broader reckoning to take place on April 2, when Trump is set to impose broad “reciprocal” tariffs to match the taxes and subsidies that other countries charge on imports.
The US automaker Ford said in a statement: “We will continue to have a healthy and candid dialogue with the Administration to help achieve a bright future for our industry and US manufacturing.”
GM in a statement thanked Trump “for his approach, which enables American automakers like GM to compete and invest domestically.”
Stellantis also thanked Trump for the one-month exemption, saying it “strongly” supported “his determination to enable the American automotive sector to thrive.”
Other industries are also likely to seek exemptions from the import taxes.
“A number of industries have reached out to us to ask us for exemptions to the tariffs,” Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday.
The White House repeatedly insisted that it would not grant exemptions and the sudden turnaround reflects the economic and political problems being created by Trump’s day-old tariffs. While the Republican president sees them as enriching the United States, his plans to tax imports have alienated allies and caused anxiety about slower economic growth and accelerating inflation.
The US president engaged in a phone call on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had suggested that the administration was looking to meet Canada and Mexico “in the middle.”
But Trudeau refused to lift Canada’s retaliatory tariffs so long as Trump continues with his new taxes on imports from Canada, a senior government official told The Associated Press. The official confirmed the stance on condition of anonymity as they were
not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
“Both countries will continue to be in contact today,” Trudeau’s office said.
The prospect of a trade war appears to be an ongoing feature of the Trump administration. In addition to his upcoming reciprocal tariffs that could strike the European Union, India, Brazil, South Korea, Canada and Mexico, Trump wants to tax imports of computer chips, pharmaceutical drugs and autos. He also closed exemptions on his 2018 steel and aluminum tariffs and is investigating tariffs on copper as well.
Tariffs are taxes paid by importers in the countries receiving the goods, so the cost could largely be passed along to US consumers and businesses in the form of higher prices. In his Tuesday night speech to a joint session of Congress, Trump tried to minimize the financial pain as a “ little disturbance.”
“It may be a little bit of an adjustment period,” he said after claiming that farmers would benefit from reciprocal tariffs on
countries that have tariffs on US exports. “You have to bear with me again and this will be even better.”
Trump has predicted that tariffs will lead to greater investment inside the US, creating factory jobs and boosting growth in the long term.
On Tuesday, Trump put 25 percenttaxes on imports from Mexico and Canada, taxing Canadian energy products such as oil and electricity at a lower 10 percentrate. The president also doubled the 10 percenttariff he placed on China to 20 percent.
The administration has claimed that the tariffs are about stopping the smuggling of drugs such as fentanyl, with aides asserting that this is about a “drug war” rather than a “trade war.” US customs agents seized just 43 pounds (19.5 kilograms) of fentanyl at the northern border the last fiscal year.
Trudeau said on Tuesday that his country would plaster tariffs on over $100 billion (US dollars) of American goods over the course of 21 days, stressing that the United States had abandoned
a long-standing friendship.
“Today, the United States launched a trade war against Canada, their closest partner and ally, their closest friend. At the same time, they are talking about working positively with Russia, appeasing Vladimir Putin, a lying, murderous dictator. Make that make sense,” Trudeau said on Tuesday. Mexico indicated it would announce its own countermeasures on Sunday.
Beijing responded with tariffs of up to 15 percenton a wide array of US farm exports. It also expanded the number of US companies subject to export controls and other restrictions by about two dozen.
“If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end,” China’s embassy to the United States posted on X on Tuesday night.
In response to China, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends” that the United States is “prepared” for war against the world’s second largest economy.
“Those who long for peace must prepare for war,” Hegseth said Wednesday morning. “If we want to deter war with the Chinese or others, we have to be strong.” Leavitt is one of three administration officials who face a lawsuit from The Associated Press on First- and Fifth-amendment grounds. The AP says the three are punishing the news agency for editorial decisions they oppose. The White House says the AP is not following an executive order to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
The Associated Press writer Alexa St. John in Detroit contributed reporting. Gillies reported from Toronto.
Trudeau not willing to lift Canada’s retaliatory tariffs if Trump leaves some tariffs on Canada
By ROB GILLIES
The Associated Press
TORONTO—Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is unwilling to lift Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on the United States if President Donald Trump leaves any US tariffs on Canada, a senior government official told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The official confirmed Trudeau’s stance on the condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. The official said Trump and Trudeau spoke by phone around midday. Other Canadian officials publicly echoed Trudeau’s position.
“We’re not interested in meeting in the middle and having some reduced tariff. Canada wants the tariffs removed,”
Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the leader of Canada’s most populous province, agreed. “Zero tariffs or nothing. This attack was not started by our country. This was started by President Trump. He decided to declare an economic war against our country and our province, and we’re going to hold strong,” Ford said.
Trump launched a new trade war Tuesday by imposing tariffs against Washington’s three biggest trading partners, drawing immediate retaliation from Mexico, Canada and China and sending financial markets into a tailspin. Trump put 25% taxes, or tariffs, on Mexican and Canadian imports, though he limited the levy to 10% on Canadian energy.
A day after the new tariffs took effect, Trump said he would grant a onemonth exemption for US automakers.
The announcement came after Trump spoke Wednesday with leaders of Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler and Jeep. His press secretary said Trump told the chief executives to move auto production to the US to avoid tariffs.
“A number of industries have reached out to us to ask us for exemptions to the tariffs,” Vice President JD Vance said.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said exceptions might be considered—a statement that reflected a softening of the American position after the import taxes hurt the stock market and worried consumers.
Ford took note of the anxiety, saying the American people “woke up two days ago when the market was crashing.” Americans “are voicing their opinion. The CEOs, the market tanked. That’s what really caught his (Trump’s) attention.”
Some Canadian provinces banned the sale of American booze, including Manitoba,
whose leader, Wab Kinew, mocked Trump by signing a “beautiful” order that officially removes all US liquor from stores in his province.
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said they are not interested in going “through this psychodrama every 30 days so.”
“There’s too much unpredictability and chaos coming of the White House right now,” Joly said. “He wants to weaken us and once he has weakened us possibly try to annex Canada. He has said this in the past.”
In an interview Wednesday with Bloomberg Television, Lutnick said: “There are going to be tariffs. Let’s be clear.” But he also said the president was considering offering relief to some sections of the market until April 2.
On April 2, Trump plans to announce what he calls “reciprocal” tariffs to match the tariffs, taxes and subsidies from other countries. That could dramatically increase the tariff rates charged globally while maintaining the risk of broader tariffs.
If the tariffs are not removed, Ford told the AP, the American and Canadian auto industries will last approximately 10 days before they start shutting down assembly lines in the US and Ontario.
“People are going to lose their jobs,” Ford said.
Lutnick said he would talk Wednesday with Trump about the possible options regarding Canada and Mexico, saying that both countries are working to address the US president’s concerns about drug trafficking.
Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, noted that Trudeau called the tariffs “very dumb” at a news conference Tuesday and said Trudeau’s tough talk resonated well with Canadians.
“Canada had a choice: to go along with Lutnick’s proposal or to reject it. The government opted for the latter, but that may be a negotiating ploy. It is playing well with Canadians. They are very angry with Trump,” Wiseman said.
Peter Navarro, a senior trade adviser to Trump who said he watched Trudeau’s news conference, told CNN on Wednesday that it would be useful if the prime minister “toned stuff down.”
But Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, said Trudeau’s comments were likely intended to project strength.
“Trump thrives on intimidation, and any sign of weakness on the part of Canada might help pave the way for more economic bullying. So that’s probably why the prime minister is showing resolve, at least in public,” Béland said. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he spoke with the premiers of Manitoba and Ontario, calling it an “unnecessary and costly trade war.”
“While the President may not value the partnerships that contribute billions of dollars to our economy, Minnesota does,” Walz posted on social media.
PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau holds a news conference on imposed US tariffs in Ottawa on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. ADRIAN WYLD /THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP
www.businessmirror.com.ph
American businesses scramble to contain fallout from Trump’s tariffs on Canada, China, Mexico
By Paul Wiseman Ap Economics Writer
AMINNESOTA farmer worries about the price of fertilizer. A San Diego entrepreneur deals with an unexpected cost increase of remodeling a restaurant. A Midwestern sheet metal fabricator bemoans the prospect of higher aluminum prices.
Businesses knew that Trump’s import taxes—tariffs—on America’s biggest trading partners were scheduled to take effect Tuesday. But many of them assumed they’d get a reprieve. After all, the unpredictable president had delayed the tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 days right before they were originally supposed to kick in on February 4. No such luck this time.
At midnight Tuesday, the United States imposed 25 percent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, starting a trade war with its closest neighbors and allies. Trump also doubled his 10 percent levies on Chinese imports in a series of moves that took US tariffs to the highest level since the 1940s. Canadian energy was shown some mercy, getting taxed at a lower 10 percent.
The three countries promptly announced retaliatory tariffs of their own.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said later on Tuesday that the US would likely meet Canada and Mexico “in the middle,” with an announcement coming as soon as Wednesday. Lutnick told Fox Business News the tariffs would not be paused, but that Trump would reach a compromise.
The longer the tariffs stick, the more damage they can do, forcing companies to decide between eating higher costs and passing them along to inflation-weary consumers. If the tariffs and the retaliation last a year, economist Kathy Bostjancic of Nationwide estimates, US economic growth will be more than 1 percentage point lower and inflation 0.6 percentage points higher than they would have been otherwise.
Manuel Sotelo, who runs a Mexican truck fleet that carries goods across the southern US border, didn’t expect that Trump would roll the dice on $2.2 trillion worth of American trade with Mexico, Canada and China.
“I really did think last afternoon or last night Trump would have reversed course,’’ Sotelo, who has a Trump bobblehead behind his desk, said Tuesday. That’s in no small part because Mexico has already taken steps to address the ostensible grievances behind Trump’s Tuesday tariffs — the flow of illicit drugs and immigrants — including sending
10,000 troops to the border.
But the president went ahead with the tariffs, and now businesses are scrambling to deal with them.
David Spatafore, who owns several restaurants in San Diego, said his businesses have already been pummeled by the surging price of eggs and dairy over the last month. Tuesday’s tariffs are just the latest blow.
“Everything across the board is impacted,” Spatafore said.
One of his restaurants has also been in the middle of a remodel, which has grown increasingly expensive as tariffs hit Canadian lumber and steel.
“We were in the middle of a quote for a custom oven being made,’’ he said, when the contractor added the cost of the tariffs to his estimate. Thin margins in the restaurant industry mean it’s hard to eat the higher expenses.
“Where are you supposed to absorb it?’’ he said.
At Mission Produce in Oxnard, California, which packs avocados and mangos and distributes them to supermarkets and restaurants around the world, co-founder and CEO Steve Barnard won’t need to raise prices right away. Mission Produce still has some inventory of Mexican avocados and other produce ripening in its US warehouses.
But “if this thing lasts 10 days or more, our costs will be substantially different,’’ he said. “We’ll have to come to the table and figure something out.”
Barnard expects big retailers will resist price increases, while smaller, independent chains might have to raise prices sooner because they have less pre-tariff inventory on hand.
“My company will feel an immediate, detrimental impact as a result of these tariffs,” Traci Tapani, co-president with her sister of Wyoming Machine, a sheet metal fabricator in Stacy, Minnesota that relies on Canadian aluminum, said in a statement. Tapani is the vice chair of the US Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Council. “The threats and uncertainty have made it hard to make business decisions, and these kinds of tariffs will make it extremely difficult for small businesses like mine to grow.”
In Cannon Falls, Minnesota, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) south of Minneapolis, farmer Danny Lundell is particularly worried that Trump’s import taxes will drive up the price of Canadian potash fertilizer.
“We need potash to raise healthier crops,’’ he said. “And it doesn’t matter if you’re big, medium or small, it’s going to affect you.’’
Minnesota’s Democratic governor, Tim
Walz, visited Lundell’s farm Tuesday to criticize Trump for jeopardizing relationships with his state’s biggest trading partners.
Higher costs aren’t the only consequence of Trump’s trade wars. There’s also the uncertainty as the president threatens, delays and actually imposes import taxes.
“Things are unfolding so quickly,” Brian Cornell, CEO of discount retailer Target, told reporters Tuesday. “We will watch this carefully and understand: Are these longterm tariffs? Is this a short-term action?
How will this unfold over time? I think all of us are speculating.’’
Uncertainty can take an economic toll as businesses delay plans to make investments and sign up new suppliers until they know which countries and which products are likely to be tariff targets.
During Trump’s first-term trade battles, US business investment weakened late in 2019, prompting the Federal Reserve to cut its benchmark interest rate three times in second half of the year to provide some offsetting economic stimulus.
Adding to the uncertainty now are Trump’s plans for more tariffs, not least his call for “reciprocal tariffs” to raise US duties to match higher tariffs charged by other countries. Trump could also impose more tariffs on the European Union, India,
computer chips, autos and pharmaceutical drugs.
“Everything else that’s coming down the pipeline is what adds to the uncertainty,’’ said Antonio Rivera, a partner in the international trade practice at the law firm ArentFox Schiff.
The Whiskeyjack Boutique gift shop in Windsor, Ontario, has been getting some usual customers: Americans stopping in to apologize for Trump’s decision to start a trade war with Canada.
“They are mortified by what’s happening, and they don’t support what’s going on, and they don’t like how Canada’s being kind of dragged through the mud on this,” said Katie Stokes, co-owner of the shop. Stokes has also heard Canadians planning to cancel plans to take vacations in the United States.
“It’s almost remorseful and sad, like people are upset, and they don’t love how this is playing out,’’ she said.
The Associated Press Staff Writers Jaimie Ding in Los Angeles; Anne D’Innocenzio in New York; Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit; Mike Householder in Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Megan Janetsky in Mexico City; and Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis contributed to this report.
The World
Pope Francis resting comfortably, marks start of Lent from hospital
By Nicole Winfield
RThe Associated Press
OME—Pope Francis was resting Thursday after a peaceful night during his third week of hospital treatment for double pneumonia, the Vatican said.
The pope has been sleeping with a non-invasive mechanical mask to guarantee that his lungs expand properly overnight and help his recovery. He has been transitioning to receiving oxygen with a nasal tube during the day.
The 88-year-old pope, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, has been stable for two days after suffering a pair of respiratory crises Monday. Doctors underlined that his prognosis remained guarded due to the complex picture.
The pope on Wednesday marked
the start of Lent by receiving ashes on his forehead and by calling the parish priest in Gaza, the Vatican said. He also added physical therapy to his hospital routine of respiratory therapy.
The Catholic Church opened the solemn Lenten season lead -
ing to Easter without the pope’s participation. A cardinal took his place leading a short penitential procession between two churches on the Aventine Hill, and opened an Ash Wednesday homily prepared for the pontiff with words of solidarity and thanks for Francis.
“We feel deeply united with him in this moment,” Cardinal Angelo De Donatis said. “And we thank him for the offering of his prayer and his suffering for the
good of the entire church in all the world.”
On Ash Wednesday, observant Catholics receive a sign of the cross in ashes on their foreheads, a gesture that underscores human mortality. It is an obligatory day of fasting and abstinence that signals the start of Christianity’s most penitent season, leading to Easter on April 20.
“The condition of fragility reminds us of the tragedy of death,” De Donatis said in his homily. “In many ways, we try to banish death from our societies, so dependent on appearances, and even remove it from our language. Death, however, imposes itself as a reality with which we have to reckon, a sign of the precariousness and brevity of our lives.”
The pope was supposed to attend a spiritual retreat this weekend with the rest of the Holy See hierarchy. On Tuesday, the Vatican said the retreat would go ahead without Francis but in “spiritual communion” with him. The theme, selected before Francis got sick, was “Hope in eternal life.”
Women’s rights under attack 30 years after world leaders adopted a blueprint for equality, UN says
By Edith M. Lederer The Associated Press
UNITED NATIONS—Thirty years after world leaders adopted a historic blueprint to achieve gender equality, a new United Nations report says women’s and girls’ rights are under attack and gender discrimination remains deeply embedded in economies and societies. The report released Thursday by the UN agency focused on women’s rights and
South Korean jets accidentally bomb civilian area, injuring 8
By Hyung-Jin Kim The Associated Press
SEOUL, South Korea—Two South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs on a civilian area during a joint live-fire exercise with the US military Thursday, injuring eight people, officials said.
The MK-82 bombs released by the KF-16 fighter jets fell outside a firing range, causing civilian damage, the air force said in a statement.
The air force said it will establish a committee to investigate why the accident happened and examine the scale of the civilian damage. It said the fighter jets were taking part in the one-day firing drill with the US military.
gender equality found that nearly onequarter of governments worldwide reported a backlash to women’s rights last year.
