Manila Standard - 2025 February 6 - Thursday

House impeaches VP Sara

4th complaint transmitted to Senate for impeachment trial

By Maricel Cruz and Ram Superable

THE House of Representatives on Wednesday voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte in a historic decision supported by 215 lawmakers – more than double the required one-third vote to bypass deliberations at the committee level – and immediately transmitted the verified fourth complaint resolution to the Senate on the same day.

Presidential son and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos led the list of solons who crossed party lines in endorsing the fourth complaint that cited a series of grave alle gations, including conspiracy to assassinate President Ferdi nand Marcos Jr., large-scale corruption, abuse of public funds, and involvement in extrajudicial killings.

During the plenary session, House Majority Leader Man nix Dalipe said the number of endorsers exceeded the onethird threshold required under the Constitution and House

By Ram Superable, Cherrie Anne Villahermosa and Charles Dantes

STALWARTS of the Duterte government closed ranks around Vice President Sara Duterte following her impeachment by the House of Representatives, saying administration lawmakers have ganged up on her in hopes of snuffing out her 2028 presidential aspirations.

By Othel V. Campos

“The sinister maneuvering of certain lawmakers, led by Rep. Garin, to hastily collect signatures and push for the immediate approval and transmittal of this baseless impeachment case is a clear act of political persecution,” said the Vice President’s brother and Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte. “This is not just about VP Sara Duterte—this is about the will of the THE Philippines is set to lose significant funding for several education projects after the US government announced plans to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The dismantling of USAID will affect five USAID-Department of Education (DepEd)

By Othel Campos

Quad nations deploy maritime patrols in PH EEZ

By Rex Espiritu

rules on impeachment proceedings for the immediate transmittal to the Senate.

“There is a motion to direct the Secretary General to immediately endorse to the Senate the impeachment complaint having been filed by more than onethird of the membership of the House or a total of members. Is there any objection? The chair hears none. The motion is approved,” Speaker Martin Romualdez said.

“This is about upholding the Constitution and ensuring that no public official, regardless of their position, is above the law,” Romualdez added.

With her impeachment, Duterte became one of only four high-ranking officials to share that fate since the country returned to democracy in 1986 – former President Joseph Estrada in 2000, former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez in 2011, and the late Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2011.

The fourth impeachment complaint against Duterte revolved around six major allegations, including the alleged malversation of P612.5 million in confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education which she used to head.

It also raised the Vice President’s alleged unexplained wealth and failure to disclose assets, noting how her net worth quadrupled from 2007 to 2017 without a legitimate increase in income.

A two-thirds vote by the Senate is required to convict and remove Duterte from office. If convicted, she will also be permanently barred from holding any public office in the future.

Senator Joel Villanueva, however, said the complaint will have to go through a long process before trial can begin at the Upper Chamber.

“It is in our agenda? It is not. So will it be included in the reference of business? And if it is included, the next step is will it be read? Where will it be referred? That’s the process,” he said.

Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, a Duterte ally, said the discussions regarding the impeachment will likely take place in the plenary after the upcoming 2025 midterm elections as Congress adjourned yesterday.

“Most likely, the earliest we will tackle that in the plenary is after the elections. Based on what we discussed earlier, it seems that we will address that after the elections,” he said.

Senate President Francis Escudero is set to hold a press briefing today (Thursday) to shed light on the fate of the impeachment proceedings.

At a rally outside the House of Representatives, student protester Darlene Cerico told Agence France Presse the impeachment vote represented a major victory, if an incomplete one.

“I feel so happy because this proves the power of collective action. We know there are still many things to accomplish ... to fully hold Sara Duterte accountable,” Cerico said.

The Akbayan party-list group called the impeachment “the beginning of the Duterte dynasty’s expiration from power, impunity, and plunder.”

Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña, endorser of the first impeachment complaint, said the historic move was a decisive victory for the Filipino people and a clear warning to those who abuse power.

“This impeachment is the people’s verdict against the Dutertes’ longstanding corruption and lack of accountability. The message is clear: the era of impunity is ending, and those who plunder and oppress will be held to account,” Cendaña said.

Whether 16 senators cast their vote for Duterte’s impeachment could come down to President Marcos, said Dennis Coronacion, chairman of the political science department at the University of Santo Tomas.

“If (Marcos) is committed to this one,

to the impeachment process ... I think getting the required number of Senate votes is possible,” he said, adding Wednesday’s vote had come as something of a surprise.

But should the administration stay hands-off, the chances of Duterte being impeached are closer to 50-50, Coronacion said, pointing to the sitting senators’ need for votes from Duterte stronghold Mindanao in the coming election.

Jean Franco, assistant professor of political science at the University of the Philippines, said the coming trial represented a major opportunity for incumbent senators, who would benefit from hours of free television exposure.

“This is a political opportunity for politicians. It can make or break politicians – this impeachment process,” she said. “The game has been changed by this impeachment. All eyes are going to be on the process.”

Mr. Marcos had previously urged Congress not to pursue Duterte’s impeachment, calling it a “storm in a teacup” that would distract the legislature from its primary responsibilities.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, however, said Monday that the Office of the President would “not interfere” with the impeachment complaints. With AFP

particularly small and micro enterprises (SMEs), and could harm the overall Philippine economy.

The Philippine Hotel Owners Association, the Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors , the Philippine Retailers Association, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc., Philippine Constructors Association Inc., the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the People Management Association of the Philippines also signed the statement.

While the groups acknowledged the importance of improving workers’ welfare, they pointed out that the proposed wage increase would disproportionately burden employers.

The allied business groups argued that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) make up 99 percent of businesses in the Philippines, struggle with rising operational costs, and with limited financial flexibility, these businesses face significant challenges in absorbing an acrossthe-board wage hike.

“This is the lowest inflation rate for rice since June 2020, when we had a minus 2.8 percent,” he noted.

The deflation in rice prices last month was also the first since the 0.1 percent decline in December 2021.

Mapa, also an Economic Planning Undersecretary, added that current price trends suggest the deflation in rice prices will continue through July. It was further reported that regular-milled rice softened to P48.25 per kilo from P48.81 per kilo in December 2024 and P49.65 per kilo in January 2024.

The PSA’s head pointed out that regular milled rice saw a month-on-month deflation -1.1 percent and year-on-year contraction of 2.8 percent.

For his part, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the deflation of rice prices in January reflects the effectiveness of the Marcos administration’s measures to stabilize the country’s staple food prices.

“This is welcome news. It clearly shows that the efforts of President Bongbong Marcos, particularly the sharp tariff reduction last year, are steps in the right direction,” Sec. Tiu Laurel said.

Deflation is a decrease in the general price level of goods and services, often due to an increase in supply.

Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros raised doubts about the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) declaration of a “food security emergency” for rice, saying it offers little hope for Filipinos struggling with high prices and supply issues.

“The public seems to have little to expect from the DA’s declaration of a “food security emergency” regarding rice,” she said in a statement.

“If the government does not implement the necessary reforms, President Marcos’ promise of affordable rice may once again remain unfulfilled by 2025,” Hontiveros added.

The National Food Authority (NFA) plans to add 30,000 metric tons of rice to the market each month, but the Senator argued that this is a small amount compared to the one million metric tons consumed monthly by Filipinos.

ward with Duterte’s ouster, calling it a “politically motivated.”

Filipino people. The growing discontent and frustration across the country will not be contained for long. Mark my words: this reckless abuse of power will not end in their favor.”

“If they were unfazed by the over one million rallying supporters of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, then they are blindly marching toward an even greater storm—one that could shake the very foundation of their rule,” he added.

For his part, former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo condemned lawmakers for pushing for-

“These lawmakers obviously have not heeded the overwhelming voice of the people opposing the impeachment,” Panelo said in a statement.

He claimed the impeachment process was designed to “destroy and besmirch” Duterte’s reputation to disqualify her from the next presidential race, where she is touted as a leading contender.

Former House Speaker and incumbent Davao Del Norte First District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez called his colleagues’ decision to proceed with the Vice President’s impeachment as “a very desperate and dangerous move.”

In a text message, he told the Manila Standard that the move was “very dangerous” and that it could lead to a “chaotic” outcome. He refused to elaborate further on what meant by the statement.

Meanwhile, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa vowed to be impartial when the impeachment trial starts.

“We know that this impeachment is a political exercise. As a sitting judge, I have to maintain my political neutrality. I should be apolitical at this time once I wear my robe,” he said.

“They [congressmen] are so unfair, aren’t they? They are making us hostages here to serve as judges in the impeachment court while they go off campaigning,” the senator added.

“The mandatory wage hike will place a heavy financial strain on employers, particularly in industries where labor costs represent a significant portion of their expenses. In many cases, businesses will be forced to pass these increased costs on to consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services, they said in a letter to House labor and employment panel chair Rep. Juan Fidel Felipe Nograles.

The letter, dated February 4, 2025, noted that the bill does not account for the approximately 70 percent of the Philippine workforce employed in the informal sector.

The coalition highlighted that this could deepen the divide between formal and informal workers, leaving a significant portion of the workforce without support, and potentially driving these workers further into economic uncertainty.

and open Indo-Pacific.

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the joint exercise underscores the shared commitment of the participating countries to upholding the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as respect for maritime rights under international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The AFP stated that the naval and air force units of the four countries will operate together to enhance cooperation and

interoperability among their militaries.

The MMCA was conducted after the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command reported that three Chinese warships were spotted in Philippine territorial waters.

The vessels of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China navigated through the Mindoro Strait towards the Sulu Sea without diplomatic coordination with the Philippines.

WestMinCom chief Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete noted that the Chinese vessels maintained an “unusually” slow speed of 4 to 5 knots.

On Tuesday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that two China

Coast Guard vessels previously spotted as close as 34 nautical miles off Bolinao, Pangasinan, had exited the Philippines’ EEZ.

Meanwhile, the air forces of the Philippines and the United States conducted joint patrols over the South China Sea on Wednesday, according to the Philippine Air Force. In response, China accused the Philippines of involving external powers like the United States in conducting “joint air patrols” aimed at “undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea.”

The Air Force of the Southern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation

Army (PLA) claimed that it conducted a “routine cruise” over Scarborough Shoal on Tuesday, the same day the Philippines and the US carried out joint bomber air patrols and air intercept training.

Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo emphasized that the exercise is a crucial step in “enhancing the Philippines’ interoperability, improving air domain awareness, and agile combat employment.”

However, PLA Air Force spokesperson Col. Li Jianjian stated that China’s air force remains on high alert, vowing to “resolutely defend national territorial

able and leveled reader materials in the mother tongues of Regions V (Bicol), VI (Western Visayas), and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for Grades 1 to 3.

The project was initially completed in 2024 but was granted an extension from 2025-2026, Masapol said in an interview with ABS-CBN Teleradyo Serbisyo on Wednesday.

Another program affected by the USAID closure is Opportunity 2.0, which supports alternative learning systems in the Philippines to provide second-chance education to 180,000 out-of-school youth across 15 cities. The project received $37.5 million in USAID support.

Other projects that will be impacted by the USAID closure include Gabay, a program for learners with disabilities, which received $2.77 million in funding; ILO PH, which provides policy support to the DepEd, with $5 million in funding; and Urban Connect, which focuses on economic development and governance, with $1.25 million in funding.

Masapol noted that two of the projects are on the policy level, while the rest focus on specific projects in specific locations. He expressed concern that the loss of foreign assistance from USAID would affect the timelines of the projects.

However, the Department of Education will continue to seek funding for the projects to ensure their completion.

sovereignty and maritime rights and interests” while closely monitoring any military activities that could destabilize the region.

Last year, Chinese fighter jets fired flares to drive away Philippine aircraft during a patrol over Scarborough Shoal, prompting the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to condemn China’s actions and file a diplomatic protest. The recent joint exercise and China’s response highlight the ongoing tensions in the region, with the Philippines and its allies seeking to promote regional cooperation and uphold international law, while China asserts its claims to the disputed territory.

FAREWELL CALL. Outgoing Thailand Ambassador to the Philippines Ambassador Tull Traisorat makes his farewell call on President Ferdinanc R. Marcos, Jr. in Malacañang. Revoli S. Cortez

NEWS

Ruling alliance sets off campaign ad themed ‘unity, progress’ theme

Charlea Dante

PRESIDENT Marcos made a special appearance in a newly released campaign advertisement endorsing his administration’s senatorial candidates.

