Chinese nabbed for spying on PH
Part of group collecting data on AFP camps, EDCA sites
By Pot Chavez and Rex Espiritu
SECURITY officials said on Monday they had arrested a Chinese software engineer suspected of spying on Philippine military and police camps.
The Chinese national, identified as Deng Yuanqing, and his two Filipino drivers were arrested last week as part of counter-espionage operations that began last month, National Bureau of Investigation chief Jaime Santiago told a news conference.
He alleged that Deng was affiliated with a Chinese university controlled by the People’s Liberation Army and was part of a team sent to “conduct espionage in our territory.”
The Chinese embassy in Manila did not respond immediately to requests for
comment on the arrest and allegations.
The NBI’s cybercrime chief Jeremy Lotoc said Deng had made frequent visits to “critical infrastructure, specifically military camps, local government offices, power plants, police camps, stations, even shopping malls.”
“They were basically collecting data and they have this remote application which transmits outside the country in real time data that they collected in our country,” Lotoc said. Lotoc said it was “alarming” because
By Charles Dantes and Darwin Amojelar
PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday called out his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, for “lying” and making false and baseless allegations of blank items in the 2025 budget.
“He’s lying,” Mr. Marcos said in an interview.
“In the entire history of the Philippines, it has never been allowed for an item in the GAA to lack details on the project, the expenses, or the funding,” he added.
Duterte and Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab earlier raised concerns over alleged discrepancies in the bicameral conference committee report on the na-
“He’s a former President. He knows that you cannot pass a GAA (General Appropriations Act) with blank (items).”
tional budget.
Duterte said the GAA was signed with multiple items left blank, likening it to giving the government a blank check that is “invalid and unenforceable.”
Ungab pointed out missing budget allocations for items under the Department of Agriculture as well as unprogrammed appropriations.
The 2025 GAA, signed into law last
By Charles Dantes and Ram Superable
PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong”
Marcos Jr. vowed to veto Senate Bill 1979 or the Comprehensive Sexuality Education Bill if it is passed in its current form, criticizing provisions he described as “woke absurdities” that undermine parental authority and traditional values.
“This is all this woke that they are trying to bring into our system,” he told reporters, expressing shock over sections of the bill he reviewed over the weekend.
“You will teach four-year-olds how to masturbate? That every child has the right to try different sexualities? This is ridiculous, abhorrent, and a travesty of what sex education should be,” he said.
The President also voiced concern about the diminished role of parents under the proposed legislation.
“What about the parents? Do they no longer have the right to decide what and when their child is taught,” he said in Filipino.
As it stands, Mr. Marcos said he supports teaching children about anatomy,
By Charles Dantes
By Charles Dantes
15 cops in drug fiasco under custody
THE Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said 15 out of the 29 active and former police officers with arrest warrants for their alleged involvement in a staged operation linked to the P6.7billion drug haul in Manila in 2022 are now in police custody.
“There are some who are still at large. We’re in the process of taking them into custody, CIDG chief PBGen. Nicolas Torre III said in an interview.
According to Torre, some of the individuals who are still at large have expressed their willingness to surrender to authorities.
A panel of prosecutors has filed
December, contains detailed appropriations for government projects, programs, and activities across its 4,057 pages, Mr. Marcos said.
He said the budget measure underwent exhaustive review by Congress and the Department of Budget and Management to ensure transparency and accuracy.
“There’s a copy available on the DBM website. Look it up, and check for any so-called blank checks. You’ll see that there’s none. This will prove my point that it’s all lies. Look for the so-called blank check. See if there’s even one,” President Marcos said.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, for his part, said peddlers of disinformation should be held accountable.
“The peddling of such fake news is outrightly malicious and should be condemned as criminal. No page of the 2025 National Budget was left unturned before the President signed it into law,” Bersamin said.
“The true facts and the printed figures appearing in the GAA easily debunk the malicious claims of deliberate blanks being left for filling in. It is impossible for any portion of the budget to have been left blank,” he added.
Bersamin said anyone who thoroughly examines the budget would find no programs, activities, or projects with blank appropriations.
“The former president and his cohorts should know better that the GAA should not contain blank items,” Bersamin said.
The Budget department added: “These allegations are completely false and reckless. What has been presented by certain misinformed individuals are pages from the Bicameral Conference (Bicam) Committee Report, and not the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) nor the GAA.”
“It is the GAB, with all its details, that is controlling, and is presented to the President. Once signed, the GAB becomes the Law— the GAA,” the department said.
charges against 30 police officers, including two high-ranking generals, for alleged violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Arrest warrants have been issued for 29 of the accused.
The charges involve alleged offenses such as planting evidence and mishan-
the information being transmitted could include geographical coordinates and topography.
Armed Forces chief of staff General Romeo Brawner said it was possible the information “could be used for military targeting purposes.”
The arrest came as maritime confrontations between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea have escalated in recent months.
dling or delaying the prosecution of drug-related cases.
The investigation revolves around dismissed Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr., who was arrested during a 2022 drug operation in Manila where authorities seized approximately 990 kilograms of suspected shabu, valued at over P6.7 billion.
Mayo, formerly an intelligence officer with the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, was dismissed from service on March 21, 2023, for three counts of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
‘’The incident material to this crimi-
China claims most of the strategic waterway despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.
Lotoc said Deng had been in the Philippines for five years and was part of a group that also included hardware engineers and a financier who were still “at large.”
The group received funding of P1.5 million (about $26,000) a week via “shell companies,” he said.
Brawner said it was the second arrest of a suspected Chinese spy since last year and that forensic analysis of equipment seized in the earlier arrest also
nal violation pertains to the bogus hot pursuit operation against Mayo where he was allegedly caught with two kilograms of shabu at Quezon Bridge,” the panel said in a resolution.
“As earlier discussed, this was merely concocted and staged with the intention of remedying the previous botched anti-drugs operation against Mayo, after realizing that he must not be set free,” it added.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said a PNP-wide probe will be launched on drug hauls beginning 2016 after the order to file criminal charges against 30 cops linked to the controversial drug haul in 2022. Rex Espiritu
revealed images of military and police camps in Manila.
Police also said this month they had recovered a suspected Chinese submarine drone in waters off Masbate.
Brawner said authorities were investigating whether all three cases were linked.
He said security in all military camps and facilities nationwide will be further tightened.
“We have to make sure that our camps are secured – not only in our camps but even vital installations,” Brawner said.
With AFP
a recent study indicating that modified work schedules significantly eased traffic congestion in the metro.
He underscored the importance of consulting both traffic managers and the commuting public, who would be directly impacted by the proposed changes.
“So, if it turns out that everyone agrees to it, then I cannot see why it will be a problem,” he added.
The MMDA has cited findings from
MMDA chairman Romando Artes cited the potential benefits as the city prepares for major road rehabilitation projects.
The EDSA rehabilitation, a key infrastructure project expected to disrupt traffic flow, has intensified calls for innovative solutions to Metro Manila’s persistent traffic woes.
The report stated that adopting the
portation for charging stations, lower user fees for EV owners, and prioritized registration and traffic privileges.
During the event, the chief executive pointed out that current Philippine policies offer incentives to manufacturers and consumers of EVs alike.
reproductive health, the consequences of early pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
“But the ‘woke’ absurdities that they included are abhorrent to me,” he said.
“I guarantee all parents, teachers, and children: if this bill is passed in that form, I will immediately veto it,” the President said.
However, Senator Risa Hontiveros, chairperson of the panel on women, children, family relations, and gender equality, refuted claims that the bill includes controversial provisions even as she expressed her openness to refining the measure to ensure its passage.
“Comprehensive Sexuality Education or CSE contains the very same things you support: teaching kids anatomy and the consequences of early pregnancy. That is what we are also advocating for,” she said.
“I am willing to accept amendments to refine the bill so we can steer it to passage,” the senator added.
Hontiveros assured the public that terms like “masturbation” or “try different sexualities” are not found in the bill, noting that CSE focuses on teaching anatomy, reproductive health, and the consequences of early pregnancy. With AFP
Key policies supporting the EV industry include the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act, which removed excise taxes on battery electric vehicles, and the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which offers duty-free im-
Additionally, the September inauguration of a state-of-the-art facility producing advanced iron phosphate batteries, a key component for EV production, is a step forward in developing the industry, Mr. Marcos said.
The President expressed optimism that a local Tesla car factory would create new jobs for qualified Filipinos.
“Every hire represents an investment in Filipino talent that drives this transi-
in US schools.
orders undoing Joe Biden’s legacy upon his return to the White House, and to launch immediate deportations of undocumented migrants.
If Trump painted a dystopian picture of “American carnage” at his first inauguration in 2017, this time around he is offering a more upbeat promise of a “brand new day” for the United States.
“I will act with historic speed and strength and fix every single crisis facing our country,” Trump told a huge inauguration eve rally where he also danced with the Village People band.
But the billionaire populist also returned to some of the dark themes that drove his election victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in November.
The incoming 47th US president said he would “stop the invasion of our borders” and reverse “woke” policies including “transgender insanity”
Trump will make history by replacing Biden as the oldest president to be sworn in. He is also just the second president in US history to return to power after being voted out, after Grover Cleveland in 1893.
Ahead of the inauguration, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Trump and his wife Melania for “tea and coffee” at the White House, before they all travel together to the Capitol.
The display of civility will be a stark contrast to 2021 when Trump, who riled a crowd that attacked the US Capitol in a bid to overturn his election loss, refused to attend Biden’s inauguration.
Trump’s triumphal mood has meanwhile not been chilled by the fact that the swearing-in on the steps of the Capitol had to be moved due to predictions of the coldest Inauguration Day for 40 years.
Instead of taking the oath in front of a huge crowd on the National Mall, Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance will do so inside the domed Ro -
‘Food security emergency to take effect Feb.’
By Othel V. Campos
THE Department of Agriculture is moving forward with efforts to address rice pricing and food security challenges, with DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. expected to act on a food security emergency declaration by Wednesday.
This follows the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) recommendations for a food emergency declaration given the lofty prices of rice in the local market.
DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said that while the resolution copy has yet to reach the DA as of Monday, “the Secretary announced that the review process would begin immediately upon receipt, ensuring action is finalized before the February 1 target.”
Despite the decision resting at the secretary’s level, Tiu Laurel committed to consulting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has previously expressed support for declaring a food security emergency.
The DA also said it continues its strict monitoring of compliance with the P58 maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice.
BUDGET MEETING.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meets with Department of Labor and Employment
Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma at the Malacañan Palace on Monday afternoon to discuss the agency’s budget execution plan for 2025. PCO
Reports indicate strong adherence in markets such as Las Piñas, Marulas, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasig, Malabon, and others.
However, non-compliance was noted at the Guadalupe Commercial Complex and Pasay Public Market, where prices of P59 and P60 were observed, respectively.
“We’re pleased with the high compliance rate across Metro Manila markets. After two weeks, the Secretary will review the MSRP, targeting a potential reduction to P55 per kilo,” De Mesa said.
The current MSRP was set to provide value chain players time to adjust contracts and release older stocks.
schedule will bring faster travel time during peak hours in Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares, as well as a decrease in traffic delays, the MMDA said.
“We’ll get first the consensus of the mayors. We’ll coordinate with them and ask them what their preference is so that the data we’ll be submitting to the President is complete and the recommendations will be in line with various experiences of each of the LGUs,” Artes said.
tion forward,” he added.
Tesla’s presence, the President said, would encourage local innovation and attract more investments in the EV sector.
“The government has adopted policies and pursued strategic measures that reflect our commitment to enhancing sustainable transportation while meeting the needs of Filipino commuters,” the President said.
He also declared that EVs are the future of the Philippines’ transportation system, calling Tesla’s entry into the market a significant step toward the country’s long-
tunda of the Capitol, as Ronald Reagan did in 1985.
“As soon as President Trump places his hand on the Bible and swears the Oath to the United States Constitution, the Golden Age of America will begin,” spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on X.
But there are still many Americans concerned by Trump’s darker promises—the vows of retribution against his political opponents and journalists.
Trump returns to the Oval Office more powerful than ever, capping a journey that saw him defy two assassination attempts and a criminal conviction to win the election.
Once a political outsider, Trump has become the new normal for US politics.
Three of the world’s richest men— tech tycoons Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos—will be alongside Trump for the inauguration.
Tesla, SpaceX and X boss Musk, who will head a cost-cutting effort in the new administration, promised at Sunday’s rally to make America
The DA has observed market prices as low as P51, with most falling between P51 and P57. As of present, imported premium rice is at P55/kg, P48/kg for imported wellmilled rice, and P40 for imported regular-milled rice.
Discussions are also underway with supermarkets, where rice prices are typically higher due to added convenience for shoppers.
To ease the burden on rice vendors, the DA is exploring rental reductions in public and private markets.
term environmental goals.
“While it is true that electric vehicles are currently seen as premium products, Tesla’s entry into the Philippine [market] signals much more than high-tech cars on the road,” the President said. Tesla Motors Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of Tesla Inc., officially entered the Philippine market on November 8, 2024. Tesla Inc., listed on the NASDAQ with a market capitalization exceeding $1.2 trillion, is recognized as a global leader in sustainable transportation and energy solutions.
strong “for centuries.”
Trump—who said during the election campaign he would only be a dictator on “day one”—has promised to sign around 100 executive orders within hours of taking office.
They include declaring a national emergency on the southern US border with Mexico, and undoing the Biden administration’s directives on diversity and oil drilling.
Trump added that supporters would be “very happy” with a decision pardoning January 6 rioters.
For the rest of the world, Trump’s return means expecting the unexpected. From promising sweeping tariffs, to making territorial threats to Greenland and Panama and calling US aid for Ukraine into question, Trump looks set to rattle the global order once again. His victory has also emboldened right-wing politicians around the world. Italy’s far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to attend the inauguration even though foreign leaders are not normally invited. AFP
Comelec eyes early filing of COC
By Vito Barcelo and Rio N. Araja
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec)
is considering moving the filing date of certificates of candidacy (COCs) to an earlier date to give political aspirants more time to appeal their poll cases before the Supreme Court (SC) and to avoid suspending the printing of ballots and other election preparations.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) deployed a quick response operation for an independent probe of separate killings of politicians and electoral candidates, and help deliver justice for the victims and their families.
Comelec chairman George Garcia on Monday said the plan is to move the filing of COCs from October to July aims to provide candidates more time to file their appeal before the high court.
The filing of COCs was usually held in October, Garcia said.
“We thought that perhaps, in the next 2028 elections, we could have an earlier filing of candidacy,” Garcia said.
