‘Charter allows Senate to start impeach trial while on break’
By Maricel V. Cruz
THE decision of the Senate to push back the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to June when Congress resumes session is not aligned with the provision of the Constitution, former presidential adviser Teresita Deles said. Deles, representing Tindig Pilipinas, joined other members of the Buhay ang EDSA People Power Network Friday in asking the Senate to act on the impeachment immediately.
By Rio N. Araja
People should not be surprised I was first to sign —Sandro Marcos
By Maricel V. Cruz
HOUSE
TSenior Deputy Majority
Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Araneta Marcos III said people should not be surprised that he was the first to sign the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. He said the threats made by the Vice Next page
HE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.
By Rex Espiritu, Nash Maulana and Joel Zurbano
On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil 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 congressmen how Garma allegedly facilitated 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 Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.
Barayuga was a retired police general and lawyer who supposedly threatened to expose corruption within the PCSO shortly before he was shot dead in Mandaluyong City.
THE United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) and the US Embassy in Manila separately confirmed the deaths of all four passengers aboard a Beechcraft King Air 300 that crashed in Maguindanao del Sur while flying a mission at the request of the Philippine government. “We can confirm no survivors of the crash. There were four personnel on board, including one US military service member and three defense contractors,” the US INDOPACOM said in a statement.
Garma, herself an ex-police Lt. Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in
—“—
Being abandoned by your boyfriend or girlfriend would hurt more than being impeached by the House of Representatives. —Vice President Sara Duterte
By Rachelle Tonelada and Maricel Cruz
VICE President Sara Duterte said “resignation” is out of the question as she and her legal team prepare for their defense in the Senate impeachment trial that will likely start in June.
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.
adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
of illegal drugs and illegal activities associated with POGOs,” Suarez said in a mixture of Filipino and English.
“All I can say at this point is ‘God save the Philippines,’” Duterte said in her opening statement during a press conference held at the Office of the Vice President in Mandaluyong City. “We're not there yet (entertaining possibility of resignation). Those things are still far off… Let the lawyers work. The legal team is still preparing the defense and (deciding) what we will do moving forward," she added.
available for utilization by the DSWD, including P123 million which can be allotted as Quick Response Fund (QRF) in the central office of the DSWD.
In Batanes, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) advised residents to secure their roofs and install window shutters as Typhoon Julian is expected to make landfall
If convicted in the Senate trial, Duterte would be barred from running for future public office, something that could be avoided should she step down in advance.
Duterte said a potential 2028 run for president remained firmly on the table. "We are seriously considering that, but it's difficult to decide without numbers, so we have to know the surveys and numbers, but that's still for next year," she said. At least 251 out of the 306 members of the House of Representatives
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.
“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
By Darwin Amojelar
By Alena Mae S. Flores
TRANSPORTATION Secretary Jaime Bautista denied an online news report claiming that Malacañang was angry with the increase in airport fees without the approval of the Cabinet members.
“The Bilyonaryo article is malicious 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
Fortun, a lawyer who often finds himself at the center high-profile cases, apparently sought to mock congressmen, calling their probe “unacceptable.”
However, House members argued they did not come by their suspicions about Yang recklessly.
Speaker lauds Tingog role in public service
By Maricel Cruz
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.
“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
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez yesterday commended Tingog Party-list members and supporters for showing what genuine public service is. In his message during the Tingog National Summit 2025 at the Leyte Academic Center in Tacloban City, the Speaker said the party-list group that “started as a dream - a vision to give a voice to those who have long been unheard" has gone a long way from its humble beginning.
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 regional waters over the weekend.
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.
The solons explained how the matrix details Yang’s connections to other individuals involved in illicit activities, including the operations of illegal POGOs.
By Rex Espiritu
Among the companies implicated are Brickhartz Technology Inc. and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., which are being linked to alleged kidnapping.
THE Philippine government on Sunday publicly called for the United Nations (UN) to give it a seat on the UN Security Council, highlighting the country’s strong record and dedication to upholding the rule of law.
Department of
THE navies of France, Japan and the United States today began Exercise Pacific Steller 2025, a multi-large deck event (MLDE) hosted by the French Navy and conducted in the Philippine Sea.
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.
During Friday’s Quad Comm hearing, lawmakers cited Tony Yang in contempt for “lying” to about his businesses and business partners.
The exercise includes ships from the U.S. Navy's Vinson Carrier Strike Group (VINCSG), the French Carrier Strike Group, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Ranking officers of the participating navies said the MLDE aims to enhance
coordination and collaboration among French, Japanese, and U.S. maritime forces, showcasing their ability to conduct multi-domain operations. It also underscores their commitment to regional stability and highlights the U.S. Navy's enduring power projection capabilities, they added. “Pacific Steller 2025 allows us to practice seamless integration with our French and Japanese allies in a multidomain environment,” said Rear Adm. Michael Wosje, commander of the US Navy’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1.
increase, while 11% said vegetables had the highest price jump. Four percent said seafood prices climbed the most in the last quarter of last year. The poll also showed that 58% of Filipinos said that steps taken by the government to curb soaring commodity prices are insufficient.
Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vin -
Mindanaoans were the most dissatisfied with the government's inflation control measures, with 65% saying they were dissatisfied. The National Capital Region (NCR) was slightly behind with 60% noting their dissatisfaction. Government economic managers had promised that rice prices would go down by at least P5 per kilo as early as a month after the tariff on imported rice was reduced to 15% from 35% in June. From an average of P54.40 per kilo in June, prices could go down to below
“Our troops did not observe any exercise, we have to understand that sometimes, China is doing this for their internal audience, right? For them not to look weak and embarrassed,” Trinidad said. Two Chinese warships were monitored at a distance ranging from eight to 14 nautical miles. One of these went up to 1,000 yards at the MMCA site but eventually went away. “It was not threatening, just normal,” accord -
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voted to impeach Duterte on Wednesday, transmitting to the Senate the 44-page fourth complaint which cited a series of grave allegations that include conspiracy to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., large-scale corruption, abuse of public funds, and involvement in extrajudicial killings.
And while 41 out of 60 lawmakers from Mindanao endorsed the impeachment complaint, Duterte said she had “no feelings" over the matter since she lacked personal ties with most politicians.
‘Charter...
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"The Constitution is forthright with this. Once the impeachment complaint reaches the Senate, the impeachment trial should start," said Deles, who was part of the group that filed the first impeachment complaint against the Vice President.
"The Constitution does not say that if they are in recess, that they should wait for the recess to be finished. It does not say to do so only at your convenience. What the Constitution stated is forthwith: The impeachment trial should start,” Deles said.
“This is our call (on the Senate):
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The plane was reportedly on a "routine mission supporting US-Philippine security cooperation activities" when it nose-dived into an open field in Baran-
gay Malatimon on Thursday afternoon.
The US INDOPACOM said that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash but offered no insights on flight details or the exact nature of the plane's mission.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy said the aircraft “was providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support at the request of our Philippine allies.”
The Embassy said that the private plane involved in the tragic crash was “contracted by the U.S. Department of Defense”. The names of the crew are being withheld until their next of kin have been notified, it added.
“The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, and we have no further details to release at this time. Additional updates will be provided as they become available,” the statement said.
Eyewitnesses stated that the twinengine aircraft, with registration number N349CA, was flying low over Ampatuan town, seemingly surveying the
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“It is a great opportunity for the French Carrier Strike Group to cooperate with our partners in the IndoPacific during the whole deployment. While France is a resident nation of the Indo-Pacific, it has not deployed its CSG to this part of the world for a long time,” said Rear Adm. Jacques Mallard, commander of the French CSG.
Participating large-deck ships in-
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President against his father, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., his mother First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez in November, which were widely circulated on social media, made him decide to be the first impeachment endorser.
"As to why I was the first one to sign, what if someone says that he wants to dig up your grandfather and throw his body in the West Philippine Sea, he will say that he wants to kill the President and the First Lady who are my parents and he wants to kill the Speaker, but people are surprised that I signed that? You know, these are
Speaker...
From A1
Founded in 2012 as Tingog Leytehon in Leyte, the party has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its reach from its regional roots in Eastern Visayas to become a national force. A cornerstone of this expansion is the establishment of Tingog Centers, with 210 centers currently operating throughout the country.
“Tingog is no longer just an idea. It
“Being abandoned by your boyfriend or girlfriend would hurt more than being impeached by the House of Representatives,” the Vice President said.
“I'm okay,” she added.
Duterte, however, admitted that preparations for her defense have already begun as early as in 2023.
“We've already started preparing the moment (ACT Teachers party-list Rep.) France Castro announced the impeachment plan, which was November of 2023,” she said.
Although she did not name who will be part of her defense panel in the upcoming impeachment trial, she acknowledged her father, former
Follow the Constitution and your mandate regarding the impeachment,” she added.
Kiko Aquino-Dee, grandson of late senator Ninoy and late President Corazon Aquino and executive director of Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation, said while the transmittal of the impeachment complaint was done at the last minute, it does not justify delaying the proceeding further.
“Two wrongs don't make a right," Aquino-Dee said. “There was already a delay in the House and it would not be good for us if a similar delay happens again.”
Senate Secretary Renato Bantug received the Articles of Impeachment from the House of Representatives at
area, before it suddenly plummeted to the ground.
A male water buffalo which happened to be in the crash-site was also fatally injured, with its jaw and nasal bones hit and cut by the plane.
For its part, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) acknowledged that the occupants of the aircraft were providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support at the time of the crash.
However, AFP spokesperson Col. Margareth Padilla said details of the mission "will not be disclosed in the interest of confidentiality and operational security."
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic crash. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time," she said.
"Further details will be provided once the report becomes available," said Bernardo.As this developed, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced that it had begun investigating the crash.
According to the initial report from CAAP, the aircraft departed from Cebu and was en route to Cotabato City for an aerial survey when it crashed in Barangay Malatimon, Ampatuan, at around 2 p.m.
clude the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the French carrier FS Charles De Gaulle, and Japan’s Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184).
President Rodrigo Duterte, might join her panel.
“If he wants to, he can be part of the defense team. But because of his age and the rigorous preparation in an impeachment case, I might tell him not to take the lead. He is already 80 years old,” Duterte said.
She recalled that when she informed her father about the impeachment through his assistant, the former President responded by sending her the song “MacArthur’s Park.”
The Vice President again said comments taken from an expletive-filled speech where she claimed herself to be the subject of a plot had been taken out of context.
5:49 p.m. on Wednesday. It was, however, not reported to the plenary before the session ended shortly at 7:00 p.m.
Senate President Francis Escudero said the earliest possible schedule for the Upper Chamber to act on the impeachment complaint will be on June 2, when Congress resumes session after the midterm elections.
And while a special session may be called during the break, it cannot be to convene an impeachment court, Escudero said.
"That (call for special session) can happen. But the calling of a special session, as far as I know, is not to convene an impeachment court. As far as I know, the calling of a special session is for important things and bills that need
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we will be expecting a mixed movement again for next in the prices of petroleum products,” DOE Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) director Rodela Romero said.
Romero said gasoline prices may not move or rollback of P0.30 per liter, diesel may have a rollback of P0.20 to P0.50 per liter and kerosene may have a rollback of P0.10 to P0.25 per liter.
