Manila Standard - 2025 March 12 - Wednesday

NO POLITICS, JUST FULFILLING INTERPOL COMMITMENTS — PBBM

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. said the government was obligated to fulfill its commitments to the Interpol when it assisted in serving the warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against former President Rodrigo Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity.

“Interpol asked for help and we obliged because we have commitments to Interpol which we have to fulfill,” he said in a late night press conference after the departure of the chartered private jet that took Duterte to the Hague, in the Netherlands.

“This is what the international community expects of us as the leader of a democratic country that

VP slams ‘oppression,’ set to fly to The Hague

VICE President Sara Duterte yesterday slammed the arrest of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, as a form of “oppression and persecution.”

The Vice President, who arrived from Hong Kong Tuesday afternoon, proceeded to the Villamor Air Base where her father was but was barred entry.

“The Philippines is like a doormat for other countries

is part of the community of nations,” the President added.

Duterte’s allies have called the arrest politically motivated, linking it to the 2028 presidential elections.

However, Mr. Marcos dismissed the claim, pointing out that the ICC case began in 2017 while Duterte was still in office.

“This case started in 2017 when we

were still members of the ICC and during the time of former President Duterte. I don’t see how that can be political persecution on my part because it was initiated before I even came into the picture,” he said. When asked whether the arrest violated the country’s sovereignty, Marcos dismissed the claim, stating that the

Rody arrested, extradited to ICC

China hits ICC; int’l rights groups hail arrest

CHINA came to the defense of former President Rodrigo Duterte following his arrest on the back of an International Criminal Court warrant tied to his deadly war on drugs yesterday.

ASEAN parliamentarians and international rights groups, however, hailed his arrest, calling it a “decisive step in the fight against impunity.”

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning warned the ICC against its alleged “politicization” and “double standards.”

“China has noted the relevant information and is closely monitoring the development of the situation,” she told a briefing in Beijing when asked about Duterte’s arrest.

To be tried in The Hague for crimes against humanity

By Charles Dantes, Joel Zurbano, Rachelle Tonelada, Vince Lopez and Rex Espiritu

FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte was extradited to The Hague, Netherlands late Tuesday evening where he will stand trial before the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity in relation to his bloody war on drugs.

The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, for its part, said the issuance of a red notice against Duterte “underscores the global imperative to hold perpetrators of crimes against humanity accountable.”

“No individual, regardless of power or position, is above the law. Justice for

Vice President Sara Duterte

By Maricel V. Cruz, Rachelle Tonelada and Ram Superable

LEGISLATORS, human rights advocates and the Catholic hierarchy were united in celebrating yesterday former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest by vir-

By Pot Chavez, Rachelle Tonelada and Charles Dantes

ICC going for the biggest catch

THE arrest yesterday of former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, by police acting on an International Criminal Court warrant tied to his deadly war on drugs, marks a success for the ICC, which has been struggling for almost 23 years against a lack of recognition and enforcement power.

Backed by 125 member states, the jurisdiction seeks to prosecute individuals responsible for the world’s gravest crimes when countries are unwilling or unable to do so themselves.

The wheels of international justice grind slowly, as evidenced by the court’s low conviction rate. However, it’s not all about the final judgement, experts say.

The mere fact of pursuing alleged perpetrators of atrocities sends a message that the international community is determined to fight impunity.

Catch me if you can

Since it began work in 2002, the ICC has opened 32 cases for alleged war

crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and offenses against the administration of justice.

Fourteen of them, or roughly 40 percent, are ongoing, in most cases because the suspects are still at large.

Without a police force, the Haguebased court is unlikely to catch them soon.

Of the 60 arrest warrants issued since 2002, only 21 had been carried out before Duterte’s arrest.

The ICC relies on states to apprehend suspects.

But the incentive for them to cooperate is low because the court has “nothing to offer in return, except a commitment to seeing justice served,” former

ICC adviser Pascal Turlan said.

The court’s wanted list includes Russian President Vladimir Putin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony. All three are accused of war crimes.

Russia is one of dozens of nations, including the United States, Israel and China, that do not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC, hampering its ability to investigate their nationals.

But some member states also defy its authority by, for instance, refusing to hand over suspects.

“When states don’t like what the ICC does, they don’t often cooperate,” said Nancy Combs, professor of law at William & Mary Law School in the United States.

11 convictions, all Africans

ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah stressed that the court’s role is not to go after all suspected war criminals but to “encourage nations to deal with their own cases.”

Each case comes with a unique set of

challenges, from interference by national governments to witness intimidation.

The latter caused the case against Kenya’s former deputy president William Ruto to fall apart in 2016, according to a former chief prosecutor. These challenges partly explain the court’s low conviction rate.

Since its inception it has handed down 11 guilty verdicts, mostly against officials from the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and four acquittals.

All those judged were Africans, leading to accusations that the ICC is unfairly targeting the continent.

Combs pointed out that some African countries, including Uganda, Ivory Coast and the DRC, had referred their own wars to the court for investigation in the early days, while other cases had been instigated by the United Nations Security Council.

“The ICC has diversified a lot but non-African states have resisted ICC jurisdiction more fiercely,” she pointed out, citing Russia as an example. AFP

CHR to Palace: Protect kin of EJK victims

By Rio N. Araja and Rachelle Tonelada

THE Commission on Human Rights urged the government on Tuesday to ensure the safety of the families of alleged extrajudicial killing victims after former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on the back of an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court.

In a statement, the CHR emphasized the importance of protecting victims’ voices to uphold a fair and impartial legal process. The commission also reaffirmed its commitment to seeking accountability for human rights violations linked to Duterte’s war on drugs.

Rise Up for Life and for Rights (Rise Up), a group of families and advocates of EJK victims under Duterte’s drug war, shared initial reactions from some victims’ families on Facebook.

“Welcome!”—These are the words spoken by the families of those killed during Duterte’s time,” said Llore Pasco, the mother of two drug war victims.

SC, asking to stop the Philippine government from cooperating with the ICC, citing its lack of jurisdiction following the country’s exit from the Rome Statute in 2019.

Duterte was named among the petitioners as well as former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief turned Senator Ronald Dela Rosa.

In a separate interview with the Manila Standard, SC spokesperson Camille Ting said the Duterte camp’s petition “is still for the court’s action.”

Given the significance of this case and upon the chief Justice’s instructions, a special raffle has been conducted pursuant to Rule 7, Section 7 of the SC’s internal rules, according to her.

Under the said rule, “upon receipt of an initiatory pleading containing a motion for the conduct of a special raffle, the Judicial Records Office shall immediately process the pleading and transmit a copy of it to the Office of the Clerk of Court.”

The ICC in an official warrant dated March 7, 2025 said it maintains legal jurisdiction over allegations of crimes committed between November 2011 to March 2019—the period when the Philippines was a duly recognized member of the chamber.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte claimed that the arrest of the former president by the ICC is an indication of the Philippine government’s willingness to abandon its own citizens.

She described her father’s arrest over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his controversial war on drugs as a “betrayal” of the country’s sovereignty and national dignity.

“Today, our own government has surrendered a Filipino citizen—even a former President at that—to foreign powers,” Duterte said.

“This is a blatant affront to our sovereignty and an insult to every Filipino who believes in our nation’s independence,” she added.

For his part, former Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo condemned the former president’s arrest, claiming authorities denied him access to legal counsel and failed to present a physical copy of the warrant.

“It’s an unlawful arrest. The PNP [Philippine National Police] didn’t allow one of his lawyers to meet him at the airport and to question the legal basis for PRRD’s arrest,” he argued.

Moreover, Panelo said that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines, which formally withdrew from the court in 2019.

“It is an illegal arrest because the ICC arrest warrant comes from a spurious source, the ICC [International Criminal Court], which has no jurisdiction over the Philippines,” he added.

Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, the ex-president’s son, in a social media post said his father’s arrest was an act of desperation on the part of the administration.

The chartered flight is expected to make a stopover in Dubai before proceeding to Rotterdam.

In a video footage shared online by retired Lt. Gen. Filmore Escobal, Duterte was seen boarding the aircraft with his former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III and Central Luzon Director Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo were also seen assisting in the transfer of Duterte to Interpol authorities.

‘Just kill me’

The former President, known by his nickname “The Punisher” for his strong-handed policies against drugs during his term as mayor in Davao City, once challenged the ICC to immediately begin trial.

On Tuesday morning, he got his wish.

After landing at the NAIA Terminal

3 at 9:20 a.m. via Cathay Pacific flight CX907 from Hong Kong, Duterte was arrested by authorities after Prosecutor General Anthony Fadullon served the ICC arrest warrant against him.

This time, Duterte was not too keen on being accosted – the first step for the ICC to begin its trial.

“You will just have to kill me. I will not allow it if you are siding with those Westerners,” Duterte said moments before exiting the plane.

As they were leaving the airport, his partner, Honeylet Avanceña, questioned why they were being made to take a different route, to which Duterte said: “Because the arrest warrant has already been issued.”

He was promptly brought to the Vil-

lamor Air Base together with Honeylet, their daughter Veronica, and Medialdea.

Duterte demanded to know the basis of his arrest in a video posted on Veronica’s Instagram account following his detention.

“So, what is the law and what is the crime that I committed? Show me now the legal basis of my being here,” he said in the video.

“I was brought here not of my own volition but somebody else’s ... you have to answer now for the deprivation of liberty.”

CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III read Duterte his Miranda rights at the VIP lounge at Villamor Air Base’s Kalayaan Hall.

Crimes against humanity

Malacañang said Interpol Manila received the official copy of the warrant of the arrest from the ICC early Tuesday morning.

The ICC released a copy of the 15page arrest warrant dated March 7, 2025 and signed by Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc with fellow judges Reine Adelaide Sophie AlapiniGansou and Maria del Socorro Flores Liera.

“The Chamber is satisfied that the incidents described in the Application amount to crimes against humanity that have allegedly been committed by Mr Duterte, a national of the Philippines,” the document read.

The ICC said the warrant was issued based on evidence gathered and witness testimonies assessed over the years, including accounts linking Duterte as the “founder and head of the DDS (Davao Death Squad)” while he was mayor of Davao City until he became President.

The crimes covered DDS-related killings between November 1, 2011 to March 16, 2019—years when the Phil-

ippines was still a member of the ICC.

These cases fall within the Court’s jurisdiction, according to the ICC.

“Considering Mr. Duterte’s role and position during the relevant period as the Mayor of Davao City and the President of the Philippines and the fact that he was the head of the DDS, the Chamber finds that he necessarily knew about the operations and their scope,” the ICC said.

The Chamber noted that “at least 19 persons, allegedly drug pushers or thieves, were killed by members of the DDS in various locations in or around Davao City.” On top of this, 24 other alleged criminals were killed by law enforcement authorities under Duterte’s command.

“In light of the above findings, the Chamber considers that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the elements of the crimes against humanity of murder are met and that the crime was committed in the territory of the Philippines,” the ICC said.

‘The butcher is arrested at last’

Magdalo stalwarts former senator Antonio Trillanes IV and former party-list Rep. Gary Alejano, who filed a supplemental case against Duterte before the ICC in 2017, welcomed the development.

“After 8 years, at last, the butcher is arrested. To everyone who was with us in this long journey towards justice for the thousands of EJK (extrajudicial killing) victims, thank you very much!” Trillanes said in a social media post.

In November last year, a defiant Duterte told the House Quad Committee that the ICC should “hurry up.”

“This issue has been left hanging for so many years. It’s taking such a long time…I might be dead before they’re able to investigate me.” With AFP

now, not just the ICC,” the Vice President said in a briefing outside the air base.

“Where else can you find a sovereign country willingly surrendering its citizen to foreigners? It is a shame for us Filipinos,” she added.

The Vice President said she will follow her father in The Hague. “I will go there and talk to our lawyers as to what our next steps will be,” she said.

Earlier in the day, the Vice President in a statement said her father was being denied of his fundamental rights.

China...

From A1

the victims is non-negotiable,” said Mercy Chriesty Barends, chairperson of APHR and a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives. Rangsiman Rome, APHR Board Member and Thai Member of Parliament, added: “This landmark arrest is a beacon for international human rights, affirming that accountability is the cornerstone of a just society.”

government had not cooperated with the ICC’s probe.

“We didn’t help them in any way. We have contact with them naturally, but not on an official level,” he said.

The chief executive also emphasized the role of Interpol in assisting the Phil-

ippines with other international law enforcement matters, including human trafficking and fugitive arrests.

“Interpol helps us, and when they ask for our help, we should do the same,” he added.

“Duterte must be held accountable for all of his crimes against the Filipino people. He has to be responsible not only for the human rights violations committed during the ‘war on drugs’ but also for the ‘war on dissent,’ which curtailed meaningful democratic participation by parliamentarians and civil society alike,” said Charles Santiago, APHR cochairperson and a former member of the Malaysian parliament. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch Deputy Asia Director Bryony Lau called Duterte’s arrest “a critical step for accountability in the Philippines.”

“Today, Duterte is being made to answer—not to me, but to the victims, to their families, to a world that refuses to forget. This is not about vengeance. This is about justice finally taking its course,” De Lima said.

“For almost seven years, I was imprisoned on fabricated charges, accused of crimes I did not commit—all because I dared to speak out against Duterte’s drug war. While I was behind bars, thousands of Filipinos were killed without justice, their families left to grieve with no answers, no accountability,” she added.

De Lima was acquitted in 2024, with all charges against her dismissed.

Similarly, Llore Pasco, the mother of two extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims

who testified against Duterte expressed relief and hope for justice.

“We have long been waiting for this and we are filled with hope today. I hope the reports we are reading from the news are true,” she said in Filipino.

Her two sons were killed in Duterte administration’s2 “war on drugs.”

Meanwhile, administration legislators said the arrest proves the Philippines upholds the rule of law and respects international legal commitments as opposition said such was a “long overdue”

Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, chairperson of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, underscored the significance of this development, stating that it is proof of the country’s adherence to a rules-based order.

“This is proof that the Philippines is a country that respects the rules-based order in the world and that we uphold

the rule of law. Nobody is above the law,” Roman said in a press conference.

Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chair of the House committee on dangerous drugs, said Duterte’s arrest marks a pivotal moment in the Philippine’s pursuit of justice, particularly to the families of the more than 30,000 extra-judicial killings (EJKs) during his administration’s bloody war on drugs.

Barbers, lead chair of the Lower House’s Quad Committee, said the former president’s arrest would restore public’s trust in the justice system, and those who violated laws will be held accountable and tried in court.

