MALACAÑANG said that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has not brought up the impending impeachment trial of
should call for a special session on the matter remains unchanged. “I have run into the President on several occasions but he never talked about it [impeachment].
RETIRED soldiers working as enforcers of Chinese mobsters linked to illegal online gaming operations carried out the recent kidnapping for ransom of a Chinese student of a foreign school, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said on Sunday.
In a radio interview, PAOCC executive director Gilbert Cruz disclosed that the ex-soldiers are on the Chinese underworld’s payroll to do their dirty work, including kidnap-for-ransom, extortion, and even murders.
“We are looking into this ‘muscle group’… we are investigating them. Of course, we are still in the process of verifying who is involved,” he said in Filipino.
As campaign heats up, PBBM cautions public on fake news
PRESIDENT Marcos should be more circumspect in dealing with the United States under President Donald Trump, noting how America appears to have abandoned embattled Ukraine and pivoted towards Russia, a Filipino academic and a former Supreme
Court justice said yesterday.
“We have to be careful with how we deal with the US government given that it is likely that the US government will become more unpredictable with its commitments,” said Arjan Aguirre, a
political science professor at the Ateneo de Manila University, who is currently based in the US.
“President Marcos should be careful, should deal with the US government with [circumspection],” he said.
the worst by strengthening its self-defense capabilities at all
By Rex Espiritu
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) achieved a net trust rating of +73% and a net satisfaction rating of +74%, according to the OCTA Research
By Rio N. Araja
HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez yesterday underscored the significant contributions of Filipino women in shaping the country’s history and development as the nation celebrates Women’s Month.
“From homes to the fields of economy, education, politics, and public service, they (women) provide strength and compassion. Their intelligence, hard work, and determination are the foundations of our continuous progress,” Romualdez said in a statement.
The seasoned legislator emphasized the need for continued efforts to eliminate discrimination, protect women’s rights, and promote their leadership. He assured support for women in the House of Representatives under his leadership.
“This celebration goes beyond recognition—it is a call to action. We must continue breaking barriers, ensuring equal opportunities, and empowering
Tugon ng Masa (TNM) nationwide survey for the fourth quarter of 2024. Approximately 75% of adult Filipinos trust the AFP with only 2% expressing distrust, positioning it as one of the most trusted and top-performing
government organizations in 2024, OCTA said in its report.
In terms of overall performance, 76% of adult Filipinos expressed satisfaction with the military’s accomplishments,
“They serve as their muscle [henchmen]. If anyone defies the ‘POGO management,’ these guys will be dispatched to kidnap and torture them… they will capture this on video and then send it to the victim’s family until they pay up,” the PAOCC chief explained.
By POGO management, Cruz was referring to Chinese criminals now running illegal online gambling, which replaced the now-defunct Philippine
Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) after President Marcos totally banned such activities last year.
As this developed, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that Chinese national Wang Dan Yu alias “Bao Long,” who masterminded the Chinese student’s kidnapping, was wanted in his homeland for several crimes including murder, carnapping, and KFR.
He is also accused of shooting to death a fellow Chinese national after a drinking session turned into a quarrel in Makati City last October 17.
The Makati Police charged Wang with
murder soon after the incident but he is believed to have gone into hiding outside the National Capital Region (NCR).
Makati Police Capt. Jenibeth Artista told the Manila Standard in a text message that Wang Dan Yu arrived in the country from Thailand in 2019 but said “there is no record that he [Wang] left the country.”
“He is a fugitive in several countries... He was also involved in the kidnapping incident, that’s why he is on the watch list of the Bureau of Immigration and he has a hold departure order,” Artista shared.
She said that the murder complaint filed
against Wang is still with the prosecution. Meanwhile, apparent inconsistencies in the account of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Anti-Kidnapping Group on the recovery of the 14-yearold student led to the sacking of its chief, Col. Elmer Ragay, according to the country’s top cop.
PNP chief, Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil explained that while the child was successfully returned to his family, it is also important to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to placate the public and ensure the integrity of the PNP. With Vince Lopez
nate discrimination and violence, and promote their leadership in governance and nation-building,” Romualdez added.
and succeed without limits,” he noted.
we ask him about it… or about calling for a special session, he tells us that his position remains the same,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Sunday.
“So, there is no change,” she noted in Filipino.
Castro has said it would be “awkward” for the President to “voluntarily” initiate the Vice President’s impeachment trial, since he has previously opposed the move.
“So, it is better for the Senate to request the President, considering that even the President made this pronouncement that if the Senate will ask him to call for a special session, he will do so,” she told reporters on Tuesday.
However, Castro said that lawmakers have not requested the President to call for a special congressional session to start the impeachment proceedings against Duterte.
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5, with over 200 lawmakers endorsing the complaint.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has released the initial timetable for procedures related to the impeachment trial of Duterte, setting the tentative start of the trial on July 30. Duterte, for her part, has filed a Supreme Court petition challenging the validity and constitutionality of the fourth impeachment complaint against her.
The Supreme Court has directed the Senate to answer the complaint before setting the date for oral arguments.
while just 2% were dissatisfied, resulting in a net satisfaction rating of +74.
“These findings highlight the widespread public trust and approval of the AFP. Across various regions and demographics, Filipinos continue to recognize the AFP’s commitment to safeguarding the nation and addressing evolving security challenges,” OCTA said.
“This overwhelmingly positive response reaffirms the Filipino people’s continued confidence in the institution’s dedication to national security and service.” said AFP spokesperson Col Francel Margareth Padilla.
“The AFP attributes this high level of trust to our steadfast commitment to safeguarding the nation, upholding our constitutional mandate, and ensuring transparency and professionalism in all our operations. From external defense efforts to disaster response and peacekeeping initiatives, your AFP remains steadfast in our duty to protect the sovereignty and welfare of the Filipino people,” she said in a statement.
The AFP commissioned the survey through its Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations. The Philippine military’s net trust ratings ranged from +40 to +100 across regions, according to OCTA.
The highest ratings were observed in the Cordillera Administrative Region (+100), Negros Island Region (+99), Zamboanga Peninsula (+97), and Bicol Region (+95). The lowest t rust rating was noted in Cagayan Valley, while 13% of adults in Bangsamoro distrust the AFP.
The survey involved face-to-face interviews with 1,200 male and female respondents aged 18 and above from November 10 to 16, 2024. It has a ±3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level, with regional margins of error of ±6% for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
women in every sector,” he said.
“The House of Representatives remains committed to enacting laws that protect women’s rights, elimi -
While acknowledging strides made toward gender equality, Romualdez said more work remains. “We will not stop until every woman has the freedom to dream, achieve,
“Because when we empower women, we uplift families, strengthen communities, and secure a better future for all. Mabuhay ang kababaihang Pilipino! (Long live the Filipino women!) Happy Women’s Month!” the lawmaker concluded.
costs while hoping for the best.”
In an online forum, Carpio hit the United States for voting against a United Nations position to condemn Russia for its “unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine.”
“For the first time in memory, the US has voted in favor of the aggressor state against the victim of aggression,” he said.
“The coastal states bordering the South China Sea are forewarned that China will now be emboldened to act aggressively in making the nine-dash line its international boundary in the South China Sea,” the former justice said.
Over the weekend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump figured in a verbal clash in an Oval Office meeting, prompting Washington to back off from its commitment to help Kyiv win its war against Moscow. In less than two months since returning to the White House, Trump has established “this tendency that they will ask something in return,” Aguirre pointed out.
consuming information, particularly from social media.
“Intrigues and mudslinging come hand in hand with campaigns and fake news is everywhere. That’s why, our citizens must be careful,” he said in Filipino.
“As we said, the new Filipinos know how to distinguish between right and wrong information. So, now that fake news and disinformation are widespread, we should be extra careful about what we read online,” he added.
Marcos, who has been actively supporting his administration’s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas candidates for the Senate, described the campaign trail as an opportunity to personally interact with people.
“One of the things I enjoy about the campaign rallies we go to is that I get to see those who support us,” the President said.
“They are real people, real Filipinos, they are not keyboard warriors, trolls -they are real people. We shook hands, talked and checked on them,” he added.
The President also stressed that the testimonies of ordinary Filipinos about
government projects and programs cannot be faked.
“Another thing that can’t be faked is the testimonies of our fellow Filipinos regarding government projects and programs,” Marcos said.
He stressed that those genuine experiences showcase the tangible improvements brought by government efforts and it was heartwarming to hear citizens express gratitude for the services rendered to them.
Marcos reminded the public that fake news exists year-round, but assured that it will not derail the government’s commitment to serving Filipinos.
“I am inclined to think that we should do something on our part as a sovereign nation to also protect our interest and lessen our reliance with our ally, the United States of America,” he said.
“We cannot afford to lose the US as our ally, but that should not mean that we should stop exploring other means to diversify ties.”
Meanwhile, hundreds of Filipino youths came together to take a stand on the country’s sovereignty during the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Summit organized by the City Government of San Fernando, La Union and the AFP’s Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM). Rex Espiritu
His hemodynamic parameters— those relating to the flow of blood— were also stable, and he did not have the high white-blood-cell count that often indicates an infection, the Vatican said, adding that the prognosis, as in previous days, remained “reserved.”
Francis, leader of the world’s almost 1.4 billion Catholics, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 with bronchitis that soon developed into pneumonia in both lungs.
Last weekend, the Vatican reported he was in a “critical” condition, suffering a major respiratory attack and requiring blood transfusions, prompting widespread concern.
After a series of incremental improvements, there was more alarming news on Friday when the Vatican said Francis
“presented an isolated crisis of bronchospasm which led to an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of the respiratory picture.”
“It will take doctors 24 to 48 hours to evaluate the impact” of Friday’s breathing crisis, a Vatican source said.
Andrea Ungar, professor of geriatrics at the University of Florence, told Agence France Presse (AFP) on Saturday that it appeared vomit had entered the pope’s lungs, which “aggravated the pneumonia.”
Such an issue normally required a strengthening of antibiotics, ventilation and respiratory exercises, he said.
He also agreed that the first 24 to 48 hours after an incident were crucial, adding the pontiff would likely stay in hospital for some time—”at least 10 days” in the most optimistic scenario.
Worried world Catholics and other well-wishers around
the world have been praying for the Argentine pope, a liberal reformer who has led the Church for almost 12 years.
Pilgrims have flocked to the Gemelli hospital, praying for the pontiff and leaving handwritten messages, including posters illustrated by children, and balloons bearing his image.
Francis has continued to work from the special papal suite on the hospital’s 10th floor, but his absence has sparked fresh speculation about his ability to lead the Church.
He has not been seen in public since the morning of his hospital admission, which is the fourth since 2021 and the longest of his papacy.
Francis was set to miss his weekly Angelus prayer on Sunday for the third weekend in a row, with the Vatican saying it would publish a text instead.
The Jesuit, who had part of one of his lungs removed as a young man,
has suffered increasing health problems in recent years. In 2021, he underwent colon surgery.
Two years later, he had a hernia operation. He is also prone to bronchitis and suffers from hip and knee pain which has made him reliant on a wheelchair.
Francis has always left open the option of resigning if his health declined, following the example set by his predecessor, German theologian Benedict XVI, who quit in 2013.
Before his hospitalization, Francis had repeatedly said it was not yet the time—and may never be.
Yet medical experts have warned that Francis’s age and health means a sustained recovery will take time.
Francis maintains a packed schedule, particularly with the Church celebrating a Jubilee holy year this year, an event predicted to draw tens of millions of pilgrims to Rome and the Vatican. AFP
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has boosted its Z Benefits Package for open heart surgeries and introduced a new package for heart valve repair and replacement, aiming to provide greater financial protection against cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), starting March 1. This expansion comes as CVDs remain the leading cause of death in the Philippines, mirroring a global trend where 32% of deaths are attributed to these conditions, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
PhilHealth has substantially increased coverage for key open heart procedures: Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) now ranges from P660,000 to P960,000, up from the previous P550,000; Closure of Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) coverage has risen from P250,000 to between P498,000 and P614,000; and Total Correction of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is now covered up to P614,000, which was increased from P320,000.
In addition, PhilHealth has launched a new Z Benefits Package for Heart Valve Repair and Replacement, offering coverage between P642,000 and P810,000. The agency has also introduced cardiac rehabilitation packages, providing P15,000 for adult cases and P6,500 for pediatric cases.
Patients with rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease undergoing these treatments can also access outpatient benefit packages for secondary prevention, as outlined in PhilHealth Circular 2019-0005.
Qualified PhilHealth members and their dependents can avail of these benefits without co-payments when admitted to ward accommodations in PhilHealth-contracted facilities nationwide.
These initiatives align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand access to medical care for all Filipinos. “We must bring medical services to the people and not wait for them to come to our hospitals and health care centers,” the President stated in his first State of the Nation Address.
As of December 2023, 131 specialty centers have been established across the country.
“PhilHealth, under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is committed to bringing benefits, especially specialty services, closer to Filipinos in all regions,” said PhilHealth President and CEO, Dr. Edwin M. Mercado. “This aligns with the Department of Health’s goal to improve hospital standards nationwide.”
EYES ON THE TARGET.
Members of the Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry (Alakdan) Division participate in the first-quarter Alakdan Squad Challenge in Sulu, Jolo which aims to enhance operational readiness and squad integration among maneuvering units.
By Vito Barcelo
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) recorded 14,733,597 international visitors in 2024, marking a significant recovery as it approaches the pre-pandemic total of 17,085,097 recorded in 2019.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that the increase signifies a consistent rebound in the tourism industry, bringing the nation closer to its pre-pandemic performance despite facing global challenges.