She said factors contributing to the movement of prices next week includes Saudi Aramco, world’s leading oil exporter, announcing last Wednesday that they will increase prices on buyers in Asia for March delivery amid rising demand from China and India as US sanctions disrupt Russian supply.
Romero said the decline in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries production in January amid lower output from Iran and Nigeria and the market’s reaction to US President Donald Trump’s planned imposition of tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China also affected oil prices.
Meanwhile, Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said diesel may go
It can be recalled that the most recent MLDE in the Indo-Pacific occurred in August 2024 between the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and the Italian Navy aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (CVH 550). The event last year marked the first MLDE conducted between the US and Italian navies in the Indo-Pacific region.
statements that can't be taken lightly especially from someone with such a high position,” Marcos said in an interview with reporters.
"So I'm wondering why the person is surprised, what if you say you're going to dig up my grandfather, of course I'll be the first one to sign. That should come as no surprise. And so that's why I was the first one to sign," he said.
As to the Vice President’s assertion that she made no such threat, the President’s son said, “I think we know the truth to that. So let's just leave it at that.”
He confirmed that his father had advised him to support the impeachment process.
“Just like what our President said, when the impeachment complaint
is a movement that has changed lives.
From Leyte to every corner of the region and across the country, we have built something that truly matters. We have reached communities that needed us most,” he said.
Speaker Romualdez thanked the more than 500 participants in the Tingog summit comprised of members and volunteers from the Leyte-Samar region and other parts of the country for the realization of their dream.
“Standing here today, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and pride.
"I didn't make an assassination threat to the President. They are the only ones saying that," Duterte said. She assured the public the OVP will continue its operations and services despite the impeachment proceeding.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our fellow Filipinos who continue to pray, support, trust, and love me. Have faith because victory belongs to the people,” she said.
As this developed, House leaders on Friday thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for respecting the constitutional mandate of Congress to act on the impeachment complaints against Duterte.
“This isn’t about politics; it’s
to be passed," he said. “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," Escudero added.
Meanwhile, lawmakers at the House of Representatives dismissed Duterte's recent statements on the impeachment complaint filed against her, describing it as an attempt to downplay the gravity of the case, revealing an obvious anxiety over the looming Senate trial.
Reps. Pammy Zamora (Taguig City), Jil Bongalon (Ako Bicol Partylist), Paolo Ortega (La Union), and Jay
down by P0.20 to P0.40 per liter and gasoline by P0.05 to P0.25 per liter on Tuesday.
He said oil prices retreated after US President Trump agreed to hold off imposing steep tariffs on Mexico and Canada.
“Weak demand concerns in the US following a larger-than-expected build in crude oil and gasoline stockpiles, and worries that the renewed China-US trade war could slow down economic growth and dampen demand for oil further pressured prices,” Bellas said. He said the sharp rise in the prices of Saudi Arabian crude for Asian buyers as the US sanctions disrupt Russian supply likewise affected the latest oil price movement.
“Prices drew support as well on concern of possible sudden disruption of supply from Iran should the US sanctions be reimposed,” Bellas said. On January 28, the oil companies implemented a decrease of P0.80 per liter for gasoline, P0.20 per liter for diesel and P0.50 per liter for kerosene.
This is the fourth price adjustment for the year 2025. DOE data showed that gasoline had a total net increase of P2.65 per liter, diesel of P4.80 per liter and kerosene of P3.80 per liter.
MLDEs are conducted in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety of navigation and the rights and interests of other states, according to the United States Indo-Pacific Command (US INDOPACOM).
As this developed, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported the return of the China Coast Guard’s 541-foot-long “monster ship” (CCG 5901) to the waters near Bajo de Masinloc. PCG West Philippine Sea (WPS)
was signed, I asked him what kind of advice he had. And what he said was right. He said do your duty as a congressman and uphold your oath to the Constitution that you swore to protect. And it is my constitutional duty to go through the impeachment process as an elected representative,” he said.
He denied allegations that he spearheaded the gathering of signatures for the impeachment petition.
“Like what the President said, I think people give me too much credit. I was given the opportunity to sign and I did sign but I did not spearhead any movement or I did not try to convince anyone to sign. I think they did that on their own volition,” Marcos said.
He said the signatories totaled 215, but that 25 more had signified
Tingog started as a dream,” he said.
He noted that the organization has “brought medical missions, scholarships, livelihood programs, and disaster relief to families who thought they had been forgotten.”
“We have shown what real, genuine public service looks like,” he stressed.
He stressed that the formation of Tingog was not about politics but about serving the people.
“This was never about politics. This was always about people. About you. About every volunteer, every supporter,
about upholding our constitutional duty. The Constitution is clear— once a complaint is filed, Congress cannot simply ignore it. We follow the law, not personal agendas,” Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said.
Deputy Speaker David Suarez noted the impeachment effort was not initiated by administration allies but by groups outside the President’s coalition.
“The President discouraged impeachment because the country has bigger priorities. But three complaints were filed—not by us. The moment they reached Congress, we had no choice but to proceed,” Suarez said.
Khonghun (Zambales) issued a joint statement following Duterte’s press conference Friday.
“Vice President Duterte also sought to undermine the legitimacy of the impeachment complaint by casting doubt on the lawmakers who signed it. Instead of addressing the accusations, she insinuated that the need for these lawmakers to justify their signatures was itself an admission of wrongdoing.”
“Her attempt at nonchalance cannot mask the reality of the situation. Her statements reflected an underlying fear, poorly disguised as indifference. The overwhelming majority of the House of Representatives has already found probable cause for impeachment,” they added.
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P50 as early as August, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto was quoted by business reporters in July last year.
But the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) noted that rice price were still increasing on a year-on-year basis by September, but at a slower pace.
While rice prices slid down in the months that followed in 2024, these were still nowhere near the expected reductions made by economic managers. This led the government to declare a 'Food Security Emergency' and impose a 'maximum suggested retail price' on imported rice to try to bring down prices.
The PSA said Philippine inflation was steady at 2.9 percent in January, with rice prices actually in deflation. However, price increases quickened for food and non-alcoholic beverages. National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa blamed the higher vegetable prices on the storms and typhoons that hit the Philippines. He attributed the hike in pork prices, meanwhile, to the problem of African swine fever in certain parts of the country.
Retail prices of rice in the local market declined modestly in January, the first time in nearly four years the staple commodity’s prices went down.
spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela reported that two CCG vessels were spotted in Bajo de Masinloc, while three others remained off the Zambales coast.
“Well, right now, nag-swap ulit si CCG 3304 and CCG 5901. CCG 5901 is once again back in the vicinity of Bajo De Masinloc at a distance of 120 nautical miles,” Tarriela said.
"CCG 3304 is the one trying to replace 5901 as it maintained [China's] illegal presence off the coast of Zambales at a distance of 105 nautical miles,” he added.
their situation to sign.
“Overwhelming yung numbers, more than the required numbers. Well, the required was one-third, it reached 215. As of today (Friday), I heard there are already 240,” he said.
As for reports that promises of fund releases were made to impeachment signers, Marcos said, “I think that's just part of ‘yung mga fake news ng mga DDS, that's part of their smear campaign to discredit the (impeachment) movement. You can't blame them. You know who they are. But no, there was nothing offered in exchange for the signatures. I was there in the room. We were really talking about the articles of impeachment and then people were given the choice to sign or not,” he added.
every ordinary Filipino who believes that we can make things better. And together, we did,” he said. Notwithstanding its already notable accomplishment, Speaker Romualdez exhorted Tingog to continue with its relentless pursuit of its mission.
“But we are far from finished. There are still families struggling. There are still communities waiting for help. And that is why we continue. Because we know that with unity, with hard work, and with our shared commitment, we can do so much more,” he said.
The PSA traced the decline to softening global prices and a reduction in domestic rice tariffs to 15% from the previous 35% in July last year following Executive Order No. 62 issued by President Marcos.
The PSA’s head pointed out that regular milled rice saw a month-onmonth deflation -1.1 percent and yearon-year contraction of 2.8 percent. Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the deflation of rice prices in January reflects the effectiveness of the Marcos administration’s measures to stabilize the country’s staple food prices. Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros raised doubts about the DA declaration of a "food security emergency" for rice, saying it offers little hope for Filipinos struggling with high prices and supply issues.
The National Food Authority (NFA) plans to add 30,000 metric tons of rice to the market each month, but the Senator argued that this is a small amount compared to the one million metric tons consumed monthly by Filipinos.
As this developed, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced its readiness to provide aid for the supply delivery chain. LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II ordered all regional directors and heads of law enforcement units to provide help on cargo trucks delivering rice supply across the country. Ram Superable and Rio N. Araja
Reiterating his gratitude to Tingog followers, Speaker Romualdez expressed confidence that they would strive harder to deliver Tingog's unique brand of service.
“To all of you who have been part of this journey—thank you. Tingog exists because of you. And with your strength, your passion, and your dedication, I know we will reach even greater heights,” he told National Summit 2025 participants. Tingog is represented in the 19th Congress by Reps. Yedda K. Romualdez and Jude Acidre.
By Rex Espiritu
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP) and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) held high-level talks in Honolulu, Hawaii to strengthen defense cooperation between Manila and Tokyo, the AFP Public Affairs Office said on Thursday evening.
The meeting was held on January 29 and covered topics such as the implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), maritime security, information sharing, joint exercises, humanitarian assistance, strategic communication, and countering malign influence.
The AFP was led by its Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans Major General Rommel Cordova while Japan was represented by Major General Nobutaka Minamikawa and the Japan Joint Staff. Their discussion focused on regional security collaboration.
Both military leaders emphasized the strategic importance of the Philippines in regional stability and Japan’s commitment to deeper maritime security cooperation.
“AFP and JSDF reaffirm their dedication to a free and open IndoPacific, upholding international law through enhanced defense collaboration,” said AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad.
The meeting was part of the 5th Trilateral Joint Staff Talks with the JSDF and the United States Indo-Pacific Command, coinciding with the 2nd Multilateral Staff Talks with the Australian Defense Force, which was held on January 28.
The RAA, the first of its kind that Japan signed in Asia last July 2024, will ease the entry of equipment and troops for combat training and disaster response, smoothing military cooperation between Manila and Tokyo.
By Charles Dantes
MITSUBISHI Motors Corp. (MMC) plans to invest P7 billion in the Philippines over the next five years, a move
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed as a boost to job creation and the country’s automotive industry.
MMC president and CEO Takao Kato met with Mr. Marcos in Malacañang on Thursday to discuss the company’s expansion, which includes adding a new production model
at its Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) plant in Laguna.
“The jobs that it will provide, that your investment will provide, are very important to us,” President Marcos said.
“Certainly, vehicle manufacture is one of those,” he added.
President Marcos said MMC will be included in the government’s Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) Program, a proposed update to the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program.
He hoped MMC’s inclusion would support its growth in the country.
Kato described the Philippines as MMC’s most important investment in
Southeast Asia, citing its stable economy and strong demand for vehicles.
“In ASEAN, the Philippines is our number one market,” Kato said.
Founded in 1970, MMC operates manufacturing facilities in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Russia, and the Philippines.