He explained that moving the COC filing to an earlier date would also give the Comelec en banc more time to decide on election cases by August or September.
“At least the candidates have September, October, November, and December to go to the Supreme Court,” Garcia said.
The poll body suspended the printing of ballots for the May elections to give way to the inclusion of the names of five local candidates disqualified earlier by the Comelec, but ordered reinstated by the Supreme Court.
Because of the SC order, at least six million ballots were discarded for the upcoming midterm polls, leading to a P132-million financial loss, the Comelec said.
In another development, the CHR said it is looking at the reported killings of politicians and electoral candidates to determine whether they were politically motivated.
Marikina solon pushes bill on seniors’ monthly pension
By Maricel V. Cruz
A HOUSE leader has supported the enactment of a measure designed to ensure income security for all Filipino senior citizens.
Marikina Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo, acting chair of the Committee on Appropriations and a known advocate for social equity and senior citizens’ rights, joined a rally at the Senate on Monday, alongside members of the senior citizen community to press for the passage of measures favoring the elderlies.
Quimbo advocates the passage of the Universal Social Pension for Senior Citizens Act.
Thousands of senior citizens and their advocates attended the rally to highlight the financial challenges faced by the country’s aging population.
Quimbo emphasized the importance of passing the bill, which has already been approved by the House of Representatives, but has yet to advance in the Senate. The rallyists urged the senators to prioritize measure which seeks to establish universal coverage by providing every Filipino aged 60 and above with a guaranteed monthly pension.
Quimbo filed House Bill 10423 (Universal Social Pension for Senior Citizens Act) which was passed in
Movement, stage a rally dubbed “Wealth Tax Now” at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila in conjunction with the opening day of the 2025 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos - Klosters. The groups urge the government to correctly tax the wealthy, saying the revenues could address inequality by ensuring the people’s fundamental rights to essential public services such as healthcare, education, and housing. Norman Cruz
DSWD boosts ties with various partners
SOCIAL Welfare and Development
Secretary Rex Gatchalian vowed to strengthen partnerships with like-minded organizations for a community-based intervention program for children in conflict with the law (CICL) and children at risk (CAR).
Gatchalian at the same time expressed gratitude to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the A Child Trust is Ours to Nurture, Inc. (ACTION) for supporting the Gabay Project that will establish a community-based juvenile intervention facilitator system for CICL and CAR.
“This program is remarkable and is a reiteration that the solutions that we always come up with are not top-tobottom, but bottom-to-top solutions. Meaning, the solutions or interventions or comprehensive packages that
we come up with are normally coming from the community,” Gatchalian said in his message lauding the project.
The DSWD chief, in his recent signing of accords with the partner-organizations, said the agency, together with JICA, ACTION and other partners, is “always happy whenever the array of interventions are contextualized in the local terrain.”
The Gabay Project’s pilot implementation will cover the cities of Malabon and Navotas in the National Capital Region (NCR) and in Olongapo in Central Luzon.
Part of the project’s goal is to strengthen the capacity of the local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of a Comprehensive Local Juvenile Intervention Program (CLJIP) in their respective jurisdiction.
Congress last year. Several senior constituents from Marikina joined the congresswoman at the rally.
“The Universal Social Pension Act is about fairness and dignity. It ensures that no Filipino senior is left behind, regardless of their economic status. This is our way of giving back to those who have contributed so much to society,” said Quimbo.
The proposed legislation seeks to address critical gaps in the current system under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act (RA 9994). The current framework limits pension eligibility to indigent seniors.
Oil price hikes exceed DOE predictions
By Alena Mae S. Flores
LOCAL oil firms raised pump prices anew by P2.70 per liter for diesel, P2.50 per liter for kerosene and P1.65 per liter for gasoline effective 6 a.m. Tuesday to “reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.” These companies issued separate advisories of their price hikes for the third consecutive week this month amid a volatile oil market environment last week.
Seaoil Philippines, Chevron Philippines, Cleanfuel, PTT Philippines, Jetti Petroleum and PetroGazz announced their respective oil price movements, slightly higher than the Department of Energy (DOE) forecast last week.
DOE Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) director Rodela Romero said last week gasoline products were expected to increase by P1.35 to P1.60 per liter, diesel by P2.30 to P2.60 per liter and
GARDENING
FOR FOOD
IN BRIEF
QC lawmaker files bill tackling job mismatch
QUEZON CITY Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas calls on the private sector to participate in enterprise-based education and training (EBET) to address job mismatch and unemployment
“Jobs and livelihood remain as top concerns of Filipinos. As more employment opportunities await our labor force with the growing demand of various industries, we have to be ready with qualified human resources in the field of critical and in-demand technical skills,” Vargas said. He filed the EBET bill which aims to promote equal employment opportunities for all by upgrading skills and competencies of Filipino workers through specialized training that will build higherlevel competencies. The law was signed by President Marcos in November last year. Maricel V. Cruz
MNSA keeps focus on national security
\THE government is making a way to promote strategic mindset as it shifts to external defense, the Department of National Defense (DND) said.
During a briefing at the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP), Defense Undersecretary Irineo Espino, encouraged the members of the Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) program of NDCP Regular Class 60 (RC 60) to elevate their strategic thinking to address security challenges, The MNSA students were briefed on the Defense Department and its bureaus, the innovations and responses of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the DND’s objectives and strategic thrusts, and the Department’s International Defense and Security Engagements Program. Rex Espiritu
Senator aims to broaden Special Education Fund
SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian aims to broaden the application of the Special Education Fund (SEF), as outlined in Senate Bill No. 155, also known as the 21st Century School Boards Act.
“Since procurement issues and limitations on the use of the SEF have been among the reasons for its underutilization, it is crucial that we give LGUs (local government units) the
The
A TAXING CRUSADE. Members of the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development, along with the Oriang Women’s
SECURITY. Dra. Isa Cojuangco Suntay, co-founder of Tarlac Heritage Foundation, flanked by Maj. Gen. Pedro Balisi Jr. , commander of the Army’s Armor Division, and Maj. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., chief of the 2nd Infantry Division,, leads the launch of “Hardin ng Lunas” at Camp Mateo Capinpin in Brgy. Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal. The event featured the planting of vegetables and hardwood trees, marking the program’s integrated approach to environmental restoration and food security. Lino Santos
RICE REMAINS A CEREAL ISSUE. Newly delivered rice from Regions 2 and 3 stored at National Food Authority warehouse in Valenzuela City are being loaded on delivery vans for distribution to retail outlets across Metro Manila ahead of the projected food security emergency being espoused by the Department of Agriculture. Manny Palmero
OPINION
Sara for 2028 President?
VICE President Sara Duterte “seriously considering” running for President in 2028? I must give Sara an “A” for thinking she could make it in 2028.
Santa Banana, does Sara Duterte still believe she can become president with no less than three impeachment cases filed against her for culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption constituting plunder, among others?
Sara’s impeachment cases will surely be resolved before or even shortly after the May midterm elections once the House of Representatives will adopt former Speaker Manny Villar’s style of just getting one-third of the votes of members of the House to submit the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate which will resolve Sara’s impeachment case by simple majority.
As I had said in my previous column that impeachment cases are both legal and political, they are mostly political.
From where I sit as a journalist, I believe the impeachment of Sara as Vice President is a done deal considering everything, especially after the findings by the House Quad committee that almost all, if not all, the recipients of Sara’s confidential funds amounting to millions were fictitious, without birth, marriage or even death certificates.
Santa Banana, that constitutes plunder in any language!
I must give Sara Duterte credit for her bravado, or as they say in the vernacular “bilib sa sarili” (overconfidence or trust in oneself) for thinking the electorate will still vote for her after her impeachment, especially for plunder.
The Philippine electorate can can be fooled sometimes, but not all of the time.
Sara’s ambition to become president is amazing. My gulay, she even thought she could have been president in 2022 if she did not consent to be the running mate of President Marcos
Jr.. Well, anybody can dream.
But if I were Sara, it would do her good to consult her lawyers, including her father, former President Duterte on how to survive all the accusations against her.
I have seen all the impeachment cases, including those of former President Erap Estrada and former Chief Justice Renato Corona. Impeachment cases are mostly political in nature.
Frankly, the Vice President’s impeachment cases will be in the hands of the Senate before or immediately after the May midterm polls. I don’t see many among the 24 senators who will side with Sara except those who have always been for the Dutertes.
Impeachment cases are both legal and political, they are mostly political
My advice to Sara is simply to concentrate on her impeachment cases instead of “seriously considering” running for president in 2028.
Here’s my list of 15 Senate winnables based on poll surveys and former senators and fellBong Go, Tito Sotto, Francis Tolentino, Erwin Tulfo, Ben Tulfo, Bong Revilla, Ping Lacson, Pia Cayetano, Manny Pacquiao, Camille Villar, Abby Binay, Lito Lapid, Willie Revillame, Francis Pangilinan and Bato dela Rosa.
I am basing my list as poll surveys show, and who people think will make it.
Santa Banana, if indeed some of them are winnable, the Senate will soon become a stage of popular celebrities. I won’t be surprised if sooner or later, Pokwang and Vice Ganda will make it to the Senate.
All I can say is unless the electorate become educated, they deserve the people they elect into office.
How Martin Romualdez rebuilds lives in Yolanda’s wake
IN 2013, Super Typhoon Yolanda didn’t just destroy homes; it tore apart lives and left families clinging to fragments of hope.
Eleven years later, hope has transformed into reality, as 1,963 sturdy homes now stand tall – a testament to resilience, unity, and the leadership of House Speaker Martin Romualdez, whose vision turns promises into progress.
At the heart of this initiative lies Romualdez’s unwavering dedication to providing long-term solutions for his constituents.
During the recent turnover of over 1,900 completed housing units to Yolanda survivors in Leyte, Samar, and Biliran provinces, Romualdez emphasized that these homes represent more than just shelter-- they signify renewed hope and dignity. His leadership has not only restored roofs over heads but also paved pathways to rebuilding futures.
Romualdez’s efforts exemplify the Filipino spirit of *bayanihan*, a cultural cornerstone symbolizing unity and cooperation.
By fostering collaboration among government agencies, local communities, and private organizations, he has steered a program that transcends political divides and focuses on collective action.
This unity has been critical in overcoming the immense logistical
and bureaucratic challenges of such a large-scale project.
The housing units themselves reflect this commitment to rebuilding lives.
Each home, with a floor area of 22 to 28.6 square meters and a lot size of 40 square meters, provides families with not just space but also stability.
By consistently prioritizing programs that address critical needs, Romualdez has earned the trust and gratitude of many
For the thousands who lost everything to the typhoon, these homes are a foundation for new beginnings-- offering security, comfort, and a sense of permanence.
Romualdez’s leadership is deeply rooted in values that resonate with every Filipino: *pagmamalasakit* (compassion) and *pag-asa* (hope).
His actions echo a genuine concern for the well-being of his people, particularly in Tacloban City and the rest of the 1st congressional district
EDITORIAL
Beyond the 2025 PH-US maritime activity
INCREASED patrols and exercises have lately surged in the Palawan area, well within the country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone.
Last weekend, the United States deployed a carrier strike group from the Indo-Pacific Command to the West Philippine Sea to conduct the first Maritime Cooperative Activity of 2025 with Filipino forces.
Officials said the activity on Jan. 17-18 included the guided missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna, the offshore patrol vessel BRP Andres Bonifacio, two FA50 fighter aircraft, and Philippine Air Force Search and Rescue assets.
Backing up the Filipino forces was a US aircraft carrier strike group centered around the USS Carl Vinson and its air group, escorted by the guided missile cruiser USS Princeton, destroyer USS Sterett, an MH60 Seahawk helicopter, a V-22 Osprey helicopter, and two F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter bombers.
The two militaries conducted a Communications Check Exercise, Division Tactics/Officer of the Watch maneuver, a Photo Exercise, and Dissimilar Aircraft Combat Training, according to a news release from the
of Leyte, which bore the brunt of Yolanda’s wrath.
By consistently prioritizing programs that address critical needs, he has earned the trust and gratitude of many, transforming his vision of recovery into measurable results.
This housing program also points to a broader vision for a resilient and prosperous Philippines.
Romualdez understands that rebuilding after Yolanda is not just about recovery but also about preparation – ensuring communities are better equipped to withstand future challenges.
His commitment to disaster-resilient housing underscores this for-
Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The maritime cooperative activities demonstrate a “collective commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” according to a news release by the US Navy.
The maritime cooperative activities demonstrate a ‘collective commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation’
China has responded to such activities between the two treaty allies in the South China Sea by increasing its patrols and exercises in the area, expressing the line the Philippines should adapt to this process.
Coincidentally, the first joint drills of 2025 took place only three days before Donald Trump, who has spoken little about the region as presidentelect, returns to the White House which he occupied for four years from Jan. 2017.
ward-looking approach, aiming to break the cycle of vulnerability that has long plagued the country’s most disaster-prone areas.
The stories of the beneficiaries bring the program’s success to life. Families once displaced by Yolanda now speak of newfound stability, children growing up in secure environments, and communities rediscovering their sense of identity.
These narratives of transformation serve as a reminder of what compassionate and effective leadership can achieve.
As the Philippines continues to face natural calamities, the Yolanda Permanent Housing Program stands
The 78-year-old Trump has spoken to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. via phone call and has met with the President’s cousin, Philippine ambassador to the US Babes Romualdez, in person.
Certainly, there will be many phrasal verbs and ripples from the increasing drills and exercises near the strategic international sea lane in the South China Sea.
What is concerning is the often intrusion of Chinese vessels, including Beijing’s Coast Guard, in the West Philippine Sea, which clearly violates Philippines territory.
Washington has been on the right sail with its freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, while expressing support for an agreement on a binding code of conduct in the region, and expressing it will do what is necessary to assist the Philippines in the tension-filled South China Sea.
The activities in the West Philippine Sea are certain to have ripples as well in the Southeast Asian region, with the Philippines’ co-member countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations keenly keeping their guard, and in East Asia, where China and the United States are astutely watching each other from the different wheelhouses of their ships.
as a model of what is possible when leadership, unity, and shared values converge.
Romualdez’s stewardship of this initiative not only honors the memory of those lost to Yolanda but also lights the way forward, inspiring hope for a better, stronger Philippines.
