Manila Standard - 2025 February 13 - Thursday

Charge VP Sara, says NBI Sends grave threats, sedition raps for review to DOJ

By Pot Chavez

THE National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) yesterday recommended to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the filing of grave threat and inciting to sedition charges against Vice President Sara Duterte.

The recommendation accompanied a complaint filed by the NBI with the DOJ’s National Prosecution Service (NPS) after reviewing verbal threats against President Marcos, First Lady Liza AranetaMarcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez that Duterte allegedly made during an online tirade.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago pointed out that sufficient evidence was found for the charges, which was a unanimous recommendation from the team that worked on the case including himself.

“We have already filed it with the DOJ...They will determine whether to conduct a preliminary investigation and whether to file the case in court,” he said in a press briefing.

When asked to comment on the possibility of charges being filed

Marcos

By Charles Dantes

LGU execs: Rise above politics, prioritize people

than half or some

percent of party-list organizations seeking House of Representatives seats in the midterm elections in May do not represent marginalized segments of society, according to election watchdog Kontra Daya. A study released on Wednesday showed that 86 out of the 156 accredited party-list groups represent neither

with their romantic relationships hit a 20-year low. Only 46% reported being ‘very happy,’ down 12 points from 58% in December 2023. Meanwhile, 36% said they ‘could be happier,’ and 18% admitted to having ‘no love life.’ The decline in love life satisfaction was observed among both men and women across different civil statuses, with the sharpest drop among men in live-in relationships.that almost seven in 10 Filipinos or 67% prefer to express their love through ‘acts of service,’

DOWN, DOWN. Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque,

By Othel Ramos and Maricel

Taguig top cop, 10 others face probe

By Vince Lopez

GEN . Anthony Aberin, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), has ordered an investigation into the Taguig City police, including its chief, Col. Joey Goforth, following an incident where officers from Taguig Substation-5 allegedly conducted an illegal search of a residence.

The investigation focuses on ten police officers accused of entering a residence without a valid search warrant.

fair and thorough investigation.

pension, demotion, dismissal, or criminal charges.

The alleged incident involved a search of a woman’s house and shop in Taguig City. CCTV footage shows plainclothes individuals identifying themselves as police officers entering the premises.

The officers were reportedly serving a warrant related to previous drug charges against the woman, but she had been acquitted and released in 2022.

investigated, including allegations that the officers had previously arrested the victim’s son and attempted to negotiate a price for his release. CCTV footage also captured the officers apprehending several individuals in the store, including a minor.

Aberin said that Goforth’s possible accountability will also be included in the ongoing probe. The ten officers have been relieved of their duties to ensure a

“I will make sure they will be dismissed from the police service,” Aberin said, emphasizing the NCRPO’s commitment to the rule of law, transparency, and professionalism. He indicated that those found guilty could face sus-

Earlier, the AFP said this year’s “Balikatan” exercises with American forces will be among the largest in history.

This could be attributed to the expansion of “Balikatan” which now involves air, land, sea and cyber maneuvers and participation of other nations allied to the Philippines and US. Meanwhile, military forces from the Philippines, Canada, and the US held the 7th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) According to Brawner, the latest MMCA demonstrated their collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“The naval and air force units of participating nations will operate together to enhance cooperation and interoperability among their armed forces,” Brawner said.

“The activity will be conducted in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard for the safety of navigation, and the rights and interests of other states,” he added.

Brawner also said the said activity underscores nations shared commitments to upholding the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as well as respect for maritime rights under international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said that the Philippines and Canada are currently negotiating the Philippines-Canada Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) which is an important development following the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation between the Philippines and Canada on January 19. Rex Espiritu

from December 12 to 18, 2024, also found that Filipinos often show love by cooking meals, running errands, helping with chores, or fixing things around the house—sometimes without being asked.

‘Words of affirmation’ and spending ‘quality time’ with loved ones are tied at second at 51% each followed by ‘giving gifts’ (33%) and ‘physical touch’ (29%).

The survey also found that most people wish for ‘love and companionship’ (19%) this Valentines’ Day, surpassing ‘money’ (10%), which was the most desired gifts last year.

A lot of men also said they would like to receive ‘any gift from the heart’ (9%) and ‘flowers’ (8%) while women would accept ‘money’ (15%) and ‘flowers’ (12%).

The SWS non-commissioned survey was conducted through face-toface interviews with 2,160 adults nationwide, covering Balance Luzon (1,080 respondents), Metro Manila (360), the Visayas (360), and Mindanao (360).

The survey has a ±2% margin of error for national percentages and ±3% to ±5% for regional estimates.

According to Goforth, the police officers appeared to have entered the house without a valid warrant. He also stated that the officers allegedly intended to solicit money from the victim to avoid arrest. Goforth assured the public that the case would be thoroughly

Police Major Hazel Asilo, spokesperson for the Southern Police District (SPD), confirmed that the officers violated warrant service policy. “First of all, there is a violation…because they should have identified themselves and then they should have been in uniform when serving…we have seen that there was abuse in their service,” Asilo said.

The relieved officers will face charges of grave abuse of authority.

actual unrest occurs.

against her in court, the Vice President merely responded, “ As expected.”

She has denied making the controversial “kill” remarks despite the viral video showing her doing so.

Duterte, who is also facing an impeachment complaint, will be formally charged only upon finding probable cause against her, the NBI chief clarified.

The crime of Grave Threats penalizes statements that create real and imminent danger to specific persons, regardless of whether actual harm occurs.

Similarly, the crime of Inciting to Sedition penalizes statements that pose a real and imminent threat to public order, regardless of whether

It can be recalled that among the allegations in the 4th impeachment complaint include her remarks claiming that she had already ordered someone to kill the President Marcos, his spouse, and his cousin, the incumbent House Speaker, in case of her death.

In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano confirmed the receipt of the NBI’s complaint and said “the case will now undergo evaluation and preliminary investigation before the NPS.”

“The process will undergo case build-up as needed to assure that there is sufficient evidence and that the respondent is not unduly haled to court,” the DOJ official wrote.

“This process involves requiring the respondent to submit a counter-affidavit, reviewing the evidence from both

parties, and assessing whether the case meets the higher threshold of evidence for filing in court, or whether the case should be dismissed for lack of evidence,” he added.

He noted that it involves requiring the respondent to submit a counter-affidavit, reviewing the evidence from both parties, and assessing whether the case meets the higher threshold of evidence for filing in court, or whether the case should be dismissed for lack of evidence.

“The Supreme Court has ruled that what matters is the intent behind the words—whether they were meant to convey a serious threat or instill fear,” the DOJ also wrote in its statement.

“While freedom of speech is protected, the Supreme Court has consistently ruled that it does not extend to speech that incites violence, rebellion, or disorder,” it said further.

continue their commitment to public service beyond their terms in office.

“The solutions of yesterday no longer address the problems of today,” he said.

“We must lead with integrity, serve with competence, and govern with a vision that extends beyond our terms in office,” he added.

Mr. Marcos lauded the progress made in local governance, citing the increase in the number of municipalities meeting fiscal and transparency standards under the Seal of Good Local Governance.

He also highlighted new laws, such as the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act and the Automatic Income Classification of Local Government Units Act, which aim to improve local financial management.

The President also urged local governments to embrace digitalization, noting that more than 1,200 LGUs have initiated automation efforts, while 741 have adopted the e-LGU platform.

“This is very, very important,” he said.

“We must use the best technologies to improve public service. If we don’t, we risk being left behind,” he added.

Mr. Marcos also underscored the need for environmental initiatives and disaster preparedness, particularly in the face of worsening climate conditions.

He pointed to the KALINISAN sa Bagong Pilipinas program, which saw 22,200 barangays participating in clean-up efforts last year.

Data showed that pork belly prices range from P380 to P480 per kilogram, while pork ham goes for around P350 to P420.

“They say they are not the reason for the high prices,” Tiu Laurel said, referring to vendors. “They explain that there are agents, gasoline, labor, slaughtering costs and farmgate prices. We in the DA will study the entire value chain to analyze it carefully.”

Tiu Laurel said the agency is collecting more data to determine why pork prices remain high, but it would come up with a maximum suggested retail price.

“The earliest would probably be March, but that depends on whether we are comfortable with our data or information,” Tiu Laurel said.

Meanwhile, Speaker Martin Romualdez yesterday welcomed the DA’s initiative to set the National Food Authority (NFA) rice price at P35 per kilo, saying it will help ensure food security for Filipinos.

However, alongside this positive development, Romualdez stressed the government must also guarantee fair income for farmers to sustain local rice production.

“Ensuring that rice remains affordable is crucial for our consumers. However, we must also ensure that our farmers receive fair compensation for their hard work,” the Speaker said.

Romualdez highlighted the importance of balancing consumer needs with the welfare of farmers, saying that this is very important for the benefit of all stakeholders.

“The ideal situation is to maintain a high farmgate price that provides the right income for our farmers while ensuring that the price of rice in the market is affordable for consumers,” he said in Tagalog.

Romualdez assured the public that Congress will monitor the implementation of this pricing strategy.

“We will closely observe how this policy unfolds and determine if additional government interventions are necessary to sustain it,” he noted.

Romualdez also called for strong coordination between the DA and NFA with

Kontra Daya pointed out that nine party-list groups have sketchy backgrounds, having furnished the Commission on Elections (Comelec) with limited information about themselves, excluding specific details on the nature of their work.

“It is also possible for members of political clans to be listed not in the top three nominees but in the bottom numbers. This should be a reminder to the public to scrutinize all 10 party-list nominees and not just the three,” it warned voters.

Kontra Daya is touted as “a broad campaign of various organizations and individuals, [including the] religious, artists, youth and students, lawyers, IT experts, teachers, government employees, and ordinary Filipinos – who commit themselves to oppose election fraud and other undemocratic practices.”

It can be recalled that the Comelec accredited 43 new party-list groups that will be vying for House seats in the May elections.

Comelec chairman George Garcia earlier said that there would have been about 300 party-list groups participating in the coming polls if the commission approved the 200 new applicants.

As this developed, the Comelec chief said they would issue notices to five senatorial candidates who were found to be consistently violating election rules, and will order them to remove their illegal campaign materials or face disqualification or penalty.

However, Garcia did not name the five senatorial candidates, saying that these national candidates posted illegal election materials in almost all the regions in the country.

“Sanctions await these senatorial candidates and party-list groups should they win in the May 12 polls,” he said. Garcia noted that concerned senatorial bets violated the allowed size of their campaign materials, as well as the designated poster areas.

lawmakers to ensure that the policy does not negatively impact local rice farmers.

“I urge the Department of Agriculture and the National Food Authority to work closely with Congress to ensure that this policy does not unintentionally discourage local rice production,” he said.

“The end goal is food security – one that benefits both farmers and consumers.”

Despite the elevated prices, the Department of Agriculture assured the public that the country’s pork supply remains sufficient.

The department earlier imposed a maximum suggested

FLOWERS GALORE. A sales lady arranges fresh flowers for sale in time for Valentines Day inside a mall in Binondo Manila. Norman Cruz

Chiz: Avoid discussing VP impeach trial

IN BRIEF

Agents nab Chinese wanted for drug trafficking

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) officers arrested a Chinese fugitive wanted for drug trafficking while trying to extend his tourist visa at the B’s office in Intramuros, Manila.

Arrested was Lin Guangxiu, who was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice for drug-related offenses.

“This arrest demonstrates our unwavering commitment to keeping the country safe from foreign fugitives,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said. “The Philippines will not be a refuge for criminals. We will continue to ensure that our borders remain secure and that those attempting to evade justice are apprehended,” he added.

During the visa extension process, BI personnel detected irregularities in Lin’s records and reported the case to Tourist Visa Section (TVS) Chief Raymond Remigio, who coordinated with the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) for Lin’s immediate arrest.

In 2019, Lin and his accomplice were found to possess over 138 pieces of tape-sealed transparent packs containing around 270,000 gm of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride or “shabu.” Vito Barcelo Lawmaker pushes media welfare House bill

REP. Luis Raymund Villafuerte of Camarines Sur appealed to the Senate to prioritize the passage of a bill that upholds the rights and welfare of media practitioners.

Villafuerte said House Bill (HB) 454, which had been passed at the House in November 2022, once enacted, shall ensure benefits for journalists such as security of tenure, hazard pay, night shift differential pay, and overtime pay in recognition of the perils and hazards that they are exposed to daily in the course of their delicate jobs of providing needed information to the public.

Villafuerte’s push for the bill’s enactment came as he dismissed an allegation that he was behind the takedown of a report in The Spark—the official student publication of the Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) in his province.

This is about a mock election whose results supposedly showed that the outgoing three-term congressman, and three-term governor previously, was trailing his rival in the race for the gubernatorial seat in the May 12 elections. According to disgruntled individuals, the CSPC administration had tried to censor The Spark for its report on the outcome of this campus survey on candidates for local seats in the midterm balloting. Maricel V. Cruz

MMDA provides trash traps to Taguig City

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has provided trash traps and essential tools to the Taguig local government as part of its flood mitigation initiatives in the city.