As of November 2024, the Philippine motor vehicle industry recorded sales of 425,208 units, with MMPC holding a 19 percent market share, second only to Toyota’s 46 percent.
By Maricel V. Cruz
REP. Fidel Nograles reassured workers that “the fight for better wages is still not dead” despite the wage hike bill’s failure to be passed on third reading before session adjourned this week.
Nograles of Rizal, chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Labor and Employment, said the House is committed to passing the wage bill in June.
“The session will continue in June, and we will have two weeks before the 19th Congress closes. Do not fear, we will not let our efforts for a wage increase go to waste—we will continue to fight for it after the proposal is passed in the 19th Congress,” Nograles said.
On Monday, the Lower House approved on 2nd reading House Bill 11376 calling for a P200-peso increase in the pay of minimum wage earners. The version passed by Nograles’ committee initially sought a wage increase for all workers in the private sector.
The bill also exempts barangay microbusiness enterprises from implementing the hike, while businesses regularly employing fewer than 10 workers, along with those adversely affected by natural calamities or human-induced disasters, may apply for exemption.
THE highly anticipated 12th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition ignites once more, dazzling spectators at SM by the BAY on February 15, 2025.
As the longest-running pyrotechnic competition in the Philippines, the PIPC has earned its reputation as a premier event that mesmerizes audiences from around the globe. This year, eight of the world’s top pyrotechnic teams, including reigning champions, will dazzle spectators with their explosive artistry in a bid to claim the coveted title of pyro supremacy.
For five consecutive Saturdays, from February 15 to March 15, guests will be treated to a spectacular showcase of light and sound, where every burst of fireworks is synchronized with music, creating a symphony of color and emotion. Here’s the full competition schedule:
Date Country Team
February 15 Philippines Platinum Fireworks Inc. (Opening Exhibition)
Austria SteyrFire
February 22 France Luxfactory Fireworks
China Polaris Fireworks Co. Ltd.
March 1 USA Rozzi Fireworks Germany Steffes-Ollig Feuerwerke
March 8 South Korea Faseecom United Kingdom Pyrotex Fireworx
March 15 Canada Royal Pyrotechnie Philippines Platinum Fireworks Inc. (Closing Exhibition)
Guests can choose from a variety of seating options to best enjoy the dazzling pyrotechnic displays:
CARROT BUMPER HARVEST. A farmer from Atok, Benguet has all the reasons to
Remulla warns firemen vs. corrupt practices
INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla warned against corrupt practices of some fire department personnel who sell fire extinguishers to business owners in exchange for fire safety clearances for their establishments. “Fire marshals are not allowed to sell fire extinguishers and if anyone does, report it to me immediately and I will remove them on the spot,” he said.
Remulla also said that when he was Cavite governor, he berated fire personnel who engaged in illegal practices, including endorsing contractors for fire sprinklers.
“I’m so angry about that...That’s nonsense. Why would you make it difficult for the business? It’s providing jobs and you just want to make money,” he said. Vince Lopez
Cop shot dead by wife, also a policewoman
By Vince Lopez
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to issue new guidelines for its revitalized “Oplan Katok” or campaign against loose firearms.
According to the PNP, the guidelines are meant to ensure that civilians will not be abused in accordance with the wishes of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) especially during this election season.
A THINK tank said a bill seeking to boost digital connectivity in the country raised has alarms among geopolitical experts and consumer groups who warned that flaws in the measure “could invite foreign espionage, cyberattacks, and widespread scam syndicates.”
Stratbase Institute was referring to Senate Bill 2699, or the Konektadong Pinoy Act certified by President Marcos, aiming to modernize data transmission infrastructure in the Philippines.
Experts warned however, that by weakening regulatory oversight, the proposed law could expose the country’s telecommunications networks to serious security threats.
In a statement, Stratbase president Victor Andres Manhit cautioned that the bill’s deregulation of the country’s radio frequency spectrum would leave the digital infrastructure vulnerable to exploitation by malicious foreign actors.
“We want to be connected, but not at the cost of our security,” Manhit stressed.
“Removing the requirement for a legislative franchise to access the country’s radio frequencies weakens safeguards and opens the door to foreign entities with potentially harmful intentions,” he added.
Manhit said the country’s digital networks must be protected by robust policy and technology that would protect the government and private institutions from malevolent foreign infiltration.
In a press conference in Camp Crame, Police Regional Office 3 director and concurrent PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said this was the result of the PNP’s meeting with the Gun
and Security Concerns Committee.
“We expect that our Directorate for Operations will issue additional guidelines to make sure that what is the intent of the letter of these guidelines is really followed by our police,” Fajardo said.
According to Fajardo, these guidelines from the Directorate for Operations will be submitted to the poll body after thorough discussions.
“And it cannot be used for harassment and intimidation like the apprehensions we are hearing," she added.
Fajardo also pointed out that the PNP has enough safeguards for the implementation of Oplan Katok.
“Being one of the deputized agencies, the PNP will follow the regulations and authority of the Comelec over the PNP," she said.
“Again, we always say that we just have to find a common ground to meet the requirements of the Comelec with respect to the assurance given by the PNP that this revitalized Katok will not be abused,” she added.
HELPING A VESSEL IN DISTRESS. A Philippine Navy ship assists a South Korean passenger vessel which ran into mechanical trouble while cruising off Burgos town in Ilocos Norte.
A CONJUGAL quarrel between a police couple in Angeles City, Pampanga led to the death of the husband on Feb. 3 and the surrender of his wife as the prime suspect.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said a neighbor heard the gunshot, rushed to the couple’s house and found the victim, a police master sergeant, bleeding profusely due to the gunshot wound.
After calling the police station, the neighbor returned to couple’s house and allegedly saw the victim’s wife still holding what was believed to be the fatal gun. Fajardo did not identify any of the couple, but said the wife was also a police staff sergeant. Vince Lopez
PAOCC agents arrest woman poseur-scammer
THE Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has arrested a woman who allegedly posed as a member of the unit and an employee of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to scam wives of jailed POGO with a promise to release their husbands in exchange for P1 million apiece.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the woman, who reportedly posed as an employee of both the BI and the PAOCC, has been blacklisted by the bureau since 2024.
The suspect was caught in an entrapment laid down by PAOCC operatives who learned of the multimillion-peso scam attempt.
Viado did not identify the suspect, but condemned her actions, warning the public against falling for fixers.
“This person had no authority whatsoever to process anything with the BI. The fact that she allegedly pretended to be a BI employee is infuriating. We will never tolerate those who exploit our processes for personal gain,” Viado said. Vito Barcelo
By Rex Espiritu
THE Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL), through Naval Task Force 11, deployed BRP Nestor Reinoso to respond to an emergency alert raised by a South Korean passenger vessel.
According to the Philippine Navy, the distressed Udosarang 1vessel was navigating off Burgos, Ilocos Norte on Wednesday morning when it experienced a mechanical malfunction. The emergency signal was monitored by the Maritime Situation Awareness
Center – North (MSAC-N) and the Naval Monitoring Detachment Pasuquin (NMD Pasuquin). The mechanical trouble restricted Udosarang’s ability to maneuver, prompting the NFNL to take immediate action.
After establishing contact with the foreign vessel, the Navy ship escorted it to Sual, Pangasinan, where it could safely fix its machines.
The nine Filipino crew members of the Korean vessel were reportedly safe and sound.
A MALACANANG official welcomed a large group of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who have surrendered and are set to undergo a reintegration program in Davao de Oro.
In a statement, the Palace said the surrenderees consisting of 189 regular NPA combatants and 43 members of the People’s Militia, also turned in a total of 74 firearms.
“This is not just about laying down arms, but a new beginning, a new hope for those ready to change their lives,” special assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo Jr. said.
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the NPA’s strength has dramatically declined, with rebel numbers dropping to 1,111 in 2024 from 2,200 the previous year.
As part of the terms of surrender, the former rebels received food packs and kitchen kits from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), plus and P5,000 each financial assistance from the Office of the President.
Lagdameo expressed optimism that the mass surrender would inspire other insurgents to follow suit, encouraging them to seize the opportunity for change. The former rebels will also enrol in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which will guide them through reintegration.
Military officers and local chief executives, including Bukidnon Gov. Rogelio Neil Roque and Davao Occidental Gov. Franklin Bautista also witnessed the event.
THERE is no question that we must constantly strive to become better communicators in English to be globally competitive, among others.
The ability to speak in English correctly and confidently makes a person credible and authoritative in any field. After all, English is understood and spoken in many parts of the world. This is why English grammar and literature are in our curriculum, early on.
But a statement by the president of Pamantasan ng Cabuyao, Librado DG Dimaunahan, on the university’s Englishonly policy drew flak especially since the announcement was, itself, made in not-so-perfect English.
“In line with our vision of developing globally competitive and world class students, the Pamantasan ng Cabuyao (University of Cabuyao) is now an Englishspeaking campus starting Feb. 03, 2025,” the statement read.
“All transactions/ engagements with officers, students, employees and workers should be communicated in ENGLISH, whether written or otherwise.” And then, as a final warning: “For Strict Compliance.”
Journalist, editor, and University of Santo Tomas journalism professor Leo Laparan could not help himself from editing the announcement. He posted a photo of it with his corrections in red ink – and the resulting picture was, well, a bloodbath. Educator that he is, Laparan took care not only to mark the errors but also to explain why they were wrong.
“Before we implement policies such as this and demand our stakeholders to strictly comply, let’s make sure we can and are doing things correctly in relation to our policy (winking emoji). If we can’t, let’s stick to our pagmamahal sa sariling wika. Keri?” he said in a Facebook post.
“Sarreh, can’t tiis myself not to do this. You’re welcome, Pamantasan ng Cabuyao.”
Responding to the initial backlash. Dimaunahan clarified that students were only required to speak in English during official meetings or transactions within the academic context, and that the policy is for a limited engagement and does not require students to speak English during informal and unofficial conversations. In a Zoom appearance, he repeated that they wanted their students to be world class and competitive. He conveyed these thoughts in Filipino.
But Laparan pointed out that these clarifications and adjustments were made after the criticism. Meanwhile, trolls have descended on his (Laparan’s) social media pages, attacking, mocking, smart shaming him.
***
Over the years we have been bumping into each other in our lecture/judging stints at DepEd presscons, Laparan has shown himself to be good natured, reasonable, and unassuming – but never one to back down from a good fight. He is the same TomasinoWeb adviser who resigned in protest last year after the
UST Office for Student Affairs asked them to take down photos of students in their “Type B” uniforms entering a convenience store. The photos supposedly caused “public ridicule.” People have pointed out how said uniforms looked similar to those worn by 7-11 employees. Laparan said in an interview with The Varsitarian that he quit because the controversy was an insult to him as a journalist and was a form of censorship.
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Fluency in this language, while it is an ideal life skill, does not make anyone a better person and should not cause anyone to feel either superior or inferior.
In this latest controversy on the EOP, trolls have been especially vicious, calling him names and even bringing up his past medical diagnosis. Laparan was amused at first, but later on realized that getting swept up in the exchange was toxic. The rabid commenters are missing the point, he said when I caught up with him via chat.