Despite some progress, including on girls’ education and access to family planning, UN Women said a woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by a partner or family member and that cases of conflict-related sexual violence have increased by 50 percent since 2022. The report, released ahead of International
See “Women,” A11
An unidentified air force official told local reporters that a pilot of one of the KF-16s put in a wrong coordinate for a bombing site. An unidentified Defense Ministry official also told reporters that more investigation was needed to find why the second KF-16 also dropped bombs on a civilian area.
The contents of the officials’ briefing were shared with foreign media.
The air force apologized and expressed hopes for a speedy recovery of the injured people. It said it will actively offer compensation
and take other necessary steps. The accident happened in Pocheon, a city close to the heavily armed border with North Korea.
In a televised briefing, Pocheon Mayor Paek Young-hyun called the bombings “awful” and urged the military to halt drills in the city until it formulates reliable steps that can prevent a recurrence. He said that Pocheon, a city of 140,000 people, provides three major firing ranges for the South Korean and US militaries.
The military later said it has decided to suspend all live-fire drills across South Korea. Observers say the military will resume firing exercises after it learns the exact cause of Thursday’s accident and maps out steps to prevent recurrences.
Pocheon’s disaster response department said six civilians and two soldiers were injured and were being treated at hospitals. Four of the injured—all civilians—were in serious condition, the department said. Two of the seriously injured are foreigners—one from Thailand and the other from Myanmar.
Three houses, a Catholic church and a greenhouse were partially damaged but they did not appear to have been directly hit by the bombs, according to the Pocheon department.
RESCUE members work at a bomb accident site where a South Korean fighter jet accidentally dropped bombs on a civilian area during training, in Pocheon, South Korea, Thursday, March 6, 2025. YONHAP VIA AP
MEXICAN painter Roberto Marquez displays his painting of Pope Francis outside the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Wednesday, March 5, 2025. AP/GREGORIO BORGIA
The World
Top Hong Kong court overturns convictions of 3 former organizers of Tiananmen vigils
By Kanis Leung
The Associated Press
HONG KONG—Hong Kong’s top court on Thursday overturned the convictions of three former organizers of an annual vigil in remembrance of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown over their refusal to provide information to police, marking a rare victory for the city’s pro-democracy activists. Chow Hang-tung, Tang Ngokkwan and Tsui Hon-kwong—core members of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China—were convicted in 2023 during Beijing’s crackdown on the city’s pro-democracy movement. They received a sentence of 4 1/2 months and have already served their terms.
The alliance was long known for organizing candlelight vigils in the city on the anniversary of the Chinese military’s crushing of the 1989 pro-democracy protests in Beijing. But it voted to disband in 2021 under the shadow of a sweeping national security law imposed by China.
Critics said the shutdown and the case showed that the city’s Western-style civil liberties were shrinking despite promises they would be kept intact when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
Before the group dissolved, police had sought details about its operations and finances in connection with alleged links to pro-democracy groups overseas, accusing it of being a foreign agent. But the group refused to cooperate, insisting it was not.
On Thursday, judges at the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal unanimously ruled in the trio’s favor. Chief Justice Andrew Cheung announced the decision in court.
The prosecution needed to
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Women’s Day on Saturday, also noted that only 87 countries have ever been led by a woman.
“Globally, women’s human rights are under attack,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. “Instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we’re seeing the mainstreaming of misogyny.”
He said the world must stand firm “in making human rights, equality and empowerment a reality for all women and girls, for everyone, everywhere.”
The 189 countries that attended a 1995 Beijing women’s conference adopted a landmark declaration and 150-page platform for action to achieve gender equality, calling for bold action in 12 areas, including combating poverty and genderbased violence and putting women at top levels in business, government and at peacemaking tables.
It also said for the first time in a UN document that human rights include the right of women to control and decide “on matters relating to their sexuality, including their sexual and reproductive health, free of discrimination, coercion and violence.”
In the new review, which includes contributions from 159 countries, UN Women said countries have taken many steps forward on gender equality and women’s rights in the past five years but that such rights still are facing growing threats worldwide.
On the positive side, the report said some 88 percent of countries have passed laws to combat violence against women and established services to help victims in the past five years. Most countries have banned workplace discrimination, and 44 percent are improving the quality of education and training for girls and women, it said.
Yet gender discrimination is deeply embedded, with wide gaps in power and
prove that the alliance was a foreign agent, the judges wrote, adding that the lower courts “fell into error” in holding that it was sufficient merely that the police commissioner said he had reasonable grounds to believe the alliance was a foreign agent.
In their appeal, the appellants also took issue with crucial details that were redacted, including the names of groups that were alleged to have links with the alliance.
The top court’s judges ruled that by redacting the only potential evidential basis for establishing that the alliance was a foreign agent, the prosecution disabled itself from proving its case.
“Non–disclosure of the redacted facts in any event deprived the appellants of a fair trial so that their convictions involved a miscarriage of justice,” they wrote.
After the ruling, Tang told reporters outside the court that he hoped the top court’s ruling proved that the alliance was not a foreign agent and that in the future they could prove that the 1989 movement was not a counter-revolutionary riot.
“Justice lives in people’s hearts. Regardless of the outcome, everyone knows the truth in their hearts,” he said.
resources that restrain women’s rights, the report said.
“The weakening of democratic institutions has gone hand in hand with backlash on gender equality,” UN Women said.
It warned that “anti-rights actors are actively undermining longstanding consensus on key women’s rights issues” and seeking to block or slow legal and policy gains they can’t roll back.
UN Women said almost 25 percent of countries reported that backlash on gender equality is hampering implementation of the Beijing platform.
According to the report, women have only 64 percent of the legal rights of men, and while the proportion of female lawmakers has more than doubled since 1995, threequarters of lawmakers are still men.
UN Women also said women aged 15 to 24 lag behind other age groups on access to modern family planning; maternal mortality ratios have remained almost unchanged since 2015; and 10 percent of women and girls live in extremely poor households.
The UN agency said cases of conflictrelated sexual violence have increased 50 percent since 2022—and women and girls are victims of 95 percent of these crimes.
UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous said that based on the report’s findings, the agency has adopted a roadmap to bring the world closer to the UN goal of achieving gender equality by 2030.
It calls for a digital revolution ensuring equal access to technology for all women and girls; investments in social protections, including universal health care and quality education to lift them out of poverty; and zero violence against girls and women. The roadmap also includes equal decisionmaking power for women and financing for “gender-responsive humanitarian aid” in conflicts and crises.
Lederer was AP’s lead reporter at the 1995 UN women’s conference in Beijing.
During an earlier hearing at the top court in January, Chow, who represented herself and prepared the appeal in prison, said her case highlighted what a police state is.
“A police state is created by the complicity of the court in endorsing such abuses. This kind of complicity must stop now,” she said.
Since the security law was introduced in 2020, several nonpermanent overseas judges have quit the top court, raising questions over confidence in the city’s judicial system. In 2024, Jonathan Sumption quit his position and said the rule of law was profoundly compromised.
But Cheung in January said the judges’ premature departures did not mean the judiciary’s independence was weakening.
The annual vigil at Hong Kong’s Victoria Park was the only largescale public commemoration of the June 4 crackdown on Chinese soil
for decades. Thousands attended it annually until authorities banned it in 2020, citing anti-pandemic measures.
After Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, the park was occupied instead by a carnival organized by pro-Beijing groups. Those who tried to commemorate the event near the site were detained.
Chow and two other former alliance leaders, Lee Cheuk-yan and Albert Ho, were charged with subversion in a separate case under the security law. They remain in custody, awaiting the beginning of their trial.
In a separate ruling on Thursday, judges at the top court dismissed jailed pro-democracy activist Tam Tak-chi’s bid to overturn his sedition convictions in a landmark case brought under a colonial-era law that was used to crush dissent.
Tam Tak-chi was the first person tried under the sedition law since the 1997 handover and was found guilty of 11 charges in 2022, including seven counts of “uttering seditious words.” The judges ruled that the prosecution was not required to establish that the words uttered by the appellant were intended to incite violence or public disorder.
The colonial-era law was repealed last year after the government introduced a new, homegrown security law that it said was necessary for stability. Critics worry the law will further curtail freedoms.
US charges Chinese hackers, government officials in broad cybercrime campaign
By Eric Tucker & Dake Kang The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—Twelve Chinese nationals—including mercenary hackers, law enforcement officers and employees of a private hacking company—have been charged in connection with global cybercrime campaigns targeting dissidents, news organizations, US agencies and universities, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.
A set of criminal cases filed in New York and Washington add new detail to what US officials say is a booming hacking-forhire ecosystem in China, in which private companies and contractors are paid by the Chinese government to target victims of particular interest to Beijing in an arrangement meant to provide Chinese state security forces cover and deniability.
The indictments come as the US government has warned of an increasingly sophisticated cyber threat from China, such as a hack last year of telecom firms called Salt Typhoon that gave Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans, including US government officials and prominent public figures.
One indictment charges eight leaders and employees of a private hacking company known as I-Soon with conducting a sweeping array of computer breaches around the world meant to suppress speech, locate dissidents and steal data from victims. Among those charged is Wu Haibo, who founded I-Soon in Shanghai in 2010 and was a member of China’s first hacktivist group, Green Army, and who is accused in the indictment of overseeing and directing hacking operations.
Earlier reporting by The Associated Press on leaked documents from I-Soon mainly
showed I-Soon was targeting a wide range of governments such as India, Taiwan or Mongolia, but little on the United States. But the indictment contains new revelations about I-Soon’s activities targeting a wide range of Chinese dissidents, religious organizations and media outlets based in the US, including a newspaper identified as publishing news related to China and opposed to the Chinese Communist Party. Other targets included individual critics of China living in the US, the Defense Intelligence Agency and a research university.
The intended targets were in some cases directed by China’s Ministry of Public Security—two law enforcement officers were charged with tasking certain assignments—but in other instances the hackers acted at their own initiative and tried to sell the stolen information to the government afterward, the indictment says. The company charged the Chinese government the equivalent of between approximately $10,000 and $75,000 for each email inbox it successfully hacked, officials said.
Phone numbers listed for I-Soon on a Chinese corporate registry rang unanswered, and I-Soon representatives did not immediately respond to an AP email requesting comment.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, Liu Pengyu, suggested Wednesday that the allegations were a “smear” and said, “We hope that relevant parties will adopt a professional and responsible attitude and base their characterization of cyber incidents on sufficient evidence rather than groundless speculation and accusations.”
A separate indictment charges two other Chinese hackers, identified as Yin
See “Hackers,” A12
TANG NGOK-KWAN, one of core members of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, leaves the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong, Thursday, March 6, 2025. AP/CHAN LONG HEI
Friday, March 7, 2025
Trump issues ‘last warning’ to Hamas, confirms unprecedented direct talks with militant group
By Aamer Madhani & Samy Magdy The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—President
Donald Trump on Wednesday issued what he called a “last warning” to Hamas to release all remaining hostages held in Gaza, directing a sharply worded message after the White House confirmed that he had recently dispatched an envoy for unprecedented direct talks with the militant group.
In a statement on his Truth Social platform soon after meeting at the White House with eight former hostages, Trump added that he was “sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job.”
“Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you,” Trump said. “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!”
The pointed language from Trump came after the White House said Wednesday that US officials have engaged in “ongoing talks and discussions” with Hamas officials,
stepping away from a long-held US policy of not directly engaging with the militant group.
Confirmation of the talks in the Qatari capital of Doha came as the Israel-Hamas ceasefire remains in the balance. It’s the first known direct engagement between the United States and Hamas since the State Department designated the group a foreign terrorist organization in 1997.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to provide detail on the substance of talks, but said President Donald Trump has authorized his envoys
to “talk to anyone.” Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries have served as mediators with Hamas for the US and Israel since the group launched its Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the war.
“Look, dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people is something that the president ... believes is a goodfaith effort to do what’s right for the American people,” she said.
Leavitt added that Israel has been consulted about the direct engagement with Hamas officials, and noted that there are “American lives at stake.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office offered a terse acknowledgement of the USHamas talks. “Israel has expressed to the United States its position regarding direct talks with Hamas,” the prime minister’s office said.
Israeli officials say about 24 living hostages—including Edan Alexander, an American citizen— as well as the bodies of at least 35 others are believed to still be held in Gaza.
Adam Boehler, Trump’s nominee to be special envoy for hostage affairs, led the direct talks with Hamas. Boehler, founder and CEO of Rubicon Founders, a healthcare investment firm, was a lead negotiator on the Abraham Accords team during Trump’s first term that strove to win broader recog -
nition of Israel in the Arab world.
The talks, which took place last month, focused mainly on the release of American hostages, and a potential end of the war without Hamas in power in Gaza, according to a Hamas official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
The official added that no progress was made but “the step itself is promising” and more talks are expected. Egyptian and Qatari mediators helped arrange the talks.
The direct engagement comes as continuation of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire remains uncertain.
Trump has signaled that he has no intentions of pushing Netanyahu
Hamas brushes off Trump’s threat, says it will only free hostages in return for lasting truce
CBy Samy Magdy
The Associated Press
AIRO—The Hamas militant group on Thursday
brushed off President Donald Trump’s latest threat and reiterated that it will only free the remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas accused Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of trying to back out of the ceasefire agreement they reached in January. The agreement calls for negotiations over a second phase in which the hostages would be released in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua said the “best path to free the remaining Israeli hostages” is through negotiations on that phase, which were supposed to begin in early February. Only limited preparatory talks have been held so far.
Continued from A11
Kecheng and Zhou Shuai, in a for-profit hacking campaign that targeted victims including US technology companies, think tanks, defense contractors and health care systems. Among the targets was the US Treasury Department, which disclosed a breach by Chinese actors late last year in what it called a “major cybersecurity incident.”
The Treasury Department announced sanctions Wednesday in connection with the hacking, and the State Department announced multimillion-dollar rewards for information about the defendants.
I-Soon is part of a sprawling industry in
On Wednesday, Trump issued what he said was a “last warning” to Hamas after meeting with eight former hostages. The White House meanwhile confirmed it had held unprecedented direct talks with the militant group, which Israel and Western countries view as a terrorist organization.
“Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!”
Both Israel and Hamas have a longstanding practice of holding onto the remains of their adversaries in order to trade them in hostage-prisoner deals.
Hamas is believed to still have 24 living hostages taken in the October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war, including IsraeliAmerican Edan Alexander. It is also holding the bodies of 34 others who were either killed in the initial attack or in captivity, as well
China, documented in an AP investigation last year, of private hacking contractors that steal data from other countries to sell to the Chinese authorities. Over the past two decades, Chinese state security’s demand for overseas intelligence has soared, giving rise to a vast network of these private hackers-for-hire companies that have infiltrated hundreds of systems outside China.
China’s hacking industry rose in the early days of the internet, when Wu and other Chinese hackers declared themselves “red hackers”—patriots who offered their services to the Chinese Communist Party, in contrast to the anti-establishment ethos popular among many coders.
The indictment “proved the close
as the remains of a soldier killed in the 2014 war.
Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight more in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in the first, 42day phase of the ceasefire, which ended on Saturday.
Israel supports what it says is a new US plan for the second phase in which Hamas would release half the remaining hostages immediately and the rest when a permanent ceasefire is negotiated. Hamas has rejected the proposal and says it is sticking with the agreement signed in January.
Israel has cut off the delivery of food, fuel, medicine and other supplies to Gaza’s roughly 2 million Palestinians in an attempt to pressure Hamas into accepting the new arrangement. It has threatened “additional consequences” if Hamas does not resume the release of hostages.
It’s unclear if the US-Hamas talks made any progress. The Trump administration has pledged
ties and interaction among China’s first-generation patriotic hackers,” said Mei Danowski, a cybersecurity analyst who wrote about I-Soon on her blog, Natto Thoughts. They “all turned to entrepreneurs now—doing businesses with the governments and making profits through other means.”
Since I-Soon documents were leaked online last year, the company has been suffering but is still in operation, according to Chinese corporate records. They’ve downsized and moved offices.
“Apparently i-SOON companies have been struggling to survive,” Danowski wrote on her blog. “To Chinese state agencies, a company like i-SOON is disposable.”
Kang reported from Beijing.
full support for Israel’s main war goals of returning all the hostages and eradicating Hamas, which may be incompatible.
Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the October 7 attack and took a total of 251 people hostage. Most have been released in ceasefire agreements or other arrangements. Israeli forces have rescued eight living hostages and recovered the bodies of dozens more.
Israel’s military offensive has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were militants. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence.
The offensive destroyed vast areas in Gaza and displaced most of its population. Hundreds of thousands of people are living in tents, schools-turned-shelters or war-damaged buildings, and the population relies on international aid.
away from a return to combat if Hamas doesn’t agree to terms of a new ceasefire proposal, which the Israelis have billed as being drafted by US envoy Steve Witkoff.