The ad, which debuted on social media, showcases a mix of veteran and neophyte candidates rallying behind the administration’s senatorial ticket called “Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas”.

The alliance is composed of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, the Nationalist People’s Coalition, the Nacionalista Party, and the National Unity Party.

The administration’s senatorial slate consisted of former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, reelectionist senators Pia Cayetano, Ramon Revilla Jr., Francis Tolentino, and Lito Lapid, and former senators Panfilo Lacson and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Tito Sotto, ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo, and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar.

However, presidential sister and Senator Imee Marcos is missing in the ‘Alyansa’ ad.

Imee is also gunning for a Senatorial seat in the upcoming 2025 midterm polls, but withdrew from the administration-led coalition amid the ongoing feud between his brother and Vice President Sara Duterte.

Representatives from various sectors also appear in the video, signalling broad support for what the campaign calls the “kabisig sa Senado” (partner in Senate).

Set to an upbeat jingle, the ad promotes unity and progress. “Forward foreword together, sama-sama forward together” as the campaign song goes.

NEW MANAGEMENT

PH ramps up defense ties with friendly countries

THE Philippines on Wednesday said negotiations are ongoing to forge new defense cooperations with at least three other countries amid the escalating tension in the West Philippine Sea.

Aside from France and Canada, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said the Philippines is in talks with New Zealand for another potential Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA)

“We are now in alliance building so the SOVFA with New Zealand is an important part of our country’s

initiative to resist China’s unilateral narrative to change international law,” said Teodoro.

Teodoro is hoping the SOVFA with New Zealand will be realized within the year, after the first round of formal negotiations pushed through last January 23.

“There is strong political commitment to concluding a status of visiting Forces Agreement, and officials met recently for productive and constructive discussions, our first round of negotiations,” said New Zealand

Ambassador to the Philippines Catherine McIntosh. As part of the Indo-Pacific region, New Zealand has joined the long list of nations expressing serious concern over increasingly aggressive actions by China in the West Philippine Sea.

For over a month now, China Coast Guard vessel 5901, dubbed the “monster ship” for its sheer size, has been conducting multiple incursions in waters near the vicinity of Zambales, within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. Charles Dantes

New PhilHealth chief vows more efficient services

NEWLY appointed Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) president and chief executive Dr. Edwin Mercado on Wednesday pledged to streamline operations and address inefficiencies in the state-run health insurer, emphasizing the need for transparency and improved service delivery.

Mercado, a medical doctor, acknowledged the challenges of his new role and likened PhilHealth to a patient in need of diagnosis and treatment.

“As a physician, I understand the burden our patients face. Many say, ‘Doc, I’ve practically paid for an entire hospital post.’ That’s how much they spend on healthcare,” Mercado said in a press briefing.

His first priority, he said, is to review and refine PhilHealth’s processes to ensure efficiency and eliminate financial leakages.

“One of the key issues we need to fix is wastage. We will standardize financial reporting so that our records are consistent and transparent,” Mercado said, adding that discrepancies in reports have made it difficult to track the agency’s financial health. To improve claims processing and prevent fraud, Mercado emphasized the need for a long-term solution through digitization.

“We are pushing for digitization because it will help us adjudicate claims efficiently and determine the actual funds needed for benefit distribution,” he said.

Addressing financial concerns, he stressed that one of PhilHealth’s major priorities is actuarial capacity-building to accurately estimate benefit costs against collections. Charles Dantes

Members of the House of Representatives Representative, 1 1998, 2004-2007, 2007-2010, 2010-2013, 2016-2025) on January 30, 2025 at the age of 82.

His remains shall lie in state at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Minor Basilica, Quezon City from late afternoon, February 5 to February 10, 2025

Interment shall be on February 10, 2025 at the Loyola Memorial Park, Marikina after the morning mass at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Minor Basilica.

Condolences to his children, Tabaco Mayor Cielo Krisel Lagman, Albay Governor Edcel Greco Lagman, Larah Kristin, Nikos Mahar, Marco Stefan, Karina Farah and Andrei Philip.

We request readers to pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

ERA DAWNS ON BCDA. State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the Manny V. Pangilinan Development Group host a ‘Media Night’ at the Camp John Hay in Baguio City to celebrate the smooth transition of management for the former American military resort-turned commercial complex. In photo are (from left) BCDA chair Hilario Paredes, Loujaye Sonico and Janine Huang of Landco Pacific, GMI Golf director Joyce Señete, JHMC officer Mark Adviento, and BCDA officer Rene Mamauag warming up from the heat of a bonfire at the Manor Gardens of John Hay Hotels. Dave Leprozo

IN BRIEF

DPWH completes 2 Iloilo bridges

THE Department of Public Works and Highways has constructed two vital bridges that would significantly enhance safety and connectivity for remote communities in Maasin and Janiuay in Iloilo province.

The Tubang Bridge project in Maasin features a 60-meter concrete bridge equipped with sidewalks and slope protection. Additionally, metal guard rails and thermoplastic pavement markings have been installed for enhanced safety.

DPWH Region 6 Director Sanny Boy Oropel said the new Tubang Bridge replaced the previous spillway bridge, which served as an essential transport link between barangays that frequently encountered mobility issues during bad weather.

In Barangay Quipot, Janiuay municipality, the project consisted of building a 60-meter-long and 1.5-meter-wide concrete footbridge to replace an aging hanging bridge. Vito Barcelo

PDEA seizes P1-m worth of marijuana

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency seized 9 kilograms of marijuana bricks worth P1,080,000 in Kalinga.

Along with local police, PDEA operatives also arrested two suspects in the buy-bust operation in Purok 6, Bulanao, Tabuk City on Feb. 4.

The suspects were caught in the act of selling nine marijuana bricks to an undercover agent.

Authorities did not identify the duo, but said they were residents of Barangay Loccong, Tinglayan. Rio N. Araja

Baguio health office boosts Mpox monitor

THE Baguio City Health Services Office strengthened its health monitoring efforts after confirming two additional Mpox cases in the city.

These brought the total recorded Mpox cases to four.

Both new cases – a 21-year-old male and a 21-year-old female –have no known connection to the previously reported cases.

The patients are currently under home isolation until February 16 and February 14, respectively, and remain under the supervision of medical officers.

Close contacts are asymptomatic but were advised to undergo routine health monitoring for 21 days. Dexter A. See

QC govt eyes filing of cases vs. Bestlink

THE Quezon City government wants to hold the Novalichesbased Bestlink College of the Philippines accountable for serious lapses that jeopardized the safety and welfare of thousands of student-participants during an off-campus Foundation Day activity on Jan. 26 in Hermosa, Bataan.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Quezon City Council in an oversight committee hearing discussed the possibility of taking legal action against the school.

Bestlink initially dismissed some reports that surfaced online, claiming these did not reflect the situation on the ground.

The council, however, raised grave concern about the school’s inadequate safety measures, lack of medical preparedness, and logistical failure to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its students who participated in the said activity.

“It is both irresponsible and insensitive for Bestlink College of the Philippines to dismiss students’ legitimate concerns as fake news. This incident could have been avoided had they prioritized the safety and welfare of their students,” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

“I urge the school administration to hold themselves accountable, instead of blaming and threatening students who dared to speak up,” she added. Rio N. Araja

MMDA eyes phasing out EDSA busway amid MRT expansion

By Charles Dantes

THE Metro Manila Development Authority is considering the gradual phase-out of the EDSA Busway as the government expands the capacity of the Metro Rail Transit system, MMDA chairman Romando Artes said Wednesday.

Artes said discussions have taken place about shifting bus passengers to the MRT once upgrades are completed.

“The DOTr is currently expanding the carrying capacity of the MRT by about 30 percent. Right now, each train set has three cars per trip, and they are adding a fourth car. They are also working on infrastructure to accommodate the longer train sets,”

Artes said.

He said reducing the train system’s headway—or the time between train

arrivals—was also being considered to accommodate bus passengers.

“If the MRT can take in bus carousel passengers, it would free up an entire lane on EDSA. One proposal is to repurpose that lane for high-occupancy vehicles, similar to carpool lanes in Los Angeles, where only vehicles with three or four passengers can use it,” Artes said.

“If passengers can be accommodated by the train, we don’t see the need for

has more stops, and the DOTr is also working on a seamless transfer system that will connect MRT to LRT-1 and other train lines,” he added.

He said streamlining mass transit will lead to faster travel times and ease congestion.

“This is not about favoring cars. It’s about practicality—if the MRT can do the job, why maintain both systems?” he said. There is no set timeline yet for the phase-out as it depends on the completion of the MRT upgrades and the efficiency of the train system’s expanded capacity, Artes said.

The MMDA’s plans signaled a major shift in Metro Manila’s public transportation landscape, with an emphasis on train-based mass transit

By Maricel V. Cruz

A PARTY-LIST lawmaker hailed the final reading approval of a bill exempting overseas Filipino workers from mandatory PhilHealth contribution.

The lower chamber approved House Bill 11357 which amends Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act.

Rep. Marissa del Mar Magsino of OFW party-list group said such ex-

emption extended to OFWs was a “crucial amendment.”

Magsino, a principal author of the measure, said one of the key amendments states that OFWs, both land- and sea-based, will no longer be required to pay direct premium contributions.

Instead, 50 percent will be shouldered by the national government and the other 50 percent will be shared by their employers.

“Many people think that OFWs, especially those who have been working

abroad for a long time, have the means of life, but they do not know that not all OFWs can afford to pay extra expenses to Philhealth, especially those in elementary occupations,” she said.

Magsino added: “Many of our OFWs already have medical coverage in the country where they work, so it will be an extra burden on them if they are mandatory contributors to PhilHealth.”

Senate takes up proposed reforms to BARMM law

By Ram Superable

PROPOSED amendments to the Bangsamoro Organic Law, including the reinclusion of Sulu and the strengthening of Shari’ah courts, were discussed by the Senate committee on local government on Wednesday.

“We want progress in Mindanao so that we can harness the true potential of Mindanao. We have to take action and do our part so that it can be realized, to make Mindanao a true land of promise, not just a land of promises,” Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito said.

One of the key proposals discussed was Senate Bill No. 2915, which seeks to reinclude the province of Sulu in BARMM.

The Supreme Court last year excluded Sulu from BARMM, noting that the province rejected the Bangsamoro Organic Law during a plebiscite in 2019.

Another measure, Senate Bill No. 2820, aims to amend the qualifications for Shari’ah judges to improve judicial processes in the region.

Ejercito said BARMM is still facing challenges as it transitions into a fully functional autonomous region five years after its establishment.

The amendment also states that unpaid premium contributions of OFWs in distress shall not be collected upon their arrival in the country.

“Removing this financial burden on our OFWs is equitable and justified by the unique nature of their overseas employment. Our OFWs comprise a significant segment of Philippine labor force and accounts for about 10 percent of the GDP of the country in a year. Their remittances help fuel our economy and provide lifelines to thousands of OFW families and their dependents,” Magsino said.

Vape firms told to secure licenses

THE Department of Trade and Industry reminded vape manufacturers to comply with existing laws, noting that this was non-negotiable to ensure consumer protection.

Vape companies were given a 10-month transition period to adhere to the prescribed regulations, including securing licenses and complying with packaging and tax seal requirements.

The DTI said all brands were given equal opportunity to meet these legal obligations, and that failure to comply will result in penalties, following due process.

The Trade department said so far, nine vape brands have successfully fulfilled regulatory requirements and are currently permitted to market in the country, including Aerogin (Kliq and Truez), AMZ Vape, Don Bars, One Bar, Phantom Vape, RELX, Tomoro, Vagend and X-Vape.

The DTI said the complete list of authorized brands, device specifications, and approval dates is available on its website at www.dti.gov. ph/osmv.

MASTERPIECE. This ‘Keep Climbing’ sculpture by Quezon province artist John Infante takes center stage at the exhibition ‘Banyuhay’ at the Araneta City’s Gateway Gallery in Quezon City. Showcasing over 90 artworks by 46 visual artists in celebration of National Arts Month, the exhibit which runs until Feb. 14 fosters creativity and unity and inspires a deeper appreciation for local artistry. Robert Oswald Alfiler

OPINION

Parang

kailan lang…

IT WAS the classic 70s song of Florante that came to mind when I viewed the Bagong Alyansa ad, which began with “Lumipas na ang gabi ng lagim.” And then the refrain of “Forward, forward together!”

