Manila Standard - 2025 March 22 - Saturday

Palace clueless on Duterte’s ‘failed asylum bid’ in China

By Charles Dantes

Rody’s legal team now complete

To seek his interim release, apply for ICC legal aid to defray costs

By Rex Espiritu, Maricel Cruz, Ram Superable and Othel Campos

PH needs EU-style anti-fake news law—PCO

By Maricel V. Cruz

By Maricel V. Cruz

PALACE communications undersecretary Claire Castro yesterday said it would be better for lawyer Harry Roque to return home and prove that he has done nothing wrong. Castro was reacting to Roque’s an-

nouncement that he had filed for asylum in the Netherlands.

“He is no longer part of the legal team of former President Duterte, wasn’t

ing

“So we have to focus on the platforms, first of all, to self-regulate, if you [social media platforms] want self-regulation. Or maybe come up

FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte now has a full defense team to represent and defend him in his crimes against humanity for murder case before the International Criminal Court, his lead counsel in The Netherlands said.

According to British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, the team is composed of five individuals, one of whom is Filipino citizen. Kaufman, however, did not disclose the names of his team members.

He said they will soon file a petition for Duterte’s interim release.

“As far as I’m concerned, he’s been illegally detained and he should go back to the Philippines as soon as possible,” Kaufman said.

“Nearly every case in application for interim release is submitted and I file it if I feel it is appropriate.”

“Interim release is a right accorded to all suspects at the International Criminal Court which may only be tempered by three recognized risk factors under the Rome Statute. None of those risk factors apply in the present case,” Kaufman said in a separate interview with Rappler.

The Duterte camp is also eyeing to get ICC legal aid, which former presidential spokesperson and ICC-accredited lawyer Harry Roque said can reach up to P2.8 million every month or equivalent to 40,000 euros.

The aid can be used to compensate

the lead counsel, co-counsel, legal assistant, case manager and investigator. Meanwhile, a militant lawmaker yesterday chided the Vice President for asking Filipinos to “move on as a country,” saying there has be accountability

By Charles Dantes

THE government plans to appeal the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals’ decision rejecting its request to extradite former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnulfo Teves Jr., Malacañang said Friday. Presidential Communications Of-

Vlogger QCPD

By Vince Lopez

fice (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration was surprised by the ruling, particularly since the Department of Justice (DOJ) had submitted extensive evidence supporting the extradition request.

“The DOJ ensured all necessary documents and evidence were provided, including proof that the death penalty is suspended in the Philippines,” Castro said.

According to Castro, DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano confirmed that the Philippines will appeal the ruling, taking the case back to the TimorLeste Court of Appeals. The court in Timor-Leste denied the

REMORSEFUL. Vlogger Mary Jane Quiambao Reyes, left, and social media personality Krizette Laureta Chu, right, break down while being questioned during the hearing of the House Tri-Committee (Committees on Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information) on the proliferation of fake information. Ver Noveno

Nicholas Kaufman

No reshuffle in BARMM cabinet

By Nash Maulana

THE new Bangsamoro chief minister Abdulraof Macacua will not be reshuffling the regional Cabinet, according to the first administrative memorandum his office released after assuming office.

Andrew Alonto, executive director of the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO) told reporters a turnover was being arranged to take place between former Interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim and Macacua on March 27, 2025.

In his first administrative order, Macacua directed all Bangsamoro ministries, offices, and agencies (BMOAs) to just perform their usual functions under the current regional structures during the transition period.

“To ensure the seamless continuation

and justice first.

extradition on the grounds that its constitution prohibits extradition if the individual faces a “well-founded risk of being subjected to torture, inhumane, degrading or cruel treatment.”

Castro maintained that such treatment is prohibited under the Constitution and reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding human rights.

“Our administration demonstrated that no such violations would occur.

The DOJ is puzzled by the reversal of the initial court decision that favored extradition,” Castro said.

Teves, a former lawmaker accused of involvement in the killing of a provincial governor, has denied the allegations.

The Philippine government has been pursuing his extradition since his arrest in Timor-Leste.

Moreover, Castro said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has deferred to the DOJ on the matter, leaving the legal strategy in its hands,

“There can be no genuine moving on without accountability and justice,” Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas said.

“I would like to remind VP Sara that the drug war disproportionately targeted poor communities, leaving thousands of women as single parents struggling to raise their children amid economic hardship. These women cannot simply ‘move on’ when the architect of their suffering has yet to face full accountability.”

“This is about accountability for the estimated 30,000 lives lost during the

of government functions and services, all concerned are hereby directed to continue performing their respective functions and duties. This directive remains in effect until the transition process is completed,” Macacua said in his memorandum.

He emphasized, however, that the status quo should not be taken lightly in terms of complacency. Rather it will be the start of a thorough performance review of all agencies and offices in the BARMM institutional structure.

Macacua first disclosed this during the oath-taking ceremony of newly appointed Bangsamoro Transition Au-

thority (BTA) Parliament members on March 15 in Malate, Manila.

“In the coming days, as your Chief Minister, I wish to reassure you that the ministries (offices and agencies) will maintain the status quo at this juncture,” Macacua said.

“This decision is not taken lightly, but it serves as a strategic measure that preserves the momentum and initiatives already in progress,” he added.

“By retaining the current structure, we lay a solid foundation to build upon, ensuring continuity in our governance,” he said.

drug war, many of whom were breadwinners whose families continue to suffer economic hardship and trauma to this day,” she added.

Presidential sister and Senate foreign relations committee chair Imee Marcos, for her part, advised Senator Bong Go “not to lose hope” amid the possibility that the former president will no longer be able to return to the Philippines.

