peachment trial even as some lawmakers express irritation over delays in the process.
THE House of Representatives has formed an Impeachment Secretariat to provide technical and administrative support to public prosecutors handling
im-
HE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.
This was outlined in Memorandum Order No. 19-1006 (SG) dated February 27, issued by House Secretary General Reginald Velasco.
P1.2-b new bridge collapses
Isabela guv blames dump truck with 102-ton boulders; 6 injured
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.
CMendoza narrated before congressmen how Garma allegedly facilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.
The whistleblower also implicated incumbent National Police Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.
By Jessica Bacud, Vito Barcelo and Rex Espiritu
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.
ABAGAN, Isabela—A portion of the P1.2 billion Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge in Isabela collapsed Thursday evening, four weeks after it was completed earlier this month. The Department of Public Works and Highways said Friday analysis has started to determine the cause of the collapse. The third span of the arch bridge, which took over a decade to complete since construction began in November 2014, gave way when a dump truck carrying boulders with an estimated gross vehicle weight of around 102 tons passed over it. Six people were injured, including two children while four vehi -
Garma, herself an ex-police Lt. Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in-
Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry
THE legal counsel of Chinese businessman Tony Yang sought to disparage lawmakers’ conclusions about his client’s supposedly sketchy past and his alleged ties with Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) and even organized crime.
Lawyer Raymond Fortun questioned the House Quad Committee’s impartiality and its ability to pin Chinese national Yang down for ay wrongdoing in a real criminal court.
adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Fortun, a lawyer who often finds himself at the center high-profile cases, apparently sought to mock congressmen, calling their probe “unacceptable.”
However, House members argued they did not come by their suspicions about Yang recklessly.
of illegal drugs and illegal activities associated with POGOs,” Suarez said in a mixture of Filipino and English.
The solons explained how the matrix details Yang’s connections to other individuals involved in illicit
A BRIDGE NO MORE. The third span of the P1.2 billion CabaganSanta Maria Bridge in Isabela collapsed Thursday evening. Inset shows an SUV and truck which went down with the broken span. Six people were injured, including two children in the accident. while two other vehicles were damaged. DPWH Region 2, John Cris Gazzingan Cabasag.
“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
GUIDELINES for the accreditation of media representatives should not be used to limit Constitutional rights to freedom of speech, expression, and the press, the Supreme Court said.
“Any limitation on the exercise of free speech ‘must be justified on legiti-
By Darwin Amojelar
TRANSPORTATION Secretary Jaime Bautista denied an online news report claiming that Malacañang was angry with the increase in airport fees without the approval of the Cabinet members.
“The Bilyonaryo article is malicious and unfounded,” Bautista said in a Viber message, referring to the website that published the said story. “Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added.
By Charles Dantes
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joined Islamic communities in the Philippines and around the world on Friday in welcoming the Holy Month of Ramadan, calling it a time for reflection, spiritual growth, and unity.
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
mate grounds that are clear and indubitable and with means that are narrowly tailored and only specifically calibrated to achieve those purposes,’” the SC said.
in contempt for “lying” to about his businesses and business partners.
Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal
a 2011 Customs memo was promulgated in April 2024 but was only made public this month.
not unnecessarily sweep on the rights of legitimate media personalities,” it added.
The High Court's 15-page decision on a petition filed by journalists against
By Rex Espiritu
"This sacred season marks the revelation of the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), a period for personal reflection, spiritual growth, and a renewed commitment to faith for our beloved Muslim brothers and sisters," Mr. Marcos said in a statement.
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 -
“No matter how laudable the objective of respondent in weeding out illegitimate media personalities, the means used to achieve such an objective must
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.
“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.
LOS ANGELES, United States—Oscar-winning cinema giant Gene Hackman and his wife have been found dead in their home in an incident police are calling "suspicious." The bodies of Hackman, 95, and his classical pianist wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, along
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
The Customs Tri-Media Association Inc. and other journalists covering the Bureau of Customs earlier challenged
THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Health (DOH) are calling on the Commission on Audit (COA) to conduct a special audit on funds previously released for Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (PHEBA)
home by maintenance workers found the door unlocked and open, and pills scattered next to Arakawa's body, which was in the bathroom. It appeared Arakawa had been dead "for some time," with the body in a state of decomposition, the warrant noted.
timely
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
Pope Francis’ health getting better—Vatican
POPE Francis's condition is not currently critical, a Vatican source said Friday, after a series of clinical improvements for the 88-year-old pontiff suffering from pneumonia in both lungs.
The Argentine pope has spent the past two weeks at Rome's Gemelli hospital, with the Vatican reporting incremental improvements in his condition in recent days.
A Vatican source said Friday that the "criticality has passed, for the moment," while cautioning that Francis's overall condition "remains complex" and his prognosis still "reserved."
Earlier Friday, the Vatican said the pope had spent another peaceful night in hospital.
Death..
From A1
Hackman's body was found in another room, fully clothed, with sun glasses next to his body, apparently having fallen suddenly.
A German Shepherd was found dead in the bathroom, and two other healthy dogs were at the house.
Hackman's daughter Elizabeth Jean told entertainment outlet TMZ that carbon monoxide poisoning may be to blame for the deaths of the couple, who married in 1991.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza told a press conference that an initial inspection by the local fire department had not found high levels of the gas, but no conclusions had been drawn yet.
"This is an investigation, so we're keeping everything on the table," he said, adding that there was no sign of a struggle.
Initial autopsy findings showed "no external trauma to either individual," the sheriff's office said in a written update.
Carbon monoxide and toxicology tests have been requested but results are still pending and no cause of death has been determined, it said.
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, was credited for intense performances of everyman characters inspired by his troubled upbringing, notching up dozens of movie credits extending into his 70s.
He is perhaps best known as vulgar New York cop Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in the 1971 crime thriller "The French Connection"—for which he won an Oscar for best actor.
He won another golden statuette two decades later for best supporting actor for his portrayal of the brutal small-town sheriff "Little Bill" Daggett in the 1992 western "Unforgiven."
'Inspiring and magnificent' Hollywood director Francis Ford Coppola on Thursday mourned his death.
"The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman a great actor,
DOH,...
filed before the announced deadline, the DOH and DBM have received various appeals and additional requests for HEA payments from health facilities that were not covered by previous releases,” the DBM wrote.
“In light of these developments, including further appeals for additional funding requirements for PHEBA, the DBM, and the DOH agreed during the Monthly Economic Managers’ Meeting held on Feb. 17, 2025, to request the Commission on Audit (COA) to conduct a special audit of the previously released and disbursed funds for the payment of all PHEBA claims to ensure proper accounting of public funds spent for this purpose.”
The DBM has allotted and released to the DOH a total of P121.325 billion, covering all healthcare workers (HCW) and non-HCW worker benefits for eligible claims from 2020 to 2023. The P121.325 billion covered the grant of Special Risk Allowance, HEA or One COVID-19 Allowance, COVID-19 Sickness and Death Compensation, and other benefits like meal, accommodation, and transportation allowances.
In 2024, the health department re-
After being hospitalized on February 14 for breathing difficulties, the pontiff's condition sparked widespread alarm as it deteriorated into pneumonia in both lungs.
But there has been no recurrence of the breathing attack he suffered at the weekend and since then the Vatican has released more optimistic medical updates.
On Monday, it said Francis showed a "slight improvement," and
inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity," Coppola wrote in a post on Instagram.
Clint Eastwood, who starred alongside Hackman in "Unforgiven," told Variety: "There was no finer actor than Gene. Intense and instinctive. Never a false note. He was also a dear friend whom I will miss very much."
Not blessed with leading man good looks, Hackman drew on his talents and versatility, taking on a series of gritty roles and delivering thoughtful, intelligent performances.
"I wanted to act, but I'd always been convinced that actors had to be handsome," the actor once said.
Born in Illinois during the Great Depression, Hackman came from a broken family.
His father left when he was 13, waving enigmatically as he drove away one day, and his mother later died in a fire.
He also served an unpleasant stint in the US Marines, which he joined at 16 by lying about his age. But he later used his personal turmoil to flesh out his characters.
Acting success came relatively late in life. According to Hollywood legend, after his enrollment at the Pasadena Playhouse in California in the late 1950s, he and a fellow student, one Dustin Hoffman, were voted the "least likely to succeed."
On graduation, Hackman found work off-Broadway and began to turn heads. He earned his first Oscar nomination for best supporting actor in "Bonnie and Clyde."
That landmark 1967 film, in which Hackman played Clyde's brother Buck Barrow, put him on track for stardom.
Into the 21st century, he starred in "The Heist" and "The Royal Tenenbaums" in 2001, the latter winning him his third competitive Golden Globe, before announcing his retirement in 2008.
"It really costs me a lot emotionally to watch myself on screen," Hackman once said.
"I think of myself, and feel like I'm quite young, and then I look at this old man with the baggy chins and the tired eyes and the receding hairline and all that." AFP
quested additional funds amounting to P27.453 billion to fully cover the requirements of the PHEBA program.
In the same year, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the release of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to P27.453 billion to cover the full requirement for the supposed final computation of the PHEBA arrears.
“Given this, we would like to emphasize that the DBM has fully released the additional funding to cover the total remaining unpaid HEA claims of health care workers since last year, in adherence to the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.,” the DBM noted.
The two agencies said they raised serious concerns among economic managers about why the funding requirements to cover the incentives remain uncertain almost two years after the state of public health emergency due to COVID-19 was lifted by the President in July 2023
"This situation creates uncertainties regarding the government's payment obligations for this purpose," they pointed out.
Aside from the special audit, the DOH has agreed to finalize the list of health emergency allowance recipients to resolve the longstanding concern with finality.
on Tuesday noted that his condition was "critical but stable," the last time it used the term "critical" for his condition.
A "further, slight improvement" was reported Wednesday and on Thursday the Vatican said the "clinical conditions of the Holy Father are confirmed to be improving today also."
Still reserved
The Vatican has not yet modified the pope's prognosis of "reserved," however, which means doctors will not predict changes in his health.
Medical experts have warned that Francis's age and the chronic respiratory disease from which he suffers mean a sustained recovery could take time.
P1.2-b...
From A1
The regional office said it requested experts from the Bureau of Design and Bureau of Construction of the agency's central office to "conduct further evaluation and assessment."
Isabela Gov. Rodito Albano III blamed the weight of the dump truck that passed the completed bridge.
"It passed during nighttime. Maybe it has been doing that for how many days now. That weakened the structure of the bridge," Albano said.
He said he will seek the help of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the reconstruction of the collapsed part of the bridge.
The bridge linking the towns of Cabagan and Santa Maria was completed on February 1, 2025.
PBBM...
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Ramadan will begin on Sunday, March 2. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The announcement of the date will also be announced by the mufti based on the result of the moon sighting at that time. It is observed through fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, which President Marcos described as essential to fostering solidarity and strengthening a sense of belonging.
The President emphasized that the season serves as a powerful catalyst for social transformation by instilling discipline and gratitude.
House...
From A1
“The House Secretariat plays a vital role in ensuring the orderly conduct of legislative proceedings, including impeachment trials. This directive ensures that the prosecution team has access to essential logistical, research, and documentation support to facilitate a smooth and efficient trial process,” Velasco said.
The Impeachment Secretariat will be composed of personnel from key House departments, including the Office of the Secretary-General, Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Legislative Operations Department, Legal Affairs Department, and other relevant units.
Their functions will include plenary support, legal research, records management, stenographic transcription, information technology, security, and administrative coordination.
Velasco emphasized the assigned personnel will adhere to strict House rules and ethical guidelines, ensuring transparency and professionalism throughout the process.
“This is a routine function aligned with our constitutional duty. The House Secretariat remains neutral and professional in fulfilling its mandate,” he added.
It was explained that House personnel assigned to the Senate will record their attendance through the designated HousePass monitoring system, and their schedules will be managed by their respective offices.
“As the impeachment process moves forward, the Impeachment Secretariat will continue to provide the necessary support to uphold the
"Given the complexity of the clinical picture, further days of clinical stability are necessary to resolve the prognosis," the Vatican said Thursday.
Francis—who has been pope since 2013—has continued to work in hospital, where he is in a special papal suite on the 10th floor.
He also has been doing breathing exercises in between resting and praying, according to the Vatican.
This hospital stay is the fourth of his nearly 12-year papacy, and his longest.
In recent years, he has had surgery on his colon, a hernia operation and pain in his knee and hip that have caused him to rely on a wheelchair.
There has been speculation as to
This structure extends over a length of 990 meters and comprises 12 arch sections along with nine pre-stressed concrete girder spans.
The contractor for the project is RD Interior Junior Construction, listed as a single proprietorship licensed by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board as Class "B" in General Building.
Senatorial candidate Panfilo Lacson yesterday expressed deep concern over the collapse of a portion of the newlyconstructed bridge, calling for accountability from those responsible.
"Why would it collapse? When it was built, locals said it was never really used by trucks. What is the purpose of a bridge if trucks can't pass through it?"
"Maybe the materials were substandard. Until someone is held accountable and jailed, this wo;n't stop," Lacson said.
"It is a time that calls us to reflect deeply on our purpose, extend kindness to those in need, and uplift those around us," he said.
Mr. Marcos also highlighted the values of humility and dedication to faith, urging Filipinos to find strength in these principles as the country works toward collective progress.
"May this guide us in our thrust towards collective progress for us to reach the light of hope that shines brightly for all. I wish everyone a meaningful and solemn Ramadan," he said.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a sacred period observed by Muslims worldwide. It is marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, with prayers and acts of charity, all aimed at fostering spiritual discipline and empathy for the less fortunate.
integrity of the proceedings,” Velasco explained.
Meanwhile, a member of the 11man House prosecution panel warned that further delaying Duterte’s impeachment trial could result in the tampering of evidence and intimidation of witnesses, potentially weakening the case.
During a press briefing, Manila
Rep. Joel Chua was asked to respond to the timeline set by Senate President Francis Escudero which would have the impeachment trial begin on June 2, or into the 20th Congress’ term.
The lawmaker emphasized that House prosecutors want the trial to begin as soon as possible to preserve the integrity of the evidence and ensure that key witnesses remain willing to testify.
“Well, of course, we respect our Senate President, but we want to do it [impeachment trial] right away because looking at the evidence that we have gathered… it involves tampering of evidence,” he said in Filipino.
“Second, our witnesses, of course we know that maybe later, if it takes a while, some witnesses may develop jitters as the process drags on,” the Manila solon added Earlier this week, Escudero released a proposed impeachment trial calendar, indicating that the Senate would resume session on June 2, convene as an impeachment court on June 3, and begin the trial on July 30, nearly five months after the House transmitted the articles of impeachment.
However, Chua emphasized that despite the upcoming elections, members of the House prosecution panel remain committed to fulfilling their role in the impeachment process.
whether Francis might now resign, especially as his schedule has been packed with papal duties amid celebrations for the holy Jubilee year.
