Manila Standard - 2025 February 7 - Friday

OF 77 CONSUMER GOODS RISING

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Trade and Indus-

try (DTI) on Thursday issued a new suggested retail price (SRP) bulletin, clearing the way for the implementation of varying price increases in a number of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs)

This comes barely a day after government economists reported that

headline inflation in January 2025 was steady at 2.9 percent year-onyear, unchanged from the previous month’s rate.

It can be recalled that the DTI’s last SRP bulletin was issued on January 12, 2024.

The latest price bulletin covers 191 stock-keeping units (SKUs), down from 217 in previous years.

Of these, 77 items saw price in-

creases, 6 experienced price reductions, and 108 maintained stable prices. Additionally, 11 products underwent size changes, with 9 items reducing in size while increasing in price.

Budget bread manufacturers were granted a P2.25 increase for a 10-piece bag of Pinoy Pandesal, now priced at P27.25. Similarly, the price of Pinoy Tasty rose from P40 to P44 per loaf.

Price hikes were observed across

PNP resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay

By Rio N. Araja

T• Marcos says 'ayuda' couldn't have secured supermajority vote

By Maricel Cruz

AT LEAST 25 more

HE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.

ers who were unable to attend Wednesday's plenary session at the House of Representatives have signified their inten tion to endorse the fourth complaint that led to the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. If the addtional endorsers are permitted, this will raise the total number of signatories from 215 to 240, representing more than 75 percent of the House membership.

On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Mar bil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma.

Mendoza narrated before con gressmen how Garma allegedly fa cilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.

The whistleblower also implicated incumbent National Police Com missioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.

Barayuga was a retired police general and lawyer who supposedly threatened to expose corruption with in the PCSO shortly before he was shot dead in Mandaluyong City.

In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,

Garma, herself an ex-police Lt. Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in

THE legal counsel of Chinese businessman Tony Yang sought to disparage lawmakers’ conclusions about his client’s supposedly sketchy past and his alleged ties with Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) and even organized crime.

Impeachment trial vs. VP Sara to start in

By Ram Superable, Charles Dantes and Maricel Cruz

THE earliest possible schedule for the Senate to act on the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte will be on June 2, when Congress resumes session after the midterm elections.

Senate

"That

Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry

adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Fortun, a lawyer who often finds himself at the center high-profile cases, apparently sought to mock congressmen, calling their probe “unacceptable.”

special session is for important things and bills that need to be passed," Escudero said.

of illegal drugs and illegal activities associated with POGOs,” Suarez said in a mixture of Filipino and English.

“According to our Constitution, convening an impeachment court is not covered by that provision related to the special session. Legally, it can’t be done because the impeachment court was not convened before Congress went on break," he added.

The solons explained how the matrix details Yang’s connections to other individuals involved in illicit activities, including the operations of illegal POGOs.

Marbil’s term extended; PNP evaluating 403 election hotspots

By Vince Lopez and Charles Dantes

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is currently evaluating 403 election “areas of concern” to determine whether some places need to be added or stricken out of its list of potential hotspots.

By Darwin Amojelar

Lawyer Raymond Fortun questioned the House Quad Committee’s impartiality and its ability to pin Chinese national Yang down for ay wrongdoing in a real criminal court.

At a press briefing Thursday, PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said regional joint security control centers are due to submit their assessment on possible flashpoints ahead of the midterm election in May.

However, House members argued they did not come by their suspicions about Yang recklessly.

mission on Elections (Comelec) data.

“I am very interested in how they [Quad Comm members] can prove this criminal network in court. In Congress, lawmakers act as both prosecutor and judge,” he said. Yang, who already admitted having a fake Philippine birth certificate, is the brother of Michael Yang, a presidential economic

She said the identified areas are in the list as of January 9, citing Com-

and unfounded,” Bautista said in a Viber message, referring to the website that published the said story. “Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added. Bilyonaryo reported online that “Bautista and his long-time protege in Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Bobby Lim, are at the center of the storm after it was

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippine Navy debunked on Sunday the recent announcement by China that it conducted military exercises off Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). China reportedly made the announcement coinciding with the fourth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Philippines, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the re

On Friday, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga and Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon presented a matrix showing Yang’s first appearance and his subsequent activities at the Quad Comm hearing.

“Concerned directorates are waiting for the reports of the regional joint security control centers, and this will be the basis for the adding or subtracting from the 403 [hotspots],” Fajardo told reporters.

Among the companies implicated are Brickhartz Technology Inc. and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., which are being linked to alleged kidnapping.

are under the orange category, while 38 areas are under the red category, signifying the ascending likelihood of election-related violence.

Of the total number, 188 are under the yellow category, 177 areas

“We saw a pattern, and we tracked it to the top of these corporations... we stripped it of its layers , to get to the top and through it all, we have discovered and identified at least two main actors or players in the issue

Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal

MORE than 14 million official ballots have been printed for the 2025 national and local elections (NLE), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported Thursday. Based on the Comelec data, a to-

cent Trinidad told reporters that Manila troops did not monitor any such activity, adding that Bei jing’s statement was meant only for its internal audience. any exercise, we have to under stand that sometimes, China is doing this for their internal audi ence, right? For them not to look weak and embarrassed,” Trinidad said. monitored at a distance ranging from eight to 14

The two firms supposedly have connections with the Baofu Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which, in turn, can be directly traced to disgraced ex-mayor Alice Guo.

The PNP is expected to focus its resources on red areas, where political rivalries are the hottest and the probability of violence are highest.

During Friday’s Quad Comm hearing, lawmakers cited Tony Yang in contempt for “lying” to about his businesses and business partners.

tal of 14,747,766 or 20.45% of the 72 million ballot requirement have been printed as of Thursday, February 6. A total of 57,359,654 ballots have yet to be printed. The poll body resumed printing

By Rex Espiritu

THE defense chiefs of the Philippines and the United States recently held a discussion on efforts to reestablish deterrence in the South China Sea, following reports of Chinese vessels encroaching on the Philippine's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

In a statement, the Pentagon said that Philippine

A WEB OF CRIME? House leaders Aurelio Gonzales and David Suarez presented this matrix during the

OUT TO SEA.

More than 2,000 Olive Ridley Sea turtle hatchlings head out to sea at Sitio Wawa, Barangay Pag-asa, Bagac, Bataan, yesterday. According to the Coast Guard SubStation Bagac (CGSS) Bataan, the hatchlings were safely released and were allowed to imprint on the beach, a crucial process that helps the turtles navigate back when they are ready to lay eggs. Representatives from the Municipal Administrator of Bagac, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) Bagac, Bagac Tourism and Pagasa Pawikan Protection and Conservation Center were also present at the said activity. PCG

Impeachment...

From A1

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in a press briefing at the Palace, said he is ready to call for a special session but only if senators ask for it.

"If the senators ask for it, yes. Again, we leave it up to them to decide. We are not calling the shots here," Mr. Marcos said.

"If the Senate President calls me up on the telephone and tells me he has spoken with his colleagues if a special session can be called, then sure, I will do it."

"But if there is no such request, that means they're not yet ready. And it's too early to make such a request because they just received (the verified impeachment complaint resolution Wednesday)," the President added.

Senate Secretary Renato Bantug received the Articles of Impeachment from the House of Representatives at 5:49 p.m. on Wednesday. It was, however, not reported to the plenary before the session ended shortly at 7:00 p.m.

Escudero said the Senate will not

More...

From A1

seven out of its eight lawmakers were among the signatories. Only Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman did not sign the complaint.

Former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo did not sign the fourth impeachment complaint.

Among the senatorial candidates in the House, ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo, Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar, Agri Rep. Wilbert Lee, Sagip Party-List Rep. Rodante Marcoleta and 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Bonifacio Bosita did not sign the complaint.

Bosita's colleague at the 1-Rider party-list group, Rep. Ramon Gutierrez, however, signed the complaint and will serve as prosecutor.

Tulfo, a frontrunner in the sena -

be forced to act on the impeachment proceedings hastily.

"For over two months, the House sat on, studied, read, and reviewed the pending impeachment complaints. For over two months, the Secretary General did not forward the impeachment complaints to the Speaker's office for referral to the plenary and the Committee on Justice," Escudero said.

"We will not rush this, but we also will not unduly delay it. We will not allow ourselves to be pressured by anyone... We will do our job according to the Constitution, in compliance with what it dictates and the rules of the Senate itself," he added.

If convicted, Duterte will be removed from the vice presidency and forever barred from public office.

Her Senate trial, however, "will likely extend into the 20th Congress. That's almost a sure thing now," Escudero said.

Mr. Marcos assured the public he has no "role" in the impeachment case against Duterte amid the overwhelming support from allies in signing the complaint, including his son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, who was first to endorse

torial race, said he must remain impartial given that the impeachment trial could involve the next batch of senators.

“As a top contender in the upcoming senatorial elections, I may be among the new senators tasked with judging the said impeachment complaint. When that time comes, I will meticulously examine every piece of evidence presented before the body,” he said.

Tulfo and Villar are part of the administration senatorial slate Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas for the May midterm polls.

For his part, Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor said the overwhelming support of a supermajority of lawmakers was the result of consultations among representatives from various political parties such as Lakas-CMD, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, National Unity Party, Nation-

the complaint.

"The executive cannot have a hand in the impeachment. The executive has no role in impeachment," the President said.

"Did we discuss it with the Speaker? Did we discuss it with other congressmen? Of course. But the House is simply following the procedure, and they have transmitted the complaint to the upper chamber," he added. He said he advised his son to “do his duty."

“The process has already begun,” Mr. Marcos said. “Once it has been filed, there is a procedure that needs to be followed. It’s your duty now to support that process.”

With her impeachment, Duterte joined a group of only four highranking officials to face this fate since the Philippines returned to democracy in 1986, including former President Joseph Estrada in 2000, former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez in 2011, and the late Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2012.

For its part, the Makabayan coalition acknowledged that if impeaching Duterte was an uphill battle, her trial will be like “going up a

alists People’s Coalition, Nacionalista Party, Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino, ,and the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc.

"We were able to come up with a strong and clearer complaint that is able to get support and confidence among fellow legislators,” he said.

“That is why with this fourth impeachment complaint, where the evidence is presented in a stronger manner, it gave confidence to more than 200 congressmen to act as complainants," Defensor added.

President Ferdinand Marcos, for his part, said he does not believe claims that "ayuda" changed hands for the vote of lawmakers supporting the impeachment.

"Clearly, they (those peddling the claim) are undermining the process by saying that," he said.

"I don’t think so. The vote was

mountain."

"We know that it will be even more challenging at the Senate compared to the Lower House," Makabayan president Liza Maza said.

"This was an uphill battle for us, but it seems we will be going up a mountain at the Senate, right? Because we know the Dutertes still have influence there," she added.

While the trial will likely begin in June, the House is already ramping up its preparations to ensure a structured and well-prepared process, according to Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor of Iloilo and 1-RIDER Party-List Rep. Rodge Gutierrez.

"We will also have an information campaign for our countrymen so they can understand the impeachment process to simplify it so that every citizen can understand the process," Defensor said.

“As we’ve mentioned, the House will not shy away from its constitutional duty. We have already initiated the impeachment complaint as mandated by the Constitution and in addition to that, we will not shy away from the preparations,” Gutierrez added. With AFP

overwhelming -- 215. And from what I understand, more wanted to endorse it but they were out of town. In fact, they were asking if e-signature cab be allowed but it seems it cannot be allowed."

"I don’t think that kind of twothirds --just a little bit over two-thirds -- you cannot get that with that kind of system ("ayuda"). I've been in Congress. I don’t think that way of operating would have worked -- certainly not to the extent that you get 215 signatures," the President added.

He also dismissed the criticism of Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte that the impeachment of his sister was politically motivated.

“What else will he say? Of course, he will not say that it is right,” Marcos said.

“We have heard these statements from Congressman Pulong before, so that's not exactly surprising,” he added. PH-US...

From A1

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had an introductory call to review defense cooperation between the two countries. According to Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot, the leaders discussed the importance of reestablishing deterrence in the South China Sea, including by working with allies and partners. They also talked about enhancing the capability and capacity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The Philippines and the US have recently conducted joint air patrols, and maritime patrols with allied nations within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which has been intruded upon by Chinese vessels in recent months.

The US has also conducted its own 'freedom of navigation' patrols in the South China Sea where China has established military outposts in reclaimed reefs and islets.

The US has reaffirmed its commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines, emphasizing its role in maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Hegseth reiterated the US' "ironclad commitment" to the treaty and pledged to maintain close coordination with Teodoro.

The Pentagon also said that Hegseth emphasized the importance of the US-Philippines alliance in ensuring the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.

The discussion between the two defense chiefs comes amid recent reports of Chinese warships in Philippine archipelagic waters.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) recently reported three Chinese warships were spotted navigating through the Mindoro Strait toward the Sulu Sea.

WestMinCom Chief LtGen. Antonio Nafarrete noted that China had not coordinated diplomatically with the Philippines regarding the presence of these ships, which were traveling at an "unusually" slow speed of 4 to 5 knots.

The incident highlights the need for continued cooperation between the Philippines and the US to promote regional security and stability. The two countries have a long-standing alliance, and their cooperation on defense and security issues is crucial in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

14.7-m...

From A1

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia previously said the poll body will print at least 1.8 million official ballots daily, higher than its target of 1.5 million ballots per day as it still aims to complete the printing process by April 14.

They remain on track for their deadline so far but Garcia said the Comelec needs at least 300 additional personnel to fast-track the manual verification of the official ballots.

'We are on track with the printing but the verification process is slow. For example, we printed 8 million ballots, the verified ballots will only be 2 million to 3 million. That’s slow," he said.

