Manila Standard - 2025 February 21 - Friday

Koko seeks all-senators caucus

Cites need to explain differing positions on VP impeachment trial

Comelec now regulating survey firms

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections

(Comelec) on Thursday announced that all survey firms are now required to register with the poll body during the election period.

Comelec Resolution No. 11117, which was approved by the commission en banc on Wednesday, directs all organizations conducting and disseminating election surveys to register with its Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD).

It also requires that all survey firms disclose the amount spent by candidates and political parties for surveys that they commissioned.

This applies to the election period preceding the May 12, 2025 polls and the BARMM parliamentary election, the Comelec said.

“During the election period, any person, whether natural or juridical, candidate, or organization that conducts and publicly disseminates an

By Maricel Cruz

SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III yesterday said he will call for an all-senators caucus to discuss their positions on the impeachment trial of Vice

President Sara Duterte.

Pimentel, a Bar topnotcher, said he will write again to Senate President Francis Escudero to request for the caucus after pressing his colleagues on their Constitutional duty to start the trial without delay.

“I will request a caucus so that he

(Escudero) can explain his position to the senators and so that he can also give me time to explain my position,” he said during a press forum Thursday.

“What is my position? The content of my first letter and the content of my second letter which will show the constitutional provisions and the rules of

Chavez out of PCO; ex-journo Jay Ruiz

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENTIAL Communications Office acting Secretary Cesar Chavez yesterday announced his irrevocable resignation effective

February 28, admitting that he had “fallen short” of what was expected of him. Chavez also confirmed that former broadcast journalist Jay Ruiz will take over his position by

March 1.

to take over

“I would like to thank the President for the opportunity to serve, which has been an honor of a lifetime made possible only by his trust and con -

Hollow blocks for old tires in anti-dengue campaign

WITH the Department of Health (DOH) warning of possible dengue outbreaks in nine local government units, two barangays in Metro Manila have initiated projects aimed at controlling the spread of the disease in their localities.

By Rex Espiritu and Rachelle Tonelada

THE United States government reiterated its commitment to the Mutual

ANTI-DENGUE PROJECT. Chairman Allan Franza, left, of Barangay Matandang Balara, Quezon City checks on the old tires which will be exchanged for hollow blocks for the antidengue project ‘Lumang Gulong Palit Hollow Block’. Unused old tires are known to be breeding places for mosquitoes during the rainy season. Manny Palmero

After aerial tussle, US warns China of defense pact with PH

Defense Treaty (MDT) with the Philippines following what it described as “unsafe and irresponsible actions” by a Chinese military helicopter near Bajo de Masinloc, known internationally as

Scarborough Shoal. In a statement issued Thursday (Philippine time), US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce sharply criticized the People’s Liberation Army

Navy (PLAN) of China for obstructing the Philippines’ operations in the area.

“We call on China to refrain from coercive actions and settle its disputes

In Matandang Balara, Quezon City, barangay chairman Allan Franza recently launched “Lumang Gulong Palit Hollow Block” which rewards hollow blocks to those who turn in unused old tires. Throwaway tires become breeding places for mosquitoes during the rainy season.

Barangay Addition Hills in Mandaluyong City, on the other hand, has put up a bounty – one peso for every five mosquitoes, dead or alive. Carlito Cernal, village captain in Addition Hills, said the

By Pot Chavez and Maricel Cruz

and the General Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2025 (GAA). In a press conference, SC spokesperson Camille Ting said the arguments will be held at the En Banc Session Hall, SC Baguio Compound, Baguio City. She announced that the oral arguments in the case challenging the validity

CLEAN UP. A crowd gathers yesterday after the cleanup of the reconstructed main gate and wall facades of Baluartillo de San Miguel and Medio Baluarte de San Francisco at Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila. Organized by the German brand Kärcher in collaboration with the Intramuros Administration, the cleanup is part of Kärcher’s global initiative to complete 90 cleaning projects

TRIAL READY. A mock set up of the session hall for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is being readied by the Senate upon orders of Senate President Francis Escudero. Office of the Senate President

Senate President Francis Escudero

Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel

Incoming PCO Secretary Jay Ruiz

citing Article XI, Section 3, paragraph 4 of the 1987 Charter.

Escudero on Wednesday said while the Senate is already preparing for the trial, the proceedings will not begin until Congress is in session.

“Since the impeachment has already been filed, an impeachment trial is certain to happen, and the Senate must prepare for it. Even though we are in recess, we are not wasting time in making the necessary preparations,” he said.

“(But no proceeding) will happen because we are in recess. I will repeat -- no matter what anyone says -- as long as there is no session and the Senate has not convened, no trial can take place. That is clear and explicit in our rules,” Escudero added.

At the House of Representatives, Deputy Minority Leader France Castro on Thursday criticized Escudero’s decision to delay the trial until after the elections.

“The convening of an impeachment court is not contingent on public clamor -- it is a constitutional mandate,” Castro said.

“Senate President Escudero misses the point entirely when he asks ‘what clamor?’ This is not a cheering contest but a matter of constitutional duty,” she added.

Castro pointed out the urgency to convene the impeachment court has become even more critical given Duterte’s petition asking the Supreme Court to halt the proceedings.

“The fact that the Vice President is working to stop the convening of the impeachment court makes our call all the more important. The Senate should

all the more fulfill this duty. Further delays might benefit the impeached VP who is exploring various legal remedies to halt the trial,” Castro said.

Lawyer Howard Calleja also questioned why Escudero adjourned the Senate’s session two days ahead of the break baser on its legislative calendar.

Calleja said the Senate calendar was supposed to end on February 7, but session was adjourned on February 5 without taking up the complaint.

“We have to look at the culpability of Mr. Escudero for this constitutional breach,” Calleja said in a statement.

Meanwhile, some Alyansa senatorial candidates rallied behind the clamor for the Senate to start the impeachment trial against Duterte even while Congress is in recess.

At the same time, former Senate President Vicente Sotto III said some sitting senators would also want to be -

gin the trial at the soonest possible time.

“Of course, it’s a constitutional mandate and therefore it is serious,” Sotto said during a news conference at the Negros Oriental Convention Center in Dumaguete City on Thursday.

“I talked to other senators...They believe they can take it up now,” he added.

Former MMDA chief Benhur Abalos added: “I would reiterate time and again, constitutional duty. It’s not a matter of choice but a duty that must be done.”

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Senate to comment within 10 days on a petition compelling the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial of the Vice President without delay.

“Impeachment is a nationwide concern that will be treated with urgency because of the gravity of the matter,” SC spokesperson Camille Ting said.

election survey must register with the PFAD of the Commission,” the seven-page resolution read.

Only pre-registered entities will be authorized to conduct and publicly disseminate election surveys, according to Comelec.

It added that survey firms already conducting studies or assessments are given 15 days to register at the poll body.

“During this period, they may continue their operations, but failure to register within the prescribed time frame shall result in the suspension of their authority to conduct and publish election surveys,” Comelec said.

The resolution also said that to guarantee that surveys are carried out honestly and are not used to sway public opinion, survey companies and entities must abide by Comelec reporting standards.

The poll body warned that failure to register during the prescribed period would result in the suspension of the firms’ authority to conduct and publish election surveys.

Additionally, Section 3 of the resolution directs survey firms to submit to the commission a comprehensive report within 5 days from the publication of the survey.

Meanwhile, the poll body is also setting standards for media organizations publishing election survey results.

It said that election survey results can only be published if they contain the name of the entity which conducted the survey and the person, candidate, party or organization that commissioned or paid for the poll.

fidence in me. Although there is much for which I am grateful and a long list of people to thank, I leave with only one regret: in my estimation, I have fallen short of what was expected of me,” Chavez said.

“It is to this fidelity to the truth— the bedrock belief to which I have anchored myself as a former broadcast journalist—that I must tell the unvarnished truth about my resignation,” he added.

He said he submitted his resignation on February 5, 2025.

Chavez said he will introduce Ruiz to the PCO management committee on Monday, February 24.

Ruiz, a journalist for over 20 years, retired from ABS-CBN in 2016.

He will be the fourth individual to lead the PCO under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Trixie Cruz-Angeles was the first to serve as press secretary. She was succeeded by Cheloy Garafil, who now heads the Manila Economic and Cultural Office.

Ruiz hails from Ilocos Norte, and his father was a former mayor of Sarrat, the hometown of the late strongman Ferdinand E. Marcos. He has a degree in Speech and Drama from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

As this developed, a shakeup is reportedly looming in the Department of Transportation with incoming Secretary Vince Dizon expected to bring in some people.

Sources told ABS-CBN News that Dizon’s team is “almost complete” ahead of Monday’s turnover. With Rolando Ng III

peacefully in accordance with international law,” Bruce said.

“The 1951 United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including those of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea [also called West Philippine Sea],” she added.

Signed by Manila and Washington in 1951, the MDT is a defense pact that unites the two allies to help defend each other from foreign aggression.

Bruce said that China’s actions are a “threat” to navigation and overflight in

the South China Sea.

“A Chinese helicopter came within three meters of a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Resources (BFAR) plane conducting routine overflight, endangering the safety of the aircraft and its crew,” she said.

She noted that February 11, Chinese aircraft also performed “unsafe and u nprofessional maneuver” against an Australian aircraft conducting a routine maritime patrol over the SCS.

“Reckless Chinese actions such as these are a threat to navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, and we will continue to support our allies and partners to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific,” she added.

On Tuesday, the Philippine Coast

Guard (PCG) reported that a PLAN helicopter with tail number 68 approached a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) aircraft as close as three meters.

PCG spokesperson for the WPS, Commodore Jay Tarriela, described this as the “most dangerous” action taken by the Chinese military to date.

He stated that the Chinese helicopter’s maneuver posed a significant risk to the safety of the pilots and passengers and violated International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations.

The BFAR Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft had onboard a group of journalists at the time the aerial harassment took place.

awareness-raising project he initiated could have a “huge impact” on curbing the tropical disease’s spread when combined with local clean-up efforts.

Iluminado Candasua brought three live specimens in a sealed plastic cup that were duly counted and transferred by village officials to their so-called death chamber, a glass-enclosed UV light machine.

“It’s very hard to capture mosquitoes,” Candasua told AFP, explaining how he strategically chose a darkly lit fire station where he used a cup to manually trap the insects against a wall.

Candasua said the peso he got for his efforts, worth little more than a US penny, would go into a piggy bank he’s using to save for a cellphone for his child.

The World Health Organization ranked the Philippines as the country most affected by dengue in the Western Pacific region in 2023 when it had 167,355 cases and 575 deaths.

The country has seen an “unusual rise” in cases this year, with 28,200 patients recorded as of February 1, according to Department of Health spokesman Dr. Albert Domingo, a 40 percent increase from the same period last year.

Five cities and municipalities have declared outbreaks. With AFP

writ of preliminary injunction.

Ting said “the SC impleaded the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Land Bank of the Philippines, and Development Bank of the Philippines as respondents in this case.

The High Tribunal directed them to file their respective comments within a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice.

Meanwhile, lawyer Victor Rodriguez et al. argue that the GAA is unconstitutional for failing to allocate mandatory funding for PhilHealth, unlawfully increasing appropriations beyond the President’s recommendations.

They added it allocated the highest budget to infrastructure over education, and that the GAA is unconstitutional since the Bicameral Committee Report

on the General Appropriations Bill contained blank items.

The SC will be holding a preliminary conference next week for both cases, setting the Maharlika fund issue on February 26 while the GAA case will be on February 28.

House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipel, on the other hand, accused political allies of the Dutertes of trying to weaponize the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) to retaliate against members of the House of Representatives who voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte.

Dalipe made the accusation yesterday in reaction to the call of Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, who served as Speaker during the Duterte administration, to suspend House leaders whom Alvarez and some allies have accused of falsification of public documents before the OMB in connection with the budget insertions/blanks issue.

Dalipe said Alvarez’s suspension call “is a desperate attempt to weaponize the Ombudsman for political retaliation because the House remains steadfast in upholding transparency and accountability, regardless of political affiliations.”

However, Dalipe expressed confidence that the OMB would not allow itself to be used by Duterte allies.

“We trust that the Ombudsman will not allow itself to be used as a tool for political games and will dismiss this baseless request for preventive suspension. Speaker Romualdez and the House leadership will continue working for the people, unshaken by these desperate political maneuvers,” he said.

The House leader also labeled the Alvarez complaint and suspension call as a tactic to divert attention away from the impeachment of Vice President Duterte.

“Clearly, they are using this complaint as a diversionary tactic to shift

public attention away from the real issue—the impeachment case against the Vice President and the accountability questions she must answer,” he said.

He questioned the timing of the actions of Alvarez and Duterte allies.

“The timing of this complaint is telling. It is meant to pressure the House and create a false narrative that undermines the integrity of its leadership. However, we will not be intimidated by these tactics. The House remains focused on serving the Filipino people, ensuring government funds are used properly, and holding public officials accountable, regardless of political connections,” he said.

Dalipe said the suspension proposal is also meant to disrupt the work of the House.

“The request for the Ombudsman to order the preventive suspension of House leaders is a blatant political maneuver aimed at disrupting the work of

MARCHING ORDERS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has tasked the Armed Forces of the Philippines to ensure peace, credibility, and order in the upcoming May elections. During yesterday’s oath-taking of newly promoted AFP generals and officers, and Foreign Pre-Commission Training Institutions graduates, the President also assured the administration’s continued advancement of peace, democracy, and the rule of law.