This milestone is more than just a marker of progress; it’s a blueprint for the future of the Philippines – a future where resilience and compassion define our identity as a nation. With Romualdez leading by example, we are not just rebuilding; we are redefining what it means to rise after a storm.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025
Mug shot, solo cell for Yoon after arrest
SEOUL – South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol had his mug shot taken and underwent a physical check before spending his first night in jail as a criminal suspect, a prison officer said Monday.
Yoon was arrested in a dawn raid last week, becoming the first sitting South Korean head of state to be detained in a criminal probe on insurrection charges over his botched declaration of martial law.
A court approved his formal arrest warrant Sunday, citing concerns he would destroy evidence, and Yoon went from being a temporary detainee to a criminal suspect facing an indictment and trial.
Yoon was given a 12-square-meter cell at Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang on Sunday, according to Shin Yong-hae, commissioner general of the Korea Correctional Service.
He was “assigned to one of the standard rooms used by regular inmates,” Shin told lawmakers during a parliamentary session.
Yoon’s cell -- which typically would hold five or six people, Yonhap reported -- is similar in size to those where past presidents have been detained, Shin said. The suspended leader, whose powers have been transferred to an acting president but who remains sitting head of state, also had his mug shot taken and underwent physical examination like his fellow inmates, Shin said. AFP
80 killed, thousands displaced in Colombia
TIBU, Colombia – A fresh outbreak of guerrilla violence amid a faltering peace process in Colombia has left more than 80 people dead, including civilians, and displaced around 11,000 in just four days, officials reported Sunday (Monday in Manila).
As residents fled for their lives, the army deployed some 5,000 troops to the cocaine-growing Catatumbo region at the center of a fast-escalating territorial war.
The National Liberation Army armed group, officials said, launched an assault in Catatumbo last Thursday on a rival formation comprised of ex-members of the now-defunct FARC guerrilla force who kept fighting after it disarmed in 2017. Civilians found themselves caught in the middle, and by Sunday, it was estimated that “more than 80 people have lost their lives,” according to governor William Villamizar of the Norte de Santander department.
Terrified residents carrying backpacks and belongings on overladen motorcycles, boats, or crammed onto the backs of open trucks, fled the region over the weekend. AFP
China executes man who killed 35
BEIJIBG – China on Monday executed a man who killed 35 people in a car rampage in the southern city of Zhuhai in November, in the country’s deadliest mass attack in years.
On Nov. 11, Fan Weiqiu, 62, deliberately drove a small SUV through crowds of people exercising outside a sports complex, also injuring 45 in China’s worst such crime since 2014.
He was sentenced to death last month, with a court saying his motives “were extremely vile, (and) the nature of the crime extremely egregious.”
State broadcaster CCTV said Monday a Zhuhai court “executed Fan Weiqiu in accordance with the execution order issued by the Supreme People’s Court.” The municipal public prosecutor “sent personnel to supervise (the execution) in accordance with the law”, CCTV reported. Fan’s attack sparked widespread public shock and soul-searching in China about the state of society. AFP
Weary LA firefighters brace for strong winds
LOS ANGELES – Exhausted Los Angeles firefighters on Sunday braced for the return of yet more dangerously strong gusts, as California’s governor slammed “hurricane-force winds of misinformation” surrounding blazes that have killed 27 people. The two largest fires, which
Israeli hostages, Palestinian detainees freed on Gaza deal
Returning Trump vows to end ‘American decline’
WASHINGTON, DC – Donald Trump pledged a blitz of presidential actions to end “American decline,” telling a firedup inauguration eve rally on Sunday (Monday in Manila) that he would crack down on woke ideology and immigration.
In a raucous campaign-style gathering in Washington, the 78-year-old Republican promised cheering supporters that he would act with “historic speed” from day one of his White House comeback.
“Tomorrow at noon, the curtain closes on four long years of American decline, and we begin a brand new day of American strength and prosperity,” Trump told a packed sports arena.
“I will act with historic speed and strength and fix every single crisis facing our country.” Billionaire Trump was joined on
stage by Elon Musk -- the tech tycoon who will lead a major cost-cutting drive in his administration -- and who vowed to make America strong “for centuries.”
Then at the end the rally Trump danced alongside the disco band Village People as they performed their 1970s hit “Y.M.C.A.” which became the unofficial anthem of his election campaign.
Much of Trump’s hour-long speech focused on immigration, driving home one of the dark messages that helped spur his remarkable victory in November’s presidential election over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.
“We’re going to stop the invasion of our borders,” added Trump, who has pledged to launch raids targeting undocumented migrants within days of taking office.
But he also promised “lots” of executive orders from his first day back in
TikTok restores service in US, thanks incoming president
WASHINGTON, DC – TikTok restored service in the United States Sunday after briefly going dark, as a law banning the wildly popular app on national security grounds came into effect.
The video-sharing platform credited President-elect Donald Trump, who retakes power on Monday, for making the reversal possible -- though the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden had earlier said that it would not enforce any ban.
TikTok had shut down in the United States late Saturday as a deadline loomed for its Chinese owners ByteDance to sell its US subsidiary to nonChinese buyers. Earlier Sunday, as millions of dismayed users found themselves barred from the app, Trump promised to issue an executive order delaying the ban to allow time to “make a deal.”
He also called in a post on his Truth Social platform for the United States to take part ownership in TikTok.
Trump said he “would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture,” arguing that the app’s value could surge to “hundreds of billions of dollars -- maybe trillions.”
“By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands,” wrote Trump, who had previously backed a TikTok ban and during his first term in office made moves towards one. In a statement posted on X following Trump’s
the Oval Office, including one to ban “transgender insanity” and critical race theory from schools and to keep trans athletes out of women’s sports.
Trump also reiterated a promise to release files on the assassinations of former president John F. Kennedy, his brother Bobby Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Long lines of Trump supporters formed outside the arena despite snowy conditions.
“I wanted to see history unfold before my eyes,” Alan McNeely, 21, a student from Connecticut, told AFP.
Earlier, the future US commander-inchief paid a highly symbolic visit to Arlington National Cemetery, the resting place of America’s war dead.
Trump laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. AFP
Jthe nearby town of Beitunia. As the ceasefire took effect on Sunday morning, thousands of displaced, warweary Palestinians set off across the devastated Gaza Strip to return home. In the northern area of Jabalia, hundreds streamed down a sandy path, heading to an apocalyptic landscape piled with rubble and destroyed buildings.
“We are finally in our home. There is no home left, just rubble, but it’s our home,” said Rana Mohsen, 43, back in Jabalia.
The initial 42-day truce was brokered by Qatari, US and Egyptian mediators.
It is meant to enable a surge of sorely needed humanitarian aid into Gaza, as more Israeli hostages are released in exchange for Palestinians in Israeli custody, Israeli forces leave some areas and the parties negotiate the terms of a permanent ceasefire.
The three Israeli ex-hostages, Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher, were taken back to Israel by security forces after Hamas fighters handed them over to the Red Cross in a bustling square in Gaza City, surrounded by a sea of people, including gunmen.
“After 471 days Emily is finally home,” said her mother Mandy Damari, but “for too many other families the impossible wait continues”. AFP
LONG ARM OF THE LAW. Social activists shout slogans near the Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court in Kolkata during the weekend, where trial for the suspect of the rape
CULTURAL HUB. Visitors check artwork inside the workshop of Adel Yazdi, an Iranian artist who has transformed an alley in one of the old neighborhoods of Shiraz into an open air permanent art gallery through vibrant paintings and carved relief faces. Yazdi’s work has over the years stood out in Shiraz where graffiti
Fil-Am Finnegan grabs
3rd straight floor crown
By Peter Atencio
FIL-AMERICAN standout Aleah Finnegan once again stamped her class as the second seed Louisiana State University Gymnastics’ team downed the seventh-ranked Florida Gators with a close score of 197.550-197.450 on Friday in the US NCAA Southeast Conference gymnastics’ meet.
Performing in front of 13,515 fans at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, the Tigers were boosted by a season-high 49.525 on the beam and a strong finish in the floor rotation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
turn and see action for the Philippines in the coming Southeast Asian Games, has earned her third consecutive win in the floor event in the Tigers’ first three meets this year.
McClain and Bryant both took home their first event wins of the year, moving their career totals to 10 and 95.
“It seems like the Florida meet always comes down to a 10th or a 10th and a half, no matter whether it’s here or in Gainesville. I mean, that’s a great team over there. We knew they would come in here and perform well, they always do, and just proud of the team’s fight tonight,” said head coach Jay Clark in a statement on the university website.
According to the scoreline, Freshman Lexi Zeiss got things started for the Tigers in the meet on vault and posted a 9.775 in the opening spot.
After that, Finnegan matched her season-high in second spot with a 9.950 and was followed by 5th-year senior Chase Brock, who scored a 9.725.
Jackson
NEW YORK—Josh Allen scored two touchdowns as the Buffalo Bills punished a slew of mistakes to defeat the Baltimore Ravens 2725 and set up a blockbuster NFL playoff clash with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
Bills quarterback Allen barged over for two first-half rushing touchdowns at a snowy Highmark Stadium in New York as Ravens opposite number Lamar Jackson and the Bills were left ruing a string of costly errors.
The Ravens had a golden chance to tie the game with less than two minutes remaining, but tight end Mark Andrews fluffed a simple catch attempting a two-point conversion to effectively seal the Bills win.
“How about that Buffalo Bills defense?” Allen said afterwards.
“All year we heard this team has no talent, we’re too small, we can’t stop the run? We’re not good enough to compete.
“We just put our head down and worked hard -- I’m so proud of our defense.”
The AFC divisional round battle had been hyped as a duel between two of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL, pitting this season’s Most Valuable Player frontrunner Allen against the Ravens’ reigning MVP Jackson.
But the quarterback shoot-out largely failed to materialise in a gritty contest that ultimately pivoted on the Ravens’ mistakes at key times.
When action ended, the Tigers grabbed at least a share of every event title, with the Paris Olympics’ veteran Finnegan going home with the floor crown, to go with a part of the vault and all-around titles, according to the team’s official website.
Straka shakes off nerves, wins PGA American Express golf title
LOS ANGELES—Austrian Sepp
Straka conquered his nerves to capture his third US PGA Tour title in convincing style Sunday, firing a two-under-par 70 to win the American Express in La Quinta, California, by two strokes.
Straka started the day with a four-shot lead over a trio of players and led by the same margin after his fourth birdie of the day at the par-three 13th -- the toughest hole on the Stadium Course.
But it wouldn’t be a smooth march to the finish. Straka’s lead dwindled to three strokes after his first bogey of the week at the par-five 16th, where his second shot from the fairway drifted right and his 15-foot putt to save par slipped past the hole. He would bogey the 18th as well, but his 25-under-par total put him two clear of former world number one Justin Thomas, who carded a six-underpar 66 for 265.
Another former world number one, Australian Jason Day, dropped out of a tie with Thomas with a bogey at 18, finishing with a three-under-par 69 that left him tied for third with American Justin Lower, who also posted a 69. Despite his big lead to start the day Straka said it was “nerves, complete nerves” coming down the stretch.
“Stomach in a knot the whole nine,” said the 31-year-old, although he gave none of that away with his outwardly unruffled demeanor.
Straka launched his round with an 11-foot birdie at the first and added birdies at the fourth and seventh.
Charlie Hoffman, the 36-hole coleader who started the day tied for second with Lower and Day, made four birdies on the front nine to slice a shot off Straka’s lead. AFP
Her teammates Konnor McClain finished on top of bars, while Haleigh Bryant bagged a share of the beam title. Finnegan, who is tipped to re -
Finnegan scored an almost perfect 9.95 in the fifth floor spot, followed by a 9.90 from graduate student Bryant.
The big showing from Finnegan and Bryant helped LSU lock up the team win for the Tigers.
The all-around title was split by LSU’s Finnegan and Florida’s Selena Harris-Miranda, both finishing with a 39.500.
Freshman Lexi Zeiss gave the Tigers a good start on the vault when she posted a 9.775 in the opening spot, before Finnegan matched her season-high in second spot with a 9.950.
Freshman Kaliya Lincoln scored a 9.725 in fourth spot, followed by a 9.85 by sophomore Amari Drayton in spot five, with freshman Kailin Chio hitting a 9.925 to give the Tigers a strong finish to the rotation.
A Jackson fumble following a sack by Damar Hamlin led to Allen’s opening touchdown in the second quarter that put the Bills 14-7 ahead. Allen then scored his second rushing touchdown in the closing moments of the first half to help put the Bills 21-10 up at the break.
The Ravens threatened a comeback with a field goal and a Derrick Henry touchdown in the third quarter that cut the Bills lead to three points. But another Ravens turnover in the fourth quarter, Andrews fumbling under pressure led to a Bills field goal that stretched the hosts lead to 27-19. AFP
UAAP brings back girls’ basketball tourney
FOR the first time in five years, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines is bringing back the girls’ basketball tournament.
The inaugural tournament, held during UAAP Season 82, concluded with Adamson University and the University of Santo Tomas being declared co-champions after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the winner-take-all Game 3 of the Finals.
This season, UST will return alongside Ateneo High School, De La SalleZobel, and National University Nazareth School for this demonstration event, which tips off on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
NUNS head coach Camilla Escoto, a former women’s basketball player, expressed her excitement about the tournament’s comeback.
“Very happy and very excited about it kasi I believe, we just need to start somewhere and it will start growing. Ganu’n ang women’s basketball. Bigyan mo lang ng platform and they will perform and start becoming more.
Although there are only four teams pa lang for this season, it’s a good start. We just really need to start,” said Escoto, who led NUNS to victories in the National Basketball Training Center’s girls’ division and the UAAP girls’ 3x3
tournament last year. NUNS will begin its campaign against Ateneo at 4:00 p.m. The girls’ games will follow the boys’ games on each game day, scheduled on Sundays and Thursdays.
Junior Growling Tigresses head coach Arsenio Dysangco emphasized the importance of having a high school division in the UAAP to ease the transition of student-athletes to the collegiate level.
“I am extremely delighted that after a four-year hiatus, our young girls finally have their own tournament to showcase their talents. This tournament is also critical in the development of women’s basketball because starting them early gives them a better chance at reaching their fullest potential as basketball athletes,” said Dysangco, who has served as a long-time deputy for Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong.
Djokovic row as ailing Sinner beats heat to reach Melbourne quarters
MELBOURNE—Novak
Djokovic was at the center of another Australian Open row on Monday while defending champion Jannik Sinner needed medical attention in fierce heat to battle into the quarter-finals.
