Manila Standard - 2025 February 22 - Saturday

Marcos enacts law resetting BARMM polls

By Charles Dantes

New DOTr chief stops fully cashless toll system

resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay

Dizon: Compelling all motorists to use RFID 'anti-poor'

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr has signed a law resetting the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to Oct. 13, 2025, the Palace confirmed yesterday. In a message to Palace reporters, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Mr. Marcos signed Republic Act No. 12123, which amends the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

The law was a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2942 and House Bill No. 11144, which both legislative chambers passed earlier in February.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will oversee the synchronized polls alongside the 2025 national elections and issue regulations for the conduct of the BARMM vote. Next page

its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.

By Charles Dantes and Darwin Amojelar

NEWLY-INSTALLED Transportation

Secretary Vince Dizon suspended next month's implementation of a completely cashless toll collection system at the expressways as his first order of business upon being sworn in yesterday.

He argued that the policy places an unnecessary burden on the shoulders of low-income motorists, some of whom may not always have the funds to reload their electronic toll collection (ETC) accounts.

On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma. Mendoza narrated before congressmen how Garma allegedly facilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.

"My personal view – and I’ve communicated this to TRB (Toll Regulatory Board) – is that having a fully cashless system is not propoor. It is anti-poor," Dizon said in a press briefing at Malacañang. "The need to regulate should not make life harder for people. It should make life easier. And I believe this cashless system, in its current form, would make life more difficult," he added.

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

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) had planned to go ahead with

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

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

By Maricel V. Cruz

FIRST DAY AT WORK.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. congratulates new DOTr Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon after his swearing-in at the Palace. Inset shows vehicles lining up at expressway toll booths. PCO/ Jojo Rabulan

Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry

adviser of former President Rodrigo

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

However, House members argued they did not come by their suspicions

down for ay wrongdoing in a real criminal court.

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

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

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

Romualdez underscored the significance of enhanced defense

SPEAKER Martin Romualdez acknowledged the deepening strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan during the latter's National Day celebration in Manila Thursday.

By Darwin Amojelar

cooperation between the two nations, particularly with the recent ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA).

Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal

By Rex Espiritu

By Rex Espiritu

“The Bilyonaryo article is malicious and unfounded,” Bautista said in a Viber message, referring to the website that published the said

“Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added. Bilyonaryo reported online that “Bautista and his long-time protege in Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Bobby Lim, are at the center of the storm after it was

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that more aircraft from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) were deployed to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite the “dangerous” move of a Chinese military chopper against a BFAR plane over Scarborough shoal.

In a statement, PCG spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela said a maritime domain awareness (MDA) flight was conducted over the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) yester-

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

cent Trinidad told reporters that Manila troops did not monitor any such activity, adding that Beijing’s statement was meant only for its internal audience.

day morning.

“In response to recent aggressive maneuvers by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), the BFAR and the PCG conducted a maritime domain awareness flight over the KIG in the WPS this morning,” he said.

“Our troops did not observe any exercise, we have to understand that sometimes, China is doing this for their internal audience, right? For them not to look weak and embarrassed,” Trinidad said.

“The MDA flight was executed using two BFAR aircraft, departing from Puerto Princesa,” Tarriela added.

During the operation, the BFAR plan observed a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel with bow number 5101

Two Chinese warships were monitored at a distance ranging from eight to 14 nautical miles. One of these went up to 1,000 yards at the MMCA site but eventually went away. “It was not threatening, just normal,” accord -

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

By Ram Superable and Maricel V. Cruz

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

THE Philippine government on Sunday publicly called for the United Nations (UN) to give it a seat on the UN Security Council, highlighting the country’s strong record and dedication to upholding the rule of law.

SENATE President Francis Escudero on Friday said he would consult fellow senators on whether to hold an all-member caucus regarding the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte as proposed by Senate minority leader Koko Pimentel.

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

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

"Will consult the others if they want to and if they are available. I, however, disagree with him [Pimentel] that we can start a trial during the recess when we are not in session by simply agreeing among ourselves to do so," he said.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo in a speech delivered at the UN General Assembly in New York said the Philippines continues to emphasize the “importance of upholding the rule of law and the integrity of the multilateral system in the face of today’s

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

By Maricel Cruz

LEADERS of the House of Representatives yesterday assured full compliance with the Supreme Court’s (SC) request for a copy of the enrolled bill on the 2025 General Appropriations

Asian Re-

Act (GAA) and the current year’s budget, expressing confidence that no irregularities will be found.

The SC made the request ahead of the preliminary conference on the case on Feb. 28, with oral arguments set for April 1 in Baguio City.

By Rio N. Araja

PAGASA

A WEB OF CRIME? House leaders Aurelio Gonzales and David Suarez presented this matrix during the last QUAD Comm hearing which shows the operations of a criminal syndicate allegedly led by fugitive Michael Yang, then economic adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, that controlled the illegal activities of the POGOs and was involved in the drug trade and extrajudicial killings.

EDSA 39. Personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) begin preparing the EDSA People Power Monument along EDSA in Quezon City for the 39th EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary next week. Various schools and educational institutions have suspended their on site classes and shift to alternative learning module on February 25 in commemoration of the 1986 people power revolution. Manny Palmero

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the mandatory cashless collection system on March 15 after suspending it in September last year due to technical issues. Under the policy, vehicles without radio frequency identification (RFID) stickers would still be allowed entry into toll plazas for installation but would face penalties for non-compliance.

Dizon, however, ordered the TRB to halt the plan indefinitely, saying the system must first be made more efficient.

He questioned whether toll barriers and RFID scanners were working reliably, emphasizing that a flawed system would only add to commuters’ frustrations.

"If we are still facing these issues and the system is not near perfect, then

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During the transition period, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will remain as the interim government until new officials are elected. However, interim members may be replaced by the president.

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In a news release, House Assistant Majority Leaders Jude Acidre of Tingog Party-list and Jil Bongalon of Ako Bicol Party-list expressed confidence that the high court would not find any irregularities, contrary to the claim of those who questioned the budget enactment process.

“I stand by the regularity of the 2025 GAA (General Appropriations Act). It is above board. In fact, we welcome this initiative on the part of the Supreme Court to really require the copy of the enrolled bill,” Acidre said.

Bongalon echoed his confidence, stating that the SC’s review would disprove allegations that the budget was akin to a "blank check."

Regarding the complaint of the petitioners that they could not obtain a copy of the bill from the House, Bongalon said they have to formally request it.

“But again, we are confident that even if we submit or send the original copies of the General Appropriations Act of 2025, including the encoded bill to the Supreme Court, nothing in those documents, we can

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Escudero said he disagrees with Pimentel and warned that holding an impeachment trial while the Senate is not in session could raise legal questions.

Pimentel earlier suggested that the trial should begin in March, even while Congress is in recess, arguing that the Senate can agree to proceed outside of its regular session.

"This may bring our actions into question before the courts. Prudence, as they say, is the better part of valor," Escudero reminded lawmakers eager

maybe it’s not the right time to go fully cashless," he said.

Dizon added that he will work with toll operators San Miguel Corporation and Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation to improve the system before reconsidering its implementation.

“For now, we are not going cashless for the foreseeable future,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Exporters Confederation (PhilExport) welcomed the indefinite suspension of totally cashless toll collection at the country’s key expressways, saying the administration has acted positively to their appeal.

In an interview, PhilExport president Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., said aside from being unnecessarily burdensome to motorists, RFID technology is already obsolete.

“I don’t know why they are still insisting on using RFID… it is a ‘cash trap’ to less-privileged motorists. We

The law also includes provisions on the allocation of the province of Sulu’s share in block grants, the status of candidates who previously filed for parliamentary seats, and the treatment of the 2025 parliamentary elections as a continuation of the 2022 local elections. Any funding needed to implement the law will be sourced from the existing budget of Comelec, with further

see any blank items, especially the amounts that are being questioned,” he said.

Bongalon recalled that in one meeting of the House committee on appropriations, of which he is a vice chairman, some media persons asked to see a copy of the enrolled bill to check if it contained blank spaces intended for appropriations.

Asked if the enrolled bill contained any signatures, Bongalon said, “Wala ho. Kasi ‘yun yung, kumbaga, final copy before we transmit it to the Office of the President for his review, for his action.”

The petitioners challenging the budget’s validity are allies of former president Rodrigo Duterte, including Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab and former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez.

Meanwhile, House leaders denounced Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez’s call to suspend Speaker Martin Romualdez and other House officials over the alleged falsification of public documents, calling it an attempt to distract from the ongoing impeachment case against the Vice President.

“This is simply an effort to deflect attention from the impeachment process,” Acidre said

to get the impeachment proceedings immediately underway.

Lawyer Howard Calleja, a critic of Escudero’s handling of the case, accused him of committing a constitutional breach.

Escudero dismissed Calleja’s claim, adding that he will not entertain partisan legal opinions, whether they support or oppose Duterte's impeachment.

"While I respect Atty. Calleja’s opinion, he does not have a monopoly of all legal knowledge to accuse anyone of anything," the Senate chief said.

"I will not dignify nor listen to partisan legal opinions or positions for or against the impeachment of VP Sara. I

[PhilExport] asked for this suspension [of cashless toll collection] because we received numerous complaints… even from the business sector,” he told the Manila Standard.

In an earlier statement, PhilExport expressed concerns over the continued use of the outdated RFID system, despite its replacement by more advanced and efficient technologies in neighboring countries like Singapore and Hong Kong.

“While we support efforts to modernize and streamline government processes, the Cashless Toll Policy, as it currently stands, is both extortionary and anti-poor. It places an unnecessary financial burden on ordinary Filipinos, especially those who rely on tollways for daily commuting,” Ortiz-Luis wrote.

“We should be looking at more efficient alternatives, such as the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, which is already available in

appropriations subject to the national budget process.

The law takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the House version’s principal author, said the postponement of BARMM elections “would allow for more time for the promotion

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The agreement allows the deployment of troops between the Philippines and Japan and the conduct of joint military exercises, humanitarian missions, and disaster response.

“The Philippines and Japan continue to strengthen our partnership, built on shared values of democracy, economic progress, and regional security,” said Romualdez.

“With the security environment in the region becoming more challenging, especially in our territorial seas, an enhanced defense cooperation with like-minded partners such as Japan remains vital in maintaining a secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific.”

The House leader described the RAA, ratified by the Philippine Senate in December 2024, as a major milestone in strengthening military collaboration between the two countries.

Apart from Romualdez, other high-ranking government officials, including Senate President Chiz Escudero and Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo attended the event hosted by Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya in honor of the 65th birthday of Japanese Emperor Naruhito.

will follow the law and what I believe to be right and fair," he added.

As this developed, San Juan City Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora said Duterte’s move to seek the Supreme Court’s (SC) intervention in stopping her impending impeachment trial is an obvious dilatory tactic.

Zamora, a lawyer and one of the 11 designated prosecutors from the House of Representatives, said she does not doubt though that SC justices “will see through” such ploys.

She expressed confidence the high tribunal will ultimately rule in their favor, which is “to push through with this political exercise,” despite moves

the Philippines and could be linked to electronic payment options like credit or debit cards,” he noted.

As this developed, the newly-minted Transportation Secretary said President Marcos’ marching orders are for him to fast-track key infrastructure projects to ease the daily struggles of commuters.

Dizon emphasized the president’s concern for improving public services, particularly in the transportation sector because it affects millions of Filipinos daily.

"The president really feels the pain of our people. That’s why the first thing he said was, all these projects have to be fast-tracked," he said.

Among the priority projects is the Metro Manila Subway, which Dizon called a “game-changer” that would bring the Philippines closer to having a worldclass transport system similar to those in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

of broader participation from political parties and the electorate, and enhance their understanding of new electoral processes.”

In an earlier statement, he explained that it would also give concerned authorities a chance to resolve emerging issues arising from the Supreme Court's (SC) final decision excluding the province of Sulu from BARMM.

During the event Ambassador Endo welcomed the stronger security cooperation, noting that upcoming high-level visits between the two countries would further solidify their defense ties.

The celebration also marked the growing cultural and economic relationship between the two nations, featuring traditional Japanese performances and cultural exhibits that reflect the strong people-to-people connections between Filipinos and Japanese.

Romualdez expressed optimism about the bright prospects for the Philippines-Japan partnership, particularly as both nations prepare to celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2026.

“We look forward to a strengthened strategic partnership with Japan as we move toward this historic milestone,” he said.

He noted that in response to evolving regional challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, the Philippines and Japan have continued expanding their security cooperation.

With the RAA’s implementation, Romualdez said both countries are expected to enhance military interoperability and coordination, reinforcing their shared commitment to regional stability.

by the Duterte camp to derail the impeachment process by seeking the issuance of a temporary restraining order to the Senate and the House.

Meanwhile, Deputy Assistant Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said Duterte’s move to block an impeachment trial exposes a troubling pattern of attempts to evade transparency and accountability.

“Transparency is fundamental in any democratic government. If Vice President Duterte has done nothing wrong, why is she so afraid of the truth? Blocking the impeachment process through the Supreme Court only raises more doubts,” Acidre said.

"I hope that in our lifetime, we all get to experience a subway system that works efficiently," he said.

Dizon also stressed the importance of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), which aims to improve connectivity between Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

He said a reliable rail system could help ease congestion by allowing workers from Bulacan or Pampanga to commute to business districts like Makati and Bonifacio Global City without needing to relocate.

Other key projects include regional airport upgrades, particularly in tourist destinations such as Siargao and Palawan.

Dizon said the government is also looking to privatize airport operations to ensure better management, provided contracts protect both the government and passengers.

PH...

From A1 and over fifty Chinese maritime militia vessels off Pagasa Island, as well as six Chinese maritime militia vessels in Rozul Reef.

The BFAR aircraft consistently challenged the illegal presence of the Chinese vessels and documented their unlawful activities, according to Tarriela.

“Undeterred by provocations from the People's Republic of China, BFAR and PCG remain resolute in maintaining our presence in the WPS and confronting the illegal activities of foreign vessels,” he said.

Asked about the presence of the Chinese vessels, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said “the activities of the Chinese people in the South China Sea date back to over 2,000 years ago.”

“China is the first to have discovered, named, and explored and exploited Nanhai Zhudao (South China Sea islands) and relevant waters, and the first to have exercised sovereignty and jurisdiction over them continuously, peacefully and effectively, thus establishing territorial sovereignty and relevant rights and interests in the South China Sea," it added.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom envoy to the Philippines has expressed concern about the dangerous Chinese chopper incident .

In a statement, Amb. Laure Beaufils, the current British Ambassador to the Philippines, said “These acts increase the risk of miscalculation which endangers lives.”

The United Kingdom (UK) has been actively vocal in supporting the Philippine position on the West Philippine Sea against Chinese aggression.

Only recently, the Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, expressed its willingness to develop its maritime relationship with the United Kingdom.

“We call for the adherence of international law, including [the] UNCLOS,” The British Ambassador to the Philippines added.

The UK-Philippines bilateral relationship will reach its 80th year in 2026. With Gabriella Parino

IN BRIEF

Lacuna urges prayer vigil for Pope Francis

MAYOR Honey Lacuna urged all residents of the city to join in offering prayers for the full and swift recovery of Pope Francis, who is being treated for double pneumonia.