“Parang kailan lang, ang mga pangarap ko’y kay hirap abutin”… Florante began.

Well, those who now march to the tune of “forward together” have always fulfilled their dreams, by moving from one political camp to another, the typical “balimbing” syndrome that characterizes Philippine politics.

I will not criticize the creator of the Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas ad, and, for all I know, he may even be a friend. The advertising and public relations industry is a very small community.

The client is always right, or else one cannot bag the contract, especially true in political marketing.

Parang kailan lang, we were fooled into believing that “unity” was forever, or at least until 2027 when the knives of 2028 should be unsheathed.

Parang kailan lang, those who now swear to the Alyansa and condemn the past as “gabi ng lagim” were part of, or profited from, their association with the regime they now decry as “lagim.”

One was president of the Senate under the previous regime.

Another re-electionist’s brother was Speaker of the HoR and foreign affairs secretary under the same, and was in fact the losing vicepresidential candidate of the former president, now a senator of the realm once again.

Two were even appointed to Cabinet positions by the past president, one of whom decided to switch party allegiance late last year, just in time to be part of the new Alyansa.

Two made it to the Senate in 2019 because one was Coco Martin’s “supremo” in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano and the other danced “bu-duts” as ticket to electoral victory. Throughout the past regime’s reign, they never, ever criticized the ways of that regime.

One, the celebrated greatest name in Philippine sports, even authored a bill to re-impose the death penalty, especially for drug-related crimes, echoing the political mantra of the past leadership. He never criticized the past president until 2022 when he ran, and lost for president.

One is an effective mayor of a Metro Manila city whose sister was part of the past regime’s senatorial

ticket too, even if their father was a protagonist in the 2016 presidential elections where “Duts” won. Despite the accusations of mind-blowing corruption leveled against their pater familia by no less than the previous president’s vice-presidential candidate, Duts never persecuted them.

Another’s brother was for six long years the public works secretary of Duts, in fairness an effective one who pushed the latter’s “Build, Build, Build” program until the pandemic struck. Together they want to be in the Senate, the young lady seeking to replace their mother who is graduating after 12 long years.

She is an exception, for balimbing she is not

A well-known broadcast journalist had an elder sister who was appointed to the Cabinet in the past regime, only to be disgraced because of a scandal related to her brothers being awarded an advertising contract. Incidentally, the brothers are both gunning for senatorial seats, to join another brother elected in 2022.

One is a truly effective senator who in fairness remained independent of whoever was in Malacanang, and claims to be independent still. Is he condemning the past regime as “gabi ng lagim” as well?

Quizically, the president’s elder sister is not in the new audio-visual anthem of the Alyansa. She is running as an independent even if her brother the president included her in his “forward together” Alyansa.

Asked by a media interviewer why she was not in the Alyansa commercial, she answered that she could not accept the “gabi ng lagim” as descriptive of the previous administration.

Like the other senators named in this column earlier, she too was endorsed by the previous president in 2019, and does not forget.

More tellingly, that previous president was the one who allowed the Marcos pater familia to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, maintaining that it was the right and legal thing to do.

Previous presidents, even one who was a second cousin of the former president, refused to allow the burial, afraid as they were of political backlash.

She is an exception, for balimbing she is not.

The PCSO lottery

OUR country has a long history of lotteries dating back to the Spanish colonial period.

Even our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal won in a lottery while exiled in Dapitan. Today, there is a smorgasbord of daily lottery draws that the public can choose from to try their luck while contributing to charity. At least this is the whole idea. But I am beginning to wonder whether this is still the case.

Under the law, Philippine lotteries are operated and managed by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office which was originally established on Oct. 30, 1935.

The PCSO holds daily draws and therefore must be collecting tens of millions of pesos every day or even more.

By law, 55 percent of all money collected must go to the prize fund. 30 percent is earmarked for health

and medical assistance meaning charity, while 15 percent goes for maintenance and operating expenses of PCSO.

The public simply wants the PCSO to function as intended and not become another cookie jar for enterprising officials

As we can see, the bulk of all money collected should go to winners while the rest goes to charity and office operating expenses. The public does not know however whether this is being followed to the letter. Unfortunately, the PCSO is not very transparent in this area.

EDITORIAL

Compulsory poll debates

THE Commission on Elections is on the right track in proposing compulsory debates for candidates, both for national and local positions.

This, we hope, will give the electorate the opportunity to closely examine the qualifications of candidates and what they propose to do once elected to public office.

The Constitution, after all, only lists down the most basic qualifications for all candidates: they should have reached a certain age, are Filipino citizens, able to read and write, registered voters, and residents of the Philippines.

Those are the basic requirements. But candidates should be able to explain to voters what they stand for, whether on national or local issues and concerns, and to offer a clear platform on what they intend to do after they have been sworn into public office.

The fundamental law also makes it very clear: “Public office is a public trust. Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and

It does not make public how much money has gone to lottery winners and how much has gone to supporting charity, much less the total collection for the whole year.

If not for the QuadCom investigations of its former Chairperson, the public would not have known anything about PCSO operations.

Thanks to the QuadCom, we now at least have a glimpse of some of the things that go on in that office and, with the very little that we have seen, it has not been reassuring and this should not be.

The PCSO must ensure the integrity of our lottery system, otherwise, it becomes a highway robbery. Early last year, for instance, more than 400 people won the jackpot.

What is the probability of that happening?

Unimaginable I would say, yet, it did happen but the PCSO was never able to explain it satisfactorily and simply attributed it to mere coincidence.

The most shocking part, however, was nobody seem to have been inter-

efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.”

Voters should be able to sift the chaff from the grain, so to speak, and not rely solely on the basis of name recall or popularity of candidates.

This is democracy at work and runs counter to votebuying, intimidation or coercion that undermines our goal of free and fair elections

Should you vote for a candidate who declines to explain what he wants to do in public office and says that he would do so only when he has been declared among the winners? Of course not.

Voters should be able to distinguish between candidates who make false or empty promises and those who have the proven competence and expertise to make a difference in the lives of Filipinos.

And we need to remind the electorate that no less than the fundamental law frowns on political dynasties:

ested enough to find out what really happened because everyone seemed to have simply accepted the explanation of the PCSO at face value.

When the Ultra Lotto jackpot was won more than a month ago which started a new round, the initial Jackpot price of P49.5-m remained static for weeks when it should be increasing every time no one wins.

The PCSO, therefore, owes the public an explanation why the rate of increase in prizes if the jackpot is not won is very predictable.

It is always around P10-m when the jackpot prize goes beyond P100m or more till it’s won and about P5-m for several weeks before it reaches more than a P100-m.

How could this be? Is the law mandating that 55 percent of bets collected must go to the winners really being followed religiously?

Maybe the PCSO would care to explain all these for the sake of transparency and in fairness to the millions of people who buy lottery tickets every day.

If the reason why jackpot prizes

“The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”

The Comelec, as explained by Chairman George Garcia, has the power given to it by the Constitution to issue rules and regulations pertaining to elections. Hence, it can compel compulsory attendance by candidates in public debates, in the same way that it can regulate the size of campaign posters, or require the registration of social media accounts, violations of which can lead to a candidate’s disqualification from the race. What the Comelec wants is for public debates to be conducted by media would be “just and fair to everyone” and that all candidates will have equal opportunity whether they belong to any party or not, or whatever their beliefs are.

Candidates should comply with Comelec guidelines or else they will face the corresponding punishment if they fail to do so.

Debates are important as these allow voters to know the stand of candidates on key political, economic and social issues.

This is democracy at work and runs counter to vote-buying, intimidation or coercion that undermines our goal of free and fair elections.

remain static for weeks is because the PCSO wants to reach the minimum jackpot prize first before increasing the prizes then it should say so.

But if that is the case, why would it take weeks before the prizes start to increase and why is the PCSO doing that?

There should be an immediate increase in the jackpot prize every time no one wins in a draw.

In this country, it is the PCSO which manages and operates the lottery and does not report to any higher authority unlike in the United States wherein lotteries are somehow supervised by a higher body. But whether that will work here or will only make things worst is another matter.

The public simply wants the PCSO to function as intended and not become another cookie jar for enterprising officials.

This is the reason why our lottery draws must be beyond question and it’s the duty of the PCSO to keep that way.

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a cartoon in horizontal format of a periscope with a body of a snake that is constricting corals and fish

MEXICO CITY – Mexico on Tuesday began moving troops to its northern border as part of a 10,000-member deployment that President Claudia Sheinbaum promised US counterpart Donald Trump in exchange for a delay of his tariffs.

“The deployment has already started,” Sheinbaum told reporters a day after announcing a last-minute deal with Trump to tighten measures against illegal migration and cross-border smuggling of the drug fentanyl.

Several hundred members of the National Guard were seen boarding a military airplane in the southeastern city of Merida, heading for the Mexican-US border.

Troops were seen arriving in Tijuana, just south of California, and Ciudad Juarez, bordering Texas.

“There will be patrols along the entire USMexico border,” said Jose Luis Santos, National Guard coordinator in Ciudad Juarez.

“Patrols will be conducted on foot and by vehicle, as well as patrols on various roads leading to the border,” he told reporters.

Authorities from both countries also started a joint operation in Ciudad Juarez to locate a possible tunnel used by migrants to cross into the United States.

They found a storm drain during a search on Tuesday, but it did not lead into US territory, said the government of Chihuahua state, where Ciudad Juarez is located. AFP

Trump says US will take over Gaza Strip

IN BRIEF

Thailand cuts power to Myanmar border

BANGKOK – Thailand cut cross-border electricity supplies to five locations in Myanmar on Wednesday, in an effort to stamp out online scam centers blamed for scaring away Chinese tourists. Scam compounds have mushroomed in Myanmar’s lawless borderlands, run by criminal gangs and staffed by foreigners trafficked and forced to work swindling their compatriots in an industry analysts say is worth billions of dollars. Beijing has grown increasingly concerned about the centers as many of those involved -- both victims and perpetrators -- are Chinese.

“Thailand has stopped the electricity supply to Myanmar in five locations based on the decision of the National Security Council,” Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters.

Transmission was cut at two points in Mae Sai in the north, two in Mae Sot in the west and one at Three Pagodas Pass, also in the west. AFP

CIA’s entire staff offered buyouts

WASHINGTON, DC – The US Central Intelligence Agency offered buyouts to its entire workforce on Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal reported. The move would make it the first intelligence agency to join a voluntary redundancy program initiated by President Donald Trump for federal employees. The agency is also freezing the hiring of job seekers already given a conditional offer, the paper reported, citing an aide to CIA Director John Ratcliffe.

WASHINGTON, DC – President Donald Trump revealed an extraordinary plan Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) for the United States to take over the Gaza Strip, resettle Palestinians in other countries — seemingly whether they wanted to leave or not — and turn the territory into “the Riviera of the Middle East.”

Trump made the stunning proposal to audible gasps during a joint press conference with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he was hosting at the White House for talks.

In Beijing, China said it was opposed to the “forced transfer” of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip after US President Donald Trump said he planned to “take control” of the territory.

“China has always maintained that Palestinian rule over Palestinians is the

basic principle of the post-war governance of Gaza, and we are opposed to the forced transfer of the residents of Gaza,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said when asked about Trump’s plan at a regular press conference. In a scheme that lacked details on how he would move out more than two million Palestinians or control Gaza, Trump said he would make the war-battered enclave “unbelievable” by removing unexploded bombs and rubble and economically re-

developing it.

“The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it, too. We’ll own it,” Trump said. He said there was support from the “highest leadership” in the Middle East and upped pressure on Egypt and Jordan to take displaced Gazans -- despite both countries and the Palestinians flatly rejecting the surprise idea.

Suggesting “long-term ownership” by the United States, Trump said his plan for Gaza would make it “the Riviera of the Middle East. This could be something that could be so magnificent.” Key US ally Netanyahu said Trump’s plan could “change history” and was worth “paying attention to.”

Netanyahu was making the first visit of a foreign leader to the White House since Trump’s return to power, for what

were billed as talks on securing a second phase of the Israel-Hamas truce after an initial six-week ceasefire.