South Korea remained the top source of foreign arrivals, with 1,761,281 visitors, followed by the United States
with 1,325,684 arrivals and China with 500,082 inbound travelers.
Other key markets include Japan, Australia, Canada, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, India, and Singapore.
Viado said the Bureau’s role in facilitating tourism growth is through improved immigration processes.
arrivals to near pre-pandemic levels is a testament to the Philippines’ appeal as a top destination,” Viado said.
“The BI remains committed to streamlining and modernizing our entry procedures to support this momentum while upholding border security,” he added.
The BI recognizes South Korea as a key market for Philippine tourism and supports the country’s drive to sustain and further increase arrivals from Japan, given the strong cultural and travel exchange between the two countries. Additionally, India and Singapore have shown significant potential for
together with his daughter
By Ram Superable
CASES of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in the Philippines tripled from January 1 to February 22, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
The DOH reported 7,598 cases during this period, a sharp increase from the 2,665 cases recorded in the same timeframe in 2024. Despite the rise, the numbers re -
“The BI fully supports the government’s initiatives to strengthen the tourism industry. We will continue working with relevant agencies to ensure that immigration policies align with global tourism trends, making the Philippines an even more accessible and welcoming destination,” Viado added.
Apart from arrivals, Viado said that they are inviting foreign tourists to stay longer in the Philippines and enjoy the country’s different sights and sounds by making immigration services easy and accessible. He said that visa extensions and other services are easily available through its more than 60 offices nationwide.
Group lauds Belmonte on small business plan THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Quezon City (PPCI-QC) on Sunday lauded Mayor Joy Belmonte in her effort to help variety (sari-sari) store owners and other nano entrepreneurs become legitimate business owners.
main lower than the peak of over 2,500 weekly cases reported in February 2023.
Health officials said 56% of the cases, or 4,225 infections, were found in children aged four and below.
Another 2,069 cases affected children between the ages of five and nine. HFMD is a contagious viral infection that spreads through direct contact with saliva, nasal secretions, or fluids from the blisters of an infected person.
The virus can also spread through contaminated objects, such as toys, utensils, and surfaces, if a person touches their eyes, nose, or mouth afterward. Symptoms of HFMD include fever, sore throat, and painful mouth sores, along with a rash or blisters on the hands, feet, and buttocks.
By Rio N. Araja
THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has directed the conduct of refresher courses for its agency enforcers nationwide following the viral incident in Panglao, Bohol.
“The incident that happened in Bohol calls for a deeper and systematic approach to ensure that this will not happen again in the future. So we will be holding retraining for all LTO enforcers nationwide, and it’s mandatory,” LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said.
He said he has already instructed the head and personnel of the LTOLaw Enforcement Service to come up with an updated version of the protocol to be observed in enforcing traffic rules and regulations.
The retraining program shall focus on observing human rights and proper procedures in enforcing all the road safety regulations, he cited.
The order stemmed from the viral
The DOH advises individuals with HFMD symptoms to isolate for seven to ten days or until their fever subsides and blisters heal.
Health officials also recommended keeping the personal items of infected individuals separate to prevent transmission.
Regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces is encouraged to reduce the spread of the virus.
video of the alleged manhandling of five LTO enforcers on a motorcycle rider who supposedly yielded a knife during the conduct of enforcement in Panglao.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the immediate preventive suspension of all LTO personnel involved in the incident in Panglao, Bohol.
The LTO chief earlier ordered the temporary suspension of deployment of LTO enforcers in Bohol pending the result of the investigation he ordered after receiving the report of the incident. Corrective measures are now being conducted, and part of them is the conduct of a retraining program for all LTO enforcers.
Mendoza said they would seek the assistance of the Philippine National Police in crafting the guideline on LTO enforcement and in the actual retraining itself.
PCCI-QC president Arnel Mateo also said that the city has become the country’s innovation and startup capital through the StartUP QC program, the first and the largest of its kind in the country, and Pangkabuhayan QC. The program showcased the proudly original products in Quezon City, and assisted 600 entrepreneurs and cooperatives that collectively earned P18.6 million this year, he said. Even variety store owners and other nano-entrepreneurs with below P50,000 capital and annual gross income of P250,000 or less have been documented and registered with the city’s Business Permit and Licensing Department. Rio N. Araja
Binay eyes incentives for hiring residents
SENATORIAL candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay has proposed granting incentives to companies that will hire residents as a way of easing traffic congestion and improving local economies.
“Such a policy would create more jobs and increase local economic activity in so-called bedroom communities and address traffic and congestion concerns in Metro Manila,” Binay said in a statement.
Aklan eyes annual Pacto De Sangre
NEW WASHINGTON, Aklan— The local government of New Washington is institutionalizing its Pacto De Sangre, transitioning it from a historical event to an annual festival.
Mayor Jessica Panambo announced on Sunday that she has directed the town’s 16 barangays to budget for expenses related to forming representative groups for the annual dance competition. Jun N. Aguirre
By Dennis Abrina
THE drug-dealing activities of three Nigerians came to an abrupt end following buy-bust operations resulting in their arrest and the seizure of million worth of ecstasy tablets and shabu.
The raids were conducted by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 4 in Barangay Molino 3 and 2 in Bacoor City on Friday (Feb. 28).
The suspects, identified as Ikechukwu D Owoh alias Ik, 30, student, of Progressive 3 Village, Brgy. Molino 1, Bacoor City; Stanley Chinedu Emone, 34, of Magdiwang Road, also of Brgy. Molino; and Keneth Chukwudi Divine, 23, of Block 4 Lot 8 Magdiwang Road in Brgy. Molino 2. Police report stated that Emone and Ikechukwu were nabbed in a buy-bust operation at a gas station in Molina early Friday night. Divine was collared in the second operation on Magdiwang Road in Brgy. Molino 2 shortly before midnight of the same day.
THE University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law has launched a primer on the impeachment process in Filipino, Cebuano, and Ilocano dialects to educate the general public with basic information on impeachment proceedings.
The state-run school launched the primer in English language last month following the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte by the House of Representatives.
In an exclusive interview with Manila Standard, assistant professor Paolo Tamase said the translation is a ‘necessary step’ to ensure that Filipinos have a reliable source of the information on legal concepts and jargon that enter the public discourse.
“As it is, the Constitution, laws, rules, and judicial decisions are all in English—a language that is already not accessible to every Filipino. And then impeachment is so rare that its legal concepts and jargon only come once a decade,” he pointed out. Pot Chavez
Teodoro meets Thai, Malaysian peers
DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with his counterparts from Thailand and Malaysia during the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Retreat in Penang, Malaysia to discuss disaster response, security, and regional cooperation.
In talks with Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, both leaders pledged to enhance collaboration on intelligence sharing, disaster response, military medicine, and training exchanges. They addressed challenges like fires from slash-and-burn practices and emphasized strengthening ASEAN’s role in regional stability.
Teodoro also met Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin to discuss maritime security, counter-terrorism, and disaster response. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to improving defense cooperation despite territorial disputes.
These discussions reflect the Philippines’ focus on building strong international partnerships for security and stability in Southeast Asia. Rex Espiritu
CIDG agents arrest three Vietnamese in Imus City
OPERATIVES from the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) have arrested three Vietnamese nationals in Cavite for alleged illegal practice of medicine.
The PNP-CIDG identified the suspects as Julie Nguyen, Luna Pham and Ryan Truong. They were nabbed Feb. 27 at a beauty lounge in Imus City for violation of Republic Act 2382 or The Medical Act.
“We encourage the public to report any illegal practice of medicine and other criminal activities in your localities and your CIDG will do the rest,” CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said in a statement. The suspects allegedly introduced themselves as doctors who perform stem cell operation, hair regrowth, body sculpture and biostimulation collagen injections and other derma-related procedures without the required medical licenses and permits to do business in the Philippines. Vince Lopez
By Vito Barcelo
THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has simplified its conciliationmediation process through the Single-Entry Approach (SEnA) system which aims to hasten resolution of labor disputes and do away with costly and protracted legal actions.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the reforms were made after discussions with labor organizations, employers, and government entities to create a “more effective and employee-centric dispute
resolution mechanism.”
“The revised guidelines provide employees with enhanced flexibility in submitting a Request for Assistance (RFA). In the past, RFAs were required to be filed at a location near the
THE bicameral Commission on Appointments (CA) has received the appointment papers of newly designated Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon.
“We have already received Secretary Dizon’s papers, as well as those of newly appointed Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jaybee Ruiz,” CA Assistant Minority Leader and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel announced in a statement on Sunday.
“We won’t be able to address their appointments for now, as Congress is adjourned and not in session,” Pimentel stated.
Congress adjourned on Feb. 8 and will reconvene on June 2.
Under the Constitution, Malacañang may issue key appointments while Congress is not in session. These appointments are known as “ad interim” appointments.
“Ad interim appointments take immediate effect, allowing appointees to begin performing their duties right away,” Pimentel explained.
He added however, that ad interim appointments become invalid if disapproved by the CA or if they remain unconfirmed by the time Congress adjourns again.
President Marcos appointed Dizon as head of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Feb. 21, and the CA received his appointment papers on Feb. 24.
Dizon succeeds Jaime Bautista, who stepped down as DOTr secretary due to health reasons.
Previously, Dizon served as presidential adviser on flagship programs and projects and as president of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) during the Duterte administration.
Ruiz was appointed head of the PCO on Feb. 24, and the CA received his appointment papers on Feb. 25.
worker’s workplace,” Laguesma said. He said the RFAs can now be submitted at the DOLE office nearest to the worker’s residence, streamlining the process and improving accessibility.
“Additionally, the new regulations broaden the scope to include platform workers, freelancers, and those engaged in contracting arrangements, guaranteeing that they have a defined and organized method for addressing labor-related issues,” Laguesma said.
In 2024, the DOLE, in collaboration with the National
Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) and the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), handled 83,836 RFAs, leading to P2.9 billion in monetary claims that benefited 58,212 workers.
Laguesma said the recent changes aim to make dispute resolution quicker and more effective.
“Through the use of technology and improved accessibility, DOLE is committed to addressing labor disputes in a fair, efficient manner while minimizing unnecessary expenses,” he said.
THE Philippine Army’s nationwide simultaneous run drew thousands of runners to Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City and key Army camps nationwide on Saturday (Mar. 1).
A huge number of Army officers, enlisted personnel, their dependents and civilians dashed to the finish line before the crack of dawn.
The runners participated in the three-kilometer, five-kilometer, seven-kilometer, and 10-kilometer categories with the Army Artillery Regiment firing the ceremonial salvo to signal the release of each batch.
The four running routes followed major roads inside the Army’s main headquarters and adjacent thoroughfares.
“We manifested today that indeed the Army is founded on healthy lifestyle,” Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said in his remarks, emphasizing that physical fitness is a requisite for the Army to become a “Matatag na Sandigan ng Bagong Pilipinas.”
A delegation from the U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and teams from the Philippine Army’s partner organizations also took part in the run.
The event aims to encourage commitment to health and fitness by promoting an active lifestyle and regular physical activity. It highlights the importance of physical well-being as a key component of a strong and resilient force, according to Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala.
LAST Tuesday, Feb. 25, was the 39th anniversary of the EDSA uprising which came to be known worldwide as the bloodless “People Power” revolt. In clearly calibrated measures to downplay its historic significance, the Marcos administration decided to pay no heed to its being a special nonworking holiday, commemorated by all presidents from Cory to Duterte, whose mother was one of the staunch leaders of the “yellow” movement in Davao, yet who in his time directed the internment of Marcos Senior’s remains at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Many Metro Manila universities and colleges nonetheless declared Feb. 25 as a no-class day so that students can troop to the commemorative rallies, yet police forces deployed by government outnumbered those who trooped to EDSA.
The Marcos revision of what it deems unpalatable history will continue, such that by the time PBbM exits from power, EDSA One will be just a memory shared by those who were active in the fight against the dictatorship.
The reason for this lack of appreciation stems largely from the fact that the “democracy” EDSA promised has failed to effect meaningful change in the lives of the people and the fate of the nation.
Democratic space is abstract to hungry stomachs and hopelessness.
One telling reason behind this failure is the sad fate of the “unity” that was forged between Cory Aquino and her vice-president in the snap elections, the manipulation of which by the dying regime sparked massive unrest on top of the assassination of Ninoy Aquino two years and a half before.
It was a forced political marriage between the widowed Cory and her husband’s best friend who even before Ninoy’s death, had painstakingly rebuilt the political machinery opposed to the dictatorship.
As is usual in such brokered political union of forces, promises were made by Cory Aquino to Doy Laurel. Those promises were broken on Day One, Feb. 25, and thereafter, Doy felt like an unwanted presence within Cory’s Cabinet.
(Details of the negotiations leading to the 1986 snap elections are in a forthcoming book of this writer, now being edited.)
Do we see déjà vu in the BbM-Sara political marriage billed as the Uniteam that is now hopelessly shattered?
In fairness to the vice-president, she hardly made any recommendations for key positions in the PBbM government. She accepted to be the DepEd secretary even if then candidate BbM said during the campaign that she wanted to be the defense secretary.
Of course, no president would give that position to the Constitutionally “designated” successor in a country whose politics is marked by treachery
and instability.