Lacuna said this in support of calls earlier made by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines for prayers

The Vatican reported another slight improvement in Pope Francis’s condition on Thursday, as the 88-year-old spent his seventh day in the hospital.

The Argentine pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital last Friday with bronchitis, but it later developed into pneumonia in both lungs, sparking widespread alarm. Itchie Cabayan with AFP

Remains of fallen cop arrives in PH

THE Philippine National Police said the remains of Col. Pergentino Malabed Jr., who was among the victims in a mid-air collision in Washington D.C., arrived in the Philippines Friday morning.

PNP Public Information Office

chief, Col. Randulf Tuaño said Malabed’s remains arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) around 7:40 a.m.

Malabed’s remains will be brought to Camp Crame for arrival honors, a religious service, and public viewing with vigil guards.

According to Malabed’s wife Rio, her husband will be taken to his final resting place at Manila Memorial Park in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. Vince Lopez

Venomous jellyfish found in PH waters

AN INTERNATIONAL research team of biologists confirmed the presence of Chironex yamaguchii, a dangerous species of box jellyfish known from Japan, in Philippine waters.

Through close examination of the deadly jellyfish’s physical characteristics and DNA, the team discovered strong evidence that the species exists in the Coral Triangle, a marine biodiversity hotspot that includes the Philippines.

The researchers also discovered small genetic differences despite nearly identical physical characteristics between the Philippine and Japanese C. yamaguchii, suggesting the local jellyfish could be a separate species requiring further research altogether.

“We identified the Philippine population as a potential cryptic species. This means that we are being encouraged to determine if they belong to a new species or if their geographic isolation doesn’t make them entirely distinct from the Japanese population,” the team said.

DOH: 5% decline in dengue cases

By Ram Superable

THE Department of Health on Friday reported a five percent decline in dengue cases over the past four weeks, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for intensified monitoring and immediate response.

“Mosquito control remains the main means for the control of dengue. Let’s unite from Batanes to Jolo, every four o’clock, against mosquitoes,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.

From January 5 to 18, 2025, the country logged 15,904 cases.

The number dropped to 15,134 between January 19 and February 15, 2025, signaling a positive trend. Health officials attributed the decline to increased public awareness and collective efforts, including frequent clean-up drives to eliminate stagnant

water and targeted misting operations in high-risk areas. Despite the recent drop, the total number of dengue cases from January to February 15, 2025 has reached 43,732 -- a 56 percent increase compared to the 27,995 cases reported during the same period last year.

“Keep the inside and outside of the house dry. Do not allow mosquitoes to breed. Wear long sleeves and pants, use anti-mosquito lotion or spray. Consult early if you have symptoms -- don’t worry about the cost, PhilHealth will cover it,” the health chief said.

The DOH encouraged the public to

seek early medical consultation if experiencing symptoms such as high fever (40°C or higher), headache, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or skin rashes.

Three regions accounted for more than half of the total dengue cases: Calabarzon (9,113), the National Capital Region (7,551), and Central Luzon (7,362).

Seventeen local government units (LGUs) in these regions have been identified as dengue hotspots.

The DOH has empowered local chief executives to declare outbreaks in their areas and assured them of full support in implementing response strategies.

VIGIL FOR POPE FRANCIS. Devotees attend mass at the Archdiocese of Manila on February 21, 2025 in response to the call of Archbishop Charles John Brown, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, to pray for the speedy recovery of the Holy Father as well as for all the doctors and nurses who are taking care of him. Danny Pata

First 1,000 Days cash aid launched

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program launched on Friday the First 1,000 Days (F1KD) of Life cash grants.

The F1KD is intended to give support to 4Ps households who have pregnant women or children 0-2 years old.

The F1KD launch, which is part of the DSWD’s 74th anniversary celebration, saw the ceremonial payout to some

50 pregnant women and 0-2 year-old children- beneficiaries from select areas in Quezon City; San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan; and San Mateo and Rodriguez towns in Rizal province. The participating beneficiaries also

IN BRIEF

GCash

supports collective action against cyberfraud

HEIGHTENED vigilance and prompt reporting among users are key to the success of anti-scam initiatives, according to GCash, the country’s leading financial super app and cashless ecosystem.

GCash reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration with customers, stakeholders, and law enforcement to ensure a safe and secure digital economy.

GCash has invested in cutting-edge security technologies such as DoubleSafe that utilizes face ID technology. It also rolled out its customer education campaign #GSafe Tayo, which aims to continuously inform users on how to identify and avoid scams, complements these tech investments. Dave Leprozo

CAAP opens application for aeronautical info study

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines announced on Friday it has started accepting applicants for the Aeronautical Information Service Comprehensive Course (AISCC).

The course offers a valuable opportunity for dedicated individuals to contribute to a safe and secure national airspace by ensuring the provision of high-quality and reliable aeronautical data.

Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) personnel are responsible for collecting, processing, and distributing data and information used by air navigation and flight operations personnel.

CAAP information officer Bea Bernardo said interested applicants can view the necessary qualifications and requirements on the agency’s official social media accounts. Completed application forms may be submitted in person or via mail/courier to the designated centers in Manila, Mactan, or Davao on or before 5 p.m., June 20, 2025. Joel Zurbano

New law to usher in PH’s full digital transformation

A HOUSE leader said country’s full digital transformation at hand, following the Senate’s approval of its version of the E-Governance bill that mandates the development and interlinking of electronic government or e-government services for more transparent, seamless, efficient and even graft-free official transactions.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said bill mandates all government agencies, along with local government units and government-owned and -controlled corporations, to switch to digital or internet platforms for their delivery of services to the public.

Also included in the planned E-Government network are all judicial and constitutional offices plus state universities and colleges (SUCs).

“The switch to e-Government will spell greater transparency and efficiency in our people’s transactions with the bureaucracy, further improve the ease of doing business that will enhance investor confidence, and cut back on, if not do away altogether, with official corruption,” said Villafuerte.

INSPECTION.

received essential maternity health kits and were given access medical services such as prenatal and postnatal checkups, and vaccinations offered through the Department of Health mobile clinic.

For the pilot F1KD grantees, more than 68,000 pregnant women and children aged 0-2 years from eligible 4Ps households nationwide will receive a monthly P350 grant.

To receive the monthly F1KD grants, beneficiaries must comply with the conditionalities of the program including accessing pre-natal services at DOH-

accredited health facilities, tracking pregnancy and receiving ante-natal care services, child birthing or delivery at a DOH-accredited health facility, attending post-natal visits, participating in counseling sessions, and obtaining micronutrient supplements and immunizations. This landmark initiative under the 4Ps, which is aligned with Republic Act No. 11148, or the “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act,” aims to address malnutrition and stunting problems among 4Ps children by improving access to child health and nutrition services.

Nutrition survey shows anemia problem in PH

By Ram Superable

ANEMIA remains a widespread health concern in the country, affecting millions across different age groups, according to the latest National Nutrition Survey by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

The survey found that 17.2 percent of Filipinos aged 60 and above suffer from anemia, a condition caused by a deficiency of red blood cells needed to carry oxygen throughout the body.

Among adults aged 20 to 59, the prevalence of anemia is eight percent, while 5.8 percent of teenagers aged 10 to 19 and 5.4 percent of children aged 5 to 10 are also affected.

In women of reproductive age, 10.9 percent of non-pregnant, non-lactating women, 21.8 percent of pregnant women, and 11.2 percent of lactating mothers experience anemia.

The survey also showed that 11.4 percent of children under five years old have the condition.

According to the World Health Organization, anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and irregular heartbeat, affecting daily productivity and quality of life. If left untreated, anemia can lead to more severe health issues, including complications in pregnancy, developmental delays in children, and an increased risk of infections.

Iron Deficiency Anemia is the most common type, resulting from inadequate iron intake, which is necessary for producing hemoglobin, the protein that enables red blood cells to transport oxygen.

DOH brings ‘PuroKalusugan’ health initiative to QC

By Ram Superable

THE Department of Health launched its PuroKalusugan program in Quezon City as part of the observance of National Heart Month and Cancer Awareness Month.

In partnership with the Quezon City local government, the initiative provided free healthcare services and educational activities to promote healthier lifestyles among the public.

“Our theme is committed to the new you— healthy, with proper nutrition, exercise, and self-discipline. This serves as a reminder for all of us that good health starts with our daily

choices,” said Dr. Lester Tan, Department of Health – Manila Metro Center Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) Regional Director.

“Many of our fellow citizens suffer from illnesses, and across the country, high blood pressure, hypertension, and diabetes continue to be leading causes of sickness and death,” he added.

The event was held at the Loyola Heights Covered Court, offering a range of medical screenings and preventive health services to local residents.

Among the free health services available were body mass index (BMI) checks, blood pressure monitoring, random blood sugar tests, cholesterol tests, and personalized health risk assessments

conducted by healthcare professionals.

Specialized cancer screenings were also offered, including cervical cancer screening for the first 100 participants, as well as breast and lung cancer screenings to aid in early detection and treatment.

A mobile blood donation activity was also conducted to encourage residents to donate blood and support the country’s healthcare system.

The DOH said the campaign is part of its broader preventive healthcare program, which aims to help Filipinos detect potential health risks early and take necessary precautions before conditions worsen.

Baguio City to bloom amid Panagbenga twin highlights

By Dexter See

BAGUIO city’s major streets will bloom this weekend right in time for the blossoming of the flowers with the conduct of the twin highlights of the Panagbenga, popularly known as the Baguio flower festival, particularly the grand streetdancing parade on Saturday and the grand float parade on Sunday. Thousands of residents and tourists will gather along the 4-kilometer parade route from the Panagbenga Park along South Drive up to the Melvin Jones football field in the

next two days to witness the sterling performances from the participating streetdancing contingents and the beautifully decorated floats. Cheers from the crowd await the superb performances that will be showcased by the five elementary drum and lyre contingents and seven local and visiting festival dance groups accompanied by the famous Philippine military Academy (PMA) marching band, the Saint Louis University (SLU) marching band and the returning Citizens Brigade Band of Dasmarinas, Cavite Saturday morning.

brought into the country without payment of correct duties and taxes. The

vehicles include a Rolls Royce Cullinan, Lamborghini Huracan, Ferrari 720s,

Maserati Levante, Mercedes Benz G Wagon Brabus, and a Porsche 911

Danny Pata

OPINION

The nature of impeachment

(2nd of three parts)

IN THE first of our three-part column piece, we said these officials can be removed only by impeachment, although the Supreme Court removed Chief Justice Sereno by quo warranto (which declared her appointment as void), which many believe was a wrong decision.)

6. What are the grounds for impeachment under the current constitution?

a. Culpable Violation of the Constitution For impeachment purposes, a “culpable violation of the Constitution” refers to a deliberate and wrongful breach of constitutional provisions. Unintentional violations, good faith errors, or mistakes in interpretation do not constitute impeachable offenses.

b. Treason Under the Revised Penal Code, treason is committed by any Filipino citizen who wages war against the Philippines or aids its enemies, providing them support either within the country or abroad.

As a ground for impeachment, treason constitutes a profound betrayal of the nation, rendering an official unfit for public office. Due to its severity, officials charged with treason may face both impeachment proceedings and criminal prosecution.

Since impeachment is a political process, establishing treason in this context does not necessitate the same legal standard as a criminal conviction. Nevertheless, it remains a high crime that threatens the state’s integrity and warrants removal from office.

c. Bribery Bribery is classified into two types under the Revised Penal Code:

Direct bribery occurs when a public official agrees to perform an illegal act related to their official duties in exchange for an offer, promise, or gift.

Indirect bribery happens when a public official accepts gifts given due to their position.

d. Graft and Corruption

Any violation of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) is grounds for impeachment. This includes cases where a public official acquires assets or wealth grossly disproportionate to their lawful income.

e. Betrayal of Public Trust

This encompasses acts such as abuse of power, gross negligence, favoritism, cronyism, and other misconduct that undermine public confidence in government and bring the office into disrepute. Betrayal of public trust is a broad and flexible ground that can cover a wide range of abuses.

It does not require a criminal conviction, making it a political question that Congress decides in impeachment trials.

Acts must be serious enough to erode public confidence in governance.

f. Other High Crimes

These refer to offenses of such gravity—akin to treason and bribery—that they threaten the government’s stability or proper function.

The impeachment trial of Sara Duterte

7. What are the grounds of impeachment VP Sara is being accused of under the 4th impeachment complaint?

—“—

Although the House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Duterte before adjourning, the Senate, which oversees the trial, can decide when to conduct the trial

The fourth impeachment complaint, filed and endorsed on the same day, presented seven articles of impeachment, accusing VP Sara Duterte of culpable violations of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes, including bribery and conspiracy to commit murder.

That being said, she became the second-highest-ranking elected official in the Philippines to be impeached, following former President Joseph Estrada in 2000. Chief Justic Corona was impeached in 2011and convicted in 2012.

8. What is the role of the senate in the impeachment proceedings?

The Senate shall have the sole power to try and decide all cases of impeachment

The senators would serve as jurors in proceedings. Subject to applicable constitutional provisions such as the 2/3 vote required for conviction, the Senate has full powers to decide how to conduct the trial including quantum of proof.

9. Can VP Sara tried by the Senate even when Congress is on recess?

Although the House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Duterte before adjourning, the Senate, which oversees the trial, can decide when to conduct the trial.

Senate President Francis Escudero confirmed that the Senate would address the impeachment complaint once Congress reconvenes on June 2, 2025. Until then, the process remains on hold.

Sputtering WPS gaslighting

THE West Philippine Sea “cognitive warfare” narrative has been playing since Sept. 2012 when then President Noynoy Aquino signed Administrative Order 29 “Naming the West Philippine Sea of the Republic of the Philippines, and for other purposes.”

This came six months after the Scarborough Shoal standoff between the Philippine Navy with the Chinese Coast Guard which in turn came after the US (Obama) announcement of its “Pivot to Asia” in the last quarter of 2011.

To students of geopolitics and majorpower strategic thinking, the connections of the historic events presented above should be obvious.

Nothing in the geopolitics of major powers happen in a vacuum, the same goes for the “West Philippine Sea” issue that clearly reveals the long-term planning that went into creating the cause célèbre issue between the Philippines and China that the US with its Filipino proxies uses to destabilize and justify its political and military interventions in the South China Sea and ASEAN region.

To be clear, no other country in the 193 members of the United Nations recognizes the West Philippine Sea

exists, except the Philippines, not only because it does not appear in the International Hydrological Society map but also because the Philippines’ claim over the area of the SCS is disputed by four other countries and Taiwan.

Acquisition of sovereignty requires “effective occupation” which requires “intentional display of power and authority over the territory” which China is now exercising and the Philippines is only pretending to today.

The WPS gaslighting has distanced the Philippines from China by the enmity it has created

To illustrate the present reality is the recent Feb. 18 incident involving a Chinese Navy helicopter and a Philippine BFAR plane carrying journalists flying into Scarborough Shoal air space.

The Philippine Coast Guard spokesman protested the Chinese helicopter conducted “dangerous maneuvers” too close to the BFAR plane. The Chinese

Another diplomatic protest?

IT IS comforting the United States, a defense treaty ally of the Philippines, has called on China to stop “coercive actions” in the West Philippine Sea while Manila itself is thinking of filing yet another diplomatic protest over this week’s incident.