"If the pope survives, many imagine that he will want to finish the Jubilee year, but that afterwards, when he is 89, he will face the question of whether or not to resign," Italian Vatican expert Marco Politi told Agence France Presse (AFP).
Francis has always been open to following his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who in 2013 stepped down because of his physical and mental health.
But the Argentine pope, before his hospitalization, had repeatedly said it is not yet the time—and may never be. AFP
Slower demand, inventories to push fuel prices lower — DOE
By Alena Mae S. Flores
CONSUMERS can expect a rollback in pump prices next week by as much as P1.50 per liter due to sluggish demand in Korea and high inventories in the US.
“We will be expecting a rollback in the prices of petroleum products by next week based on the 4 day trading in MOPS (Mean of Platts Singapore) and relevant news of the week,” DOE Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) director Rodela Romero said.
Romero estimates the rollback for gasoline and gasoline at between P0.90 to P1.20 per liter, and kerosene at P1.30 to P1.50 per liter.
Romero said several factors contributed to the anticipated price rollback next week such as Korea’s sluggish fuel demand due to the lowered tax benefits; and the high US refined products inventories.
She said the easing geopolitical risk due to progress on the UkraineRussia ceasefire deal; and upcoming tariffs being imposed by the US could also slow demand.
“Final adjustments would be determined after the last trading today (Friday),” Romero said.
Meanwhile, Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas echoed the forecast of the DOE of a possible rollback.
Bellas said diesel prices will likely go down by P0.70 to P0.90 per liter and gasoline by P0.80 to P1 per liter.
SC:...
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the legality of Customs Memorandum Order No. 37-2011.
The order, in a bid to ensure that only bona fide media professionals were allowed entry, imposed a "no ID, no entry” policy and required that media interviews with Customs officials and employees must be prearranged.
The High Court said there is no need to rule on the constitutionality of the order as it was already repealed in January 2014.
"The express repeal of a statute and the declaration of unconstitutionality produce a similar effect on the subject enactment. The enactment ceases to exist and produces no legal effect,” the High Court said.
Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, however, issued a dissenting opinion, arguing the High Court should have ruled on the constitutionality of the memorandum despite its repeal “to guide the Bench and the Bar, and to avoid its repetition in the near future.”
“Information gathering is necessary to journalistic work. When the State hampers this task, it harms the role of the press in a democracy. Any regulation that goes into the content of the press, as in this case, only stifles the exercise of free expression, speech, and of the press,” Leonen said.
Army advisory body formed amid external defense shift
By Rex Espiritu
THE Philippine Army announced Friday the creation of a new advisory council to support its shift towards external security operations and its ongoing modernization efforts.
In a statement, Army Spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the newly formed Strategic Advisory Council (SAC) held its inaugural meeting on February 27, at the Philippine Army Officers’ Clubhouse in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
During the meeting, Army Chief Lieutenant Gen. Roy Galido outlined the council’s objectives and direction, focusing on key reforms essential to achieving organizational and operational efficiency, according to Dema-ala.
The Army at present has been implementing significant enhancements in terms of logistics management, education and training, human resource development, and healthcare services.
Dema-ala said the newly formed SAC allows members to focus more effectively on their advisory roles while promoting greater involvement from stakeholders.
The SAC, which includes representatives from academe, media, governance and diplomatic sectors, replaces the Multi-Sectoral Advisory Board (MSAB), which played a pivotal role in the Army’s pursuit of meaningful transformation since its establishment in 2011.
SAIL AWAY. The Department of Tourism’s arm in the Cordillera Administrative Region hosted the Parade of Fluvial Floats as part of the 29th Panagbenga Festival. Eight floral floats bedecked with various varieties of colorful flowers parade took part in the parade that took place at the Burnham Park Lake. Dave Leprozo
‘Lower rice prices’—Speaker
By Maricel V. Cruz and Othel V. Campos
HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez on Friday urged candidates in the 2025 midterm elections to prioritize rice affordability, stressing that while recent government measures have yielded positive results, sustained efforts are necessary to achieve long-term solutions.
He emphasized that moderating the price of rice should be the primary focus of government efforts to curb inflation on basic goods.
Romualdez acknowledged the government’s proactive steps, including
the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) declaration of a food security emergency, which allowed the release of the National Food Authority’s (NFA) rice buffer stocks to stabilize retail prices and ensure consumer accessibility.
Additionally, the DA has set a maximum suggested retail price (SRP) of P49 per kilo for imported rice starting in March, while NFA rice is being made available at P35 per kilo to support lowincome consumers.
“We know that each grain of rice is important to every Filipino family. We are seeing positive steps taken by the government, but we should not be complacent. We have a lot of work to do to ensure that the price of rice is affordable for everyone,” Romualdez said in Filipino.
“We appeal to LGUs to expedite the pullout of rice reserves. This will free up space in our warehouses, enabling us to procure more palay and ensure farmers aren’t at the mercy of traders pushing down prices,” Lacson said, stressing that storage capacities are nearly breached.
Meanwhile, the National Food Authority (NFA) is urging local government units (LGUs) to accelerate the pullout of rice stocks under the current food security emergency to free up storage space. NFA administrator Larry Lacson said the move will allow the NFA to purchase more palay from local farmers, protecting them from price manipulators.
CHEATING INSTRUCTIONS.
COMELEC Chairman George Garcia led the filing of a complaint today against lawyer Jeryll Harold Respicio, a vice mayor aspirant in Reina Mercedes, Isabela, at the City Prosecutor’s Office of Manila City Hall for violating the Anti-Cybercrime Law. According to the poll body, the complaint was filed after Respicio posted on his social media account instructions on how to hack the automated counting machine and source code intended for the 2025 elections. Norman Cruz
Chinese national tagged in foreigners’ kidnappings
THE suspected mastermind of the abduction of a 14-year student in Taguig earlier this week is also believed to have masterminded the kidnappings of other foreign nationals, the Presidential Anti Organized Crime Commission said.
IN BRIEF
Solon: Reforms in PH marriage laws needed
REP. Jude Acidre of Tingog party-list group told the religious sector that there is a need for marriage law reforms in the country.
Acidre, during the 31st National Convention of the Canon Law Society of the Philippines (CLSP) held from February 24 to 27, pushed for the passage of House Bill 10970, a measure that seeks to expand the grounds for marriage nullity and legal separation, streamline judicial proceedings, and recognize church declarations of nullity in civil courts.
The annual CLSP convention, which gathered experts in both civil and ecclesiastical law, carried the theme “The Church and The State: Distinct but not Separate.” Acidre emphasized that existing laws on marriage nullity remain restrictive, leaving many Filipinos unable to seek legal remedies despite being in invalid unions. Maricel V. Cruz
Comelec files cybercrime raps vs. Isabela bet
A COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) task force on Friday filed a complaint before the City Prosecutor’s Office of Manila against a vice mayoral candidate from Isabela province for allegedly violating the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Lowering food costs top voters’ concerns
By Rachelle Tonelada
The DILG earlier tagged Wang Dan Yu as the prime suspect in the fatal shooting of another Chinese national in a hotpot restaurant in Makati City in October 2024.
On Friday, PAOCC Spokesperson Winston Casio said the commission has been coordinating with several embassies over abductions led by a certain Wang Dan Yu, also known as Bao Long, who leads a kidnap ring targeting Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). “So we will be providing all the information necessary to counterparts in the Philippine National Police and Department of the Interior and Local Government,” he told reporters in a mixture of Filipino and English.
It was revealed that the victim’s parents and the kidnappers were conversing on WeChat, a popular messaging app in mainland China.
The latter demanded a ransom of $20 million, but police said the family coordinated with the PNP hence no ransom was paid.
Police said the kidnappers had released the teen victim because of pressure that authorities were closing in on them.
His name resurfaced after the 14-year-old student wet missing since February 20 but was found on a roadside in Parañaque City on Tuesday evening.
WITH the country’s recent declaration of a food security emergency, access to affordable food has become a top priority for Filipinos, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by Stratbase Group.
New public opinion poll shows 90% of Filipinos say they will vote for candidates who advocate for agricultural development and food security.
The findings are consistent with last month’s survey, suggesting that 94% of Filipinos were likely to support candidates championing the same cause.
The survey results come amid rising food prices, making accessibility a growing concern.
Task Force KKK sa Halalan said that lawyer Jeryll Harold Respicio posted videos on his Facebook page that allegedly demonstrate methods how to tamper and manipulate the 2025 elections through hacking the automated counting machines and accessing the local source code.
Respicio is a candidate for the vice mayoral position in Reina Mercedes, Isabela province.
“This situation is alarming. Beyond the spread of misinformation, it poses a significant risk as it conditions the public to believe that elections can be manipulated,” Comelec Chair George Garcia said. Vito Barcelo
Use of Davao City school for Quiboloy campaign hit
A PARTY-LIST lawmaker condemned the alleged use of a public school in Davao City for the campaign activities of detained Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is facing child sex trafficking charges.
“It is deeply disturbing that a public educational institution is allegedly being used as a platform for what appears to be campaign activities for someone facing such grave charges against women and children,” Rep. Arlene Brosas of Gabriela Women’s Party said.
The lawmaker was referring to a recent ceremony at the Jose T. Quiboloy Sr. National High School where city government-funded projects were inaugurated, with representatives of Quiboloy in attendance.
“What message are we conveying to our youth if we celebrate people accused of abusing women and youth? This is not the kind of example we should be teaching our children,” she said in Filipino. Maricel V. Cruz
Cavite dengue cases ‘alarming’
By Dennis Abrina
HEALTH authorities have placed Cavite under alert amid alarming increase in dengue incidence in the entire province.
The Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) recorded said it recorded 3379 cases through the General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Medical Hospital in Trece Martires City from January 1 to February 22, 2025 data.
Provincial health officer Dr. Nelson
Avoid banned items during air trips—OTS
By Joel E. Zurbano
THE Office for Transportation Security (OTS) has urged air travelers to regularly check the agency’s website or social media pages to stay informed about items that are prohibited on airplanes and at airports.
This as airport security personnel continue to apprehend individuals found in possession of banned items, including firearms, gun replicas, ammunition, and amulets.
The most recent incident occurred at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2, where a passenger bound for Iloilo was caught with an amulet. The prohibited item was turned over to the Philippine National Police - Aviation Security Group for proper handling, and the passenger was allowed to board after surrendering the banned item.
OTS Undersecretary Crizaldo Nieves emphasized the importance of checking the OTS website and Facebook page for travel information, including the list of prohibited items. "Many passengers are still bringing bullets, claiming to use them as amulets, to our airports. We remind passengers not to bring these items to avoid any inconvenience during their travels," he said.
Soriano said the figure represented an increase of 409 percent higher compared to the same period of last year which logged 664 cases.
Ten municipalities reported more than 100 cases of dengue, led by Imus with 501, followed by Bacoor with 456,
Dasmariñas with 416, General Trias with 394, Tanza 335, Cavite City had 223, Naic 219, Rosario 141, Kawit 124, and Carmona City with 112.
Thirty-three patients out of the 3379 were classified as severe, while 126 or 63 percent were given warning signs, and 1,220 or 38 percent with no warning signs.
So far, eight patients had died, three of them from Trece Martires, two from Gen. Mariano Alvarez, and one each from Silang, Carmona, and Bacoor.
According to Imus Mayor Alex Advincula of Imus, the dengue outbreak was not isolated in Cavite alone, adding
that Metro Manila was also encountering the same problem.
“The local government of Imus continues to act, our City Health Office and City Environment Office staff conducted misting, fogging the cleanup drive in every sitio and barangay to fight dengue,” Advincula said. "I told every barangay I go to, the surroundings must always be clean. We give out lotions to every school in the city, hoping that we will continue to fight dengue cases with our cooperation; we will be able to reduce it," Advincula added.
THAI FLOW. Alon Calmado performs the Thai Flow at the University of the Philippines College of Science amphitheater in preparation for the upcoming U.P. Flow Festival 2025. Revoli Cortez
IN BRIEF
DAR worker loses job over name-dropping
THE Department of Agrarian Reform on Friday ordered the dismissal of a contract of service worker for alleged name-dropping.
The government employee in question was reportedly designated as an administrative support staff IV of Assistant Secretary Ubaldo Sadiarin Jr. Russel Smith allegedly dropped the name of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III in an attempt to wiggle himself out of an illegal parking violation on Timog Ave. in Quezon City.
A video footage of the incident showed Smith refusing to present his driver’s license and speeding away to evade apprehension.
“Fire him!” an irate Estrella directed Sadiarin. Rio N. Araja
Mandanas cites role of education in politics
BATANGAS Gov. Hermilando Mandanas on Thursday stressed the crucial role of educational assistance programs, saying having educated voters in the future is an investment.
Speaking before the Kapihan sa Klub Inc., Mandanas pointed out that educating the youth “will produce an informed and intelligent citizenry, and would allow the election of the right people in the government.” "What should be taught must not only include those that are inside a book, but also the values that will make them good in the future. This will help build a society that is godly, humane, and nationalistic," said Mandanas, who is running for vice governor in the upcoming May elections. He underscored that having educated men and women in the society will help address social problems, such as corruption which is very rampant especially during election season. Pot Chavez
Cavite policemen get 50 new motorcycles
THE Cavite principal police office on Thursday got 50 brand new Yamaha motorcycles from the office of Cavite Gov. Athena Tolentino during a turnover ceremony held at Camp Brig. Gen. Pantaleon Garcia in Imus City, Cavite police chief Col, Dwight Alegre received the motorcycles on behalf of the so-called Magilas Patrollers who will be the end-users of the donation.
Alegre said the bikes will greatly enhanced the patrollers operations against criminality, notably kidnapping and armed robberies.
“These motorcycles will serve as a crucial asset in our efforts to combat various forms of criminality and respond effectively to emergencies that may arise. Its modern features and functionalities will undoubtedly bolster our ability to safeguard the security and welfare of the people of Cavite,” he said. Dennis Abrina
Solon says cheaper rice now on sale in Bicol, other places to follow
By Maricel V. Cruz
GOVERNMENT-procured rice is being sold in the Bicol Region for P33 per kilo, according to Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymond Villafuerte. Villafuerte said the National Food Authority (NFA), has been buying more palay from local farmers ena -
bling the agency to sell the grains at P33 per kilo to local governments units (LGUs), the Kadiwa centers, and other government outlets for the benefit of ordinary consumers.
Villafuerte said his province, along with several local governments in Metro Manila, are the initial localpartners of the Department of Ag -
Suspend TIN for coop members—senator
By Ram Superable
SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian urged the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to suspend a regulation requiring cooperative members to secure a Tax Identification Number (TIN) before their cooperatives can receive tax exemptions.
“This policy on securing a TIN before obtaining a CTE (certificate of tax exemption) has negatively impacted our cooperatives, and suspending it is necessary as it is creating confusion on the ground,” Gatchalian said at a recent public hearing by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
The senator adverted to Revenue Memorandum Order (RMO) No. 76-2010, which mandates all
members of a cooperative to obtain a TIN and submit it alongside the cooperative’s annual income tax return.
