By Rachelle Tonelada, Rex Espiritu and Ram Superable
Comelec to destroy 6m ballots
By Vito Barcelo
THE Commission on Elections will shred 6 million ballots for the midterm polls worth over P130 million before printing new ones to include the names of five candidates it previously disqualified.
Marcos, Kamala uphold strong PH-US security ties
By Charles Dantes
By Charles Dantes and Ram Superable
By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz
response to future pandemics. He directed the Department of Budget and Management to reinstate the P400-million branding budget for the Department of Tourism to sustain the country’s momentum in promoting its global image.
By Maricel V. Cruz
PNP recalls 674 police bodyguards
AT LEAST 674 police officers serving as protective security personnel were recalled as part of security preparations for the midterm elections, the Philippine National Police said Wednesday.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the figure includes 445 officers safeguarding government officials, 197 assigned to poll candidates and 228 assigned to private individuals.
To facilitate the application for the issuance of a Certificate of Authority for Security Detail (CA-SD), eligible individuals, including incumbent public officials and private citizens, are encouraged to submit their requests through the Commission on Elections, Fajardo said.
“As a matter of procedure, the PNP
Palace: No hand in Co’s removal from House panel
MALACAÑANG has nothing to do with the removal of Ako Bikol partylist Rep. Elizaldy Co as chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Wednesday.
“I have no opinion on that. That’s the discretion of the Congress,” Bersamin told reporters when asked to react to Co’s removal.
Co vacated the position after presidential son, Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. and House Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos made the motion to declare the post vacant during the plenary session Monday.
Bersamin said the Palace is not meddling in the affairs of the House of Representatives.
“We don’t have a hand in that because we’re the executive branch,” he added.
Co said he had stepped down because of health reasons.
He said his role as chair of the House Committee on Appropriations has taken a toll on his health, hence the need to “prioritize seeking the medical attention necessary for [his] well-being.”
Marikina City Rep. Stella Quimbo has been designated acting chairperson of the House panel.
has the power to issue a temporary authority on the availment of security detail because we cannot also disregard the threats to our candidates. Within an unextendible period of 30 days, we will give them a temporary authority to avail of security detail.
These would be screened by the Regional Joint Security Control Center which would then make a recommendation to the Comelec, pending the issuance of a certificate of authority allowing them to avail of security detail,” she said.
Fajardo said individuals whose CA-SD applications were denied can reapply but will only be allowed to avail of protective security services of private firms.
“These protection agents should have a license and must be employed under private agencies. Other than that, private individuals cannot work as bodyguards during the election period,” she added.
Each applicant, whether a candidate or not, is only allowed to have two protective security personnel, Fajardo said.
As this developed, a total of 85 persons have so far been apprehended since the start of the gun ban for the 2025 midterm elections on January 12.
Fajardo said those arrested include 78 civilians, three security guards,
two members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, one government worker and one officer of the Bureau of Corrections.
She said 86 firearms were also confiscated by police officers deployed in 6,327 checkpoints nationwide.
Meanwhile, PNP-Internal Affairs Service Inspector General Brigido Dulay reminded officers to respect human rights and uphold ethical policing in the conduct of poll checkpoints.
“Checkpoints are a critical aspect of our law enforcement operations, but they must be conducted with utmost respect for the rights of the public. Police personnel who disregard established procedures tarnish the reputation of the PNP and will be held accountable,” Dulay said.
SWS: Marcos net satisfaction rating dips to ‘moderate’
POLL firm Social Weather Stations on Wednesday revealed the net satisfaction rating (percent satisfied minus per dissatisfied) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declined 13 points to a “moderate” +19 in December 2024 compared to a “good” +32 in September.
According to the non-commissioned survey, 51 percent of adult Filipinos were satisfied with Mr. Marcos’ performance as President, while 16 percent were undecided and 32 percent were dissatisfied.
Compared to September, gross satisfaction fell from 58 percent, gross undecided hardly moved from 15 percent, and gross dissatisfaction rose from 26 percent.
According to the survey research institute, the President’s net satisfaction rating fell in all areas except Balance Luzon (Luzon outside Metro Manila), in both rural and urban areas, among both men and women, across age groups, and in all educational groups except elementary graduates.
list of candidates involving other aspiring politicians covered by the SC ruling.
SWS conducted its Fourth Quarter 2024 Social Weather Survey using faceto-face interviews with 2,160 adults nationwide. The sampling error margins are ±2% for national percentages, ±3% in Balance Luzon, and ±5% each for Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
Earlier this week, however, a noncommissioned survey released by OCTA Research showed President Marcos continued to enjoy high trust and approval ratings from the majority of Filipinos.
for a national position and four others who are aiming for local positions.
Bersamin says ‘too premature’ to discuss VP’s political plans
By Charles Dantes
EXECUTIVE Secretary Lucas Bersamin said it was “too premature” to discuss Vice President Sara Duterte’s potential bid for the presidency in 2028, saying it was “too premature” while acknowledging her right to seek an elective position.
“I think it’s too premature, but it’s her privilege,” Bersamin said when asked about the Vice President’s political plans.
Duterte over the weekend revealed she is “seriously considering” running for president in the 2028 national elections.
Speaking to overseas Filipino workers during a private trip to Tokyo, Duterte expressed concern over the state of the nation and emphasized the need for strong governance.
“What’s happening to the country now can no longer continue. I really believe our country can be great,” Duterte said.
The Department of Energy will oversee the implementation, including the regulation of the aggregation process—combining indigenous and imported natural gas for domestic and international use.
The law also encourages converting existing fossil-fuel facilities to natural gas, where feasible.
Republic Act No. 12120 is set to take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
The enactment of this law underscores the government’s commitment to diversifying the country’s energy sources and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Principally authored and sponsored by Senate Energy Committee chairperson Senator Pia Cayetano, the Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act aims to enhance energy security for future generations by creating an investor-friendly environment that encourages the exploration of indigenous natural gas resources.
The new law positions natural gas as a transition fuel toward renewable energy while addressing the country’s long-term power supply challenges.
It also includes provisions ensuring transparency and fair pricing for consumers, effectively balancing energy security and consumer welfare.
Citing the stability and generally lower prices of indigenous natural gas compared to the volatility of imported sources, Cayetano emphasized that securing a steadier, more reliable local supply will reduce our vulnerability to global disruptions and address future energy demands.
lose around P132-million, he said.
“The 6 million ballots we printed will all be useless because the name of the concerned candidate is not there. And therefore, we are back to zero,” Garcia said, referring to Subair Guinthum Mustapha whose candidacy for senator was reinstated by the SC decision.
Garcia said the printed ballots were intended for the national elections.
He said official ballot printing for the local elections has not started yet, which means the Comelec may still revise the
“Because the ballot face will be modified, the name of the candidate included in the Supreme Court’s restraining order must also be included,” he added.
The printed ballots to be destroyed include those for local absentee voting, overseas voting, test ballots and the Bangsamoro elections.
“Also, the ballots for the local polls in the CARAGA region have also been printed, but their printing has been halted,” Garcia said.
The SC issued the TRO prohibiting the Comelec from disqualifying five aspirants, including Mustapha who is aiming
people-to-people connections and the alliance’s role in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The list included former Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice and ex-basketball player Florendo Ritualo Jr.
The poll body hopes to resume the printing of ballots on January 20.
According to Garcia, the alphabetical candidate numbers of at least 12 senatorial candidates on the ballots will be affected if Mustapha is added to the list.
The 6 million printed ballots will undergo inventory and will be reported to the Commission on Audit, he said.
This is the first time in history that the poll body has stopped ballot printing due to a high court order, Garcia said.
trilateral cooperation with Japan in establishing regional security.
Manalo on Wednesday confirmed the two states will be holding the Philippine-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) meeting in China on Jan. 16, with Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro as the Philippine delegation head. Asked if Manila would be demanding Beijing to pull out its 541-foot-long coast guard vessel near Zambales, Manalo said: “We will certainly raise the concerns that we have, including that.”
He said the two governments would try to look at how they could cooperate in certain areas, including on the environment and even through a possible coast guard-to-coast guard cooperation.
“The progress we have made is terribly encouraging, and we just hope to build on that and continue to work on what we have begun and to stand for our shared values and the rule of international law,” he said.
For her part, Harris thanked the Philippine leader for working closely with the outgoing U.S. administration in a collaboration that included six highlevel meetings held in Manila, Washington, San Francisco, and Jakarta.
Harris assured bipartisan support within the U.S. Congress for strengthening ties with the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of
She also emphasized the importance of defending international norms in the region’s waters, where provocations from China remain a persistent challenge.
Harris reaffirmed her country’s commitment to standing with the Philippines and emphasized the enduring obligations under the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
She also recalled her historic 2022 visit to Palawan and reiterated support for the communities she met there, including women in the fishing community of Tagburos and the Philippine Coast Guard.
During the phone call, the two leaders also agreed on the importance of
Harris referenced the momentum from the first leader-level trilateral meeting in Jakarta in 2023 as a vital step toward deepening economic collaboration and ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The leaders reviewed key accomplishments under the Biden-Harris administration, including initiatives to enhance cooperation in climate action, clean energy, technology, semiconductor supply chains, maritime security, and inclusive economic growth.
The US is the Philippines’ oldest treaty ally. Bilateral defense and security cooperation, governed by the MDT, the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), and EDCA, remains the cornerstone of PH-US relations.
“But that would have to be agreed in a memorandum of understanding between the two (coast guards), but it’s cooperative in nature, of course,” he said. The National Security Council earlier said the Philippines is not tolerating the illegal activities of Chinese maritime forces within the Philippine waters as it confirmed that CCG vessel 5901, dubbed as “The Monster” due to its size, continues to operate illegally within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
Meanwhile, the DFA is studying the possibility of filing a diplomatic protest over underwater drones recovered in Philippine waters once it is confirmed that these belong to a foreign state.
During a Senate hearing on Wednesday, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said that if the drone is proven to be state-owned, it would constitute a violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). With AFP
The funding will come from the President’s contingency fund, the Palace said.
Mr. Marcos also committed to ensure adequate funding for the National Irrigation Administration to upgrade the country’s irrigation infrastructure, particularly through the construction of large multi-purpose dams.
Speaker David Suarez, and Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe collectively hailed the Speaker’s ability to foster unity among political parties.
The leaders emphasized that under Speaker Romualdez’s leadership, the House has passed critical pieces of legislation, saying “Many of these laws are landmark legislation and reflect on a legislative body that is efficient, effective and dedicated to the needs of the Filipino people.”
According to the Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey conducted by OCTA Research from
In a meeting with NIA officials, Marcos highlighted the importance of projects outlined in the 2025 budget, including P20.84 billion for pump irrigation, P7.88 billion for the Ilocos Norte-Ilocos Sur-Abra Irrigation Project Stage 2, and P2.49 billion Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project Phase II in Tarlac.
November 10 to 16, 2024, Romualdez had a trust rating of 58 percent and a performance rating of 59 percent.
Meanwhile, Quad Comm leaders Reps. Robert Ace Barbers, Dan Fernandez, Joseph Stephen Paduano, Bienvenido Abante, Romeo Acop, Jonathan Keith Flores, Johnny Ty Pimentel, and Gerville Luistro praised Speaker Romualdez for prioritizing accountability and good governance through strengthened oversight functions.
“Speaker Romualdez ensures transparency and integrity in governance. His guidance has allowed us to investigate and address critical issues such as agricultural smuggling, anomalies
Mr. Marcos also reaffirmed his commitment to the construction of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP), emphasizing its critical role in preparing for future pandemics and addressing viruses affecting humans, animals, and plants. He said the government would secure the P680 million needed to prevent delays in the institute’s construction, despite the lack of allocation in the De -
in power costs and the misuse of public funds,” they said. The Quad Comm leaders highlighted the ongoing probes into confidential fund misuse, as well as investigations into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) linked to financial crimes and other illicit activities.
partment of Public Works and Highways’ 2025 budget.
“We prepare for the big one, the big pandemic,” President Marcos said.
As this developed, Mr. Marcos likewise emphasized the importance of maintaining the progress achieved in boosting the Philippines’ international profile during a meeting at Malacañang Palace with Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.
For their part, the young legislators of the House, including Reps. Pammy Zamora, Zia Alonto Adiong, PM Vargas, Ernesto Dionisio Jr., Lordan Suan, Rodge Gutierrez, Jude Acidre, Jay Khonghun, Inno Dy V, Paolo Ortega V, Jil Bongalon, Mika Suansing, Migs Nograles, and Cheeno Almario lauded Speaker Romualdez for his mentorship and inclusivity.
Lawmakers noted that under Speaker Romualdez’s leadership, the House has achieved historic legislative milestones, processing over 4,760 measures and enacting 166 laws in just 178 session days. These include significant reforms in education, health and economic recovery, which directly impact millions of Filipinos. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meanwhile continues to enjoy high trust and approval ratings from the majority of Filipinos while Vice President Sara Duterte’s support dipped 10 percentage points -- the highest decline among the top four elected officials – the OCTA survey showed.
NGCP insists it is Filipino-led corporation
By Maricel V. Cruz
THE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has maintained that it is a Filipino-led company.
NGCP assistant vice president for system operations Clark Agustin clarified before the House Committee on legislative franchises that NGCP abides by the internal procedures outlined under the Philippine Grid Code.
“Decisions are based on established procedures. Mayroon para sa maintenance at mayroon din para sa emergency (There’s for maintenance and there’s for emergency),” Agustin said, adding that there are control centers in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
“If you decide to cut off power for the entire country, wala pong ganun (there was no such thing). Wala rin pong central control point na single button (There is also no central control point that is single button,” Agustin said.
He also allayed worries about the China-made equipment used by NGCP for its operation, saying China is a technical partner allowed by government.
“No midnight deal transpires. The NGCP is transparent in all its actions and transactions,” he told the panel chaired by Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting.
He also insisted that the NGCP is a Filipino-led company, with 60 percent of its shares owned by Filipinos.
The consortium comprised of Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp., the Calaca High Power Corp., and the State Grid Corp. of China won the bidding for the operation of the country’s transmission grid to the tune of $3.95 billion.
Prioritize Common Tower Program, PBBM tells DICT
By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Marcos has instructed the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to prioritize its Common Tower Program (CTP) to enhance the delivery of government services.
“Focus on the Common Tower [Program] because we will be serving more people through that,” the President told DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy during a meeting Tuesday at Malacañang.