Marcos, interviewed on GMA News, was asked about Go’s statement that her Senate hearing on Duterte’s arrest might already be “too late.”

“He gave up so easily. Let’s not surrender,” she said.

“Do not give up right away -- we might even get him back if we can prove that what happened was wrong

and that the Philippine courts are more than capable to hear the case of President Duterte and he can face trial here,” Marcos said.

The Vice President earlier acknowledged the possibility that her father may not be coming home from his trial at The Hague.

Business leaders, however, remained silent on the issue.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) reiterated its apolitical stance.

“PCCI is solely focused on business. We are not involved in political matters,” PCCI president Enunina Mangio said.

“Operations remain normal, and our trade missions continue as scheduled,” she added.

Undersecretary Claire Castro told Palace reporters in Filipino, “We did not receive any information like that. Those are not the kinds of reports that reached the Palace.”

This came on the heels of a GMA7 report, among other sources, suggesting that Duterte attempted to secure refuge in China to avoid capture when it became apparent that the issuance of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant was imminent.

However, the same reports said, the former leader’s last-ditch plea for asylum was rejected by China’s leadership.

It was also suggested that, after being turned away by Beijing, with whom he supposedly maintained close relations, Duterte had no other option but to fly back home on the morning of March 11. Castro noted that the extent of Malacañang’s knowledge at that point was that the former president was on his way back to Manila, and it had no insights into Duterte’s dealings when he was in Hong Kong.

“That’s all we know,” she emphasized.

For his part, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque tried to refute Duterte’s supposed asylum bid, saying China is not party to the 1951 Convention on the Rights of Refugees and Asylum Seekers.

“It would be impossible for Tatay Digong to apply there because there is no machinery for the application of asylum in China and Hong Kong,” he said in a social media post.

Meanwhile, an ICC-accredited lawyer called the recent surrender of Duterte to the ICC by Philippine authorities “valid and lawful.”

hate speech on his social media pages,” Calinisan said.

According to Calinisan, Fontillas is currently being processed and will be placed under restrictive custody.

While Fontillas said that he will respond to the criminal and administrative cases filed against him, Calinisan said the police officer has yet to submit a responsive pleading. On the administrative cases for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer filed by NAPOLCOM, Calinisan said the Commission will “resolve it with judicious dispatch as his fitness to remain in the police service is what is at stake.”

“Moving forward, the NAPOLCOM will review and look into the recruitment process and the annual neuropsychiatric evaluation in the PNP and search for possible improvements in the current procedures,” Calinisan said.

In a Facebook post, Patrolman Francis Steve Fontillas said that the PNP has forgiven him and that he remains part of the police organization.

“Despite the shock I gave the organization and the government, the PNP still forgives me. I am still a police officer of the Philippines,” he said in his post.

“Many thanks to the Lord. Many, many thanks to the entire leadership of the PNP, especially the QCPD, who listened and understood my thoughts and grievances and I am so relieved,” Fontillas added.

In a separate statement, the QCPD said Fontillas reported to its headquarters at 11 a.m. on Thursday and “submitted his explanations regarding his actions and absences. “ The QPCD had filed an inciting to sedition complaint against Fontillas. He will go through a medical and neuro-psychiatric examination “as part of the requirements for Return to Active Duty,” QCPD also said.

“Patrolman Fontillas expressed his sincere apology and deep regret for his actions when he reported to the Acting District Director, QCPD. He assured that he has learned from this experience and vowed not to repeat such behavior,” it said.

with an operational system between the DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology), and government to identify these fake posts, to identify fake information,” he told congressmen.

“What do we want on the PCO side?

We urge Congress to join our digital crusade against combating fake news by strengthening our laws by introducing internationally accepted policies and standards for content moderation on social media. I respectfully encourage our lawmakers to consider the framework of the Digital Services Act, a recently adopted EU regulation which prevents illegal and harmful activities, disinformation online while still ensuring that the freedom of expression is upheld,” Ruiz said.

During the Tri-Comm’s third hearing on malicious online content, the government’s chief communicator lamented that the nation is being divided by disinformation, misinformation, and fake news.

“What is happening to us right now is we are being polarized, being divided online. Filipinos are being pitted against Filipinos,” Ruiz pointed out.

“Lies, repeated a thousand times, becomes the truth. We have to fight lies with truth. The voice of truth should be louder than lies,” he added.

Meanwhile, several pro-Duterte vloggers and “influencers” also attended the Tri-Comm hearing after they failed to convince the Supreme Court (SC) to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) on their mandated attendance to the congressional investigation into fake news and online disinformation.

Among those who attended were former PCOO chief Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Krizette Laureta Chu, Ahmed Paglinawan, Elizabeth Joie Cruz, Ethel Pineda Garcia, Mark Anthony Lopez, Mary Jane Quiambao Reyes, Marc Louie Gamboa and Richard Tesoro Mata.

The content creators had previously refused to appear before the House, arguing that the inquiry violated their right to free speech.

They earlier filed a petition before the SC, claiming that the congressional investigation was unconstitutional and unfairly targeted them for expressing political views, particularly in support of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

During the same hearing, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) told lawmakers that a task force has been formed to audit social media influencers for tax registration compliance and tax payments.

Lawyer Ron Mikhail Uy, who represented the BIR, said the BIR “has already created a specialized body…a task force dedicated to investigating social media influencers, and conse -

quently for issuing letters of authority for further tax audit.”

He proceeded to explain the difficulty of running after these taxpayers.

