Manila Standard - 2025 February 11 - Tuesday

UPSILON AWARDEES. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. receives the Upsilonian Noble and Outstanding (UNO) award posthumously honoring his father and namesake, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. (Upsilon Sigma Phi batch 1937) from officers of the Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association (USPAA) at the Goldenberg Mansion in San Miguel, Manila Saturday afternoon. At the same event, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who joined the fraternity in 1985, received the same award. With the President and the Speaker were former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos, Irene Marcos Araneta, and Andrew Romualdez. Story on A3. Ver Noveno

UPSILON FETES MARCOS SR., SPEAKER

By Ram Superable and Maricel V. Cruz

SENATE President Francis Escudero said the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will likely be -

dent’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 21, under the 20th Congress, emphasizing that there is no need for a special session. In an interview with ANC’s “Headstart,” Escudero dismissed calls for a special session to address the complaint

Nat’l candidates hit campaign trail

By Charles Dantes, Vito Barcelo, Vince Lopez and Rex Espiritu

SENATORIAL bets and party-list groups kick off their 90-day campaign period today (Tuesday) that will end on May 10 – two days before the midterm elections.

Marcos appoints two Comelec commissioners NEWS / A3

Some 18,320 positions are up for grabs in the May 12, 2025 polls, although the number could be reduced by 65 once a measure seeking to postpone the parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to October 13, 2025 is passed into law.

By Rachelle Tonelada

and Pulse Asia, commissioned by the Stratbase Group,

showing overwhelming support for these initiatives. Among the most impactful programs is the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which 90% of Filipinos

By Angelica Villanueva

Deanna Marie Mate

The men and women of Manila Standard mark the newspaper’s 38th anniversary. Manny Palmero

On the other hand, the campaign period for local positions, including district representatives at the House, will begin on March 28 and will end as well on May 10.

At least 43,033 individuals have filed their certificates of candidacy for the upcoming elections that will be decided by 69,673,655 registered voters, almost half of which are Millennials (born from 1981 to 1996) and Gen Zs (1997 to 2007).

Some 65 candidates are vying for 12 slots in the Senate – down from 66 after Agri party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee dropped out of the race yesterday.

Lee is the third senatorial aspirant to withdraw from the race, following former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson and Francis Leo Marcos.

The candidates include seven reelectionists – Bong Revilla, Lito Lapid, Francis Tolentino, Pia Cayetano, Ronald dela Rosa, Bong Go and Imee Marcos – and at least six are seeking to make a comeback – Tito Sotto, Manny

Pacquiao, Ping Lacson, Gringo Honasan, Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino.

The composition of the Senate would be critical amid the impending impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte.

At least 155 party-list groups, on the other hand, will slug it out for the 63 seats reserved in the House of Representatives.

For his part, Comelec chairman

George Garcia warned all candidates to strictly comply with existing election laws on campaign expenditures to avoid possible disqualification and jail term.

Candidates for senators with no political party can only spend a maximum of P5 per registered voter. If supported by a political party, the limit is P3 per registered voter in the constituency.

Independent candidates are allowed to spend up to P5 per registered voter in their constituency while political parties are okay to spend P5 per registered voter in constituencies where they have official candidates.

“They must also comply with local government legislation governing plastic and other similar materials,” Garcia added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to

lead the proclamation rally of the “Alyansa sa Bagong Pilipinas” slate in his bailiwick Ilocos Norte today (Tuesday).

Mr. Marcos previously set a high goal for the administration ticket, pushing for a Senate sweep and total dominance in local races for the 2025 midterm elections.

“Our target for the Senate is 12-0,” the President said at the PFP Leaders’ Summit last month.

From Laoag City, the “Alyansa” candidates will move to Iloilo on February 13, Davao del Norte on February 15, Metro Manila on February 18, Dumaguete on February 20 , and Bacolod on February 21.

The PDP-Laban slate backed by former President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to announce details of its kick-off rally.

Liberal Party bets Pangilinan and Aquino, on the other hand, will kick off their campaign in Dasmariñas Arena in Cavite City with former Vice President Leni Robredo as one of their special guests.

The Philippine National Police said it would deploy additional personnel to areas identified as high-risk.

“Even before the start of the campaign period, security has been deployed to en-

sure a safe and orderly campaign,” said PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo. The Comelec earlier identified 403 areas of concern – divided into four categories: red for those with grave threats, orange for those with serious threats, yellow for those with a history of election-related incidents, and green for those with no security concerns.

Fajardo said more cops will be deployed in areas under red (38), orange (177) and yellow (188) categories.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment said the upcoming national and local elections will generate job opportunities for Filipinos.

Although jobs during the election time would be temporary, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said this will provide respite and an opportunity for small enterprises to thrive and flourish.

“The DOLE will always anticipate that Filipinos will continue to be employed. We are aware that some activities, particularly those pertaining to political activities, can contribute to the creation of additional job prospects,” Laguesma said.

Erwin Tulfo, who garnered support from 62.8% of respondents, making him the frontrunner. Senator Christopher Go follows closely with 50.4%, placing him between second and third in the rankings, while former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, with 50.2%, holds a statistical position between second and fourth place.

Broadcaster Ben Tulfo emerges as a strong contender with 46.2%, positioning him within the third to eighth ranks. Sharing the fourth to eighth spots are Senator Pia Cayetano (46.1%) and Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. (46.0%). Senator Imee Marcos (43.4%) and former Senator Panfilo Lacson (42.4%) both fall within the fourth to twelfth rankings.

Completing the probable list of winners are as follows: Willie Revillame with 41.9% (7th-13th place), Senator Ronald dela Rosa with 41.2% (7th-14th place), Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay with 41.1% (7th-14th place), former Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao with 40.6% (7th-14th place), Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar with 38.4% (9th-14th place), and Senator Manuel Lapid with 37.7% (10th-14th place).

Jimmy Bondoc and Ferdinand Topacio, as well as Diego Magpantay of the Citizen’s Crime Watch during the filing.

Also implicated in Alvarez’s complaint were Majority Leader Manuel Dalipe of Zamboanga City, and House budget leaders Stella Quimbo of Marikina City and Zaldy Co of Ako Bicol party-list, former committee on appropriations chairperson.

The Davao lawmaker, however, insisted that the complaint, which alleged a P241 billion insertion in the 2025 General Appropriations Act, was not an effort to derail the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, however, belittled Alvarez’s move.

Dalipe, himself a lawyer, said the approval of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) is not an act of wrongdoing but a constitutional duty of Congress.

He said the mere fact that only the House has been impleaded in the complaint raises serious questions about the true intent behind these allegations.

“The budget process is a shared responsibility, yet the focus on one chamber alone suggests a deliberate effort to mislead the public and cast doubt on the integrity of the House’s work,” Dalipe pointed out.

“More telling is the involvement of former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez as one of the complainants. As a sitting member of the House during the deliberations of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill, he had every opportunity to raise objections, question allocations, and point out any supposed infirmities during plenary discussions,” he said.

before the Senate reconvenes on June 2.

He said that the impeachment complaint against Duterte will not be treated as a special case, emphasizing that the Senate will follow established procedures without deviation.

He stressed that there is no constitutional provision requiring an immediate session for impeachment cases.

“There’s no such provision. I do not want to treat this impeachment complaint against the Vice President as a special case, it is not special from my point of view. The Senate does not view it as special and different too,” he explained.

In a press conference on Monday, he explained that the impeachment case against Duterte includes seven articles, but the prosecution could opt to drop some charges.

He also confirmed that under impeachment rules, a subpoena, not an invitation, would be issued to witnesses to ensure their mandatory attendance.

Asked about the possibility of Duterte resigning, Escudero noted that the Senate could still decide whether to proceed with the trial to impose the penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office.

The Senate President also dismissed concerns about the cost of an impeachment trial, saying that the Senate’s existing budget would cover expenses without additional funding.

“Cost-wise, it is not that expensive. I don’t need to request additional funds from the DBM. They can manage the impeachment proceedings within the 2025 budget, even though this was not initially anticipated,” he said.

very real economic circumstances, or get entangled in our own conflicts.

But as always, we show up for yet another day.

persevered amid the drudgery of everyday coverage.

There were enough intangible rewards to keep us on the job. We also saw our industry, dynamic as it had always been, define itself through the actions and omissions of its practitioners. We persisted with our ways but these same habits were also put into question. Many were tested – some failed and left, some struggled but remained. Through it all, and through the various dilemmas, we held fast to the values of journalism that brought us here in the first place. It has never been easy. Often we find ourselves comparing what is and what should be. The realities of our times force us to confront our own leaders, people, industry, and ourselves.

Every day is a struggle. And now the age of information has occasioned changes we never even imagined when we first saw print. Then, we were imbued with a certain sense of mission, yes, but also a sense of smugness that we were the gatekeepers, the more enlightened ones whose job it was to tell the public what was important, what was not, and how to think about issues.

Today we are humbled. We are neither invincible nor enlightened. It is possible to get high on our hubris, fall victim to

To be sure, we are not young. In human years, in newspaper years, 38 years is a long time. It is enough to have seen many things that have marred the clean slate we enjoyed when we first started.

But we are not too old, either. We have years and years before us, many more histories in the making – for isn’t that what journalism is? We will witness how technology will further evolve and change us all for good or bad. How our roles in the media will be challenged and shaped anew both by the winds of change and by the old ills that have hounded us for long. Today we are at another critical juncture. Elections will be upon us in just a few months. This will happen with an acute awareness of what our people want and expect from their leaders – not to portray themselves as heroes or victims, but to get to work and address the gut issues of the prices of goods, food security, job security. The ability to provide for the needs of our loved ones and imagine a better quality of life for our families.

Thirty-eight years is a milestone, yes, but it is also just a marker. The path is long and rocky, and we will not hesitate to push ahead where our vocation takes us. Because first and foremost, even before we are journalists, we are Filipinos.

As presiding officer of the impeachment court, Escudero vowed to ensure fairness in the proceedings.

“Our job is to render justice, whatever that may mean. It may mean a conviction, it may mean an acquittal... what we should care about is where the evidence takes us. That is where we should go, where the evidence takes us nothing less, nothing more,” Escudero concluded.

At the Lower Chamber, two congressmen asserted that her trial could validly proceed even after the transition to the 20th Congress, citing historical precedent from the United States.

“Yes, that’s why we ended it and filed it, because the ball is now in the Senate and the Senate will be able to hear it based on the Articles of Impeachment that we filed,” Manila Rep. Joel Chua, a member of the House prosecution team, said in Filipino.

Chua, chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, pointed out that in the US, impeachment cases have crossed congressional sessions and proceeded to trial in the next Congress.

“You know that happens in America, I think it’s been four times where the impeachment was filed in another Congress, in the next Congress the impeachment was tried. So this is not new, it has also happened in America,” he added.

For his part, Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre supported Chua’s statement, citing the case of former US President Bill Clinton.

“That’s what happened to Bill Clinton. Bill Clinton, former President of the USA was impeached by the 105th Congress. Then his trial happened during the 106th Congress, Senate of the 106 Congress,” he said in Filipino.

He pointed out that the rules on im-

peachment in the Philippines are largely patterned after the US impeachment system but with some key differences.

Acidre further noted that the Philippine Constitution clearly distinguishes legislative and non-legislative functions, and impeachment falls under the latter.

Meanwhile, Chua disclosed that House impeachment prosecutors are preparing to request subpoenas for the bank records of the Vice President as part of their strategy to strengthen the case against her once the Senate convenes as an Impeachment Court.

He confirmed that the prosecution team is exploring legal options to obtain financial records that could be relevant to particular articles in the impeachment charges against the Vice President.

This follows the Senate’s pronouncement that it will convene as an Impeachment Court on June 2, nearly four months after the Articles of Impeachment were transmitted last February 5.

“The impeachment process allows us to complete the evidence to support our case, and that includes subpoenaing financial records if necessary through the Senate impeachment court,” Chua said.

“The Bank Secrecy Law provides an exception for impeachment cases, and we intend to use all legal means to secure relevant documents, in addition to the evidence already present, that will aid in the trial,” he pointed out.

The Articles of Impeachment against Duterte have already been transmitted to the Senate, but the Upper Chamber has yet to formally convene the Senate Impeachment Court.

House prosecutors emphasize that they will be ready to present evidence once proceedings begin.

nos, a figure mirrored in both surveys.

Pulse Asia also reported that registered voters, on average, are selecting nine candidates, with a median of eleven, when listing their preferred senatorial bets for the May 2025 elections. Only 50% of voters named a full slate of twelve candidates.

Meanwhile, AGRI Party-list Representative Manoy Wilbert Lee announced his withdrawal from the Senate race in the 2025 National and Local Elections. In a statement on Monday, Lee cited insufficient machinery to mount a successful campaign as the reason for his decision to withdraw.

“In my travels around the country, I realized that my [political] machinery is insufficient to allow me to reach all our countrymen… so I can let them know my advocacies. It became clear to me that more time is needed to prepare for a successful campaign,” he wrote in Filipino.

Furthermore, the Pulse Asia survey also showed that only 12 party-list groups are likely to secure representation in the House of Representatives out of the 155 vying for congressional seats in the May elections.

Under the Party-List System Act (Republic Act No. 7941), a party-list group must earn at least 2% of the total votes to secure one congressional seat. Those exceeding this threshold may qualify for additional seats, with a maximum of three per group.

Leading the race is ACT-CIS, with a 7.96% voter preference, followed closely by 4Ps (7.42%), Tingog (6.29%), Uswag Ilonggo (4.83%), and Senior Citizens (4.44%). These five groups are on track to secure the maximum threeseat allocation in the House according to the party-list system act.

Seven other party-list groups are poised to win two seats each: Ako Bicol (3.32%), PPP (2.52%), Malasakit@ Bayanihan (2.46%), Asenso Pinoy (2.44%), Duterte Youth (2.38%), Agimat (2.06%), and Gabriela (2.06%).

found helpful, according to SWS.

Pulse Asia supports this, with 82% of respondents saying 4Ps improves the financial stability of lower-income families.

The Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program also received high approval, with 88% of respondents considering it helpful, and 51% calling it “very helpful.”

Other ayuda programs also gained strong approval ratings. The Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) was considered beneficial by 81% of Filipi-

The Walang Gutom Program (WGP), formerly the Food Stamp Program, was also deemed helpful by 81% of respondents, while the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program registered an 80% approval rating.