The poll agency deputized the National Printing Office (NPO) last month, allowing the use of the four printing machines of the NPO and the two machines procured by South Korean firm Miru Systems Inc., to ensure the “proper, satisfactory, and timely” completion of the reprinting.

To expedite the verification, Garcia earlier said the Quezon City government lent the Amoranto Stadium for free as an additional site for the manual

verification of the official printed ballots. Meanwhile, the Comelec) said it will need P2.5 billion to fund the conduct of a separate schedule for the parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Poll chairman George Garcia said the poll body will ask for the funding of the rescheduled BARMM election, saying “we don’t have a separate budget for P2.5 billion, which we will need for the honoraria of teachers [serving as election inspectors], lease of [counting] machines, the printing of ballots and to procure folders, indelible ink, and other paraphernalia.”

Earlier, Congress, through the bicameral conference committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate, reset the BARMM regional elections from May 12 to Oct. 13 this year, five months after the conduct of the national and local elections. According to the Senate version of the bill, which was approved during the bicameral conference sessions, the October regional elections "shall not be treated as a special election and shall be considered a continuation of the 2025 national and local elections," Vito Barcelo

New...

Detergents and toilet soap prices rose by P2.50 to P3, reflecting broader trends in personal care inflation.

Condiments such as soy sauce, fish sauce, and vinegar experienced minimal increments of less than P1, depending on volume.

Household items like candles, batteries, and luncheon meat also saw price hikes, with Energizer batteries increasing by nearly P10 per pack. Still, some items did see price reductions.

Certain brands of canned sardines and bottled water experienced slight price drops, providing some relief to consumers.

BNPC manufacturers have noted that some of the SKUs listed are no longer available on shelves and that the prices listed were not subject to consultations with manufacturers or retailers before the release.

Last year, the DTI held meetings with BNPC manufacturers to streamline the process of issuing and revising the SRP Bulletin.

Proposed changes included replacing the SRP with a Price Guide for products commonly purchased by the bottom 30 percent of the population, based on the consumer price index.

However, formal discussions ceased after leadership changes at the DTI late last year.

Consequently, the industry was caught off guard by the release of the latest SRP list without prior notification about the status of these discussions.

“We await further clarification from the DTI on the direction of these initiatives,” BNPC manufacturers said in a statement.

Consumers are encouraged to stay informed and adjust their purchasing decisions accordingly.

The DTI assured it would continue to monitor SRP adjustments to ensure they align with market conditions and prioritize consumer welfare.

Marbil’s...

As this developed, President Marcos extended PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil’s term by four months, allowing him to serve beyond the mandatory retirement age of 56.

A memorandum dated Feb. 4 and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed the extension, which takes effect Feb. 7—Marbil’s scheduled retirement date.

The directive was addressed to Interior Secretary Remulla. Meanwhile, Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla ordered the PNP to dismantle all private armed groups (PAGs) and uphold professionalism as the midterm polls come near.

During his command visit at Police Regional Office - Central Visayas (PRO 7), he emphasized that PAGs should not be allowed to harass voters or taint the elections.

The Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) chief reminded police personnel of their two main directives: “dismantle the PAGs and uphold professionalism."

Remulla warned police officers not to take sides, avoid partisanship and its activities or function as private security forces for politicians.

"They cannot function as a private army of politicians. They have to stay neutral, they have to stay professional," he said.

Airport authorities confirm crash in Maguindanao

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Thursday reported that an aircraft crashed in Maguindanao del Sur.

However, the agency did not provide specific details about the incident.

“CAAP confirms that an aircraft has crashed in Maguindanao del Sur,” CAAP information officer Bea Bernardo said.

“Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” she added.

Initial reports from locals circulating on social media claim that at least two bodies were found near the crash site, while a carabao was severely injured.

Teodoro urges more young Filipinos to join military ranks

DEPARTMENT of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. is encouraging more Filipinos to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to address recruitment challenges.

In the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected Board of Directors of the Reserve Officers Legion of the Philippines (ROLP), Teodoro urged young Filipinos to support and join the AFP.

The AFP’s three major services have a combined strength of almost 350,000

and a reserve force of about 1.2 million.

Teodoro said that the Philippine military must evolve fast because of threats to a “free and open” Asia-Pacific region.

“The worst thing in a kitchen is a dull knife, and a good chef hones the knife every day,” he said.

“We will be increasing the pressure continuously for them to evolve as soon as possible into a multi-threat, multitheatre operating armed force,” the defense chief said.

Teodoro also highlighted efforts to engage young Filipinos in serving the country, including those who may not be inclined toward or eligible for military service.

These include engaging the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and Girl Scouts of the Philippines in discussions on incorporating ROTC-related courses

SM Book Nook Reading Festival brings Filipino stories to life at SM Aura

THE SM Book Nook Reading Festival, held on January 31, 2025, at the Book Nook in SM Aura, drew 500 book lovers of all ages for a dynamic celebration of Filipino literature and creativity. From engaging author meet-andgreets to lively performances and informative workshops, the festival offered a rich array of literary experiences. Interactive storytelling and inspiration

One of the festival’s highlights was the launch of SM Book Nook’s innovative “Pass the Plot” board. This interactive activity encouraged participants to co-create a story, sentence by sentence, showcasing their collective creativity.

A major highlight of the event was the presence of renowned literary personalities such as National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario (Rio Alma), Dean

Tony Laviña, Hans Pieter Arao, and Jayson Fajardo. Attendees had the unique opportunity to connect with these esteemed authors, get their books signed, and engage in insightful conversations. The festival also showcased emerging talent, with popular independent authors like Therese VillaranteLangit connecting with readers and sharing their work.

A celebration of community and shared passion

A heartwarming moment unfolded when publishers and authors united for a meaningful cause—donating books to the SM Book Nook. This symbolic gesture underscored the collective mission of promoting a culture of reading and knowledge-sharing. Engaging activities for all ages

The festival buzzed with activity throughout the day. Attendees participated in fun quiz games,

delved into historical fiction readings, and engaged in thoughtprovoking book club discussions. Spoken word poetry performances by teens and young adults added a contemporary flair, while a session on zines with BBZ offered a glimpse into the world of independent publishing. Publishers like Bookshelf PH, Grana Books, and Aklat Alamid showcased their latest titles, and a special session on copyright law provided valuable information for aspiring authors.

The SM Book Nook Reading Festival proved to be more than just a book event. It was a lively community gathering, a celebration of Filipino storytelling, and a source of inspiration for both established and aspiring writers. For more information about SM’s community programs and how you can get involved, visit: https://www. smsupermalls.com/smcares/.

Ex-Philhealth chief not used to politics PBBM

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday confirmed the resignation of former PhilHealth chief Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., saying the latter struggled with the political aspects of the role.

“He told me he was having a hard time with all the… He’s not used to politics,” Mr. Marcos said in a Palace briefing.

“Manny Ledesma comes from the private sector, so I think he found the transition to be jarring,” he added.

The President said the leadership change at PhilHealth was driven by the need for expertise in healthcare administration and digitalization. He added that the newly appointed PhilHealth President Dr. Edwin Mercado brings extensive experience in hospital administration and health insurance, making him well-suited for the role.

and training, as well as collaborating with the Department of Education.

Teodoro also reaffirmed the DND’s commitment to a merit-based promotion system for reserve officers, assuring the ROLP that promotions within the Reserve Force would be based solely on competence, with the AFP and its reserve commands eliminating biases in the process.

The ROLP delegation was led by ROLP president and chairperson Col Nehru G. Yurong, alongside senior officers and members. Rex Espiritu

“His whole life has been devoted to healthcare... After the oath-taking, we had a long discussion. I wasn’t the one advising him—he’s the expert. I asked him, ‘What do you think needs to be done?”” Marcos said. The executive said their conversation immediately focused on digitalization, noting that while PhilHealth provides good service, processing claims and applications remains slow due to manual procedures.

“That’s why digitalization became a priority... But beyond that, he also has many ideas on making PhilHealth services more inclusive, expanding coverage, and improving financial support,” Mr. Marcos said.

From left: SM Cares Assistant Vice President Richard A. Caluyo, SM Book Nook Reading Festival co-organizer and BookShelfPH co-founder Monette Quiogue, and SM Aura Regional Operations Head Stephanie Co

The ‘Pass the Plot’ board at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival ignites collaborative storytelling, inviting participants to build a narrative sentence by sentence.

National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario (Rio Alma) inspires readers and shares his literary journey at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival at SM

Authors and publishers, with SM Book Nook pioneer Shereen Sy (8th from right), unite to donate books at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival, promoting a love of reading.

The audience is enthralled as author Bambi Rodriguez reads from her latest work.

BI agents deport 57 foreigners following crackdown on POGOs

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) deported 57 foreign nationals who were among the 450 people arrested last month, following the government’s steppedup crackdown on former foreign employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) who were allegedly hiding in the country since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. completely banned the operation of POGOs.

Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval said that of the 57 deportees, 46 are Chinese while the rest are from Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

IN BRIEF

Padilla: Medical cannabis bill will not be abused

SENATOR Robinhood Padilla defended his proposed Medical Cannabis Bill, citing its strict procedures to prevent abuse.

“Medical cannabis can easily be afforded by our countrymen. It is alternative medicine. I am putting safeguards in place because I really don’t want it to be abused,” he said.

Senate Bill No. 2583, also known as the Cannabis Medicalization Act of the Philippines, seeks to legalize marijuana for medical purposes.

Padilla assured openness to amendments from colleagues to further improve the measure.

Padilla also addressed concerns about drug abuse, noting marijuana isn’t the primary issue in rehabilitation centers, and that shabu (methamphetamine) and alcohol are more prevalent problems. Ram Superable

Poe hails approval of bill to improve internet access

SENATOR Grace Poe hailed the Senate’s approval of the Konektadong Pinoy Act (KPA), which aims to improve internet access for Filipinos.

Poe’s Senate Bill No. 864 is included in the KPA, focusing on easier network building and aligning the country with international standards.

The senator, formerly with the Senate Committee on Public Services, now leads the Finance Committee. The KPA, or Senate Bill No. 2699, proposes key changes: simpler telecom company approvals, better radio spectrum management, infrastructure sharing, and consumer protection standards.

An amendment introduced by Poe seeks to attract new technologies like low-earth orbit satellites, potentially paving the way for companies like Starlink, which has already invested ₱600 million. Ram Superable

DOTr, Cebu officials inaugurate new container port

CONSOLACION, Cebu—Officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and local government representatives led the inauguration of a new container port.

TheDOTr led by Secretary Jaime Bautista with Consolacion Cebu Mayor Teresa Alegado, CPA General Manager Francisco Comendador III with the officials from the Korean Embassy and the EDCF Korea Eximbank and other hosts of local officials led the inauguration of the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) in Consolacion, Cebu on February 5 marking the start of the P16.93 billion port infrastructure projects in Cebu Province.

“The NCIP is more than just a port, but a symbol of progress, commitment and efforts to meet the future demands of the maritime industry. The project is seen to improve port capacity, not only meets but exceeds the current demands of the transportation industry,” Bautista said in his opening message.

According to Cebu Port Authority general manager Francisco Comendador, III that the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) is a P16.93B infrastructure project that involve the construction of an international container port equipped with five quay cranes in a reclaimed land of 25 hectares with a 500-meter berth length; 14,000 container yard capacity, and water depth of (-12) meters to accommodate two 2,000 twenty-foot equivalent (TEU) vessels.

CAROUSEL PASSENGERS. Passengers flock to the carousel Q-mart bus station in Quezon City during rush hour. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Romando Artes recently proposed during a Cabinet meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos to remove the bus carousel service. Manny Palmero

The BI said in a statement that the deportees were sent back to their home countries through various flights from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on February 5.

Sandoval said that the BI is working with local government entities, law enforcement agencies, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission to hunt down former POGO workers.

She warned individuals and businesses against harboring undocumented immigrants because doing so could result in legal repercussions under immigration rules.

Meanwhile, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the agency reaffirms its zero-tolerance stance against foreigners who exploit the country’s hospitality through illegal activities.

The BI emphasized that foreign nationals engaging in unlawful POGOs and crimes including cyber fraud, human trafficking, and other criminal businesses are the target of the crackdown.

The BI also vowed d to continue its mass deportation operations in cooperation with law enforcement agencies, promising more arrests in the coming months.

CHR lauds ‘Oplan Katok’ gun program

By Rio N. Araja

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday lauded the Philippine National Police (PNP) effort to promote responsible gun ownership through its “Oplan Katok.”

“CHR equally recognizes the concerns raised, particularly by the Commission on Elections, over its implementation amidst the upcoming 2025 elections, where any law enforcement activity must be conducted with the utmost regard for due process to prevent any potential abuses,” it said.

“The Commission emphasizes that while ‘Oplan Katok’ is presented as a routine operation, door-to-door visits by police officers, especially without a court-issued warrant, may inadvertently cause fear or intimidation among individuals,” it added.

It invoked Article III, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution that explicitly protects individuals against unwarranted searches and seizures, affirming that law enforcement must operate within the bounds of legal and procedural safeguards.

The CHR said to encourage firearm owners to renew their licenses or surrender unlicensed firearms is an important measure in upholding public safety.

“In line with this, we urge the PNP to ensure that all operations uphold the rights and dignity of individuals, without undue pressure or coercion.

Transparency and strict adherence to constitutional rights are imperative to prevent perceptions of misuse or intimidation, particularly in the highly charged political climate of an election season,” it said.

By Maricel V. Cruz

REP. Brian Raymund Yamsuan of Bicol Saro party-list group expressed confidence that the newly appointed national director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) would intensify the agency’s “laser focus” on protecting the welfare and uplifting the plight of small-scale fishers.