“We have investigated their accounts and most of them are registered indeed. But considering that they use their… they are not a company, your honor. Some of the influencers’ names are similar to other taxpayers. One of them has been tagged for 17-18 names,” Uy said.

Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a Cebubased online content creator who falsely made it appear that President Marcos was advocating for the legalization of narcotics.

The NBI-Central Visayas Regional Office said their routine “cyber patrolling” revealed that the unnamed suspect altered a post on Marcos’ quotes published by News5.

Authorities later identified and arrested the uploader of the malicious post, who said she had been vlogging for three years.

“She [the arrested vlogger] owns a sari-sari [neighborhood] store but she admitted that she earns more from vlogging,’ NBI Director Jaime Santiago said in Filipino.

“We arrested her immediately to serve as a warning to those spreading fake news, and those who alter the news. We’re not stopping. We are seriously considering this now,” he added.

Citing a 2015 ruling, international law expert Joel Butuyan referred to the Ongwen case, where the ICC determined that arresting countries are not strictly required to follow Article 59 procedures of the Rome Statute, as long as the fundamental rights of the accused are upheld.

“The argument that it was a warrantless arrest is inaccurate because an international court issued a valid warrant,” he said.

“Even an e-warrant, which is acceptable under both Philippine law and ICC procedures, was used,” he added.

His remarks came after Vice President Sara Duterte questioned the legality of her father’s surrender, arguing that a local court order was necessary.

Butuyan explained that Republic Act 9851, which mirrors the Rome Statute, grants the Philippine government discretion to surrender suspects directly to the ICC without the need for a domestic court order.

“Article 17 of RA 9851 allows for the direct surrender of a suspect if a valid warrant exists,” he said. “Furthermore, Article 59 simply requires verification of the accused’s identity and ensures their rights are respected.”

Butuyan also dismissed claims that the surrender constituted extraordinary rendition—an unlawful practice of transferring suspects without legal proceedings.

He clarified that Duterte’s arrest followed established legal procedures, with his rights protected throughout the process.

But Roque, who has been linked to alleged illegal activities involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), insists that his asylum request is necessary due to political persecution. He claimed that Vice President Sara Duterte advised him to seek asylum.

“I am not in The Hague right now because our Vice President ordered me to work on my asylum first,” Roque revealed. “All I am waiting for is the initial interview, which is part of the application process.”

House lawmakers meanwhile called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to collaborate with Dutch authorities to block Roque’s asylum request.

The Makabayan bloc, composed of ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, and Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel, condemned Roque’s “shameless attempt to escape accountability.”

House of Representatives Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs Chairman Jude Acidre of Tingog Party-list, also said that “Roque’s asylum bid is nothing more than a cowardly maneuver to escape the consequences of his actions.”

“He (Roque) has been cited in contempt and ordered detained for his refusal to cooperate in our investigation into POGO-related criminal activities. Now, he wants to flee the country to avoid answering for his alleged role in a human trafficking scheme. If he has nothing to hide, why is he running?” the lawmaker added.

Roque’s move comes five months after a human trafficking case was filed against him and two others before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The complaint, filed by government prosecutors, alleges that Roque used his position and influence to protect and enable criminal syndicates running offshore gambling hubs involved in human trafficking, cyber fraud, and money laundering.

The Quad Comm, composed of the House Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order, Public Accounts, and Human Rights, has been conducting an extensive probe into the rampant criminality linked to POGOs.

Lawmakers have exposed how offshore gambling hubs have become breeding grounds for organized crimes, including human traffick-

ing, forced labor, prostitution, online scams, and even drug syndicates. Roque, who has been linked to questionable dealings with certain POGO operators, was ordered detained by the House after repeatedly refusing to cooperate and answer critical questions about his alleged connections to illicit activities.

Acidre urged law enforcement agencies to coordinate with international authorities to prevent Roque from using asylum as a shield against prosecution.

“The law must take its course. We cannot allow individuals to exploit international legal mechanisms just to escape criminal liability,” he said. “Roque may attempt to run, but the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with him. We will ensure that he faces justice—whether here or abroad.”

IN BRIEF

Cops nab 4 motorcycle thieves in Valenzuela

THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) arrested four men suspected of pulling a motorcycle heist along West Service Road in Barangay Parada, Valenzuela City, last March 19.

The suspects, aged 30, 21, 49, and 47, allegedly forcibly took a motorcycle from a 22-year-old male student which they also used for their getaway.

Operatives from the Dalandanan Police Sub-Station-6 launched Oplan Sita while conducting mobile patrol along Snake Road in Barangay Lingunan.

A radio alert from the Station Tactical Operation Center (STOC) relayed the incident details, including descriptions of the suspects and their getaway motorcycles, but were eventually arrested in a police checkpoint. Vince Lopez

PhilSA-NAMRIA tie-up for resource mapping

THE Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) have joined forces to advance the utilization of satellite data in environmental and natural resource mapping and monitoring.

The partnership was announced on Thursday, March 20, but was formalized on February 10, 2025 during the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the PhilSA office in Quezon City.

The collaboration aims to leverage satellite technology for various initiatives, including land cover, topographic, and bathymetric mapping; coastal resource and environmental monitoring; and natural resource management.

Under the agreement, PhilSA will share expertise and provide training to enhance NAMRIA’s capabilities in satellite remote sensing, data processing, and advanced image analysis. Rex Espiritu

Book store sales promo

‘violates election rules’

A POPULAR bookstore chain has removed its money envelopes from its “election essentials” package after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it violates certain election rules.

Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia sent a letter to the bookstore on March 17, urging for “corrective action” regarding its in-store signs for “Election Materials Essentials.”