But she got the department with the biggest budget, again Constitutionallymandated, until Congress in 2024 manipulated the 2025 budget upon which she will no longer preside. Sara probably thought that DepEd was launch pad for 2028, it having the biggest budget and an army of teachers. She should have opted for DSWD instead, with its 4Ps and ayuda-distribution mandate. That would have made greater political sense.
The rot will forever be with us, because the system sucks. It allows the least among us to lead us
Doy Laurel eventually resigned from the Cory Cabinet, and became increasingly isolated in the political conversation leading to the 1992 elections. Inday Sara has been impeached by the HoR, and will soon face trial in the Senate. The first mass turncoatism after martial law occurred right after EDSA One. UNIDO, the party which was vehicle to the Cory-Doy campaign against the dictator, was decimated, and the dominant party became the PDP-Laban, later decimated by the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino under the leadership of no less than President Cory’s congressman-brother.
This time, owing to practice started under Cory’s presidency, fPRRD’s PDP has been deserted, with just about a handful of incumbents left, most having transferred to Lakas or it’s allied parties, Partido Federal, NPC, NUP and NP.
In the current mid-term electoral bout, PDP could only field a slate of nine, half of whom are virtual unknowns. The Alyansa of PBbM on the other hand has 12 well-known political brands, even if half of these do not deserve to be in the Senate.
Political dynasties and turncoatism, on top of a useless party-list contraption are the end-products of a confusing Constitution which adopted a multiparty system in a presidential form of government.
Unless a real leader with no ambition to prolong his power or perpetuate himself through family or proxies leads this benighted land, and revises the 1987 Constitution or hammers out an entirely new one that fits our nation of tribes and exorcises the demons of our corrupted politics and controlled economics, déjà vu will always occur.
The rot will forever be with us, because the system sucks. It allows the least among us to lead us.
AS a parent and an internet user, I find myself constantly balancing the benefits of digital connectivity with the growing threats lurking online.
The internet is an indispensable tool in today’s tech driven world, but it is also a dark avenue for exploitation, deception, and abuse.
In light of recent observance of Safer Internet Day 2025, we need to shine a stronger spotlight on the dangers our children face online, especially the persistent threat of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM).
These heinous crimes are a stark reality in our country, and tackling them requires a collective effort from families, government institutions, and the private sector.
The Philippines, unfortunately, holds the grim title of being one of the top global sources of OSAEC and CSAEM. According to the International Justice Mission, an estimated 500,000 minors have fallen victim to these crimes. The numbers could be even higher due to underreporting—many cases go unreported because the perpetrators are often family members, and victims are either unaware or too afraid to seek help. The digital platforms we use every
day have become marketplaces for exploitation. The shift in the Philippine Safer Internet Day theme to “Digital Bayanihan, Para sa Kabataang Ligtas at Protektado Online” is a welcome move that recognizes the urgency of safeguarding our children in this digital age. However, OSAEC and CSAEM are not the only digital threats we need to address.
We can build a digital environment where children are protected, empowered, and free to learn and grow shielded from the cyber specter of exploitation and crime
Cybercriminals continue to evolve, preying on individuals through online scams. Phishing remains rampant, tricking users into giving up sensitive personal information. Vishing, or voice phishing,
ANEWLY opened bridge costing P1.2 billion in Isabela province collapsed Thursday night, leaving six – including a child -- injured. Part of the bridge collapsed when a dump truck carrying boulders passed over it. The truck was estimated to be weighing 102 tons and was on its way from neighboring Kalinga to the northern part of the province.
The 990-meter Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge was only opened to vehicles last month, even as construction began more than 10 years earlier, authorities say. Heads will roll, the Palace vowed. As they should. Bridges are supposed to connect one area to another to facilitate the movement of goods and people.
manipulates victims through fraudulent phone calls. International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers, used to intercept mobile communications, pose an alarming risk to privacy.
These cybercrimes target everyone— our children, our elderly, the tech-savvy, everyone online. This is why raising awareness must go beyond one-day commemorations. Digital literacy and cyber hygiene should be integrated into our education system and continuously reinforced at home.
Several Philippine laws exist to protect children, including Republic Act 11930, which specifically targets OSAEC and CSAEM by imposing stricter penalties and mandating digital platforms to monitor and report such crimes. Other legal safeguards include the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175), the Anti-Child Pornography Act (RA 9775), and the Data Privacy Act (RA 10173).
But legislation must have strong implementation and cooperation among law enforcement agencies, tech companies, and international organizations are crucial in taking down online predators
People take passing bridges for granted – it is never assumed that one might collapse under the weight of any one vehicle using it.
The Isabela mishap was the result of corruption, negligence, ineptitude, or a deadly combination of these.
The assumption is that bridges work, because they cost a lot of money, because professionals are supposed to have planned them, because the bidding process for them was transparent and above board, and their construction followed the specifications to the letter.
People crossing a bridge do so thinking about what they are going to do once they reach their destination on the other side. They hardly fret about whether the bridge is strong enough for the load, whether the right materials were used for its construction or whether irregularities attended any point of the process. It is a given, not only that heads must roll, but that a full investigation be conducted on the reason for the collapse. It
and scam operators.
The private sector, particularly telecommunications companies and internet providers, plays an important role in promoting a safer online environment. Globe, for instance, has invested millions in content-filtering technology and has successfully blocked thousands of domains containing child abuse materials.
The Digital Thumbprint Program started in 2017 teaches students, parents, and senior citizens digital etiquette, responsible use of the internet and has since been enhanced to spot and protect against scams and other cybercrimes.
Likewise, PLDT and Smart, in partnership with NGOs, are educating children about online risks through interactive storytelling initiatives. Google has also launched Enhanced Play Protect in the Philippines to prevent harmful apps from infiltrating users’ devices.
Protecting children from digital threats ultimately begins at home. Parents must take an active role in educating their children about online safety. Setting up parental controls, adjusting privacy settings, and limiting screen time are just some of the measures we
is not enough that someone be pointed to as the culprit behind the incident. More importantly, we have to make sure that no similar event happens in the future.
How many bridges are there in the Philippines, how many sets of plans, bidding documents, and bidders were included in each one? How may government offices, local government units, bids and awards committee members, and other officials are involved in such high-stakes decisions? At the same time we wonder: How many other projects were riddled with the same flaws as the ones that determined the unfortunate collapse, and when will they show signs of these imperfections?
Every government project carries with it a presumption of regularity, which makes people confident about using the facility instead of questioning it.
The Isabela mishap was not an accident. It is the inescapable result of corruption, negligence, ineptitude, or a deadly combination of these. Let the consequent probe unearth the reasons, and may these findings be made public so they could serve as a guide on how ordinary taxpayers should demand accountability from their leaders. Bridges are supposed to connect people and facilitate trade and movement, not endanger citizens’ lives.
can implement. More importantly, we need to foster an environment where our children feel safe talking about their online experiences.
They must know that they can come to us if they encounter suspicious messages, cyberbullying, or any form of exploitation.
The fight against online threats is a shared duty that requires active participation from all sectors of society. Let us make the internet a safer place by educating ourselves, reporting suspicious activities, and advocating for stronger online protections, ensuring that as the digital world evolves, so do our efforts to shield our children from harm.
At the heart of this advocacy is a simple yet powerful message: our children deserve to explore the internet without fear. It is up to us—parents, educators, businesses, and policymakers—to ensure that they can do so safely. Together, we can build a digital environment where they are protected, empowered, and free to learn and grow shielded from the cyber specter of exploitation and crime.
2,000
least one person, officials said.
Around 2,000 people fled areas around the northern Japan city of Ofunato to stay with friends or relatives, while more than 1,200 evacuated to shelters, according to officials.
“We’re still examining the size of the affected area, but it is the biggest since the 1992 wildfire” in Kushiro, Hokkaido, a disaster management agency spokesman told AFP Saturday.
Some reports estimated the fire had spread over 1,800 hectares.
Aerial footage by NHK showed columns of white smoke billowing, four days after the blaze first materialised, with military helicopters trying to douse them.
One burned body has been discovered so far, with more than 80 buildings damaged and around 1,700 firefighters mobilized from across the country. AFP
Trump
WASHINGTON, DC – President Donald Trump on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) designated English as the official language of the United States, saying it would bring cohesion to a country characterized by immigration from around the world.
The White House published an executive order by Trump which says it is “long past time” that English is declared as the nation’s official language.
“A nationally designated language is at the core of a unified and cohesive society, and the United States is strengthened by a citizenry that can freely exchange ideas in one shared language,” the document states.
The order revokes a presidential mandate from the 1990s under then-president Bill Clinton requiring federal agencies and agencies receiving federal funding to provide assistance to non-English speakers.
While the White House acknowledges that more than 350 languages are spoken in the United States, the order says English has been the nation’s language “from the founding of our Republic,” and “our Nation’s historic governing documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, have all been written in English.” AFP
DEHRADUN, India – Indian rescuers hurried in sub-zero temperatures Sunday to dig out four missing workers presumed buried by an avalanche in a remote border area, with snowfall increasing the risk of more sliding snow.
More than 50 workers were submerged by snow and debris after the avalanche hit a construction camp on Friday near the border with Tibet in the northern Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, according to officials. Relief teams have managed to rescue 50 workers, but among them four later died of their injuries.
State authorities late Saturday revised down the number of people missing after the avalanche from five to four after one worker, previously believed to be buried, was found to have safely made his way home.
Officials did not provide details or say whether the man had been buried in the avalanche on Friday. AFP
37 dead, 41 hurt in Bolivia after 2 buses collide
LA PAZ, Bolivia – Two passenger buses collided Saturday (Sunday in Manila) on a highway in southern Bolivia, leaving at least 37 people dead including eight minors, police said, in the country’s worst bus accident to date this year.
“So far we have 37 confirmed deaths,” Colonel Wilson Flores told AFP of the crash near the city of Uyuni in the department of Potosi.
Another 41 people were injured and transported to hospitals, police said. Six foreigners were among those killed: five Peruvians and a three-yearold German girl. Seven other minors also died. The accident occurred on a narrow two-way road early Saturday.
One of the buses was heading to the city of Oruro, the scene this weekend of the Oruro Carnival, one of the largest festivals in Latin America that attracts tens of thousands of people.
Potosi prosecutor Gonzalo Aparicio told state-run news agency ABI that the driver of one of the buses had been drinking and was speeding when he strayed into the opposing lane where he crashed into the oncoming vehicle.
“So far it is known that a driver of one of the buses was under the influence of alcohol,” he said.
Earlier an official had said one of the drivers, who survived the crash in grave condition, had “alcohol breath,” so a blood test was performed. AFP
LONDON – More than a dozen European leaders were scheduled to gather in London Sunday for crisis talks, looking to boost security cooperation and support for Ukraine after an astonishing blowout between Kyiv and Washington.
Ukraine’s allies have been underscoring their steadfast commitment to counter growing concerns that US President Donald Trump is about to sell Kyiv short in negotiations with Russia.
The day after he was kicked out of the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was warmly welcomed to Downing Street on Saturday.
He twice embraced the British prime
minister in front of cameras and secured a loan to strengthen defenses depleted by more than three years of fending off Russia’s invasion.
“I thank the people and government of the United Kingdom for their tremendous support from the very beginning of this war,” Zelenskyy said.
“We are happy to have such strategic partners and to share the same vision of
what a secure future should look like for all.”
He is due to meet King Charles III on Sunday before joining a cohort of European allies at a security summit.
The meeting brings together leaders from around continental Europe, including France, Germany, Denmark and Italy as well as Turkey, NATO and the European Union.
“Now is the time for us to unite in order to guarantee the best outcome for Ukraine, protect European security, and secure our collective future,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.
Downing Street said Sunday’s summit would again stress the need for a “strong lasting deal that delivers a permanent peace” and discuss “next steps on plan-
ning for strong security guarantees”.
With fears growing over whether the United States will continue to support NATO, the gathering in the UK will also address the need for Europe to increase defense cooperation.
As Zelenskyy’s convoy swept into London on Saturday, a crowd of supporters cheered.
“You’re very, very welcome here in Downing Street,” Starmer told Zelenskyy before their 75-minute closed-door talks.
The pair discussed Ukraine’s position and how to end the war “with a lasting and just peace... that will not allow Russia to use the ceasefire to rearm and attack again,” according to a statement released by Zelenksyy’s office. AFP
FRESNO, California – With planting season well under way in California, the leading US food-producing state, fear is taking root among thousands of migrants who labor to feed a country that now seems ready to deport them.
“We have to stay hidden,” Lourdes Cardenas, a 62-yearold Mexican living in the city of Fresno, told AFP.
“You are unsure if you will encounter the immigration authorities. We can’t be free anywhere, not in schools, not in churches, not in supermarkets,” said Cardenas, who has lived in the United States for 22 years.
President Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric has left people like her “depressed, sad, anxious” and fearful of being deported, she said.
Cardenas is one of more than two million people working on farms in the United States.
Most were born outside the country, speak Spanish and, on average, arrived more than 15 years ago.
Still, 42 percent of them lack the documents that would allow them to work legally, according to the government’s own figures.
In January, surprise raids by immigration officials in Bakersfield, an agricultural city about 250 miles (400 kilometers) from the Mexican border, sent chills through workers in California’s breadbasket Central Valley.