Gatchalian argued that under Republic Act No. 9520, also known as the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008, as well as joint regulations issued by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the BIR, acquiring TINs for all cooperative members is not listed as a requirement for the issuance of a CTE. The senator noted that implementation of this requirement varies depending on the interpretation of the concerned regional district office (RDO). Cooperatives complained of being sent back and forth due to differing interpretations of the rule by various RDOs, creating further difficulties for their members.
riculture (DA) in its new project of selling the staple at P33 or a maximum of P35 per kilo, following the DA’s declaration of a food security emergency earlier this month—as recommended by the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC)—to stabilize rice prices.
“In partnership with the DA, NFA,
and FTI (Food Terminal Inc.), the provincial government, along with several LGUs in Metro Manila, are selling cheaper rice, as part of the President’s commitment to fight elevated inflation by, among others, enabling Filipino consumers to buy rice acquired by the NFA at more affordable prices,” Villafuerte said.
AT THE HUSTINGS. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the raising of arms of the senatorial candidates of the administration’s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas during its rally yesterday at the open ground of City College of San Jose Del Monte Brgy. Minuyan, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. Joseph Muego
OPINION
Gobsmacked
ON TUESDAY last week the National Aeronautics and Space Administration announced that an asteroid measuring 40-90 meters (130 to 300 feet) wide had a 3.1 percent probability of hitting Earth in Dec. 2032. The odds make the asteroid the most threatening space rock ever recorded by modern forecasting.
The asteroid called Spacerock 2024 YR4 was first detected last Dec. 27 by a telescope in Chile. And when the impact probability crossed 1 pecent, the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN), a worldwide planetary defense collaboration, issued a warning memo on Jan. 29 about it.
The impact, if it does come to pass, will not result in a global catasrophe, say scientists, but it would be enough to destroy a city. Thus the term “city killer.” The potential devastation comes less from its size and more from its velocity, which could be nearly 40,000 miles per hour if it hits. If.
The so-called impact risk corridor stretches across the eastern Pacific Ocean, northern South America, the Atlantic Ocean, Africa, the Arabian Sea, and South Asia.
Just the following day, however, NASA revised its calculations and reduced the probability to 1.5%, even as there remains a 0.8 percent chance the asteroid would hit the moon. A separate calculation by the European Space Agency placed the probability of the asteroid hitting the earth at 1.38%, a downgrade from 2.8 percent, reported DW.
The probability was downgraded even before the powerful James Webb Space Telescope had started training its gaze on the asteroid, supposedly in March.
Prior to the downgrade, some scientists were interviewed and asked whether the asteroid was making them scared. But the AFP report says the global astronomical community did expect the odds to hit the Earth to eventually fall to zero. “I’m not panicking,” said the chief scientist for the nonprofit Planetary Society, Bruce Betts. As scientists get more data, the probability likely rises before dropping to zero, he explained. Richard Moissl, head of the ESA’s planetary defense office, said the percentage reduction had been expected. The uncertainty region where the asteroid could strike starts to “slip off” Earth.
Observations by the Webb telescope - the most powerful space observatory -- would be key to knowing more about the asteroid’s trajectory and all the other dangers that may come with it. Betts said Webb is able to see objects that are very, very dim.
But if the risk numbers change again, and, say, crosses 10%, a formal warning would be issued by the IAWN. All United Nations members who have territories in potentially threatened areas will need to start terrestrial preparedness, Moissl told AFP.
The asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago measured 10 kilometers in width. ***
When people are caught up in their own affairs, it is easy to think that all that matters is all that is in front of them.
How’s your asteroid?
The problems that we are currently dealing with appear to be the only challenges that must be resolved: political crises, for instance, the circus of an election that is getting closer by the day, the demands of our respective jobs, and the day-to-day minutiae of the the things we need to do to support our titles, our offices, our salaries, and our lifestyles. The number of likes or followers on our social media page. This is what is normal.
It could take the threat of a figurative asteroid to make us snap back into the reality that what we are caught up in may not be the things that actually matter.
Our asteroid can take the form of...anything we can imagine. A threat to one’s work or relationship or health or stability. It could be the possibility that the things we are enjoying right now may not last for long. It could be the prospect of change, the nature and scope of which may not yet be defined.
The realization that everything that we now have may just as easily be taken from us.
And then we get to really think: What is important?
We find that the answers usually do not vary much: family, friends, making a difference, helping others. Everything else is secondary, if not extraneous.
I bring this up in the context of the real-life asteroid that may or may not smash into the Earth because any time is as good as any for us to be gobsmacked into stepping back and taking stock of the kind of life that we have led, so far.
If an asteroid struck now, how would I feel about it, and what would I do?
This week scientists said that the chances of Spacerock 2024 YR4 hitting the earth are now practically nil. That’s a relief. But for now it is a good exercise to stop and imagine being faced with such a threat and see our lives through this (we hope, remote) possibility.
Trump’s Russia pivot keeps China guessing on Ukraine
BEIJING – US President Donald Trump’s abrupt pivot to Russia will remold Moscow’s ties with China but is unlikely to prise apart its flourishing partnership with Beijing, analysts say. Since taking office last month, the US president has sought to unravel three years of Western opposition to the invasion of Ukraine, sidelining Kyiv and European allies while pushing a deal to end the war on terms purportedly favorable to Moscow.
These overtures will have repercussions for China too, which has drawn Russia deeper into its orbit as its northern neighbour has endured economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation from the West. Russian “dependence on China will automatically be mitigated” once it improves its international standing, said Yun Sun from the US-based Stimson Center, a non-partisan think tank.
“Russia traditionally is known for diplomatic maneuver and strategic manipulation. It was deprived of that space and ability during the Ukraine war, but once Russia improves relations with the US, the space will open up,” she said. Beijing has presented itself as neutral in the Ukraine conflict, urging peace talks while refusing to condemn the invasion and boosting economic, military and political ties with Moscow.
That stance was criticized by the previous US administration and Kyiv’s other allies, which urged Beijing to take a more active role and use its influence over Russia to end the war.
Trump’s taking the lead on talks with his counterpart Vladimir Putin has -- at least for the moment -- taken that focus off Beijing as a potential mediator.
‘Reverse Nixon’?
Trump’s about-face has drawn comparisons with another historic act of high-wire diplomacy, with some foreign policy experts dubbing the move a “reverse Nixon” moment.
In Nixon’s time, China was ‘weak, isolated’ and fearful of war with the Soviet Union.
In 1972, then-US president Richard Nixon paid a shock visit to China, paving the way towards full diplomatic recognition and gaining leverage over a wrong-footed Soviet Union.
By that same logic, a shock rapprochement between Trump and Putin could achieve the opposite, bringing Russia in from the cold while undermining its bond with Beijing.
But the apparent parallels are a “misreading of history”, said Elizabeth Wishnick from Columbia University’s Weatherhead East Asian Institute.
In Nixon’s time, China was “weak, isolated” and fearful of war with the Soviet Union.
These days it is a global power with a huge economy and military, and has
EDITORIAL
Saving frogs could help save people’s lives
RESEARCH
studies have shown that frogs, whose toxins are used for medicine, are threatened by climate change, the long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.
There are 112 native frog species in the Philippines, 88 percent found only in the country, many of them in limited areas, like the Gigantes limestone frog found only in the rocky forests and caves of Gigantes islands in Iloilo. The shifts in temperature can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions, although human activities have been observed as the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.
But climate change is greatly impacting the frog population in the Philippines, with studies showing a large percentage of Philippine frog species are considered vulnerable to
strong ties with Moscow.
Alexander Gabuev, director of the Berlin-based Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, said Russia “will definitely portray to Trump that they want to have space and distance from China... and not to be China’s junior partner”.
However, Moscow sees the Chinese leadership as a consistent “towering presence,” in contrast to Trump at the whim of the US election cycle, he told AFP.
“Why would they rock the boat with China, given their increased dependency, overlapping economic structures, and strategic interests to dislodge the United States as a global hegemon?” he added.
Sun, of the Stimson Center, agreed that the United States would be unable to “’break’ the Russia-China relationship, which has endogenous logic and strength”.
“But Washington is able to tamper
shifts in weather due to factors like altered temperature and precipitation patterns, which can disrupt their habitats and life cycles.
Research indicates that many species are classified as highly vulnerable or moderately vulnerable to climate change impacts
Research indicates that many species are classified as highly vulnerable or moderately vulnerable to climate change impacts.
Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket wrapped around the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures.
The main greenhouse gases causing climate change include carbon dioxide and methane, which come from using gasoline for driving a car or coal for heating a building, for example.
Clearing land and cutting down forests can also release carbon diox-
with the quality and the level of cooperation within that relationship,” she said.
Post-war prospects China, Russia and the United States are inextricably interconnected as “the three main forces of world security and multipolarization,” Wang Yiwei from the Renmin University of China told AFP.
Beijing and Moscow appeared to reinforce their ties this week as President Xi Jinping and Putin held a phone call that coincided with the third anniversary of the Ukraine conflict.
Their conversation was followed by top Russian security official Sergei Shoigu landing in Beijing on Friday -- his second to China in the past three months, according to Russian media.
Meanwhile, the United States and Ukraine are edging closer to a minerals deal that Kyiv hopes will bring future security guarantees from Washington after the war’s conclusion.
ide. Agriculture, oil and gas operations are major sources of methane emissions.
Energy, industry, transport, buildings, agriculture and land use are among the main sectors causing greenhouse gases.
These have affected frogs, which are often chosen to be dissected since their bodies provide a good overview of the organ systems of a complex living thing, according to experts.
The organs present in a frog, and the way they are laid out in the body, are, according to batrachiologists and medical practitioners, similar enough to humans to provide an insight for students how their bodies work.
As drought is often accompanied by intense heat, frogs and salamanders on land may find themselves overheating and drying out, resulting in their death, with experts suggesting unusual weather patterns can signal to amphibians to breed earlier than normal, leaving their eggs vulnerable to lethal freezes.
But it is reassuring that governments and other organizations are taking steps to protect frogs from climate change, which include providing habitat management and conservation planning.
The imminent success deserves our hand.
For China, “a scenario where Russia was able to keep its territorial gains at Ukraine’s expense and still be able to rejoin the international community would be optimal,” Wishnick said. Such an outcome would also “encourage Chinese leaders to pursue their own territorial annexations with potential impunity,” she added in apparent reference to Beijing’s claims to self-ruled Taiwan.
Zhao Long, from Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, said China could play a practical role in ending the conflict, such as by pushing for dialogue among all stakeholders and even “providing a platform for... negotiations.” Beijing could also rally countries to explore peacekeeping operations in post-war Ukraine and explore opportunities to help rebuild the country’s destroyed infrastructure, “giving play to the comparative advantages of Chinese enterprises,” he said. AFP
This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a cartoon of a frog looking bewildered and pointing to himself. He is wearing a doctor’s coat with the label “public health officer.”
IN BRIEF
Cops
man suspected of cyber attacks on more than 70 organizations in a dozen countries around the world.
The 39-year-old was detained in Bangkok on Wednesday following a joint operation with Singaporean authorities, Thai police said on Thursday. The suspect, identified by police as Chia, is accused of hacking into dozens of companies, stealing sensitive data and selling it on the dark web, officials said.
His arrest followed an extortion complaint from a Thai company which reported receiving threats via the X account “@0mid16b”, demanding payment in exchange for withholding stolen customer data.
Atip Pongsivapai, commander of Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division, said they began tracking the hacker’s activities after receiving the complaint. Chia has confessed to hacking into company databases and selling stolen data, Thai police said. AFP
Militia
NEW DELHI – Militia fighters from rival ethnic groups in India’s conflict-torn Manipur have surrendered scores of guns and other gear looted from security forces, police said Friday, days after the state was placed under New Delhi’s direct rule. Manipur has been split along ethnic lines since the outbreak of deadly violence between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community in May 2023.
At least 260 people have been killed and tens of thousands have fled their homes in the northeastern state along India’s border with war-torn Myanmar.
The state’s chief minister, N Biren Singh, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, resigned this month after criticism that his government had not done enough to quell the violence.
Community groups welcomed his resignation and the subsequent imposition of direct rule by New Delhi, hoping it would end mutual suspicions and allegations by the rival ethnic groups of favouritism by the state authorities. AFP
WASHINGTON, DC – A week ago Donald Trump branded Volodymyr Zelenskyy a dictator. On Friday (Saturday in Manila) he will host the Ukrainian president at the White House and sign a deal granting Washington access to Ukraine’s rare minerals. The extraordinary turnaround caps a week of frantic international diplomacy centered on Washington, as Kyiv seeks to shore up support despite Trump’s recent pivot towards Russia.
Trump upended years of US policy on Ukraine two weeks ago when he spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin and started talks on ending the three-year-old war -- without Kyiv.
He also alarmed allies as he appeared to turn on Zelenskyy, berating him as a “dictator without elections” and blaming Ukraine for Russia’s Feb. 2022 invasion. But Trump’s tone has softened in recent days after visits by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minis-
WASHINGTON, DC
– Five former US defense secretaries on Thursday (Friday in Manila) addressed a letter to lawmakers denouncing as “reckless” the recent firings of senior Pentagon officials by President Donald Trump.
Trump this month launched a sweeping shakeup of the US Defense Department, firing top officers and moving to lay off thousands of civilian workers, pushing the Pentagon into the political spotlight.
Democrats have accused Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of seeking to politicize the military and ensure it is led by people personally loyal to the president.
In the letter, the ex-defense secretaries, who served under both Republican and Democratic administrations, added their voices to the condemnation, saying they were “deeply alarmed” by the firings.
“We write to urge the U.S. Congress to hold Mr. Trump to account for these reckless actions and to exercise fully its Constitutional oversight responsibilities,” the letter said.
The letter was signed by the most recent defense chief under Trump’s Democratic predecessor Joe Biden, Lloyd Austin, as well as William Perry, Chuck Hagel, Leon Panetta and James Mattis, who served in Trump’s first administration.
“Mr. Trump’s dismissals raise troubling questions about the administration’s desire to politicize the military and to remove legal constraints on the President’s power,” the five men wrote. AFP
Talks to resume in Cairo on next phase of Israel-Hamas ceasefire
CAIRO – Talks resume in Cairo Friday on a second phase of an Israel-Hamas ceasefire that mediators hope will bring a lasting end to the Gaza conflict, a day after Israel’s military acknowledged its “complete failure” to prevent the 2023 Hamas attack that sparked the war.
Mediator Egypt said Thursday that Israeli, Qatari and US delegations were already in Cairo for “intensive” talks on the next stage of the ceasefire, after a first phase only reached following months of grueling negotiations.
“The relevant parties have begun intensive talks to discuss the next phases of the truce agreement, amid ongoing efforts to ensure the implementation of the
N.
previously agreed understandings,” said Egypt’s State Information Service. The ceasefire, whose first phase is set to expire on Saturday, has largely halted the fighting that began when Hamas militants broke through Gaza’s security barrier on Oct. 7, 2023, in an attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures.