IN BRIEF

Cops nab suspects, seize P8m shabu

THE Southern Police District announced on Thursday the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of over P8 million worth of shabu during a buybust operation in Makati City.

Operatives from the Makati City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) conducted the operation around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday in Barangay San Antonio, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified only by their aliases, ‘Wewel’ and ‘Madam,’ both aged 28. During the operation, police seized 1,300 grams of shabu, a mobile phone, a red and black shoe bag, an eco-bag, as well as the cash and boodle money used in the entrapment. This operation followed surveillance and information provided by police assets about the suspects’ illegal activities. The suspects are now in police custody and will face charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Joel E. Zurbano

Senators urge faster POGO deportations

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian urged the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to speed up the deportation of foreign nationals who previously worked for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

The senator’s statement follows a directive from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), which instructed the NBI to revise its clearance policy for foreign POGO workers awaiting deportation.

Under the current rules, the NBI requires deportees to present their passports to obtain clearance, but many had their passports confiscated by their former employers, causing significant delays.

Gatchalian emphasized that the BI and NBI should use alternative verification methods, such as fingerprint records, to address the issue and prevent further delays. Despite the ban, the deportation process has been slow, with only 3,024 of the 30,144 documented foreign POGO workers deported so far, according to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR). Ram Superable

Agents nab Korean wanted for scam

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) agents arrested a South Korean woman wanted by authorities in Seoul and Interpol for a multi-million dollar real estate investment scam.

The fugitive, identified as Kim Jeonjung, was arrested in her residence in Paranaque City by operatives from the BI’s fugitive search unit (FSU).

Kim was arrested on the strength of a mission order at the request of the South Korean government which sought the BI’s help in locating and deporting the fugitive. Korean authorities alleged that Kim and her cohorts conspired in recruiting nominal trustees to circumvent loan limits and gain actual ownership of multiple buildings. They were said to have made victims sign lease agreements and used a noncapital gap investment method and received lease deposits from various tenants amounting to 7.5 billion won, or more than $5.2 million through the large-scale rental fraud. She is currently held at the BI Warden’s Facility in Camp Bagong Diwwa, Taguig City, while awaiting deportation proceedings. Vito Barcelo

Drivers file plea seeking hike in base fare for booked rides

AGROUP

of Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS)

drivers is seeking an increase in the base fare for booked rides from P45 to P70.

Laban TNVS President Jun De Leon, in a petition, explained that the group also wanted to raise the perminute travel charge, citing the significant rise in oil prices over the past few years, the higher costs of vehicle

maintenance, and inflationary factors impacting operational expenses.

“With the heavy traffic today, TNVS drivers are suffering huge losses. That’s why the P2 per minute rate should be increased to P3 per minute to at least

MAINTENANCE WORK. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) personnel work to maintain and clean the Tapayan Pumping Station, an important ood control facility in the metro.

help increase the earnings of TNVS drivers,” De Leon, quoted by ABSCBN News said, during a protest outside the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) office in Quezon City.

The petition pointed out that fare rates for four-wheeled ride-hailing platforms have remained stagnant for five years.

“Traditional Public Utility Vehi-

DENR urges flood control, traffic plans on Manila Bay projects

By Rio N. Araja

DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga on Thursday said proponents of reclamation projects in Manila Bay must consider three crucial plans of flood control, traffic management, and livelihood

of those who rely heavily on fishing.

At the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview over PTV4, Loyzaga said project proponents had already submitted their plans in December, adding the last to submit was the fishing sector. She said the DENR has already been studying these plans.

Duterte’s PDP Laban decries harassment

ON Thursday, PDP Laban, the political party of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his allies, criticized the House committees conducting hearings on online disinformation, accusing them of harassing vloggers and content creators associated with the Dutertes.

The party argued that the House mega panel’s “insistence” on summoning vloggers and social media influencers who are “perceived to be proDuterte” constitutes “harassment” and infringes upon the fundamental right to free speech and expression, ABSCBN News reported.

While Congress has the authority to issue invitations and subpoenas to resource persons during hearings as part of its oversight function and legislative duties, PDP Laban contended that such actions are a direct or subtle attempt to undermine free speech.

In a statement, the party emphasized that “now more than ever, this right is vital in demanding accountability for the widespread corruption, abuses, and irregularities within the government.”

The House Tri-Comm, which is composed of the Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information committees, approved a motion on Tuesday to subpoena social media personalities who failed to attend its hearing.

The content creators to be subpoenaed include former Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Krizette Laureta Chu, Sass Rogando Sasot, and Lorraine Marie Badoy-Partosa.

PDP Laban criticized the House for using its time and resources to target content creators, arguing that lawmakers’ efforts would be better spent on improving the lives of ordinary Filipinos.

She said those who had submitted failed to include in their flood plan of integration with their partner-local government units,” she said.

“(We talk about) The circulation of water from the inland to Manila Bay. Flood management is important,” she added. The proponents must come up with

effective traffic management and a solution to the fishers who would be displaced by the reclamation, she cited.

“We need to actually understand that Manila Bay is alive and that there is fishing in the area,” she said. “We have to consider everything that is put on the table by different proponents.”

cles (PUVs) like taxis, buses, and jeepneys have been granted fare increases, but TNVS fares have stayed the same for the last five years despite facing similar cost pressures,” the petition read.

“Since TNVS operates under the same economic conditions as other PUVs, it is only fair and just that TNVS fares be adjusted accordingly,” it added.

Court rejects suspects’ plea on Degamo murder case

THE Court of Appeals has turned down an appeal filed by two of the alleged assailants in the March 4, 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo.

In a 33-page decision dated Feb. 19, the appellate court’s 4th Division dismissed the petition filed by accused Joric Labrador and Benjie Rodriguez, who were allegedly among the six attackers caught on video assaulting Degamo’s compound in Barangay San Isidro, Pamplona, Negros Oriental.

The incident killed Degamo and eight others and caused injuries to 17 individuals who were part of a crowd in line to receive financial aid in the governor’s residence.

The CA affirmed the Aug. 22, 2023 order of Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 40 Judge Rebecca Guillen-Ubaña denying the motion to quash, and rejected the petitioners’ claim that their recanted statements of admission should not be considered against them.

“A perusal of the petitioners’ extrajudicial confessions shows that there is nothing therein which indicates that they were coerced or were laboring under duress when they executed the same. In fact, a reading of said confessions immediately shows that petitioners were informed of their constitutional rights, especially those applicable during custodial investigation, and that, with their express consent, they were also assisted by lawyers from the PAO (Public Attorney’s Office) in executing the same,” the CA said.

The Court also noted the controlled and collected manner in which the petitioners narrated, in thorough detail, how they prepared and executed the nefarious plot of assassinating Gov. Degamo, which included the distinct circumstances they encountered from the time they were recruited to go to Dumaguete City up to the time they were arrested after the shooting incident.

FACING THE PRESS. Members of the Akbayan Partylist and Atin Ito Coalition conduct a press conference in Quezon City. Among the talking points was the

heightening campaign of aggression by China, especially its e ort to disseminate traitorous narratives and disinformation. Manny Palmero

Philippine Navy boosts int’l ties

IN BRIEF

Binay seeks clear gov’t policies for sugar sector

By Joel E. Zurbano

SENATORIAL candidate and Makati

the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said. “Datu Adlaw has been arrested. The documentation is still ongoing),” CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said. A CIDG report said Jorgeto Corpuz Santisas alias “Datu Adlaw” claimed ancestral land rights to justify padlocking establishments that failed to pay fees to the Federal Tribal Government of the Philippines (FTGP). The group also reportedly demanded financial contributions from its members.

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) clarified that FTGP is not recognized as an indigenous peoples’ organization. This highlights the risk posed by unregistered groups misusing indigenous rights to engage in coercive and potentially illegal activities. Rex Espiritu

GENERAL Trias City—The local government here has provided a Toyota Hiace van each for 10 villages and two ambulances for the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO). Mayor Luis Ferrer IV and Vice Mayor Jonas Labuguen presided at the turnover of the vehicles to the barangays, along with two brand-new ambulances for CDRRMO.

“We are happy that we can help the barangays, Ferrer said, adding that eight more vans for the local villages are forthcoming.

“Two more units have been added to the ambulance service of the CDRMMO, this is a big help to serve the entire General Trias.,” CDRMMO chief Ariel Avilla said. Dennis Abrina

ANTI-DRUG operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have arrested three suspects and confiscated P14.4 million worth of illegal drugs in separate operations in Makati City and Cebu province.

In a report, Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, said two suspects, identified only as Wewel, 28, and Madam, 28, were apprehended in a buy-bust operation at a condominium in Barangay San Antonio, Makati City, on Wednesday.

The raiders seized 1.3 kilograms of shabu valued at P8.84 million, along with mobile phones and buy-bust money. The two will face charges under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, at the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office.

Meanwhile, Col. Rolando Cuya, acting chief of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, reported that another suspect, identified as Arman, 43, was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Mantuyom, Mandaue City, Cebu. Seized from the suspect was 825 grams of suspected shabu, worth P5.6 million. Rex Espiritu

City Mayor Abigail Binay urged the government to set a clear-cut policy to stop importing sugar during the harvest season.

Binay said such a policy would help sugar workers and the entire industry.

“So let us make a clear policy. During harvest season, no importation. That has to be clearly in black and white,” she said.

Binay said only 20 per cent of the

country’s sugar supply is imported while 80 per cent is locally sourced. There is a big potential for the country to become a major sugar producer if policies were put in place to encourage investors to build modern sugar mills.

“This will also help bring down the price of sugar in the market,” she added.

“I think we also need to have an environment that is conducive for private investors to come in, bring in their money,” Binay said.

TUCP slams P10-fare increase for LRT-1 as ‘unfair, unreasonable’

By Vito Barcelo

A LABOR group resisted the P10-fare hike for LRT-1, describing it as “unfair, unreasonable and untimely.” The increase raised the LRT-1 maximum fare for a single trip from P45 to P55.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said Filipino workers and their families, especially the minimum wage earners, continue to suffer from rising prices of basic commodities and still awaiting a legislated wage hike.

“We have repeatedly called for the deferment of any fare hikes until Congress passes and enacts the legislated wage hike bill before the 19th Congress closes on June 30. It is unjust that train fares are increasing while minimum wage earners continue to receive fixed salaries that can barely buy rice,” TUCP president and party-list Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza said.

He warned that the fare hike will push working families deeper into poverty.

“This means an additional P20 daily expense for workers commuting roundtrip via LRT-1, effectively taking back last year’s meager minimum wage of only P15-increase.,” Mendoza added.

“If the pending jeepney fare hike to P15 is approved, the small increase in minimum wages will be wiped out completely,” Mendoza noted.

She pointed out the economic benefits of achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production.

“Imagine if we become 100 percent reliant on local produce, and we can even export our sugar, a big boost to the economy of Negros.”

On Wednesday, Binay met with officers and members of the Asociacion Agricola de Bais Y Tanjay Inc. and discussed issues facing the sugar industry.

Binay was in Dumaguete City for the proclamation rally of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippine Navy (PN) bolstered its international partnerships during the 5th Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) 2025 in Bali, Indonesia through a series of high-level bilateral talks with the Republic of Korea Navy, the Royal Brunei Navy, and the Royal Canadian Navy.

On Feb. 16, the Philippine Navy delegation, led by Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Orbe, commander of the Philippine Fleet, met with Rear Admiral Kim Tae Hoon of the Republic of Korea Navy at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel.

Discussions focused on improving interoperability, expanding joint naval exercises, and exploring future maritime security initiatives. Both navies reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability and defense cooperation.

The following day, Feb. 17, the Philippine delegation held talks with the Royal Brunei Navy, represented by Capt. Sahibul Bahari Bin Zainal Abidin at the Westin Hotel. Key topics included joint training, capacity-building, and addressing shared security challenges in the IndoPacific region.

The Philippine panel later met with Commodore Jason Armstrong of the Royal Canadian Navy to discuss enhancing disaster response coordination, interoperability, and opportunities for future collaboration.

Orbe was accompanied in these meetings by Philippine Navy senior officers including Capt. Malone Agudelo, commander of Naval Task Group 84, and Commander Johanns Cruzada, skipper of BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16). These engagements underscore the Philippine Navy’s dedication to fostering international partnerships and ensuring a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region through strengthened maritime cooperation.

The Philippines and Japan, in a recent meeting, beefed up ties in interoperability and logistics, the Philippine Navy said on Wednesday.

By Rio N. Araja

THE Commission on Audit (COA) has given the Land Transportation Office (LTO) until February to address the payment discrepancies amounting to P1.272 billion for its P8.2-billion road infrastructure project under the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS). The COA warned the LTO, along with its information technology provider (IT), of possible disallowance of payments should they fail to address the discrepancies.

“The audit team has yet to receive the complete compliance and/or justifications from the (LTO) management on these noted observations/issues on the aforesaid AOM. On May 21, 2024, and November 26, 2024, the audit team issued two follow-up letters to the LTO but still no response has been given as of this date, hence, the issuance

saying Dermalog only provided 80 Mbps for each bandwidth.