MMDA Chairman Don Artes said 13 barangays would benefit from the initiative, with the turnover of 28 manual trash traps, including sets of tools for operations and maintenance, namely plastic pontoons, nylon ropes, paddles, fabricated scooper, life vests, plastic crates, and rubber gloves.

The provision of trash traps, through the MMDA Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO) and MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office (FCSMO), is intended to reduce the inadvertently thrown wastes in waterways and stop them from reaching the pumping stations and eventually into the Manila Bay. Trash traps were installed at the following: Mauling Creek, Conga Creek, Tipas-Labasan Creek, Sto. Niño Creek, Garcia Creek, First Alley Creek, Musni Creek, Ramos Creek, Sucol Creek, Dama De Noche Creek, Pinagsama Creek, Marcelina Creek, F. Manalo Creek, Tupas Creek, Paulina Creek, and Magsaysay Creek. Joel E. Zurbano

SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has called on his fellow senators to avoid discussing the potential impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Escudero emphasized the senators’ role as impartial judges in any such trial, stating that his primary concern is maintaining the court’s fairness and credibility.

He urged his colleagues to refrain from making statements about the impeachment before hearing any evidence or reaching a final decision.

“That’s why I’m reminding the senators to be careful in their statements regarding the impeachment, especially since they haven’t seen any evidence from either side nor have they reached a final decision on the matter,” Escudero, quoted by ABS-CBN News, said.

This comes as some senators, including Duterte allies, have expressed concerns and vowed to fight the impeachment.

Over 200 House lawmakers recently approved a resolution to impeach Duterte, paving the way for a Senate trial. A two-thirds vote in the 24-seat Senate would be needed to remove her from office.

Escudero anticipates the trial will begin in July, after President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address or SONA. Duterte has downplayed the impeachment, saying her lawyers have been preparing for it since 2023.

DepEd plans to promote more teachers to principals

TO address the nationwide shortage of school principals, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced plans to promote and reclassify over 15,000 qualified teachers to principals this year.

The DepEd said it will deploy successful examinees of the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads (NQESH) to fill vacancies.

As of 2024, 7,916 teachers have passed the NQESH. Interim guidelines will be issued to ensure prin-

By Vito Barcelo

THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) approved a new Filipino version of the “Hail Mary” prayer, providing an alternative to the traditional Tagalog form known as “Aba Ginoong Maria” to “Ave Maria.”

The decision was made during the CBCP’s recent plenary assembly.

CBCP secretary-general Monsignor Bernardo Pantin said this new translation, which is based on the original Latin language, is intended to provide a more accurate and contextually relevant interpretation rather than to replace the conventional one.

“More contextualized, simple and adaptable to the changing times, as well as enhances our understanding

cipals currently assigned to offices return to their schools and to reassign principals to schools with the greatest need.

The department will also reclassify 14,761 Head Teachers I-V to School Principal I under the Expanded Career Progression Policy, and retitle 954 Head Teachers VI and Assistant School Principal II positions to School Principal I. Acting school heads will be prioritized for promotion, and eligible person-

and appreciation of the significance and richness of its biblico-theological foundation,” Pantin said.

The CBCP clarified that a number of important principles guided the adjustments.

“(They) are guided by faithfulness to the original Latin text, bible-based, simplicity, prayerfulness, adaptability to the changing times and in the Philippine context, and the spirit of synodality that all may be one,” according to the statement.

Manila Standard TODAY

This update comes as the Catholic Church prepares to celebrate the Jubilee Year of 2025, marking both the 50th anniversary of the CBCP’s 1975 pastoral letter on the Blessed Virgin Mary and a continued commitment to deepening the faithful’s connection to the church’s teachings.

nel undergoing retitling will secure principal positions in their current schools.

“This pressing issue is an eyeopener. So many of our schools operate without brains—because that’s what our principals are, the brains of our schools. Rest assured, DepEd is taking swift action to address this problem,” DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, quoted by GMA News report, said.

The principal shortage was highlighted by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which reported last month that 24,916 public schools lack principals.

The DepEd aims to implement a one principal-one school policy and plans to establish this 1:1 ratio by 2026, when it adopts the School Organizational Structure and Staffing Standards. This will involve creating an additional 5,870 School Principal I positions, it said.

Gov’t taps VERA Files on fact-checking

THE Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced Wednesday it is collaborating with online non-profit news organization VERA Files to enhance fact-checking efforts within state-run media outlets through a series of workshops aimed at fighting misinformation and improving media literacy.

PCO will roll out the program titled “Siguraduhing Totoo: A VERA Files Fact-Checking and Online Verification Training” to its attached agencies across Luzon on February 1314, Visayas on February 20-21, and Mindanao on February 27-28. Participants will include fact-check officers from regional units of state-run media companies such as People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTV), Radyo Pilipinas, Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), Philippine Information Agency (PIA),

and Philippine News Agency (PNA).

VERA Files, an independent non-profit media organization and a signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, will conduct the workshops at no cost to the PCO, emphasizing its commitment to countering misinformation across all platforms.

The initiative aligns with the government’s ‘Maging Mapanuri’ campaign, which promotes critical thinking and responsible information consumption.

The training will focus on equipping fact-checkers with essential skills to assess online content, detect false information, and strengthen public trust in verified news. Through this collaboration, the PCO reaffirms its commitment to advancing digital literacy and ensuring the public has access to credible and accurate information.

NEW COMMISSIONER. Commission on Elections (Comelec) chair George Erwin M. Garcia led the oath-taking of new Comelec Commissioner Noli Farol Pipo in Intramuros. Also in the picture is new Commissioner Maria Norina S. Tangaro-Casingal. Norman Cruz.

INSPECTION. Senate President Francis Escudero leads the inspection of the New Senate Building in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. This was his first visit to the building, which is scheduled to be completed by December 2026 to December 2027.

IN BRIEF

Five OTS agents cited for ‘job well done’

THE Philippine National Police - Aviation Security Group (PNPAvsegroup) recognized five officers from the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) for vigilance and effectiveness in intercepting illegal firearms at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The five security screening officers (SSOs) reputedly demonstrated exceptional skills in detecting and preventing the entry of prohibited items.

They are Kemmuel Arabes, Aldrin Sorian Francisco, Roque Navarro, Armando Balang, and Herlyn Beth Varona. OTS administrator Crizaldo Nieves commended the awardees and thanked the PNP Avsegroup for recognizing the “exemplary work” of his personnel.

Joel Zurbano

Immigration nabs two overstaying foreigners

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) intelligence operatives have arrested two overstaying foreigners, an Iranian and an American, in separate operations conducted in Pampanga and Isabela.

Arrested were Amirhossein Moghaddasi inside the Clark Civil Aviation Complex at the Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, and James Brian Dunlap in Brgy. Silawit, Cauayan City, Isabela.

Moghaddasi was taken in for working in another company other than what his petitioner stated.

On the other hand, Dunlap was found to have been overstaying in the country for almost 25 months in violation of Philippine immigration laws. Joel Zurbano

LTO-Valenzuela tie-up on transport concerns

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Valenzuela City government have partnered to address the backlog of the city’s public transport vehicles including tricycles due to license plates shortfalls.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II thanked Mayor Wes Gatchalian for his trust and confidence that gave way for their agreement aimed to fast track the release of the license plates.

Under the arrangement, the city government through councilor Sel Sabino-Sy, will extend the necessary assistance to the LTO for the completion of the license plates. The city would identify all city government-owned motor vehicles. Rio N. Araja

John Hay sub-lessees withdraw TRO plea

MULTIPLE sub-lessees of CJH Development Corporation (CJHDevCo) have withdrawn their petition for injunction seeking to stop the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) from fully recovering its Camp John Hay property.

The Baguio Regional Trial Court (RTC) denied on Feb. 5 the application of the John Hay foreign locators, asking for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to prevent the return of the 247-hectare Camp John Hay property to the BCDA.

The RTC ruling prompted a group of sub-lessees to withdraw their petitions. Dexter See

PCG drives away Chinese vessel from PH exclusive economic zone

By Rex Espiritu

APHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) vessel has successful prevented a Chinese ship from getting close to a Zambales coastline.

In a report on Tuesday, the PCG said its vessel, BRP Cabra, deterred the Chinese intruder from approaching Zambales.

“Despite its smaller size, the BRP Cabra has effectively maintained a distance of 78 to 85 nautical miles between the Chinese vessel and the

Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),” PCG spokesman for West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said.

He said the BRP Cabra “confronted Lan Hai 101, reputedly one of China’s two largest fishery research ships, which was operating approxi-

mately 25 nautical miles off the coast of Pangasinan.

“The BRP Cabra has asserted that the activities of the Chinese vessel fall within the Philippines’ EEZ, constituting violations of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” Tarriela said.

“The PCG remains resolute in its commitment to addressing the unlawful presence of Chinese maritime forces. We will not allow any alterations to the status quo through en-

Customs confiscates P4.5-m marijuana in Pasay

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted high grade marijuana or kush worth more than P4.5 million during a raid at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.

croachment on Luzon’s coastline,” the PCG stated.

The Lan Hai 101 was spotted within the country’s archipelagic waters this week and was also monitored by Philippine Navy stations in Balabac, Palawan.

“They responded. They gave their last port of call, their next port of call, the skipper’s name, 56 crew members, and they were passing through our archipelagic sea lanes because of the inclement weather in the western part of Palawan,” Navy spokesman for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said.

LGUs exhorted to act on loose electrical wires

By Ram Superable

A SENATOR called on local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce a Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) order mandating utility companies to maintain public safety measures in their respective areas of operation.

Senator Raffy Tulfo issued the call during a hearing on Tuesday of the Committee on Public Services to address concerns about loose electricity wires that pose dangers of electrocution among the people.

“Because of these dangling wires, many people have died from electrocution, and until now, we still haven’t found a solution to address this issue. Every city nationwide has a problem with dangling wires,” said Tulfo, chairman of the panel.

NAIA district collector Yasmin Mapa said the confiscation formed part of the government’s intensified drive against the smuggling of illegal drugs into the country.

The contraband was turned over to the PDEA for further investigation and case build-up against those involved in the drug smuggling attempt, including the

The shipment which came from Thailand, was seized in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group.

shipper and the consignee for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio reaffirmed the agency’s vigilance, saying the agency remained relentless in its efforts to secure the country’s borders against illegal drugs.

PH, ROK reaffirm strong defense ties

THE Philippines and South Korea have reaffirmed strong bilateral defense relations, the Department of National Defense (DND) said on Tuesday.

According to the DND, the reaffirmation was made at the conclusion of the two countries’ 26th Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Logistics and Defense Industry Cooperation held in Busan, South Korea.

The DND said the meeting was attuned to President Marcos’ directive to develop the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) into a world-class defense entity.

Discussions focused on defense modernization, technology transfer, and joint initiatives aimed at enhancing regional security.

South Korea reiterated its commitment to supporting the Philippines’ ongoing military capability develop-

ment, underscoring the importance of collaboration in addressing evolving security challenges.

DND Assistant Secretary for Logistics and Acquisition Joselito Ramos thanked Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Vice Minister Kang Hwan Seug for their delegation’s hospitality, emphasizing the Philippines’ dedication to deepening its strategic ties with South Korea. Ramos highlighted the shared values of peace, stability, and prosperity, underscoring mutual interest in developing strong and sustainable defense capabilities.

The 26th JCM reaffirms the longstanding and dynamic defense cooperation between the Philippines and South Korea, demonstrating both nations’ shared commitment to regional security and mutual growth. Rex Espiritu

He emphasized that mayors must conduct regular inspections and clearing operations to remove or fix dangling wires before they cause harm, and warned that negligent local officials should be held accountable for accidents and injuries caused by unmaintained or hazardous wires.

“Mayors should be required to conduct inspections and carry out clearing operations. The dangling wires must be fixed,” Tulfo said.

He expressed frustration over the lack of long-term solutions despite recurring incidents involving hazardous electrical and communication cables.

The DILG previously issued Memorandum Circular 2022-036 which directs LGUs to assess and maintain the structural integrity of electric and telecommunication posts.

The memo also mandates local governments to coordinate with utility companies to prevent accidents caused by loose wires and faulty installations.

Several cities tried to implement local ordinances addressing the problem, but enforcement remained wanting, leading to persistent risks to pedestrians and motorists.

The Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act, signed into law in 2019, prohibits activities that could interfere with power lines, yet violations persisted due to poor monitoring and accountability.

During the hearing, the committee also discussed proposed bills concerning the regulation of drone operations in the country.

NEW DOLE OFFICIALS TAKE OATH. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma (left) swears in the newly appointed Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) officials during a ceremony held on Feb. 7 in Paranaque City. Among them are Undersecretary Warren Miclat, Assistant Secretary Lennard Constantine Serrano, and Assistant Regional Director Melisa Navara.

CAMBODIAN PREMIER VISITS PH SENATE. Senate President Francis Escudero, joined by Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Joel Villanueva, Robinhood Padilla, and Mark Villar, welcomes Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet at the Philippine Senate.

OPINION

The firing gun survey

PULSE Asia released the results of its survey with field work done on Jan. 18 to 25 with 2,400 respondents distributed proportionately to voting population throughout the country.

It is what I would call the firing gun survey.