Yamsuan, the chairperson of the House Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources, said he saw in new BFAR Director

Elizer Salilig the “passion and dedication” to help the country’s over 2 million marginalized fisherfolk free themselves from the cycle of poverty that have trapped them for decades.

“We certainly welcome the President’s appointment of Mr. Elizer Salilig as the new national director of BFAR. Director Salilig’s vast institutional memory and experience, especially when it comes to improving the plight of poor fishing communities, certainly assures us that with him at the helm, BFAR would be able to expand and enhance its programs to support our beleaguered fisherfolk and boost our food security,” Yamsuan said. Salilig and several key officials of the the BFAR made a courtesy call on Yamsuan on Wednesday or during the last day of session of Congress on Feb. 5. Yamsuan said safeguarding the interests of small fisherfolk is crucial at this time when their survival could be threatened by a Supreme Court (SC) decision which cleared the way for commercial fishing companies to gain unobstructed access to municipal waters.

‘No reason to close EDSA Busway for now’

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday said it does not see any reason to close the EDSA Busway due to its efficiency and the sheer number of passengers it serves.

In an interview over Radyo Pilipinas, DOTr Executive Assistant to the Office of the Secretary Jonathan Gesmundo said a total of 62 million passengers were served by the EDSA Busway in 2024, with 5.5 million served last month.

“Mine-maintain na ma-preserve itong busway na daanan na mabilis ng public transport… Napaka-effective (We want to preserve the busway because it’s a very fast thoroughfare for public transport… It is very effective),” Gesmundo said.

On Wednesday, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista cited the busway as the “most efficient public road transport system in Metro Manila.”

WOODEN HEART. Workers of Quezon City Memorial Circle (QCMC) install a giant wooden heart in preparation for Valentine’s Day. Manny Palmero

OPINION

Will we get the Senate we do not deserve?

THIS early, with three months to go before the May midterm national and local elections, why do we get the sense that we’re likely to wake up one day after the political exercise with the nagging— perhaps even sickening—feeling that this country will be going nowhere but downhill with the quality—or lack of it—of the potential winners in the senatorial race?

The possible winners in the senatorial race are members of political dynasties out to preserve power and privilege, showbiz personalities relying mainly on their popularity with ordinary folk, and people closely identified with former president Rodrigo Duterte who’s under investigation by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity because of his bloody war on drugs during his term.

That’s a big problem, as far as I’m concerned, because we’re not likely to see grand statesmanship, fresh ideas or perspectives on politics and governance, and well-thought-out solutions to poverty, corruption and other problems besetting this benighted country.

The latest Social Weather Stations survey commissioned by Stratbase and conducted from Jan. 17-20 showed that eight administration-backed candidates are among the top 12: Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo; former senators Tito Sotto, Manny Pacquiao, and Panfilo Lacson; re-electionist Senators Pia Cayetano, Bong Revilla and Lito Lapid; as well as Makati City Mayor Abby Binay. Tulfo leads the list of 12 potential winners for the upcoming senatorial elections, with 45 percent of possible votes. He is followed by Sotto in second place with 38 percent. Lapid and Bong Go are tied for third and fourth place with 37 percent each.

Lacson ranks fifth with 35 percent, followed by Ben Tulfo in sixth place with 34 percent. Cayetano and Pacquiao share seventh and eighth place with 33 percent each.

Binay holds ninth place with 31 percent, while Bato Dela Rosa ranks tenth with 30 percent. Bong Revilla, Willie Revillame, and Kiko Pangilinan are tied for 11th to 13th place with 29 percent each. Imee Marcos ranks 14th with 28 percent. If this survey representing a snapshot of voter sentiment at this particular period holds until May, then they will be joining the incumbent ones that include Chiz Escudero, Risa Hontiveros, Jinggoy Estrada, JV Ejercito, Grace Poe, Robinhood Padilla, Loren Legarda, Koko Pimentel, Migz Zubiri, Joel Villanueva, Alan Peter Cayetano, and Win Gatchalian. Will the Senate in the 20th Congress

lead the nation to a new era in Philippine politics that continues the illustrious legacy left by the likes of the eminent nationalist Claro M. Recto, or the unflinching stand of Jose W. Diokno and Jovito Salonga against dictatorship and demagoguery? Or will it bring the nation to the brink of despair with their hollow rhetoric and stultifying underperformance?

Who will defend and strengthen democracy and the rule of law in the 20th Congress? As far as the Upper Chamber is concerned, who can we can rely on to defend the ramparts of Philippine democracy from vicious attacks by those who will try with all their might to maintain the status quo and keep themselves in power for as long as they can?

Our innate capacity to suffer fools gladly cannot go on for years and decades on end”

Senator Riza Hontiveros showed her mettle when she called out Rodrigo Duterte for thousands of extra-judicial killings during his bloody war on drugs from 2016 to 2022. She stands out among the current crop of senators for her strong advocacy of the rule of law and due process as inalienable parts of a democratic system.

Our innate capacity to suffer fools gladly cannot go on for years and decades on end.

We must elect to high public positions only those who demonstrate high intelligence and even higher standards of decency and genuine concern for the future of this country.

I understand that the Senate is now constructing an ultramodern and multibillion-peso office building in Bonifacio Global City that 24 senators and their staff will occupy in the coming years.

But I think what the Senate needs at this point is not luxurious surroundings in a ritzy part of town, but men and women of substance who will be resolute in fighting for our democracy and sincere in bringing about a brighter future for all Filipinos.

Otherwise, billions of pesos in taxpayer’s money spent for a magnificent building for those with supine intellects and supersized egos but paltry accomplishments in nation-building and even lesser concern for what’s good for the country will rule the roost and send this nation down the road to ruin.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Serious physical injuries, attempted or frustrated murder

WHEN a person suffers from wounds or injuries because of a physical assault but did not die, what was the crime committed? The case of Palaganas v. People “discussed the distinctions between a frustrated and an attempted homicide or murder, as well as physical injury” (G.R. 165483, Sept. 12, 2006).

In brief, “when the accused intended to kill his victim, as manifested by his use of a deadly weapon in his assault, and his victim sustained fatal or mortal wound/s but did not die because of timely medical assistance, the crime committed is frustrated murder or frustrated homicide depending on whether or not any of the qualifying circumstances under Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code are present” (op. cit.).

“However, if the wound/s sustained by the victim in such a case were not fatal or mortal, then the crime committed is only attempted murder or attempted homicide. If there was no intent to kill on the part of the accused and the wound/s sustained by the victim were not fatal, the crime committed may be serious, less serious or slight physical injury” (op. cit.).

In the case of Peñaranda v. People, criminal information was filed charging Peñaranda and four others with frustrated murder, attacking Reynaldo Gutierrez (Gutierrez) with intent to kill using a

samurai sword and lead pipe. Physical injuries were inflicted on Gutierrez which ordinarily would have caused his death if not for the timely and able medical assistance given to him.

(The Supreme Court said) when the intent to kill is lacking, but wounds are shown to have been inflicted upon the victim...the crime is not frustrated or attempted murder but physical injuries

According to the prosecution, Gutierrez, a tricycle driver, filed a complaint against Peñaranda in the Sangguniang Barangay for allegedly charging excessive fare. While at the tricycle terminal, Ivan Villaranda summoned his companions Rannie Cecilia, Raul Cecilia, Peñaranda and an unknown person.

“As these persons approached Gutierrez, [Peñaranda] threw a stone hitting

EDITORIAL

Sara impeachment gathers steam

WE HAVE a vague recollection of what really happened not too long ago when then Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte hit the headlines after she punched in the face a court sheriff who was implementing the ejection of informal settlers from the area they were occupying then.

Her supporters claimed she was simply defending the right of the informal settlers to due process, and what she did was proper and lawful given the prevailing circumstances. But as Davao City Chief Executive, she should have exercised prudence and given the sheriff the opportunity to explain his action in the proper forum, rather than allowing her instinct to cloud her judgment and take the law into her own hands.

We cite this incident to put things in perspective after the House of Representatives approved by a vote of 215 out of more than 300 members the fourth impeachment complaint against her.

Does this indicate a character flaw

him on his left arm. Although Gutierrez was armed with a steel pipe, he lowered his defense when Raul intervened and told him, “Hayaan mo na Boyet, ako na ang bahala”… but Edwin Celedonia, the occupant of the tricycle, alighted and hacked Gutierrez using a ‘samurai’” (G.R. 214426, Dec.2, 2021).

“Gutierrez was hit on his upper right biceps. Afterwards, Ivan, Rannie and Raul hit Gutierrez with steel pipes while [Peñaranda] hit him with a stone. Then, all the aggressors ran away leaving him wounded [and] [w]hile running away, Rannie threw a steel pipe, which Gutierrez earlier held, hitting the latter on his stomach” (op. cit.).

“Thereafter, he was brought to Sta. Maria Hospital and was later transferred to Reyes Memorial Hospital where his wounds were treated.” On the other hand, the version of the accused was that “Gutierrez cursed him, threw a stone at him and chased him with a ‘panaksak’ [and]… a barangay official intervened and prevented Gutierrez from chasing [Peñaranda]” (op. cit.).

After trial, the Regional Trial Court found Peñaranda guilty of Attempted Murder which was affirmed by the Court

that should have warned us early on that she should not be trusted at all to occupy higher public office?

Less than three years as Vice President and concurrent Education Secretary, Sara Duterte has shown through her actions that she has failed to live up to expectations and violated her oath of office.

A fair and credible trial will allow the nation to move forward and maintain political stability

The 1987 Constitution lays down several grounds for impeachment of high officials, including the President and Vice President, among others. These are culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, and betrayal of public trust.

Three other impeachment complaints had earlier been filed against her by various groups and individuals for the reasons cited in the fundamental law.

The fourth impeachment complaint basically agrees with the three previous ones that she had abused her position as Vice President and concurrent Education Secretary by spending P125 million in

of Appeals with slight modifications. “[I] n order to determine whether the crime committed is attempted or frustrated homicide or murder, or only physical injuries, the crucial points to consider are a) whether the injury sustained by the victim was fatal; and b) whether there was intent to kill on the part of the accused.”

The Supreme Court held that the crime committed by Peñaranda is only serious physical injuries and not attempted murder. “[T]he prosecution failed to present evidence that the wound inflicted on Gutierrez was fatal and would have caused his death had medical help not been provided” (op. cit.).

“Going now to the issue of whether there was intent to kill, the Court holds that there was none. Intent to kill is the principal element of homicide or murder, in whatever stage of commission [and] [s] uch intent must be proved in a clear and evident manner to exclude every possible doubt as to the homicidal intent of the aggressor.”

“[I]t must be emphasized that [Peñaranda] and his fellow malefactors were armed with a samurai, steel pipes, and a stone, whereas Gutierrez was rendered defenseless when he was asked to

confidential and intelligence funds in 11 days under questionable circumstances, thus providing clear evidence of betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution. At this point, the Senate has already received the impeachment complaint against the Vice President. But it has not discussed what to do with it as it lacked enough time during its last session day before adjournment on January 5.

The question now is how the 24 senators will vote on the issue. We know that at least three of them or four of them will likely vote against her removal from office. How about the others?

Given its current composition, it would take only eight senators to throw out the impeachment complaint and 16 to vote for her removal from the vice presidency.

The impeachment of the second highest elected official throws the political situation in the country into a period of uncertainty and turmoil amid the start of the official campaign period for the upcoming midterm polls.

But the national leadership should be able to manage the situation well so that the Senate sitting as the impeachment court can render a verdict based on the available evidence rather than on political considerations. A fair and credible trial will allow the nation to move forward and maintain political stability, economic growth and social cohesion in the years ahead.

put down the steel pipe he was initially holding. Clearly, [Peñaranda] and his companions possessed all the necessary weapons to kill Gutierrez but chose not to do so” (op. cit. ).

“Rather,… after ganging up on Gutierrez, and after seeing that he was down, [Peñaranda] and his companions fled. They did not continue to beat Gutierrez nor did they leave him for dead. If the aggressors intended to kill Gutierrez, they could have easily done so…” Peñaranda “was able to pick himself up and then immediately go to the barangay hall on his own… and request an ambulance without being pursued by his aggressors.” This “establishes the lack of any intention on the part of [Peñaranda] and his companions to kill him.”

“When the intent to kill is lacking, but wounds are shown to have been inflicted upon the victim, as in this case, the crime is not frustrated or attempted murder but physical injuries. Based on the medical certificate, Gutierrez sustained several hack wounds on the different parts of his body, which required more than thirty (30) days to heal”; thus, the crime committed is serious physical injuries (op. cit.).

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a cartoon in horizontal format of a filipino worker in distress as he hangs at the edge of a cliff. At the bottom of the cliff is a dark ominous hole labeled “inhumane conditions.” At the edge of the cliff is a short rope just at the grasp of the dangling figure that is labeled “200 pesos wage increase.”

operatives foil bid to smuggle

shabu from Pakistan

By Vince Lopez

INTERIOR

“It’s sad that a former

enforcer is now evading

The person who swore to

the

is the

avoiding it

Remulla lamented. He dared former police Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo to go through the legal process of clearing his name.

“Defend yourself like an officer and a gentleman,” Remulla said.

“If you refuse to surrender, that’s your decision. But I hope you don’t take it wrong if I decide to have you pursued to the ends of the Earth,” Remulla added.

Domingo went on the land after he was indicted for alleged cover-up in the seizure of nearly P7 billion worth of narcotics shabu in 2022.

Domingo reportedly led the drug bust in Manila where 990 kilos of shabu were recovered from a shop owned by police MSgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr.

By Pot Chavez and Joel E. Zurbano

ACOMPOSITE team of government agents have foiled an attempt to smuggle into the country some P2.7 billion worth of metamphetamine hydrochloride commonly called shabu from Karachi, Pakistan.