But American teenage qualifier Learner Tien’s fairytale run is over after he suffered a thigh problem in a four-set defeat to Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego. With temperatures rising above 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) for a second successive day, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina beat Veronika Kudermetova -then declined to shake the Russian’s hand. Five-time major champion
Iga Swiatek will later be desperate to avoid a big shock against “lucky loser” Eva Lys in her bid to win a maiden Melbourne crown. The 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic on Sunday refused to do a routine oncourt interview after beating Jiri Lehecka to set up a quarter-final blockbuster against Carlos Alcaraz. Afterwards he said it was in protest at Tony Jones, a top sports presenter with host broadcaster Channel Nine, who he accused of “insulting and offensive comments” towards him and Serbian fans. Jones on Friday labelled Djokovic a “has-been”, among
other things, and said: “Kick him out.” Djokovic said he would boycott interviews with the TV station until he got an apology. He later released a short video on X to explain his stance and it has been viewed more than 60 million times, and caught the attention of the site’s owner Elon Musk.
“It’s way better just to talk to the public directly than go through the negativity filter of legacy media,” Musk posted in response, with Djokovic replying: “Indeed.”
The LSU Tigers, spearheaded by Fil-Am Olympian Aleah Finnegan, celebrate their high scores.
Italy’s Jannik Sinner signs autographs to fans following his victory over Denmark’s Holger Rune after the men’s singles match on Day 9 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. AFP
NUNS head coach Camilla Escoto
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
PH paddlers, Volcanoes lead citation PSA awardees
A SPECIAL award to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and citations to 18 personalities and entities will be handed out in the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night slated next week at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel.
The country’s Grand Old League is being recognized by the country’s oldest media organization for reaching a great milestone of celebrating its 100th season as one of the country’s cradle of sporting heroes.
Meanwhile, the dragon boat national team, Philippine Volcanoes, weightlifter Angeline Colonia, jiu jitsu bet Isabella Joseline Butler, powerlifter Regie Ramirez, and grand slam winner Creamline are some of last year’s achievers to be cited in the Jan. 27 grand affair co-presented by ArenaPlus, Cignal, and MediaQuest.
Gymnastics wonder boy Carlos Yulo leads the 2024 honor roll as the deserving choice as Athlete of the Year.
Backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, PLDT/Smart, Senator Bong Go, and Januarius Holdings, with support provided by the PBA, PVL, 1-Pacman Party List, Rain or Shine, Akari, and AcroCity, 12 others will be cited by the country’s sports writing community for their respective achievements in the year just passed.
The list includes Johann Chua and Albert James ‘AJ’ Manas (billiards), Carl Eldrew Yulo (gymnastics), Ruelle Canino (chess), Kheith Rhynne Cruz (table tennis), Marc Dylan Custodio (bowling), Mark John Lexer Galedo (cycling), Lovely Inan (weightlifting), Philippine baseball team, Centennial 7 (sailing), Jessa Mae Tabuan (powerlifting), and Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara (volleyball).
The Filipino paddlers had a dominant performance in the ICF Dragon Boat World Championship in Puerto Princesa, Palawan where they emerged overall champion, while the Philippine Volcanoes scored a twin kill in the men’s and women’s division of the Asia Rugby Emirates Seve ns Trophy in Nepal.
OKC Thunder bounce back to down Nets
LOS ANGELES—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the scoring with 27 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder got back to winning ways with a 127-101 defeat of the struggling Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.
Gilgeous-Alexander -- who missed Friday’s defeat to Dallas with a wrist injury -added 10 assists and four steals to his points tally in a wire-to-wire home victory for the Western Conference leaders.
The Thunder seized control of the contest in a rampant first quarter, outscoring Brooklyn 39-19 and opening up a 29-point lead late in the game before strolling to victory.
The win extended the Thunder’s lead at the top of the Western Conference to 6.5 games from second-placed Houston. Oklahoma City lead the conference with a 35-7 record. The Denver Nuggets meanwhile stayed amongst OKC’s chasing pack with a 113-100 defeat of the Orlando Magic in Florida.
Denver star Nikola Jokic bagged his 18th triple-double of the season in the win, finishing with 20 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and three blocks.
The Nuggets trailed by 10 points midway through the second quarter but Denver took control in the third, outscoring Orlando 39-25 before stretching their lead to 24 points in the fourth quarter.
The win extended Denver’s winning streak on the road to six games. The Nuggets are now 26-16 and stand in fourth place in the West. In Milwaukee meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a 30-point game for the third time in his past four outings, scoring 34 points in a 123-109 win over the injury-hit Philadelphia 76ers.
Damian Lillard finished with 25 points, 16 of them coming in a flurry of fourth quarter scoring as Milwaukee closed out victory. AFP
Argentinian aces power Blue team to Chairman’s Cup win
By Peter Atencio
TEAM Blue pulled off a come-from-behind 9-7 triumph over Team White on Sunday in the 2025 Chairman’s Cup at the Enrique Zobel East Field of the Manila Polo Club in Makati City.
Argentinian pro Gregorio Gelosi and Gus Aguirre led with three goals apiece and made the decisive ones in the last two chukkers to take the High Goal Game crown of the inaugural leg of the 2025 season.
Gelosi made his big moves in the fifth chukker, scoring his first goal with an attack from 10 yards at the 4-minute mark, 6-7.
The next assault saw Gelosi going for another attempt that tied
the contest, 7-all, on transition and after team skipper Ferdinand Martin Romualdez made a spectacular save from the other end of the field.
Gelosi’s third goal came at the fifth chukker’s buzzer, when he rode in from the left flank, swinging the ball into net, while challenged by another Argentine pro Juan Zibaurre.
Aguirre got an assist from Romualdez at the 1:48 mark of the sixth chukker for Team Blue’s final goal.
“It was a nice and fast game. And we had a level of player from Argen-
tina. And that’s (Ignacio) O’Dwyre, Gelosi and Zibaurre. They’re the imports. They played at a high level,” said the 23-year Romualdez, who gave credit to his teammates. Romualdez’s younger brother Andrew, earlier led Team White to a 7-5 lead with his two goals in the closing minutes of the fourth chukker.
In the low goal game, Pedro Roxas made three goals in carrying Team Red past Team Black, 5-3. Action resumes next Sunday with the 20th Enrique Zobel Memorial Cup.
PH loses to Australia, but still advances in Asian Futsal Cup
THE Philippines still earned a slot in the 2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup in China this May.
The Filipinas’ chances were earlier in jeopardy after they lost to Australia, 1-2, on Sunday evening in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
This was after Uzbekistan, which needed to win and get two clear goals to progress, took the second qualifying slot with a 6-2 triumph over Turkmenistan.
Australia’s 4-0-0 win-draw-loss sweep and its 12-point tally of Group C gave them one of nine available seats in the finals this May.
The Philippines went on to finish third on seven points and its 2-1-1 card.
The Filipinas missed its chance to score in the fourth minute when Isabella Flanigan created the opening for Katrina Guillou, whose grounder went wide to the left of the post.
The scoreless deadlock was finally broken in the seventh minute when Australian Daisy Arrowsmith pounced on a stray clearance from Judy Connolly, and hit a powerful drive into the back of the net.
The Filipinas had a chance to equalize with 30 seconds left on the clock, before halftime.
But Flanigan’s shot from outside was accidentally deflected into the back of the net by Halle Smit, for an own goal at the 19:33 mark.
The Aussies struck back within 20 seconds of the restart in the second half, when Claudia Fruscalzo set up Jessica Au at the far post.
Australia finished with a perfect 12 points, while Uzbekistan edged the Philippin0es on goal differ-
ence, with both having accumulated seven points. Also making it to the May 6 to 17 finals is Thailand, which topped Group A with a perfect 12 points, and Bahrain, which will make a second appearance. There’s also Indonesia in Group B, which beat Hong
Kong, 5-0, on Sunday to finish with three wins out of three. Hong Kong advanced as the runners-up. Vietnam held Chinese Taipei to a 2-all draw, with the point ensuring it finished on top of Group D on goal difference. Chinese Taipei also advanced. Peter Atencio
PH hosting of FIVB world tilt rides Korean wave in marketing, promotions
THE Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has incorporated the Korean touch in world-class marketing and public relations to the country’s first-time and solo hosting of the FIVB Men’s World Championship (MWCH) 2025 in September.
PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara personally handed the appointment of Jeon Yongjun as Director of Marketing and Public Relations of the Local Organizing Committee of the FIVB MWCH 2025 during an official visit last week in Seoul.
“We wish to create opportunities for South Korea in the world of volleyball,” said Suzara, also president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and executive vice president of the International Volleyball Federation, or FIVB.
Suzara said that Jeon is expected to effectively implement Korea’s mar-
general Donaldo Caringal and marketing head Raoul Floresca, noted that as pop culture influences consumer behavior in the Philippines, companies could capitalize as the South Korean national team takes part in the elite 32-nation world championship set from September 12 to 28.
Jeon’s appointment was made upon the recommendation of Choongwon Su, chief development officer of NEOCOLORS P&A Inc., the exclusive advertising agency and promoter for South Korea and a major partner of the PNVF.
“Filipinos are excited to watch the South Korea National Team and will be equally excited to welcome Korean brands,” said Suzara as he hinte d of bringing a globally popular K-pop group for the opening ceremony of the FIVB MWCH 2025.
Team White’s Simon Prado in a faceo with Team Blue’s Gus Aguirre during the high goal game of the Chairman’s Cup at the Manila Polo’s East Field on Sunday.
The match ushers in the start of the 2025 polo season. Revoli Cortez
The Philippine women’s futsal team
PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara and Jeon Yongjun (fourth and fth from left) with PNVF secretary-general Donaldo Caringal (right) and marketing head Raoul Floresca (fourth from left) and top o cials of the NEOCOLORS P&A Inc. in Seoul keting and promotional strategies, adding that his role will be “pivotal in driving the su ccess and visibility of the prestigious event.” Suzara, who was joined in the official visit in Seoul by PNVF secretary-
DA expects bumper rice harvest this year to surpass 2023 record
P2.85 trillion
P3.2
By Othel V. Campos
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. is optimistic about achieving bumper rice production in 2025, rebounding from last year’s slump and exceeding the previous record palay harvest of 20.46 million metric tons (MT) in 2023.
Tiu Laurel said the DA was motivated to aim for higher yield following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to restore the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) rice production budget. “We’re now hopeful we could do better than 2023,” he said.
Rice production faced setbacks in 2024 amid a prolonged dry spell from El Niño and flooding from La Niña, resulting in an estimated output of 19.3 million metric tons, below the 2023 levels.
To bolster rice security, the National Food Authority (NFA) will continue its aggressive procurement program, which helped fully stock warehouses last year.
Tiu Laurel, who is also the NFA chairman, reported that agency purchased 300,000 metric tons of palay in 2024, stabilizing supply despite production challenges.
This year, the agency aims to buy
at least the same amount. Under the amended Rice Tariffication Law, the NFA’s buffer stock requirement increased from 9 days to 15 days of national consumption.
Meanwhile, a combination of reduced palay output, higher NFA procurement and lower rice tariffs drove rice imports to 4.75 million metric tons in 2024.
The government aims to boost local production, while continuing rice imports, to meet rising demand and stabilize the prices.
The DA prescribed a maximum suggested retail price of P58 per kilogram of imported rice to prevent profiteering among traders amid indications that the drastic drop in import tariff did not translate into equivalent reduction in retail prices of the main staple.
BIR expects to exceed 2024 tax collection goal by billions
THE Bureau of Internal Revenue
(BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. on Monday confirmed that the agency did not only reach its annual collection goal for the first time in 20 years but was also on track to exceed the level by the billions.
“A surplus of billions is expected to be added to its collection for 2024, after final reconciliation is made by early February 2025. The BIR has a 2024 collection goal of P2.848 trillion, as approved by the DBCC last March 2024,” the BIR said in a statement.
“The BIR will exceed its 2024 DBCC collection Goal by the billions. We are still waiting for the final numbers to be reconciled by early February, but we are certain that we have exceeded our target by the billions,” said Lumagui.
Lumagui reported last week that the BIR reached its 2024 DBCC collection target, ending a 20-year drought for the agency.
The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) set a collection target of P3.2 trillion for 2025, up by 12.28 percent from P2.848 trillion in 2024.
Since his appointment in 2022, Lumagui focused on his four pillars of good governance which include fearless and aggressive enforcement activities, excellent taxpayer service, integrity and professionalism of the institution and its employees and digitalization.
The agency said that through the programs of good governance, coupled with enforcement activities against ghost receipts and illicit trade of cigarettes and vape products, the BIR has billions in surplus collection for 2024.
This means that the national government will have to borrow less from creditors to maintain its 2025 budget, the agency said.
“The billions in surplus BIR collections for 2024 means that the national government can borrow less money to maintain the 2025 budget. This is a win for the Filipino People, and for future generations of Filipinos who will inherit less national debt than the current generation,” Lumagui said.
Romualdez,
Recto to lead PH delegation to WEF meeting in Switzerland
By Othel V. Campos and Darwin G. Amojelar
HOUSE of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez and Finance Secretary Ralph Recto are leading the Philippine delegation attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland from Jan. 20 to 24, 2025. The four-day event will highlight the country’s economic progress under the Marcos administration.
Recto said the delegation also seeks to secure more investments that would drive inclusive economic growth in the Philippines.
Under the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” the 2025 WEF meeting will convene nearly 3,000 global leaders including heads of state, government officials, top business executives and influential figures from international organizations across 130 nations. The forum aims to spark dialogue, build trust and drive
sustainable solutions to critical global challenges.
Recto said he would take the opportunity to actively engage with international partners to bring home more investments to develop the Philippines’ high-impact industries, improve the logistics backbone, strengthen the workforce and expand artificial intelligence (AI) and financial inclusion initiatives.
These investments are aimed at creating more jobs for Filipinos, increase
their incomes and reduce poverty to ensure meaningful and inclusive economic progress for the country, he said.
Joining Romualdez and Recto are Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, Ambassador and Philippine Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Manuel Antonio Teehankee as they host an economic briefing for global investors at the Philippine Breakfast Interaction.
DOE open to ASEAN cooperation to develop region’s nuclear energy
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Department of Energy said it is open to regional cooperation with ASEAN countries to further advance the country’s nuclear energy agenda.
“Ultimately, we would like to see, if the rest of the ASEAN region is also looking into the potential of nuclear energy, that there will be some kind of regional approach, not only in terms of emergency response, but also in the training of human resources that will be needed,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said in a recent interview with Bloomberg TV.
Lotilla said the Philippines is not limiting itself to partnerships with US companies after signing the 123 agreement on nuclear cooperation with the United States, which entered into force in July 2023.