From now till May 12, who wins and who loses will depend on how the senatorial candidates perform on the campaign trail --- their messaging, their media network, their ground support, and, of course, the resources needed for widespread communications and ground operations.

While it is generally regarded that those who made it to the top six in the firing gun survey are assured of being among the 12, albeit in differing slots according to how their message resonate with the voters, those in the lower six, plus another six currently outside the magic circle, would have to slug it out for the next 86 days.

Still, a sure six may not necessarily be true this time.

Absent any major fiasco, Erwin Tulfo, Bong Go, Tito Sotto and Pia Cayetano are assured of making it, although their rankings could yet vary.

I did not include Ben Tulfo or Bong Revilla because their current numbers are no assurance of victory, the former because many voters may see two Tulfos plus one already in the Senate as too much even for a dynasty-tolerant electorate.

As for the re-electionist senator who magically got his surname registered as Bong Revilla, the better to be listed by the Comelec as No. 11 instead of above 50, opponents or civil society activists might yet remind the public of his unpaid return of some 200 million pesos which the Sandiganbayan ordered, even as he was acquitted of plunder, with his chief of staff taking the sword for him, eventually dying in prison.

The numbers of the lower six, namely Imee Marcos, Ping Lacson, Willie Revillame, Bato de la Rosa, Abby Binay and Manny Pacquiao are still within or slightly lower than the overall margin of error of plus minus 2. Which means that Camille Villar, with an abundance of family fortunes, and currently 8 points below the safe Pia Cayetano, could yet dislodge one of the eight in the survey list of winnables.

Whether Coco Martin and Batang Quiapo, the trick-in-trade of re-electionist Sen. Lito Lapid, could work wonders for him the same way Ang Probinsyano did in 2019 is also debatable. “Bumenta na ‘yan,” the wa-is might say.

Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino of the pink coalition are 10 to 12 points lower than 12th placer Manny Pacquiao. Can they yet resurrect the “volunteer movements” that vivified the 2022 campaign of the losing Leni Robredo where Kiko ran as vice-president and Bam was campaign manager?

The Liberal Party and its ground

network has been largely decimated, a shadow of what it was in President PNoy’s time, even less than how the PDP was depopulated after President Duterte’s term. Such is the way of our stupid political system, where turncoatism has become normal.

Gringo Honasan, running as an independent balik-senador, cannot be discounted, if, and that is a big if, he can count on the 5 to 6 percent Bicol vote to vote for him alone, as they did for the late Sen. Victor Ziga way back 1987, and if the Guardians can work their butts off for his candidacy.

—“—

The Davao loyalists would need to see the 2025 senatorial elections as battleground in a war against the administration forces

As things stand, the Alyansa will have to huff and puff and mobilize its ground troops behind Benhur Abalos and Francis Tolentino within these short three months.

Doc Willie Ong has kept his numbers despite no advertising and hardly any expenditures on air or ground, and his inclusion in the PDP’s ticket could yet create a miracle, if those who want to side with the embattled Vice-President find him more acceptable than the others fielded by the PDP.

The highly qualified Rodante Marcoleta is one who could also surprise everyone, if the bloc-voting INC goes beyond including his name in their list, and exerts influence on local candidates to include him … or else.

I wish my friends, lawyer and composer Jimmy Bondoc and Medal of Valor awardee Ariel Querubin could make it to the Senate, but with singledigit conversion from less than 50 percent awareness levels, that would be very difficult.

The elephant in the room, if we may use that metaphor in reading the firing gun survey, is how the electorate reacts to the fight-to-the-death battle between the combatant dynasties brought about by the impeachment of Vice-President Sara.

Unless Malacanang calls for a special session to activate a trial which SP Escudero has decided to convene after the May elections, the Davao loyalists would need to see the 2025 senatorial elections as battleground in a war against the administration forces. Can they galvanize strong public support versus an administration determined to deprive the vice-president of her 2028 plans? The President minced no words in his fighting speech in Laoag last Tuesday. He has thrown the gauntlet.

The EDSA bus carousel brouhaha

THE proposal by the MMDA to remove the EDSA bus carousel elicited many negative reactions none stronger than the one from the DOTr strongly disagreeing, saying the bus carousel is the most efficient transport system in the Metro area and will stay put. It will instead be expanded and then privatized. That word again---privatization, the DOTr’s panacea to all transport problems due to its inability to do any coherent transport planning in the area of land transportation.

The DOTr reaction is quite understandable considering that the bus carousel is its baby and the agency is the foremost exponent of privatization in the transport sector.

In its statements, it cited figures attesting to the success of the bus carousel.

The DOTr said about 5.5 million passengers were transported in January alone.

Whether that is true considering that many buses are oftentimes seen running half full is another matter. There are also hours the bus lane is underutilized, prompting some sectors to suggest the road should be shared with other vehicles during lean hours.

The bus carousel may have indeed solved a problem but it has also created other problems

All the buses also are not operating on a 24-hour basis. What it also omitted are the other costs of this so-called success story. What are these? Let’s look at some numbers.

This

but

EDITORIAL

Legislated wage hike

WILL ordinary workers find deliverance from high prices of just about everything with the approval by the House of Representatives of a bill raising the daily minimum wage by P200?

No doubt, our workers would be very glad if the bill passes muster in the Senate, where a bill seeking a P150 minimum wage hike was approved in February last year, and President Marcos Jr. signs the bill into law.

For one thing, workers have found an ally in Speaker Martin Romualdez who has stated the House bill is “a critical step toward achieving inclusive growth and addressing the immediate challenges faced by Filipino families.”

He underscored the economic benefits of a wage increase, such as boosting household spending, stimulating local economies, and driving longterm growth.

He also pointed out that in the Philippines, where consumer spending accounts for a substantial portion of the

The maximum carrying capacity of a standard one lane road is about 1,900 vehicles per hour.

This figure, however, varies especially when it comes to urban arterial roads like EDSA. In this case, it would be between 1,000 to 1,500 vehicles. If we use 1,500, the bus lane is depriving 72,000 vehicles a day from using the North-South corridors compared to the 751 buses authorized to use the lane.

The actual number of buses running would actually be less due to maintenance. Also, more than one lane is actually lost which lessens significantly the carrying capacity of the other lanes, thereby slowing travel time considerably contributing to the congestion. If we add the exclusive bike lanes, a lot more than 72,000 vehicles are being deprived.

The MMDA proposal, therefore, is actually not so outlandish and has in fact some merits.

The MMDA attached many conditions before the proposal could be implemented if at all.

One is there must be a transport study

gross domestic product, “a wage hike can act as an economic catalyst.”

But the proposed P200 minimum wage hike faces an uphill climb.

The Employers Confederation of the Philippines opposes the legislated minimum wage hike. According to ECOP President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., “This will just make investors hesitate more with the uncertainty it creates. And we are already lagging behind our neighbors in terms of investments.”

—“—

ECOP president OrtizLuis Jr. warned a P200 wage hike would be a major contributor to inflation

He warned a P200 wage hike would be a major contributor to inflation.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the country’s biggest business group, has also expressed its opposition to the P200 legislated wage hike: “A blanket national minimum wage does not take into account the differences in the cost of living across regions as well as the unique needs of businesses based on

conducted and engineering considerations satisfied before execution.

Furthermore, although people may not realize it, there are actually three transport systems competing for passengers along EDSA. The jeepneys, buses and the MRT3 which ordinarily should not be the case. In transport planning, where there is rail, there should no longer be buses and jeepneys. I suspect this is the essence of the MMDA proposal. Why put rail and buses on basically the same route to compete instead of maximizing rail capacity to the fullest and put the buses elsewhere to service other routes?

The MMDA seems to have realized this and wants to do something about its traffic management which is its mandate.

Without the buses and jeepneys along EDSA, the road will be able to accommodate more traffic and if there will be a congestion fee, basically a traffic management tool, vehicle volume along EDSA even if it will increase could be more manageable especially when the upgrading will finally be completed.

The proposal is simply another way of saying the MRT3 should be upgraded, its

specific industry, location, and type of labor they need…It could also lead to business inefficiency and stagnation” .

But workers’ groups, including the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Federation of Free Workers, and Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa are banking on Romualdez’s positive response to their calls for the legislature to prioritize and accelerate the immediate passage of the proposed legislated daily wage hike.

But how about the executive branch?

President Marcos Jr., while acknowledging that workers are struggling with high prices, pointed to the Regional Wage Boards as the body responsible for wage increases. “It is their job to determine what the minimum wage should be,” he emphasized. When asked in a recent media forum if the Department of Labor and Employment supported the call of workers’ groups for a legislated P200 wake hike, Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma replied their job is to provide inputs in the debate, and let lawmakers discuss and approve the proposed measure. Then DOLE will implement whatever the law says.

So what lies ahead for the proposed P200 legislated wage hike? We can only hope that it passes the legislative mill, and gives our workers the means to cope with hard times.

operations maximized and made more efficient to handle a lot more passengers.

Unfortunately, the DOTr was unable to see the point of the MMDA. Instead of the DOTr sitting with MMDA to discuss the issue, it is waging a media war which is painting an ugly picture of two government agencies seemingly unable to coordinate. Providing urban mass transportation is primarily a government responsibility. Unlike in many countries, however, our DOTr prefers mass transportation to be in private hands. But it must realize that it cannot outsource everything because it has also the responsibility of lessening transport costs not making them more expensive. This is why there is a growing number of cities in Europe that actually provide free bus and train rides. Regrettably, the DOTr do not believe this and is focused on privatization. The bus carousel may have indeed solved a problem but it has also created other problems.

If we do a cost benefit analysis, the loss of more than a lane maybe costing more due to congestion. It’s time for MMDA and DOTr to talk.

is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format. The tone is colorful

menacing. There is a swarm of vultures flocking over something. They are all wearing red baseball caps At the bottom of this flock is a pair of emaciated legs. There is a label sticking out from the big toe which says “USAID.” One of the vultures wearing the red cap looks at us with a menacing grin.

Zelenskyy offers land swaps as Russia heartens Trump

WASHINGTON, DC – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was ready to swap land in negotiations with Russia, which freed at least one American prisoner in what US President Donald Trump described Tuesday as a goodwill gesture on ending the war.

under former president Joe Biden, to force Kyiv into territorial concessions.

In the first known visit by a member of the Trump administration to Russia since he returned to the White House last month, envoy Steve Witkoff secured the release of Marc Fogel, an American jailed since 2021 on drug charges.

“We were treated very nicely by Russia,” Trump told reporters of Fogel’s release.

“Actually, I hope that’s the beginning of a relationship where we can end that war.”

Trump greeted Fogel at the White House Tuesday night after he landed back in the United States, recounting a meeting with Fogel’s 95-year-old mother at a campaign rally where he promised her to “get him out.”

The White House described his re-

lease as part of an “exchange,” with Trump saying Tuesday night that a second detainee would be released Wednesday without offering further details.

There was no immediate comment from Russia, where state-run news agencies quoted the White House announcement.

Russia’s Supreme Court in December refused to consider an appeal Fogel made against his 14-year sentence.

Witkoff, a property developer and friend of Trump, is officially the Middle East envoy and earlier played a key role in pushing forward a fragile IsraelHamas ceasefire.

Trump also announced a visit to Ukraine by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent — another official in his cabinet on a mission unrelated to his primary job. AFP

Defense chief to pressure allies on first NATO visit

BRUSSELS, Belgium --New US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrives for his first meetings at NATO headquarters Wednesday looking to push European nations over support for Ukraine and ramping up military spending.

Washington’s allies are waiting nervously for clarity from President Donald Trump’s administration after the volatile leader demanded NATO more than double its spending target and vowed to end the war in Ukraine.

Hegseth’s two days of talk in Brussels with his counterparts from NATO and Ukraine are part of a flurry of visits to Europe this week by top US officials.

Those will culminate with Vice President JD Vance meeting Ukrainian President Volody-

myr Zelensky at a security conference in Munich on Friday. The Pentagon chief on Wednesday will sit down with an international coalition of Ukraine’s backers before huddling with the 31 other defense ministers from NATO Thursday.

Trump’s return to the White House has set nerves on edge as he pushes his “America First” agenda and has questioned US security commitments in Europe.

He has already rocked allies by announcing tariffs, and in Denmark’s case insisting he wants to take over Greenland.

On both Ukraine and their own defense, Hegseth looks set to deliver the message that Washington expects European nations to do more. AFP

UN says former Bangladesh gov’t likely behind ‘crimes vs.

humanity’

GENEVA – Bangladesh’s former government was behind systematic attacks and killings of protesters as it strived to hold onto power last year, the UN said Wednesday, warning the abuses could amount to “crimes against humanity”. Before premier Sheikh Hasina was toppled in a student-led revolution last August, her government oversaw a systematic crackdown on protesters and others, including “hundreds of extrajudicial killings”, the United Nations said. Publishing findings of its factfinding inquiry into events in Bangladesh between July 1 and August 15 last year, the UN rights office said it had “reasonable grounds to believe that the crimes against humanity of murder, torture, imprisonment and infliction of other inhumane acts have taken place.” AFP

IN BRIEF

Beijing

Taipei

MEXICO

of Patagonia.