The raid also resulted in the arrest of five suspects composed of the Customs brokers and two officials of a logistics firm that facilitated the shipment.

Seized were nearly 405 kilos of shabu with an estimated street value of P2.7 billion.

The raid was conducted by combined elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine

Senator wants cases filed vs. POGO coddlers in government

SENATOR Risa Hontiveros has recommended the filing of criminal cases against public officials involved in illegal activities related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and the alleged coddlers of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Guo Hua Ping or Alice Guo.

The suggestion was embodied in Committee Report 514 based on findings of the years-long investigation of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality into human trafficking attributed to the illegal POGO operations in the country.

“The POGOs or Guo Hua Ping won’t have that bravado if they did not have protectors in the government. There must be further investigation on the ties of POGO scam hubs to government officials. We have to identify and make them accountable, ” Hontiveros stressed.

The Committee Report directed the Bureau of Immigration to immediately report to the Senate the reforms implemented in order to address not just the controversial escape of Guo Hua Ping, but also the reported involvement of Immigration personnel in the inbound trafficking of POGO workers and the outbound trafficking of Filipinos to work in scam compounds abroad.

“The problem of human trafficking has long been persistent in the BI (Bureau of Immigration). The problem even aggravated with the entry of the POGOs. We have to resolve this,” Hontiveros said in Filipino.

The Report also recommendsed the imposition of higher penalties for public officials complicit in the falsification of civil registry and other identification documents.

“If there are officials in the Philippine Statistics Authority or in the Securities and Exchange Commission who helped the POGOs wif fraudulent documents, they should get more than a slap on the wrist,” the senator said.

Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in coordination with the Department of Justice, National Prosecution Service.

In a joint press briefing on Thursday, NBI director Jaime Santiago said the suspects “conspired with one another and employed multiple layers to avoid being identified in bringing the contraband into the country.

Santiago said one of the suspects, Oscar Campo Berba, acted as consignee in conspiracy with Customs brokers Kevin Lee and Richard Perlado Aguantar.

The two other suspects were identified as Karen Villaflor Sacro and Rey Baysa Gujilde who chairman and president, respectively, of the freight forwarding company.

The illegal cargo falsely declared to contain Crispo vermicelli and Rafhan custard sauce allegedly came from the Ayan Enterprise/Trading & Logistics, while the consignee was identified Red Shinting Consumer Goods Trading based in Las Piñas City.

The suspects were taken to the DOJ for inquest proceedings and

preparation of charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

“Recognizing this as our first major drug haul of the year, I commend our officers and our partner law enforcement agencies—the NBI, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and Department of Justice (DOJ)—for their timely actions that led to this successful operation.

Drug traffickers go to great lengths to circumvent our laws, deceive authorities, and harm our communities.

Our officers, however, go to even greater lengths to protect our people from the dangers posed by illegal drugs,” said Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.

AFP files raps vs. MILF attackers in Basilan

By Rex Espiritu

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines has lodged a protest against members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) over last month’s ambush on Army soldiers securing a United Nations Development Programme project in Sumisip, Basilan.

Two soldiers were killed and 12 others were wounded in the attack, which happened more than a decade after the MILF signed a peace agreement with the government.

“We have peace mechanisms that are being followed. So we have filed a protest against the MILF members who joined the ambush of our troops in Basilan,”

Camp Crame on Wednesday. Both sides presented differing accounts regarding the coordination between their camps before the mission.

Brawner stated that prior arrangements had been made, while the MILF denied any such agreements.

According to the AFP, an armed group allegedly led by Najal Buena and Oman Hajal Jalis was behind the attack with some MILF members supporting them.

The government and the MILF, however, pledged to enhance their ties despite the encounter.

Brawner also said negotiations are underway for the surrender the MILF fighters.

“Our negotiations with them are continuous,” Brawner said. The ambuscade occurred amid the ongoing peace process in the Bangsamoro region and the decommissioning program for MILF’s former combatants. Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of the MILF Peace implementing panel, previously suggested that the clash could have been triggered by lack of coordination between the two groups.

“We want to make it clear that there was a coordination — from the top to the lower units. The letter of the Joint Normalization Committee was given to many addressees, not only in the government, but also on the MILF side. So there was prior coordination,” he said.

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has padlocked the main office and four branches of Hikari Japanese Study Center Corp., a language and culture study company, for alleged illegal recruitment of Filipino workers for Japan. DMW chief Hans Leo Cacdac ordered the closure of the firm “to protect prospective Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from illegal recruiters who exploit the vulnerabilities of Filipino job seekers.”

The DMW, along with Migrant Workers Protection Bureau and in coordination with local government and the police, closed the Hikari Japanese Learning Center Corp head office in Panabo City, Davao Del Norte, and its four branches located in Manila, Rosario in Cavite, Davao City, and General Santos City.

“The closure of this learning center is a product of our intensified campaign to combating illegal recruitment as among the directives of the President. We reiterate this warning to our kababayans, especially those who aspire to work abroad. Please, do not deal with recruiting entities that do not have license or authorization from the DMW to recruit and deploy workers for overseas jobs,” Cacdac said. Vito Barcelo

Maricel V. Cruz

Noveleta ood control project set in motion

THE DPWH set in motion its Noveleta Flood Control Project to ultimately put an end to the persistent problem of inundations in the town particularly during the rainy season.

DPWH Flood Control project manager Leo Mendoza, Noveleta Mayor Dino Chua, and municipal engineer Ariel Olaes witnessed the project launch on Wednesday. President Marcos directed the DPWH to resolve the long-standing flood problem in Noveleta and neigh-

MULTINATIONAL DEFENSE FLEET. A combined eet of naval vessels of the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and the United States sails toward the Philippine

exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea under a multilateral maritime cooperative activity meant to curb continuing bullying tactics by China Coast Guard and militia ships in the disputed waters.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. told reporters in

US federal workers facing deadline for quit bargain

WASHINGTON, DC – Two million US federal workers face a deadline of Thursday (Friday Manila time) to quit with a guarantee of eight months’ more paid work or risk being fired on the spot -- a deal derided by labor groups as a “scam” calculated to undermine the civil service.

President Donald Trump’s so-called “A Fork in the Road” initiative, the most sweeping move against federal spending since he returned to office on January 20, has been wrongly characterized as a “buyout.” Government “efficiency czar” Elon Musk said it was a chance to “take the vacation you always wanted, or just watch movies and chill, while receiving your full government pay and benefits.”

In fact, employees agreeing to leave could be required to work right through the eight-month period, and failure to resign on Thursday may result in them being fired immediately without compensation.

Labor groups derided the offer as fraught with legal issues and warned against taking it up, questioning whether the government could guarantee the eight months’ pay, given that approved government funding runs out in March.

“Federal employees shouldn’t be misled by slick talk from unelected billionaires and their lackeys,” said Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), in a swipe at Musk.

“Despite claims made to the contrary, this deferred resignation scheme is unfunded, unlawful and comes with no guarantees. We won’t stand by and let our members become the victims of this con.”

US media reported that some 20,000 employees -- around one percent of the federal workforce -- had accepted the deal by Wednesday, a fraction of the best expectations of 100,000, which officials said would entail savings of $100 billion. AFP

UN chief warns vs. Gaza ‘ethnic cleansing’ after Trump comments

IN BRIEF

by lethal injection in the US state of Texas on Wednesday for the 2011 murder of a pastor that he insisted he did not commit.

Steven Nelson, 37, spent more than a dozen years on death row for the murder of Clint Dobson, 28, during a robbery of the NorthPointe Baptist Church in Arlington, near Dallas. Dobson was beaten and suffocated with a plastic bag. Judy Elliott, the church secretary, was also badly beaten but survived. Nelson’s appeals against his conviction and death sentence were repeatedly rejected by Texas courts and the US Supreme Court had declined to hear his case. He was executed and pronounced dead at 6:50 pm local time (0050 GMT on Thursday), state official Amanda Hernandez said in a statement. Nelson was interviewed by AFP recently at the maximum-security prison in Livingston, a town 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Houston, where he was awaiting his execution. AFP

WASHINGTON, DC – A serial rapist and murderer is to be put to death by nitrogen gas in Alabama on Thursday (Friday in Manila), the fourth use of the controversial execution method in the southern US state.

Demetrius Frazier, 52, was sentenced to death in 1996 for the 1991 murder of 40-year-old Pauline Brown, a mother of two, in the Alabama city of Birmingham. Frazier was found guilty of breaking into Brown’s apartment, raping her and shooting her in the head. The jury voted 10-2 to recommend the death penalty. According to court documents, Frazier, who is Black, accused the predominantly white jury during his trial of being racist. Frazier was previously convicted of rape and the 1992 murder of a 14-yearold girl, Crystal Kendrick, in the northern state of Michigan. AFP

NAIROBI, Kenya – The sudden freezing of US aid to malaria projects comes as deadly new variants are spreading in Africa and could have a devastating impact, the head of a major NGO told AFP.

The US government has provided some 40 percent of the annual funding globally for control and research into a disease that causes more than 600,000 deaths from 250 million cases each year -- mostly in Africa. That funding, of up to $1 billion a year, is now frozen as part of President Donald Trump’s plan to axe foreign aid.

“We did try to anticipate in advance of this, but I think even our worst case scenarios have been surpassed,” said James Tibenderana, chief executive of the London-based Malaria Consortium that runs projects around the world. AFP

UNITED NATIONS, New York – The UN chief warned Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) against ethnic cleansing in Gaza as he rejected US President Donald Trump’s bombshell proposal for the United States to take control of the Palestinian territory and displace all its people.

Trump, in a White House news conference on Tuesday alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stunningly proposed “long-term ownership” of Gaza by the United States, triggering an international uproar.

The remarks came after he has repeatedly called in recent days for the warravaged territory’s residents to move to Jordan or Egypt.

“At its essence, the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people is about the right of Palestinians to simply live as human beings in their own land,”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a speech to a UN committee that deals with the rights of Palestinians.

But, he added, “we have seen the reali-

zation of those rights steadily slip farther out of reach.”

“We have seen a chilling, systematic dehumanization and demonization of an entire people,” Guterres said.

Guterres said nothing justified the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel that sparked the war in Gaza but “the catalogue of destruction and unspeakable horrors” that came as Israel attacked Gaza relentlessly in reprisal could not be justified either.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, asked specifically about the Trump proposal, said “any forced displacement of people is tantamount to ethnic cleansing.”

“It is vital that we stay true to the bedrock of international law. It is essential to

WORST MASS KLLING. People gather at a makeshift vigil near the adult education center Campus Risbergska school in Orebro, Sweden, on February 5, 2025 one day after a shooting there left eleven people dead. Eleven people have been killed in a shooting at an education centre in central Sweden on February 4, 2025, including the suspected assailant who was not known to police, police officials said. AFP

Sweden mourns after school massacre which killed 10

ÖREBRO, Sweden – Sweden on Wednesday mourned the victims of its worst mass killing as police indicated the gunman probably shot himself after killing 10 people at an adult education centre.

Mourners left candles, flowers and notes in front of the cordonedoff Campus Risbergska, a school for young adults in Orebro, as residents joined members of the royal family to pay their respects.

Police have yet to give details about the gunman or his motives but they confirmed that 11 people, “including the killer,, died in Tuesday’s shooting in the town west of Stockholm.

Swedish media reports suggested the killer was a 35-year-old local man who had been living as a recluse and suffering from psychological problems. “We are very shocked,” King

Carl XVI Gustaf told reporters after he and Queen Silvia laid flowers near the school. “All of Sweden is mourning today.”

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who also visited the site on Wednesday, described the massacre as “the worst mass shooting in Swedish history”.

The royal couple, Kristersson and several government ministers joined hundreds at a service at Orebro’s Nikolai Church.

The church observed a minute of silence before dignitaries and representatives from Muslim, Buddhists and other faith groups lit candles.

Survivors were still trying to make sense of Tuesday’s events.

“We looked at each other and we did not really understand what was happening,” said 19-year-old student Isabella Hatidou, who lit a candle at the memorial on Wednesday. AFP

avoid any form of ethnic cleansing.”

After an international outcry, Trump administration officials tried Wednesday to walk back the Trump proposal, saying any displacement of the Palestinians of Gaza would be temporary while the largely destroyed territory is rebuilt. Trump had also not committed to deploying US troops to carry out his plan, they said.

Guterres insisted on the idea of a two-state solution with Israel and the Palestinians living side by side in peace.

“Any durable peace will require tangible, irreversible and permanent progress toward the two-State solution, an end to the occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part,’ he said.

To that end, Palestinian envoy to the UN Riyad Mansour called for a “successful” international conference at the United Nations to discuss the issue, scheduled for June and co-chaired by Saudia Arabia and France. AFP

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

Notice is hereby given that a Deed of Ex trajudicial Partition of the Estate of the late JOSE ANTONIO MARCAIDA PRATS who died intestate by his heirs, namely, Anita Marcela Mandanas-Prats, widow, and children, Juan Diego Mandanas Prats and Maria Guadalupe Mandanas Prats as per Doc. No. 587; Page No. 118; Book No. XII; series of 2024, before Atty. Gener C. Sansaet, a Notary Public for and in City of Parañaque City, Philippines. (MS-JAN. 24/31, FEB. 7,

UNBREAKABLE BOND. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) meets with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (right) at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, on Thursday, Manila time. Hegseth also told Netanyahu the Trump administration ‘will support Israel’s right to defend itself’ and lauded the Israeli prime minister ‘for Israel’s military operations that have significantly degraded Iran and its proxies.’ AFP

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 , 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

NU Bullpups a win shy of 1st round

UAAP sweep

NATIONAL University Nazareth School barely avoided the upset axe of University of the East, 78-77, to move a win away from sweeping the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ Basketball first round on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The Bullpups led 63-52 entering the fourth quarter but the Junior Warriors would not go away quickly, chipping away at the deficit.