Stratbase Group President Dindo Manhit underscored the relevance of these programs, particularly in light of rising costs of basic commodities.

“With 90% of Filipinos feeling the strain of rising food prices—particularly rice—social welfare programs have become an essential lifeline for struggling families,” Manhit said.

“There’s no doubt that Filipinos can feel the importance and impact of the

government’s ayuda programs. These are strong examples of public funds being used to respond to the needs of the Filipino people,” he added.

Such reality is also reflected in the past survey. Earlier, a SWS poll found that 9 out of 10 Filipinos would likely vote for candidates prioritizing food security, highlighting the issue of access to basic goods as a top concern.

The SWS survey, conducted from January 17 to 20, 2025, interviewed 1,800 respondents with a ±2% margin of error, while the Pulse Asia survey, conducted from January 18 to 25, 2025, interviewed 2,400 respondents with the same ±2% margin of error.

earlier posted shared screenshots of her now-private Instagram posts, expressing her distress over the negative comments directed at her.

judgment without knowing the full situation. .

On Facebook, he felt sorry over a situation that escalated publicly.

“It all went way too far and should have been handled in private. Ok na kami, sanang ok ra kami,” he wrote. Eigenmann however has not broken her silence over the matter.

Pernilla Sjöö, the Swedish woman allegedly the cause of the rift between Andi Eigenmann and Philmar Alipayo,

“I just don’t understand why some people carry so much hate in their minds and bodies. I hope that if you ever make a hurtful comment, you can still sleep peacefully at night, knowing you’ve caused someone pain. I’m still human—I still feel hurt, and when it’s too much, it cuts deep,” she wrote. She then urged the public to exercise compassion and refrain from passing

“I hope you never become the reason some cry themselves to sleep or question their worth, wondering why they weren’t good enough. We’re all going through something. Can we at least try to be kinder to one another? I mean no harm to others. If you will be kind to me, I assure you that I’ll be kinder to you. Never judge someone without knowing the whole story. You may think you understand, but you don’t,” added Sjöö.

Marcos Sr., House Speaker get Upsilon award

By Maricel V. Cruz

FORMER President Ferdinand E. Mar-

cos and Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez have been named among this year’s recipients of the Upsilon Sigma Phi’s Upsilonian Noble and Outstanding (UNO) Awards.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. received the award for his father and namesake, highlighting the former president’s lasting influence on Philippine governance, economic policy, and national identity.

The President was accompanied in the event by his mother, former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos, and his sister, Irene Marcos-Araneta.

This year’s ceremony was held Saturday afternoon, at the Goldenberg Mansion, Malacañang Complex, in conjunction with the 20th Biennial Congress of the fraternity at the Imelda Hall of Aguado Residence in San Miguel, Manila. Thanking the Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association for allowing him to receive the award on behalf of his father, President Marcos exhorted Upsilonians to seek ways on how they could contribute towards a better Philippines and uplift the lives of their fellow Filipinos.

“And now I could almost hear my father, once again, answering this question. Be a good Filipino. Be a Filipino who loves his fellow citizens and his motherland. Give what you can sacrifice all that you can so we can proudly say we have left the Philippines a better place than we found it,” said President Marcos.

For his part, Romualdez said he is truly honored to receive the prestigious recognition alongside former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, “whose leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on our nation.”

Marcos appoints 2 new Comelec commissioners

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed lawyer Noli Pipo as the newest commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed Pipo’s appointment to the poll body in a text message to Palace reporters Monday. This follows the designation of Comelec Law Department chief Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal as another new commissioner.

Pipo, a seasoned election official, previously served as the regional director for Comelec in both Region 8 and Region 1. His appointment fills the vacancy left by Commissioner Marlon Casquejo, who retired earlier this month.

ASSISTANCE. PhilHealth beneficiaries queue at the Quezon City PhilHealth branch on February 10. The Department of Health said it has sufficient funds to provide the necessary assistance. Manny Palmero

Casingal replaces Commissioner Socorro Inting, who also retired from the service.

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia announced the interim appointment of Casingal.

In a Viber message, Garcia said “We would like to announce the appointment of our new commissioner, Commissioner Norina Tangaro-Casingal.”

Casingal served as the director of the Comelec Legal Department prior to her appointment.

“We thank our honorable President because he immediately granted

our appeal for him to appoint someone soon because of the upcoming elections,” Garcia said.

Earlier, Garcia said he wants the new commissioners come from within the ranks or Comelec “insiders” who know elections “like the back of their hands.”

“We also have a lot of young and competent practicing election lawyers who are as knowledgeable and experienced in the field of election law practice who could decide cases with full integrity and honesty,” the poll chairman said.

The President extended to her an interim appointment which will expire until February 2, 2032,» Garcia said in a press conference.

Vito Barcelo

‘China’s biggest fishing research ship traveling along PH waters’

CHINA’S largest fishing research vessel was monitored traveling the shipping lane of Philippine archipelagic waters in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), US Air Force official and former defense attaché Ray Powell said on X on Monday afternoon.

“China’s Lan Hai 101 has turned north. It has joined the shipping lane transiting the Philippines’ archipelagic waters coming up from the Celebes Sea. Why it needed to come this way isn’t obvious--staying west

By Eton Concepcion

MISS Philippines Deanna Marie Mate was crowned Reina Hispanoamericana 2025 during the coronation finals held in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, on Monday. Mate secured the country’s second title in the competition following Winwyn Marquez’s victory in 2017. The 22-year-old singer-songwriter and communications technology graduate stood out among 24 delegates, dazzling in a shimmering gold gown by Rian Fernandez. She was crowned by outgoing Reina Hispanoamericana 2024 Maricielo

IN BRIEF

DMW reports 131 Filipinos to return home

A TOTAL of 131 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their nine dependents from Lebanon are set to return to the Philippines this week (February 10 to February 11), according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

The development is part of the government’s ongoing repatriation efforts amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The repatriated OFWs had been staying in Beirut under the care of the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave clear directives to help our kababayans, our OFWs, affected by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East,” DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said. Rachelle Tonelada Villar files proposal to create AI agency

DEPUTY Speaker and Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar proposed the creation of an inter-agency task force to address potential job losses due to the fast-rising use of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology in the labor front.

Under her House Bill 11308, or the proposed Workers’ Protection and Skills Development in the Digital Economy Act, Villar underscored the need to establish an early warning system to identify industries that are likely to use AI and other modern technologies in their business operations, subsequently putting at risk the employment of its human workforce.

Maricel V. Cruz

Imee criticizes DA plan to import onions

SENATOR Imee Marcos criticized the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) plan to import 4,000 metric tons of onions during the harvest season. She questioned the timing of the importation, warning that it would cause prices to drop and hurt local farmers.

“Our farmers have already started harvesting, yet here comes another round of importation. Haven’t we learned our lesson? Every harvest season, prices drop,” she said. She argued that importation has historically led to oversupply and financial losses for local producers. Ram Superable

Move It donates helmets to MMDA academy

IN support of road safety, the motorcycle ride-hailing firm Move It has donated 100 helmets to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) intended for participants in the MMDA Motorcycle Riding Academy (MRA).

of Palawan would have been a more direct route north,” Powell posted.

The vessel is also 85 meters long and 15 meters wide owned by Yellow Sea Fishery. It was reportedly traveling at a speed of 11 knots.

“Its companion, Lan Hai 201, continues to survey the Arabian Sea,” he added.

On Monday morning, the said vessel was first spotted near the Sulu Sea.

“The Lan Hai 101, one of China’s

Gamarra of Peru and became visibly emotional upon hearing her name announced as the winner. Earlier in the evening, she also won the Best in National Costume award. During the final round, Mate was asked: “What value do you think is most important to have in a fair society?”

“I think the most important value we should have is kindness. My experience here in Bolivia has shown me so much kindness and love, even though I am not racially like you. The most beautiful thing I’ve noticed is that even though we don’t speak the same language, we share the same

two largest fisheries research ships, is now transiting the Philippines’ archipelagic waters. It appears to be en route to the Philippine Sea,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun defended China’s presence in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), claiming China’s sovereignty in the South China Sea is backed by history, law, and international practice.

He stated that the China Coast Guard’s activities in the area are law-

culture, the same heart, and the same faith in God,” she responded.

“I hope this shows everybody that if we show kindness and recognize that we are all the same, we can create a better world and a better society for us all,” she concluded.

Sofia Fernandez of Venezuela was named Virreina Hispanoamericana, while Miss Colombia and Miss Spain placed first and second runners-up, respectively. Miss Peru, Miss Brazil, and Miss Poland completed the Top 7 as third, fourth, and fifth runners-up.

Also making it to the Top 12 were delegates from Mexico, Ecuador, Bolivia, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.

ful and justified. Guo urged the Philippines to stop its actions that complicate the situation and jeopardize regional peace.

Tensions persist as China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, which is contested by several nations, including the Philippines. A 2016 ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration sided with the Philippines, rejecting China’s claims, but China refused to acknowledge the decision.

Rex Espiritu

MMDA officials—including Chairman Don Artes, General Manager Undersecretary Procopio Lipana, and Deputy Chairman Undersecretary Frisco San Juan, Jr.—accepted the donation in a simple turnover ceremony on Monday.

San Juan highlighted the importance of enforcing discipline on the road, which he described as a crucial aspect of the partnership between MMDA and Move It. Joel E. Zurbano

ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY ELECTIONS. Members of the EcoWaste Coalition, together with Commission on Elections chairman George Garcia gathered in front of the Palacio Del Gobernador in Intramuros Manila, to promote environmentally friendly elections and the reduction of waste in the 2025 polls. Norman Cruz

IN BRIEF

Oil firms implement minimal price decrease

LOCAL oil companies rolled back their pump prices by P0.10 per liter for gasoline and diesel and kerosene by P0.30 per liter effective 6 a.m.Tuesday to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

This is the third consecutive week of price rollback for diesel and kerosene.

The actual rollback is lower than the forecast of P0.30 per liter for gasoline or no movement, P0.20 to P0.50 per liter for diesel and P0.10 to P0.25 per liter for kerosene.

“The actual rollback fell lower in the range of the computed indication due to a rise in freight (from refineries to traders, and traders to buyers),” Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Shear line to bring in heavy rains—PAGASA

SHEAR line will bring heavy rainfall in 17 provinces until Tuesday noon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In its latest advisory, the weather bureau said nine provinces are forecast to experience heavy to intense rainfall ranging from 100 to 200 millimeters since Monday to Tuesday noon

These are Palawan, Sorsogon, Albay, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Biliran Pagasa warned of floodings especially in areas that are urbanized, lowlying, or near rivers, and landslides in moderate to highly susceptible areas. Rio N. Araja

QC opens OJT program for vet, senior high studes

THE Quezon City government has launched two internship programs of on-the-job experience for aspiring veterinarians and senior high school students.

“Through this program, we hope to inspire the next generation of veterinarians and animal welfare advocates. By providing them with real-world training, we are not only investing in their future but also in the health and safety of our community,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

“This initiative reflects Quezon City’s dedication to education, public health, and responsible pet care,” she added.

The Quezon City Veterinary Department (QCVD) has implemented a work immersion program for graduating high school students through a signed memorandum of agreement with the Quezon City Science High School. Rio N. Araja

Airline foresees pax surge during summer

AIRASIA Philippines is preparing for the expected surge of passengers during the upcoming summer vacation, as well as those traveling to and from provinces for the national and local elections.

“We expect a significant surge in passenger traffic in the months leading up to May, as it aligns with both the summer travel rush and the return of voters to their provinces for the midterm elections,” said Steve Dailisan, public affairs and communications chief of AirAsia.

Joel E. Zurbano

DA steps up drive vs. malpractices; bares list of blacklisted companies

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) shifts to high gear its drive against malpractices in the agriculture business industry by blacklisting six more erring companies, bringing to 16 the total number of banned firms.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel disclosed this in a press briefing at Malacañang on Monday, saying the blacklist included compa-

the corner, florists get ready for brisk business, like this woman at the Dangwa Flower Market in Manila. Norman Cruz

nies involved in importation of vegetables and fish.

“The actual blacklisted companies are 10. But in our list, we actually

have 16. We went through them one by one,” Laurel said.

Four of these companies have been charged for various illegal trade practices, he added.

Laurel identified the blacklisted firms as Thousand Sunny Enterprises, R2H Trading, Gingarnion Agri Trading, Lavaly Aggregates Trading, Flevo Trading, Saturnus Corp., LVM Grains Enterprises, Kysse Lishh Consumer Goods Trading, JRA and Pearl Enterprises Inc., Betron Consumer Goods Trading, Golden Rays Consumer Goods Trading, La Reina Fresh Vegetables and Young Indoor Plants Inc., Vegefru Producing Store, Yem Trading Corp., and RCNN Non-Specialized Wholesale Trading.

RTC affirms BCDA recovery of Camp John Hay

By Dexter See

BAGUIO City—A Regional Trial Court (RTC) here has rejected a renewed attempt by some sub-lessees of CJH Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) to thwart the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s (BCDA) full recovery of Camp John Hay.

RTC Branch 79 tossed out last Feb. 5 a joint petition for a temporary restraining order (TRO) filed by multiple foreign nationals to prevent the court sheriff from implementing an arbitral ruling mandating the return of the 247-hectare Camp John Hay property, together with all improvements, to the state-run BCDA.

“This development sends a strong message to all stakeholders to respect the rule of law. We thank the dedicated officers at the Baguio Regional Trial Court and our law enforcement partners who continue to tirelessly and vigorously enforce our laws. 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 chairman Hilario Paredes.

Paredes urged the affected stakeholders to lay their rightful claim on the accountable parties they signed their contracts with.

The fresh attempt to stop the re -

By Rio N. Araja

turn of Camp John Hay to the BCDA comes after the ex-officio sheriff proceeded to execute the final award, which started last Jan. 6.

On April 3, last year, the Supreme Court (SC) invalidated a 2015 Court of Appeals (CA) decision nullifying a writ of execution issued by Baguio RTC Branch 6 and the Notice to Vacate issued by the court’s ex-officio sheriff insofar as third persons claiming rights over improvements in Camp John Hay were concerned.

In its final decision in October 2024, the SC reversed the CA verdict and upheld the arbitral final award, saying all improvements must be returned to the BCDA without exception.