“The previous administration’s bloody war on drugs, the mandated coming up of high stats for anti-drug ops and kills, has emboldened the country’s law enforcers to abandon their motto of ‘serve and protect’ and adopted a new culture of impunity, blind eye to justice

and disrespect to people’s rights,” said Barbers.

Even militant lawmakers Reps. Arlene Brosas of Gabriela and France Castro of ACT Teachers said the arrest was long overdue.

“This arrest is the product of years of relentless calls for accountability from families of victims, human rights defenders, and the international community. It validates what we have been saying all along – that Duterte’s so-called ‘war on drugs’ was nothing but statesanctioned violence that targeted the poor and marginalized,” said Brosas.

“The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte marks a concrete step towards accountability and justice for the countless victims of his bloody regime. This should serve as a reminder that those responsible for human rights abuses must face the consequences of their actions,” Castro said.

Comelec begins countdown to May polls IN

BRIEF

Comelec begins countdown to May polls

WITH just 8 million out of the 72 million ballots remaining to be printed, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has started the countdown for the May 2025 midterm elections, as it expressed confidence that the printing process will be fully completed by the end of this week, specifically between March 14 and 16. Poll chairman George Garcia said that all printed ballots still need to undergo a verification process to ensure they meet quality requirements and specifications. Garcia said that nearly 30 million ballots have been verified to date, with the verification process expected to conclude by April.

He said that all four printing machines at the National Printing Office, along with the two advanced machines supplied by Mirus Systems from South Korea, played a crucial role in addressing the three-week printing delay.

“This effort was essential to accommodate the inclusion of candidates’ names who had previously been disqualified but successfully appealed their cases to the Supreme Court,” Garcia said. Vito Barcelo

NEDA o ice rises in Negros Island

THE Negros Island Region (NIR) took

a major step toward economic progress and regional collaboration with the establishment of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)NIR office in Bacolod City.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson hailed the creation of the office as a significant move toward fostering development and strengthening governance. Located inside the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) Alijis Campus, the NIR office will serve as a hub for planning and implementing key projects for the region.

Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez emphasized that the new office will be instrumental in linking Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, ensuring better connectivity and coordinated development initiatives. Caloy Lozada

DSWD, Comelec tie up on PWD voting

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officially formalized its partnership with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) during a ceremonial signing of a tripartite agreement at the Chairman’s Hall, Palacio Del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila.

The memorandum of agreement (MOA), signed by Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna of the DSWD’s International Affairs and, Attached and Supervised Agencies, representing Secretary Rex Gatchalian; COMELEC Chairperson George Erwin Garcia; and NCDA Executive Director Glenda Relova, aims to enhance the voting experience of vulnerable Filipinos, particularly the senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

“Under this agreement, the DSWD, in partnership with the COMELEC and NCDA, will elevate the voting experience of the vulnerable sectors through collaboration in promoting inclusivity, ensuring easy access to voting, engaging in data sharing, and conducting information campaigns,” Asst. Secretary Fallarcuna said as she read the DSWD chief’s message. Maricel V. Cruz

LTFRB orders suspension of bus involved in a collision in EDSA

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered the suspension of Earthstar Express Inc. after one of its buses figured in a crash with another bus late Monday night along the EDSA Busway station in Guadalupe, injuring at least 31 passengers.

A show cause order was also issued against Earthstar, ordering the firm to explain why its franchise should not be revoked.

Based on reports, the Earthstar bus lost its brakes and collided with the bus owned by Admiral Transport Inc., which was lining up to load pas-

sengers at the Guadalupe Station.

Eight passengers from Admiral bus were wounded, while 23 passengers from Earthstar bus sustained injuries.

The LTFRB likewise requested the Passenger Accident Management and Insurance Agency (PAMI), an insurance firm that provides Passenger Personal Accident Insurance (PPAI) for public utility vehicles (PUVs), to visit the hospitals where the passengers were confined and pay the hospitalization expenses of the injured passengers.

For its part, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) likewise directed the drivers of both buses to appear before its Intelligence and Investigation Division on Thursday and explain why they should not be charged for reckless driving and have their license revoked. Both drivers’ licenses were also preventively suspended for 90 days. The two bus firms were also ordered to appear before the LTO-IID to explain why their firms should not be administratively charged for employing a reckless driver.

Ombudsman halts complaint against Speaker on national budget

By Rio N. Araja

THE Office of the Ombudsman has stopped an investigation into a complaint accusing Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and other House leaders of graft for the approval of the P6.325-trillion national budget for 2025.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires ruled that they could not take actions on the complaint since a petition for certiorari and prohibition was filed with the Supreme Court (SC) by former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez and

Slovenia supports PH bid for UN Security Council seat

By Rachelle Tonelada

SLOVENIA expressed its support for the Philippines’ bid for a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) seat in June 2026 at the 80th United Nations General Assembly.

“We are member of — non-permanent member of the Security Council, strongly committed to international law, to UN Charter, to human rights,” Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, said on Tuesday during an official meeting with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo in Manila.

“And we share those values together with the Philippines, and we also are fully supportive of

Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab.

The petitioners questioned the legality of the 2025 General Appropriations Act due to alleged blanks in the bicameral conference committee report.

“Doubtless, the alleged criminal liability of respondents Romualdez, et. al., that is raised in the herein Complaint, refers also to the same blank items in the Bicam Report that is the subject of the petition for certiorari and prohibition. In the wink of an eye, common sense will remind any student of the law that judicial courtesy

the candidacy of the Philippines to the Security Council in the near future,” she added.

Fajon affirmed Slovenia’s openness to working with the Philippines to uphold shared principles, particularly within the UNSC, which plays a crucial role in promoting collective peace and security.

“For Slovenia, the respect of international law, the international humanitarian law and the UN Charter is of extreme importance. There is no alternative to that,” Fajon said.

“These are the values that I believe we share with the Philippines, and I think in the Security Council, we really have to work very hard to protect these values and the work of the institution that is the only guarantor for the collective or the world peace and security,” she added.

dictates that the quasi-judicial body should, and must yield and await the decision of the High Tribunal before acting on the case pending before it,” Martires said.

“The Supreme Court must first resolve the issue of constitutionality before the criminal action pending before the Ombudsman will proceed.

Wherefore, the foregoing considered, further action on the criminal complaint docketed as OMB-C-CFEB-25-0042 is ordered suspended and held in abeyance until such time that the Supreme Court has resolved with finality the pending Petition for

Certiorari and Prohibition in G.R. No. 27797,” the decision stated. Martires dismissed a motion from a similar set of graft complainants for the preventive suspension of Romualdez and the House leaders.

“Here, no [criminal] information has as yet been filed so obviously, the mandatory suspension pendente lite under Section 13 of Republic Act No. 3019 does not also apply,” he said.

“For utter paucity of merit, the Motion for Preventive Suspension, dated February 17, 2025, is hereby denied,” he said.

Escudero to airport execs: Cleanse ranks

SENATE President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero on Tuesday urged transport and justice officials to conduct a thorough cleansing of airport personnel nationwide to improve the country’s image for both local and international visitors.

His call follows the dismissal of security personnel involved in the “tanim-bala” (bullet-planting) scheme.

Escudero commended newly appointed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon for swiftly dismissing three Office of Transportation Security employees accused of attempting to extort a 69-year-old woman and her family before their

flight to Vietnam. No bullet or casing was found in their belongings.

The Senate President emphasized that these dismissals should pave the way for broader reforms to enhance the country’s main airport, particularly with a new, proactive transportation secretary and the privatization of airport operations under the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC).

“We now have an opportunity to implement long-term reforms that will improve the country’s image and enhance the experience of both visitors and domestic travelers— from arrival to departure. This is long overdue,” Escudero said.

INFANTE FIRE. Mayor Jerry Treñas visits Infante, Iloilo City where a deadly re was reported. The blaze took the lives of a family of three, composed of a mother, father and their seven-year-old daughter.

COLLISION. Investigators look at a deadly road crush involving two passenger buses along the EDSA Carousel in Makati City.

TRIBUTE TO AGUINALDO. Local o cials will lead the commemoration of 156th birth anniversary of the rst Philippine president General Emilio Aguinaldo.

PH, Canada launch chaplain dev’t course

IN BRIEF Two-bus smash-up on EDSA Carousel injures 31

LTFRB suspends PUV drivers’ training program

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended the Comprehensive Road Safety Training program for public utility vehicle drivers and conductors.

Despite eight consultations, the agency temporarily stopped the program’s implementation.

The transport sector earlier called for further consultations on the drivers’ academy.

According to LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III, the agency has listened to the transport sector, and will hold a series of consultations with transport groups and industry experts to refine the framework of the training program.

Rio N. Araja

Pangilinan hits back at foes on the internet

FORMER Senator Francis Pangilinan

exposed alleged coordinated online attacks against him, citing data-backed evidence that many of the troll accounts originated from foreign entities.

Nonetheless, Pangilinan remained steadfast in his advocacies, saying while his unseen foes were attacking, he is on the move.

In a statement, Pangilinan disclosed a “disturbing pattern” indicating a significant portion of the attacks originated from accounts with foreign names, suspicious number-coded usernames, and newly created profiles with little or no personal content.

He charged that he was being assailed on his pro-people initiatives such as the “Operation Sagip-Kamatis” which was a direct intervention to save some 12 tons of tomatoes from wastage, and calling for toll exemptions for agricultural vehicles in a bid to lower food prices.

Makati public schools top NAT for Grade 6

MAKATI City public schools have topped regional and national average scores across all assessment areas and subjects in the 2023-2024 National Achievement Test (NAT) administered to Grade 6 students.

According to a report from the Schools Division Office-Makati City (DepEd Makati), the city’s Mean Percentage Scores (MPS) in 21st Century Skills and five learning areas consistently exceeded both the National Capital Region (NCR) and national averages.

“We are thrilled with the city’s remarkable performance in the latest National Achievement Test. It is encouraging to see that all our efforts to provide the best education for our youth have resulted in improved academic and cognitive skills among our students,” s Mayor Abigail Binay said.

The DepEd Makati report indicated that Makati earned an MPS of 69.82 in Problem Solving, which is higher than NCR’s score of 63.69 and the national average of 60.76. Joel E. Zurbano In Information Literacy, Makati scored 70.59, surpassing NCR’s 61.56 and the national average of 58.20. The city also excelled in Critical Thinking, achieving a score of 65.13, significantly above NCR’s 57.74 and the national average of 54.80.

By Joel E. Zurbano

AT LEAST 31 people were reported injured in a two-bus collision Monday night on the exclusive EDSA Carousel lane in Makati City. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday issued a preventive suspension against the operator of one of the buses that figured in the accident.

The mishap which occurred around 9 p.m. at the EDSA-Guadalupe stretch of Epifanio de los Santos Ave. (EDSA), involved a Earthstar Express passenger bus with license plates NDL 7366 and Admiral bus bearing license plates

NDQ 2617.

The collision whipped up heavy traffic along the two northbound lanes of the historic highway. Police and traffic enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) responded to the accident.

At least four ambulances from the agency’s bases in Timog, Orense, Pasig, and Quezon Ave., brought the injured passengers to the hospital.

A rescue team from the Makati City government also came to assist the victims.

Initial reports indicated that one of the two buses lost its brakes, leading it

to ram into the other bus.

In a statement, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the LTFRB also issued a show cause order against the Earthstar Express Inc. and ordered the company to explain why its franchise should not be revoked.

The smash-up left 23 passengers of Earthstar and eight commuters in the Admiral Transport bus injured.

The LTFRB also requested the Passenger Accident Management and Insurance Agency (PAMI) which provides passenger personal accident insurance for public utility vehicles, to pay the wounded passengers’ hospitalization fees.

By Rex Espiritu

CHAPLAINS play a significant role in the overall development of a robust military organization.

With this in mind, the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Monday launched the Chaplain Resiliency Development Course in collaboration with its Canadian counterpart. In a statement, AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said senior military officials from both countries attended the opening ceremony held at The Westin Manila hotel in Mandaluyong City.

“This partnership underscores the AFP’s commitment to enhancing its personnel’s holistic well-being, particularly in the spiritual and emotional resilience of military chaplains who play a vital role in troop welfare,” Trinidad said.

The course, organized by the Canadian Directorate of Military Training and Cooperation, will run until March 21.

Trinidad explained that the program aims to enhance the capabilities of chaplains from various denominations.

Participants will be introduced to the training methods, structure, and philosophy of the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service. The initiative also seeks to foster interoperability and strengthen faith-based support systems within military organizations, Trinidad said.

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has formalized its partnership with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) with a tripartite agreement meant to assist the elderlies and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in casting their ballots

The memorandum of agreement (MOA) was concluded at the Chairman’s Hall, Palacio Del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila among DSWD Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna for International Affairs representing Secretary Rex Gatchalian; Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia; and NCDA executive director Glenda Relova.

The accord was designed to enhance the voting experience of vulnerable voters, particularly the senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

“Under this agreement, the DSWD, in partnership with the Comelec and NCDA, will elevate the voting experience of the vulnerable sectors through collaboration in promoting inclusivity, ensuring easy access to voting, engaging in data sharing, and conducting information campaigns,” Gatchalian said in his message delivered by Fallarcuna.

By Vito Barcelo

BIG GUNS BLAZING. The Philippine Fleet, a key command of the Philippine Navy, holds simultaneous unilateral and gunnery exercises in the West Philippine Sea to enhance capabilities in warfighting, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response. Despite hostile sea conditions, the exercises were carried out Monday, focusing on improving the operational readiness of naval forces.

PATRIOTS’ MARCH. Members of various organizations, alliances, and multi-sectoral groups under the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement stage a blitz protest-rally in front of the Chinese embassy in Makati City to denounce China’s latest claims over Palawan Island, as well as the ongoing aggressive actions and harassment by the China Coast

OPINION

DICT reforms urgently needed

WITH the recent resignation of Ivan John Uy as Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the door is now open for this vital agency to undertake much-needed changes in the sector to allow it to really stand out as a center of excellence in public service.

Ample proof that the DICT is eager to deliver timely and relevant response to actual needs is its effort to stop cyber-attacks in the weeks leading up to the May midterm polls.

In our Saturday News Forum last March 1, DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy told media he expects more cyberattacks or what he termed as “inorganic social media engagements attributed to troll farms.” Dy explained that election-related posts could be amplified by bots, or interweb robots doing repetitive tasks, and therefore go viral.

Social media posts or memes boosted by unrelated hashtags that are trending, usually featuring celebrities or political parties, are not illegal. Because of the lack of regulatory laws for such operations, the DICT could only suggest policies that could be crafted in the future. What is illegal is hacking into a website to gain illegal access and prevent the intended users from using the system.