The fires in the northeastern province of Corrientes have consumed an area the size of Vancouver Island that is covered in farmland and pine forests, according to figures provided by the Association of Rural Communities of Corrientes.

A 30-year-old teacher died of the burns she sustained on February 4 while trying to stop the flames engulfing her father’s field in the village of Mariano I. Loza, the local mayor said at the weekend.

The area is parched by a drought and intense heat, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in recent days. Greenpeace however also pointed a finger at illegal logging. AFP

Israel to resume Gaza fighting if hostages not freed Saturday

JERUSALEM – Israel has threatened to resume “intense fighting” in Gaza if hostages were not released this weekend, while Hamas insisted it remained committed to the ceasefire deal and accused Israel of violations.

Under the terms of the truce, which has largely halted more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza, captives were to be released in batches in exchange for Palestinians in Israeli custody. So far, Israel and Hamas have completed five hostageprisoner swaps.

In related developments, Arab League secretary-general Ahmed Aboul Gheit said Wednesday displacing Palestinians from their Gaza Strip and West Bank territories is “unacceptable” to the region.

“It’s unacceptable for the Arab world which has fought this idea for 100 years,” he said at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, when asked about US President Donald Trump’s plan to move Gaza’s inhabitants.

But the deal has come under increasing strain in recent days, prompting diplomatic efforts to salvage it and Hamas to say it was “committed to the ceasefire”. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “if Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF (Israeli military) will resume intense fighting until Hamas

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Flying Titans, HD Spikers look to boost playo bids

CHOCO Mucho and Cignal brace for crucial matchups today (Thursday) in their quest to solidify their positions in the standings and build momentum heading into the knockout phase of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Currently tied for third place with a 6-3 record, the Flying Titans ride into their 4 p.m. clash against the Nxled Chameleons with confidence, having won four straight matches. However, they remain cautious, knowing that the Chameleons have just rediscovered their winning ways with a fourset triumph over the Galeries Tower Highrisers last weekend.

Spearheaded by an explosive core featuring Sisi Rondina, Dindin Manabat, Isa Molde, Cherry Nunag and Des Cheng, Choco Mucho has proven itself to be a formidable contender. Its balanced offense, complemented by solid floor defense and blocking, makes them the overwhelming favorites over the Chameleons.

“‘Yun nga, teamwork. Hindi naman kasi isang tao lang makakapanalo ng game… Happy, kasi untiunti, we’re reaching the goal na gusto naming marating, so masaya kami na ganito,” said Flying Titans setter Deanna Wong on the key to their win streak.

But Nxled (1-8) is looking to make the most of its remaining games despite being out of contention for the upper half of the 12-team standings. With no realistic chance of securing a higher seeding, the Chameleons are instead focused on gaining experience and momentum, especially with their final prelims assignment looming against the No. 2-ranked Petro Gazz Angels (8-1).

Puerto Princesa to host world youth table tennis

By Randy M. Caluag

THE city of Puerto Princesa will again take the spotlight when it plays host to the World Table Tennis Youth Contender (WTT-YC) beginning today (Thursday).

Participants from 11 countries, namely Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Australia, Hungary, Maldives, Korea, India,

Thailand, Italy and host Philippines, will compete in various categories, such as the Under 11, Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, Under 19, in

both the male and female divisions. The opening ceremony is scheduled late in the afternoon, but games will already take place Thursday morning. This marks the third consecutive year that the tournament is being held in the city.

Puerto Princesa recently hosted the World Dragonboat Championship and will also host the world-famous Ironman Triathlon this year.

Coach Lipa headlines 3-day Porac cage clinics

NATIONAL treasure for basketball, coach Joe Lipa did it once more during the last weekend of January in Baranggay Dolores in Porac, Pampanga as he headlined the Coach Joe Lipa (CJL) Basketball 101 Coaches’ Clinic for three days.

The 1986 UAAP champion coach of the State University poured out the technical knowledge featured from his 280-page reference book “Basketball 101”, while his resource speakers expanded the event’s content even more with topics ranging from 3 x 3 basketball essentials for communities, with coach Mon Casuga, the Quezon City Program Head under the Office of the Vice Mayor, sharing the QC model during the first day.

Co-author and publisher of the reference book, coach Sonny “Peter” Lopez engaged the 60 attending coaches and learner/athletes present, on how to organize and create a progressive and sustainable practice plan.

The third day was spent with the discussion of updated FIBA Rules and applications to all queries of game officials present in the 3-day clinic, sponsored by Alviera, Leonio Land, Converge, Spalding, and Jelexie Bakery.

The first of many CJL Basketball 101 Coaches’ Clinic was ably assisted by San Beda Red Lion Ted Alamarez, concluding with CJL signing and giving out copies of the book and the issuance of certificate of attendance.

Squires eye repeat, Junior Altas seek 1st NCAA title

By Dennis Abrina

THE defending champion Letran Squires and the powerhouse Perpetual Help Junior Altas begin their

respective bids against separate opponents on opening day of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 Juniors’ Basketball Tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City

on February 24, 2025. The back-to-back champion Squires tackle the Lyceum Junior Pirates at 8 a.m., while the Altalettes take on the Mapua-Malayan Red Robins at 10 am.

The Arellano University Braves and Jose Rizal University Light Bombers clash at 12 noon, La Salle-Greenhills battles the San Sebastian College Staglets at 2 p.m. and the San Beda University Red Cubs face the Emilio Aguinaldo College Brigadiers in the final game at 4 p.m.

The Perpetual Junior Altas of coach Joph Cleopas begin their quest for a first title with nine holdovers from the last year’s team that made it to the NCAA finals for the first time since joining the league in 1985. Cleopas will lean on Lebron Jhames Daep, Jan Roluna, Aries Borja, Kelsey Baldoria, Icee Callangan, JD Pagulayan, Jericho Cristino, TJ Tabbuan and Lance Nitura.

The Las Piñas-city based school hired six rookies to replace those who graduated, namely Amiel Acido, who is now with the Santo Tomas Tigers in the UAAP, JP Panelo, who is now with the Pirates and Regie Ayon.

The rookies are Kurt Velasquez and Louie Rosales from the Batang Gilas, Felix Corpuz and Hanz Llupar from Cebu, Kurt Patalinghug from Lapu Lapu City and Renzo Zanoria from Cebu City.

The Las Piñas City-based school vowed to carry its pre-season achievements and titles and the school’s tune-up games against UAAP schools.

“We are focused and determined to win, one game at a time against the teams to beat this season— Letran, Mapua, San Beda and EAC,” said Cleopas.

Newly installed Squires’ head coach Willie Miller will parade his new recruits Dwyne Miranda from Far Eastern University and Daryl Valdeavilla from University of the Philippines Integrated School.

Organizers, led by Italian Olympian Nikoleta Stefanova (middle), event Supervisor, explains the details of WTT Youth Contender Puerto Princesa during a media briefing. Puerto Princesa PIO

NCAA BEACH VOLLEY. San Beda University Lady Red Spiker Reyann Cañete tries to keep the ball in play during the beach volleyball women’s tournament of the National College Athletics Association (NCAA 100) 100 at the Subic Bay sands recently. The

Spikers took third place at the expense of Emilio Aguinaldo College. Letran’s Lady Knights pulled off a “three-peat” after beating Lyceum Philippines University Lady Pirates in the finals. Angie De Silva

Eagles’ fans celebrate while Kansas City Chiefs are silent in

Hot finish puts Del Rosario back in Ladies Masters’ hunt

STA. Rosa, Laguna—Pauline del Rosario

carried the fight for the struggling Philippine contingent, battling through the demanding layout of The Country Club to card a hardearned 69, placing her just one stroke off the clubhouse leaders at the start of the ICTSI Worldwide Link Philippine Ladies Masters 2025 here on Wednesday.

After a shaky stretch on the front nine, the backside of her game, Del Rosario closed in spectacular fashion, birdieing the last two holes to salvage a 34-35 card. Her clutch finish secured her a provisional of sixth place as most of the local bets faltered under the course’s punishing conditions.

“I didn’t do anything special to prepare for this tournament,” said Del Rosario, who finished tied for 11th in Jakarta. “I just took a week off after the Indonesian Open and stuck to my usual routine – range practice and short game work.”

The first Filipina to win on the LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA) in 2017, Del Rosario got off to an impressive start with three birdies against a bogey in her first 11 holes from the back nine of the 6,337-yard layout. She posi-

tioned herself among the early frontrunners before stumbling with a bogey on the tough par-4 fifth hole, momentarily slipping down the leaderboard. Undeterred, she regained her composure with two steady pars before mounting a strong comeback. At the par-5 eighth, she skillfully hacked her approach from 25 yards to within six feet and confidently sank the putt. She followed up with another clutch six-footer on No. 9 after a precise 130-yard approach, firmly re-establishing herself among the top contenders in the $200,000 tournament.

Thai Parinda Phokan came agonizingly close to seizing the outright lead but faltered on the demanding par-4 18th with a three-putt miscue, settling for a 68 in what could have been a commanding start to the championship. The late bogey dampened her momentum in this fiercely competitive event, where confidence is key.

“My driving was strong, and my short game was nearly flawless, with an impressive up-and-down success rate,” said Phokan, whose birdie-blast on the par-3 11th fueled her blazing start.

Away games vs. Taipei, NZ to test Gilas’ resolve

Perez leads PH athletes’ dominance

OLYMPIC aspirant Nathaniel Perez reaffirmed his supremacy in Philippine fencing, sweeping all his matches in the Men’s Foil during the Philippine Fencing Association Senior Ranking and SEA Games qualifying tournament held at the Gateway 2, Cubao, Quezon City. Perez, who narrowly missed a slot in the Paris Olympics, dished out an unyielding form and skills as he triumphed over top competitors, including Daniel Canlas, James Lim, Louis Shoemaker, and teammate Sammuel Tranquilan, whom he defeated 15-8 in the finals.

In the Men’s Saber category, Christian Jester Concepcion also delivered an impressive unbeaten run, culminating in a 15-7 victory against Daniel Villanueva in the finals.

The Men’s Épée provided a thrilling twist as Filipino-American Sean Patrick Lauron secured the title with a nailbiting 15-14 upset of SEA Games silver medalist and top-seed Noelito Jose. National team members dominated across events, winning all but one category. In the Women’s Épée, Alexa Larrazabal edged Ashley Harrison 15-13 in the finals, while Juliana Gomez claimed the bronze after defeating Jennina Mendoza, 15-9. Former SEA Games champion Jylyn Nicanor asserted her dominance in the Women’s Saber, defeating fellow national athlete Queen Dalmacio with a decisive 15-3 scoreline, as Krystal Tuy secured bronze. Randy Caluag

By Peter Atencio

ATOUGH challenge awaits the Kai Sotto-less Gilas Pilipinas as it gets ready for two away games in Window 3 of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.

None of the Philippines’ two coming matches against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand is scheduled at any home court in the Philippines. And so adjustments are expected to be made when they clash against their Taiwanese rivals on Feb. 20 at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium.

Playing before a home crowd, Gilas Pilipinas trounced Chinese Taipei, 106-53, last year to sweep the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, where 7’3” Filipino center Sotto had 18 points and 3 blocks. Sotto will be out for a year rehabbing from

THE new-look Abra Weavers are ready to contend for the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League)

Seventh Season crown.

Head coach Yong Garcia made this assessment even if the country’s premier regional tournament has yet to start on March 8 at the Central Arena in Ilagan, Isabela.

“I’m satisfied with the team’s composition. If my players are 100 percent healthy, then I believe we can go all the way,” said Garcia on Wednesday. “That’s why we’re preparing and sacrificing a lot for another very long season.”

Only three regular players—Mark Yee, Paul Desiderio and Alfred Batino—and three homegrowns—Will Kean Lee, Redel Fabro and Georell Gonzales—are returning for Abr a, which created a ripple by making the playoffs with an 18-win, 10-loss record in its maiden stint in the MPBL Sixth Season.

Eager to do better, the Weavers went on a recruiting binge and hauled in prime catch Encho Serrano, FilCanadian Kascius Small-Martin, and veterans Yousef Taha and Leo Najorda.

Collegiate stars Dave Ildefonso of Ateneo, CJ Austria

an ACL injury.

The bigger preparations will be done when the Philippine side takes on the Tall Blacks on February 23 at the Spark Arena in Auckland.

To do this, they are bringing with them Ralph Cu and RJ Abarrientos to help them with the scrimmages.

“Paaakyatin namin sina Cu at si Abarrientos sa practice, para makapag-pahinga iyung iba,” said Alfrancis Chua, team manager and program director of Gilas, which flies to Doha, Qatar on February 13 for a series of friendlies before facing

the way in

and Joshua David of De La Salle, and Fil-Canadian Jack Cruz-Dumont of the University of the East were also tapped by Garcia, also the assistant coach of reigning NCAA champion Mapua.

Completing the Weavers’ roster are clutch performer Marwin Taywan from San Juan, high-flyer John Uduba from Paranaque, and reliable scorer Jayson Apolonio from Pampanga.

Although the Weavers have been together for only two weeks, Garcia said they have developed some chemistry following daily practices at different venues in Metro Manila.