They were a stark reminder that the country some of them have called home for decades elected a man who wants them gone. AFP
Israel endorses plan to extend Gaza truce as first phase draws to close
JERUSALEM – Israel said Sunday it endorsed a proposal to temporarily extend the truce in Gaza as a bridging measure after the first phase of its ceasefire with Hamas drew to a close. The proposal, put forward by US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, would cover Ramadan, due to end late March, and Passover, lasting through mid-April, according to a statement from the Israeli prime minister’s office released just after midnight. The first phase of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas was set to expire over the weekend without any certainty as to the second phase, which is hoped to
still in Gaza released on the day the deal comes into effect, with the rest to be released at the end if agreement is reached on a permanent ceasefire. There was no immediate response from Hamas, which earlier rejected the idea of an extension. Meanwhile, in Washongton, DC, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he had signed a declaration to expedite around $4 billion in military assistance to Israel.
“I have signed a declaration to use emergency authorities to expedite the delivery of approximately $4 billion in military assistance to Israel,” Rubio said in a short statement, while noting that a partial arms embargo imposed under former president Joe Biden had been reversed. Israel’s backing of what it described as a US plan comes amid a
PUERTO PRINCESA – Frenchman Bastien Poupelain and Poland’s Agnieszka NajnigierPierzynowska emerged as the champions of the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa, showcasing impressive endurance and strategy in grueling conditions on Sunday.
Poupelain relied on his swim and bike strengths to build a significant lead before securing victory in the demanding race, which featured a 1.9km open-water swim, a fast-paced 90km bike course, and a 21km run. He finished with an impressive time of 04:24:19 to clinch the men’s overall championship.
Starting strong, Poupelain trailed Japan’s Ryosuke Ohata in the swim leg with a time of 00:29:10 but surged ahead in the bike stage, posting the best time of 02:15:32. Despite clocking 01:34:36 in the run, he held on to victory.
Japan’s Hidekazu Takahashi mounted a late comeback with a 01:32:26 run split but fell short by two minutes, finishing in 04:26:26 (00:29:52 swim, 02:18:05 bike).
Veteran Czech triathlete and former full IRONMAN winner Petr Lukosz secured third place in 04:34:45 (00:31:11 swim, 02:18:58 bike, 01:38:11 run).
JS Teves displayed remarkable form in the bike stage, recording 02:23:00 to finish fourth overall in 04:36:44 in the kickoff leg of the new triathlon season organized and conducted by Sunrise Events Philippines.
Teves’ achievement made him the top Filipino finisher, earning him P50,000 from the Princesa Garden Hotel.
Meanwhile, Ohata, despite a blazing swim start of 00:29:06, settled for fifth place overall with 02:23:34 in bike and 01:38:04 in the run. In contrast to Poupelain, NajnigierPierzynowska saved her best for last in the women’s division, bucking the heat to deliver a strong finishing kick and claim victory with a time of 05:33:32. She recorded a modest 00:40:33 in the swim and 02:52:32 in the bike, but her stellar 01:52:13 run split underscored her endurance and race strategy.
Great Britain’s Emma Rickard looked poised for victory with a solid 00:37:13 swim and 02:52:35 bike split but struggled in the run, finishing with 02:02:32 for an overall time of 05:40:49, settling for second place.
Hong Kong’s Nicole Chau rounded out the podium with a 05:46:43 finish (00:39:23 swim, 03:13:34 bike, 01:47:24 run). Other notable finishers included China’s Jiang Xueuyan, who placed fourth in 05:49:12 (00:48:30 swim, 02:48:07 bike, 02:06:02 run), and Mary Pauline Fornea, the top Filipino female finisher. Fornea clocked 05:49:19 (00:39:35 swim, 02:54:03 bike, 02:09:16 run) and took home P50,000. Age group winners included Poupelain (30-34), Takahashi (50-54), and Lukosz (40-44). Teves topped the 25-29 category, while S. Michelet Dos Santos of Portugal dominated the 35-39 class. Other age-group champions included American Michael Slaton (45-49), Australians Trevor Watchman (50-54) and Andrew Hughes (55-59).
Among women, Najnigier-Pierzynowska secured the 40-44 title, Rickard topped the 30-34 category, and Chau ruled the 18-24 division. Japan’s Mitsuki Tanaka-Tan (35-39), Risa Nanao (45-49), Shoko Ganaha (50-54), and Mayuko Tanikawa (6064) also triumphed in their respective age groups. Team Tandika Tri took home P200,000 for having the largest contingent in the TriClub competition, courtesy of the Princesa Garden Hotel.
By Peter Atencio
VARSITY standout Ritchie Estampador and Maricar Camacho were unchallenged when they grabbed the men’s and women’s honors of the 21-km run during the Manila leg of the 2025 Milo National Marathon on Sunday. Estampador, a student athlete at Mapua University, celebrated his first half marathon crown as he reached the finish line in one hour, 10 minutes and 23 seconds.
The staging of the full marathon event in Manila, where Estampador and Camacho were entered, was scrapped due to scheduling difficulties and the availability of the roads.
But it didn’t matter as the 23-year-old Estampador still earned his first title in a 21-km event ever since he decided to take on longer distances, after winning the 3000-meter steeplechase last year in Season 99 of the National Collegiate Athletics Association track meet.
After setting a new course record in the NCAA, Estampador felt he had the confidence to tackle lengthier routes.
“Maganda ang kundisyon para dito,” said Estampador, who pulled away in the first
eight kilometers upon reaching a bridge along Diosdado Macapagal Ave. “All the way na, wala nang kasabay.”
Estampador earned a slot to the national finals of the full marathon event on Dec. 7 in Iloilo, with second placer Ray Laudit (1:15.09) and Mark Anthony Oximar (1:17.23).
On the other hand, the 37-year-old Camacho clocked 1:32.16 in the women’s side, with JhoAnn Villarma in second at 1:43.21 and Charilyn Ayende in third (1:49.20).
“Nag-adjust ako. Walang 42-km dito. Medyo relaxed lang ako,” said Camacho, who is preparing to join another long-distance race in Isabela next week.
Meanwhile, former University of the East track star James Orduna took the men’s 10km honors in 32 minutes, and 7.25 seconds, with Jan Moncala and Joel Oragan in second and third, respectively. Southeast Asian Games’ veteran Joida Gagnao stamped her class in the women’s side.
Alfrence Braza and Joneta Sustituedo dominated the men’s and women’s 5-km run, respectively, while Jericho Danao and Alessandra Quiambao topped the men’s and women’s 3-km action.
GILAS Pilipinas naturalized player Justin Brownlee has long been a regular fixture for crowd-favorite Ginebra in the PBA that he has already embraced several famous Filipino traits including the deep sense of gratitude or reciprocity.
And that’s why it was an easy decision for Brownlee to join fellow basketball stars like Scottie Thompson and Jayson Castro as well as other known pro athletes in supporting Milka Romero and 1Pacman Partylist’s advocacy for sports and youth development.
“I actually want to give back to basketball. Hopefully I can do some things with younger kids and try to help the development of basketball here in the Philippines,” said the 36-year-old forward.
Brownlee became officially a Filipino citizen back in January 2023, all thanks to the initiative of outgoing 1Pacman representative Mikee Romero who filed the bill granting the Gilas wingman citizenship at the House of Representatives.
His naturalization allowed him to become a part of the national team which ended a 61-year gold medal drought for the country in the Asian Games in Guangzho, China.
THE Philippines will be well-represented in the upcoming AVC Women’s Champions League, with Premier Volleyball League powerhouse teams Creamline and Petro Gazz set to battle some of the best clubs in the region.
PVL president and Philippine National Volleyball Federation vice president Ricky Palou confirmed the participation of the country’s top two squads after the preliminary round of the ongoing PVL All-Filipino Conference. Initially, only the tournament champion was set to represent the country. However, as host nation, the Philippines is allowed to field two teams in the prestigious competition, which will take place from April 20 to 27 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The competition, formerly known as the Asian Club Championship, was initially slated to be held in South Korea, then later moved to Vietnam, before ultimately being assigned to the Philippines due to time constraints.
The Cool Smashers and the Angels both dominated the PVL preliminaries with identical 10-1 records, proving their elite status in Philippine volleyball.
Creamline, led by the dynamic Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Bernadeth Pons, Alyssa Valdez, Michele Gumabao and playmaker Kyle Negrito, boasts one of the most formidable rosters in the region. Their chemistry, experience and offensive firepower will be key assets in their campaign against top Asian clubs.
Meanwhile, Petro Gazz brings its own brand of firepower with FilipinoAmerican standouts Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips. However, due to their status under USA Volleyball, both players are considered reinforcements, leaving the Angels with one remaining import slot. The addition of a highcaliber foreign player could further solidify their championship aspirations.
The tournament draw will take place on March 12 in Bangkok, Thailand, meaning both teams need to finalize their rosters soon.
“The AVC called us and said they need the teams right away because of the draw,” said Palou.
His endearing feats – highlighted by Gilas’ shocking win over world No.6 Latvia in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament that ended a 64-year dry spell of the Filipinos against European teams – have made him a national treasure.
And Brownlee knew that none of that would happen if not for the efforts of Mikee, 1Pacman and all the other congressmen and senators that made his naturalization possible.
“I definitely appreciate that. I understand it wasn’t an easy process but I just appreciate all the senators and politicians who were involved. I can name so many but I’m just gonna say everyone that was involved, I just appreciate them,” said Brownlee.
Interestingly, Brownlee now stands by side with Mikee’s daughter, Milka in continuing the 1Pacman’s goal of helping elevate the grassroots especially in the less privileged areas in the country.
“Anything positive for the country,” said Brownlee.
“I’m a Filipino citizen now so I take pride in things like that. Like I said, I wanna be a big part of it or even a small part of it and help as much as I can,” he added.
CIGNAL faced an early challenge from a determined PGJC Navy side but quickly recovered to reassert its dominance, clinching a 19-25, 25-17, 25-17, 25-17 victory in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila on Sunday.
The defending champions rallied behind Jau Umandal’s 18-point performance to keep their unbeaten record intact. However, the HD Spikers struggled to find their rhythm in the opening set, committing 14 errors – an issue that head coach Dexter Clamor hopes to address as they prepare for their highly anticipated rematch against the Criss Cross King Crunchers at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Wednesday. It was the first time Cignal had dropped a set in the tournament after sweeping the Alpha Insurance Protectors, the Savouge Spin Doctors, and the VNS Griffins. Clamor acknowledged that his team’s tendency to relax has been a recurring concern, emphasizing the need for sharper focus and intensity against the equally formidable King Crunchers.
The HD Spikers, however, bounced back to dominate the last three sets, fending off the Sealions to temporarily claim the top spot with a 4-0 record in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Cignal sealed the victory with a decisive surge late in the fourth set, unleashing a blistering 6-0 run, spearheaded by Umandal, to
MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
By Peter Atencio
EDUCATION Secretary
Sonny Angara gave credit to Tokyo Olympics’ gold medallist Hidilyn Diaz for the inclusion of weightlifting as a demonstration sport in the coming 2025 Palarong Pambansa.
It was Diaz, a four-time Olympian, who convinced Angara to add the sport in the Palaro’s calendar of events.
“In the coming Palarong Pambansa, we will have weightlifting for the first time, with no less than Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz as our resource person. Ma-suwerte po ang ating mga learner-athletes. It is your chance to try out these sports,” said Angara in a statement.
Angara, who is also chairman of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, was in Benguet last week at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Cordil-
THE San Sebastian College-Recoletos men’s basketball team is now looking for a new “godfather” after concluding its partnership with the team’s previous backer.
In a statement, Rev. Fr. Rafael B. Pecson, OAR, expressed his sincere gratitude to the management team put up by Joseph Ronquillo in handling the team for one season.
“The San Sebastian College-Recoletos community would like to thank Mr. Ronquillo for all the support, encouragement and the resources he put in our Season 100 campaign. While we fell short on our mission, it was one great ride with the management team he formed and we greatly appreciated it.”
“We wish Mr. Ronquillo success in his future endeavors,” he added.
The whole SSC-R community is now waiting with bated breath as to who will come aboard to right the ship on the way to the Promised Land.
“We are looking for someone who can bring fresh ideas and resources which are vital in enhancing the capabilities of each member of the team as we strive for excellence.”
“The school community and its fans are eager to hear the roar of ‘Bravo Baste!’ once again and hopefully we can hear it in the coming season.”
The last time the Stags won a championship was during the celebrated days of the “Pinatubo Trio” of Calvin Abueva, Ian Sangalang and Ronald Pascual in 2009. All three players are from Pampanga.
JERMYN Prado showed no signs that she’s turning 32 in less than a month as she ruled the Elite Road Race to sweep all three Women Elite gold medals staked in the recent PhilCycling National Championships for Road.
Marcelo Felipe, who turned 35 only last February 10, was as sharp as fellow veteran Prado and topped the Men Elite Road race of the championships presented by the MVP Sports Foundation and Standard Insurance and organized by the PhilCycling headed by Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
“It’s all about training, dedication and the heart to keep on cycling,” said Prado, who also won the Criterium gold medal at the Tagaytay City Criterium and the ITT on an uphill route from Tuy to Nasugbu in Batangas last week.
“I’ve been relentless in training, but all these are because of the One above,” added Prado, winner of the ITT gold medal at the Philippines 2019 Southeast Asian Games also in Tagaytay City, after her event in the championships lso supported by the POC, Tagaytay City and Excellent Noodles as well as the Philippine Sports Commission, which supports the national teams of cycling.
lera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Sports Meet.
While weightlifting will debut as a demo event, pole vault for secondary girls will be a regular event in athletics, together with pencak silat, following its
introduction in 2017.
Diaz was at the CARAA meet with Angara.