This is a criminal offense under Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Last year, the DICT monitored a total 5.4 million malicious attempts to hack at least 32 government agencies.

Of the processed cases, 60 were “advanced persistent threat,” a type of cyberattack with “state-level” technology or backing.

The biggest cyber-attack problem in the country is the “information stealers” or “keyboard loggers” who are able to spread malware on the internet.

Because of these cases, Dy urged the public to do away with the use of passwords and opt for multifactor authentication, which includes biometric or facial recognition.

It’s not just monitoring cyber-attacks during the campaign period that keeps Dy busy these days.

As head of the DICT’s Infostructure Management, Cybersecurity, and Upskilling group, he plays a big role in implementing RA 10844 that seeks to “ensure universal access to quality, affordable, reliable and secure ICT services.”

The DICT is also mandated to “ensure the provision of a strategic, reliable, costefficient and citizen-centric information and communications technology infrastructure, systems and resources as instruments of good governance and global competitiveness.”

Dy is now overseeing the overhaul of the DICT’s Free Wi-fi Program and wants to initiate sweeping changes in it

following President Marcos Jr.’s directive to review the sustainability of key DICT programs. He believes that the current approach to the Free Wi-Fi Program requires re-evaluation and restructuring.

“We are spending approximately ₱6.5 billion annually to provide internet access to more than 7,000 locations,” he said.

“There are more cost-effective alternatives if we enter into long-term agreements. For instance, we are in discussions with a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) provider for a potential discount to enhance connectivity in schools,” he pointed out.

In November last year, Dy explained to the President that the Free Wi-Fi Program is flawed and prone to corruption

The service provider has offered an aggregated 200Mbps (MIR) of internet for 10,000 school locations at only ₱1.5 billion per annum, provided the procurement is via a 10-year contract.

Beyond school connectivity, 40,000 additional locations have been identified for multicasting educational content, further improving digital learning accessibility nationwide.

The DICT is also implementing Malacañang’s directive to allocate ₱5 billion for the SIM Card ng Bayan Project.

This initiative aims to support the expansion of permanent cell site towers by subsidizing a portion of the cost for telcos and common tower providers. The subsidy will be provided in the form of free 25GB internet subscriptions for students within the coverage of these towers.

The SIM Card ng Bayan project will rely on the DICT’s Common Tower Program, which is designed to expand mobile network coverage. As network infrastructure grows, DICT can leverage these permanent towers to deploy broadband wireless access, further increasing the number of internet access points across the country.

The SIM Card ng Bayan Project is seen as a more sustainable alternative to the Free Wi-Fi Program.

In November last year, Dy explained to the President that the Free Wi-Fi Program is flawed and prone to corruption, and that the DICT should take a more sustainable route.

It appears the President agreed with his views, and therefore this key government agency can now fulfil its mandate to deliver excellent and reliable service to its constituency in the years ahead.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Transforming NAIA into a world-class gateway

By Melandrew T. Velasco

THE importance of an efficient and modern infrastructure gets urgent as the country marches toward economic growth.

Just few months after San Miguel Corporation’s New NAIA Infra Corp. took over the operation and management of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, passengers coming in and out of the country have noticed many positive changes there. They are commendable as our country struggles to modernize an international gateway, reputed as one of the worst in the world.

Two months back, SMC Chairman/ CEO Ramon S. Ang was seen at the NAIA Terminal 3 overseeing some improvements as he announced solving the perennial gridlock at the Resort World Complex area with a practical and efficient solution, using the loop and freeing up parking spaces at the airport complex itself.

Now, Terminal 3 features an automated parking system, with Terminals 1 and 2 set to follow on March 14. Drivers can enter seamlessly through unmanned gates, receive an automated ticket, and exit using a QR code – cutting waiting

times and improving traffic flow.

Recently, NNIC announced the deployment of additional inter-terminal shuttle buses at NAIA .to provide passengers ease of travel from one terminal to another.

—“—

Improvements at the NAIA terminals are now visible since the NNIC entry

The new shuttle buses will improve mobility as passengers are provided free transfers to terminals where they have connecting flights. These are available 24/7 to reduce passengers’ waiting time and ease traffic congestion at the terminals.

For 2024, NAIA handled more than 50 million inbound/outbound passengers.

“Expanding our shuttle fleet is an immediate step to improve accessibility and convenience for passengers,” said RSA, also president of NNIC. Among NNIC’s innovations was

EDITORIAL

Wish granted

SPEAKING at the House of Representatives during the Quad committee hearings last year, former President Rodrigo Duterte told the International Criminal Court to hurry up and arrest him already.

Yesterday he got what he asked for — not immediately, but still.

The ICC did release an arrest warrant, months after. It was served Tuesday as Duterte landed back in Manila from his political party’s gathering with overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong. The Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, assisted by the Philippine National Police, implemented an Interpol Notice for his arrest.

What irony, when just a few years ago it was the PNP, with Duterte at the helm of government, implementing the so-called war on drugs that targeted the poor and the powerless.

By now, we should know better than to take what the former strongman says at face value. During his last flight as a free man, Duterte muttered something about having to kill him first before he subjects to the authority of the West. In a video interview he gave to his allied network SMNI, just before flying back, he insisted he did not recall doing anything wrong. He may have done many things that

bringing in two new ambulances to respond to medical emergencies at NAIA. The emergency vehicles are equipped with advanced medical tools and staffed by trained paramedics to provide quick medical assistance.

To guide aircraft to their designated parking ramps, three “follow-me” vehicles have been added aimed at reducing taxi times on the limited runways and contribute to smoother operations.

Early this year, NNIC opened the main arrival curbside at Terminal I to all private vehicles. Before this, the area was limited for use only by VIPs.

NNIC said opening the main arrival curbside to all passengers is a key feature of the newly reconfigured pick up system at Terminal 1. It simplifies pick ups of arriving passengers by private vehicles, ride-hailing services, and metered taxis and eases congestion and improves traffic flow. From the 14 designated loading bays at the main arrival curbside where passengers can be picked up by private vehicles, two bays—A8 & A9 are designated for persons with disabilities.

Meanwhile, Bays A11 and A12 will continue to be reserved for VIP pickups. For hotel pickups, Bays A13 and A14 are the designated areas. The area beyond

people did not like, he said, but he did it all for the country.

Some Duterte loyalists have cried foul, citing Duterte’s advanced age, precarious health, and rumored hunger. A senator who owes his popularity to Duterte’s endorsement and his own posturing as his wingman was seen waving a pizza box in the air, asking it be given to his benefactor.

Another former official, a disgraced spokesperson who himself is in hiding as he refused to shed light on the probe into POGOs, had the gall to call on Duterte supporters to amass on EDSA. Other clowns are volunteering to be arrested alongside Duterte.

This is not about politics anymore

As of this writing, the former President is being held at Villamor Airbase. The next steps will become

Bay A14 is designated for terminal transfer shuttle bus services. At the outer curbside area, Bays B1 to B6 are designated as Meet and Greet area, and for Grab ride-hailing pickups. Bays C1 to C6 at the ground level area have been designated for rent-a-car services, coupon taxis, and yellow metered taxis.

“This change provides a more inclusive and convenient experience for arriving travelers and their loved ones, as part of a broader effort to improve traffic flow and passenger comfort at one of the airport’s busiest terminals,” NNIC, which upgraded NAIA’s traffic statement, said. Aside from the traffic system upgrade, the decision of SMC Infrastructure increasing the Skyway Stage 3 speed limit to 80 kph from 60 kph on its straight sections is commendable.

This speeds up travel on Skyway Stage 3 and NAIA expressway, an elevated toll road spanning 11 kilometers that connects the Skyway system to the three terminals and to Entertainment City, Macapagal Boulevard, Sucat Road and road networks to Cavite.

“This change will make travel on NAIAX and Skyway Stage 3 faster and more efficient for everyone,” RSA said.

apparent in the next few hours, we believe, even as the situation is unprecedented and we are only going by what the rules say should happen. What should ideally happen is for the trek to justice to finally begin. The Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute took effect March 2019, a full year after the Duterte administration gave notice to the ICC. Still, the withdrawal does not affect proceedings that had been ongoing prior to its effectivity, and this is why there remains a case to be made: proceedings with regard to the Philippine situation began in Feb. 2018. Duterte can deride the ICC as a white man’s court, but it does not just represent one country or one race. It is an agreement by the international community to no longer stand idle as injustices against the people are committed on a wide scale.

And now that he got his wish, it is time to work toward the wish of the families of those who were killed upon his orders, explicit or implied. We will follow this case to its rightful end, not because of differences in political color but because of the thousands of lives that were snuffed out in the cruelest and most senseless manner.

Let that sink in every time the former President’s followers attempt to make a hero or a martyr out of their idol.

Another SMC initiative that impacts on NAIA and complements its rehabilitation was the cleanup of Paranaque’s waterways—the Paranaque River, Don Galo River, and San Dioisio and Villanueva creeks.

The undertaking conforms with the conglomerate’s Better Rivers PH initiative which will mitigate flooding in the NAIA area and in the areas approaching it. The Domestic Road and NAIA Terminal 4 also benefit from the program as storm drain lines along the area were de-clogged, manholes reopened and new ones constructed. Improvements at the NAIA terminals are now visible since the NNIC entry. Travelers now enjoy faster internet connectivity, cooler terminal lounges, cleaner restrooms, more passenger boarding bridges, among others. We look forward to more improvements and transformation of NAIA to a world-class gateway.

(MTV, book author and publisher, is president/chief executive officer of Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc. and president/executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., a non-government outfit advocating tree-planting and environmental protection.)

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format divided by two panels. On the left panel a classroom filled with Filipino students are flooded. Strong winds are peeling the flimsy corrugated roof. On the right panel is a classroom of Filipino students sweltering while the sun is buring brightly outside the window.

China wraps up key political meet with call for ‘struggle’

BEIJING—China on Tuesday concluded one of its biggest political events of the year with a call to “struggle unrelentingly” for the country’s rise after a conclave dominated by a deepening confrontation with the United States, its largest trading partner.

Nearly 3,000 delegates congregated in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on Tuesday afternoon before President Xi Jinping entered a cavernous hall to the sound of rousing martial music.

Senior Communist Party official Li Hongzhong then kicked off proceedings, standing in for NPC Standing Committee Chairman Zhao Leji, whose absence was attributed to a “respiratory infection”. Li presided over a series of

JEDDAH – Ukraine will present the United States on Tuesday with a plan for a partial ceasefire with Russia, hoping to restore support from its key benefactor, which under President Donald Trump has demanded concessions to end the three-year war.

The talks in Saudi Arabia will be the most senior since a disastrous White House meeting on February 28, when Trump berated Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for purported ingratitude. Since Trump’s dressing down of

STRASBOURG, France—EU chief

Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday called for a “surge” in European defense spending, as the 27-nation bloc faces an aggressive Russia and faltering US support.

Addressing lawmakers in Strasbourg, von der Leyen said Europe’s security order was “being shaken,” suggesting the continent could no longer rely on “America’s full protection”.

“The time of illusions is now over. Europe is called to take greater charge of its own defense,” the European Commission president told the EU’s parliament.

“We need a surge in European defense. And we need it now.” Brussels has already sent a clear signal it is moving in that direction, with EU leaders last week endorsing a commission plan aimed at mobilizing up to 800 billion euros ($860 billion) to boost defence spending.

The defense plan proposes to provide members with EU-backed loans of up to 150 billion euros and eases fiscal rules to allow states to spend much more. European governments are under pressure to step up on defense as US President Donald Trump questions whether the United States—the guarantor of Europe’s security since World War II -- should continue its central role in NATO.

Trump’s pivot away from the United States’ transatlantic partners comes as he seeks a rapprochement with Russia to end the Ukraine war -- raising fears Kyiv could be forced into an unfavourable deal. AFP

votes on legislative documents and wrapped up the conference with a call to “struggle unrelentingly for the great endeavor of the rejuvenation of the Chinese people”.

“Let us unite even more closely around the Party center with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core!” he said, receiving rapturous applause before a military band played the national anthem.

The NPC is China’s top legislature and usually meets for around a week each spring alongside the country’s main political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

The conclave is meticulously choreographed, with voting tightly controlled and legislation pre-approved by the party. AFP

Ukraine to present partial truce after row

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Zelenskyy, Washington has suspended military aid to Ukraine as well as intelligence sharing and access to satellite imagery in a bid to force it to the negotiating table.

Zelenskyy, who wrote a repentant letter to Trump, flew to the port city of

Jeddah to meet Saudi rulers, but was leaving the talks to three top aides.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who will be joined by Trump’s national security advisor Mike Waltz, said the aid suspension was “something I hope we can resolve” in the talks on Tuesday.

“Hopefully, we’ll have a good meeting and good news to report,”

Rubio said.

Rubio said that the United States had not cut off intelligence for defensive operations. Zelenskyy left the White House

without signing an agreement demanded by Trump that would give the United States access to much of Ukraine’s mineral wealth as compensation for past weapons supplies.

Zelensky has said he is still willing to sign, although Rubio said it would not be the focus of Tuesday’s talks.

Russia has since ramped up its attacks, striking hard against Ukrainian infrastructure and taking back villages in its Kursk region that Ukraine had captured in a bid for bargaining leverage.

In the White House meeting, Zelen-

But faced with Washington’s

sure, Ukraine will lay out its support for a limited ceasefire.

“We do have a proposal for a ceasefire in the sky and ceasefire at sea,” a Ukrainian official told AFP on Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity. AFP

Military chiefs in Paris to discuss guarantees PARIS—Military chiefs from 30 European and NATO countries willing to contribute to security guarantees for Ukraine after any

GRIMSBY, United Kingdom—Fires were still raging on Tuesday after a cargo ship laden with toxic materials slammed into a tanker carrying flammable jet fuel in the North Sea, as questions mounted about how the accident happened.

The fires were “still going on”, nearly 24 hours after the Solong cargo ship ran into the Stena Immaculate tanker, anchored about 10 miles (16 kilometres) off the northeast port of Hull.

One crew member was also still missing, Grimsby port chief executive Martyn Boyers told AFP.

The government’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch has launched a

US-bound Afghans left ‘sans options’ as Trump incoming travel ban looms

WASHINGTON, DC—As a young man, Muhammad Ilyas stood side-byside with US soldiers as they took on the Taliban in his native Afghanistan, working as an interpreter and driven by a need for “revenge” for attacks on his family.

Now, with his sister stranded in Qatar ahead of an expected ban on the entry of Afghan nationals by the administration of President Donald Trump, he wonders what it was all for.