“Well, we have already signed
the 123 Agreement with the United States, and that has allowed us to exchange information and technologies with the United States. So, since the private sector is the one that drives the development of power in the country, that has enabled our private sector to now directly get in touch with American companies and discuss the possibilities,” Lotilla said.
“We have been exploring also with other countries such as Japan, which has been providing us with technical expertise. We just came from the United Arab Emirates and the cooperation, the memorandum of understanding that we signed with the UAE includes cooperation in the energy sector there. Then in the case of Korea, we also have agreements for them to help us out in this space,” he said.
JOHN HAY LEASE. Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president Joshua Bingcang (third from left) and Ren Siccion (fourth from left), president of Top Taste and Trading Inc. (TTTI) sign a lease agreement for an 800-square-meter property in Camp John Hay, Baguio City. With them are (from left) Marlo Ignacio Quadra, the new president and chief executive of John Hay Management Corp.; Anthony Marvin Ponce De Leon, BCDA director; Claudelle Pulido, TTTI director for external affairs and Raven Siccion, TTTI marketing director. Norman Araga
REPUBLIC OF PHILIPPINES Regional Trial Court NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 93, QUEZON CITY rtc1qzn093@judiciary.gov.ph (02) 85675367
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES repsented by the ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COUNCIL, Petitioner, - versus – AMLA CASE NO. 005 (22) For: Civil Forfeiture
MEIRUN HONG, KUAILE WU, AV CHUA
TRADING, AARON VALDEZ CHUA, NAJIH IBRAHIM ABDUL, NORMANISAN
DARIMBANG H. FARHAN, RONGZE LI,
ZHENJIAN LI, WEN CHANG WU, JIARONG WU, JIA BAO FEED VET AGRO
PRODUCTS, QINGDAN CHEN, JENNIFER
G. CHEN, WALTER S. SANTILLAN, WENG LIN CHAN, JINLE SHI AKA KIM
LOK SY, SHIPING XIAO, AIMIN HONG, JINGANG WANG, QIANGTIAN CAI, MELODY A SHI, WEILI WANG, L & Z
TRADING, XIAO YU, AMEI DAI, LAIN
WU AKA CARLOS GO, WENJIAN XU, LITAN WANG, ZHIQIANG XU, YANYU
HUANG, DARLIE TRADING CORPORATION, JOSE JOEY M. KO, ZU
Z. LI, YUBIAO WANG, SUMIAO HONG, CAI CHANCHAN, SY HIM C. LATO, JULY
F. LEE, SHAOXIN ZHANG, JAY SANTOS ONG, SIYING LI, OWEN & SONS PAWNSHOP FOREIGN EXCHANGE, FRANKI EXCHANGE CO, M GSP MONEY CHANGER, ANSARY A. MAWIYAG, NASIBA A. IBRAHIM, H CASAAN M. ABDUL, JOHARY M. PALAWAN, JOHANIA PALAWAN, OMAIYA T. SHARIEF, H ZAINAB B. DASIMBAN, YASSER MAUTE, NORAINA M. LACA, WILFREDO L REBUYAS, ROSARIO S. REBUYAS, PRECIOUS AND NICK ASHER SCRAP GOLD BUYER, ICHIBAN-J GIFT SHOP WINES & PAINTINGS, CAIRODING A BAYANTOL, BELEN L. CANCIO, CALVIN E. BANDIALAN, MEIYA WU, BARAHUL ISLAM, MELODY SHI, WEILI WANG, LIJIN ZHUANG, MEICHUN QU, JAY S. ONG, METROOPOLITAN BANK & TRUST CO. (MBTC), BDO UNIBANK, INC. (BDO), LAND REGISTRATION AUTHORITY, REGISTER OF DEEDS OF THE PASAY CITY, AND LAND TRANSPORTATION OFFICE, Respondents. x----------------------------------------------------------------------x ORDER For resolution is a plea for Issuance of a Provisional Asset Preservation and/or Asset Preservation Order included in the Petition filed on 4 November 2022 seeking for the issuance of a Provisional Asset Preservation Order (PAPO) directing herein respondents,
1 Spouses Najih I. Abdul and Ashtra P. Maute
Petitioner, in its Petition for Civil Forfeiture, alleges, among others; that on 3 December 2019, operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 4-A conducted a drug buy-bust operation that resulted in the arrest of Naida Batuan Sarip (Naida) and Aina Sangcopan Dimapinto (Aina); that the surveillance report of PDEA revealed that Naida and Aina had bank transactions with Meirun Hong (Meirun) and Normanisan D.H. Farhan (Normanisan); that Meirun and Normanisan have been included in the list of personalities involved in drug trafficking and/or money laundering referred by PDEA to the AMLC for financial investigation and case build-up; and that De Rui Zhang and Lisa Ang Reyes, whose bank accounts are subject of two (2) separate drug-related petitions for civil forfeiture are included in the said list.
Petitioner also alleges that sometime on 2 December 2019, a female Confidential Informant (CI) came to PDEA and reported that Naida had asked her to look for a buyer of shabu for an amount of at least One Million Pesos (P1,000,000.00); that the CI and Naida are acquainted with each other since they both previously lived in Cotabato; that when the CI asked Naida for a job, after less than a week, the CI received a phone call from Naida telling the former to wait at Naida’s stall in Quiapo, Manila; that when they met, Naida offered the CI a part-time work which requires filling-out deposit slips, with details to be given by Naida via short messaging system (SMS) and messenger and collating the same; that every time the CI received said details, she would then Immediately fill-out the deposit slips and she will pick-up these up and return the same after hour or two for the CI to compile; that the CI filled-out deposit slips which she Compiled almost every day and then collected by Naida every Sunday; that during the debriefing, when IO1 Vina Velen Ignacio (IO1 lgnacio), who acted as poseur-buyer in the buy-bust operation, asked for proof about the foregoing, the CI showed pictures of deposit slips in her cellular phone: that she likewise showed a Palawan Express transaction slip and twenty-nine (29) deposit slips, the details of which are summarized as follows: Name Account No. Bank
1. Meirun Hong 000-6180-30041 BDO
2. Normanisan D.H. Farhan 004-2301-27858 BDO
3. Asrainie B. Balao 0042-3013-0891 BDO
4. De Rui Zhang 0079-3002-7535 BDO
5. Delica Buy and Sell of Car Trading 0124-8800-0558 BDO
6. Najih I. Abdul 0042-3012-6347 BDO
7. AV Chua Trading 0116-0001-4222 BDO
8. Lisa Reyes Ang 0018-5302-8572 BPI
9. Abdul Rahman P. Dimapinto 09989331373 Palawan Express
Petition further alleges that during the buy bust operation IO1 lgnacio, the CI Naida settled to transact one (1) kilogram of shabu for One Million Pesos (1,000,000.00); that they agreed a down payment of Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000.00) would be deposited a day before the delivery on 2 December 2019 to the BDO accounts of De Rui Zhang and AV Chua Trading at Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (P250,000.00) each; that they likewise agreed that the balance shall be deposited on 4 December 2019 to other BDO accounts under the names of Nahji Abdul and Delica Buy and Sell; that after an hour, the team leader of the operation instructed the CI to call Naida to discuss a change of their terms, citing IO1 lgnacio’s preference to hand over the money simultaneously with the delivery of the shabu, that on 3 December 2019, Naida and Aina were arrested by the PDEA operatives: that accordingly, after the inquest proceedings, a case for violation of Section 5 in relation to Section 26. Article II, Republic Act No. 91645 was filed against Naida and Aina docketed as Criminal Case No. 19-68276 entitled People of the Philippines versus Naida Batuan Sarip and Aina Sangcopan Dimapinto; and that said case is pending before Branch 139, Regional Trial Court, Antipolo City.
Petitioner likewise alleges that based on PDEA’s referral of the case, petitioner, through AMLC Secretariat, issued a Resolution No. 64 authorizing AMLC Secretariat to file an ex-parte petition for issuance of freeze order; that petitioner filed before the Court of Appeals an Ex Parte Petition for Issuance of Freeze Order on monetary instruments and properties relative to different bank accounts and personal and real properties owned by different individuals; that the Court of Appeals issued the solution dated 4 May 2022 ordering the concerned bank/s to freeze the bank accounts and properties involved; and that simultaneous thereto, Resolution No. 64-A was issued authorizing AMLC to conduct bank inquiry into said bank accounts;
Petitioner avers that the financial investigation conducted by AMLC Secretariat revealed that Meirun Hong, based on her know-your customer (KYC) documents with BDO, is a vegetable vendor; that surveillance on her business located at 116 C. Cordero St., Between 3rd and 4th Ave.. Caloocan City disclosed that she is engaged in a small scale selling of recycled containers, ice chest coolers and other items; that her business ocçupies and approximate area of sixteen (16) meters only; that considering the limited income that she could possibly earn therefrom, the amount deposited to her account on a regular basis, lack logical and economic justification; that investigation disclosed that her transaction from year 2009 to 2019 had an abrupt increase in terms of total amount deposits and withdrawals from year 2018 to 2019 and that it was the same year when the subjects were arrested for drug trafficking; that clearly, the amounts in her personal bank accounts and accounts with co-depositor Kualie Wu are not commensurate with her declared business of selling fruit and vegetables; and that Meirun likewise received a check from AV Chua Trading who is also a respondent in the previously filed petition before the Court of Appeals.
Petition likewise avers that based on the return submitted by Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (MBTC) on 18 May 2022, the bank account with owned by Rongze Li or Zhenjian Li with account number 7009510083 was tagged for receiving funds from Meirun in the amount of P100,000.00 and that considering the above discussion, evidence exists that the funds in the bank account mentioned represent, relate and involve proceeds of the unlawful activity, that is violation of R.A. 9165.
In addition, petitioner contends among others that AV Chua Trading is registered under the name of Aaron Valdea Chua that investigation and evaluation disclosed that AV Chua Trading’s transaction shows that the glaring difference of the amount transacted in year 2019 and year 2020; that AV Chua Trading is one of the accounts named with De Rui Zhang by naiad to IO1 Ignacio, that Naida through the CI has in her cellular phone photographs of deposit slips under the name of the latter along with De Rui Zhang, Lisa Reyes Ang, Lisa Ang Hardware; that such fact leads to the conclusion that AV Chua Trading is a recipient of illegal drug proceeds; that AV Chua Trading owns MBTC, EWBC and BDO accounts; that based on the returns submitted by BDO and MBTC, the bank accounts detailed below were tagged for receiving funds from AV Chua Trading which are likewise covered by the freeze order, to wit:
Name Account No. Bank
1 Wen Chang Wu or Jiarong Wu 1540157588
Jia Bao Fee Vet Agro Products
Qingdan Chen or Jennifer G. Chen
Walter S. Santillan
Weng Lin Chan
05-11-04-SC otherwise known as the “Rule of Procedure in Cases of Civil Forfeiture, Asset Preservation, and Freezing of Monetary Instrument, Property, or Proceeds representing, involving, or relating to an Unlawful Activity or Money Laundering Offense under Republic Act No. 9160, as amended” states: SEC. 11. Ex parte issuance of provisional asset preservation order.- Where the executive judge of the regional trial court or, in his absence, the vice executive judge or, in their absence, any judge of the regional trial court available in the same station, has determined that probable cause exists on the basis of allegations of a verified petition sufficient in form and substance, with a prayer for the issuance of an asset preservation order, that the monetary instrument, property, or proceeds subject of the petition are in any way related to an unlawful activity as defined in Section 3(i) of Republic Act No 9160, as amended by Republic Act No. 9194, the court may issue ex parte a provisional asset preservation order effective immediately forbidding any withdrawal, deposit, transfer, removal, conversion, concealment, or other disposition of the subject monetary instrument, property, or proceeds. Such order
In
1600061778 BDO
23Jose Joey M. Ko 4390000627 BDO 24 Zu Z. Li or Yubiao Wang 5140019583 BDO 25 Sumiao Hong 12438000116BDO 26Cai Chanchan 2600053928 BDO
27 Sy Him C. Lato 458008618 BDO
28July F. Lee 7930009928 BDO
29Shaoxin Zhang 2830033554 BDO
30 Jay Santos Ong 7168539122MBTC
31 Siying Li 7168539122MBTC
32Najih Ibrahim Abdul IC-1004230140447BDO
33Owen & Sons Pawnshop Foreign Exchange 1980005719 BDO
34 Franki Exchange Co. 2780139036 BDO
35Gsp Money Changer 4830087881 BDO
36Ansary A. Mawiyag 3120303482 BDO
37Omaiya T. Sharief 4230044006 BDO
38H Zainab B. Disimban 4230127823 BDO
39Yasser Maute 4238014735 BDO
40 Noraina M. Laca 4230056179 BDO
41 Wilfredo L Rebuyas or Rosario S. Rebuyas 60085308 BDO
42 Johary M. Palawan Johania Palawan 4230133602 BDO
43Nasiba A. Ibrahim or H Cassan M. Abdul 4230000165 BDO
44 Precious And Nick Asher Scrap Gold Buyer 6940044042 BDO
45 Ichiban-J Gift Shop Wines & Paintings 560115830 BDO
46 Normanisan D.H. Farhan 4230094046 BDO
47 Normanisan Darimbang H. Fathan3-170-59816-5MBTC
48 Normanisan Darimbang H. Fathan3170598173MBTC
49 Cairoding A. Bayantol 1800264354 BDO 50Belen L. Cancio or Calvin E. Bandialan 1390160600 BDO
51 Meiya Wu 8938004655 BDO
52 Barahul Islam 38030392 BDO
53Melody Shi 980377323 BDO
54 Weili Wang 1540211000 BDO
55 Lijin Zhuang or Meichun Wu 30178053 BDO
56Jay S. Ong 3488013342 BDO
57 Zainab B. Disimban 2380068700 BDO
As regards the personal property, the Land Transportation Office is DIRECTED to annotate the Provisional Asset Preservation Order on its Certificate of Registration which shall have the effect of preventing further transfer or disposition of the vehicle with the following details:
Registered Owner Date Acquired Car Model and Make YearPlate No.
1 Normanisan Darimbang H. Farhan 14 March 2018 Toyota Hilux 2.4. 4x2 2018 133603 Moreover, as to the real properties, the Registry of Deeds, Pasay City is DIRECTED to annotate the Provisional Asset Preservation Order on the Original Certificate of Title of the property, which shall have the effect of preventing further transfer or disposition of the real properties with the following details:
Name RD NameTitle TypeTitle No.