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) seized five kilos of shabu worth P34 million in a buy-bust operation on Sunday in Caloocan City.

The PDEA-National Capital Region, in coordination with the Northern Police District, led the operation swopped down on the suspect’s house at Block 3 Lot 38, Abel St., Kingstown 2 subdivision, Caloocan.

The raiders arrested four suspects identified only as Al, 39; Sammy, 22-year-old female, and Amy, a 19-year-old girl, all residents of Kingstown 2; and Ferds, 18, of Divisoria, Zamboanga City.

The team seized five kilograms of shabu with an estimated street value of P34 million, a vehicle, cellular phones, the buy-bust money, and several identification cards.

Drug charges were being prepared against the suspects.

BI rounds up 180 foreign outlaws in ‘24

By Vito Barcelo

AT least 180 foreign fugitives wanted in their respective homelands for various crimes were arrested by the Bureau of Immigration last year.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado said operatives of the bureau’s Fugitive’s Search Unit apprehended the outlaws in separate operations carried out in multiple locations across the country.

“Nearly all of them were already deported to their countries of origin where they are currently serving time in prison after being convicted for crimes they committed,” said FSU acting chief Rendel Ryan Sy. Viado commended the FSU for a job well done, saying the total number of fugitives apprehended last year was significantly higher than the 128 outlaws arrested in 2023. Viado reiterated that there will be no let-up in the BI’s intensified campaign against wanted foreign criminals who have taken refuge in the Philippines to evade prosecution for their crimes.

“As we have repeatedly declared, the Philippines is off-limits to all foreign fugitives. This country is not a sanctuary for alien criminals. The order of the President is clear—protect our nation from external threats,” he added.

The FSU said 74 Korean nationals accounted for the bulk of the arrested aliens, followed by 62 Chinese nationals, 12 Taiwanese, 11 Japanese, seven Americans, two Italians, and two Australians. Also in the list is a Briton, a Canadian, a German, an Indian, an Indonesian, a Jordanian, a Kyrgystani, a Liberian, a Nigerian, and a Serbian. Offenses committed by these aliens included economic crimes, investment scams, illegal gambling, money laundering, telecommunications fraud, robbery, and narcotics trading.

Among the notable arrests was that of six Japanese members of the notorious “Luffy” gang - Takayuki Kagashima, Sawada Masaya, Ueda Koji, Sjuzuki Seiji, Kiyohara Jun, Nagaura Hiroki - who were wanted for involvement in scams, extortion and fraud activities in Japan.

INUNDATION. Incessant rains precipitated by a shear line triggered severe floodings in Jipapad, Eastern Samar where the floodwaters submerged low-level structures including schools.

OPINION

THERE is now the question of whether or not the war on illegal drugs, both brutal and bloody resulting in extrajudicial killings and the death of over 6,000 according to police estimates, as a matter of national policy, was illegal..

Unofficial estimates claim no less than 27,000 to 28,000 were killed.

Juan Ponce Enrile, the chief legal counsel to President Marcos Jr., says it was not legal as a matter of national policy. There is now the big question on whether or not former President Rodrigo Duterte can be prosecuted under our laws.

I am a lawyer and, upon reading the 1987 Constitution and knowing our Constitutional law and the Revised Penal Code, whether or not Duterte’s war on illegal drugs was legal or not brings to the fore many questions.

The International Criminal Court or the ICC claims Duterte and his cohorts committed crimes against humanity and must be prosecuted by the ICC. This brings under our laws the question of whether or not the Department of Justice can now prosecute Duterte and his cohorts, including now Senator “Bato” dela Rosa who was then the chief of the Philippine National Police. Should the DOJ now prosecute Duterte since he no longer enjoys immunity? Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla should do his duty to enforce the law.

Since no less than the Chief Presidential Counsel JPE had claimed Duterte’s war against illegal drugs was not legal and since Duterte had stated he assumed full responsibility for his mantra “Kill them all” – referring to those involved in illegal drugs – President Bongbong Marcos should, and as President, prosecute Duterte and his cohorts.

According to sources, the ICC may issue search warrants against Duterte and his cohorts before the May midterm election. If not, right after the election.

I have sought the opinion of lawyers who know the ramifications of criminal laws and Constitutional law, on whether the “kill them all” war of Duterte on illegal drugs should be considered national policy.

—“—

While I agree with Enrile that Duterte’s war needed to rid the country of a national menace, his mantra of ‘kill them all’ was illegal

They all agree the President can issue national policy, but it should not be a national policy that will entail killing all those involved in illegal drugs. It is the mandate of the police to apprehend people who violate the law.

But, did all of those killed in the illegal drugs war violate the law?

Duterte included in war on illegal drugs even drug users and drug addicts, which makes his mantra illegal. Drug pushers should be apprehended. But not immediately unless they resist and they themselves try to fight back and try to kill the law enforcers.

The usual excuse of the police was that they fought back. The question is : Did all those killed in that war fight back? That is where the problem lies, Santa Banana!

From the start, killing all those involved in illegal drugs should not be a matter of national policy.

Illegal drugs are a national menace. But, it should be emphasized that in enforcing national policy, law enforcers should not resort to killing all those involved in drugs. That would be a crime against humanity.

EDITORIAL

Duterte must be prosecuted —“—

The question is whether or not Duterte’s war on illegal drugs was Constitutional or not and whether or not it should be a matter of national policy, my gulay!

While I agree with Enrile that Duterte’s war needed to rid the country of a national menace, his mantra of “kill them all” was illegal and since he claims full responsibility, then he must be prosecuted for “crimes against humanity.”

Since national law demands its enforcement, it is the duty of President Marcos Jr. . to enforce the law.

Can Sara Duterte escape accountability?

(Part 1)

WHAT if the country’s second-highest official, facing impeachment, walks away before the trial even begins?

This looming move could upend Philippine democracy, exposing deep cracks in its legal and political foundations. As the nation braces for the fallout, we dissect the highstakes questions that will shape its future.

I. Legal/Constitutional framework

Impeachment process

The 1987 Constitution establishes impeachment as the primary mechanism for removing high-ranking officials accused of serious wrongdoing.

Article XI, Section 3(1): The House of Representatives has the sole power to initiate impeachment.

Article XI, Section 3(6): The Senate has the sole power to try and decide all cases of impeachment.

Article XI, Section 3(7): The only penalties upon conviction are: Removal from office

Perpetual disqualification from holding public office

Notably, the Constitution does not specify what happens if the accused official resigns before the trial concludes.

II. The legal debate

A. Argument for continuing the Im-

peachment Trial

Dual-Purpose Nature of Impeachment

The impeachment complaint contains two prayers:

Removal from office (now moot if Duterte resigns)

Perpetual disqualification from holding public office (still a live issue)

The Constitution does not specify what happens if the accused official resigns before the trial concludes

Since disqualification is an independent penalty, the Senate retains jurisdiction to resolve this matter even if Duterte steps down.

Separation of Powers and Legislative Oversight

The Senate impeachment court functions as a quasi-judicial body, but it derives its authority from the legislative branch.

If officials could escape impeachment consequences simply by resigning, impeachment would be weakened

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon with two vertical strips one on top on another. The top most strip has the label “before” at the upper right corner. The top most strip has an online troll factory with ugly, rancid creatures with missing teeth screaming at their mobile phones. At the other side of their phones are tongues of fire labeled “fake news.”

ONLY 60 hours prior to posting, Manila Standard Publisher Rolando Estabillo perked up the staff in the run up to their 38th anniversary since hitting the news stands in Metro Manila’s financial capital, with words that fitly boosted their morale.

“We are now 38; we’re not young, we’re not old yet. We are millennials.We may not be at the apex in this competitive industry, but we are going up there; let’s be proud of Manila Standard,” the seasoned journalist, who cut his teeth initially as a correspondent of the Central News Agency told the staff, many of them truthfully unsung heroes of the newsroom.

The newspaper has gone through various stages of upgrade in the years since its birth and has now, thanks to the staff who have kept the faith and continued to hold on to their work ethic and loyalty – few of them already with the newspaper as from Day One – touched the competitive digital legend.

The English language newspaper has morphed a few times from an upscale tabloid to a Tall Boy to a full broadsheet and is properly competitively on a roll in its fourth decade – never mind the global health emergency which hobbled its operations somehow.

One detached analyst has summed things up, “With its coverage of the various domestic runs and overseas, Manila Standard slowly but steadily gained credibility as a distinct gatekeeper of news and information – both in its hard and soft sections.”

The newspaper, disclosed to the reading public on Philippine newsstands in 1987, rolled its presses to a fourth decade on Feb. 11, 2017,

as a tool for accountability.

Allowing the Senate to proceed strengthens legislative oversight over public officials.

Comparative Legal Precedents

In the United States, impeachment trials have continued even after resignation (e.g., Judge Samuel Kent, 2009). The Senate ruled that resignation does not automatically divest it of jurisdiction.

In South Korea, the Constitutional Court ruled in 2017 that impeachment proceedings could continue after resignation if the case involved grave offenses affecting the rule of law.

Public Policy and Preventing Strategic Resignation If resignation automatically nulli-

Manila Standard: In the groove

its news executives, reporters, the newsroom’s unsung heroes, the administrative, advertising, circulation and printing staff at the ready for the new challenge launched four years earlier.

On Jan. 1, 1983, newspapers faced the summons of the Internet. Prior to this, the various computer networks did not have a standard way to communicate with each other.

Advertisers keep on coming because of our credibility

A new communications protocol was established called Transfer Control Protocol/Internetwork Protocol. That challenge has not been lost on the staff of the newspaper while getting themselves up to the minute on the digital age, sometimes referred to as the information age.

This is generally considered to be that time in the 21st century, starting with the widespread use of the Internet, when we shifted from traditional industry to an economy based on information and communication technologies.

With the new roll, the newspaper is complemented by its digital service and its social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and X, the original Twitter which was rebranded in April 2023.

The founders of the Manila Standard, created the publication, persuaded there was room for a newspaper “that seeks to present facts… to serve as an intellectual forum for ideas, whether clashing or compli-

fies impeachment, it creates a dangerous precedent where officials can evade accountability by resigning before conviction.

This loophole could be exploited to protect powerful but corrupt politicians, undermining the credibility of the rule of law.

B. Argument for halting the Impeachment Trial Historical Practice in the Philippines In 2011, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez resigned before her Senate trial, leading to the termination of impeachment proceedings.

The Senate historically interprets its jurisdiction as ending when there is no official left to remove.

mentary, to test the limits of investigative reporting.”

Its maiden editorial was precise in the newspaper’s mission: “To stand firm in the face of sly machinations of power brokers; to offer nuggets from the arts, which are necessary if we are to live as sensitive human beings; to tell the stories of the little day-to-day heroisms that, minus the benefits of publicity mills, go sadly unnoticed and unmarked.”

Readers had a first glimpse of the tall-man size newspaper—loosely, if immodestly, translated as “great in vertical dimension and high in stature”-- nine days after a newly ratified Constitution was promulgated. More than defining the news it underscored the future of competition in the discerning, if tasteful, print industry.

It competed with other firmly installed publications while it wrestled for a share of the advertising pie and attention from the opinionated and well-informed public.

As the Manila Standard and other newspapers raced frenetically for honest, balanced and accurate reportage, they individually raised the challenge whether they could continue to be relevant in the years ahead.

As the publisher said, “We’re going strong (and) I am very proud in the way we have evolved as a newspaper, and I am referring to all, including the printing, the layout, the circulation, the advertising, the business, the reporters and, of course , the editors..

“Advertisers keep on coming because of our credibility.”

As members of the bar say, submitted your honor.

Constitutional Silence on Post-Resignation Impeachment

The Constitution does not explicitly grant the Senate power to try an impeached official after resignation.

A restrictive interpretation would argue that the Senate’s role is limited to removing an official, not punishing a private citizen.

Risk of Judicial Intervention

If the Senate continues the trial, Duterte could challenge the proceedings before the Supreme Court, arguing that impeachment only applies to sitting officials.

This could create a constitutional crisis if the Court strikes down the proceedings mid-trial.

(To be continued)

Honor

Blanco Cabie

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

Over

600 arrested for working

illegally in UK – Labor gov’t

LONDON – UK immigration enforcement teams made over 600 arrests in January, a 73 percent increase on the same period a year ago, as part of the new Labor government’s plan to tackle undocumented migration and people smuggling gangs, officials said on Monday.

The 609 arrests, compared to 352 in January 2024, were made during visits to over 800 premises including nail bars, restaurants, car washes and convenience stores, a government statement said.

On taking office last year Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer immediately scrapped his Conservative predecessor Rishi Sunak’s plan to deter undocumented migration to the UK by deporting new arrivals to Rwanda. Instead he pledged to “smash the gangs” to bring the numbers down.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said employers had for too long been able to “exploit illegal migrants and too many people have been able to arrive and work illegally with no enforcement action ever taken”.

“We are boosting enforcement to record levels alongside tough new legislation to smash the criminal gangs that undermine our border security and who have been getting away with it for far too long,” she said.

Undocumented migration by people who take small, perilously unsafe boats across the English Channel from northern France to southern England was a major issue at last July’s general election which brought Starmer’s Labour Party to power. AFP

Trump’s ‘3’ to Europe for security talks

WASHINGTON, DC – A trio of top Trump administration officials will make separate trips to Europe this week, with security and Washington’s commitment to Ukraine expected to be at the heart of their discussions.

President Donald Trump -- push-

ing his “America First” agenda -- has questioned US security commitments in Europe and called on allies to drastically boost their defense spending, while his administration has been largely quiet so far on his plans for future Ukraine aid.

Washington gave Kyiv tens of billions of dollars in military assistance under president Joe Biden, but Trump’s administration has yet to provide additional aid despite several billion dollars

Bangladesh arrests 1,300 in ex-regime loyalist crackdown

DHAKA – Bangladeshi police said Monday more than 1,300 people have been arrested in a sweeping crackdown dubbed “Operation Devil Hunt,” targeting gangs allegedly connected to the ousted regime of Sheikh Hasina. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, head of the interior ministry in the interim government that took over after Hasina was ousted in the August 2024 student-led revolution, has vowed the operations will continue “until we uproot the devils”. Police spokesman Inamul Haque Sagar said that operations continue, but from its launch on Saturday “1,308 people were arrested across the country”. The security operations come after widespread unrest earlier this month.