“When I first heard it, you cannot explain the kind of thoughts that go through your head and the emotions that you have after so much hard work, back and forth, this lengthy and exhausting process of vetting

and screening,” he said, of the almost three years it took his sister to get a US visa.

The 22-year-old mother of three is among about 2,000 Afghans at a USrun center in Qatar, where those in the final stage of their arduous journey to a new life in the United States are housed.

“She had a ticket in her hand to fly to the States. They had a ticket and on the 25th they got hit with the executive order and everything just stopped,” said Ilyas, who has lived in Colorado for several years.

As one of his first acts in office, Trump froze the United States’ refugee admission program and almost all foreign aid. AFP WEDNESDAY,

probe into Monday’s accident to determine the next steps and need for a counter-pollution response.

The UK Coastguard halted search operations late on Monday after rescuing 36 crew members from both ships. It was not immediately clear if the search had resumed early on Tuesday.

“One crew member of the Solong remains unaccounted for. After an extensive search for the missing crew member sadly they have not been found and the search has ended,” said Matthew Atkinson, Divisional Commander for the HM Coastguard. Images showed a huge plume of

thick, black smoke and flames rising from the scene about 16 kilometers off the east England coast, sparking concerns of “multiple toxic hazards.” The Stena Immaculate tanker was “anchored off the North Sea coast near Hull... (and) was struck by the container ship Solong”, the Stena’s US-based operators Crowley said in a statement.

The Stena was on a short-term US military charter with Military Sealift Command, according to Jillian Morris, the spokesperson for the command that operates civilian-crewed ships providing ocean transport for the US Defense Department. AFP

120,000 homes still blacked out by gales

32 DEAD. This handout picture released by

were killed in two separate bus crashes in Mexico. In the country’s north, 14 people died in a fiery collision between a tractor-trailer and a bus carrying passengers from the US state of Texas, civil protection authorities in Durango state said. Of the 24 people traveling in the bus, only 10 managed to get out alive, it said. In southern Mexico, a bus turned over along a highway in Oaxaca state, killing at least 11, said authorities who immediately launched an investigation into the cause of the accidents. AFP

NORTH SEA COLLISION. Waves roll onto the beach from the North Sea in Withernsea, on the east coast of England on Monday. The US operator of the Stena Immaculate, an oil tanker hit by a cargo ship in the North Sea, off the coast of Withernsea said its crew had abandoned the tanker after a fuel leak and multiple explosions. ‘While

HERCULEAN JOURNEY. US

Veteran Van der Valk rises to the top with gritty 69

GENERAL TRIAS, Cavite—Veteran Guido van der Valk leaned on his wealth of experience to navigate the wind-battered and unforgiving Faldo course, carding a hard-earned 69 to seize control after another grueling day in the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Championship here.

The Manila-based Dutchman propelled himself halfway toward a mission of redemption, aiming to bounce back from a heartbreaking playoff defeat in The Country Club Invitational last January.

From joint 16th and seven strokes behind, the two-time TCC Invitational champion surged to the top of the leaderboard with a two-over 146 total – a testament to the demanding nature of the Faldo course, which has tested the field’s skill, strategy and mental fortitude.

Tuesday’s conditions remained harsh, with swirling winds and tricky pin placements, yet van der Valk delivered a gutsy perfor-

Malabuyo helps UCLA Bruins turn back Stanford Cardinals

By Peter Atencio

FILIPINO-AMERICAN Emma Malabuyo scored high in three events for the University of CaliforniaLos Angeles Bruins as they turned back the Stanford University Cardinals, 197.675-197.100, on Sunday in a Senior Day meet at home in Los Angeles.

The Bruins relied on solid performances in the balance beam and the floor exercise in the final two rotations to take the over half-point win before a record-setting crowd of 12,918 fans at Pauley Pavilion.

It was UCLA’s ninth straight time to score 197 or higher, with each graduating senior having their shining moment, in their clash with the Cardinals, who saw action with Paris Olympian and Malabuyo’s teammate with the Philippine squad in Levi Jung Ruivivar.

UCLA’s latest achievement came after securing the Big Ten regular-season title as it gets ready for the regionals.

The 22-year-old Malabuyo, who represented the Philippines at the Paris Olympics, registered 9.925 in the beam, 9.900 in the floor and 9.875 in the bars. Her time to shine came at the beam in the third rotation, when Malabuyo did a clean wolf turn, followed by a slightly off-center back handstand,

layout-stepout move.

Malabuyo then did a front aerial to beat jump and transitioned to a back handstand swingdown combo, before executing another split jump, split ring, off-center landing.

She recovered with full-gainer back handstand and finished with a stuck landing for a 9.925.

While at the floor in the fourth rotation, Malabuyo started her routine with a double pike, leaping high with a controlled landing.

From there, she did a switch ring to switch half, transitioned to a clean double wold turn, a good back one-and-ahalf back somersault to front lay, which saw the judges give her a 9.9.

Junior Jordan Chiles led with a 39.750 all-around score, a new season high for any gymnast in the Big Ten Conference.

Adamson softbelles sweep UAAP 1st round

ADAMSON University swept the first round of the UAAP Season 87 Softball tournament, dominating De La Salle University, 7-0, in six innings, Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

Glory Alonzo, making a suprise appearance at the plate, delivered the finishing blow with a hit to the right side that allowed Alaiza Talisik to score.

Talisik’s run ended the game after one hour and 55 minutes, securing a flawless 4-0 record for the Lady Falcons and putting them in sole possession of the top spot in the standings.

Adamson showcased its offensive prowess with seven hits, led by Jhaycel Roldan’s standout performance. The rookie centerfielder delivered a clutch hit to left-center field in the fifth inning, driving in Jeelyn Pajotal and MJ Libaton to extend the lead to 5-0. Roldan later crossed the plate off a hit from Roma Jane Cruz, further cementing Adamson’s control at 6-0.

Head coach Ana Santiago expressed her satisfaction with her team’s improving offense, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum moving forward.

“’Yung opensa namin ngayon humahabol na, and it’s good for us. As usual, ‘yung ating mga

pitchers, nagde-deliver. And ‘yung teamwork talaga nila, nandyan na,” said Santiago. “At the same time, alam nila ‘yung goal nila, ‘yung mindset nila towards the UAAP season.”

The Adamson mentor stressed the need for her players to stay focused and composed heading into the second round, which begins on Saturday.

“Huwag lang nilang i-pressure ‘yung sarili nila, and, at the same time, i-treat nila lahat ng games na kailangan nilang ipanalo. Maglaro sila nang maayos; huwag silang magpapabaya. ‘Yun naman ang importante do’n. And knowing my players naman, ‘pag dating sa hard work and effort, hindi naman sila mawawalan niyan. Alam nila ang gusto nilang mangyari,” Santiago added.

On defense, Adamson was anchored by thirdyear pitcher April Minanga. The Guinpana-an National High School standout kept De La Salle at bay, surrendering only a lone hit to Cassandra Inot in the opening at-bat and allowed just a base from Tiffany Labargan the rest of the way.

De La Salle’s Joerjette Jordan started on the mound, giving up six hits and four earned runs in five innings. Jeryll Duller pitched one inning in relief but surrendered Alonzo’s game-clinching hit and the decisive run from Talisik.

Ionescu wows in cage clinic, wants to try ‘Pinoy Step’

SABRINA Ionescu of the New York Liberty feels cool about trying new moves that Filipino players have been doing and introducing lately to the basketball world.

The 27-year-old Ionescu, who is on a three-day tour in the country, is keen on adopting the Pinoy Step, a basketball move in which an offensive player picks up their dribble, fakes taking a shot, while going towards the basket, before proceeding to make an actual attempt with the last remaining legal step.

The shot allows the ball handler to get past a defender and take a more advantageous shot, while in the air.

The move’s popularity was attributed to Kiefer Ravena and Ricci Rivero.

“I love it. I have been able to see that shot. It’s fun,” said Ionescu, who is on the second day of her visit in the country.

“I really want to take this. That’s the fun part of the game,” added Ionescu during a huddle on Tuesday at The Peninsula Hotel in Makati City.

Her visit in the country also comes months after Ionescu and Team USA defeated France, 67–66, in the finals of the Paris Olympics.

This was Ionescu’s first Olympic gold medal and the United States’ eighth consecutive gold. The 5’11” guard is also coming off a successful season with the Liberty, which won its first WNBA Championship, beating the Minnesota Lynx in the 2024 Finals.

mance, braving the elements and sinking a series of long putts that typically wouldn’t fall.

“This course is so hard. I really struggled a lot yesterday (Monday), but I managed to hit it a bit better today (Tuesday). I also holed a lot of putts –20-footers that you don’t usually expect to make. That probably helped keep my score way lower than it should’ve been,” said van der Valk, who now stands 36 holes away from ending his title drought.

A group of young challengers, however, stayed well within striking distance at 147, ensuring a tense battle ahead in the P2 million championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and sponsored by ICTSI.

Lloyd Go, who matched par 72, and Sean Ramos and Hyun Ho Rho, who matched 73s, credited their improved putting for keeping them in the hunt in the second leg of the 10-stage Philippine Golf Tour.

Twin crowns for Alcantara, Gumbao wins

KURT Alcantara pulled off a pair of hard-fought three-set victories to claim the boys’ MVP honors, while homegrown talent Justine Zaia Gumbao emerged as the top performer in the girls’ division with a title and two runner-up finishes in the Gov. Datu Pax Ali Sangki Mangudadatu National Juniors Tennis Championships held over the weekend in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Alcantara, the top-seeded player from Bansalan, Davao del Sur, overcame two formidable foes in the finals to become the only player to clinch two singles titles in the Group 2 tournament that kicked off a three-leg swing of the PPS-PEPP tennis circuit in the region.

After cruising through his first three matches, Alcantara encountered stiff resistance in the boys’ 16-and-and final, where he had to recover from a second-set stumble before subduing No. 3 seed Aljaven Lumambas, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. The rising Davao ace then displayed his tenacity in the 18-and-U championship match, outlasting Charles Gallo in another grueling battle, 6-3, 2-6, 6-3, to complete the sweep in the event sponsored by Gov. Mangudadatu and sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta). In the girls’ division, Gumbao turned heads with an equally impressive showing. She dominated her doubles partner Kathryina Makabangkit, 6-2, 6-3, to clinch the 14-and-U crown but fell short of completing a double-title feat after yielding in two older age-group finals.

Averaging 16.3 points last year, Ionescu and the Liberty swept the eighth-ranked Atlanta Dream in two games before defeating the Aces, 3–1, in the semifinals to arrange a championship clash with the Lynx.

Ionescu also wowed Filipino enthusiasts with her skills in a basketball clinic, which was part of her Craft the Future event, attended by Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3x3 player Camille Clarin. Also joining the drills at the Courtyard inside the Bonifacio Global City on Monday were local basketball players Kacey Dela Rosa and Jhaz Joson of Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines’ Louna Ozar, and De La Salle University’s Marga Jimenez. Peter Atencio

Top seed Mariam Mokalam of Pikit, Cotabato, halted Gumbao’s bid in the 16-and-U final, 6-3, 6-2, while local standout and doubles partner Sanschena Francisco bested her, 6-3, 6-3, in the 18-and-U championship.

Despite the twin runner-up finishes, Gumbao’s overall performance still earned her the tournament’s best female player recognition in the week-long competition backed by Palawan Pawnshop president/ CEO Bobby Castro, Dunlop, Universal Tennis, and ICON Golf and Sports.

Other winners were Pigcawayan, Cotabato’s Andrei Otoc, who defeated Prince Centino, 7-5, 6-1, for the boys’ 14-and-U title; Kresthan Belacas of M’lang, Cotabato, who routed Francis Pilapil, 6-0, 6-1, in the boys’ 12-and-U final; and Marian Dagaas of Surallah, South Cotabato, who pulled off a stunner over top-seed Aleushia Maurin, 6-0, 6-1, to seize the girls’ 12-and-U crown.

The Adamson belles huddle up.

Emma Malabuyo

Justine Zaia Gumbao and Kurt Alcantara

Guido van der Valk surges to the top of the leaderboard with a two-over 146 total.

Manny Marcelo

Sabrina Ionescu

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Singson pulls ahead, braces for frenetic ICTSI golf finish

GENERAL TRIAS, Cavite—In a battle for control that resembled a game of musical chairs, Mafy Singson emerged on top despite carding a wind-blown 74 in the second round of the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Championship at the Faldo course here on Tuesday.

However, lurking just a few strokes behind are a pair of battle-hardened campaigners in Chihiro Ikeda and Marvi Monsalve, setting the stage for a frantic and unpredictable finish in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour event.

Starting the day four shots behind Gretchen Villacencio in joint fourth, Singson played steady through 12 holes, mixing one birdie and one bogey, before yielding shots on Nos. 13 and 15 as the swirling wind once again took control of the round. With the leaderboard constantly shifting in every gust, Singson man-

aged to wrest the lead anew after Villacencio and Kayla Nocum stumbled late in their rounds.

Singson’s 10-over 154 aggregate put her a shot ahead of Ikeda and two clear of Monsalve, moving her closer to a second LPGT victory after bagging her maiden crown at Valley Golf Club last year.

“The course is so difficult and unpredictable. After shooting an 80 in the first round, I thought I played really bad. But when I checked the scores, I realized it wasn’t just me,” said Singson. “Of course, you want to play well, but given the tough conditions, I just had to accept that even if I hit a good shot, I won’t always get the reward.”

Determined to make the most of her position, the Davaoeña vowed to stay patient and avoid aggressive plays that could cost her the lead.

By Randy M. Caluag

THE Philippines is setting its sights on another historic feat in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, following the recent inclusion of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as a medal sport, prompting Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino to express his high hopes in the newly added discipline.

“Lalaban tayo diyan,” Tolentino said, underscoring the Filipinos’ wellestablished prowess in MMA.

“Even I was surprised with MMA’s inclusion. We will hold tryouts as soon as possible, and only the best will be chosen to represent us,’’ he added. According to an MMA official, the selection process will commence with a series of tryouts in June and July. The goal is to identify and develop top-tier athletes capable of adapting to the amateur MMA format.

The Olympic Council of Asia recently confirmed MMA’s official inclusion in the 2026 Games, featuring six weight divisions -- four for men (60kg, 65kg, 71kg, and 77kg) and two for women (54kg and 60kg). MMA at the Asian Games will be divided into two disciplines -- traditional and modern. Traditional MMA requires athletes to wear MMA Gis and protective gear, including a mouthguard, 4oz or heavier gloves, a groin guard (for males), and

High hopes for Filipino mixed martial artists in Asian Games

shin pads. Competitors can utilize the Gi for throws and submission techniques. Modern MMA features the same protective equipment, but athletes wear

Asian body suspends PH billiards association

THE Asian Confederation of Billiard Sport (ACBS) suspended the Billiard Sports Confederation of the Philippines (BSCP) and asked the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) to run the affairs of the sport at least for the next three months.