Korea launches cruise missiles in ‘revenge’ drills
SEOUL – North Korea carried out a test-launch of strategic cruise missiles in the Yellow Sea this week, in a drill Pyongyang said Friday aimed at showing off its “counterattack” capabilities.
Leader Kim Jong Un was at the exercise, which took place on Wednesday, the Korean Central News Agency said.
The missiles flew for 130 minutes and travelled at a 1,587 kilometre-long (986 mile-long) trajectory before they “precisely hit the targets”, according to KCNA.
Pyongyang said the drills were aimed at warning nuclear-armed North Korea’s enemies of its “counterattack capability in any space and the readiness of its various nuke operation means”. Images in North Korean state media showed Kim, flanked by officials, sporting binoculars.
A missile is also shown destroying a small building, which erupts in flames.
Attending the drill, Kim said it was the responsibility of North Korea’s nuclear forces to “defend the national sovereignty and security”.
“Powerful striking ability,” he said, served as “the most perfect deterrence and defense,” KCNA reported. AFP
Israel’s retaliation has killed more than 48,000 people in Gaza, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures the UN has deemed reliable.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent negotiators to Cairo on Thursday, after Hamas handed over the remains of four hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners under the truce.
An internal Israeli army probe into the Oct. 7 attack, released on Thursday, acknowledged the military’s “complete failure” to prevent it, according to a military official who briefed reporters about the report’s contents on condition of anonymity.
“Too many civilians died that day asking themselves in their hearts or out loud, where was the IDF?” the official said, re-
ferring to the military. A senior military official said at the same briefing that the military acknowledges it was “overconfident” and had misconceptions about Hamas’s military capabilities before the attack. Following the scathing probe’s release, Israel’s military chief General Herzi Halevi said: “The responsibility is mine.” Halevi had already resigned last month citing the Oct. 7 “failure”.
During their attack, militants seized dozens of hostages, whose return was a key objective of the war. Netanyahu vowed to destroy Hamas and to bring home all the hostages, but has faced criticism and protests at home over his handling of the war and the hostage crisis. AFP
pressure from Trump, Mexico extradites drug lords led by Quintero
and this Department of Justice is devoted to destroying cartels and transnational gangs,” US Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement.
“We will prosecute these criminals to the fullest extent of the law in honor of the brave law enforcement agents who have dedicated their careers — and in some cases, given their lives — to protect innocent people from the scourge of violent cartels,” she added. The handover of so many suspects at the same time was “historic,” Mike Vigil, a former chief of international operations at the US Drug Enforcement
SPORTS
Spassky: Legendary loser of ‘match of century’ dies
MOSCOW—Soviet chess grandmaster Boris Spassky, who was famously defeated in the so-called match of the century at the height of the Cold War, has died aged 88, the Chess Federation of Russia said Thursday.
The federation called his death a “great loss to the country”, saying generations of chess players had learned from his matches.
One of the first to react was Soviet grandmaster Anatoly Karpov, who told TASS state news agency: “He was always one of my main idols.” Spassky is best remembered for his duel with American Bobby Fischer in 1972, which was emblematic of the confrontation between East and West.
The Soviet chess giant lived a checkered life, flitting between toplevel clashes against the best players
of the era and periods of virtual disappearance.
Born in 1937 in Leningrad, now Saint Petersburg, Spassky showed prodigious talent early, becoming junior world champion and the youngest grandmaster in history at the time at 18.
He said he learned to play chess at the age of five in an orphanage, having managed to flee Leningrad with his family when it was besieged by the Nazis during World War II.
After the war, his aggressive style of play without fear of sacrifice was
noticed by his peers and encouraged by the state, which provided him with a scholarship and a coach.
Having made a strong impression, he found himself in the shadow of another rising figure in Soviet chess, Mikhail Tal, the so-called “Magician of Riga”.
It was not until 1961 that Spassky made a remarkable comeback by winning the USSR Championship.
Eight years later he defeated his compatriot Tigran Petrosian to take the world title.
“I never set myself the goal of becoming world champion. Everything worked out by itself. I was progressing in leaps and bounds,” Spassky said in 2016. Spassky vs. Fischer
But Spassky would keep his title for just three years. In 1972 in Iceland he played the match that would define his career, against the American prodigy Fischer.
Battle of top scorers looms as Tigresses face Lady Falcons
UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas and Adamson University collide in an explosive matchup featuring the league’s top scorers Angge Poyos and Shai Nitura, while defending champion National University takes on University of the East in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena Saturday.
Poyos, who is currently second behind Nitura in scoring, is looking forward to their first-ever showdown in college as the Tigresses and the Lady Falcons vie for their third win at 2 p.m.
“Nagkaharap na kami ni Shai nu’ng high school days namin sa UAAP, so, in-expect ko talaga na magaling siya and maraming variations ‘yung palo niya so expect sa Saturday na maganda ‘yung laban ng team sa team ng Adamson,” said Poyos, who led UST to a championship appearance in her rookie season last year.
Nitura has made a lot of waves after
With the Cold War at its height and the Soviet Union having dominated the game for years, Spassky faced a mustwin situation in his match-up with the eccentric 29-year-old, who openly criticised Soviet chess players.
But after a comfortable start for Spassky, the American roared back to win, ending an unbroken streak of Soviet world champions since 1948.
Although the loss was a slap in the face for Moscow, for Spassky it was a relief to be rid of a “colossal responsibility”.
“You can’t imagine how relieved I was when Fischer took the title away from me. I freed myself from a very heavy burden and breathed freely,” he said nearly four decades later.
The iconic Cold War duel has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries and films. Most notably it inspired the Walter Tevis novel “The Queen’s Gambit,” which was adapted into the acclaimed Netflix series in 2020.
But at the time, in the wake of his defeat, Spassky fell out of favour.
Four years later, in 1976, he moved to France, after marrying a Frenchwoman of Russian origin. He obtained French citizenship in 1978.
Spassky did not return to the public sphere for years, until he played an unofficial rematch against Fischer in Yugoslavia in 1992. AFP
Angry Medvedev squanders 4 match points to crash out in Dubai
DUBAI—Former world number one
Daniil Medvedev crashed out of the Dubai Championships on Thursday, squandering four match points before losing a bad-tempered quarter-final to Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands. The 47th-ranked Dutchman came through 2-6, 7-6 (9/7), 7-5 as the world number six imploded.
Medvedev, the 2023 champion in Dubai, was handed a code violation for unsportsmanlike behaviour after seeing match points slip away in the second set.
As his frustration boiled over, he accused umpire Adel Nour of applying “double standards” with Russian players. Nour hit back, telling Medvedev that he treats all players in the same way, regardless of nationality before brushing away the top seed’s complaints.
Griekspoor kept his cool in the deciding set, taking victory on a fourth match point of his own.
Medvedev refused to shake hands with Nour at the end of the tie.
Berrettini to reach his first semi-final since July last year.
“I’m super happy with this win,” said Griekspoor.
“Daniil is an unbelievable player, an unbelievable competitor. He’s been at the top of the rankings for so many years, so I’m very pleased with this win.
“I was a little bit lucky on the match points down, and in the second-set tie-break. I even needed a few match points myself to finish this one off.”
Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime notched up a Tour-leading 15th win of the year, seeing off former US Open champion Marin Cilic 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 to reach his fourth semi-final of 2025.
“It’s been a great start,” said 21stranked Auger-Aliassime who has already claimed titles at Adelaide and Montpellier this year.
Auger-Aliassime will face French qualifier Quentin Halys who came back from a set and break down to defeat Italian lucky loser Luca Nardi 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5). AFP
three matches, highlighted by her 33-point outburst, the highest scoring performance by any rookie ever in the league, on opening weekend.
The former girls MVP, who led the Baby Falcons to a breakthrough championship last year before staying put to San Marcelino for college, is looking forward to meeting again some of her former high school rivals from the Junior Tigresses program.
“Nakalaban po namin ‘yung mga ibang players before, pero of course, nagte-training sila, nag-i-improve sila, same lang din sa other teams at sa amin. We’re gonna train more to improve more,” said Nitura. UST and Adamson are locked in a three-way tie in second place with idle University of the Philippines at 2-1.
The Lady Bulldogs are the only unbeaten team with a perfect 3-0 record.
The Tigresses hope to muster a lot of energy in their showdown with the Lady Falcons.
LOWER-RANKED teams are drawing inspiration from Galeries Tower’s stunning upset of third ranked Cignal as Capital1 and Chery Tiggo aim to defy the odds against Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho, respectively, in today’s (Saturday) Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference qualifiers at the Philsports Arena.
This weekend’s matchups promise high-intensity action, with both the Solar Spikers and Crossovers fueled by the Hightowers’ unexpected four-set victory over the HD Spikers last Thursday. Not only did the No. 10-seeded Galeries Tower secure a spot in the best-of-three quarterfinals, but their win also sent a strong message to lower-ranked teams that an upset is always possible.
Now, No. 11 Capital1 and No. 8 Chery Tiggo are determined to follow suit, challenging the second-seeded Petro Gazz and fifth-seeded Choco Mucho, respectively.
Capital1, however, faces a formidable challenge against Petro Gazz, a team that dominated the preliminaries with nine straight wins, including three consecutive shutouts to close their campaign in the centerpiece tournament of the league organized by Sports Vision and backed by Watsons. The Solar Spikers will need standout performances from Thea Gagate, Des Clemente-De Guzman, Shola Alvarez, Roma Mae Doromal, Norielle Ipac, Heather Guino-o, Patty Orendain, Sydney Niegos and Leila Cruz to stand a chance against the powerhouse Angels.
On the other hand, Petro Gazz boasts a well-rounded attack led by Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo, Aiza Pontillas, Remy Palma and Nicole Tiamzon. With coach Koji Tsuzurabara at the helm, the Angels have a clear edge heading into their 4 p.m. showdown.
this stacked card.” Stamp Fairtex, ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion, stated: “I’m so happy to be going back to the U.S. again. I was supposed to face
this August at ONE 173.” Denice Zamboanga, ONE Interim Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion, stated: “This upcoming fight against Stamp in the United States is a dream come true for me. It’s not just a personal milestone but a significant moment for the Philippines. Representing my country on such a grand stage fills me with immense pride. I am ready to give my all and bring honor to our nation.”
Russian-born chess master Boris Spassky (left) shakes hands with US master Bobby Fischer at the beginning of their first match in the Hotel Maestral in Sveti Stefan, on September 2, 1992. The Russian Chess Federation announced on February 27, 2025, that the Russian grandmaster Boris Spassky had died. AFP
The 28-year-old Griekspoor, who saved three match points to see off Roman Safiullin in the first round and then overcame defending champion
Ugo Humbert, will face Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the final. Fourth seed Tsitsipas battled to a 7-6 (7/5), 1-6, 6-4 win over Italy’s Matteo
Daniil Medvedev
SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
Red Bull Dance
Your Style sets up bigger dance showdown in PH
PREPARE for another year of intense dance battles as Red Bull Dance Your Style, the most electrifying street dance competition, returns for its fourth year in the Philippines.
The renowned global 1-on-1 street dance competition is bringing together the country’s top dance talents for another unpredictable, highenergy showdown where the crowd is the ultimate judge.
The one-of-a-kind dance competition challenges dancers to show off their talent and creativity as they freestyle to a random selection of music, spanning from timeless classics to top 40 dance hits, testing their ability to adapt, innovate, and dominate in real time. Unlike traditional dance battles, there are no official judges for Red Bull Dance Your Style. The power to decide who moves forward rests entirely in the hands of the audience.
Dancers across the Philippines will have the chance to step into the spotlight and claim their spot among the best. Pre-selections will be done on the same day as the regional qualifiers. Qualifiers will be held in Davao on March 22, in Manila on April 25, and in Cebu on May 17. The stakes are higher during the National Finals, which is set to take place in Cebu on May 24. The winning National Champion will get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete on the global stage, going head-tohead against the best dancers from 50 other countries, as the exclusive representative of the Philippines at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals in Los Angeles on October 11, 2025.
The Red Bull Dance Your Style Asia Dance Tour
This year, Red Bull is turning up the heat in Asia with the Red Bull Dance Your Style Dance Tour. The multi-city takeover is set to allow the Red Bull dancers to engage with the local dance scene in the featured stops through high-energy collab nights and a series of dance workshops. including the 2024 Red Bull Dance Your Style World Champion Vietnam’s MTPop as well as dance sensation and 2022 Red Bull Dance Your Style World Champion, Japan’s THE D Soraki.
More Fil-Ams picked for 34-player PH pool
By Peter Atencio
THE presence of experienced professionals is an advantage to the Philippine national women’s football team.
National coach Mark Torcaso said this with the entry of another Fil-American booter Jaime Turrentine into the Philippine national women’s team pool. Turrentine, who was among those named to the PH team back in 2013, is currently with a Portugal squad, Vitoria SC. She is a left back and a defender.
The 28-year-old Turrentine showed up during the nine-day tryouts at the Mall of Asia rooftop pitch and was one of those picked to be part of a 34-member pool.
“Jaime is an important player that we
want to have in the future,” said Torcaso, whose list still has longtime members like Sarina Bolden, Olivia and Chandler McDaniel, Inna Palacios, Hali Long, as well as Quinley Quezada.
The coaching staff sought new talents for the Filipinas in their bid to make a return to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Aside from Turrentine, the new faces seeking to make it to the pool and eventually into the final roster are Mayson Veronda, Nina Meollo, Malia Cerdon, Janae Defazio, Kaela Hansen,
Emma
The Filipinas are building up for their coming campaigns in the Asian Football Confederation, Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, the ASEAN Football Federation Championship and the Southeast Asian Games later this year. Most of the players are collegiate athletes, with some of coming from the US NCAA. Among them is Veronda, who is a sophomore playing for the Texas A&M Aggies as a goalkeeper. Then, there’s defender Harrison, who is an alumni of the Stanford Cardinals women’s soccer program and was in a Pac-12 championship in 2022.
IRONKIDS ushers in IRONMAN weekend at Puerto Princesa
GET ready to witness the next generation of Filipino triathletes as the RLC Residences IRONKIDS kicks off Saturday at the Ramon Mitra Jr. Sports Complex in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
A vital part of the IRONMAN series, IRONKIDS has long played a key role in expanding the sport and nurturing young talent, serving as a launching pad for aspiring triathletes. This aligns with RLC Residences’ commitment to youth development, not only in sports but also in instilling values of discipline, respect and perseverance – essential qualities that extend beyond the race and into life.
In today’s digital age, where screen time often outweighs physical activity, IRONKIDS offers a meaningful alternative, encouraging children to adopt healthier lifestyles while engaging in a supportive and exciting sports community.
This year’s IRONKIDS edition holds special significance as it sets the stage for the highly anticipated third staging of IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa on Sunday (March 2). The prestigious event will welcome elite and amateur triathletes from 42 countries, all eager to test their limits in
the grueling 1.9km open-water swim, 90km cycling course, and 21km run.