This happened after a Chinese military helicopter flew within three meters of a Philippine patrol aircraft over Scarborough Shoal, well within the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone but China claims sovereignty over it.

We agree with the Philippine Coast Guard in its belief this is among China’s most provocative action since the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration adjudicating the Philippine case against China in the South China Sea ruled overwhelmingly in favor of the Philippines. The arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines in 2016 in the case over Scarborough Shoal, stressing

press Global Times reported it as “PLA expels Philippine aircraft over China’s Huangyan Dao; expert slams Manila’s ‘riskier’ aerial provocations.”

China now is at the stage where it has stopped being soft on the taunting of the Philippines and exercising “power and authority” over the areas and land features of the South China Sea it proclaims sovereignty over.

The Philippine side represented by the likes of Comm. Jay Tarriela has nothing but bluster and braggadocio, putting civilian media in harms way to taunt Chinese action to bring home propaganda sob-stories to feed media and bellyache before what they think are gullible Filipino audiences.

The US and its Filipino proxies which include the major Filipino financial-business oligarchs have been gaslighting the Filipino public for the past decade-and-a-half, but the gas is running out.

On Feb. 4, 2025, Cong. Rodante

UNCLOS, or the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, supersedes any historic rights or other sovereign rights

UNCLOS is an international agreement that establishes rules for using the world’s oceans and seas, known also as the “law of the sea convention” or the “Constitution of the oceans.”

We know the world cannot be asleep forever

“We condemn the dangerous maneuvers by a PLA Navy helicopter that endangered pilots and passengers on a Philippine air mission,” US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said in an X post in mid week.

“We call on China to refrain from coercive actions and settle its disputes peacefully in accordance with international law,” the US’ ambassador added.

Manila has announced it would file another diplomatic protest – the number of such protests, ignored and obviously regarded with contempt by

Marcoleta in a congressional hearing openly declared that there is no such thing as a “West Philippines Sea” except in the minds of some Filipinos, that started a national debate on the matter finally exposing the myth that it is. Far from being a harmless myth, the West Philippine Sea fairy tale has led the nation on a wild goose chase for the territory and EEZ it doesn’t have while the Salim group and Forum EnergyPXP-MPIC conduct its machinations behind the Philippine government under Noynoy Aquino and MPIC director, the late Albert del Rosario, to acquire a monopoly of the mineral wealth of the SCS by blocking the potential oil and gas joint ventures between the Philippines and China.

The WPS gaslighting has distanced the Philippines from China by the enmity it has created. This has already caused massive real economic damage to Filipinos, like the

the country’s giant neighbor – over the mid-air encounter, where a PLA Navy helicopter flew above a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Cessna aircraft while it was patrolling in the West Philippine Sea. There have been previous incidents, including but not limited to one in August last year when the Philippines said two Chinese Air Force planes dropped flares in the path of a Philippine Air Force plane over Scarborough Shoal.

The incident occurred as Washington reiterated its commitments to Manila under the Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951, which recognizes that an attack in the Pacific on either would endanger the peace of both and thus act in concert to meet the common danger.

Only last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo discussed China’s “destabilizing actions in the South China Sea” among other topics in their first in-person meeting during the Munich Security Conference in Germany.

We wonder what China would do again when that diplomatic protest is filed, how it would respond to the condemnation by the United States. But we know the world cannot be asleep forever.

loss of 1.5-million Chinese tourist arrivals and $1.5-billion (P90-billion) tourism revenues for our six million tourism workers. Even worse, it can give the US the basis for creating a false flag operation blaming China for a human disaster and precipitating a major conflict –which is clearly what the US warmongers intend as evidenced by the US military bases in the country. As the WPS “gaslighters” have been stumped by the challenge from Cong. Marcoleta to show a recognized international legal map showing the WPS, some of the WPS fanatics have taken to Google maps and nothing more. Google Maps did come up with a parenthesized Gulf of America under Gulf of Mexico after Trump declared it in a fit of patriotic jingoism, that’s some victory while in the real war in Ukraine, Trump is giving up to Russia. Get the drift?

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon of a group of disabled people consisting of a person in a wheelchair, a female amputee, and a group of normal looking people. They are stuck at a corner. Menacing shadows of claws and menacing hands pointing at them.

Zelenskyy warned to stop hurling ‘insults’

IN BRIEF

WASHINGTON, DC – A US judge on Thursday (Friday in Manila) denied a union bid to temporarily halt the firing of thousands of federal employees on probationary status, handing President Donald Trump another legal win in his plan to slash the government workforce.

District Judge Christopher Cooper said he lacked the jurisdiction to handle the complaint, one of several filed in courts in recent days in an effort to pause the mass sackings.

The judge’s decision comes as around 6,700 workers at the 100,000-strong Internal Revenue Service (IRS) who were on probation were being laid off.

“The anxiety was running through the floor, like I personally felt anxious because I was one of (the) last people to get that email,” an IRS probationary worker who was laid off Thursday told AFP. A former IRS official said most of the IRS employees being let go were part of the US tax agency’s enforcement teams, less than two months before the US income tax filing deadline of April 15. AFP

Cambodia to resume demining after waiver

PHNOM PENH – Cambodian deminers are to resume operations to clear unexploded munitions, after the United States granted a waiver to keep funding the work in the country, officials said on Friday. Cambodia remains littered with unexploded bombs, many of which were dropped by American forces during the Vietnam War.

Cambodia was forced to partially suspend demining operations from late January after Washington suddenly halted funding following President Donald Trump’s order to freeze foreign aid for 90 days.

Heng Ratana, director general of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), told AFP on Friday that the US had granted a conditional waiver for funding to partner organisations supporting Cambodia’s demining projects.

He said he had sent deminers, who had been standing down for the past several weeks, back to the field and that operations to clear unexploded munitions would resume on Monday. AFP

Mexico won’t accept US ‘invasion’

MEXICO CITY – Mexico’s president warned the United States on Thursday (Friday) her country would never tolerate an “invasion” of its national sovereignty and vowed fresh legal action against US gunmakers after Washington designated cartels as terrorist organizations.

The remarks were the latest in a series hitting back at the administration of President Donald Trump, which has ramped up pressure on its southern neighbor to curb illegal flows of drugs and migrants.

Mexico is trying to avoid the sweeping 25-percent tariffs threatened by Trump by increasing cooperation in the fight against narcotics trafficked by the cartels in his sights. The eight Latin American drug trafficking groups designated as terrorist organizations include Mexican gangs such as the Jalisco New Generation and Sinaloa cartels -- two of the country’s most powerful and violent criminal organizations. AFP

Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia to hash out Gaza plan

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Arab leaders were gathering in Saudi Arabia on Friday to hammer out a recovery plan for Gaza aimed at countering President Donald Trump’s proposal for US control of the territory and the expulsion of its people.

Trump’s plan has united Arab states in opposition to it, but disagreements remain over who should govern the warravaged Palestinian territory and how to fund its reconstruction.

“We’re at a very important historic juncture in the Arab-Israeli or IsraeliPalestinian conflict... where potentially the United States under Trump could create new facts on the ground that are

irreversible,” Andreas Krieg, a King’s College London expert said.

Trump triggered global outrage when he proposed the United States “take over the Gaza Strip” and relocate its more than two million residents to Egypt and Jordan.

A source close to the Saudi government told AFP that Arab leaders would discuss “a reconstruction plan to counter Trump’s plan for Gaza.”

The Gaza Strip is largely in ruins after more than 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas, with the United Nations recently estimating that rebuilding would cost more than $53 billion.

During a meeting with Trump in

China warns Australia of ‘live fire’ drill off east coast

SYDNEY – China warned Australia Friday of po-

tential “live fire” naval drills in international waters off the eastern coast, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, as commercial flights were told to steer clear of the area.

Beijing described the maneuvers as training exercises that were “safe, standard and professional” and in line with international law, without commenting on whether live ammunition was used.

Canberra’s defense department has been monitoring the Chinese navy vessels -- a frigate, a cruiser and a supply tanker -- since they were spotted last week.

Albanese said the fleet had on Friday alerted Australian officials that it may start conducting live fire drills, and that ships and planes should steer clear.

“This is activity that has occurred in waters consistent with international law,” Albanese said.

“There has been no imminent risk of danger to any Australian assets or New Zealand assets, and that’s why this notification occurs.”

Asked about the drills on Friday, China’s foreign ministry said the country’s military had “organized a naval formation to conduct training and exercises in distant waters”. AFP

Washington on February 11, Jordan’s King Abdullah II said Egypt would present a plan for a way forward.

The Saudi source said the delegates would discuss “a version of the Egyptian plan”.

The official Saudi Press Agency, citing an official, confirmed on Thursday that Egypt and Jordan were participating in the Riyadh summit along with the six country members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

It also said decisions issued by the “unofficial fraternal meeting” would appear on the agenda of an emergency Arab League summit to be held in Egypt on March 4. AFP

KYIV – The US national security advisor warned Ukraine’s leader to stop hurling “insults” at Donald Trump, as pressure built Friday on Volodymyr Zelenskyy to sign away precious mineral rights in exchange for Washington’s help defending against Russia.

Tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy over the proposed mineral deal -which Kyiv has rejected -- and Washington’s outreach to Moscow have exploded this week in a series of barbs traded at press conferences and on social media. Zelenskyy has warned that Trump has succumbed to Russian “disinformation,” while the US leader has accused his counterpart of starting the war and branded him a “dictator without elections.”

Earlier on, a handful of moderate Republicans also blasted Trump’s shift over Ukraine.

“Putin started this war. Putin committed war crimes. Putin is the dictator who murdered his opponents. The EU nations have contributed more to Ukraine. Zelensky polls over 50 percent. Ukraine wants to be part of the West, Putin hates the West,” congressman Don Bacon, from Nebraska, wrote on X Wednesday.

“Some of the rhetoric coming out of Kyiv, frankly, and insults to President Trump were unacceptable,” US national security advisor Mike Waltz told a Thursday (Friday in Manila) briefing at the White House.

“President Trump is obviously very frustrated right now with President Zelenskyy, the fact that he hasn’t come to the table, that he hasn’t been willing to take this opportunity that we have offered,” he said.

The United States is a vital financial and military supporter of Ukraine, but Trump has rattled Kyiv and its European backers by opening talks with Moscow they fear could end the war on terms that reward Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The spat has turned personal with Trump falsely claiming Zelensky is hugely unpopular among his own people and the Ukrainian leader saying Trump lives in a Russian “disinformation space.”AFP

Netanyahu orders ‘intensive’ operations after Israel bus blasts

JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday ordered an “intensive operation against centers of terrorism” in the occupied West Bank, his office said, after three buses exploded in central Israel without causing any reported injuries. Three devices detonated on buses in the city of Bat Yam on Thursday evening and two others were being defused, according to police, with Israel’s defenSe minister accusing “Palestinian terrorist” groups

rity agency) to increase preventative activity against additional attacks in Israeli cities,” he added.

A large number of police were deployed to search for suspects after the “suspected terror attack”, the police force said in a statement.

“Police bomb disposal units are scanning for additional suspicious objects. We urge the public to avoid the areas and remain alert for any suspicious items,” it added.

Tzvika Brot, the mayor of Bat Yam, said in a video statement that there were “no injured in these incidents”. Security forces and bomb disposal units were seen by an AFP journalist as they inspected the remains of destroyed buses. Israeli media said that bus drivers countrywide had been asked to stop and inspect their vehicles for additional explosive devices. A police commander from central Israel, Haim Sargarof, said in a televised briefing that the devices used to set off the blasts were similar to those

BARBS TRADED.

(left)

Marcos set to welcome Palau President Whipps on Feb. 23

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to welcome Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. who is coming to Manila for an official visit on Feb. 23-24, 2025, Malacañang announced on Friday.

“At their bilateral meeting, President Marcos is expected to exchange views with his Palau counterpart on expanding existing bilateral cooperation on fisheries, trade, investment, connectivity and people-to-people ties

PBBM assures Kanlaon victims of continuous gov’t assistance

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Mount Kanlaon’s activity, saying the government is closely monitoring the situation, but cannot predict when the crisis will end.

Speaking to evacuees and local officials, the President said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reports on the volcano’s condition multiple times a day. Scientists have warned that internal pressure remains high, which could lead to further activities.

“Our concern is that the volcano is still swollen, meaning there’s pressure inside,” Mr. Marcos said.

“We don’t know when it will be released or if it will escalate into a full eruption,” he added.

Despite the uncertainty, the Chief Executive assured the evacuees that government assistance would not stop.

He noted that more than 1,700 families remain in evacuation centers nearly three months after the unrest began, with others staying with relatives.

“We know you just want to go home. But we have to make sure it›s safe first,» he said.

The President urged the residents to remain patient and vigilant, emphasizing that national and local agencies are working together to ensure their safety.

as well as exploring new avenues of collaboration such as on health and labor,” Malacañang said in a statement.

Regional issues, South-South cooperation, and shared advocacies in the multilateral arena are

also expected to be on the agenda, the Palace said.

Palau hosts nearly 3,000 Filipinos, making up about 17 percent of the island-nation’s population.

The visit comes as both countries prepare to mark the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations in 2027.

Relations between the two countries date back to the Spanish colonization era, and after the Philippines gained independence, Palau sent a delegation to the Malolos Congress in 1898.

History books showed that Palau

was likewise colonized by Spain 1574 to 1899.

In 1979, four constituents of the Trust Territory decided to form the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau opted to become its own independent state. The Philippines, Japan, =and Taiwan backed Palau’s decision.

Formal diplomatic ties between Philippines and Palau were established on July 15, 1997.

Then Palau President Thomas Remengesau Jr. met with President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City on Feb. 15, 2018.

ILOILO CITY WATER PROJECT BREAKS GROUND.

The Manny Pangilinan-led Metro Paci c breaks ground for its desalination plant in Iloilo City, attended by Mayor Jerry Treñas, Interior and local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, and Pangilinan himself.

IN BRIEF

Defense chief meets with Czech counterpart

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has met with his Czech counterpart, Defense Minister Jana Cernochova, with discussions focusing on stronger bilateral relations between their respective countries.

The meeting also marked the first official visit by a Czech defense minister to the Philippines, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila during World War II.

The two officials talked about the resumption of the Philippine-Czech Joint Defense Committee (JDC) which convened last Feb. 5. They recognized the JDC as a “crucial mechanism for enhancing defense cooperation, particularly in capability development, training, and defense industry collaboration.” Rex Espiritu

Makati hits 61% of ‘25 tax target as of Jan. 31

THIS early, the Makati City government has already achieved 61 percent of its 2025 revenue target of P19.33 billion, with total collections reaching P11.77 billion as of January 31, 2025.

Mayor Abigail Binay said there was an eight percent increase in business tax collections compared to January of the previous year, rising from P6.47 billion to P6.99 billion.

Business taxes continued to be the largest local source of revenue for the city, logging 62 percent of target as of January.

“We are off to an excellent start this year, and we owe this largely to our business community, which has shown steadfast support and confidence in the city government throughout my term as Mayor of Makati,” Binay said. Joel E. Zurbano

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) said it will expedite the deportation proceedings of 450 foreigners arrested by government operatives in a raid last Jan. 8 in Tambo, Paranaque City.