“I have long hoped for my sport to once again be part of the biggest national sporting event for student-athletes in the Philippines. Now, it’s finally happening. Maraming salamat sa tulong at suporta mula kay Department of Education Sec. Sonny Angara, sa Palarong Pambansa Board, at sa Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP),” Diaz said. Angara got ideas on how to to expand the Palaro calendar when he met with Diaz and world No. 4 pole vaulter EJ Obiena on separate occasions last year, when the education secretary was exploring the possibility of including their events in the Palaro.
Kickboxing will also be featured as an exhibition sport in Angara’s bid to help diversify the events played in the games.
The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, led by Gov. Matthew Manotoc, along with DepEdRegion I and the Schools Division Office of Ilocos Norte, is hosting the 65th Palarong Pambansa.
Some 15,000 participants from 18 delegations, including the National Academy of Sports, will gather for the games, tentatively scheduled from May 24 to June 2.
FAR Eastern University, battling sickness all week long, showed no signs of weakness as it repulsed Ateneo de Manila University in a gruelling four-set clash, 25-23, 32-30, 2325, 25-15, to remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
Members of the Tamaraws’ squad suffered sickness over the past week with some having to be isolated for three days before returning to practice while their head coach, Eddieson Orcullo, called the shots using crutches as he underwent operation for his left achilles.
Despite all it went through the past week, FEU showed resiliency as it rebounded from a third set loss to prevail in two hours and two minutes.
“Nag-undergo ang team sa struggle these past few days. May mga nagkasakit talaga pero neverthe-
less, with the guidance ni Lord, tapos ‘yung support sa amin, talagang ipinakita namin na kailangan
namin itong game na ito kasi kung magpapabaya kami sayang ‘yung 3-0 standing namin,” said FEU
Prado clocked two hours, 39 minutes and 28.17 seconds in winning the 88-km race on a 44-km circuit covering Tuy, Balayan, Lian and Nasugbu with Maritoni Krogg coming in only a wheel behind for silver and Kate Yasmin Aquino, who’s now a mom, crossing third for the bronze medal.
Kim Bonilla, meanwhile, added the Women Under-23 road race gold medal to her victory in the ITT over the same route and distance in 2:36:38.80—Wenizah Claire Vinoya claimed silver (42 seconds behind) and Princess Jamkyna bagged bronze (46 seconds behind).
Felipe turned 35 only last February 10 but also didn’t show any sign of slowing down.
A national team mainstay like Prado, Felipe won the 215-km race in 5:02:25.49, edging Jericho Lucero by two seconds and Jeremy Lizardo by four seconds.
“We [Lucero and Lizardo] broke loose in the last 20 kms and seeing that no one else made a chase, we worked hard until the finish,” said Felipe after the race where the average speed was pegged at 43 kph.
deputy coach Rene Dulay. In the extended second set, the Blue Eagles unwillingly helped the Tamaraws’ cause as they committed four errors down the stretch while Mikko Espartero and Dryx Saavedra delivered the goods to give FEU a 2-0 set lead, 32-30.
But Ateneo displayed its grit in the third, holding on in another close frame as Amil Pacinio and Kennedy Batas drilled the hits that sent the match to a fourth stanza, 25-23.
FEU was unmoved, though, after giving up the third, breaking away in the fourth with Doula Ndongala and Saavedra at the forefront in their strong 17-10 start to improve to 4-0 in the standings after two hours and two minutes of action.
THE return of esports to the Asian Games to be hosted by Aichi and Nagoya in Japan is a welcome development for the local gaming community in the Philippines.
Philippine Sports Organization (PESO) executive director Marlon Manalo said this after the Olympic Council of Asia announced its decision last week to include 11 game titles in the Asiad calendar.
“It’s a pleasure that there’s esports in the next Asian Games,” said Manalo during the opening games of the Mobile Legends Bang Bang Professional League Season at the Green Sun Hotel.
In a memo dated Feb. 22, 2025, Asi-
ad officials said after an emergency executive board meeting that they will have 11 titles to played from seven that were introduced in the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. This includes the game of MLBB, which Filipino gamers are good at.
“The last time it was held in China, MLBB was not part of the first inclusion of esports in the Asian Games. But right now, we are optimistic and happy that MLBB has been included because we are a powerhouse in M LBB in the Philippines, and globally,” said Marcelo.
Among the titles that have been included with MLBB are the Street Fighter Series, the Tekken Series, the King of
Fighters Series, Pokémon Unite, Honor of Kings, League of Legends,PUBG Mobile - Asian Games Version, Identity V: Asian Games Version, Naraka: Bladepoint, Gran Turismo 7, Efootball Series, Puyo Puyo Champions
MLBB is a 5v5 Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game and was one of the first games chosen to be the first medal event of esports at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. It was developed and published by Moonton Games.
“This means that we will have a shot at getting a medal and adding to the honor of winning medals overall for the country if ever we do this right for 2026,” added Marcelo. Peter Atencio
By Darwin G. Amojelar
METRO Pacific Tollways Corp. said it temporarily halted merger talks with a unit of San Miguel Corp. for their toll road operations.
“We’ve deferred discussion with them [San Miguel] because MPTC is raising equity money to reduce its debts. Once we achieve that within two to three months, we will resume negotiations,” said MPTC chairman Manuel Pangilinan.
Pangilinan said MPTC is raising anywhere between P30 billion and P40 billion through bank loans, primarily to reduce debt.
“MPIC [Metro Pacific Investments Corp.] is not selling down. It’s new money into tollways,” he said.
Pangilinan said despite the suspension of negotiations, the merger might proceed within the year.
“I think we can do it within the year,” he said.
The toll unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and San Miguel signed in August 2024 a P72-billion deal to construct two expressways south of Metro Manila. Under the memorandum of agreement, MPTC and SMC will jointly undertake the construction, operation and maintenance of the 87.96-kilometer Cavite-Batangas Expressway and Nasugbu-Bauan Expressway.
The MPTC Group has 240.6 kilometers of operational expressways and 43.1 kilometers under construction, with a total investment of $3.06 billion.
It operates 105 kilometers of North Luzon Expressway, 94 km. of Subic Clark-Tarlac Expressway and 14 km. of Manila-Cavite Expressway. It also operates
the 8.5-km. Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway in Cebu.
SMC’s expressways include the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), the Skyway System and the NAIA Expressway (NAIAX).
LEANDRO Legarda Leviste, founder of Solar Philippines Tarlac Corp., reputedly the builder of Southeast Asia’s largest solar project, eyes remarkable progress in the coming years for the first district of Batangas.
“For decades, other districts have experienced rapid growth due to strong support from the national government. It is imperative that our district receives the same level of attention. I am confident that in the years ahead, the First District will become one of the most prosperous regions in Batangas,” said Leviste, recognized as the country’s youngest billionaireentrepreneur.
He underscored the critical role of national government support in accelerating the district’s development. He called on policymakers to prioritize infrastructure improvements, economic diversifi cation, and livelihood programs.
Leviste made these statements at the official launch of his candidacy for congressman representing the First District, during assemblies held Feb. 28 to March 1 in the towns of Nasugbo, Balayan and Taal, attended by politi-
RUBY YEAR. The 2025 o cers of the Economic Journalists’ Association of the Philippines (EJAP), the country’s association of business and economic reporters, take their oath of o ce before Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy on Feb. 28 at the Ayala Museum in Makati City. Leading EJAP in its 40th year is Myla IglesiasAcuña from Malaya Business Insight as its president and chairman of the board. The incumbent o cers include Jasper Emmanuel Arcalas of the Philippine Star (vice president - internal), Jenni er Austria of Manila Standard (vice president - external), Keisha Ta-asan of the Philippine Star (secretary), Jon Viktor Cabuenas of GMA News Online (treasurer), Tyrone Jasper Piad of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (auditor). Completing EJAP’s board are Ruelle Albert Castro (Malaya Business Insight), Andrea San Juan (BusinessMirror), Brix Lelis (The Philippine Star), Meg Adonis (The Philippine Daily Inquirer) and Darwin Amojelar (Manila Standard).
By Othel V. Campos
and
(BCDA) is teaming up with a consortium of South Korean and local firms to develop a P4.8-billion, 6.1-hectare affordable housing complex in New Clark City in Tarlac province.
“This project, if realized, will generate jobs, attract investment and drive economic growth in Central Luzon,” said BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang.
The consortium—comprising Sta. Clara International Corp. (SCIC), Saekyung Realty Corp. and Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corp. (KIND)—will fund the development.
Aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) for sustainable cities, the project also supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, which provides affordable housing for low-income families.
The project aims to ease the country’s hous-
ing shortage while promoting sustainable urban growth.
The complex will feature 12 high-density residential buildings with 3,320 units. Of these, 2,600 across nine buildings will be sold in the open market, while 720 units in three buildings will be allocated under the 4PH Program.
The development will include modern infrastructure and key amenities such as green spaces, road networks, stormwater drainage, fire protection, disaster-resilient structures, retail and commercial hubs and sports and leisure facilities.
Bingcang said the development complements New Clark City’s vision of becoming a smart, sustainable and disaster-resilient metropolis, built to withstand climate challenges while enhancing residents’ quality of life.
BCDA signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the project’s implementing agency, in 2023 to begin developing 4PH housing units in New Clark City.
cians including his mother, Senator Loren Legarda.
More than 60,000 residents and stakeholders gathered together in support of their candidates and expressed their commitment to advancing the district’s economic growth, infrastructure development, and social services.
The events also served as Leviste’s platform for key national figures to engage with local communities on pressing issues and legislative initiatives aimed at fostering regional progress.
The affair drew prominent political fi gures, among them Senator Francis Tolentino, former senators Tito Sotto and Panfi lo Lacson and Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla, representing her husband Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. and Senator Legarda who stood in solidarity with her fellow lawmakers in advocating for the district’s development.
Discussions centered on key issues like employment opportunities, infrastructure expansion and enhancement of public services.
The senatorial candidates took the opportunity to present their leg-
islative platforms, reaffirming their commitment to governance reforms, economic development and social welfare initiatives. Senator Legarda commended the demonstration of unity between national and local leaders, emphasizing its significance in advancing the district’s long-term growth.
“This level of collaboration underscores the importance of synergy between the national and local governments in effectively implementing programs that directly benefit our communities. The First District of Batangas holds immense potential, and sustained support is crucial in realizing its full economic and social development,” she said.
“The large-scale gathering highlighted the collective efforts of national leaders and local officials in promoting policies and programs designed to enhance the quality of life in Batangas’ First District. Through continued engagement and legislative action, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to driving sustainable progress in the region.” Leviste’s camp said in a statement.
D&L allots P1b from 2025 capex for expansion of Batangas plant
D&L Industries Inc., the country’s leading producer of specialty food ingredients and oleochemicals, is allocating about P1 billion from its 2025 capital expenditures to fund small expansions at its Batangas plant.
D&L president Alvin Lao said in a recent interview the amount is lower than the P1.16 billion spent last year as most of the Batangas facility is already complete.
“Capex peaked in 2022 and it will continue to be lower. There are some projects that were started at the main phase of construction a couple of years ago that have been completed recently, and we still have to release the retention fees,” he said.
Lao said the Batangas plant is expected to keep increasing its operations this year and contribute more to the company’s net income. It will also play a key role in boosting export revenues. The plant booked a net income of P244 million in 2024, despite early losses due to startup costs.
“In general, the trend should be upwards although in some quarters. It might go down to below P200 million or even P100 million. But it will be seeing higher lows and higher highs in the succeeding quarters, so it will be definitely higher for the full year and its contribution to the bottom line will also be higher,” Lao said.
Meanwhile, D&L expects its export revenues to continue growing as sales increased from P9.1 billion to P12.4 billion and gross profits rose 37 percent in 2024. Jenniffer B. Austria
By Alena Mae S. Flores
MANILA Electric Co.’s power arm Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) and its partners are embarking on 4,307.4 megawatts of power generation projects up to 2030.
MGEN said the expansion includes the 1,750-MW MTerra solar phase 1 project eyed for completion by 2026, the 750MW MTerra solar phase 2 project by 2027, the 450-MW Lasso solar project by 2026, the 73-MW Toledo thermal expansion by 2028 and the 432-MW (Unit 4) expansion of Excellent Energy Resources Inc. by 2029.
The company is also building a 670-MW hydrogen-ready combined cycle gas turbine power plant in Jurying Island under Singapore-based Pacific Light Power. This is on top of Pacific Light’s 100-MW fast start power project under construction for completion this year.