Adding to the excitement, Puerto Princesa will also debut the inaugural Sunrise Sprint (S2), a fast-paced, short-distance triathlon featuring a 750m swim, 20km bike ride, and 5km run, offering a thrilling opportunity for budding triathletes and speed specialists to showcase their skills.
Meanwhile, the IRONKIDS is more than just a competition. It serves as a launchpad for young athletes, inspiring them to embrace the triathlon lifestyle while instilling values of discipline, perseverance and sportsmanship.
Designed for kids aged 6 to 15, the event features four age-group categories, each testing the young contenders’ endurance, skill and determination in both individual and relay divisions. The 6-8 age bracket will take on a 100m swim followed by a 1km run, while the 13-15 group will battle it out in a 250m swim and a 2km run challenge. Relay teams will also compete in shorter but equally thrilling races, tailored to each division’s ability.
PH rower Ilas places 5th in world tournament
By Randy M. Caluag
VE TERAN rower Edgar Ilas reached the grand finals by clocking 6 minutes
40.9 seconds to place fifth in the 2339 age group and 18th overall in th e lightweight men’s 2000-meter event at the recent 2025 World Rowing Indoor Championships. The former Southeast Asian Games’ medalist consistently finished in the top 20 from the preliminaries through the semifinals in the two-day competition.
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Olympic champ Ko strikes it hot in Singapore tilt
SINGAPORE—Lydia Ko surged up a tight leaderboard with a fiveunder-par 67 in scorching Singapore on Friday to trail South Korea’s Kim A-lim by one shot after the second round of the HSBC Women’s World Championship. New Zealander Ko goes into the weekend in second place having entered round two of the LPGA event in a share of seventh, three shots off the pace.
The Paris Olympic champion parred the first four holes before picking up two birdies on holes five and eight. A pair of birdies on 12 and 13, followed by another gain on 16, saw her close her bogey-free round for a twoday total of six-under-par 138 at Sentosa Golf Club.
“The real key to me for playing well is hitting a lot of greens. I was able to do that a lot better today versus yesterday,” said Ko.
Six Filipinos qualified for the continental heats, namely Julia Letrondo (6th, W21-22), Daryl Pangantao (11th, M17-18), Reine Poblete (14th, M1718), Khayzie Caviltes (16th, WU17), Cris Nievares (26th, M23-39), and Math Jugadora (41st, MU17).
In the women’s events, Kristine Paraon and Feiza Lenton reached the semifinals, but failed to qualify for the finals. Paraon finished fifth in the women’s 21-22 age category with a time of 7:22.8, while Lenton placed sixth in the lightweight women’s 23-39 division at 7:58.4. Ateneo rowers Jasper Go and Kiana Co also reached the semifinals, finishing 41st and 42nd, respectively, in the 500m event.
“My game has been trending in the right direction and it was good to see a few putts drop here and there.” After the highs of 2024 where she won the gold medal in Paris and was inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame, a relaxed Ko is seeking new challenges for the 2025 season.
“I’m definitely having more fun and I feel like I’m in a position where I can try new things and not veer off what was good from last year,” said Ko. Kim, who held the overnight lead, maintained her position atop the congested leaderboard with a 69 and 137 total.
“The greens were still very tricky for me to read but my shots and putting was good. I’ll keep working on my process,” said the South Korean. AFP
Dancers across the Philippines will have
chance
step into
spotlight
claim their spot among the best
the Red Bull Dance Your Style.
Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron (left) receives the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa finisher’s shirt from LGR Sportswear COO Eunice Galura during Friday’s press launch of the third IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa, set to take place on Sunday, March 2, in Palawan.
Edgar Ilas PRA
Nya Harrison, Arianna Markey, Skye Leach, Ivy Mae Perez, Alexa Pino, Camille Sahirul, Alessandra Carpio and Autumn Cayelli, along with locals
Balacua and Diane Tolentin.
Jaime Turrentine
INVESTMENT MEETING.
-$5.1 billion
Trade deficit in January 2025
$6.36 billion
PH exports in January 2025
$11.45 billion
PH imports in January 2025
January trade deficit hit $5b as imports, exports rose
THE Philippines’ trade deficit widened to $5.1 billion in January 2025 from $4.4 billion a year earlier, as both imports and exports grew.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said merchandise exports rose 6.3 percent in January, while imports of goods climbed 10.8 percent.
“The country’s total export sales in January 2025 amounted to $6.36 billion, indicating an annual increase of 6.3 percent from $5.98 billion total export sales in the same month of the previous year,” the PSA said. Electronic products remained the country’s top export in January 2025, with earnings of $3.37 billion, or 53 percent of total exports.
The United States was the top export destination, with $1.13 billion, or 17.7 percent of total exports.
Rounding out the top five export trading partners were Japan, $945.80 million; Hong Kong, 11.4 percent; China, $645.57 million; and Singapore, $266.48 million.
Imports reached $11.45 billion in January, up 10.8 percent from $10.34 billion a year earlier.
The largest import category was electronic products, at $2.51 billion, or 21.9 percent of total imports. Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials followed at $1.62 billion, and transport equipment at $906.22 million.
SPNEC signs P150-b loan agreement with 6 banks
By Jenniffer B. Austria
SP NEW Energy Corp. (SPNEC) said Friday its subsidiary Terra Solar Philippines Inc. (MTerra Solar) signed a P150-billion loan agreement with six local banks.
The loan, which will last for 15 years, aims to fund the development of a large solar energy facility and battery energy storage system (BESS) in Central Luzon.
The banks involved in this deal are BDO Unibank Inc., Bank of the Philippine Islands, Philippine National Bank, Security Bank, China Banking Corp. and Metropolitan Banking and Trust Corp.
BDO Capital & Investment Corp.
was the lead arranger of the transaction.
The investment is part of efforts to expand the country’s clean energy sources.
MTerra Solar is developing one of the largest solar farms in the Philippines located in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan.
The P200-billion project is set to begin commercial operations in phases, with phase 1 scheduled for February 2026 and phase 2 in February 2027.
The facility is expected to provide
cleaner energy to thousands of homes and businesses, contributing to the country’s goal of reducing carbon emissions.
MTerra Solar signed a battery energy storage systems (BESS) supply agreement with Huawei International Pte. Ltd. (Huawei) in December 2024.
It also engaged Power Construction Corp. of China Ltd. as the contractor for the project.
Power China will handle the development of the project’s east section, which spans about 1,505 hectares.
The area includes Barangay Makabaklay in Gapan, Barangay Pias in General Tinio and Barangay Callos in Peñaranda in Nueva Ecija. The section accounts for 1,050-MWp of the total capacity of the MTerra Solar Project.
NLEX operator announces toll hike starting March 2
NLEX Corp. announced Friday that it will raise its toll by P5 in the open system and P0.72 per kilometer in the closed system effective March 2, 2025. The adjustments, which followed regulatory procedures and underwent thorough review by the Toll Regulatory Board, are the consolidated amount of the first tranche of the approved periodic adjustments of NLEX due in 2023 and the add-on toll for the completion of the P7.7-billion new Candaba 3rd Viaduct in 2024, the company said. It said the increase due 2023 was
deferred and divided into two tranches to ease the impact on expressway users.
“Motorists have been enjoying a safer and more comfortable journeys with the new Candaba 3rd Viaduct without paying for additional toll since it was partially opened in August 2024 and fully completed December of the same year,” NLEX said in a statement.
“Serving as a vital link between Metro Manila, Central and Northern Luzon, this new bridge is expected to address the growing traffic demand in the north, contributing to tourism, trade,
PH wants to become major producer of SAF
THE Philippines aims to become a leader in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and use, citing abundant agricultural waste that could meet domestic jet fuel demand and support exports, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Friday.
The DOTr, in partnership with Boeing, reiterated its commitment to promoting SAF through innovation and collaboration during the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Forum 1 on Friday.
“The success of the Philippines Sustainable Aviation Fuel Forum underscores our commitment to a sustainable aviation sector,” the DOTr said in a statement.
“By fostering innovation and partnerships, we are paving the way for the Philippines to become a leader in SAF production and usage,” it said.
The DOTr said the country’s agricultural waste
feedstock could meet domestic jet fuel consumption needs, with potential for exports. The initiative is also expected to create jobs and facilitate technology transfer.
SAF, which can reduce emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional jet fuel, is seen as crucial for decarbonizing aviation.
Boeing Southeast Asia president Penny Burtt highlighted the company’s long-standing relationship with the Philippines and its shared goal of decarbonization.
“Boeing has a longstanding relationship with the Philippines and its aviation industry,” Burtt said.
“We’re committed to continuing our work with the Philippines Department of Transportation and multi-industry partners to accelerate aviation decarbonization and capacity building locally,” she said.
and commerce across regions,” it said.
Under the new toll fee matrix, motorists traveling anywhere within the open system will pay an additional P5 for Class 1 vehicles (regular cars and SUVs), P13 for Class 2 vehicles (buses and small trucks), and P15 for Class 3 vehicles.
The open system runs from Metro Manila in the cities of Navotas, Valenzuela and Caloocan to Marilao, Bulacan, while the closed system covers the portion between Bocaue, Bulacan and Sta. Ines, Mabalacat City, Pampanga as well as SubicTipo. Darwin G. Amojelar
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects the February 2025 inflation to settle between 2.2 percent and 3 percent.
“Upward price pressures for the month include higher electricity rates and oil prices, and an increase in the prices of key agricultural commodities such as fish and meat,” the BSP said in a statement.
“Nonetheless, these are expected to be offset in part by lower prices of rice, fruits, and vegetables as well as negative base effects,” it said.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) earlier reported that inflation in January stood at 2.9 percent, matching the inflation rate recorded in December 2024.
The government’s targets an inflation rate of between 2 percent and 4 percent for 2025.
“Going forward, the Monetary Board will continue to take a measured approach in ensuring price stability conducive to balanced and sustainable growth of the economy and employment,” the BSP said. The Monetary Board kept the BSP’s overnight borrowing rate at 5.75 percent in its latest meeting in February.
PH MODERNIZATION CONSORTIUM. Local Climate Change Adaptation for Development Holding executive director Nong Rangasa (seated, left,) Brendan Holt Dunn president of Holdun Group of Companies Bahamas, and Jose Esquinas Reyes Jr., chairman and chief executive of T2 Pinans sign a memorandum of agreement at the launching of the Philippine Modernization Consortium at Marriott Hotel Manila in Pasay City on Feb. 27, 2025. The event aims to team up with global business leaders to invest in the Philippines. Joseph Muego
Stock market plunges below 6,000 level on Trump’s tariffs
THE Philippine stock market ended the month slightly below the 6,000-point mark amid global selloff. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index lost 126.12 points, or 2.06 percent, to close at 5,997.97 Friday, while the wider all-shares index declined 67.07 percent, or 1.84 percent, to end at 3,588.12.
Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said global stocks declined as US President Donald Trump reaffirmed the implementation of higher tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada and as US jobless claims went up to 242,000, surpassing target of 225,000.
“Investors are now waiting for the release of US inflation data on Friday, which could give a clearer direction for the market,” Limlingan said. Limlingan said fund managers also rebalanced their portfolios to track the changes in global stock market indices like MSCI. Value turnover reached P19.665 billion with 58 gainers, 112 decliners and 76 unchanged stock prices. Despite the market’s decline, the share of International Container Terminal Services Inc. rose 2.88 percent to P349.80. Monde Nissin Corp. went down 5.5 percent to P7.55. Asian and European markets also tumbled Friday as President Trump’s volley of tariffs sparked fresh fears about a global trade war that could hammer struggling economies.
Jenniffer B. Austria
DigiPlus firms up Brazil plan, appoints manager
By Jenniffer B. Austria
GAMING firm DigiPlus Interactive Corp. said Friday it appointed iGaming specialist Graham Tidey as the new country manager for its operations in Brazil, reinforcing the company’s commitment to the rapidly growing market.
Tidey will officially take on his role on March 1, 2025.
DigiPlus said Tidey, who has nearly two decades of experience in international trade, investment and the iGaming sector in Brazil, would help the company deliver world-class gaming experience to Brazil’s rapidly growing gaming market.
DigiPlus through subsidiary DigiPlus Brazil Interactive Ltda. secured
a gaming license from the Brazilian Ministry of Finance’s Secretariat of Awards and Bets in January.
The gaming license allowed DigiPlus to conduct land-based and online sports betting, electronic games, live game studios and other fixed-odds betting activities in Brazil.
Before joining DigiPlus, Tidey was with MarketLaunch, a consultancy firm specializing in iGaming market
entry and expansion, where he has advised major global brands such as DraftKings and Bally’s.
“Brazil represents one of the most significant opportunities in global iGaming, and we are investing in the right people to ensure our success,” said DigiPlus chairman Eusebio Tanco.
“Graham Tidey’s expertise in Latin America, proven leadership in regulatory navigation, and track record in driving strategic growth, make him the ideal choice to lead our expansion. His appointment reinforces our commitment to building a responsible and innovative presence in this market,” he said.
Tidey will focus on navigating Brazil’s regulatory framework, forging strategic partnerships, and building local expertise to ensure DigiPlus
Brazil’s long-term success.
“I’m delighted to take on this role at such a pivotal moment for iGaming in Brazil,” said Tidey.
“Visiting the company’s headquarters in Manila gave me every confidence for success. DigiPlus is committed to responsible expansion, and I am looking forward to creating shareholder value by fostering innovation, expanding market reach and building a strong and sustainable business for DigiPlus in this region,” he said.
DigiPlus announced early this week the creation of DigiPlus Global Pte. Ltd., a new regional hub to be incorporated in Singapore.
DigiPlus Global will serve as a support function center focused on strategic partnerships, talent acquisition and international growth.
NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF LICENSE
This formal notice is hereby given to the public that HGC GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS
KEPCO keen on PH renewable energy, nuclear power
By Alena Mae S. Flores
Bataan-BASECO Joint Venture, Inc. (BBJVI), a Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) Registered Enterprise, owns a 300.4-hectare property in Mariveles, Bataan and engaged in real estate activities, among others.
We desire to appoint a Security services provider in order to ensure the safety and security of the Property, its assets and its occupants, to prevent the further influx of informal settlers and any construction of unauthorized/illegal structures, through a security services provider with security personnel who are trained to be professionally upright, healthy and alert, reasonably tolerant, honest and respectful and with proven ability to work effectively individually and with a team.
You may coordinate with Ms. Arlene G. Dacdac, 3F 06, The Bunker Building, Provincial Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan or email bbjvi2018@ gmail.com for the details and submit your
bids not later than March 07, 2025.
KOREA Electric Power Co. (KEPCO), the government-owned utility company of South Korea, reaffirmed its commitment to investing in the Philippine energy sector and underscored its support for renewable energy, smart grid technology and nuclear energy cooperation.