The BI is collaborating with foreign embassies for the immediate deportation of these aliens who were involved in illegal POGO operations, according to BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval.

“We don’t want them to stay here any longer because we would have to spend for their detention,” she said.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the raid was part of the bureau’s intensified efforts to combat illegal activities and ensure that foreign nationals residing in the country comply with local laws. Vito Barcelo

DOE forecasts mixed movements of fuel prices next week

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) on Friday said pump prices will likely have a mixed movement next week amid the volatility of world oil prices. citing the threat on possible supply disruption at the international oil market as a major reason for next week estimated pump price adjustments.

DOE Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) director Rodela Romero said gasoline is predicted to increase by P0.40 to P0.70 per liter, while diesel may have a rollback of P0.10 or increase of P0.20 per liter. Kerosene is seen to go up

by P0.10 per liter.

Romero attributed the recent movement in global oil prices to the alarming Kazakhstan supply disruption triggered by a recent Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian pumping station; G7 statement proposing to tighten the oil price cap on Russia to pressure it to negotiate a peace agreement in Ukraine and reports of that OPEC+ is considering delaying output hikes to begin this April.

However, Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas expects an increase in pump prices for both gasoline and diesel next week based on this week’s Mean of Platts Singapore and foreign

DOJ, DENR ink accord to better protect the ecosystem

By Pot Chavez

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Friday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to strengthen the protection of the country’s environment and natural resources.

The MOA centered on the strengthening of coordination and collaboration between the two agencies in investigating and prosecuting cases involving the ecosystem, as well as developing policies to support these initiatives.”

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga inked the landmark accord.

“The point is we will all retire from where we stand right now, where we sit, and what legacy we are going to leave behind and that is of course this is an institutional measure that we want to last several lifetimes for the generations that will come after us,” said Remulla.

This agreement essentially amplifies the case build-up policy of the DOJ in relation to Department Circular No. 20, series of 2023, extending its scope to

cover environmental crimes.

It also advocates the formulation of joint policies aimed at ensuring accountability for environmental offenders and improving the rate of their conviction.

This initiative will ensure that complaints filed with the DOJ-National Prosecution Service are supported by solid, credible evidence thereby significantly increasing the chances of securing convictions in court.

The DENR has committed to providing funding for capacity-building training programs for the DOJ prosecutors and DENR law enforcement officers.

exchange average versus last week’s full week average. He said diesel prices will go up by P0.20 to P0.40 per liter and gasoline by P0.55 to P0.75 per liter.

Bellas said this was driven by the supply disruption following the attack in Russian oil infrastructure.

“While the region’s diesel supply is expected to remain ample despite the approaching refinery turnarounds season, worries of Indian supplies pivoting away from Asia is putting a floor on prices. Concerns of tight gasoline supply in the region due to lower outflows from Asia’s largest suppliers and expectations of increase in demand over the Ramadan

season have buoyed prices,” he said. The oil firms also raised prices on Feb, 18, 2025 by P0.80 per liter for gasoline and diesel and kerosene by P0.10 per liter, which led to the year-to-date net increase for gasoline, diesel and kerosene stands at P4.05, P4.35 and P2.70 per liter, respectively.

Prevailing retail prices of petroleum products for the National Capital Region as of Feb. 11 to 17 showed that gasoline sells from P52 to P78.87 per liter, diesel from P50 to P74.60 per liter and kerosene from P72.54 to P84.70 per liter. Pump prices vary depending on the brand, location and market forces.

BI set to deport 450 alien POGO workers

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Cone

owns Gilas’ loss to Taipei 5

By Peter Atencio

COACH Tim Cone took full responsibility when Gilas Pilipinas experienced its first setback in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

Cone expressed his thoughts on social media after Team Philippines suffered an 84-91 beating at the hands of Chinese Taipei on Thursday at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium.

“No one feels worse about this devastating loss than I do, and I take full ownership of it,” said Cone, who felt that the Taiwanese side was impressive that night.

It was the Philippines’ first loss to a Taiwanese side in 12 years.

In that game, Lu Chun Hsiang scored the biggest shot of his career when he hit a triple from the left wing for an 89-84 Taipei lead, with 47.1 seconds left to play, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

“We knew they were going to be much improved from the last time we played them, but they were even better than we thought,” said Cone.

Justin Brownlee accounted for 39 points from an 8-of-11 three-point clip, to go with six rebounds and eight assists.

Dwight Ramos added 15 points and five rebounds, while big man AJ Edu, who subbed for injured Kai Sotto, knocked in 10 points, six boards and two assists.

By improving to 2-3, the East Asian side has secured third spot in Group B and is therefore bound to compete in the qualifying tournament for third-placed teams.

“Everything, we prepared for. First of all, we faced a stronger team. We were ready to compete and made a good step,”said Chinese Taipei’s Italian head coach Gianluca Tucci.

The Philippines now has a 4-1 slate, turning its rematch with the New Zealand Tall Blacks at the Spark Arena in Auckland on Sunday into a fight for the no. 1 spot in Group B.

Corpus falls short as Jung tops PH Golf Tour Q-School

LAUREL, Batangas—Korean Jaehyun Jung overcame a shaky start to capture the Philippine Golf Tour Qualifying School low medal honors despite a 74, edging out Carl Corpus by a single stroke in a dramatic final round at Splendido Taal Golf Club here on Friday.

Jung, who opened with back-to-back bogeys, steadied himself with a run of pars and two crucial birdies on the back nine.

Meanwhile, Corpus mounted an early charge, stringing three birdies over four holes to erase a five-shot deficit and force a tie at three-under. However, a bogey on the seventh and a costly double bogey on the ninth halted his momentum.

Although the Filipino standout rebounded with consecutive birdies after the turn, Jung reasserted control with birdies on Nos. 10 and 15. Despite closing with back-to-back bogeys, his final-round two-over par card secured a three-under-par 285 total, besting Corpus’ 286 to claim top honors in his first PGT Q-School appearance.

Corpus closed out with a 70.

“Overall, I remained patient with my game, knowing that I woke up with a stiff neck and wasn’t expecting much,” said Jung. “I just focused on doing my best out there.”

“I made a few mistakes early on, but I trusted myself to recover on this course and stayed patient. My birdie on the 10th helped restore my confidence, allowing me to settle in and play better,” he added.

Japan’s Yuto Hayaski (73) and Atsushi Ueda (72) finished third and fourth with 292 and 293, respectively, in the four-day elims organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

A total of 30 players secured their PGT Tour cards, with the new season kicking off on Monday (Feb. 24) at Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club in Lubao, Pampanga.

Among them were Orland Sumcad (73), Christopher Popp (75), Myung Chal Hwang (77) and Taewon Ha (77), who tied for 27th at 308.

Bustamante wins in Vegas

By Randy M. Caluag

AT 61 years old, Filipino pool icon and Hall of Famer Francisco “Django” Bustamante continues to cement his status as one of the greatest players in the sport.

Bustamante showcased his Filipino brand of billiards skills as he overcame Germany’s Can Salim in a thrilling finale and clinched the title at the 29th Annual Jay Swanson Memorial (“The Swanee”) held at Griff’s Bar & Billiards in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Earlier in the tournament, Salim narrowly defeated Bustamante, 8-7, sending the Filipino legend to the losers’ bracket.

However, Bustamante battled his way back to the finals, where he trailed 4-1 early in the match. Displaying vintage form, he strung together a series of impressive racks to seize the lead and ultimately secure an 11-9 victory, along with the $2,700 top prize.

The double-elimination event, which kicked off on President’s Day,

drew 81 competitors from around the globe. The star-studded field included defending champion John Morra, BCA Hall of Famer Alex Pagulayan (a Filipino-Canadian), reigning Buffalo’s Pro One Pocket champion Roberto Gomez, and rising stars such as Bayou State One Pocket Classic champion Tony Chohan and Bayou State 9-Ball Classic winner Billy Thorpe.

Other international standouts in attendance included Canadian Erik Hjorleifson, Filipino Jeffrey De Luna, Germany’s Can Salim, and Marco Teutscher of the Netherlands. Meanwhile, seasoned veterans like Josh Roberts, Shane Winters, Jeff Beckley, Ronnie Allen, Frank Nordmann, and Nick De Leon, as well as emerging talents

such as Mark Estiola, Adrian Prasad, and Kash Keeton, rounded out a fiercely competitive field.

The women’s division also added star power to the event. Headlining the ladies were current WPA Women’s World Nine-ball champion Rubilen Amit, reigning European Straight Pool, Nine-Ball,

and Ten-Ball champion Pia Filler, alongside talents like Emily Sumrall and Sabrina Peterson. To secure his spot in the finals, Bustamante defeated Pagulayan with a convincing 7-3 win.

Bustamante, the World 9-ball champion in 2010, is currently competing in the Las Vegas Open, where he opened strong with a 2-0 (4-1, 4-1) victory over American Bobby Garza. However, he faced a setback in his second match, falling to fellow pool legend Ralf Souquet in a tightly contested 4-2, 4-3 battle. Bustamante has amassed an impressive collection of titles throughout his illustrious career, including victories at the Munich Masters, the German Nineball Championship, and the All-Japan Championship.

One of his standout achievements came in 1998 when he captured the year-long Camel Pro Billiards Series point fund championship with a victory in Tulsa. He concluded the season by winning the Columbus 10-Ball Open, becoming the first player ever to secure three Camel titles in a single season.

Eastridge pulls away, captures PAL Interclub title

BACOLOD—EastridgePrimehomes won its first Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub Men’s Championship division on Friday, doing it in wire-towire style and leaving the rest of the opposition biting its dust with a 21-point victory over Manila Southwoods that came on the heels of its best effort for the week.

“Finally. This is very sweet,” nonplaying skipper Gimo Asuncion said after the din of the celebration died down a bit at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club (formerly Marapara) here. “It has been quite a long journey for this team, a journey that had its heartaches and lessons.”

Ronel Taga-an fired a threeunder-par 67 worth 39 points

to pace Eastridge’s closing 106 points that also counted Jeff Lumbo’s 35 and the 32 of Edison Tabalin, and the Binangonan-based crew tallied 415 points to post the win running away.

“The boys performed so well,” Gary Sales, the ex-tee boy turned businessman who helped put this team together in 2021, said after failing to count with a 30. “I am very proud of what this team has done. This definitely didn’t come easy for us.

“We are looking forward to keeping this team intact as much as we can and continue to learn as a team.”

Duremdes, Locsin, Ravena banner NBA Legends Cup in Bacolod

GOOD and bad times in the past are likely to be talked about as former players of the Negros Basketball Association (NBA) gather for the first time to take part in the AcroCity presents NBA Legends Cup on Saturday (Feb. 22) in Bacolod City. The event, initiated by alumni now living abroad like Victor Villarias, Jun Locsin, Mike Mustre, Freche Ang and Django Rivera, and in coordination with John Imperio and Bong Palo, has drawn so much interest that organizers are expecting a full house crowd at the Po Hang gym of Tay Tung School.

Among the crowd drawers are former PBA stars like Noli

Locsin of Ginebra and Bong Ravena with 1998 PBA MVP Kenneth Duremdes – an Ilonggo from Koronadal City – has also been invited to add star power to the event.

With close to 100 players ready to defy Father Time, organizers have decided to divide the participants into four teams, thus guaranteeing a whole day of fun, joy and laughter.

Clashing in the opening game at 11 a.m. are Team Bascon-Apir against Team MKUQGo-AcroCity while Team Azcona-Sapporo and Team Espino tangle at 12:15 p.m. with the winners setting up a title clash at 2:45 p.m.

“We know how passionate

these players are during their prime so we are one with them in their effort to provide joy in their communities, their way of giving back to their long-time supporters,” said Angelo Wongchuking, executive vice president of Czark Mak Group, developer of AcroCity that is located in the high-growth region of Bulacan and Central Luzon.

“This is one good project as former NBA teammates and rivals reunite to recall their good times and bad times during their early years,” added CZM Director Keith Wongchuking. Locsin and Duremdes will lead Team Azcona-Sapporo along with Villarias brothers

– Vernie and Victor while Nap Hatton, Dongking Sasuman and Leo Bat-og banner Team MKUQGO-Acro City, Peewee Demonteverde and Teruel Ahmit anchor Team Basco-Apir. Team Espino-CSA B-Upgrade will be led by Rex Bayer, Nene Paderog and Sarian Ordas. The team of Locsin and Duremdes looms as the sentimental favorites since they also have Reul Bravo, Arnold Gamboa and Nonoy Pido in their lineup. The event will also honor the founding officials of the association, led by the late Dodong Bascon.

As part of their “giving back” project, the “reunion games” will be free to the public.

The dethroned champions returned to its struggles at the tree-lined, bending layout, tallying just 99 points with Perry Bucay’s 35 leading the way. Together with the 32s of Zeus Sara and Santino Laurel, the Carmona-based squad that was denied a sixth title in the last seven years amassed 394 points and finished comfortably in second spot.

“We will definitely be going back to the drawing board,” nonplaying Southwoods captain Thirdy Escano said as the club stands to lose some of its standouts who have standing scholarship offers in the United States. “We gave it a good fight but just fell short.”

Asuncion said that only Lumbo will be leaving the team after this tournament to turn pro, and that the club has “at least a couple of players ready to take his place.”

Korean Jaehyun Jung displays his winner’s banner.

Scottie Thompson is defended by Chinese Taipei’s Ting Chien Lin.

Django Bustamante AZBilliards

Members of the Eastridge-Primehomes team celebrate their title romp.

Ring icon Manny Pacquiao with Kenneth Duremdes

200 bps

Reduction in big banks’ RRR

150 bps

Reduction in digital banks’ RRR

100 bps

Reduction in thrift banks’ RRR

BSP announces 200 bps cut in big banks’ RRR

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Friday it will reduce the reserve requirement ratios (RRRs) by 200 basis points (bps) for universal and commercial banks (U/KBs) and non-bank financial institutions with quasi-banking functions (NBQBs).

It will also reduce the RRR for digital banks by 150 bps and that for thrift banks by 100 bps.

The BSP said the reduction would bring the RRRs of U/KBs and NBQBs to 5.0 percent; digital banks to 2.5 percent; and TBs to 0.0 percent.

The new ratios will take effect on the reserve week beginning March 28, 2025 and will apply to the local currency deposits and deposit substitute liabilities of banks and NBQBs.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SHIPYARD operator Keppel Philippines Holdings Inc. (KPPI) disclosed its plan to delist from the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). KPPI said in a disclosure to the PSE Friday its major shareholder Kepwealth Inc. offered to acquire KPPI shares held by the public at P27.40 apiece, representing a 37-percent premium to the stocks last closing price of P19.98.

KPPI said the offer price is higher than the highest valuation of the company’s shares based on the fairness opinion and valuation report prepared by MIB Capital Corp., an independent valuation provider.

It is also higher than the volume weighted average price of the company’s shares for one year.

KPPI’s public float is now at 17.13 percent. Assuming all public shares will tender, the company will spend P268 million for the tender offer.

Kepwealth owns 53.34 percent, while Keppel Limited has 29.52 percent of the total issued and outstanding common shares of KPHI.

Keppel Philippines Holdings Inc. (KPH) was incorporated in July 1975 under the former name of Keppel Philippines Shipyard Inc. The company was established as a subsidiary of Keppel Corporation Ltd. of Singapore to carry out ship repair and shipbuilding activities in the Philippines.