The discussion centered on DICT’s ongoing programs and initiatives
which have significantly expanded under the current administration.
The Chief Executive highlighted the DICT’s success in increasing the number of managed government systems from 250 to 1,277, boosting service efficiency through digitalization.
During the meeting, Uy assured the President of uninterrupted operations for the renewal of 15,715 Free Wi-Fi access points nationwide, backed by a P6-billion budget. He also proposed allocating P1.5 billion for new sites and initiatives, including the CTP.
The CTP aims to enhance connectivity by providing a shared infrastructure for telecommunications providers.
It is expected to benefit at least 404,600 direct beneficiaries and around two million indirect clients.
DOJ set to file multiple charges against Alice Guo
By Pot Chavez
DEPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ)
prosecutors are set to file 62 counts of money laundering charges against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and others, according to DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano.
“The panel of prosecutors found that the illegal activities that we found when we raided their business were the proceeds that are referred to or the subject of this complaint,” Clavano told reporters in an ambush interview on Wednesday.
He revealed that the amount involved in these transactions ran up to billions of pesos.
The prosecutors recommended
the filing of charges against Guo for violation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act specifically 26 counts of Section 4(a) or transacting money or property, five counts of Section 4(b) or converting, transferring, disposing of, moving, acquiring, possessing or using money or property and 31 counts of Section 4(d) or attempting to conspire to commit money laundering.
This resolution was in relation to the complaint filed last year by the Anti-Money Laundering Council, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission against Guo.
Aside from Guo, 31 out of the 62 counts involve other personalities including alleged Philippine Off-
shore Gaming Operator (POGO) big boss Huang Zhiyang, former Technology and Livelihood Resource Center deputy director general Dennis Cunanan, and 28 others.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the cases will be filed as soon as possible.
“The resolution is there. It is not for me to change it because we respect the jobs of our fellow professionals who work at the DOJ,” Remulla said.
Apart from these charges, Guo is also facing suits filed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for allegedly committing material misrepresentation in her candidacy in the 2022 elections.
Lawmakers furious over P58-MSRP for rice
A HOUSE leader on Wednesday slammed the Department of Agriculture (DA) under Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. for setting the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for rice at ₱58 per kilo, calling the figure “unrealistic” and “a disservice to consumers.” Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin expressed frustrations during the hearing of the Quinta Comm, also known as the Murang Pagkain Supercommittee, chaired by Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda. Garin accused the DA of failing to address key issues in the rice supply chain that have driven up prices. The panel decided to invite Laurel to the next hearing.
IN BRIEF
IN BRIEF
DSWD cites relevance of unified ID to PWDs
THE Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) plan for a unified identification (ID) card system for persons with disabilities (PWDs) will help boost the efficiency in the delivery of basic services to the vulnerable sector through digitalization.
DSWD Secretary Gatchalian said the unified ID system will have a standardized look and a digital counterpart to prevent unscrupulous persons from availing themselves of the perks and privileges intended for persons with disabilities using fake ID cards.
“You know, our President advocates the use technology so that we can solve the inefficiencies of the current system,” Gatchalian said. The unified ID system is one of the proposals by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) in addressing the illegal issuance, sale, and utilization of fake Persons with Disability ID. The NCDA governing board is chaired by the DSWD secretary. Maricel V. Cruz
Aids to Kanlaon victims surpass P170-m mark
THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said ON Wednesday that the amount of assistance extended by the government and local partners to the victims of Kanlaon eruptions has reached P170.5 million since last month.
The figure covers P109.9 million for Central Visayas and P60.5 million for Western Visayas.
The aids included family food packs, hygiene and sleeping kits, modular tents, financial assistance, filtration kits and generator sets, benefitting 10,026 families in the two regions; 7,545 families in Western Visayas and 2,481 families in Central Visayas.
Some 3,165 families are currently staying in 23 evacuation centers, while 2,408 families are temporarily housed elsewhere.
Solon hails adoption of Tandang Sora bill
A LEGISLATOR has welcomed efforts of both Houses of Congress to recognize the heroism of Melchora Aquino, more popularly known as Tandang Sora, by passing a measure declaring January 6 of every year a special working holiday in Quezon City in commemoration of her birth anniversary.
“This is a momentous occasion that will remind us the martyrdom and sacrifices of Tandang Sora, who is a key figure in the liberation of our country. As a Novaleño, I could not be any prouder that her heroism took place in my beloved district in Novaliches,” Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas said.
He principally authored bill honouring the “Mother of the Revolution.”
Novaliches serves as home of the “Katipunan Tree” or the duhat tree where Tandang Sora took care of the Katipuneros, notably the sick and the wounded, including the Sublime Paralytic Apolinario Mabini. Maricel V. Cruz
“Why does the DA have an MSRP of ₱58? What planet did it come from? Garin asked during her interpellation, stressing that the MSRP should have been lower after the price of regular milled rice dropped. Salceda questioned DA Undersecretary Asis Perez on the basis of the P58 per kilo MSRP.
“My God, that is too high!” Salceda said, noting that the cost of imported rice has gone down to between P44 and P47, while the buying price for palay (unmilled rice) has fallen as well. Garin cited an inspection and consultation with the wholesalers in Bulacan where Laurel announced in the that they will bring down the price of rice to P45 or P49. Maricel V. Cruz
BRIDGES CONNECT. Residents of Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City conveniently cross over to neighboring San Mateo, Rizal and vice versa through a wooden bridge spanning the two localities. Edd Castro
Memo out soon for ride-hailing discounts
THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it will issue a memorandum circular to standardize the enforcement of discounts for students, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens across all ride-hailing platforms.
LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III stated that the circular will be released by the end of January.
During a recent hearing, Guadiz explained that the circular aims to address inconsistencies in the implementation of special discounts by Transport Network Companies (TNCs) arising from conflicting previous memoranda.
The guidelines will clarify who is responsible for covering the costs of these discounts. Guadiz emphasized, “We hope to correct this by the end of this month. Be assured we will fix the implementation,” the official said.
The circular will designate TNCs and operators as the primary entities responsible for covering the costs, ensuring that drivers are not burdened with these expenses.
Grab Philippines meanwhile welcomed the LTFRB’s initiative to standardize the implementation of special discounts.
Grab Philippines Head of Public Affairs Gio Tingson, quoted by GMA News, said: “Grab has consistently supported the commuting public and the government in ensuring that passengers receive these discounts properly. We extend our gratitude to the LTFRB and Senator Tulfo’s office for finalizing the implementation of these special discounts with clear guidelines.”
Binay
says Makati City programs decreased poverty
By Joel E. Zurbano
THE Makati City government’s program in social services, health care, and education have greatly improved the lives of its residents and decreased poverty, Mayor Abigail Binay said.
“Makati’s poverty rate has reached a historic low of 0.6 percent, and we have achieved a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.903—one of the highest in the country,” she said.
The programs initiated by Mayor Binay have transformed Makati into a model of inclusive governance, focused on long-term improvements to the quality of life for all residents.
During her final State of the City
Address at the Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila on Tuesday, Binay emphasized the strategic actions that have propelled Makati forward.
“These results demonstrate that when we invest in people, we uplift entire communities. Makati’s success shows that governance is not just about managing resources; it’s about transforming lives,” the mayor remarked.
Health care has been a priority in Makati’s social programs. The city’s Makati Health Plus (Yellow Card) program provides free maintenance medications, while unlimited dialysis and chemotherapy programs have
Senators: Dinner with PBBM not ‘political’
AT LEAST two senators stated on Wednesday that their dinner with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos at the Bahay ng Pangulo on Monday did not involve any official or political discussions.
Senate President Francis Escudero explained via a Viber message, “It was purely social and part of the regular/ seasonal gathering between the Senate members and the President.” Escudero further said that there were no discussions about impeachment moves against Vice President Sara Duterte during the dinner.
The dinner on Monday coincided with the massive Iglesia ni Cristo (INC)-led rally for peace, which supported the President’s stance against the impeachment of Duterte,
his former political ally.
“None,” Escudero told ABS-CBN News when asked if impeachment or any political issues were raised during the dinner. “Our respective spouses were also invited, and most of them were there... It was just social.”
Escudero clarified that the dinner was originally planned for December.
“It was purely social and part of the regular/seasonal gathering between the Senate members and the President. It was originally scheduled for December, but the Christmas season made it difficult to find a time. The last one was in June before Congress opened in July,” he said.
Senator JV Ejercito also emphasized that the dinner was purely social when asked if it was connected to the said INC rally.
granted access to life-saving treatments for thousands since 2020. These initiatives have improved health outcomes and reduced financial burdens for families, playing a crucial role in poverty reduction.
“Access to quality health care is a right, not a privilege,” Mayor Binay asserted, adding, “When we remove barriers to essential services, we empower people to lead healthier, more productive lives.”
Binay’s emphasis on education, another vital aspect of Makati’s social strategy, has modernized the city’s public schools with smart classrooms, renewable energy, and initiatives like the Library Book Mobile.
QC kicks off anti-cancer screening plan
By Rio N. Araja
SAYING cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer claiming 12 lives a day, the Quezon City government on Wednesday kicked off a community-based screening program to fight the disease.
At a news conference, Dr. Karen See, The Department of Health (DOH) cancer control coordinator, said the city government has come up with a roadmap to eliminate cervical cancer through a private-public partnership.
The DOH -National Capital Region thanked the Quezon City government “for this important milestone.”
“Gone are the days when the problem of health is the concern of the Department of Health,” its representative said.
IN BRIEF
Two dead in warehouse fire in Davao City
TWO male workers died after a warehouse in Davao City caught fire Tuesday afternoon.
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) said the fire incident is still under investigation as of writing but the two fatalities have been identified as Gian Subla, 19, and Reyeel Dion Mansing, 20. The two were workers of the warehouse and were trapped inside when the fire occurred at 2 pm on Tuesday.
The DCPO said personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Davao City responded immediately to Purok 2B Mudiang Road, Ilang, Davao City when a fire was reported to the station. Cherrie Anne Villahermosa
Buy-bust yields shabu worth P4.25m
AUTHORITIES said a buy-bust operation early morning Wednesday led to the arrest of an individual and the seizure of 625 grams of shabu, amounting to P4.25 million along Domato Street, Brgy. 188, Caloocan City.
The intelligence-driven operation was carried out by the operatives of the District Drug Enforcement Unit (DDEU), Northern Police District, Caloocan City Police Station, and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), that resulted in the arrest of the suspect, a 50-year-old vendor.
Two male minors, aged 15 and 17, both residents of the same barangay, were also rescued as Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) for their alleged involvement in the drug activity.
Vince Lopez
BI nabs 400 illegal aliens, mostly Chinese NEARLY 400 illegal aliens, mostly Chinese who were arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for working as online scam operators, will be deported to their country of origin on January 29, Chinese New Year. The foreigners who were involved in scam operations were arrested in a raid conducted by the BI on a company in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City last January 8. Immigration Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the aliens were found to be engaged in illegal activities similar to those being done by Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos), including online scam operations targeting
‘NO’ TO LRT FARE HIKE. Members of the Agam Youth from the University of the Philippine Manila troop to the LRT Line 1 in Doroteo Jose Station in Sea Cruz Manila to oppose plans to increase the fares for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1. Danny Pata
MOBILE LAUNDRY. The Malabon Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) unveils its mobile laundry services to support immediate relief and recovery efforts and reduce health risks associated with unclean clothing in temporary shelters. Andrew Rabulan
OPINION
The aftermath
LADY Leila compares survey numbers versus numbers in rallies across the nation, the most prominent being the one at the Burnham Green and the entire Luneta.
41 percent out of 55 percent who were aware about the impeachment moves in the HoR is the real voice of the majority of Filipinos, or so she claims.
If a post-Luneta survey is done now, how would the 41 percent change? For one, many more are now aware of the moves to impeach the vice-president. Many more are aware that, as the INC leadership stated, they were supporting PBbM’s call to stop the impeachment, that “storm in a teacup” which only the highly literate understood before Luneta.
So it is safe to assume the numbers have changed.
And in a country where emotions prevail over reason, and “numbers” prevail over the rule of law, the lady de Lima can froth in her mouth while pressing on Congress to impeach, but clearly, her own “tide” has turned.
For if we are to follow her twisted logic without judging the righteousness of her and her accomplices in pursuing accountability, were the numbers in EDSA Dos that dislodged a popularly elected president without proper Senate conviction in Jan. 2001 then right in thwarting the rule of law?
If they say the INC followers were “ordered” to come to the Luneta and places beyond, how about the college students the Catholic schools “persuaded” to join the rally at the EDSA shrine that numbered a little over a hundred thousand in early 2001?
We can all protest the tyranny of rally numbers, the “show of force” by the Iglesia, as the left and the socalled “progressive” political analysts claim in talk shows here and there, but the reality is that impeachment is now dead in the water.
Even assuming a third of the easily bought House will yet sign to impeach, do they expect to succeed in the Senate? If prior to the INC move, one can count on the fingers of one’s left hand the Sara do-or-die loyalists, now you easily have all fingers of the right hand, even more, that would thwart conviction.
Politics is the art of the possible, and what seemed possible then is impossible now. ***
So Elizaldy Co of the Co-Poe tandem that brought forth after little labor the “most corrupt budget in history” has been dethroned from the second most powerful position in the HoR. And the unkindest cut came from no less than the president’s son who moved that his post be declared vacant. No amount of post-facto reason
about health problems will make anyone believe Elizaldy’s decapitation was not upon Malacanang’s instruction.
Was it because he and his bi-cam caused the president so much anxiety, having to invent creative accounting to justify both Constitutional violation and egregious self-interests for and in behalf of his confreres in the two houses of pork?
Was it because of rumors about a building in the ritzy 8th arrondissement of Paris, or a North Forbes mansion with three basement levels for a multitude of uber-expensive voitures or a helicopter that dwarfs the amenities of even the presidential “dragonfly”?
Politics is the art of the possible, and what seemed possible then is impossible now
Now the appropriations committee will be chaired temporarily by the “stellar” Marikina representative who wants to be mayor come May. Likely, with the few remaining session days, and with the most corrupt budget done for, it will be up to the next Congress to name Cong. Co’s replacement. Gardiola? Momo? Maybe Acidre or Libanan? Party-list na naman? ***
As for the most strident vocalists and chairmen of the Quad Comm, what would their fate be in the forthcoming elections, especially those who come from districts where anywhere from 7 to 12 percent of the electorate are members of the bloc-voting INC? That’s plus AND minus in voting arithmetic.