With NUNS still ahead 78-70 with 1:34 left in the game after two free throws from Collins Akowe, UE unleashed a final run that was kickstarted by Xedric Diaz’s three-pointer followed by a split at the line by Edry Alejandro with 59.3 seconds remaining to slash the hole to 74-78. Kristoper Lagat then made his mark with 32.8 ticks to go, draining a stepback triple to make it a one-point deficit for the Junior Warriors, 77-78.

In the ensuing play, Akowe missed his shot, paving the way for a reversal for UE, but it could not capitalize. Diaz first missed a deep three-pointer but Alejandro ended up with the offensive rebound, launching a triple himself but also missed to give NUNS the league-leading 6-0 record.

Head coach Kevin de Castro called this victory, the Bullpups’ first singledigit win this season after rampaging through their first five matches, a needed wake-up call, especially with the defending champion Adamson University Baby Falcons their next opponent.

“Ito ‘yung sinasabi ko from the start na we don’t have to relax kasi wala pa naman tayong napapatunayan. At least ngayon na-test namin na hindi pa talaga kami ‘yung dominating team na sinasabi ng mga tao,” said De Castro.

“At least ngayon pa lang first round naexperience na namin ito. Wake-up call ito para sa amin… improve pa namin ‘yung depensa namin lalo next game namin defending champion,” he continued as the rematch of last year’s Finals, NUNS and Adamson, will be on Sunday, 12 p.m., still at the San Juan venue.

Groseclose, Dubberstein PH flag-bearers in Winter Asiad

HARBIN, China—Speed skater Peter Groseclose and curling athlete Kathleen Dubberstein will bear the flag for a proud and inspired Team Philippines in the opening ceremony of the Ninth Asian Winter Games on Friday night at the Harbin International Convention Exhibition and Sports Center.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and the 20-athlete Team Philippines are on a rousing debut in Harbin after the unranked mixed doubles’ team of Filipino-American Kathleen Dubberstein and Filipino-Swiss Marc Pfister already racked up three straight wins against teams seeded squads from South Korea, Kyrgyzstan and Qatar in round- robin play of curling earlier this week. World No. 15 China, however, made sure not to disappoint before a home crowd and dealt the Filipino pair a 9-6 loss on Wednesday evening.

“What more could we ask for an inspiring start in the Philippines’ debut in curling in these games?” asked Tolentino, who is joined in Harbin by his secretary general Atty. Wharton Chan and chef de mission Ricky Lim.

That loss didn’t damage the bid of Pfister and Dubberstein, who are guaranteed a spot in the quarterfinals for a potential medal for Team Philippines, whose participation here is backed by the Philippine Sports Commission.

But before his flag-bearing chores, the 17-year-old Groseclose will compete on Friday morning in the heats of

the men’s 500 and 1,000 meters and the quarterfinals of the 1,500m at the Heilongjiang Ice Events Training Center.

“I’m ready and excited. Practices have been going well and I think I’ll be able to give a performance I can be proud of,’’ said Groseclose, who finished fifth overall in the 500m event during the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in Gangwon, South Korea when the Los Angelesbased short track speed skater suffered an injury cut at the right side of his foot.

The survivors in the semifinals of curling will engage in a crucial tiff for the gold medal on Saturday, with the losing pair in the final four tangling in the bronze-medal match.

``Our curling team is doing good, and its confidence is growing. There’s a chance that we could win a medal,’’ said Tolentino, clutching a Philippine flag as he again cheered the Filipinos on Wednesday night, less than a day after arriving in this popular Chinese winter destination.

Strength coach to help Sotto rehab from injury

By Randy Caluag

KAI Sotto’s strength and conditioning coach, Mel Lantin, has arrived in Japan to assist the Filipino basketball phenom recover from his ACL injury.

“Back as an OFW! Let’s go! Stand up, walk, run, strengthen, and return to play,” Lantin shared in a social media post, emphasizing the crucial phases of Sotto’s recovery.

The 7-foot-3 center suffered the injury during the Koshigaya Alphas’ B.League match against the Seahorses Mikawa, collapsing to his knees in pain. As a result, the Alphas have placed him on the injury list, effectively sidelining him for the rest of the season.

Adding to the setback, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone has confirmed that Sotto will miss the FIBA Asia Cup in August.

Sotto is expected to be out for nine months to a year, meaning he will also be unavailable for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in February and likely the main tournament in Saudi Arabia.

However, Cone remains optimistic that Sotto will make his return in time for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers once he completes his recovery and rehabilitation.

Since hiring Lantin, Sotto has shown remarkable growth and dominance on the court. Unfortunately, his momentum was halted by this injury.

Targets, priorities and much needed help

THE sense of urgency to assemble the best players to represent the Philippines is not lost, at least when it comes to Freddy Gonzalez and Mikkel Paris. With the start of the Asian Cup Qualifiers looming and the team formerly known as the Azkals coming off a splendid run in the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup, the need to sustain the momentum is a must.

Last Wednesday, Gonzalez, the Director for National Senior Teams, and Paris, the National Teams Coordinator, of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), went to the Senate to seek help in hastening the documents of several big-name prospects to enable them to play for the Philippines in several major international tournaments in the next five years. Gonzalez, who is also the concurrent manager for the Men’s and Women’s

National Football Teams, shared several updates with The Designated Kit Man on the status of several prospects. With the Senate’s help, specifically Senators Pia Cayetano and Bong Go, these players can suit up for the national teams once their documents are sorted out. Gonzalez said Cayetano is spearheading efforts to help the national teams. Go also plays a key role in the efforts.

“They’re working on all the players to see if it’s an administrative issue, which can be done easier, or if they really have to go through Congress, which may take longer,” Gonzalez said. The former national team standout revealed that three players for the men’s and women’s teams are on top of the list forwarded to the pertinent Senate committees. According to Gonzalez, the Senate is a key component for the PFF in achieving its goals of being able to get notable prospects, who will make a difference for the national teams in international competitions.

“These players are Nick and Anthony

Markanich and Jacob Erlandson. Alexia Blanco, Maddy Ayson and Kaela Hansen are the priorities for the Filipinas. They are also looking at other possible players, whose documents can be done the soonest possible time,” Gonzalez shared.

Nick is currently playing for CD Castellon in the Segunda Division of the Spanish League, while his brother Anthony is a defender for Minnesota United FC in the Major League Soccer of the United States. Erlandson, on the other hand, plays for the Loudon United FC in the USL Championship. Blanco plays for Villareal FC in Spain. Ayson, the former Stanford standout, played for Houston Dash before moving to Australia to suit up for Canberra United. Hansen is a defender for AFC Toronto in Canada’s Northern Super League. The Wolff brothers, Owen and Tyler, are also high on Gonzalez’s list. “We want to get all the players within this year and if the Markanich brothers won’t be able to submit their documents before the AFC registration deadline this month, we can at least have them play for the national team in September when we host a tournament in Manila,” Gonzalez said.

By Peter Atencio

ALEX Eala settled for a $2,000 purse after bowing out of contention in the women’s singles of the ongoing Women’s Tennis Association (WTA)-125 Mumbai Open Tennis Championship at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai. Eala conceded three service breaks to Japan’s Mai Hontama, who went on to post a 7-6 (5), 6-2, triumph in their Round of 16 encounter on Wednesday evening in India.

Her live WTA rankings dropped a few notches to 138, after Eala and Hontama were done with their showdown in an hour and 47 minutes.

The world no. 166 Hontama went on to advance to the quarterfinals.

The 19-year-old Eala advanced to the second round after taking an hour to get past Sara Saito of Japan, 6-1, 6-0.

Later, Eala and Taiwanese partner Chia Yi Tsao absorbed a 4-6, 4-6 loss to Russian pair Amina Anshba and Elena Pridanka in their doubles’ clash.

The deadline for registration for the Asian Cup qualifiers is on February 25. Gonzalez maintains that PFF President John Gutierrez has high goals for the national senior teams. For the Men’s team, the targets include qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, win the AFF Championship in 2026 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2030. The PFF is also eyeing qualification in the AFC Under 23 Asian Cup next year.

For the Filipinas, the mission includes winning the AFF Women’s Championship this year, getting the gold in the 2025 SEA Games, gaining entry in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 and returning to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.

“We don’t stop working for both the Men’s and Women’s teams because 2025 is an exciting year for them. March and June will be home games for the Men’s and the first window of the year in February for the Women’s will be here and China in March and April for a tournament. The Filipinas will be here as well in May and June,” Gonzalez said. He said he will continue to meet with Cayetano and Go in the next few weeks to follow up on the naturalization process.

“We truly appreciate what the government is doing, especially in providing us with resources to help us. We will be engaging them for many things because without

them, we won’t succeed,” Gonzalez added. I just wish that things will only get better for all our national teams. At least some lawmakers have been tapped and now are aware of the urgency to field the best players possible to represent the country. Sponsors na lang ang kulang, which someone told me a very interesting reason why some prominent people and companies are hesitant in helping the men’s and women’s teams. More on this in succeeding columns of TDKM. On another note, the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team has announced its

The Designated Kit Man

Erel Cabatbat

Peter Groseclose

Strength and conditioning coach Mel Lantin and Kai Sotto before the latter’s ACL injury

WHAT’S INSIDE?

PH stocks retreat, stay above 6,200

DOE readies terms of 4th RE auction

DA authorizes importation of red, white onions

By Othel V. Campos

DEPARTMENT of Agriculture

(DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced Thursday the importation of both red and white onions, with shipments expected to arrive within the next two weeks.

“This importation of 3,000 metric tons of red onions and 1,000 metric tons of white onions is aimed at ensuring sufficient buffer stocks while we await the fresh harvest,” he said.

He said the DA would not want to risk a potential shortage that unscrupulous traders could exploit to drive up prices.

“We do not want a repeat of the 2022 crisis,” he said.

The price of onions—an essential ingredient in Philippine cuisine— soared to a record high of P700 per kilogram in 2022 due to a supply shortage exacerbated by delayed imports.

Data from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) showed that monthly consumption is 17,000 MT for red onions and 4,000 MT for white onions.

Local inventory of red onions, following a bumper harvest last year, was expected to last until February, when the new harvest season begins.

BPI said that as of mid-January, red onion stocks in storage stood at 8,500 metric tons, while white onion stocks were at 1,628 metric tons.

“While we were assured during our consultative meetings that there is still ample supply of onions, BPI recommended minimal imports to prevent major price spikes. Additionally, due to the typhoons that hit late last year and the prevalence of pests and disease, this importation is intended to serve as a buffer for potential supply gaps. This is a preemptive measure,” said BPI director Glenn Panganiban.

December jobless rate lowest in 6 months at 3.1%

By Darwin G. Amojelar

TFull-year unemployment also hit a low of 3.8 percent in 2024, below the government’s target under the Philippine Development Plan 20232028.

He said the quality jobs for Filipinos are also on the rise.

promote programs to provide more quality jobs for Filipinos.

“And we do not just aim to simply create jobs. We are focusing heavily on improving education, infrastructure, and human development to ensure that we build a Filipino workforce equipped with the tools and opportunities they need to compete on the global stage,” he said.

HE Philippines’ unemployment rate fell to a sixmonth low of 3.1 percent in December 2024 but was unchanged from a year ago, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Thursday. 3.1% 10.9% 3.8%

Unemployment rate in December 2024

The PSA said that in terms of magnitude, the number of unemployed individuals in December 2024 was 1.63 million, higher than 1.60 million in December 2023, but lower than November’s 1.66 million.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto welcomed the unprecedented progress in the Philippines’ labor market in 2024, with the full-year average unemployment rate at its lowest level since the PSA started compiling comparable data in 2005.

WATERACCESS.

Residents in Barangay Guinsangan, Sto. Nino, South Cotabato no longer worry about water interruptions now that their barangay water system is energized by One Meralco Foundation using a solar PV system. OMF, the social development arm of the Manuel Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco), energized the water system of the underserved community that has long faced challenges with access to clean and reliable water. The initiative, part of OMF’s Water Electrification Program that entails provision of solar photovoltaic system to improve water security in local communities, benefited residents of Barangay Guinsang-an which is comprised of farmers who had been sourcing their water through deep wells.

The annual average unemployment rate is below the full-year target range of 4.4 percent to 4.7 percent set under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. This also surpassed the 4 percent to 5 percent target set for 2028

Some 48.8 million Filipinos were employed in 2024—the highest fullyear level recorded. The quality of jobs for Filipinos also improved, as the full-year underemployment rate dropped to 11.9 percent —its lowest ever.

Recto assured the public that the government would continue to

The employment rate was estimated at 96.9 percent, representing 50 million employed persons, lower than the 50.52 million in December 2023 but higher than November’s 49.54 million.

The underemployment rate, which measures the number of workers seeking additional work or longer hours, decreased to 10.9 percent in December 2024 from 11.9 percent in December 2023 and was slightly up from 10.8 percent in November 2024. About 5.48 million of the 50.19 million employed individuals in December 2024 expressed a desire for more work, the PSA said.

Underemployment rate in December 2024

Full-year unemployment rate in 2024

SM Prime plans to spend P33b in 2025 to build malls, hotels, offices

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PROPERTY developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH) plans to invest up to P33 billion in 2025 to expand its commercial property businesses including malls, hotels and offices.

SMPH is ramping up its investments as it anticipates

centers could provide additional upside,” Lim said.

SMPH said election-related expenditure would stimulate demand and spending across various sectors.

SMPH allocated about P21 billion this year to expand the gross floor area (GFA) of shopping malls. This involves adding 205,400 square meters through new developments and redeveloping 124,488 square meters of existing space.