In a letter to the POC dated March 9, Michael Al Khoury, secretarygeneral of the Qatar-based ACBS, said that the organization’s board of directors decided during its meeting last February 18 in Doha to suspend the national sports association, a move that was ratified by the continental body’s general meeting on the next day.

The ASBC informed the POC, through secretary-general Atty.

By Peter Atencio

Wharton Chan, to form a disciplinary committee “to investigate the violations of the BSCP, in-

cluding conflicts of interest, the failure to hold elections for a long time, organizing international tournaments without the necessary approvals from either Asian or world governing bodies and not properly taking care of the Philippines Billiard Athletes.”

The POC promptly officially informed the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) of the BSCP’s suspension by its Asian governing body.

“With this decision, the POC shall temporarily assume the tasks of the BSCP, including the supervision of arrangements and entitlements for national athletes under Billiard Sports, during the period of suspension,” Chan wrote PSC chairman

fight shorts instead of Gis. Male fighters wear sleeveless rash guards, while female fighters use sleeved rash guards. With MMA’s inclusion, the Philippines will face fierce competition from top Asian nations, including host Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, China, South Korea, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and Iran. However, given the country’s rich history in combat sports, Filipino fighters are expected to be strong contenders.

The Philippines aims to build on its success from the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, where the nation made history by reclaiming the men’s basketball gold after six decades.

The country also secured victories through pole vaulter EJ Obiena and jiujitsu athletes Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez.

In the 2026 Asian Games, the Philippines will bank on key sports such as MMA, esports, jiu-jitsu, gymnastics, boxing, men’s basketball, weightlifting, wushu, tennis, and pole vault’s EJ Obiena to deliver podium finishes.

Richard Bachmann.

The ACBS also stated in its letter to the POC the BSCP’s suspension for “not exceeding three months pending the completion of the committee’s work.”

The Asian body “assigned the POC with the tasks of the BSCP, especially to follow up on the files of players qualified to participate in international tournaments, most notably the World Games in Chengdu-China 2025.”

The World Games are set August 7 to 17.

“Please inform us of your approval of the terms of your acceptance to assume the duties of the federation temporarily to preserve the interests of billiard players in the Philippines,” the ACBS said.

Junior

Altas try to keep NCAA lead

By Dennis Abrina

THE Perpetual Help Junior Altas look to retain their hold on the lead when they face the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers in the National Collegiate Athletics Association Season 100 Juniors’ Basketball Tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Wednesday. Gametime is 12 noon. Perpetual Help will rely on 6’7” center LeBron Jhames Daep, Jim Corpuz and Jan Roluna, who combined for 32 points in their last won game against Lyceum of the Philippines University, 71-39. They are also expected to draw support from backup players Icee Callanga, who had 8 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals against the Junior Pirates. Also contributing to the win were Kelsey Baldoria (6 points and 6 boards and 2 assists), Louie Rosales (6 points and 4 boards) and TJ Tabbuan (4 points and 7 rebounds), with the support of Keanne Zanoria, Jericho Cristino, Jan Pagulayan, Kurt Velasquez, Aries Borja and Ezekiel Zamoras. Coach Joph Cleopas’ players now hold the solo lead with a 4-1 slate, while Letran, La Salle Greenhills, San Beda University, Emilio Aguinaldo College and Mapua are tied at 3-2. Arellano University, San Sebastian College and JRU are locked at 2-3, while LPU GenTri is still winless in five games.

The Danaos: A passion for running nurtured by love

J EREMY Danao beamed with pride as he watched his younger siblings shine at the Manila leg of the 2025 Milo National Marathon. And rightly so, for it was a triumph for the family with a shared passion and unwavering support.

Though a former varsity athlete himself, the 24-year-old Jeremy chose to stand on the sidelines that warm Sunday morning, his focus solely on coaching Jericho and Jasphine. He’d taken time off from his demanding work in Malabon, his day job in meat processing, to witness his siblings’ dreams take flight. And what a flight it was. Jericho, his 12-year-old brother, crossed the finish line at the SM Mall of Asian Seaside Drive of the 3-kilometer male event in a remarkable 10 minutes and 50 seconds for the gold.

“Nag-focus lang po ako sa pacing ko, like Kuya Jeremy told me,” said Jericho, whose kuya began teaching him the ropes at the tender age of six.

The celebration doubled when Jasphine secured a hard-earned second place in the 5-kilometer female category. Though initially listed fourth, a successful protest rectified the error, and she stood tall, with her time of 21 minutes and 51 seconds.

“Masaya po. Maganda ang ruta,” Jasphine said. Jeremy, a husband and father of two, understood the importance of fitness from the beginning. Despite his busy life, he finds time to run the roads of Malabon and the local sports complex oval, with Jericho and Jasmine often tagging along. He’d instilled in them a love for the sport of running, guiding them on open roads, patiently nurturing their talent.

“Tinuturuan ko silang tumakbo sa open road. Si Jericho, last year lang. At ngayon pa lang nagiging pursigido,” said Jeremy.

Jericho’s newfound dedication held the promise of a brighter future. With the NCR Palarong Pambansa qualifiers looming, Jeremy was determined to see his little brother succeed.

“Pinakundisyon ko siya nang maayos, para hindi mag-cramps sa kanyang pag-takbo. Kaya dire-diretso siya at walang injury. Mage-NCR Palaro pa kasi siya,” added Jeremy.

For the Danaos, the 2025 Milo National Marathon was more than just a race. It was a story of family, perseverance, and the unwavering belief in the potential of those you love.

Jeremy’s heart was full that fateful March morning as he watched his siblings chase their dreams. He knows they will succeed, because they are fuelled by his guidance and love.

family a air: Jasphine, Jeremy and Jericho Danao Peter Atencio

Abraham Tolentino

Jan Roluna Dennis Abrina

Mafy Singson cards a wind-blown 74 in the second round to grab a onestroke lead. Manny Marcelo

MCIA received 2024 service quality award for best

airport in Asia Pacific

MACTAN-CEBU International Airport

(MCIA) won the 2024 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award for Best Airport (5 to 15 Million Passengers Per Annum) in the Asia-Pacific region.

The prestigious recognition came from Airports Council International (ACI) World—widely regarded in the aviation industry.

The annual ASQ Awards recognize airport excellence in customer experience based on direct passenger feedback. This makes MCIA’s achievement more meaningful, as it reflects travelers’ appreciation for the airport’s efforts in delivering a superior customer experience.

Athanasios Titonis, chief executive of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. (ACAC), expressed his gratitude to the MCIA team.

“I am tremendously grateful to

the MCIA team for delivering to its promise of excellence in customer experience. We had been working hard in ensuring we bring world-class airport experience and elevate the perception of airports in the Philippines. This win is key in our vision of becoming the main tourism and transfer gateway in the country,” said Titonis.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), MCIA’s regulatory arm, also welcomed the recognition.

“We have always been proud of what MCIA has accomplished and how it brings pride to Cebuanos. Now, it has brought pride beyond Cebu but also for the entire Philippines. We share this award to all stakeholders and partners who had been instrumental in making this happen,” said MCIAA generalmanager Julius Neri.

NTC reviewing SIM registration law to combat rising text scams

By Darwin G. Amojelar

The agency said a key proposal under consideration is the introduction of mandatory personal appearance for SIM registration, mirroring the processes for driver’s licenses and

NBI clearances. It said the review is prompted by criticism that the current online registration system is vulnerable to abuse, allowing individuals to fraudulently sell their identities

despite the existing penal provisions that carry imprisonment of up to two or six years and a fine of up to P300,000.

The NTC said in response to these concerns, it issued NTC Memorandum Order No. 010-092023, which contained the guidelines on the conduct of data/information submitted by end-users pursuant to the SRA, including directives for public telecommunications entities (PTEs) to enhance their systems for SIM registration and implement specific measures to validate SIMs already registered.

It also directed PTEs to deactivate clickable links in person-to-person text messages as an important public safety measure. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) submitted its proposed amendments to the SIM Registration Act to the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Philippines in 2024 to include provisions granting the agency the authority to periodically regulate the number of SIM ownership and possibly limit the acceptable number of valid government-issued identification (ID) cards.

agent sandbox where team members practice difficult customer scenarios and get real time recommendations for improvement, the TELUS Digital Philippines team is leaning into the benefits of upskilling employees on AI.

PEZA, BCDA agree to prevent overlap of functions

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) agreed to adopt an interim arrangement in separating their investment promotion agency (IPA) functions.

“This partnership between PEZA and BCDA not only prevents jurisdictional overlaps between the two investment promotion agencies, but also capitalizes on our core competencies to attract

more investors to the Philippines, particularly along the Luzon Economic Corridor,” said PEZA director-general Tereso Panga.

Under the setup, BCDA will register and regulate new developer/ operator projects in New Clark City, while PEZA will oversee locator projects.

The approach leverages BCDA’s expertise in property development and estate management alongside PEZA’s renowned one-stop-shop services for locators.

PEZA also committed to assisting

BCDA in project registration as well as fiscal and non-fiscal incentive administration.

“BCDA looks forward to a fruitful collaboration with PEZA as we combine our strengths in infrastructure development and public-private partnerships with investment facilitation,” said BCDA president Joshua Bingcang.

BCDA also assured new investors that flagship projects like New Clark City would thrive under PEZA’s trademark ease of doing business.

Glenwood launches pharma services in PH

GLENWOOD Services Philippines Inc. (GSPI) registered with the Board of Investments (BOI) to launch the first pharmaceutical services project in the country. A subsidiary of Germany-based Glenwood GmbH, GSPI opened its new facility in Taguig City to offer quality, regulatory affairs and pharmacovigilance services to help pharma-

reports higher power rates in March

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MANILA Electric Company (Meralco)

reported on Tuesday higher power rates in March 2025, with residential bill rising by P0.2639 per kilowatt-hour or about P53 for customers consuming 200 kWh a month.

This brought Meralco’s overall rate for a typical household to P12.2901

rate,” Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga said. The one-time downward adjustment on reset fee, equivalent to P0.2264 per kWh for Meralco customers, was implemented in February as ordered by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

Zaldarriaga

DigiPlus

settles over P33-b taxes, regulatory fees

DIGIPLUS Interactive Corp., the company behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, SpinPlus and GameZone, said Tuesday it paid P33.7 billion in taxes and regulatory fees in 2024, making it one of the largest taxpayers in the digital entertainment sector.

DigiPlus said its contribution in taxes and regulatory fees provides substantial government revenue that the country can allocate toward essential public services and infrastructure.

The company said the P33.7 billion it paid is comparable to the estimated cost of building 13,200 classrooms, 165 fully equipped public hospitals or 3,500 housing units. While DigiPlus does not directly fund these projects, its fiscal contributions help support national development initiatives that benefit millions of Filipinos.

“Our P33.7 billion contribution in taxes and regulatory fees is a direct investment in the country’s future,” said DigiPlus chairman Eusebio Tanco.

“These funds help build infrastructure that uplift millions of Filipinos. As a responsible corporate citizen, we are committed to ensuring that our success translates into tangible benefits for the nation,” he said.

DigiPlus said it also generated over 3,000 jobs from its operations across over 130 physical sites nationwide, and its portfolio of digital entertainment products.

DigiPlus said it actively supports community-building efforts through the BingoPlus Foundation, further extending its impact beyond business. These economic contributions fuel local economies, create employment opportunities, and sustain businesses that rely on the company’s operations.

NLEX completes retrofit of 42 expressway bridges

By Darwin G. Amojelar

NLEX Corp. said Tuesday it rolled out improvement projects to maintain the integrity and safety of its expressway network.

These initiatives, funded in part by toll, ensure the roads and infrastructure remain in top condition, prioritizing safety and convenience for motorists

“Ensuring safety and convenience is essential for providing a high-quality customer experience. While our routine inspections and repairs help prevent serious road issues, our comprehensive annual maintenance program helps enhance the quality of the

THE Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the cease-and-desist order (CDO) issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against Superbreakthrough Enterprises Corp., also known as 1UP Time, for illegally soliciting investments from the public.

The Fifth Division of the CA, in a decision released on Feb. 11, 2025, rejected 1UP Time’s petition and ruled that the SEC did not abuse its power when it issued and made the CDO permanent.

The CA said the SEC could issue a CDO if two conditions were met: a proper investigation or verification was done, and it showed that the actions would harm investors or cause significant injury to the public.

“A review of the records shows that both requisites were present, thereby justifying the issuance of the CDO,” the CA said.

The CA also noted that the SEC conducted investigations before issuing the CDO, and 1UP Time was given due process.

The company was informed of the findings and given a chance to challenge the order. The company was also aware that its product packages were considered investment contracts.

The SEC issued the CDO in December 2023 against 1UP Time, its president Juluis Allan Nolasco, and its directors for illegally soliciting investments. The SEC made the CDO permanent in April 2024.

Based on SEC investigation, 1UP Time was found offering securities as investment contracts under the guise of selling product packages, without a secondary license from the SEC, the regulator said in a statement.

These packages, which included health, wellness, skincare and personal care products, were priced between P10,000 and P188,000, with promises of returns ranging from 25 percent to 35 percent in product discounts, recruitment bonuses and other incentives, the SEC said.

“As held by the SEC en banc, the evidence gathered by the SEC-EIPD showed that 1UP Time’s customers paid money to be placed in a binary system with the expectation of earning profits through the efforts of their recruits. Given this structure, the SEC en banc concluded that 1UP Time was, in reality, offering unregistered investment contracts to the public,” the CA said. Jenniffer B. Austria

roads,” NLEX officer-in-charge and chief financial officer Maria Theresa Wells said.

The tollway company’s heavy pavement maintenance program is in progress, with the Bocaue-Burol stretch completed.

Asphalt overlays to specific sections of NLEX and SCTEX are ongoing, while areas with minimal damage will receive patching as needed.

NLEX said it is repainting all its

road infrastructure including bridge parapets, toll plaza barriers and concrete dividers. Installation of new road signs is scheduled for completion in May, alongside refurbishments at the toll booths. Restoration works on guardrails and fences are also ongoing to prevent unauthorized access to the expressway.

Retrofitting works on 42 bridges along the expressway were completed in 2024, while repairs to the Marilao River Bridge expansion joints will be completed by March 2025.

NLEX is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), the toll road arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC).