***
The point being, anyone who sets policies and imposes strict compliance must at least have some credibility in doing so. Imagine a corrupt politician extolling the merits of good governance and demanding that the corrupt be jailed, even killed.
The university could have introduced its policy in a less high-handed and more constructive manner. Improving students’ English at the college level is a tad late, but it is improvement nonetheless.
Pointing out errors is not being elitist or a perfectionist. We say we want to be world class, but we resort to smart shaming when turning in clean copy should be seen as a virtue. It conveys diligence and respect for the reader.
We have long suffered from this flawed inferiority -- that just because one speaks good English, they are superior.
Ikaw na matalino. Ikaw na sosyal. Nosebleed ako. But does human nature dictate that they must be resented or maligned?
The truth is, being knowledgeable and fluent in English, while it is an ideal life skill, does not make anyone a better person. It’s something like dancing or singing – some of us make a living out of it, some land good jobs because of it, some try but fail, some try and do improve.
In the end, it is always good to look into our own inadequacies, address them, and remain open to constructive criticism.
We should also avoid the extremes of basking in arrogance and too much zeal, while resenting those who seem to be doing better than we are.
adellechua@gmail.com
NOBODY should forget that the political war against Vice President Sara Duterte is America’s war against the Independent Foreign Policy which she and the legacy of her father, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, represent. A stark reminder of this is the comment of chief-apologist for the US proxy war against China ex-justice Antonio Carpio’s statement in the main US chiefdisinformation outlet, Rappler, and its podcast Facts First of Christian Esguerra. Carpio explained “... the perfect timing for the impeachment of Sara Duterte.” Rappler is, of course, a top beneficiary of the US funding agent National Endowment for Democracy that President Trump government efficiency adviser Elon Musk exposed and slammed on Feb. 3, 2025 as “Washington’s ‘Regime Change Machine’” after doing the same earlier to USAID. While the Congressional cohorts are looting hundreds of billions of the national budget, healthcare system, national public banks, etc. these U.S. proxies are cheering the persecution of Sara Duterte over, among others, “silence over SCS issue.”
Having put the political struggle between Sara Duterte and her detractors in perspective, let us focus on the ongoing impeachment surge staged in the Lower House last Feb. 5, 2025.
Elon Musk still has a lot of work to do
Early in the afternoon of that day, we already got wind of the impending final push by the BBM forces to pass the impeachment complaint from our friends in the UP School of Law. The BBM sham about being against the impeachment was completely unmasked when presidential son Cong. Sandro Marcos spearheaded this latest impeachment complaint.
US proxy Filipino politicians are generally oiled, like their US counterparts, by money, money, money. The flow of money for the impeachment is being reported by dependable blogs with insiders ratting on the powers that be.
This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a cartoon in horizontal format of a pair of giant leather shoes labeled as “government positions.” Wearing these massive shoes is a tiny jester figure whose hat is that of a renaissance court jester with bells at the end. Each bell has labels of “incompetence” and “popularity.”
THIS week on Tuesday, the Philippines joined, albeit quietly, other countries in the annual observance of World Cancer Day, an initiative aimed at raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting equitable access to cancer care.
While the commemoration was relatively quiet, we must appreciate and acknowledge determined efforts of the Philippine Cancer Society in actively working to reduce cancer mortality by focusing on cancer prevention through education and awareness campaigns.
It has been providing early detection services like screening programs, offering patient support and navigation services, conducting research on cancer incidence, and advocating for better access to treatment, particularly for disadvantaged populations, all aimed at identifying and managing cancer at earlier stages when treatment is more effective.
The World Cancer Day theme 20252027 is themed “United by Unique” which places people at the center of care and explores new ways of making
Some pro-Sara partisans hope the Senate might put a stop to the impeachment come June, but the same sources report the anti-Sara forces are prepared to offer P700 million per Senate vote, totaling P16.8-billion only, to convict.
The money is being taken from the national budget anyway.
What’s behind the sudden rush in the 4th impeachment railroading through Congress just two days before its recess?
The best theory is that it climaxed the US pressure on BBM for the impeachment, using proxy civil society heightened by the speeches of Big Business mouthpieces - Phinma’s “Blue Boy” del Rosario and venerable neo-liberal Cory Aquino economist Jess Estanislao lambasting the “most corrupt budget in history.” These Big Biz boys are the biggest beneficiaries of the 1986 EDSA Color Revolution engineered by the US.
Since 2023 when BBM countenanced ex-USAF Col. Raymond Powell strategy of tension called “assertive transparency” implemented by the Philippine Coast
a difference as cancer continues to pose a global public health challenge. Cancer is the third leading cause of death – 100,000 people died from this in 2022, compared to 10 million deaths worldwide -- but many apparently don’t know much about this health issue, with lung cancer having the highest mortality rate compared to other cancer sites.
—“—
Effective cancer prevention and control requires an understanding of the causes and risk factors
In the Philippines, which today has a population of 117 million, the Cancer Control Program began in 1988, an integral approach using primary, secondary and tertiary prevention in the different regions at both hospital and community levels.
Under this program, the six lead cancers – lung, breast, liver, cervix, oral cavity, colon and rectum – are put under sharp focus.
The goals of the program are to create cancer awareness and remove the stigma and fear attached by helping people recognize the early signs and symptoms, enabling them to seek treatment at an early stage.
Guard and human rights cum “confi funds” issues against the Dutertes, the US and its civil society proxies and media platforms like Rappler had been extremely praiseful. But since BBM started showing hesitation mid-2024 allowing the 9th Bilateral Consultation and disowning the Sara impeachment move, the US proxies Carpio, Cielo Magno, et al. started firing away.
BBM has been compelled to stake his name in this 4th impeachment complaint with Cong. Sandro Marcos at the forefront, he cannot beg anymore that it isn’t his doing. That apparently is the condition of the Americans. The US Deep State is evidently in a race against time to push Indo-Pacific Command’s Adm. Samuel Paparo 2024 comment that possible war over Taiwan could come in 2027, at the same time out-run Elon Musk’s defunding of US NED and USAID operations for Filipino civil society NGOs operating in the country.
Also, increasing cancer awareness in more deprived areas could help reduce health inequalities and bring down cancer mortality and thus increase patients’ chance of survival.
We are glad we also have this Medical Assistance program from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office which issues guarantee letters to partner hospitals and covers the cost of medicines, chemo drugs, radiation therapy, and other medical needs of patients in those institutions.
With regulation, education and support programs, the government has created an environment in which tobacco use is reduced and citizens maintain good levels of physical activity, healthy body weight and good nutrition. Cancer control aims to lessen this burden, which includes cancer prevention, early detection and diagnosis, treatment and palliative care.
Off the cuff, preventing cancer can be done, according to authorities, by not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, drinking alcohol in moderation, if at all, protecting yourself from the sun, protecting yourself from infections, getting screening tests regularly.
Effective cancer prevention and control requires an understanding of the causes and risk factors for cancer and development as well as testing of ways to detect and prevent cancer. We can crush cancer.
I refer to the US Deep State as it is the party that has a clear playbook and not President Trump who has no clear idea at this point what to do in the Philippines. Over and above everything, the Deep State seeks to prevent the restoration of the Philippines’ “independent foreign policy” and independence from US hegemony by way of the imminent ascendance of VP Sara Duterte via succession or election in 2028.
The last toehold of the US in the ASEAN and gateway to the South China Sea from the Pacific would be lost forever.
Some may scoff at this concern over the overarching omnipresent tentacles of the US Deep State, but we would be fools to dismiss it.
In the past months, we have seen the Deep State hands in the cancellation of electoral wins of opposition presidential candidates against US puppets in Georgia and Romania, likewise exerting its pernicious influence in EU elections. Elon Musk still has a lot of work to do.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands – The International Criminal Court on Friday hit back after US President Donald Trump slapped sanctions on the institution, vowing it would continue to provide “justice and hope” around the world.
“The ICC condemns the issuance by the US of an Executive Order seeking to impose sanctions on its officials and harm its independent and impartial judicial work,” the court said in a statement.
“The Court stands firmly by its personnel and pledges to continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world,” added the court, based in The Hague. Trump signed an executive order saying the court in The Hague had “abused its power” by issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who held talks with the US president on Tuesday.
He ordered asset freezes and travel bans against ICC officials, employees and their family members, along with anyone deemed to have helped the court’s investigations.
The names of the individuals were not immediately released, but previous US sanctions under Trump had targeted the court’s prosecutor.
Attacking the ICC for what he said were “illegitimate and baseless” investigations targeting America and its ally Israel, Trump hit the court with sanctions on Thursday.
He ordered asset freezes and travel bans against ICC officials, employees and
their family members, along with anyone deemed to have helped the court’s investigations.
The names of the individuals were not immediately released, but previous US sanctions under Trump had targeted the court’s prosecutor.
“We call on our 125 States Parties, civil society and all nations of the world to stand united for justice and fundamental human rights,” the ICC statement concluded.
Elsewhere, the EU warned sanctions on the ICC threaten its independence and the wider judicial system, after US President Donald Trump punished the court over its probes into America and Israel.
Trump signed an executive order on Thursday saying the court in The Hague had “abused its power” by issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom he held talks earlier this week.
“Sanctioning the ICC threatens the Court’s independence and undermines the
international criminal justice system as a whole,” Antonio Costa, who heads the European Council representing the EU’s 27 member states, wrote on X.
The European Commission separately expressed “regret” regarding Trump’s sanctions, stressing the ICC’s “key importance in upholding international criminal justice and the fight against impunity.”
The executive order risks “affecting ongoing investigations and proceedings, including as regards Ukraine, impacting years of efforts to ensure accountability around the world,” said a commission spokesman.
“The EU will be monitoring the implications of the executive order and will assess possible further steps,” added the spokesman for the bloc’s executive.
Trump’s order said the tribunal had engaged in “illegitimate and baseless actions” targeting the US and its ally Israel, referring to probes into alleged war crimes by US service members in Afghanistan and Israeli troops in Gaza. AFP
WASHINGTON, DC – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will cautiously try to convince Donald Trump to treat Tokyo better than other allies Friday when he becomes the second foreign leader to meet the US president since his return to power.
The bookish 68-year-old will gently seek to protect Japan from the tariffs that Trump has threatened elsewhere, and to stress that his country is a key US partner against a rising China and a nuclear-armed North Korea.
While the avowed “geek” and model warship fan is unlikely to replicate Trump’s close bond with former premier and golf buddy Shinzo Abe, he will at least try to build a connection with the mercurial US leader.
“It would be wonderful if we could affirm that we will work together for the development
FUNDING
FREEZE. View of the logo of the United States Agency for International Development at its office in Tegucigalpa taken on Friday, Manila time. The freeze in aid funding by Donald Trump’s new US administration has left humanitarian workers seeing a large proportion of their budget cut off and fearing millions will be affected as programs are suspended. AFP
of this region, and the world, and for peace,” Ishiba told reporters in Tokyo before leaving for the trip.
The soft-spoken, cigarette-smoking Ishiba is expected to focus on the fact that Japan is the top foreign investor in the United States, hoping to appeal to Trump’s “America First” policies.