SMPH expects that by end-2025, the total GFA of its malls would reach 8.08 million square meters. It is investing around P6 billion in the hospitality and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sectors as it banks on the potential growth of the tourism sector.

The investment will finance the construction of two convention facilities, the renovation of hotel rooms and the addition of new food and beverage facilities in existing hotels.

SM Offices will also invest P6 bil-

lion to develop new office towers and workspaces. These include the Six E-Com Center—a two-tower, Grade A office complex within the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. This office building will be designed to cater to technology-driven industries and business process outsourcing (BPO) firms.

SMPH said these investments reflect its commitment to expanding and enhancing its commercial properties to drive growth, attract businesses, and meet evolving consumer demands.

Confiscated fake products up 52% to P41b in 2025 DOE reviews electrification target, hikes funding requirement to P100b

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE government is reviewing its to-

tal electrification target at the household level by 2028 at a cost of P85 billion to P100 billion.

Department of Energy Secretary

Raphael Lotilla said he met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday to discuss the electrification targets.

“This morning, we had a meeting with the President. And in the next cabinet sectoral meetings, we will be taking up the reviewing the total electrification program of the country,” Lotilla said.

Lotilla said that in the upcoming sectoral meeting, the DOE would discuss the total electrification program

and its challenges.

“And since the President is approaching the midterm, it is a good time to review how realistic are both our targets and the funding available, and that we can think of ways to hasten or to make them more realistic,” the energy chief said.

Lotilla said the 2028 target is achievable, but it would require an average of P25 billion annually. He said the average budget annually has been around P2 billion to P3 billion “and therefore we have a long way to go before we can achieve that goal.”

“So we are looking at ways and means in order to be able to achieve the total electrification goal,” he said.

THE National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) said authorities seized counterfeit products valued at P40.99 billion in 2024, a 52-percent increase over P26.99 billion confiscated in 2023. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) accounted for the largest share of the haul at P34.7 billion. In July 2024, the BOC raided Binondo, resulting in the confiscation of P11 billion worth of counterfeit luxury goods and another P7 billion when it raided Divisoria in November 2024.

Following the BOC, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) seized counterfeit goods worth P3.42 billion and P2.83 billion, respectively. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also made a significant contribution, confiscating counterfeit drugs and health-related products valued at P30.20 million.

Under Section 155 of the Intellectual Property Code, the unauthorized use, reproduction or imitation of a registered trademark or its dominant features—whether in commerce or advertising—is considered trademark infringement if it leads to confusion or deception among consumers.

IPOPHL director-general Brigitte da Costa-Villaluz lauded the proactive efforts of the NCIPR members, emphasizing the strategic raids that stopped counterfeit products from reaching markets and households. Othel V. Campos

BSP PARTNERS. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona, Jr. (front row, second from left) leads the BSP in recognizing the outstanding partners of its Mindanao Regional Office on Jan. 24, 2025 in General Santos City. With Remolona are (front row, from left) General Santos City Vice Mayor Rosalita Nuñez, BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Assistant Governor Rosabel Guerrero.

BUSINESS

Robinsons Land’s REIT unit posted 38% income growth to P6.1b in 2024

RL Commercial REIT Inc. (RCR), the real estate investment trust company of Robinsons Land Corp., said Thursday its net income grew 38 percent to P6.13 billion in 2024 from a year ago.

RCR said the strong financial performance was led by the P33.9 billion worth of property infusion and steady occupancy rates at 96 percent.

“The infusion of the 13 assets augmented to the consistent declaration of increasing dividends quarter on quarter and reinforces our dedication and commitment in growing the company. It confirms on the quality and stability of our properties and achieving the benefits from the yield-accretive infusions. RCR continuous to be on the look-out of potential assets for acquisition aside from the assets of the sponsor,” said RCR president and chief executive officer Jericho P. Go.

RLC agreed in June 2024 to infuse 13 prime assets, including 11 malls and two office towers in RCR via a property-for-share swap.

Meanwhile, the board of RCR approved the declaration of regular

cash dividend of P0.1010 per outstanding common share.

The latest cash dividends will be payable on Feb. 28, 2025 to stockholders on record as of Feb. 20, 2025.

RCR’s dividend policy is to distribute at least 90 percent of its income, as provided under the REIT Law.

RCR said it continues to declare increasing dividend on a quarter-onquarter basis and remains by far the only Philippine REIT company to achieve this feat.

RCR declared a total of P0.4261 dividends per share in the whole of 2024, which included a special cash dividend of P0.0260.

As of end-2024, RCR had gross leasable area (GLA) of 828,000 square meters, comprising of 539,000 sq. m. of office spaces and 289,000 sq. m. of mall spaces.

It has presence in 18 key cities and locations across the Philippines.

RLC still has more than a million sq. m. of malls GLA, more than 2500,000 sq. m. of office GLA, more than 200,000 sq. m. of logistics GLA and about 4,000 hotel room keys that maybe infused into RCR in the future.

PH stocks retreat, stay above 6,200

By Jenniffer B. Austria

Philippine stocks pulled back Thursday after three straight days of gains.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index lost 39.11 points, or 0.62 percent, to close at 6,241.97, while the broader all-shares index dropped 9.61 points, or 0.26 percent, to settle at 3,687.05.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist from Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the Thursday’s decline is considered a healthy correction after the market’s rally for the past trading days.

Ricafort said the market also declined amid impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, which could potentially distract lawmakers.

Asian stocks traded mostly higher after Wall Street rallied overnight. Only two of six sectoral indices ended in the green. Industrial climbed 0.51 percent, while mining and oil advanced 0.23 percent.

Property declined the most, slipping 1.24 percent, while financials, services and holding firms dropped 0.83 percent, 0.50 percent and 0.23 percent, respectively.

Value turnover reached P4.69 billion. Gainers edged out losers, 91 to 85, while 60 stocks were unchanged.

Aboitiz Power Corp. rose 5.82 percent to P42.75, while Ayala Land Inc. declined 2.12 percent to P25.35.

Meanwhile, Asian and European markets rose Thursday, tracking gains on Wall Street and following the US Postal Service’s Uturn on a ban on parcels from China and Hong Kong, though trade war fears continue to dampen sentiment.

Global equities have been hit by volatility this week after US President Donald Trump announced hefty tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico.

But while he reached deals with the United States’ neighbors to delay implementation of the measures, there was no such agreement with Beijing.

That was followed Tuesday by news the USPS had scrapped a duty-free exemption for low-value packages from China and Hong Kong—dealing a heavy blow to Chinese ecommerce giants.

But it rowed back on Wednesday, saying it would “continue accepting all international inbound mail and packages.” With AFP

D&L sees opportunities in global trade

D&L Industries Inc. remains optimistic about business prospects amid changing global trade landscape and potential new tariffs, a top executive said Thursday.

The company said while there may be some short-term volatility, its businesses are equipped to handle these shifts.

“In 2019, the trade war and the generally cautious sentiment globally had an impact on our exports, down 25 percent year-onyear that year,” said D&L president and chief executive Alvin Lao Thursday in a statement.

“Since then, many companies globally have begun restructuring their supply chains to navigate around possible future tariffs. With these adjustments, we anticipate a lesser impact on our export business this time around compared to 2019,” he said.

D&L said its pricing structure would protect it from sudden changes in foreign exchange and commodity prices. It also plans to continue adjusting selling prices as needed, thanks to its research and development capabilities.

Meanwhile, Lao also sees opportunities in the trade tensions between the US and China.

“The apparent trade tensions between the US and China present opportunities for companies like us to supply to companies who cannot source from either the US or China. Our new plant in Batangas gives us the capacity and capability to cater to bigger export customers. This puts us in a prime position to capture opportunities arising from the evolving international trade environment,” he said.

D&L’s exports, which account for 31 percent of total sales, focus on products with a competitive edge. These include highlycustomized items with significant R&D input and coconut-based products. The company also has a strong supply chain to support these products. Jenniffer B.

Austria

EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma (second from left) and Undersecretary Carmela Torres (left), together with JobStreet by SEEK PH managing director April Dannah Majarocon (third from left) and operations director Aki Sumulong (right), sign a memorandum of agreement to strengthen collaboration on employment facilitation programs and activities such as the conduct of job fairs, to benefit more Filipino jobseekers.

BEAUTY CARAVAN. Ricky Reyes (center), president of the Philippine Hairdressers Association, launches the Health-Beauty Caravan 2025 at a mall in Mandaluyong City, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the Philippine Cancer Society and the Metro Manila Mayors’ Spouses Foundation Inc. (MMMSFI). Beauty practitioners from Luzon attended free seminars and competitions. Also present are SM Supermalls assistant vice president for operations Ian Mathay, executive vice president for marketing Joaquin San Agustin, vice president for corporate marketing Grace Magno, Philippine Red Cross secretary general Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, MMMSFI member Tiffany Gatchalian, Mandaluyong City vice mayor Menchie Abalos and MMMSFI president Keri Zamora. Norman Cruz

DOE set to release terms of 4th green energy auction

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) said Thursday it is set to conduct the fourth auction round of the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) as part of its efforts to accelerate the development and utilization of renewable energy resources.

The DOE said in a statement GEA-4 would include the Integrated Renewable Energy and Energy Storage System (IRESS) but would only cover solar power plants integrated with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

ALSONS Power Group is turning to renewable energy to boost its growth starting 2025, its top official said.

Alsons Power chief executive Antonio Miguel Alcantara said 2024 was a remarkable year for the company, driven by resilience, innovation and strategic growth, and it laid the foundation for further success.

“By leveraging collaboration and a shared vision, we aim to turn today’s challenges into opportunities for a more sustainable and prosperous future,” Alcantara said.

“Our goal is to provide greater benefits to our customers, shareholders, communities, and employees, staying true to our promise to power with care,” he said.

Alsons Power made significant strides in 2024 with the completion of the 14.5-megawatt (MW) Siguil hydro power plant in Maasim, Sarangani. It also progressed in the development of the 37.8-MW SindanganZambo River power plant and the 53MW Bago hydro power plant, which are both slated for construction in 2025.

The company is also intensifying its solar energy efforts, with plans to launch its first large-scale solar power plant in the first half of 2025.

“We are rapidly advancing our solar power initiatives and remain committed to strengthening our project pipeline,” said Alcantara.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) president and general manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso leads the inauguration of the GSIS digital business center at the General Santos branch office Thursday. He is joined by Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao and Councilor Lourdes Casabuena. The center offers members at its General Santos Branch a faster alternative to counter services.

The auction would also include wind power projects, but would exclude liquefied natural gas as there are already enough LNG facilities being planned.

The DOE said it would release the GEA-4 terms of reference (TOR)

LAB

GREEN

CERTIFICATION.

Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) becomes the first water utility in the Philippines to have its laboratory, WATERLab, earn the My Green Lab Certification—the globally recognized gold standard for sustainable laboratory practices. Recognized by the United Nations’ Race to Zero campaign towards a zero-carbon future, the certification highlights WATERLab’s commitment to environmentallyresponsible operations.

By Othel V. Campos

within the month. The TOR will outline specific provisions and procedures on the auction process, covering technical, financial and commercial aspects.

It will also incorporate insights and lessons learned from previous auction rounds.

Each auction round’s TOR includes key GEA instruments such as the auction design, bonds, instructions to bidders, bidding data, forms and templates and post-auction requirements.

The agency said it would hold a dialogue on the draft GEA-4 TOR to

gather feedback from relevant parties to ensure stakeholder participation.

The draft notice of auction, TOR and the schedule for the stakeholder dialogue will be published on the DOE website. The notice of auction is expected to be released on Feb. 13, 2025.

Key industry stakeholders attended the focus group discussion organized by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to assess parameters and cost assumptions for renewable energy (RE) technologies in preparation for GEA-4.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

(CRK). The turboprop operations of Philippine Airlines (PAL) will also be transferred by October this year.

IN BRIEF

KIA Philippines set a goal of boosting its 2025 sales volume to 12,500 units, up by 86.7 percent from the previous year’s 6,692 units.

The growth plan is supported by a strategic focus on popular models and expanding their lineup, including the highly-anticipated Sonet and a new hybrid offering for the Carnival.

Kia Philippines chief operating officer Brian Buendia shared the company’s confidence in achieving this target.

“The Sonet will have full-year exposure this time around. It is still our bestseller. Last year, we sold nearly

7,000 units, overall, but it was only for half the year. With a full year of sales, we believe the new models will significantly contribute to our numbers,” Buendia said at the launch of the Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid at Glorietta Mall in Makati City Thursday.

Kia also plans to expand its offerings with a new hybrid lineup for the Carnival, further bolstering its presence in the local market.

Buendia said the brand targets to sell 1,500 units of the Sorento Turbo Hybrid for the whole year, with aspirations to hit 2,000 units as it positions the model as an aspirational vehicle for Filipino consumers.

He said the company is no longer

THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) inaugurated a new digital business center (DBC) on Thursday, offering members at its General Santos City branch a faster alternative to counter services.

The DBC provides tablets equipped with the GSIS Mobile Touch App, allowing more than 46,000 active members and 11,000 pensioners across General Santos, Sultan Kudarat (including Takurong city), South Cotabato (including Koronadal city) and Sarangani to process their transactions without waiting in line.

“The digital business center transforms how we serve our members,” GSIS president and general-manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso said.

just bringing in cars for the sake of it. Instead, Kia is carefully studying the Philippine market before introducing new models.

“We have a few samples in the pipeline that I can’t reveal just yet. But if our research shows good results, we will bring them in,” Buendia said, emphasizing that the brand has always relied on its strategic market approach.