The new plan would require Hamas to release half its remaining hostages—the militant group’s main bargaining chip—in exchange for a ceasefire extension and a promise to negotiate a lasting truce. Israel made no mention of releasing more Palestinian prisoners, a key component of the first phase.
Trump on Wednesday welcomed eight former hostages—Iair Horn, Omer Shem Tov, Eli Sharabi, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy,
Doron Steinbrecher and Noa Argamani—to the White House.
“The President listened intently to their heartbreaking stories,” Leavitt said. “The hostages thanked President Trump for his steadfast efforts to bring all of the hostages home.”
Keith Siegel, an Israeli-American released last month as part of the ceasefire, said they came to the White House to express their appreciation to Trump and Witkoff, the Mideast envoy.
“We urged them to continue their enormous efforts. They have done so much. We trust them and we know they will get the job done to get all the rest of the 59 remaining hostages held in Gaza back to their families,” he said in a statement.
The talks between US and Hamas officials were first reported earlier Wednesday by the news site Axios.
Leavitt, the White House press secretary, is one of three administration officials who face a lawsuit from The Associated Press on First- and Fifth-Amendment grounds. The AP says the three are punishing the news agency for editorial decisions they oppose. The White House says the AP is not following an executive order to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
Magdy reported from Cairo.
EU leaders open emergency talks on defense and Ukraine protection as US support wanes
By Raf Casert The Associated Press
BRUSSELS—Facing the possibility of a fundamental disengagement under US President Donald Trump, European Union leaders opened a day of emergency summit talks Thursday to beef up their own military defenses and make sure that Ukraine will still be properly protected by its allies.
Friedrich Merz, the likely next chancellor of Germany, was conferring with summit host Antonio Costa over breakfast on how to meet the challenge on a short deadline only days after he and his prospective coalition partner pushed plans to loosen the nation’s rules on running up debt to allow for higher defense spending.
At the same time, the 27-nation bloc was waking up to the news from French President Emmanuel Macron would confer with EU leaders the possibility of using France’s nuclear deterrent to protect the continent from Russian threats.
It all underscored the sea change that has happened in the two months since Trump took office and immediately started questioning the cornerstones of cooperation between the United States and Europe which had been the bedrock of Western security since World War II.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants to be up to the task and has proposed an 800 billion euro ($840 billion) plan that would allow EU member states to spend much more on defense despite their current budgetary woes and profit from loans to kickstart the process. Part of any plan is also to protect the increasingly beleaguered position of Ukraine, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to take part in the talks. Early this week, Trump ordered a pause to US military supplies to Ukraine as he sought to press Zelenskyy to engage in negotiations to end the war with Russia, bringing fresh urgency to the EU summit in Brussels.
AP journalist Sylvie Corbet contributed to this report.
“Given these profound shifts in US policy, and the existential threat of another war on the continent, Europe, must manage its essential defense tasks,” the European Policy Center think tank said in a commentary. The bloc of 27 will “take decisive steps forward,” Macron told the French nation Wednesday evening. “Member states will be able to increase their military spending” and “massive joint funding will be provided to buy and produce some of the most innovative munitions, tanks, weapons and equipment in Europe.” Adding to the ebullient message he said that “Europe’s future does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow.”
Six detained in Romania for alleged plot to overthrow govt with Russian support
BBy Stephen Mcgrath The Associated Press
UCHAREST, Romania—Six people suspected of colluding with Russia to plot a coup against the Romanian government have been detained, according to police in the European Union and NATO-member country.
Romania’s anti-organized crime agency, DIICOT, detained all six on Wednesday for forming a criminal group, which was initially set up in 2023 and had links to Russia.
Police said the group was formed to allegedly undermine the “sovereignty and independence” of the Romanian state by
“politically undermining the country’s defense capacity.”
Investigations supported by Romanian intelligence services revealed that the group allegedly sought “the removal of the current constitutional order, the dissolution of political parties,” and the installation of a new government formed by its members, police said.
“In order to achieve their destabilizing objectives, representatives of the group actively requested support from officers within the Embassy of the Russian Federation,” said Romania’s domestic intelligence agency, the SRI.
The group had “a military-type structure” that aimed to negotiate
withdrawal from NATO, which Romania joined in 2004, as well as the adoption of a new Constitution, country name, flag and anthem, police said.
“The members of the criminal group would have repeatedly contacted agents of a foreign power, located both on the territory of Romania and the Russian Federation,” police said.
Two of the suspects allegedly traveled to Moscow in January this year, where police allege they had contact with individuals who supported the organization’s “efforts to take over state power in Romania,” police added.
See “Romania,” A13
WHITE House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Washington. AP/ALEX BRANDON
www.businessmirror.com.ph
China’s premier and the American president: Two leaders, two speeches, two differing world visions
By Ken Moritsugu & Didi Tang
The Associated Press
BEIJING—Their words came just an hour apart this week—two major speeches by two of the world’s most powerful leaders, delivered on opposite sides of the planet. Together, they illustrate the very different approaches the world’s 21stcentury powers are taking to achieve their respective national ambitions.
For China, it was a call for unity to overcome obstacles through innovation and “opening up”—a timehonored phrase in Chinese politics— to eventually accomplish national rejuvenation. It came from Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing as he delivered an annual work report to the National People’s Congress, nearly 3,000 representatives from a nation of 1.4 billion people.
Seven thousand miles away and an hour later, at 9 p.m. in Washington, President Donald Trump addressed both chambers of the US Congress, more than 500 lawmakers representing a nation of 340 million, as he vowed to levy tariffs on imports and defeat inflation to “make America great again”—an equally resonant phrase for many in the United States.
From setting to speaking style, the speeches were an ocean apart. Yet they struck a similar tone—that of a desire for greatness at a moment when the reigning superpower and its biggest challenger are seeing their interests increasingly at odds.
The paths their leaders choose will shape both countries’ futures—and
the rest of the world’s, too.
Divided democracy vs. authoritarian unity
LI’S speech was a set piece delivered to a loyal audience. For 55 minutes, he read a condensed version of a mostly dry and laudatory report on the government’s performance last year and its plans for 2025.
He spoke from the stage of a grand, theater-like chamber in the Great Hall of the People, a monumental edifice on Beijing’s renowned Tiananmen Square. China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, sat on the dais behind him. The thousands of delegates arrayed before them politely applauded at the appropriate junctures.
Trump’s address, which clocked at about an hour and 40 minutes, took place in the white-domed Capitol on the eastern end of the National Mall, dotted with national monuments.
With his vice president and the Republican House speaker behind him, Trump delivered a longer, more theatrical speech to a divided Congress reflecting a divided nation.
Republicans clapped and cheered robustly at times. Democrats mostly sat in stony silence and occasionally shouted in protest. One, Rep. Al Green of Texas, was ejected from the chamber early on after he stood up and interrupted the president.
Such unscripted moments—and the high emotions visible behind them—are rare in China. It is a oneparty state, and the Communist Party brooks no dissent in public. It strives to present a facade of unity. In his remarks, Li praised unity and urged the
Scientists raise concerns as US stops sharing air quality data from embassies worldwide
By Taiwo Adebayo & Sibi Arasu
The Associated Press
NEW DELHI—The US government will stop sharing air quality data gathered from its embassies and consulates, worrying local scientists and experts who say the effort was vital to monitor global air quality and improve public health.
In response to an inquiry from The Associated Press, the State Department said Wednesday that its air quality monitoring program would no longer transmit air pollution data from embassies and consulates to the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow app and other platforms, which allowed locals in various countries, along with scientists around the globe, to see and analyze air quality in cities around the world.
The stop in sharing data was “due to funding constraints that have caused the Department to turn off the underlying network” read the statement, which added that embassies and consulates were directed to keep their monitors running and the sharing of data could resume in the future if funded was restored. The fiscal cut, first reported by the New York Times, is one of many under President Donald Trump, whose administration has been deprioritizing environmental and climate initiatives.
The US air quality monitors measured
Continued from A12
Police raids and diplomatic expulsions raise tensions with Moscow ON Wednesday, authorities raided eight homes in the municipality of Bucharest and the counties of Ilfov, Giurgiu, and Maramures, which police said yielded “several pieces of evidence” that were seized.
The raids came the same day Romania expelled two military diplomats from the Russian embassy in Bucharest as tensions soar between Moscow and Bucharest. Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision related to Russia’s military, air and naval attaché, Victor Makovskiy, and his deputy, Evgeni Ignatiev, over alleged “activities that
country to “rally more closely” around Xi’s leadership.
In Washington, Trump lamented that “there is absolutely nothing I can say to make” Democrats “happy or to make them stand or smile or applaud” and called his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, “the worst president in American history.”
Tariffs vs. globalization
TRUMP was upbeat about the economy, in the cheerleading way of American politicians pumping up support for their policies. He promised steps— including cutting energy costs—to defeat inflation, a pain point for many Americans. And he pledged to put more tariffs on imports, a move he claimed would boost US industries but threatens to upset the global trade order and inflict pain on China and its export-dependent economy.
“Plants are opening up all over the place. Deals are being made like never seen. That’s a combination of the election win and tariffs. It’s a beautiful word, isn’t it?” Trump said.
China is more worried about deflation than inflation. But Li acknowledged the other challenges the economy faces, chiefly falling real estate prices and depressed consumer spending. He reaffirmed Beijing’s “unswerving commitment” to opening up.
“Regardless of changes in the external environment, we should remain steadfast in our commitment to opening up,” Li said. “We will continue to expand our globally oriented network of high-standard free trade areas.”
In a statement that no doubt re -
for comparison.”
dangerous fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and lead to respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and premature death.
The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution kills around 7 million people each year.
News of the data sharing being cut prompted immediate reaction from scientists who said the data were reliable, allowed for air quality monitoring around the world and helped prompt governments to clean up the air.
“A big blow” to global air quality research
BHARGAV KRISHNA , an air pollution expert at New Delhi-based Sustainable Futures Collaborative, called the loss of data “a big blow” to air quality research.
“They were part of a handful of sensors in many developing countries and served as a reference for understanding what air quality was like,” Krishna said. “They were also seen to be a well-calibrated and unbiased source of data to cross-check local data if there were concerns about quality.”
“It’s a real shame”, said Alejandro Piracoca Mayorga, a Bogota, Colombiabased freelance air quality consultant. US embassies and consulates in Lima, Peru, Sao Paulo and Bogota have had the public air monitoring. “It was a source of access to air quality information independent of local monitoring networks. They provided another source of information
contravene the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961.” The ministry did not provide further details.
“The two Russian diplomats carried out intelligence-gathering actions in areas of strategic interest and took actions to support the group’s anticonstitutional actions,” the SRI added in its statement Thursday. The was no immediate comment from Russia. On Wednesday, the Russian embassy described the expulsions as “unfounded and unfriendly” and said the embassy “reserves the right to take retaliatory measures.”
Russian state news agency TASS on Tuesday reported claims from Russia’s SVR foreign intelligence agency that the EU was seeking to interfere in Romania’s upcoming presidential election. The SVR said European Commission President
ferred in large part to the United States, he cautioned that “an increasingly complex and severe external environment may exert a greater impact on China in areas such as trade, science and technology.”
Leaving climate accord vs. green transition
T RUMP touted his move to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord and described his energy policy with the moniker “drill, baby, drill.” He boasted of ending the previous administration’s environmental restrictions and (incorrectly) its electric vehicle mandate, “saving our auto workers and companies from economic destruction.”
Beijing, on the contrary, is betting on a greener economy. Li said it would be a priority to accelerate “green transition” for “all areas of economic and social development”. China already has the world’s largest electric vehicle industry. Echoing earlier pledges by Xi, Li said China would “actively and prudently” work towards carbon peak and carbon neutrality.
Li stressed the importance of innovation and of developing the tech economy in China, including artificial intelligence. It’s a push that many US policymakers worry could challenge America’s lead in technology, with impacts on both the economic and military rivalry between the two.
Trump made no mention of technology except to say that it would help build “a golden dome” missile defense shield over the US. He declared his focus as commander-in-chief to be “building the most powerful military
Khalid Khan, an environmental expert and advocate based in Pakistan, agreed, saying the shutdown of air quality monitoring will “have significant consequences.”
Khan noted that the monitors in Peshawar, Pakistan, one of the most polluted cities in the world, “provided crucial real-time data” which helped policy makers, researchers and the public to take decisions on their health.
“Their removal means a critical gap in environmental monitoring, leaving residents without accurate information on hazardous air conditions,” Khan said.
He said vulnerable people in Pakistan and around the world are particularly at risk as they are the least likely to have access to other reliable data.
In Africa, the program provided air quality data for over a dozen countries including Senegal, Nigeria, Chad and Madagascar. Some of those countries depend almost entirely on the US monitoring systems for their air quality data.
The WHO’s air quality database will also be affected by the closing of US program. Many poor countries don’t track air quality because stations are too expensive and complex to maintain, meaning they are entirely reliant on US embassy monitoring data.
Adebayo reported from Abuja, Nigeria. Babar Dogar in Lahore, Pakistan, Riaz Khan in Peshawar, Pakistan, Aniruddha Ghosal in Hanoi, Vietnam, and Steven Grattan in Bogota, Colombia, contributed to this report.
Ursula von der Leyen had asked Bucharest to bar Romanian presidential candidate Calin Georgescu, who emerged as the frontrunner in last year’s canceled election, from participating in the rerun in May.
Georgescu has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin in the past as “a man who loves his country” and called Ukraine “an invented state,” but he claims not to be pro-Russian.
The Constitutional Court made the unprecedented move to annul the election two days before the Dec. 8 runoff after Georgescu’s surprise firstround win. The far-right populist had polled in single digits and declared zero campaign spending, after which allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference emerged. Moscow has denied interfering in the Romanian election process.
of the future.” One measure, he said, was to resurrect the American shipbuilding industry. Li’s report touched on defense only briefly but said China would “speed up the development of new combat capabilities.”
MAGA vs. Chinese ‘rejuvenation’
THERE’S something in common, too: Both countries are yearning for greatness again.
The United States, as a rising and then reigning power, dominated the second half of the 20th century and the start of the 21st. Its economy and military are still the world’s most powerful. As China emerges as a rising power, its interests increasingly and inevitably collide with those of Americans and their allies over trade, technology and far-flung Pacific islands.
Today, through China’s control of its domestic media, it plays up America’s divisions and violent crimes. The message to its people: It offers a better choice for their future than the messiness of democracy.
Trump presented a different view. He opened his speech much as he spent great parts of his inaugural address in January: by declaring that “America’s momentum is back.”
“Our spirit is back. Our pride is back. Our confidence is back. And the American Dream is surging bigger and better than ever before,” Trump said. “Our country is on the verge of a comeback.”
Xi has fashioned what has been called the “Chinese Dream,” by which the nation would be rejuvenated or restored to a position of greatness it
held in centuries past. China doesn’t necessarily want to be a leader in the US sense, but it wants to be considered an equal. Concretely, China wants a greater say in setting rules in a global system long dominated by the United States. Trump appears more intent on freeing the US from global rules. Aside from the Paris agreement, he has pulled the US from other global groups including the World Health Organization and the UN Human Rights Council—withdrawals that he held up as accomplishments in his speech.
As Trump pulls the United States back from international involvement, it creates an opportunity for China to fill the void. What’s unclear is to what extent the Communist Party thinks that doing so is in its interest and is able and willing to do so. At the start of his speech, Li told the delegates that China has made “solid new strides” in advancing its modernization—an echo of the “Four Modernizations” that became a mantra during the rule of the late Deng Xiaoping in the late 1970s and 1980s. In ending his report, Li, as expected, made the call that so many Chinese leaders do at these annual March meetings: “Build a great country,” he said, “and advance national rejuvenation.”
Ken Moritsugu, based in Beijing, covers China for The Associated Press. Didi Tang, a veteran China correspondent, now reports for AP from Washington, D.C.
PHL bridge failures: Symptom of a deeper infrastructure crisis
THE recent collapse of the P1.225 billion CabaganSanta Maria Bridge in Isabela, just weeks after its completion, has ignited a critical conversation about the state of Philippine infrastructure. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III’s call for a Senate investigation into the repeated incidents of bridge collapses is not just timely; it is necessary. The alarming frequency of these structural failures, which have resulted in fatalities, injuries, and significant economic losses, raises serious questions about the integrity of our engineering practices and the accountability of those in charge. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Sen. Pimentel III seeks Senate probe on series of bridge collapse,” March 4, 2025).
Pimentel’s assertion that “billions of pesos are spent and years are wasted” only for bridges to collapse reflects a growing frustration among the public. Infrastructure projects, which should serve as lifelines connecting communities and facilitating economic growth, are instead becoming death traps. The recent incidents, including the tragic collapse of multiple bridges across the country, underscore a systemic failure that cannot be ignored.