On February 5, six months to the day since Hasina fled as crowds stormed her palace in Dhaka, protesters smashed down buildings connected to her family using excavators. Protests were triggered in response to reports that 77-year-old Hasina -- who has defied an arrest warrant to face trial crimes against humanity -- would appear in a Facebook broadcast from exile in neighboring India. Buildings destroyed included the museum and former home of Hasina’s late father, Bangladesh’s first president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, sparking condemnation from a group of civil rights activists. There were also clashes between anti-Hasina protesters and members of her Awami League party. The interim government blamed Hasina for the violence.

On Friday, interim leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus appealed for calm, Hours later, members of the Students Against Discrimination -- the protest group credited with sparking the uprising against Hasina -- were at-

in remaining authority carrying over from his predecessor’s time in office. Vice President JD Vance will take part in an AI summit in France and then attend the Munich Security Conference in Germany along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who will subsequently travel to the Middle East.

“The vice president will deliver remarks at each event and will hold bilateral meetings with world leaders,” according to the White House. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth will

meanwhile visit the headquarters of two US military commands in Germany before attending a meeting of NATO defense ministers and a gathering of Ukraine’s international supporters in Belgium, then travel to Poland for talks with its leaders.

Rubio -- who was a regular at the Munich conference in his previous role as a US senator -- has already traveled to Latin America as secretary of state, but the trips this week will be Vance’s and Hegseth’s debuts on the international stage in their new roles.

In a sign of the new administration’s priorities, Hegseth’s first trip as defense secretary was to the southern US border, where Trump declared a national emergency on his first day in office.

In Brussels, Hegseth “will engage with NATO allies and partners to dis-

cuss the need to boost allied defense spending, increase European leadership, and expand defense industrial base capacity on both sides of the Atlantic,” the Pentagon said.

At the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group -- which will be chaired by the UK instead of the United States for the first time -- Hegseth “will reiterate President Trump’s commitment for a diplomatic end to the war in Ukraine as quickly as possible,” according to the Pentagon.

“He will also highlight the need for increased European leadership on security assistance to Ukraine.”

Trump has repeatedly criticized US assistance for Kyiv and claimed before taking office that he could secure a ceasefire within hours -- a result that has yet to materialize. AFP

Colombia in crisis after resignation calls

BOGOTA – Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Sunday (Monday in Manila) called for his ministers and other senior officials to step down, as tensions soared in the government days after he lambasted his team on live television.

The demand came after Petro on Tuesday subjected his Cabinet to a five-hour public dressing down on state TV, in which he said the government had been underperforming.

He accused several officials, including his trade, education and health ministers, of falling behind on the delivery of key projects.

“I have requested the resignation of ministers and directors of administrative departments,” Petro posted on social media platform X.

“There will be some changes in the cabinet to achieve greater compliance

with the program ordered by the people.”

As of Sunday night, three ministers and two senior officials had resigned since the meeting.

Not long after Petro’s announcement, labor minister Gloria Ramirez announced her resignation on social media platform X.

“Politics must proceed without sectarianism and without ambiguities,” she said.

Earlier, Colombia’s environment minister Susana Muhamad had become the second cabinet member in a week to step down after the contentious meeting.

Several ministers had complained about the presence at the meeting of Armando Benedetti, one of Petro’s closest aides, who is being investigated over illegal campaign financing

during the president’s 2022 election race and who has been accused by his ex-wife of domestic abuse. They also expressed disapproval of the appointment as foreign minister of Laura Sarabia, Petro’s scandal-hit former chief of staff, who has had a meteoric rise within the government. Sarabia was implicated in an investigation into a large corruption scandal and was involved in a case of alleged illegal wiretapping against her nanny. She was appointed in the midst of a diplomatic crisis as Petro engaged US President Donald Trump in a standoff over migrant deportation flights. The day after the cabinet meeting, culture minister Juan David Correa resigned, as did Jorge Rojas, the head of the state agency DAPRE, which manages large amounts of state funds. AFP

IN BRIEF

During his three weeks in office the president has unleashed a flurry of executive orders aimed at slashing federal spending. He has appointed SpaceX and Tesla boss Musk to lead his federal cost-cutting efforts under the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). AFP

PARIS – Nearly all nations missed a UN deadline Monday to submit new targets for slashing carbon emissions, including major economies under pressure to show leadership following the US retreat on climate change.

Just 10 of nearly 200 countries required under the Paris Agreement to deliver fresh climate plans by February 10 did so on time, according to a UN database tracking the submissions.

Under the climate accord, each country is supposed to provide a steeper headline figure for cutting heat-trapping emissions by 2035, and a detailed blueprint for how to achieve this. Global emissions have been rising but need to almost halve by the end of the decade to limit global warming to levels agreed under the Paris deal. UN climate chief Simon Stiell has called this latest round of national pledges “the most important policy documents of this century”. AFP

PARIS – The European Union will retaliate by replicating any tariffs imposed on it by the United States, the French foreign minister said on Monday, warning Washington against a trade war.

“There is no hesitation when

SAME GULF, NEW NAME US President Donald Trump speaks to the press after signing a proclamation renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America aboard Air Force One, as it flies over the Gulf en route to New Orleans, Louisiana

Cool Smashers, Angels eye playoff momentum vs. struggling rivals

UNBEATEN Creamline and surging Petro Gazz look to sustain their dominant form as they take on struggling opponents at the resumption of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminaries today (Tuesday) at the Philsports Arena.

The Cool Smashers, displaying the poise of reigning champions, will battle a Farm Fresh squad desperate to improve its standing. Currently in ninth place with a 4-5 record, the Foxies need a strong finish to climb into the top six and boost their playoff hopes. However, overcoming the powerhouse Cool Smashers will be no easy task.

Creamline, the defending three-time All-Filipino champions, has been nearly unstoppable this season, boasting an impeccable 8-0 record. With stars like Jema Galanza, Bernadeth Pons, Tots Carlos, Michele Gumabao and Alyssa Valdez leading the charge, they are inching closer to a possible sweep of the prelims in the league organized by Sports Vision and backed by Watsons.

“Our win against Chery Tiggo in three sets was a big deal. The team’s confidence is high, but of course, knowing Farm Fresh, they also have veteran recruits mixed with young players. They’re also showing a good performance this conference, so we will prepare well. I think it will be a great match,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses in Filipino.

After tonight’s 6:30 p.m. clash with Farm Fresh, only two more games remain in their prelims campaign— against the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Feb. 15 and the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Feb. 20.

Despite their underdog status, the Foxies possess the firepower to challenge Creamline. With Jolina Dela Cruz providing additional offensive punch alongside Trisha Tubu, Rizza Cruz, Aly Bertolano and Caitlyn Viray, Farm Fresh is determined to pull off an upset.

Meanwhile, the 4 p.m. match also features a contrasting battle between the red-hot Petro Gazz Angels and the struggling Capital1 Solar Spikers.

The Angels enter the match riding a six-game winning streak, including a four-set triumph over ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles. On the other hand, the Solar Spikers are in dire straits, having lost their last five matches in straight sets and sitting at the bottom of the standings with a 1-8 record.

PSA Forum to discuss Ironman 70.3

THE Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum holds its first session for 2025 on Tuesday (Feb. 11) featuring the Ironman 70.3 to be held in Puerto Princesa City on March 2. It’s going to be a special edition of the weekly public sports program as it will be held at the LGR office at 2554 Alejo Aquino St. Vito Cruz. Manila.

Appearing in the 10:30 a.m. session to talk about the event are Princess Galura, president and general manager of Sunrise Events Incorporated and Rhayan Cruz, president of LGR. About 64 countries are participating in the meet held in partnership with Puerto Princesa City and LGR Athletic Wears as the official sponsor.

San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, PLDT/Smart, and the country’s 24/7 sports app Arena Plus copresent the Forum that makes a return after a two-month hiatus to give way to the highly-successful 2024 SMC-PSA Awards.

PSA President Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine Star, enjoins members to attend the first session for the year.

Eagles maul Chiefs to win Super Bowl

NEW ORLEANS—The Philadelphia Eagles soared to a crushing 40-22 Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, shattering their opponents’ bid for a historic hat-trick of NFL titles in a rout watched by President Donald Trump.

Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another as the Eagles avenged their agonizing Super Bowl defeat to the Chiefs two years ago in emphatic style at New Orleans’ Superdome.

“I’ve been able to use every experience and learn from it -- the good, the bad, all of it -- to pursue my own greatness,” Hurts said.

“But I couldn’t do any of these

things without the guys around me. We had a special group this year -we were able to learn from the past, get some nice new pieces and get over that hump.”

The Chiefs had been bidding to become the first team in history to win three consecutive Vince Lombardi trophies following Super Bowl victories in 2023 and 2024.

But Chiefs quarterback Patrick Ma-

homes—who was sacked six times and threw two interceptions—never looked like leading his team to glory as the Eagles’ i ron defense and clinical offense dominated throughout.

“Credit to the Eagles, they played better than us from start to finish,” Mahomes said. “Obviously the turnovers hurt, and I take all the blame for that. I just didn’t play to my standard and I have to be better next time.”

The Eagles effectively had the game won by half-time, powering into a 24-0 lead at the break after three unanswered touchdowns from Hurts, Cooper DeJean and A.J. Brown.

They extended the lead to 34-0 late in the third quarter before Kansas City finally grabbed three late consolation

touchdowns. Eagles kicker Jake Elliott bagged four field goals.

Trump applause, Gaza protest Sunday’s extravaganza was watched by a star-studded 65,719 crowd bristling with celebrities and VIPs headed by Trump, who became the first sitting US President to attend the Super Bowl after jetting into New Orleans from Florida on Air Force One earlier in the day following a round of golf with Tiger Woods. Trump has had an uneasy relationship with the NFL over the years, triggering uproar in 2017 after attacking players for kneeling in protest against racial injustice during renditions of the US national anthem.

But the US leader was given a broadly positive reception at the Superdome after arriving at the venue shortly before kick-off.

Soon after arriving, Trump met with first responders and family members of victims of the January 1 attack in New Orleans that left 14 people dead and dozens wounded.

Later, loud cheering could be heard among the crowd when the Superdome’s giant screen showed Trump saluting during the national anthem.

That warm applause was in stark contrast to the booing that rang around the venue early in the first quarter when the same screen showed pop icon Taylor Swift sitting in the VIP seats. Swift, watching boyfriend and Chiefs ace Travis Kelce, was among a galaxy of stars crowded into the venue, with the likes of Beatles legend Paul McCartney rubbing shoulders with Hollywood actors Kevin Costner, Paul Rudd and Anne Hathaway and soccer star Lionel Messi.

The catcalls for Swift -- who backed Trump’s opponent Kamala Harris in last year’s election -- were not lost on the US President.

Trump later shared a post on his TruthSocial network which read:

“Trump gets massive cheers at the Super Bowl while Taylor Swift gets booed - the world is healing!” T he star wattage meanwhile was ramped up before kick-off with singer La dy Gaga making a surprise performance in New Orleans’ famous Bourbon Street in a segment paying tribute to victims of recent tragedies around the US.

Trump meanwhile expressed hope the nation could come together for the Super Bowl, which is by far the biggest annual event on the American sporting calendar. AFP

Trump mocks Swift: She got booed out of stadium

NEW ORLEANS—Donald Trump

mocked pop star Taylor Swift after the singer was booed Sunday at the Super Bowl during the Kansas City Chiefs defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Trump -- who became the first sitting US President to attend the Super Bowl in Sunday’s showpiece in New Orleans -- left the game shortly after half-time.

However the US President could not resist posting a social media dig at Swift, who was in the crowd to watch her boyfriend, Chiefs star Travis Kelce.

The Chiefs would go on to suffer a bruising 40-22 defeat at the Superdome.

“The only one that had a tougher night than the Kansas City Chiefs was Taylor Swift,” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform.

HARBIN, China—Freestyle skier

Laetaz Amihan Rabe and figure skaters Isabella Gamez and Aleksandr Korovin will begin their respective campaigns on Tuesday in a bid to put the Philippines on the medal standing of the 9th Asian Winter Games here.

The 15-year-old Rabe will be the youngest from among six competitors in the women’s freeski slopestyle event in a field spearheaded by Japanese Kanon Kondo, Japan freestyle slopestyle ski champion Kiho Sugarawa and Chinese vet-

erans Han Linshan, Liu Mengting and Yang Ruyi. Gamez and Korovin, on the other hand, are making their debut in the pair skating short program at the HIC Multifunctional Hall in downtown Harbin.

“We are excited and honored to be here representing the Philippines. We are confident with our training leading up to this, as we keep the same mentality for every competition we go, and we will continue to do the same for Harbin,” Isabella said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine women’s curling team absorbed its first setback after three games on Monday, while the men’s side bounced back from a stinging defeat to Korea with a methodical 4-1 victory over Kazakhstan. Japan rallied in the last four ends to beat the Filipina curlers, spearheaded by skip Kathleen Dubberstein and Leilani Sumbillo An, 6-4, at the Harbin Pingfang District Curling Arena.

The national quintet, which also featured vice skip Sheila Mariano, lead Anne Bonache and alternate Jennifer dela Fuente, grabbed the

“She got BOOED out of the Stadium. MAGA is very unforgiving!” Trump had earlier shared a post from a different account mocking Swift, which contrasted Trump’s reception by Super Bowl fans with that of the singer.

Trump was given loud roars of applause when he was shown on the giant screen inside the stadium, saluting while singing the US national anthem.

“Trump gets massive cheers at the Super Bowl while Taylor Swift gets booed—the world is healing!” the post read.

Swift was a prominent celebrity backer of Trump’s US presidential election rival Kamala Harris last year. Her endorsement prompted Trump to post on Truth Social: “I hate Taylor Swift.” AFP

second and third ends for a 4-1 advantage before Japan’s Ai Matsunaga and Suzune Yasui conspired in wiping out the deficit.

With a 2-1 record following a 13-1 blowout triumph over Qatar on Sunday night, the women’s national team faces Kazakhstan and Thailand on Tuesday followed by host China and powerhouse Korea on the next day. They should wind up in the top four after the nine-team round robin for a spot in the semifinals on Thursday. Filipino-Swiss siblings Marc and Enrico Pfister joined forces with lead Alan Frei and vice skip Christian Haller in the victory over Kazakhstan, erasing the grim defeat at the hands of South Korea, 6-1, during the event opener on Sunday.