The store, based in Metro Manila, displayed a money envelope alongside pens, glue, scissors, and stamp pads. In a letter dated March 19,the store president clarified that the setup was not intentional.

“While we understand and appreciate your point that small money/coin envelopes might be used in illegal activities such as vote buying during the election season, we assure your good office that there was no malice nor any ill-intention on our part to attribute the marketing and use of the said envelopes to vote buying,” the bookstore’s president said. Vito Barcelo

Oil prices likely to increase anew next week by as much as P1/liter

By Alena Mae S. Flores

DOMESTIC oil firms will likely increase their pump prices next week by as much as P1 per liter to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market due to the rising Middle East tensions.

Department of Energy Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) director Rodela Romero said that based on the four-day trading in the Mean of Platts Singapore, gasoline pump prices will go up by P0.60 to P1 per liter, diesel by P0.10 to P0.50 per liter and kerosene by P0.10 to P0.30 per liter.

RESCUED MOUNTAINEERS.

Two of six foreigners who went missing on Mt. Talinis in Valencia, Negros Oriental were rescued mid-afternoon Friday, March 21). They gave their names as Alexander Radvanyl and Torsten Groschupp.

Romero said the higher fuel prices are driven by rising tensions in the Middle East where the United States launched military strikes on Houtis, the released of fiscal stimulus measures by Beijing aimed at boosting consumption; and release of US government data showing a draw in fuel inventories.

“Final adjustments will be determined after today’s (Friday) trading in MOPS (Mean of Platts Singapore),” she said.

Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas also projected movements in pump prices next week with gasoline increasing by P0.95 to P1.15 per liter and diesel by P0.30 to P0.50 per liter.

“Prices during the week have been choppy but on upward drift, primarily due to the renewed hostilities in the Middle East, pushing the global risk premiums higher, as concerns of oil supply being threatened has become elevated. China’s stimulus plans and data were also bullish price drivers,”

Iloilo boosts literacy drive, national ID listup

By Caloy Lozada

ILOILO City—In a bid to empower communities through education and civic inclusion, the Iloilo provincial government and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) are doubling efforts to address critical needs, notably enhancing literacy among young learners and expanding the National ID registration in schools.

The Bulig Eskwela (BES) Basa Program, spearheaded by the provincial government’s Education Core Group (EDCORE), recently gathered pilot local government units (LGUs) to dis-

cuss scaling the program’s impact.

Meanwhile, the PSA’s mobile campaign has brought National ID services directly to students and school staff in Negros Occidental, ensuring no citizen is left behind in the national database.

Education focal persons from the towns of Carles, Dingle, Janiuay, Lambunao, Oton, and San Miguel attended the BESBasa orientation, which outlined the program’s partnership framework and sustainability strategies.

Provincial administrator Dr. Raul Banias affirmed the provincial government’s commitment to the initiative, emphasizing that the program

would continue beyond the current school year.

“Rest assured that we will sustain this program even beyond this school year,” Banias said, citing Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr.’s strong advocacy for education as a cornerstone of Iloilo’s development.

Banias also stressed that the program’s success hinges on proactive leadership. “The program is leadercentric. Without the active support of mayors, even supervisors and principals cannot make it work. That’s why the governor is leading by example,” he explained.

DENR aims to plant 5m trees by 2028

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has rolled out its drive to plant five million trees by 2028, reinforcing its commitment to climate resilience and sustainable forest management. The campaign, dubbed “Forests For Life: 5M Trees by 2028” aims to propagate five million trees across key provinces, contributing to the sequestration of 3.5 million tons of carbon by 2038.

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga stressed the critical role of targeted and aggressive reforestation in addressing climate change impacts, particularly in flood-prone and watershed areas. Loyzaga underscored the initia -

tive’s multiple benefits, including enhanced biodiversity, improved water resources, mitigated soil erosion and strengthened community livelihoods.

“The restoration of our forests is an urgent climate action strategy. Enhancing reforestation in priority areas will secure water supply and fortify the country’s defenses against flooding and landslides,” she said.

“This initiative also complements our ongoing efforts to expand mangrove forests and coastal greenbelts, which serve as natural barriers against storm surges and coastal erosion,” she added.

The pilot sites for the Forests For Life initiative included Ilocos Norte, Rizal, Leyte, Bataan, Bukidnon, and Lanao del Norte.

he said.

Bellas also said the strong dollar (against a basket of currencies), US Central Bank’s decision to hold interest rates steady, the renewed prospects of a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, and recession fears due to the tariff wars have been holding oil prices back.

Last March 18, local oil companies implemented a decrease of P0.20/liter for diesel and P0.40/liter for kerosene. There was no adjustment for gasoline.

Year-to-date, gasoline and diesel have a total net increase of P2.15 per liter and P2.85 per liter respectively while kerosene has a total net decrease of P0.70 per liter.

INTERNATIONAL environmental advocate Greenpeace called for the immediate enactment of a measure of climate accountability called the “CLIMA Bill.”

The call was made following the release this week of a report by Climate Central which revealed that Manila endured heat strongly influenced by climate change for 69 days since December, making it the third worst affected out of all megacities in the world.

“The report showed that one out of five of the global population (1.8 billion) experienced high temperatures made at least twice as likely because of climate change, every day from December 2024 to February 2025. It also highlighted the vulnerability of areas such as Zamboanga, Quezon City, Davao, Caloocan, and Canagatan, Cagayan, due to the unusual heat. 2024 was the hottest calendar year in recorded history,” Greenpeace said in a statement.