“Items suspended in audit, which are not settled within 90 days from receipt hereof shall become a disallowance pursuant to Section 82 of Presidential Decree 1445 and COA Circular No. 2009-006 dated September 15, 2009, prescribing the Rules and Regulations on Settlement of Accounts,” COA stated in its Nov. 29, 2024 letter to the LTO. The state auditors cited its decision to suspend the audit on several questionable items on the LTMS project between 2019 and 2022 over the LTO’s failure to submit its response to the Audit Observation Memo (AOM) on various deficiencies involving non-compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, non-conformance with the contract requirements and incomplete submission of relevant supporting documents.

workers

in Brgy. Malanday, Valenzuela City to

in the metropolis. Andrew Rabulan

OPINION

Anti-democratic political party

THE Grand Old Man of Philippine politics, the late Lorenzo Tañada, must be turning in his grave now that the political party he co-founded with Benigno S. Aquino, LABAN or Laban ng Bayang Pilipino, has been hijacked by politicians whose commitment to democratic and libertarian ideals are highly suspect— or even totally non-existent in the first place.

The Partido Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP) was founded by Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, who had been thrown into prison several times by the martial law regime of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. He later became a senator and Senate President, but lost in an earlier bid as Vice President along with his running mate Sen. Jovito Salonga in the 1992 elections won by Fidel V. Ramos.

It merged with LABAN because they shared the same unflinching stand in upholding democracy and fighting dictatorship.

But what was once a highly respected political party has transformed into its diametrical opposite since 2016, when Rodrigo Duterte won the presidency as standard bearer of PDP-LABAN.

The political party recently junked “LABAN” from its official name. And rightly so, as its platform pays only lip service to democracy, due process and human rights since Duterte seized it for his own twisted ends.

With Duterte at the helm of PDP, we can be certain that it will continue to be battering ram against democracy and the rule of law, and a political vehicle that will lead the nation off the rails into perdition. Duterte now wants to retake his seat as Davao City Mayor after a six-year term as Chief Executive from 2016 to 2022, and is said to be even contemplating another bid for the presidency in 2028 if daughter Sara cannot do so for one reason or another.

If you think Duterte as PDP chairman is bad enough, worse still, or deeply disturbing, is the presence of actor Robinhhood Padilla as PDP president. This fellow topped the senatorial race in 2022 apparently on the basis of his popularity as a movie star. But obviously popularity does not automatically translate into incisive analysis of issues of grave national import nor an eloquent and authoritative voice in floor debates in the august halls of the Senate.

We recall that television cameras caught Padilla combing his moustache while attending a session, perhaps showing total disinterest in what was being discussed by his colleagues.

We also recall that he was convicted by a court for illegal possession of firearms and spent time in the National Penitentiary in Muntinlupa but was granted unconditional pardon by then President Fidel V. Ramos for reasons that escape us

now—or would rather forget.

We’re afraid that every time he opens his mouth, he tends to subtract from the sum of human intelligence rather than add to it.

Duterte and Padilla presided over the recent introduction of the PDP senatorial slate at the start of the campaign period.

This would probably also make the late Nene Pimentel not just turn but perhaps even spin in his grave out of sheer disgust at what the political party has become at present.

If you think Duterte as PDP chairman is bad enough, worse still, or deeply disturbing, is the presence of actor Robinhhood Padilla as PDP president

During the proclamation rally, Duterte did it again, reprising his “kill-kill-kill” mantra in 2016.

Here’s what he actually said as reported by media: “Now, there’s many of them (candidates for senator). What should we do? Let’s kill the senators now to create vacancies…If we can kill around 15 senators, we can all go in. But they’d be pitiful. Yet they’re irritating—not all of them though. Talking of opportunities, the only way to do it is to use a bomb.”

While Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and even National Bureau of Investigation Director Jaime Santiago dismissed these as “just rhetoric, part of their political propaganda,” Major General Nicanor Torre III, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police, doesn’t think so.

He has filed an inciting to sedition charge and unlawful utterances against the former president before the DOJ.

We deeply deplore the descent to the depths of depravity and decay of PDP under Duterte and Padilla and their loyal followers as we were among those who helped in Nene Pimentel’s bid for the vice presidency in 1992 with the illustrious Senator Jovito Salonga as presidential standard bearer.

While we had expected Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III to be able to defend the ramparts of our democratic system and keep intact the party’s integrity and firm stance on good governance, we can understand that there may have been more powerful forces at work within the party that eventually allowed it to fall into the wrong hands.

(Email:ernhil@yahoo.com)

Fresh start with an action man for DOTr

By Melandrew T. Velasco

WITH the appointment of former Bases Conversion and Development Authority President/CEO Vivencio “Vince” Dizon as Secretary of Transportation, everyone is hopeful the government’s programs on the transportation sector will be continued and implemented with greater speed and efficiency. And that new ones like modernization and other flagship projects be undertaken. I met Vince Dizon 21 years ago while on the campaign trail along with my good friend Allan Yap and Adonis Samson, FPJ’s cousin.

Unknown to many, Dizon helped in the campaign of Senator Grace Poe’s late father Fernando Poe, Jr. when he ran for president in the 2004 national elections. He served as FPJ’s personal campaign chief of staff and he has since then left a lasting impression as a promising and rising Filipino leader. Dizon is not a stranger to civil service. When he formally takes over the helm of DOTr on the 21st, he brings with him his extensive experience as former BCDA top honcho and Presidential Adviser on Flagship Programs and Projects during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. Involved in implementing the Build

Build Build program that resulted 
in the big-ticket infrastructure projects, he served as chairman of the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development; vice chairman, Clark International Airport Corporation; and BCDA representative to the Clark Development Corporation Board.

He was member of the Board of Directors in the following: Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation, Bonifacio Estates Services Corporation, and Bonifacio Global City Estates Association.

Many senators hailed the appointment of Dizon to the Cabinet as DOTr secretary

During the pandemic years, Dizon became one of the more popular government officials. Filipinos, anxious to know the government’s response to the health emergency, would vigilantly 
wait for news broadcast on TV, radio and other platforms.

It was not surprising to hear Dizon’s name mentioned in news since he was the Deputy Chief Implementer of the National Action Plan Against COVID-19.

Choose the worthy candidates

IN MAY this year, Filipinos will cast their votes for senators and party-list representatives as well as congressmen, provincial governors and city and town mayors and other local officials.

This political exercise is a crucial one as it will not only give the citizenry yet another opportunity to choose their leaders but, more important, determine whether the nation can achieve political stability that will enhance economic growth and social concord and move the nation forward.

We must evaluate the candidates on the basis of clear criteria. And what should these criteria be?

One, we should evaluate candidates on the basis of their competence for the job.

Public office, whether it involves lawmaking or implementing the law and crafting policies and programs, requires familiarity with the workings of the democratic system.

Popularity alone can get a candidate elected, but it does not guarantee that he or she will perform creditably in office. We should be wary, for instance, of

He also served as Chief Testing Czar and was Chief Coordinator of the 
Test, Trace, Treat (T3) Program. 
Born during the Martial Law years, Dizon studied at the Don Bosco Technical College for his secondary education.

He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Bachelor of Science in Commerce-Management of Financial Institutions degrees from the De La Salle University.

Recipient of the British Chevening Scholarship Awards, he studied at the University of Reading 
in the United Kingdom and obtained a Master of Science degree in Applied Development Studies.

From 2011-2013, he was Undersecretary for Political Affairs in the Office of the President. He also served in the Senate as Chief of Staff of the Office of Senator Edgardo Angara (2002-2004), and later as Consultant of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano (2013-2016).

In the private sector, he was Vice President for Corporate Communications for Strategic Alliance 
Holdings

movie stars and other celebrities who can offer nothing more than their good looks and acting prowess as their only qualifications for the demanding job of public office.

Two, we should choose candidates on the basis of their integrity and character. We should vote for those who are honest and upright, and those who have not been involved at all in graft and corruption or any misconduct involving moral turpitude.

We must evaluate the candidates on the basis of clear criteria

Three, we should give preference to those candidates who are genuinely committed to democracy and the democratic process. We should vote for those who truly believe in participatory democracy, people’s empowerment and political pluralism.

And four, we should select candidates on the basis of what they can offer by way of a clear program of governance. The electorate deserves a clear vision for the future from those who seek to govern.

We should reject those candidates who say they want to serve, but have neither the intellect nor the wisdom to offer a

Inc. – Technologies or SAHI-TECH (2007-2011); while in the academe, he was lecturer of Economics and Finance and assistant professor of Economics and research associate at the De La Salle University; and had a stint as senior lecturer in Economics, Finance and 
Statistics at the University of Northern Virginia in Prague, Czech Republic.

Many senators hailed the appointment of Dizon to the Cabinet as DOTr secretary and expressed their optimism that issues affecting the transportation sector can be addressed.

The transportation sector covers not only land, air and sea transport systems but also subways — all important to economic growth and are investment and tourism-related.

One of those who welcomed Dizon’s appointment was Senator Grace Poe.

“We want to congratulate Secretary Vince Dizon on his appointment and thank him for taking on such an enormous task at this critical time,” she said in a statement.

“The new DOTR chief can count on

clear vision for the future. We should choose candidates who will help steer the nation forward to peace and progress, not those who will bring us backward through sheer lack of a platform and a vision for tomorrow.

We should not limit our choices to the political parties and coalitions as well as party-list groups. Those running as independents also deserve to be seen and heard.

The polls will take place on May 12 with the spotlight on the capability of the Commission on Elections to ensure free and fair elections in thousands of precincts throughout the country.

But we hope the Comelec upholds the integrity of the electoral process, and rises to the challenge of making democracy work through free and fair polls. Free, fair and transparent polls in May this year will set the stage for free, fair and transparent presidential elections in 2028. And polls marred by widespread violence and fraud today will only mean that we are likely to have similarly tainted elections in 2028.

The May midterm election is not just another exercise of our right of suffrage, it is an occasion for us to affirm our faith in the democratic process.

Honest, orderly and peaceful elections will reflect the maturity of the Filipino electorate, strengthen our democracy, and pave the way for peace and progress in the years ahead.

our support in bringing relief to our commuting public and lasting solutions to our transportation sector,” she added as she expressed confidence that with 
Dizon’s skills and experience, he could fast track the needed DOTr reforms and projects.

Much is expected from the new DOTr Secretary. In the metropolis alone, he is expected to solve traffic congestion, fast track the railway projects and the subway system, aside from solving the 
problems in the jeepney modernization program. In the rural areas, he has to ensure seamless transport of goods, services and people through better sea, air and land transport.

Being an action man himself and a goal setter, I have no doubt Dizon is up to the task who will make DOTr as one of the top performing agencies under BBM. (MTV, book author/publisher, is president/CEO of Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc. and president/executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., a nongovernment outfit advocating tree-planting and environmental protection.)

IN BRIEF

Train derailed after hitting elephants

COLOMBO – A Sri Lankan passenger train derailed Thursday after smashing into a family of elephants, with no passengers injured but six animals killed in the island’s worst such wildlife accident, police said. The express train was traveling near a wildlife reserve at Habarana, some 180 kilometers east of the capital Colombo, when it hit the herd crossing the line before dawn.

“The train derailed, but there were no casualties among the passengers,” police said, adding that wildlife authorities were treating two elephants who survived the crash. Videos shot after the accident showed one elephant standing guard over an injured youngster lying beside the tracks, with the tips of their trunks curled together. Killing or harming elephants is a criminal offense in Sri Lanka, which has an estimated 7,000 wild elephants, with the animals considered a national treasure, partly due to their significance in Buddhist culture. AFP

Hamas set to release bodies of 4 hostages

KHAN YUNIS, Palestinian Territories

– Hamas is set to hand over the bodies of four Israeli hostages on Thursday, including those of the Bibas family, who have become symbols of the ordeal that has gripped Israel since the Gaza war began.

The transfer of the bodies is the first by Hamas since its Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel triggered the war, and is taking place under a fragile ceasefire that has seen living hostages exchanged for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

The return of the bodies of Shiri Bibas, her two young boys —- Kfir and Ariel -— and a fourth captive, Oded Lifshitz, 83 at the time of his capture, would take place in the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis. Ahead of the transfer hundreds of people gathered around a sandy lot formerly used as a cemetery. A fence had been erected to keep onlookers away from the immediate area where the handover to the Red Cross was to occur. AFP

2 jailed for 18 years over tower collapse

ISTANBUL – Two senior figures involved in the construction of part of a huge Turkish residential complex that collapsed in the 2023 earthquake have been jailed for more than 18 years, local media reported.

The case concerned an eight-story tower block at the Ebrar complex in the southeastern city of Kahramanmaras, Turkey’s private NTV broadcaster said. There were 22 such blocks in the complex, nearly all of which collapsed when the first 7.8-magnitude tremor struck before dawn on February 6, 2023, killing 1,400 people.

Wednesday’s verdict related to the collapse of Block B where 115 people died, NTV said, with the judge handing senior contractor Tevfik Tepebasi and Atilla Oz, head of the cooperative that built the block, 18 years and eight months each for “causing death and injury through conscious negligence”. AFP

Ousted president sought to stop ‘dictatorship’

SEOUL – Ousted South Korean leader

Yoon Suk Yeol’s bid to impose martial law was aimed at thwarting a “legislative dictatorship” by the opposition-controlled parliament, his lawyer said Thursday, as Yoon became the country’s first sitting president to stand trial in a criminal case. The 64-year-old former prosecutor has been behind bars since he was arrested last month on charges of insurrection, for which he could be sentenced to life in prison -- or face the death penalty.