Isko Moreno plus INC in Districts 2, 3 and 6 could spell disaster for some in Manila.
And for the first time since the American occupation, the governor of Laguna could come from my native San Pablo City in the third district instead of being the exclusive domain of the other districts.
How about the “king of contempt,” would Albee Benitez’ money continue to support his party-list kingdom? ***
The Comelec was ordered by the high tribunal to desist from its highhanded and capricious delisting of Egay Erice who is running to regain his Caloocan seat from an under-performing opponent.
Now if the high Court could also rule on the clear legal infirmities of the sleight-of-hand manner by which the Comelec “invented” Miru, maybe we are not too hopeless after all.
BRICS membership
A COUPLE of weeks ago, three founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations namely Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand were reported to have become partner nations of BRICS.
(Editors Note: BRICS is an intergovernmental organization that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The acronym was originally used to describe a group of countries with rapid economic growth whose objective is to increase economic and geopolitical cooperation among its members).
The latest, however, is that Indonesia is now a full member. Surprisingly, there was not much of a reaction from our Department of Foreign Affairs or the Palace. Considering what impact this might do to the ASEAN, there should have been at the very least a statement from the DFA or Malacanang. However anyone might look at this,
EDITORIAL
I‘Teacher
F WE had a program called ‘Doctor to the Barrios’ successfully implemented by the Department of Health in the 1990s to address the shortage in doctors serving in impoverished and remote areas nationwide, why not a similar initiative in the field of education at this time?
House Bill 11195, also known as the Teacher to the Barrios Act, seeks to deploy teachers to remote areas nationwide who will receive the necessary support and adequate compensation for their efforts.
What’s the rationale for this proposed measure? Its author, Eastern Samar Rep. Maria Fe Abunda explained she had come across many stories of school-aged children crossing mountains and rivers just to reach school and teachers who volunteer to travel to far-flung barrios at great risk to their safety and health without the benefit of career security, career progress nor just compensation.
term.
the three countries will certainly add prestige to the BRICS nations.
In the case of Vietnam, although invited to join, it apparently decided not to. Of the so-called ASEAN 6, therefore, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines opted not to apply.
However anyone might look at this, the three countries will certainly add prestige to the BRICS nations
In our case, I do not believe BRICS even considered us as a potential member. But make no mistakes about it, this development will become problematic for the ASEAN in the long
One reason for this is because slowly but surely, the current world order established by the Western powers in the aftermath of the Second World War is now being split into to two spheres.
One is led by Western countries under the leadership of the United States and the other are the so-called BRICS countries with China being considered the most powerful member assuming the role of being the de facto leader.
Another reason is what would the three countries do if the BRICS nations take a position in international affairs contrary to the interest of the ASEAN as a whole?
Over the past several years, the ASEAN has had its own internal problems but the bloc simply decided to set these differences aside rather than confront them head on.
An example of this is how to handle what is going on in Myanmar.
It is no secret there is disagreement on how to handle Myanmar’s military junta rulers. Should the bloc force Myanmar’s military junta to stand down and conduct an internationally supervised election or simply let them con-
to the Barrios’
Under the Teacher to the Barrios program, educators would be entitled to receive their “long overdue and much-deserved recompense” while encouraging more colleagues to follow in their footsteps. The lawmaker hopes the measure would assist in government’s effort to formalize and standardize instruction brought to students in remote areas and address the issue of inaccessibility of education. The bill, however, would be only one of the steps in continuing efforts to close the gaps in Philippine education.
The ‘Teacher to the Barrios’ bill deserves serious consideration and approval by our lawmakers
The key objective of the bill is for DepEd to maintain a pool of teachers who will commit themselves to serve by conducting study sessions and formal basic education for residents in geographically isolated and/or generally hard-to-reach areas.
tinue to remain in power. The failure of the ASEAN to make a stand has somewhat affected its international standing. We also do not know whether this has affected the decision of East Timor to hold its application for full membership in the ASEAN.
If there will be differences, would it be possible the three ASEAN members that are now BRICS partner countries choose BRICS and break away from ASEAN? And what will the three remaining ASEAN six members do now?
Singapore is trying to remain in the middle. Western in its outlook, government and economy, it wants to maintain close relations with the Western world and China at the same time while trying hard to enhance its military capabilities.
Vietnam as far as we can tell would like to move closer to the West especially for its defense needs but, for reasons of geography and economics, has to play ball with its giant neighbor China. Vietnam, therefore, is walking a tightrope. How far this policy will be maintained remains to be seen.
For us, there is no question where
Under HB 11195, residents will be taught with a module or system parallel to that of a formal basic education in the form of study sessions, which may be conducted in a public community hall or private hall. Teachers taking part in the program will receive basic salaries no lower than that of an entry-level public school elementary teacher. They will be entitled to representation and transportation allowances, hazard pay, social benefits and given the option to avail themselves of scholarships for postgraduate studies, provided they have rendered at least four years of service.
The proposed bill would encourage local government units to request for the deployment of ‘Teacher to the Barrios’ in the local communities/ barangay within their jurisdiction. The LGU would also provide community halls where the learning sessions could be held.
The ‘Teacher to the Barrios’ bill deserves serious consideration and approval by our lawmakers as this is in full accord with the Constitutional mandate that “the State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.”
our interests are. The current administration has moved the country both economically and on matters of national defense to the West.
We have enhanced our defense agreements with our former colonial master and treaty ally the United States and signed a new defense agreements with Australia and our old enemy Japan.
We are also exploring the possibility of other defense agreements with other Western nations.
All these have been driven by China occupying part of what is internationally recognized as our Exclusive Economic Zone.
But this is not a permanent position. Come 2028, this could very well change if the people will elect VP Sarah Duterte President in the 2028 national elections.
We know her father when he was president wanted the country to become a province of China. He later said he was only joking.
But joking or not, it is not something a president should be saying. There you are. Maintain the current course or elect someone who might bring us closer to China.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025
IN BRIEF
Cops nab 49 men for sex abuse of teen
BENGALURU, India – More than four
dozen men have been arrested in India for the repeated sexual abuse of a teenager over years, police told AFP Wednesday.
The young victim is a Dalit, the lowest rung in the rigid Hindu caste system, who are disproportionately targeted for sexual violence in a country with high rates of crime against women.
The unnamed woman, now 18, said around 60 men sexually abused her in her southern home state of Kerala beginning from when she was just 13.
“Forty-nine people have been taken into custody,” Pathanamthitta district police official Nandakumar S told AFP.
The accused men were known to the woman and included neighbours and family friends.
Rajeev N, a lawyer who heads a local child welfare committee, told AFP that the woman’s parents were “unaware of their daughter’s nightmare.” AFP
China blasts US forced labor claims
BEIJING – China denounced on Wednesday US import bans on dozens of Chinese companies as “malicious” and based on “groundless” forced labor allegations.
The US Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday it would add 37 entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list, bringing its total to nearly 150.
Goods wholly or partially made by these firms will be restricted from entering the US.
The entities added include companies mining and processing critical minerals from Xinjiang, where Beijing has been accused of incarcerating over one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in a network of detention facilities.
Chinese officials strongly deny these claims.
“This so-called forced labor is totally groundless. The US fabricates and implements Xinjiang-related malicious laws based on lies”, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference Wednesday.
“This is an attempt to interfere in China’s internal affairs, harm China’s interests, and suppress and contain China.” AFP
German minister promises to support new Syria
DAMASCUS – Germany’s Development Minister Svenja Schulze promised to support Syria’s “peaceful and stable development” as she visited Damascus on Wednesday to meet with the interim authorities.
“After over 50 years of dictatorship and 14 years of civil war, Syria now has the chance of peaceful and stable development,” Schulze said in a statement.
Her visit comes a little over a month after Islamist-led forces toppled longtime president Bashar al-Assad. Schulze is due to meet with the new leadership as well as aid organizations “to identify how Germany can support the development of a peaceful, stable and inclusive Syria”, the minister’s statement said. AFP
SoKor President Yoon arrested over his failed martial law bid
SEOUL– Impeached South Korean leader Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on Wednesday over his failed martial law bid, ending a weeks-long standoff with authorities and becoming the first sitting president to be detained in the nation’s history.
Yoon, who faces charges of insurrection over his short-lived effort to impose martial law last month, said he would comply with investigators to avoid “bloodshed.”
A former prosecutor who led the conservative People Power Party to election victory in 2022, Yoon could face the death penalty or life in jail if found guilty of insurrection. He had sought to evade arrest for weeks by remaining in his
hours-long impasse between the guards and anti-graft investigators working with police. But before dawn on Wednesday, investigators presented the fresh warrant to Yoon’s guards, then had to bypass bus barricades and cut barbed wire to get inside the compound, a CIO official told reporters.
Hundreds of police officers and investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office surrounded the residence, some
After
tion Investigation Office,” Yoon said in the message, adding that he did not accept the legality of the investigation but was complying “to prevent any unfortunate bloodshed.”
Shortly after he was taken to the CIO offices in a convoy, investigators began questioning Yoon but they said later he exercised “his right to remain silent”. He refused to be filmed during questioning, a CIO official told reporters, adding that Yoon would spend the
Russia targets Ukraine’s energy sites in ‘big’ barrage
It is the middle of winter, and the target for the Russians remains the same: our energy sector,” the Ukrainian leader said.
Ukrainian air defense systems shot down at least 30 of the Russian missiles, which included ballistic missiles, Zelenskyy said. The statement came ahead of a meet-
ing in Warsaw between Zelensky and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Ukrainian authorities in the west of the country said Wednesday that critical infrastructure facilities had been targeted in a “massive” Russian missile attack after air alerts sounded nationwide.
“Critical infrastructure facilities were targeted in Prykarpattia,” the regional governor of the western IvanoFrankivsk region wrote on social media.
“Air defense forces were working in the region,” the official, Svitlana Onyshchuk, said, adding there were no casualties and that the situation was “under control.” Authorities in the western Lviv region, which borders EU and NATO member Poland, said two critical infrastructure facilities had been hit in the Drogobych and Stryi districts, without elaborating.
Iran unveils
spy ship during top war games state media
TEHRAN – The Iranian army has unveiled an advanced reconnaissance ship, state media said on Wednesday, as military forces conducted drills nationwide focused on safeguarding the country’s nuclear facilities.
“The country’s first signals intelligence ship, named Zagros, is added to the Navy’s combat operations,” state TV reported.
The Iranian-made vessel is equipped with “electronic sensors”, interceptors, and other cyber and intelligence capabilities, the report said.
Zagros’s launch comes days into major military exercises conducted by the army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which are set to continue
until mid-March and are focused on protecting key nuclear sites including Natanz, Fordow and Khondab. Navy chief Admiral Shahram Irani, quoted by state media, said that the new spy ship “will be the watchful eye of the Iranian Navy in the depths of the seas and oceans”. The war games are set to coincide with the inauguration on Monday of US President-elect Donald Trump, which along with increased enrichment activity has put Iran’s nuclear programme under close watch.
During Trump’s first term, the United States withdrew from a landmark 2015 deal meant to curb Tehran’s nuclear activities, reimposing biting sanctions. AFP
“Fortunately, there were no casualties, but there was damage,” governor Maksym Kozytsky wrote on social media.AFP WASHINGTON, DC – Donald Trump’s policies are not
to cause
to reignite as
fear, one of the president-elect’s longtime economic advisors told AFP Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time), less than a week before Trump returns to the White House. Many economists have warned that Trump’s campaign proposals, which included imposing sweeping import tariffs and overseeing the largest deportation in US history, could cause a spike in inflation, forcing the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates higher for longer.
In an interview, Stephen Moore, a longtime economic advisor to Trump, said that the full suite of policies the president-elect wants to push through, including deregulation and the extension of expiring tax cuts, should help keep price increases in check.
“You could point to some specific policies like tariffs that could be inflationary,” said Moore, who is a senior visiting fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation. “But you have to remember that we’re also going to be reducing other taxes.”
“Things that are made in the United States will have a lower tax, and things that are made in China will have a higher tax,” he added. “So when you balance those out, you have, you may have relative price shifts, but not overall price increases.” Economists at some of the top US banks have noted that Trump’s tariff and immigration policies are likely to put upward pressure on inflation and downward pressure on growth, although many expect the impact to be relatively muted as long as Trump does not follow through on his more aggressive policy proposals. AFP
HISTORIC ARREST. Officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials and police officers break through the barricades to enter the presidential residence in Seoul on Wednesday to execute the second arrest warrant for South Korean impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon (inset) was arrested over his failed martial law bid, ending a weeks-long standoff with authorities and becoming the first president to be detained in the nation’s history. AFP
FURIOUS FLAMES. Beachfront houses burned by the Palisades Fire are seen at sunset east of Malibu, California, on Wednesday, Manila time. Powerful winds forecast for late Wednesday threatened to whip up massive fires that are still burning around Los Angeles in a tragedy that has killed at least 25 people and badly shaken the city. AFP
BEST Center starts year with a bang
THE Ateneo College covered courts in Katipunan, Quezon City once again becomes the hub of future basketball stars when it hosts the multi-awarded and pioneering Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training Center (BEST Center) clinics from January 18 to March 1. The Saturdays-only classes are open to students in Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and Preparatory (5-8 yrs old) in basketball. The sessions are from 8:30 am to 12 noon, the same time volleyball clinics in Levels 1, 2, 3, Mastery and adult class are held.
Enrollment is also still open for the classes set at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba Laguna Sessions in basketball
Woods pledges support amid ‘unimaginable loss’ in LA fires
LOS ANGELES—Golf superstar Tiger Woods has pledged support for communities devastated by the wildfires that have killed at least 24 people and changed the face of Los Angeles over the past week.
The 15-time major champion, who was born in Cypress, California, 25 miles south of Los Angeles, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he would soon give details of his foundation’s charitable efforts to help the affected communities.
“The devastation that is ongoing with the LA fires is such a tragedy and being from California, it hits home,” Woods said. “My heart is with those who have suffered unimaginable loss.
“Thank you to the incredible heroes that are the first responders helping to contain and save the community of Los Angeles.”