“We welcome KEPCO’s continued commitment to the Philippine energy sector, particularly in advancing renewable
energy, smart grid technology, and nuclear energy cooperation. As the Philippines pursues a just and inclusive energy transition, partnerships with experienced and forward-looking companies like KEPCO will be instrumental in strengthening our energy security and sustainability,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.
“We recognize KEPCO’s expertise in intelligent digital power management and appreciate its efforts to share the best practices that can enhance the efficiency and
reliability of our own power grid. We look forward to further collaboration in building a cleaner, more resilient, and technology-driven energy future for the country,” Lotilla said.
KEPCO president Kim Dong-Cheol met with Lotilla on Feb. 25, 2025, where the Korean executive reaffirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining its presence in the country, despite announcing the sale of its coal assets in 2023 as part of its transition to clean energy.
Cityland tower set to hold open house in March
CITYLAND Two Premier announced an open house from March 7 to 9, 2025 where special discounts will be available throughout the event.
Cityland Two Premier is a 32-story mixed-use condominium located on Alabang-Zapote Road, Las Piñas City.
Its prime location offers easy access to key destinations such as schools, hospitals, shopping centers like Hypermarket and Village Square, Wilcon Depot, San Beda College Alabang, Alabang Town Center, Southmall, and more.
PEPSI-COLA Products Philippines Inc.’s (PCPPI) Sto. Tomas production facility announced one of its up-and-coming leaders’ inclusion in PepsiCo’s 2024 Chairman’s Circle of Champions.
Quality control manager Jackielou De Guzman was recognized as among the top global operations associates who have demonstrated superior excellence in the fields of safety, quality, service, and cost control.
De Guzman joined other notable employees from across the globe at the awarding ceremonies held in New York in October 2024.
“Representing PCPPI is a great honor. As I aspire to become a better leader, this recognition motivates me to continue being a good example to my colleagues and helping them become the best versions of themselves,” De Guzman said.
Her most notable contributions include leading the Sto. Tomas plant’s internal audits on food safety and supporting the team in securing its first FSSC 22000 Certification in 2019.
This is the safety certification model used for manufacturing industries.
Under her guidance, Sto. Tomas performed consistently during their recertification audit cycles, as well as in other safety reviews and assessments.
The Sto. Tomas manufacturing team also received high Quality Assurance Systems (QAS) ratings from 2020 to 2023. De Guzman also delivered over 1,300 hours for in-house training programs, such as those on Quality and Food Safety, Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Hygiene practices.
The development features a range of affordably priced and well-designed office, commercial, and residential units, including studio, one-bedroom, and twobedroom options. These units are available for purchase through cash or easy installment plans, on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents will enjoy a comfortable and secure living experience with top-notch amenities including a gym, adult and kiddie pools, a children’s playground, a multi-purpose function room, a jogging and viewing deck and 24-hour association security.
Cityland is a trusted name in real estate, known for developing affordable properties in prime locations, with a commitment to delivering projects on time or even ahead of schedule.
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
KFC CABIAO. Town officials join the opening of KFC Cabiao branch in Nueva Ecija province. The KFC Cabiao branch, located on Jose Abad Santos Ave., Natividad North (formerly Poblacion) is KFC’s 8th store in the province. Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony are (from left) Cabiao councilor Kevin Rivera, lessor Dyna Cucio, KFC operations manager for North Luzon Upper Sherwin Santos and Cabiao Mayor Ramil Rivera.
Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc.’s (PCPPI) quality control manager Jackielou De Guzman receives her award from PepsiCo chief executive Ramon Laguarta for PepsiCo’s 2024 Chairman’s Circle of Champions. De Guzman was recognized among the top global operations associates who have demonstrated superior excellence in the fields of safety, quality, service and cost control.
BOC says border control kept PH out of grey list
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Friday its strict border control measures against illicit cash smuggling played a crucial role in the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list.
The agency said its intensified crackdown against smuggling, deployment of cash-sniffing dogs, upgraded baggage scanning systems and expanded capacity-building for customs personnel led to a 455-fold increase in currency declarations and 194 cash seizures in 2024 alone.
The FATF announced on Feb. 21, 2025 that the Philippines was no longer under increased monitoring, acknowledging government’s strengthened financial safeguards against money laundering and terrorist financing.
The BOC said its aggressive enforcement efforts were instrumental in meeting global compliance standards.
Under Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, the agency fully integrated customs clearance into the eTravel system, allowing authorities to better track cross-border cash movements.
The deployment of cash-sniffing dogs in major ports and the installation of advanced baggage scanning equipment significantly improved the detection of undeclared and suspicious currency.
The BOC also intensified its capacity-building initiatives, training customs personnel on AML/CTF protocols and enhancing intelligence-sharing with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Philippine Coast Guard, Office of Transportation Security, Department of Justice and the AntiMoney Laundering Council.
These efforts led to an unprecedented rise in enforcement actions, with the number of cash seizures in 2024 exceeding the total recorded in the previous decade. The sharp increase in currency declarations also reflected stronger compliance among travelers and financial entities.
CLARK Development Corp. (CDC) was instrumental in the Philippines achieving a P1.9-trillion investment increase in 2024, reflecting a 29 percent rise from the previous year.
Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA) Secretary Frederick Go lauded CDC’s significant role in the nation’s investment growth.
He recognized CDC among the leading investment promotion agencies (IPAs) driving the country’s economic expansion. The Board of Investments (BOI), the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) were also recognized for
their significant contributions. Go said CDC and BCDA recorded the largest investment increases in 2024 compared to 2023. “We’d just like to point out that the big three agencies that contributed to the performance last year are the Board of Investments, PEZA, and CDC. The fourth one, if we go one more, it’s BCDA. In 2023, it was BOI, PEZA, AFAB, and SBMA. In 2024, it was BOI, PEZA, CDC and BCDA,” Go said.
He said a significant portion of the P1.9 trillion in approved investments was domestic, with 100-percent Filipino-owned companies accounting for P618 billion, representing 32 percent of the total.
Grab, MOVE IT, Ateneo center team up for drivers’ behavioral assessment
GRAB Philippines and its motorcycle taxi partner MOVE IT are teaming up with the Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services to transform the ride-hailing industry’s assessment, onboarding and training processes.
The partnership is geared at developing a more holistic approach to the way the ride-hailing platforms work with drivers, aiming to introduce tools and policies that recognize behavioral and cognitive factors that influence driver performance.
This marks a shift toward a more nuanced and data-driven standard for ride-hailing platforms – elevating current traditional assessment metrics and requirements like driving skills
BingoPlus brings lights, smiles to IP communities
DIGIPLUS Interactive, through its social development arm BingoPlus Foundation, continued efforts in promoting resilience in vulnerable communities by bringing its KabuhayanPLUS program in South Luzon regions.
Anchoring on disaster response and sustainable livelihood, the foundation delivered solar solutions in Mangyan Indigenous People (IP) communities in Mindoro and financial assistance to typhoon victims in Bicol Region as part of post-disaster recovery initiatives.
Bright lights and bright smiles spread across the Mangyan Indigenous People (IP) community as BingoPlus Foundation trekked the mountains of Manalansay, Oriental Mindoro to provide solar lights and solar generators in response to Samahan ng Magbubukid ng Manaul or SaMa Manaul’s request for assistance to solve their electricity problems.
According to IP residents of Manaul, the lack of electricity had impacted their ability to maximize hours to produce their handicraft and other forms of livelihood.
Children should also study despite the dark, reading by the furnace or with only a flashlight. Communications is also dependent on the ability to travel to the town proper to charge mobile phones.
“Even if I want to finish my work, I can’t because I can only work until there is light. As a mother, it really pains me to see my kids not being able to accomplish their requirements in school because it’s too dark to work at night,” said Liza Gayot, a long-time resident of Manaul.
tests and police records.
The pilot implementation of policy and process changes resulting from this partnership is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025.
To ensure the program is grounded in extensive research, Grab, MOVE IT and the Ateneo team are utilizing qualitative and quantitative methods to gain insights into driver behavior, socio-demographic backgrounds, and passenger perceptions.
The research includes interviews, focus groups and data analysis aimed at identifying patterns that influence road behavior and encourage a safetyfirst mentality among drivers.
“At Grab, we are guided by the prin-
ciple of ‘Kaizen,’ which emphasizes continuous improvement. As safety and security are among our core commitments to users of our platform, we are constantly innovating and raising standards to deliver on these,” said EJ deal Vega, Grab Philippines director for mobility.
“Through our collaboration with the Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services, we are elevating the standards on driver assessment and training to reinforce desirable driver behaviors and mindsets that align with Grab’s core values,” he said.
“We are confident that these enhancements will not only propel the long-term success of our driver-part-
ners but also strengthen our shared commitment to safety,” said Vega. Wayne Jacinto, MOVE IT general manager, said the motorcycle taxi firm is committed to enhancing safety standards on the platform in close collaboration with Grab.
“As the number of two-wheel drivers on the road grows — whether as private riders or part of the motorcycle taxi community — we remain steadfast in fostering a culture of respect, responsible riding, and safety on all of our roads, for every motorist. This initiative with the Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services is a manifestation of this commitment,” he said. Darwin G. Amojelar
SBMA gathers Luzon entrepreneurs for start-up grant fund bootcamp
SUBIC BAY Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), through its Business and Investment Group, welcomed aspiring entrepreneurs from different regions of Luzon to the Start-Up Grant Fund Bootcamp.
The three-day boot camp, from Feb. 26 to 28 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), was organized by the Sulong Central Luzon Start-up Consortium, Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DoST-PCIEERD) and Bulacan State University.
Partner agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) equipped the participants with essential skills in line with the Start-
up Grant Fund (SGF) Program, such as Innovation and Business Model Thinking, Business Case Development and Market Insights, Pitching and Presentation Mastery, and Proposal Writeshop to perfect grant application.
Dennis Dela Cruz, SULONG Central Luzon project leader, opened the event by acknowledging startups and startup enablers, while Dr. Julius Caesar Sicat, DOST III regional director shared insights on the current state of agriculture, innovation and science and tech in Region 3. Edward Paul Apigo, PCIEERD SGF program manager, introduced the DOST PCIEERD’s programs for startups and startup enablers, highlighting the SGF Program’s benefits.
TOP DESTINATION.
Clark Freeport is named the top tourist destination for the second time, showcasing its consistent appeal and excellence in tourism. Clark Development Corp also received multiple accolades at the Department of Tourism-Region 3’s Tourism Recognition for Enterprises and Stakeholders (TRES) Awards Night at Hilltop Filinvest Mimosa+ on Feb. 26, 2025. CDC received the title ‘Filipino
Economic czar cites Clark as key investment driver for 2024
“I think the only thing worthwhile for me to point out here is that they [approved investments in 2024] are largely domestic rather than foreign,” Go said. Under the leadership of CDC president and chief executive Agnes VST Devanadera, Clark continues to attract significant investments, reinforcing its role as a key driver of economic growth.
“I just hope that you look at this slide and be inspired to also be a top contributor to your country’s investment promotion efforts in 2025 up to 2028. So I think with CREATE MORE, all of us now have an equal opportunity to offer to all the investors,” Go said.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
POWER retailer Manila Electric Co.
(Meralco) said it energized the P220million 115-kV switching station of ST Telemedia Global Data Centres Philippines’ (STT GDC) hyperscale facility in Fairview, Quezon City.
“Meralco works closely with data center operators such as STT GDC to cater to their unique requirements. We are fully committed to providing reliable power and energizing critical infrastructure that will support the growth and development of the hyperscale industry in the country,” Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho said.
STT GDC Philippines, a joint venture of Globe Telecom, Ayala Corp. and Singapore-based STT GDC, operates data centers in Metro Manila, Cavite and Davao.
The partnership with Meralco and STT GDC involves the construction of the switching station housed within STT GDC’s Polaris Data Center―the first of its kind in Meralco’s franchise area.
The in-building, dual-feed switching station will ensure stable power supply and enhance the data center’s operational efficiency.
STT GDC said its partnership with Meralco is essential to maintaining sustainable and responsible operations.
“This is a statement to the international community that the Philippines can build a world-class infrastructure that shows that we are more than ready to support the enabling of a digital Philippines,” STT GDC Philippines president and chief executive Carlo Malana said.
BingoPlus Foundation delivers its promise of supporting the Mangyan IP community’s decades-long challenge with electricity in the mountains of Mindoro. The foundation delivered solar solutions in Mangyan Indigenous People (IP) communities in Mindoro and financial assistance to typhoon victims in Bicol Region as part of post-disaster recovery initiatives.
SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2025
extrastory2000@gmail.com
RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor
ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
SMIC nets P82.6b, clears P60-b share buyback
By Jenniffer B. Austria
SM INVESTMENTS Corporation
(SMIC) said Friday its board approved a share buyback program worth up to P60 billion (about $1 billion) as the conglomerate booked a record profit in 2024. This marks the first buyback program in the company’s history.
The decision comes as SMIC’s share price fell below its historical valuation multiples.
SMIC’s stock closed at P780 on Feb. 27, 2025, translating into a price-earnings ratio of 11.5x based on 2024 earnings.
“This major undertaking is in recognition of the significant under-valuation of SM Investments’ share price. In the current market, we trade well below our historical valuation multiples, which do not reflect the performance and future growth potential of the group,” SMIC president and chief executive Frederic DyBuncio said.
The buyback program aims to increase shareholder value by reducing the number of shares outstanding, which should improve future earnings per share.
SMIC said it plans to buy back up to 6 percent of total outstanding shares.
PDIC doubles maximum bank deposit insurance to P1 million
STATE-RUN Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. said Friday it will raise the maximum deposit insurance coverage to P1 million.
“Effective March 15, 2025, the maximum deposit insurance coverage for deposits in banks will be doubled from P500,000 to P1 million per depositor, per bank,” the PDIC said in a statement.
PDIC said despite the increase, it would not raise the assessment levied on banks.
PDIC said its board of directors approved the increase to provide enhanced protection to depositors and reinforce confidence in the Philippine banking system and contribute to fi-
D&L Industries reported 2% growth in 2024 recurring net income to P2.3b
D&L Industries said Friday its recurring net income grew 2 percent in 2024 to P2.3 billion from a year ago despite higher operating costs and interest expenses linked to the opening of a new Batangas plant.
The company said fourth-quarter earnings rose 5 percent to P530 million from the same period last year as the Batangas plant started contributing to the business.
“We believe that our Batangas plant will keep contributing to our profits, and we see many opportunities both locally and internationally,” D&L president Alvin Lao said.
The Batangas plant turned profitable in 2024, reporting a P244-million profit for the year.
“The plant exceeded expectations, reaching profitability faster than planned. This success is seen as a sign
that the plant will continue to help increase D&L’s overall income. The plant has already started fulfilling orders for both local and export customers and is working on certifications to attract more business,” Lao said.
Lao said that for 2025, he expects stronger earnings growth driven by continued improvements at the Batangas plant, upcoming electionrelated spending and increased use of biodiesel.