Criminal proceedings at Seoul’s Central District Court on Thursday morning lasted just over an hour.

Yoon attended the hearing but did not speak, an AFP journalist in the packed courtroom said.

There was heavy security around the building, with Yonhap news agency reporting police mobilised around 3,200 personnel to the site. Prosecutors have accused the suspended president of being the “ringleader of an insurrection”. They argued Thursday against releasing him from the detention facility where he has been held since mid-January, saying Yoon could try to “influence or persuade those involved in the case”.

Addressing the court, Yoon’s lawyer Kim Hong-il in turn condemned the “illegal probe”, arguing the “investigating body has no jurisdiction”. “The declaration of martial law was not intended to paralyze the state,” Kim said. Instead, he said, it was meant to “alert the public to the national crisis caused by the legislative dictatorship of the dominant opposition party, which had crippled the administration.” AFP

Zelenskyy to meet US envoy after Trump brands him ‘dictator’

KYIV – Volodymyr Zelenskyy was due to meet on Thursday with US envoy Keith Kellogg after Donald Trump branded the Ukrainian leader a “dictator” and said Russia “have the cards” in any talks to end the war.

The United States has provided essential funding and arms to Ukraine, but the US president has rattled Kyiv and its European backers by opening talks with Moscow they fear could end the war on terms unacceptable to them.

“I think the Russians want to see the war end... But I think they have the cards a little bit, because they’ve taken a lot of territory, so they have the cards,” Trump told reporters late Wednesday.

Under former President Joe Biden, the United States lauded Zelenskyy as a hero and hammered Moscow with sanctions as Ukraine battled against advancing

Russian troops. In Paris, President Emmanuel Macron said France and its allies agreed Ukraine’s rights and European security concerns should be taken into account in any deal to end the war with Russia, before he heads to Washington next week.

“The position of France and its allies is clear and united. We wish for peace in Ukraine that is lasting,” Macron said on X after a meeting with the leaders of 19 mostly European countries, with most taking part by video link.

Trump has stunned the European Un-

ion by saying he is ready to resume diplomacy with Vladimir Putin after three years of Russia’s war against Ukraine, over the heads of both European countries and Kyiv. Macron held the meeting on Ukraine Wednesday afternoon to coordinate a European response to what he has called an “existential threat” from Russia after the shock US policy shift.

“We stand by Ukraine and will carry out all our responsibilities to ensure peace and security in Europe,” Macron said after the video conference. But Trump has been harshly critical of the Ukrainian leader, claiming he has subverted democracy and blaming him for starting the war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion three years ago.

“A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going

Iran executed 975 in ‘horrifying’ 2024 escalation, say rights groups

PARIS – Iran executed at least 975 people last year in a “horrifying escalation” of its use of capital punishment, two human rights groups said on Thursday. Norway-based Iran Human Rights and French group Together Against the Death Penalty said the figure was the highest since IHR began recording executions in Iran in 2008.

The figure “reveals a horrifying escalation in the use of the death penalty by the Islamic republic in 2024,” they said in a joint report, accusing Iran of using the death penalty as a “central tool of political oppression.”

“These executions are part of the Islamic republic’s war against its own people to maintain its grip on power,” IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said.

“Five people were executed on average every single day in the last three months of the year as the threat of war between Iran and Israel escalated.” Last year’s figure represented a 17 percent increase on the 834 executions

recorded in 2023, the report said.

Of the 975 people executed, four people were hanged in public and 31 were women, also the highest figure for the past 17 years.

Human rights groups, who say that Iran is the world’s most prolific executioner after China, accuse the authorities of using the death penalty to sow fear among the public, particularly after nationwide protests broke out in 2022.

Capital punishment remains a key pillar of the sharia-based judicial system established after the 1979 revolution ousted the Western-backed shah.

Crimes punishable by death include murder, rape and drugs offences but also more vaguely worded charges like “corruption on earth” and “rebellion” which activists say are used against dissidents.

In recent years, executions have been carried out by hanging, mostly in prison yards but occasionally in public, though other methods remain on the statute books. AFP

to have a Country left,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Zelenskyy was elected in 2019 for a five-year term and has remained leader under martial law imposed as his country fights for its survival.

Trump savaged Zelenskyy, saying “he refuses to have Elections, is very low in Ukrainian Polls, and the only thing he was good at was playing (Joe) Biden ‘like a fiddle.’”

“In the meantime, we are successfully negotiating an end to the War with Russia, something all admit only ‘TRUMP,’ and the Trump Administration, can do.” Zelenskyy’s popularity has fallen, but the percentage of Ukrainians who trust him has never dipped below 50 percent since the conflict started, according to the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS). AFP

Ruling party takes control of New Delhi

President Donald Trump, displayed in the window of an American bar in Saint Petersburg on Wednesday. Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed progress in talks with the United States, a day after top diplomats met in Saudi Arabia and as a public spat between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US counterpart Donald Trump deepened.

PRAYER FOR POPE. Priest Martin Bourdieu celebrates a Mass next to a painting of Pope Francis at the Basilica San Jose de Flores to pray for his health in Buenos Aires on Thursday. THE Pope is in a stable condition in hospital and blood tests have

SPORTS

Bullpups maul

Jr. Archers to grab 1st seat in semifinals

NATIONAL University Nazareth School became the first team to clinch a Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ Basketball Tournament after dismantling De La Salle Zobel, 86-60, on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Reigning Most Valuable Player Collins Akowe once again led the Bullpups with a dominant double-double of 20 points and 23 rebounds, adding three assists and two blocks to power NUNS to a flawless 10-0 record.

With the victory, the Bullpups secured their 13th straight Final Four appearance—a streak that began in Season 73 back in 2011 when they finished fourth with a 10-4 slate.

“Happy ako kasi nastick na namin ‘yung first slot sa Final Four, pero marami pa kami kailangan i-improve.

Sabi ko naman sa kanila coming into

Fil-Am Bossong

By Peter Atencio/ Athletics-Bossong

FIL-AMERICAN trackster Victoria Bossong vowed to continue pursuing her dream of joining the Philippine national team in athletics.

The 21-year-old Bossong, a senior medical student-athlete at Harvard University, said this after she smashed the women’s 800-meet record at the 2025 Eagle Elite Invitational indoor athletics’ meet over the weekend at the Boston College oval in Cambridge, Massachusets.

Bossong snared the gold medal against a competitive field with a time of 2:00.85, erasing the mark of 2:03.78 Aurora Rynda set last year. Gabija Galvysyte was second to Bossong in 2:01.21, followed by Dorcus Ewoi (2:01.29).

“I’m also praying that my Philip-

this game, ito ‘yung stretch na crucial part nu’ng season natin kasi ito na ‘yung last few games coming into the playoffs and finals. We just have to make momentum and statement coming into the next games and sa Final Four,” said NUNS’ head coach Kevin de Castro.

With NU holding a slim 24-18 lead at the 8:06 mark of the second quarter, the trio of Thomas Pillado, Johnkurl Figueroa, and Akowe powered a 16-3 run to give NUNS a commanding 40-21 halftime advantage.

The Bullpups continued to dom-

inate in the final frame, building a game-high 35-point lead, 7742, before cruising to their 10th straight victory. With Akowe spearheading the charge, NUNS overwhelmed La Salle Zobel inside, winning the battle in the paint (54-28) and on the boards (46-31). Ivler Napa, son of Bulldogs head coach Jeff, finished with 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting, while Miguel Palanca contributed seven points, five rebounds, one assist, and one block. Jid Locsin added seven points, seven assists, three rebounds, and

two steals, with Pillado chipping in seven points, two rebounds, two assists, and one block. Meanwhile, the Junior Archers’ suffered their fifth loss in six games, dropping to 4-6. Their lone victory in

continues pursuit of PH team membership

pines citizenship is granted, so I can compete at the Indoor World Championships and the National Open in May, as representing the Philippines is something I am deeply passionate about,” said Bossong in an interview with the Manila Standard. For Bossong, it was the fifth time that she has also unofficially surpassed the national indoor mark currently held by Jessica Barnard. “I feel content, but not fully satisfied with my performances over the past few weeks. Running 2:00 in both of my 800m races this year has given me a lot of confidence heading into the championship season, and I know my training shows I’m capable of much faster times. My 52.02 in the 400m was a strong indicator of my speed, and I’m aiming to break into the 51s next time I race it,” added Bossong.

Foreign bets to elevate IRONMAN 70.3 in Puerto Princesa City

MAKING a strong comeback after a one-year hiatus, the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa on March 2 has drawn a formidable lineup of competitors, with over 60 percent of participants hailing from 45 different countries, reinforcing its reputation as a premier international endurance race when it is fired off on March 2. The event has seen a surge in international participation, with triathletes from Australia, China, France, Guam, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam and the United States set to challenge local powerhouses. This influx of elite foreign athletes is expected to heighten the level of competition and increase the race’s global prestige.

After John Alcala (2022) and Satar Salem (2023)

topped the first two editions in the men’s overall championship, international contenders are eager to claim the top podium spot.

The women’s field is equally competitive, all eager and ready to slug it out for top honors and join Singapore’s Ling Er Choo and the Philippines’ Leyann Ramo in the roster of winners of the event held in the capital city of Palawan.

The significant presence of international athletes enhances the event’s competitiveness and global visibility, bringing several key benefits, including a boost to local Tourism and economy, the international exposure for Puerto Princesa, the higher competition standards and the cultural exchange and community engagement.

The arrival of athletes, their families and supporters from around the world translates to increased hotel bookings, restaurant visits and tourism activities, benefiting the local economy.

Hosting world-class triathletes also places Puerto Princesa on the global stage, showcasing its natural beauty, rich culture, and hospitality.

The presence of elite athletes from various countries, on the other hand, raises the bar for local competitors, pushing them to improve their performance and training programs. And with participants from diverse backgrounds, the event fosters cross-cultural interactions, encouraging locals and visitors to celebrate sportsmanship and camaraderie.

To ban or not to ban is not the question

The Designated Kit Man

LAST Tuesday, word came out that Venice Furio, one of the original and probably, one of the most, if not the most, passionate fans and supporters of women’s football in the country, was banned from covering the Philippine National Women’s Football Team, while the Filipinas are camped at the MOA Football Field. Naturally, the first question is -- what?

And the second one is -- why? So The Designated Kit Man tried to get the details on what really transpired. And how it ended in this glaring development that not a few friends, who have been covering not only football but other sports in the county, regard as an attack against press freedom. For a short background, Ven has been covering and following the Women’s National Football Team, initially called Malditas then, but now called Filipinas, since the middle of 2000s. Roughly about 20 years, give or take a few months. She was already a supporter when nobody gave a

damn about the team. She has been active in her social media pages in giving updates, news and other developments on the Filipinas and other national teams as well.

So it was really a surprise why she was being banned from covering the team or why her access to the Filipinas was revoked.

In a chat with Ven, she revealed that it was an official of both the Men’s and Women’s National Football Teams of the Philippines, who relayed the difficult news to her.

She was supposed to request for an interview with the Filipinas, but instead of a reply, the officer called to tell her that her access to the team was revoked because “certain individuals” were not happy with her posts in social media. She added that “right daw nila ‘yun, the same way I have the right to post my opinions”. Ven also added that the officer was not sure if the ban is for the ongoing camp alone, or might be extended further. But one thing is for sure, she can’t interview anyone on the team right now.

A source, however, told The Designated Kit Man that “She (Furio) was felt to have made too many unsubstantiated and negative posts to warrant access to this Filipinas camp.”

The source also added that “there was the mocking of this upcoming match, but

also comments made in the previous windows that stretched back to mid-late last year” as the reasons that led to Furio’s ban. Which brings us to the next possible question: What are these posts that led to Ven’s ban?

Ven maintained that on the upside, the ban is actually a blessing. “Nakakalungkot, but this has given me the freedom not to hold back anymore,” she explained.

The Designated Kit Man reached out to Freddy Gonzalez, Director of National Senior Teams of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) and the concurrent manager of both the national men’s football team and the Filipinas to add clarity to the issue. Gonzalez told me that there was a request by the coaching staff to limit the presence of media and other personalities during the camp. That media should be present at an agreed time and day, so that the players could fully concentrate at the camp, knowing that there are so many newcomers and this is the first time in such a long time that the Filipinas are back in the country.

“They want to limit those interactions and really focus on what they need to do because we have the Southeast Asian Games, the ASEAN Championshipwhich we are all expected to win-- and I told the coaches that I expect them to win these tournaments. The mandate for these

Most

Reigning

that stretch came against the winless University of the Philippines Integrated School, 73-62, last Sunday. Defending champion Adamson University and University of the East, both holding 4-5 records, are set to face UPIS and Ateneo de Manila University at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively, as of publishing time. Kieffer Alas led DLSZ with 18 points, six assists, five rebounds, and two steals, while Cameroonian center Christian Mben nearly recorded 11 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Hamilton confident of Ferrari F1 glory

FIORANO MODENESE, Italy—Lewis Hamilton is convinced that this season could be Ferrari’s year after he drove for the first time on Wednesday the Formula One team’s car for the upcoming season, with a record eighth world title in his sights. Hamilton delighted hopeful fans by putting the new SF-25 car through its paces at Ferrari’s own track in Fiorano Modenese in northern Italy before stopping to salute spectators who are hoping he can end the Italian team’s long world championship drought.