Firefighters still battling to contain the massive Palisades and Eaton fires were bracing for possible flare ups or new blazes as forecasters predicted “particularly dangerous” Santa Ana winds on Tuesday.
Flames that razed the Pacific Palisades came uncomfortably close to The Riviera Country Club, which is slated to host the
2028 Olympic golf tournament.
In 1992, the Los Angeles Open at Riviera was the site of a teenaged Woods’s first PGA Tour event.
Although he has never won there, Woods hosts the Genesis Invitational at the historic course, which this year is scheduled for February 13-16.
US media reported that the PGA Tur had sent a memo to players last week saying it is monitoring the fires, but it was premature to discuss the impact on the tournament.
“Although the Riviera Country Club has not been directly affected by the fires, our immediate concern is the health and welfare of those in the affected communities, including all our members who have ties to Southern California,” the Tour said.
The tournament announced on
PFL teams up with Cloudbet as o icial sports betting, online casino partner
NEW YORK—The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, today announced a multiyear partnership naming Cloudbet the official and exclusive Sports Betting and Online Casino Partner of the PFL.
This new collaboration will bring crypto-powered betting to PFL events, starting with the highly anticipated Road to Dubai Champions Series on January 25. Cloudbet, a leading crypto casino with a global reputation, has been a trusted name in the cryptocurrency world for over a decade. With this partnership, they’ll bring a whole new way to engage with MMA fans by combining their expertise in crypto sports betting with PFL’s innovative approach to fighting. Starting with the Road to Dubai
Champions Series event, Cloudbet’s partnership will include prominent branding across PFL broadcasts and events. Cloudbet is proud to support the PFL’s mission to build the “Cham-
pions League of MMA,” bringing innovative, fan-focused sports betting into the mix.
“We are excited to announce our new long term partnership with
Monday that it had joined in apparel manufacturer Fanatics’ fund-raising sale of apparel, with fans able to purchase Fanatics’ “LA Strong” shirts with the Genesis Invitational logo. The shirts can be purchased online with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
US golfer Sahith Theegala, who was born in suburban Orange, California, has also pledged to donate to relief efforts. After saying he would donate $100 per birdie and $250 per eagle at the Sony Open that concluded in Hawaii on Sunday Theegala said he would continue that effort through the upcoming weeks.
“Any little bit helps during this devastating time,” Theegala said. AFP
Cloudbet,” said Damian Willoughby, EVP Global Partnerships at PFL.” Cloudbet are forging a reputation as a trailblazer in the industry through their innovative approach and world class suite of products. We believe this is synonymous with the PFL and are elated to collaborate with Cloudbet to bring a fresh and premium experience for our fight fans around the world.”
“One thing that really attracted us to this partnership was the chance to innovate alongside the PFL and bring truly new ideas to the sport,” said Cloudbet. “We plan to take this opportunity to push the boundaries of the fan experience together. More on that over the next few weeks and months.”
“The PFL has changed how people think about MMA, and that aligns perfectly with what we do at Cloudbet. We’re always looking for new ways to improve the experience for fans like us, and this partnership will let us create something really engaging. It’s all about making betting part of the action in a way that brings everyone watching much closer to the tension on screen,” adds Cloudbet.
are to be held on February 12, 19, 26 (Wednesdays); and Feb 2, 9, 23 (Sundays) from 8:30 to 12 noon for Preparatory Level (5-8 yrs old) and Level 1 (9-11 years old).
Afternoon sessions (14:30pm) are offered in Levels 1(12 years old and above), and Levels 2 and 3. Interested students may contact bestcenter.inquiry@gmail. com, or call 83719724 and 34116260.
Sponsored by Milo in cooperation with Chris Sports and Sklz, the BEST Center is an Olympism Awardee of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and a Hall-of-Fame lister of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA).
UAAP coaches praise high school football expansion
THE upcoming UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ Football Tournament is set to kick off on Saturday, January 18, at the UP Diliman Football Stadium, with two guest teams, Claret School of Quezon City and PAREF Southridge School, joining the competition. Their inclusion expands the tournament to a six-team field, creating more opportunities for exciting matchups and a shift to a Final Four format.
Claret and Southridge will face off against powerhouse squads, including the 12-time defending champions Far Eastern University-Diliman, Season 86 finalist University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle Zobel, as they compete for the crown.
The opening day will feature UST welcoming PAREF Southridge at 2:00 p.m., followed by a rivalry game between Ateneo and De La Salle-Zobel at 4:00 p.m.
The nightcap will see Claret taking on the defending champions FEU-Diliman at 7:00 p.m. FEU coach Albert Besa expressed his enthusiasm for the expanded field.
“I think it’s great that they joined,” said Besa. “The more teams, the better. It will raise the level of football in the long run.” He also emphasized the developmental benefits of having more teams involved.
“The UAAP is one of the most organized tournaments, so it’ll be a good experience for the guest teams. This will improve their programs as well. The final goal is to raise the standards nationwide anyway. The kids really need more games across the board,” Besa added. De La Salle University coach Alvin Ocampo, a three-time UAAP champion with the Green Booters and former national team player, echoed similar sentiments.
He believes the inclusion of the guest schools provides a significant boost to football development in the National Capital Region.
Norwegian 21-year-old becomes youngest to reach South Pole
OSLO—A 21-year-old Norwegian woman has become the youngest person to ski alone and without assistance to the South Pole, only to find it “a little ugly” due to mankind’s presence, she said Tuesday.
Karen Kylleso completed the feat late Monday, 114 years after fellow Norwegian and polar explorer Roald Amundsen became the first person to reach the South Pole.
Born on May 9, 2003, she covered the 1,130 kilometres (702 miles) in 54 days.
“It’s both fantastic and a bit strange,” she told Norwegian television channel TV2.
“I of course feel a sense of accomplishment and happiness, but I have to admit it’s also a bit bizarre to leave this bubble that I’ve been in for the past two months,” she said.
The young Scandinavian dethroned Pierre Hedan of France, who, according to Guinness World Records, held the record for being the youngest person to reach the South Pole, solo and unassisted, at the age of 26. He set the record on January 7, 2024.
Kylleso, who is 1.52 metres (nearly five foot) tall and weighs 48 kilogrammes (106 pounds), pulled a sled weighing 100 kilos, or twice her weight, in her bid to reach the pole.
She arrived late on Monday night in temperatures of around -25 degrees Celsius (-13 degrees Fahrenheit).
“I actually found it a little ugly when I got here,” she told TV2.
“After 54 days of beautiful nature, you arrive and there are buildings, machines. It just looks really out of place here,” she said, referring to the US Amundsen-Scott research base.
Pasta bolognese, please!
Kylleso, who trained for six years for the feat, had to slow down her pace toward the end of her exploit, suffering from what she believes was cold-induced asthma.
Once she arrived at her destination, she said she asked for “pasta bolognese, a salad and vegetables”, along with a can of soda and a glass of champagne.
“It’s a page written in polar history,”
told AFP.
Kylleso was already the youngest girl to cross Greenland on skis, completing the feat at the age of 15, in 2018.
“She had barely even finished crossing Greenland before she asked me: ‘Do you think I can also go to the South Pole?’,” recalled Ebbesen. Kylleso’s father, Hakon Kylleso, credited his daughter’s accomplishments to “a mix of good genes”.
“Her mother was an accomplished cross-country ski competitor when she was younger and I’m a hunter, fisherman and I love long hikes in nature,” he told AFP.
0Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store meanwhile hailed the young adventurer, saying she was “following in the trails of Norwegian polar heroes”.
On December 14, 1911, Roald Amundsen became the first person to reach the geographic South Pole, part of a tragic race against Britain’s Robert Scott who died of exhaustion and cold on the return journey along with his four companions. AFP
Tiger Woods: The devastation that is ongoing with the LA res is such a tragedy and being from California, it hits home.
My heart is with those who have su ered unimaginable loss.
her mentor, Norwegian adventurer Lars Ebbesen,
Karen Kylleso Facebook
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
Zheng loses in Melbourne, Sabalenka, Osaka win
MELBOURNE—Last year’s runnerup Zheng Qinwen was knocked out of the Australian Open on Wednesday in the biggest shock so far but defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and two-time winner Naomi Osaka battled into the third round.
Carlos Alcaraz was an emphatic victor in just 81 minutes over Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka as the Spaniard bids to lift the Melbourne crown for the first time.
Olympic champion Zheng was sent packing 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 by world number 97 Laura Siegemund, the secondoldest player in the draw at age 36.
“I knew I just had to play more than my best tennis. I had nothing to lose so I just told myself to swing free,” said the German.
“It’s tennis. Nothing more,” said China’s Zheng, 22, who was given two time violations and lost her cool as her tilt at a maiden major crown evaporated in only the second round. On centre court Sabalenka dropped her serve three times and faced 11 break points before overcoming Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-3, 7-5, rattling off the last five games in a row.
“She played incredible tennis today and it was a really tough one. I expected this tennis from her, I’m really glad I was able to win this match,” said Sabalenka, who beat Zheng in the 2024 final.
The win kept the Belarusian world number one on course for a rare hattrick of consecutive Australian Open titles, a feat last achieved 26 years ago by Martina Hingis and only matched by four other women in history.
Former world number one Osaka, the 2019 and 2021 champion in Australia but now unseeded, stormed back to defeat 20th seed Karolina Muchova 1-6, 6-1, 6-3.
American seventh seed Jessica Pegula, beaten in the US Open final by Sabalenka last year, eased through 6-4, 6-2 against Belgium’s Elise Mertens. AFP
Tough draw for Gilas PH Women in FIBA Asia Cup
By Randy M. Caluag
BUILDING on impressive performances over the past two years, the Gilas Pilipinas Women are bracing for another formidable test in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025, set to take place from July 13 to 20 in Shenzhen, China.
Since their promotion to Division A in 2017, the Filipinas have consistently faced top-tier competition. In this year’s tournament, they are drawn into Group B alongside basketball heavyweights Australia and Japan, as well as West Asia’s top team, Lebanon.
The Japanese team, a six-time champion, previously defeated Gilas in lopsided fashion, 96-59, in their their encounter during the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
In its group-stage campaign, Gilas will first battle the three-time bronze medalists, the Australia Opals, on
July 13, followed by a showdown with Japan on July 14. They will conclude their matches against Lebanon on July 16. Group A features defending champion and host China, alongside 12time winners Korea, 2023 semifinalist New Zealand, and Division B champion Indonesia. Under the mentorship of head coach Patrick Aquino, the Gilas Pilipinas Women recorded their best-ever performance in the Women’s Asia Cup in 2023. They secured a dramatic 92-81 victory over Chinese Taipei to reach the playoffs, eventually claiming a sixth-place finish after a narrow 71-80 loss to South Korea.
THE new tennis season kicks off in grand style as Iloilo City welcomes the country’s premier players and rising stars for the Governor’s Cup National Open Championships, starting Jan. 19 at the Iloilo Sports Complex courts. Leading the charge in the topranking tournament are multi-titled stars Eric Jed Olivarez and Johnny Arcilla, joined by top contenders Ronard Joven, Vicente Anasta, JB Aguilar, Eric Jay Tangub, Fritz Verdad, John Kendrick Bona, RJ Saga and Allen Manlangit.
The week-long championship features a 32-player draw, with a lucrative ₱100,000 top prize, along with a trophy and Philta-PPS, NTCUTR points. The runner-up will take home ₱50,000. Additionally, the men’s doubles champions will win ₱50,000, adding more intensity to the competition sponsored by Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr.
In conjunction with the Kasadyaan and Dinagyang Festival celebrations, the Governor’s Cup National Juniors Championships will start on Friday (Jan. 17), showcasing the future of Philippine tennis with titles up for grabs in nine age-group categories.
In the girls’ 18-and-under division, Alexandra Onte, Princess Tana, Sam Malbas and Aleeva Suace will vie for the crown. On the boys’ side, Antonio Ng Jr., Ian Ituriaga, Rizzjun Labindao and Theo Zapatos headline the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop. Tournament organizer Bobby Mangunay has invited fans to enjoy the action, noting that the event showcases the best of Philippine tennis talent while celebrating the vibrant Kasadyaan and Dinagyang Festival. For inquiries, contact 0915-404-6464.
RICKY Vargas was named chef de mission to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and Al Panlilio will handle the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games as the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) made key appointments during
its first General Assembly for the year on Wednesday at the East Ocean Seafood Restaurant in Paranaque City. Also appointed, according to POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino were Rep. Richard Gomez for the Mi-
FORMER Asian Tour Order of Merit winners
Sihwan Kim of the United States and Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond banner the big and formidable foreign charge in the $500,000 (around P29 million) revival of the Philippine Open that gets off the ground in a week’s time at the Manila Southwoods’ Masters layout. Kim and Janewattananond have won the OOM at one time in their careers and are listed as two of the favorites in the 72-hole championship along with bright Filipino hopes Miguel Tabuena and ex-champion Angelo Que as Asia’s oldest national championship gets a reboot after a five-year absence starting Thursday next week.
Tabuena finished seventh in the OOM last year, playing 19 total events. The last of his three Asian Tour wins came at Delhi Golf Club in India in 2023 when he rallied from six shots down at the start of the final round by shooting a seven-underpar 65 to beat hometown bet Rashid Khan by a shot.
Janewattananond, who, in an impressive 2020 season, was ranked 38th in the world, is a frequent Philippine visitor since turning pro as a 15-year-old in 2010. The Thai juggernaut already has 11 Asian Tour
lano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Dr. Jose Raul Canlas for the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand and Stephen Arapoc for the Chengdu 2025 World Games.
“The objective is to prepare our teams—and athletes—in earnest for
wins--tied for ninth most all-time--aside from experience playing on the US PGA, the former European Tour and the lucrative Japan Tour before having stints in all of golf’s four majors, with his best finish being a 14th place tie in the 2019 PGA Championship.
The team also broke new ground last year by competing in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament, where they tested their skills against global powerhouses from Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Highlights of their campaign included a close loss to world No. 8 Brazil and hard-fought matches against Hungary and Senegal. Coach Aquino expressed pride in his progress on the international stage. “The keyword was to play together and show how our part of the world can compete with the rest of the world,” Aquino said in a previous interview.
the international competitions, that’s why the chefs de mission were appointed,” Tolentino said. “If we prepare early, there will be no excuses.” Richard Lim of karate is chef de mission to the Asian Winter Games in Harbin that starts February 7 to 14 while the a ched de mission has yet to be named for the Third Asian Youth Olympics Games from October 22 to 31 in Bahrain.