Trump and Ishiba are expected to issue a joint statement vowing to build a “golden age” of bilateral relations, Japan’s Nikkei newspaper reported, echoing the main slogan from the US president’s inaugural speech.
He is also set to tell Trump that Japan will increase defense purchases from the United States, the Nikkei report said. Japan is one of the closest allies of the United States in Asia, with around 54,000 US military personnel stationed in the country. AFP
WASHINGTON, DC – A judge on Thursday (Friday in Manila) suspended a scheme masterminded by billionaire Elon Musk to slash the size of the US government by encouraging federal workers to quit through a mass buyout. The federal judge in Massachusetts ordered a temporary injunction on the plan’s deadline -- midnight Thursday -- given by Musk for the country’s more than two million government employees. The offer was to quit with eight months’ pay or risk being fired in future culls. The deadline is now extended to Monday,
when US District Judge George O’Toole will hold a hearing on the merits of the case brought by labor unions, US media reported. Musk, the world’s richest person and President Donald Trump’s biggest donor, is in charge of a free-ranging entity called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) that aims to gut the government. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, more than 40,000 staff have so far accepted the buyout deal -- a relatively small number. AFP
JERUSALEM – Israel’s defense minister has ordered the army to prepare for “voluntary” departures from Gaza, as US President Donald Trump ruled out sending American troops to the territory. Trump had earlier proposed moving Palestinians out of Gaza, sparking uproar from leaders in the Middle East and beyond.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said he instructed the military to formulate a plan for Palestinians to leave Gaza, which has been ravaged by more than a year of war.
“I have instructed the IDF (military) to prepare a plan to enable voluntary departure for Gaza residents,” Katz said, adding they could go “to any country willing to accept them”.
Trump announced his proposal for Gaza to audible gasps on Tuesday at a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the first foreign leader to visit the White House since the inauguration.
The United Nations warned any forced displacement of Palestinians would be “tantamount to ethnic cleansing”.
Trump insisted “everybody loves” the plan, saying it would involve the United States taking over Gaza.
Arab nations, however, firmly rejected it, and the US president offered few details on how more than two million Palestinians would be removed.
His administration later appeared to backtrack, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying any transfer of Gazans would be temporary.
But Trump doubled down on Thursday.
“The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting,” he said on his Truth Social platform. AFP
Rubio renews US hard line with Venezuela
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (Friday in Manila) supervised the seizure of a second aircraft belonging to Venezuela’s leftist government in less than a year, showing a hard line despite nascent diplomacy.
Rubio, a passionate opponent of Latin America’s leftist authoritarians like Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, witnessed the confiscation of the aircraft at the end of his first trip in the job, which took him to five countries of Latin America.
Rubio traveled to a military airstrip in the capital Santo Domingo where, in front of cameras, a Dominican Republic prosecutor and US law enforcement representative together taped a sign that said “seized” on a Dassault Falcon 200 jet bearing a Venezuelan flag.
“We are very grateful to the Dominican Republic for participating and cooperating with the US justice system,” Rubio said in an interview with SIN News. AFP
China ‘regrets’ Panama withdrawal from project
BEIJING – China on Friday said it “regrets” Panama’s decision to withdraw from Beijing’s Belt and Road infrastructure program after the Latin American nation ended its participation in the project in a concession to Washington.
“Beijing regrets Panama’s decision,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, urging Panama to “consider the broader bilateral relationship and the long-term interests of both nations” and “resist external interference”.
Since winning the US election in November, President Donald Trump has refused to rule out the use of force to seize the canal built by Washington over a century ago and later handed over to Panama. Around 40 percent of US container traffic passes through the narrow body of water linking the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean. AFP
US aid freeze worsening Syria camp conditions: HRW
BEIRUT– Human Rights Watch warned Friday that US aid suspensions could worsen “life-threatening conditions” in camps holding relatives of suspected Islamic State jihadists in northeast Syria, urging Washington to maintain support. Kurdish-run camps and prisons in the region still hold around 56,000 people with alleged or perceived links to the Islamic State group, years after the jihadists’ territorial defeat.
They include jihadist suspects locked up in prisons, as well as the wives and children of IS fighters held in the Al-Hol and Roj internment camps.
“The US government’s suspension of foreign aid to non-governmental organisations operating in these camps is exacerbating life-threatening conditions, risking further destabilisation of a precarious security situation,” HRW said in a statement. The rights group said the aid freeze could “limit provision of essential services for camp residents”, citing international humanitarian workers. AFP
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst.
Editor
Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO,
FAR from his best, William Morrison III still bagged a gold medal in the recent Indiana Invitational indoor athletics’ meet in at the Gladstein Fieldhouse overall in at the Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
The 28-year-old Morrsion hurled 17.88 meters in the men shotput competitons, with Seth Brosseau settling for the silver at 16.69. Dane Sebert was third (16.39). In Korea last year, Morrison settled for the bronze medal at the Asian Championship with his 19.22meter performance.
A Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, Morrison III is expected to be back in the country after dominating the outdoor event of the 2024 the Philippine Athletics Championships at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City. While the Philippines, Morrison tallied a distance of 18.77 meters to clinch the gold medal in this tournament. Peter Atencio
Fil-Am Emma Malabuyo, a Paris Oympics’ veteran, has scored 9.900 or higher in all ve meets she joined this season, with her performances contributing to UCLA’s 6-2 overall record.
JEROME Delariarte, a one-time national champion and multi-pro events winner, will come out of retirement to play for Manila Southwoods as the Carmona-based squad seeks another successful defense of the Men’s Regular Championship division crown in Bacolod in less than two weeks.
Now 46 years old and more than a decade removed from competitive play, Delariarte has reverted back to amateur and will make the 76th edition of the country’s unofficial team golf championship as his comeback as he takes his experience to lead a talentstacked Southwoods lineup.
“I need him there to provide stability to the team, and of course, contribute,” non-playing SW men’s skipper Thirdy Escano said. Delariarte has been with Southwoods for more than six years now, starting off as the golf director before slowly transitioning into the exclusive club’s assistant general manager, a position that somehow affords him to practice and play to get back his old form.
A many-time member of the Philippine Team, Delariarte, whose amateur career highlight was a PH Am triumph and winning The Country Club Invitational his biggest pro win, played a lot of years as a member of the rock-solid Southwoods team together with Angelo Que and Artemio Murakami more than two decades back.
“His inclusion into the team has already been approved by the board (of directors of SW),” Escano said with a chuckle. “He will leave the club for several days under the care of the other officials.”
Seniors’ action actually gets the tournament going on Feb. 10 with Del Monte shooting for a rare repeat. Luisita and Canlubang, who own the most storied rivalry in the history of the Interclub, are again listed as the favorites in the 55-and-above division and it will be interesting to see how Del Monte, which won in runaway style last year in Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon, handles play away from home.
By Peter Atencio
FIL-AMERICAN Paris Olympics’ veteran Emma Malabuyo is now no. 4 in the individual beam exercises’ category of the current national rankings of the 2025 US NCAA Division 1 women’s gymnastics competitions.
The 22-year-old Malabuyo got there after racking up an average of 9.925 for the University of California-Los Angeles Bruins, when they emerged unbeaten in three outings in the ongoing Big Ten Conference. Malabuyo emerged as one of the
Bruins’ top bets as they get ready to head to Seattle and meet Washington for their fourth encounter at Alaska Airlines Arena.
So far, Malabuyo, a two-time AllAmerican gymnast, has scored 9.900 or higher in all five meets she joined
this season, with her performances contributing to the Bruins’ 6-2 overall record.
Malabuyo even ranks higher than fellow Fil-Am Philippine teammate, Louisiana State University counterpart, Aleah Finnegan, who is at no. 7th in the vault, no. 10 in the allaround and 21st in the balance beam.
Jade Carrey of Oregon is the no. 1 gymnast in the beam, followed by Abby Scanlon (California) and Blake Sloane (Florida). With the Bruins now ranked fourth nationally, they have five gymnasts ranked in the Top 25 of the Week Four national rankings.
This includes, graduate student Brooklyn Moors, who is no. 1 in the floor, and Chae Campbell, who is ranked in three events, 14th in the floor, 18th in the all-around and 24th in the vault.
Another Paris Olympics veteran, Jordan Chiles is in the Top 10 of two events - third in the floor and ninth in the vault. Then, there’s Frida Esparza, who is 14th in the bars. Not only are the Bruins ranked sixth overall, they are also first in the floor, seventh in the beam, eighth in the vault and 17th in the bars in the team rankings.
HARBIN, China—Filipino curlers
Marc Pfister and Kathleen Dubberstein remained in contention to seize the country’s first medal, even as speed skater
Peter Joseph Groseclose advanced to the crucial races of his events shortly before Friday’s opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games here.
Although Pfister and Dubberstein dropped their mixed doubles’ semifinal encounter against Japan’s Aoki Go and Koana Tori, 10-3, they can still reward the Philippines a breakthrough podium finish in these Games versus host China in the bronze-medal match on Saturday.
Groseclose qualified to the semifinals of the 1500 meters and to the quarterfinals of the 500m in men’s short track speed skating at the HIC Multifunctional Hall while likewise booking another quarterfinal spot in the 1000m.
“I’m excited to have started my Asian Winter Games campaign on such a strong note, advancing through the semifinals and quarterfinals in all events,’’ Groseclose said.
The 17-year-old Winter Youth Olympian is aiming to reach the podium in the 1500m and 500m on
AT just 16, Tiffany (Jiwon) Lee is one of the youngest players in the 132-strong cast at the ICTSI Worldwide Link Philippine Ladies Masters 2025. Despite her age, she carries a wealth of experience, ready to take on the competition with confidence and skill.
As she gears up to tee off on Feb. 12 at The Country Club in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Lee is leaving nothing to chance. She is undergoing rigorous training to sharpen her game ahead of the highly competitive $200,000, 54-hole championship, where she will face a stellar international field.
“I’m very excited. It’s overwhelming in a good way, and it’s a great opportunity for me to push myself to the limit,” said Lee, who made waves last year by transitioning from a dominant junior golfer to an amateur champion – and even securing a professional title in her pro debut.
But the path to success is never easy, and Lee knows the challenges
Saturday and 1000m on Sunday.
Groseclose finished second in the first of eight heats in the 500m, clocking 42.562 seconds behind Korea’s Sungwoo Jang (42.258) to make it to the quarterfinals. He arrived fourth in heat 6 of the quarterfinals in the 1500m (2:19.31) won by
ahead in the first Korean LPGA sanctioned event to be held here in partnership with the Ladies Philippine Gol f Tour (LPGT) and the LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA) with the host country.
“I’ve been practicing a lot to prepare for this event,” she said. “I’ve been working on my iron accuracy to help me get those birdies in, and I’m looking forward to executing that during the tournament.”
After dominating the Junior PGT and edging out seasoned campaigner Chihiro Ikeda in suddendeath playoff to claim the LPGT Lakewood Championship as an amateur, Lee took the bold step of turning pro. Her decision paid off immediately when she edged Mikha Fortuna in her professional debut at Splendido Taal. However, her early success was followed by a string of mid-table finishes in the latter part of 2024, including a tied-41st result at the Party
China’s Liu Shaoang (2:16.53) and second in the heat 8 of the 1000m in 1:29.63 after Kazakhstan’s Adil Galiakhmetov reached the line 1:29.46.