Carrying an even slate after two outings, the men’s quintet should subdue Kyrgyzstan late Monday and Chinese Taipei on Wednesday for a clear entry to the men’s qualification round on Thursday where a semifinal slot is at stake.

The medal faceoff for the men’s and women’s teams is set Friday.

Eagles’ players hold the Lombardi trophy after they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22, in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. AFP

US President Donald Trump salutes as the national anthem is played before the start of Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. AFP

The Philippine Women’s Curling team (from left Anne Bonache, Shiela Mariano, and Lani Sumbillo) in action against Japan

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Fil-American rips 1,000m, 400m marks

FIL-AMERICAN trackster and Harvard University standout Victoria Bossong continued to create ripples for her alma mater recently.

The 21-year-old Bossong, who is aspiring to join Team Philippines, broke two school records and surpassed a couple of Philippine national marks in two separate indoor athletic meets in Boston, Massachusetts.

On Saturday, the 5’6” Bossong clocked 52.02 seconds to finish second in the finals of the women’s 400m at the 2025

Bruce Lehane Scarlet & White Invite at the Boston University oval. She was behind Ottawa Lions sprinter Lauren Gale, who took the gold in 51.79 seconds, but ahead of teammate Chloe Fair (52.92).

With her performance, Bossong improved on her own Harvard record of 52.72 achieved at the Eastern College Athletic College Championships (ECAC) last year.

Bossong also went below the current Philippine record of 53.71, which Paris Olympics Lauren Hoffman established in February last year at the Tiger Paw Invitationals in Clemson, South Carolina.

The result catapulted Bossong to be ranked fifth in the US.

Later in the day, Bossong did it again, when she shattered the school record of 2:43.03 last year by Maia Ramsden as she went past the current Philippine national mark with her 2:41.66 in the women’s 1000m in the Crimson Open at the Boston University oval. The previous national mark was 3:06.39 set by Natalie Quintero five years ago at an On Your Mark event in Sta. Barbara, California. Peter Atencio

Archery, cycling para-athletes shine in Thailand tournaments

By Randy M. Caluag

FILIPINO para-athletes in archery and cycling delivered stellar performances in separate competitions in Thailand, bringing home multiple medals in archery and cycling over the weekend.

Paralympian Agustina Bantiloc and Marzel Burgos secured a bronze medal in the compound mixed team event at the 2025 Asia Para Cup - World Ranking Tournament in Bangkok.

The Philippine duo outclassed Hong Kong’s Chang Yuen Wah and

PBA unveils 50th anniversary logo

By Peter Atencio

FESTIVITIES celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Philippine Basketball Association will start on Feb. 26 during the first semifinal game of the 49th PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum. Patches bearing the number 50 will be attached to the jerseys of players from the TNT Tropang Giga and their rivals from Rain or Shine Elasto Painters during their 5:30 p.m. encounter.

The second group of players in the 7:30 p.m. clash between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings and the North Port Batang Pier will also wear the logos on their uniforms.

“Sa ating 50th anniversary, ang pagsisimula ng celebration ay sa semifinals. Iyung mga players ay magsusuot ng mga patches, ganu’n din ang mga referees at mga officials. Ipapakita na natin kung paano tayo magse-celebrate,” said commissioner Willie Marcial.

Marcial talked about the festivities, with mem-

Ngai Ka Chuen with an impressive 140-134 victory in their bronzemedal showdown. It marked the second bronze for the Philippine Para Archery Team in Bangkok, following an earlier podium finish by Burgos and Angelo Manangdang in the compound men’s

open team event. Meanwhile, in the 13th Asian Para Road Cycling Championships in Phitsanulok, Thailand, Filipino cyclists Joel Ian Tacutaco and Patrick Gerald Lee also dished out medal-producing performances. Tacutaco clinched a silver medal in the Road Race C4, while Lee secured a bronze in the Road Race C5. The Philippine Para Cycling Team, led by coach Bert Oconer, finished the event with a one-silver, twobronze haul, including a podium finish by Michael Bayani, who took third place in the Individual Time Trial (ITT) C4. Bayani, making his internation-

bers of the PBA Board of Governors, during a presser on Monday at the TV5 Launchpad Bldg. in Sheridan, Mandaluyong. A new PBA logo was unveiled on Monday, a day after the Gin Kings beat the Bolts, 94-87, at the Ynares Sports Center, to complete the semis cast of top seed NorthPort, second seed TNT and Rain or Shine.

The emblem shows an all-gold “PBA50” lettering,

commemorating the league’s 50th year, with the silhouette of a dribbling player in the middle row.

A panel, headed by three-point legend Allan Caidic will lead a selection committee tasked to name 10 additional players, who will complete the list of the PBA’s 50 greatest, to be unveiled on April 9.

A series of activities will then commence, right before the opening of Season 50 of the PBA on Oct. 5.

Hwang aims for ICTSI WWL Masters’ glory in PH debut

KOREAN rising star Hwang Yoon is poised to make a strong impression at the ICTSI Worldwide Link Philippine Ladies Masters unfolding Wednesday at the challenging The Country Club course in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Making her debut in the Philippines, she is determined to dominate and secure back-to-back victories in the first two overseas events of the Korean Dream Tour.

Fresh off her maiden victory at the Indonesian Women’s Open three weeks ago – where she edged fellow Korean Cho Yeongmin on the second sudden-death hole –Hwang is determined to carry that momentum into this high-stakes tournament.

“The goal of every competition is always to win. I will play with confidence,” said Hwang, 23, during a practice session at the challenging TCC course over the weekend.

While she acknowledges the tough competition ahead – with 50 top players each from the Korean

LPGA (KLPGA) and the LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA), and the top 32 from the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) – Hwang remains focused on the course’s demands.

“Like in Indonesia, I will study the course and understand its characteristics,” she said. “Tee shots and putting are the most important aspects.

However, TCC presents additional challenges, including its demanding length and unpredictable winds, which are expected to impact play on most holes, especially the closing par-4 18th, widely regarded as one of the toughest finishing holes in Asia.

The 54-hole $200,000 championship is the first KLPGA-sanctioned event held in partnership with the LPGT and TLPGA, ensuring a high level of competition over three intense days.

Among the key contenders are 2021 KLPGA Rookie of the Year and two-time winner) Song Gaeun, former national standout Sohn

Yebeen, 2024 Korean Dream Tour winner Park Ye-Ji, and US-based player Yoo Dagyeom. The international standouts are Japan’s Wakui Mayu and Aoi Mako, Thailand’s Chayanit Wangmahaporn, and leading TLPGA competitors Li-Ning Wang and Ching Huang and Thais Saraporn Chamchoi, Chonlada Chayanun, Pakin Kawinpakorn, Ornnicha Konsunthea, Kamonwan Lueamsri, and Navaporn Soontreeyapas.

However, local hopes Dottie Ardina, Pauline del Rosario, Princess Superal, Harmie Constantino, Daniella Uy, and Yvon Bisera, along with Korean-Filipina standout Tiffany Lee, will be aiming to keep the inaugural title on home soil.

Meanwhile, Hwang is fully aware of the challenge ahead but remains motivated to make a strong impact in her Philippine debut.

“This is my first time in the Philippines, and I want to make great memories here,” she said.

al debut, clocked 32 minutes and 37.89 seconds in the 20-km race, trailing gold medalist Muhammad Fadli Imammudin of Indonesia (30:36.840) and silver winner Pavel Babenko of Kazakhstan (30:59.747). Veteran Godfrey Taberna placed fifth in the same category, while former Asian Championship bronze medalist Arthus Bucay finished fourth in the Men’s C5 division with a time of 31:37.599, narrowly missing the podium. Patrick Lee, also competing internationally for the first time, finished sixth in his event with a time of 32:12.49 in a highly competitive field of 15 riders.

Del Monte’s Interclub defense a ‘challenge’

DEFENDING the Philippine Airlines Interclub Seniors’ division title for the first time is a challenge, Del Monte skipper Yoyong Velez admits.

But the Bukidnon-based squad has touched down in Bacolod on Friday up for the task set next week, with Velez saying that they are ‘confident and optimistic’ even if they will be shooting for a repeat far away from the comforts of home where they dominated the field last year.

“This team has matured a lot,” Velez said over the phone even as the squad will add a new face in Del Monte executive Rey Doria. “We are confident and optimistic that we will be able to perform well.”

Seniors’ action takes the lid off of the 76th edition of what is known as the country’s unofficial team golf championship starting Monday at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club (formerly Marapara) and Bacolod Golf and Country Club (also known as Binitin), courses that have striking similarities to the character of Del Monte in their make up. Luisita and Canlubang are standing in the way of a first Interclub repeat for Del Monte, which succumbed in its first try in its Regular Men’s division defense more than two decades ago. “We will be having the same team and that will be a huge factor,” Velez explained as pressure will play a huge role.

Incidentally, while Del Monte will come in with a virtually intact roster, the Luisitans and Sugar Barons have made several changes in their respective rosters, which even made nonplaying Luisita skipper Jeric Hechanova say that “the third and fourth players will decide the tournament.” Cangolf, on the other hand, will again be spearheaded by the seasoned Abe Rosal, who went on to say that “the team that commits the less mistakes will likely become champion. That’s how balanced the field is this year, from where I sit.”

Para-archers Agustina Bantiloc and Marzel Burgos are shown prior to their competition. At right, para cyclists Joel Ian Tacutaco and Patrick Gerald Lee raise their hands at the podium. Philippine Paralympic Committee/Jonathan Josol/Norberto Oconer

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, together with coaches, players and board of governors, unveils the league’s 50th anniversary logo.

Hwang Yoon

Victoria Bossong

Foreign direct investment inflows rose 4.4% to $8.6b in 11 months

By Darwin G. Amojelar

FDI net inflows in November 2024

The job-generating foreign direct investments (FDIs) yielded net inflows of $8.6 billion in the first 11 months of 2024, up 4.4 percent from $8.2 billion a year earlier despite the lower figure in November, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Monday.

from Japan, the United States and Singapore. “These investments were primarily channeled into the manufacturing, real estate, financial and insurance, and administrative and support service industries,” the BSP said.

$901 million $8.6 billion $8.2 billion

FDI net inflows in 11 months of 2024

Data from the BSP showed that net inflows in November 2024 reached $901 million, representing a 19.8-percent decline from $1.1 billion net inflows seen in November 2023.

FDI includes investment by a nonresident direct investor in a resident enterprise, where the equity capital in the latter is at least 10 percent. The BSP’s FDI statistics cover actual investment inflows.

Breaking down the FDI component,

nonresidents’ net investments in debt instruments contracted by 17.9 percent to $791 million in November 2024 from $964 million in November 2023.

Nonresidents’ net investments in equity capital (other than reinvestment of earnings) declined by 58.9 percent to $35 million from $85 million. Reinvestment of earnings remained broadly stable at $74 million.

The bulk of the equity capital placements in November 2024 came

Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the increased FDIs in the 11-month period could have been brought about by some realized investment commitments made for more than two years during the various foreign trips of the administration.

“For the coming months, possible further cuts in the U.S./global/local policy rates expected from 20252027, especially if inflation remains well anchored within inflation target of the central bank, could also lead to further pick up/improvement in FDIs eventually,” said Ricafort.

FDI net inflows in 11 months of 2023

By Jenniffer B. Austria

The property firm will issue a principal amount of P20 billion, with an oversubscription option for another P5 billion. The offer period of the bonds will take place from Feb. 12 to 18, 2025. The bonds will be listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp.

The Series Y, Z and AA were rated PRS Aaa by Philippine Rating Services Corp. PRS Aaa rating is the highest rating assigned by PhilRatings, denoting that such obligations are of the highest quality with minimal credit risk, and the issuing company ‘s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligations is extremely strong.

The latest bond offering will be issued as second tranche from the company’s P100-billion shelf registration approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission in June 2024. SMPH announced last week it earmarked P33 billion this year to expand its commercial property businesses including malls, hotels and offices.

It said of the total budget, P21 billion would be allotted to expand the group’s mall gross floor area (GFA) by 205,400 square meters.

Some 124,488 sq. m. of existing mall space will be redeveloped. By end-2025, SMPH projects its mall GFA to reach 8.08 million sq. m.

The listed property group will also invest P6 billion to build two convention facilities and expand its hotel rooms and another P6 billion to develop new office towers.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

POWER retailer Manila Electric Co.

(Meralco) is hoping that its one-time refund of P0.23 per kilowatt-hour would offset the anticipated higher generation charges for February 2025.

“We are still waiting for all the final billings from our suppliers, but initial indications point to a higher generation charge due to peso depreciation, which affects costs of our suppliers which are mostly dollardenominated,” Meralco spokesman

THE Department of Energy (DOE) said Monday it issued certificates of energy projects of national significance (CEPNS) to 149 power generation and transmission projects from May to December 2024, with potential investments of P2.4 trillion.

These certified projects are expected to contribute 19 gigawatts (GW) of additional power generation capacity, including 17.6 GW from 91 renewable energy projects and 1.5 GW from four conventional power plants.

The DOE also granted CEPNS to 29 transmission projects, 24 microgrid system projects and one exploration project. Most of these projects are set to be completed in the next two to five years.

“The timely development of critical energy infrastructure is essential to

Joe Zaldarriaga said.

“On top of this, we are expecting increase in transmission charge component of the overall rate with the collection of the remaining 70 percent of the reserve market settlement fees incurred in March last year,” he said.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) directed the recovery of the reserve market settlement fees over a period of three months beginning the February billing.

“We hope these upward pressures

securing our nation’s energy future. By facilitating investments in power generation and transmission in an efficient and timely manner, we are not only strengthening our energy security but also accelerating our transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system,” DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said. The DOE identified the top three large-scale projects as the 1,000-megawatt San Miguel Bay Offshore Wind Power Project, which is 100-percent foreign-owned by CI NMF (PH) Corp., the 1,400-MW Pakil pumped-storage hydroelectric power project of Ahunan Power Inc. and the 2500-MWac Terra Solar Project of Terra Solar Philippines Inc. led by Meralco PowerGen Corp. Alena Mae S. Flores

will be somehow tempered by the one-time refund of regulatory reset costs of distribution utilities similarly ordered by the ERC effective this month. This is equivalent to around P0.23 per kWh for Meralco customers,” Zaldarriaga said.