Other ongoing projects for completion in 2025 are the solar facilities of MGEN’s renewable energy unit
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT AND EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF QUEZON CITY Email Address: rtc1gznocc@judiciary.gov.ph Mobile No./Landline No. 09155083986/89243843 BDO UNIBANK, INC., Mortgagee, -versus- FRE NO. 15590 JENNIFER SOLAYAO ROCABO, Debtors/Mortgagor/s, x---------------------------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE OF REAL PROPERTY/IES UNDER ACT 3135 (AS AMENDED) UPON extra-judicial petition under ACT 3135, as amended by ACT 4118 and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the UNIFORM LOAN AND MORTGAGE AGREEMENT (REAL ESTATE), executed on September 13, 2018, by MARY PRECIOUS SULAYAO VERTUDEZ as attorney-in-fact of JENNIFER SOLAYAO ROCABO, Debtors/Mortgagors, with residence and postal address at No. 494 Dulong Tanke, Malinta, Valenzuela City; No. 1091 Saint Jude Street, Malinta, Valenzuela City; Unit 1841 18th Floor, Tower 5 Fern @ Grass Residences, Misamis and Nueva Ecija Streets, Brgy. Sto. Cristo (Bago Bantay), Quezon City, in favor of BDO UNIBANK, INC., Mortgagee/s, to satisfy the mortgage debt in the total amount of P3,164,246.78 as of December 15, 2024, inclusive/exclusive of interest, penalties, and other charges together with all the lawful fees and expenses of foreclosure sale, the Ex-Officio Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City and/or his duly authorized Deputy Sheriff, hereby announces that on April 22, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., at the Office of the Clerk of Court & ExOfficio Sheriff, Regional Trial Court, Hall of Justice Bldg., (beside, Quezon City Hall) Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, will SELL through public auction to the highest bidder and for cash, in Philippine currency, the following described real property/ies with all the improvement/s existing thereon, to wit; CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 004-2020013596
MGEN Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen) such as the 50.1MW Cordon Solar, the 12.5-MW Baras Solar Phase 2 and the 19.8-MW Bongabon Solar.
“With our growth projects we are now looking at 6,140 MW net attributable [by 2030]. Net attributable now is 2,610 MW,” MGEN president Emmanuel Rubio said.
Rubio said MGEN delivered 15,300 gigawatt-hours of energy in 2024, a 7-percent increase from the previous year’s.
“This performance reflects our strategic planning, operational stability, and active participation in the optimized market,” he said. MGEN’s power generation entities sustained their strong performance, ending 2024 with a 10-percent consolidated core net income (CCNI) increase from a year ago, owing to operational stability and efficiency of its operating assets and its strategic participation in co-optimized market bidding for both energy and ancillary services in the Visayas grid. Its subsidiary Global Business Power (GBP) delivered 5,652 GWh of energy in 2024 and saw its core income surge to P3.5 billion from P700 million on higher earnings from the reserve market.
San Buenaventura Power Ltd. (SBPL) generated 3,205 GWh, up 36 percent from the previous year’s and booked a core income of P3.2 billion, driven by higher plant dispatch.
By Jenniffer B. Austria
PHILIPPINE stocks are expected to move sideways this week, with a mix of factors both here and abroad influencing the market.
Analysts said investors watch key local reports such as inflation data and updates on the Philippine economy. Analysts said if these reports would show better than expected growth or stable prices, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) could see positive movement this week. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said last week it expected 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. The government targets an inflation rate of between 2 percent and 4 percent for 2025. Meanwhile, the market’s drop on Friday could also provide opportunities for bargainhunting. The drop in oil prices could also help ease inflation fears and provide some relief for the PSEi. The benchmark index declined 1.64 percent to close at 5,997.97 on Friday, while the broader all-shares index dropped 2.9 percent to 1,649.48. The decline was largely due to portfolio rebalancing and concerns about economic policies of US President Donald Trump. Foreign investors were net sellers last week, with outflows reaching P4.83 billion.
WHEN Daniel Duke introduced the notion of defining leadership from an aesthetic perspective in 1986, it appeared counterintuitive in a world that viewed leaders from a more pragmatic lens, with ideas of beauty as the opposite pole of practical business. But with his assertion that, “Leadership, in fact, helps bring meaning to the relationships between individuals and greater entities – communities, organizations, nations,” one can draw the connection.
Where aesthetic leadership emphasizes the importance of beauty, art, and sensory experiences in leadership practices, it becomes the hope that followers are precisely able to “make sense” and “find meaning” in the vision, goals, and activities of the organization. The leader then has the vocation to “set the stage” for employees to find something attractive, good, and worthwhile in order to stay, to commit, to contribute. This approach goes beyond traditional leadership models by integrating aesthetic principles to create a more engaging and humane work environment.
Aesthetic leadership, employee well-being
Aesthetic leadership involves the application of artistic sensibilities and an appreciation for beauty in decisionmaking processes, communication, and organizational culture. Leaders who adopt this style prioritize the sensory and emotional aspects of the workplace, recognizing that employees are not just rational beings but also emotional and perceptive individuals. By fostering an environment that appeals to the senses and emotions, aesthetic leaders aim to enhance the overall employee experience.
Enhanced work environment
Aesthetic leaders pay attention to the physical workspace, ensuring it is visually appealing, comfortable, and conducive to productivity. Elements such as natural lighting, inspiring artwork, and thoughtfully designed layouts can significantly boost employees’ mood and satisfaction. A well-designed environment not only makes work more enjoyable but also reduces stress and fatigue, contributing to better mental health.
Emotional engagement
By incorporating storytelling, metaphors, and other artistic expressions into their communication, aesthetic leaders can resonate more deeply with their teams. This form of engagement fosters a sense of belonging and purpose among employees, as they feel more connected to the organization’s vision and values.
Encouragement of creativity
Aesthetic leadership encourages creativity by valuing diverse perspectives and innovative thinking. Leaders who appreciate the arts are often more open to unconventional ideas and approaches. This openness creates a safe space for employees to express their creativity without fear of judgment, leading to increased innovation, motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
Holistic development
Aesthetic leadership promotes the development of the whole person, not just the employee’s professional
Aesthetic leadership offers a unique pathway to enhancing employee well-being by integrating beauty, art, and sensory experiences into the workplace.
skills. By acknowledging and nurturing the aesthetic and emotional dimensions of individuals, leaders contribute to their overall well-being. Activities such as team-building through art projects or mindfulness sessions can enrich employees’ personal growth, leading to a more balanced and satisfying work life.
A unique pathway
In their article “Aesthetic Leadership: Exploring the Relationship Between Art and Leadership,” Hansen, Ropo, and Sauer (2007) discussed how aesthetic experiences in organizations can lead to deeper engagement and a more profound understanding of leadership dynamics. They argue that incorporating art and aesthetics into leadership practices can transform the organizational culture, making it more responsive to the human aspects of work. Employees feel acknowledged in their entirety, not just for their functional roles. These ideas have been further developed in recent years. Duhamel, Niese, and Geuser (2023), in their work, “Imagining Aesthetic Leadership,” emphasized the role of leaders in fostering imagination and improving communication, for greater innovation and purpose. According to them, “the mission of the leader is not to determine the premises of decisions in an organization by applying the criteria of effectiveness and efficiency but to facilitate these choices by creating a favorable climate for its members to flourish.”
Indeed, a healthy, productive, innovative – even effective and efficient – workforce is not a result of managing (or micromanaging) KPIs, targets, quotas, and standards. In great part, it is a result of the kind of environment and culture leaders create that encourage, empower, and enable people to give their best for both themselves, and the organization.
Aesthetic leadership offers a unique pathway to enhancing employee well-being by integrating beauty, art, and sensory experiences into the workplace. By creating an environment that appeals to both the rational and emotional facets of individuals, leaders can foster a more engaged, creative, and satisfied workforce. As organizations continue to seek ways to improve employee well-being, embracing aesthetic leadership principles may serve as a valuable and enriching strategy. Denver Bingski Daradar is a management consultant and trainer. He is an assistant professorial lecturer and doctoral candidate of the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business of De La Salle University. He can be reached at denver.daradar@dlsu.edu.ph.
The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.
FGEN to install solar rooftop at Oakridge Business Park in Mandaue
OAKRIDGE Realty Development Corp.
(ORDC), developer of the Oakridge Business Park in Cebu and First Gen Corp. (First Gen) expanded their partnership to include the construction of a rooftop solar power generating facility in the premier development.
ORDC president Anne Liu and First Gen chief engagement officer Carlo Vega signed an agreement on Feb. 27, 2025 where First Gen will install solar photovoltaic panels with a 638-kilowatt-peak capacity atop the Oakridge Business Park.
“It is always a privilege to collaborate with companies who share a concern for the environment and want to do more to reduce their carbon footprint. We started the decarbonization journey with Oakridge with low carbon power supply from natural gas and we’re proud to have been with them all these years as they transitioned to 100 percent RE,” Vega said.
ORDC initially signed an agreement with First Gen in 2021 to directly supply the business park with electricity from a natural gas-fired power plant.
ORDC signed another supply contract with First Gen in 2023, calling for the shift to geothermal energy for all the business park’s power requirements as part of its sustainability program.
“We are committed to supporting the Oakridge team as they implement more energy solutions and further reduce the environmental impact of their property developments,” Vega said. Alena Mae S. Flores
Auto parts makers call for support amid rising costs
THE Philippine Parts Makers Association (PPMA) raised concerns over the challenges faced by local automotive parts manufacturers, even as top car brands in the country report optimistic sales projections for 2025.
While the robust growth of the automotive sector signals a thriving industry, local parts suppliers continue to struggle with rising costs, import dependency and limited government support.
PPMA president Ferdi Raquelsantos emphasized the urgency of addressing the challenges confronting the sector.
“We welcome the positive outlook in the automotive industry, but we must ask—what about the local parts makers? Many of our members are on the brink of closure due to an uneven playing field. If we don’t act now, we may see the death of Philippine auto parts manufacturing,” Raquelsantos said.
Despite the government’s push for investments in the automotive and electric vehicle (EV) industries, local suppliers are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with cheaper imported components, he said.
The PPMA reiterated the need for stronger policies that favor domestic manufacturers, such as increased local content requirements, tax incentives and access to technological advancements.
By Othel V. Campos
THE Department of Agriculture
(DA) is promoting solar-powered ice plants to curb spoilage and postharvest losses in agriculture and fisheries.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. called on the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to jointly fund the project.
“By introducing ice early in the supply chain—from farm to storage, or even directly to market—we can extend the shelf life of produce,” he said.
The project aims to enhance food supply efficiency and boost farmers’ and fishers’ incomes, especially in remote areas.
Using solar and battery systems, the ice plants would help bridge supply chain gaps, particularly for high-value crops and fi shery products.
Each plant will produce about 10 metric tons of ice daily, extending the shelf life of vegetables by five to seven days and fish by up to a week. With improved cold storage, farmers and fishers can expand their market reach without relying on costly refrigerated transport.
Many farmers sell within their localities only, but access to ice could allow them to supply markets nationwide.
Tiu Laurel disclosed plans to integrate the ice plants with food terminals and digital tracking systems to improve logistics, price transparency and distribution efficiency.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
MERALCO
PowerGen Corp. and ACEN Corp. are studying the planned asset sale of the 796.64-megawatt Caliraya-BotocanKalayaan (CBK) hydroelectric power plant complex in Lumban, Majayjay and Kalayaan Laguna.
PSALM’s privatization bids and awards committee invited interested
parties to participate in the bid for the sale of the CBK hydro plants, which are being privatized on an “as is, where is” basis. PSALM set the proposal submission date on June 16, 2025.
“It depends on how PSALM will package CBK. CBK apparently is not going to be an IPPA [independent power producer administrator]. It’s asset sale,” MGEN president Emmanuel Rubio said.
The CBK hydroelectric power plant complex consists of three separate facilities and plays a central role in the Luzon power system. It is one of the few remaining big-ticket power assets that are up for privatization by the government.
It is run by independent power producer CBK Power Co. Ltd. under a 25-year build–rehabilitate–operate–transfer (BROT) contract, which will expire in 2026.
“We’ll take a look at it,” ACEN
president Eric Francia said when asked for comment.
PSALM issued the first invitation to bid for CBK in December 2023 for the selection and appointment of the independent power producer administrator (IPPA).
PSALM president Dennis de la Serna said they decided to cancel the previous bidding amid concerns on the independent power producer administration agreement.
“We decided to cancel and rebid. We plan for a straight asset sale. We hope the previous interested parties will still be there for this new process,” he said.
Among the interested bidders of the previous bidding were the consortium of Aboitiz Renewables Inc., Electric Power Development Co. and Sumitomo Corp. (Thunder consortium), First Gen Prime Energy Corp., Giga Ace
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the
City government, launches Kultura Fest: Philippine Trade Fair, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Festival Mall in Alabang. The event features an exposition of the exceptional craftsmanship of Filipino entrepreneurs. From Feb. 26 to March 2, 2025, spectators and attendees have the opportunity to experience the ingenuity and craftsmanship of 16 Filipino entrepreneurs, highlighting the Philippines’s diverse cultural heritage.
By Othel V. Campos
THE Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) raised concerns over the health insurance sector with the transfer of funds from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to the Treasury.
ECOP president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. suggested that employers take over their employees’ health insurance coverage.
Ortiz-Luis also criticized the transfer of PhilHealth’s nearly P90 billion in unused funds to the Treasury, echoing the Commission on Audit’s (COA) stance that the amount could have been used to enhance members’ benefits.
The funds will reportedly be redirected to unprogrammed appropriations in the 2024 budget, prompting legal challenges before the Supreme Court from groups
advocating for their use to expand PhilHealth benefi ts.
Ortiz-Luis also questioned why PhilHealth was still increasing members’ contributions despite having billions in excess funds.
“If there’s a surplus, why raise contributions? Members are already complaining about inadequate services,” he said.
He said adding to the confusion are reports that PhilHealth may actually be deep in debt to private hospitals and health workers, making the fund transfer even more baffling.
Asked whether employers should provide health insurance themselves, OrtizLuis welcomed the idea. “If PhilHealth’s management doesn’t improve, we’d rather self-insure. It might even benefit employees more,” he said.
and Power Corp.