But it quickly turned into the shock revelation of a plan that would completely transform the face of the Middle East. Trump, who also floated traveling to Gaza, appeared to suggest it would not be rebuilt for Palestinians.

“It should not go through a process of rebuilding and occupation by the same people that have... lived there and died there and lived a miserable existence there,” he said.

The Palestinian envoy to the UN had pushed back strongly at Trump’s suggestions earlier Tuesday -- before his proposal the United States take the territory over -- for his people to be resettled.

“Our homeland is our homeland,” said Riyad Mansour. AFP

Google updates principles on use of AI tech

The anonymous aide said some of those frozen offers are likely to be rescinded if the applicants do not have the right background for the agency’s new goals, which include targeting drug cartels, Trump’s trade war and undermining China, according to the Journal. The move is part of a massive overhaul of the US government by Trump, who has vowed to radically downsize the federal workforce in the name of efficiency and frugality that has sent shock waves through Washington. AFP SAN FRANCISCO –

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – Salvadorans are split over the offer from President Nayib Bukele to take in prisoners from the United States, with some fearing it could turn the country into another Guantanamo Bay while others say the proposal could reap dividends.

El Salvador’s iron-fisted Bukele enjoys sky-high approval ratings for his sweeping crackdown on violent gangs, which has led to a sharp reduction in crime in what was once one of the world’s most violent countries.

Over 80,000 Salvadorans have been arrested since he declared a a state of emergency in 2022, thousands of whom are being held at a sprawling new Terrorism Confinement Center, Latin America’s biggest penitentiary, with capacity for 40,000 inmates.

On Monday, Bukele stunned Salvadorans and Americans alike by offering to incarcerate US convicts and deported prisoners alike at the maximum security prison on the edge of the jungle.

Georgina Garcia, a 60-year-old stayat-home mother, expressed alarm at the prospect.

“Bukele is trying to clean the country of evil. How then could he then bring in more criminal people? He can’t!” she told AFP in a square in the capital San Salvador.

Sixty-year-old former guerrilla Juan Jose Ordonez, who was running some errands nearby, also believed it would be “wrong” to accept prisoners from other countries.

“We do not need him to bring more criminals into this country...we have enough social problems,” he said. AFP

of soft power for the United States in its struggle for influence with rivals including China, where Musk has extensive business interests.

Musk has called USAID “a viper’s nest of radical-left marxists who hate America” and has vowed to shut it down.

Among other criticisms, which Musk has not substantiated, he claims USAID does “rogue CIA work” and even “funded bioweapon research, including Covid-19, that killed millions of people.”

The SpaceX and Tesla CEO -- who has massive contracts with the US government and was the biggest financial backer of Trump’s campaign -- said he had personally cleared the unprecedented move with the president. AFP

‘MIDDLE EAST RIVIERA.’ US President Donald Trump (right) and visiting Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold a press conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on Wednesday. Trump said the United States ‘will take over’ the Gaza Strip and create a ‘Riviera of the Middle East’

MASS SHOOTING. People light candles at a makeshift vigil in Orebro, Sweden, on Tuesday after a shooting at the adult education center Campus Risbergska school, where ‘around 10 people have been killed”. Around 10 people were killed including the suspected assailant who was not known to police, police officials said. AFP

Ramilo ranks 3 rd in Bulgaria, seeks LA Olympics with Yulo

By Peter Atencio

PROMISING Filipino gymnast Jasmine Althea

Ramilo, with an eye on qualifying to the Los Angeles Olympics, brought home medals in the International Rhythmic Gymnastics TournamentOlympia 74 Cup in Sofia, Bulgaria.

The 16-year-old Ramilo, who is based in the Italian capital city of Rome, snatched a gold in the hoop and a couple of bronze medals from the ball and club exercises in the elite senior gymnast category. This put her behind South African

bets Nadia Bruyns and Abigail Seelhammer, who ruled the elite senior level with their 1-2 finish for the gold and silver in the overall rankings. It was not the first time that Ramilo and her coach Claudia Mancinelli brought honor to the country.

Last year, Ramilo surprised everyone with a bronze in the club’s final of the 19th Junior Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championships, hosted by the Philippines. Because of her recent achievements, the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines is lining her up for a series of qualifications for the Los Angeles Olympics.

“We are considering her to join qualifications for the Los Angeles Olympics. She is going to have a busy year,” said GAP secretary general Rowena Bautista. Gymnastics’ officials believe that Ramilo has the potential to join Paris

Olympics’ double-gold medallist Carlos Yulo in the next Olympiad. Ramilo is the first athlete in rhythmic gymnastics from the Philippines to win a medal at the Asian Championships. She made her debut as a senior level gymnast last year when Ramilo joined the World Cup in Baku.

That year, Ramilo was 36th in the all-around, 25th with the hoop, 30th in the ball, 25th in the clubs and 42nd with the ribbons. This weekend, Ramilo will again seek podium finishes in 2025 Torneo Gold Italia meet, to be hosted by her club, Fabriano.

AcroCity backs NBA Legends Cup in Bacolod City

ACROCITY has thrown its full support to the Negros Basketball Association (NBA) Invitational Basketball Tournament on Feb. 22 at the Po Hang gym of Tay Tung School in Bacolod City.

The event – dubbed as AcroCity presents NBA Legends Cup– will gather prominent players of Negros, including former Ginebra star Noli Locsin, Bong Ravena, and Villareas brothers – Vernie and Vic – who once competed with pride and passion in major collegiate and amateur leagues, and eventually in the PBA.

“We are more than glad to be part of this momentous event that will see Negros legends showcase once again the talents that have made them big in various leagues,” said Angelo Wongchuking, executive vice president of

Czark Mak Group, developer of AcroCity that is located in the high-growth region of Bulacan and Central Luzon.

AcroCity is poised to become the region’s newest lifestyle hub, offering an exceptional experience for both residents and visitors alike.

“We have lots of friends from Negros who

played for my team before, including Victor Villarias,” said Wongchuking.

Like older brother Vernie, Victor played for University of the East in the UAAP and later on in the PBL.

“We know very well how they are missed by their families, friends and fans, so we are giving our support to their reunion games to provide fun,” added CZM Director Keith Wongchuking Jr.

The event, also backed byUpgrade, Apir and Sapporo, will also honor the founding officials of the association, led by the late Dodong Bascon.

As part of their “giving back” to the communities that supported them all the way, the NBA legends decided to make their “reunion games” free to the public.

Go lauded for aid in grassroots’ sports, funding

SENATOR Christopher “Bong”

Go was lauded for his dedication to improve sports in the grassroots, to go with his role in pursuing key policies for the benefit of Filipino athletes. Veteran sports journalist Joaquin Henson and Olympian silver and bronze medalist Nesthy Petecio expressed their gratitude to Senator Go, the senate committee on sports chairman since 2019, for helping elevate Philippine sports.

According to Henson, Go has been at the forefront of the country’s efforts to increase funding for the preparation, training, and competitive performance of Filipino athletes, while launching effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts at the grassroots level.

Nesthy Petecio, a silver-medalist during the Tokyo games and a bronze winner in 2024 Paris games, also acknowledged Go in her speech: “Kay Senator Bong Go, maraming salamat po sa inyong suporta sa mga atleta. Maraming salamat po, lalo na sa grassroots. Patuloy niyo lang po kaming sinusuportahan, Sir dahil alam ko napakadami pa pong nasa grassroots na gusto maging tulad namin.”

Go attended the recent Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night at the Manila Hotel, giving his all-out support to all awardees like presenting the Athlete of the Year award to gymnast Carlos Yulo, a two-time gold medalist in the Paris Olympics.

ng

“Ang

atleta ay

Patuloy tayong magsusulong ng mga programa na magpapalakas ng Philippine sports,” Go said.

As the senate committee chairman on sports, he pushed for the approval

Cool Smashers aim to stay unbeaten vs. Crossovers

WITH their last outing exposing some vulnerabilities, the Creamline Cool Smashers are determined to come back stronger as they continue their unbeaten run in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

Thanks to Bernadeth Pons, whose offensive efficiency and solid floor defense proved crucial in the deciding set, powering the Cool Smashers past the Cignal HD Spikers in a five-set thriller – 25-19, 26-24, 23-25, 23-25, 15-9 – last weekend to remain the only undefeated side in the 12-team preliminaries.

While Creamline’s seven-game streak underscores its consistency, Pons remains committed to improving her game.

“I just want to be consistent. My goal every day in training is to improve, even if it’s just by one percent,” said Pons in Filipino. The 2024 Reinforced Conference Most Valuable Player took over in Set 5 and finished with 27 points off 24 kills, two aces and a block while coming through with 14 excellent digs.

Given the star-studded lineup, Pons acknowledges the challenge of maintaining top form in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and backed by Watsons. “In training, everyone is extremely competitive. It’s tough to score, and no one lets the ball drop easily. That’s why in a game, I won’t just give in easily,” she added. This mentality could spell trouble for the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, who face the Cool Smashers in today’s 4 p.m. matchup. The Crossovers are reeling from a four-set loss to the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, dropping them to 5-4 – a record they now share with the Akari Chargers at fifth place. Another loss could push them to the lower half of the standings, potentially setting up a tough playoff pairing where the No. 1 team faces No. 12, No. 2 meets No. 11, and so forth.

Local aces brace for war at Worldwide Link Masters

of higher annual funding budget for sports, thereby helping the country win three Olympic gold medals — one from weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in Tokyo in 2021 and two from gymnast Yulo in Paris last year.

As a known advocate of grassroots sports development, Go has consistently pushed for increased funding to improve training programs, athlete incentives, and sports facilities across the country.

He authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. The NAS serves as a premier institution to develop young athletes, while ensuring they receive quality education alongside their sports training.

Senator Go also played a key role in securing the country’s successful hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, where Filipino athletes delivered historic performances.

“Ang ating mga kabataan ay may potensyal na maging world-class athlete’s kung mabibigyan sila ng tamang suporta. Kaya dapat nating siguruhing may sapat na pondo, tamang training facilities, at mga programang magpapalakas sa kanila,” he emphasized.

producing dominant players in women’s professional golf, backed by structured grassroots development, high-caliber training systems and relentless competitive exposure.

For the Filipina hopefuls to measure up and contend for the title, they must focus on three key areas – precision and course management, mental tough under pressure and short game and putting efficiency. Other key Filipina players to watch in the event co-organized by Piiipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. are Pauline del Rosario, Princess Superal and Harmie Constantino, along with Daniella Uy, Chanelle Avaricio, and Mikha Fortuna add depth to the Filipina squad, while Manila-based Korean rising star Tiffany Lee could also be a surprise contender.

Jasmine Althea Ramilo of the Philippines performs her gold-clinching routine in the hoop.

tagumpay

ating mga

tagumpay ng buong bansa. Kaya naman, hindi natin sila pababayaan.

Senator Bong Go with Athlete of the Year Carlos Yulo and Paris Olympics bronze medalist Nesthy Petecio at the PSA Awards Night

LeBron calls team up with Doncic ‘special’

LOS ANGELES—LeBron James said Tuesday he is relishing the prospect of joining forces with Luka Doncic at the Los Angeles Lakers following the shock deal which has stunned the basketball world.

Doncic was formally unveiled by the Lakers on Tuesday after a jaw-dropping trade from the Dallas Mavericks that saw Anthony Davis head in the opposite direction.

Lakers star James was only informed of the Doncic trade late on Saturday, and admitted on Tuesday he was still coming to terms with the news in his first public comments since the deal.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” James said shortly after leading the Lakers to a 122-97 drubbing of the Los Angeles Clippers.

“It’s been challenging for sure, you know, especially for me. I had six

years with AD (Anthony Davis), won a championship with my guy, one of my best friends, obviously.

“But you know it’s a business, and you understand that. It’s the business of basketball. We understand that.”

James though admitted he was excited by the thought of forming a potent double act alongside Doncic, who looked on from the sidelines on Tuesday as the Lakers romped to victory.

“It’s going to be special,” James said.

“We’re gonna attract a lot of eyes.

“Obviously our ability to score, rebound and pass -- it’s gonna make it a lot easier on our teammates, and that’s all we want to do.