1 Spouses Najih L. Abdul and Ashfira P. Maute Pasay City Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) 2008000722 2 2008000723
Further, the covered institutions are directed to submit, by personal delivery to the Court, a detailed written return specifying all the pertinent and relevant information on all the subject accounts mentioned above, including all related accounts, Wherever the same may be found. In the case of related accounts, the return shall Include a comprehensive explanation on why they are considered as related accounts. Meanwhile, the respondents MEIRUN HONG, KUAILE WU, AV CHUA TRADING, AARON VALDEZ CHUA, NAJIH IBRAHIM ABDUL, NORMANISAN DARIMBANG H. FARHAN, RONGZE LI, ZHENJIAN LI, WEN CHANG WU, JIARONG WU, JIA BAO FEED VET AGRO PRODUCTS, QINGDAN CHEN, JENNIFER G. CHEN, WALTER S. SANTILLAN, WENG LIN CHAN, JINLE SHI AKA KIM LOK SY, SHIPPING XIAO, AIMIN HONG, JINGANG WANG, QIANGTIAN CAI, MELODY A SHI, WEILI WANG, L & Z TRADING, XIAO YU, AMEI DAI, LAIN WU AKA CARLOS GO, WENJIAN XU, LITAN WANG, ZHIQIANG XU, YANYU HUANG, DARLIE TRADING CORPORATION, JOSE JOEY M. KO, ZU Z. LI, YUBIAO WANG, SUMIAO HONG, CAI CHANCHAN, SY HIM C. LATO, JULY F. LEE, SHAOXIN ZHANG, JAY SANTOS ONG, SIYING LI, OWEN & SONS PAWNSHOP FOREIGN EXCHANGE, FRANKI EXCHANGE CO, M. GSP MONEY CHANGER, ANSARY A. MAWIYAG, NASIBA A. IBRAHIM, H CASAAN M. ABDUL, JOHARY M. PALAWAN, JOHANIA PALAWAN, OMAIYA T. SHARIEF, H ZAINAB B. DASIMBAN, YASSER MAUTE, NORAINA M. LACA, WILFREDO L. REBUYAS, ROSARIO S. REBUYAS, PRECIOUS AND NICK ASHER SCRAP GOLD BUYER, ICHIBAN-J GIFT SHOP WINES & PAINTINGS, CAIRODING A. BAYANTOL, BELEN L. CANCIO, CALVIN E. BANDIALAN, MEIYA WU, BARAHUL ISLAM, MELODY SHI, WEILI WANG: LIJIN ZHUANG, MEICHUN QU, and JAY S. ONG are hereby required to submit their respective comment or opposition within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof. Should the respondents fail to file their comment or opposition, the Court will hear the case ex parte and render such judgment in accordance with the Rules. Moreover, considering that only one (1) of the respondents is residing within the territorial jurisdiction of this Court, the petitioner is hereby directed to cause the personal service of this Order and the Petition, within twenty-four (24) hours from receipt of this Order, to the Registry of Deeds of Pasay City, the respondents on their respective addresses with the exception of respondent WALTER S. SANTILLAN who is a resident of Quezon City, which shall be served personally by the Branch Sheriff. Petitioner is directed to coordinate with the Office of the Clerk of Court concerned for purposes of service of this Order to the respondents at their given addresses.
Further, let this Order and the Petition be served personally to Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., Banco de Oro, Land Transportation Office and Land Registration Authority by the Branch Sheriff and Process Server.
Finally. in accordance with Section 12 of A.M. 05-11-04-SC, let a summary hearing be set on 28 November 2022 at 8:30 in the morning to determine whether or not the provisional asset preservation order should be modified, lifted or an asset preservation order should issue SO ORDERED. Quezon City, 7 November 2022. (Sgd.) Evangeline C. Cabochan-Santos Acting Presiding Judge A.O. No. 157-2022, June 03, 2022
1Section 3 (i)(2), (i) “Unlawful activity” refers to any act or omission or series or combination thereof invoIving or having relation to the following: xxx xxx xxx (2) Sections 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9 of Article Two of Republic Act No. 6425, as amended, otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972; (MStandard - Jan. 21, 28 & Feb. 4, 2025)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21,
RCBC taps offshore market to issue sustainability notes
By Jenniffer B. Austria
RIZAL Commercial Banking Corp.
(RCBC) is returning to the offshore bond market as it plans to draw down from its $4-billion medium term note program.
“This is to advise the exchange that Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. intends
to offer a benchmark-sized US$ Senior Sustainability notes,” the bank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday.
RCBC has yet to disclose the details of the bond issuance including the size of the offering, maturity date and yield.
The bank said it mandated ING N.V. Singapore Branch, Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc and SMBC Nikko Securities (Hong Kong) Limited as joint book runners for the offering.
It also scheduled an investor call for fixed-income investors on Monday for the planned fund-raising activity.
The US Federal Reserve is set to meet
NEWPORT’S VOLUNTEERS. Newport World Resorts employees celebrate the holidays by spending a meaningful day with the children of Bahay Aruga Foundation.
The country’s multifaceted integrated resort shared kindness, from the expansive property to the broader community, through various corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs implemented in the past year, driven by LOVE–the company’s League of Volunteer Employees.
YAMANG Mineral Corp., a subsidiary of FCF Minerals Corp., the multi-awarded mining company behind the successful Runruno GoldMolybdenum Project, set its sights on unlocking the province’s untapped mineral wealth.
“Abra holds immense potential for responsible and sustainable mineral development. We are eager to begin exploration to confirm the extent of its mineral resources and accelerate the timeline for investments that will directly benefit the people of Abra,” Darren Bowden, president and chief executive of Metals Exploration Plc. and FCF Minerals and concurrently the chairman of Yamang Mineral said in a statement.
“Our goal is to replicate, and even surpass, the success we’ve achieved in Runruno by fostering economic growth, environmental stewardship, and community development in Abra,” said Bowden.
FCF Minerals, a subsidiary of Metals Exploration Plc, recently acquired a controlling interest in Yamang Mineral, which holds significant exploration tenements in Abra.
The strategic move aligns with FCF’s vision to expand its global critical minerals operations.
The company’s track record in Nueva Vizcaya serves as a compelling blueprint for Abra’s potential economic boom. At the Runruno site, FCF has generated substantial economic benefits, directly employing nearly 79 percent of its 1,145 workforce.
FCF reported contributions of over P5.71 billion in various taxes, fees and duties that have supported national and local development initiatives since starting commercial operations in 2017.
The company also excelled in social development programs.
The funding of its social development and management program (SDMP) has reached over P543.7 million supporting education, healthcare and livelihood programs, including scholarships for indigenous students and infrastructure projects like farm-to-market roads. Similar initiatives in Abra will empower local communities and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
DECEMBER 31, 2024 marked the end of the first quarter of the 21st century. Twenty-five years is a long time under any circumstances; it is a particularly long time in the life of national economy.
Considering the passage of a quarter-century, the question that suggests itself to a thoughtful Filipino – a paraphrase of the question posed to American voters in the recent U.S. elections of Donald Trump’s supporters – is: In your opinion is the Filipino economy better today than it was in 1997? His answer would have to be ‘no’.
In 1999, the Philippines was a developing country adjudged by the World Bank to be of middle-middleincomes status. It has been aspiring to be upgraded to an upper-middleincome country. A quarter-century later, the Philippines is still a middlemiddle-income country. By contrast, it took less than 25 years for South Korea and Taiwan to make the quantum leap from the Third World to the First World.
A quarter-century ago, the government placed the national povertyrate at 21 percent, and the respected survey firm Social Weather Stations
later this month for its policy meeting. Meanwhile, the lender in 2024 increased the size of its medium-term bond program to $4 billion from $3 billion previously.
RCBC raised $400 million from the sale of debt papers in January 2024 to finance and refinance its consumer loans and its operating activities for eligible green and social categories.
The five-year senior unsecured sustainability notes were offered with a coupon rate of 5.5 percent per annum.
RCBC’s net income fell 31 percent to P6.2 billion in the first nine months of 2024 on the back of higher expenses.
(SWS) reported that around 50 percent of its survey’s respondents considered themselves poor.
The Marcos administration is aiming to achieve a single-digit national poverty rate by 2028, but its most recent figure is a long way from that goal. The recent SWS feeling-poor survey had close to 50 percent of the respondents considering themselves poor.
A quarter-century ago, the Philippines was a major importer of rice,
PHILIPPINE stocks fell Monday on lackluster trading as investors stayed on the sidelines amid cautious sentiment and lack of catalysts.
The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) closed nearly flat at 6,349.89, down by 2.23 points, or 0.04 percent, from Friday’s trading, while the broader all-shares index was unchanged at 3,702.
Analysts said the PSEi failed to track the US rally Friday and Asian stocks rise due to concerns about inflation and interest rates.
Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said investors would focus on US President Donald Trump’s inauguration where important economic policies could be announced. Indices ended mixed, with financials rising the most by 0.79 percent, followed by mining and oil which rose by 0.49 percent and industrial by 0.42 percent. Pproperty declined by 1.61 percent, while services and holding firms dropped 0.22 percent and 0.09 percent, respectively. Value turnover was still relatively weak at P3.55 billion, with 98 gainers, 105 decliners and 48 unchanged issues.
Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions Inc. climbed 3.42 percent to P17.52 to be the biggest gainer among index firms, while Ayala Land Inc. dropped 2.13 percent to P25.25. Jenniffer B. Austria
with National Food Authority (NFA) happily placing orders for foreign rice. In 2024, the NFA no longer had rice-importing authority, but the Philippines had become the world’s No. 1 rice importer. In a near-desperate move to bring down rice prices, the government reduced in 2024 the tariff on rice from 35 percent to 15 percent.
In 1999, education arguably was the weakest part of this country’s social sector, with the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) of the Organization for Economic Corporation and Development (OECD) giving the Philippines a very low rating and the World Bank reporting that approximately 80 percent of Filipino primary schoolers are unable to fully comprehend what they read in school.
The reduction of education’s share in the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP) and former Department of Education (DepEd) head Sara Duterte’s documented misuse of P612 million worth of DepEd confidential funds have made DepEd’s fiscal position even more dire.
(llagasjessa@yahoo.com)
Cemex may take up to 3 years to achieve profitability
By Jenniffer B. Austria
THE Consunji Group is now seeing a longer turnaround period for Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. (CHP) which continues to be saddled by weak demand and competition from imports.
The Consunji family through Dacon Corp., DMCI Holdings Inc. and Semirara Mining and Power Corp. acquired a majority control of CHP for $272 million in 2024.
DMCI Holdings executive vice president and chief finance officer and CHP president and chief executive Herbert Consunji said it might
CREC eyes P35b for 2025 capex to fund RE projects
By Alena Mae S. Flores
CITICORE Renewable Energy Corp.
(CREC) is looking at capital expendi-
tures exceeding P35 billion this year as it rolls out another 1 gigawatt of renewable energy projects.
“We will release [capex] maybe by next month. We just need to present to our board our annual operating plan so we’ll disclose. Most likely higher [than last year],” CREC president and chief executive Oliver Tan said.
CREC allocated P35 billion capex last year.
Tan said CREC has four solar projects that will come online within the year totaling 1 GW. These are located in Tuy, Batangas; Arayat, Pampanga; Pangasinan and Pagbilao, Quezon.
“These are mostly the GEA-2 [Green Energy Auction] projects,” he said.
“We’ll end the year with almost 1.2 GW. Actually, not only that, we’re rolling out the second GW pipeline this year. Because we are rolling out 1 GW per year for the next five years,” Tan said. Tan said the company is also lining up several fund raising in the first half to finance project construction.
“We’ll be very busy in both capital market… and most likely debt… We’ll most likely do a shelf registration so it would be easier,” he said.
CREC announced this month that Indonesian state-owned enterprise PT Pertamina Power Indonesia subscribed to 20-percent interest in the company.
take two to three years before the cement firm returns to profitability.
Consunji said the group is now exploring ways to improve the operations of the company and make it more efficient.
The group is also banking on CHP’s synergies to existing businesses which include construction, real estate, coal mining and power generation.
He expressed hope CHP’s net loss would be lower this year versus the previous years’ level.
The Consunji Group earlier said it expected CHP to turn round this year on the back of better market conditions and efficient operational syner-
gies.
CHP widened its net loss to P2.87 billion in the first nine months of 2024 from a loss of P1.24 billion recorded in the same period last year.
The loss was mainly a result of reduced cement prices, higher financial expenses and higher income tax expenses.
CHP, which wholly owns APO Cement Corp. and Solid Cement Corp., has a combined annual production capacity of 5.7 million tons.
This is expected to grow to 7.2 million tons this year upon the completion of the expansion plant at Solid Cement Corp. in Rizal.
DBP’s stake sale to enhance capital position—Fitch
FITCH Ratings said the proposed amendments to Development Bank of the Philippines’ (DBP) charter, which will allow the state to sell part of its stake in the bank, are unlikely to have any impact on the bank’s sovereign support-driven issuer default ratings (IDR).
“However, a stake sale that significantly improves DBP’s capital position may be positive for the bank’s standalone credit profile, as it can restore underlying capital buffers that were eroded when DBP injected capital into Maharlika Investment Fund in late-2023,” it said.
The state-run DBP proposed to raise its authorized capital to P300 billion from P35 billion and potentially sell shares that will reduce the state’s 100-percent ownership.
The proposed legislation, however, requires the state to maintain at least a 70-percent stake to ensuring the government’s continued majority control.
“We believe DBP continues to play a strategic role in advancing the state’s policy agenda that the government is likely to retain, notwithstanding the possibility of lower public ownership. DBP’s policy role underpins its sovereign support-driven IDR of ‘BBB’/Stable, which is equalized with the Philippines’ sovereign rating,” Fitch said.
Fitch said a capital injection via a potential stake sale that enhances DBP’s capital position materially could lead to an upgrade in the bank’s viability rating (VR), which reflects
Yanson Group vows to help boost Mindanao economy
MINDANAO Star Bus Transit Inc. (MSBTI), a unit of the Yanson Group, said it will support the economic growth of Central Mindanao in terms of boosting passengers mobility and transportation of agricultural products.
“Mindanao Star Bus is committed to spurring and sustaining social and economic activities in this region by providing safe, dependable and affordable public transport,” said Leo Rey Yanson, the newly re-elected chairman and president of the company after the stockholders’ meeting on Jan. 18, 2025.
Central Mindanao or SOCCSARGEN (Region XII), which includes South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato and Sarangani
Maya expands banking across PH, disburses over P92-b loans since 2022
MAYA, the country’s leading digital bank, said it disbursed over P92 billion in loans since 2022.