“It gives me great confidence and motivation as I continue to compete and strive for success in the upcoming races,’’ said Groseclose.
Golfers Ladies Open in Taiwan last November. That experience prompted her to reassess her game, making adjustments to ensure she remains competitive against the best.
As she heads into the PH Ladies Masters, featuring the top 50 players from both the Korean Dream Tour and the LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA) and 32 players from the LPGT, Lee rates her game at a solid 7 out of 10.
“I feel good about my game, but there’s always room for improvement before the tournament,” she admitted.
Leading the international field is Hwang Yoona, who clinched victory at last month’s Indonesian Open after a tense playoff against fellow Korean Cho Jeongmin. The TLPGA contingent is spearheaded by No. 4-ranked Li-Ning Wang and Ching Huang, alongside multi-titled Thai stars PK Kongkraphan, Saraporn Chamchoi, Chonlada Chayanun and Kamonwan Lueamsri.
The Los Angeles-based skater came close to bagging the nation’s first medal in the Winter Youth Olympics last year in Gangwon, South Korea if not for an accidental crash that wounded his left foot and dimmed his medal chances altogether.
Groseclose still finished fifth overall, the best performance of a Filipino athlete at the Winter Youth Olympics that surpassed figure skater Michael Martinez’s seventh place during 2012 edition. ``I know I’ll be competing with some stronger skaters now that the field has been narrowed down. But it’s something that I’m used to, having competed in the World Cup and World Tours,’’ said Groseclose, who captured the 500m bronze medal in the International Skating Union Junior World Cup in Italy. Prior to their face-off with Go and Tori, the Filipino-Swiss Pfister and the Filipino-American Dubberstein toppled Chinese Taipei’s Liu Bor-Kai and Chou Yi-Hsuan, 7-2, in the qualification round after winning four of their five matches in the round robin in Group B, including pulling off a 12-6 win over No. 13 South Korea.
BEACHCLEANUP.
Volunteers from Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation Inc. scoop up bags of trash along the beach during the clean-up efforts. More than 170 Sun Life volunteers joined the activities at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) and Barangay San Rafael in Noveleta, Cavite, collecting over 400 sacks of waste with a total weight of 2.264 metric tons, in coordination with Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST).
0.2% 0.9% 0.4%
Production volume growth in December
2024 growth of production volume
Production value growth in December
MANUFACTURING rebounded in December from November’s slump and led the sector to a fullyear growth of 0.9 percent in 2024, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show.
The PSA said the volume of production index (VoPI) registered an annual increase of 0.2 percent from its annual decrement of 3.9 percent in November 2024. The VoPI rose 3.0 percent in December 2023.
“This brings the average growth rate of VoPI for manufacturing from January to December 2024 to 0.9 percent,” the PSA said.
The PSA attributed the uptrend in the year-on-year growth of VoPI in December to the increased manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products with 4.3 percent annual increment; coke and refined petroleum products with 4.4 percent growth; and transport equipment with 6.1 percent increase.
“Of the remaining 19 industry divisions, 13 posted annual increases in December 2024. Meanwhile, six industry divisions exhibited annual declines during the period,” the PSA said. Manufacture of food products declined 1.7 percent in December 2024, deeper than its annual decrease of 0.9 percent in November 2024. Meanwhile, the value of production index (VaPI) rose 0.4 percent in December 2024 after exhibiting an annual decrease of 3.5 percent in November 2024.
This brought the average growth rate of VaPI for manufacturing from January to December 2024 to 0.2 percent.
The PSA said the average capacity utilization rate for the manufacturing sector in December 2024 was 75.5 percent, down from 75.7 percent in November.
All industry divisions reported capacity utilization rates of more than 60 percent during the month.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Friday it will not remove the EDSA Busway to expand the lanes for private vehicles traversing the major thoroughfare.
Bautista said in a radio interview the dedicated lane for buses, which carry thousands of commuters daily, would instead be improved with the help of the private sector via the privatization of its operations and management (O&M).
“The EDSA Busway will be
Department of Information and Communications Secretary Ivan John Uy, Department of Health assistant secretary Ariel Valencia, mWell representatives led by business development head Tisha Quinitio, Philippines Flying Labs (PFL) managing director Dr. Heidi Sampang and other government officials witness the launch of mWell OnTheGo drone delivery in Pilila Rizal.
removed. There was a discussion about that, but it would not be removed,” he said.
Bautista recently met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other Cabinet members to discuss the Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) for Metro Manila and
nearby provinces. He said even the Chief Executive stressed that “we need to have an efficient public transport system.”
Bautista said the EDSA Busway is “not necessarily a replication of the MRT-3,” saying that it serves commuters from Caloocan City up to Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in Parañaque City. The MRT-3 rail line serves riders only from North Ave. in Quezon City up to Taft Ave. He said even point-to-point buses (P2P) and airport express buses are now being allowed to ply the EDSA Busway to help alleviate congestion
By Othel V. Campos
DEPARTMENT of Trade and Investments (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque expressed optimism about the potential for a renewed focus on the Philippines-United States free trade agreement (FTA) under the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Roque, speaking at the Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum on Feb. 4, 2025, emphasized the opportunity to forge a new generation trade agreement that expands market access while ensuring high standards for labor rights, environmental protection and social inclusivity.
“Our primary focus is to secure market access opportunities through a possible bilateral free trade agreement, along with the reauthorization of the United States Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the potential Critical Minerals Agreement,” she said.
She said the initiatives would enhance the Philippines’ role in global value chains and contribute to economic growth for both nations.
Roque also underscored the significance of the proposed United StatesPhilippines Partnership Act, which she called a landmark piece of legislation.
“This act lays the foundation for
THE MAGSASAKA Party-List expressed opposition to the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) decision to allow the importation of 3,000 metric tons of red onions and 1,000 metric tons of white onions.
“The DA’s decision is ill-timed. Onion harvests have already begun in major producing municipalities such as Bayambang in Pangasinan, San Jose in Occidental Mindoro and Bongabon and Laur in Nueva Ecija,” said MAGSASAKA board member and first nominee Leonardo Montemayor.
He said allowing imports would depress farmgate prices and worsen the financial challenges faced by onion
producers, who are already grappling with rising farm input costs and infestations by army worms.
A former Agriculture secretary, Montemayor acknowledged the DA’s intention to avoid a repeat of the extremely high onion prices experienced in 2022.
“However, the DA, together with the Department of Trade and Industry and other law enforcement agencies, must also monitor cold storage operators and traders to prevent profiteering and cartel-like behavior,” he said.
He said there seemed to be minimal, if any, consultation with farmers and their organizations about the importation plan. Othel V. Campos
deeper economic cooperation between our countries, particularly in the areas of critical minerals and infrastructure development,” she said.
The DTI cited the Philippine government’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to trade and investment.
It identified several bold reforms, including amendments to the Foreign Investment Act, the Public Service Act and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act as key measures that demonstrate the Philippines’ commitment to attracting foreign investment and strengthening its position in the global market.
along the country’s busiest thoroughfare.
Bautista said the feasibility study for the project’s privatization would be completed in a few months, as he expressed hope the O&M would be awarded by end-2026.
“The feasibility study would be completed within the next few months. We’re expecting that we will be able to award the O&M of the EDSA Busway by the end of 2026,” he said.
“We want the EDSA Busway to conform to international standards for the comfort and convenience of passengers,” Bautista said.
METRO Pacific Investments Corp. said mWell, its digital healthcare arm, introduced mWell OnTheGo drone delivery, the first in Southeast Asia.
The first medical drone delivery was launched in Barangay Niogan, Pilila, Rizal. The service is designed to complement the telemedicine services provided to geographically isolated communities.
“Distance should never be a barrier to healthcare,” said mWell chairman Manuel Pangilinan.
“Through drones, we’re bridging the distance between patients and life-saving medicines. This isn’t simply a matter of convenience, but of getting help to every Filipino that needs it,” he said.
“Our commitment has always been to find innovative ways to make health and wellness accessible, affordable and available to our countrymen anytime, anywhere. Drone technology enables us to provide medical supplies to indigenous peoples communities and remote areas nationwide,” said mWell chief executive and MPIC president and chief finance, risk and sustainability pfficer Chaye Cabal- Revilla.
“Through our partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, we will be able to serve more areas and enhance patience outcomes,” said Revilla.
The launch was attended by Department of Information and Communications Secretary Ivan John Uy, Department of Health assistant secretary Ariel Valencia, mWell representatives led by business development head Tisha Quinitio, Philippines Flying Labs (PFL) managing director Dr. Heidi Sampang and other government officials.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2025
extrastory2000@gmail.com
RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor
ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
By Othel V. Campos
THE Baguio Regional Trial Court
(RTC) Branch 79 rejected the request from several foreign nationals seeking a temporary restraining order (TRO) to halt the implementation of an arbitral final award to return the 247-hectare Camp John Hay property, including all improvements, to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).
“This development sends a strong message to all stakeholders to respect the rule of law. We encourage all stakeholders to communicate with BCDA to be properly apprised of their rights and remedies under the law so as not to be misled by statements repeatedly issued by some parties,” said BCDA chairper-
son Hilario Paredes.
The Baguio RTC issued its decision on Feb. 5, 2025. Paredes urged the affected stakeholders to assert their rightful claims with the responsible party or parties with whom they signed their contracts. The BCDA said it already signed several long-term lease contracts including one from the MVP Group. The move to block the recovery of Camp John Hay follows a series of key legal rulings. The Supreme Court on April 3, 2024 invalidated a 2015 Court of Appeals decision that nullified the writ of execution and notice to vacate issued by Branch 6 of Baguio RTC regarding third-party claims over improvements in the property.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
GLOBE Telecom Inc. said Friday net income slightly fell in 2024 because of fewer cell tower sale and leaseback (SLB) transactions and increased depreciation expenses.
The telecom unit of the Ayala Group posted a net income of P24.3 billion last year, down by 1 percent from P24.6 billion in 2023.
“This decline was primarily due to lower sale and leaseback (SLB) closings in 2024, which impacted onetime gains from tower sales. Addi-
tionally, higher depreciation expenses and non-operating charges further weighed on performance,” Globe said.
Excluding the one-time gain from the tower sale, normalized net income would have reached P21.7 billion, reflecting a 13-percent increase from
CITI expects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to deliver a 25-basis-point policy rate cut next week, supported by slower inflation outlook.
Citi economist Nalin Chutchotitham said the timing of subsequent rate cuts remains data dependent, although the bank maintains its calls for June and August, as the monetary policy stance remains tight.
“We revise up inflation forecasts for 2025 and 2026 by 0.1pp to 3.2 percent and 3.3 percent, respectively, to reflect January 2025 print, but judges that the broad trend appears unchanged,” Chutchotitham said.
Citi believes the BSP is set for a 25bp policy rate cut at the Feb. 14 Monetary Board meeting, bringing it to 5.50 percent.
It said the January inflation was well-within the policy target band, while the 2024 GDP growth turned
out weaker than expected at 5.6 percent.