Garcia said he has tinkered with his system due to the entry of capable players, especially in the wing and backcourt positions.

According to Garcia, they are still waiting for a big man and other passionate players to complete the 22man roster allowed by the MPBL.

“We’re fortunate as (team owner) CongMayor JB Bernos, Congresswoman Ching Bernos and other members of the family have been very supportive of the Weavers,” said Garcia, who also praised the Abrenos for embracing the Weavers as their own.

Chinese Taipei and New Zealand.

The Tall Blacks had a new head coach Judd Flavell when Gilas spoiled his debut the last time the two teams met at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, with New Zealand suffering a shock 89-93 loss. In that game, Sotto flirted with a triple-double as he tallied 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the field, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, together with a steal, and a pair of blocks.

This ended the Tall Black’s four-game winning streak against the Filipino dribblers since the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

The Tall Blacks have new faces in its 12-man lineup for Window 3, namely Tai Wynyard and debutants Jackson Ball and Tama Isaac, who are expected to fit in nicely with old-timers Corey Webster, Sam Waardenburg, Max Darling, Taylor Britt, Walter Brown, Kaia Isaac, Jordan Ngatai, Tohi Smith-Milner and Reuben Te Rangi.

“We have put together a great mix of experience. Some guys that are well established Tall Blacks and have played a lot of games for the black singlet. We’re mixing that in with a lot of youth, and continuing on the theme of growing and fast-tracking our younger stars we have two new players to add to that mix in Tama Isaac and Jackson Ball,” said Flavell in a statement on social media back in New Zealand.

The Tall Blacks will try to impose their will inside, with Gilas playing without the injured Sotto. Gilas is now seeking to fortify the chemistry of its roster in their coming games, with Jamie Malonzo and AJ Edu having recovered from injuries.

Asian Boxing, Olympic Council of Asia boost sport in region

By Randy M. Caluag

ASIAN Boxing, represented by Ricky Vargas, chairman of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP), signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to enhance their collaborations in developing the sport across the region. Vargas participated in the signing ceremony last Saturday during the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, upon the invitation of Asian Boxing president Pichai Chunhavajira.

The OCA was represented by Director General Husain Al Musallam.

Asian Boxing now holds the responsibility for supervising boxing events in the Southeast Asian Games and the Asian Games.

“The purpose of this MOU is to preserve the future of boxing by fostering collaboration between the parties,” said Vargas, who also serves as a member of Asian Boxing’s interim Executive Board.

The agreement underscores the commitment of both Asian Boxing and OCA to the principles of

the Olympic Charter. The partnership focuses on creating a comprehensive certification program for referees, judges, and other officials to maintain the highest levels of professionalism and fairness in officiating. By improving officiating standards, this initiative seeks to promote transparency and competitiveness for athletes. Asian Boxing, established late last year in partnership with World Boxing, aims to gain recognition from the International Olympic Committee to reinstate boxing as an Olympic sport.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

5 US companies plan to establish data centers in PH

By Othel V. Campos

FIVE major American companies are exploring the possibility of establishing data center operations in the Philippines, drawn by the country’s strategic location and its potential as a regional hub for technology and digital infrastructure.

Former Department of Foreign Affairs secretary Rene Almendras, a member of the US-Philippines Society, said the US companies are eager to invest in the Philippines, but their plans depend on the government’s ability to resolve power supply challenges.

“The Philippines is in a prime position for data center operations, but a reliable and stable power grid is essential,” he said.

Almendras, who also served as Department of Energy (DOE) secretary, said that during the visit by the US-Philippines Society delegation on Feb. 1 to 11, 2025, discussions focused on the growing energy needs driven by the rapid expansion of data centers and artificial intelligence (AI).

Almendras said with hyperscalers and data centers requiring vast amounts of electricity for storage and computing, the Philippines’ energy infrastructure should be able to support such growth.

The cost of establishing data centers in the Philippines varies by scale and technology. Typically, data center construction ranges from $7 million to $12 million per megawatt.

For instance, ePLDT’s VITRO Sta. Rosa data center, which is under construction, is expected to cost about $350 million for a 50-megawatt facility.

Bloomberry obtains P40-b loan from 7 local banks

By Jenniffer B. Austria

BLOOMBERRY Resorts Corp. said Wednesday it obtained a P40-billion syndicated refinancing facility from seven banks to ease its debt service requirements.

Bloomberry said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the facility would refinance its existing P40 billion syndicated term loan from February 2019, which helped partially fund the construction of Solaire Resort North. It represented Bloomberry’s second completed refinancing facility in four months.

The new P40-billion facility mirrors a P72-billion facility secured in October 2024. It has a 10-year term, expiring in February 2035, while the principal payment schedule is structured such that heavier payments are

made in the last three years of the facility. The interest margin is 75 basis points lower than the original facility, and the borrowers have the option to fix the interest rate within the next 12 months.

Bloomberry said the features of the new debt facility would lighten its debt service requirements over the coming years and would enable it to benefit from anticipated interest rate cuts in the next months.

“Our recent refinancing activities optimize our cash flow by reducing

annual interest and principal payments,” Bloomberry chairman and chief executive Enrique Razon Jr. said.

“The timely refinancing of our P40billion facility demonstrates our proactive financial management stance and our commitment to provide a consistent return of capital to our shareholders,” Razon said.

The refinancing comes after the successful opening of Solaire Resort North last year, which marked a major expansion for Bloomberry and solidified its presence in the Philippine gaming and hospitality industry.

The syndicate of lenders includes BDO Unibank Inc., Bank of Commerce, Bank of the Philippine Islands, China Banking Corp., Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co., Philippine National Bank and Union Bank of the Philippines.

SM taps TeaM Energy to install solar panels on 4 malls

PROPERTY developer SM Prime

Holdings, Inc. (SMPH) said Wednesday it tapped TeaM (Philippines) Energy Corp. (TPEC) to its boost solar energy capacity. Under the plan, TPEC, a joint venture of Tokyo Electric Power Company and Marubeni Corp., will install over 33,000 square meters of solar panels across four SM malls.

Construction for the project is set to start in March and is expected to be fully-operational by end-2025. “Integrating renewable energy

sources into our operations is part of our long-term strategy to achieve our net zero goals, enhance operational efficiency and contribute to a more sustainable business,” said SMPH president Jeffrey Lim. With a combined capacity of roughly 7.5-megawatt peak (MWp), the solar installations at SM City Lucena, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM City Tarlac and SM City East Ortigas are estimated to generate about 11,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean energy annually.

This will supply about 16 percent of each mall’s electricity needs, significantly reducing reliance on traditional power sources. SMPH is among the first companies in the Philippines to commit to net zero emissions and invest in renewable energy to meet that target.

About 44 of its 87 malls in the Philippines are already equipped with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. These installations have a total capacity of more than 50-megawatt peak (MWp). Jenniffer B. Austria

smartphone market grew 6.1% in 2024

THE Philippine smartphone market expanded by 6.1 percent year-on-year in 2024, reaching nearly 18 million units, according to the International Data Corporation’s (IDC) Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker.

Despite challenges such as a weakening peso and extreme weather events, market growth was supported by steady economic conditions and vendors’ strategic focus on affordable entry-level models, it said. China brand Transsion maintained its dominance, capturing 37.3 percent of the market, up from 34.1 percent in 2023.

Xiaomi posted the highest growth among top brands, increasing its

share from 9.7 percent to 11 percent. Vivo held steady at 11 percent, while realme and OPPO saw declines, dropping to 13.3 percent and 10.1 percent, respectively.

Affordability played a key role in the market’s resilience, with over half of all shipments in 2024 priced below $100.

Transsion, through its sub-brands Infinix, Tecno and Itel, shipped over 4.8 million units in this price segment, led by Infinix’s Smart series and Tecno’s Spark Go series. As a result, the overall average selling price (ASP) dropped from $192 in 2023 to $179 in 2024.

Othel V. Campos

12.2% 11.1% 25%

PH bank loans increased 12.2% in December

BANK lending in the Philippines grew faster in December following the series of interest rate cuts by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Preliminary data from the BSP showed that outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks, net of reverse repurchase (RRP) placements with the BSP, grew 12.2 percent year-on-year in December.

This was faster than the 11.1-percent rise seen in November. On a month-on-month seasonally-adjusted basis, outstanding U/KB loans, net of RRPs, also went up by 1.4 percent.

Outstanding loans to residents, net of RRPs, increased by 12.4 percent in December from an 11.4-percent growth in the previous month.

Outstanding loans to non-residents1 expanded at a faster rate of 5.7 percent in December from 3.9 percent in November. Loans for production activities grew 10.8 percent in December from 9.8 percent in November, on sustained increase in lending to key industries such as wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (10.1 percent); electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply (14.2 percent); manufacturing (7.4 percent); financial and insurance activities (7.4 percent); and construction (12.6 percent).

Consumer loans to residents went up by 25.0 percent in December from 23.3 percent in November, due to the increase in credit card loans; salary-based general purpose consumption loans; and motor vehicle loans. “Looking ahead, the BSP will ensure that domestic liquidity and bank lending conditions remain consistent with its price and financial stability objectives,” the BSP said in a statement.

LEADERSHIP TRANSITION. Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) holds a simple turnover ceremony with outgoing president

Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. (right) handing over the reins to incoming chief Dr. Edwin Mercado on Feb. 10 in Pasig City. The event symbolized a smooth transition of leadership at the state health insurer.

PH stocks rebound to close above 6,000

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE main composite index of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) bounced back Wednesday to close above the 6,000 level on bargain-hunting.

The PSE index rose 56.38 points, or 0.94 percent, to close at 6,044.13, while the broader allshares index climbed 12.16 points, or 0.34 percent, to settle at 3,619.19.

Analysts said the market’s rebound was tempered by MSCI rebalancing where JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Universal Robina Corp. were downgraded to Small Cap Index. Monde Nissin Corp. was also included in MSCI’s Small Cap Index.

Luis Limlingan, head of sales from Regina Capital Development Corp., said Wall Street also ended mixed as investors digested US Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell’s cautious rate outlook and escalating trade tension.

Investors are also awaiting release of US inflation data and the outcome of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ policy meeting.

All six sectoral indices ended in the green, led by holding firms which rose 1.35 percent, followed by services which advanced 0.79 percent.

Value turnover was moderate at P5.158 billion, with 74 advancers, 103 decliners and 64 unchanged issues.

Most equities also rose in Asia on Wednesday as traders took in their stride a warning from Powell that the US central bank “did not need to be in a hurry” to cut interest rates again.

The remarks, reflecting similar sentiments from another top monetary policymaker, came a day before the release of closely watched inflation data and reinforced expectations that borrowing costs would likely remain elevated for some time.

Asia’s gains came despite worries about where US President Donald Trump’s next tariffs salvo will land after he imposed 25 percent duties on aluminum and steel imports and said he was considering further measures.

Powell told lawmakers at a congressional hearing that with policy “now significantly less restrictive than it had been and the economy remaining strong, we do not need to be in a hurry to adjust” rates.

“We know that reducing policy restraint too fast or too much could hinder progress on inflation,” he said. “At the same time, reducing policy restraint too slowly or too little could unduly weaken economic activity and employment.”

The Fed cut rates three times last year as inflation continued to slow and the labour market softened but expectations for more reductions over the next 12 months have been pared because progress is slow. With AFP

PURE RIDE APP. Edison Go Tan, chief operating officer and Jomerito Soliman, president and chief executive of Pure Ride, announce during a press conference the launch of their innovative ride hailing and delivery services, built with a deep commitment to speed, fairness and Filipino values at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. Pure Ride is expected to change the way Filipinos experience mobility and convenience. Norman Cruz

BUSINESS

OMF turns over solar irrigation pumps to 140 Nueva Ecija farmers

ONE Meralco Foundation (OMF), the corporate social responsibility arm of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), said it turned over solar-powered mobile irrigation pumps to support around 140 farmers in Nueva Ecija province.

The Lupao Pag-ahon Agriculture Cooperative and Nueva Ecija Rice, Corn, Vegetable and Livestock Raisers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (NERCOVELIR) each received a mobile irrigation pump that eliminates their dependence on diesel-powered pumps to draw out water for their farmlands.

The rice and vegetable cooperatives both struggle with water access to grow their produce especially during extreme dry season, or El Niño, which forced some farmers to dig for a farm pond so they can adequately water their lands and grow produce.

In Lupao, farmers source their wa-

ter through deep wells, requiring them to use diesel-powered pumps with an estimated fuel expense of around P12,000 per cropping season.

“Our income as farmers has increased, especially since we no longer have to spend as much on fuel. Our other members also no longer worry when their irrigation system breaks down because we can bring the mobile solar irrigation pump to them. This way, their irrigation won’t be delayed, and their crops won’t be stressed,” said Lupao Pag-ahon Agriculture Cooperative secretary Henry Ramos.

Meralco senior vice president and chief revenue officer Ferdinand Geluz said the “first of its kind” project underscores the importance of Meralco values malasakit and bayanihan in uplifting the quality of life in underserved communities, including farmers, through innovative solutions.