About 70 percent of its customers reside outside Metro Manila, where lending and savings activities are growing faster than in the capital.
“Banking should be easy, inclusive, and delightful,” said Maya Group president and Maya Bank co-founder Shailesh Baidwan.
“Our growth outside Metro Manila highlights how digital banking is driving financial inclusion at scale,” he said.
A 2021 study by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reveals that over half of Filipino adults still save money at home or rely on informal lenders. Maya tackles this by simplifying banking: opening an account
takes just one valid ID, and customers can save with no minimum balance while earning competitive interest rates through Maya Savings.
Maya’s app also processes loans instantly, using alternative data and transaction insights to assess creditworthiness, removing the need for collateral or extensive paperwork.
Active borrowers for Maya Easy Credit in non-Metro Manila regions grew 82 percent year-on-year, outpacing Metro Manila’s 64 percent growth as of December 2024. Regional borrowers accounted for over 70 percent of Maya’s overall borrower growth.
Maya Easy Credit, a 30-day credit line, enables users to pay bills, purchase load, shop online or in-store and transfer funds to their Maya Wallet when additional cash is needed.
provinces and General Santos City, is also the Philippines’ top tuna producer, accounting for 80 percent of the industry.
Mindanao Star Bus serves major transport routes in SOCCSARGEN, offering reliable and accessible transportation.
The re-elected MBSTI board members include Olivia Yanson, Leo Rey, Ginnette Dumancas, Charles Dumancas, Arvin John Villaruel and Rey Ardo.
An organizational meeting followed, where Leo Rey was re-appointed as chairman and president, and Olivia Yanson as corporate secretary and treasurer, a company statement said.
Meanwhile, Olivia also led the annual stockholders’ meeting of
Bachelor Express Inc. (BEI) on Jan. 19, 2025. BEI stockholders re-elected Olivia, Leo Rey, Ginnette and Charles Dumancas, Villaruel, Ardo, Anita Chua, Daniel Nicolas Golez, Danny Lorenton, Hernan Omecillo and Alfredo Ligo Jr. as board members, the company said.
Following the election, the board re-appointed Leo Rey as president and CEO and Olivia Yanson as treasurer and corporate secretary.
Mindanao Star Bus and Bachelor Express are affiliates of the Yanson Group of Bus Companies, one of Southeast Asia’s largest transport conglomerates, providing direct livelihood to over 18,000 employees.
its standalone credit strength. Fitch downgraded DBP’s VR to ‘bb-’ from ‘bb’ in March 2024 due to its P25-billion capital contribution to Maharlika Investment Fund, which would have reduced its common equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio by 4 percentage point and resulted in a breach of the local capital requirement if not for regulatory forbearance.
It said DBP’s capitalization has improved gradually since, as indicated by its parent-level CET1 ratio of 13.8 percent at end-September 2024 (up from end-2023’s 13 percent), factoring in forbearance.
“We expect the bank’s capital buffers to continue to rise steadily as profitability improves, helped by lower credit costs amid a robust economic environment. We have not factored in any potential stake sale in our base-case projections, given the significant uncertainty surrounding the timeline and execution of any sale, but more concrete plans could buoy the VR if and when they are announced. Beyond enhancements in its capitalization, DBP’s VR could also be upgraded should we see improvement in its asset quality and profitability,” Fitch said.
IN BRIEF
initiative is part of our P11.2billion investment in pipe replacement projects from 2023 to 2027, aimed at reducing water losses and improving service reliability,” said Maynilad chief operating officer Randolph Estrellado. The project involves upgrading and replacing nearly 2
Express Inc. (BEI) holds Its
(from left) Danny Lorenton, Ginnette Yanson Dumancas, Charles Dumancas, Arvin John Villaruel and Anita Chua. Not in photo are Olivia Yanson, Leo Rey Yanson, Daniel Nicolas Golez, Rey Ardo, Hernan Omecillo and Alfredo Ligo Jr.
FINANCE. Pru Life UK teams up with Al Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines (AAIIBP) for Islamic financial promotion and education. Attending the event are (from left) Maricel Estavillo, vice president for government relations and sustainability at Pru Life UK; Amilbahar Amilasan Jr., chairman and CEO of AAIIBP; Finance Undersecretary Renato Reside; Dean Jukipli Wadi, Pru Life UK Shariah committee chairman; Paul Mandal, Pru Life UK chief legal, government relations and sustainability officer; and Imelda Tarhata Macarambon, chief operating officer of AAIIBP.
ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY
UN confirms 2024 was the hottest year on record
UNITED Nations weather experts from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed on last week that 2024 was the hottest year on record, at 1.55 degrees Celsius (C) above pre-industrial temperatures.
“We saw extraordinary land, sea surface temperatures, extraordinary ocean heat accompanied by very extreme weather affecting many countries around the world, destroying lives, livelihoods, hopes and dreams,” WMO spokesperson Clare Nullis said. “We saw many climate change impacts retreating sea ice glaciers. It was an extraordinary year.”
Four of the six international datasets crunched by WMO indicated a higher than 1.5oC global average increase for the whole of last year but two did not.
The 1.5oC marker is significant because it was a key goal of the 2015 Paris Agreement to try to ensure that global temperature change does not rise more than this above preindustrial levels, while striving to hold the overall increase to well
UN top official disheartened by LA wildfires
UN SECRETARY-GENERAL
António Guterres has expressed sorrow over the fast-moving wildfires that have devastated the Los Angeles area, claiming lives and displacing thousands.
The fires, described as some of the worst in the city’s history, have burned thousands of acres, destroyed homes and left firefighters battling to contain multiple blasts in unprecedented conditions.
“The Secretary-General is shocked and saddened by the widespread devastation caused by the fast-moving wildfires,” said his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric in a recent statement. Guterres extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and expressed solidarity with those displaced, many of whom have lost their homes.
The fires have claimed at least 25 lives, displaced more than 100,000 people and destroyed thousands of buildings. Damages are estimated to exceed $50 billion, according to US private forecaster AccuWeather.
Guterres commended the courage and dedication of first responders working in “extremely difficult conditions” to protect lives and contain the fires.
More than 7,500 firefighters are battling the blazes, with officials describing the conditions as historic and dangerous.
Local fire chiefs reported that dry vegetation and winds with the force of hurricanes have fueled the fires, leaving four out of six major ones completely uncontained.
Efforts are being further delayed by resource shortages and the challenging landscape.
Rainfall levels from late 2024 until now have been below average. This has created dry conditions that, combined with the Santa Ana Winds—a well-known weather pattern in the region—have exacerbated fire risks, according to experts.
The Santa Ana Winds, which typically sweep through the mountains, raise temperatures and drastically lower humidity, rapidly drying out vegetation and creating ideal conditions for wildfires to spread.UN News
below 2oC.
The Paris Agreement is “not yet dead but in grave danger,” the WMO maintained, explaining that the accord’s long-term temperature goals are measured over decades, rather than individual years.
However, WMO SecretaryGeneral Celeste Saulo said “climate history is playing out before our eyes. We’ve had not just one or two record-breaking years, but a full
ten-year series. “It is essential to recognize that every fraction of a degree of warming matters. Whether it is at a level below or above 1.5C of warming, every additional increment of global warming increases the impacts on our lives, economies and our planet.”
Amid still raging deadly wildfires in Los Angeles that weather experts including the WMO insist have been exacerbated by climate change― with more days of dry, warm, windy weather on top of rains which boosted vegetation growth―the UN agency said that 2024 capped a decade-long “extraordinary streak of recordbreaking temperatures.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the WMO’s findings as further proof of global warming and urged all governments to deliver new national climate action plans this year to limit long-term global temperature rise to 1.5C – and support the most vulnerable deal with devastating climate impacts. UN News
DENR boosting climate actions to counter risks
THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reiterated its commitment to accelerate its climate action, notably through reforestation, multi-purpose water facilities and investments in both green and gray infrastructure.
DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga said last week the government was accelerating its efforts on disaster risk reduction, air quality monitoring and integrated water resource management to offset the effects of climate change. The initiatives include pollution management, promoting clean energy and improving water accessibility.
Loyzaga bared the government’s drive during the opening of the 2nd Philippine-Japan Environment Week, saying the the partnership with Japan marked another milestone in addressing shared environmental challenges.
The Philippines and Japan have vowed to explore areas of cooperation on climate change and speed up climate action, including optimizing opportunities in green and gray infrastructure.
“This event is a testament to our commitment that we formalized in our Memorandum of Cooperation which we signed in December of 2023. This embodied the enduring friendship and shared ambition of our two nations to achieve mutual prosperity, sustainable development, and regional stability through a rules-based international order,” Loyzaga said.
The event was attended by Japan’s Minister of Environment, Kobayashi Fumiaki, and Japan’s Ambassador to
the Philippines, Endo Kazuya, as well as various stakeholders.
Loyzaga outlined the key areas of collaboration between the two nations, including climate change adaptation and mitigation, pollution management, clean energy and water accessibility. She said these areas will be discussed throughout the threeday event, exploring concrete opportunities while tackling some of the most pressing environmental challenges faced by the two countries. With PNA
DOST launches multilingual book to raise disaster preparedness
Harnessing
the
potential of agritourism in the countryside
First of Two Parts
THE untamed river valleys and the breathtaking atmosphere of the Vjosa Wild River National Park attracts wilderness enthusiasts and adventurers alike into Albania every year. And in this national park, near the Bënja thermal baths,
is where the Lile family farm and restaurant sits. Along with accommodations and Albanian and Greek cuisine, the Liles’ family business offers wine, gliko (a traditional fruit preserve) and raki, a distilled liquor that is popular in the Balkans and the southern Mediterranean.
In recent years, the number of tourists visiting Albania more than doubled, from 4 million in 2016 to 8.4 million in January-October 2023. This significant boom in tourism has led to a high demand in quality local food and related services.
This presents a great opportunity for family-run agritourism businesses to increase their capacity to meet the growing demands. Albania has recognized that fostering the agritourism sector can create new market opportunities and boost rural development.
Agritourism is a great example of a systems approach that brings together many interrelated sectors: agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, marketing, food, culture and local economies. Addressing these as a whole allows countries to see key blockages to change as well as emerging opportunities for growth.
In 2022, to support the Albanian government in this quest, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) implemented the Sustainable Food Systems in the Mediterranean (SFS-MED) project,
by the government of Italy.
THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has launched the Disaster Narratives for Experiential Knowledge-based Science Communication, or DANAS Sourcebook, to enhance disaster preparedness in Northern and Central Luzon against earthquakes and tsunamis,. The book, written in the Ilokano language. was developed by the DOST-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOSTPHIVOLCS) in collaboration with Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University in La Union, the University of the Philippines–Visayas and DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development.
DANAS includes documented personal accounts from individuals who have experienced past earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic events in the region. By sharing these vivid accounts in local languages, experts believe the sourcebook will enhance disaster preparedness in the country through increased awareness.
Charmaine Villamil, senior science research specialist at DOST-PHIVOLCS, said the Philippines has over 300 named and unnamed volcanoes, with 24 classified as active and 27 as potentially active.
Ten of these volcanoes—including Mt. Pinatubo, Taal, Iriga, Isarog, Mayon, Bulusan, Kanlaon, Hibok-hibok, Matutum, and Parker—are closely monitored by DOST-PHIVOLCS.
“More than just tools, the DANAS Ilokano Sourcebooks serve as bridges connecting experts with the experiences of various communities, linking technical knowledge with cultural understanding,” said
“The DANAS Project aims to make disaster preparedness information more accessible by blending scientific data with community experiences in local languages,” said Teresita Tabaog, director of DOST Regional Office I. Jeffrey S. Perez, supervising science research specialist at DOST-PHIVOLCS, said the Philippines experiences an average of 30 earthquakes a day. The sourcebook highlights local experiences from significant earthquakes, including the 1983 magnitude 6.5 Laoag earthquake, the 1990 magnitude 7.8 Luzon earthquake, the 2019 magnitude 6.1 Central Luzon earthquake and the 2022 magnitude 7 Northwestern Luzon earthquake. Abigael S. Omana, DOST News
With the support from the FAO SFS-MED project, the Lile family was able to increase
DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
Very Wang Nickie Wang
MRichard Gutierrez at 41: More action, more growth, and plenty of peace
ANY people believe that life begins at 40, a time when individuals often achieve greater self-awareness, stability, and fulfillment. The milestone is seen as a turning point where wisdom and life experience intersect where a person finds new opportunities for reinvention and newfound purpose.
For actor Richard Gutierrez, who celebrates his 41st birthday today, Jan. 21, the past year embodies this belief. Turning 40 last year brought important changes to his life, both personally and professionally. Known for his long-standing career in showbiz, Richard approached this new chapter with a renewed focus on his family and career growth.
Does he really believe that life begins at 40?
“Yes,” Richard says with a smile. “I really do. There’s a lot of growth, both spiritually and mentally, that happens around this time. It’s a time for reflection.”
Looking back at the past year, he reveals a sense of contentment.
“There’s been a lot of changes in my life, but overall, I’m happy. The most important thing is that I’m at peace. I get to spend quality time with my kids and family, and I’m working on big projects like Incognito—I couldn’t ask for more.”
Speaking with Manila Standard Entertainment, Richard talks about his experiences as a forty-year-old, the changes in his life, and his aspirations for 2025.
“Professionally, I want to execute Incognito to its fullest potential and make it a successful project. I’m all in, and I’m ready to show my best work. On a personal level, I want to keep growing spiritually and mentally, while maintaining that work-life balance. And of course, I wish for a peaceful year ahead.”
He’s also looking forward to a potential movie project in 2025.
“I want to do a movie this year— maybe towards the middle or end. It’s still in development, and we have a few ideas that I’m excited about,” he shares.
On the career front, Richard recounts his journey in action roles, particularly the success of The Iron Heart – his previous project produced by ABS-CBN. He explains why he chose Incognito, a series centered on
private military contractors, inspired by his interest in military stories.
“I’ve always been fascinated by soldiers’ stories and the mystery of private military contractors. I’ve trained in martial arts, I’ve read books, and I even had dreams of joining the military when I was younger.”
Richard’s love for action roles shows as he talks about his experience with The Iron Heart, calling it a special project.
“It was my first solo action series with ABS-CBN, and we’re thrilled with the success. The ratings were great, and I’m proud of what we accomplished. I’ve trained in various martial arts, undergone tactical training, and worked hard for this,” he says.