KPH was listed in the Makati and Manila Stock Exchanges in 1987.

KPPI has two core businesses: investment holdings and real estate. It owns 100 percent of KPSI Property Inc., which leases out office spaces in Makati; and 51 percent of Goodwealth Realty Development Corp., which owns and leases parcels of land in Batangas City.

Clark Development Corp. (CDC) president and chief executive Agnes VST Devanadera (second from right) shares a light moment with Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (left), one of the prime movers of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act, during the signing of its implementing rules and regulations on Feb. 17, 2025.

The BSP underscored its long-run goal of enabling banks to channel their funds more effectively toward productive loans and investments.

“Reducing RRRs will lessen frictions that hinder financial intermediation,” it said.

Reserve requirements represent a portion of deposits and deposit substitute liabilities that banks should set aside as standby funds. These should be used for lending activities to ensure that banks would meet

their liabilities in case of sudden withdrawals.

The BSP said changes in reserve requirements affect money supply in the banking system, making them a powerful means of liquidity management by the central bank.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the reduction in RRR would unleash about P320 to P330 billion into the banking system.

“Banks have the option to increase their loans, investments in bonds, equities, forex, and other assets. Instead of being idle as required reserves, at least the PP320 billion to P330 billion would be deployed to more productive investment outlets that generate earnings,” said Ricafort.

DEPARTMENT of Tourism Secretary

Christina Garcia Frasco on Friday welcomed South Korean actor and singer Seo In Guk as the Philippines’ celebrity tourism ambassador for Korea.

Recognizing his global influence and deep connection with Filipino fans, Frasco highlighted his potential to strengthen cultural and tourism exchanges between the Philippines and South Korea, the country’s top source of international visitors.

“We are very honored to be in the presence of a man who is beloved worldwide for his vast talent, endless creativity and now, his evident love for the Philippines,” Frasco said.

“This appointment strengthens

THE Board of Investments (BOI) awarded green lane certificates of endorsement to Upgrade Energy Philippines Inc. (UGEP) for two solar power projects, furthering the government’s commitment to expediting strategic investments in renewable energy. As the global shift toward clean energy accelerates, the Philippines is bolstering efforts to facilitate renewable energy projects through Executive Order No. 18. The BOI awarded green lane certificates to the 56.771-megawatt Cabangan Solar Project in Zambales and the 47.001-MW Pontevedra Solar Power Project in Capiz. Estimated project costs are P2.11 billion and P1.51 bil-

the cultural and tourism exchanges between the Philippines and Korea.

South Korea has long been the top source market for the Philippines, and the Philippines is home to a thriving Korean community, even as Filipinos love many things Korean. Therefore, we anticipate that this partnership with Mr. Seo In Guk will further the love of South Koreans for the Philippines and allow us to share the many wonders of our beautiful nation,” she said.

Frasco said Seo In Guk’s designation would deepen the bond between Filipinos and Koreans, allowing more South Koreans to discover iconic destinations such as the pristine shores of Boracay, the waves of Siargao, the dive sites

lion, respectively.

Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo expressed optimism about further expansion into onshore wind energy and the integration of solar power with battery storage as technology advances and costs decrease.

Rodolfo cited the need for responsible project implementation, particularly minimizing environmental impacts related to tree cutting and land use.

The UGEP solar power projects are expected to generate up to 331 temporary and permanent direct jobs during construction and commissioning, followed by long-term roles in operations and maintenance over the 25-year project life.

of Cebu, and the lush landscapes of Bukidnon.

“Mr. Seo In Guk’s artistry has cultivated a deep connection with Filipino fans and other nationalities all over the world, making him an ideal representative to share the wonders of the Philippines to the world. As our Philippine Tourism Ambassador, Mr. Seo In Guk will be instrumental in promoting the Philippines as a mustvisit destination for Koreans,” she said.

Frasco also expressed confidence that the partnership would help position the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse, leveraging pop culture and digital influence to reach global travelers who share a passion for music, film and adventure.

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Friday reminded banks to accept unfit or mutilated Philippine banknotes and coins from the public. Unfit currency should be exchanged — free of charge — for fit or clean banknotes and coins, the BSP said. Under BSP Circular No. 829, series of 2014, and the Manual of Regulations for Banks (MORB), banks are required to process and submit mutilated currency to the BSP for examination.

“To prevent further deterioration while in transit, banks are advised to place mutilated currency in appropriate containers,” the BSP said. Paper and polymer banknotes are classified as unfit if they are dirty, soiled, limp, stained, have faded print or visible writing. They are considered mutilated if they are defaced or damaged by burns, tears, perforations, or missing parts due to insects, chemicals, extreme heat (such as fire), or other causes. Coins are considered unfit if they are bent, twisted, defaced or corroded but their genuineness and denomination can still be determined. Coins are classified as mutilated if their genuineness or denomination can no longer be clearly determined due to burns, corrosion, filing, clipping or perforation.

SNAP Magat battery storage project starts construction

SN ABOITIZ Power Group (SNAP), a joint venture of Scatec of Norway and Aboitiz Power Corp., broke ground on the second phase of its 16-megawatt Magat battery energy storage system (BESS) facility colocated at the Magat hydroelectric power plant in Ramon, Isabela on Feb. 20, 2025.

The Magat BESS Phase 2 will be integrated with the existing 24-MW Magat BESS 1, which began commercial operations in January 2024.

The combined 40-MW facility will operate as a single system once completed, providing ancillary services such as regulating reserve and contingency reserve to improve grid efficiency and reliability.

Magat BESS Phase 2 is part of the second wave of BESS projects that SNAP will pursue this year, with additional BESS capacities set to be constructed in the coming months.

“New technology and new technological solutions are paramount to the energy transition, aligning with our common ambition for renewable energy and green growth,” Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Christian Halaas Lyster said.

“Norway has years of expertise in renewable energy and we are committed to being part of the solution on a national, regional, and global level towards a green energy transition,” he said.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla expressed his appreciation to SN Aboitiz Power for its vision in advancing clean energy technologies.

“Today we are not just building infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for a more sustainable and energy-secure future. The impact of this initiative extends beyond the present — it is a legacy that will benefit generations of Filipinos,” Lotilla said.

SNAP signed engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) agreements with GEDI China Energy, a subsidiary of China Energy Engineering Group, for the development of the 40-MW Binga BESS facility at the Binga hydroelectric power plant in Itogon, Benguet early this week.

The Magat BESS Phase 2 and the Binga BESS represent key milestones in SNAP’s ongoing efforts to expand its energy storage capacity.

SNAP also unveiled its Integrated Remote Operations Center (iROC) located at the Magay hydro complex at the same event.

Alena Mae S. Flores

San Miguel power unit issues $100-m perpetual securities

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SAN Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. on Friday said it has issued $100 million senior perpetual securities and obtained the approval in-principle from the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX-ST) for its listing.

San Miguel Global said in a disclosure to the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. that the securities shall be consolidated into and form a single series with the company’s existing $500 million senior perpetual capital securities issued on Dec. 2, 2024.

The company planned to use proceeds from the issuance towards the partial purchase, repurchase and/or redemption of the outstanding 7 percent senior perpetual capital securities issued on Oct. 21, 2020 and Dec.15, 2020. “ For the avoidance of doubt, the net proceeds will not be applied in connec-

tion with any of the company’s existing and planned coal-fired power assets (including, but not limited to, their construction and working capital requirements),” it said. San Miguel Global engaged Deutsche Bank AG, Singapore Branch as sole placement agent; DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited as trustee and Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch as paying agent, calculation agent, registrar; and Latham & Watkins as listing agent of the additional securities. The company posted a net income of P13.465 billion in the first three quarters of 2024, up 48.2 percent from P9.088 billion for the same period last year. Consolidated revenues reached P153.591 billion during the period, a

DTI’S SUPPORT.

Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque recently met with Cebu Pacific representatives to discuss various areas of collaboration and partnership. The conversation centered around operational requirements, regulatory compliance, and potential opportunities for growth. This meeting marks a significant step toward strengthening DTI’s engagement with key industries like aviation, and its commitment to supporting Cebu Pacific in their efforts.

AirAsia PH passenger traffic, forward booking for Taiwan surge

By Darwin G. Amojelar

AIRASIA Philippines on Friday said it is seeing a significant surge in both passenger traffic and forward bookings for flights to Taiwan in the first quarter of 2025.

AirAsia Philippines said that from January to March 2025 has already flown 90 percent of the total passengers to Taiwan recorded in the first quarter of 2024, highlighting the strong and growing demand for Taiwan tourism this year.

The airline offers twice-daily

flights from Manila to Taipei and three weekly flights to Kaohsiung, ensuring convenient and affordable travel for Filipinos eager to experience Taiwan’s stunning cherry blossoms, which typically bloom until early April.

“Travel bookings consistently surge as winter begins, with demand remaining strong right through January and February—Taiwan’s peak cold season. It’s that time of the year where our guests are taking full advantage of the refreshing weather, and we’re here to make their jour-

neys seamless and affordable for this special occasion,” Steve Dailisan, AirAsia Philippines communications and public affairs head said.

“We want our guests to come back not just with photos, but with stories that are truly priceless - and that’s something we’re incredibly proud to be part of,” he said.

Meanwhile, AirAsia’s commitment to delivering exceptional value and service has earned it the prestigious title of World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for 2025 by AirlineRatings.com. AirAsia has consistently ranked among the

ASIA PACIFIC College (APC), a part of the SM group, continues to invest back in its students and the school through degree programs certified by international and local standards institutions.

With a grand vision of university status on the horizon and strategic partnerships with esteemed institutions such as the University of Adelaide to bolster the quality of education it provides, APC is proving that it is in the business of social good.

The SM group’s advocacy in championing education was realized when SM founder Henry Sy, Sr. through SM Foundation, Inc. partnered with IBM Philippines to establish APC in 1991 as a non-stock, non-profit institution.

“APC envisions becoming a leading institution in the region,” said

APC president Dr. Ma. Teresita Medado. “Aiming to become a university is our mission in the next 4to 5 years. APC has proven excellence in innovative teaching and learning. It is our goal to expand programs and reach out to more students especially those from underserved communities.”

At the start of the year, APC received certification from the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) for the following programs: Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, and Multimedia Arts. APC holds the distinction of being a Center of Excellence in IT Education since 2007 and a Center of Development in Computer Engineering since 2009.

APC’s computer engineering,

computer science, information technology and multimedia arts programs are now certified by the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Standard. The AUN-QA certification indicates that the programs recognized have met the high standards of quality in terms of teaching, research, and overall academic delivery.

This recognition is a testament to our commitment to excellence in education and our dedication to providing top-tier academic programs,” said Medado.

APC’s international accolade is further complemented by its consistent delivery of quality education retaining its Autonomous Status from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for seven consecutive years.

world’s best low-cost airlines by AirlineRatings.com since 2018.

“We are incredibly grateful to the team at arilineratings.com for recognizing AirAsia as the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for 2025,” Ricky Isla, AirAsia Philippines chief executive said.

“ Recognitions like this remind us that our true focus will always be on evolving and finding new ways to deliver the best for our valued stakeholders from providing low fares, exceptional route network, and commitment to safety to maintaining a seven-star safety rating” he said.

PHILIPPINE stocks made a mild recovery Friday as investors welcomed the reduction in banks’ reserve requirement ratio (RRR). The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index rose 31.41 points or 0.52 percent to 6,098.04. The wider all shares index, on the other hand, slipped by 11.34 points or 0.31 percent to 3,660.28.

22.7 percent increase from P125,212 billion recognized in the same period last year. This was driven by higher offtake volume from several power supply agreements from Manila Electric Co. and other distribution utilities secured by the company enabling the contracting of its available capacities mainly from the 1,200 megawatt Ilijan natural gas power plant and the generation from the 600 MW Mariveles coal-fired power plant, with most of its units undergoing testing and commissioning, and ancillary services rendered using a total of 10 battery energy storage facilities with a combined installed capacity of 330 megawatt hour. A group of freshman students pose for the camera during their student orientation at the Asia Pacific College (APC) auditorium, as the school year 2024-2025 starts. APC is part of the SM group, which continues to invest back in its students and the school through degree programs certified by international and local standards institutions.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas announced it will reduce the RRR by 200 basis points (bps) for universal and commercial banks, 150 bps for digital banks and 100 bps for thrift banks.

This will bring the RRR of big banks to 5 percent from current 7 percent.

Analysts said the PSEi was boosted by bargain hunting of blue-chip companies.

Among the sectors only the financial index ended in red, declining by 0.31 percent. Property gained the most, advancing by 1.53 percent despite continued concerns about oversupply of condominiums in Metro Manila. Value turnover was thin at P3.97 billion.

Gainers edged out losers 102 to 91 while 44 names were unchanged. Shares of food manufacturing giant Universal Robina Corp. jumped 5.3 percent to P74.45 per share.

On the other hand, shares of Bank of the Philippine Islands declined 1.31 percent to P128.10 each. Jenniffer B. Austria

DA issues rules for 25,000 tons of fish imports

By Othel V. Campos

AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Friday approved guidelines for importing up to 25,000 metric tons of various fish and seafood starting in March to ensure a stable food supply and prevent market price surges.

“This will add variety, particularly for the food service industry, as most of the imported species are not locally caught. It should not affect local fishermen and will help streamline business operations,” Tiu Laurel said.

The National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (NFARMC) set the import ceiling late last year as an experimental measure to address inflation and optimize allocation for institutional buyers and wet markets.

The goal is to assess whether a combined import cap can stabilize prices while ensuring adequate supply.

As part of the trial, NFARMC has mandated an impact analysis to determine if the import limit can effectively curb inflation, enhance food security, and diversify nutritional options. Under the approved guidelines, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will issue sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances

valid for 45 days.

Only BFAR-accredited cold storage facilities may store the imported seafood.

Importers must have at least one year of accreditation and prior experience in similar imports.

Those under investigation for food safety violations, with incomplete documentation, or lacking Bureau of Customs accreditation at the start of the importation period will be excluded.

The 25,000-metric-ton import ceiling covers Alaskan pollock, barramundi, bluefin tuna, capelin, Chilean seabass, clams, cobia, cod, croaker, eel, emperor, fish meat, flounder, gindara, grouper, hake, halibut, hamachi, hoki, lobster, marlin, moonfish, mussels, mullet, octopus, oilfish, oysters, pangasius, red snapper, salmon, sardines, scallops, sea bream, silverfish, smelt, soft- and hardshell crabs, squid, swordfish, tuna by-products, and yellowtail sole.

ST. LUKE’S Medical Center - Quezon City launched of its new Cancer Specialty Center, a significant advancement in cancer care.

This center brings together multidisciplinary teams of experts dedicated to specific cancer types, ensuring patients receive precise, timely, and tailored treatment from diagnosis through survivorship.

The Cancer Specialty Center at the Cancer Institute of St. Luke’s Quezon City is designed to provide compre-

hensive and compassionate care by bringing together leading experts in various fields of oncology. It streamlines the patient journey by consolidating expertise and resources.

Each specialized team comprises a range of specialists collaborating to develop personalized cancer treatment plans, leading to faster treatment time and improved patient outcomes.