The Department of Public Works and Highways, tasked with ensuring the safety and quality of infrastructure, must be held accountable for its role in these failures. Pimentel’s Senate Resolution No. 1319 calls attention to the possible deficiencies in engineering, the use of substandard materials, and the glaring lack of oversight that have plagued these projects.
The consequences of neglecting structural integrity extend beyond the immediate loss of life and property. They ripple through the economy, diminishing public trust in government institutions and infrastructure projects. Each collapse represents a setback, not only for those directly affected but for communities that rely on robust infrastructure for their daily lives. Pimentel’s push for a comprehensive review of engineering standards, design feasibility, and maintenance protocols is a call to action that should resonate with all stakeholders. It is imperative that national and local governments, alongside contractors, commit to adhering to stringent engineering standards.
As citizens, we must demand transparency and accountability from our leaders. The investigation proposed by Pimentel should not merely serve as a formality, but rather as a catalyst for meaningful reform in our infrastructure development processes. The tragic lessons learned from past failures must guide future projects, ensuring that bridges and other critical infrastructure are built to withstand not just normal use, but also unforeseen calamities.
The call for investigation into the alarming rate of bridge collapses is more than just a legislative initiative; it is a plea for justice and accountability. The safety of our communities is at stake, and it is our shared responsibility to hold accountable those who are entrusted with protecting our infrastructure.
Policymakers, engineers, and the public must come together to identify the root causes of this structural failure and implement robust measures to prevent similar disasters in the future. Only through such a concerted effort can the country rebuild public trust and ensure that the substantial investments in infrastructure truly benefit the citizens and contribute to the nation’s overall development.
BusinessMirror
T. Anthony C. Cabangon
Lourdes
Garibay’s ‘Via Crusis’ art of faith for empowered change
AKuwentong Peyups
RT continues to inspire, challenge, and guide believers on their spiritual journey.
For Filipino artist Manny Garibay, his works not only represent the world of art but also address issues related to the Philippine economy and sociocultural matters.
Christians flocked to churches on Ash Wednesday, which marks the first day of Lent, the six weeks of penitence before Easter.
Many Christians attend special Ash Wednesday church services at which they receive ash on their foreheads, as the wearing of ashes was a sign of repentance in biblical times.
Lent is also closely associated with the devotional exercise of visiting and praying in front of each of the Stations of the Cross or Via Crusis, a series of 14 pictures or carvings portraying events in the Passion of Christ, from his condemnation by Pontius Pilate to his entombment.
An interesting version is the Via Crusis series by Garibay as part of his solo exhibit “Dambana: A Critical Reflection on Belief, Power, and Memory” during the recent Art Fair held at the Ayala Triangle on February 21 to 23, 2025.
Born in 1962 in Kidapawan, North Cotabato, Garibay is one of the Philippines’ most thoughtprovoking artists. He is known for his expressionist figurative style
in his masterpieces that reflect a deep social and political consciousness.
Garibay has combined a commitment of Christian mission with a militant understanding of social wrongs, which he gained while studying at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, and actively participating in the protest movement of the late ’80s.
The term “dambana” refers to an altar or shrine, a physical and symbolic space where reverence, memory, and devotion converge.
The exhibit probes the concept of the sacred as both a cultural artifact and a socio-political mechanism. From ancient myths to modern tech icons, colonial relics to contemporary faith, it challenges viewers to reflect on what they revere, why, and at what cost.
The brochure described the exhibit: “For centuries, organized faith has wielded immense influence over Filipino lives, often as an instrument of colonial domination. Yet, faith has also been a source of empowerment, particularly through movements like liberation theology, which realign
For Garibay, art isn’t just a form of expression—it’s a call to action. His carefully crafted work is an effective storytelling of people in scenes of social, political, and religious complexity.
religion with the struggles of the marginalized. This duality prompts reflection: how might faith be disentangled from its complicity with power and reimagined as a force for human flourishing?”
It added: “The imagery refuses to be confined by static representations, instead, it portrays symbols of devotion as living, breathing constructs —always entwined with systems of power, always subject to negotiation and reinterpretation.”
Garibay’s Via Crucis featured Filipinos’ modern-day challenges per station that aimed to guide viewers to see Christ in their own image, in their own life setting, as part of their everyday struggles.
The 14 stations are: I. Farmers and agrarian reform; 2. Military and human rights violations; 3. Basketball; 4. Education; 5. Labor; 6. Burgerchomping traffic cop; 7. Cockfights; 8. Insurgency; 9. Dynasty in politics; 10. Calamities; 11. Pinoy Batman halloween costumes and Hollywood; 12. Karaoke; 13. Overseas Filipino workers and 14. Vote buying during elections.
Station Three focused on Basketball. In an interview, Garibay said: “This work dramatizes how misplaced our focus is on a sport that we are not physically suited for given our shorter physique. It also shows how thoroughly we have been colonized by North America. It encapsulates
The risks of a rapid energy transition in the
THE global push for renewable energy is a critical response to climate change, but in the Philippines, the rapid transition to renewables is beset with significant challenges. While the shift to cleaner energy sources is necessary, the speed at which it is being pursued presents risks that could undermine its long-term success. Key issues include the intermittency of renewables, the financial burden of feed-in tariffs (FIT), the intense use of natural resources that disrupts communities and biodiversity, and institutional constraints that hamper a smooth transition. Additional concerns include the need for workforce reskilling and the geopolitical risks associated with renewable energy supply chains.
lagic nation with a growing electricity demand, faces a serious challenge in ensuring a stable and reliable power supply when relying too much on intermittent renewables. The Luzon grid has faced several instances of red and yellow alerts due to insufficient power reserves, particularly during peak demand. The lack of adequate energy storage infrastructure exacerbates the problem, as excess energy generated during peak production hours cannot always be stored for later use. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are being developed, but they remain expensive and insufficient for nationwide deployment. Strengthening energy storage capacity and ensuring a balanced energy mix are crucial to mitigating these challenges. To encourage investment in renewable energy, the Philippine government has implemented feed-in tariffs (FIT), a subsidy mechanism that guarantees fixed payments to renewable energy producers. While
the issues of power and marginality that mark Filipino culture. As a way of life, Filipinos jostle for an impossible hope, an illusion of success, an unreachable goal.”
Station Nine portrayed the Philippines as a dynastic democratic country where powerful clans have long played a major role in its politics for centuries. Political dynasties usually have consolidated support base concentrated around the province in which they are dominant. Station Ten refers to calamities that cause widespread damage, such as typhoon, flood, or earthquake that often hit the Philippines due to its location.
Station Thirteen featured OFWs as individuals who have left their homes to work abroad and provide comfortable lives for their families.
Station Fourteen depicts the vulnerability of the poor during elections, who are more likely to be targeted for vote buying and to sell their votes, which obstruct the democratic process.
For Garibay, art isn’t just a form of expression—it’s a call to action. His carefully crafted work is an effective storytelling of people in scenes of social, political, and religious complexity. He believes an awakened consciousness through art can help people pull themselves out of their despondency and feeling of powerlessness to bring about empowered change.
Peyups is the moniker of University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0908-8665786.
Philippines
this policy has successfully increased investments in solar, wind, hydro, and biomass energy, it has also imposed financial pressures that need to be carefully managed. The FIT system is ultimately funded by consumers through the universal charge for renewable energy (UC-RE) in their electricity bills. This additional cost is passed down to households and businesses, increasing electricity prices in a country where power rates are already among the highest in Southeast Asia. While renewable energy must be supported, a more sustainable approach that ensures affordability for consumers needs to be explored. Renewable energy is often seen as environmentally friendly, but largescale projects can have significant ecological and social consequences. Hydropower plants, for instance, require vast amounts of land and can lead to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and displacement of See “Eagle Watch,” A15
EAGLE WATCH
Fernando T. Aldaba
Dennis Gorecho
A remarkable day Xi’s growth
goal will
need big stimulus if trade war escalates
PRESIDENT Xi Jinping signaled China’s determination to push ahead with an ambitious growth goal this year, despite the trade war. If Donald Trump boosts tariffs further, analysts say Beijing will need to unleash big stimulus to hit the target.
China announced an expansion target of about 5 percent for 2025 at its annual parliamentary session Wednesday, marking the first time in more than a decade Beijing had set the same goal for three straight years. That resolve to put a floor under growth came less than a day after Trump hiked fresh blanket US tariffs on Chinese goods to 20 percent, with more levies looking inevitable.
As tariffs threaten to damage a major driver of growth, Chinese officials are trying to balance projecting strength while managing financial risks. Unleashing greater stimulus to fill a hole left by falling US trade would undermine Xi’s long-standing efforts to rein in surging debt. Beijing has resisted “bazooka” stimulus since the pandemic, in contrast to previous downturns and other major economies.
“It would come down to a political decision about what price they’re willing to pay for growth,” said Christopher Beddor, deputy China research director at Gavekal Dragonomics in Hong Kong, referring to a scenario involving big tariff hikes. “Officials might be able to ramp up fiscal stimulus to hit the target, but the question is whether they’d be willing to accept a substantial rise in debt to do that.”
One way China could avoid having to unleash more stimulus would be to strike a deal with Trump. That could see Beijing pledge to buy more US goods, or offering for domestic firms like electric vehicle giant BYD Co. to put factories on American soil. While Trump signaled a desire to speak with Xi last month, they have yet to have a call since the US leader took office, putting the focus on domestic policy.
If tariffs rise to the 60 percent level Trump floated on the campaign trail, they could knock two percentages off China’s growth this year, according to Larry Hu, chief China economist at Macquarie Group. While losing that revenue would be a challenge, analysts agree stimulus could mitigate the impact.
Officials have already alluded to more support ahead. Shen Danyang, the official in charge of drafting the government work report, said “there are in fact back-up plans for macroeconomic policies, and policies will be adjusted dynamically to respond proactively to the changing situation,” at a press briefing on Wednesday. Any additional measures will likely come after officials have had time to digest the effect of tariffs on growth. China will release its official first-quarter economic growth data in mid-April, which will be followed by an economy-focused huddle of the decision-making Politburo.
Stimulus size
ANALYSTS are split on exactly what it would cost to fill the gap left by exports to the US, with Carlos Casanova, senior Asia economist at Union Bancaire Privee, saying it would take “in the ballpark of tens of trillions of
local communities. The Pulangi hydroelectric project in Mindanao has drawn attention for its potential impact on indigenous communities and ecosystems. Similarly, wind and solar farms require extensive land areas, which can lead to conflicts over land use. In Ilocos Norte, the expansion of wind farms has raised concerns over land acquisition and the impact on local agricultural activities. Additionally, large-scale solar farms in areas like Nueva Ecija have led to concerns about agricultural land being repur-
OChina announced an expansion target of about 5 percent for 2025 at its annual parliamentary session Wednesday, marking the first time in more than a decade Beijing had set the same goal for three straight years.
yuan.” That estimate takes into account Beijing shoring up the property sector and cleaning up a wall of local government hidden debt maturing through 2026. Pumping an additional 1 trillion to 2 trillion yuan (as much as $275 billion) worth of stimulus would save the growth target, according to Tommy Xie, head of Asia macro research at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., while Wang Tao, chief China economist at UBS Group AG, sees more than 2 trillion yuan being added to the broad fiscal deficit as another possibility.
Chinese authorities will need to step in with forceful measures to help the property market bottom out, if Trump tariffs rise significantly, economists say. Steps could include injecting money into the market to absorb housing inventory.
Stabilizing the property market would be key to shoring up domestic demand—something top leaders earmarked as their top priority this year—as falling property prices since 2021 have resulted in a negative wealth effect that’s made Chinese consumers less willing to spend. Beijing used a similar playbook to get the economy out of a rut in 2015, when the central bank unleashed money to finance a shantytown renovation project that created massive demand for new housing and cleared inventory.
“In China, the most powerful macro policy is a merge of monetary, fiscal and housing policies, i.e. financing fiscal spending on housing with the central bank’s balance sheet,” Macquarie’s Hu said. “They will use that if exports slow sharply.”
Another option for China is devaluing the currency. During the first trade spat in 2018 and 2019, the yuan depreciated by 11.5 percent versus the greenback and offset about two-thirds of the tariff hike, according to analysis from Morgan Stanley economists including Robin Xing.
This time around that would be harder. The yuan is already at the weaker bound of a range that the People’s Bank of China is comfortable to let the currency fluctuate within, and such a move would risk triggering capital outflows.
For now, Xi is keeping calm as Trump’s trade war unfolds, responding with only moderate measures. But there are no guarantees things will stay cordial if tariff levels do seriously jeopardize China’s growth trajectory.
Hours after the growth target was unveiled, the Chinese embassy in the US posted on X: “If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end.” With assistance from James Mayger and Colum Murphy /Bloomberg
posed for energy production, potentially affecting local food supply and farmers’ livelihoods. Moreover, the extraction of materials for solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage—such as lithium and rare earth metals—requires intensive mining, which has its own environmental consequences. The rapid energy transition is further complicated by institutional and regulatory barriers. Various government agencies oversee different aspects of energy policy, and ensuring smooth coordination remains a challenge. The permitting process for new energy projects can be slow, with renewable energy de -
Tito Genova Valiente ANNOTATIONS
N the Wednesday of this week, people in my city were walking with ashes on their forehead. This was happening in all the other Catholic and, in most cases, Christian places of the world. There is nothing unusual about this, or maybe there is?
Was I being conscious of a mark that has all the time been happening all around me ever since I had been made aware of my own religion? Can we ever overthink about faith?
For one, I forgot about the day. It took a while for me to realize that there was this ritual that marked people about something they believe in. In a sense, the ashes identified men and women as they walked to their work, as they left their homes, as they went about their daily tasks. I do remember what the rite is all about. If my memory serves me right, the mark of the ashes or its imposition is accompanied by the words, from dust we came and to dust we shall return. It is a reminder and, we were told by our Religion teacher then, that with it came the prayers about repentance, how we should not sin again.
Interesting that I seem to be seeing for the first time, or meditating upon these two, the tandem themes of sinfulness and mortality, on the day that demarcates the long season of Lent. While I know that the said Wednesday ushers in a season that I connect with summer, meditation, and prayers, there is also this feast that constantly tells us how life cannot just go on, that we should think of our blunders as well as our graces.
It is a day that brackets our own days and weeks and months. Where do the ashes come from?
Is it still true that the palms blessed during last year’s Palm Sunday are burned to produce the ashes that will remind us we all will die? I like to think of this as true. I like to sense the connection between the calendrical days that happened a year ago as linked to these new days at present. As if the lesson about mortality is also the pages from which we can read thoughts about our immortality, or of life everlasting, of death and the life after it. Or, at least, allow the palms of the previous year to be symbols present in the minds of those who preside over our ceremonies so that the wheel of redemption is not reinvented. Enable us (or at least, let me) to be part of this cycle, of this myth of eternal return, where the divine and transcendental are summoned each year in an unending praise. That the teachings of our own death are not about annihilation of breathing but more of a graceful exit from a life well lived into again another life more sumptuous and blessed. That this life on earth has not been merely a temporary reprieve, or a holding room before the final exam, or worse, an illusion.
As regards sinfulness, there must be another way to put this burden in a brighter context.
With due respect to what others believe in, I like to believe in a religion that celebrates the capacity of humans to better themselves. This notion of the Fall of Man/Woman can work only as a grand, if not a charming parable, not of fall from lofty, eternal grace but as a reminder of our own missteps, those conscious (again) challenges we face and muster because we are humans.
There is in humanity more than the errors or sins; there is in humanity the search for a beautiful world, of beings with the innate desire to invent and improve the earth. Somewhere, we know, we will falter, but, the human in us, should also contain perfection and correction, a craving for innovation.
Thus, from the ashes, we are issued not dark, dire warnings but a view of the wondrous creation, of the
Trump’s call for Chips Act repeal spurned by key US lawmakers
By Steven T. Dennis & Mackenzie Hawkins
US lawmakers who helped secure billions of dollars in subsidies for domestic semiconductor manufacturing rejected President Donald Trump’s call to revoke the 2022 Chips Act, signaling that any repeal effort in Congress would fall short.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who negotiated the law, predicted Wednesday that Trump’s demand would fail, while a top Republican proponent, Senator Todd Young, expressed surprise at the president’s comments and said he expects the administration to keep the program running.
The Chips Act is “essential for America leading the world in tech, leading the world in AI, and in bringing back good paying manufacturing jobs to the US,” Schumer said in an interview.
The $52 billion semiconductor subsidy program, which received bipartisan support, has spurred more than $400 billion in investments from companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Intel Corp. When it passed, as a signature piece of President Joe Biden’s agenda, it won support from dozens of GOP lawmakers.