Ookla names Converge ICT as fastest fixed network provider for third time

CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc. cemented its position as the leading internet provider in the Philippines, earning its third consecutive Ookla Speedtest Award for the fastest fixed network.

“We’ve gone from a change of guard to setting new standards, proving that excellence isn’t just about winning once—it’s about consistently delivering for our customers,” said Converge ICT Solutions chief operating officer Jesus Romero.

“These awards aren’t just for us; they’re for every Filipino who relies on fast, stable, and accessible internet to power their daily lives,” he said.

The Speedtest Awards are presented semi-annually by Ookla, assessing the real-world experiences of users based on millions of consumer-initiated tests.

Converge was the top internet provider for the second half of 2024,, sweeping multiple accolades from Oo-

Maynilad finished

By Othel V. Campos

MAYNILAD Water Services Inc.

said Tuesday it completed a series of capital projects amounting to P25.75 billion in 2024 to enhance water and wastewater services, while improving customer engagement.

“These infrastructure investments demonstrate our commitment to providing safe and reliable water services, ensuring long-term sus -

kla. With a remarkable Speed Score of 144.81, nearly a 25-percent gap from trailing competitors, Converge was recognized as the Fastest Fixed Network, delivering blazing download speeds of up to 561.51 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 509.08 Mbps.

Converge said its commitment to high-quality streaming was also acknowledged, earning the Best ISP video experience award with a video score of 78.17, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted entertainment for users.

Beyond speed, Converge proved its dominance in gaming and overall connectivity.

With an impressive game score of 83.06, it secured the title of Best ISP Gaming Experience, guaranteeing low-latency, seamless gameplay for Filipino gamers especially through the Game Changer offering. Darwin G. Amojelar

tainability amid increasing demand and climate challenges. We remain focused on strengthening our operations and expanding access to clean water and sanitation for our customers,” said Maynilad president and chief executive Ramoncito Fernandez.

STROKE TREATMENT.

UERM Medical Center takes a groundbreaking step in enhancing stroke diagnosis and treatment by launching its new CTMRI facilities. Attending the event are Radiology Services Department head Dr. Mercedes Onagan, president and chief academic officer

Dr. Norbert Lingling Uy, Board of Trustees member

Dr. Ester Garcia, senior vice president for finance and chief administrative officer Allan Quijano and vice president for hospital services and chief medical officer Dr. Maribeth de los Santos.

Local stocks plunge 2.4% on US tariffs

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PHILIPPINE stocks plummeted

Thursday as investor concerns about the global economic outlook, particularly regarding US tariff policies, weighed heavily on market sentiment. US and Asian stocks also slumped on worries that escalating tariff uncertainties could push the global economy into a recession.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index plunged 154.22 points, or 2.42 percent, to 6,206.55, while the broader all-shares index went down 64.33 points, or 1.72 percent, to settle at 3,684.59.

“Concerns about the US have been escalating fueled recession fears, with President Trump not ruling it out,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said. The market downturn was broadbased, with all sectoral indices ending in the red.

The property subsector led losses, dropping 4.45 percent, followed by services, declining by 3.33 percent and industrial by 2.13 percent. Value turnover reached P6.942 billion. Decliners outnumbered advancers, 157 to 58, with 41 stocks unchanged.

Foreign investors were net sellers, with net outflows reaching P350.7 million.

Despite the selloff, share price of Bank of the Philippine Islands went up 0.68 percent to P132.80. Ayala Land Inc. dropped 6.17 percent to P22.05.

The peso, however, advanced to 57.22 against the US dollar Tuesday from 57.41 Monday. Most Asian markets also fell Tuesday, following a sharp sell-off on Wall Street fueled by fears about the US economy as Donald Trump presses ahead with his global trade war and federal jobs cuts. With AFP

Maynilad said of the total, P7 billion was allocated to upgrading the sewerage system, including the construction and enhancement of wastewater facilities that will benefit thousands of customers. Among the ongoing developments are the Caloocan Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) and Las Piñas WRF, both began in 2024. Maynilad said it also upgraded seven wastewater treatment facilities in Muntinlupa, Pasay, Quezon City and Manila to comply with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) stricter wastewater treatment standards under DAO 2021-19.

PORT PROJECTS. Matadi Gateway Terminal (MGT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, undertakes several key projects in 2025 to enhance operational efficiency and customer service, and reinforce Matadi’s position as the country’s premier maritime hub.

BUSINESS

BCDA acquires more lots for Subic-Batangas railway

By Othel V. Campos

S

TATE-RUN Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it continues to advance the right-of-way (ROW) acquisition for the SubicClark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Railway project with the distribution of 36 transfer certificate of titles (TCTs) to landowners in Pampanga.

BCDA vice president and SubicClark Railway project director Jocelyn Caniones turned over the certificates to 17 lot owners from Porac and Floridablanca on March 4, 2025.

Koshidaka bringing onsen, women’s gyms, karaoke to PH

JAPANESE entertainment company

Koshidaka Holdings Co., Ltd. is set to expand its footprint in the Philippines, bringing its renowned onsen, women-focused gyms and family karaoke centers to the country.

The proposition comes as part of the company’s strategic push into the Southeast Asian market, following a recent trade mission to Japan led by Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque to promote the CREATE MORE initiative.

“They’re actually coming first quarter this year to explore the different locations where they can open. We will be touring them in areas where they see fit to operate,” Roque said.

Koshidaka, known for its extensive entertainment business, operates 671 outlets across Japan, including five natural hot spring bathhouses in Tokyo, Gunma, Fukushima and Oita.

The company plans to introduce a mix of natural and man-crafted onsen facilities in Philippine malls and other prime locations, capitalizing on the growing demand for wellness experiences.

Koshidaka is also set to establish gyms exclusively for women, aiming to provide a safe and comfortable fitness environment. This venture aligns with the company’s vision of offering specialized services that cater to specific market needs.

The Japanese firm will also bring its popular karaoke entertainment concept to the Philippines, targeting families and all age groups.

Othel V. Campos

Board of Investments (BOI) Manufacturing Industries Service (MIS) acting director Ronaldo Buluran discusses the salient features of the CREATE MORE Act and its relevance in the pharmaceutical industry at the Philippine Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association’s (PPMA) 1st general membership meeting and Manufacturing Summit for 2025 at the World Trade Center on Feb. 12, 2025.

“The SCMB Railway Project would not succeed without the support of the landowners who yielded to the railway’s requirements. This development highlights their crucial

role in realizing the Luzon Economic Corridor vision,” she said.

The project was the second batch of TCTs turned over for the SCMB Railway Project, following the initial distribution of 68 certificates in November last year.

Under Republic Act 10752 or the Right-of-Way Act, property owners and the implementing agency should execute a deed of absolute sale, with the agency facilitating the annotation of the sale on the TCTs—legal documents that serve as proof of land ownership.

The SCMB’s railway alignment spans 26.9 kilometers across Porac

and Floridablanca, affecting 519 lots.

The BCDA said it successfully negotiated with 212 lot owners, with 163 already receiving partial or full compensation.

As a key component of the Luzon Economic Corridor, the 250-kilometer SCMB will enhance connectivity and freight transport across four major economic hubs—Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas—handling about 80 percent of the country’s port traffic.

The BCDA said it continues to facilitate ROW acquisition, and a feasibility study will be conducted jointly by the United States, Sweden and the Asian Development Bank.

PH has vast potential for ‘blue economy’

THE Philippines, with nearly 80 percent of its territory marine waters, can boost growth by sustainably harnessing marine resources and developing its “blue economy,” experts said.

Dr. Rhodora Azanza, former president of the National Academy of Science and Technology, and Dr. Maria Christina Paler, assistant professor at the University of San Carlos (USC), noted the Philippines’ position as a maritime nation and the need to balance resource use with sustainability. They spoke at a symposium on “Shaping APEC’s Blue Economy Agenda: Philippine Leadership and Visayas-Centric Innovations,” organized by the Philippine APEC Study Center Network (PASCN) of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and USC.

“The Philippines is more water than land. We are almost 75 percent to 80 percent marine, and only less than 30 percent land,” Azanza said.

“Most Filipinos are coastal dwellers, especially in the Visayas, and we need to harness this potential,” she said.

Azanza cited tourism, renewable energy, ports and drug development as key opportunities. She also stressed interdisciplinary approaches and legislation like the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS). Coastal and marine tourism could drive economic growth, particularly in the Visayas.

“About 12.7 percent of the GDP was estimated to come from biodiversity tourism in 2019,” she said.

PH seeks deeper ties with Canada on mining, innovation at PDAC 2025

THE Board of Investments (BOI) held talks with Canadian officials and industry leaders at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2025, seeking to boost trade and explore innovation partnerships in critical minerals, the BOI said.

The Philippine delegation, led by BOI officials Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa and Lanie Dormiendo, met with Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng on March

3, 2025 to discuss opportunities to strengthen bilateral trade, the BOI said in a statement.

Ng noted the potential for increased trade as Canada pursues a diversification strategy, aiming for a 50-percent rise in exports to new markets. The talks also covered collaboration in critical minerals production and processing, ahead of planned free trade agreement negotiations.

The BOI delegation also en -

By Alena Mae S. Flores

STATE-RUN National Electrification Administration (NEA) asked electric cooperatives across the country to prepare for the warm and dry season starting mid-March to April this year that could increase demand.

“It is expected that there will be increased electricity consumption and low hydropower capacity due to high temperatures and humidity in the next months,” NEA deputy administrator for technical services Ernesto Silvano said in a memorandum.

The agency directed the ECs to immediately submit manual load dropping (MLD) schedule to NEA and

the Department of Energy in case of the declaration by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines of red alert status, and implement the Interruptible Load Program (ILP), where applicable.

It said ECs should prepare a warm and dry season action plan which shall set out concrete measures, preparatory activities, and contingency plans, especially in areas anticipated to be heavily affected by the dry spells and droughts.

It asked the ECs to gather and submit to NEA and DOE an inventory of generator sets in its franchise area including data on all critical infrastructures/facilities per feeder line.

The agency also urged the ECs to actively promote end-users the programs on energy efficiency and conservation, ILP, time-of-use/peak-offpeak and load shifting.

It ordered the ECs to provide continuous reliable and stable electric power supply to critical facilities through ensuring enough contracted capacities for energy to address possible increase in demand requirements.

The ECs were told to ensure that emergency response protocols and business continuity plans are updated and prioritize restoring power to critical and healthcare facilities in cases of power outages.

gaged with Sudbury’s mayor and economic development office, exploring how the Philippines could replicate Sudbury’s mining and mineral processing model.

Discussions with the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) focused on industrial collaboration, including support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the automotive, mobility, and mining sectors, as well as work-

force development.

A roundtable on March 5, attended by about 40 government and private sector representatives, addressed the future of mining and mineral processing in the Philippines, the BOI said.

The delegation also visited a Canadian research and development facility specializing in metal refining technologies, which expressed interest in establishing operations in the Philippines.

BOI presents CREATE MORE Act advantages for pharma players

THE Board of Investments (BOI) presented benefits for pharmaceutical manufacturers under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act at the Philippine Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association’s first general membership meeting and Manufacturing Summit on Feb. 12, 2025 at the World Trade Center.

The summit gathered key stakeholders from the pharmaceutical industry, government agencies and regulatory bodies to discuss policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening the local pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

Acting director Ronaldo Buluran of the BOI Manufacturing Industries Service delivered a presenta-

tion on the CREATE MORE Act, outlining its amendments, features and benefits for pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Buluran said the law provides tax incentives for large, micro, small and medium enterprises, enabling smaller pharmaceutical companies and suppliers to scale up operations.

He said businesses engaged in health-related activities and addressing supply chain gaps could receive better incentives, promoting sustainable and responsible pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The CREATE MORE Act is a driver in expanding local pharmaceutical production, allowing Filipino manufacturers to compete with imported medicines and generate employment opportunities for pharmacists, chemists and researchers.

SOIL LABORATORY. The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) launches the Provincial Soil Laboratory (PSL) and deploys the Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL) in Palawan province following the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing and groundbreaking ceremony on March 6, 2025 in the municipality of Rizal.

Source: BSWM’s Facebook page

PH car parts makers still reeling from 2012 Ford exit

PHILIPPINE vehicle parts manufacturers continue to feel the impact of Ford’s 2012 decision to halt assembly in the country, the Philippine Parts Makers Association (PPMA) said Tuesday.

“The exit marked a significant setback for the Philippine automotive industry, dealing a blow to local suppliers, workers and the broader economy,” the PPMA said in a statement.

PPMA president Ferdi Raquelsantos said more than a decade later, the group still laments the lost opportunity and warned that without government intervention, the country risks further decline in the global auto manufacturing sector.

Ford’s closure of its Sta. Rosa, La-

guna assembly plant resulted in job losses and severely affected local auto parts suppliers, including those providing batteries, wiring harnesses, metal parts and plastic trims.

“The closure was a huge setback. Ford was one of the few carmakers assembling vehicles here, and when they left, it weakened the entire supply chain,” Raquelsantos said. “It discouraged other manufacturers from considering the Philippines as a viable production hub.” Ford cited a lack of economies of scale and high logistics costs for the shutdown, shifting focus to Thailand, where government incentives and infrastructure made manufacturing more competitive.

Ayala Land doubling hotel rooms by 2030

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PROPERTY developer Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is betting on the growth of the tourism sector with plans to spend over $500 million over the next five years to double its hotel room capacity to 8,000 by 2030, a top executive said Tuesday.

AyalaLand Hospitality president George Aquino said during a media briefing the company would expand its home-grown brands and engage other international brands to expand its portfolio from premium economy

IN BRIEF

to luxury hotels.

“Our vision is to make the Philippines a must-see destination for all kinds of travelers, offering an experience of seamlessly blended culture, comfort and innovation,” Aquino said.

AyalaLand Hospitality is also looking to build a five-star hotel in Cebu and another in Batangas, which will have 400 to 600 rooms.

ALI senior vice president for leasing and hospitality Mariana Zobel de Ayala said the group’s priority is to expand its hotel and resort portfolio, within ALI’s existing estate developments and in areas with international flights.

She said the property firm is also making the huge investments as the country continues to attract high-value tourists.

The Department of Tourism said

earlier it expected international visitor arrivals to reach 12 million by 2028.

Zobel de Ayala said Aside from strong arrivals, domestic tourists are also driving the growth, creating demand for a broader range of accommodations.

“Our foreign and domestic tourists and returning Filipinos now attempt to gravitate to other destinations across the country, opening up more opportunities for tourism investment outside the Metro,” she said.