Ferrari haven’t won the constructors title since 2008 and Kimi Raikkonen was the last man to claim the driver’s title with them the year before, but asked whether he thought the ‘Scuderia’ were ready to win the world championship, Hamilton simply said “yes”.

“I’ve worked with two world championship winning teams before, I know what a winning team looks and feels like,” Hamilton told reporters.

“The passion here is like nothing you’ve ever seen. They’ve got absolutely every ingredient they need to win a world championship and it’s just about putting all the pieces together.

“Everyone just has a really calm and good approach. No one’s like we’re perfect in every single area. Everyone’s like we need to elevate everywhere and they’re leaving no stone unturned to try and do that.” At 40 years old Hamilton isn’t just F1’s biggest star, he’s also one the sport’s elder statesmen, but he is full of youthful enthusiasm for a new challenge at Ferrari after falling way behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in his final three seasons at Mercedes.

Since losing the 2021 drivers’ title to Verstappen in controversial circumstances in the final GP, Hamilton has finished sixth, third and then seventh in 2024, some 214 points behind his Dutch rival who has won the last four championships. AFP

guys (coaching staff) is to win these tournaments. Their jobs are on the line. There is no excuse,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez says that aside from these, the Filipinas are set to compete in tournaments in China and United Arab Emirates to prepare them for the Asian Cup qualifiers which understandably add pressure and stress in the camp.

Gonzalez also made it clear that the Furio incident is not an attack against press freedom. He believes the media is a valuable partner of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) and the sport in general.

“I expect the journalist to keep the PFF, in general, on its toes. Keep the national team and hold everybody accountable. I totally support that and you know at the end of the day if the team played badly, things went wrong, we didn’t get the results we wanted or deserved, I have no issues with people calling us out. I’ll be the first to criticize,” Gonzalez explained. Gonzalez, however, maintained that people should also get the other side or the person involved for fairness and clarity. He likewise gave the assurance to find out what really happened and to get to the bottom of the issue. Hopefully soon, because until now, there is no formal statement coming from the PFF to address the issue. Which sets a very dangerous precedent.

As a good friend, Cedelf Tupas, asked “How could you ban someone from covering the national team?” The football community is not a big com-

munity. Unlike basketball and volleyball, football doesn’t garner the support and the fans that it deserves. To limit the same people, who have been covering and supporting the teams is not only an affront to press freedom, but to common sense as well. Kakaunti na lang ang nagusulat sa football, mababawasan pa. Again things could have been handled differently, football journalists here in the country are very easy and simple to deal with. Less crap, less bullshit and more importantly, less pettiness are the basic but non-negotiable things we ask for. Nothing more, nothing less. It is such a big disappointment, too, that instead of focusing on the gains the sport has generated, including the positivity and good vibes, especially with our men’s team and the arrival of new and exciting players in the Filipinas camp, big egos being hurt or extra sensitive trump common sense, decency and empathy.

Which makes me wonder, if negative posts and unsubstantiated claims are the real reasons for banning Ven or something more alarming that “certain individuals” would rather not want us to know? Laban lang Ven and my colleagues in the football beat. Let’s continue to ‘misbehave’! By the way, I’m excited to hear that a women’s super league is in the works. Stay safe. Stay happy peeps! For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

Erel Cabatbat

Valuable Player Collins Akowe of the NU Bullpups collars the rebound in the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ Basketball Tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Victoria Bossong (center) in action

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21,

RIERA

Cool Smashers whip Highrisers to assert PVL supremacy

CREAMLINE’S superior firepower and championship experience proved too much for Galeries Tower as the Cool Smashers pounded out a 25-15, 26-24, 25-19 victory in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Thursday.

Determined to strike back from their previous five-set loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters, which snapped their remarkable 19-game winning streak, the Cool Smashers wasted no time asserting their dominance. Save for their second set struggle, they overwhelmed the Highrisers with their offensive arsenal and veteran poise to clinch the one hour, 39-minute victory.

The win secured Creamline’s position as the No. 1 seed, closing the preliminaries with an impressive 10-1 record. With a staggering 10 championship titles under their belt, including three consecutive All-Filipino crowns, the Cool Smashers sent a clear message that they remain the team to beat in the league organized by Sports Vision.

Petro Gazz also looked to finish with a 10-1 record but Creamline will still clinch the No. 1 spot with superior set win points against Petro Gazz, 29-27.

The Cool Smashers spiked their way back to the top seed at the end of the prelims, fueled by a sensational Alysa Valdez-Tots Carlos show that turned the tide in a thrilling secondset comeback.

Down 11-19, Creamline’s star duo staged a dramatic fightback, flipping the script to clinch the extended set and take a commanding 2-0 lead in a match they were heavily favored to win.

Despite suffering a 10-point blowout (25-15) in the opening frame, the Highrisers responded with grit in the next as Ysa Jimenez took charge on offense and Roselle Baliton imposed her presence at the net, effectively neutralizing Valdez and slowing down Creamline’s attack.

HD Spikers begin 3-peat quest against Protectors

PH’s Animam making waves in European basketball scene

By Randy M. Caluag

FORMER National University standout and Gilas

Women’s mainstay Jack Animam continues to make waves in the European basketball scene, delivering stellar performances for FCC UAV Arad in the Romanian Liga Națională in Romania.

Animam recently made a dominant double-double, recording 27 points and 18 rebounds, to lead her team to an 86-80 double-overtime win against league-leaders Club Sportiv Municipal Târgoviște.

The victory was sweet revenge for FCC UAV Arad, who lost to Târgoviște last December.

The 26-year-old forward turned up her game in the second half, scoring 18 points and grabbing 9 rebounds to propel her team to victory.

With the win, FCC UAV Arad improved their record to 9-4, closing the gap on Municipal Târgoviște and Sepsi SIC in the league standings.

At one time, Animam jokingly lik-

ened herself to NBA do-it-all guy Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors.

Showcasing her versatility in a video she shared on social media, Animam stole the ball, dribbled coast-to-coast, and dished out a highlight-worthy assist, humorously captioning, “Call me Jackmond Green from now on. I think I’ll convert to a PG (point guard).” Animam’s superb performance the previous week earned her the Hoops Agents Player of the Week award for Round 11 after she posted a doubledouble of 20 points and 13 rebounds in a dominant 105-38 win over Brasov.

FCC UAV Arad currently holds the 3rd spot in the Liga Națională standings

with their 9-4 record, and Animam has quickly established herself as the team’s top player in her debut season.

Statistically, Animam is having an impressive year. She leads the league in scoring, averaging 20.0 points per

PhilCycling National Championships begin Monday

MORE than 500 cyclists will vie in the PhilCycling National Championships for Road that flag off with the Criterium races on Monday (February 24) in Tagaytay City.

The races that will determine the composition of the national road team for this year features the Men and Women Elite, Under-23, Junior and Youth categories in Criterium, Individual Time Trial (ITT) and Roa d races.

DEFENDING champion Cignal kick off its three-peat campaign in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference with confidence, taking on debuting squad Alpha Insurance Protectors today (Friday) at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. The match, set for 3:30 p.m., is the second of three opening-day games in the country’s premier men’s volleyball league, organized by Sports Vision and supported by ArenaPlus and Mikasa.

Leading Cignal’s charge are Louie Ramirez, JM Ronquillo and Owa Retamar, all instrumental in the team’s recent success. Their experience and chemistry will be key as they face the youthful Protectors, a team composed of UAAP and NCAA standouts.

Fresh from an intensive Japan training camp, Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor believes his squad is well-prepared to defend their title.

“This was our best training camp so far,” said Clamor in Filipino. “We played against two Division 1 teams, a Division 2 team, and top universities in Nagoya. The experience of facing such strong opponents taught us invaluable lessons, which we’ll bring into Spikers’ Turf.”

“We’re used to winning comfortably back home, often in straight sets. In Japan, we experienced getting overwhelmed and outplayed. It was a humbling but necessary experience,” he added.

The championships are presented by the MVP Sports Foundation and Standard Insurance and organized by the PhilCycling headed by Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, also the

president of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

There are 111 riders in the Men Elite, 133 in Under-23, 116 in Junior and a combined 97 in Youth 1 and 2 in the championships also backed by Tagaytay City and Excellent Noodles as well as the Philippine Sports Commission, which supports the national teams of cycling.

The roster for the women’s races will be finalized on Sunday morning during the team managers, coaches and riders meetings at the Sigtuna Hall inside the Tagaytay City Atrium.

The Criterium races will on a 2.1-km circuit on Isaac Tolentino Avenue and Acle, Mahogany and Cri-

LAUREL, Batangas—Jaehyun Jung overcame a triple-bogey on the 11th hole, bouncing back with a late birdie to rescue a 73 in another gruelling round at the Philippine Golf Tour Qualifying School here on Thursday, extending his lead to five strokes and moving closer to securing low medal honors.

Carl Corpus managed to wrest solo second place despite a 73 in another wind-blown day, while Chris delos Santos fired a second straight 71 to tie for third with Japan’s Yuto Hayaski, who posted an even-par 72. With just one round left, the battle for the coveted 30 Tour cards remains intense in this 72-hole elimination event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., leading up to the 10-leg circuit set to begin at Pradera Verde on Monday (Feb. 24).

Jung, who seized a four-shot lead over Ji Sung Cheon with a brilliant 67 on Wednesday, looked poised for another stellar round after hitting backto-back birdies from No. 4. He quickly recovered from a mishap on the eighth with another birdie on the 10th, maintaining his momentum.

But the big-hitting 19-year-old encountered trouble on the par-5 11th, where he closed with a costly triple-bogey. Another dropped shot on the 14th, his second consecutive bogey on that hole, further slowed his charge.

santo Tolentino streets with the start-finish are set at the Praying Hands monument.

On Tuesday, the championships will proceed to Nasugbu and Tuy in Batangas for the Individual Time Trial races with the Road events set from Tuesday to Friday over a 44-km circuit with the start-finish area set in Barangay Putol in Tuy and the route over the national highway in Nasugbu, Balayan and Lian.

The championships are also supported by Mayors Jose Jecerell Cerrado (Tuy), Emmanuel Salvador Fronda II (Balayan), Antonio Jose Barcelon (Nasugbu) and Joseph Peji (Lian).

Despite the setbacks, Jung steadied himself with a birdie on the 15th, salvaging a 73 for a three-round total of five-under 211. He heads into the final round with a commanding fivestroke lead over Corpus, who pooled an evenpar 216.

“I thought I was playing against the wind when I set up for my tee shot on No. 11, but the wind shifted, and the ball ended up in the hazard,” Jung said of his triple-bogey, which was compounded by a three-putt finish. Despite the setback, he remained confident, knowing he still held a comfortable lead. Looking ahead to the final round, Jung vowed to take a more aggressive approach.

“I played pretty conservatively over the past three days, but tomorrow (Friday), I’ll try to be more aggressive,” he said.

Delos Santos and Hayaski trail further behind at 219, eight shots off the leader. Several local hopefuls strengthened their bids for the other spots in the Top 30, all aiming for a spot in this year’s highly anticipated PGT season. They include Paul Echavez, who fought back with a 71, securing solo fifth at 220, while Japan’s Atsushi Ueda carded a 74 for 221 followed by amateur Jhondie Quibol, eho slipped to joint seventh at 223 alongside Belem Arancon, who shot a 74.

game, and is the top rebounder with 14.1 rebounds per game. She also ranks among the league leaders in steals (3.1 SPG) and field goal percentage (66.2% FGP), making her one of the most efficient players in the Liga Națională.

No. 10 Jack Animam’s displays superb all-around basketball skills in Romania. Photo from FCC UAV ICM Arad

Jaehyun Jung and Carl Corpus: 1 and 2

Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez keeps the ball in play against Galeries Tower in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Thursday.

Games Saturday (Iloilo City) 4

Chery Tiggo vs Choco Mucho

WHAT’S INSIDE?

BOP incurred $4.1-b deficit, GIR fell to $103b in January

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Philippines’ balance of payments (BOP) incurred a $4.1-billion deficit in January 2025, significantly larger than the $740-million shortfall seen in January 2024, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Thursday.

Aboitiz

Vehicle sales surged 10.4% in January

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine automotive market started 2025 on a strong note, recording a 10.4-percent increase in vehicle sales in January to 37,604 units from 34,060 sold in the same month last year.

A joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed that the commercial vehicle segment drove the January growth, with 29,875 units sold, up by 16.6 percent from 25,614 a year ago. The passenger car segment reported an 8.5-percent decline to 7,729 units from 8,446 a year earlier.

Data showed that within the commercial vehicle segment, the Asian utility vehicle sales grew 13.7 percent to 6,698 from 5,892 units. Light commercial vehicle sales increased 17.8 percent to 22,350 from 18,965 units last year. Sales of light-duty and heavyduty trucks also went up by 20.6 percent and 9.5 percent to 497 and 69 units, respectively. Sales of medium-duty trucks fell 7.4 percent to 261 from 281 units sold in January 2024. Despite the mixed performance across segments, CAMPI said it remains optimistic about achieving its target of 500,000 unit sales in 2025.

The BOP deficit in January 2025 reflected the BSP’s net foreign exchange operations and drawdowns by the national government (NG) on its foreign currency deposits with the BSP to meet its external debt obligations.