Cebu Pacific set to launch Iloilo-Bangkok flights in March

CEBU Pacific said Wednesday it will launch direct flights between Iloilo and Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport, offering travelers from Iloilo City with a more convenient and budget-friendly option for exploring Thailand.

The airline unit of the Gokongwei Group said it would operate flights between Iloilo and Bangkok-Don Mueang three times a week or every Monday, Wednesday and Friday starting March 31, 2025.

This will make Cebu Pacific the only airline to offer non-stop flights

PH-Cambodia vow to enhance tourism cooperation

THE Philippines and Cambodia renewed their commitment to enhancing tourism cooperation with the presentation of a new implementation program, Both sides presented an agreement on Feb. 11, 2025 in a ceremony at the President’s Hall in Malacañan alongside other agreements on various areas of collaboration.

The event was part of the Cambodian Prime Minister’s two-day official visit to the Philippines.

The newly-signed implementation program, covering the period from 2025 to 2028, builds on the tourism cooperation that has existed between the two countries since the original memorandum of understanding was signed in 2000.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of maintaining people-to-people ties and highlighted the formal cooperation on technical vocational education and training (TVET).

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet also underscored the critical role of tourism and connectivity in promoting people-to-people exchanges.

Othel V. Campos

between Iloilo and Bangkok. Bangkok is the third international destination that Cebu Pacific will fly to from Iloilo. The airline also offers direct flights from Iloilo to Hong Kong and Singapore.

“We are thrilled to offer more travelers the opportunity to explore the majestic city of Bangkok.

Strengthening our Iloilo hub allows us to connect even more passengers from the Western Visayas region to exciting destinations across our international network,” said Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial

officer Xander Lao.

Cebu Pacific is offering a special seat sale from Feb. 12 to 16, 2025 to celebrate the new route.

Passengers can book flights from Iloilo to Bangkok for as low as P1 one-way base fare (excluding fees and surcharges). The travel period for these discounted fares is from March 31 to Oct. 25, 2025.

Cebu Pacific flies to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Darwin G. Amojelar and Joel E. Zurbano

FLOOD CONTROL. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) completes a flood control project that now protects communities in Barangay Antonino, Labason, Zamboanga del Norte. Built along the estuary or the downstream of Labason River where the river meets the sea, the project involved the construction of a 211.4-meter steel sheet pile river wall with concrete copping, including the installation of solar street LED lights as a safety feature.

THE discussions on who should shoulder the 20-percent discount for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and students in the ride-hailing service have generated no clarity.

Transport Network Companies (TNCs) are taking the flak from the controversy because of the wrong impression that they receive a significant share of the income earned by their Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) operators The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), during a recent public hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Services, opined that TNVS drivers, who spend for the fuel and maintenance of the vehicle, should not shoulder the 20-percent discount.

TNVS operators or drivers in the past have been absorbing a portion of the discounted fare. This practice, however, is not borne out of existing regulations or ordinances on who should bear the cost and to what extent.

The government or regulators, thus, should develop a fair, sustainable and forward-looking regulatory framework for resolving the issues in the TNVS ecosystem, while balancing economic sustainability with social responsibility. Perhaps, it would help to clarify the issue if the respective roles of the TNCs and TNVS operators are intelligibly defined. TNCs offer ride-

hailing services through the private vehicles registered with them.

The TNVS, on the other hand, offers a specific service within a TNC platform for drivers and their vehicles. TNVS operates through smartphone applications managed by TNCs to connect passengers with accredited private vehicles and drivers.

The ride-hailing platforms have become popular among Filipino passengers because they provide a reliable means of transportation at their fingertips, or cell phones. Grab Angkas, Joyride and Movelt are now household household names. They provide more convenient and efficient alternatives than traditional taxis.

Like any new industry, TNCs and TNVS are evolving. Regulations and policies must adapt to the industry’s growth. In the case of special fare discounts, regulators must strike a fair and balanced approach. The absence of any clear policy from LTFRB has left the fare discounts open to interpretations.

The confusion over the fare discounts has prompted some TNVS operators or drivers to frequently cancel the bookings of passengers belonging to the senior citizens, PWDs, students and the athletic sectors.

The discount rate by law is based on the actual fare for the transportation service provided to

DA bans all meat imports from Germany

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) imposed a temporary ban on importing animal-derived commodities from Germany following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the European nation.

Germany confirmed FMD cases in domestic buffaloes in Hoppegarten, Märkisch-Oderland, Brandenburg to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) on Jan. 10, 2025.

FMD is a severe viral infection with a high mortality rate, particularly among young animals. The highly contagious virus affects cloven-

The absence of any clear policy from LTFRB has left the fare discounts open to interpretations.

the passenger by the driver-operators, or actual

franchise holders like jeepney drivers.

The TNVS drivers can be considered franchisees, enabling them to operate and earn a livelihood by providing passenger services. The TNVS can be likened to other PUV drivers like jeepneys. Jeepney drivers provide the full discount of 20 pecent to senior citizens, students/ athletes and PWDs.

To illustrate further, TNVS are the jeepneys (service providers) and the TNC platforms are the barkers (connecting passengers and drivers). In this ecosystem, the discount is given by the driver or operator, and not the barker.

TNVS can also be likened to airlines (service providers), with the TNC companies acting as the online ticket booking platforms (connecting passengers and airlines). In this arrangement, the discount is given by the airline, not by the online booking platform.

The recent Senate hearings have found out that TNVS drivers are getting support from the TNCs

hoofed livestock, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and buffaloes.

The Philippines imported 3,177.5 metric tons of beef from Germany in 2024, or about 0.5 percent of its total beef imports.

Germany also supplied pork to the Philippines in 2020, until the DA banned imports due to an African Swine Fever outbreak.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the ban would remain until Germany regains its FMDfree status from WOAH.

The DA also suspended the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances.

It said certain products are exempt from the ban, including ultra-high temperature milk and derivatives, heat-treated meat in hermetically sealed containers, protein meal, gelatin, in vivo-derived bovine embryos and processed hides and leather.

Products already in transit or at ports are also exempt, provided they were sourced from animals slaughtered before Dec. 26, 2024.

that decided to share part of the discount cost to ease the financial impact on driver partners.

Thus, any regulation that compels TNCs to assume the applicable 20 percent discount is not based on any existing law because the discount is derived from the provision of transportation service, which in turn is provided by the TNVS driver-operators―and not by the TNCs.

Compelling the TNCs to either shoulder the 20-percent discount in full or reimburse the value of such discount to TNVS driver-partners would require legislative amendments to the existing laws.

More importantly, the government must take into consideration the economic contribution of TNC companies, particularly in generating livelihood for driver partners.

It is the role of the government to improve the business environment. And it must ensure that the implementation of the special discounts does not harm business sustainability and profitability.

A rash policy will impact the livelihood of small players, such as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises―and independent contractors like transport providers.

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

One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), turns over solarpowered mobile irrigation pumps to support around 140 farmers in Nueva Ecija province.

Tiu Laurel Jr.

Cemex renamed Concreat Holdings Philippines

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Consunji family is renaming its newly-acquired listed cement maker Cemex Holdings Philippine Corp. (CHP) into Concreat Holdings Philippines Inc. CHP, majority-owned by Consunji-led DMCI Holdings Inc., Dacon Corp. and Semirara Mining and Power Corp., is seeking shareholders approved to change its corporate name.

Cemex said the change in corporate name came after the Consunji Group acquired a 90-percent interest in Cemex Asian South East Corp.

(CASEC), which controls a majority interest in CHP. CHP is also increasing the number of directors from eight to nine to in-

crease shareholders’ representation in the board of directors.

The Consunji Group completed its $272-million acquisition of CHP in December 2024.

The deal marks the Consunji Group’s entry in the cement manufacturing industry, which offers synergies to existing businesses including construction, real estate, coal mining and power generation.

The Consunji family expects CHP to return to profitability in the next two to three years.

The domestic cement industry is currently saddled by weak demand and competition from imports.

BOC: Smuggling now a national security concern

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) said it would intensify its efforts to combat smuggling and illegal trade in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to safeguard national security and economic stability.

“Smuggling is not just an economic issue—it is a national security concern that affects every Filipino. Under President Marcos’ directive, we are intensifying our crackdown on illicit trade to protect local industries, ensure food security, and promote a level playing field for businesses,” BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.

“By leveraging intelligence, enforcement and inter-agency collaboration, the BOC remains steadfast in its mission to secure our borders and uphold economic stability,” he said.

The BOC said that in 2024, it conducted over 2,100 successful antismuggling operations, leading to the seizure of goods worth P85.167 billion. These enforcement actions targeted various illicit items including counterfeit products, illegal drugs, smuggled tobacco and vape goods and agricultural products that pose risks to farmers and consumers alike.

A key initiative this year was the continuous enforcement of the Fuel Marking Program, which ensured that nearly 20 billion liters of fuel — a 5 percent increase from the previous year — were marked. This program has generated over P242 billion in tax revenue while curbing fuel smuggling that distorts fair market competition. To reinforce compliance, the BOC also revoked the accreditations of 56 importers and customs brokers found violating customs regulations. It filed 45 criminal cases against those involved in smuggling, demonstrating the agency’s zerotolerance policy toward illicit trade. Collaboration with other government agencies remains a critical strategy. In 2024, the BOC organized three Intelligence Summits across the country, gathering over 200 intelligence officers to enhance coordination, share best practices, and strengthen the collective response to smuggling activities.

DOMESTIC liquidity (M3) or money supply grew 7.7 percent year-on-year to P18.8 trillion as of end-December 2024, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Wednesday.

The BSP said that on a month-onmonth seasonally adjusted basis, M3 increased marginally by 0.2 percent.

Domestic claims expanded by 10.4 percent year-on-year in December, from 10.8 percent in November.

Claims on the private sector grew 12.2 percent in December from 11.7 percent in the previous month with the continued expansion in bank lending to non-financial private corporations and households.

Money supply rose to P18.8t in December NGCP: Ancillary services led to higher transmission cost

Net claims on the central government expanded by 7.2 percent from 9.2 percent due to higher borrowings by the national government.

Net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms rose 6.0 percent year-on-year in December, up from 9.8 percent seen in November.

The BSP’s NFA increased 6.8 percent, reflecting the growth in gross international reserves relative to a year ago. Meanwhile, the NFA of banks declined on account of higher bills and bonds payable.

“Looking ahead, the BSP will ensure that domestic liquidity and bank lending conditions remain consistent with its price and financial stability objectives,” the BSP said. Darwin G. Amojelar

By Alena Mae S. Flores

TRANSMISSION and system operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGC) said Wednesday ancillary service (AS) charges drove the increase in overall transmission cost in February 2025.

NGCP said AS rates in the January 2025 billing period increased 12 percent to P0.6640 per kilowatthour (kWh) from P0.5928 per kWh in the December 2024 billing period.

The increase was due to the impact of the first tranche of the 70 percent AS transaction from the reserve market incurred in March 2024, whose recovery was deferred by the ERC at

DOE receives 7,500-MW offers under third green energy auction

THE Department of Energy (DOE) said Wednesday it received total offers amounting to 7,500 megawatts (MW) under the third round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA-3), exceeding the installation target of 4,650 MW.

The successful conduct of GEA 3 on Feb. 11, 2025 marks a significant step towards realizing the energy agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to accelerate the country’s transition to renewable energy (RE) and attain energy security and reliability. The auction round demonstrated an overwhelming response from industry stakeholders.

A total of 14 projects, with delivery period from 2025 to 2035, were submitted during the auction. This was lower than the 21 projects the

DOE was anticipating to be delivered under GEA-3.

The DOE said pumped storage hydro (PSH) had the biggest offered capacity at 6,950 MW, higher than the 4,250 MW target installation target set by the agency.

PSH has the capability to perform as an energy storage facility that can complement generation from variable renewable energy (VRE) sources such as solar and wind, but can also inject power into the grid for supply augmentation and balance the intermittency of VREs in the power system towards achieving energy security. The

that time.

AS charges pertain to the cost of

AS sourced from the AS reserve market and those for AS providers with bilateral contracts with NGCP.

Transmission wheeling rates, or what NGCP charges for its primary service of delivering power, is at P0.5422 per kWh, up 2.03 percent from P0.5315 per kWh.

“For the NGCP’s wheeling rates, there is a slight increase of P0.01 per kWh. This slight increase is still due to low electricity consumption this month of January. You know that we have fixed revenue and that fixed revenue is what we divide by consumption, so when consumption is low, there is a slight increase in wheeling

rates,” NGCP head of revenue management department Julius Ryan Datingaling said.

Overall transmission charges stood at P1.3504 per kWh in January 2025 billing period, up from P1.2583 in December 2024 billing period.

“Only P0.54 of the overall transmission rate is charged by NGCP for the delivery of its services to power consumers. This month’s transmission charge is comprised mainly of AS charges remitted directly to power generators providing ancillary services to the grid,” said NGCP.

NGCP said it does not earn from AS and did not benefit from the increase in prices.

IN BRIEF

SKYRO PARTNER. Skyro, one of the fastest-growing

partnership with Davao-based

Palawan, Visayas and Mindanao. Signing

Del Rosario, president and chief operating officer Nelson Aparejo,

FFCCCII urges easing of visa requirements for Chinese tourists

By Michael Wong Ho

FEDERATION of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Dr. Cecilio Pedro asked the Philippine government to relax its visa requirements for Chinese tourists.