Citi said BSP Governor Eli Remolona’s comments that the economy is “growing a bit below capacity” was in line with the BSP’s Q4 2024 Monetary Policy Report which assessed that the output gap would remain negative in 2025 and close by 2026.
“We continue to see that the real policy rate still appears fairly tight by historical standard, even if considering the BSP’s own risk-adjusted inflation forecasts at 3.4 percent in 2025 and 3.7 percent in 2026 as at the December 2024 meeting,” Citi said.
Citi continues to expect the next 25bp of rate cuts in June 2025 and August 2025, although the second half rate cut may still be dependent on several outcomes later this year, including, the global economic momentum, the Fed’s monetary easing.
the previous year.
Globe’s core net income expanded by 14 percent year-on-year, attaining P21.5 billion by the close of 2024.
“Globe’s 2024 performance showcased both resilience and adaptability in an evolving digital landscape. Our robust EBITDA, strong business model, and significant growth in Core NIAT are a testament to our ability to thrive in this dynamic market,” Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu said.
“As a leading digital company, we remain committed to driving digital transformation in the Philippines. The strong results we delivered in
2024 serve as a strong foundation to propel our momentum into 2025. By prioritizing network enhancements, pioneering digital innovations, and fortifying our core telco business, we are well-positioned to expand our market presence and create greater value for our stakeholders,” he said.
Globe recorded consolidated gross service revenues of P165 billion, a 2-percent growth compared to 2023.
The mobile business generated P116.7 billion in revenues in 2024, surpassing the previous high of P112.4 billion in 2023, supported by the effective data monetization and market repair efforts.
By Jenniffer B. Austria
PHILIPPINE stocks ended the week in the red, declining by more than 1 percent Friday on continued profit-taking. The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index closed at 6,154.99, down 86.98 points, or 1.39 percent, while the wider all-shares index ended at 3,663.64, lower by 23.41 points or 0.63 percent.
“Philippine investors took profits ahead of the long weekend, assessing
the latest CPI [consumer price index] report and global developments,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said.
Analysts said, however, the upcoming policy meeting of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) next week could boost market sentiments in the next trading days.
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) said it expects the BSP to cut its policy rate by 25 basis points Thursday, bringing the policy rate to 5.5 percent.
“The central bank might use the slower-than-expected growth last quarter as the primary justification for the cut, along with a stable inflation environment that allows the central bank to focus more on boosting the economy,” BPI said.
The bank said the recent appreciation of the peso against the dollar could also provide the BSP with more room to consider a rate cut.
“The currency has strengthened in
recent trading sessions following the US government’s decision to postpone its tariffs against Canada and Mexico. While a rate cut could exert pressure on the Peso, improving market sentiment may mitigate this,” BPI said.
The mining and oil index sector was the lone index gainer, rising 0.26 percent. Services declined the most, shedding 1.96 percent followed by holding firms which went down by 1.45 percent.
RRHI’s profit more than doubled to P10.3b in 2024, boosted by gains from bank merger
ROBINSONS Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI), the retail holding company of the Gokongwei family, said its net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company more than doubled to P10.3 billion in 2024 from a year ago.
The company’s double-digit net income growth was led by the one-time gain from the merger of Robinsons Bank into the Bank of the Philippine Islands which was booked in the first quarter of 2024.
RRHI said minus extraordinary gains, core net income reached P6.3 billion in 2024, up 12.3 percent from 2023, on the back of higher gross profit and improved operational efficiencies. Full-year consolidated net revenues
stood at P199.2 billion, up 3.7 percent on sustained growth of the food and drugstore businesses and sales contribution sales from new stores. Operating income jumped 9.1 percent to P9.8 billion in 2024.
“Our company managed to sustain its growth trajectory in 2024 despite challenging market conditions. Such an achievement is a testament to the resiliency of our core business and our ability to be agile to evolving market dynamics,” said RRHI president and chief executive Stanley Co.
“Looking ahead in 2025, we remain steadfast in looking for more ways to grow the business, while continuing to integrate our sustainability agenda into our value chain,” Co said. Jenniffer B. Austria
CPG expects P2.7-b sales from Pampanga project
CENTURY Properties Group (CPG) said Friday it expects to generate P2.7 billion in sales from its
By Marielle Jan Erika L. Reyes
THE OPPO Reno 13
Pro 5G has officially entered the mid-range smartphone arena, promising a sleek design, powerful performance, and a featurepacked camera system.
As OPPO continues to push boundaries in mobile innovation, this latest release contributes a vibrant AMOLED display, a versatile triplecamera setup designed to capture remarkable images in any lighting condition.
Equipped with an IP69 water resistance rating, this device allows users to capture photos and videos beneath the surface. The Reno 13 Pro 5G aims to deliver premium features without the premium price tag.
Sleek and Durable Design OPPO continues its tradition of stylish smartphone designs, and the Reno 13 Pro 5G is no different. The device features a sleek and minimalist aesthetic with subtle curves on all four edges, giving it a comfortable grip. At just 7.55mm thick and 195g, it maintains a slim and lightweight profile without compromising durability. The IP69 rating ensures protection not just from water but also from dust and extreme conditions while still looking elegant.
it brings an advanced camera setup.
The 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization provides sharp and detailed shots, while the 50MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom takes distant subjects with impressive clarity. The 8MP ultrawide lens is ideal for landscapes and group shots. But what catches everyone’s eye, is the phone’s ability to shoot photos and videos underwater without the need for a waterproof case, something no other mid-range smartphone currently offers.
Long-Lasting Battery and Fast Charging
For any smartphone, battery life is crucial, and the Reno 13 Pro 5G does not disappoint. It’s 5800mAh battery ensures all-day usage, whether for social media browsing, video streaming, or gaming. When it’s time to recharge, the 80W wired fast charging makes sure the device powers up quickly, reaching 50% in just 15 minutes. Additionally, the 50W wireless charging adds convenience for users who prefer a cable-free experience. Refined software experience
colours and deep contrasts. Additionally,
its 120Hz refresh rate assures smooth scrolling and responsive touch gestures, which are paramount for gaming and multimedia consumption.
With HDR10+ support the display remains vibrant even under direct sunlight. Whether streaming content or editing underwater footage, users can expect a visually immersive experience.
Performance that keeps up The Reno 13 Pro 5G is fuelled by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chipset, built to handle multitasking and gaming with ease. The device offers enough power and space for users with the options of 12GB or 16GB of RAM and storage options reaching up to 1TB.
Day-to-day tasks, from browsing social media to running high-performance apps, feel smooth and lag-free.
Versatile Camera System
Photography has always been a highlight of OPPO’s Reno series, and the Reno 13 Pro 5G is no different as
LG Electronics Philippines received a prestigious recognition at the 60th Anvil Awards for its campaign, “LG OLED TV Illuminates Artistic Legacy at the National Museum of Fine Arts.”
The campaign won a Silver Anvil in the Public Relations Tools (Special Events) category, celebrating its innovative approach to blending technology and culture.
In May 2024, LG collaborated with the National Museum of the Philippines to honor the 140th anniversary of Juan Luna’s iconic painting, Spoliarium. As part of the initiative, LG donated its cutting-edge OLED AI TVs, equipped with the advanced α11 AI Processor to enrich visuals and provide deeper historical insights, revolutionizing how visitors experience cultural artifacts.
The success of the campaign was made possible through the strategic expertise of M360 PR+Activations Agency, which played a pivotal role in the creative conceptualization and seamless execution of the project. From shaping the narrative to orchestrating impactful storytelling, the agency ensured that LG’s cutting-edge OLED technology was not just showcased but also meaningfully integrated into the cultural experience. M360 PR+Activations also curated an engaging launch event, bringing together key media partners who amplified the campaign’s reach. Beyond the launch, museumgoers experienced firsthand how innovation enhanced their appreciation of Juan Luna’s Spoliarium, solidifying LG’s role in bridging technology and heritage.
Nakhyun Seong, Managing Director of LG Philippines, shared his thoughts on the achievement, stating
URATEX Philippines, the country’s leading sleep solutions provider, has officially partnered with the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine, Inc. (PSSM) to address the growing problem of sleep deprivation and related disorders in the Philippines.
The inking ceremony, held at Uratex Alabang with the theme “Partnering to Provide Quality Sleep for Filipinos,” marked the beginning of a joint effort to raise awareness, conduct research, and develop innovative solutions to help Filipinos achieve better sleep quality.
The collaboration between Uratex, known as The Sleep Specialist, and PSSM, the recognized professional organization of doctors who specialize in sleep medicine, has been years in the making. Dr. Rodolfo V. Dizon Jr., President of PSSM, described the
Director; and Yongwoo Park, LG Philippines Product Director for Home Entertainment.
“At LG, supporting the arts and culture is an integral part of what we do. We are honored to collaborate with the National Museum of Fine Arts for the 140th anniversary of the masterpiece Spoliarium by Juan Luna. Through our donation, we hope to provide a deeper appreciation of Filipino artists’ works while
partnership as “a long time coming” and emphasized its significance.
“We’ve been working toward this for about five years. I personally saw Uratex’s commitment during our plant tour last June, and it became clear that their mission aligns with ours,” he said. “It excites us because the ultimate beneficiaries of this collaboration are the Filipino people.”
Sleep deprivation is a silent crisis affecting millions of Filipinos. Recent studies have indicated that the Philippines ranks among the most sleepdeprived nations globally.
However, as Dr. Dizon pointed out, the existing data is limited and largely based on surveys rather than comprehensive national studies. “We lack localized, scientific data on sleep deprivation and disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. This partnership with
creating an immersive and interactive experience for all visitors.”
National Museum of the Philippines Director-General Jeremy Barns, CESO III, expressed his appreciation for the initiative, stating: “At the National Museum, we are always looking for new ways to enrich how visitors engage with our cultural treasures. This collaboration with LG Electronics is a perfect example of how technology can deepen historical appreciation. Through LG’s OLED AI TVs, we are able to offer a more immersive and enlightening experience for all who come to see Juan Luna’s Spoliarium and other masterpieces.”
The Reno 13 Pro 5G offers the latest ColorOS giving a smooth and unequalled user experience with its new introduced software, providing AI-driven optimizations, improved multitasking features and enhanced privacy controls.
A Mid-Range Phone That Breaks Boundaries
The OPPO Reno 13 Pro 5G delivers an impressive mix uniqueness, style, and innovation. Its underwater capabilities, paired with a high-quality AMOLED display, strong performance, and fast charging, make it a appealing choice for those looking for something beyond the ordinary. It offers exceptional value for its price and for users who want a durable, feature-packed smartphone that can handle both daily life and underwater adventures, the Reno 13 Pro 5G is undoubtedly a strong contender.
The Anvil Awards, organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, recognizes exemplary public relations campaigns and tools that showcase innovation and excellence. LG’s campaign stands out as a remarkable example of how modern technology can elevate the appreciation of historical and cultural treasures.
This award highlights LG’s commitment to cultural preservation, setting a benchmark for future collaborations between technology and the arts.
As LG enters its 12th year with OLED in 2025, the tech company hopes to continue to lead in the technology, break new ground, as well as push the boundaries of entertainment. LG perseveres and takes pride in supporting initiatives that bring people together, spark creativity, and promote education, aligning with LG’s brand promise of “Life’s Good” and mission of creating a better life for all through smart life solutions, here in the Philippines and around the world.