Exports contributed to the company’s growth in 2024, with sales reaching P12.4 billion, a 37-percent increase from the previous year. Domestic sales went up by 16 percent, while profits decreased by 4 percent.
Lao said the export business has become an important source of income for D&L, offering higher profit margins.
Jenniffer B. Austria
nancial stability.
The higher coverage will protect more depositors’ savings, stabilize deposit movements, maintain liquidity and prevent panic-based runs, it said. “At the new P1 million coverage, more deposits will be fully insured, covering 136 million deposit accounts, or 98.6 percent of the total 138 million deposit accounts, compared with 97.6 percent at the P500,000 coverage, based on data as of Sept. 30, 2024,” it said.
PDIC said that in terms of amount, insured deposits would increase to P4.8 trillion, or 24.5 percent of total deposits of P19.5 trillion, compared with 18.3 percent at the P500,000 coverage. While the increase has raised the estimated insured deposits, the Deposit Insurance Fund remains adequate to meet potential insurance risks, it said. The ratio of the fund to estimated insured deposits is expected to reach 5.3 percent in 2025 and grow to meet the new target ratio of 8.0 percent by 2031.
PDIC said its board, under Republic Act 3591, as amended, is authorized to adjust the coverage to an amount indexed to inflation or in consideration of other economic indicators.
Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in Clark, focusing on ongoing initiatives. The State Secretary also attended the signing of a new grant to support public transportation development, provided by the Swedish Development Finance Institution at the Department of Transportation.
PSALM declares over P500-m savings from reduction of real property taxes
By Alena Mae S. Flores
STATE-RUN Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corp.
said it generated savings of P509.94 million from the implementation of Executive Order No. 83 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos on Feb. 13, 2025.
PSALM said in a statement it reduced its real property tax (RPT) liabilities for 2024 from five buildoperate-transfer (BOT) power plants, cutting the total amount to P116.52
million from P626.46 million.
“The reduction and condonation of RPT liabilities under EO No. 83 provide much-needed financial relief to PSALM and our partner IPPs,” said PSALM president and chief executive Dennis Edward Dela Serna.
“This allows us to manage our obligations more effectively while ensuring the continuous and stable supply of electricity,” he said.
PSALM said it remains committed to sound financial management and
continues to work closely with other government agencies to implement policies that support the long-term stability of the energy sector.
EO No. 83 reduces and condones RPT, including interests and/or penalties, assessed on power generation facilities and independent power producers (IPPs) under BOT contracts with government-owned and - controlled corporations (GOCCs).
PSALM said that under the issuance, the RPT assessment level for
2024 was reduced to 15 percent of the fair market value of property, machinery and equipment, depreciated at 2 percent per annum, less any amount already paid by IPPs.
It said similar EOs were issued on an annual basis since 2011.
The agency said the President acknowledged that while IPPs are the taxable entities to pay the RPTs, it is the National Power Corp. or PSALM that ultimately bears the contractual obligation on these taxes.
Manulife expects double-digit sales growth in 2024, eyes more clients
By Othel V. Campos
INSURER Manulife Philippines said it remains optimistic about achieving double-digit growth in 2025, driven by new product introductions tailored for young and financially savvy Filipinos and rising disposable income levels.
Manulife Philippines president and chief executive Rahul Hora in a new briefing expressed confidence in the company’s growth trajectory, citing strong market fundamentals and increasing consumer demand for financial security.
“So yes, we’ve had a good year in 2024, and we expect the same for 2025. We are aiming to continue growing at a fast rate going forward,
and the reasons for that remain the same. The Philippines has a large young population, for whom our products are extremely relevant,” he said.
Hora said the insurer plans to stay ahead of competitors by deepening its understanding of customer needs and offering innovative financial solutions.
A key focus area for Manulife Philippines is its health insurance segment, which Hora described as the company’s fastest-growing product category. The increasing demand for health protection, especially after the pandemic, prompted the company to expand its offerings to better serve Filipino households.
IN BRIEF
AI’S ROLE. GCash,
TIMBANGAN NG BAYAN. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) joins a series of turnover ceremonies under the Timbangan ng Bayan (TNB) program to select local government units (LGUs) in Northern Mindanao. The events are part of ‘Tamang Timbangan, Para Hindi Kulang’ project, which
The decision to double the coverage was based on a World Bank methodology to restore the value of the coverage set in 2009, which has been diminished by inflation, it said.
nubia V70 Max: Power, value in a budget-friendly package
By Jessica Luna
AGREAT chunk of smartphone users in the Philippines are value-formoney folks, who shun those flagship phones that burn holes in their pockets, or they simply can’t afford.
If it has a huge battery, a nice camera and a relatively affordable price tag, then that is what they will always consider.
But what if this value-for-money smartphone (priced at P4,699.00) could offer something more?
That, would drive them nuts.
nubia Philippines recently launched the V70 Max, and it’s making a strong case for being one of the best go-to budget-friendly smartphones in the Philippine market today.
With a focus on long battery life, a capable camera, and smooth performance, the V70 is a nice smartphone without breaking the bank.
After spending some time with it, here’s my take.
Battery Life
The first thing that struck me was the sheer size of the battery. Many people are constantly on the go, juggling work, social events, and everything in between, and they need a phone who won’t die on them in the middle of the day, leaving them scrambling for a charger. But the V70 Max? It’s a game-changer, thanks to its massive 6000mAh battery. You can stream videos, browse social media, and even get lost in a few mobile games – and still have plenty of power left by bedtime. The 22.5W fast charging is also a godsend as you can top up the battery in no time, just perfect for those last-minute outings.
The AI Power Saving technology definitely contributes to the impressive longevity. nubia also claims a four-year battery health, which is a significant plus for long-term users.
Performance
Under the hood, the V70 Max is powered by a Unisoc T606 Octa-Core
processor. While it might not be a flagship chipset, it handles everyday tasks with ease. Multitasking is smooth, and I haven’t encountered any significant lag or slowdowns. Gaming is also decent for casual titles, and streaming videos is a pleasant experience. MyOS 15, based on Android, is clean and intuitive, offering a user-friendly interface.
Pocket Cinema
The V70 Max features a large 6.9-inch HD+ display, which is surprisingly immersive.
The 120Hz refresh rate adds to the smoothness, and the 20.5:9 aspect ratio provides a cinematic viewing experience. The Live Island 2.0 feature is a nice touch, adding some interactive elements. The DTS Processing technology enhances the audio experience, delivering clear and loud sound. Whether you’re watching a movie or listening to music, the V70
Alibaba Cloud’s PolarDB breaks TPC-C benchmark world record
ALIBABA Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, has set a new world record with its cloud-native relational database PolarDB in the TPC-C benchmark. Developed by the Transaction Processing Performance Council (TPC), the TPC-C benchmark evaluates the performance of Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) systems. According to the TPC-C results, PolarDB achieved 2.055 billion transactions per minute (tpmC), 2.5 times higher than the previous record holder, while reducing the cost per transaction (price/tpmC) by almost 40% to CNY 0.8 (USD 0.11). Additionally, during an 8-hour stress test, PolarDB successfully processed 2.2 trillion data operations with 100% data accuracy, and maintained a tpmC fluctuation rate of just 0.16%, an order of magnitude lower than the TPC-C benchmark requirement of 2%.
Max delivers a decent multimedia experience. I even got to play my favorite playlist, setting the perfect mood for a relaxing evening.
Capturing Moments
While it won’t win many photography contests, the 50MP AI Triple Camera on the V70 Max still takes crisp and clear photos, even in lessthan-ideal lighting conditions. The AI features are also quite impressive. I’ve had fun experimenting with the Magic Eraser, effortlessly removing unwanted objects from my photos.
Design and Build
The V70 Max is available in Lake Green, Galactic Gray, and Coral Pink. The design is simple and functional, and the phone feels comfortable in the hand.
Verdict
The nubia V70 Max is a solid budgetfriendly smartphone that delivers on its ‘realistic’ promises. If you’re looking
to maintain data accuracy under significant stress, guarantee data consistency during software and hardware failure, and ensure data availability, consistency, and integrity under stress conditions. TPC-C is recognized as one of the most authoritative OLTP benchmarks in the industry.
for a phone with exceptional battery life, a capable camera, and smooth performance for everyday tasks, the V70 Max is definitely worth considering. It’s a great option for students, budget-conscious users, and anyone who needs a reliable daily driver.
Availability
The nubia V70 Max is available at nubia Philippines concept stores, kiosks, and online via Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok.
At a price of P4,699.00, the nubia V70 Max offers excellent value for money.
PolarDB’s achievement of 2.055 billion tpmC in the TPC-C benchmark is 59 times the peak transaction volume recorded during the Tmall 11.11 Shopping Festival in 2020.
Dr Feifei Li, President of Database Products Business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, said: “This remarkable achievement is a testament to our team’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in database technology. PolarDB’s performance in the TPC-C benchmark showcases its capability to handle the most demanding workloads while emphasizing our commitment to providing cost-effective and scalable solutions. With innovative architecture, managing cloud-native databases will be as simple as ‘building blocks’. We will continue to support our customers to effectively manage and utilize data to thrive in the digital era.”
The TPC-C benchmark is designed to assess a database’s performance under extreme conditions. It challenges a database
PolarDB’s record-breaking performance is driven by its innovative architecture. Its Limitless Architecture features a “threelayer decoupling” design, which enhances efficiency by enabling the independent scaling of computing, memory, and storage for optimal elasticity. This exceptional performance is further boosted through software-hardware integration and advanced database kernel optimization technologies, including transaction processing improvement, index structure refinements, and I/O path enhancements.
PolarDB is a cloud-native relational database that is designed for businesscritical database applications that require fast performance, high concurrency, and automatic scaling. This solution has supported the digital journey of over 10,000 enterprise customers across various sectors worldwide, including TNG eWallet, the largest fintech platform in Malaysia; Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), a major player in Chinese TV program production based in Hong Kong; enish, Inc., a mobile game development company in Japan; and DOKU, one of Indonesia’s leading payment technology companies.
Max your life with nubia V70 Max
Sample photos
Maya, the #1 Digital Banking App in the Philippines
Dr Feifei Li, president of Database Products Business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence
FreshIN Fresh Air Conditioner wins Smart Fresh Air Innovation
THE TCL FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioner made a stunning appearance at the TCL booth and won the Smart Fresh Air Technology Innovation Award of CES 2025 for its leading healthy fresh air and AI energysaving technologies, arousing a new health trend across the world.
As the “Oscars” of the technology community, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) draws the attention of worldwide consumers every year, and more brands are managing to conquer worldwide consumers with their latest technologies and products.
TCL was the Chinese brand with the largest exhibition area of 2,342 square meters. The booth integrated design elements such as future AI style, digital art, and high-tech installations to create an immersive high-tech experience space, allowing visitors to feel TCL’s extraordinary strength in technological innovation personally. In terms of smart healthy living solutions, the TCL FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioner became the focus of attention at the venue for its leading healthy fresh air and AI energy-saving technologies.
The TCL FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioner comes with brand-new fresh air black technology that removes odors, optimizes humidity, and provides cleaner air when one wakes up by introducing outdoor fresh air, and increasing the oxygen content and humidity of indoor air; the quadruple noise reduction technology realizes a minimum noise level of 16 dB(A), and ensures peaceful and uninterrupted sleep; this product reaches purification efficiency of as high as 99.99 percent through quadruple HEPA filtration; in order to make good air quality clearly visible, this product incorporates the newly upgraded TVOC gas monitoring sensor.
In recent years, AI technology has made rapid progress globally. TCL Air Conditioner has strengthened the R&D of AI technology and its application to fresh air conditioners vigorously centering around consumers, and made revolutionary breakthroughs. In particular, the TCL FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioner achieves energy saving through both hardware design and software algorithm operation. In terms of design, the TCL FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioner is provided with an ultra-large cross flow fan and an ultra-large axial flow fan for the outdoor unit; in terms of operation, the T-AI Energy-saving technology of the TCL FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioner can predict temperature and perform real-time optimization to avoid excessive dehumidification and cooling, with an
energy-saving rate of up to 37 percent!
At this show, the annual “CES Innovation Award” set up by the Consumer Technology Association was presented officially in recognition of outstanding designs and technological innovations in the global field of electronic consumers. This time, the TCL FreshIN fresh air conditioner won the “Smart Fresh Air Technology Innovation Award”.
Currently, the air conditioner industry is facing three major types of challenges, namely challenges from respiratory health, challenges of high energy consumption and refrigerants for global climate change, and opportunities and challenges of new technologies for the transformation of the conventional air conditioner industry.
Focusing on the fresh air segment, TCL Air Conditioner has an R&D team of over 1,000 members, and nine globally leading technologies, namely Intelligent Deep Sleep Smart Fresh Air Technology, AI Energy-Saving Technology, HighEfficiency Quiet Fresh Air Technology, Energy-Saving Heat Pump Technology, High-Volume Fresh Air And Low-Noise Technology, Inverter Energy-Saving Technology, Smart Gentle Breeze Technology, High-Temperature Turbo Cooling Technology, and Electricity Consumption Monitoring Technology. TCL Air Conditioner has taken the lead in defining the new generation of air conditioners through technological innovation, and addressed the three major challenges of the industry – “addressing the challenge of indoor air health through the fresh air function”, “addressing the challenge of high energy consumption through T-AI Energy-saving”, and “expanding air conditioner application scenarios through AI”.
Smart achieves PH’s 1st GSMA Open Gateway API Certification
PLDT’s wireless arm, Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), in collaboration with PLDT Enterprise, the corporate arm of PLDT, has become the first Philippine telco provider to achieve the Open Gateway API certification from GSMA for Number Verification APIs, marking a key industry milestone.
This achievement reflects PLDT’s commitment to driving innovation, security, and digital transformation as it enhances network API capabilities to help businesses thrive in an evolving digital landscape.
Enabling Ecosystem-Wide Innovation
By aligning with GSMA Open Gateway standards, Smart and PLDT Enterprise are reinforcing the Philippines’ position as a leader in API-driven digital transformation. This certification opens new opportunities for industries such as banking, e-commerce to retail, utilities, and fintech to integrate secure and scalable verification capabilities into their digital platforms.
“We are committed to helping businesses deliver secure and seamless experiences for their mobile app users,” said Jojo Gendrano, Senior Vice President and Head of Enter-
prise Business Group at PLDT and Smart. “The GSMA Open Gatewaycertified API, starting with Number Verification, paves the way for accelerated adoption of next-generation authentication solutions. This is just the beginning, and we are looking forward to introducing more capabilities that can be leveraged by our customers, aggregators, and the developer community.”
Strengthening Network Security and Digital Transactions
With cyber threats and fraud on the rise, secure authentication and seamless digital transactions have become business priorities. The GSMA Open Gateway certification enables Smart, in collaboration with PLDT Enterprise, to provide secure and interoperable network APIs that enhance authentication. In the future, Open Gateway can be leveraged to further help prevent fraud, tap into locationbased services, and dynamically define network quality.