He pointed out that neighboring ASEAN countries like Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia offer visa-free access or visaon-arrival policies for Chinese nationals, which gives them a significant advantage in attracting tourists and investments.

Pedro said that after the Philippine government’s recent ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), the FFCCCII hopes to see a more streamlined and relaxed visa approval process to boost the tourism sector. In 2024, only 312,200 Chinese tourists visited the Philippines, a stark contrast to the 1.74 million who visited in 2019.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) acknowledged that the current visa policy discouraged many potential Chinese visitors.

Pedro also called for agricultural modernization in the country. He cited the need for mechanized farming, lower electricity fees and the simplification of bureaucratic procedures to improve agricultural efficiency.

Pedro voiced support for negotiating salary increases through a triad council consisting of government, employers and employees. This, he said, would be more effective than the current House Bill that proposes a nationwide increase in daily minimum wage by P200.

Justin Uy, former president of the Cebu Mandaue Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of expanding international competition across various sectors such as services, exports, and more.

He noted that the country’s numerous holidays have led to supply disruptions and plant shutdowns, resulting in significant job losses. In Cebu alone, 4,000 jobs in the garment industry were lost due to the said disruptions, he said.

21st PH-China festival kicks off, marks 50 years of diplomacy

By Julie Ann Lope

THE 21st Philippines-China Traditional Cultural Festival kicked off at the Chinese Garden in Rizal Park on Feb. 9, 2025, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines.

The event was organized by Manila City Hall, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, the Filipino Chinese Youth Educational Center, the National Parks Development Committee, the Department of Tourism, Culture and the Arts of Manila, the Manila Chinatown Development Council and the Confucius Institute at Ateneo de Manila University, with

additional support from various Filipino-Chinese associations.

China Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xi Lian delivered a message of congratulations to the Filipino-Chinese community and those who support Philippine-China friendship.

“The relationship between Chinese and the Philippines is deeply

rooted in history and culture. As witness to centuries of history, the Chinese-Filipino community, through thick and thin, have embraced the changing times, and have remained steadfast in their cultural identity throughout.” he said.

“We hope that China and the Philippines will take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to foster an even more stable and long-term partnership for the sound development of bilateral relations by drawing wisdom and strength from history,” Huang said.

Manila Chinatown Development Council executive director Willord Chua, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry

Manila Divisoria Lions Club provides eye care to Tondo students

THE Manila Divisoria Lions Club (MDLC) District 301-A3 organized an eye refraction activity for over 700 indigent students at the Timoteo Paez Integrated School in Balut, Tondo, Manila on Jan. 23, 2025.

The event was part of the Lions Clubs International Foundation’s global “Sight for Kids” initiative, aimed at improving eye health and vision care for children in underserved communities.

The Sight for Kids program, a partnership between the Lions Clubs International Foundation and multinational healthcare company Johnson & Johnson, was launched in 2002 and has since become the largest-known school-based eye health program worldwide.

It mobilizes Lions clubs and eye care professionals to provide comprehensive eye health services to students in low-income schools.

Since its inception, the initiative has screened more than 50 million students and treated 650,000 children for visual impairments. Of these, over 515,000 have received prescription glasses, enabling them to better engage in their studies. The program has also distributed 6.6 million educational materials and involved over 200,000 teachers across the globe.

The MDLC provided eye screenings for junior and senior high school students at Timoteo Paez Integrated School, many of whom come from disadvantaged families.

Four optometrists were on hand to conduct the vision tests, with students identified as having refractive errors being prescribed glasses. The glasses are being prepared for distribution and will be delivered to the school as soon as they are ready, ensuring that students’ learning experiences are not hindered by visual impairments.

To complement the eye care activity, the Manila Divisoria Lions Club also provided warm servings of rice porridge (lugaw) to the students and faculty members.

Department of Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara lauded the Lions Clubs International Foundation for its ongoing efforts in addressing the visual health needs of Filipino students.

Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International. Founded in 1968, LCIF supports Lions clubs around the world in their humanitarian efforts, particularly in the areas of vision, hunger, childhood cancer, and disaster relief. The Sight for Kids initiative is one of its largest programs, aiming to provide vision care to children in need worldwide.

Julie Ann Lope

Inc. (FFCCCII) vice president George Chiu, Filipino Chinese Youth Federation chairman Gao Ming Seng and several other Filipino-Chinese community leaders also attended the ceremony. Chua and Chiu noted that the friendship between the Philippines and China has endured for many years, with cultural exchanges serving as a vital bridge to strengthen the bond between the peoples of both nations.

The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Spring Festival. It is celebrated with lantern displays, fireworks, and the sharing of glutinous rice balls. People enjoy the first full moon and the beauty of the lanterns.

PH Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce names new leaders

THE Philippine Hongkong Chamber of Commerce concluded its 5th term and ushered in a new leadership team following an election. Pan Zhen Xing was elected as the new president, while Huang Tian Cong will assume the position of executive vice president.

Former president Yan Chang Wei, who led the chamber during the past term and achieved significant milestones, will continue to serve the chamber in an advisory capacity, offering his experience and expertise.

The chamber will hold its new board of directors inauguration on Feb. 15, 2025 at the Century Park Hotel Seafood Restaurant.

The event will be attended by key figures from Filipino-Chinese groups, Hong Kong and various Asian business communities, making it an important occasion in the business and diplomatic sectors.

The transition in leadership reflects the chamber’s commitment to fostering stronger ties within the business community and continuing its advocacy for economic collaboration across borders. Michael Wong Ho

658 Malolos residents benefit from medical mission

THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) medical team, led by its social responsibility committee vice director Dr. Xu Huan Dong, conducted a medical mission at the Mother Rita Multipurpose Hall in Malolos, Bulacan on Feb. 5, 2025. The initiative, organized by the Dapat Bayan Malolos Chapter, aimed to serve the local community and surrounding areas. FFCCCII’s medical team, consisting of six doctors, 10 dentists and its head office staff treated 398 patients, provided dental services to 92 individuals and distributed 168 pairs of reading glasses.

In total, 658 residents were assisted during the event.

A Filipino-Chinese philanthropist also donated P30,000 to support the FFCCCII free medical team’s charity efforts. The chamber’s free medical missions will continue every Sunday in different areas to give back to the community. Michael Wong Ho

Filipino-Chinese groups participate in the 21st Philippines-China Traditional Cultural Festival at the Chinese Garden in Rizal Park on Feb. 9, 2025.

The Manila Divisoria Lions Club (MDLC) District 301-A3 holds an eye refraction activity for indigent students at the Timoteo Paez Integrated School in Balut, Tondo, Manila on Jan. 23, 2025.

The FFCCCII medical team holds a medical mission at the Mother Rita Multipurpose Hall in Malolos, Bulacan on Feb. 5, 2025.

Pan Zhen Xing

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13,

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

F R O N T R O W

By Nickie Wang

FILIPINO drama Paquil explores redemption and themes of faith and tradition as it follows a former actress returning to her hometown while battling a life-threatening illness.

Directed by Lemuel C. Lorca and written by Archie del Mundo the film tells the story of Christina, once a celebrated star, who revisits her childhood town of Pakil, Laguna, where she rediscovers the lost theatrical tradition of Komedya. As she faces her

declining health, Christina turns to her faith in Our Lady of Turumba, praying for healing while striving to revive the town’s cultural heritage.

Amid her journey of acceptance, Christina (Beauty Gonzalez) forms a connection with Paolo (JM de Guzman),

SHOWBIZ

Former star seeks healing in compelling faith-based drama

a struggling musician, as they both seek redemption—Christina through cultural preservation and Paolo through overcoming his past. Together, they find strength and comfort in one another as they face their respective struggles. The film culminates in a moment of spiritual clarity for Christina, where her deep faith provides her with peace and acceptance in the face of an uncertain future. As she successfully revives the Komedya, her efforts breathe new life into the tranquil old town.

Prior to its local premiere, Paquil had already garnered recognition abroad. It won several accolades at the Five Continents International Film Festival in Venezuela. The film, which carries the international title The Miracle was awarded Best Feature Film (Fantasy) while lead star Beauty Gonzalez received the Best Lead Actress award for her powerful portrayal of Christina. The film also received Special Mention Production Feature Film for executive producer Vincent Soriano, Special Mention Cinematography for Marvin Reyes, and Best VFX for Gary Morallos, Dave Morallos, Ronaldo Reyes, and John Kenneth Paclibar.

Reyes’ cinematography turns Pakil, Laguna, into a stunning visual backdrop. It dramatically captured the town’s beauty and weaved it with the film’s story. Meanwhile, the VFX team brings the fantasy elements to life with their creative touch.

The film also stars Yayo Aguila, VJ Mendoza, Kych Minemoto, Arnold Reyes, Lou Veloso, and Olivia Crisologo, among others.

Produced by Resiko Entertainment Productions, Paquil is now showing in cinemas nationwide. an

Alex Calleja debuts stand-up comedy special on Netf lix

By Angelica Villanueva

IMAGINE: It’s 2015, and everyone talks about a phenomenal love team that captivates audiences with split-screen interactions. Of course, who could ever forget that interaction ten years ago? People might, but not Filipino stand-up comedian Alex Calleja

In a recent press conference, Alex recalled how the viral love team of Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards, collectively known as “AlDub,” shifted the entertainment landscape, significantly impacting the ratings battle between noontime shows.

“I was a writer for [It’s] Showtime and one of the things that made it difficult for me at Showtime in 2015 was the rise of ‘Aldub.’ It was 2015. July, I could still remember it. It was in July when Maine and Alden first looked at each other,” Alex revealed. Months later, the two were finally able to see each other—up close—during a special event, “Tamang Panahon,” which took place at the Philippine Arena.

A decade later, the comedian-host finally has his own tamang panahon (right time), as his comedy special was just recently released on the streaming giant platform Netflix. Released on Feb. 7, the comedy show Tamang Panahon is something that Alex looked at as an opportunity to further expand the reach of Pinoy stand-up comedy.

“I think this is the right time to go out on Netflix so that Filipino stand-up comedy can reach a wider audience and more people can appreciate this art form,” Alex stated.

His comedy journey began in 2007 when the local stand-up scene was still in its infancy. Performing in sparsely attended open mic nights, he persevered through the challenges of introducing the stand-up format to Filipino audiences.

Today, Alex is one of the top-grossing live acts, selling out bar shows and theater events across the Philippines with his group, The Comedy Crew. His relatability and ability to find humor in everyday situations have also made him a sought-after performer at corporate events and private functions.

When asked what Tamang Panahon can offer to the audience, Alex told Manila Standard Entertainment that it features a fresh set of material, diving into themes such as family dynamics, gossip culture, gender roles, social class contrasts, and uniquely Pinoy experiences. Unlike other stand-up comedians who court controversy, he aims to keep his comedy inclusive and engaging for all audiences.

“I prefer to focus on topics that don’t trigger or divide the crowd. We are still courting the audience, so the objective is really to make them laugh rather than shock them or be controversial,” he explained.

Beyond stand-up, Alex has established himself as a multi-platform entertainer. He has been a writer for the noontime show

It’s Showtime, co-hosted Tiktalks Face 2 Face, and remains a staple on radio and podcasts such as Good Times with Mo and Punchline with Alex Calleja

With his Netflix debut, he hopes to create more opportunities for Filipino comedians and further legitimize stand-up comedy in the country.

“My goal is really to bring stand-up comedians to different countries. We also need to establish stand-up comedy as a recognized art form here in the Philippines,” he emphasized.

As part of his international push, Calleja will embark on a world tour following his Netflix special. His Kuwentong Pag-Ibig: The Hilarious Side of Love show will take place on Feb. 16 at the Stephen Riady Auditorium in Singapore. This will be his fourth show in Singapore in under a year, following a successful sold-out theater show in July 2024. He will then bring his comedy to North America, with performances in the United States from April 4 to April 13, followed by shows in Canada from May 23 to June 8. He also has plans to perform in the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand later in the year.

For those looking to break into standup, Alex’s advice is simple: “Head to an open mic night, perform with your fellow comedians, and aim for a three-minute set. If you receive laughs, great! If not, simply return to the stage. It’s that simple. Remember, consistent practice and refining your material are key.” , and to in also night,

Alex Calleja’s comedy series ‘Tamang Panahon’ is now available for streaming on Netflix

JM (left) and Beauty in a scene from ‘Paquil’

JM De Guzman (left) and Beauty Gonzales play as Paolo and Christina, respectively

OLD TOWN. ‘Paquil’ dramatically showcases the beauty of the town of Pakil in Laguna and integrates it into the film’s story

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Anthony Rosaldo harnesses TikTok to bring ‘Batubalani’ to more ears

By Jasper Valdez

SINGER Anthony Rosaldo continues to evolve as an artist. After starting as a singer and venturing into theater, he’s now embracing the digital world, using his musical talent and social media to reach a wider audience.