“Hindi na lang ito basta init (This is not an ordinary heat). We’ve seen how the heat recently caused disruptions in schooling and the way it sent Filipinos to hospitals last year. It’s crucial for the government to ensure that the country is prepared for hotter months ahead—and potentially hotter years as we face the brunt of the climate crisis,” said Greenpeace Philippines Climate and Energy Campaigner Khevin Yu.

“At the national level, the government should institute preparedness measures to enable better adaptation and resilience to extreme heat events. This should include better weather forecasting systems that include early warnings for heat, and grants for farmers and fisherfolk to protect their harvest. Local government units should also focus on creating more green spaces which could serve as a refuge for people, particularly sectors vulnerable to heat: senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities,” the statement read.

MARCH 22, 2025

IN BRIEF

QC biz owners, residents urged to back Earth Hour

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Friday urged business operators and residents to take part in the celebration of Earth Hour 2025 and switch off nonessential lights for one hour tomorrow (Saturday) from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

“When we switch off our lights, we do more than conserve energy. We are taking a stand against the rising greenhouse gas emissions fueling climate change. It’s a simple act that reminds us of our impact on the planet and the need for urgent action,” she said.

Belmonte is a United Nations Environment Program Champion of the Earth awardee.

Quezon City will host a ceremonial switch-off at Robinsons Magnolia to mark the occasion to bring the community together in support of sustainability and climate action. The event, starting at 4 p.m., will feature interactive exhibits, sustainability talks and a special screening of “A Thousand Forests” – a 2024 Philippine coming-of-age musical film written by Jeff Ocampo and directed by Hanz Florentino. Rio N. Araja

CAAP ramps up efforts vs. illegal charter flights

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has organized a virtual meeting with the US Federal Aviation Administration on illegal charter operations to enhance aviation safety and regulatory enforcement.

The session, held on Thursday, was attended by 121 participants from various CAAP airports and offices, along with representatives from the National Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Immigration, the Bureau of Customs, the Office for Transportation Security, and the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group.

“This collaboration with the FAA emphasizes our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and legality of air transport operations in the Philippines. By equipping aviation and law enforcement personnel with the necessary training and expertise, we can enhance our ability to prevent illegal charter activities,” said CAAP Director General Retired Lt. Gen. Raul del Rosario. Joel E. Zurbano

Senior high in TVL track may get free certification

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian urged senior high school students in the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track to take advantage of free national certification assessments to improve their employment opportunities.

“Senior high school students in the TVL track no longer need to pay for assessment and national certification, which will help them secure good jobs,” said Gatchalian, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

The Department of Education recently issued DepEd Order No. 003 which outlines the guidelines for implementing quality-assured assessments for TVL students. The order specifies that SHS-TVL students enrolled in public and private schools for the school years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 are eligible for the free assessments. Ram Superable

AKAP recipients’ names now to be posted publicly–DSWD

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development is set to implement the revised and stricter guidelines of the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program, a senior official said.

DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said one of the new provisions requires the public posting of the names of individuals, by province, who received financial

By Darwin G. Amojelar

TRANSPORTATION

Secretary Vince Dizon asked the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) on Friday to suspend its toll fee collection in Marilao, Bulacan and open additional lanes amid ongoing heavy traffic buildup in the area due to repair works following damage caused by an over-height truck at the toll plaza.

Dizon said the NLEX “owes it to the public” to refrain from collecting toll fees at the moment while repairs are ongoing, with motorists dealing with intense traffic congestion in the area.

“I am demanding from NLEX that while this is being done and our fellow citizens are inconvenienced, they should waive the toll fees in the affected segment. Our countrymen should not have to pay anything while the repairs are ongoing,” Dizon said.

“It would be doubly painful for motorists if they were charged the full toll while they were stuck in traffic for hours even though they were only traveling a short distance. This is only a small consolation for the inconvenience suffered by motorists and passengers,” he added.

NLEX already opened one additional lane—providing a total of three lanes to allow faster flow of traffic.

assistance under the AKAP to enhance transparency.

She said the revised guidelines will ensure that systems are fine-tuned to prevent the program from being used for political purposes during the campaign period and to guarantee the responsible use of taxpayers’ money.

“In the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) issued regarding the implementation of AKAP, it is stated that the DSWD will regularly publish the names of AKAP beneficiaries. This is limited to the province, names of the recipients,” Dumlao said in a media forum.

To protect the confidentiality and security of beneficiaries’ personal information, any ad-

ditional details may be provided upon request, subject to compliance with applicable Data Privacy Law and regulations, according to the DSWD spokesperson.

The JMC also strictly prohibits the display or distribution of posters, banners, or any materials linking politicians to the AKAP, as well as the presence of politicians during actual offsite financial assistance distribution.

According to Dumlao, the revised guidelines also include a rigorous assessment and validation process for potential AKAP beneficiaries. The grievance mechanism has also been strengthened to enhance the monitoring of AKAP’s implementation.

CitizenWatch Philippines co-convenor Tim Abejo said the internet is now as indispensable as electricity and water and should be treated as an essential utility in both public and private developments.

“The digital economy demands seamless, reliable connectivity. Yet, property developers continue to impose exorbitant lease fees on telecommunications providers, driving up costs that ultimately burden consumers,” Abejo said. “This has to stop. Internet connectivity is not a luxury—it is a necessity.”

CitizenWatch Philippines is supporting the amendment of the National Building Code of the Philippines, which has remained unchanged since 1977. The organization argues that the outdated law fails to recognize broadband connectivity as a utility that should be accorded the same stature in the Building Code as power and water utilities.