Vargas is a former POC president and currently chairman of the boxing federation, Panlilio (basketball) and Gomez (modern pentathlon) are the incumbent first and second vice presidents, respectively, and Canlas (surfing) treasurer of the organization, while Arapoc heads the wushu association.
The SEA Games will be played December 9 to 20 this year in Chonburi, Songkhla and Bangkok, and the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are set February 6 to 22, Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games from September 19 to October 4 in 2026.
The Los Angeles Olympics are from July 14 to 30, 2028.
Former football president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta was appointed as ethics committee chairman while Atty. Daniel Hofileña, a non-POC member, will head the arbitration committee.
“It’s going to be a wide-open Open,” Que, the 2008 champion at Wack Wack, said with a smile. “A lot of good players are coming over and there will be a lot of them with legitimate chances to win.” Kim has two wins to his credit, all of them in the 2022 season when he won his OOM title. He also joined the
The POC family during its general assembly
Jazz Janewattananond in action during the 151st Open. Asian Tour Photo Germany’s Laura Siegemund celebrates victory China’s Zheng Qinwen after their women’s singles match on Day 4 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. AFP
WHAT’S INSIDE?
Jollibee opens Tiong Bahru bakery in PH
Higher ancillary charges seen in February
Maya disbursed
MPTC eyes P50-b fundraising ahead of merger with SMC
METRO Pacific Tollways Corp. said it plans to raise between P30 billion and P50 billion this year ahead of the planned merger with the tollway company of San Miguel Corp.
MPTC chairman Manuel Pangilinan said the company would use the proceeds from the fundraising program to finance expansion this year.
Pangilinan also said the proposed merger with the tollway company of SMC is “complicated.”
He said it could be completed “hopefully within the year or next year.” MPTC was aiming for a 50-50 split in the ownership for the proposed merger with SMC’s tollway business.
The toll unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and San Miguel signed in August 2024 a P72-billion deal to construct two expressways south of Metro Manila.
Under the memorandum of agreement, MPTC and SMC will jointly undertake the construction, operation and maintenance of the 87.96-kilometer Cavite-Batangas Expressway and Nasugbu-Bauan Expressway.
The MPTC Group has 240.6 kilometers of existing expressways and 43.1 kilometers under construction, with a total investment of $3.06 billion. It operates 105 kilometers of North Luzon Expressway, 94 km. of Subic Clark-Tarlac Expressway and 14 km. of Manila-Cavite Expressway. It also operates 8.5-km. Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway in Cebu. SMC’s expressways include the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), the Skyway System and the NAIA Expressway (NAIAX). Darwin G. Amojelar
Cash remittances up 3.3% to $2.81b in November
By Darwin G. Amojelar
CThe BSP said this brought total cash remittances coursed through banks in the first 11 months of 2024 to $31.11 billion, up by 3 percent from $30.21 billion registered in the same period in 2023.
WIRE CLEARING.
Manila Electric Co. intensifies its campaign against urban blight in the municipality of Pateros by conducting a five-day wire clearing operation from Jan. 13 to 17, 2025 along F.C. Tuazon
The growth was seen in remittances from both land-based and sea-based workers.
Personal remittances totaled $34.61 billion in the 11-month period, up by 3 percent from $33.59 billion seen a year earlier.
The increase in personal remittances was in line with the full-
“Cash remittances are projected to increase by 3.0 percent for full-year 2024,” the BSP said in a statement. Meanwhile, personal remittances which include cash remittances and other in-kind items sent by Filipinos abroad climbed 3.5 percent in November to $3.12 billion from $3.02 billion in the same month of 2023.
year projected growth of 3.0 percent in 2024, the BSP said. The growth in cash remittances from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates contributed mainly to the increase in remittances from January to November 2024, the BSP said. It said that in terms of country sources, the US accounted for the largest share of overall cash remittances in the 11-month period, followed by Singapore and Saudi Arabia
The BSP, however, noted the limitations on the remittance data by source. A common practice of remittance centers in various cities abroad is to course remittances through correspondent banks, most of which are located in the US.
ash remittances from overseas Filipinos went up 3.3 percent in November 2024 to $2.81 billion from $2.72 billion posted a year ago, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Wednesday. DOF addresses LGUs’ concerns over tax share computations
Benjamin Magalong, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
TRANSMISSION and system operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) reiterated Wednesday that the presence of Chinese shareholders in its board is not a threat to national security.
NGCP spokesperson Cynthia Perez-Alabanza said the board “is not the one sitting and dispatching” power supply.
Alabanza said NGCP’s head of system operation Clark Agustin confirmed that there is no single button
that can switch off the country’s power supply.
‘It cannot be done because the system is isolated. Second, the dispatcher sitting is all Filipino…I can say that there is no such threat within NGCP,” Alabanza said.
“They have access to publicly available info so what you see, they see too. But in terms of being able to assert control over the transmission system of the Ph under NGCP, there is none,” she said.
NGCP holds the 25-year concession contract and the 50-year fran-
COCA-COLA Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) announced Wednesday the change in the company’s legal name from to Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines Inc. (CCEAP).
“Our new name signifies an exciting new phase in our journey as we reaffirm our commitment to serving our customers,
tion, and Great Partners — Done Sustainably,” said Gareth McGeown, presi-
chise to operate the power transmission network. It is comprised of Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp. led by Henry Sy Jr., Calaca High Power Corp. led by Robert Coyiuto Jr. (60 percent) and the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) as technical partner holding a 40-percent stake. Other members of the board are Jose Pardo, Francis Chua, Anthony Almeida, Paul Sagayo Jr., Zhu Guangchao, Yao Yousheng, Wang Lijin and Liu Xinhua. Guangchao is the chairman of the board while Sy and Coyiuto are vice chairmen.
dent and chief executive of CCEAP. Following the announcement on Feb. 23, 2024 on the completed acquisition of CCEAP by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Plc (CCEP) and Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV), the company obtained approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission for the change of company name to be used effective January 15, 2025. “More than anything, this new name represents the strength of our partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. We share a solid commitment to our customers and communities, and with this new identity, we believe we can make a much more meaningful impact,” said Aboitiz Group president and chief executive Sabin Aboitiz. 3% growth $31.11 billion $34.61 billion Projected growth of remittances in 2024 Cash remittances in 11 months Personal remittances in 11 months
THE Department of Finance addressed the concerns raised by city mayors about the National Tax Allotment (NTA) share computations.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto in a dialogue with a group of mayors on Jan. 15, 2025, provided a detailed explanation of the NTA calculations, ensuring compliance with the 2019 Mandanas-Garcia Supreme Court ruling and relevant legislation.
“We did not change or amend anything. This is based on the Supreme Court ruling and a Development Budget Coordination Committee resolution, which was made in consultation with the LGUs. We are very transparent,” Recto said.
A comparison of the computations between the LGUs and the DOF was also discussed, revealing that the calculations and deductions under various laws were more or less aligned.
The city mayors expressed their gratitude to the DOF for the dialogue and its openness to listening and addressing concerns.
Baguio City Mayor Magalong, in particular, expressed his apologies to Secretary Recto for his earlier remarks suggesting that LGUs were being shortchanged in their NTAs. Recto assured the mayors that he is just ‘one call away’ and that the DOF is always open to having continued dialogues with LGUs to help them strengthen their fiscal capacities and optimize resource utilization to deliver more and better services to Filipinos.
The 2019 Mandanas-Garcia ruling of the Supreme Court (SC), which took effect in 2022, increased the NTA shares of LGUs to 40 percent of all
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025
PH stocks rebound on reports of record vehicle sales in 2024
THE Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rebounded Wednesday, ending three days of decline on bargain-hunting.
The main composite index closed at 6,330.46, up by 30.79 points, or 0.49 percent from the previous trading day. However, the broader all-shares index ended at 3,678.80, down 9.06 points or 0.25 percent.
Aside from bargain-hunting, Philstocks Financial Inc. said Fitch Solutions BMI’s 6.3 percent economic growth projection for the Philippines in 2025 helped boost investor sentiment.
“Also aiding was the record new vehicle sales in the Philippines in 2024 as per the joint report of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manu-
facturers Association, which somehow reflects strong spending in the country,” Philstocks research head Japhet Tantiangco said.
Value turnover remained thin at P4.50 billion. Foreigners were net sellers, with net outflows at P540.58 million.
Sectors were mixed, with properties advancing 2.03 percent, followed by service by 0.94 percent. The holding firms were at the bottom, down 0.50 percent and mining and oil by 0.39 percent.
Decliners edged advancers, 100 to 88.
Property developer SM Prime
Holdings Inc. was the top index performer, rising 3.36 percent to P24.60, while ACEN Corp. was the main index laggard, declining 6.13 percent to P3.52. Jenniffer B. Austria
Vena reaches financial close for 550-MW solar project
By Alena Mae S. Flores
VENA Energy, a leading green solutions provider in the Asia-Pacific region, in partnership with MGen Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen), the renewable energy arm of Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), reached financial close on the 550-megawatt (MW) Bugallon solar power project in Bugallon, Pangasinan.
The project is financed partly through a P18.3-billion ($325 million) green loan facility with Security Bank Corp., Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) and Philippine National Bank (PNB) serving as lenders and hedging banks.
SB Capital Investment Corp., RCBC Capital Corp. and PNB Capital and Investment Corp. are the mandated lead arrangers, while RCBC is the green loan coordinator.
“The financial close of the Bugallon solar power project represents a significant milestone in advancing renewable power generation in the Philippines,” said Vena Energy chief investment officer Simone Grasso.
“We appreciate the unwavering confidence and support of our banking partners in our initiatives. This facility will be instrumental in driving our growth in the Philippines as we continue to deliver innovative green solutions to our customers and accel-
erate the energy transition across the Asia Pacific region,” Grasso said.
The project started construction and is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025.
About 7,000 employment opportunities are expected to be created during construction, with a strong focus on workforce participation from local communities in Bugallon and surrounding areas.
Once operational, the project will generate about 958-gigawatt hours (GWh) of clean energy annually, equivalent to powering more than 810,000 households while avoiding over 640,000 tons of greenhouse gas emis
sions or planting 11 million trees.
Sunlight Air expands fleet with ATR 72-600 to kick off new year
LOCAL boutique airline Sunlight Air
announced the acquisition of an ATR 72-600, a modern aircraft renowned for its efficiency and sustainability.
The new addition complements the company’s three ATR 72-500s by offering enhanced performance tailored for short-haul regional flights.
With a seating capacity of up to 68 passengers and low carbon emissions, the ATR 72-600 underscores the airline’s commitment to eco-friendly operations and passenger comfort.
The strategic acquisition also marks a significant step in Sunlight Air’s plan to optimize operations and expand its route network in 2025.
By increasing flight frequencies and exploring new destinations, the airline aims to solidify its reputation as a trusted choice for regional travel.
“As we enter the new year, we find that there are more growth opportunities that come with the continuous increase of passenger demands. Sunlight Air is on a constant mission to upgrade flight frequency and efficiency as a top domestic carrier in the Philippines. This is only the beginning of an exciting year and we look forward to sharing more that we have in store toward continued efficient,
Local boutique airline Sunlight Air procures an ATR 72-600, a modern aircraft renowned for its efficiency and sustainability. The new aircraft complements the company’s three ATR 72-500s by offering enhanced performance tailored for shorthaul regional flights. sustainable, and customer-focused services,” said Sunlight Air chief executive Ryna Brito-Garcia.
Sunlight Air flies from Clark, Cebu and Manila to various destina-
IT’S JUST a matter of time before powerhouse property companies take over the reins of redeveloping Camp John Hay in Baguio City, With defiant businessman Robert John Sobrepeña and his CJH Development Corp. (CJH DevCo) out of the way, the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) now has the leeway to choose a stable partner and earn handsome returns from its investments in Camp John Hay.
Redeveloping the former recreation sanctuary for American servicemen, however, will be a tricky one. Only about 70 hectares in the mountain resort can be developed, or about the size of an average golf course.
Environmental concerns will be a major factor in the redevelopment. Camp John Hay teems with pine trees that have served as carbon sink and the lungs of Baguio City.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is expected to strictly monitor any construction activity in the forest reserve and conduct an inventory of pine trees surrounding the vacation spot.
BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang is aware of the challenge. “While we develop certain idle or untapped areas, we want to make sure we preserve the environmental asset, particularly the pine trees,” he says.
tions in the Philippines such as Boracay, Coron (Busuanga), Siargao and Cagayan de Oro. Travelers may also book accommodations with Sunlight Air’s partner hotels and resorts.
A large portion of Camp John Hay’s more than 600 hectares will remain a forest reserve with a strict no-build zone to preserve its natural beauty.
“We’re very careful about which areas can be developed. Based on our initial assessment, there are around 50 to 70 hectares still available for development,” adds Bingcang.
The big guns in the property sector may have been appraised of the rules and limitations of Camp John Hay. The BCDA, for its part, is leaning on a a public-private partnership (PPP) model for the redevelopment project.
The usual suspects will want a share of the Camp John Hay pie. They may include the Ayala Group, the Sys of the SM Group, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. of the Salim Group of Indonesia, the Villar Group, Robinsons Land Corp. of the Gokongwei Group, DMCI Homes of the Consjunji family and Filinvest Land Inc. of the Gotianun family.
The BCDA this early is looking at an initial investment of P7 billion to P10 billion from a prospective investor for a 70-hectare segment of the 600-hectare Camp John Hay property.
The agency prefers a joint venture partnership with a long-term arrangement, with both sharing the risks and revenues. Under the scheme, the BCDA will manage the regulatory requirements, while the private developers will address market
Jollibee brings Tiong Bahru Bakery to PH
By Jenniffer B. Austria
FASTFOOD chain operator Jollibee Foods Corp. forayed into the pastries business with the opening of the first Tiong Bahru Bakery outlet in the Philippines.
The Philippine branch is located at Verve Residences Tower 2 in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig.
Originating in Singapore, Tiong Bahru Bakery is renowned for its croissants and other expertly crafted pastries made with the finest French ingredients.
“Introducing Tiong Bahru Bakery to the Philippine market aligns with our commitment to providing Filipinos with exciting, world-class dining experiences,” said Jollibee Group Global president and chief executive Ernesto Tanmantiong.