But, speaking to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night, Trump
velopers navigating complex regulatory requirements and right-ofway issues. While efforts have been made to streamline approvals and enhance grid infrastructure, further improvements are needed to support the growing share of renewables in the energy mix. Grid modernization is crucial to integrating intermittent energy sources, and sustained efforts in this area will help strengthen the overall reliability of the power sector.
Another challenge in the transition is the need for workforce reskilling. As the energy landscape evolves, workers in traditional fossil fuel industries may find
called for its repeal, to applause from congressional Republicans, including those whose states have benefited.
“Your Chips Act is a horrible, horrible thing,” Trump said, imploring House Speaker Mike Johnson to get rid of the legislation and use “whatever is left over” to “reduce debt or any other reason.”
Republicans control both chambers of Congress. But a slim House majority, plus an expected Senate filibuster, would make a repeal politically difficult. The legislation has drawn investments to Republican strongholds, such as Ohio and Texas, as well as Schumer’s home state of New York.
The president has consistently derided a program he characterizes as a waste of government funds, arguing tariffs would achieve the same outcome while filling coffers.
On Tuesday, he pointed to the $100 billion in new investment planned by TSMC in the US as evidence of the power of tariffs.
themselves displaced. Investing in workforce training programs and social protection programs will be essential to ensure a smooth transition for affected workers and to build a skilled labor force that can support the growth of renewable energy industries. The global nature of renewable energy supply chains also presents a potential risk for energy security. Many of the critical materials used in solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage systems are sourced from a few key countries. This concentration of supply can lead to vulnerabilities in the event of geopolitical tensions or trade disrup -
Schumer said there have already been benefits with many factories under construction. He said some have already gotten their money but projects could be put at risk if Trump succeeded in repealing funding.
“That’s why it had such bipartisan support, and I believe that there’ll be an overwhelming number of people in the Senate—Democrat and Republican—who want to keep it,” Schumer added.
Republicans have previously indicated that they want to remove what they see as “social” provisions of the Chips Act. That could involve eliminating labor-friendly regulations or environmental requirements.
Senator Mike Crapo, who heads the Finance Committee, said Wednesday he would be open to some adjustments to the Chips Act but opposes a full repeal. He rejected the idea of using one possible procedural avenue—the partisan tax reconciliation package under negotiation—to slip in a repeal of the law.
“We’re not looking at that,” Crapo said.
Young called the law “one of the greatest successes of our time” and said he received assurances from Trump cabinet nominees both in public and in private that they would carry out the Chips Act before he
tions. Diversifying supply sources and supporting domestic capabilities in renewable energy manufacturing can help mitigate these risks.
The Philippines’ energy transition should not be rushed at the expense of stability, affordability, and sustainability. While the government’s goal of increasing renewable energy’s share in the power mix is commendable, a more pragmatic approach is necessary. This includes investing in energy storage and grid modernization, diversifying the energy mix to ensure stability, and ensuring that financial mechanisms supporting
are sustainable. Strengthening coordination among
Garden—once more—from which we ventured into the worlds of wisdom and more creation. It is Man/ Woman looking around, gazing into the vast universe, feeling a bit lonely and sometimes alone, not to own it supremely like an arrogant landlord, but to map his/her own fate as an enlightened navigator, or a farmer with a sense of the good earth. If we paraphrase Romans 1:20, God’s invisible qualities (his eternal power and divine nature) are seen in the creation of the world, and we understand all these, and therefore, as the passage states, “people are without excuse.” What could this mean, about people having no excuse? That we cannot refuse to acknowledge divinity? Or that there is no reason for us not to do good, surpass our own weaknesses?
The ashes should have all the earthbound answers.
E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com
committed to supporting their confirmation.
The Indiana Republican said he reached out to the White House last night after Trump’s speech and expressed a willingness to improve the program. “My expectation is the administration will continue to support this supply chain resiliency and national security initiative,” he said. “If it needs to transfer over to a different model over time, I’m open to that.”
The Chips Act is among the most significant US forays into industrial policy in more than a generation. It set aside $39 billion in grants— plus loans and 25 percent tax breaks—to revitalize American semiconductor manufacturing, as well as $11 billion for chip research and development. The aim was to reduce reliance on Asia for electronic components that power everything from smartphones to massive data centers.
Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, whose state is home to several factories planned by TSMC and Intel with Chips Act support, said he would be scrutinizing the Trump administration’s work in implementing the law, to ensure none of the money is held back. With assistance from Erik Wasson /Bloomberg
agencies, addressing environmental and social concerns, and preparing the workforce for new opportunities in the renewable energy sector are also critical. The transition to renewable energy must continue, but it is essential to remain conscious of the challenges and implications of a rapid shift. A carefully managed transition will ensure that the benefits of clean energy are maximized while minimizing unintended consequences.
Friday, March 7, 2025
Weak peso to spur tourists to spend more—economist
By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror
FOREIGN
tourists in the Philippines are expected to spend more, with the continued weakness in the local currency versus the American greenback, according to an economist.
This developed as the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported that foreign tourists spent some US$1.1 billion in January 2025, or P64.23 billion, based on that month’s foreign exchange average of P58.39:US$1 recorded by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and not P65.3 billion as claimed by DOT in its news statement on Thursday.
19.6 percent on shopping, and some 18.8 percent on entertainment and recreation.
The DOT is targeting inbound revenue to reach P527 billion this year,
under its National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028. Last year, receipts totaled $13.27 billion, or P760.5 billion ($1:P57.29), exceeding
GOVT SAYS MSRP FOR PORK IN WET MARKETS STARTS MAR 10
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it would plow ahead with the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork in Metro Manila wet markets starting March 10.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the DA will impose an MSRP of P380 per kilo for pork belly or liempo and P350 per kilo for kasim or pork shoulder and pigue or pork ham.
their higher operating costs. The DA said it decided to impose an MSRP on pork following consultations with industry stakeholders, such as producers, wholesalers, traders, and retailers, who said this move would ensure the pork industry’s sustainability, which continues to suffer from the ASF’s adverse effects.
The agency said the move to impose an MSRP on pork aims to ease the financial strain on consumers reeling from the surge in meat prices.
Meanwhile, DA Undersecretary for Livestock Dante Palabrica said industry groups have shown support to the government’s initiatives to make pork more affordable.
The new pricing also considered the ongoing challenges facing the pork industry, particularly the lingering effects of African swine fever (ASF), it added.
‘More revenue, more jobs’ THE agency failed to provide the detailed breakdown of visitor spending for January 2025. However, based on previous reports, almost 21 percent of foreign tourists’ spending go to accommodations,
The visitor spending in January this year was 34 percent more than the $821 million recorded in January 2019, and not an “impressive 136.1 percent” as initially cited by DOT. In peso terms, the January 2025 inbound revenue of P64.23 billion was 49 percent higher than P43.08 billion in the same month in 2019 ($1:P52.47), and not “151.46 percent” more, as claimed by the DOT. In a Viber message, senior economist Ronilo Balbieran of the University of Asia and the Pacific told the BusinessMirror that, “The higher exchange rate is a great incentive for foreign tourists to spend more in our country, due to the higher multiplier of their dollar budget.”
The DA will also impose a maximum suggested price of P300 per kilo for sabit ulo, or the price at which traders pass pork to retailers. Laurel said the MSRP will be reviewed after one month to determine if adjustments to the pricing should be considered.
However, the agency clarified that pork sold in supermarkets and hypermarkets will be exempt from the MSRP, given
“They’ve recognized that if prices stay above P400 per kilo, consumers may shift to imported pork or other protein sources like chicken and fish,” Palabrica said. For Chester Warren Yeo Tan, chairman of the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. (NatFed), the MSRP would stabilize pork prices, thus benefiting consumers and the entire pork value chain, which continues to be challenged by ASF. Retail prices of pork ham in Metro Manila markets range from P350 to P420 per kilo, while pork belly stood between P375 to P480 per kilo, based on the latest government price monitoring report.
See “Weak,” A2
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
B1 Friday, March 7, 2025
Bloomberry profit plunges 72%
By VG Cabuag @villygc
BLOOMBERRY Resorts Corp.
said its consolidated net income last year plummeted by 72 percent to P2.62 billion from the previous year’s P9.52 billion on higher depreciation and interest expense associated with Solaire North in Quezon City.
The operator of Solaire Resorts and Casinos said it had a P706.3million one-off gross receipts tax charge relating to the P72-billion syndicated refinancing facility.
“In 2024 we reported topline growth despite a challenging operating environment in Metro Manila. The newly opened Solaire Resort North contributed to our GGR [gross gaming revenue] strength as it vastly expanded our presence in the mass market segment,” said Enrique K. Razon Jr., Bloomberry chairman and CEO.
crease in total equity.
Razon said Solaire North continues to gain traction in daily foot traffic and revenue.
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
Resort Entertainment City declined by 9 percent to P53.2 billion from the previous year’s P58.3 billion.
TFor the fourth quarter alone, the company suffered a net loss of P920.2 million, compared to the net income of P1.3 billion it posted in the same period in 2023.
The company revalued its land assets based on estimated fair values.
A P37.7-billion increase in the value of land was recognized resulting in a P28.7-billion revaluation increment that contributed to a significant in-
“Our consolidated mass gaming revenue increased by 19 percent, significantly outperforming the VIP segment and pushing consolidated GGR growth to 6 percent. However, our EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization] and profit for the year were lower as we recognized preoperating, depreciation and interest expenses for Solaire North while Solaire in Entertainment City grappled with VIP and premium mass market weakness.”
“We believe that our second property’s exceptional world-class offerings are well-suited for the demand environment in the northern portions of the greater Manila area and gives us a distinct advantage over the competition within the integrated resort space.”
Bloomberry’s GGR for the year reached P61.7 billion, an increase of 6 percent from P58.3 billion in 2023. The increase was mainly due to GGR contributed by Solaire North, which recorded 221 days of operations for the year.
The mass market segment outperformed the VIP business as the combined performance of mass table games and electronic gaming machines across two properties went up by 19 percent.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, consolidated GGR was P16.2 billion, higher by 17 percent compared to the same period in the previous year.
For the year, the GGR of Solaire
VIP rolling chip volume was P436.1 billion, representing a yearover-year decline of 29 percent. The VIP hold rate was 3.5 percent against 3.16 percent in the previous year. VIP GGR was P15.2 billion, declining by 22 percent from P19.5 billion in 2023.
Mass table drop was P41.1 billion, a decline of 20 percent from the previous year. The mass table hold rate was 42.9 percent, compared to 35.5 percent in the previous year. Mass table GGR was P17.6 billion, lower by 3 percent compared to P18.2 billion in 2023.
For Solaire Resort North, in its first 221 days of operations, it had a GGR of P8.4 billion. Non-gaming revenue was P1.9 billion. Since opening last May, its monthly gaming volumes, hotel, and food and beverage revenues posted increases.
Solaire Korea’s Jeju Sun recorded GGR of P44 million for the year, an increase of 42 percent from the previous year.
HE International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) has increased its capital expenditures (capex) for 2025 by a tenth, as it pushes forward with terminal expansions and new projects across key markets.
In a disclosure to the stock exchange, the global port operator said it has allotted $580 million in capex this year, about 10-percent higher than the $517.14-million outlays in 2024.
The 2025 capex will be allocated to several major infrastructure developments, including the new terminal in Batangas, Philippines, which ICTSI initiated last year.
Other key investments include the phase 3B expansion in Contecon Manzanillo S.A. (CMSA) in Mexico, ongoing development at Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), and the expansion of ICTSI DR Congo S.A. (IDRC) in Matadi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Furthermore, ICTSI will launch new expansion projects at ICTSI Rio in Brazil and Mindanao Container Terminal in Cagayan de Oro.
The company also earmarked funds for equipment acquisitions, facility upgrades, and maintenance capex to sustain operational efficiency across its global portfolio. In 2024, ICTSI’s capital spending was primarily used to complete several major developments, including the phase 3A expansion at CMSA in Mexico, a berth extension in ICTSI Rio, Brazil, and new equipment installations at the Visayas Container Terminal (VCT) in Iloilo, Philippines.
The company also advanced construction of its new East Java Multipurpose Terminal (EJMT) in Indonesia, alongside continued expansions at MICT and IDRC.
ICTSI posted a 66-percent surge in net income for 2024, reaching an all-time high of $849.8 million, driven by higher operating income and interest earnings from a strong cash balance. Revenues from port operations climbed 15-percent yearon-year to $2.74 billion, buoyed by higher volumes, tariff adjustments and increased revenue from ancillary services.
The company attributed the growth to an improved container mix, better trade activities at certain terminals, and expansion initiatives.
SM Prime’s P45.6-B Profit Fuels Expansion into Premium Residential Market
SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) is setting its sights on the premium residential market after posting a record-breaking financial performance in 2024.
SM Prime recently announced a historic net income of P45.6 billion, up 14% from the previous year, as consolidated revenues climbed 10% to an all-time high of P140.4 billion. The residential segment contributed 34% of SM Prime’s record revenues, demonstrating resilient performance despite challenges from elevated inflation and interest rates.
“Our strong performance in 2024 provides a solid foundation for future growth,” said SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim. “With several key projects in development, we are well-positioned to build on this momentum.”
One of these key projects in development is a new premium brand under its SM Residences business line. In November, SM Prime revealed plans to expand its residential portfolio to include high-end horizontal and vertical principal homes, complementing its existing economic, mid-range and leisure residential offerings.
Set to launch this year, the premium brand’s first upscale primary
residential project is a masterplanned subdivision designed with a strong focus on sustainability, convenience and community.
“We’re creating spaces that embody refined living—designed for distinction, built for generations and masterfully planned for everyday ease,” shared Jose Juan Jugo, Executive Vice President and head for the coming premium residential line under the SM Residences portfolio.
This vision is shaped by SM Prime’s deep understanding of the Philippine property market, honed through decades of experience across various business segments. With 87 malls, 22 office towers and more than 185,000 residential units launched, SM Prime has consistently anticipated and met the evolving needs of Filipino consumers.
Building on the success of its high-end commercial developments such as
and
Jose Juan Jugo, Executive Vice President and Head for the coming premium residential line under the SM Residences portfolio
By Samuel P. Medenilla
M@sam_medenilla
ALACAÑANG is open to prohibit Philippine Inland Gaming Operators (PIGOs) or e-gambling businesses if these cause higher crime incidents.
In a news briefing last Thursday, Palace Press Officer Claire A. Castro said the Executive Branch currently neither has data nor study that can be used as basis for prohibiting PIGOs.
“If there are such statistics or data, it would better if these can be submitted to us so we can consider it in determining if PIGO should also be banned,” Castro said mostly in Filipino.
“If what happened with [the] POGO [Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator sector] will also happen with PIGO, the President will not hesitate to also ban PIGO, but of course there should be data to support it,” she added.
Last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. banned POGOs since citing how the said activity caused high crime rates.
In his speeches during the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas (APBP) rallies, Marcos said he will not allow
Banking&Finance
his administration to rely on POGOs for generating jobs and government revenues since it becomes a hotbed for crimes and violence.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reported it has recorded at least 40 POGO-related kidnappings from January to February this year.
Castro, however, said the Palace is not keen on banning PIGOs since 90 percent of its employees are Filipinos unlike POGOs that are mostly staffed by foreign nationals.
She also said PIGO spend their marketing and advertisement in the Philippines and also pay large taxes to the government.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) undersecretary made the remark after Senate President Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero raised concerns over the impact of PIGOs to Filipinos, particularly the poor, since these companies’ operations expose citizen to gambling. Escudero already called on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to conduct a review on the benefit of PIGOs.
The Department of Finance expressed its reservations against banning PIGOs but is pushing for stricter regulations for the said businesses.
CONGLOMERATE SM Investments Corp. was recognized as best bond for corporate in the Philippines in the best significant deal category during the “Asset Triple A Sustainable Finance Awards 2025” organized by the Asset Publishing & Research Ltd. (APRL).
SMIC offered a $500-million bond offering last year, which marked the largest-ever 5-year issuance by a Philippine corporate and achieved the tightest-ever 5-year issue spread by an unrated corporate in Southeast Asia.
According to the Singaporebased APRL, the deal underscores SMIC’s strong credit profile and the continued trust it enjoys from international investors.
“This recognition affirms the strength of our financial position and our unwavering commitment to growth,” Erwin G. Pato, the company’s executive vice president for treasury, finance and planning, said.
“The successful execution of this landmark bond offering and the positive reception from
I’VE always heard my grandmother say, “practice makes perfect” for any of my activities in school or outside, like reciting poems, doing math calculations, attending a public speaking class, or taking piano lessons.