It also showed a decrease in the final gross international reserves (GIR) level to $103.3 billion as of end-January 2025 from $106.3 billion a year ago.

The latest GIR level still represented a more than adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 7.3

months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income, the BSP said.

It was also about 3.7 times the country’s short-term external debt based on residual maturity.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the latest BOP and GIR data were supported by the continued growth in the country’s structural US dollar inflows such as OFW remittances, BPO revenues, exports, foreign investments and foreign tourism revenues.

“For the coming months, BOP data could still improve with the continued increase/growth in the country’s structural inflows as the economy reopens/recovers further towards greater normalcy, in terms of the continued year-on-year growth OFW remittances,” he said.

“Going forward, the country’s net foreign direct investments [FDIs] could still pick up, after coming from among the highest levels since the pandemic started, as the economy reopened towards greater normalcy, Philippine economy still expected to have one of the fastest economic growth rates in the region, the country’s attractive demographics, economic reopening of China [which is the world’s second biggest economy] since December 2022, investment commitments obtained by the new administration from overseas visits/trips in recent months,” said Ricafort.

deficit

deficit $103-3 b BOP deficit in January 2025 BOP deficit in January 2024 GIR as of endJanuary 2025

Aramco acquires 25% stake in Unioil Petroleum PH from Co family

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ARAMCO (Arabian American Oil Company), one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, on Thursday signed definitive agreements to acquire a 25-percent equity stake in Unioil Petroleum Philippines, one of the largest petroleum companies in the Philippines owned by the Co family. Saudi Arabia’s state-owned firm Aramco said in a statement the planned acquisition, subject to customary closing conditions including

regulatory approvals, would capitalize on anticipated growth of the highvalue fuel market in the Philippines.

It represents further progress in Aramco’s strategic downstream expansion and growth of its global retail network, which aims to secure additional outlets for its refined products.

“This investment represents another step forward in our global strategy to expand Aramco’s retail network, and we look forward to introducing Aramco’s high-quality products and services to customers in the Philip-

pines,” said Yasser Mufti, Aramco executive vice president of products and customers.

“Our international expansion aims to capture additional value and enhance our participation in vibrant economies, in collaboration with established partners. We are delighted to embark on the next stage of this journey with Unioil, a dynamic player in the fast-growing Philippines fuels market,” he said.

Unioil, a diversified downstream fuels operator established in 1966 by the Co family, is one of the fastest

MPCALA Holdings Inc. said Thursday it is on track to completing the construction of the Cavite-Laguna (CALAX) Governor’s Drive Interchange by the second half of 2025.

The company said the new interchange was nearing 40-percent completion.

Once operational, the new segment will further enhance CALAX’s connectivity, providing faster, seamless travel to General Trias and nearby areas. It will also ease traffic congestion on Governor’s Drive and Aguinaldo Highway.

“We are committed to completing the entire stretch of CALAX by 2025. Its full opening will not only ease

DTI-WB MEETING. World Bank Country Manager Zafer Mustafaoglu and Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque discuss the strong partnership between the department and the bank in advancing the country’s economic priorities. The discussion focused on DTI’s key strategies and how the World Bank’s ongoing programs align with its shared vision for sustainable and inclusive growth in the Philippines.

traffic and improve connectivity but also support economic growth by enhancing access to key areas in Cavite and Laguna,” said MPCALA officerin-charge Elnora Rumawak. It said the construction continues on its remaining sections, with Subsection 1 (Kawit Interchange) now over 31-percent complete, and Subsection 2 (Open Canal Interchange) at 21.9-percent completion. Once completed, CALAX will stretch 45 kilometers from Mamplasan Rotunda in Laguna to Kawit, Cavite, integrating with major expressways to provide a seamless connection between Cavite, Laguna and Metro Manila. Darwin G. Amojelar

growing retail, wholesale and storage companies in the Philippines, with a network of 165 retail stations and four storage terminals in the country.

“We are delighted with this new partnership with Aramco, which represents a major milestone in Unioil’s 58 years history. We are confident that this will equip ourselves in accelerating our growth and development, further innovate, and strengthen our position as a leader in the wholesale and retail fuels market,” said Unioil chief executive Janice Co RoxasChua.

Ayala Land set to launch P100-b projects in 2025

By Jenniffer B.

Executives of Aramco (Arabian American Oil Company) and Unioil Petroleum Philippines sign definitive agreements for the former’s acquisition of 25-percent equity stake in the local oil company.

BUSINESS

CALAX INTERCHANGE. Construction of the Cavite-Laguna (CALAX) Governor’s Drive Interchange is nearing 40-percent completion, keeping it on track for target opening by the second half of 2025. The 8.64-kilometer segment will connect Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange to Governor’s Drive in General Trias, Cavite. Joseph Muego

Aboitiz to decommission old diesel plants in Cebu

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ABOITIZ Power Corp. said Thursday said it is dismanting two diesel facilities in Naga City, Cebu over technical and operational issues effective March 31, 2025.

Aboitiz Power said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange its subsidiary Therma PowerVisayas Inc. (TPVI) received a letter of confirmation (LOC) from the Department of Energy (DOE) for the decommissioning of TPVI’s 44.64-megawatt Naga Oil-Fired Power Plant (OFPP) and 0.440-MW Black Start Diesel Engine Generating Unit (BSDEGU) located at the Naga Power Plant Complex in Barangay Colon, Naga City.

“The decommissioning was pur-

Manila Water, Ditrolic Energy open solar power sites

MANILA Water Co. Inc., in partnership with Ditrolic Energy, inaugurated its 2.5-megawatt (MWp) solar power plants in three key locations on Feb. 18, 2025, with a switching-on ceremony at the company’s San Juan Compound in Quezon City.

The water company activated the three solar power installations at the Cardona Water Treatment Plant (WTP), East La Mesa WTP, and San Juan Compound during the inauguration.

These three strategic Manila Water facilities have been installed with solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftop systems, with a combined capacity of 2.5 MWp which can generate an estimated 3.6 million kWh/year.

By adding these renewable energy implements to Manila Water’s energy mix, the company is projected to mitigate 2,576 tons of carbon dioxide annually while aligning with the Department of Energy’s advocacy for renewable energy and the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan.

“In the last couple of years, we tried to make this a reality. We like to quadruple [our use of renewable energy] and grow it as much as possible,” Manila Water president and chief executive Jocot de Dios said.

“I’m glad that this time solar energy is being used to have a sustainable and efficient supply of water. It is really good for MWSS and Manila Water because it will redound to the benefit of the consumers,” said Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) chairman Elpidio Vega.

sued in view of the technical and operational issues of the plant caused mainly by the advanced age of the diesel engines,” the company said. It said notices regarding the LOC would be sent to the appropriate offices and entities, including the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines Inc. (IEMOP), the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and other concerned bodies, in accordance with

the DOE’s Implementing Guidelines on the Decommissioning and Mothballing of a Generating Plant.

TPVI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the AboitizPower through Therma Power Inc., acquired the Naga Power Plant Complex from its previous operator, Salcon Power Corp. on July 16, 2018.

TPVI has since then undertaken extensive rehabilitation, operation, and maintenance of the facility.

AboitizPower last week announced it would temporarily mothball two power barges of its whollyowned subsidiary Therma Mobile Inc. (TMO) in Navotas City due to technical and commercial challenges.

The two bunker C-fired power barges (TMO Mobile 4 and Mobile 6) at the Navotas Fishport Complex, Baradero St., Northbay Blvd. in Navotas City will be shut down effective Feb. 14, 2025 but are expected to return to service by Feb. 1, 2027.

AboitizPower said TMO’s generation activities would continue through its two other remaining power barges—TMO Mobile 3 and Mobile 5, whose operations would not be affected.

Bohol Light introduces improved billing system

BUSINESSMAN Enrique Razon-led Bohol Light Co. Inc., the province’s sole power distributor, improved customer service by launching its advanced “Spot Bill” system.

The initiative, introduced on Feb. 19, 2025, improves billing efficiency and customer experience, reflecting the company’s commitment to modernization and customer-centric solutions.

Bohol Light customers will receive their bill statements instantly after their meter is read with the introduction of a state-of-theart spot bill printing machine.

This eliminates the inconvenience of waiting and ensures that customers have immediate access to their billing information, empowering them to manage their payments more effectively.

The new billing statement is a testament to Bohol Light’s commitment to user-friendliness and transparency. The bill, featuring a fresh, modern logo and a revamped design, is visually appealing and easy to navigate.

The updated format gives customers a comprehensive and detailed breakdown of their consumption, charges, and due dates, ensuring complete clarity and understanding.

Illicit liquor hurts legitimate businesses, poses health risk

ILLICIT alcohol sales are undermining legitimate businesses and public safety in the Philippines, the Alcoholic Beverages Alliance of the Philippines (ABAPI) said Thursday.

ABAPI said in a statement legitimate businesses that comply with regulations and pay proper taxes are suffering as counterfeit products tarnish the reputation of authentic brands, eroding market share and consumer trust.

“Addressing the spread of smuggled and counterfeit goods requires collaboration across the public and private sectors, as well as active participation from consumers. It’s a collective responsibility to protect legitimate businesses, safeguard tax revenues, and prevent counterfeit products from infiltrating the market,” said ABAPI chair Nick Sonderup.

Alliance Against Counterfeit Spirits (AACS) managing director David Francis said counterfeiting and smuggling are not only economic violations.

“Counterfeiting and smuggling are crimes themselves and they can finance even more serious criminal activity. The new year marks a fresh start to address illegal activities that undermine the rule of law. When people buy counterfeit alcohol, they may be inadvertently supporting a network of criminal operations,” Francis said.

He said counterfeit alcohol also poses serious health risks, particularly unregulated products that may contain dangerous substances like methanol, which can lead to poisoning.

Government agencies and industry groups launched the “Choose Authentic This 2025” campaign to educate consumers about the dangers of counterfeit alcohol and its broader implications.

With the Asia Pacific International Spirits & Wines Association (APISWA), the “Drink Authentic, Enjoy Responsibly” campaign, aims to inform consumers about the risks and economic consequences of counterfeit and smuggled products.

The campaign underscores that buying counterfeit alcohol not only fuels criminal networks but also endangers families and communities.

“Be wary and cautious when buying products, not just online but also in physical markets. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Counterfeit goods, including alcohol, are often marketed at a discount that seems hard to resist. If these ‘bargains’ put your health and life at risk, what you’re really getting is a gamble with a bigger price to pay,” said IPOPHL director general Brigitte da Costa-Villaluz.

Othel V. Campos

“We understand that our customers value transparency and convenience,” said Roel Castro, Bohol Light president and chief executive.

“The new Spot Bill system is designed to provide them with the information they need in a clear and concise format,” he said.

The Spot Bill system also streamlines the payment process.

Customers can prepare or allocate payments immediately upon receiving their bills, eliminating waiting for a separate billing cycle.

Customers can immediately pay online or at the nearest third-party collecting agents of Bohol Light. This streamlined process ensures convenience and helps customers avoid late payments, contributing to a smoother and more efficient billing experience.

“We are committed to continuously improving our services and providing our customers with the best possible experience,” said Castro.

“The Spot Bill system is just one example of our dedication to progress and customer satisfaction,” he said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Manila Water Co. Inc. activates the three solar power installations at the Cardona Treatment Plant, East La Mesa and San Juan Compound. These systems can generate a combined 2.5 MWp (or 3.6 million kWh/year) and are projected to mitigate 2,576 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

METROPOLITAN Bank & Trust Co., the

The bank’s return on equity (ROE) stood at 13 percent, up from 12.5 percent in the previous year.

“The hard work that all Metrobankers put in growing our corporate, middle market, retail and wealth seg-

By Othel V. Campos

DAVAO-BASED Maylong Enterprises Corp. has become the first Philippine enterprise approved by China’s General Administration of Customs to export frozen durian meat and paste.

Maylong shipped 1,050 boxes of frozen durian meat and 300 boxes of durian paste—worth P8.2 million—to Nansha District, Guangzhou on Feb. 11, 2025.

The shipment, which arrived on Feb. 18, was a collaboration of the Department of Agriculture-Region XI (DA-RFO XI) and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) - Plant Quarantine Service Port of Davao.

The DA said it ensured that the shipment fully complied with China’s strict import regulations.

DA-RFO XI regional executive director Macario Gonzaga cited the development as a breakthrough for Philippine agriculture, particularly the durian industry.

“From the fertile soils of Davao to China’s bustling markets, our frozen durian represents the hopes and dreams of countless farmers. This achievement showcases what we can accomplish through shared vision and purpose,” he said.

Maylong chief operating officer May Li highlighted the company’s commitment to empowering Davao’s durian growers by helping them access global markets.

ments as well as our investments in technology and human resources and risk management initiatives continue to bear fruit,” said Metrobank president Fabian Dee.

“This positive momentum and our

strong balance sheet set us up very well to continuously meet the growing needs of our clients and to pursue our medium-term strategies,” he said.

Its board of directors approved a total cash dividend of P5 per share, which includes a regular dividend of P3 and a special dividend of P2.

Net interest income rose 8.7 percent to P114.1 billion on the back of a 17-percent increase in gross loans.

“Commercial loans grew by 17.7 percent, while consumer loans rose by 14.4 percent, driven by an 18.6-percent increase in credit card receiv-

ables and an 18.2-percent rise in auto loans,” the bank said.