AyalaLand Hospitality creative director Pamola Urquijo Zobel de Ayala

said the group would also upgrade and refurbish existing hotels and resorts. The company started upgrading three Seda hotels in Bonifacio Global City, Davao and Cagayan de Oro. These hotels will reopen within the year. The group is also slated to reopen Lagen Resort in El Nido, Palawan. ALI now has more than 4,000 hotel rooms across 15 locations. Average occupancy rate for city hotels is at a high of 85 percent, while occupancy rate for resorts range from 60 percent to 65 percent.

BOI, DEVCON sign deal to enhance engineering skills of young Filipinos

THE Board of Investments (BOI) said Tuesday it signed a memorandum of understanding with DevConnect Philippines Inc. (DEVCON) to develop critical and foundational skills in engineering and technology starting from the basic education level, making the young Filipino workforce prepared and highly employable in line with the needs of Philippine industries.

Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo signed the MOU with DEVCON president and founder Winston Damarillo and executive director Dominique De Leon on Feb. 27, 2025.

DEVCON is a non-stock, non-profit organization with 11 community chap-

ters nationwide committed to inspiring the next generation and empowering Filipinos with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy. It is the largest community of IT students, professional developers and tech enthusiasts in the country.

“This MOU signifies a major advancement in our efforts to build a stronger talent pool, in close collaboration with the private sector. We are dedicated to working with DEVCON to implement strategic initiatives that will ignite interest in Science and Technology among our future workforce, thereby addressing the decline of enrollees in engineering and other related fields,” said Rodolfo.

Othel V. Campos

chosen as representative executive officer in Uchida’s place,

said in a statement. The company will

briefing later on Tuesday.

joined Nissan in Mexico in

and held posts in Southeast Asia before

a director for Mexico and Latin

in

THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) warned the public on Tuesday about scams related to the national identification system, including phishing attempts via text messages and social media.

The PSA said scammers were offering assistance with national ID registration, printing, updates and digital ID downloads, often using fake websites to collect personal information. Some scams also involve video calls and requests for payment.

“Data privacy and security is of

the highest priority for the PSA. We will never ask for personal information over social media or messaging apps,” said PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa in a statement.

Mapa said such activities were unauthorized and punishable by law.

The PSA said scams are conducted through text messages, social media and messaging applications.

Under Republic Act 11055, unauthorized collection or use of person-

al data can result in six to 10 years imprisonment and fines of P3 million to P5 million. The same penalty applies to those who disclose their personal information.

Financial gain from such activities can result in additional penalties equivalent to twice the amount earned, the PSA said.

Assistant secretary Rosalinda Bautista, deputy national statistician of the PhilSys Registry Office, urged the public to be cautious and report suspicious activities to the PSA.

THE Makati Business Club (MBC), in partnership with Layertech Software Labs and Bicol University, launched an online tool on March 6, 2025, designed to visualize the Philippine national budget. The “Philippine Budget Visualizer” aims to simplify budget data, allowing users to see how government funds are allocated across agencies and programs, the groups said.

Layertech Software Labs co-founder Frei Sangil demonstrated the tool, which enables users to explore public fund allocations and offers features including year-on-year comparisons and budget breakdowns by agency and expense category.

“This tool is not just about numbers—it’s about empowering people to turn budget data into action, whether for advocacy, business decisions, or policy reforms,” said MBC executive director Rafael Ongpin at the virtual launch. The launch featured messages of support from the secretaries of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Former DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said the tool “exemplifies how technology empowers citizens, not just as recipients of information, but as active participants of governance.”

DBM assistant secretary Leonido Pulido III said the visualizer is “part of a broader movement to advance freedom of information, open governance, and digitalization.”

PHOTO EXHIBIT. Okada Manila, the six-time Forbes five-star integrated resort, opens the third leg of the PAGCOR Photo Exhibit at the Fountain Foyer on March 5, 2025. Running until April 3, 2025, the exhibit showcases 48 awardwinning photographs from PAGCOR’s 2023 and 2024 photography competitions, offering an immersive visual journey through the Philippines’ diverse destinations and agricultural communities.

Life-changing charity surgery and care

By Tet Defensor

When Dr. William Jackson and his wife Audrey opened the Mabuhay Deseret Foundation in 1988, he realized that apart from offering free surgery to the underprivileged, equally important are the care facilities where patients can fully recover and live normal lives.

Mabuhay Deseret is a surgical charity organization with over 50 partners and hospitals all over the country. Their mission is to perform “life-changing surgeries and procedures, for those who do not have the means.”

The foundation was born out of the couple’s concern for the number of Filipino children suffering from disfigurations like cleft lip/palate, crossed eyes, and clubfoot. “It broke his heart to see children with cleft

By Alicia Angelica Villanueva

palate and club feet. Nobody was helping them, and they were missing out on school. He is a doctor by profession, and he knew that the children were in a very poor situation. And so that he talked to the families and helped them get to the surgery that they needed,” shared Foundation County Director Melody Ledesma.

Dr. Jackson attributes the success of the program to the kind-hearted doctors in the Philippines. In a video clip from the foun-

BANGKOK, Thailand — Two highly skilled coffeemaking groups from the Philippines represented the nation on the international stage at the ASEAN Barista Championship 2025 held here.

Among them was Team Davao’s Finest, a first-time competitor in the prestigious event.

During the competition, Team Davao’s Finest showcased exceptional coffee-making skills and the strong sense of camaraderie that defines their regional coffee community.

Composed of Joefel Manlod, Wendil Sollano, Rovie Kristel Jabines, and Joenar Bryan Ponce, the team shared their experiences competing on the global stage. Before the event, they sat down with the Philippine press for an intimate interview.

“It’s an honor to be here, but the pressure is real. We know we’re carrying the support of so many people back home, and that pushes us to give our best,” said Joefel. From Regionals to the International Stage The road to the ASEAN Barista Championship was anything but easy. Team Davao’s Finest first competed in regional qualifiers in Cebu last October, where they secured a spot in the national finals in February. After months of intense training, they emerged as the Philippine representatives.

“We started preparing as early as September, leading up to the Cebu leg. Then, we had about a month to gear up

dation’s website, he shared, “they wanted to help. I sent several patients to them, and they said, ‘Hey, you don’t need to pay us anymore, we will do it for free’. One of the hospitals said, ‘we will give you 6 free operations a month,’ a kind and generous gift to me. The numbers grew as the time went by. The doctors are willing to do what they do best, and the hospitals are willing to do what it does best, and my job is to facilitate it, my job is to make it easy, “he said.

Aside from the free surgery, the foundation also maintains recuperative care houses where patients and their companions can stay. “It is important to have a house, people can get lost in the big city, if you come here with a pocket full of change, and you think you can manage while your child is getting treated, you better think again,” Dr. Jackson shared in the video.

Melody added that it was Dr. Jackson’s wife Audrey who recommended the care facility. It started with a two-bedroom apartment in Cubao, and in time the foun-

for the international stage,” Joefel explained.

Despite being new to the ASEAN competition, the team was no stranger to high-level barista contests. Their preparation involved three to four practice sessions per week, often late at night, all while balancing their fulltime jobs in Davao’s vibrant coffee industry.

“After our shifts, we’d practice from 8 or 9 p.m. until past midnight. Every detail mattered—from speed and accuracy to sensory calibration,” the group shared.

More Than Just a Team

For Team Davao’s Finest, competing in an international tournament was about more than just personal achievement—it was about representing the collective spirit of Davao’s coffee community.

“We’re not just representing our individual brands— we’re bringing the entire Davao coffee community with us. This isn’t about rivalry between coffee shops. It’s about showing that Davao baristas can work together as one,” Joefel added. The team consisted of baristas from Perch Coffee Roasters, 4th Street, Kanto, and Ideal Coffee, each selected for their unique strengths—sensory expertise, latte art, speed, and quality control—ensuring a seamless performance.

“Each competition mimics the real-world setup of a fast-paced coffee shop. We’re expected to produce 15 drinks in 10 minutes in the first round, and if we advance, 20 drinks in 15 minutes for the semifinals,” Rovie explained.

By Caezar Julius Cortez

dation opened care houses in Cebu and Davao. The Cebu facility can accommodate 80 people, while the Davao facility can accommodate 30 people for now, but will be able to accommodate more when the renovations are done.

“We want the patients to focus on the surgery and on recuperating. Aside from providing food and toiletries, we give postop medication, rehabilitation for patients with club feet, and for those with prosthetic legs, speech therapy for cleft palate patients and follow-up checkups for eye surgery. They can all stay at the care house until the doctor says they are ready to go home.”

The facility also serves as a temporary home while the patient is recuperating. “It’s like living with a family, we have activities, we support one another, we provide food, toiletries. We also teach them fun skills, in Cubao we taught them how to make rugs. The patients and the companions were so happy they wanted to give the rugs as gifts to those who helped them.

providing them a sense of independence, confidence, and fulfillment from managing their microretail businesses. Survey participants also expressed that managing and operating sari-sari stores gives them a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. “I can buy things for myself, my kid, and my family now... I am not just a housewife anymore,” one participant in the study said. “Because of my store, I am now busy with other things apart from taking care of my family. I feel more fulfilled.”

The study also demonstrates that women store owners achieve social empowerment by earning higher social status. This is notably observed in their customers addressing them with terms of respect like ‘ma’am’ or ‘boss,’ a cultural marker of their elevated position within the community.

Furthermore, women store owners who exhibited characteristics of a “transformational leader” or qualities such as strong empathy, care, and collaboration with the community reported high levels of wellbeing, empowerment, optimism, and resilience. By becoming more independent and confident, women store owners were able to take on important roles within their communities.

The psychological empowerment and individual well-being the women owners experienced were evidenced by their positive results on happiness and life satisfaction, mental and physical health, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, and sense of agency and autonomy.

BAGUIO CITY – Over the years, this city has become a go-to destination for tourists, both locals and foreigners alike. Dubbed the “City of Pines” and the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” its cool climate and refreshing viewpoints attract people of all ages, especially on weekends and holidays. With so many activities to do, places to visit, and food to try, planning your Baguio trip ahead of time is a must to make the most of your stay while keeping it relaxed. Baguio’s cool breeze and scenic spots make it perfect for a laid-back getaway. For a peaceful morning, Mirador Heritage and Eco Park offers stunning city views, serene trails, and the iconic Lourdes Grotto. History buffs can explore the Emilio Aguinaldo Museum, home to the first-ever Philippine flag and immersive exhibits from the Spanish colonial era. Meanwhile, Botanical Garden bursts with colorful blooms, souvenir shops, and traditional Igorot attire for rent—perfect for an afternoon stroll. Recharge with a hearty Mongolian bowl at O’

Khan, savor local Cordilleran dishes at Via Von Joy, or indulge in Cornelia Street Bistro’s Taylor Swiftinspired ambiance. Looking for a cozy stay? Azalea Hotels & Residences offers spacious suites and curated packages to make your trip stress-free. Plan your perfect Baguio escape—where

food, and relaxation meet.

THE Philippine Book Festival (PBF), the country’s biggest all-Filipino book festival is back - this time in a new location that is accessible to many. This year’s PBF will be happening at the Megatrade Hall in SMM Megamall, Mandaluyong, City, from March 13 to 16, 2025. Registration is free for the four-day book festival, organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB). Every year, this project puts Philippine Books at the center if a fiesta brimming with events, performances, and meet-and-greet sessions with your favorite authors.

“In just over a month, we are bringing back the Philippine Book Festival. Now in its third year, the PBF started in 2023 as an attempt to create the largest marketplace for Philippine books that the country has yet to see. Now, it has become an important annual gathering for families, educators, creatives, and avid readers - all in the name of Philippine books.” said Charisse AquinoTugade, NBDB Executive Director.

The PBF’s third edition promises to be more exciting, putting the spotlight on the country’s famous festivals, each one designed by some of the best and brightest Filipino artists working today.

CLUB FOOT DAY. Volunteer doctors provide free check-ups and casting to help children with clubfoot walk confidently.

VALENTINE ARTS & CRAFTS. Patients learn arts and crafts while recuperating at the care house.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2025 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

P-pop group 1621 takes love on a ride with new single ‘Bababa’

BOY group 1621 has released its latest single, “Bababa.” The song, according to ABS-CBN Music, explores themes of romantic tension and lingering emotions.

The track, described as upbeat, likens feelings of love to an elevator ride. It is the second single from the group’s upcoming extended play (EP), set for release this year.

“Bababa” was composed and coproduced by Rondy Pangyarihan

alongside Randy Prasetyo and Juju Maglacas . ABS-CBN Music

executives Jonathan Manalo, Roque “Rox” Santos, and Perry Lansigan served as executive producers.

1621, composed of JM, JC, Pan, Win, Migz, and DJ, debuted in 2023 following their participation in the survival reality show “Dream Maker.”

Their self-titled EP featured the tracks “Laruan” and “Ikaw at Ikaw.”

ALFRED Vargas has put on hold several films he planned to produce under his production company, Alternative Vision Cinema. He is currently focused on launching his campaign for Quezon City’s District 5 councilor, as well as supporting the reelection bid of his brother, Congressman PM Vargas

But Alfred made it clear—he has no plans to leave film production, especially since he is pleased with the outcome of his latest project, Pieta, which featured acclaimed actresses Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar, and the late Jaclyn Jose “Pieta is making rounds, even abroad. I’m happy because Noranians are very demanding when it comes to movies,” the actor-politician said.

According to Alfred, he has yet to fully recover his investment in Pieta, but he is close to breaking even.

“Not yet, but we’re on our way to breaking even, to getting our ROI (return on investment). It’s being screened in the U.S., and now in Europe. But for now, my focus is on the campaign,” he added.

One of the best things that came out of Pieta for Alfred was forming a bond with National Artist Nora Aunor. While they don’t regularly call or text each other, he considers their friendship meaningful.

“I wouldn’t say we’re close, but I can say that

The group received the PPOP Potential award at the PPOP Music Awards in 2024 and was nominated for Best Performance by a New Group at the 37th Awit Awards. In January, they released the EDM track “Bagamundo,” which they performed at the pre-show of the “BINIverse World Tour 2025” at the Philippine Arena.

“Bababa” is available on streaming platforms.

Alfred Vargas halts films for campaign trail

our connection deepened. I got closer to her,” Alfred said.

He has heard about the Superstar’s health condition and checked on her through director Adolf Alix, who directed their award-wniing film.

“We don’t text each other, but I’ve visited her home in Xavierville a few times before,” Alfred shared.

‘Ngiting Artista’

Despite his busy schedule, Alfred has continued

his studies, attending face-to-face classes at the UP School of Urban and Regional Planning. In fact, he is set to graduate this June.