“This marks the first international branch of Tiong Bahru Bakery, and we are proud to open it here in the Philippines. We deeply appreciate the support of our exceptional partners— Titan Dining, Ayala Malls, and Bonifacio Global City—who have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. We look forward to seeing this collaboration thrive, blending local and global culinary traditions, as we continue spreading the joy of eating,” Tanmantiong said.
Tiong Bahru Bakery product offerings include buttery, flaky croissant, the indulgent Pain Au Chocolat, the
Environmental concerns will be a major factor in the redevelopment.
and operational risks.
“PPP has always been a good model for BCDA because we are a developer’s market. All the big developers are our partners,” says Bingcang.
The BCDA’s revised plan aims to guide future developments, including potential projects such as schools, hospitals, hotels and commercial spaces to create a complete and sustainable community.
The BCDA is also focusing on the redevelopment of the Mile Hi Center, a historic commissary from the American era. The shopping district with a food court was popular with tourists in the hunt for apparels, overruns and export goods.
The center is now in poor condition but has attracted several proposals from the private sector.
The BCDA, meanwhile, is looking at a “sustainable mass transport system” for Camp John Hay, which it will offer under the PPP
We look forward to seeing this collaboration thrive, blending local and global culinary traditions, as we continue spreading the joy of eating.
Ernesto Tanmantiong
best-selling, rich Kouign Amann, the savory Za’atar Miso Eggplant Sandwich and the zesty Lemon Tart. The bakery also serves coffee made from sustainably sourced beans by Common Man Coffee Roasters. It has 21 branches in Singapore. Jollibee Group Philippines president and chief executive officer Joseph Tanbuntiong said the first location for Tiong Bahru Bakery is a place not only where people can enjoy freshly baked goods but also enjoy a warm ambiance.
model to address traffic congestion, especially during peak seasons.
The BCDA has won a Supreme Court battle that allowed the agency to take over the management of the tourism enclave in the first week of January this year. It regained control of popular facilities, which included The Manor, Forest Lodge, Camp John Hay Golf Club, CAP Convention Center, Commander’s Cottage, open spaces and other areas in the property.
A Supreme Court decision in October 2024 ordered private developer CJHDevCo to turn over the management of the leased property after disputes over payments and plans that led to the voiding of the lease agreement.
The takeover has enabled the BCDA to negotiate directly with lessors and sign new agreements. For one, Le Monet Hotel signed a new lease agreement with the BCDA. The hotel, owned by the company of former Deputy Speaker and Ilocos Sur Rep. Eric Singson, was one of Camp John Hay’s original locators. Many of the 100 John Hay locators have signified their intention to sign new lease agreements with the BCDA.
E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com
Big guns eyeing redevelopment of Camp John Hay
The Jollibee Group opens the first Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines. Attending the opening are (from left) Jollibee Group vice president and business development head Ned Bandojo, Jollibee Group Philippines chief executive Joseph Tanbuntiong, Titan Dining director Damien Lim, Jollibee Group Global president and chief executive Ernesto Tanmantiong, Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, Jollibee Group founder and chairman Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Titan Dining chairperson Peter Tan, Ayala Malls chief operating officer Paul Birkett, Tiong Bahru Bakery general manager Matt McLauchlan and Jollibee Group foreign franchised brands operations manager Chynna Ramos.
BUSINESS
Cebu Pacific’s Clark passengers rise 36% to over 1m
By Darwin G. Amojelar
CEBU Pacific said Wednesday it car-
ried more than a million passengers to and from Clark International Airport in 2024, up 36 percent from the previous year.
The average monthly seat count grew 102 percent to 161,000 in December 2024 from 79,000 in January.
The average number of flights also almost doubled from 441 in January to 872 in December.
It said the increase in flights and seat count aligns with the airline’s mission to make travel more accessible to travelers from the cen -
Manila-Cauayan route of PAL seen boosting tourism
PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) launched its new Manila-Cauayan-Manila to boost tourism in Isabela province.
The new PAL service offers daily flights for the convenience of traveling tourists, businessmen and families.
Replacing a land trip of more than 10 hours from Manila, the flights promote Cauayan as gateway to Isabela province, known for its festivals, including the annual Bambanti and Gawagaway-yan events.
“We are pleased to introduce our new Manila-Cauayan-Manila route to serve the residents of Isabela province,” said PAL Express president Rabbi Vincent Ang.
“At Philippine Airlines, we are happy to be part of a story of economic progress in Northern Luzon and look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders in the local government and community, in the continuing task of building up tourism, business growth and greater connectivity for the benefit of all Filipinos,” he said.
“By opening this new route, we are also expecting the economic growth that it will bring to our city and our province,” he said.
Cauayan City Mayor Caesar Dy Jr. said the city is a jump point of tourism in the northeastern part of the Philippines. Darwin G. Amojelar and Joel E. Zurbano
tral and northern Luzon areas such as Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, Isabela and La Union.
“We are delighted by the strong growth we achieved in 2024, which highlights the growing demand for accessible air travel among our passengers from central and northern Luzon,” said Cebu Pacific chief marketing and customer experience officer Candice Iyog.
“Cebu Pacific remains steadfast in its commitment to offering affordable and convenient flights, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our cus-
tomers,” she said.
The airline services 11 domestic and international routes out of Clark.
Cebu Pacific earlier reported a net income of P3.4 billion in the first nine months of 2024, or 33 percent lower than in 2023.
The airline reported total revenue of P74.5 billion in nine months ending September 2024, an 11-percent increase from the same period in 2023
It said the growth was driven by 17.5 million passengers flown, a 13 percent increase year-on-year, generating an average seat load factor of 84.9 percent.
Higher ancillary charges loom in February
By Alena Mae S. Flores
CONSUMERS will face higher ancillary charges in their February power bill after the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved the collection of P3.05 billion from consumers covering 70 percent of the uncollected payments in the ancillary reserve market.
“Next month, we will see the charging of 70 percent of the AS charge that was not collected by the generator from March 2024 billing period, will now be collected from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
For Luzon, Mindanao will be three months, and for Visayas this is within six months,” NGCP spokesperson Cynthia Perez-Alabanza said.
The ERC earlier said the amount would be collected by NGCP over three months for trading participants in the Luzon and Mindanao Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and six months for those in the Visayas.
It said the corresponding rate impact would be P0.124 per kilowatt-hour for Luzon and Visayas consumers, while Mindanao would have a lower rate impact of P0.033 per kWh.
“There is no estimate yet, we are still waiting for the computation of IEMOP [Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines] or
the amount to be billed by the IEMOP, but we have not yet received a billing statement from IEMOP to compute for that rate impact,” Alabanza said. Alabanza said, however, NGCP ancillary charges account for only 5.19 percent, while transmission accounts for 3.02 percent of the total bill. Reserves, commonly referred to as ancillary services, are services needed to maintain balance in the power system to ensure normal frequency and voltage levels in response to demand changes, variability of renewable energy and possible loss of a large generating unit.
The expected rate adjustment per distribution utility or electric cooperative is expected to vary. Manila Electric Co. estimates an increase of P0.40 per kWh. The ERC said the collection of the 70 percent recalculated reserve trading amounts (RTAs) would start in the January billing period.
Dairy group asks DepEd to extend school milk feeding program to 120 days
By Othel V. Campos
THE National Federation of Dairy Farmers and Stakeholders’ Association (Dairy NatFed) asked the Department of Education (DepEd) to extend its school-based milk feeding program from 55 days to at least 120 days.
“The National Nutrition Council [NNC] stresses that a feeding duration of 90–120 days is essential for significant improvements in children’s nutrition,” Dairy NatFed president Danilo Fausto said in a letter to Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara.
The dairy group said in the letter dated Jan. 7, 2025 the extension’s dual benefits include addressing malnutrition among Filipino schoolchildren and provide a guaranteed market for local dairy farmers, boosting their income.
Fausto said the program extension would require a higher budget allocation.
The DepEd’s school-based feeding program (SBFP) has a budget of P11.776 billion, covering hot meals for 120 days annually and milk for only 55 days.
The group suggested that the DepEd’s 120-day feeding program
for hot meals include milk consistently throughout the same period. Under Republic Act 11037, also known as the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act, the DepEd is mandated to provide fortified meals including fresh milk and milk-based food products to undernourished public school students for a minimum of 120 days annually.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) already provides milk for 120 days to daycare children through its supplemental feeding program.
Fausto noted the critical link between nutrition and cognitive perfor-
ALGAL blooms, which can turn water green and kill fish, pose a significant threat to Laguna Lake, a major source of food and drinking water for Metro Manila.
Researchers from the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) have developed a new system to predict algal blooms in the lake using machine learning (ML) models.
Algal blooms occur when algae overgrow in bodies of water. A standard method for monitoring algal populations is to measure chlorophyll-a, a green pigment produced by algae. However, this method often detects blooms after they have already
The Taiwanese Association of the Philippines (TAP) holds its 19th and 20th inauguration and turnover ceremony on Jan. 12, 2025 at Century Seafood Restaurant in Manila. Pai Shih-jung (right), a prominent Taiwanese business leader, is elected as the new president of the association. The ceremony, attended by over 300 guests, was graced by distinguished officials from Taiwan, including Minister of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Hsu Chia-ching (right).
occurred. The UPD researchers, led by Dr. Karl Ezra Pilario of the Department of Chemical Engineering, found that monitoring nitrate and phosphate concentrations in the water, which are often linked to increases in chlorophyll-a, is a more effective approach. They compared the performance of eight common ML models using water quality data from Laguna Lake and historical data from global lakes.
Two models, Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR) and Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), were found to be the most accurate and robust, effectively handling noisy data.
mance, citing studies showing Filipino students rank poorly in global creative thinking skills.
“Hunger directly impacts a child’s cognitive, academic, and extracurricular development,” he said.
The Philippine Dairy Industry Roadmap 2020–2025 identified the expansion of DepEd’s milk-feeding program as a key strategy to support local dairy farmers and combat malnutrition.
The roadmap noted the program’s past shortcomings, citing sustainability and funding issues that have limited its impact on the domestic dairy sector.
Group promotes stronger relations between Taiwan, PH
By Julie Ann Lope
THE Taiwanese Association of the Philippines (TAP) held its 19th and 20th inauguration and turnover ceremony on Jan. 12, 2025 at Century Seafood Restaurant in Manila.
Pai Shih-jung, a prominent Taiwanese business leader, was elected as the new president of the association. The ceremony, attended by over 300 guests, was graced by distinguished officials from Taiwan including Minister of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Hsu Chia-ching, SecretaryGeneral of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Lin You-chang, Legislator Lee Kuen-cheng and Taiwan Ambassador to the Philippines Wallace Minn-Gan Chow.
Hsu presided over the official handover, while Chow administered the oath of office for the new board members.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te also sent his congratulatory message to the association’s new leadership.
Pai shared his vision of strengthening ties among Taiwanese expatriates in the Philippines by organizing networking events, lectures and social activities.
He stressed the importance of utilizing social media and online platforms to promote the association’s values and initiatives, including the creation of a basketball team to engage younger members.
Under Pai’s leadership, the association plans to uphold its commitment to “serving fellow countrymen and caring for the disadvantaged.”
FILM TOURISM. First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos (third from right), Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque (second from right), Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco (second from left) and other government officials champion the Philippine movie industry and position the country as a premier film tourism destination.
Asialink Finance opens 200th branch in Cavite
ASIALINK Finance Corp., one of the leading financing companies in the Philippines, opened its 200th branch in General Trias, Cavite on Dec. 17, 2024 and plans to add another 50 branches in the first half of 2025. This solidifies Asialink’s position as a key financial partner for Filipinos and MSMEs across the country, the company said in a statement. It said the branch opening reflects Asialink’s strategic expansion to reach underserved communities, offering innovative loan products with fast, accessible and convenient loan approval and services designed to help MSMEs grow their businesses
MAP’s
new
president unveils 2025 priorities
By Othel V. Campos
MANAGEMENT Association of the Philippines (MAP) newly-appointed president Alfredo Panlilio unveiled the organization’s priorities for 2025, focusing on addressing the seven concerns identified by its members that include corruption, education, the economy, ease of doing business, climate change, cybersecurity and local government engagement.
Panlilio, speaking at the 77th inaugural meeting and induction of new officers Thursday, emphasized MAP’s continued collaboration with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to combat corruption and simplify business processes.
“Reducing red tape and eliminating corruption are critical to fostering an enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” he said.
He said that in education, the group would continue its Campaign Against Malnutrition and Child Stunting (CAMACS) and advocate for relevant education and wellness programs to equip the next generation with skills for a competitive economy.
Panlilio also highlighted the need for policy reforms to ensure food security, eliminate corruption and maintain a business-friendly environment.
“Our aspiration is to attract diverse, job-creating investments to benefit more Filipinos,” he said.
Panlilio underscored the importance of sustainable practices, ethical leadership and inclusive growth to build a resilient future for the country.
and uplift their economic standing.
Asialink Group of Companies deputy chief executive Eillen Mangubat noted the importance of the event in the company’s mission to promote financial inclusion.
“Reaching our 200th branch is not just a milestone; it is a testament to our dedication to making financial solutions more accessible to MSMEs and Filipinos across the country. Expanding our presence allows us to empower more entrepreneurs to succeed and contribute to economic growth. This is part of our long-term vision to bring Asialink’s services closer to those who need them the most,” Mangubat said.
The new General Trias branch will serve as a key hub for Asialink’s operations in Cavite, an area known for its thriving business landscape and growing MSME community.
The strategic location will enable Asialink to extend its reach, helping more entrepreneurs access the financial support they need to scale their businesses and achieve their financial goals.
Asialink said it remains committed to its mission of providing financial empowerment to every Filipino. From 116 branches in 2023 to 200 branches at the end of 2024, the company has grown and plans to further expand its presence nationwide.
Maya posted record P68-b loans in 2024
MAYA, the country’s leading digital bank, said Wednesday it closed 2024 with a standout performance, achieving P39 billion in deposit balances and disbursing a record P68 billion in loans.
It said that since 2022, the digital bank has disbursed P92 billion in loans.
“Banking should be simple and empowering,” said Maya Group president and Maya Bank co-founder Shailesh Baidwan.
“By merging payments and banking on one delightful digital experience, we’re enabling more Filipinos to save, borrow, and grow their money with ease,” he said.