“We want to be able to create opportunities for our teammates where they only have to catch, finish, catch dunk, catch shoot, and it’s our job to lead them every single night. AFP

IN line with its commitment to empower Filipino athletes, mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is renewing its support for three grassroots basketball events in the country this quarter.

Smart will be livestreaming starting January the Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL) on its Smart Sports Facebook Page so that fans and students can support their teams online.

On the other hand, Smart is once again sponsoring the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) League, which features regional and national basketball tournaments among high school grassroots teams beginning this month until April. Prominent names like Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green, Gilas Pilipinas center Kai Sotto, Kamaka Hepa, Kihei Clark, Jeron Artest, Kai Ballungay, Jared Bahay and Kieffer Alas made their mark in previous runs of the competition.

Smart is also supporting the fast-growing women’s basketball community by backing for the third time the Manila Hustle 3x3 in February.

“This is in line with our commitment and belief that sports inspire nation-building, and by supporting tournaments that give young athletes the opportunity to showcase their skills and elevate the experience of basketball fans, we can spur positive development in the sport that is well-loved by Filipinos,” said Jude Turcuato, FVP and Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart.

Sports fans can catch their favorite tournaments and highlights on the Smart Sports and Puso Pilipinas Facebook and YouTube pages for free.

PH mixed doubles curling squad goes 3-0 in Harbin

HE Philippine mixed doubles curling team is on a hot streak, keeping its unbeaten slate going in Harbin, China to reach the quarterfinal round at the 9th Asian Winter Games on Wednesday at the Pingfang Curling Arena.

After beating world No. 13

South Korea, 12-2, and No. 45

Kyrgyzstan, the unranked Filipino-Swiss Marc Pfister and Filipino-American Kathleen Dubberstein defeated Qatar’s Mabarka Al-Abdulla and Nasser Abdulrah Alyafei, 11-3, for their third consecutive victory in Group B.

“We just kept the same attitude heading to the next games. Our goal is to win all our round-robin

games and possibly sweep it,” said Dubberstein.

The 30-year-old electrical engineering graduate from Wisconsin, United States is confident of reaching the podium with the top three nations in each of the two brackets progressing to the next round.

“Qatar is also a developing nation in curling just like us. Our game with them was a good experience.” said Dubberstein, who will also suit up Sunday in the opening round of women’s curling.

THE National Basketball Association (NBA) announced that LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers secured the top spots on the NBA’s Most Popular Jersey and Team Merchandise lists in the Philippines, respectively, for the first time in tandem since the 2020-21 season.

Results are based on sales from the NBA Stores in SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia and NBAStore. com.ph, the official online NBA Store in the Philippines, which are collectively operated by TITAN, for the first half of the 2024-25 regular season.

Additional highlights include the following:

• Charlotte Hornets’ LaMelo Ball (No. 6) and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (No. 8) each make their debut on the Most Popular Jersey list.

• The Phoenix Suns (No. 4) makes their debut on the Most Popular Team Merchandise list.

• Five players on the list have been named starters and reserves for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, which will be held on Monday, Feb. 17 at Chase Center in San Francisco.

NBA fans in the Philippines can tune in to watch the Castrol Rising Stars (Saturday, Feb. 15 at 10:00 a.m.), State Farm All-Star Saturday Night (Sunday, Feb. 16 at 9:00 a.m.), and the 74th NBA All-Star

The Philippines has been battling the host nation and world No. 15 China as of posting in the evening.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Secretary General Wharton Chan cheered for the Filipino mixed duo, expressing confidence for a potential medal in the sport.

“Very impressive and their confidence is growing. To win a medal, they have stay that way,” Tolentino said.

On Thursday, the Philippines plays No. 33 Kazakhstan at 6 p.m.

Meanwhile, Tolentino announced that speed skater Peter Groseclose and Dubberstein will be the flag-bearers in the opening ceremony on Friday at the Harbin International Convention Exhibition and Sports Center.

“Peter [Groseclose] already represented us in several overseas competitions, especially in the last year’s Winter Youth Olympic Games, while Kathleen is the other best available athlete as flag-bearer,” Tolentino said.

Groseclose, prior to the opening ceremony in the evening, will be competing in the morning qualifying heats of the 1,500 meters, 100m and 500m short track speed skating events beginning at 9 a.m. at the Heilongjiang Ice Events Training Center Multifunctional Hall.

Team Philippines has brought to the games 20 athletes, who will vie for medals with 33 other participating Asian nations with a combined total of 1,275 athletes set to compete in 11 sports, including 64 events.

By Peter Atencio

FILIPINO-MOROCCAN Yacine Guermali broke his own Philippine national record in the 3,000-meter indoor race at the Virginia Tech Invitational at Rector Field House in Blacksburg, Virginia recently. The 25-year-old Guermali settled for third place with a time of 8:02.62, behind George Coutti and Declan Rymer. Coutti checked in at 7:52.29, while Rymer reached the finish line in 7:59.07. Guermali held the previous record of 8:12.41 he set back in 2023 at the Spokane Indoor Challenge.

Kathleen Dubberstein of Team Philippines

Yacine Guermali paces the field.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

January inflation held steady at 2.9%—PSA

By Othel V. Campos and Darwin G. Amojelar

MBC

By Othel V. Campos

THE Makati Business Club (MBC)

offered the services of its members to create a more transparent and accountable budget process, as it raised concerns on the 2025 national budget which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself described as “sub-optimal.”

The MBC called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take immediate action, particularly in response to amendments introduced by Congress during the bicameral conference.

“The current budget, as approved by the bicameral committee, is neither transparent nor focused on addressing the true needs of the Filipino people,” said the MBC in a statement.

It emphasized the need for longterm reforms to the budget process to avoid similar issues in the future.

It also noted that reducing allocations for key social services like education, healthcare and social aid, and replacing them with local infrastructure projects and politically driven programs, risks undermining the country’s long-term economic stability.

The group supported the recommendation of former Senate President Frank Drilon to classify all Congressional amendments to the 2025 budget as “For Later Release” (FLR), preventing these funds from being used for electioneering purposes.

The MBC also expressed appreciation for the President’s veto of P26 billion from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget, but highlighted that the remaining structure of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) still fails to meet the nation’s priorities.

It highlighted important social services that remain underfunded, and said the allocations made by the bicameral conference committee do not sufficiently address the immediate or long-term needs of the Filipino people.

Inflation in the Philippines held steady at 2.9 percent in January 2025, within the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent, on lower rice prices, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Wednesday.

The PSA said the rate matched the inflation rate recorded in December 2024. It was also within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ forecast range of 2.5 percent to 3.3 percent.

The decline in rice prices in January highlights the success of the Marcos administration’s efforts to stabilize food inflation, Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu

Laurel Jr. said. Rice inflation in January was recorded at -2.3 percent year-on-year and -0.9 percent compared to December. The deflation marked the first decrease in rice prices since December 2021, when prices dropped 0.1 percent. “This is great news. It clearly demonstrates that President Bongbong

Marcos’ measures, particularly the sharp reduction in rice tariffs last year, are paying off,” said Tiu Laurel.

“The latest inflation outturn is consistent with the BSP’s assessment that inflation will remain anchored to the target range over the policy horizon. The rice tariff reduction and negative base effects are expected to support disinflation,” the BSP said in a statement.

“The balance of risks to the inflation outlook continues to lean to the upside due largely to potential upward adjustments in transport fares and electricity rates,” it said.

The BSP said the impact of lower import tariffs on rice remained the main downside risk to inflation.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Transportation

(DOTr) said Wednesday it expects the P16.93-billion New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) to be operational by the second quarter of 2028. The DOTr and Cebu Port Authority (CPA) broke ground on the NCICP— a maritime infrastructure seen to benefit port users, local community and the government.

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said

the NCICP would address congestion at the Cebu Base Port and open up space for vessels and cargoes, ensuring efficient and faster turnaround of commercial vessels, while improving handling ang container stacking facilities.

“This redistribution will pave the way for a seamless flow of goods and services, ensuring our economy remains robust and dynamic,” said Bautista said during the groundbreaking ceremony in Barangay Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu.

GOVERNMENT corporate counsel

Solomon Hermosura defended the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.’s (PhilHealth) transfer of its excess funds to the National Treasury, arguing that it was lawful and does not impair the constitutional right to health.

Hermosura said the petitions against the fund transfer should be dismissed by the Supreme Court.

“PhilHealth’s remittance of its fund balance to the National Treasury, in compliance with Department of Finance Circular 003-2024, is lawful,” Hermosura said in his opening statement at the oral arguments at the Supreme Court on Feb. 4, 2025.

“It is lawful because, contrary to the claims of petitioners, the fund balance is not part of PhilHealth’s reserve fund. And the funds of PhilHealth,

Bautista noted the various benefits of the NCICP—alleviating bottlenecks in the logistics chain, promoting faster and more cost-efficient transport of goods, while enhancing the competitiveness of local businesses and industries.

“The benefits of this project extend far beyond its physical structure. It is expected to generate a wide array of advantages for users, the local community, and the public sector,” Bautista said.

including that part sourced from sin taxes, are not a special fund under the Constitution,” he said.

Hermosura said PhilHealth’s return of fund balance “does not impair the constitutional right to health,” noting that despite remitting P60 billion in excess funds last year, the agency’s operating budget for 2025 increased to P284 billion or P25 billion more than its 2024 budget.

“The operating budget of PhilHealth has increased by 58 percent during this administration from the 2022 budget of P166.5 billion. While advancing universal healthcare, PhilHealth observes fiscal accountability and good governance as an essential prerequisite for our national development,” he said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Average inflation in January 2025

2.9% 4.0% -2.3%

Food inflation in January 2025

Rice deflation in January 2025

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue launched its 2025 national tax campaign on Feb. 4, 2025 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. led the event, themed “Buwis na Tapat, Tagumpay Nating Lahat” (Honest Taxes, Everyone’s Success). The campaign emphasizes the importance of timely and accurate tax payments in supporting the country’s economic recovery and development.

The launch also marked the start of Tax Awareness Month, which will include seminars, information drives and stakeholder and media engagements to promote tax education and responsible tax payment.

The program featured an audiovisual presentation, highlighting the BIR’s exceeding its 2024 collection goal of P2.848 trillion, as approved by the Development Budget Coordination Committee.

The BIR also showcased its digital transformation programs, including the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS), which facilitated the issuance of 470,000 digital tax identification cards in 2024.

The Electronic One-Time Transaction (eONETT) System processed 33,198 Electronic Certificate Authorizing Registrations (eCARs) in the same year.

Department of Finance Undersecretary for the Revenue Operations Group Charlito Martin Mendoza read a message from Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, expressing the administration’s support for the BIR’s efforts.

Lumagui thanked taxpayers and reaffirmed the BIR’s commitment to improving services, combating tax evasion and ensuring a fair tax system. He said tax revenue funds essential public services.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded the BIR’s revenue generation efforts and urged Filipinos to fulfill their tax obligations, emphasizing the importance of a fair tax system for economic stability.

NAVAL DEPOT. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Director Maria Cecilia Bitare (left) and United States Marine Corps Colonel Luke Watson, commanding officer of Blount Island Command based in Jacksonville, Florida, lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the hub at the Naval Supply Depot Compound in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, together with SBMA deputy administrator for port operations Martin Kristoffer Roman on Feb. 4, 2025. The 5,300-square-

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista leads the groundbreaking ceremony for the New Cebu International Container Port Project in Consolacion, Cebu. Set to accommodate two 2,000 TEU vessels, the NCICPP can increase the

capacity of the main cargo gateway in Central Visayas and decongest the roads in the Cebu Baseport area.

PH stocks jump 3.1%, peso ends at 58 a dollar on stable inflation

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PHILIPPINE stocks jumped for the third straight trading day, rising by more than 3 percent, as inflation rate remained steady.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index soared 192.02 points, or 3.15, percent to close at 6,281.08. The wider all-shares index also went up by 78.73 points, or 2.18 percent, to reach 3,696.66.

The peso closed at 58.09 a dollar Wednesday, up from 58.34 Tuesday. Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) said while inflation reached 2.9 percent in January, slightly higher than the 2.8 percent median estimate, core inflation eased from 2.8 percent to 2.6 percent.