When it came time to choose his next project, Richard had several concepts to choose from. He chose Incognito, not just because of the action-packed nature of the show but also because of its military contractor theme.
“It’s something I’ve been reading about for a long time, and I even discussed it with Direk Lester (Pimentel Ong) during The Iron Heart. I love the idea of these secretive missions with people from different military backgrounds working together—it’s a compelling concept for me,” he shares.
As Richard heads into 2025, both as a father and a dedicated actor, his goal is clear: to continue his journey with the same dedication and passion he’s always had.
“I’m excited for what’s to come,” he says. “But right now, I’m just focused on Incognito and everything that comes with it. I want to make sure I’m always learning, growing, and most importantly, spending time with my loved ones.”
For his birthday wish this year, Richard keeps it simple. “I just hope for more happiness, health, and success for my family and me. Everything else will fall into place.”
so to speak. When the body is discussed, it is usually framed by how it looks and how it is presented. But what does a body sound like? Particularly, how does a body in violent metamorphosis gurgle and sputter?
Trying to be young again is a horrific move if you think about it
By Chong Ardivilla
LET written and directed by Fargeat those with weak stomachs.
In a career renaissance move, Demi Moore Sparkles, a television health and wellness instructor whose health and wellness are diminishing because the corporate media are obsessed with youth and freshness.
The movie’s title is the chemical compound that assures a youthful rejuvenation by splicing the body. The old is subdued into a coma, whereas the
younger version emerges and lives a life of reckless abandon but only for a strict schedule. Everything goes haywire if the schedule is not followed and when the chemical is abused. Demi Moore’s character is in a tug of war of visibility between her younger version/avatar, proves Demi Moore’s acting mettle in this truly insane body horror movie about the obsession with youth. But I like carries, which embodies youth in a feminine body aligned with inner turmoil, similar to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The male binary is clear: Dr. Jekyll is civilized, and Mr. Hyde represents , the monstrous is shared and overlaps. One is of a certain age, trying to capitalize on her fading youth and body. The other becomes obsessed with her vigor, her pertness, her vitality. Both become monsters,
The Substance uses sound engineering to make bodily ejecta symphonic. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are male body horror, where the transformation is a descent of one (Hyde), and the recuperation and retention of humanity is by the other (Jekyll).
The Substance is layers of human tissue and limbs. You can hear tendons being torn and flesh bubbling over I like that the writer and director of The Substance is a woman. I hope it is not misogynistic of me to think that only a woman could articulate body horror in this aspect, one that delves into birthing and even the physical emergence of your doppelgänger from your body. The naked bodies in this movie are landscapes of slime and stapled wounds, the price to pay to have your beauty revived. Coralie Fargeat wrote a satire, a disgusting one, about the pressures on women’s bodies affecting women’s mental state.
One of the saddest but most poignant scenes is Demi Moore constantly and violently wiping her make-up and redoing it until her skin is raw because of her insecurity before a date. This is an extreme take on how many women present themselves, or worse, are pressured-programmed to present themselves always from the point of view of being inadequate and with this need to look pleasant at least.
Demi Moore knows a thing or two about diminishing oneself to be pleasant, to be employable in a cruel industry such as Hollywood. It is as if she was born to play this role. She recently won Best Actress at the Golden Globes. She mentioned in her acceptance speech that she was relegated to a popcorn actress, which convinced her for so long that she would never be appreciated for her acting. This movie changed that for her. When I watched The Substance, I could hear several people making retching sounds. I saw quite a number who walked out of the cinema. This is a horror movie, and I see these violent reactions as an amazing endorsement.
SM Cinemas has been rescreening The Substance since Jan. 15.
You may reach Chong Ardivilla at kartunistatonto@gmail.com or chonggo.bsky.social
Hollywood actress Demi Moore portrays the role of Elisabeth Sparkles, a television health and wellness instructor
PRIME-TIMER.
Actor Richard Gutierrez leads the action-packed series ‘Incognito’
SHOWBIZ
A promise of bigger action, more compelling drama
from his Best Supporting Actor win at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival for Green expressed his gratitude to the cast and writers Season 1 during a media conference for the show’s new season.
Calling the experience of working on the series “magical,” Ruru
praised the team’s dedication and collaborative spirit, which he credited as the driving force behind the show’s success. “The team is incredibly supportive and collaborative in everything we do. I believe that’s the secret to teamwork. There’s no or dictator; everyone has a voice, and that’s the magic of Lolong,” he said.
Ruru also shared his excitement for the upcoming episodes. “I just finished reading up to Week 5, and it feels surreal that we have a new chapter for Lolong. I’m so grateful to all of you who have been with us since Season 1. You know how much I love and appreciate you all,” he said, commending the writers for their exceptional work.
Promising to give his all for the new season, Ruru added, “Whatever challenges or obstacles come our way, we’ll face them together and strive for success. Let’s share the good news—our Bayani ng Bayan, Lolong, is returning.”
The 27-year-old actor reprises his titular role in Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan , with the new season promising grander action scenes and more compelling drama. Returning cast members include Shaira Diaz, Rochelle Pangilinan, Paul Salas, Mikoy Morales, Alma Concepcion, Maui Taylor, and Jean Garcia
Joining them are acclaimed actors John Arcilla, Rocco Nacino, Martin del Rosario, Klea Pineda, and Tetchie Agbayani, along with a robust ensemble featuring Victor Neri, Nonie Buencamino, Rodjun Cruz, Pancho Magno, Michelle Dee, Nikki Valdez, and many others. Child stars Ryrie Sophia and Drey Lampago are also set to debut in the series.
Produced by GMA Public Affairs, Lolong was 2022’s mostwatched television series and received accolades including “Best Primetime Serye” at the Gawad Pilipino Icon of the Year and the Philippines’ National Winner for Best Visual/Special Effects at the Asian Academy Creative Awards.
In this new season, Lolong dreams of a world where all people are treated equally. But as he begins to live in peace with the Atubaws, tragedy strikes on his wedding day, forcing him to embark on a perilous quest to recover the legendary Ubtao—a gem with miraculous powers.
At its core, Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan remains a crocodilethemed action-adventure drama that explores themes of bravery, unity, and friendship. Viewers can expect new twists as Lolong faces fresh challenges after uniting the people of Tumahan with the mysterious Atubaws.
Directed by King Mark Baco and Rommel Penesa, Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan airs weeknights after 24 Oras on GMA Prime. Global audiences can catch it via GMA Pinoy TV.
IN A recent interview, Piolo Pascual shared that he’s doing well despite being loveless for over a decade. In that span of time, he said he didn’t look for a special someone.
“I enjoy being single without any worries. It even came to a point where I got used to it, and my work and family became my top priorities. I remember being told once that the longer you stay single, the more you’ll enjoy it, and the less you’ll look for a love life. For thirteen years, I’ve been single. My profession has become my love life,” he said. Does this mean he’s no longer interested in a committed relationship?
“Not for now. I mean, I’m at a point in my life where I’m so busy with my career. I don’t see the point of being with someone, especially since I have so many projects lined up,” he replied.
“I’m always with my family and friends. Having a love life is not something I’m looking for at the moment. I’ve gotten used to being single. But definitely, I’m not closing my doors to a romantic relationship in the future,” he continued.
What qualities does he look for in his next girlfriend?
“Well, first and foremost, she must be a Christian. She should also be family-oriented, kind, generous, and not full of herself!”
As for his rumored romance with Shaina Magdayao, which started after their viral photos in 2021 when they were spotted vacationing in Boracay, Piolo had this to say: “I think things got a little out of hand because of the photos that went around. I don’t want to comment any more on questions about the real score between us. There’s nothing
new, and I just want the issue to die a natural death.”
“It’s just the same. I guess it’s better not to talk about it. Let the speculations die down because it’s been years, and they keep saying the same thing. For now, it’s as simple as that. As they say, what you see is what you get,” he concluded.
* *
*
Young star Jillian Ward revealed in a TV interview that she had considered quitting show business a few times in the past due to personal challenges and anxiety while growing up in the public eye.
“My private life is the complete opposite of what people imagine when they see me as a public figure.
They picture me as a jolly person,” she shared.
“Growing up, my parents were very, very strict. I had to work for everything I had, even my toys. It was tough during those days.
All my movements were monitored. Then, when they separated, they gave me freedom, which was good, but it also became difficult for me because I didn’t know where to start.”
The My Ilongga Girl star admitted that she still struggles with anxiety and can be hard on herself at times.
“I grew up having difficulty saying
no. There was one incident during my grandfather’s wake when I was just 13. I was grieving and crying, and a fan approached me for a selfie, and I obliged. You could just imagine!” Fortunately, Jillian has since learned to protect her emotional and mental health.
“Yes! I’m happy
DISNEY’S Mufasa: The Lion King topped the North American box office on a long holiday weekend after ceding the top spot a week earlier, analysts said Sunday.
The animated film earned an estimated $15.5 million for the period from Friday to Monday, which is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations said. Two new releases – Sony’s One of Them Days and Universal’s Wolf Man – took over the second and third spots.
Analyst David A. Gross predicted a “very profitable run” for One of Them Days, which stars Keke Palmer and singer/songwriter SZA as roommates scrambling to pay rent or face eviction after a boyfriend spends their money.
The film earned an estimated $14 million over the holiday weekend.
“This is an excellent opening for an original Black American comedy,” he said, boosted by “sensational critics reviews and an excellent audience score.”
Horror film Wolf Man, starring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner, came in below analysts’ expectations, with $12 million over four days. As the start of a new horror series and as a remake of the 1941 classic starring Bela Lugosi, gross called the box office take “weak.” In fourth spot, down one spot from
The powerhouse cast of ‘Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan’ at the press conference
Ruru Madrid (left) and Shaira Diaz
Ruru Madrid reprises his role as Lolong
Digital tools and security: A winning formula for SME success
By Nickie Wang
IN THE Philippines’ fast-evolving market, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) must leverage digital technology to stay competitive. Cybersecurity expert Edmark Estavillo of Innovated Business Solutions (IBS) stressed the importance of social media and cybersecurity for business growth and sustainability.
Estavillo underscored the need for businesses to invest in strong cybersecurity measures to protect against rising online threats expected in 2025. He also noted the importance of social media platforms for engaging customers, building brand awareness, and fostering business relationships.
IBS CEO Khelvin Cruz shared that his company seeks to address the operational gaps faced by local SMEs.
Established in 2024, IBS provides services aimed at enhancing corporate processes, including structure, accounting, auditing, and financial management. Cruz emphasized that many SMEs rely on individuals to handle all office processes, which increases risks.
“One of the pain points of SMEs is only that a lone individual handles all the office processes which shouldn’t be the case. The risks become bigger if you will assign all the tasks to an individual,” he told Manila Standard Life at IBS’s recent launch in Ortigas, Pasig City.
“We do develop the processes of SMEs that would be tailor-made for their specific needs,” Cruz added.
To address these challenges, IBS tailors business solutions to meet the specific needs of each SME. Cruz explained that before onboarding, IBS assesses the business operations of potential clients to identify areas for improvement. The process, which can take six months to a year, involves developing customized solutions to help businesses improve efficiency and minimize waste.
Cruz also emphasized the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing clients’ capabilities.
“We aim to be the catalyst for business transformation, providing SMEs with strategies for sustained growth,” he said.
Innovated Business Solutions focuses on helping SMEs grow by implementing worldclass standards in business operations. Cruz, a former CPA and business executive, founded the company to help businesses transition into larger corporations by providing tailored services for sustainable growth. He shared that many SMEs, particularly online sellers, struggle with insufficient corporate structure.
“We help them become more organized and scalable, like large corporations,” Cruz said.
IBS offers key services, including process development and internal controls. Cruz pointed out that fraud risks are high in SMEs where individuals handle multiple roles. The company’s goal is to separate duties and implement effective internal controls to prevent fraud.
IBS’s approach involves thorough assessments of business processes, followed by tailored solutions. Cruz shared that finance is a common pain point for SMEs, as many lack proper financial structures. IBS helps businesses set up solid financial systems to track key metrics and make informed decisions.
Cruz aims to reduce the high failure rate of SMEs in the Philippines by implementing sustainable processes.
“SMEs make up 99 percent of registered businesses here, and helping them grow will have a significant economic impact,” he said.
Cruz also plans to expand IBS’s reach beyond Metro Manila, with a focus on emerging technologies like AI
competitive.
Star-studded VBank launch debuts mobile app for easy banking
AFREE concert was held at the SM MOA Arena on Jan. 12, coinciding with the grand launch of the new banking mobile app, VBank, dubbed as the “Bangko ng Masa.” The app is the brainchild of former Ilocos Sur governor Luis `Manong Chavit’ Singson
VBank is a product of the four-decade-old Vigan Banco Rural Incorporada (VBRI), a rural bank supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and one of the businesses established by Manong Chavit to help the Filipino masses.
Its goal is to make banking procedures safer and more convenient. Through the VBank mobile app, users can conduct transactions anytime, anywhere, without hassle or long waiting times. This includes opening an online account, transferring funds, paying bills, and shopping using mobile prepaid credits.
VBank had a soft launch on Dec. 15, 2024, which recorded 133,000 downloads for the mobile application and the opening of 105,000
new accounts.
With VBank, users can be assured that their money is safe and accessible at any time and place with 24/7 banking.
Manong Chavit had been confined in the hospital for several days during the grand launch of VBank but requested his doctors to allow him to step out for a brief period to attend the event. He wanted to fulfill his promise of giving away an instant P5,800,000 to those who registered for VBank at the arena, in addition to a cash raffle with two winners of P580,000 each and 58 winners of P5,800.
The event was hosted by singer-comedian-host Eric Nicolas during the games portion, while Billy Crawford and Tuesday Vargas were the main hosts. Performers included Billy Crawford, Bamboo, KZ Tandingan, Ai-Ai de las Alas, Gloc 9, Calista, Ez Mil, and Bamboo
While the crowd enjoyed the event, a sad moment came when Manong Chavit announced he would drop out of the senatorial race due to health issues. He said continuing the campaign would hurt his health and that he needed to prioritize his well-being over politics. He promised to keep his commitments even if he wasn’t in public service anymore.
Chavit shared that he had been in the hospital for pneumonia and other complications, and would return after his speech. The crowd understood his decision and was supportive, with his daughter Rep. Richelle Singson by his side.
Innovated Business Solutions CEO Khelvin Cruz
Former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson (right) with daughter Richelle at the launch of VBank
‘The
host Billy Crawford (left) and comedienne Tuesday Vargas