Meralco is expected to release its final computation on Feb. 11, 2025.

Power rates in January went down by an average of P0.2189 per kWh due to lower generation charges, which translated into a decrease of around P44 in the monthly electricity

bill of customers with an average consumption of 200 kWh. Meralco’s overall rate for a typical household declined to P11.7428 in January from the previous month’s P11.9617 per kWh.

Its generation charge went down by P0.1313 per kWh to P6.8358 per kWh, primarily due to lower charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and independent power producers (IPPs), which decreased by P0.8840 per kWh and P0.1593 per kWh, respectively.

BUSINESS

NFA set to roll out cheaper rice next week

THE National Food Authority (NFA) will begin selling cheaper rice in more than 50 local government units next week, following the declaration of a food security emergency, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Monday.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government is awaiting finalization of documents between the NFA and the Food Terminal Inc. before launching the program.

“Next week, hopefully we can roll out this,” Tiu Laurel said in a

briefing at Malacañang.

He said more than 50 LGUs already expressed interest in buying rice stocks from the NFA under the program.

“For now, there are many LGUs which signified their intent, but there’s still a procedure needed to

be accomplished,” Tiu Laurel said.

The DA said among the interested LGUs are those in Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western and Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and the Davao region.

The NFA earlier said it is ready to release its stocks to LGUs, other government agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations at P33 per kilogram, which may be sold to consumers at P35.

Besides rice stock release under the food security emergency, more

CIRCULAR NO. 1209

Series of 2025

Subject: Circular on the Guidelines for the Implementation of Section 23 of Republic Act No. 7653 or The New Central Bank Act, as amended by Republic Act No. 11211

The Monetary Board, in its Resolution No. 1307 dated 14 November 2024 approved the following Guidelines for the Implementation of Section 23 of Republic Act (R.A.) 7653, as amended by R.A. 11211, setting forth the implementing rules of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) with regard to the accurate and timely submission of required data to the BSP for statistical and policy development purposes.

Section 1. Policy Statement. The mandates of the BSP are to promote and maintain price stability and financial stability, a strong financial system, and a safe and efficient payments and settlements system conducive to a sustainable and inclusive growth of the economy. The attainment of these mandates is founded on accurate, timely, and relevant data/information, which are used in the formulation of evidence-based policies. In view of the foregoing, it is important that data obtained by the BSP from economic agents are complete, accurate, consistent, reliable, and timely.

Section 2 (Scope and Application). This Circular shall govern any person who, or any entity, including government offices and instrumentalities, or government-owned or -controlled corporations that, shall be requested by the BSP to provide data for statistical and policy development purposes. Further, this Circular will supplement all applicable regulations issued by the BSP for banks and BSP-supervised institutions

All submissions to the BSP must be complete, accurate, consistent, reliable, and timely to be considered compliant with the BSP standards. To ensure completeness, accuracy, and correctness, submissions should be reviewed and validated by the respondent individuals and entities prior to transmittal to the BSP. The submissions must conform to the standards to be prescribed by the BSP in the Data Request. Submissions with incomplete schedules or attachments shall be considered non-compliant with the BSP standards.

This Circular shall apply to all Data Requests conducted by the BSP for statistical and policy development purposes, including, but not limited to the attached List of Reports and Surveys.

To carry out its authority to require any data from any person or entity under Section 23 of R.A. 7653, as amended by R.A. 11211, the BSP through the Governor or in his absence, a duly authorized representative, shall have the power to issue a data request or a subpoena for the production of books and records for statistical and policy development purposes.

Section 3 (Submission of Data). The requested data, reports and/or surveys shall be submitted to the BSP within the prescribed deadline and standards as stated in the Data Requests to be issued by the BSP. The submission deadline will be moved to the next working day should it fall on a non-working day in the locality where the reporting entity/individual is situated, or on a working day where business operations in government offices are suspended due to typhoons, floods, or other similar fortuitous events.

The requested data, reports and/or surveys shall be submitted to the appropriate BSP Departments, Regional Offices and/or Branches through modes of transmission specified in the Data Request, including: (1) electronic means, e.g., electronic mail, webbased data collection portals, and other similar means; (2) registered mail; (3) courier; (4) hand delivery; and (5) other messengerial services.

The following shall be considered as the date of filing of the requested data: (a) date when the requested data was sent electronically, (b) date of mailing postmarked on the envelope, or (c) date of receipt from the messengerial service, as the case may be. Section 4. Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Circular, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. Aggregate Data – Data that is statistical in nature which does not include information from which the identity of an individual or an entity is apparent or can be reasonably and directly ascertained.

2. Data – information to be requested or required by the BSP for statistical and policy development purposes;

3. Data Request – a request by the BSP from individuals or entities for data through reports, surveys, inquiries, and such other forms as may be necessary for said purposes; the data received by the BSP shall be covered by the applicable confidentiality and data privacy laws;

4. Prescribed Deadline – the deadline for the submission of the requested data, as indicated in the Data Request;

5. Non-compliant Data Submissions - submissions of data that fail to comply with the standards prescribed by the BSP and/or are not submitted within the prescribed deadline. These may take the following forms:

a. Delayed Data – data that complies with the BSP reporting standards, but submitted beyond the prescribed deadline; and

b. Erroneous Data – data that is submitted within the prescribed deadline, but fails to comply with BSP reporting standards.

6. Non-submissions – Non-submissions may take the following forms:

a. Failure to submit the requested data; and

spaces are expected to be freed in NFA warehouses, which would allow for more palay buying amid the local harvest season.

The DA said retail rice prices may also be influenced by the availability of P35-per-kilogram well-milled NFA rice.

Tiu Laurel said commercial rice prices may drop to P49 per kilogram by March 1, 2025, as new stocks are expected to arrive from some Southeast Asian countries.

He said the DA held discussions with rice importers, traders and retailers, requesting they reduce rice

prices to more reasonable levels. The current manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is P55 per kilogram, following the DA’s approval of the disposal of old stocks.

“By Feb. 15, our MSRP will be P52. By March 1, hopefully, they are able to buy new stocks from Vietnam, Myanmar or Cambodia which are cheaper. So, we are able to come up with an MSRP of P49 by March 1,” Tiu Laurel said. He also expects the MSRP of premium 5% broken rice to drop from P64 per kg. to P49 by March 1.

b. An erroneous data that is not re-submitted, corrected, or completed within the prescribed deadline, after the BSP’s validation and despite due notice of such non-compliance.

7. Subpoena – A subpoena refers to a subpoena duces tecum or a process directed to a person requiring him to bring with him any books and records, documents, or other things under his control, as may be required by the BSP for statistical and policy development purposes.

Section 5. Sanctions. Any violation of this Circular, such as in cases of refusal to comply with a subpoena issued, non-compliant data submissions, or non-submissions, shall subject any person or entity to contempt in accordance with Section 23, as may be determined by the Monetary Board, and the sanctions set forth in Section 36 of R.A. 7653, as amended by R.A. 11211,.

Section 6. Transitory Provision. After the effectivity date of this Circular, a period of one (1) year shall be given to entities and individuals to make the necessary preparations in their resources, i.e., people, processes, and information systems, to ensure compliance with this Circular.

During this one-year period, non-compliance by entities or individuals to the BSP’s data requests shall not subject the concerned entities or individuals to the sanctions provided herein.

Section 7. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Circular is declared invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the provision/s not affected shall remain valid.

Section 8. Repealing Clause. This Circular supersedes/ amends/modifies the provisions of existing regulations that are inconsistent herewith.

Section 9. Effectivity. This Circular shall take effect fifteen (15) calendar days following its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

FOR THE MONETARY BOARD: (Sgd) ELI M. REMOLONA, JR. Governor 28 January 2025

LIST OF REPORTS AND SURVEYS

I. Monetary and Economics

a) Balance of Payments (BOP) Statistics

b) Business and Consumer Expectations Statistics

c) Consumer Finance and Financial Inclusion Statistics

d) Consumer Price Statistics

e) Debt Securities Statistics

f) Economic Activity Statistics

g) International Investment Position (IIP) Statistics

h) Investment Statistics

i) Labor Statistics

j) Money Market Statistics

k) News Sentiment Statistics

l) Other Financial Corporations Statistics

m) Property Price Statistics

n) BSP Survey of External Forecasters (BSEF)

o) Consumer Payments Survey (CPS)

p) Corporate Financial Trends Survey (CFTS)

q) External Debt Survey (EDS)

r) Medium and Long-term Foreign Loan Requirements

s) Report on BOT/Other Similar Financing Schemes: Projected Funding Requirements for BOT/Other Similar Financing Schemes

t) Report on BOT/Other Similar Financing Schemes: Report on Payments under BOT/Other Similar Financing Schemes

u) Report on Medium and Long-Term Foreign Borrowings

v) Report on Other Guarantees and Similar Arrangements

w) Report on Philippine Debt Papers

x) Report on Short-Term Foreign Borrowings

y) Reports on the Assets Held by the Philippines' Top Conglomerates

II. Financial Supervision

a) Report on the Conglomerate Structure

b) Audited Financial Statements

c) Annual Report

d) Report on Lending Rates

e) Report on Outstanding Liabilities

III. Financial Inclusion

a) Consumer Finance and Inclusion Survey (CFIS)

b) Financial Inclusion (FI) Dashboard

c) Paleng-QR Ph Plus Program Report

IV. Consumer Protection and Market Conduct Office

a) Data Requests related to Financial Consumer Protection and Market Conduct

b) Surveys related to Financial Consumer Protection and Market Conduct

V. Systemic Risk Surveillance

a) Corporate Financials b) Corporate Interconnectedness c) Non-Bank Financial Intermediation (NBFI) Interconnectedness d) NBFI Financials

VI. Research • Countryside Bank Survey (CBS)

Note: This Circular and its annex may be accessed at https://www.bsp.gov.ph/Regulations/Issuances/2025/1209.pdf

Alsons lists P1.6-b commercial papers with PDEx

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ALSONS

Consolidated Resources

Inc., the publicly-listed company of the Alcantara Group, listed its P1.6billion commercial papers (CP) with the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. (PDEx) Monday, representing the first tranche of the company’s P3billion CP program.

“ACR is committed to helping address the country’s growing demand for reliable and affordable power. This commercial paper program provides us with an efficient and costeffective way to support our working capital requirements, enabling us to fulfill our mission of unlocking po-

tential and empowering progress in Mindanao and beyond,” said Alsons deputy chief financial officer Philip Edward Sagun. Alsons said in its prospectus it would use the proceeds from the CP issuance to refinance its maturing short-term obligations and for working capital purposes.

The company said it is focused on building its renewable energy capacity with several hydro and solar power projects in various stages of development.

It completed the construction and commenced the commercial operations of the 14.5-megawatt Siguil hydro power plant, Alsons’ first hydro

Limbauan solar plant gets grid access

BKS Green Energy Corp. (BKSGEC), a unit of Rizal Green Energy Corp. (RGEC), said Monday it secured the approval to connect phase 2 of its 33.831-megawatt peak Limbauan Solar Power Project (LSPP) in Isabela province to the transmission network of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP).

NGCP issued the approval to project developer BKSGEC on Jan. 24, 2025. BKSGEC parent firm RGEC is a joint venture between Yuchengcoled PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC) and Japan’s Taisei Corp.

“LSPP-2 is a qualified solar project under the Green Energy Auction-2 [GEA-2] and has a December 2025 delivery commitment to the DOE. We thank our major stakeholders –the DOE, DENR, NGCP, ISELCOII, and the Isabela LGUs – for their cooperation and support for the project which will enhance power secu-

rity and avoid harmful emissions in booming Cagayan Valley region,” PGEC vice president for business development Maria Victoria Olivar said in a statement.

The Department of Energy (DOE) certified LSPP as an energy project of national significance on Nov. 4, 2024, attesting to its contribution to the administration’s energy and development thrusts.

This followed the approval of the solar project’s system impact study (SIS) in September 2024. The approvals confirm the technical feasibility of connecting LSPP-2 to NGCP’s Tuguegarao–Cabagan 69 kV transmission system.

The 5-MWAC LSPP-1 also had prior approval of its distribution impact study, distribution asset study and connection agreement with Isabela II Electric Cooperative (ISELCO-II). Alena Mae S. Flores

I HAVE been in a love-hate relationship with Manila for a long time. Despite my frequent complaints about the lack of pedestrian-friendly spaces in the city, I have frequented Intramuros and Binondo multiple times in the past few years and have never tired of both places.

Typically, people will only go to these places if they have a good reason to do so. For me, I keep coming back because I believe there is a deep, underlying potential with Intramuros and Binondo — that one day, they could become one of the first places we think of when giving recommendations to tourists.

Imagine if all of Intramuros became a car-free zone similar to certain old cities in Europe, and Ongpin Street in Binondo is converted into a walking street similar to the bustling street food markets of Taiwan. In fact, with Intramuros and Binondo, we already have the convergence of East and West right here in Manila: a European-style walled city and the oldest Chinatown in the world existing harmoniously.

In Intramuros, there are many museums and Spanish-colonial architecture that are a delight to the senses, whereas in Binondo, there is a rich selection of Chinese food that will leave you wanting more. To top it all off, they are just a 20-minute walk away from each other, at least between the Manila Cathedral and Binondo Church. Given these points, it seems to make sense to invest a good part of the country’s tourism budget in the rehabilitation and development of these two places. For instance, there is room for improvement in making these areas less car-dependent and providing more spaces for pedestrians and tourists

Maharlika Fund, CP Group agree to invest $1b BUSINESS

MAHARLIKA Investment Corp. (MIC) signed an agreement with Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Group Co. Ltd. (CP Group) to invest $1 billion in agri-food modernization, digital and e-commerce growth, sustainable energy and infrastructure.

The memorandum of understanding, signed Feb. 8, 2025, calls for MIC and CP Group to establish a private equity fund for investments in various sectors.

power facility in Maasim, Sarangani, last year.

It also remains a key player in the Mindanao energy market through the 237-MW Sarangani Energy Corp. baseload power plant.

The company also provides essential ancillary services to the National Grid Corporation through the 105.8MW Mapalad Power Corp. in Iligan and 107-MW Western Mindanao Power Corp. in Zamboanga.