BPI said given the actual January inflation rate, the possibility of a BSP rate cut next week increased. It said, however, the scope for cuts this year remains limited.

PSALM to rebid

By Alena Mae S. Flores

“Aside from interest-differential driven portfolio outflow, the economy’s sizeable current account deficit makes the economy more vulnerable to intensifying external shocks i.e. global trade tensions. Cutting the policy rate aggressively could amplify this vulnerability and exert unmanageable pressure on the Peso,” BPI said.

“We therefore continue to expect a total of 50 bps in RRP rate cuts this year, which will bring the policy rate to 5.25% by year-end,” it said.

All sectors ended in the positive territory, with property gaining the most, up 4.81 percent followed by holding firms which rose 4.09 percent.

Value turnover reached P7.18 billion, with 127 winners against 68 decliners.

Share price of SM Prime Holdings Inc. climbed 7.22 percent to P26, while China Banking Corp. declined 2.17 percent to P90.

CBK hydro power plants later this year

SATE-RUN Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.

said Wednesday the value of the 796.64-megawatt Caliraya-BotocanKalayaan (CBK) hydroelectric power plant complex in Lumban, Majayjay and Kalayaan Laguna will not go down with its planned rebidding.

PSALM president Dennis de la Serna said they decided to cancel the previous bidding for the oldest hydro plant in the country amid concerns on the independent power producer ad-

Asiabest

plans

P255-m tender offer after deal with PLC

THE new majority shareholders of Asiabest Group Inc. (ABG) said Wednesday they will conduct a P255million tender offer to acquire shares owned by the public starting next month.

The mandatory tender offer will begin on March 10, 2025 and end on April 7, 2025, ABG said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

The tender offer is mandatory under the Securities Regulation Code (SRC) after PremiumLands Corp. (PLC) and Industry Holdings and Development Corp. (IHDC) entered into an agreement to acquire 66.67 percent stake in ABG in December.

This will give minority shareholders the chance to exit at the same terms as those of the buyout transactions. Under the plan, PLC offered to acquire 100 million ABG common shares held by minority investors at P2.55 per share.

PLC purchased 200 million common shares in ABG from Tiger Resort Asia Ltd., the operator of the $2-4 billion hotel and gaming resort Okada Manila. Jenniffer B. Austria

ministration agreement.

“We decided to cancel and rebid. We plan for a straight asset sale. We hope the previous interested parties will still be there for this new process,” he said.

“It will still be a competitive bidding,” de la Serna said. He did not give an updated schedule of the bidding but said earlier they planned to bid out the CBK hydro facility in April 2025.

PSALM issued the first invitation to bid for CBK in December 2023 for interested parties to participate in the selection and appointment of the independent power producer adminis-

trator (IPPA) for the administration of the contracted capacity and privatization of the CBK power plants.

“There is a term for IPPA with asset sale. Given the term of the IPPA is short, we decided for a straight asset sale,” the official said.

The CBK hydroelectric power plant complex, which comprises three separate facilities with a contracted capacity of 796.64 megawatts, plays a central role in the Luzon power system. It is one of the few remaining big ticket power assets that are up for privatization.

THE Philippines should abandon for the moment its dream of achieving an upper middle-income status (UMIC) if it cannot fix the problems of the agriculture sector.

The Philippines by various estimates is poised to reach the status either this year or in 2026 if the growth trajectory holds up. It will join other upper middle-income economies in Asia, like China, Malaysia Thailand and Türkiye.

The World Bank defines UMIC economies as those with a gross national income per capita ranging between $4,516 and $14,005 for the fiscal year 2025. GNI per capita measures the economic output per citizen, encompassing both domestic and international earnings. A higher GNI per capita is one indication of greater economic prosperity and a higher standard of living.

The Philippines is sure close to reaching the magic number to become a UMIC economy. Its GNI per capita rose to a historical high of $4,230 in 2023, up 7.1 percent from the preceding year and surpassed the 2023 target range of $4,130 to $4,203 GNI per capita set in the Philippine Development Plan for 20232028.

But with Philippine agriculture in disarray,

the UMIC goal is meaningless. The poor performance of the agriculture sector in 2024 means the economic growth is not inclusive— farmers and fishermen cannot experience the prosperity being enjoyed by other Filipinos.

The Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.6 percent in 2024 despite a sluggish fourth-quarter expansion of 5.2 percent. Agriculture, however, remains a laggard. The output of the agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AFF) sector declined 1.8 percent in the fourth quarter and by 1.6 percent for the whole of 2024.

Way back in 2021 or months before the 2022 presidential elections, this column reminded the candidates then that the economy should be at the heart of every political discourse. Millions of Filipinos were looking at the presidential elections as the time for change, and rest their hopes on the country’s new leaders.

In particular, the new president has the task of improving the lot of farmers and fisherfolk, who comprise the majority of the population in the countryside.

Millions of Filipinos in the countryside still rely on agriculture as their main source of livelihood. They live and die by their crops from the farm and catch from the sea. Many

MICT builds new berth for larger vessels

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), International Container Terminal Services Inc.’s (ICTSI) flagship operation, is boosting its capacity and efficiency through continued investments in infrastructure, equipment and digital transformation to support growing trade and enhance customer service.

MICT is constructing Berth 8 designed for ultra-large container vessels of up to 18,000 TEUs in capacity to meet rising demand. This will add 200,000 TEUs in capacity, raising volume handling capability to 3.5 million TEUs per annum, MICT said.

It said additional yard space would support the new berth, while easing yard utilization for increased maneuverability.

MICT said it continues to incorporate hybrid and zero-emission equipment into its operations as part of its sustainability strategy.

The terminal recently deployed eight new zero-emission rubber-tired gantries (RTGs), complementing a fleet that is now 83-percent hybrid. It said plans are underway to acquire electric trucks and establish EV charging infrastructure, advancing efforts to reduce emissions.

ICTSI committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions per container move by 26 percent and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Gate operations were streamlined,

… with Philippine agriculture in disarray, the UMIC goal is meaningless.

of them live on a hand-to-mouth existence and are unable to break the poverty cycle.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. briefly took over the helm of the Department of Agriculture to resuscitate the ailing sector.

But nearly three years after the elections, the agriculture sector is still mired in a prolonged recession of its own.

And things have taken a turn for the worse.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. just this week declared a food security emergency on rice.

The agriculture chief cited an “extraordinary” rise in local rice prices. Soaring rice prices despite lower global prices and reduced rice tariffs prompted the emergency declaration.

“This emergency declaration allows us to

with 14 automated lanes and six optical character recognition (OCR) portals.

These upgrades cut average truck dwell time to 47.82 minutes, while pre-truck manifesting gate transaction was reduced to 48 seconds.

Other new equipment deliveries include 43 terminal trailers, 17 skeletal trailers and 11 tractors.

A new yard management system optimizes container stacking, enhances visibility and improves resource allocation to ease bottlenecks.

MICT also introduced digital solutions including the ICTSI App, which provides real-time vessel, container and truck tracking, along with billing computation and electronic interchange receipts to further enhance service efficiency.

E-wallet payments enable automated fee deductions, expediting import clearance and gate-out processing. SMS notifications now alert truck drivers on container hold releases and truck instruction documents upon gate-in. Free WiFi access withing the terminal for truck drivers has also been introduced.

release rice buffer stocks held by the National Food Authority (NFA) to stabilize prices and ensure that rice, a staple for millions of Filipinos, remains accessible to consumers,” says Tiu Laurel. His decision follows the assessment of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) that despite declining global rice prices and import rice tariff reduction from 35 percent to 15 percent in July, the local costs have remained stubbornly high. Rice inflation, per data from Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), soared to as high as 19.6 percent in December 2023. The food security emergency, which will will remain in effect until the situation improves, is ironic for a country that is aspiring to achieve an upper middle-income status.

Addressing other pressing economic issues—unemployment, poverty, low rural income, climate change and high prices— remain a challenge. The job of improving the lot of farmers and fisherfolk, who comprise the majority of the population in the countryside, is equally daunting.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

CIVIC CENTERS. Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) vice president Ramon Stephen Villaflor (fifth from left) congratulates New Bataan Mayor Geraldford Balbin during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the turnover of two socio-civic centers in Barangay Panag in the mountainside towns of Maragusan and New Bataan that are frequently hit by natural disasters. The facilities, built with P50-million funding each from PAGCOR, will serve as safe shelters during emergencies as well as venues for various socio-economic activities of the communities.

The Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), International Container Terminal Services Inc.’s (ICTSI) flagship operation and the Philippines’ largest and most advanced container terminal, is constructing Berth 8 designed for ultra-large container vessels.

BUSINESS

Filipinos top global ranking in vlog, influencer following

FILIPINOS continue to dominate the digital world, spending an average of 8 hours and 52 minutes a day on the internet, surpassing the global average of 6 hours and 38 minutes, according to the Digital 2025 report by Meltwater and We Are Social.

The report highlights Filipinos’ strong preference for mobile internet usage, with an average of 5 hours and 21 minutes spent on their mobile phones, exceeding the global average of 3 hours and 46 minutes.

These data are part of the Digital 2025 report released by Meltwater, a global leader in media, social and

consumer intelligence, and We Are Social, a socially-led creative agency.

Digital 2025 shows that AI’s momentum is accelerating, social media is increasingly important for brand discovery and ad spend has increased significantly across digital, social and influencer.

Global social media user identities now stand at 5.24 billion, an increase of 4.1 percent over the past 12 months. The typical internet user spends 2 hours and 21 minutes using social media each day.

The report says 98.9 percent of Filipino internet users use chat and messenger services each month, higher

than the global average of 94.5 percent.

About 94.2 percent of Filipino internet users use email services each month, also above the global average of 75 percent. About 49.5 percent of Filipino internet users use mobile video calling services each month, higher than the global average of 35.5 percent.

Some 91.3 percent of Filipino internet users use a banking, investment or insurance website or app each month. This is highest globally and exceeds Brazil which comes in second with 74.8 percent and the global average of 37.8 percent.

logistics and passenger transport provider, facilitate the transport of a mobile treatment plant (MTP) to communities impacted by the recent Mt. Kanlaon eruption. Deployed by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and delivered to several barangays in Negros Oriental, the MTP is a vital portable water purification system designed to provide clean drinking water to communities suffering from water shortages due to the disaster.

Manufacturers raise alarm over stalled PUV modernization

THE Automotive Body Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (ABMAP) asked the government to secure additional funding for the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, following reports that the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Landbank exhausted their allocated budgets for the initiative.

The group raised the alarm over the stalled program, which is critical not only for modernizing the country’s outdated, polluting and unsafe jeepneys but also for revitalizing the local automotive industry.

“The program is a transformative initiative that addresses multiple national challenges—public safety, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. It’s disheartening to learn that funding has run out just as we are on the verge of realizing its full potential. We urge the government to act swiftly and allocate the necessary resources to keep this program on track,” said ABMAP executive director Manuel.

The program, which is expected to replace aging jeepneys with modern, Euro 4-compliant vehicles, demonstrated its potential to generate jobs and stimulate economic activity. Based on industry estimates, the program supports over 10,000 employees in vehicle production and parts manufacturing, including its member companies that specialize in building vehicle bodies, chassis, and components.

The impact also extends to about 20,000 workers in the auto parts sector, which supplies essential components for

these vehicles.

“The program will not only improve public transport, it will create opportunities for local manufacturers and workers,” Manuel said.

“Locally produced vehicles contribute 50 percent local value, meaning every modern PUV strengthens our domestic supply chain, reduces reliance on imports, and bolsters the economy. This program is vital for an automotive industry that has struggled for years,” he said.

ABMAP estimated that producing at least 100 modern jeepneys locally could generate up to P125 billion in economic activity, including investments in manufacturing, infrastructure and related services.

Modern PUVs are designed to be more fuelefficient, drastically reducing fuel consumption and lowering operating costs for drivers and operators.

Othel V. Campos

Fish shipments declined to 126,903 MT in Q4

THE Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) said Wednesday regional fish ports (RFP) reported strong numbers, hitting 126,903.94 metric tons (MT) of fish and other fishery products unloaded in the fourth quarter of 2024. The final quarter figures represented a slight dip from the 129,227.50 MT unloaded in the third quarter of 2024.

PFDA said the fourth-quarter performance equated to an average daily unloading volume of 1,379.39 MT, supplying continued demand for the nation’s vital seafood supply.