“We cannot afford to let a law passed nearly half a century ago dictate the development of our digital infrastructure. Today, broadband internet connectivity is the backbone of communication, business, education, and essential services,” Abejo said.

Santa Fe marks town fiesta and 27th Kalanguya Festival

By Brenda Jocson

THE municipality of Santa Fe held its annual town fiesta with the theme “Natatanging Santa Fe: Nagkakaisa sa Pagdiriwang ng Mapayapa, Maunlad at Makulay na Kultura” last week. On the third day of the town festival, the municipality integrated the Kalanguya Festival that kicked off with a grand parade. The festival featured a “timbal” or a traditional wedding ritual of the Kalanguya tribe, with a spiritual leader “mabaki” performing holy chants.

The groom’s family offered two native pigs -- a sow and a boar -- that were offered to “Kabunian” (Supreme Deity) to legitimize the wedding. Santa Fe Mayor Liwayway Caramat, an adopted daughter of the Kalanguya tribe, conducted the portion of “bagbaga” or giving of advice to the bride and groom. Of the 8,276 residents of the municipality, nearly all belong to the Kalanguya tribe. Caramat expressed her sincere appreciation to the tribe for sharing their heritage that binds people together, strengthens unity, and advocates cultural preservation.

PROMOTING LOCAL ARTISTS. Paintings of sceneries made by local artists are sold at the Rajah Sulayman Park in Malate, Manila on Thursday, March 20, 2025. The paintings’ prices range from P1,500 to P2,500. Yancy Lim

SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICE. Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman leads the groundbreaking of a MultiPurpose Building in Barangay Tayhi. The structure, which was totally damaged by Super Typhoon Rolly in 2020, will not just serve mothers and babies or daycare pupils but will also support social services for the community. Norman Cruz

INDIGENOUS RITUAL. Mayor Liwayway Caramat does the ‘bagbaga’ (giving advice) to the bride and groom at a ‘timbal’ or traditional wedding during the Kalanguya Festival in Nueva Vizcaya. Brenda Jocson

OPINION

Longevity

AMID the saga of the arrest and detention of former President Rodrigo Duterte, two personalities invite curiosity: former spokesman Harry Roque went in hiding for a while but conveniently showed up in The Hague last week, and Senator Ronald dela Rosa, currently anticipating his own arrest.

In his previous life, Roque seemed like someone to look up to. He taught constitutional law at the University of the Philippines and was steeped in International Humanitarian Law. He provided advice to lawmakers who were trying to impeach then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. As a legal practitioner, he represented the Malayas Lolas, the comfort women of Pampanga and their continued struggle to obtain justice amid their advancing age. He also lawyered for the families of those killed in the 2009 Ampatuan massacre. He represented the family of Jennifer Laude, a trans woman killed by an American soldier.

But then he was appointed spokesperson of the Duterte administration and it was when the change became so much more visible. The human rights defender was now defending extra-judicial killings. He even wished former Senator Leila de Lima, who was jailed by Duterte on trumped-up charges, would stay in jail for a long time. He was also the spokesperson during the trying days of the pandemic.

Given his drastic about face, one wonders who Roque really was, all along.

In the Netherlands, he was one of the few who arrived soon after Duterte came to the ICC. Initially he appeared alongside the Vice President and gave interviews about his incarcerted former boss, but now we learn that after inserting himself into the situation, he is no longer a part of the legal team (if he ever was at any point in the first place). The VP herself said Roque could present complications when they simply want to focus on the former president.

He’s complicated, indeed: Roque fled the Philippines because he was evading a contempt citation for refusing to appear at the House of Representatives’s probe on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogo). And now he has the gall to appear in the Netherands, even saying he is seeking asylum there – when all he has done is to mock Philippine systems when they do not serve his purpose. Bring him home and put his arrogance in its place. ***

Meanwhile, one can imagine the level of stress that Senator dela Rosa must be under these days. As chief

implementor of Duterte’s war against drugs, dela Rosa has, on many occasions, never been bashful about the extent of his participation in the bloody war.

In recent days, however, he has gone from saying he would respect the international court’s warrant to announcing his plans to go into hiding – odd, actually, because who broadcasts plans to hide? His colleagues at the Senate have at least promised to not let him be arrested in its premises until he can exhaust all legal remedies.

Seasons in power are just that – days that will come and go and never last.

Senator dela Rosa’s tough-guy stance is balanced only by his predisposition to show his emotions in public. He has cried during legislative inquiries, bewailing the unfair perception of cops, for instance, or as a reaction to his colleagues’ speeches.

Today, the senator is seeking reelection under the ticket of his former boss Duterte. His latest pronouncements betray a grossly personal, loyalty-driven approach to public service. Then again, since he has cast his lot with Duterte who rewarded his loyalty and made him chief of the Philippine National Police, it would be reasonable to expect Bato to already imagine his fate as being sealed.

At least, until they could get back in power, they hope.

***

Roque and dela Rosa serve as cautionary tales on how people could get drunk with power by mere affiliation. It is as if they have suspended their own sense of right and wrong, and simply exist for the memories of glorious days when they could do as they pleased so long as they are in the graces of the powers-that-be.

Now that the power has been bundled off to The Hague, who knows what fate awaits his loyal aides?