“We are also anticipating the completion and operation of the first phase of our 95.2-megawatt Bohol In-Island Diesel Power Plant in Ubay, our first power project outside of Mindanao,” Sagun said.

“This partnership will lay the groundwork for a multi-sectoral investment initiative that will drive long-term economic growth while reinforcing the Philippines’ position as a premier investment destination,” said MIC president and chief executive Rafael Consing Jr. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing ceremony at Malacañang. Consing and CP Group chairperson Soopakij Chearavanont signed the agreement.

The MOU formalizes the strategic partnership between MIC and CP Group, focusing on agri-food modernization, digital and e-commerce expansion, sustainable energy and infrastructure. It aims to strengthen food security and agricultural value

to get around safely and conveniently.

Some points of reference are the pedestrianfriendly areas of the Ximending Walking District in Taipei, the Myeong Dong Night Market in Seoul, and the Nishiki Market in Kyoto. There are, of course, many hurdles to achieving this kind of vision — one of the most challenging of which is getting the buy-in of different stakeholders. However, once we find a way, it could attract many people and improve the local economy.

For now, it is unfortunate that Manila has had a bad reputation for being congested, dirty, and unsafe. According to the 2024 Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index, Manila placed 93rd out of 100 cities in terms of sustainability efforts and their performance across the pillars of planet, people, and profit. Within Southeast Asia, Manila is considered the least sustainable. In addition, Manila was assessed as the fifth riskiest city in the world according to the Forbes Advisor. The city was assessed based on crime, personal security, health security, infrastructure security, and digital security risks.

What would it take for Manila to become like our neighboring cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, and now even Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, among others? Is the window of opportunity closing, or are we just not ‘opening the window’ wide enough? Another important question to ask is: How does good governance come into play?

At this point, when the world is saturated with knowledge and information, we do not need to look too far nor think too deep for the solutions. For instance, according to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, there are several targets that our capital city may consider, including providing safe

and affordable housing, affordable and sustainable transport systems, and access to safe and inclusive green and public spaces, among others. These targets must be a priority, because not only could these help improve the quality of life in the city but also inevitably make Manila an attractive tourist destination.

I would like to end this article with a positive and forward-looking note. If we look around Metro Manila (not just Manila itself), there have been many recent urban developments that focus on the well-being of its people. The LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project, Metro Manila Subway, MRT-7 Extension, Pasig River Urban Development Project, and the Taguig City Integrated Terminal Exchange, which was recently inaugurated, are a few examples. By no means has the development process of these projects been smooth, but we cannot deny the fact that they ultimately benefit the common folk. Manila is and will continue to be a love-hate relationship for people like me until the foreseeable future. I am not sugarcoating any of it. However, I am hopeful that the city I grew up in will one day be a type of place that tourists don’t simply skip in their itineraries.

Ian Benedict R. Mia is a part-time lecturer at the Department of Management and Organization of De La Salle University (DLSU). He works full-time as a Corporate ESG Researcher at one of the top ESG Ratings firms globally. He can be reached at ianbrmia@gmail.com.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

chains, accelerate digital transformation and fintech adoption, and scale up renewable energy and green initiatives in the Philippines.

A steering committee will oversee project selection, fund structuring and investor engagement, MIC said. The first capital close is expected within nine to 12 months.

The Maharlika Investment Fund, established by Republic Act 11954, is the Philippines’ sovereign wealth fund. It is mandated to generate sustainable long-term returns to support national economic priorities.

MIC signed an agreement with Synergy Grid and Development Philippines Inc. to acquire a 20-percent stake in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.

CP Group, founded in 1921, is one of Asia’s largest multinational conglomerates, operating in at least 30 countries with a focus on agriculture, food production and retail.

IN BRIEF

PISO CARAVAN. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (second row, second from left) witnesses the signing of Palawan Group of Companies’ (PGC) pledge of commitment to support BSP’s Piso Caravan. With her are (second row, from left) BSP regional director Tomas Cariño Jr., assistant governor Rosabel Guerrero, area director Ronaldo Bermudez, (first row, from left) PGC chairman Bobby Castro, president and chief executive Karlo Eugene Josef Castro and chief finance officer Lilian Concepcion Selda.

FINANCIAL EDUCATION. Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP) executive director Alex Ilagan, CCAP chairman Rolando Ebreo, Visa Philippines country manager Jeff Navarro and CCAP president Geraldine Liggayu sign a partnership agreement on Feb. 6, 2025. Visa is collaborating with CCAP to enhance financial education in the country.

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

S. EÑANO, Editor

Baguio City’s garbage volume dips due to waste management

By Liza Agoot

BAGUIO CITY—The garbage volume in this city has dropped by at least 50 tons per day as more residents get involved in proper waste management.

“The city managed to bring down its daily residual wastes production from 250 tons in 2023 to 188 tons in 2024 or (an

Australia, PH vow to fight climate woes, reinforce disaster resilience

AUSTRALIA and the Philippines agreed to strengthen efforts to mobilize funds, speed up climate change actions and reduce disaster risks.

“Australia is working hand-in-hand with Philippine national and local governments to develop strategies and drive actions that build lasting resilience—critical to reducing the impacts of disasters and climate change,” said Australian Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Dr. Moya Collett.

More than 200 leaders and experts from the Australian and Philippine governments, civil society, local communities and development institutions gathered to discuss the practical ways to minimize the impacts of climate change and disasters.

At the 2nd Annual Stakeholders Forum, hosted by the Australia and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), national and local leaders

and partners committed to develop the Philippines Resilience Index, which will measure disaster resilience, inform local decision-making and guide policy implementation.

They reached a consensus to streamline the operations of the People’s Survival Fund to ensure funding for local climate change adaptation projects.

The stakeholders also vowed to enhance the capacity of local governments to design and implement risk-informed investments as well establish accessible and localized climate and disaster-related data systems.

The efforts are being implemented through the Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities Against Disasters and Climate Change in the

Philippines (SHIELD) program, supported by the Australian government and implemented by UNDP. The program covers 10 provinces and two regions in the Philippines, among the most vulnerable to climate change.

“UNDP places climate action and disaster risk resilience at the heart of the Country Programme Document 2024–2028 for the Philippines. Together with the Australian and Philippine Governments, we are delivering concrete, on-the-ground actions through the SHIELD program,” said UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran.

Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. stressed the critical role of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).

“Amid a vast sea of research information, a pivotal element to building disaster and climate resilience lies not in just building the science, but in widespread and general purpose

access and use of the products and services of science — are we truly leveraging this potential? STI must narrow the gap between urban and rural resilience divide and purposely leave no one behind,” Solidum said.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marlo Iringan noted the importance of local resilience actions.

“The DILG envisions locallydriven resilience. It is within the very communities we serve that the most impacts are felt, and so it is where we should focus our recovery and transformation resilience efforts must begin. I encourage more local champions and concrete actions of our local governments,” Iringan said.

Australia and the Philippines are taking bold steps to address the pressing challenges of climate change, with a shared commitment to empowering communities and creating a more resilient future. UNDP Philippines

First of 3 parts

MIRIAM Abarca is standing on a wooden platform overlooking the Cahuil Lagoon, a small, salty pine-fringed body of water on Chile’s central coast. In the distance, birds weave through waisthigh reeds and tourists paddle a rowboat over the lagoon’s placid surface.

“For me, this is paradise and pure magic,” says Abarca, who runs a small tour company that offers sightseeing trips around the lagoon. “This is the most valuable thing we have. Without it, I don’t know how we’d survive.”

The picturesque view was made possible by an ambitious project supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), to revive the lagoon, which just a few years earlier had been brought to the brink of collapse by climate change and unchecked development.

The effort was part of a larger push to preserve five wetlands strung along Chile’s central coast, a rugged, windswept land home to plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. Here, as in many parts of the world, pollution, climate change, invasive species and unsustainable tourism have been pushing wetlands towards the breaking point.

“Wetlands are one of the most important

ecosystems on the planet and, yet, they’re disappearing at an alarming rate,” says Robert Erath, a Task Manager with UNEP who is overseeing the project. “That has to change if we’re to protect not only the species that call wetlands home but also the communities that depend on these landscapes for jobs and food.”

Globally, there are more than 1.2 billion hectares of vegetated wetlands, an area bigger than Canada, the world’s second-largest country. These watery environs–which include swamps, bogs and marshes–are a haven for wildlife, and they filter pollution and store planet-warming carbon.

livable, inclusive and creative status in 2043 amid the challenges of urban decay and climate change.

“We have undergone positive changes in the past years and this boosts the city’s thrust to fully transition from linear to circular economy where wastes are turned into useful materials instead of just ending up in the trash creating economic opportunities,” he said. PNA

5 Asian box turtles freed in Cagayan

By Oliver T. Baccay

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan―The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here released five Asian box turtles back to their natural habitat in Sta. Margarita, Baggao, Cagayan as part of the World Wetland Day observance. Before the release, these reptiles, classified as tortoises, were surrendered to the Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) Offices of Alcala and Solana. They were temporarily turned over to the Rogelio B. Baggayan Nature Park and Wildlife Center in Tuguegarao City, a temporary shelter for confiscated or surrendered wildlife, for proper care and treatment.

Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan said the Asian box turtles play a vital role in the ecosystem as they disperse seeds through the fruits and other forest plants that they eat, allowing natural regeneration of the forest lands. “Freeing them could help maintain balance in the ecosystem and eventually help increase the germination rate of seeds through their droppings. They have a conservation status of ‘Other Threatened Species’ under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09 or the “Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and their Categories,” she said. Bambalan appealed again to the public for the conservation and protection of wildlife, including turtles.

In coordination with the residents, Alcala CENR Officer Zelda Vasquez, Conservation and Development Division chief Vida Lumame, Wildlife Resources

Permitting Section chief Teresita Rivera and other DENR staff spearheaded the release of the tortoises. (OTB/PIA region 2 with reports from DENR)

But between 1700 and 2000, the world lost 85 percent of its wetlands, many drained to make way for cities and farms. Chile’s coast, wedged between the Pacific Ocean and Atacama Desert, is dotted with examples of this. Some 85 percent of Chileans live in this narrow strip of land, and as cities grew, they overran and diced up wetlands. At the same time, pollution from farms streamed into waterways spawning toxic algal blooms. The clearing of forests stripped land of its soil, speeding desertification propelling sediment run-off into rivers. Mass tourism disturbed the nesting sites of birds and amphibians, with local conservationists reporting that eggs were regularly trammelled underfoot.

But perhaps the greatest threat has been climate change, which experts say has caused rains to falter and wetlands to wither.

That is in part what was happening to the Cahuil Lagoon, which is in the suburbs of Pichilemu, a world-renowned surf town that sits on a sandy promontory in the Pacific. Dwindling rainfall during the normally wet winter months caused water levels in the lagoon to plummet, severing its seasonal connection to the Pacific Ocean. That starved the lagoon of the salt that makes its waters uniquely brackish.

(To be continued)

The Cahuil Lagoon on Chile’s central coast is separated from the sea by a narrow sandbar. UNEP/Camila Lopez

EVery

Wang Nickie Wang

IGHT years after making history as the first Asian to win Reina Hispanoamericana, Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez is stepping back into the pageant scene—this time for the Miss Universe Philippines competition.

Winwyn was officially introduced as the representative of Muntinlupa City during a program in Mandaluyong City on Saturday, Feb. 8.

Speaking at a press conference after the sashing ceremony, Winwyn expressed her excitement about returning to the stage, saying that it’s a rare and valuable opportunity that she couldn’t pass up.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and I couldn’t say no. Muntinlupa holds a special place in my heart—it’s where I grew into adulthood and experienced the strength of my community. I want to use this platform to make an impact, inspire women, and encourage them to take charge of their own stories,” the 32-yearold mother-of-one said.

She acknowledged how much time had passed since her last major pageant. “It’s been 10 years since I joined the pageant in 2015. It has been eight years since I raised the flag in Bolivia. Now I’m back, ready to stand on stage to represent Muntinlupa in the Miss Universe Philippines competition.”

Winwyn also shared how motherhood has reshaped her perspective on pageantry and life.

“Now, it’s not just about me but also about my daughter, my family, my advocacy, and the people I want to inspire. Motherhood is tough, but the Miss Universe Organization has given us a platform to share our stories and experiences. Kaya ngayon, makikita ninyo kung gaano ako ka-ready,” she elaborated.

SHOWBIZ

Winwyn Marquez makes f irst move in chasing Miss Universe crown

Winwyn Marquez is officially introduced as Muntinlupa City’s representative for Miss Universe Philippined 2025

FANS of Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado can look forward to their upcoming action-drama series on GMA, tentatively titled Sanggang-Dikit . The project is a new challenge for the real-life couple as they take on a genre they haven’t explored before.

Both actors are excited about the series, noting its differences from their previous projects. The show requires extensive physical preparation, with numerous action and fight sequences. With stunts playing a significant role in the production, the series is expected to appeal to action fans. Their last on-screen project together was the Kapuso drama series My Faithful Husband in 2015. Why did it take them so long to reunite for another show?

“It’s because of our daughter, Dylan . At least now, we’re more at ease leaving her with a nanny while we work. Unlike before, when she was still a baby—so innocent and fragile,” Dennis explained.

“Back then, I told myself I wouldn’t return to work until she could already speak, so I’d know how her day went. Now, she has learned so much, which gives me more confidence,”

Jennylyn added.

As she prepares for the competition, she emphasized the importance of effort over outcome. “It’s not about winning but about how you present yourself on stage and give your all. We can never please everyone, and we cannot promise everything.”

“But one thing is for sure: if you give your 100 percent on stage, that is already a win. Others should realize that winning is not everything— trying is more important. If you don’t fail, you won’t learn. So, I’ll give my all on stage and show everybody that I can do it,” she said. Winwyn is in a relationship with her nonshowbiz boyfriend, Rayn. They have a daughter named Luna, both of whom were present at the sashing ceremony to show their support for Winwyn.

Also present at the sashing ceremony was Winwyn’s cousin, Michelle Dee, who, like her, made history on the international pageant stage. Addressing the audience, the most decorated Miss Universe candidate in history shared her admiration for Winwyn’s journey.

“This has been a long time coming. Winwyn is not a hard woman to support—she has an amazing story,” Michelle said.

Turning to her cousin, she continued with heartfelt encouragement. “You have brought so much pride to the country. You walk the talk, and I know you will take this journey by storm.”