When it comes to ice production, the PFDA RFPs produced 9.75 million metric tons of ice in the fourth quarter, up 4.38 percent from 9.34 million MT in the previous quarter.

The ports also processed 412.16 MT of fishery and non-fishery products, an 86.4-percent rise from the 221.10 MT processed in the third quarter.

“Despite the challenges of 2024, our ports have continued to deliver, ensuring that fishery products are handled efficiently and that our clients’ needs are met. This performance underscores the hard work of our team and the trust our stakeholders have placed in us,” said PFDA.

PFDA said on the client-facing front, its RFPs served 9,585 clients in the last quarter of 2024, a strong indication of their vital role in the fishery supply chain.

The ports also welcomed 18,391 vessels between October and December, slightly down from 19,687 in the third quarter, but still a robust figure given the seasonal fluctuations. Othel V. Campos

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL ALTERNATIVE CHILD CARE OFFICE Field Office III 5th Floor, Primus Medicus, San Isidro, City of San Fernando, Pampanga Email address: racco3@nacc.gov.ph Contact Nos.: (045) 961-2143 IN RE: PETITION FOR ADOPTION OF MINOR ERICKA BUENAVENTURA MANDI TO

BCDA signs new leases on Camp John Hay assets

STATE-RUN BASES Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said Wednesday it signed new lease agreements with several sub-lessees of CJH Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) for properties in Forest Estates, Country Homes, Golf Estates and Forest Cabins within Camp John Hay in Baguio City.

This was after the Supreme Court granted BCDA the authority to recover the Camp John Hay.

BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition.

“We want to assure all stakeholders that BCDA is here to help facilitate the transition of management at Camp John Hay. Our focus now is to create a future that benefits everyone. With the support of our private partners and the Baguio City Government, we are dedicated to enhancing facilities and services, safeguarding the natural environment, creating job opportunities, and empowering the local community,” Bingcang said.

BCDA said it finalized over 40 new residential lease agreements with sublessees of CJHDevCo.

The agency is also in discussions with other stakeholders to finalize

new terms for their residential leases in the area.

As part of the broader plan for Camp John Hay, BCDA said it would review the area’s over 25-year comprehensive master plan to align it with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The aim is to model the development of Camp John Hay on the successes of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and New Clark City in Tarlac.

“This is a pivotal moment for Camp John Hay, and we invite everyone to be part of its exciting future as we work together to realize its full potential,” Bingcang said.

BCDA said it plans to generate socioeconomic opportunities for the local community while contributing more to national revenue by implementing key infrastructure projects and attracting high-impact investments.

FFCCCII expresses concern over legislated wage hike

By Michael Wong Ho

THE Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) voiced its apprehension over the proposed P200 daily minimum wage increase

FFCCCII president Dr. Cecilio Pedro acknowledged the financial difficulties faced by workers but questioned whether the proposed resolution had been adequately discussed.

“I am not against the salary increase, because our workers are really facing hardship. But we worry

if the resolution has been discussed enough? How did the figure of P200 come about?” he said.

The proposal, which was passed by the House labor and jobs committee, calls for a nationwide P200 increase in the daily minimum wage for private sector workers.

Some lawmakers urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to list the bill as urgent and to pass it before the House adjourns.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) also warned that the large wage increase could lower efficiency and

halt economic growth, particularly affecting MSMEs, which are already struggling with rising labor costs.

The PCCI) cautioned that the wage hike could trigger serious inflationary pressures and impose a heavy burden on MSMEs.

PCCI chairperson Enunina Mangio said decisions regarding minimum wage adjustments should be made by the Regional Wage Boards (RWBs), not the House committee.

She expressed concern over the nationwide uniform increase, highlighting the significant cost-ofliving differences across regions.

Business club elects leaders, shares plans

By Julie Ann Lope

THE Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI) Young Entrepreneurs Committee (YEC) held a gathering at Aristocrat Restaurant in Banawe, Quezon City on Jan. 25, 2025 to elect new leaders and discuss strategies on business success.

Peter Allan Chua was named chairman, with Nathalie Wong, Jason Li and Aileen Yang as vice chairs. Kesterson Kua and Teresa Co were appointed advisers.

The new officers aim to work together, launch new projects and explore opportunities involving their fellow young entrepreneurs.

Dr. Joselito Cariño, Developmental Studies professor at De La Salle University served as the guest speaker.

His talk focused on the impact of geopolitical issues on business, the importance of digitalization, family governance and mentorship

Filipino-Chinese businessmen provide free medical care in Payatas

THE Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc.’s (FFCCCII) social responsibility committee headed by director Hong Zhao Jian held a free medical mission in Payatas, Quezon City on Jan. 19, 2025.

The mission was organized in collaboration with the Samahan ng mga Manggagawa sa Transportasyon (SATU) and the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU).

in resolving internal conflicts. Cariño emphasized the need for entrepreneurs to find common ground to achieve success in a changing business environment. Attendees enjoyed a meal provided by director William Rogando, owner of the Aristocrat branch, while sharing their entrepreneurial experiences.

The CFBCI-YEC is also planning a delegation to the Vietnam International Trade Fair 2025 in Hanoi, scheduled on April 2-5, 2025.

The committee continues to focus on fostering the development of young Filipino business leaders.

The team treated 181 patients with various health concerns, while 120 dental patients had teeth extracted.

It also distributed 92 pairs of reading glasses to help those with vision problems.

A total of 393 individuals benefited from the program.

The initiative is part of FFCCCII’s ongoing

A medical team composed of five doctors and seven dentists offered free consultations, treatment and medications to those in need.

YEDAM Unlimited Korean BBQ held its grand opening on Jan. 17,

commitment to social responsibility, providing free medical and dental care to marginalized communities every weekend.

The medical mission was well-received by the local residents, who expressed their gratitude for the services provided.

FFCCCII’s social responsibility efforts remain a vital part of its commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos, especially in disadvantaged areas. Julie Ann Lope

THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Alumni Associations Inc. (FFCAAI) Youth Committee hosted an online webinar titled “ABSO-lutely! (Always Be Safe Online) 2025” on Jan. 28, 2025 via Zoom. The event aimed to educate the community on mitigating online threats such as scams and data theft.

In his opening remarks, FFCAAI president Golden David emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to organizing meaningful activities that benefit the community.

He highlighted the rising threats of malware, phishing, and cybercrime, which continue to affect internet users.

Ricson Singson Que, a well-regarded cybersecurity expert and consultant, served as the guest speaker during the webinar. With over 25 years of experience, Que has held various leadership roles and advised businesses on digital transformation, IT security and data privacy. He is actively involved in several professional organizations and academia, contributing to the development of the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Que covered key topics, including “Our Digital World,” “It’s Time for Cyber,” “Cybersecurity by the Numbers,” and “Always Be Safe Online (ABSO)lutely!” He also provided practical tips for protecting privacy and security in the digital space. The session concluded with an open

The Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI) Young Entrepreneurs Committee (YEC) holds a gathering at Aristocrat Restaurant in Banawe, Quezon City on Jan. 25, 2025.

Members of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc.’s (FFCCCII) social responsibility committee headed by director Hong Zhao Jian organize a free medical mission in Payatas, Quezon City on Jan. 19, 2025.

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

THE Philippine Bureau of Customs

(BoC) celebrates its 123rd anniversary, marking a crucial juncture in its history as it balances its legacy with the need for modernization in global trade. This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the bureau’s journey, recent achievements and future role in shaping the Philippine economy.

Throughout its history, th e BoC has been vital in generating government revenue. Customs duties and taxes it collects contribute significantly to the national treasury, funding public services and infrastructure. This financial contribution underscores the BoC’s importance as a key driver of economic growth and development.

Shaping PH economics Long before Western exploration, a customs system existed in the Philippines. Thriving barter-based trade in Southeast Asia saw local leaders collecting tributes, which evolved into early customs laws. Three key statutes shaped customs administration during the Spanish era. The Spanish Customs Law (1582-1828), similar to that of the Indies, implemented ad valorem duties on imports and exports. A Tariff Board established fixed values for imported goods, uniformly applying a 10-percent ad valorem duty. A later Tariff Law (1891) introduced specific duties on imports and some exports, remaining in effect until the end of Spanish rule.

The American period initially continued the 1891 Spanish Tariff Code. The Tariff Revision Law of 1901, followed by the Tariff Revision Law of 1902, aimed to align Philippine customs laws with American practices. Acts 33, 355, 357 and 625 reorganized the customs service, clarified roles and eventually abolished the Captain of the Port position in Manila. Public Act No. 430 established the Bureau of Customs and Immigration under the Department of Finance and Justice.

Bureau of Customs marks 123rd year of supporting PH economy

Under the Commonwealth government, the Bureau of Immigration became a separate entity. In 1947, the Insular Collector of Customs became the Collector of Customs for the Port of Manila. The Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 1937), effective in 1957, marked the first autonomous Philippine tariff policy. Numerous reorganizations followed. Customs Administrative Order No. 4-65 (1965) elevated offices to the department level and created positions like Assistant Commissioner for Revenue. Presidential Decree No. 34 (1972) amended the Tariff & Customs Code. Subsequent decrees further reorganized the Bureau, creating Customs Services and collection districts. Presidential Decree No. 1464 (1978) further amended the code. Executive Order No. 688 (1982) aligned the tariff system with the Customs Co-Operation Council Nomenclature. The 1986 EDSA Revolution led to another reorganization under Executive Order No. 127, expanding the Central Office and staff. The Management Information System and Technology Group (MISTG) was established in 1998. Customs enforcement has evolved alongside the service. Bartering merchants sometimes avoided tributes even before formal customs systems, marking the beginning of smuggling. The Harbor Police, established in 1902, was the first dedicated customs enforcement group. It underwent several reorganizations, becoming the Customs Patrol Service in 1947.

MOMENTUM WHERE IT MATTERS

with international law enforcement agencies.

The BoC has made significant strides in modernizing its operations, implementing reforms such as electronic systems for customs declarations and payments to improve efficiency and transparency. These initiatives aim to reduce red tape, minimize corruption, and enhance the ease of doing business in the Philippines.

The BoC has also focused on strengthening its human resources, investing in training and development programs to enhance employees’ skills and professionalism. This commitment to capacity building ensures the BoC has a workforce capable of meeting the challenges of a dynamic trade environment.

Modernization efforts

in advanced technology and enhancing intelligence gathering, the bureau has been able to detect and apprehend smugglers, protecting the country’s borders and economy.

The BoC has also prioritized trade facilitation, implementing measures to simplify customs procedures and reduce processing times. This focus on efficiency has benefited businesses, promoting trade and investment.

As the BoC celebrates its 123rd anniversary, it faces challenges. It should continue to adapt to the evolving nature of international trade, increasingly characterized by e-commerce, complex supply chains and sophisticated smuggling methods. To remain effective, the BoC must embrace innovation, invest in technology and strengthen stakeholder collaboration.

Later, the Law Enforcement Command (LEC) integrated various enforcement units. The Customs Police Division eventually became the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) in 1987. Today, the ESS safeguards borders and combats smuggling. The BoC’s roles Beyond revenue collection, the BoC facilitates trade. It enables the smooth flow of goods across borders by streamlining customs procedures and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. This efficiency is essential for businesses engaged in international trade, promoting competitiveness and attracting foreign investment.

The BoC also safeguards national security by preventing the entry of contraband, illegal drugs, and other harmful goods. This responsibility has become increasingly complex, requiring the BoC to adapt to new smuggling methods and collaborate

According to its website, the bureau has made significant progress in revenue collection, exceeding targets and contributing to the government’s fiscal stability. This success can be attributed to improved efficiency, stricter enforcement, and increased trade volumes resulting from the bureau’s commitment to modernization.

The BoC has strengthened its efforts to combat smuggling and other illicit activities. By investing

Looking to the future, the BoC is committed to further enhancing its services and strengthening its role as a key player in the Philippine economy. The bureau’s vision is to become a world-class customs administration known for its efficiency, transparency, and integrity. This ambitious goal requires continuous improvement, innovation, and a dedication to serving the Filipino people.