THE start of a new year opens a world of endless possibilities, creating new chances to do more, be more, and experience more. In Samsung’s pursuit of enriching Filipino lives through visuals, its QLED 4K Smart TVs bring a billion shades of color to every day, transforming mundane moments into visually stunning memories.
“Watching TV goes beyond mere entertainment,” said Chris Almazan, Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation’s (SEPCO) Head of AV Business. We at Samsung strive to provide the real QLED experience for our users, transforming viewing experiences that not only entertain but also bring more value to their lives.”
Color Your World with Samsung QLED Taking on adventures doesn’t always involve braving the outdoors. Samsung’s QLED TV, powered by its game-changing Quantum Dot technology, allows you to live through once-in-a-lifetime experiences from the comfort of your home.
movie scene, live show, and sports match is much more immersive, as if you were part of the action itself. Quantum dots, nanometer-sized semiconductors, produce the most detailed and accurate color expression. Samsung’s quantum dot technology ensures that Samsung QLED TVs deliver
Very Wang Nickie Wang
WHEN a celebrity shifts to live selling on social media instead of acting in a series or movie, people often see it as a step down. But for TV and movie personality Kiray Celis it’s more than just “live selling lang .” She sees it as a way to help others earn from home.
Kiray earned over 8 million pesos in just four months from live selling online. Now a thriving entrepreneur—and a CEO—she has ventured into the beauty and wellness industry, owning food supplement brands.
In an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment, she shared how she quickly recovered her initial investment.
“I only started in November,” she said in the vernacular. “But I was able to earn it back right away. You just have to be hardworking. Since I also took a break from taping, I dedicated my time to this. I don’t sell anything else now—this is my focus.”
This led to speculation about whether she plans to leave showbiz, but she clarified that it’s not her priority at the moment.
“I’ll still do guest appearances, but full taping schedules for series are not in my plans for now because I want to ensure my business runs smoothly first,” she said.
Kiray’s products are available on e-commerce platforms, and she also conducts live selling sessions with her staff to promote them.
The actress admitted that some people look down on her for being a live seller, but she remains committed, knowing the positive impact of her business.
“People comment, ‘You’re a live seller now? Are you no longer an actress? Maybe you don’t have work anymore.’ Some assume I’m only selling because I have no acting jobs.
But they don’t know what live selling has given me. I’ve been able to help a lot of people. I’ve helped even more than before,” she shared.
She added, “Through acting, I was able to support my family, but through this business, I now have the chance to provide jobs for others.”
Kiray aims to expand her business further, which also helps her support her sibling’s children.
“Last year, I lost my sister-inlaw, leaving behind two nephews whom I’ve taken on
as my own. I’m now the one supporting their education, and they live with me, so I have more responsibilities,” she revealed.
When asked about marriage plans, she responded, “My boyfriend really wants to already, and I think I can give an answer this year. Let’s see—I’ll surprise you all.”
Even her mother has been asking when she plans to start a family.
“My mom keeps asking, ‘When will you have a baby?’ She’s starting to worry because I’m turning 31 this year. She keeps asking, ‘When will you give me a grandchild?’ I do love my nieces and nephews… So let’s see,” she said.
Kiray credited her boyfriend, Stephan, for supporting her entrepreneurial journey.
“He was the one who encouraged me. He told me that since I was already selling products for other people, why not create my own? He really gave me the confidence to do this because I never considered myself business-minded, but it turns out this is a great decision,” she said.
KAPUSO Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), GMA Network’s multi-awarded public affairs program, celebrated its 20th year as the Philippines’ mostwatched TV show in 2024, tallying billions of views across online platforms.
Based on Nielsen TV Audience Measurement data from January to December 2024, KMJS tallied a combined (GMA/GTV/Pinoy Hits) people rating of 14.3 percent in Total Philippines (Urban and Rural combined).
The show also dominated individual program ratings per channel in 2024, recording a people rating of 12.9 percent in GMA alone in Total Philippines.
In Urban Phils., KMJS on GMA singly was consistently the no. 1 program monthly from January to December 2024 and tallied an average people rating of 14.4 percent in 2024 based on individual program ratings per channel. With this, the program emerged as the leading TV program for 2024, with a combined (GMA/GTV/Pinoy Hits) people rating of 16 percent.
“To be rated the most watched Philippine TV program is a huge blessing, especially on our 20th year. I owe this to my excellent staff and to all our viewers and followers. Maraming, maraming salamat po na tayo pa rin ang magka-kuwentuhan tuwing Linggo ng gabi sa nakalipas na dalawang dekada ,” said Jassica Soho , who is marking her 40th year in the broadcast industry this year. To celebrate this remarkable milestone, KMJS will air a special episode reflecting on her remarkable career. In addition, KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim: The Movie , a thrilling spin-off of the show’s popular Halloween special produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs, will be released this year.
Meanwhile, KMJS’ digital reach extends far beyond television, with its videos from 2024 alone amassing 4.7 billion views across platforms.
KMJS’ investigative reports were also finalists at the 2024 Association for International Broadcasting (AIBs) Awards in London and won the National Award for Best Infotainment at the 2024
Kiray’s’ brands include Hot Babe Coffee, a health drink for weight management, and Hello Bloom, a beauty supplement line with variants for skin whitening, hydration, and repair. She also offers Day-Li Supplements, formulated for overall health and beauty.
As CEO, she was actively involved in product development, from ingredients to packaging. She sold over 23,000 boxes, attracting interest from potential resellers and distributors.
INDIE band Lola Amour takes a big step in its international journey with the release of “Maria,” a collab song with Australian artist Oliver Cronin
Written during a music camp in Malaysia, the track tells the story of two men, Oliver and Lola Amour’s lead singer Pio, who are both in love with Maria, unaware of her secret betrayal. Cronin praised the band’s sound, saying, “Working with the Lola Amour boys was an incredible experience. Their seven-piece dynamic brought something fresh and magical to ‘Maria,’ creating a perfect blend of our worlds.”
“Maria” is part of Cronin’s deluxe EP Edge of Paradise, released by Warner Music Australia on Jan. 30. The EP features nine tracks, with “Maria” being a standout. Cronin shared, “The last few years have been an absolute rollercoaster... but I’ve grown a lot and feel more comfortable and confident in the music and what paradise looks and sounds like for me.” With over 39.1 million combined streams and a growing social media following, Cronin is gaining attention in the music world. On the other hand, Lola Amour’s global reach is growing. In the last 28 days, the band’s Spotify
listeners have increased, with Indonesia ranking second, followed by the U.S., Canada, and Australia. In this period, the band had 108,000 listeners in Indonesia, 92,000 in the U.S., 60,000 in Canada, and 28,000 in Australia.
“Maria” is just the start
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
ENTREPRENEUR and C-suite leader Ryna Brito-Garcia founder and visionary leader of boutique airline Sunlight Air. She started the company six years ago and has been leading its innovation and business growth ever since. Her vision of providing an all-inclusive, safe, and personal travel experience has come true.
“Being young becomes intimidating sometimes, especially when you’re in an industry full of experienced people, most of whom are men,” shared Ryna when we first met her in 2021.
Ryna, being quite young when she entered the airline industry, was initially intimidated by her more experienced counterparts. However, she accepted the challenge and worked on learning as much as she could about the business. She read books on the airline industry and absorbed knowledge from others while overseeing the business firsthand.
While working in Sydney, Australia, her father expressed a desire to start an airline. Unable to find someone to take the lead, he asked Ryna to help start the project in Manila. With her Business Administration degree from SP Jain School of Global Management already completed, plus a year of work experience in Sydney, Ryna felt she was ready to take on this new challenge and assist her family.
With the assistance of their corporate lawyer, she finally entered the airline industry. After a lengthy process, their application with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines was submitted. It was only then that Ryna thought about what her position in the company should be. Since she started the company and put in the long hours, it was decided that she would continue as the CEO of Sunlight Air. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Sunlight Air is now making huge leaps forward as a domestic boutique charter airline that is serviceoriented and customer-centric.
The Philippines is renowned for its white sand beaches, vibrant culture, and natural wonders. However, many of these destinations remain underdeveloped or difficult to access.
Sunlight Air has played a pivotal role in bridging this gap by connecting travelers to popular and emerging tourist hotspots such as Coron, San Vicente, Siargao, Puerto Princesa, Camiguin, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro.
By providing direct flights to these areas, the airline has helped boost local tourism, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in rural communities. Ryna and her company are also set to add another airplane to their fleet this year. This announcement, along with Sunlight Air’s new 2025 brand, has generated significant buzz among the media and industry experts.
Ryna’s story is not just about her achievements but also about the impact she had on the people around her. It’s a story of leadership that inspires, empowers, and endures—a story that will be told for generations to come.
For more Dee-Tails, you may reach the author at angeloardee2@gmail.com
By Nickie Wang
FOUR well-known eyewear brands— Tag Heuer, Miu Miu, Off-White, and Palm Angels—have launched their Fall-Winter 2024 collections in the Philippines to kick off 2025. These popular brands, known for their stylish and high-quality designs, are now available at Vision Express, the Philippines’ leading premium optical retailer.
Tag Heuer, known for its precision engineering and sporty elegance, brings eyewear that mirrors the brand’s legacy of performance and innovation. With sleek, ergonomic designs, these frames offer a secure fit, ideal for active lifestyles. The collection combines style and functionality, making it perfect for those who demand the best in both aesthetics and performance.
Miu Miu, a playful and sophisticated
brand under the Prada umbrella, offers eyewear that is both bold and feminine. The frames in the Fall-Winter 2024 collection are stylish, timeless, and a little provocative—catering to those with an elegant yet adventurous taste.
Off-White, the streetwear luxury brand founded by Virgil Abloh , showcases eyewear that blends high-end craftsmanship with urban aesthetics. The collection features bold, innovative designs that reflect the brand’s streetwear roots while maintaining an air of sophistication, appealing to those who want to make a statement.
Inspired by Southern California skate culture, Palm Angels presents eyewear that balances laid-back vibes with high-fashion sensibilities. The frames are sleek and polished yet effortlessly cool—perfect for casual, everyday wear. With the introduction of these globally renowned brands, Vision Express continues to position Filipinos at the forefront of global eyewear trends, offering a luxurious touch for every customer.
“Each of these brands brings a unique perspective to eyewear, and at Vision Express, we are proud to offer such a diverse range of styles to our customers. This launch further solidifies our commitment to providing an unparalleled customer experience,” said Neelam Gopwani, Managing Director of Vision Express.
Coinciding with the launch of these collections is the opening of Vision Express’ new store at the GH Mall in San Juan City. This new branch offers the complete range of Tag Heuer, Miu Miu, Off-White, and Palm Angels’ 2024 Fall-Winter collections, alongside other luxury eyewear brands like Dior, Cartier, Fendi, Prada, and Ray-Ban.
Beyond eyewear, Vision Express continues to enhance its service with the Vision Bot+, an AI-powered eye examination tool that provides highly accurate, comprehensive eye tests in under three minutes. This state-of-theart technology sets a new standard in eye care, ensuring customers receive expert advice and personalized care.