Recalling their past conversations, Michelle acknowledged Winwyn’s uncertainty about the path ahead. “When we first talked about this, I knew there was so much going on in your mind. But there’s beauty in uncertainty, in not knowing where the future will take you. I know you have the best intentions—not just for your family and friends but for the country as well.”

Praising Winwyn’s strength and character, Michelle talked about her cousin’s inspiring qualities. “Winwyn is the epitome of the modern-day Filipina and Filipina mother. I know you will shine the brightest. May destiny be in your favor, and whatever happens, happens for a reason.”

Closing her message, Michelle expressed confidence in Winwyn’s ability to make an impact. “I’m just happy that you’re here, giving it your all. I know this journey will take you far. The universe deserves to hear Winwyn’s story and see how much potential she has.”

Winwyn’s sashing also marked the leadership of Luxe Beauty & Wellness Group CEO Anna Magkawas as the local director of the pageant.

The couple is also proud to be working alongside seasoned co-stars in their latest project including Zoren Legaspi, Allen Dizon, Roi Vinzon, Joross Gamboa, Sam Pinto, Marina Benipayo, Nova Villa, and Al Tantay

“It’s going to be a fun set. We promise to push each other’s limits and give our best to deliver a quality and entertaining series,” they said

* * * Meanwhile, Shaina Magdayao is set to be more visible this 2025.

“I’m really looking forward to being productive this year,” she said. “For one, I have an upcoming teleserye, although I can’t share details just yet. But I assure fans it’ll be worth the wait. There’s a lot to look forward to, and I’ll keep everyone updated through my social media accounts!”

Many are curious about her personal life.

“As in love life? Ha-ha-ha! Well, all I can say is that it’s steady. I mean, I’m always happy. That’s it!”

Is she dating but choosing to keep it private?

“It’s not like that. I just prefer a low profile. It’s better that way. I want a simple and quiet love life.”

Celebrity couple Jennylyn Mercado (left) and Dennis Trillo

Beauty queen Michelle Dee (left) shows her support for her cousin, Winwyn

Winwyn is back on the pageant scene vying for Miss Universe Philippines crown

Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group CEO Anna Magkawas

Love by the binary numbers

How technology makes affection accessible and customizable

By Chong Ardivilla

COMPANION

(2025, written and directed by Drew Hancock) is an excellent choice for a Valentine’s Day film—if both of you are open to a different kind of story about a warped relationship built out of love or one that can be purchased and programmed.

This is not a rom-com, but personally, there are plenty of funny moments, thanks to the whip-smart script and a cast of young, beautiful, and morally bankrupt characters.

Companion stars Jack Quaid (son of 1990s rom-com queen Meg Ryan and current nutjob Trumper Dennis Quaid), who initially comes off as charming but makes for a great character study in descent and desperation.

People dismiss Jack Quaid as a nepo baby, but he has built a solid string of acting choices—from the blink-and-you-miss-it enemy in The Hunger Games (2012) to the hapless lead battling superhumans in The Boys (2019–present).

It bears mentioning Meg Ryan because of one detail that made me laugh out loud: the moment when Jack Quaid’s character meets his love interest, Iris (played by Sophie Thatcher in an ultimate scenestealing role—every scene she is in, she controls with her ingénue face that can shift from eager to disgusted) for the first time, “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls is playing. This is funny because that particular song skyrocketed to cheesy karaoke fame and became a wedding march staple thanks to Meg Ryan’s movie City of Angels (1998).

In that film, Meg Ryan falls in love with a non-human entity. That’s exactly what Companion is all about.

Films about humans falling in love with technology have long been a cinematic fascination. Her (2013) explored it with softness; Electric Dreams (1984) provided the camp, and the concept of the “robot”— or, more precisely, the automaton—traces its origins far beyond cinema. Once a toy for the elite, the automaton was a curio of entertainment and fascination.

Companion’s automaton delves into scifi master Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics: (1) A robot cannot injure a human being; (2) A robot must follow human commands unless it results in harm to another human; and (3) A robot can protect itself, as long as it doesn’t violate the first two laws.

Sci-fi nerds and horror movie fans will appreciate the genius of Companion, as the film scuppers these laws of robotics— leading to pure chaos.

The movie’s strength lies in the plausibility of manufactured companions

becoming real. This is not just about the leaps and bounds of current mechanized sex toys but how the non-carbon-based entity—non-human or machine—becomes part of the cultural fabric. We can speak to Alexa or Siri for our queries. Recently, there has been chatter on TikTok about how ChatGPT can be used for therapy. Some of us have even developed relationships with life-sized dolls.

The thing with technology is that it is still primarily inert in the sense that it does our bidding. But with the fast-paced advancements in AI technology and robotics, how long will we have to wait for a robotic companion to become possible?

If the plot feels familiar, I don’t blame you for thinking this is like the Netflix sci-fi series Black Mirror (2011–present). However, Companion is a wild ride that should not be restricted to a series episode runtime. The writing and direction ensure that the movie becomes a case study of a contemporary Frankenstein. This is a movie about a robot that is far from your ordinary Tamagotchi.

You may reach Chong Ardivilla at kartunistatonto@gmail.com or chonggo. bsky.social

ALTERNATIVE pop band Nobita has released a new single, “PNYT,” featuring rapper Flow G, presenting a shift from its signature sound. Known for its emotional songwriting, the band aims to expand its audience with the genre-blending track.

The song, which combines rock, R&B, and hip-hop influences, explores the unpredictable nature of love.

“Extreme emotions require extreme expressions,” the band said in a statement, adding that working with Flow G challenged them to step out of their comfort zone.

The collaboration came after chance meetings at a wedding and music festivals, with the artists quickly finding common ground. Flow G agreed to the project after Nobita reached out on social media.

With aggressive instrumentation and intense vocals, “PNYT” offers a departure from the band’s previous hits, “Ikaw Lang” and “Unang Sayaw.”

By Rolando Ng III

NEWS personality Angelique Lazo is widely known to the public as the pioneer face of TV Patrol’s Star News in 1987.

She has presented various newscasts and TV programs throughout her long career, including Sentro Balita, which currently airs on PTV 4 every lunchtime. Yet many people do not know that the veteran TV presenter was a college chorister, once affiliated with the Ateneo Glee Club.

She recounted her years with the ACGC, the only student organization she joined during her time at the university.

“Since I joined Ateneo as a Communication Arts student, I initially thought of joining the Glee Club. It was actually the only extracurricular activity I was really interested in because I had already been in a choir since high school during my stay in Japan,” she says.

Led then by composer-conductor Joel Navarro, Angelique bore witness to the group’s musicality under his tenure as he skillfully shaped its sound.

“Joel Navarro made such an impact on me and all of us because he was such a genius and ahead of his time. He was able to hone our voices to create that remarkable sound that captivated our audience when we competed abroad,” she says.

Though their musical discipline was important, it was equally crucial to nurture the singers’ spirituality through Navarro’s Christ-centered guidance.

“Why are we doing this? It was not really for ourselves, but for God’s greater glory. We were truly seeking to give back; whatever talent He had given us, we were simply offering it back to Him,” she reflects.

The college group later won prizes in Arezzo, Italy, in 1981 and again in the Spanish cities of Barcelona and Cantonigros two years later.

Their musical skill, combined with their strong faith, gave them an edge over their more established competitors during their tour of the continent.

“We wanted people to recognize the Philippines. We wanted our audience to experience the deep spirituality that the Lord had given us, that we are His instruments. There was this depth that was conveyed to the audience through our music,” she later recalls.

Angelique, who once sang as a guest on an episode of a musical show, recounted the lessons she learned in taking care of her voice from her years in the choir.

“You learn how to be disciplined—to take care of your voice. You don’t smoke. You try to get enough sleep, which I don’t get to follow now. You also learn how to be better at reading notes,” she adds.

But in trying to balance the worlds of music and her career on camera, she believes there is no conflict in pursuing both.

“Music is more universal. I don’t see any kind of conflicting image. I can sing, and I can still do the news because it’s not contradictory,” she explains.

With a smile on her face, Angelique Lazo says there is more to her than being a news presenter on TV.

Her stint with the Glee Club, and later with the Ateneo

The veteran TV presenter was once a college chorister affiliated with the Ateneo Glee Club

Nobita and Flow G’s latest track delves into the unpredictable nature of love

scene from the 2025 science fiction thriller film ‘Companion’

Actress Sophie Thatche (left) plays as Iris, Jack Quaid’s love interest in ‘Companion’

Singers

journey.

Broadcast journalist Angelique Lazo

Homegrown consumer brand expands warehouse to meet growing demand

ENTERING

2025, Lamoiyan Corporation is expanding its business portfolio by rolling out more brands while solidifying its position in the industry. Now under the leadership of CEO Joel Conrad Pedro, Lamoiyan’s expansion addresses the demands of progress while emphasizing sustainability.

“The past couple of years after the pandemic have shown a surge in market demand for valuefor-money products, which our household brands deliver. Combined with strong retail alliances and government partnerships, Lamoiyan has seen growth across categories and business channels,” Pedro said. “While physical expansion is a clear sign of growth, we are also focusing on new channels, particularly data-driven product development based on consumer needs.”

For four decades, Lamoiyan has competed on equal footing with global giants. Exporting to Southeast Asia, APAC, and MENA, the company’s local business and global reach have made warehouse expansion and increased inventory a necessity.

Pedro emphasized that the Philippines remains its primary market. “We are identifying gaps in the market to determine what products we should introduce. Our new ventures include cosmetic lines, but we remain committed to offering quality and value-for-money products,” he said.

Lamoiyan is set to introduce new product categories, with new manufacturing equipment on the way. Technology and innovation are at the core of its business strategy, and the company recognizes the impact of digital supply chain models. By leveraging online platforms and eCommerce, Lamoiyan aims to efficiently serve clients both in physical stores and online, from major retailers to sari-sari stores, through its distributor network. The warehouse will serve as a hub for new product lines and upgraded manufacturing processes.

Pedro explained, “A larger facility allows us to better serve our clients, including online platforms. The warehouse expansion is designed to accommodate future product lines and new machinery, enabling us to manufacture additional categories for our next phase of growth.”

With its warehouse nearing full capacity, Lamoiyan’s expansion aligns with its natural business progression. While the primary goal is to meet current demand, the facility is poised to support future product innovations—perhaps even a move into cosmetics.

Flushing into the future

Startup brings Japanese smart toilets to Filipino homes

By Nickie Wang

HAVE you seen those travel videos on social media where tourists talk about what they miss most about Japan after returning home?

If you’re travel junkie and social media savvy, you’ve probably come across a content creator overreacting upon realizing their home bathroom—especially the toilet—is nothing like those found in even the most ordinary establishments in Japan.

Toilets in Japan are often more advanced than those commonly seen in other developed nations. According to a 2016 consumer survey, 81 percent of Japanese households have bidet toilets, commonly known as washlets, which feature advanced functions rarely found outside Asia. These include anal hygiene, bidet washing, seat warming, and deodorization.

In the Philippines, bidet toilets exist, but the washer is usually attached separately, and they lack the advanced features that make using the toilet in Japan a completely different experience.

Kanzen Home CEO Jhonie Figidero admitted that he hasn’t been to Japan, but a stay at a luxury hotel in Manila inspired him to make washlets more accessible and affordable for Filipinos.

“But we have Japanese suppliers who have been to the country and helped us understand the product,” he told Manila Standard Life during a contract signing with App Your Service (AYS), an online platform that allows users to book home services like kitchen and bathroom fixture

installations, as well as home cleaning.

“Our manufacturers have over 20 years of industry experience,” Figidero said, adding that Kanzen Home products are manufactured in Japan and assembled in China.

Kanzen Home offers modern luxury home products, including smart toilets, smart faucets, and smart locks, all powered by advanced Japanese technology to enhance home functionality and aesthetics.

“We are dedicated to leading the market in modern home essentials. We provide innovative products that meet international quality standards, enhancing everyday living with exceptional design and functionality,” Figidero said.

“All our products come with international certifications to ensure quality and safety.

We also have certifications that validate that our products meet rigorous global standards, giving our customers peace of mind and confidence in their purchase,” he added.

The partnership with AYS will allow consumers to enjoy top-quality home upgrades with the convenience of booking product installations anytime, anywhere.

“With this partnership, we can reach more customers nationwide, and I’m confident in AYS’s capacity to expand our reach across the country.”

Kanzen Home is a relatively new player in the industry, established in 2022, but it has already attracted a string of A-list clients, including Vic Sotto and Alex Gonzaga, as well as online personalities like Cong TV, Janella in Japan, and Boss Toyo

Company marks 25th anniversary with Kathryn Bernardo

TCL Electronics, the world’s second-largest TV brand and a global leader in consumer electronics, has renewed its partnership with actress Kathryn Bernardo for the third consecutive year.

The contract was signed on Jan. 23 at Studio Simula, with TCL executives Shae Xiaoling Yu, Deputy Marketing Director, and Joseph Cernitchez , Brand Manager, joined by Kathryn’s co-manager Lulu Romero and Francis Kalayaan A. Vidanes of VCM The Celebrity Source. Joseph Cernitchez shared his excitement about the continued collaboration, noting, “Kathryn’s authenticity and connection with our audience have played a key role in effectively communicating our ‘Inspire Greatness’ message over the past two years.” Kathryn expressed gratitude for TCL’s trust, sharing how the brand has positively impacted her daily life. “I absolutely love

my TCL QLED PRO TV. The picture quality is amazing, and it’s perfect for unwinding after a busy day,” she said. “TCL’s products are tailored for Filipinos, offering highquality entertainment and connectivity that make technology more accessible.”

As part of TCL’s 25th anniversary celebration in the Philippines, Kathryn will continue to

campaigns for TCL’s

lines, including

washing machines, air conditioners, and refrigerators. Kathryn concluded, “It’s been an amazing journey with TCL. Celebrating their 25th year in the Philippines makes this experience even more special. We’ve grown together, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Bernardo (center) and TCL executives celebrate the renewal of their partnership

AYS founder Gerald Bautista (left) and Kanzen Home CEO Jhonie Fegidero Kanzen Home provides modern

as

toilets, smart faucets, and smart locks, all powered by cutting-edge Japanese technology

Lamoiyan Corporation president and CEO Joel C. Pedro