One focus for Kia is the electrification of its lineup. As part of its commitment to e-mobility, Kia is positioning itself as one of the few automakers to offer a comprehensive range of vehicles across all powertrains.

demand from investors reflects confidence in Philippine corporate issuers and underscores SM’s reputation as a stable and well-managed investment option,” said Erwin Pato, executive vice president for treasury, finance and planning at SM Investments.

DENR renews Clark Water discharge permit

CLARK Development Corp. (CDC) said it welcomes the renewal of Clark Water Corp.’s (CWC) wastewater discharge permit by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources—Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region 3, reaffirming its commitment to environmental stewardship. The permit, valid until Feb. 4, 2026,

“Instead of queuing at our service counters, members can now use our tablets to access their accounts and complete transactions through the GSIS Mobile Touch App,” he said. The center offers a comfortable space where members can process loans, check their status and balance, view their records, and handle other transactions that would typically require counter service. Trained GSIS staff are available to assist members who need guidance in

Logistic firm expands Korea Visa services

W EXPRESS, a leading logistics and courier service provider, is strengthening its commitment to easing travel for Filipinos through an expanded partnership with the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC).

The collaboration aims to streamline the visa application process for South Korea, extending W Express’s reach nationwide.

“We are proud to continue supporting Filipino families in making their dream travel destinations more accessible. “With over 3,500 successful visa

2024.

Assistant vice president for Business Development, Eloisa Meña, emphasized that the expansion has been a game-changer, particularly for applicants in provinces like Mindanao and Palawan.

“Our goal is to remove barriers for applicants, so they don’t have to travel all the way to Manila. With our nationwide reach, families can now process their visa applications with ease right from their hometowns,” she said.

applications processed last year, this partnership speaks to the trust families have in the reliable and smooth services we’ve been able to provide alongside KVAC,” Dawn Feliciano, W Express president and chairman said.

Since May 2023, W Express has been handling Korean visa applications, making it easier for Filipinos to apply from the comfort of their own localities.

In a significant milestone, W Express was assigned the exclusive responsibility to handle Korean visa courier services nationwide in May

To make the process even more affordable, W Express has introduced the Korean Tourist Family or Group Visa Bundle.

This value-packed offer simplifies the application for families and groups planning to visit South Korea.

The bundle includes a P1,000 service fee for the primary applicant and an additional P500 per family member.

The offer is exclusively available for applicants in Metro Manila and is separate from the Korean Visa Application Center’s processing fee of P900.

PDRF, 2GO deliver mobile treatment plant to Mt. Kanlaon-affected communities

THE Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), in partnership with 2GO, the Philippines’ leading logistics and passenger transport provider, successfully facilitated 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. This system also helps prevent potential health risks associated with water contamination and inadequate sanitation.

Leveraging its extensive logistics network, 2GO swiftly transported the MTP from Manila to Bacolod, ensuring its timely arrival for im-

mediate deployment. The company also provided accommodations for personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), enabling them to carry out their relief operations on the ground effectively.

“This response is a strong example of how the private sector and the government can work together to deliver critical aid, especially in times of disaster. It highlights the importance of effective collaboration, leveraging the resources of both sectors to provide timely and essential support. This is not the first time we responded to Kanlaon and we sincerely appreciate the dedication of 2GO, AFP, and OCD for their unwavering commitment and for working alongside PDRF,” PDRF Operations Center Director Arnel Capili said.

As 2GO remains the only integrated solutions provider simultaneously offering both freight and sea travel services from Manila to Bacolod, the logistics company reinforces its vital role in connecting communities, especially during the facilitation of crucial relief operations connecting both regions.

“We are always ready to go and mobilize our resources to support the men and women of our armed forces as they serve our fellow Filipinos. Providing swift and reliable logistical solutions during times of crisis is part of our unwavering commitment to national service,” said Ethel Concepcion, 2GO Head of Corporate Marketing and Communications.

MRT-3 upgrades line ahead of privatization

Four-car trains coming to boost capacity

THE rehabilitation and maintenance of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 is expected to be finished by June 2025, ahead of the government’s planned privatization of the system’s operations.

MRT-3 general manager Oscar Bongon said the ongoing maintenance of the MRT-3 system by Sumitomo Corp. is expected to be completed by June 2025.

Bongon said the extension of the pocket track at Taft Station in Pasay City and the turnback facility at North Ave. Station would be completed by June. These improvements will enable the system to accommodate fourcar trains.

Switching from the current threecar train sets to four-car sets will boost daily ridership to over half a million passengers.

MRT-3 handled more than 135 million rides in 2024, higher than 129 million in 2023.

In May 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Sumitomo Corp. and Oriental Consultants Global signed the P7.38-billion extended contracts for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the line until 2025.

The scope of the new contract was expanded to include the extension of rail lines and the installation of signals to the common station, which is shared with other lines, and the expansion of the pocket track necessary for increasing the number of railcars in a train (from three-car to four-car),

in addition to the maintenance of the main line.

Planned privatization Meanwhile, the privatization of the rail line is in the works, with the terms of reference (TOR) for both its solicited and unsolicited proposals being ironed out.

Bongon said the TOR is being reviewed by the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, the Asian Development Bank and the DOTr.

“The terms of reference for concession are being developed now. There are only two goals because someone in the private sector submitted an unsolicited proposal. That is under review by the PPP Center, ADB and DOTr,” Bon-

gon said over the DOTr’s Sakay Na! program on Radio Pilipinas. At present, the government operates MRT 3, while the MRTC, owned by Metro Rail Transit Holdings II Inc. and led by businessman Robert John Sobrepeña, was responsible for the design and construction of the EDSA rail transit system.

Formed in 1995, MRTC started building MRT 3 in October 1996, completed it in December 1999 and started full operations in July 2020. MRTC and the government through the Department of Transportation and Communications signed the BLT agreement in 1997 to construct and maintain MRT 3.

The build-lease-transfer agreement with Metro Rail Transit Corp. for MRT-3 will expire this year. No fare hike MRT-3 officer-in-charge director for operations Ofelia Astrera also assured the rail line’s passengers that there are no fare hike petitions from its management.

“Right now, we don’t expect a fare increase. In previous years there were petitions, there would have been two [train] lines at the same time. But there was just a little technicality. Right now, we are just waiting for the direction of the DOTr central office,” Astrera said.

“But for now, we don’t have a fare increase,” she said.

The MRT-3’s base fare is at P13. End-to-end trip from North Ave. Station to Taft Station is at P28.

of MPT South (center), alongside members of the management committee.

MPT South achieves triple ISO certification

MPT South, the concessionaire of the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) and Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), and a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, was recently granted three International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifications.

The company achieved certifications for ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety), showcasing its commitment to operational excellence and sustainable

NLEX’s PUNLA wins at the 60th Anvil Awards

business practices. To celebrate this milestone, an awarding ceremony was held on January 27, 2025, at Sequoia Hotel, where certifying body, DQS Certification Philippines President Mr. Romeo Bravo formally presented the certificates to the MPT South Management Committee, led by Officer-in-Charge Elnora D. Rumawak, along with MPTC’s Chief Human Resource Officer, Maria Antonette V. Allones.

“This achievement reflects MPT South’s unwavering commitment to

excellence, sustainability, and the safety of every motorist we serve,” Rumawak said.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation is the tollways infrastructure unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. Aside from CALAX and CAVITEX networks of toll roads, MPTC’s domestic portfolio includes concessions for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the NLEX Connector Road, the Subic-ClarkTarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu.

Darwin G. Amojelar

DQS Philippines president Romeo Bravo (left), presents MPT South’s ISO certifications to Elnora D. Rumawak, officer-in-charge

The MTP boards MV 2GO Maligaya

MRT-3 general manager Oscar Bongon

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

Rhen Escaño clarifies stance on online gambling

By Angelica Villanueva

How Marian Rivera prioritizes parenthood without missing a beat in showbiz

WITH an established career, a growing family, and a clear vision of what truly matters, Marian Rivera exemplifies a rare blend of professional success and personal fulfillment. She is a walking proof that stardom and family life can coexist when managed with clear purpose and intention.

After marrying actor Dingdong Dantes 10 years ago and becoming the mother of two beautiful children, Zia and Sixto , Marian has become selective with projects. She only chooses those that allow her to dedicate time to her kids.

In a recent contract renewal event, she recalled a moment that solidified her decision. A scheduling conflict between a work engagement and Zia’s school event led her to postpone an endorsement launch.

“My kids are my priority,” Marian said, showing her commitment to being present at her children’s milestones. “I made it clear to everyone I work with that I

don’t want to miss any of their school activities.”

This choice, while limiting her projects, has not hindered her career. Last year, Marian headlined the

critically acclaimed film Balota , which won her multiple Best Actress awards and dominated streaming charts on Netflix.

Also, despite her focus on family, Marian is set to return to primetime television in an upcoming GMA drama. Her management confirmed that the project was adjusted to accommodate her schedule. They wanted to ensure she could balance work and personal commitments.

Director Michael Tuviera , who has worked with the actress for over a decade, acknowledged her careful approach to selecting roles.

“Marian never chooses projects based on awards or box office potential,” he said. “She picks roles that speak to her heart, and that’s why she remains relevant and respected in the industry.”

Beyond acting, Marian remains a sought-after brand endorser. She recently renewed her partnership with Ecran De Luxe, a sunscreen brand she has been endorsing for years.

According to Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group founder Anna Magkawas , Marian’s authenticity in using the products she promotes is a key factor in their success.

ACTRESS Rhen Escaño recently renewed her contract as the ambassador of CC6 Online Casino & FunBingo. During the contract signing, Rhen was asked if she had ever faced any criticism since signing as an endorser of the online casino, to which she answered, “Never.”

At a press conference on Jan. 31, Friday, the actress also took the opportunity to clarify her position on online gaming and address concerns and misconceptions regarding her role as an ambassador for an online casino.

“I’m not saying that there’s nothing wrong with online gaming. Those are not the first words you’ll hear from me,” she explained, asserting that her endorsement does not mean promoting unhealthy gambling habits.

She then emphasized that gaming should remain a fun and stress-relieving activity.

“I always say it’s fine, but there’s a point where it becomes a problem if you’re no longer content. Learn how to stop. This should be for fun; it should help take the stress away from us, especially when we’re feeling overwhelmed with work,” she stated. She further added that online gaming should not cause more stress but rather serve as a temporary escape.

As an advocate for responsible gaming, the Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa star emphasized that her role as a casino game endorser does not encourage irresponsible gaming behavior.

“I will not be the cause of someone’s downfall just because I am endorsing a casino game,” she said, emphasizing that her advocacy remains rooted in positive and meaningful causes. Rhen expressed that renewing her contract with CC6 Online Casino & FunBingo was a significant milestone for her as she welcomes the year 2025. She views this opportunity as a blessing, especially since the brand supports charitable initiatives through its slogan, “Gaming with a Heart.”

While the gaming platform provides entertainment, CC6 Online Casino and FunBingo are also dedicated to giving back to the community. Rhen noted that the company took part in charitable activities, distributing groceries to victims of landslides and floods in Davao del Norte and Marikina, and organizing feeding programs in Makati, Cavite, and Manila.

Additionally, the company has supported children with disabilities, enhancing their daily lives, and has assisted Aeta students in Bataan in continuing their education. They have also undertaken tree-planting activities in Rizal and Antipolo, promoting environmental protection.

Perhaps one of the most memorable moments for her was her visit to an Aeta community, where she witnessed the kindness and selflessness of children.

“There was a child there who I saw had the food we gave just sitting on the armchair. We asked why he wasn’t eating the food. It was weird; he wasn’t eating it. Then he said, ‘I’ll just take it home to give to my brother and my mom.’ That really touched me,” she shared.

This encounter made her even more passionate about her advocacy and the reasons she accepted the endorsement. Rhen’s connection with these communities has become a source of joy and inspiration.

“She genuinely loves and uses our products, and that translates to her endorsements,” the entreprenuer said. “We’ve seen tremendous sales growth since she became our brand ambassador.”

While Marian continues to excel in showbiz, she has also found fulfillment in spiritual growth. She and her family have incorporated nightly Bible study sessions into their routine, a practice she credits with strengthening their bond.

“No matter how tired I am, we make time for it,” she shared.

“Even just one Bible verse a night makes a difference.”

“Every Sunday, every weekend I look forward to going to a certain area, and I always choose places with a lot of kids because even though the journey is long and tiring, my stress in life disappears as soon as we get there,” she said.

anniversary on Feb. 2.

The partnership between CC6 and FunBingo, both certified by PAGCOR, celebrated its 7th practice

Marian also ensures open communication with her children.

She engages them in nightly conversations about their day.

“I always make sure we talk about what happened at school,” she said. “It’s important for me to be involved in their lives.”

As she balances career, motherhood, and personal growth, Marian remains optimistic about the year ahead.

“Opportunities keep coming, and I’m grateful for that,” she said. “But at the end of the day, my family comes first.”

As an ambassador, Rhen participates in every charity event conducted by CC6 Online Casino & FunBingo

Marian Rivera debuts a chic new look with shorter locks as she renews her contract with a skincare brand

In December 2024, DongYan (center) celebrated their wedding anniversary with a renewal of vows

Very Wang Nickie Wang

SHOWBIZ

Ditas Yamane’s journey to public service

RARELY has a film fallen from favor so quickly: after gaining a record number of Oscar nominations for a foreign-language movie, narco-musical Emilia Perez has become embroiled in a scandal linked to past social media posts by star Karla Sofia Gascon

Gascon, the first transgender woman Oscar nominee for best actress, has seen her path to glory seriously compromised by her posts about Islam, US anti-racism protests, and even the Oscars themselves, which she called an “ugly gala.”