St. Luke’s - Quezon City Cancer

Nickel group welcomes DENR directive on UN sustainable dev’t goals

THE Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) welcomes the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) directive requiring mining companies to integrate the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their Social Development and Management Programs (SDMP), enhancing the sector’s contribution to sustainable development while aligning with global best practices.

Gov’t asked to resolve education crisis

PHILIPPINE Business for Education

(PBEd) has called for the immediate convening of the Cabinet cluster on education to synchronize policies and tackle the persistent challenges in the country’s education system.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved in August last year, the formation of the Cabinet cluster to provide stronger oversight and ensure better collaboration among education agencies.

PBEd stressed the urgent need for the cluster to take action as learners continue to struggle in a fragmented system that fails to prepare them for the workforce.

“Education agencies must be on the same page to foster a seamless transition—from school to work—for our students. Without coordination, we leave learners stranded in a maze of missed opportunities, blocking their path to success,” PBEd executive director Justine Raagas said.

“We look forward to the establishment of a coordination mechanism for education. Addressing the learning crisis is an urgent priority that should not be sidelined by other national events such as elections or impeachment,” she said.

The Second Congressional Commission on Education, in its Year 2 report, underscored how the lack of synergy among the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has led to misaligned policies and disconnected targets.

This lack of coordination weakens the country’s ability to equip students with the skills required for gainful employment.

Marcos recently expressed support for the development of the National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan), a comprehensive roadmap to bridge the gap between education and industry.

“PNIA has long been committed to sustainability, having published its first SDG report in 2020. Our 2024 follow-up report reaffirms this commitment, with PNIA members actively supporting 15 of the 17 SDGs,” the group said in a statement.

PNIA’s efforts focus on environmental protection, community wellbeing, and inclusive development,

reflected in strategic investments and programs nationwide.

Among the key initiatives include SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) - where mining plays a crucial role in sustainable practices.

PNIA members invested P4.3 billion in community development in 2023, supporting job creation, health programs, educational scholarships,

and environmental protection—planting nearly 4.3 million trees.

PNIA urges stronger partnerships with stakeholders, especially at the local level, to maximize SDMP funds and ensure they address real community needs.

“Our goal is to contribute to longterm economic and social development while ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for all,” PNIA said.

Othel V. Campos

MORESCO 2 pledges to fix worn-out powerlines to improve system reliability

NATIONAL Electrification Administration administrator Antonio Mariano

Almeda rallied behind electric cooperative (EC) member-consumer-owners (MCOs) on Feb. 21, 2025, at the Misamis Oriental Power Consumers’ Forum in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

Almeda reiterated his commitment to help provide solutions with respect to the ongoing problems affecting the distribution network of the Misamis Oriental II Rural Electric Service Cooperative, Inc. (MORESCO 2), resulting in frequent outages. In his previous dialogues with concerned rural electrification officials, the administrator said it was explained that the root cause of the problem is the aging powerline backbone. He said NEA and MORESCO 2 are already in the process of rehabilitat-

ing this system.

The NEA chief also announced some of his plans and ongoing programs of the state-owned corporation aimed at improving the services of the Medina-based power utility. He pointed out his directive to all concerned ECs not to allow themselves fall behind in the industry.

Almeda mentioned projects such as the solar photovoltaic mainstreaming (PVM) system, which aims to connect distant households and schools that remain isolated from the power grid. Meanwhile, the NEA chief also made a personal appeal to local government officials regarding tax exemptions granted to ECs based on the recently signed joint memorandum circular (JMC) between the Departments of Energy and Finance.

Specialty Center offer specialized care for different cancer types such as bone malignancies and sarcoma, neuroendocrine tumors, lymphoma, breast cancer, thoracic malignancies, colorectal cancer, hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers.

The center features a triage clinic for initial assessment and navigation, dedicated family conferences, and specialty clinics where multidisciplinary teams collaborate on patient cases.

Czech Republic supports Aurora Pacific Economic Zone defense hub

PHILIPPINE Ambassador to the Czech Republic Eduardo Meñez expressed strong support for the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) in its efforts to become the country’s first national defense hub and in building a thriving industrial and tourism site.

Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to the Czech Republic in early 2024, APECO officials held meetings with business leaders in Prague and Brno from Nov. 25 to 28, 2024.

APECO’s new management is aligning its goals with the President’s agenda for national security, food security, and energy security.

Meñez said APECO’s development as a defense hub aligns with the Philippines’ long-term security goals and strengthens ties with the Czech Republic, known for its defense innovations.

“APECO’s initiative is vital for enhancing our defense capabilities and ensuring the security of our people,” he said. Strategically located in northeast Philippines with access to the Pacific Ocean, APECO is positioned to host defense industries and engage in export activities.

Its potential to accommodate defense installations and military training makes it a major player in the country’s defense strategy, particularly with the recent Self-Reliant Defense Posture Act (SRDP).

St. Luke’s launches cancer center in Quezon City

Othel V. Campos

BAMBOO EXHIBIT. Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman (center) highlights the economic and ecological benefits of developing the bamboo industry during the Cordillera Administrative Region Association of State Universities and Colleges’ (CARASUC) Bamboo Project Exhibit and book launch on Feb. 5, 2025 in Quezon City. with Pangandaman are DBM Undersecretary Wilford Will Wong, Commission on Higher Education

(CHED) CAR regional director Septodela Cruz and CARASUC chair and Ifugao State University (IFSU) president Dr. Eva

Marie Codamon Dugyon.

ALL LIGHTS PROJECT. Jocelyn Remigio, program director for Community Development of Global Peace Foundation and Leonard Faustino, executive director of Global Peace Foundation Philippines, together with Joaquin San Agustin, executive vice president for marketing and Junias Eusebio, vice president for mall operations of SM Supermalls join hands to formalize the partnership for the All Lights Village project. The collaboration brings sustainable energy solutions and community empowerment to underserved areas, illuminating lives one village at a time.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2025

extrastory2000@gmail.com

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor

ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

PH named most underrated country for investment in 2025

A GLOBAL consultancy firm named the Philippines as the most underrated country for investment in 2025.

Global Residence Index said this was based on its evaluation of countries that are underrated for investment this year, looking at key factors such as investment incentives and tax policies, political and economic stability, emerging sectors and market potential, ease of doing business and legal framework, and infrastructure and workforce quality.

The Philippines is followed by Portugal, Mexico, Vietnam and Colombia.

Among the positive factors it cited are strong infrastructure developments and a young, English-speaking workforce.

“The Philippines is a rising economy in Southeast Asia. It’s been underrated due to perceived bureaucracy and instability, but with a young, English-speaking workforce and strong consumer demand, it’s a promising country. It’s best for outsourcing, tech startups, and real estate investments,” said Mark Damsgaard, founder of Global Residence Index.

Global Residence Index, part of Vancis Capital, provides up-to-date indexes and insights for the citizenship by investment and golden visa industry. It provides the latest information on visa-free travel, immigration requirements and investment regulations, catering specifically to those interested in investment migration programs.

DBP’s 2024 income jumped

STATE-OWNED Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) said Friday its net income surged to P7.1-billion in 2024—its highest in the past 10 years.

This represented a 20-percent increase from 2023 as the bank ramped up its lending activities to key sectors in support of the government’s socioeconomic agenda, a top official said.

DBP president and chief executive Michael de Jesus said the bank’s net income in 2024 was driven primarily by the 13-percent increment in its net core earnings as it exceeded its net

income target of P5.5 billion by 29 percent.

“DBP’s resurgent performance in 2024 is a clear testament that it remains a strong and stable government financial institution that is greatly capable of funding the priority programs of the National Government,” de Jesus said.

DBP is the 10th largest bank in the

Study shows chocolate sales surged ahead of Valentine’s Day

By Othel V. Campos

TECHNOLOGY startup Packworks, through its mobile app for sari-sari stores and business intelligence tool

Sari IQ, discovered that sari-sari stores saw significant sales of premium chocolates, particularly Swiss brand Toblerone and British brand Cadbury, ahead of Valentine’s Day.

Data collected from Feb. 1 to 17, 2025 across more than 300,000 sari-sari stores nationwide revealed a massive sales surge for Toblerone, with nearly a 3,000-percent increase in sales between Feb. 13 and 15 compared to the same days in other months. Cadbury also experienced a 500-percent sales spike during the same period. The trend was consistent among Packworks’ nationwide user base, with significant regional variations.

CALABARZON recorded the highest sales for these chocolate brands,

accounting for nearly a quarter of the total sales.

Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon followed closely, each contributing 12 percent to the gross merchandise value (GMV). The National Capital Region (NCR) ranked fifth, contributing 7 percent to the GMV. Packworks’ chief data officer Andoy Montiel noted the evolving role of sarisari stores as an extended pantry for their communities, noting how they adjust their inventory based on seasonal demands and consumer preferences.

“Our data challenges the idea that sarisari stores only sell cheap items. It shows these neighborhood stores can offer premium products too, adapting to their communities’ needs and capitalizing on opportunities like Valentine’s Day indulgences. This flexibility makes them a key part of Filipino life, acting as an extension of the family pantry,” he said.

country in terms of assets and provides financing to strategic and critical sectors such as infrastructure and logistics, micro, small and medium enterprises, community services and the environment. It has a branch network of 148 branches including 15 branch lite units located primarily in remote and underserved areas of the country.

De Jesus said DBP’s income from its lending operations increased 6 percent last year to P31.7 billion from P29.8-billion in 2023, while its income from its treasury operations inched up 2 percent to P14.9 billion from P14.6 billion due to rise in inter-

est rates. He said DBP exceeded its noninterest income target by 81 percent to P4.04 billion on account of higher earnings from bank fees, foreign exchange transactions and trading gains.

“DBP’s 2024 loans reached P536.8 billion, reflecting a five percent increase from the P509.2 billion registered in 2023,” de Jesus said.

“Out of the amount, 61 percent or P326.48-billion went to the infrastructure and logistics sector with projects mostly found in the National Capital Region, Metro Davao, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas,” he said.

CIMB Philippines secures 41st spot in world’s top 100 digital banks list

CIMB Bank Philippines secured the 41st spot in the World’s Top 100 Digital Banks 2025 ranking by The Asian Banker, making it the best digital bank in the Philippines.

The list was compiled by The Asian Banker, a leading provider of strategic intelligence and community platforms in the financial services industry.

Encompassing over 160 leading players from 42 markets, The Asian Banker used a scorecard to identify

the Global Top 100 Digital Banks, evaluating the capabilities of each bank across five key dimensions: customers, market/product coverage, profitability, asset and deposit growth, and funding. According to The Asian Banker, the solid business performance, product offerings, customer growth and solid financial performance contributed to CIMB being selected as the Best Digital Bank in the PH while also making into the top 50 best digital

banks globally.

CIMB Bank PH achieved a profit before tax rate in 2024 that was 45 times higher than in 2023, as transactions grew over 30 percent despite a challenging competitive landscape environment across all banks.

Deposit transactions grew by over 35 percent from 2024, demonstrating the trust and confidence of our customers in keeping and growing their funds with CIMB.

Now at over 9 million customers strong, not only did the bank’s customer base reach new record levels, but loan customers also grew to close to 4 million.

“In just six short years and as the pioneer in changing how banking is brought to the everyday Filipino consumer, we are humbled to once again be hailed as one of the world’s best banks,” said CIMB Bank PH chief executive Vijay Manoharan.

PH agricultural trade expanded 17.3% in fourth quarter, driven by exports

THE Philippines’ total agricultural trade reached $7.36 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, marking a 17.3 percent increase from the same period in 2023, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The PSA said that in the fourth quarter of 2024, total agricultural exports reached $2.17 billion or 29.5 percent of the total agricultural trade, while agricultural imports accounted for $5.18 billion or 70.5 percent of the total. This translated into an agricultural trade deficit of $3.01 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024. Agricultural exports increased 33 percent to $2.17 billion and accounted for 12.4 percent of the country’s total exports. Agricultural imports were valued

at $5.18 billion, representing a share of 16.0 percent to the country’s total imports in the fourth quarter of 2024. It also registered an increase of 11.6 percent from $4.65 billion worth of agricultural imports in the fourth quarter of 2023. Despite this growth in trade value, the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector experienced a 1.8-percent yearon-year decline in production in the same quarter. The PSA’s report highlighted the country’s efforts to boost agricultural trade, even as domestic production faces challenges. The increase in trade value suggests a growing demand for agricultural commodities, both for export and import, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Philippines’ agricultural sector.

IN BRIEF

Retail Leaders Summit scheduled on March 5

THE Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) said it is staging the third edition of the Retail Leaders Summit on March 5, 2025 at Novotel Manila, Araneta City, Quezon City. Bringing together the industry’s best and brightest, the premier event will serve as a platform for leaders to exchange insights, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of retail. With the theme “Retail Recharge:

the tools needed to drive meaningful impact within their organizations. Julian Cua, managing director and partner of Boston Consulting Group, will lead a forward-thinking discussion titled “The Future of the Filipino Retailers”, exploring industry trends and strategic insights for long-term growth. Coach Pia Acevedo, founder and chief executive of The OneCORE Success Center, will conduct a thought-provoking session on “The Upskill Advantage: Leveraging Strengths-Based Strategies for Leadership and Innovation.”

PH, Australia reaffirm development ties THE Philippines and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining strong relations, cementing a legacy of over 50 years of development cooperation rooted in shared values of democracy, regional security, and economic partnership, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). NEDA, in collaboration with the Australian government, hosted the first Philippines-Australia High-Level Consultations on Development on Feb. 18, 2025 at the NEDA Central Office in Mandaluyong City. The consultation focused on shared development priorities between the two countries, specifically updates on the pipeline and ongoing programs and initiatives under the Philippines-Australia Development Partnership Plan (DPP) 2024-2029.

NEDA Undersecretary for Investment Programming Joseph Capuno emphasized the importance of enhancing collaboration across various sectors and highlighted several opportunities to further strengthen the development partnership between the two governments.

NEDA leads PH delegation on economic, social dialogue

THE Philippine government reaffirmed its commitment to upholding human rights and advancing inclusive development, as the country’s delegation, led by National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon, participated in a constructive dialogue with the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) on Feb. 18 to 19, 2025. The dialogue provided an opportunity for the Philippines to highlight progress in key areas, including poverty reduction, labor rights, education, healthcare, and social protection, as part of its treaty obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). As the lead agency in coordinating the Philippines’ ICESCR compliance,

EU GRANT. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto (left) secures a grant from the European Union (EU) for

LEARNING SYMPOSIUM. Meralco Power Academy (MPA), the energy education unit of Manila Electric Company (Meralco), gathers more than 330 students from 11 schools for the Young Engineers and Scientists Summit (YESS) in Pasig City. Themed ‘Purpose-driven Innovation’, the learning symposium aims

Protect your digital activities amid surge in online scams

AS online fraud reaches unprecedented levels, Filipinos are reminded to stay vigilant and strengthen their digital security—a key message underscored by Safer Internet Day, an annual global movement advocating for a safer and more responsible online experience.

According to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), cybercrime complaints more than tripled in 2024, with 10,004 cases filed—a staggering rise from 3,317 in 2023. These scams led to P198 million in total financial losses, highlighting the growing sophistication of fraud, particularly consumer fraud and online financial fraud, which together account for 67% of all reported cases. Fraudsters continue to exploit deceptive tactics such as fake online sales, impersonation scams, investment fraud, and phishing to steal sensitive information like passwords and onetime PINs (OTPs).