It is so tempting to entertain feelings of perverse satisfaction with how things have turned out for those who thought themselves invincible. By now these people should have learned their lesson, that the only good graces that should matter are the public’s. Showing loyalty to the public good -- not any one person or party in particular -- is the best guarantee of longevity. Unfortunately for them, this one can’t be faked. adellechua@gmail.com

Death,

By Rolando Ng III

SUNDAY last week, standup comic

Gold Dagal was shot at a beerhouse in Angeles City, Pampanga. The 38-year-old, already receiving death threats over his brand of humor, was rushed to the nearby Angeles University Memorial Hospital after he was gunned down by unknown suspects. He died nine hours later, a Monday. Words of condolences were extended to the slain comedian. An outpour of support flowed towards his family, extending their calls for justice in the aftermath of his demise. One post summed up this great shock -- we really are puzzled at how murder was used against a joke. What also puzzled me the most is

how people in the online space took his standup bits to mock at his death. A video of him poking fun at a certain religious sect was resurfaced, which gave online users to justify its cause. Those who were offended would say that “he only carved his own fate” by his comedy.

Words of condolences were extended to the slain comedian

A kind of death, celebrated. As former President Rodrigo Duterte was sent to face his fate at the International Criminal Court, Diehard Duterte Supporters unceasingly

EDITORIAL

Expanding security

THIS week, at the Raisina Dialogue in India, the Philippines voiced its inclination to expand Squad, the informal grouping of like-minded nations, formed in May 2024, to counter China’s assertive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Dialogue, an annual multilateral conference held annually in New Delhi since 2016, has emerged as India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics.

In its widest sense, the term geopolitically covers all nations and islands surrounding either the Indian Ocean or the Pacific Ocean, encompassing mainland African and Asian nations who border these oceans, like India and South Africa, Indian Ocean territories like Kerguelen Islands and Seychelles.

There, the Philippines’ Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner voiced the country’s wish to expand the Squad grouping to include India and South Korea to counter China’s growing maritime power in a vast biogeographic area.

As a distinct marine realm, the region has an exceptionally high species richness, with the world’s highest species richness found at its heart in the Coral Triangle and a remarkable gradient of decreasing species richness radiating outward in all directions. The region includes over 3,000 spe-

rushed towards his side to defend his war on drugs. If they are to be believed, his rhetoric of “kill” made the country felt “safer” during his watch in seeing the deaths of people accused drug users on the street, lifelessly covered in blood. This claimed to have saved millions of lives, even though the drug problem has not been fully eradicated under his watch (after six...years).

The DDS have also defended the deaths of young people gunned down by police authorities. “S” – expletive happens, they say, quoting Bato dela Rosa’s infamous retort over his mission against drugs. Innocent people get killed, he quips, a normal circumstance. Yet this has not stopped them from sparing Digong from their unintended murders. He had no direct hand in them as it was the police’s sole responsibility. A kind of death, celebrated indeed. Recently, I had a conversation with a good friend about Duterte’s rhetoric in relation to his arrest. I posed this blunt (yet apprehensive) question;

cies of fish, compared with around 1,200 in the next richest marine region, the Western Pacific, and around 500 species of reef building corals, compared with about 50 species in the Western Atlantic

We raise our hopes the Squad will be expanded before much too long

The Indo-Pacific region comprises the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, the western and central Pacific Ocean, and the seas connecting the two. It is at present composed of Australia, Japan, the Philippines and the United States. The present members’ defense forces have conducted joint maritime activities in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea since last year and have cooperated on activities like military patrols, intelli-

how would you react if the former president would make a joke about sexualizing women? Nil response. It was already normal for him to do so. I shortly rephrased my question; how will you now react if I tell you the same? Shock, in the form of silence, was immediately seen as a form of condemnation. Although this series of dialogue was just a test of his judgment, the spontaneity of the reaction was clear.

This kind of morality being exercised by people today can always be felt inside the corners of those who support Duterte. When he tells them about his lore over the killings, as well as his affection towards China, they would celebrate it. In fact, they’d cheer on his anger. Fearmongering works them best whenever he delivers these brash, yet unclear statements to his crowd.

But when you try to echo his desires personally, you would be stunned. It’s a different view, they’d argue. They would cry out for mercy, begging them to stop extending his

gence sharing, as well as joint exercises and operations.

Brawner’s remarks in New Delhi come at a time when Manila and Beijing have had several rocketing confrontations in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

We join the general in his pitch for expansion, when Brawner said the AFP was making efforts to improve its deterrence capabilities, including by expanding its joint operations with its Squad partners.

“Together with Japan and our partners we are trying to expand the Squad to include India and probably South Korea,” Brawner added.

“And I’m not afraid to say China is our common enemy. It’s important that we collaborate together, maybe exchange intelligence.”

We have seen recently increased tensions between China and the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea, well within the latter’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone, where the China Coast Guard and maritime militia had repeatedly trespassed. This resulted in dangerous encounters between the CCG and Philippine Coast Guard and Fisheries Bureau vessels, in which the latter have been chased, rammed, and hit with highpressure water cannons.

We are with Gen. Brawner, and raise our hopes the Squad will in fact be expanded before much too long.

fantasies of violence to save any of their dearest loved ones. They’d be lucky enough if these are only empty threats, carried without a gun. Yet words are also weapons themselves to depict one’s persona -- in this case, anyone who would be so willing to support his gimmick. Sadly, this is what we continue to glorify. A culture of death - not by the body, but of our desire - persists in our society. Framing our heads with only two options descends us into a choice without compromise. Its inevitability has become the bane and boon by those who are soulless enough to incite fear. Be afraid, indeed, for we have been celebrating death every single day. And yes, I did smoke. Cigarettes. So as to clear any assumption that I am defending the syndicates spreading illegal drugs.

(The author tries to cure his haywire from his personal grind as he writes essays away from the news. For comments, you may reach him at ngrolando2003@yahoo.com.)