In furtherance of the longstanding collaboration between the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio and Chief Representative Sakamoto Takema met for a courtesy call on January 30, 2025, to discuss remarkable achievements through years of mutual cooperation since 1990, as well as considerations for future activities.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

Very Wang Nickie Wang

BEHIND BINI’s astronomic success is a management team that took a significant risk in supporting the group despite numerous challenges.

On Tuesday, the members of BINI renewed their contract with ABS-CBN at a ceremony held at the Dolphy Theater. ABS-CBN executives, including chairman Mark L. Lopez, president and CEO Carlo L. Katigbak, COO of Broadcast Cory V. Vidanes, and TV Production and Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi, were present at the signing. The venue was decorated with fresh and artificial flowers, along with gold-plated

lampposts, in a tribute to the group’s fandom, Blooms. Fanstrooped to the theater, where lifesize standees of BINI members Aiah, Colet, Gwen, Jhoanna, Maloi, Mikha, Sheena, and Stacey were displayed to welcome the crowd.

Speaking on behalf of the network, Vidanes congratulated the group and reaffirmed ABSCBN’s commitment to supporting them.

“Congratulations and thank you very much. Thank you for your continued trust in ABS-CBN. You trusted us from the day each of you auditioned for BINI until today, as we sign this new contract,” Vidanes said.

SHOWBIZ

BINI renews ABS-CBN contract ahead of Philippine Arena concert

“This contract is important because it represents our shared goal of world-class excellence. You have proven to be amazing, authentic, and empowered women with exceptional talent and big hearts. BINI, you are very special, and you have become a part of Pinoy culture. You rightfully deserve to be called the Nation’s Girl Group and the pride of Filipinos,” she added.

Vidanes also assured the group and their families that the network would continue to support them.

“To be here to hold your hands, to guide you, to support you—you can always count

on that. To your parents and families, thank you for trusting us through the years with your girls,” she said.

The contract signing was an emotional moment for the group, with members expressing their gratitude to ABS-CBN, their families, and their fans.

“You are the very first ones who believed in us when we were still in our teenage years. We trusted you, and thank you so much for trusting us as well. We are going to keep trusting you for many years to come,” Aiah said.

The group was also surprised with video messages from their fans worldwide. Mikha described the gesture as “heartwarming,” adding, “To have you guys in this journey— we just want to say thank you, Blooms.” Jhoanna thanked their families and supporters, saying, “Thank you for keeping us grounded because everything that happened was so overwhelming, especially last year when everything changed.”

Sheena also expressed gratitude to God for the blessings the group has received.

BINI’s career continues to rise, with the BINIverse World Tour 2025 kicking off at the Philippine Arena. The group has achieved significant milestones, including winning the Voices of Asia Award at Billboard Korea’s “Billboard K POWER 100” and landing on the cover of Billboard Philippines’ anniversary issue. In 2024, BINI held their BINIverse concert series at the New Frontier Theater and later staged the soldGrand BINIverse concert at the Araneta Coliseum.

Since debuting in June 2021 with the single “Born To Win,” BINI has gained recognition with hits like “Karera,” “Salamin, Salamin,” and “Pantropiko,” cementing its place in the P-pop industry. out

A NEW campaign is training the spotlight on the importance of strong connections within families, featuring a fresh rendition of Eraserheads’

“Huwag Kang Matakot.” The ‘90s hit, originally composed by Ely Buendia, takes on new meaning as it reinforces the message of support and presence for loved ones. The video showcases everyday scenarios where digital connectivity plays a crucial role: a father offering words of encouragement before his son’s major exam, a mother comforting her daughter facing cyberbullying, a daughter ensuring her mother’s safety through a home security camera, a son cheering up his sick mother via video call, and a family bridging distance with constant communication. Through these moments, the campaign underscores how technology has become an essential part of maintaining close family ties.

“As we face a new year, PLDT Home delivers a timely and uplifting message of support signifying its promise to provide stronger and

meaningful connections for every family it serves. PLDT Home is here for you, keeping you connected, especially in the moments that matter the most,” said Jeremiah de la Cruz, PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Home Business Group.

The

BINI with ABS-CBN executives at the contract signing event

The eight-member group is known for hit tracks ‘Pantropiko’ and ‘Salamin, Salamin’

ARRIVING IN STYLE.

BINI members (from left)

Gwen, Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Jhoanna, Stacey, Mikha, and Sheena

P-pop girl group BINI will be the first Filipino act to hold a solo concert at the Philippine Arena

Embracing running for fitness and community

LONG-DISTANCE runner Sam Gonzaga joined thousands of fitness enthusiasts in a major running event, setting new personal bests in the 10K, 21K, and 32K races.

“I just ran my fastest 10K and 21K and broke my 32K personal record, beating my Cebu Marathon 2025 splits. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to participate in this year’s run,” Gonzaga shared on social media.

He was among the thousands of runners from across the country who flocked to Alabang, Cebu, and Davao to take part in the 7-Eleven Run 2025, aiming to break personal records. The event brought together runners of all levels, from seasoned athletes aiming for new milestones to casual participants embracing a more active lifestyle. With thousands lacing up their running shoes, the race

underscored the growing appeal of endurance sports and the community it fosters.

For many, running is more than just a sport—it’s a way to challenge personal limits while staying physically and mentally fit. Corporate supporters also took part in the initiative, offering connectivity, activities, and promotions to enhance the experience for participants.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to once again support an event that promotes health and wellness among Filipinos,” said Christian So, assistant vice president and OIC-Head of National Key Accounts at Smart.

This is the eighth year that Smart has supported this initiative, powering the venues with connectivity and exciting booth activities and promos to delight runners.

Why regular health check-ups and wellness matter for Vice Ganda

By Nickie Wang

VICE Ganda has been open about his commitment to self-care, regular health check-ups, and overall well-being. Over the years, the comedian and TV host has dealt with health challenges, including kidney stones, which required medical intervention in 2018.

The TV host and comedian underwent Shock Wave Lithotripsy and had stents placed to aid in the removal of the stones. While most were successfully treated, he continued to monitor his condition to prevent further complications.

Staying active and maintaining a balanced lifestyle have become part of his routine. He believes in taking proactive steps to care for his body, ensuring he has the energy to keep up with his demanding schedule.

“I stay active and energized because I take care of my body, and taking food supplements has been a big part of that,” Vice Ganda said.

By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the 47-year-

old television personality hopes to inspire others to adopt habits that support their well-being. And that’s what he shared during a recent event where he was introduced as a celebrity ambassador.

Vice Ganda has been named the newest ambassador of Santé Barley, a barley-based health supplement brand, the company announced.

Santé International, a health and wellness company offering organic barley products certified by BioGro New Zealand, said Vice Ganda was chosen for his influence and commitment to maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.

“Vice Ganda represents what Santé Barley is all about: living life to the fullest while staying proactive about your health,” said Santé International CEO Joey Marcelo

The endorsement follows a series of achievements for the entertainer, including his 2023 Content Asia Awards win for the game show Everybody, Sing! and a Special Jury Citation at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival for his first dramatic role in And the Breadwinner Is...

The product, cultivated in New Zealand’s Canterbury region, is marketed as a natural supplement rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, aimed at improving digestion, immunity, and overall health.

Vice Ganda will lead the brand’s campaign to encourage more Filipinos to prioritize their health with the help of the brand’s products, which include barley juice, capsules, fusion coffee, and other wellness beverages.

Lifestyle factors such as insufficient sleep, an unhealthy diet, and persistent stress can further weaken the immune system

Study shows immune system weakens after 20

By Angelica Villanueva

THE immune system naturally declines after age 20, making individuals more susceptible to infections, studies show.

While chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension are widely known to weaken the immune system, research indicates that even healthy individuals experience a decrease in T cells, a type of white blood cell essential in fighting infections. Scientists attribute this decline to the body’s reduced ability to release T cells after adolescence.

Lifestyle factors, including lack of sleep, poor diet, and chronic stress, may further compromise immune function. Some studies suggest that incorporating Vitamin C and Zinc into daily routines can help support immune responses.

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage, while Zinc plays a crucial role in immune cell function. However, experts note that Zinc can degrade Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), potentially reducing its efficacy before absorption.

According to Unilab, maintaining

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Run 2025’ in Alabang, Cebu, and Davao

active lifestyle, inspiring others

Vice Ganda embraces a healthier and more to do the same

BoC pursues reforms to fight corruption

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) is enhancing its efforts to combat corruption and boost operational integrity through ongoing reforms and strict enforcement.

The initiative aligns with the program initiated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to foster a government built on trust and good governance.

Under the leadership of Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, the BoC conducted an internal investigation involving 120 personnel from 2023 to 2024. This resulted in the suspension of 14 employees and six others, showcasing the bureau’s zero-tolerance towards corrupt practices.

The bureau also implemented several modernization projects, including the National Customs Intelligence System to tackle smuggling and the Customs Auction Monitoring System to ensure fairness and transparency in the disposal of seized goods.

The Automated Export Declaration System streamlines export processes, while the Over-Staying Cargo Tracking System enhances the management of overstaying cargo. The Customer Care Portal System allows stakeholders to file declarations and applications online, reducing corruption and minimizing face-to-face interactions.

These advancements highlight the BoC’s commitment to modern and trustworthy customs operations.

The agency strengthened its partnership with the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council, which includes 59 industry partners and trade organizations. The collaboration aims to improve accountability, address trade-related issues, promote open communication and provide transparent government services.

In partnership with the World Customs Organization (WCO), the BoC conducted the Customs Integrity Perception Survey and Corruption Risk Assessment to identify vulnerabilities in processes and enhance transparency.

The survey indicated progress in integrity violations, performance management, and appraisal systems among customs officers. Private stakeholders also

noted improvements in feedback, transparency and adherence to the code of conduct.

It also intensified its anti-smuggling efforts. From 2023 to 2024, the agency filed 135 criminal cases with the Department of Justice against individuals involved in illegal activities and secured 25 criminal convictions since 2023 for individuals engaged in unlawful importation.

The BoC revoked the accreditations of 143 importers and 42 customs brokers involved in fraudulent activities to protect the integrity of the customs process. In 2024, the agency’s Intelligence Group recorded 2,116 seizures with an estimated value of P85.167 billion.

The top five commodities smuggled, based on the number of seizures, are agricultural products (1,029 seizures); cigarettes/tobacco/vape (437 seizures); currency (193 seizures); illegal drugs (160 seizures); and various commodities (92 seizures)

In terms of estimated value, the top five smuggled commodities are counterfeit goods (P34.69 billion); various commodities (P33.44 billion); cigarettes/ tobacco/vape (P9.29 billion); and vehicles and vessels (P4.24 billion).

The bureau’s increased collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group at various ports also resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs worth P1,901,051,279.98 in 2024.

Rubio emphasized the importance of these ongoing efforts. “We are committed to fighting corruption every step of the way. The public can count on us to make Customs an agency they can trust,” he said.

Through these reforms, the BoC not only improves its services but also significantly contributes to the President’s vision of a corruption-free government that serves the Filipino people with integrity and professionalism.

BoC IN ACTION

The Bureau of Customs (BoC) participated in the Capacity Building Program under the Bulk and Breakbulk Cargo Clearance Enhancement Program (BBBCCEP) from January 13 to 18, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand, to enhance technical

in cargo surveying techniques, reinforcing its commitment to trade

and supply chain security.

The Bureau of Customs Port of Aparri, including its Sub-ports of Irene and Currimao, officially received their International Standard Organization (ISO) 9001:2015 Certification from Technischer Überwachungs-Verein Suddeutschland (TÜV SÜD) on January 20.

BoC marks International Customs Day with focus on global trade

The Bureau of Customs (BoC) commemorated International Customs Day on January 27, 2025, under the theme “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity,” set by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The event recognized partner stakeholders who share the BoC and WCO’s mission to promote international trade efficiency, security, and sustainable growth.

BoC-CIIS celebrates 38th Anniversary with GMA Kapuso Foundation donation

The Bureau of Customs-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (BoCCIIS) marked the celebration of its 38th founding anniversary on Monday, Jan. 27, with a ceremonial donation to the GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF).

Port of Davao intercepts 251 cases of smuggled cigarettes

The Bureau of Customs (BoC) through the BoC - Port of Davao, in coordination with local authorities, successfully intercepted 251 master cases of smuggled cigarettes valued at PhP9.861 million.