Recognizing the growing vulnerabilities of OTPs, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is pushing for stricter security regulations to strengthen the country’s financial cybersecurity framework. As part of this effort, the BSP has proposed regulatory changes aimed at enforcing Republic Act No. 12010, or the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (Afasa), which was signed into law last year to combat financial cybercrimes. This includes requiring banks to continuously enhance their security infrastructure, implement stronger authentication measures, and adopt more advanced

fraud detection systems to stay ahead of cybercriminals.

PSBank is reinforcing its commitment to security through key enhancements to its PSBank Mobile app. Clients now have the ability to lock access to their accounts on platforms they don’t usually use, ensuring that their PSBank accounts remain restricted to their preferred and regularly utilized channels. They can also lock or unlock their ATM cards through the app, providing an extra layer of protection against unauthorized transactions. Beyond security, PSBank Mobile continues to simplify digital banking with a faster, more seamless account opening process, removing the waiting period for verification and allowing customers to open an account with

just one valid ID and a selfie. The app also offers zero initial deposit requirements, real-time bill payments, RFID reloading for tolls, and lower InstaPay transfer fees—ensuring that users can enjoy safe and hassle-free banking.

While security systems evolve, vigilance remains the most powerful defense against online fraud. To minimize risks, users are encouraged to follow these key digital safety practices:

1. Verify sender identities – Always double-check emails, messages, or calls claiming to be from banks or government agencies. Scammers often impersonate trusted institutions.

2. Avoid clicking on suspicious links – Phishing scams rely on fake websites that mimic legitimate platforms to steal login credentials. Always

Sophos: 89% of IT leaders worry GenAI flaws may impact cybersecurity strategies

SOPHOS, a global leader of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks recently released a new report, “Beyond the Hype: The Businesses Reality of AI for Cybersecurity,” which surveyed 400 IT leaders on their use of AI in security. The survey found that, despite 65% having adopted generative artificial intelligence (GenAI capabilities), 89% of IT leaders are concerned that flaws in GenAI cybersecurity tools could put their organization at risk. Additionally, according to new Sophos X-Ops research, “Cybercriminals Still Not Fully on Board the AI Train (Yet),” there has been a slight but noteworthy shift in the way cybercriminals use AI. After investigating several underground forums, Sophos X-Ops found that, while there’s still skepticism about GenAI, some criminals are using it to automate mundane tasks, such as crafting bulk emails and analyzing data. Oth-

ers are incorporating it into spam and social engineering toolkits.

“As with many other things in life, the mantra should be ‘trust but verify’ regarding generative AI tools. We have not actually taught the machines to think; we have simply provided them the context to speed up the processing of large quantities of data,” said Chester Wisniewski, director, global field CTO, Sophos. “The potential of these tools to accelerate security workloads is amazing, but it still requires the context and comprehension of their human overseers for this benefit to be realized.”

With some form of AI embedded in the cybersecurity infrastructure of 98% of organizations surveyed, IT leaders expressed concern about potential over-reliance on AI, with 87% of respondents stating they were concerned about a resulting lack of cybersecurity accountability.

GenAI and Reducing Burnout Different-sized organizations expressed different priorities for utilizing GenAI. While large organizations (those with more than 1,000 employees) are prioritizing improved protection, respondents with 50-99

Safer Internet Day serves as a strong reminder that while financial institutions enhance their digital defenses, users must also remain proactive and vigilant.

AMD, French CEA collaborate to advance future of AI Computing

access bank websites and apps directly.

3. Use strong, unique passwords –Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.

4. Never share banking credentials – Banks will never ask for your PIN, OTP, or account details via email, text, or call. If someone requests this information, it’s likely a scam.

5. Monitor account activity regularly – Frequently check your bank statements and transaction history for any unauthorized activity. Report suspicious transactions immediately.

6. Report scams promptly – If you fall victim to fraud, contact your bank and report the incident to the government’s 1326 cybercrime hotline, available 24/7 to assist victims.

employees rated reducing burnout as their top desired benefit from GenAI tools. However, complicating matters, across all sizes of organizations, 84% of leaders surveyed said they were concerned about pressure to reduce cybersecurity professional headcount due to unrealistic expectations about AI’s abilities to replace human operators.

Other Key Findings from the “Beyond the Hype” Report:

● Costs of GenAI Are Hard to Quantify: 75% of IT leaders agree that the costs of GenAI in cybersecurity products are hard to quantify.

● Companies Are Counting on Savings from GenAI: While 80% of IT leaders believe that GenAI will significantly increase the cost of cybersecurity tools, most organizations believe GenAI offers a path to lowering overall cybersecurity expenditure with 87% of respondents believing the savings of GenAI will offset the costs.

To learn more about IT leaders utilizing AI, read the report, “Beyond the Hype: The Businesses Reality of AI for Cybersecurity,” on Sophos.com.

To learn more about cybercriminal attitudes towards GenAI, read the report, “Cybercriminals Still Not Fully on Board the AI Train (Yet),” on Sophos.com.

AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA) of France to collaborate on the advanced technologies, component and system architectures that will shape the future of AI computing. The collaboration will leverage the strengths of both organizations to push the boundaries on energy-efficient systems needed to support the world’s most compute-intensive AI workloads in fields from energy to medicine. Through this initiative, AMD and CEA will engage in a structured collaboration, focused on technological advancements on next generation AI compute infrastructure. AMD and CEA also are planning a symposium on the future of AI compute in 2025 that will convene European stakeholders and global technology providers, startups, supercomputing centers, universities and policy makers to accelerate collaboration around state-of-the-art and emerging AI computing technologies.

“AI computing continues to drive innovation across industries, and international collaboration is critical to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Ralph Wittig, Corporate Fellow and head of research, AMD. “Through this collaboration with CEA and leading French engineers, we aim to bring cutting-edge AI research closer to real-world applications by advancing system architectures that meet the demands of tomorrow’s AI workloads, while growing the joint research and development opportunities between the U.S. and France.”

“CEA is committed to driving innovation in AI computing by advancing next-generation technologies opening the road for disruptive architectures that balance performance and energy efficiency. Our collaboration with AMD represents a significant step toward fostering international cooperation in highperformance computing, bringing together world-class expertise to address the growing demands of AI workloads,” said Julie Galland, Director of the Technological Research division at CEA, “By combining CEA’s research leadership with AMD’s cutting-edge technology, we aim to develop breakthrough solutions that will shape the future of AI computing in Europe and beyond.”

This effort underscores the AMD commitment to fostering international collaborations that accelerate AI innovation, making AI more inclusive and sustainable, and strengthening cooperation, in particular, between the United States and European research institutions.

German cleaning technology powers restorative cleaning at Fort Santiago

KÄRCHER, a world-famous German brand for cleaning technology, has partnered with the Intramuros Administration (IA) to launch a significant restorative cleaning initiative at Fort Santiago.

The project focused on cleaning parts of the reconstructed main gate and the wall façades of Baluartillo de San Miguel and Medio Baluarte de San Francisco in a restorative manner. It is part of Kärcher’s 90th anniversary challenge of undertaking 90 cleaning projects in public places, streets, communities, and historic structures around the world in 2025.

“As we celebrate our long-standing passion for technical solutions that make a difference, Kärcher proudly recommits to preserving cultural heritage across the globe. Having the esteemed Intramuros Administration as our partner is instrumental to this initiative’s success, enabling us to honor the memory of war victims and celebrate Filipinos’ heroic sacrifices,” said Darwin Banez, General Manager of Kärcher Philippines.

Fort Santiago is a concrete symbol of Filipinos’ national identity, a reflec-

Attending the ceremonial program (from left) were host Daphne Oseña-Paez; Dr. David Klebs, Economics Counsellor, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany; Daina Bartuseviciute, Director of Marketing & Product Management (ASEAN, South Korea, Taiwan & Bangladesh) at Kärcher Southeast Asia Ltd.; Atty. Joan M. Padilla, Administrator, Intramuros Administration; German cleaning expert Gerd Heidrich; and Darwin Bañez, General Manager, Kärcher Philippines.

WITH he massive success of HONOR X9c

5G, leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines today unveiled its newest offer dubbed as the best-value tough smartphone, HONOR X9c Smart 5G exclusively on Shopee for only P10,799 during Shopee 3.3 Super Brand Marathon.

“We celebrate the huge success of HONOR X9c 5G with the release of our HONOR X9c Smart 5G. With its equally durable hardware matched with high-performing software, we are confident that HONOR fans and tech enthusiasts across the Philippines will truly enjoy it. And we are very proud to be partnering with Shopee again for a very special price on 3.3 so watch out,” said HONOR Philippines vice president Stephen Cheng.

Equally Durable as HONOR X9c 5G

The HONOR X9c Smart 5G has the same SGS 5 Star Comprehensive reliability that you trust, meaning this can also withstand up to 2 meters of drop, has an all-Angle 360-Degrees Drop Resistance, 3000 Steel Wool Scratch Resistance at the back, and it got droptested in more than 10 surfaces. At the back of the HONOR X9c Smart 5G is the same Polycarbonate Polymethyl Methacrylate back cover HONOR is most known for. This means that accidental scratches against coins, keys, keychains, can be the least of your worries.

As for its water resistance capability,

Get the HONOR X9c Smart 5G for only P10,799 at Shopee 3.3

the HONOR X9c Smart 5G can also withstand a dip in water – 5 minutes under 25cm depth and 2 minutes under 50cm depth. The same triple layer protection technology also prevents water from ingress inside the device especially in its delicate components. The HONOR X9c Smart 5G can also thrive in either cold or hot environments, resisting negative 30 degrees Celsius to up to 55 degrees Celsius, representing conditions that we can be in during our daily experiences.

Large-frame Main Camera, Exceptional as Always

At the back of the HONOR X9c Smart

5G is the famous profile design of integrating circular black module that houses the dual camera system: 108MP Main Camera and 5MP Ultra-Wide Camera for your content creations.

HONOR also brings AI into this price segment for the first time to help your photography to be even better. AI Night Mode Camera automatically adjusts the right exposure and shut-

ter speed in darker conditions while AI Motion Sensing Capture snaps instantly highlight moments when significant movements are detected into your frame.

HONOR X9c Smart 5G will also carry the famous HONOR AI Eraser so users can remove unwanted photobombers or details.

Super-long Battery Life, Easy Sail Through HONOR goes beyond the expected with a bigger 5800mAh battery that

ArdentComm CEO pushes for AI in research, data analytics in PR

ANA Pista, the founder and CEO of Ardent Communications (ArdentComm), is issuing a call to action for PR and marketing professionals, as well as communication students: embrace the power of artificial intelligence.

Speaking at the UP College of Mass Communication’s “Caring for CMC, Conversations 2025” event last February 19, Pista championed the strategic integration of AI in public relations, emphasizing its crucial role in navigating the evolving media landscape.

The event, designed to foster dialogue and explore future possibilities in media and research, brought together students, academics, media professionals, and industry leaders.

During a dynamic panel discussion on Research, Data, and Analytics, Pista, alongside other industry experts, highlighted how data-driven insights, amplified by AI tools, are reshaping the way campaigns and narratives are being crafted and told.

The power of data at work

The panelists, which included Philip Tiongson, Data Science Director and Head of MX Havas Ortega; Chill Lampano, Senior Manager for Business Analytics and Research at Cignal TV; and Jonas Delos Reyes, First Vice Pres-

ident of Metrobank, shared real-world examples of how data is transforming their respective organizations.

Delos Reyes from Metrobank highlighted the increased accessibility of data and the shift towards automated analysis systems in the banking sector. “Banks have a lot of data, and we are slowly

moving away from the traditional way of analyzing customer data and are now shifting to automated systems.”

Pista, for her part, shared that at ArdentComm, research and data are not just a starting point, but a continuous thread woven throughout the entire process. “We start with research and

end with more research,” she said.

“Everything you do, especially in PR, should be backed up by data.”

She proceeded by sharing a compelling anecdote illustrating the power of AI-driven social listening and sentiment analysis. When a client information was inadvertently leaked, potentially jeopardizing an official announcement, ArdentComm leveraged AI tools to gauge public reaction. Surprisingly, the analysis revealed excitement rather than outrage, ultimately leading to a surge in subscriptions. “AI is only as good as the data you put into it, and you must first carefully analyze the data before making connections,” Pista explained.

“It’s interesting that what was seemingly a crisis situation turned out to be an opportunity,” commented Kate Delos Reyes, the moderator of the session.

AI in the workplace: Is it a good fit?

The panel also discussed how organizations and companies are adapting to the rise of AI and big data. Tiongson from Havas Ortega noted that clients are primarily concerned with effectiveness and efficiency, regardless of the specific tools used.

Converge champions educating youth in online safety and security, brings youth-oriented program to Angeles City

IN 2022, cybersecurity firm Surfshark highlighted a troubling reality – Filipino children are among the most vulnerable to cyber threats globally. Furthermore, in recent years, the Philippines has been identified as a hotspot for online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).

Given these severe risks facing young internet users, the need for education and awareness has become critically important.

In response, leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has taken on the responsibility of empowering the next generation with the knowledge required to navigate the digital world safely.

As part of its celebration of Safer Internet Day last February 11, Converge took its Project PIGLET or Privacy Integration through Guided Learning of Emerging Technologies initiative in Anunas Elementary School in Angeles City, Pampanga to share the importance of protecting personal information.

“The internet offers many opportunities for learning and connection, but it also presents certain risks. When children learn how to discern appropriate online behavior, they gain the confidence to explore more in the digital space, which is needed to succeed in our increasingly connected world,” said Converge SVP and Corporate Compliance and Data Protection Officer Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason.

“Parents play a vital role in guiding their children online. Of course, we can’t always be there to monitor their activities, but we can help them understand what to avoid. We hope the students will apply what they learn and share it with their friends and classmates,” said Converge Privacy

Compliance Officer Atty. Janine Villabeto - Solete.

With the support of its Corporate Governance and Data Privacy (CGDP) Group, Converge organized an engaging storytelling session to encourage elementary students to be vigilant in their online interactions. Parents and teachers were also invited to gain insights on how they can effectively guide their kids and students in using the internet responsibly.

“When it comes to privacy, especially in accessing websites that aren’t safe for children, we currently have no means to monitor them here at school yet. That’s why campaigns like this are so important; they help students learn early on to recognize potential risks they may encounter online,” said Jolas Cabrera, Teacher III and MAPEH Coordinator at Anunas Elementary School.

“For me, ensuring my child’s safety means teaching them to be open with parents, teachers, and trusted adults. Campaigns like this reinforce what I’ve been teaching them about communicating openly and not easily trusting strangers on the internet,” said Lodelyn Gonzales, President of the Parents-Teachers Association at Anunas Elementary School.

Project PIGLET is an initiative by the Converge CGDP Group focused on enhancing digital literacy and privacy awareness among primary school students.