Maya’s customer base reached 5.4 million, solidifying its leadership in financial innovation.
Maya said its growth was driven by seamlessly integrating payments and banking into one ecosystem. The bank leverages its payments network to expand its banking services, while its banking products boost the growth of its payments business.
E-wallet users are introduced to savings products, earning up to 15-percent interest for using Maya for daily transactions. Businesses benefit from banking tools built directly into Maya’s payment platforms, streamlining operations and boosting engagement. By using transaction data for credit
Skyro receives P200-m credit facility from PBCOM
FINANCIAL technology (fintech)
company Skyro said it received a P200-million credit facility from the Philippine Bank Communications (PBCOM).
Skyro said it would use the fund as additional working capital to support its fast-growing operations across the country.
The credit facility was formalized during a recent memorandum of agreement signing attended by top executives from PBCOM and Skyro.
“Our partnership with PBCOM signifies their trust in our bullish and forward-looking business model. We’re grateful for their
Stagnation, poverty, inflation listed as major risks for PH in 2025
ECONOMIC downturn, poverty and inequality and inflation are the major risks for the Philippines in 2025, according to the World Economic Forum.
The 20th editor of the WEF’s Global Risks Report also listed food supply shortage and unemployment or lack of economic opportunity as the major risks for the Philippines.
The report revealed an increasingly fractured global landscape, where escalating geopolitical, environmental, societal and technological challenges threaten stability and progress.
While economic risks have less immediate prominence in this year’s survey results, they remain a concern, interconnected with societal and geopolitical tensions, the WEF said.
State-based armed conflict is identified as the most pressing immediate
global risk for 2025, with nearly onequarter of respondents ranking it as the most severe concern for the year ahead.
Misinformation and disinformation remain top short-term risks for the second consecutive year, underlining their persistent threat to societal cohesion and governance by eroding trust and exacerbating divisions within and between nations. Other leading shortterm risks include extreme weather events, societal polarization, cyberespionage and warfare. Environmental risks dominate the longer-term outlook, with extreme weather events, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, critical change to Earth systems and natural resources shortages leading the 10-year risk rankings.
trust and we look forward to a very fruitful and enduring partnership with PBCOM for many years to come,” said Skyro president Anthony Co.
“Skyro has swiftly earned its reputation as a fast-growing fintech company in the country, offering the friendliest financial lending services. Our credit facility approval for Skyro indicates our trust in the company and our support for their continuous growth so that they can provide flexible payment options suitable for every Filipino,” said PBCOM president Patricia May Siy.
Introduced in the country in Au-
gust 2022, Skyro earned a reputation for its innovative digital financial services. In just two years, Skyro disbursed P7 billion from 2022 to early December 2024.
It is also now present in over 4,500 partner merchant stores nationwide with more than 320,000 active product loan customers.
Skyro offers one of the most flexible product loans in the country. With an approval probability of up to 80 percent for loan applications, Filipinos can enjoy flexible loan solutions, allowing them to easily adjust their monthly payment and due dates to meet their personal needs.
scoring, Maya extends loans to those excluded by traditional banks, creating a cycle where payments activity drives lending growth.
Strategic collaborations with a wide range of merchants have amplified this momentum, including credit card partnerships with Landers Supermarket, Grab consumer lending, and loan channeling with Tala and WeFund.
Understanding its customer base - primarily young, tech-savvy Filipinos and small business owners - has shaped Maya’s inclusive products. Opening an account requires just one ID, with no minimum balance. For entrepreneurs, Maya provides collateralfree loans of up to P2 million, enabling businesses to access much-needed working capital. Consumers can apply for loans of up to P250,000 and receive approval and disbursement within the same day through the Maya app Half of Maya Easy Credit borrowers received their first formal loan through the platform, and many small enterprises now rely on its business lending products to sustain and grow their businesses.
IN BRIEF
Asialink Group of Companies, together with Asialink employees, leads the opening of the company’s
in General Trias, Cavite on Dec. 17, 2024. Skyro, one of the
Taiwan-PH foundation sustains student support
By Julie Ann Lope
THE Taiwan-Philippines Educational Development Foundation (TPEDF) held its 4th and 5th board of directors inauguration ceremony on Jan. 12, 2025 at Century Seafood Restaurant.
Re-elected chairman Su Kuofang, president of Song Yue Construction, emphasized the foundation’s dedication to providing airfare sponsorships to financially disadvantaged Filipino-Chinese students pursuing technical and vocational education in Taiwan.
The ceremony was graced by Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines Representative Wallace Minn-Gan Chow, who presented certificates to the new board members. Dignitaries from Taiwan, including Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Minister Hsu Chia-ching, Democratic Progressive Party Secretary-General Lin You-chang, and Legislator Lee Kuen-cheng, also attended the event.
Su, who immigrated to the Philippines in 1994, highlighted the foundation’s impactful programs. “These scholarships not only improve
Fil-Chinese film earns int’l awards
THE Rebecca Chuaunsu Film Production held a special invitational premiere screening of the Filipino Chinese indie film “Her Locket” at Fishermall Quezon City on Jan. 8,2025, ahead of its nationwide release on Jan. 22.
The event drew a full house of over 250 attendees, including Filipino Chinese community leaders, media representatives, influencers and notable figures from various sectors.
Directed by J.E. Tiglao and produced by Dr. Rebecca Shangkuan Chuaunsu, Her Locket tells the story of Jewel Ouyang, a Filipino Chinese widow with dementia, whose memories triggered by a locket lead her and her son to fight for an inheritance that is rightfully hers.
the economic prospects of these students and their families,” he said, “but also contribute significantly to the skilled workforce in both Taiwan and the Philippines.”
Representative Chow underscored the significance of the OCAC’s “3+4 Vocational Education Program” and the “4-Year Overseas Youth Vocational Training Program (OYVTP).”
These programs offer students the flexibility to either pursue employment opportunities in Taiwan or return to the Philippines to contribute to the local economy.
He acknowledged the substantial increase in applications, with over 2,000 Fil-Chi students applying last year, and 792 selected – a threefold jump from the previous year. Chow also expressed gratitude to the TPEDF for alleviating the financial burden of airfare costs for these
aspiring students.
Minister Hsu commended the foundation for assisting over 200 students in 2023 and announced plans for collaborative initiatives to enhance Mandarin proficiency through workshops. These workshops aim to assist students in their academic and cultural acclimatization in Taiwan.
Founded in November 2019, the TPEDF has successfully navigated various challenges, including a temporary suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its resurgence, the Foundation has facilitated higher education opportunities in Taiwan for approximately 1,400 Fil-Chi students.
Executive director Allan Lin outlined the foundation’s core mission: preserving traditional culture, inspiring Fil-Chi youth to pursue higher education in Taiwan, fostering grassroots diplomacy between the two nations, and cultivating a pool of qualified Mandarin teachers to support the long-term growth of overseas compatriot schools.
The Taiwan-Philippines Educational Development Foundation continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening educational and cultural exchange between the two countries.
Taiwan offers jobs for Filipinos
Manila Economic and Cultural Office
is actively promoting employment opportunities in Taiwan for Filipino workers, with salaries starting at P52,000 a month and potential for growth.
MECO director Cesar Chavez said the minimum monthly salary in Taiwan is 28,590 New Taiwan dollars, which is about P52,000.
Workers in Taiwan also have the chance to earn additional income through overtime work, with many Filipino workers benefiting from extra hours.
Chavez said Taiwanese employers strictly adhere to recruitment rules and hire workers directly, unlike other countries that often require the payment of broker fees. This ensures a more transparent and efficient hiring process for Filipinos seeking employment in
Taiwan.
The majority of the job opportunities available are in the manufacturing sector, particularly in high-demand industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) chips and other components. These industries offer substantial growth potential for workers, with increasing demand for skilled labor.
As of January 2024, there were about 150,000 overseas Filipino Workers in Taiwan. While most are employed in factories, around 24,000 work in housekeeping positions. The ongoing promotion by MECO aims to provide Filipinos with more opportunities for stable and wellcompensated work abroad, helping them secure better livelihoods for themselves and their families.
Michael Wong Ho
PH team declared champion at world mathematics game
By Michel Wong Ho
THE Philippine national team won the overall championship at the World International Mathematics Olympic Game (WIMO) from Jan. 3 to 6, 2025 in Shenzhen, China.
The team brought home 10 gold medals, 10 silver medals and 20 bronze medals, outshining 201 participants from nine countries including the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, India and Myanmar.
The Philippine team was composed of four students: Jenylle Nyka Lee of Chiang Kai Shek
College, Carsten Edmund Ang of Chinese International School Manila, Allen Iver Barroga and Ma. Cassandra Reich Duque.
WIMO, founded by international mathematics coaches, is a prestigious competition for the top 1 percent of elite students worldwide, covering areas such as logical thinking, arithmetic, algebra, number theory, geometry, and combinatorics.
The Department of Education (DepEd) issued a statement praising the students for their achievement, noting that their success brought honor to the Philippines.
Over 100 Chinese gather at Wuyi to celebrate Guandi and Zhuzi culture
The multi-awarded film, which was selected as one of the Philippines’ official entries at the prestigious 2023 Cannes Film Festival in France, has been showcased internationally, including at the 2023
OVER 100 Chinese people from both sides across Taiwan Straits and overseas gathered at Wuyi Mountain in Fujian Province, China on January 10 to celebrate Guandi culture and the legacy of Zhuzi, a key figure in NeoConfucianism. The group visited Zhuzi Cultural Park and Zhuzi’s former residence, attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the Guandi Cultural Park and participated in seminars focused on Guandi and Zhuzi culture.
Xu Mou Jing, Chairman of the Philippine China Guandi Charity Foundation Inc., highlighted the cultural significance of Guandi culture for overseas Chinese communities. He stated that Guandi culture serves as a spiritual link, uniting Chinese people worldwide and strengthening charity initiatives aimed at fostering friendship and goodwill between people.
Cultural lecturer Zhu Zheng Ming, as a guest speaker, highlighted that in Guandi’s hometown of Yuncheng, Shanxi Province, there stands a Guandi Temple with a Monument of Proverbs, erected in 1512.
The monument inscribes Guandi’s “4 Goods” Proverbs: “Read good books, speak kind words, do good deeds, be a good person.” Zhu said Guandi’s teachings on loyalty and filial piety have been passed down through generations of Chinese.
The attendees unanimously agreed that only a strong culture can support a strong nation, and China’s strength can be sustained by preserving its 5,000-year-old cultural heritage.
They also recognized Zhuzi’s significant role in promoting Guandi culture during the Song and Ming Dynasties.
The event underscored the ongoing commitment to honoring and passing down Chinese cultural heritage, both in China and among overseas Chinese communities. Michael Wong Ho
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines Representative Wallace Minn-Gan Chow (fourth from the left), Hsu Chia-ching, Minister of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (sixth from right), Lin Youchang, Secretary-General of the Democratic Progressive Party (fifth from left) and Legislator Lee Kuencheng (fifth from right) attend the event to offer their congratulations.
Minister Hsu Chia-ching (second from the right) presents congratulatory certificates to the re-elected Chairman Su Kuo-fang (second from the left) and Supervisor Wu Kuo-jen (far left).
Members of the Philippine team who won the championship at the World International Mathematics Olympic Game in Shenzhen.
THE
(MECO)
SHOWBIZ
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer
Gerald Santos strips down barriers with ‘Hubad’ single, ‘Courage’ concert
By Nickie Wang
SINGER and stage actor Gerald Santos is embracing boldness and bravery in 2025. He shared this at the press launch of his latest single, “Hubad,” written by Feb Cabahug and recently released on various digital music platforms.
This theme continues with Courage, a concert he is headlining on Jan. 24 at the SM North EDSA Skydome.
“Courage” is also the name of the movement he founded to support victims of sexual abuse and harassment—an experience he personally endured.
“I realized when I came forward last year how hard it was for victims, so I want to offer help in any way I can. Some have already approached me. Last year, Enzo (Almario), who was also victimized by the same person, reached out to me,” Gerald shared. He publicly revealed his experience of abuse only last year, during the early stages of his career.
As a result, he collaborated with the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) and various NGOs to offer legal support and psychotherapy for victims.
“Our main goal is for Courage to have its own legal team,” he affirmed. “We shouldn’t stay silent about these incidents. People are more open-minded now because of social media, and that’s where I draw my courage because I know more people are willing to listen now.”
Gerald described feeling hubad (bare) when he publicly admitted the abuse he suffered at the hands of a well-known
musical director.
This experience made him more courageous in life and influenced his song choices.
He also wants to offer fans “something new” and “something unorthodox,” saying “Hubad” is just the beginning, with more songs of similar themes set for release.
“Honestly, what I experienced wasn’t good. But since it happened, it made me stronger. The wisdom I have now developed over time, and my strength as a person grew—not just because of that incident but because of everything I’ve been through collectively. That all came out in ‘Hubad,’” he explained.
He added, “Everything I went through made me who I am today. If it weren’t for those experiences, I wouldn’t be the person I am now. That’s why I’m thankful and ready to face whatever comes next. I’m stronger now to face future challenges.”
Gerald’s Courage concert is produced by Echo Jham Entertainment Productions and Visionary. His guest performers include Erik Santos, Sheryn Regis, and Elish. Tickets are now available at all SM Tickets outlets.
Bass on a true story
‘Hubad’ draws inspiration from Gerald’s journey, which began when he publicly revealed the abuse he endured at the hands of a renowned musical director
A FACEBOOK post from Mally Paraguya of the band P.O.T, where he commented on someone’s take on bass players, personally resonated with me as a former bassist in bands. He noted, with a sensible touch of sarcasm and humor, that he chose to play bass because it’s arguably easier—being traditionally a four-string guitar—compared to the six strings that rhythm and lead guitarists handle. He also joked bassist, it’s clear he plays for the sake of art, using the bass guitar as his ultimate form of musical expression. He is both technically skilled and creatively innovative.
You can enjoy listening to P.O.T’s music by focusing solely on the bass lines. His playing blends seamlessly with the drums and enhances the guitar’s sound—exactly what a bass player is meant to do. Yezzzir! Kaya nga ako
a Tagalog-speaking netizen’s remark who tried to make a point and said his piece about bassists, maybe to intentionally annoy them—us—and get some traction.