The phrase conveys that repetition and consistent effort in practicing a skill or activity leads to improvement and mastery. It suggests that the more one engages in deliberate practice, the closer they come to achieving a high level of proficiency or perfection in a particular task.
In the context of associations, there are multifaceted applications of the phrase, as follows:
1. Refining skills in association leadership. Whether honing communication skills, strategic planning, or crisis management, consistent practice enables association leaders to refine their abilities and adapt to evolving challenges.
2. Enhancing member engagement. Regularly practicing effective communication, community building, and responsiveness fosters an environment where member engagement becomes, not just a practice, but an ingrained aspect of the association’s identity.
3. Innovating through iterative practices. Associations that embrace experimentation, iterate on their approaches,
BOC’s Jan take exceeds goal after 2024 shortfall
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) collected P79.343 billion in revenues in January 2025, exceeding its target for the month and collection during the same month a year ago.
In a statement on Thursday, the BOC said its revenue collection in the first month of the year amounted to P79.343 billion. This surpassed the Bureau’s P78.015-billion target collection in January 2025 by P1.328 billion or 1.70 percent.
The collection also grew by 8.10 percent compared to the P73.397 billion raised in January 2024.
“The BOC’s positive collection performance is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to optimize revenue collec-
‘PhilHealth to abide by SC’s decision on fund transfer’
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
investors reflect SM Investments’ resilience and leadership in the market. As we continue to diversify and expand across various sectors, this achievement further strengthens our strategy to drive long-term, sustainable growth for the company and its stakeholders,” Pato added.
According to the ARPL, the recognition highlighted “SM Investments as the first Philippine corporate issuer to access the international US dollar bond market with a benchmark-size offering since November 2021. The deal also generated a robust investor demand with a final order book of over $1.6 billion from 103 accounts.” issuances from the Philippines more than doubled to almost $8.5 billion last year from $4.02 billion in 2023, according to data from global financial markets, LSEG, with bond offerings from SMIC and a number of Philippine banks.
The “Asset Triple A Awards” recognize the region’s top deals, innovative companies and transformative leaders. VG Cabuag
THE state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. will abide by the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) after the PhilHealth transferred P60 billion of its reserve funds to the Bureau of the Treasury, according to its top official.
Newly-appointed PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado said the health insurer will abide with the decision of the High Tribunal.
When asked if PhilHealth is amenable to request President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to return its remittance, Mercado said the case is still sub judice.
“There’s still a process being done. I will leave it to the legal,” Mercado said in a press briefing on Thursday.
PhilHealth’s transfer of its reserve funds to the Treasury is being scrutinized by the Supreme Court after petitions were filed questioning its constitutionality.
This comes after the Department of Finance (DOF) issued Circular 003-2024 directing PhilHealth and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. to redirect excess funds to the Treasury to finance unprogrammed appropriations.
Associate Justice Antonio T. Kho Jr. said that PhilHealth could request the President to return the P60 billion it remitted to the Treasury to expand its benefits and hire more people.
and learn from both successes and setbacks are better positioned to adapt to changing dynamics and stay ahead in their respective professions and industries.
4. Adapting to a shifting landscape. Associations operate within dynamic environments marked by regulatory changes, technological advancements, and shifting member expectations. The ability to adapt by practicing flexibility and staying agile in their responses is crucial to sustained success.
5. Undertaking strategic planning. Constantly revisiting and doing strategic planning ensures that associations remain aligned with their mission and are responsive to emerging opportunities.
6. Embracing diversity. Making prudent association management extends to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization. This emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to create inclusive practices, diverse leadership, and a culture that values the unique contribu-
tions of all members.
“The fact that PhilHealth could not spend this amount for benefits and the national government will take this amount to fund unprogrammed expenditures, the fault is on PhilHealth for not spending this. It is not for the government to take this away—and for PhilHealth to expand its program so that the subsidies that were allocated by government for healthcare should not be taken away,” Justice Kho said.
“We will wait for the final decision,” he repeated.
The PhilHealth has cited is P373.504 billion in funding is “sufficient” to cover benefit payments despite its zero-subsidy this year.
Based on its corporate operating budget, benefit expenses will cost P271.388 billion while administrative expenses will amount to P12.484 billion.
PhilHealth projects its revenues will hit P223.608 billion this year, of which P202.880 billion will be coming from premium collections from direct contributors and P20.728 billion from investments and other income.
It also has a surplus amounting to P149.896 billion while its investment portfolio is worth P492 billion.
7. Continuing education and professional development. Regular practice of professional development initiatives, whether through educational programs, workshops, or mentorship, ensures that association members are equipped with the latest skills and insights relevant to their fields.
8. Building resilience. Good association management practice emphasizes that resilience is a collective endeavor built through shared experiences. Associations that view challenges as opportunities for collective learning and growth are better prepared to navigate the complexities of their professions or industries.
“Practice makes perfect” is not just a truism, but a guiding philosophy that permeates every facet of organizational development. Associations that embrace this ethos cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that each practice session contributes to the association’s journey toward proficiency, adaptability, and sustained impact.
Octavio Peralta is founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association of associations.” The views he expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror E-mail: bobby@pcaae.org.
tion, streamline trade processes, and strengthen border security,” the BOC said. Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said the BOC remains committed in advancing efficiency and collection performance.
“Our priority is to sustain revenue growth while ensuring seamless trade and robust border protection,” Rubio said.
“The BOC will continue to inno
vate, enforce strict measures, and collaborate with stakeholders to support the government’s fiscal goals and drive national progress,” added the BOC chief. In 2024, the BOC collected a
TWO World Bank-funded projects aimed at enhancing transport connectivity in Mindanao and bolstering healthcare in low-capacity provinces are expected to benefit nearly 19 million people, said the lender to middle-income countries.
In a statement issued on March 5, the World Bank touted the $454.94 million Mindanao Transport Connectivity Improvement project. The project seeks to improve access to sustainable transport for about 1.16 million residents along a key road corridor connecting Cagayan de Oro, Davao and General Santos.
The project will rehabilitate and upgrade a 428.2-kilometer road network linking these major cities. This network includes four highways: Sayre Highway, Bukidnon-Davao Highway, Digos-Makar Highway, and DavaoCotabato Road, which span six provinces, 14 municipalities, seven cities and 168 barangays.
Moreover, the initiative will upgrade three local roads, totaling 129.86 kilometers, that connect to the main corridor.
World Bank country director for the Philippines Zafer Mustafaoğlu said the project aligns with the country’s goal of fostering inclusive growth and transitioning to an upper-middle-income economy.
“Initiatives that enhance transport connectivity and boost health services in low-capacity regions, particularly in Mindanao, can address regional disparities while enhancing the quality of life for many Filipinos,” Mustafaoğlu said.
On the other hand, Pratap Tvgssshrk, World Bank Senior Transport Specialist, emphasized the importance of improving agricultural productivity, particularly for smallholder farmers. “Connecting rural and remote areas to urban centers where there is demand for farm produce is a key intervention to support growth in the agricultural sector,” he said. Meanwhile, the $495.6 million Philippines Health System Resilience Project aims to enhance healthcare services in 17 provinces, including geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, with 11 located in Mindanao. It will reportedly benefit 17.9 million people.
The project will invest in disease surveillance, public health laboratories and emergency response systems. Further, World Bank said it will support government efforts to build climate-resilient healthcare networks, strengthen workforce capacity and improve governance for better health services at the provincial level.
“The health sector in the Philippines significantly depends on the efforts of local government units [LGUs] to provide essential services. However, many LGUs face challenges due to limited resources and capacity,” said Wei Han, World Bank senior economist.
“This project is vital as it aims to empower these low-capacity LGUs to deliver high-quality health services, thereby driving socioeconomic progress through improved health outcomes for Filipinos,” Han added. Bless Aubrey Ogerio
Octavio Peralta A ssociation World
CALL me a frustrated interior designer. I remember when I was in high school and mulling what course to take up in college, interior design and architecture were among my options. I’ve always loved houses, their interiors, posh furniture and furnishings, that to this day one of the ways I de-stress is to walk through home furnishing stores, hardware shops, or look through interior design magazines or their online equivalents.
(I eventually decided on Communication Arts because I seemed to have a talent for writing instead of drawing, which is among the requirements in interior design courses.)
Perhaps our readers have noticed that many of our beautiful furniture stores target high-end customers who probably own their third or fourth place of residence, even a vacation home or two. Furniture sold in mall department stores, on the other hand, may be cheaper but are often ugly sans any design aesthetic, and will likely not last out a year.
Enter IKEA, Nitori, and Muji. Many of the products of these international furnishing retail shops have been designed with an elevated sense of style, but at prices within the reach of the majority of Filipino consumers. I admit to have an affinity with IKEA for its storage units and shelving, while I like Nitori’s small kitchen/dining items. (There I had purchased a glass canister which measured out spaghetti noodles for a solo meal, as well as chopsticks rests.) On occasion, I purchase Muji’s glass water containers to keep my drinking water chilled in my refrigerator. (I used to love the ballet flats of Muji, too, but alas the style I was enamored with is no more.)
The latest foreign retailer to enter the country to take advantage of the Filipinos’ growing affinity
for inexpensive but stylish home items is Anko from Australia. A unit under that country’s KMart Group—which is in no way affiliated with KMart in the US—Anko will soon be opening a new branch at the Alabang Town Center. Last year, it opened its first outlet at Glorietta 2, even as Anko Philippines country manager Rachel Turner recently hinted at another branch, this time in Quezon City.
(To my mind, Ayala’s Vertis Mall will make for a perfect location for the next Anko branch considering the property developer’s slowly expanding residential condominiums in the area. Crossing my fingers it will open there, since that is somewhat my neck of the woods.)
Earlier this week, Anko held an event at the Alveo Showroom in Greenbelt 3, taking over a two-bedroom model unit to show guests how to use Anko pieces in their respective home design. The pieces are part of Anko’s latest Home Living collection.
I definitely liked the various fashionable home accessories and accents, like a U-shaped blue ceramic vase (P440), which I was able to take home, and the bed linen seemed to be comfy enough, as Turner assured it was made from 100-percent cotton.
Designed with “functional elegance” in mind, the collection reflects a growing preference for practical yet stylish interiors, embodying the brand’s commitment: “Bagay sa ‘yo, bagay sa bahay mo, at bagay sa buhay mo [Anko suits you, your home, and your lifestyle].”
The event was also the opportunity for Anko to announce Anne Curtis-Smith, a Filipino-Australian celebrity, as its brand ambassador to the Philippines. Strangely enough, she wasn’t at the event, although company officials unrolled a video that featured Curtis-Smith talking about Anko as being a “big part of my childhood.” (The company was established in 2017, so the celebrity would have already been 32 by then.)
In the video, Curtis-Smith says: It makes my heart so happy to be part of a brand that brings my all-time favorite Australian products to the Philippines. Anko was a big part of my childhood, and now seeing it here brings such a wave of nostalgia with their toys and arts and craft ranges alongside their much-loved home and lifestyle products that match every living space or family occasion.”
At the event, Turner said: “Anne is the perfect
match for Anko—a mom, actress, and entrepreneur who effortlessly balances family and career while creating a home that is both stylish and functional.
Just like Anko, she believes that great design should be beautiful, practical, and accessible to all.”
In a separate video, Nicholas Holmes, Anko Homewares Buyer, said, “We pride ourselves in curating a range that can both offer new global trends, along with timeless pieces that will last the test of time. From marbled dining pieces that elevate the table to playful stripes that add personality, every piece is designed to be effortlessly livable. Our breathable Australian cotton bedding offers mixand-match colorways for a personalized, comfortable retreat.”
For her part, Siri Thanissorn, Anko Living Home Design Manager, said in the same video: We’ve also introduced versatile storage solutions, including modular linen-look organizers that keep essentials tidy in any room, making it easier than ever to create a beautiful, clutter-free home.”
Anko partnered with Nicole Rosenberg, founder of Melbourne-based Liberty Interiors and a famous Australian interior designer, to design the condo space using Anko products. She shared easy, expert ways to create a beautiful and functional home.
The collection includes thoughtfully crafted pieces such as the Ribbed Faux Fur Throw (P530), Dune Small Bowl (P100), and Fragrant Candles (P220)— quite affordable naman Meanwhile, Turner declined to confirm the location of Anko’s forthcoming Quezon City store. In fact, she generally did not want to disclose any information at all of Anko’s plans in the Philippines. What Turner did say was that the Philippines is the first step in its expansion in Southeast Asia. Why the Philippines? Basically because we’re a growing economy and family-centric. Anko has a wide range of products such as homeware, beddings, toys, beauty, travel, even makeup. After the event, I had enough time ‘til my dinner appointment to take a look at Anko’s Makati branch, and made a mental note of the items I may purchase on my next visit. Hopefully, it will be at the Quezon City branch.
We’re always looking for ways to bring Anko closer to Filipino homes, and we’re excited for what’s ahead. We can’t wait to share more details soon,” said Turner. ■
Eugenia Last
Wise choices come from understanding who you are and what works best for you. Take your time, and follow the path that leads to less stress, peace of mind and happiness. ★★★★
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Be direct, open and willing to compromise, and you’ll avoid the hassle that will develop if you ignore what’s festering around you. Life choices require insight, trial and error and taming the ego to accommodate making wise decisions. If necessary, express and defend your position, focus on your goals and move forward alone.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Follow your gut when using your imagination and creativity to reach your goals. Monitor expenses and budget wisely to ensure you can finish what you start. Networking will help you further your plans by gaining financial, physical or emotional support. ★★★★★
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Opportunity is apparent, but so are pretenses and expectations if you mingle with the wrong people. Ask questions, research possibilities and refuse to let anyone push you in a direction that can be restrictive. Put your energy where it counts and your money in a safe place. ★★★
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Dedicate yourself to wisely investing your time and money. Refuse to let anyone talk you into investing in a plan or project that benefits them more than you. Anger and ego are best put on the back burner if you want
Romancing the godless years: Nora Aunor in the epic of the Second World War
n This is an excerpt of the paper delivered during the Inaugural Gawad Urian Lecture at Lyceum of the Philippines, Intramuros, March 2025
IT is the 1970s. The films about World War II have become rarer. It was in the 1960s when the films about the Pacific War gained popularity as a genre. It came in the form of action movies, with the action stars figuring as the lead, with Fernando Poe, Jr, leading the pack of those portraying the heroes of the Second World War.
I grew up watching these films where the Japanese soldiers were bumbling and mostly faceless. They were there onscreen and in the narrative as foil to the leads who always successfully annihilated squads and platoons of Japanese soldiers. There was one tradition in these action films: the contravida or male villains in the same action films that major actors, like Poe and Joseph Estrada starred in became the ally of these stars as they played the guerillas. With the said leads mentioned, you could see for the first time Jess Lapid (during his early years), Max Alvarado, Van de Leon, Victor Bravo, Martin Marfil and many others transforming themselves into do-gooders. They had to be good; after all, the bad guys were here and they were Japanese.
There was no need to give them faces or, to use the film language, closeup shots. They merely were there to be killed. There were exceptions and this was when there was a need to show officers who were so evil they needed major support to play them. It was at this point when great character actors were then employed in the persons of Eddie Garcia and Vic Diaz. In a film by Luis Nepomuceno, titled Pipo, Pancho Magalona portrayed a Japanese officer.
No one in the 1960s dared to glorify the Japanese onscreen. It was taboo.
As a young boy, I grew up watching the Japanese soldiers being killed. All of them. This made me wonder: if this were true, how did the Japanese come to occupy the Philippines?
It is in this context that in 1976 Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos set a socio-politico-historical record.
Written and directed by Mario O’Hara, Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos would be a watershed in Philippine cinema. The theme was radical and the approach was not popular. Not only was the Japanese in the film fitted with a face, a handsome and amiable face no less was there in the actor, Christopher de Leon as Masugi. There would be many firsts in the film. The Japanese role had a prominence equal if not greater than the other lead who, ironically, was depicting a guerilla.
We would not only be listening to him; we would be convinced by him as he spewed his ideology. He will be given many chances to explain his side. Masugi was also bestowed with a biography: he was halfFilipino. Why the justifications? Why the rationalization?
The film was breaking codes and taboos, and the writer seemed to have prepared excuses and elements required to soften the blows of the film to the audience.
Then there was the woman, who was central to the
rivalry of the two men. She was Rosario and she was betrothed to Crispin who would, after the Japanese had entered their town, join the guerilla movement. But one evening, the sound of a vehicle disturbed the family of Rosario as they were having dinner.
The feet of a soldier were caught by the camera (a common introduction of the menace in the arrival of the enemy) and soon the Japanese barged into the living room of the family. He was with his friend, a Spanish named Francis, played by Peque Gallaga. He looked for a drink, an alcohol. The father of Rosario offered a lambanog. The next scene had the three having merriment as they got drunk. It was at this point that the Japanese, already inebriated, looked to the direction of Rosario. The events were fast: the next scene showed the woman being raped by the Japanese.