‎This is the second run of Project PIGLET, following its launch at Francisco Legaspi Elementary School in Pasig last December. Converge plans to expand this campaign to more schools across the country, intending to engage more

The company engaged the school’s Grades 5 and 6 pupils in a storytelling session, encouraging them to be vigilant in their online interactions, especially with strangers.

students at other academic levels. Converge is celebrating this year’s Safer Internet Month, emphasizing the importance of self-education to protect oneself amid the rise of more advanced cybercrime schemes. The company is collaborating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) for this year’s campaign, which focuses on combating online scams.

keeps you on for up to 20 hours of video playback and up to 42 hours of online music playback. Should you run out of juice, stay just a bit longer with our low power saving mode and charge up easily with its 35W HONOR Super Charge. Not only durable outside but also inside, HONOR takes into consideration battery longevity – even after 1000 cycles or estimated 3 years, the battery will be able to retain 80% of its capacity.

All these features and large battery capacity housed in an elegant yet tough body. Slim at 7.88 mm, slender to hold at the sides with its right curvature and a front flat glass panel, which makes this a smartphone likeable to hold around.

At the front, the display of the HONOR X9c Smart 5G is also featurepacked with high brightness, refresh rate, resolution, and even color reproduction – features you only see in flagship level devices in the past. Storage and OS Larger Storage and RAM is all about the rave. Get 12GB Physical RAM plus 12GB additional HONOR Turbo RAM for a total of 24GB RAM and a reliable 256GB Storage for your content to store.

HONOR X9c Smart 5G carries the same Magic OS 8, meaning you have access to UI interfaces that improves your overall use; see notifications without leaving the current screen with magic capsule, transfer photos or text to another app quickly through magic portal, Magic Lock Screen lets you customize your phone to your preference even when not in use, and Parallel Space that enables two home screens and accesses each one when needed.

PasaJob names entrepreneur Ybañez as CEO

SINCE its founding in 2020, PasaJob has been established under the leadership of Founder and CEO, Kristen Mariano, to become one of the leading job platforms in the Philippines. To strengthen PasaJob’s leadership team, the company has brought on serial entrepreneur Eddie Ybañez to serve as CEO. Mariano will remain as COO and Chairman of the board. The transition to Ybañez could not have come at a more opportune time.

In September 2023, PasaJob launched GJobs, a mini-program it developed in collaboration with GCash as part of the latter’s “finance for all” mandate. GJobs offers a diverse selection of legitimate job opportunities for all Filipinos with different qualifications, allowing users to conveniently apply right from their phones. GJobs is also the nation’s first job platform that connects employers and job seekers through referrals; users also have the opportunity to earn by referring jobs to peers on the platform.

In less than 17 months since its launch, GJobs has onboarded 2.3 million users, who have applied for 400,000 jobs and made 1 million job referrals. Ybanez now takes the lead in accelerating PasaJob’s next wave of growth in 2025, which aims to onboard more employers and post thousands of new jobs to lead to more hired Filipinos.

Ybañez is no stranger to HR technology: He co-founded Payruler, a human resource management system and payroll system, where he served as Chief Technology Officer. Ybañez understands how to leverage technology to help Filipino talent. Reimagining the Filipino talent marketplace

To this end, Ybañez has already added several features to the product roadmap of GJobs that will simplify recruiting. At the top of the funnel, employers will have the ability to search for candidates that best meet their criteria from the database. When building a pipeline, the platform will also automatically find candidates who may be qualified that did not already apply. Finally, the platform will enable jobseekers to conduct asynchronous interviews. All of these features will be powered by artificial intelligence.

HONOR X9c Smart 5G: Packed with features

Shown here are (from left) Kate Delos Reyes (moderator), Metrobank’s Jonas Delos Reyes, Cignal TV’s Chill Lampano, Ana Pista of ArdentComm, and Philip Tiongson of MX Havas Ortega

Eddie Ybañez (Taipei Entrepreneurs Hub)

SHOWBIZ

Bond franchise shifts to Amazon

AMAZON MGM Studios will take creative control of the James Bond franchise following a landmark joint venture agreement with longtime producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the parties announced Thursday.

The deal is a major shift in the governance of one of cinema’s most valuable properties, though Wilson and Broccoli’s company will remain coowners of the franchise through the new venture, a statement said.

It also comes four years after the last Bond film, in which Daniel Craig’s secret agent bowed out, with fans left to speculate about who will replace him.

Now with Amazon at the helm,

By Angelica Villanueva

P-POP girl group BINI was named Top

Local Artist of the Year at the launch of The Official Philippines Chart on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Clubhouse BGC at The Palace.

The chart, backed by the Philippine Recorded Music Rights Inc. (PRM) and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), tracks the country’s top-performing artists and songs based on streaming data from major platforms.

BINI’s success in 2024 secured its place as the first-ever recipient of the award.

The group, known for hits like “Pantropiko,” “Salamin, Salamin,” and “Cherry on Top,” also led the weekly industry-backed chart, which ranks both local and international artists.

During the event, BINI’s leader, Jhoanna, dedicated the award to their supporters and fellow artists.

“Thank you for this award. Of course, thank you to our management, ABSCBN, Star Magic, our music label, Star Music, and Sir Jonathan Manalo,” the singer said.

“And to our BLOOMs, this award is for all the dreamers, for all our BLOOMs who always sing and dance with us. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be here,” she added. She then also thanked their fellow OPM artists who always showed their support to BINI.

“And to our fellow OPM artists, thank you for your support and love for BINI. We truly appreciate it. Let’s continue to make our local music scene thrive. Mabuhay ang musikang Pilipino,” Jhoana continued.

On the other hand, Sheena also grabbed the opportunity to express her gratitude.

“This award means so much to us. It’s a huge achievement, and we are beyond grateful. If you had asked us when we

were just trainees if this was possible, we would have said no,” Sheena shared in an interview.

“But now, we are so thankful that our music is touching lives—not just for BLOOMs but for so many people,” she added.

With all of their milestones, when asked what they want to achieve now, Jhoanna told Manila Standard Entertainment, “To perform at Coachella and KCON together with the members.”

Topping the list of the Top 10 Local Artists of the Year is BINI, followed by Hev Abi, Ben&Ben, Cup of Joe, Arthur Nery, Dionela, TJ Monterde, Maki, Al James, and Flow G

Meanwhile, the Top 10 Local Songs of the Year include TJ Monterde’s “Palagi” at No. 1, followed by “Dilaw” by Maki, “Sining” by Dionela, “Salamin, Salamin” by BINI, “Pantropiko” by BINI, “Babaero,” “Walang Alam,” and “Alam Mo Ba Girl,” by Hev Abi, “Tingin” by Cup of Joe, and “Take All the Love” by Arthur Nery.

Maki, who secured a spot in the Top 10, shared his excitement and appreciation for the recognition.

“I am so happy and grateful to be in a place I once only dreamed of. With the amount of love and support we are receiving, who wouldn’t be motivated?” he said.

Meanwhile, TJ achieved another major feat, winning “Top Local Song of the Year” for his chart-topping single “Palagi,” solidifying his place as one of the most-streamed artists of 2024.

“This is my dream, and I am finally living it. At this point in my career, I don’t want to focus on numbers. I just want to keep writing songs—this recognition is simply a bonus,” TJ said.

The Official Philippine Chart is expected to release weekly rankings, offering valuable insights into the latest music trends and developments on the local scene.

the audience may not have to wait too long, with company founder Jeff Bezos taking to social media to solicit opinions.

“Who’d you pick as the next Bond?” Bezos asked followers on X.

The agreement coincides with the retirement of Wilson and Broccoli from active production of the Bond films.

Wilson, whose career with 007 spans nearly 60 years, said he would focus on “art and charitable projects,” while Broccoli announced plans to pursue other ventures following the conclusion of No Time to Die

The new arrangement gives Amazon MGM Studios creative authority over future productions of the franchise, which

has been closely guarded by the Broccoli family since Albert “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Saltzman first brought Ian Fleming’s character to theaters. The pair were steadfast in preserving the integrity of the James Bond character and brand and resisted spin-offs and licensing that they felt might have tarnished the franchise. The financial terms of the joint venture were not disclosed.

No Time to Die — the 25th James Bond film — was released in 2021 and earned $775 million. There have been no announcements regarding the timeline for production of the next film or Craig’s replacement. AFP

Lino Cayetano’s political comeback takes a telenovela-like turn

Very Wang Nickie Wang

DIRECTOR and film producer Lino Cayetano is no stranger to drama, both on-screen and in real life. But his latest challenge—his bid for Congress in Taguig’s 1st district—has taken an unexpected twist worthy of a primetime soap opera.

What was once a unified political front within the Cayetano family now appears fractured, with his brother, Senator Alan Cayetano , backing a rival candidate.

The former Taguig mayor had expected Alan’s support, especially after twice stepping aside to make way for his sisterin-law, Lani Lopez Cayetano , in previous mayoral races. Instead, Lino now finds himself in a political contest not just against opponents but seemingly against his own family’s influence.

We spoke with Direk Lino for nearly three hours on Monday at Valencia Events Place in San Juan, owned by the Monteverde

family. Regal Entertainment hosted a dinner with the press for Direk Lino, led by Roselle Monteverde and her son, Keith

Despite the numerous questions and the extended discussion, Direk Lino remained engaged, responding with passion and sincerity. He wasted no time in tackling the evening’s most controversial topic.

“I believe both Mayor Lani and Kuya Alan have good intentions, but some people with

personal interests are trying to drive a wedge between us,” he told entertainment reporters.

Direk Lino, known for his independent streak, has built his political identity outside his family’s traditional stronghold. During his tenure as mayor, Taguig earned recognition as a “Model City” from the Department of Health (DOH), the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the private sector. His administration spearheaded pandemic response efforts, including health centers, drivethru testing sites, and one of the country’s fastest vaccination rollouts. Taguig was also among the first cities to reopen cinemas, aiding in the entertainment industry’s recovery.

On the showbiz front, Direk Lino remains active in film and television. As a producer, he champions collaboration. His company, Rein Entertainment, has partnered with ABS-CBN, iflix, GMA, Viva, and now Regal Entertainment for the film Caretakers

“I believe in the importance of partnerships. During the pandemic, I worked with several mayors, even those outside my political circle.

“As a producer, I’ve witnessed how even rival production companies came together for the greater good,” Direk Lino said. Like his upcoming horror film Caretakers , starring Iza Calzado and Dimples Romana and directed by Shugo Praico , Direk Lino believes that, in the end, collaboration is key.

“Everything we do is not just for ourselves but for the next generation,” he added. He also enjoys support from showbiz friends, including Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino, and Ian Veneracion

Director and film producer Lino Cayetano

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

Retail brand reopens Jewelry Market with exclusive local designs

By Angelica Villnueva

KULTURA’S Jewelry Market is back until Feb. 28, showcasing handcrafted designs that celebrate Filipino artistry.

Explore South Sea pearls, freshwater gems, and semi-precious stones—perfect for those who love timeless elegance or bold statement pieces.

Kultura’s expanded jewelry collection has something for everyone. If you’re looking for luxury, the South Sea pearls are a standout. Harvested from Palawan’s clear waters, these pearls have a rich golden shine and exceptional quality, making them timeless treasures.

Freshwater pearls, on the other hand, come in soft, natural colors that blend classic beauty with a modern touch. Whether in bright white or gentle pastels, these versatile pearls can easily match any style or outfit.

With their organic, irregular shapes, Baroque pearls add a unique, artistic touch to any jewelry collection. These irregularly shaped gems are one-of-a-kind, offering a bold yet sophisticated addition to any collection. Their unconventional shapes make them ideal for those looking to make a style statement with ease.

The market also highlights semi-precious stones—natural gemstones known for their unique healing properties. With a stunning array of colors, these stones provide ample opportunity for mixing and matching, letting shoppers create their perfect look with the power of personalization.

On the other hand, carahorn accessories are ethically crafted from discarded carabao horns. These sustainable pieces blend traditional materials with contemporary design. The pieces are ethically sourced and beautifully crafted, embracing sustainability while delivering standout designs. Treat yourself or find the perfect gift with special discounts throughout February with up to 20 percent off on jewelry purchases worth P9,999 and below and up to 25 percent off on purchases of P10,000 and above (single receipt).

This year’s lineup features beloved names in Filipino jewelry, including A-M Pearls, Glynyz, Hiyas Pilipinas, Kara de Juan, and My Gems.

The full collection is available online at www. kulturafilipino.com, making it easier than ever to support local craftsmanship from wherever you are.

Chef Père Massana: A Michelin-starred Legacy

Watching his father and other chefs at work, seeing them transform simple market ingredients into incredible dishes, was fascinating for the young Père. Over time, he realized that there was nothing else he wanted to do but become a chef. What he loves most about this profession is that it opens doors to incredible opportunities around the world, allowing him to experience new cultures, flavors, and ways of thinking about food. But at the same time, the farther away he goes, the more he realizes how much his roots, family, and closest circle of friends truly mean to him.

From Spain to Siargao

“Trust your instincts when the right opportunity comes along,” says Chef Père on the reason why he moved to Siargao for work. A friend who was working on the island presented him with the opportunity, and from the moment he set foot in the island paradise, he knew he had made the right decision.

make all the difference. From day one, everyone makes you feel at home, creating a sense of community that turns work into something much more meaningful,” Chef Père continues. While in Siargao, he loved preparing Filipino dishes, especially the ones he learned from the “nanays” (mothers) when he first started working in Siargao. The island-style kinilaw with coconut milk and classic dishes like any kind of adobo or pork humba are among his favorites. Culinary dream

A GASTRONOMIC journey in Siargao can range from casual beachfront eateries to upscale restaurants, each offering a distinct culinary experience. As a guest of Nay Palad Hideaway in Siargao, I met the resort’s executive chef and had a conversation about his culinary journey and the inspiration behind his creations.

Meet Chef Père Massana, a culinary artist whose passion for Mediterranean and bold Asian gastronomy has brought him to the shores of Siargao. With a Michelin star proudly adorning his family-owned Massana Restaurant, his passion and precision in making delectable dishes never wavered. Their family restaurant business is located in Girona, Spain, and has held the most sought-after Michelin star since 2007. Born and raised in Girona, a charming small city in Catalunya, Spain, he grew up in a family of restaurateurs. He went to school in Girona, and being from a small town meant that friends and family were always close, shaping him into a very family-oriented person. On weekends, he and his older brother would help out at the restaurant, where his passion for cooking truly began.

“It’s a completely different experience from working in a city, I can promise you that. At first, it feels a bit strange, but once you take a moment to look around, you realize how free you feel. The pace is more relaxed, and the people around you

“I would love to open a gourmet restaurant in the Philippines someday. The food scene, especially in Manila, has been booming with incredible new spots, and I believe this growth will only continue. People are eager to discover new culinary experiences, and there’s a real appetite for fresh, innovative places to explore,” Chef Père states on his dream of starting a business in the Philippines. Whether in Spain, Manila, or Siargao, Chef Père’s journey never ends—it simply simmers, waiting to be served. Bon appétit! For more Dee-Tails, you may reach the author at angeloardee2@gmail.com

The chef aims to have his own gourmet restaurant in the Philippines in the future

He loves how his profession opens doors to new cultures, flavors, and food perspectives

Staying in Siargao makes him love the Filipino dishes

Kultura’s Jewelry Market runs until Feb. 28

A.M. Jewelry Studio features elegantly crafted pieces that blend classic designs with modern aesthetics, suitable for any occasion

Marian Rivera is wearing pearl jewelry made of freshwater pearls and semi-precious stone

Chef Père Massana hails from a family of restaurateurs in Girona, Spain