Building on its Silent Authentication initiatives, which introduced more secure alternatives to traditional passwords and One-Time Pins (OTPs), Smart’s Open Gateway-cer-
Seminar addresses communicators’ concerns in age of AI
resenting a diverse range of sectors), and IMMAP, the country’s premier digital marketing association, driving digital learning and skills development since 2007, are key partners in this initiative. With industry giants like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman forecasting significant job market shifts due to AI, this seminar provides crucial tools and strategies for navigating this evolving environment. Attendees will gain invaluable knowledge from leading AI thought leader Hemant Gaule, empowering them to leverage the power of AI for success in communications and beyond.
Seminar highlights: • Practical applications: Attendees will learn how AI can enhance various aspects of communications, including media monitoring, sentiment analysis,
under the Linux Foundation—ensures that network APIs are standardized, secure, and interoperable. By adopting these global standards, Smart and PLDT Enterprise are enabling businesses to integrate highly secure authentication and fraud prevention measures, reinforcing the country’s digital infrastructure. This milestone also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, further positioning the Philippines as a hub for technological progress.
As Smart and PLDT Enterprise continue to enhance their digital offerings, the Open Gateway API certification serves as a foundation for future innovations. Businesses seeking to optimize their digital operations can now leverage these advanced network APIs to improve security, scalability, and seamless connectivity.
For more information on PLDT Enterprise’s digital solutions, visit https:// bit.ly/GSMAOpenGatewayAPICertification-PR. To learn more about the countries with GSMA Open Gateway API Certification, visit https://opengateway.gsma.com/map
and personalized messaging.
• Expert insights: Hemant Gaule, co-founder & Dean of SCoRe, who has trained over 2,000 PR professionals globally on AI applications in communications, will lead the session. Additional companies from sponsoring organizations like PRSP and IMMAP will also contribute and share industry insights.
• ı The seminar provides a platform to connect with AI developers, policymakers, tech leaders, and fellow communication professionals.
Exclusive PRSP and IMMAP member discount: PRSP and IMMAP members can avail of an exclusive partnership rate of P6,000 (regular rate P10,000).
The seminar will be held in a hybrid format, offering both in-person attendance at the Holiday Inn Makati and online access via Zoom. Successful participants will receive a certificate of completion from ACE, to be validated by SCoRe, LSPR, and ArdentComm.
Visitors at the CES 2025
seminar provides crucial tools and strategies for navigating this evolving environment.
SHOWBIZ
Dennis Trillo, Jennylyn Mercado bring real-life love to ‘Everything About My Wife’
By Angelica Villanueva
FOR celebrity couple Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado, marriage is both a daily choice and a lifelong commitment rather than merely a romantic fairytale.
The real-life husband and wife reunite on the big screen in their film, Everything About My Wife. Directed by Real S. Florido and written by Rona Co, the romantic comedy explores the marriage of Dom, played by Dennis, and Imo, Jennylyn’s character, which appears perfect until they face the seven-year itch.
“It’s very important to create a story that is universal so that the audience can relate. That’s why it’s easier for actors like us to play a married couple, as our roles in the film are also as a married couple. In a way, we already know what really happens—the beats of married life, how they argue, how they become happy, how they have problems. So it helps us a lot,” he said.
Jennylyn added that their familiarity with various scenarios in the film made the experience even more enjoyable.
on effective communication and a solid foundation of mutual respect. He further highlighted that this enhanced understanding has significantly improved their ability to navigate challenges together.
The plot shifts when Imo, feeling unfulfilled, begins to fall for Miguel (Sam Milby), a man who offers her the attention she desires.
For Jennylyn, this film marks her return to acting after a five-year break.
“We are already familiar with the different scenes in the film. But what’s important is that both of us enjoyed how we did each scene. It’s a pleasure to work with Dennis,” she said.
Married in November 2021 and parents to daughter Dylan Jayde, born in April 2022, Dennis and Jennylyn are also raising their teenage sons—Alex Jazz, Jennylyn’s son with Patrick Garcia, and Calix Andreas, Dennis’ son with Carlene Aguilar
On her part, Jennylyn elaborated on their shared commitment to creating and nurturing a happy, positive home environment for their daughter Dylan. They are dedicated to fostering an atmosphere that is not only healthy but also filled with love and support, ensuring that their child has the best possible upbringing. Their combined efforts reflect their intention to maintain a joyful and caring space that encourages growth and happiness for their family.
Meanwhile, Dennis is eager to shift from intense dramas—having recently won the Best Actor award at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival for Green Bones to a lighthearted romantic comedy.
As a married couple, Jennylyn and Dennis discussed how their relationship impacted their performances. Dennis emphasized the importance of conveying a universal story that resonates with audiences.
As their family continues to expand, the dynamics of their relationship have undergone a notable transformation. Dennis noted that, over time, they have developed a profound understanding of each other’s personalities, which has shifted the conflict resolution process to one that primarily relies
In a separate interview, Jennylyn discussed how her definition of marriage has evolved, stating that they have always recognized it as a significant commitment—an ongoing choice they navigate together. She noted that their marriage has deepened this understanding. Dennis agreed, emphasizing that marriage is not just a concept for them but a tangible reality they must cherish and safeguard for their family.
Everything About My Wife is now in cinemas nationwide.
ACTRESS and television host Kim Chiu became emotional when Star Cinema surprised the cast with 11 different posters and the announcement that My Love Will Make You Disappear will be released in 34 countries. The unveiling, which took place during the film’s grand media conference at the Dolphy Teahter, was part of the studio’s efforts to align the movie’s promotions with its international rollout.
“It’s overwhelming. This is such a huge movie. Thank you to Star Cinema for giving us this kind of promotion, this story, and international screenings. I appreciate everyone’s effort,” the teary-eyed Kim said during the media conference. .
Initially scheduled for a February premiere, Star Cinema has moved the local release of My Love Will Make You Disappear to March 26 to accommodate “expansion opportunities in the North American market.” International screenings will begin in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei on March 27, followed by the United States, Canada, Saipan, Guam, Hong Kong, and Macau on March 28.
The film will open in Italy, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Finland, and France on March 29, while the Middle East release is set for March 30. It will then be screened in Austria on April 5 and Cambodia on April 18. Italy, the United Arab
Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait are also scheduled for a March 30 release. Meanwhile, Austria and Cambodia will have screenings on April 5 and 18, respectively.
Directed by Carlo Victor Vidanes, My Love Will Make You Disappear follows Sari (Kim Chiu), who believes she is cursed to make her loved ones disappear, and Jolo (Paulo Avelino), a heartbroken landlord. As they confront their fears together, they question whether love is worth the risk—even if it might fade away. Paulo shared that whenever he takes on a new project, he always considers the efforts of those working behind the scenes.
“I’m honestly very excited. I was quite surprised because I didn’t expect our
Very Wang Nickie Wang
film to be shown in so many countries,” he said. “Actually, for me, whenever I think about a film I’m working on, I don’t focus on my performance or the cinematography. I remember the people working behind the scenes. I hope this film succeeds.” My Love Will Make You Disappear is Kim and Paulo’s first movie together. It’s their third together following the TV dramas Linlang and What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim. The film centers on Sari (Kim),
First Kim Chiu-Paulo Avelino movie bound for 34-country release
a woman who believes she’s cursed, as every man she loves mysteriously disappears. To shield herself from further heartbreak, she avoids romantic relationships. Her resolve is tested when she meets Jolo (Paulo), a brooding landlord struggling to manage a failing apartment complex. As they collaborate to prevent the displacement of their community, their connection deepens. However, Sari’s fear of her supposed curse threatens their budding romance.
To
Karman line – the internationally recognized boundary of space, 100 kilometers (62 miles) above sea level.
The rocket booster makes an upright vertical landing, while the capsule deploys parachutes for a gentle touchdown in the Texas desert.
Also on board will be research scientist Amanda Nguyen, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, and film producer Kerianne Flynn Past luminaries aboard New Shepard include Star Trek legend William Shatner, as well as Bezos himself, who flew on the inaugural crewed flight. Ticket prices remain undisclosed, though celebrities are often given complimentary seats. This mission will mark the first all-female
The director and the stellar cast of ‘My Love Will Make You Disappear’ at the film’s grand press conference
‘My Love Will Make You Disappear’ lead stars Paulo Avelino (left) and Kiim Chui
SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
DISCOVER MNL is dedicated to connecting communities and travelers through the beauty of the Philippines. The founder’s vision goes beyond highlighting tourist spots; it’s about fostering a sense of community. Through engaging content and curated guides, the platform has become a hub for those who share a love for food and travel.
Meet Walter Sy and Lucky Alabado-Siy, the passionate couple behind Discover MNL—a husband-and-wife team dedicated to uncovering the dynamic and diverse offerings of the Philippines. Through their shared love for travel, food, and culture, they have created a platform that showcases the best of Manila and the Philippines, from hidden gems and local eateries to must-visit landmarks and unique experiences.
Lucky steps and the waltz of discovery
Dee-tails
Ardee de los Angeles
With a combination of personal insights and professional expertise, this dynamic pair offers an authentic and engaging perspective on life in the Philippines’ bustling tourist attractions.
“It was meant to be a personal digital diary of food and places I’ve discovered. Since I loved preserving memories online and felt that I was oversharing on my personal accounts so much, I decided to make a separate page for all my food and travel posts. I created the name, account, and the logo literally one night, on my phone, when I couldn’t sleep,” said Lucky on how the idea started.
Founder Lucky officially started the business in 2015 when her viral post about Masungi Georeserve snowballed, catapulting Discover MNL’s social media following from 2,000 to 5,000, then 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and more overnight.
During this viral moment, Walter was involved in a company that made 360-degree videos of properties and events. Their company was actively looking for businesses to collaborate with and stumbled upon Discover MNL, thinking it was a travel agency.
Walter asked their sales head to send an email to set up a collaboration meeting with Lucky. After the meeting, she was introduced to Walter and found out that they came from the same batch of the same college. For their collaboration, Walter was assigned to work with Lucky, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Walter had been professionally involved in photography and videography for over 10 years before joining Discover MNL, so he was always the technical guy, while Lucky handled marketing.
Spicing up Manila’s dining scene
By Jasper Valdez
VIVA Foods is setting the table for a fresh chapter in international dining in the Philippines with the launch of Maple Tree House, Du Hsiao Yueh, and Rossopomodoro at SM Mall of Asia’s North Wing.
These three restaurants introduce global flavors to Filipino diners and are the latest additions to the food arm of Viva Group, a company that has grown beyond entertainment into the business of good food.
For Viva Foods president and COO Vicente Raphael del Rosario IV, this expansion is all about timing and opportunity.
“SM Mall of Asia is very heavy in terms of foot traffic. When we got a big space, we thought—why not bring them all together? It’s like hitting
three birds with one stone,” he said.
Each brand offers something new while catering to Filipino tastes.
Maple Tree House is a premium Korean barbecue spot known for high-quality meats and its refined dining experience.
“When it comes to Korean barbecue, the quality of meat really matters. That’s why we’re very specific about the cuts we source,” Del Rosario noted.
Du Hsiao Yueh, a century-old Taiwanese restaurant, is famous for its Dan Zai noodles and Lu Rou Fan (braised pork over rice).
“People in Manila are familiar with just a few Taiwanese brands, but there’s so much more. That’s why we’re bringing something new to the table,” he added. Rossopomodoro, on the other hand,
delivers a true Neapolitan pizza experience.
“A lot of Italian restaurants here are influenced by the U.S., but this one is the real deal. This is the first authentic Italian franchise that opened here,” Del Rosario emphasized.
Rather than developing local brands from scratch, the company brings in established international names that offer something new to the Filipino market.
“Instead of creating and acquiring a brand from local, we try to look for brands, something that would be new and different,” Del Rosario shared.
Each restaurant stays true to its origins, using traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients to deliver an experience as close to the original as possible.
Since launching Paper Moon in 2015, Viva Foods has grown into a key player in the local food scene, now managing 12 brands and nearly 200 stores. And it’s not stopping there.
“There are other projects I’d like to bring to the Philippines soon. I can’t mention them yet, but within the year, there will be another brand coming,” Del Rosario teased.
Viva Foods is also exploring the possibility of developing a homegrown Filipino concept.
“Another goal would be to, of course, start our own local brand. That’s part of it. We want to create something local by Viva,” Del Rosario shared, albeit without providing any specific details.
For now, Viva Foods remains focused on expanding its lineup of international brands, but its next move will be something worth watching.
The partnership was so fluid that Lucky would get production inquiries at Discover MNL because of the page’s reach. Walter would then lead the production of the content. It can be said that Walter has his own Lucky charm in the business.
Lucky states that they are also busy with their advocacy projects. “When we’re able to gather clients and brands that we’ve worked with to give back to society in different forms—such as our #FeedTheCityPH and #BaryaNiJuan initiatives, where we were able to give care kits to the homeless and supply over 1M PHP worth of PPEs to health care facilities across the Philippines during the pandemic—it is the most rewarding.”
“Discover MNL is all about relatability. We share experiences and discoveries that we ourselves find interesting and worth knowing and noting. It serves as a guidebook or your go-to platform when you wanna learn more about what’s going on in and out of Manila,” she continues. They have also been crafting different series of content with their very own Seoji Studios.
Together, Waltz and Lucky have proven that the strongest ventures are often built on a foundation of shared passion, mutual respect, and unwavering support.
For more Dee-Tails, you may reach the author at angeloardee2@gmail.com
SM PRIME Holdings, one of Southeast Asia’s largest property developers, has been certified as a Great Place to Work (GPTW) for 2025.
The recognition is the first time SM Prime has received the certification. According to the Great Place to Work survey, 83 percent of its employees said it was a great place to work, higher than the 65 percent average for companies in the Philippines.
SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim said the company aims to create an environment where employees feel valued and supported through
professional development, recognition programs, and community initiatives.
The company’s SM LIFE (Life Integration for Employees) program focuses on career growth, skill development, and community engagement. In 2024, the program was named National Awardee for the People Program of the Year by the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP).
SM Prime, a unit of the Sy family’s SM Investments Corp, operates shopping malls, residential developments, and commercial properties across the Philippines.
SM Prime employees and executives participate in a CSR event
Viva Foods president and COO Vicente Raphael del Rosario IV (third from right) is joined by (from left) Francesco Parenti, Giuseppe Albero, Chef Marco Lentino, Chef Jonathan Marchello, Liza Lachica, and Perkin Bentley O. So at the opening of Rossopomodoro
VR Del Rosario, (second from left) leads the opening of Du Hsiao Yueh together with (from left) Jacque Santos-Tan, Michael Lee, Peter Pardo, Kang Ling Chang, Chef Feilung Hung
Maple Tree House aims to serve premium Korean barbecue meats while giving an elegant dining experiemce
Discover MNL founders and couple Walter Sy (left) and Lucky Alabado-Siy
Discover MNL is committed to bringing together communities and travelers by showcasing the beauty of the Philippines