From being a symbol of diversity embraced by Hollywood, she has risked alienating left-leaning members of the Academy who decide the Oscar winners, despite her apologies and insistence that she is “not a racist.” Hollywood trade outlets reported that distributor Netflix, which was banking on Emilia Perez for its first best picture Oscar, had dropped the 52-yearold from its campaign and distanced itself from the best actress nominee.

A Netflix web page promoting the film “for your awards consideration” contained an image of Zoe Saldana, the movie’s best supporting actress nominee. Contacted by AFP, Netflix declined to comment.

Emilia Perez French director Jacques Audiard on Wednesday disavowed his lead actress, calling Gascon’s original social media posts “inexcusable” and “absolutely hateful.” Audiard told trade outlet Deadline that by continuing to lash out at her critics, Gascon’s “selfdestructive approach” was now “harming people who were very close to her,” including himself, Saldana, and co-star Selena Gomez

The mostly Spanish-language movie that was filmed in France and set in Mexico was nominated for 13 Oscars, as well as 11 BAFTAs, Britain’s equivalent to the Oscars, and 12 Cesars in France.

It picked up four Golden Globes in January, including for best comedy or musical.

Even as it was winning awards and sweeping the nominations season, criticism was growing in Mexico about its depictions of the country, as well as the lack of Mexicans in the cast.

Thousands of Mexicans have given the film the lowest possible rating on online movie review websites IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, where it currently has an 18 percent audience ranking. AFP

WE’VE heard countless stories of Filipino immigrants making it big in the US that, somehow, it’s hardly surprising anymore to learn about another one. Yet, there are a few exceptions that capture extra attention and brightly spark that Pinoy pride in us, like the tale of Ditas Yamane, who is currently the vice mayor and councilmember for National City in San Diego County, California.

Ditas, as she insists on being simply called, is the first Filipino immigrant elected to such a lofty position in National City, a suburb of downtown San Diego known for its large Filipino-American community.

I read that Peter Aduja was the first Fil-Am elected to public office in the US back in 1954. But it’s uncommon to hear about someone born in the Philippines to pure Filipino parents making waves in US politics.

In my exclusive interview last week, she said, “It didn’t come easy, as you know, and it’s a lot of hard work and persistence. I ran for office several times; I didn’t win until I won in 2022. It’s really work, so I take it to heart. I wanted the position to serve the people. That’s my pledge.”

Moving to the US as an immigrant way back in 1988, Ditas, a real estate broker outside of her duty as a public servant, has long been a resident of National City’s District 3, making her truly fit to address the

If you find that bit interesting, let me tell you that Ditas is essentially a product of Philippine showbiz, having gotten her first big break in life long ago through the kindness of actor-director Leroy Salvador, who took her in after she volunteered to fill in a vacated job for him and his family. At that time, she was a college student with one uniform and had to walk when penniless to commute.

But fate put her beside a classmate who happened to be Leroy’s daughter, whom she befriended, leading her to a showbiz clan. In no time, she became a trusted family friend and eventually an insider in showbiz circles.

Ditas shared, “Nabigyan ako ng break ng Tito Leroy. Nagdi-dinner kami at their place one time when I heard him say, ‘Ang hirap nitong walang secretary.’ so I asked him, ‘Pwede po ba ako mag-part-time sa inyo?’”

Amusingly, her association with Leroy (who, in his late years, appeared in Captain Barbel movie starring Herbert Bautista, wherein he admirably portrayed the role of the old man who gives the magical gym equipment to the protagonist) led the future San Diego County politician to doing work for the likes of Fernando Poe Jr. and all the way to former president Fidel Ramos. Sometime ago, she worked for GMA-7 and directed the first Sinulog in Cebu.

Ditas is the sister of one who served in the US Navy. Her parents petitioned her to immigrate to the US, and after nearly 20 years of waiting, she—already an established corporate executive by that time— relocated to the US for new adventures and goals.

“I was crying like a baby on the day of my inauguration after getting elected, realizing that it was His will and the result of my willingness to persevere. It was my birthday, too,” she noted.

This coming June, the Mabuhay Festival, under her supervision, is expected to be revived in a post-pandemic world. It is a project promoting Filipino culture and heritage.

Ditas does her best to maximize the position thrust upon her. In her capacity, she is also a director for the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), among others. Her inclination for business makes her a key figure in studying policies and setting budgets for the community. She said she has learned many creative ways to do her job as she effectively manages her time between her public service role and her real estate clientele. She stressed, “The only way to do a good job is to know what’s happening. Do your diligence so you can ask the right questions. And please count your blessings and embrace humility.”

In many ways, Ditas Yamane’s success in the US is partly shaped by how she developed herself into a highly functioning person the moment she was given a break by a showbiz royalty. (Take note: she never smoked or drank.) She felt she had the responsibility to represent the Filipino-American community well. She has done so and is now opening doors for others by setting good examples, especially for those who are still struggling and finding their place—very much like when her Tito Leroy opened a window for her to look into a world of exciting possibilities.

THE Mutya ng Pilipinas Organization recently announced Davao City as the host of the 28th Miss Tourism International 2025 pageant, marking the first time the prestigious event will be held outside Malaysia.

The official announcement was made at CWC Design Center in Makati City and was attended by Tan Sri Datuk Danny Ooi owner and president of the Miss Tourism International

Organization, Mutya ng Pilipinas chairman Fred Yuson and president Cory Quirino, and reigning Miss Tourism International 2024 Liana Barrido.

“Through this partnership with Miss Tourism International, we are not only strengthening our commitment to tourism advocacy but also showcasing the best of Filipino culture and beauty to the world,” Quirino said.

“Hosting Miss Tourism International in the Philippines is a platform to promote our tourism industry and create meaningful global connections. This partnership with MTI is a step forward in establishing the Philippines as a premier destination for international events,” Yuson added.

“The Philippines has always played an important role in the success of Miss Tourism International. Its beauty queens, culture, and breathtaking destinations consistently make an impact on the international stage. We are thrilled to partner with Mutya ng Pilipinas and hold

this year’s pageant in such a vibrant and inspiring country,” Ooi said.

The 28th Miss Tourism International 2025 pageant is expected to draw over 50 contestants from around the world, bringing beauty, glamour, and excitement to local tourism in the south through a week-long series of pre-pageant activities, culminating in the coronation night set for Nov. 29.

Dia Mate wins Best National Costume award Philippine bet Deanna Marie Mate won the Mejor Traje Típico or Best Typical Costume award at the Reina Hispanoamericana 2025 pageant during the preliminary competitions held in Porongo, Bolivia, on Sunday. Mate is emerging as a strong contender among the 24 candidates heading into the finals, set for Sunday (Monday in Manila) in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

The 22-year-old communication technology graduate was also named among the Top 5 Miss Turismo finalists, along with

other crown favorites Yessica Ibarra of Bolivia, Karelys Prieto of Ecuador, Júlia de Castro of Brazil, and Sofia Fernandez of Venezuela, who was also awarded the title Miss Elegancia del Reina Hispanoamericana 2025. Mate’s national costume, designed by Ehrran Montoya, is a stunning tribute to the country’s rich cultural heritage. Inspired by the Baroque churches of the Philippines, it features more than 150,000 crystals, intricate gold okkir patterns from Mindanao, feather pen and lamp accessories, and is topped with a native salakot headpiece.

Karla Sofia Gascon plays the role of Emilia Pérez in the highly-acclaimed film ‘Emilia Pérez’

Davao City will host the 28th Miss Tourism International 2025, the first time the event takes

Philippine bet Deanna Marie Mate’s national costume is designed and created by fashion designer Ehrran Montoya

San Diego County Vice Mayor and National City council member Ditas Yamane

NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

Bakery Fair whips up creativity and innovation in 2025 edition

THE Filipino Chinese Bakery Association, Inc. (FCBAI) is hosting Bakery Fair 2025 from March 6 to 8 at the World Trade Center Manila, bringing together industry leaders, suppliers, and baking professionals in an event aimed at driving growth and innovation in the sector.

Regarded as one of the country’s premier baking exhibitions, the fair will serve as a platform for businesses to connect, explore new technologies, and showcase craftsmanship. FCBAI president Chris Ah emphasized its significance, noting that it reaches

bakeries across the country and fosters close industry ties.

“This event isn’t just an exhibition; it’s a catalyst for economic vitality, uniting pioneers and communities to create a sweeter, brighter future for all,” he said.

The three-day event will feature a series of competitions, live demonstrations, and networking opportunities. Highlights include The Baker’s Cup, where participants will compete in bread-making and hyper-realistic cake art, and the Grand Regal Tiers Wedding Cake Display Competition, which offers a top

GI spent countless days with relatives on my mother’s side and cherished every moment with my grandparents, who nurtured my sense of belonging and deepened my appreciation for the culture and heritage of the area. During these early years, I also discovered my love for children’s books—a passion that has since grown into a lifelong dream of writing and illustrating one of my own.

That dream found meaningful inspiration when I came across a Facebook post by a dear friend, GMA Integrated News entertainment correspondent and anchor Nelson Canlas. His first-ever children’s book, Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug, is a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the Tausug people of Mindanao, told through the eyes of a young boy. The character of Migoy was inspired by the personality and childhood experiences of his partner, Chef Miguel Cabel Moreno, a purveyor of Tausug cuisine and one of the founders of the Mindanaoan restaurant Palm Grill.

Nelson explained his motivation behind creating the book after randomly meeting publisher Kath EustaquioDerla at the 2024 Philippine Book Festival almost a year ago. He was covering actress Marian Rivera, who was a guest reader of a children’s book, when he realized that his dream of writing a book for his partner could become a reality.

“For months before that, I had been working on a story—a children’s book that touched on childhood friendships, faith, family, and, of course, the rich and soulful cuisine of the Tausug people,” Nelson shared on Facebook.

This sentiment reflects the heart of the project—a heartfelt contribution to the

prize of P150,000. Winners will also have the chance to receive international training and gain exposure to global baking trends.

Visitors can expect interactive sessions with world-class chefs, industry talks, and exhibitor booths showcasing the latest baking tools and techniques.

Specialty contests such as the Donut Dash and World Water Day Cake Decorating Competition will highlight creative and sustainable practices. Open to the public, the fair invites both professionals and baking enthusiasts to experience the evolving landscape of the industry.

“Just as

event

and progress,”

FCBAI continues to support the baking sector through events like Bakery Fair 2025, promoting collaboration and innovation to sustain economic and cultural growth.

A taste of storytelling

How news personality Nelson Canlas promotes Tausug cuisine with a children’s book

ROWING up, I embraced Mindanao as if it were my own backyard. Mama, who was raised in the region, filled my formative years with unforgettable summers and Christmas vacations in the southern part of the Philippines.

cultural narrative of the Tausug people, a community known for its unique traditions and culinary heritage.

Culinary heritage on every page

The book narrates the adventures of a spirited young boy and highlights the distinctive cuisine of the Tausug. Nelson wanted to showcase dishes like Tiyula Itum and Piyanggang Manok, aiming to educate children and adults alike about the rich flavors and history behind these culinary treasures. He emphasized that the creation of the book was as much about inspiring a love for local food as it was about preserving the cultural identity of a people. Initially, the book was meant to be a personal gift, a keepsake for a select few. Canlas shared that he planned to have just four copies printed: one for Chef Miggy, one for the chef’s mother in Zamboanga, one for Nelson’s mother in Chicago,

Random Talk Kate Adjar

and one to keep as a personal memento. What began as a private project soon evolved into something much larger. “That was it. A simple, quiet tribute. But fate had other plans,” Nelson narrated.

The creative process involved countless calls, editing sessions, and a collaborative spirit that brought together Nelson, his cowriter and Chef Miguel’s sister, Dr. Isabel Go, editor Odette de Guzman , and illustrator Danielle Florendo from Baguio City. Their collective efforts transformed the manuscript into a work that not only tells a story but also educates and inspires.

As Nelson would say, “What started as a labor of love slowly grew into something greater than I had ever imagined.”

Every element of the book, from its illustrations to the carefully chosen words, was infused with

a deep respect for Tausug culture. The project even led the team to experience firsthand the soul of Tausug cuisine, ensuring that every depiction on the page was authentic and heartfelt.

“When they finally tasted the dishes at Palm Grill, their faces lit up with wonder,” Nelson happily shared.

Crossing borders

This early, the impact of Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug has extended beyond the local community. The book’s inclusion in the curated collection at La Fiera del Libro per Ragazzi— the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy— is a milestone for Filipino storytelling. This international platform, known for celebrating stories that showcase diverse cultures, now offers a space for the tales of a Tausug child and his adventures to be shared with the world.

Rooted in the precious memories of my time in Mindanao and fueled by a love for children’s literature, I find in Nelson’s work a heavy dose of inspiration. His first children’s book serves as a reminder that our heritage, in all its forms, deserves to be told and celebrated. It reinforces the idea that stories can bridge generations and cultures.

“I am not a Tausug. That’s for sure. I may not have been born into this culture. I may never fully understand its depth, its struggles, and its triumphs,” Nelson admitted. “But I have poured my heart into this book project. And I know now that it is not about who you are by blood—but who you choose to embrace, who you choose to fight for, who you choose to uplift.”

Nelson’s right. The best place and time to promote the richness of Mindanao are right here and right now.

Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug will soon be available on Lazada and select Fully Booked branches.

For your random thoughts, e-mail the author at randomrepublika@gmail.com.

Tikoy binds families, this

unites our industry in harmony

Ah said.

Bakery Fair 2025 will connect businesses, explore new technologies, and showcase craftsmanship

GMA Integrated News entertainment correspondent and anchor Nelson Canlas

From left: Illustrator Danielle Florendo, authors Maria Izabelli Go and Nelson Canlas, editor of Odette De Guzman, and publisher Kath Eustaquio-Derla

‘Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug’ aims to preserve the culture, history, and cuisine of the Tausug people

The