PSALM tapped the Asian Development Bank as the transaction advisor to monetize CBK hydro power plants. The Department of Finance is hoping to raise P50 billion to P100 billion from the privatization. Meanwhile, Rubio said he supported the position of the Philippine Independent Power Producers Association (PIPPA) to evaluate the 4,250 pumped storage hydro target under the Green Energy Auction 3. “Just actually asking, what’s the government going to do with 4,000 megawatts of pumped storage in GEA when a cheaper alternative would be batteries providing the same service?” Rubio said.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Insurance Commission
said the health maintenance organization (HMO) sector rebounded to register a net income in 2024 from a net loss a year ago.
“This is explained by the higher increase in the sector’s total revenue compared to its total expenses, which resulted in a net income of P979.8 million as of Q4 2024 vis-a -vis the reported net loss of P0.27 billion as of Q4 2023,” Insurance Commissioner Reynaldo Regalado said.
Fund managers withdraw $283m from PH markets
THE Philippines registered $283.69 million in net outflows of foreign portfolio investments, or hot money, in January 2025.
Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed this was lower than the $487.37-million net withdrawals registered in December 2024.
The BSP said the $1.31 billion gross inflows or registered investments in January were higher by $263.56 million, or 25 percent, than the $1.05 billion recorded in December 2024.
It said of these investments, 67.9 percent ($896.09 million) were in peso government securities, while 32.1 percent ($422.93 million) were in PSE-listed securities.
The majority of investments in PSE-listed securities were made in banks, transportation services, property, holding firms, and the food, beverage and tobacco sectors.
The primary sources of these investments were the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United States, Ireland and Luxembourg, which collectively accounted for 89.0 percent of the total.
Gross outflows amounted to $1.60 billion in January 2025, an increase of 3.9 percent from $1.54 billion recorded in December 2024.
The BSP said that on a year-onyear basis, registered investments in January were higher than the $1.23 billion recorded in January 2024 by 6.8 percent.
Gross outflows also increased by 22.2 percent from $1.31 billion in January 2024. Darwin G. Amojelar
The sector’s revenue jumped 20.12 percent yearon-year to P79.37 billion as of the fourth quarter of 2024 from P66.08 billion in the same period in 2023.
The growth was led by an 18.43-percent increase in membership fees collected, comprising 95.30 percent of the total HMO revenue.
Meanwhile, the HMOs’ total expenses grew 11.44 percent on the back of a 10.08-percent increase in healthcare benefit and claims paid, rising from P55.46 billion as of fourth quarter of 2023 to P61.05 billion as of fourth quarter of 2024.
“We also noted from the submissions, that the HMO sector’s total assets, total invested assets, total equity, total capital stock and total liabilities upswung across the board during the quarter under review,” Regalado said.
The industry saw a 23.85-percent growth in its total assets as of the fourth quarter of 2024, year-on-year, rising from P60.66 billion to P75.13 billion.
The 21.38-percent increase in cash equivalents, a marked 273.08-percent rise in deposit to healthcare providers, and a 27.51 percent increase in membership fees receivable contributed to the growth.
The HMOs’ total invested assets, which comprised 23.77 percent of the sector’s total assets, increased 9.9 percent from P6.24 billion as of fourth quarter of 2023 to P17.86 billion as of fourth quarter of 2024.
The increase was attributed to the 21.38-percent rise in cash equivalents and 88.16 percent growth in government securities.
By Jenni er B. Austria
THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said over the weekend it cancelled the lending license of Surity Cash Lending Investors Corp. which operates the online lending platform Surity Cash.
It said the company allegedly engaged in unfair and abusive debt collection practices. The SEC’s Financing and Lending
Companies Department (FinLenD), in an order dated Jan. 14, 2025, said Surity Cash broke the rules set by SEC Memorandum Circular No. 18, Series of 2019 (MC 18).
The circular bans unfair debt collection practices, including using threats or violence, insulting language and sharing personal information about borrowers.
It issued the order after it received five complaints about Surity Cash’s collection methods. The company
MREIT reports 12% income growth to P3.2b
MREIT Inc., the real estate investment trust of Megaworld Corp., said its distributable income for 2024 reached a record P3.2 billion, up 12 percent from the previous year.
Revenues went up 9 percent to P4.5 billion, supported by contributions from the newly-acquired assets and steady rental escalations across its properties.
Distributable income climbed 37 percent year-on-year to P969 million in the fourth quarter, as revenues advanced 34 percent to P1.4 billion.
MREIT completed the acquisition and commencement of income recognition of six prime, PEZA-accredited
office properties worth P13.15 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The acquisition expanded MREIT’s portfolio by over 156,000 square meters, increasing its total gross leasable area by 48 percent to 482,000 sq. m.
“This past year marks a significant milestone for MREIT, as we continue executing our strategic expansion plans while ensuring consistent income and value creation for our shareholders,” said MREIT president and chief executive Kevin Tan.
“Our ability to successfully acquire high-quality, income-generating properties strengthens MREIT’s position as one of the country’s leading
REITs, with a well-diversified portfolio across major business districts,” Tan said.
The occupancy rate averaged 91 percent, supported by a stable tenant mix, dominated by top-tier BPO firms and traditional corporate tenants.
MREIT said it remains focused on further expanding its portfolio and enhancing long-term value for shareholders.
“We are actively assessing new acquisition opportunities to sustain MREIT’s growth trajectory and move closer to our long-term goal of achieving one million sqm of GLA by 2030,” said Tan. Jenniffer B. Austria
was accused of harassing borrowers and using harsh language to pressure them into paying.
As a result of the violations, the SEC revoked Surity Cash’s authority to operate as a lending company. The company’s registration with the SEC was also cancelled.
The SEC said its order became final and executory after Surity Cash failed to file any appeal or motion for reconsideration within the reglementary period.
The SEC said the move is part of its effort to ensure that online lending companies treat their customers fairly and follow the law. The SEC in 2024 cancelled the licenses of 39 financing/lending companies to date due to various violations of applicable rules and regulations.
It also ordered 58 online lending applications to stop operations due to a lack of authority to operate as a lending or financing firm.
By Othel V. Campos
INVESTMENTS in Camp John Hay have reached P1 billion since the state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) regained control of the property in January 2025. BCDA regained control of Camp
TAGAYTAY Highlands has been a symbol of luxury and exclusivity for over 30 years. This vast 1,200-hectare mountain resort, spread across Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas, has long been the go-to place for a uent families seeking a peaceful and beautiful retreat.
With its world-class homes, stunning views, and a wide range of recreational activities, Tagaytay Highlands offers exclusive mountain resort living.
A Vision for Growth
The vision for Tagaytay Highlands continues to grow as Highlands Prime, a subsidiary of property giant SM Prime Holdings, is working to take this mountain resort to new heights.
“We see Tagaytay Highlands transforming into a fully integrated, sustainable, and self-sustaining mountain resort community complemented by commercial, service,
Robinsons Land builds new Grand Summit hotel in Bohol
ROBINSONS Hotels and Resorts
(RHR), the hospitality business unit of Robinsons Land Corp., is bullish on expanding its upscale Grand Summit hotel brand in Panglao, Bohol.
The 7,737 square meter beachfront development is set to provide a familyfriendly resort with architectural and interior designs inspired by the biodiversity of Bohol. Grand Summit Panglao is positioned to be the contemporary resort hotel of choice for local and international travelers seeking unique local experiences and enjoy the comforts of unpretentious luxury with its all-day dining, specialty restaurant, gym and spa, kid’s play area, and signature sleep experience.
“We are excited to welcome guests to Grand Summit Panglao to support
and recreational amenities,” said executive vice president and business unit head of SM Leisure Resort
Residences Shirley Chua Ong.
“This integrates Tagaytay Highlands’ four districts —The Highlands, Midlands, Midlands West, and Greenlands—into a seamless, mixed-use destination for elevated lifestyle experiences.”
Tagaytay Highlands is known for its unique and varied districts.
The Highlands offers an exclusive mountain lifestyle with log cabins, ski lodge-inspired condos, and luxury homes. Situated at the highest
elevation, it provides a peaceful retreat surrounded by pine trees, cool weather, and panoramic mountain views.
The Midlands district is home to premium golf residences, offering stunning views of nature and easy access to golf courses. It’s also known for its world-class themed residences and a lifestyle focused on recreation.
Growing with Purpose
Tagaytay Highlands is always evolving. New residential projects, like Trealva at Midlands West, focus on eco-friendly living with spacious lots. Other developments, such as Highlands Residences and Primrose Parks, offer low-density living with plenty of green
the booming tourism sector’s call for a quality upscale hotel brand,” said Barun Jolly, senior vice president and business unit general Manager of RHR. Based on the Department of Tourism (DOT) data, Panglao had a 122 percent year-on-year increase in overnight travelers in 2023.
With the expansion of the BoholPanglao International Airport and a significant growth in post-pandemic tourist arrivals, Panglao ranked 2nd in the 2024 Philippine Accommodation Pipeline by property advisor firm Leechiu Property Consultants.
The hotel guests can opt to explore the vibrant corals or enjoy a dip in the pool, have a feast in the Filipino and specialty restaurants, relax in the spa with a traditional massage, work out in a well-equipped gym, or celebrate important milestones in the expansive ballroom.
“With the guests at the center of everything we do, we are committed to bringing the warmth of Filipino hospitality to the shores of Panglao. We are also cognizant of the important role Robinsons Hotels and Resorts play in driving employment opportunities and workforce expansion” said Annalyn Yap, vice president of RHR.
“Our curated hotel development which has an ocean wave-inspired facade ensures that sustainability is one of the important pillars in its design and operations,” added Barun.
space and amazing views.
Suites and Garden Villas, a collection of five-storey, low-density residential condominiums and threebedroom townhomes, provides panoramic views of the estate’s natural beauty, making it ideal for growing families seeking privacy and tranquility.
The Grove at Plantation Hills redefines countryside living by seamlessly integrating a leisure residential lifestyle with the charm of sustainable farming.
These new projects show how Tagaytay Highlands is keeping up with the needs of today’s buyers, while still staying true to its mission
of providing a peaceful, nature-filled lifestyle.
Tagaytay Highlands is also committed to sustainability as it dedicated to keeping its environment beautiful. Over 40 percent of its land is set aside as open space, and the estate is known for its eco-friendly practices.
So far, nearly 500,000 trees have been planted, making the community greener every day.
As it moves into 2025 and beyond, Tagaytay Highlands will continue to set the standard for mountain resort living, creating a community that will be loved for generations to come. Jenni er B. Austria
Italpinas expands to Palawan with 3 new eco-friendly projects
ITALPINAS Development Corp.
(IDC) is expanding its reach in the Philippines with five new joint venture agreements, including three exciting projects in Palawan.
Known for its eco-friendly designs and modern architecture, IDC has built a strong reputation for blending contemporary Italian style with the natural beauty of the country’s most vibrant regions.
The three Palawan projects are all located in Puerto Princesa, the capital of the province, which is renowned for its natural wonders. Puerto Princesa is not only the gateway to Palawan but also a popular tourist destination, recently named the
“Best Island in the World” by Travel + Leisure magazine. IDC sees this as an ideal place to showcase its environmentally conscious design philosophy.
“Tourism creates livelihoods and
can transform local economies. As Palawan continues to attract more visitors, IDC intends to participate in the balancing of growth and conservation, which is a crucial and long-term task,” said IDC president Atty. Jose Leviste.
“ We can do this as real-estate developers by bringing our environmentally sound design ethos to set an example for contemporary development that accentuates Palawan’s combination of natural beauty, and environmental responsibility,” he added.
The tourism sector in Palawan has been booming, with a 90 percent increase in visitors from 2022 to 2023, according to local tourism officials.
As the island attracts more tourists, IDC wants to ensure that development goes hand-in-hand with sustainability.
MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, WRITER
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
SIX contestants are preparing for a night that could change their lives. The grand finals of TransMillion, a contest celebrating the experience of transgender men, will take place at Lust Night Club on March 7.
One of these six individuals will be crowned the first TransMillion winner. But for many in the community, the real victory is simply being seen and heard.
Speaking with Manila Standard Entertainment, Dr. John Paul C. Pareja, CEO and medical director of The SB Clinic, explained the impact of the competition. The winner, he said, will receive up to P1 million worth of surgical procedures to aid in their transition.
“TransMillion will provide the winner with access to a comprehensive suite of medical services, including consultations, surgeries, and postprocedure care, all designed to ensure a safe and informed path toward transition,” Pareja said.
Aian Lazaro, a trans man and social media personality, is working with Pareja on the project. He said the contest serves as an outlet for him to share his story as a trans man in the Philippines and to help other trans individuals in the best way he can based on his experience.
“I still feel sad when people call me ‘madam.’ I have a child, and it confuses them,” he admits. “But I don’t get angry. I just inform them because they may not know.”
Lazaro’s own transition journey included top surgery performed by Pareja, a decision that helped him affirm his identity. However, when he pursued in vitro fertilization (IVF) to have a child, he had to travel to Cambodia, where costs were lower.
“It cost me around P800,000 there,” he says.
Pareja, who has been in the medical field since 2016, has seen a growing demand for gender-affirming
FOLLOWING its success on
Prime Video Saving Grace is airing its “Untold Story” on free TV today with new scenes. The extended version premieres at 9:30 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5.
The series, ABS-CBN’s adaptation of the Japanese drama Mother from Nippon TV, gained popularity for its emotional storyline and strong performances. The television release will feature additional confrontations and dramatic scenes
The show, which premiered online, received praise for its cast’s performances and its portrayal of maternal sacrifices.
Zia Grace, who plays an abused
child, has been recognized as the country’s next big child star for her role.