The bass player-shaming post contemptuously said: Yung mga bassist, sila yung mga gitaristang hindi natuto maggitara bass na lang. Wala naman sigurong matinong musician ang unang magugustuhan, kasi hindi naman dinig sa banda
Let it be known that as of this writing, 563 out of the 579 people who reacted to Mally’s post responded with a laughing emoji. Hardly anyone took the critical post seriously and instead found Mally’s joke welltimed and witty. It’s a collective way of showing that some opinions are so baseless they’re best laughed off.
to the idea that nobody dreams of being a bass player. Both John Lennon and George Harrison didn’t want to play bass, leaving Paul McCartney
The person who made the unfair remark about those who pour heart and effort into bass playing even had the audacity to end his baffling statement with “just sayin’” and “please rezpecc.”
Many netizens intentionally misspell words to sound cool—or perhaps because they’re unsure of the correct spelling. But if misspelling somehow justifies disrespect, then this particular netizen certainly earned it. Just saying.
to take on the role. And boy, did he handle it with aplomb. Back in the day, I played rhythm guitar until I realized it was too much for our lead vocalist to manage both bass and singing. I volunteered to switch to bass so he could focus on his primary role. With McCartney as my top influence, I embraced the position and practiced playing bass while singing, just as he did.
In my later bands, Syato and The Pub Forties—both of which recorded original songs—I did my best to play bass and provide backup vocals at the same time.
I must say that every bass player is a decent musician, to say the least.
learning how to play guitar—just as you can’t be an editor without being a writer first. Some of us become bass players because we appreciate what bass lines can add to songs. You’ve probably heard Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust,” or Tears for Fears’ “Head Over Heels.” To say the bass can’t be heard likely comes from someone who’s either hard of hearing or whose ears aren’t sharp enough to catch the groove. Or perhaps they’re listening through speakers that can’t properly deliver bass frequencies. Some people only focus on guitar riffs and drum solos, overlooking the bassist—the person who might seem like they’re just there but is actually essential. Many forget that the bass, whether booming on a root note or moving with the beat, holds a song together. While Prince skipped it on “When Doves Cry,” most tracks feel incomplete without it—like a roof with a leak.
Bassists are often overlooked, with jokes about them being the “fattest guy” or the last to get a date. Maybe that bitterness comes from a bassist stealing their partner— especially now that many bassists are women. Still, no matter the criticism, bass players just need to show up and keep the groove alive. No need to show off—unless you can solo like Flea Otherwise, holding down the fort is more than enough.
Touchbass Yugel Losorata
P.O.T. bass player Maliard ‘Mally’ Paraguya
Paraguya (top) with the other P.O.T original member Ian Umali
OPM singer and stage actor Gerald Santos
LIFE & SHOWBIZ
Sowing seeds of excellence
Agri-science trailblazers honored at vet and agri association’s thanksgiving party
Senator
THE Association of Veterinary and AgriQuality Assurance Laboratories of the Philippines, Inc. (AVAQAL), led by its president, Pinky Tobiano, recently hosted a festive thanksgiving party and honored agriculture luminaries with the Haligi ng Agri-Siyensya Awards.
The event, held at the Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City, brought together industry leaders, government officials, and distinguished professionals to celebrate excellence and innovation in agriculture and science.
An invocation and the national anthem kicked off the program, which featured inspiring speeches from AVAQAL president Pinky Tobiano and vice
president Herbert Mendoza, who emphasized the organization’s commitment to elevating quality assurance standards in the agricultural sector.
The keynote speaker, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, commended AVAQAL for its unwavering dedication and support in advancing the country’s agricultural landscape.
The well-attended gathering not only highlighted AVAQAL’s accomplishments but also reaffirmed its position as a beacon of excellence in the agricultural sector.
Through the leadership of Tobiano, and her passion, dedication, and commitment to supporting Philippine agriculture, AVAQAL has transformed from a simple organization into a world-class institution.
The Haligi ng Agri-Siyensya Awards honored six outstanding individuals whose exemplary leadership and contributions have significantly impacted their fields.
Among the awardees were Dr. Edna Zenaida Villacorte visionary founder of AVAQAL; Dr. Zamuel Zacate , director general of the Food and Drug Administration; Attorney Senando Santiago acting general manager of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA); Dr. Dante Palabrica, Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary (award accepted by Guadalupe Palabrica Tongco); Dr. Rommel Sulabo, professor and researcher at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB); and Rosendo So , chairman of Sinag.
The efforts of these honored leaders have elevated regulatory standards, quality assurance, food security, and sustainability practices within their respective sectors.
In addition to the awards, the event featured engaging games and raffle draws that added a festive flair, fostering camaraderie among members and guests.
The day concluded with a fellowship lunch, where attendees celebrated AVAQAL’s achievements and strengthened their community bonds.
AVAQAL’s thanksgiving party and the Haligi ng Agri-Siyensya Awards underscored the organization’s pivotal role in driving innovation, leadership, and collaboration in agriculture and science.
Korean entertainment heats up on Viu
THE global surge in Korean entertainment continues as Viu expands its library with a range of Korean variety shows, catering to fans seeking diverse content from idol competitions to reality-based programs. Korean variety shows have steadily gained popularity across Asia since the early 2000s, thanks to their unique formats, dynamic guest appearances, and relatable themes. These programs offer a mix of genres—from idol survival competitions to travel and lifestyle shows—highlighting Korean culture and the off-screen personalities of popular celebrities.
Idol survival shows for music fans
With K-pop dominating the global music scene, idol survival shows have attracted significant attention by showcasing the rigorous selection process for new groups. Project 7 is one such program, featuring 99 contestants competing for a spot in a sevenmember South Korean boy band.
The show invites viewers to participate in group formation through interactive voting and challenges. Similarly, Universe
League follows aspiring idols mentored by K-pop stars like Ten, Yangyang, and Lee Chang-sub as they compete to debut in a new boy group.
Reality programs highlight authentic experiences
Reality-based variety shows continue to draw audiences with their relatable and entertaining content. The second season of Whenever Possible focuses on the lives of ordinary Koreans, emphasizing the on-screen chemistry between Yoo Jae-suk Yoo Yeon-seok Meanwhile, Rented in Finland viewers to rural Finland, where four Korean celebrities adapt to a self-sufficient lifestyle, offering both humorous and insightful moments.
Competitive shows offer high-stakes challenges Korean variety shows known for their intense
to test their culinary skills and resilience.
The show combines high-pressure competition with personal stories, creating an emotional connection with viewers.
These Korean variety programs are now available for streaming on Viu, which expands its content library to give audiences access to diverse Korean entertainment and further fuel the hallyu wave worldwide.
By Rolando Ng III
TANYA Chinita of 90.7 Love Radio has embraced the nickname “TitaMax,” engaging morning listeners with her unique charm and playful storytelling.
Teaming up with on-air partner Angkol Dagol Tanya hosts a morning program from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., sharing love stories paired with lighthearted banter that keeps audiences entertained. Interestingly, the “TitaMax” persona wasn’t Tanya’s own creation. She shared that the moniker was coined by netizens, inspired by her alluring delivery and vibrant personality.
“I wasn’t the one who thought of it. It was the netizens who gave me that name,” she shared in a one-on-one interview.
TitaMax, inspired by the video streaming site Vivamax (now VMX), embodies the same sexy and provocative vibe the platform is known for.
“Our love stories, paired with my alluring outfits and delivery of lines, made audiences feel like they were listening to Vivamax, based on their comments. I’ve embraced that moniker ever since,” she recounted.
“You know you’re effective when your listeners give you a name. It feels good because it validates my hard work,” she added.
The morning’s sultry siren, whose real name is Aileen Lara, was once a private school teacher doing freelance work on the side.
A fan of radio, she grew up listening to jocks like Nicole Hyala, Chris Tsuper, and Chico Loco , which made her dream of being in their position one day.
Her radio journey began at 30 after visiting a radio booth.
“On my birthday, my friends and I went to see Papa Jack . I was so amazed and got carried away talking. Noticing my excitement, he asked me to record my voice,” she recalled.
She didn’t take it seriously. When asked to read a newspaper column, she couldn’t stop laughing.
“I kept laughing, thinking he was joking. I didn’t realize they had saved and sent my recording,” she said.
Two weeks later, management called her back to start her radio career.
“I was in the middle of the school year, torn about whether to accept the offer. But thinking this might be a once-in-a-lifetime chance, I decided to switch careers. I just had to finish the academic year first,” she shared.
Though happy with her image, Tanya Chinita still sees herself as “sexy” while entertaining listeners on-air and online.
“Years from now, I’ll still look and sound sexy! I want to stay on the radio until my last breath. I’ll pour my heart into this profession while I’m still here,” she said. She has also lent her voice to AM radio dramas and believes she can do more—like reading the news.
“I’ve dreamed about that for a while. I think I could fit into that role,” she expressed.
challenges have also found a global audience. Paik’s Les Misérables , hosted by celebrity chef Baek Jong-won , presents contestants with demanding cooking tasks designed
Love Radio DJ Tanya Chinita
‘University League’ follows the journey of aspiring K-pop
From left: AVAQAL vice president Herbert Mendoza, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Dr. Rommel Sulabo, professor-researcher of UP Los Baños, and AVAQAL president Pinky Tobiano
Sherwin Gatchalian speaks before AVAQAL’s thanksgiving party about innovation in agriculture and science
C4 LIFE
16,
Make your health a priority this 2025
EVERY new year, we often hear the familiar phrase: This year will be different.
It’s a time to break bad habits, pursue long-standing goals, and build a healthier future. Each January brings the promise of a fresh start—an ideal moment to quit smoking, adopt cleaner habits, and prioritize overall well-being.
Yet, these resolutions often fade. What feels achievable at the start can quickly become unsustainable or out of reach. The truth is, waiting for the perfect time often leads to missed opportunities.
That’s why investing in your health now is the best course of action. Seize this moment to make lasting changes because the future you’re working toward deserves more than a fleeting resolution. It’s about creating a foundation for a healthier, stronger life—not just for this year, but for years to come.
To improve your health, begin by getting screened for preventable diseases such as the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cervical cancer and other related illnesses. Make it a habit to drink more water daily and include short walks in your routine to stay active. Prioritize quality sleep and be mindful of your diet by choosing nutritious foods. Lastly, consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations to protect your health.
Drink more water daily
Water is essential for nearly every bodily function, from digestion to joint health. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and take small sips throughout the day. Gradually aim for four to six cups daily, adjusting based on your body’s needs and activity level. Incorporate short walks into your routine Walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise. A two-minute walk after meals can aid digestion, lower blood pressure, and help regulate blood sugar. Over time, walking can become a natural part of your routine as you gradually increase your time and distance.
Get quality sleep
If you feel irritable or struggle to focus, you might not be getting restful sleep. Set a consistent bedtime and wind down with a relaxing routine. Reducing screen time and limiting caffeine before bed can also improve your sleep quality.
Be mindful of what you eat
A balanced diet rich in vitamins like C, D, B6, B12, Omega-3, calcium, and iron supports immunity and hormonal balance. Add more whole foods—fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains—to your meals. These nutrient-dense foods fuel your body for optimal function.
Additionally, monitor your sugar intake by gradually replacing one sugary drink or snack each day with a healthier option, such as herbal tea or fruit.
Get screened for preventable diseases
Regular screenings for HPV, diabetes, or cholesterol are essential. Detecting potential issues early allows for effective management or treatment before they become serious. Make annual screenings a priority or follow your doctor’s recommendations.
Consult your doctor about vaccination
Vaccines prevent serious health issues, particularly HPV—a virus that can cause cervical cancer and other diseases like anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, as well as genital warts.
Vaccination can greatly reduce your risk of developing HPVrelated diseases. This simple step can help eliminate HPV as a health concern, allowing you to focus on other aspects of wellness. Consult your healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine.
Starting with small, sustainable changes can lead to significant health improvements over time. By investing in your well-being today, you’re building a healthier, stronger future. Learn more about how to invest in your health at https://guardagainsthpv.ph/. This is an educational message provided by MSD Philippines.
Vic Sotto keeps things simple by living a balanced lifestyle
Very
DESPITE being a senior citizen, Vic Sotto ’s health remains in great condition—and the best part is he doesn’t need maintenance medications to support his active routine and busy lifestyle.
The TV and movie icon stays active with regular exercise like cycling and walking, choosing activities that fit his fitness level. He also prioritizes eating nutritious meals on time and carefully selects healthy food options.
“I take everything in moderation. One of my regimens when it comes to... especially with food, is that I only eat when it’s time to eat,” the 70-year-old TV host said. “I don’t eat between breakfast and lunch, or between lunch and dinner. I’m not into junk food, and I’m not fond of sweets.”
“ If there’s any, I just take small bites. I take everything in moderation—even alcohol or soft drinks. Everything is in moderation. One of the healthy ways I live is that, as a matter of fact, up to now, I don’t have any maintenance medications for hypertension or diabetes.,” he added.
To support his well-being, he takes vitamins and natural health drinks as part of his preventive care routine. Through moderation and consistency, Vic shows that simple, sustainable habits are key to staying healthy with age. His commitment to wellness led supplement brand Santé Barley to tap him as its celebrity ambassador.
“Bossing is known for his commitment to healthy living, his strong connection with fans, and his dynamic onscreen presence, making him the perfect representative for a brand that promotes quality living,” said CEO Joey Marcel
“His ability to connect with people and his genuine approach to wellness make him the perfect partner for our brand. We’re excited to see how this collaboration will inspire Filipinos to prioritize health and wellness.”
Vic will be featured in a series of campaigns, including TV commercials, digital content, and live events, aimed at educating Filipinos on the importance of organic health products.
“I’m honored to join the family in their mission to empower Filipinos to live better. Good health is a gift, and we all have the power to nurture it with the right choices. I’m excited to share this good news with everyone,” Vic said.
Santé is a leading global provider of organic health and wellness products, known for high-quality, organic barleybased products certified by BioGro New Zealand. Its flagship product, Santé Barley, is grown in New Zealand’s Canterbury region, ensuring superior quality and nutrient density.
The brand also offers Santé Pure Barley Powder, Santé Barley Pure Capsules, Santé Fusion Coffee, and other beverages and wellness products for various lifestyles.
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Brand ambassador Vic Sotto with the executives of Santé Barley
Wang Nickie Wang
Bossing (left) with children, Mochi and Tali