Total deposits reached P2.6 trillion, up 8 percent year-on-year with lowcost current and savings accounts (CASA) accounting for 57.8 percent of the total. Fee and trust income reached to P18.1 billion, reflecting growth in the consumer business.

Operating expenses rose 11 percent to P77.2 billion, driven by transaction-related taxes and increased spending on manpower, technology, and marketing as the bank continued to invest in growth.

P.IMES Corp., a subsidiary of IMES Japan, is investing more than P1.8 billion in an expansion project at its Cavite Economic Zone (CEZ) facility. Through a registration agreement (RA) with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), P.IMES plans to increase the production capacity of its medical equipment suspension assembly.

The project is expected to generate over 200 new jobs when operations begin by February 2025.

As of December 2024, P.IMES has made total investments exceeding P3

billion in the Philippines.

The expansion project also emphasizes strategic collaboration with universities to equip the Filipino workforce with advanced prototyping

SAN Miguel Corp. (SMC) and its subsidiaries Petron Corp. and Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) were included in TIME and Statista’s 2025 ranking of the top 500 companies shaping business in the Asia-Pacific region.

SMC ranked No. 85, making it the second highest-ranked Philippine company, while Petron placed No. 216 and GSMI at No. 345. Their inclusion was based on employee satisfaction, financial performance, and sustainability transparency, which are key indicators of long-term business viability and ethical leadership.

SMC chairman and chief executive Ramon Ang welcomed the recognition even as he reiterated the company’s commitment to excellence in business and social responsibility that extend to

skills.

PEZA underscored Japan’s status as PEZA’s top investor, with 800 Japanese-registered business enterprises contributing over P500 billion in cumulative investments and employing around 300,000 workers.

Japanese locators also generated exports exceeding $15 billion in 2024, highlighting the strong economic ties between Japan and the Philippines.

P.IMES has been registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) since 1993. Othel V. Campos

its subsidiaries. This is the latest in a string of global awards for SMC. In 2024, it was named among the World’s Best Companies by TIME (No. 463) and Forbes’ Best Employers (No. 89), the highest-ranked Philippine firm in the latter’s top 100. SMC said it continues to lead in nation-building through its diverse portfolio of businesses, with major initiatives in infrastructure, energy and the environment. Its Better Rivers PH project has removed over 8

percent to P336 billion, led by a 38-percent growth in credit cards, 17 percent in personal and salary loans and 5 percent in auto loans. Deposits grew 8 percent to P385.4 billion, with a current account savings account or CASA ratio of 81 percent. Jenniffer B. Austria

IN BRIEF

PROTECTION. Members of the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines Inc. (CCIP) board of trustees pay a courtesy visit to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to meet with newly-appointed director general Brigitte Da CostaVillaluz. The meeting reinforced CCIP’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with IPOPHL in protecting intellectual property rights and fostering a fair, competitive landscape for the cosmetics industry.

COFEE BEAN SORTER. The mechanical green coffee bean (GCB) sorter developed by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) undergoes field testing in collaboration with the local coffee farmers in Lipa City, Batangas and Dolores, Quezon. The project team demonstrated the operation and maintenance procedures of the technology to coffee farmers and processors of Samahan Magkakape Sa Lipa and Pinagdanlayan Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

We hope to fast-track these economically beneficial projects with Secretary Dizon at the helm.

CIAC president Jojit Alcazar

CIAC pins hopes on DOTr’s Dizon to hasten infra projects

THE Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) expresses optimism that newlyappointed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon will prioritize and expedite the implementation of the government’s big-ticket infrastructure projects.

CIAC president Jojit Alcazar welcomed Dizon’s appointment, whose leadership and direction as a dynamic city builder will be favorable in the development of CIAC’s Clark Aviation Capital.

“CIAC congratulates and warmly welcomes Transportation Secretary Dizon as new Chairman of the CIAC Board of Directors, and a fitting transportation czar to support CIAC’s infrastructure development efforts. We look forward to his shared experience, which will guide us in our development of the Clark Aviation Capital,” Alcazar said.

During Secretary Dizon’s incumbency as president of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), he prioritized the construction and development of the New Clark City sports hub in Capas, Tar-

FedEx streamlines imports with new digital tool

FEDEX has launched a new digital tool, the Collaborative Shipping Tool, designed to streamline international imports.

This tool simplifies the Airway Bill (AWB) creation process by facilitating seamless collaboration between importers and shippers, thus improving the efficiency of global shipping. Global merchandise trade is set to increase by 3 percent, with Imports in Asia projected to grow by 5.1 percent in 2025. According to study by the International Trade Centre, failed pickups and lack of shipment visibility are among the top challenges faced by importers globally. Such inefficiencies directly impact business operations, underscoring the need for digital solutions like the Collaborative Shipping Tool.

This shipping tool allows importers to share the Airway Bill (AWB) creation process directly with shippers, enabling them to confirm shipment details and schedule pickups based on their readiness. This collaborative feature is designed to improve the success rate of shipment pickups, ensuring greater efficiency in the import journey.

“The Philippines is a key market for FedEx, and we are committed to

Korean

supporting businesses here with innovative solutions that addresses their unique challenges,” said Maribeth Espinosa, managing director of FedEx Philippines.

“The Collaborative Shipping Tool is a game-changer for importers, offering greater transparency, efficiency, and control over their supply chains,” she added.

The Collaborative Shipping Tool is available to all FedEx import customers in Asia Pacific, Europe, United States, Canada, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa, enabling

seamless collaboration with their global shippers.

This addition complements the company’s other digital solutions, including the FedEx Import Tool, which has not yet been launched in the Philippines. Once launched, the FedEx Import Tool will provide customers with a comprehensive suite of options to simplify and manage their import shipments. Together, these innovations demonstrate the FedEx commitment of enhancing the import experience and improving overall logistics efficiency for its customers.

Air wins gold medals at Cellars in the Sky Awards 2024

lac in 18 months, right in time for the 2019 SEA Games.

The New Clark City is the Philippines’ first smart, green, sustainable and resilient metropolis.

“His leadership and vision will be instrumental in the development of the 2,367-hectare Clark Aviation Capital into a business hub for aviation, logistics and commerce,” Alcazar said.

As Transportation Secretary, Dizon will also become Chairperson of the CIAC Board of Directors.

CIAC has begun the process for major aviation-related infrastructure development initiatives for the Clark Aviation Capital, the aviation-centric business hub of the country.

“These projects include the procurement of engineering designs and construction of the direct access link to the airport, the multi-modal hub,

and the upgrading or open spaces, parks and airport roads,” Alcazar noted.

The Transportation Secretary will also continue ongoing projects, such as the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), which will connect Clark International Airport as far as New Clark City and Metro Manila. Incidentally, Secretary Dizon was also instrumental in the development of the New Terminal Building of the Clark International Airport.

“We hope to fast-track these economically beneficial projects with Secretary Dizon at the helm,” Alcazar said. Dizon also became the Presidential Adviser on Flagship Programs and Projects during the previous administration’s Build, Build, Build Program. Dizon was also an Assistant Professor of Economics at De La Salle University.

Dizon also received one of the highest civilian honors - the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Bayani—for his key contributions to the Build Build Build program and the country’s response to the Covid 19 pandemic.

He is currently the Chief Regulatory Officer of Prime Infrastructure. Darwin G. Amojelar

NLEX, Valenzuela LGU support youth skateboarding

NLEX Corporation continues to work closely with local government units to enhance the well-being of its host communities, especially the youth.

On February 15, Arrey Perez, the president and COO of its parent company, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, was invited as the guest of honor at the skateboarding competition held during the opening of the Valenzuela Skate and Paw Park in Brgy.Karuhatan. Recognizing the growing partnership between Valenzuela City and the tollway company, Perez stated, “ We are committed to fostering sports development within the communities we serve.”

seeks to inspire and showcase the talents of our youth. We look forward to more partnerships in the future,” Perez added.

Cellars in the Sky 2024 Awards, winning gold medals for both its business class red wine and business class sparkling wine. The airline also garnered three silver medals across other categories. The airline’s business class red wine, Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2021, and its champagne, Charles Heidsieck Brut Millésimé 2013, both earned top honors in their respective categories. Additionally, the Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Premier Cru Montmains 2021 received a silver medal in the business class white wine category, while Château Guiraud 2002 was awarded silver in the first class fortified/dessert wine category. Korean Air also ranked second overall in total business class wine scores, earning a silver medal in the business class cellar category. Founded in 1985, the Cellars in the Sky Awards are widely regarded as the leading global benchmark for airline wine selections. Each year, airlines from around the world submit

and

by a panel of wine experts. The results of the 2024 awards were revealed in February, with 32 global airlines, including Delta Air Lines, All Nippon Airways, and Air France, competing in what has been described as the most competitive year since before the pandemic. Notably, two of Korean Air’s winning wines are vegan-certified wines, reflecting the airline’s commitment to evolving dietary preferences. Currently, the airline serves 20 types of wines in its first class and a total of 53 varieties across all classes. Korean Air’s wine program is carefully curated to complement the unique characteristics of in-flight dining, with a focus on food pairings and a regularly updated selection to ensure variety for frequent flyers.

“It’s a pleasure to collaborate with Mayor Wes Gatchalian and the City of Valenzuela for the inaugural skateboarding competition, which

Mayor Wes Gatchalian, on the other hand, expressed his appreciation for Perez and the entire MVP Group, known for its strong support of athletes. “Lubos ang pasasalamat ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Valenzuela sa NLEX family at kay Sir Arrey. Isa rin siyang sports enthusiast kaya naiintindihan din talaga niya ang vision ko. Masaya ang aming kwentuhan kanina dahil may appreciation siya kung ano ang vision ko para sa mga kabataang Valenzuelanos.” MPTC and NLEX remain committed to being at the forefront of community empowerment through various initiatives, driving positive change, and helping build a stronger nation.

Newly-appointed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon

Editor the Writer

A touching story of loyalty

CHANNING Tatum ’s road trip

drama Dog is now streaming on Lionsgate Play. The film centers on a heartfelt story of companionship between a former Army Ranger and a troubled military dog.

Directed by Tatum and Reid Carolin , Dog follows Briggs (Tatum), who is tasked with transporting Lulu, a Belgian Malinois, to the funeral of her late

unexpected challenges and forming an unlikely bond.

Lulu, a battle-scarred service dog, proves to be far from an easy companion, but the trip forces both Briggs and the canine to confront their pasts and redefine their futures. The film mixes humor and emotion, with Tatum delivering a performance that showcases both his comedic and dramatic range.

to

business… I think I’ll be learning forever. You think you know how you’d like to direct, but you can’t really know until you get there, and then you just sort of do your best.”

Featuring heartfelt moments, humor, and stunning Western landscapes, Dog offers a different kind of love story—one about healing, trust, and second

Gozon, GMA network personalities recognized for excellence in journalism

GMA Network Chairman Attorney Felipe L. Gozon, along with three of the network’s esteemed journalists— Jessica Soho, Raffy Tima, and Melo del Prado—was recognized for excellence, innovative contributions, and impact on journalism at the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) Grand Journalism Awards on Feb. 12.

Gozon, one of Asia’s top broadcast CEOs, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. A distinguished corporate lawyer, he was lauded for his transformative leadership, steering GMA to its position as the country’s leading broadcast network. His commitment to responsible and impartial journalism has further solidified GMA Network’s reputation as the most trusted broadcast news organization in the country.

“This recognition is very important and meaningful to me because, one, this is only the second time in eighty years of its existence that the MOPC is giving these awards. Number two, the MOPC, as the first and oldest press club in the Philippines, enjoys an importance and reputation second to none among the press clubs in the country. And last, the twelve awarded tonight, four of whom are from GMA Network, are the best among the best—myself excluded—in the field of journalism in the Philippines today,” Gozon said in his speech.

Soho was recognized as Journalist of the Year. With a career spanning decades, she is best known for her journalistic integrity and compelling

storytelling. As the country’s most awarded broadcast journalist, she holds the distinction of winning the highly prestigious George Foster Peabody Award in 1999 and 2014. She was also the first Filipino to be nominated for and win at the New York Festivals (NYF) TV & Film Awards. She currently hosts the top-rated TV program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho

Tima received the TV Reporter of the Year award. A seasoned journalist, he was one of the first to introduce drone and mobile journalism in the country, revolutionizing news coverage in conflict zones and disaster-stricken areas. In 2023, he covered the IsraelHamas conflict from the Palestine side in Egypt as a one-man team. He co-anchors Balitanghali, the longestrunning noontime newscast on Philippine free TV Del Prado was named Radio Broadcaster of the Year. With over 30 years of experience, he is a respected radio journalist. He anchors Melo del Prado sa Super Radyo and co-anchors Super Balita sa Umaga, Nationwide on Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz, which also airs on Dobol B TV sa GTV.

The MOPC Grand Journalism Awards recognize excellence, achievements, and dedication to the journalism profession. Organized by the MOPC, Asia’s oldest press club founded in 1945, the awards honor journalists who have made significant contributions to the field.

ways, the pair embark on a journey from Oregon to Arizona, facing

New girl group finds inspiration in P-pop scene

By Nickie Wang

IN THE P-pop scene, many fans show intense support for their idols, often pitting groups against each other. However, P-pop groups themselves are friends who support and inspire one another.