His latest single, “Batubalani,” marks this new chapter, delivering a sound meant to leave a lasting impression Drawing inspiration from the Tagalog word for “magnet,” “Batubalani” is a vibrant, catchy love song that talks about the irresistible force of attraction. “It is a love song. So, if you guys listen to the lyrics, it’s about a person who can’t be parted from the one he loves. So, he’s always looking for a chance to get close to her,” Anthony explained during the recent GMA Playlist Media Con held at Corte Ibiza in Quezon City.

According to Anthony, “Batubalani” was initially envisioned as a rock ballad. However, with producer Roxanne Fabian at the helm, the song evolved into something fresh and infectious.

“I got two samples of the arrangement. And the one I liked is from Roxanne Fabian It sounded new. It sounded very fresh to me. This is something different. This is something that they haven’t heard from me,” he said.

But creating a song that sticks isn’t just about the sound—it’s also about how audiences engage with it.

“As you all know, the audience now, mostly, are on TikTok. So, I thought, this would be nice to have a TikTok dance challenge. So, there. It started there,” he said.

However, Anthony admits that while TikTok has become a major platform for promoting music, he’s not one to jump on every trend himself.

“The TikTok dances, I don’t do them anymore because it’s not for me. But you know, you have to follow along. So, we thought that we should find the right person to choreograph, to create something from that song,” he shared.

The 31-year-old teamed up with Mastermind, a renowned Filipino dance crew famous for their viral moves, to bring the song to life visually.

The result is a dynamic music video, which you can now watch on Anthony’s official YouTube channel.

“Batubalani” is also available for streaming on all digital platforms.

A legacy of quality milk returns to PH

By Angelica Villanueva

FOR many Filipinos, the mere mention of Darigold Milk stirs memories of a time when the brand was a staple in homes across the country. Those who grew up with the American dairy brand will remember its delicious taste and comforting presence before it was pulled out of the Philippine market in the 1970s.

Today, Darigold Milk is back—and with a renewed mission to empower a new generation of “Gold Getters,” individuals who relentlessly pursue greatness in their daily lives. The return of Darigold Milk to the Philippines is not only a nostalgic reunion for longtime fans but also a promise to today’s active, healthconscious consumers. The brand is looking to reignite its legacy with innovative, nutritious products that fuel the dreams and ambitions of Filipinos—both young and old.

Darigold Milk’s story in the Philippines began in the 1920s, when the American dairy brand first made its mark, offering Filipino families a taste of American-made quality. Over the years, it became a household name known for its wholesome, creamy goodness. The brand was not just a product—it was a cultural touchstone.

Its catchy jingle became a tune sung by generations, while its very own TV show, Darigold Jamboree, brought entertainment and joy into Filipino homes. In the decades that followed, Darigold Milk grew to be a beloved part of Filipino family traditions.

By the 1970s, Darigold Milk withdrew from the Philippine market, leaving a noticeable gap in the dairy aisle. While many Filipino families moved on to other products, a sense of nostalgia remained for those who had enjoyed Darigold’s unique taste. The brand’s absence lingered in the hearts of those who fondly remembered the days when it was the milk of choice. Fast forward to today, and

Darigold Milk is back—ready to reestablish its place in Filipino kitchens, but with a modern twist.

Darigold’s return is not just about nostalgia; it’s about innovating to meet the needs of today’s Filipino families and active individuals.

“We are inspired by the warm welcome we’ve received in the Philippines. We’re dedicated to nourishing Filipino Gold Getters— those who strive for greatness with unwavering determination. Our products, like the classic Darigold Whole Milk and the innovative Darigold FIT, are designed to support these active, healthconscious individuals as they go after their dreams,” said Dan Hofmeister, President of Darigold Business to Consumer.

Darigold’s range of products caters to a variety of tastes and nutritional needs: Darigold Whole Milk, Darigold Low Fat Milk, and

Darigold FIT.

Darigold Whole Milk is the classic choice that promises a creamy, wholesome experience, perfect for families of all ages. While, Darigold Low Fat Milk comes in delicious strawberry and chocolate flavors, offering a nutritious and tasty alternative for those watching their fat intake. On the other hand, Darigold FIT, the brand’s newest product line, is specially designed for active individuals who need an extra edge. With 25 grams of protein per bottle, low sugar, and a lactosefree formula, Darigold FIT provides natural recovery, energy support, and muscle-building benefits.

To kick off its return to the Philippines, Darigold Milk hosted a special event—a press conference and the Darigold Milk Run—on Feb. 1 at Villar City in Bacoor, Cavite. The event brought together fitness enthusiasts of all ages to celebrate

health, wellness, and the power of nutrition. The Darigold Milk Run was more than just a fun race—it was an opportunity for Filipinos to experience firsthand how Darigold FIT fuels their fitness journeys.

“We’re thrilled to partner with AllDay Supermarket to expand our reach and make our products available to more Filipino families, With this partnership, we’re poised to make Darigold Milk a regular part of Filipino homes once again,” Hofmeister stated.

As Darigold Milk reestablishes its presence in the Philippines, the brand invites all Filipinos—young and old, active and aspiring—to embrace the legacy of Darigold and its commitment to quality. Whether you’re looking for the wholesome goodness of Darigold Whole Milk or the fitness-focused benefits of Darigold FIT, there’s a product to suit every need.

Kanye West’s website goes down after Nazi T-shirt sales

THE website of Kanye West’s Yeezy fashion brand was offline Tuesday after it began selling plain white T-shirts with a swastika.

The site displayed the message “Something went wrong” and “This store is unavailable.”

West, who now calls himself Ye, appeared in a commercial for the site that aired in Southern California during the Super Bowl.

In the low-budget ad, the rapper was sitting in what appeared to be a dentist’s chair, flashing a set of diamond-encrusted dentures, and saying he had spent all the money for the commercial on the new teeth.

He told viewers he had filmed the ad on an iPhone and directed them to visit his yeezy.com website.

Immediately after the ad aired, Variety reported, the website had a range of West’s fashionware available, but it changed a short time later and began displaying only a single item—a white T-shirt with a large black swastika on the front, with a $20 price tag.

Variety, citing people familiar with the ad booking process, said the 30-second spot had gone through the usual approval channels, which included a look at the website. Nothing objectionable was flagged.

But by Tuesday the site, which was underpinned by e-commerce firm Shopify, was offline.

“All merchants are responsible for following the rules of our platform. This merchant did not engage in authentic commerce practices and violated our terms, so we removed them from Shopify,” Shopify said in a statement.

The fresh controversy came just days after West’s account on X -- the platform formerly known as Twitter—went dark in the wake of a days-long rant that included vitriolic, anti-Semitic outbursts.

It was not immediately clear if the artist and entrepreneur, who has spoken openly about struggles with bipolar disorder, had deactivated the account himself or if X took it down.

“I’m logging out of Twitter. I appreciate Elon for allowing me to vent. It has been very cathartic to use the world as a sounding board,” he wrote in his final post, referring to the owner of X, Elon Musk

It is a familiar pattern for Ye, 47, who is now in the headlines as often for his provocative, often hate-filled rants as he is for his music.

The rapper has been locked out of social media platforms in the past, notably when he was banned from X for nearly eight months for violating rules barring incitement to violence.

Ye’s most recent missives included comments in support of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is imprisoned on sex trafficking charges. He repeatedly referred to himself as a “Nazi.”

He also referred to the stunt he pulled at the Grammys last week with wife Bianca Censori, who appeared virtually nude on the red carpet ahead of the awards gala.

On Tuesday, a Jewish former employee of West’s filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles alleging he had told her he was a “Nazi” and compared himself to Adolf Hitler, the

reported.

Los Angeles Times

American rapper and record producer Kanye West

Singer-actor Anthony Rosaldo says latest track delves into the irresistible force of attraction

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

BODY sculpting has quickly emerged as a popular way to reshape and refine our figures. Unlike traditional weight loss methods focused solely on shedding pounds, body sculpting hones in on specific areas to contour and tone the body.

Thanks to advancements in technology, weight loss management has seen a major shift—non-invasive treatments that are faster and more effective than ever before are now accessible. From gadgets that help burn fat to treatments that firm and tone muscles, technology has made achieving the ideal body more accessible to a broader range of individuals.

Sculping a new you

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

One of the most significant innovations in the world of body sculpting is Endospheres, a revolutionary treatment offered exclusively by Marie France.

Known for its holistic approach to weight management, Marie France has long been a leader in helping people achieve their body goals.

With Endospheres, they are raising the bar by introducing a solution that combines five powerful actions: analgesic, draining, vascularizing, reshaping, and muscle toning. These actions work together to stimulate blood flow, break down stubborn fat, improve lymphatic drainage, and promote muscle toning—all while reshaping the body in a healthy and sustainable way.

Among the first to experience Endospheres are high-profile figures like Amanda Griffin-Jacob, Mikaela Lagdameo, and Mica Pineda. Each of them has shared how this cutting-edge treatment has helped them achieve their personal body goals.

Amanda, who is well known for her focus on skin tightening and cellulite reduction, credits Endospheres for addressing concerns that she could not tackle on her own.

“My friends always ask me, ‘Does Marie France really work?’ and I’m like, ‘Yes! It really works!’” she says. “However, you have to be consistent. One treatment won’t do anything; you need to commit to see the change.”

Mikaela appreciates how Marie France has continued to evolve with the times.

“Times change, bodies change, lifestyles change, and Marie France has always evolved to meet those needs,” she shares. “Sometimes, it’s not just about weight loss; it’s about those stubborn areas that you can’t get rid of, no matter how hard you work out.”

Mikaela notes that Endospheres has been a gamechanger, providing the extra push needed to target specific areas that regular exercise couldn’t address.

For Mica, who has already lost 16–19 pounds, the focus has shifted from weight loss to body sculpting.

“Now I want things tighter; I want to see areas more snatched,” Mica explains.

With Endospheres, she has been able to take her fitness journey to the next level. And it allowed her to focus on contouring her body more precisely.

Marie France’s “For Every Body” philosophy ensures that Endospheres is an inclusive solution for all body types. Whether it’s combating body insecurities or simply tightening loose areas and targeting stubborn fat pockets, the treatment can

be

solution.

On Feb. 11, at the official launch event at Electric Garden BGC, Dr. Regie Layug explained the science behind Endospheres while live demonstrations allowed attendees to experience the treatment firsthand. Now available at select locations nationwide, Endospheres is ready to assist anyone seeking a transformative journey to sculpt their ideal body.

To know more, visit www. mariefrance.com.ph or contact a nearby Marie France branch to schedule a consultation.

previous year, the upcoming run promises to be bigger than ever. During a press conference on Jan. 22, Women’s Run PH founder and president Nicole de la Cruz expressed her ambition to surpass last year’s record of 5,300 participants and reach 8,000 runners this year.

“That is something that I have to work on [to reach the 8,000 mark]. It is up to the dedication and will that I put into the event. Last year, I was ambitious, and this year, a lot are registering now. We hope to reach the target,” de la Cruz said. De la Cruz also emphasized the power of running as a form of empowerment, highlighting the sense of fulfillment and achievement that comes with crossing the finish line.

“When you cross the finish line, you can sense fulfillment, achievement— those are the things that you want a woman to feel,” she added.

The FCC, an organization composed of leading female business executives in the Philippines, sponsors the event as part of its mission to inspire and uplift women in various industries.

This year’s run introduces a new 16-kilometer category for those seeking a greater challenge.

Set for March 9 at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, the event offers multiple race categories, including a 1-kilometer kids’ dash, 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer women’s runs, and a new “Buddy Category,” which allows participants to register in pairs for a more interactive experience. Co-presented by SM Supermalls, the run aligns with the company’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and supporting women’s empowerment through meaningful initiatives. The event is also powered by Ion+ as the Official Electrolyte Partner, ensuring that participants remain hydrated and energized throughout the race.

Adding a special touch, finishers will receive a unique “twistable” medal and will be greeted by a group of gentlemen presenting flowers at the finish line. With growing community support and an increasing number of participants, Women’s Run PH continues to be a strong platform for showcasing the resilience, determination, and strength of women in the Philippines and beyond.

Interested participants can visit womensrunph.com for registration details. Angelica

From left: SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno, Filipina

Sharon Dayoan, Women’s Run

founder Nicole De La Cruz, and SM Supermalls

Jonjon San Agustin

Marie France’s Endospheres is introducing a solution that combines five powerful actions: analgesic, draining, vascularizing,

From left: Marie France Group of Companies Business Development and Marketing Lead Ryan Share, COO Jacqueline Siy-Share, and athlete Tyler Tio

Jacqueline (third from left) poses for a photo with some of the celebrity guests

From left: Marie France Group of Companies Managing Director Angeline Fiechter, Managing Director Robin Horsman, COO Jacqueline Siy-Share, Dr. Regie Layug and CEO_President George Siy with Endospheres Chief International Trainer Roberta Falcetta

Villanueva

From left: Marie France Group of Companies Business Development Lead Ryan Share, COO Jacqueline Siy-Share, and PBA Player Tyler Tio

From left: Marie France Group of Companies’ Angeline Fiechter, Robin Horsman, COO Jacqueline SiyShare, Dr. Regie Layug and CEO/President George Siy with Endospheres Chief International Trainer Roberta Falcetta