As fate would test Rosario and, for that matter, the two men—Masugi and Crispin—the woman became pregnant.
The next scenes were awkward intermezzo as the Japanese officer went into wooing and teasing mode and as Rosario was into the hele-hele-bago-quiere scenes of the 1950s films. This was war and they had the time for those acts?
These were not the only disturbing moments in the film: there was also the music that served as a chorus, a sort of commentary on the scenes unfolding. Stately and monumental by itself, the music stopped the storytelling and generated divisions rather than unity in the narrative structure.
Be that as it may, the film worked mainly because of the performance of the three leads, with their characters supported by the most complex and disturbingly duplicitous, if not questionable, personal psychology and social history.
Before Tatlong Taong..., the Filipino family during the war and, for that matter, the Filipina woman, were heavily idealized. The family was faithful to the fight for freedom, even if that notion of freedom and democracy was heavily tied to the star-spangled valuation of America. During the opening scenes, the mother (Yolanda Luna) was confident the Japanese would be routed by the Americans and the war would not go on for a long time. And yet, the same mother, in the midst of hunger, would go soft before the Japanese
Masugi who had become the ardent suitor of her daughter. For that matter, the father succumbed to the fact that having a Japanese son-in-law would make their lives a lot more bearable.
But the more difficult motivations and, with them, the change of heart or the possibility of forgiveness and understanding, would fall heavily on the shoulders of the three characters: Rosario, Masugi (the Japanese officer), and Crispin (Rosario’s lover and a guerilla).
To discuss the motivations of the main characters in this magisterial work by O’Hara is to go into the extracinematic, to go into what Christian Metz called the “off-frame effect of photography.” These are the elements that are not framed by the silver screen.
We can look into the burden of being Japanese during the war. To what degree can he be attracted to the enemy, the Filipina? Shall he honor his desire by marrying the woman he raped or can he just leave her and feel free to ravage her every now and then?
It appears Masugi is different: he grew up in the Philippines and, even as it took a long time for his friend, Francis, to tell us more details about him, we would soon learn that Masugi’s mother was a Filipina. And that he would lose both his parents during the early years of war.
Masugi is thus given a reason to hate this country and the contradiction to love it, as well. There in his past lies his present, which will test us and his future, which will be the film’s contentious narrative.
As to the two characters—Rosario and Crispin— loyalty will both be their bane and blessings. Crispin is taken for dead and when he comes back after Rosario has already given birth to her son by Masugi, we are asked to take sides. And the war has made our decision more political and emotional.
For Rosario, she has, at the point of being a mother, has not only slept with the enemy; she has also loved the enemy. Is she a compleat traitor? Does she merit an understanding?
What gave Mario O’Hara the inspiration to do this subversive tale? What made Nora Aunor—barely 23 years of age—when she produced Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos brave enough to play the villain in her own film?
Part 2 follows next week. n
Witness National Artists perform live at UP’s ‘Tanghal Tertulia’
THIS year’s Tanghal Tertulia is a rare opportunity to experience live performances by National Artists Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, Ricky Lee, and Ryan Cayabyab. It will be a magical evening of music, literature, and film, set against the beautiful backdrop of the UP Executive House Amphitheater on March 8 at 5:30pm.
“The University of the Philippines has always been a vibrant hub where the arts and culture flourish,” exclaims UP president Angelo Jimenez.
“The presence and performances of our National Artists remind us that art is not confined to museums or history books. It is alive, evolving, and continues to shape the soul of our nation. Tanghal Tertulia is a tribute to this living tradition.”
Tanghal Tertulia began in December 2023 as a way to honor UP’s National Artists. The first event in February 2024 celebrated Gémino H. Abad (Literature), Virgilio S. Almario (Literature), and Ramon P. Santos (Music) through poetry readings, musical performances, and literary tributes. Its success paved the way for this year’s second installment, featuring performances from the honorees’ body of work as interpreted by renowned UP artists and groups, including Lara Maigue, Nick Pichay, Aicelle Santos, Bianca Lopez-Aguila, Ervin Lumauag, Poppert A. Bernadas, the UP Jazz Ensemble, the UP Dance Company, and Iskollas. This event is organized by the UP
Office of the President, in collaboration with TVUP, the UP College of Music, the Philippine Association of University Women (PAUW), the President’s Committee on Culture and the Arts (PCCA), and the UP Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs. Tanghal Tertulia is open to the public, but seats are limited.
To make sure everyone, both here and abroad, can experience this special night, the event will be livestreamed worldwide via TVUP, UP’s official internet televison network at: YouTube—www. youtube.com/@TVUPph, Facebook— www.facebook.com/TVUP.ph For cross-posting on online platforms, contact 0954-198 5365 (AJ Jondonero) for the link.
biggest audience in 5 years despite dominance of ‘Anora’ and other small films
LOS ANGELES Smaller movies didn’t mean smaller viewer numbers for the Oscars.
An estimated 19.7 million viewers watched on Sunday night’s 97th Academy Awards ceremony, the biggest audience in five years, according to figures released by ABC on Tuesday.
The triumph of Anora, which won five Oscars including best picture, and other relatively littleseen favorites and winners still brought a lift over the 19.5 million viewers last year, when the major hit Oppenheimer won the top categories and the even bigger hit Barbie was a major presence.
The Conan O’Brien-hosted telecast did have the benefit of 10 nominations for the big hit Wicked and an opening performance from its stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The film won for its production design and costumes.
The show had an especially big lift among people aged 18 to 49, driven by mobile and laptop watches from younger viewers. And the network said it was the most watched primetime entertainment show of 2025. Still, the upward trend comes from an all-time low during the pandemic, and changes in viewing
RICKY LEE
awards shows. Its nearly 20 million viewers were far more than the Grammys’ 15.4 million.
CYNTHIA Erivo (left), and Ariana Grande perform “Defying Gravity” during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. AP
CREC IPO named Alpha Southeast Asia’s
Best Mid-Cap Equity Deal of the Year
CITICORE Renewable Energy Corporation (CREC) marked another triumph as its P5.3 billion (approx. US$86 million) Initial Public Offering (IPO) was awarded Alpha Southeast Asia’s Best Mid-Cap Equity Deal of the Year at the magazine’s 18th Annual Deal & Solution, ESG, and Transaction Banking Awards 2024 regional awards luncheon held on February 12, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
CREC bested other equity deals across the region in the category, demonstrating the excellent value proposition and robust reception of the company’s renewable energy IPO in the capital markets.
“This award from Alpha Southeast Asia further demonstrates that CREC continues to be seen as a valuable addition to the equity markets. As one of the country’s largest renewable energy platforms, CREC represents the investing community’s desire to participate in the energy transition and ultimately help in powering a first-world Philippines with pure renewable energy. We are grateful
for the recognition, which confirms the market’s confidence in our aspirations,” CREC President and CEO Oliver Tan said.
The domestic lead manager for the IPO, BDO Capital & Investment Corporation, claimed the award for the deal team during the ceremony. “We on behalf of the underwriting syndicate, are proud of this award which recognizes Citicore’s ability to deliver projects ßin the renewable sector. Citicore was not just met with warm reception during its IPO, but even up to this date with its performance in the stock market,” said BDO Capital President Ed Francisco.
CREC’s IPO, completed on June 7, 2024, was oversubscribed, offering 1.96 billion common shares to the public from May 27 to 31, 2024. This attracted a diverse array of investors, both foreign and local, as well as institutional and retail – alongside a notable US$12.5 million investment from the UK Government’s MOBILIST Programme, the maiden IPO participation of the United Kingdom in the Philippines towards the renewable energy transition.
Through the transaction, the company allowed investors to participate in the company’s growth story as a leading pure play renewable energy platform in the Philippines, while raising capital for its strategic expansion target of 5 gigawatts (GW) in 5 years. CREC braved challenging market conditions to become one of the year’s most valuable IPOs on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).
Alpha Southeast Asia, which describes itself as the first and only institutional investment magazine focused on Southeast Asia, holds their annual Deal & Solution, ESG, and Transaction Banking Awards to recognize the region’s most successful and innovative capital markets initiatives. Being honored at this prestigious event is testament to a company’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability on the regional stage. UBS AG Singapore was the sole global coordinator and joint bookrunner for the
Salig AI is Making Automation Work for Pinoy businesses that deserve better systems
Aautomation is transforming industries worldwide, making businesses more efficient, scalable, and competitive. While global businesses leverage technology to streamline operations and maximize productivity, many Filipino entrepreneurs are still stuck with manual, disconnected systems that slow them down. From invoicing to payments, scheduling, and client management, most business owners juggle multiple platforms just to keep operations running. Instead of focusing on growth, they get stuck handling repetitive administrative tasks. Automation is meant to simplify, yet many of the available tools are either too expensive, too complex, or not built for the unique needs of Filipino entrepreneurs. While the rest of the world moves forward, many businesses in the Philippines are left struggling
THE picturesque shores of Boracay Island are set to welcome the grand finale of the longest-running kiteboarding tournament in Asia, the Philippine Kiteboarding Association or PKA Tour on its 10th Season. Over 80 elite kiteboarding athletes from across the globe gather for three days of high-octane action at the beach front of Aqua Boracay, Bulabog Beach from March 14 to 16, 2025. This final stop of the tour promises to be a spectacular showcase of skill, speed and style, featuring top riders from the Philippines, USA, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Among the star-studded line up is Yo Pudla of Thailand, the 8-time Asian Cup Champion and the current IKA Asian Champion in Twin-Tip Racing, who will be competing head-to-head with the top contenders such as Stefan Vance of Northern Ireland and other local athletes.
Among the top athletes representing the Philippines is Warner Janoya, a Boracay-born kiter and one the country’s most promising talents. Janoya, a standout in both Men’s Freestyle and Foil Racing, is poised to make his hometown proud as he competes against the world’s best. Adding the excitement, Triina Trei from Estonia, the reigning Season 9 Overall Champion in Women’s Freestyle and Foil Racing will be defending her title against a fierce field of competitors from Japan, China and Australia.
Paris 2024 Summer Olympics marks the debut of the kite foil races as part of the sailing competitions. This milestone made the organization pumped up together
with inefficiencies that cost them time, money, and opportunities.
Recognizing this gap, a team of Filipino entrepreneurs built Salig AI CRM, an all-in-one platform designed specifically for Filipino freelancers, agency owners, and SMEs. Unlike most automation tools that require costly integrations or complex payment gateways, Salig AI CRM seamlessly integrates client management, invoicing, workflow automation, scheduling, and payments. By using AI-driven automation, it eliminates manual processes and allows business owners to focus on what truly matters—growing their business. Salig AI CRM is designed to drive efficiency, optimize workflows, and deliver seamless, output-driven results. It simplifies operations by automating repetitive tasks, ensuring smooth transactions, and creating a more structured way for businesses to manage clients and payments. Entrepreneurs no longer have to juggle multiple disconnected platforms. With one unified system, they can work smarter, faster, and more cost-effectively. Behind this innovation is a team of industry experts who saw firsthand the struggles of Filipino businesses and took action. Leading the platform’s development is Sherwin Alegre, CEO and Co-Founder of MicroSource Inc., the tech architect ensuring smooth and efficient automation. Jay-cee Tan, CEO and Founder of HighLevelRage and Founder of HL Accelerator, is the mastermind behind the vision, mapping out how Salig AI CRM bridges the automation gap for Filipino businesses.
with the international kitesurfing community to promote more the sport with hopes of sending representatives to the LA 2028 Olympics.
The competition will feature four adrenalinepumping disciplines: Foil Racing, Twin-Tip Racing, Freestyle and Hangtime, ensuring a diverse and thrilling spectacle for spectators and fans alike.
Watch in awe as competitors defy gravity in the Hangtime competition, vying for the title of being airborne for the longest duration without their boards touching the water. This jaw-dropping display of skill and control will keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
The tournament will feature a freestyle competition that pushes the boundaries of creativity and athleticism.
Athletes will showcase an array of gravity-defying tricks, spins, and flips, adding a visual feast for spectators and judges alike.
Whether you’re a fan of the classic twin tip board or the cutting-edge foil boards, the racing segments will cater to all preferences. Feel the rush as competitors navigate the azure waters, demonstrating speed, precision, and tactical prowess.
“We are thrilled to mount our final leg of our Kiteboarding Tournament in Boracay, known for its perfect conditions and breathtaking scenery. This event will not only showcase the incredible talent within the kiteboarding community but also highlight Boracay’s commitment to adventure sports and environmental conservation,” said Jay Ortiz, President of the Philippine
Mark Barilea, the finance expert, ensures sustainability and scalability while keeping the platform accessible and affordable. Marjorie Aviso, Founder and CEO of Telework PH, is the power connector, expanding Salig AI’s reach and impact to benefit more Filipinos. Atty. Dave Patacsil, Co-Founder and CFO of Apeiron, serves as the legal backbone, guaranteeing compliance, security, and trust within the platform.
“For too long, Filipino entrepreneurs have been overlooked—treated as just another number in a system that doesn’t work for them. If you don’t want to be just another number, it’s time to level up,” says Jaycee Tan, one of the founders of Salig AI.
Salig AI CRM isn’t just about technology—it’s about empowerment. It’s about breaking barriers and making sure no Filipino is left behind in the automation revolution. “The strongest Filipinos aren’t those who made it to the top alone. They’re the ones who reached back, extended their hand, and said, ‘Tara, sabay tayo!’” Tan adds. “Because when you share opportunities with your kababayan, you’re not losing your piece of the pie – you’re building a bigger kitchen. That’s how we rise as one.”
The message is clear: AI automation isn’t just for big corporations; it should be for every Filipino trying to build and grow a business. Salig AI CRM isn’t about replacing people with AI—it’s about giving Filipino business owners the tools to thrive in a world that won’t wait for them to catch up.
The automation revolution is here. The question is, will Filipino entrepreneurs be part of it?
To learn more about Salig AI CRM and how it’s changing the game for Filipino entrepreneurs, visit https://www.salig.ai/
Kiteboarding Association and the chief organizer of the tournament.
He also quipped “that energy here in Boracay, as the Island once again host the biggest yearly kiteboarding event in Asia.”
Don’t miss the chance to witness the world’s best kiteboarders in action as they push the limits of the sport in one on the most beautiful destinations on the planet. Boracay’s world-renowned turquoise waters and consistent winds provide the perfect backdrop for this premier kiteboarding event, which is expected to draw not only athletes but also enthusiasts, media and tourists from around the globe.
The PKA Tour Season 10 Boracay stop is powered by ICTSI, together with tour sponsors Aqua Boracay, Neutra K, ICT Cloverleaf Trading, ZIV, Under the Sun, Sun Zapper, Manila Water and Boracay Water, Lazy Dog Bed and Breakfast, and our tour hosts – Borongan, Eastern Samar, Roxas City, Cagbalete Island and Malay LGU and the Boracay Island community.
Be part of this extraordinary event that combines the thrill of kiteboarding with the beauty of Boracay. For media inquiries, please contact Zander Servando at arkimagine.multimediastudios@gmail.com or 09166885852. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Azenith Resurreccion at pkatour@gmail.com or 09166902030.
Follow the excitement on social media with #PKATourSeason10 at the FB page Philippine Kiteboarding
PhilHealth reinforces support for Filipinos living with HIV/AIDS
Preaffirmed its commitment to supporting people living with HIV (PLHIV) by providing increased financial access to essential healthcare through its comprehensive outpatient HIV/ AIDS treatment coverage.
The enhanced Outpatient HIV Treatment (OHAT) Package now provides P58,500 in annual benefit, a 95 percent increase from the previous P30,000. The package includes antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all individuals with confirmed positive HIV test results confirmed by certified institutions, regardless of their clinical or immunologic status. It also ensures access to all minimum essential services necessary for effective HIV management.
This enhancement is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to continually improve and sustain health insurer’s healthcare benefits by ensuring adequate financial support to patients seeking medical treatment. In his second State of the Nation Address, the President emphasized that “The whole of society must exert efforts to suppress the alarming rise of
Tour – PKA Tour or PKATour on IG and stay tuned for live updates in these social media channels. About Philippine Kiteboarding Association
The Philippine Kiteboarding Association (PKA) is the country’s premiere kitesurfing organization and globally recognized by the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) as the only certified kiteboarding institution conducting top quality, IKA certified tournaments. Composed of professional and recreational riders,
tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. To stem the tide, the strategic plan is to ensure early diagnosis and treatment, and ample testing sites and medications.”