Mentorque Productions’ new girl group, Eleven11 , revealed that they were inspired to join the industry by other P-pop groups including SB19 and BINI

Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment during Barako

Fest 2025 in Lipa, Batangas, Eleven11 shared their admiration for existing acts.

“All of us dreamed of forming a group, so seeing established groups inspired us,” said leader Ivy . “Even now, we look up to them.”

The six-member group— composed of Ivy, Barbie , CJ , Audrey , Jade , and Swaggy debuted on the Barako Fest Music stage last week. They were formed through a segment of the now-defunct noontime show Tahanang Pinakamasaya where they auditioned and underwent training. When asked about their name’s meaning, Ivy explained: “11-11 is an angel number, a sign from the universe that dreams will come true and that our guardian angels are watching over us.”

Mentorque CEO and film producer John Bryan Diamante introduced the group after six

months of training.

“Eleven11 patterns appear randomly—on car plates, for example. Many consider it a lucky number and say ‘make a wish’ when they see it,” he said. Eleven11 debuted at Barako Fest on Feb. 15, impressing Batangueños with their poprock-hip-hop set. Each member brings a unique style: Swaggy, the leader, is also the lead dancer; Ivy and CJ are the main vocalists; Barbie is the rapper; Audrey sings and dances; and Jade, the youngest, is a dancerrapper.

Asked about competing with established P-pop groups, Eleven11 said comparisons are inevitable, but their goal is to share their talents rather than compete.

“In the industry, comparisons happen, but our goal is to showcase what each of us can do,” CJ said.

Hollywood actor Channing Tatum in a scene from ‘Dog’

GMA Network Chairman Attorney Felipe L. Gozon (center) one of Asia’s top broadcast CEOs, received the Lifetime Achievement Award

From left: Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier-Cruz, Melo Del Prado, GMA Network, Inc. Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, Jessica Soho, Raffy Tima, and Mariz Umali

Rising P-pop group Eleven11

Speaking

Sharp Magazine about his directorial debut, Tatum said, “I’m still learning this whole

chances. The film is available on Lionsgate Play via PLDT Home and Smart.

SHOWBIZ

The “Puksaan Edition” is the title given to Miss Universe Philippines 2025 by pageant fans, referring to the intense competition among the candidates. This year, there are 69 official contestants, including pageant veterans and fresh faces.

The term “puksaan” means “annihilation” or “fierce battle,” and pageant aficionados reiterated that it’s just the right phrase to describe this year’s edition when they saw the official candidates during the press presentation held at Shangri-La Hotel in Makati on Saturday.

The Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2025 “Puksaan Edition” officially kicked off with a ceremony led by MUPH national director Shamcey Supsup-Lee, MUPH president Jonas Gaffud, MUPH executive vice president Voltaire Tayag, newly appointed national director for training and development Ariella Arida (Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2013), vice president for global and national search Mags Cue, and director for Asia Pacific and local search Arnold Mercado. Miss Universe Asia 2024 Chelsea Manalo also graced the event.

Miss Universe PH ‘puksaan’ edition

MUPH ALL-STAR. From left: Winwyn Marquez of Muntinlupa, Yllana Aduan of Sinloan, Laguna, Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province, Katrina Llegado of Taguig City, and Chelsea Fernandez of Sultan Kudarat

Ahtisa Manalo, Maria Katrina Llegado, Yllana Marie Aduana, Chelsea Fernandez, Chanel Olive Thomas, and Teresita Ssen Marquez

Manalo, 27, first runner-up in Miss International 2018, was a favorite in last year’s competition but finished as second runnerup. She saw the absence of a representative from Quezon Province as a sign to return for another shot at the title.

Llegado, 27, also placed second runner-up in the 2022 edition and previously competed in Reina Hispanoamericana 2019, where she finished fifth runner-up.

Aduana, 28, a Top 12 semi-finalist in Bb. Pilipinas 2022, was crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2023 and later won the title of Miss Earth Air 2023. Fernandez, 25, won Bb. Pilipinas-Globe 2022 and placed in the Top 15 of Miss Globe 2022.

Thomas, 33 and married, is making a comeback encouraged by Miss Universe’s inclusivity policy. A former Bb. PilipinasSupranational titleholder, she reached the Top 10 of Miss

Supranational 2017.

Meanwhile, Marquez, 32 and now a mother, is making the most anticipated return. A cousin of MUPH 2023 Michelle Dee, she competed in Bb. Pilipinas 2015, reaching the Top 15. In 2017, she won Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas at Miss World Philippines and later made history as the first Asian to compete in Reina Hispanoamericana, where she bested South American candidates to claim the crown.

Newcomers expected to challenge the veterans include Eloisa Jauod of Laguna, 23, a Filipino-Indian Psychology graduate from San Pedro College of Business Administration; Juliana Fresado of Iligan City, 19, an English Language Studies student at Mindanao State University; Alessandra Ysabelle Eugenio of Pasig, 19, a Human Resource Management student at Rizal Technological University; and Stefanie Przewodnik of Mandaue City, 19, a Filipino-German beauty and Accountancy Business Management student.

Other strong contenders are Gwendoline Meliz Soriano of Baguio City, 26, a part-time model and Communications graduate from Saint Louis University; Maiko Ibarde of Benguet, 26, Miss Baguio Tourism 2022; Sasha Juli Belle Lacuna of Tarlac, 20, who studied at Tarlac Living Faith Academy; and Taylor Marie DeLuna of Southern California, 22, a model and Miss Filipina International Tourism 2022.

By Angelica Villanueva

Sotto responded warmly Eraserheads frontman Ely ’s recent comment, calling him and his fellow veteran television hosts, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon, his “heroes.”

On Monday, Ely addressed the persistent rumor linking their song to the controversial Pepsi Paloma case involving the Eat Bulaga hosts. At a press conference for

the band’s upcoming concert documentary, Eraserheads: Combo on the Run, the singer of “Ang Huling El Bimbo” tackled what he described as the most absurd rumor about the track.

“Let’s clear this up: it’s ‘Spoliarium,’ right? It’s not about TVJ. It’s not about Vic Sotto and the ‘rape’ incident. It’s a tragic situation, and I was heartbroken when it surfaced because I was a huge fan,” Ely stated.

He went on to refer to the comedy trio as his “heroes,” emphasizing his respect for them.

“They were my heroes, and I wouldn’t dream of writing a song that would tarnish my heroes. So I think that is the most ridiculous claim. I will maintain, until today, that it’s not about them and it’s not about Pepsi [Paloma],” he added.

In reaction, Tito expressed gratitude and admiration for Ely and his band’s contribution to music.

“We

“Thank

When told that the

trio is considered legends, he humbly replied, “The feeling is mutual,” referring to Eraserheads. He also shared that hosting Eat Bulaga! over the past three years has been a therapeutic experience, especially after winning the legal battle for the show’s ownership.

“We definitely enjoy the therapy of Eat Bulaga! We’re enjoying it and very fortunate to win all the cases that we filed, owning the program,” he said.

Even during his time away from politics, Tito has remained connected with his former Senate colleagues.

“I’m always in touch with my colleagues in the Senate. In fact, the senators, especially those I used to work with, always have stories to share with me,” he shared.

In addition to his recent remarks, Tito is again running for a senatorial position in the upcoming May 12 elections, aiming to pursue key legislative priorities.

On the other hand, he expressed his hopes that his 24 years of service in the Senate would be remembered by the public.

“I hope they haven’t forgotten not only my name; I hope they would not forget what I have done during my 24 years in the Senate,” Tito stated.

queens vying for the crown are Maria

to Buendia

elections

Tito Sotto says hosting ‘Eat Bulaga!’ over the past three years has been therapeutic, especially after winning the legal battle for the show’s ownership

The official candidates of Miss Universe Philippines 2025

NICKIE WANG, Editor

Working with integrity is also important by

STEPPING into the Santé Philippines’ Go for S.P.E.E.D. Gala Night earlier this month was like walking into a room with pure positive energy. Smiles were everywhere, enthusiasm filled the air, and it was clear this gathering of distributors from across the Philippines, alongside top executives from Indonesia (a market Santé has already successfully entered), was something special.

To set clear goals, act immediately, and don’t delay what you can do today

Revving up for success with S.P.E.E.D.

Held at the Marriott Hotel, the night was all about celebrating achievement. Top performers were recognized with awards, and the prizes were truly impressive: cars, real estate, and luxury international travel were all up for grabs. The room was packed with excitement, and the atmosphere was inspiring. The lively hosting that night was courtesy of Cat Triviño and James Deakin Paul Caluag, managing director of Santé Philippines, anchored the night’s theme – S.P.E.E.D. – Synergy, Passion, Energy, Excellence, and Determination. His speech resonated with the crowd, emphasizing the importance of more than just effort.

“You need to make a lasting impact. You need more than just effort. You need acceleration. So the question is, how do we achieve that? How do we unlock the next level of growth and impact? Through S.P.E.E.D. - Synergy, Passion, Energy, Excellence, and Determination,” he said.

SM PRIME Holdings president J effrey C. Lim was recently honored with the prestigious Alumni Achievement Award (Triple A) by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM). The award recognizes his exemplary personal excellence, achievements, and contributions to uplifting less privileged members of society.

“This Triple A Award means so much to me because it reflects the values I try to live by—integrity, perseverance, and a readiness to embrace every opportunity,” Lim said in his acceptance speech.

In 2024, Lim marked his 30th year at SM Prime. He began as Vice President of Finance and was appointed President in October 2016, becoming the first non-family member to hold the position.

“The Sy family’s trust, support, and guidance have been instrumental to my career journey, and I am deeply grateful for their belief in me and the opportunities they provided,” Lim added.

Under his leadership, SM Prime has expanded its reach by developing world-class malls and residential, commercial, and hospitality properties while fostering sustainability and creating shared value.

The Triple A Award is AIM’s highest honor, recognizing alumni for exceptional achievements in their respective fields. Among the 2025 recipients are Isidro A. Consunji

Caluag’s enthusiasm was infectious.

He dissected the acronym, explaining the significance of each element.

“SYNERGY reminds us that we are stronger together. It’s the collaboration between our corporate leaders, business owners, and stakeholders that drives our success,” he said. “PASSION fuels our purpose. It’s the part that keeps us going even when the road gets tough.”

The energy in the room reflected his next point: “ENERGY is what keeps us moving forward, and you see that energy in every one of you who tirelessly builds your Santé business.”

Caluag set a high bar with, “EXCELLENCE is our standard, and we will never settle for anything less.”

Finally, he emphasized the importance of resilience: “DETERMINATION, this is our weapon to overcome challenges and achieve greatness. These values are not just words. They are the foundation of everything we do. They enable us to fulfill our mission of helping people live better lives.”

He clarified the true meaning of “speed” in this context. “As we embrace S.P.E.E.D., let us remember that this is not just about moving fast. It’s about moving with purpose. It’s about moving with heart and with intent.”

Caluag then offered practical advice. “Set clear goals and act immediately. Let us not put off for tomorrow what we can do today. Procrastination is the enemy of progress. Do you agree?”

He added, “Adapt to change. The world is evolving rapidly, and so it must be. Whether it’s technology, new strategies, or personal growth, let’s embrace change and use it to our advantage.”

Integrity was also key: “Work with integrity. Always do what is right, even when nobody is agreeing. Remember, the foundation of lasting success is trust and respect.” He concluded his topic with, “Be grateful. Gratitude transforms challenges into opportunities and ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. Let’s appreciate the journey and the people who walked it with us.”

The evening wasn’t complete without words of inspiration from the board of directors. CEO Joey Marcelo quoted Mario Andretti: “As Mario Andretti said, ‘Speed is never a problem, only the lack of it.’ Let’s commit to a future fueled by speed, innovation, and

unwavering pursuit of success.”

Peter Hope, managing director of Sante New Zealand Limited, echoed: “In the words of legendary driver Dale Earnhardt Senior, ‘You can’t win a race by standing on the sidelines.’ So as we navigate the ever-changing track of our industry, Santé must always be pushing the limits, seeking new opportunities, and seizing every advantage. Let’s commit to maintaining our lead and crossing the line first in every aspect of our business.”

CFO Eric Maranan drew inspiration from Jackie Stewart: “Like a welltuned engine, Santé must constantly be optimized. Let us constantly push the pedal to the metal, seeking out new ways to accelerate our progress and make innovation the driving force of our joy. As Jackie Stewart once said, ‘If everything seems under control, you’re not going

fast enough.’ Let’s strive for the accelerating speed that pushes us to new heights.’”

Chief product officer Minerva Carag quoted Emerson Fittipaldi: “Our vision extends far beyond the current lap. Just as a champion driver never settles for second place, we must strive for excellence in everything we do. Through our unwavering commitment to progress, we endeavor to shape a future where everyone can reach their full potential. Let’s remember the words of Emerson Fittipaldi, ‘The important thing in life is to have a great goal, an objective, and to work hard to achieve it.’”

Caluag returned to the stage, quoting Jim Clark: “So, as we raise our glasses, let us all toast to the exhilarating journey ahead. May speed and innovation fuel our every move. With a burning passion for progress, we must seize every opportunity to accelerate towards victory. In the words of the legendary driver Jim Clark, ‘The only way to find the limits is to exceed them.’ Let’s maximize every opportunity, push boundaries, transcend limitations, and drive Santé to exhilarating success.”

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

Random Talk Kate Adjar