Saving Grace: The Untold Story follows four mothers, played by Jennica Garcia, Janice de Belen, Julia Montes, and Sharon Cuneta, as they confront secrets from their past. It centers on Anna (Montes), a teacher who kidnaps her student Grace (Zia) upon discovering her abuse at home.
Directed by FM Reyes and Dolly Dulu, and produced by Dreamscape Entertainment, the series also stars Sam Milby, Christian Bables, Elisse Joson, and Eric Fructuoso. It marks the return of Montes, Cuneta, and Milby to primetime television.
TransMillion finalists gear up for the competition’s grand finals
procedures.
“We now perform around two to three procedures a week, compared to six in an entire year before,” he notes.
As the contestants prepare for the competition, the stakes go beyond winning a title. It’s about representation, about proving that transmen exist and deserve access to
FORMER Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan spoke about his career, personal life, and political journey in an interview on “Toni Talks,” reflecting on his aspirations, setbacks, and advocacy work.
Pangilinan, 60, recalled his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut after watching the Apollo moon landings. “I told myself, ‘One day, I’m going to be an astronaut,’” he said. However, his focus shifted to public service, inspired by his parents—a civil engineer and entrepreneur father and a publicschool teacher mother.
“My dad showed me the value of hard work and perseverance, a deep love for the country, and a sense of duty to help those with less,” he said. “My mom taught me compassion, service to others, and the power of prayer.”
Pangilinan entered politics as a
proper healthcare.
Pareja, aware of the emotional weight of transitioning, emphasizes the need for proper consultation and family support.
“If transitioning makes someone happy, then go for it. But it must start with consultation and debriefing before any medical procedure,” Pareja said.
Quezon City councilor while studying law at the University of the Philippines.
However, his bid for a congressional seat ended in defeat
“It was painful. I felt like my dreams were crushed,” he said. He then became a co-host on ABS-CBN’s legal talk show Hoy Gising! where he met actress Sharon Cuneta
“She was a guest promoting a movie, and I was starstruck,” he said. They eventually married, with Pangilinan calling it “the best plot twist of my life.”
Pangilinan served as a senator from 2001 to 2013 and returned to the Senate in 2016. In 2022, he ran for vice president alongside former Vice President Leni Robredo but lost
“She asked me to be her running mate two days before I planned to file for reelection,” he said. “It was a tough decision, but I believed in her vision
for the country. Leadership isn’t just about winning; it’s about standing up for what you believe in.”
A longtime advocate for farmers, Pangilinan said his focus on agriculture deepened after a typhoon devastated his farm.
“I experienced firsthand what farmers go through, and it changed me,” he said. “It’s not just about food security; it’s about justice for our farmers.”
Pangilinan did not confirm plans for a political comeback but expressed commitment to public service. “I believe in integrity, and I think the Filipino people are looking for leaders they can trust,” he said. When asked if he still dreams of becoming an astronaut, he laughed. “Not anymore. My feet are on the ground, but my head is still in the stars.”
THE two films could hardly be more different: a raucous, rip-roaring indie about a sex worker and an elegant, big-studio drama set in the Vatican.
But Anora and Conclave appear to be locked in a tight two-horse race to win best picture at the Oscars on Sunday.
With a twisty awards season rocked by Los Angeles wildfires and a racist tweet scandal reaching its climax, the battle for Hollywood’s ultimate prize is too close to call.
“I don’t think anyone can honestly tell you,” said The Hollywood Reporter’s awards expert Scott Feinberg. “Both sides are feeling more nervous than confident... that should be an indicator that this is really a nail-biter.”
Sean Baker’s Anora – about a New York exotic dancer who weds a wealthy Russian playboy, only to learn that her dream marriage is a nightmare illusion – is the year’s most awarded film to date.
The low-budget indie won the Cannes festival’s Palme d’Or last May, and has accrued top prizes from Hollywood directors, producers, writers and critics.
But Conclave – a film about the secretive and cutthroat election of a new Catholic leader, lent an uncanny timeliness by the real-life Pope Francis’ ailing health—appears to have won over many late voters.
Released by NBCUniversal’s prestige label Focus Features, with an impeccable A-list cast led by Ralph Fiennes, it earned top honors from Britain’s BAFTAs, and the Hollywood actors’ SAG Award for best cast.
Almost every surprise best picture Oscar winner in recent times – from Shakespeare in Love and Crash to Parasite and CODA – first won the top SAG prize, said Feinberg. “I personally put Conclave... it’s just more of a traditional, classic ‘best picture’ film,” one Oscars voter told AFP
The voter, anonymous because Academy members cannot reveal their picks, also expressed admiration for The Brutalist, a saga about a Hungarian Jewish architect making a new life in the post-WWII United States.
Adrien Brody, who plays the titular gifted architect and Holocaust survivor in The Brutalist has been the presumed favorite to win best actor for months. Brody has won the prize previously, for 2002’s The Pianist. If he prevails again, he’d join an elite club of double winners including Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson But Timothee Chalamet earned wide admiration for his pitch-perfect performance as a sardonic young Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, won the Screen Actors Guild Award over Brody, and could prove a spoiler. At just 29, he arguably has the most star power of any of this year’s nominees, and would beat Brody’s record as the category’s youngest-ever winner.
There could be an even younger winner on the actress side, if a groundswell of support for Anora carries its star Mikey Madison, 25, to the Oscars stage.
But she will have to get past Demi Moore the 1990s megastar who had enjoyed a sparkling career renaissance thanks to gory body horror flick The Substance AFP
By Angelica Villanueva
SINGER Jake Zyrus revealed years of abuse experienced during childhood, detailing a pattern of assault by an uncle that began at age six.
Jake Zyrus, formerly known as Charice Pempengco, recounted in the memoir, I Am Jake, released this week, that the abuse began while living with family at grandmother’s house. Jake Zyrus recalled being called over by the uncle, who was drawing, and then being taken to the uncle’s room.
“The first time it happened, I was playing in the living room while he drew. He looked up from the sketches he was making and called me over. ‘Come here. I’ll draw you,’ he said,” shared Jake Zyrus.
“Even at that age, my instincts told me something bad was going to happen. But I had no choice but to follow him,” he added.
The memoir also described repeated incidents of sexual abuse, including unwanted touching and attempts at penetration. The singer recounted threats of death from the relative if the abuse was revealed.
“His grip was so tight on my small frame, and he always punctuated these attacks with the same threat: ‘If you tell anyone, I’ll kill you,’” Jake Zyrus wrote.
The singer also described a specific incident where the relative attempted penetration.
“The only reason he didn’t succeed was because it was physically impossible. I was a tiny six-year-old girl, and that could have killed me,” Jake Zyrus continued, also revealing that Raquel Pempengco, the singer’s mother, did not believe the account of
‘I Am Jake’
‘A Complete Unknown’ turns a folk icon into an empty enigma
By Chong Ardivilla
THE problem with biopics is that you are meeting your heroes. It is best never to meet your heroes because they are better off as you imagine them.
In a clear Oscar bait, Timothée Chalamet gives Bob Dylan quite an interesting range – from his earnest beginning to an a**hole finish. The problem with A Complete Unknown (2024, directed by James Mangold) is that it does not know what to do with Bob Dylan. Thankfully, this biopic is not shrill hagiography, but it paints Dylan as 50 shades of jerk. Who should we focus on? The young Bob Dylan, who seemingly invented a persona away from his government name, Robert Zimmerman, and claimed to have learned his guitar skills from working at a circus?
This piece was then unceremoniously dropped and never mentioned again. The movie paints Dylan as a self-serving prick and not the folk hero he was made out to be. The supporting cast was treated as mere stepping stones or, worse, pivots
for character development. It is painful that Edward Norton was snubbed for an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of the quiet and generous greatness of Pete Seeger . It is baffling that Monica Barbaro was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Joan Baez , while Elle Fanning ’s vulnerability was ignored. Fanning portrayed the entire gamut of emotions—giddiness, rejection, and realization—in more minutes, while Chalamet’s Dylan was scowling through most of the film. Even for less than five minutes, Boyd Holbrook ’s Johnny Cash managed to make Bob Dylan look like a petulant brat. What was Bob Dylan struggling against? Biopics show overcoming struggles to reach the stratosphere: Freddie Mercury (portrayed by Rami Malek) went against white supremacist homophobia and AIDS to become immortal. June Cash (portrayed by Reese Witherspoon) was in a conundrum regarding her faith, talent, and affection for Johnny Cash.
In A Complete Unknown, Elle Fanning’s character was the only one to correctly read Dylan: that he is a contrarian. That’s it? Going against the grain? The heroic shots came from Dylan defying his market and the music management. He was whining about how fame was getting to him and the way he produced music. This is a white man’s tears. It is a huge disservice to Dylan and his music, for they helped America navigate a bewildering series of fires like the Civil Rights and Vietnam War, which were just mentioned in passing, with no artistic engagement between the social upheavals and Dylan. That is the tragedy of this film because Dylan is among the sparks of the fires that hailed societal changes. Yet, Chalamet and this movie made Dylan look more like a pretty sparkler. This movie did not show any shred of credible evidence as to why Dylan is the only singer-songwriter to have been awarded a Nobel Prize for Literature. You may reach Chong Ardivilla at kartunistatonto@gmail.com or chonggo. bsky.social abuse.
PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) is offering discounted fares as part of its 84th-anniversary seat sale, with one-way domestic flights starting at P184 and international round-trip fares as low as $80.
The promotional sale runs until March 20, with travel dates beginning April 1 for domestic routes and March 1 for international flights. The airline aims to make travel more accessible for passengers planning solo trips, group vacations, or family reunions abroad.
PAL, the Philippines’ flag carrier and Asia’s longest-serving airline, said the fare discounts apply to select destinations across the Philippines, Asia, North America, Australia, and the Middle East. The offer is part of the
WHAT happens when a lifestyle “giant” marks an important occasion? It goes all out and does it in grand style! That’s what happened when City of Dreams (COD) Manila marked its 10th anniversary recently.
This popular lifestyle complex started its series of celebrations with a “byinvitation-only” deluxe dinner for its friends and key customers. On hand to welcome the guests were Melco Resorts and Entertainment Ltd. chairman and Chief Executive Officer Lawrence Ho and COD Manila Property president Geoff Andres
During his speech, Ho acknowledged and thanked the support of the government, COD Manila’s staff complement of 4,500, and his business partners, the Sy family, represented during the dinner by Hans Sy, chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings and SM Investments Corp., and Henry Sy Jr., vice chairman. He also expressed gratitude for the leadership of Geoff Andres and Kevin Benning before him for consistently achieving the Forbes Travel Guide Stars and Standards, putting COD above the rest of its competitors.
City of Dreams Manila has almost 1,000 hotel rooms across three luxury hotels and a spa, all rated by Forbes Travel Guide. It also features over 20 restaurants, the first DreamWorks family entertainment center, and a vast gaming area favored by many leisure seekers. Ho recalled that when COD Manila first opened, he presented a short film starring Hollywood giants Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro directed by multi-award winner Martin Scorsese. He confided that this part of COD Manila’s launch was the most fun he has ever had in his professional career. That evening’s dinner was something for the books! It was a superb fourcourse meal fit for a king, which started with a Trio of Sustainable Seafood— Tiger Prawns, Scallops, and Yellow Fin Tuna, all served with Pickled Cucumber, Preserved Green Mango, Tomato Relish, and Honey Balsamic Glaze. This was followed by Pan-Seared Red Snapper in Creamy Cauliflower Velouté, Celery Confit, and Saffron Beurre Blanc.
I was already satisfied with those
delicious items, but they were still followed by Sous Vide Carbon Neutral Angus Beef Tenderloin in Caldereta Sauce and Red Wine Reduction. It was the most tender meat my taste buds had ever had the pleasure of coming in contact with!
The dinner’s finale was just as impressive as the other items on the menu. It was Salted Caramel Popcorn in Caramel Jelly and Dulcey Sauce, placed inside an edible popcorn box made of Cream and Corn Sponge. I have to hand it to COD Manila’s culinary team for curating a unique and delectable dinner.
In fact, even before the meal started, all of us guests were already impressed with the centerpiece on each of the dining tables. It was a handcrafted Chocolate Fortune Egg surrounded by Petit Fours of assorted flavors, made from locally sourced and carefully curated ingredients. One set was made of dehydrated dried mango coated in silky white chocolate; another set featured caramelized pili nuts covered with smooth milk chocolate; and yet another had luscious coconut cream ganache blended with roasted and caramelized white sesame seeds.
Adding more pizazz to the evening were captivating musical performances by the APO Hiking Society (minus,
of course, the late Danny Javier), singer-songwriter and television star Ogie Alcasid, and megastar Sharon Cuneta. It was such a great feeling to be able to sing along to my favorite tunes of yesteryears. While this fit-for-royalty dinner was taking place at COD Manila’s Ballroom, Superfest Manila was also happening at the driveway of the main casino, where trendy sports cars and super trucks enthralled car enthusiasts, especially the Jaguar I-Pace. This electric SUV will be the first of the luxury cars up for grabs each month in COD Manila’s “10 Cars in 10 Months” raffle draw for Melco members, as part of its tribute to 10 years of existence. Now, that’s how an anniversary should be celebrated! After all, it has been a decade of wonderful dreams for Melco and the approximately 50 million guests who have entered its portals throughout these years.
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YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE: SIGN IN A NON-SMOKING AREA: If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and will take appropriate action.
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For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com