“Masters, then next step, PhD. It’s a ladderized program,” Alfred shared. “I’ve already done two years, so to complete my PhD, I need another two years, and then I’ll be a doctor. In August, I’ll start studying again for my master’s. Learning is important; we need to upgrade ourselves, like an app—you can’t let your growth be stunted.”

As the campaign period for local candidates nears, Alfred said he is more relaxed this time since he is again running for a local position. What makes it even more enjoyable for him is that his wife, Yasmien, and their children will be joining him on the campaign trail.

Councilor Alfred enjoys this campaign season because it is less demanding on his schedule, allowing him to spend quality time with his family and manage their businesses.

He is also proud of his brother PM Vargas’ performance as congressman and feels the strong support of their district.

One of the projects Alfred is most proud of is the free dentures program, “Ngiting Artista.”

“A smile is contagious. In this world filled with disillusionment and negativity—fake news everywhere—let’s spread kindness and good vibes. A smile requires confidence, right?” he explained.

This year, “Ngiting Artista” is no longer just a Valentine’s Day initiative but a year-round project. With the support of Urban Smiles, they have already helped 54 beneficiaries this year.

“Over the years, we’ve provided dentures to more than 1,000 recipients,” Alfred said.

POWER belter Katrina Velarde has teamed up with American pop group 98 Degrees for a new version of their 1999 hit “I Do (Cherish You),” now featuring Tagalog lyrics.

Originally written by Keith Stegall and Dan Hill, the song was first released in 1998 by country singer Mark Wills. A year later, 98 Degrees—composed of Nick and Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons, and Justin Jeffre—recorded their own version, which reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The Suklay Diva, known for her wide vocal range and spoton impressions of other artists, showcased her powerful vocals in this re-recording. With nearly 700,000 YouTube subscribers, she has built a strong online presence through covers of international hits like Air Supply’s “I Can Wait Forever” and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Apart from doing covers, she has released original songs, including “Magkaibang Mundo,” the theme for the 2019 film Just A Stranger, and the 2023 ballad “Ako Ba O Siya?” written by Vehnee Saturno

The Taglish version of “I Do (Cherish You)” is now available on 98 Degrees’ Spotify and YouTube

Katrina Velarde’s version of ‘I Do (Cherish You)’ highlights her powerful vocals

P-pop group 1621 is a group formed from the reality show ‘Dream Maker,’ debuted in 2023

Award-winning actor and politician Alfred Vargas

From left: Alfred Vargas together with ‘Pieta’ co-stars Nora Aunor and Gina Alajar

Alfred says that he appreciates the campaign season as it enables him to spend quality time with his family and manage their businesses

THE Main Building and the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) will be bathed in vibrant purple this March to commemorate the National Women’s Month.

Purple, the official color of Women’s Month, symbolizes justice, dignity, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women’s rights.

Through this light display, the CCP honors the significant contributions of Filipino women across various fields. The purple illumination serves as both a tribute and a call for continued advocacy for gender equality and women empowerment.

“The vibrant glow illuminating the CCP this Women’s Month is more than just an impressive show. This initiative aims to inspire reflection and appreciation for the vital role women play in shaping the nation’s history and culture. It serves as a powerful reminder of CCP’s commitment to women empowerment and gender equality not only in the field of arts, but even beyond,” said CCP president Kaye Tinga Produced by the creative staff of the Production Design and Technical

CCP lights up iconic building and theater for Women’s Month

Services Division, the CCP light show uses Parabolic Aluminized Reflector 64 lighting fixtures. By highlighting these achievements, the CCP promotes Philippine culture and values, using expressive arts to

engage a wide audience.

The CCP Main Building and TIG’s light show runs until March 31, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. daily, except every Monday. The country’s observance of

‘Choosing’ returns for limited run in June

Women’s Month is deeply rooted in the global commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, a tradition born from the early 20th-century activism of women advocating for labor rights and gender equality. IWD was later officially recognized by the United Nations as a day to honor women’s contributions and advocate for gender equality and women’s rights globally.

By Jasper Valdez

PRODUCTION

company Fire and Ice LIVE! will stage a limited rerun of Choosing, a two-person drama written by Liza Diño-Seguerra, from June 6 to 15 at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University.

The play, which premiered in 2024, explores themes of love, identity, and personal choices. It follows Stella, a cisgender woman, and Mitch, a transgender man, as they reflect on their lives, relationships, and struggles. The production addresses topics such as gender identity, trauma, and healing.

“Through Fire and Ice LIVE!, we aim to showcase world-class Filipino productions and contribute to the growth of local theater,” said DiñoSeguerra, co-founder of Fire and Ice LIVE! and playwright of “Choosing.”

“This play tells a deeply personal yet universal story that we hope resonates with audiences.”

Directed by Anton Juan, the original run of Choosing received critical praise for its raw storytelling and performances. Ice Seguerra, who portrays Mitch and co-produces the play, described it as a way to spark conversations on self-discovery and acceptance.

The 2025 rerun coincides with Pride Month, further highlighting LGBTQ+ narratives. The production will retain its intimate setup and feature music by composer Vincent A. De Jesus.

Tickets will be available starting March 15 through Ticket2Me.

Show schedules include Friday and Saturday evening performances and weekend matinees. For inquiries, contact Fire and Ice LIVE! at 0917700-3262 or tickets@fireandice.ph

raw emotion to the stage as Mitch in ‘Choosing’

On the ownership of creativity

Interior designer and creative director Hannah Galang-Dumlao shares insights on authenticity in art and design

By Hannah GalangDumlao, piid, mfad

CREATIVITY is an extension of who we are. Whether an artist, designer, writer, or musician, it is a personal practice that we perform in our everyday lives. And because of this nature, it’s only natural for us to feel ownership over it; this could probably spring from the desire to set ourselves apart and ensure our ideas are uniquely ours. But it becomes a completely different experience once that same mindset becomes more paralyzing than fulfilling. As an educator and creative designer, I have observed a pattern in and out of the classroom: the hunger to stand out and be consistent in doing so. While this is a vital aspect of every creative’s life, I also know and have experienced a few heartaches here and there in my design and creative journey. As somebody who embodied the same struggle in both my student and professional life, I’ve spent countless hours worrying about standing out and ensuring that whatever work I put out would be different from everything we already see. Over time, after countless successes and errors, I realized that in this lifetime, one cannot have complete ownership of the styles we put out for visual or experiential consumption. And maybe, we don’t really have to worry about it in the first place.

The reality is that everything we create is, in some way or form, influenced by something that has already existed—whether it’s history, culture, or personal experience. And in this digital age, inspiration has become more accessible than ever. With this truth come two things:

1. We will, at some point, share the same creative influences with others. It could be in the form of style, color palette, choice of font, trend patterns, even our writing voice.

2. Someone out there will likely come up with something similar to what we have done not because they copied us, but simply because of the shared inspirations, movements, and even patterns. Creativity isn’t about being the first—it’s about creating with sincerity. I once believed standing out was key to success, obsessing over uniqueness in my work. But instead of feeling in control, I felt drained, stuck in a cycle of trying to “outunique” others.

The turning point came when I realized creativity isn’t about

ownership but authenticity. Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist reinforced that all creative work builds on the past, freeing me to focus on honesty rather than competition.

The goal isn’t originality—it’s authenticity. It’s about creating work that feels true, connects with others, and leaves a lasting impact.

What are some of the prompts that helped me shift my focus

1. Instead of obsessing about finishing first to claim ownership, focus on your process and embrace the idea of finishing with a purpose. What are you trying to tell? What perspective are you bringing to the table? Our whys are what make our work more meaningful.

2. Instead of competing, find your rhythm. Constantly wanting to outsmart, outdo, and be unique will consume you; in all aspects of your life, it is the quickest road to burnout. Allow yourself to create at your own pace, pause and look at your work from afar, and observe if there must be adjustments to improve the overall output. Consistency over pace.

3. Use trends as tools, do not run away from them and let them cripple you. We must learn to teach ourselves that trends aren’t the enemy, it’s about what you do with these trends that matter most. Use them as references, use them to find your own interpretation and process.

People connect with our work not because it’s new but because it makes them feel something. If you feel protective of your creativity, know that it’s a common phase—but it shouldn’t define your journey. Creativity is a shared experience, and sincerity matters more than originality. In the end, it’s not about who did it first or best, but why and how it was done, and the impact it leaves on others.

About the author Hannah Galang-Dumlao is a licensed interior designer specializing in residential and retail design, visual merchandising, and creative branding. She holds a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Assumption College and a master’s in fine arts and design with high distinction from the Philippine Women’s University.

As Creative and Design Director of Happy Heyday Creative Studio, she leads projects in space design, creative direction, and design journalism. With over a decade in academia, she has taught interior design at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and Enderun Colleges. Passionate about multidisciplinary design, she explores the intersection of culture, art, and space.

From storytelling to stagecraft, Liza Diño-Seguerra’s ‘Choosing’ returns for a limited run this June

The Cultural Center of the Philippines lights up in purple to celebrate National Women’s Month The Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez glows in purple for National Women’s Month

Numismatic celebration

Minted MLA event features rare exhibits, expert-led seminars, and exclusive auction of historic collectibles

By Nickie Wang

STEPPING into the Minted MNL Summer Show 2025 felt like entering a time capsule, where every coin, banknote, and medal carried a story waiting to be uncovered. Held on March 8 and 9 at The Westin Manila Hotel, the event gathered collectors, enthusiasts, and industry experts eager to celebrate the rich history of numismatics.

During the two-day event, we met Sigrid Clarin Carandang, the founder of Minted MNL, who has played a key role in shaping the local collecting scene.

Carandang’s fascination with coins began at just three years old, drawn to the glimmer of loose change.

“I like anything that shines and shimmers,” she said during a casual interview with Manila Standard Life What started as childhood curiosity evolved into a passion for history and preservation. By 2016, she had established Minted MNL, which has since become a cornerstone of the Philippine collecting community. Her dedication to authenticity led to her accreditation as an official dealer for top grading institutions like Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), Numismatic Conservation Center (NCC), and Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) in 2017.

NGC certifies the authenticity and condition of coins, PMG specializes in banknotes, while NCC focuses on coin preservation.

This year’s show was the biggest yet, drawing an estimated 3,000 attendees—double the turnout from the previous year. Among them were about 100 young collectors, a sign of the growing interest in numismatics in the Philippines. “

It’s an exciting year for us because we’re growing, and as you can see, there are foreigners coming to the exhibit. What more in the years to come as we expect this to grow year on year,” Carandang said.

International numismatic firms have also taken notice. Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio, a major auction house, rec-

ognized the Philippines as an emerging market.

“We’re here in the Philippines because there’s a lot of opportunity. America and Europe have been collecting coins for 300 years. China, around 25 years. The Philippines is less than 20 years. If you go to America and Europe, it’s going to be hard to find rare finds because most are already in the hands of longtime collectors,” a spokesperson from Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio told Manila Standard Life during the event’s opening. “The Philippines is a young market with a lot of potential.”

Apart from being a marketplace,

Minted MNL Summer Show was an immersive experience featuring rare exhibits, expert-led seminars, and a bustling bourse where collectors exchanged prized pieces. Among the highlights was the historic 1766 Barilla—one of Manila’s earliest copper coins—alongside artifacts from the Philippine Revolution and rare gold and silver coins from the 17th to 19th centuries. The event’s partnership with PCGS and CCG ensured expert authentication, reinforcing the integrity of the market.

“Beyond the displays and the auctions, our impact lies in its commitment to education and community-building,” Carandang shared. “We offer specialized seminars catering to both newcomers and experienced collectors.”

“We wanted to foster a deeper understanding of the cultural and financial value of coin collection because it’s not just about collecting or selling coins; we’re preserving legacies,” she said.

THERE is a cultural compounding of the anikanik, with appendages like keychains and other ornaments dangling at your behest to signal your alleged whimsical personality. Urban Pinoy Gen Z-ers and Gen Alphas claim the anik-anik as part of their “core.” However, I argue that the term anik-anik has been making the rounds from the queer margins since the 1980s and 1990s. Anikanik is, or was, a testament to struggle. The anik-anik is a queer term of either (1) whatever works or (2) gather as we go—a lack of resources and limited access to spending capacity frame this. Anik-anik is a queer iteration of bahala na (come what may), but in an active mode wherein one has to be open to responding and relying on their surroundings. Back in the day, there were several events where pageantry was involved, and the budget was severely curtailed. Anik-anik is invoked as a means of establishing presence. Packets of junk food become ruffles. Recycled plastic bottles become flowers as décor for your bulletin board. Old newspapers become the fabric for a ball gown. Anik-anik is about being resourceful and transformational to be seen. This has been recently trivialized as an

and say it is personal expression, but it is just a Fabergé egg with big round eyes. Is this the contemporary that Philippine art can offer? Numerous works at the Art Fair truly deserve accolades. Yet, one cannot shake the nagging feeling that many artworks here are manufactured to be part of Instagrammable moments. How many selfies have you seen of visitors making bloated cute faces alongside the anik-anik of Art Fair Philippines? That should deserve an entire exhibit of its own. Hand in hand with anik-anik is the tingi-tingi (piecemeal). One of the most popular exhibitions at

Philippines is Carlo Tanseco’s Sari-Sari Sabi-Sabi, which is a collection of magnified sculptural pieces of food typically found in corner stores (sari-sari) and also the go-to fare for those who are on a tight budget. Tanseco’s suite of works proved to be the most viral on social media, garnering several smiles from the visitors. Though his works veer into the anik-anik approach, these magnifications of cheap junk food are, in fact, giant testaments to positive approaches to life’s struggles. Lucky Me Pancit Canton is having its moment as it is being dubbed one of the best instant noodles by the venerable New York Times. But with Tanseco, these bright packets of anik-anik products become calls for proactivity (Looking for a Sign. This is it, Pancit) and patience (Life’s not like instant noodles, so be patient). One of the roles of art is not to decorate but to give the

Lea Salonga is world-renowned singer who is known for her vocal prowess

The Loboc Children’s Choir is known for performances which promote the heritage of Bohol

Jose Lacaba is a renowned poet, essayist, screenwriter, and journalist

Minted MNL Summer Show 2025 brings together numismatics enthusiasts

‘Sari-Sari Sabi-Sabi’ by Carlo Tanseco transforms everyday Pinoy snacks into oversized sculptural art

This commemorative coin features former U.S. President Gerald Ford and former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Philippine commemorative coins on display

Authentic photographs of the Philippines’ national hero Dr. Jose Rizal

Rare gold coins, artifacts, and historic banknotes were the stars of Minted MNL’s numismatic celebration

Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio spotlights the Philippines as a rising market for rare coins and currency