The OHAT Package can be accessed through any of the 234 PhilHealth-accredited DOH-designated HIV Treatment facilities nationwide. With this improved OHAT Package, PhilHealth not only hopes to support PLHIV members to seek appropriate management but also to reassure and encourage other PhilHealth members to sign up for regular testing.
The state-insurer also emphasized that a separate package for TB-DOTS may be reimbursed at accredited TBDOTS facilities. Members may avail of both the
and TB-DOTS packages simultaneously. In 2024, PhilHealth disbursed a
of P1.66
for 176,819 Outpatient HIV/AIDS Package
claims. For further inquiries on
and
members may call PhilHealth’s 24/7 hotline at (02) 866225-88 or at mobile numbers (Smart) 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, (Globe) 0917-1275987 or 0917-1109812.
Boracay Island to Host Thrilling Finale of PKA’s 2025 Kiteboarding Competition
www.businessmirror.com.ph • Editor: Tet Andolong
Motoring
THE NEW HONDA HR-V NOW COMES IN E:HEV VARIANT
Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
EARLY this year, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) previewed the latest iteration of the HR-V model. In addition to the enhancements inside and out, a new top-spec RS e:HEV variant was introduced, replacing the previous V Turbo CVT version. It also serves as an addition to Honda’s growing hybrid lineup in the Philippine market, solidifying the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. HCPI is set to officially roll out the New HR-V on March 9, 2025.
Still looking fresh and sharp DEVELOPED under the concept of “Amp Up Your Life,” the latest generation HR-V ultimately departed from its predecessor’s concept design. Honda incorporated three core values in the design: Pleasure (enjoyable), Confidence (reliable), and Aesthetics (in style).
Exterior-wise, the RS e:HEV variant’s front grille and bumper
highlight a sporty chrome mesh and bumper with a “red ampup line.” There is also a handsfree assist to open the tailgate via a kicking motion under the bumper, which automatically closes when one walks away. 18-inch black and silver alloy wheels are now available in the V variant.
Inside, the human-centric cabin has good ergonomics and
quality materials and is built with ULT seats. Like other Honda vehicles, the ULT seat’s function is comprised of three adjustable modes. The Utility mode lets the two rear seats fold to increase cargo space. On the other hand, the Long mode creates a lengthy space by folding the front and rear seats. As for the tall mode, Honda’s unique versatility is shown in the tip-up rear seats for more vertical space, which is segment-exclusive.
Exclusive to the RS e:HEV is the dual-zone automatic air conditioning, which adjusts temperature and airflow separately. Wireless connectivity for Apple Carplay and Android Auto and a wireless charging function (V and RS) are also available as standard features.
Goodbye turbo, hello e:HEV THE new 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain replaces the previous 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. The latest e:HEV system consists of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 104 hp and 127N-m of torque and an electric traction motor dishing out 129 hp and 253N-m of torque. Honda claims the hybrid system achieves an estimated fuel consumption of approximately 23km/L (based on UN-R101). Multiple driving modes are also available to match one’s driving style: eco, normal, and sport mode.
Meanwhile, the 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine paired
THE motorcycle has always been an enigma. You ride it and you bump either a person or an object like a vehicle, you fall.
You ride it and you get bumped while in motion, you fall. In short, whether you bump or get bumped, you fall. What does that tell us then?
On board a motorcycle, the rider is always on the losing end when a collision happens. Practically defenseless. Still, there will always be a motorbike buff, a wandering soul smitten by the
two-wheeled wonder, the big bike buff. It is nature’s way of delving into the unfathomable.
Amid this backdrop, the motorcycle lives on, thrives and continues to be a part of humanity.
Thus, the motorcycle-riding business has sprouted (Angkas, Joy Ride, etc.) to rival Grab and other taxi platforms:
Andok’s has joined the fray, collaborating with Terrafirma for a business partnership that redefines the face of the motorcycle business. In a breakthrough project, Andok’s, one of the country’s leading food enterprises, has launched a program to provide Hero motorcycles as part of its incentive and support package to its workforce of more than 9,000 nationwide and 6,000-plus contractors from affiliates.
Andok’s signed an agreement with Terrafirma Motors Corporation (TMC-
Hero), the exclusive assembler and distributor of Hero motorcycles in the Philippines, for the supply of 10,000 units in 2025.
“The partnership between Andok’s and TMC-Hero highlights a shared vision of enhancing mobility and fostering growth within its workforce,” said Rob Franco G. Urbano of Hero MotoCorp Philippines. “Hero Motorcycles, known for their reliability, affordability, and efficiency, are perfectly aligned with Andok’s goal to offer practical and meaningful benefits to its employees.”
Said Maverick Javier, EVP of Andok’s Litsoon Corporation: “At Andok’s, we are committed to the well-being and growth of our people. By partnering with TMC- Hero, we’re giving our employees not just a mode of transportation but a tool for achieving greater personal and professional success.” Terrafirma, a respected team at the
with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) remains the engine for the S and V variants, producing 119 hp and 145N-m of torque.
Honda Sensing and Connect STRENGTHENING Honda’s commitment to a collision-free society by 2050, all variants of the New Honda HR-V are equipped with “Honda SENSING” with improved cameras. Innovative features include a Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with LowSpeed Follow (LSF), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation System, Auto High Beam (AHB), and Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN).
Moreover, now equipped with Lane Watch, both the V and RS e:HEV variants received
Philippine Basketball Association for years now, is a byword in the motoring industry for its world-class vehicles.
TMC-Hero, with its models like the ultra-fuel efficient Hero Xoom 110, along with the Hero Hunk 160R 4V and its flagship model – the Hero Xpulse 200 4V, offers motorcycles and scooters that are not only affordable but also engineered for performance and durability.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Andok’s in this transformative program,” said Felix J. Mabilog, Jr., president of TMC-Hero. “Our motorcycles are designed to empower individuals and improve their quality of life. We believe this partnership will create a lasting impact for Andok’s employees and contractors.”
Rob Urbano can be contacted at 09998851681 for inquiries on Hero.
New Ram Rebel ARIANNE Colene Jalalon writes to say
enhanced passenger-side visibility, reducing blind spots for safer lane changes. Auto rain-sensing wipers adjust wiper speed based on detected moisture on rainy days. Auto reverse tilt mirrors aid in better curb and parking visibility.
For added advanced tech, the New HR-V is equipped with the “20GEN Honda CONNECT,” allowing users to start, customize, and monitor their vehicle directly from their mobile phones. These functions are Climate Control, Lights on/off, Remote lock/unlock, Automatic Collision Detection, Visual Dashboard, Location Finder, Trip Log and history, Geofencing Alert, Push Notifications, Speed Alert, Car Status, and Emergency Call.
Pricing and color
THE New HR-V 1.5 RS e:HEV E-CVT retails at P1.799 million,
that Inchcape Philippines, distributor of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM Trucks in the Philippines, under its IC Automotive Inc. operations, has officially launched the New Ram 1500 Rebel 3.0L in the country. Said Colene: “RAM Trucks has focused on providing benchmark-quality trucks that deliver unparalleled performance capabilities, agility and versatility. Its robust design and advanced off-road capabilities make it the vehicle of choice for tackling the toughest terrains with ease, while its luxurious interior and cutting-edge technology ensure a comfortable and connected driving experience. “Today, the New Ram 1500 Rebel still promises to deliver all
THE New HR-V 1.5 RS e:HEV E-CVT variant in new exclusive Sand Khaki Pearl color
THE New HR-V 1.5 RS e:HEV E-CVT variant’s premium interior
THE 1.5 V CVT variant
IBy Josef Ramos
T’S on to the outdoor season for Ernest John “EJ” Obiena after the two-time Olympian pole vaulter missed qualifying for the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing later this month.
“There’s no more tournament left and I will miss the indoor championships,” Obiena said.
“There’s nothing I can do but to keep training hard for the upcoming outdoor season in April.”
Obiena had his last chance as a guest athlete at the Estonia National Athletics Indoor Championships late last month but could only clear 5.65 meters, way off the 5.85 meters standard for the Nanjing indoors that are set March 21 to 23.
The deadline for the worlds is this Sunday yet but the 32-yearold Obiena couldn’t find any tournament to go after the mark. Still, Obiena was the best performer in Tallinn at 5.65 meters, but as a guest athlete, he wasn’t qualified to receive a medal—local star Robert Kompus won the Estonia nationals at 5.40 meters
O biena showed BusinessMirror on Thursday two videos that showed he touched the bar softly in his first attempt at 5.85 meters and the bar dropped while on the runway toward the bar. He was allowed to reset his second attempt but exhaustion fell and missed again.
“There are things beyond your
EJ shifts focus from indoor to outdoor
control just like what happened in Estonia,” said Obiena from Padua in Italy. “After that event, my team tried its best to search for competitions but we can’t find one.” H e was at the Glasgow 2024 world indoors where he finished ninth.
The outdoor season opens next month and Obiena and his team have their eyes on two Wanda Diamond League legs in Xiamen on April 26 and Shanghai on May 3. There are a total 15 legs in the Diamond League. Obiena will also defend his title in the Asian Outdoor Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, in July, and vie for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo set September 13 to 21 and the Thailand 33rd Southeast Asian Games, where he’s a three-time winner, in December.
H e suffered a back injury before the Paris 2024 Olympics where he finished fourth at 5.90 meters. “I’ll just prepare for the outdoor season here in Padua,” he said.
O biena’s next tournament will be the Mondo Classic on March 13 at the IFU Arena in Uppsala, Sweden, where he’ll be up against Olympic and world champion and world record holder Duplantis, Paris Olympics silver medalist Sam Kendricks of the US and bronze winner Emmanouil Karalis of Greece.
TNT KaTropa goes after Finals slot in Game 5 vs Elasto Painters
NT Tropang Giga head coach
TChot Reyes is loving the quick momentum shift in the KaTropa’s semifinals series against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and are now a win away from advancing to the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup Finals. We chose this, we chose to compete in the semifinals and this is part of the deal,” said Reyes after TNT’s 93-85 victory in Game 4 that gave them a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. “We talked about it and we know that it is going to be a very difficult series for us.”
Tough indeed that head coach Yeng Guiao and his Elasto Painters limited the KaTropa to a winning margin of only 4.67 points in the series—TNT won Game 1, 88-84, and Game 2, 9391, and lost 98-103, in Game 3.
“ We’re grateful to be in this position though,” Reyes said. “We just have to get the job done.”
Calvin Oftana was a scoring machine in Game 4 with 26 points while Roger Pogoy added 22 points and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had 17 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
Veteran Jayson Castro, however, won’t be around for the rest of the season because of a patella tendon injury he suffered in Game 2. Guiao remained defiant and stressed the series is far from over.
“I t’s not over yet. We still have a game on Friday, so we’ll check what adjustments need to be done,” Guiao said.
Game 6 is 5 p.m. Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Import Deon Thompson had a career night of 44 points and 13 rebounds for
Rain or Shine, but couldn’t get enough support from the locals.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, meanwhile, tries to finish NorthPort at 7:30 p.m. also on Friday the Gin Kings try to fight back from a 103-108 Game 4 loss to the Batang Pier last Wednesday
K adeem Jack poured in 39 points, 15 rebounds and five assists, while Arvin Tolentino posted a near triple-double of 20 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds to keep the Batang Pier alive in the series at 1-3.
Former UE star Adorador shines as Crossovers nip Chameleons
HERY TIGGO walked the tightrope early but imposed its dominance deep into the match to frustrate Nxled, 25-22, 26-24, 25-19, and gain the head start in the Play-In Tournament of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday. Former University of the East star Shaya Adorador was the woman of the match with 14 points, including clutch shots in a dramatic second-set escape and a blistering start in the third that propelled the Crossovers to a commanding 13-8 lead. Her early surge set the tone for Chery Tiggo’s most decisive set where they dismantled Nxled with a wellrounded attack on their way to a onehour and 39-minute romp.
R isa Sato’s emphatic kill block on Krich Macaslang punctuated another Chery Tiggo scoring spree that stretched their lead to 16-10. From there, the Crossovers never looked back.
March 7,
No clear favorite as Faldo course poses big challenge
REDEMPTION and resilience take center stage as the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) stages its second leg at the formidable Faldo course of the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club in General Trias in Cavite starting Monday. With no clear favorite and a battlefield primed for drama, the tournament promises an intense showdown among top contenders looking to rebound from near misses in last week’s opener at Pradera Verde.
The chase for the Eagle Ridge crown is anyone’s game with first-time LPGT champion Samantha Bruce resuming her campaign abroad and several local standouts competing in the Thailand Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), The absence of a dominant player leaves the door wide open for Daniella Uy, Chanelle Avaricio, Sarah Ababa, Mafy Singson, Mikha Fortuna and Florence Bisera, who are all eager to shake off
to LPGT bets
challenge. Designed to test precision, patience and adaptability, it’s tricky greens and strategic hazards will be further compounded by unpredictable winds, adding another layer of difficulty to an already fierce competition.
One of the strongest international threats is Seoyun Kim, who tied for second with Uy at Pradera
Services
and
by Pilipinas
A dding further
LPGT Order of Merit champion Harmie Constantino is keen on a resurgence after a surprising 22nd-place finish at Pradera Verde. Last season’s winningest player with four titles to her name, Constantino is expected to mount a strong comeback next week.
Other notable challengers include Martina Miñoza, Chihiro Ikeda, Kristine Fleetwood, Pamela Mariano, Velinda Castil, Apple Fudolin, Kayla Nocum, Rev Alcantara, Gretchen Villacencio and young Annika Cedo, all seeking to make their mark on the Faldo course bound to test the field’s skill and endurance, ensuring a thrilling, unpredictable battle.
National jrs tennis championships
1st leg kicks off in Sultan Kudarat
THE Governor Datu Pax Ali Sangki
Mangudadatu National Juniors
Tennis Championships kick off
(Friday in Isulan in Sultan Kudarat for the first leg of a three-stop Mindanao swing of the Palawan PawnshopPalawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) nationwide circuit.
Nearly 150 young players will battle for top honors and ranking points in seven age groups at the Isulan Capitol courts.
THE Chery Tiggo Crossovers gain a head start in the Play-In Tournament of the All-Filipino Conference after beating the Nxled Chameleons in straight sets.
An Ara Galang hit and a Macaslang attack error widened the gap to 19-10, effectively sealing Nxled’s. The league, organized by Sports Vision, meanwhile, takes a brief but welcome weekend break with Chery Tiggo resuming its chase for a quarterfinal berth against the Farm Fresh Foxies on Tuesday. Chery Tiggo coach Norman Miguel outmaneuvered counterpart Guidetti Ettore in crucial endgame adjustments.
Heavy-hitting Cess Robles and Galang powered Chery Tiggo with 15 points each, but it was Adorador who earned Best Player of the Game honors with her stellar all-around performance, highlighted by 11 excellent digs.
“E arlier, I really saw the leadership of the older players, of each one of us, who really wanted to finish the game,” Robles said.
EJ L aure led Nxled with 15 points but lacked offensive support with only Chiara Permentilla contributing significantly with 12 points.
T he rest of the squad struggled as May Luna-Lumahan and Jaycel Delos Reyes managed just five points apiece, while Jaila Atienza, Lycha Ebon and Macaslang combined for only nine points.
Tiger Cubs prevent Bullpups from sweeping elims
NIVERSITY of Santo Tomas
T he Group 2 tournament promises high-intensity matches in all categories and leading the charge for the boys’ 18-and-under are Kurt Alcantara, Charles Gallo, Isaac Sanke and Tom Songcayauon, while Sanschena Francisco, Justine Gumbao, Haifa Mokalid and Atheenah Orlanda are among the favorites in the girls’ premier division.
Alcantara is also the top seed in the 16-and-under category where he will be challenged by Carl Eduarte, Aljavan Lumambas and Juhnn Batilo.
Gumbao also leads the girls’ 16-andunder cast alongside Mariam Mokalam, Jacinth Quilban and Angel Maguad.
The 14-and-under group features a
stacked 32-player draw with Julius Otoc, Eduarte, Prince Centino and Kresthan Belacas set to showcase their skills. Gumbao, looking for a triple crown, will also compete in the under-15 division against Kathryina Makabangkit, Angel Maguad and Joyce Bautista. Belacas faces stiff competition from Marco Pilapil, Al Jamer Ugalingan and Gabriel Francisco in the boys’ 12-andunder division. After Isulan, the Mindanao circuit moves to Kidapawan City from March 13 to 17, followed by Digos City from March 20 to 25. The nationwide talent search— sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and led by CEO Bobby Castro—aims to discover and nurture young tennis prospects. For registration and inquiries, contact tournament organizer and PPSPEPP program director Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.
The tournament, sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association and supported by Dunlop, Universal Tennis and ICON Golf
Josef Ramos
KOREAN Tiffany Lee is determined to sharpen her touch to make up for her recent struggles.