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format of a rally of people wearing masks in tears. Behind those masks are a hint of reptilian faces that are grinning. They are carrying placards saying “Human rights” and “Rule of Law.”

Heathrow closed as fire causes power cut

IN BRIEF

Trump pressures courts after reprimand

WASHINGTON, DC – US President Donald Trump demanded Thursday (Friday in Manila) that courts stop blocking his agenda, edging closer to a constitutional showdown after a judge suggested the administration had ignored an order to block summary deportations.

The United States has around 54,000 military personnel in Japan who currently report back to Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii. But the countries are planning to upgrade this command structure with a new Japan-based headquarters under an agreement made a year ago between former leaders Joe Biden and Fumio Kishida. The move is meant to make US and Japanese forces more nimble in response to threats such as a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. US networks CNN and NBC News reported this week that President Donald Trump’s administration could put the brakes on these plans as part of a sweeping government cost-cutting drive. AFP

TAIPEI – Taiwan will give pay rises to some service members to tackle manpower shortages, officials said on Friday, as the island faces intensifying military pressure from China.

Beijing claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the self-ruled island under control.

It regularly deploys fighter jets and warships around the island and has held several major military exercises since President Lai Ching-te took office in Taipei last year. Lai announced the pay rises while visiting a military camp in the capital on Friday and vowed to “continue to take care of the hard-working officers and soldiers from all aspects”.

From April 1, volunteer enlistees will get an additional monthly allowance of up to NT$5,000 ($151) on top of the current NT$10,000, while the allowance for members of combat forces will more than double to up to NT$12,000 a month.

“Let us protect the country together and ensure our daily life of freedom and democracy,” Lai told military officials and Marines at the camp. AFP

TOKYO – Robots will begin moving sandbags that were used to absorb radiation-contaminated water after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster as soon as next week, a spokesman for the plant operator said Friday.

TEPCO, the operator of the stricken Japanese power plant, says the bags on underground floors of two buildings have been left untouched following the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl. Radiation levels on the sandbags’ surface are as high as 4.4 sieverts per hour, which means “humans can die if they approach” them, TEPCO spokesman Tatsuya Matoba told AFP. Japanese media reports said there were 2,850 bags to be collected, a number which has not been confirmed by TEPCO, which says that they weigh 41.5 tonnes (91,500 pounds) in total. Two robots developed to collect the bags, one with a moving claw, were on Wednesday placed on the underground

Matoba said. AFP

A federal judge, in a strongly worded order, gave the Justice Department until Tuesday to explain why it went ahead with flights to El Salvador of prison-bound Venezuelan migrants, some of whose representatives say they had committed no crime and were targeted only for their tattoos.

Trump, in a scathing attack on the judiciary that would have been unthinkable com-

ing from most presidents, demanded that the Supreme Court intervene.

“It is our goal to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and such a high aspiration can never be done if Radical and Highly Partisan Judges are allowed to stand in the way of JUSTICE,” Trump wrote in a post on his online platform Truth Social aimed at Chief Justice John Roberts.

“STOP NATIONWIDE INJUNC-

TIONS NOW, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,” Trump wrote in all capital letters.

“If Justice Roberts and the United States Supreme Court do not fix this toxic and unprecedented situation IMMEDIATELY, our Country is in very serious trouble!” Roberts, who was nominated by Repub-

George

day

issued a

to

“For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision,” Roberts said in a brief statement.

“The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.”

On Saturday, James Boasberg, the chief judge of the US District Court in Washington, issued an emergency order against the deportation of Venezuelans as they sought legal recourse. AFP

North Korea test-fires new weapons ahead of Russian security chief visit

SEOUL – North Korea said Friday it had test-fired a new weapons system which would boost its combat readiness, as Russia’s security chief arrived in Pyongyang for talks with leader Kim Jong Un. Traditional allies Russia and North Korea have drawn closer since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with Seoul accusing Kim of sending thousands of troops and container loads of weapons to help Moscow fight Kyiv. Neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has officially confirmed the troop deployment, but the two countries last year signed a sweeping military deal, including a mutual defense clause, when Russian President Vladimir Putin made a rare visit to the nucleararmed North. Moscow’s top security official Sergei Shoigu has arrived in North Korea for a visit, Russian news agency TASS reported Friday, the latest in a recent series of high-level exchanges between North Korea and Russia.

Shoigu is scheduled to meet with Kim and other North Korean officials, both TASS and RIA Novosti reported.

Kim oversaw the test-fire of the country’s latest anti-aircraft missile system, the Korean Central News Agency said Friday, without specifying when the test happened. Kim said it showed North Korea’s army would be “equipped with another major defense weapon system with laudable combat performance,” KCNA said.

The announcement came a day after South Korea wrapped up a major annual joint military exercise with the United States, known as Freedom Shield, which Pyongyang separately denounced Friday as “a rehearsal of war of aggression”.

The North -- which attacked its neighbor in 1950, triggering the Korean War -- has long been infuriated by any military exercises between the United States and the South. AFP

LONDON – Britain’s Heathrow airport, Europe’s busiest, was shut down early Friday after a major fire at an electrical substation supplying power to the sprawling facility west of London, officials said.

Airport authorities said they “expect significant disruption” over the coming days, with hundreds of flights and thousands of passengers affected.

“Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage,” the airport operator said in a statement on its website, adding it would be closed until just before midnight Friday (2359 GMT).

“Passengers should not travel to the airport under any circumstances until the airport reopens.”

London Fire Brigade said there had been a “significant” fire at a substation in Hayes, a nearby town in the London borough of Hillingdon.

Images on social media -- which could not immediately be verified by AFP -showed huge flames and smoke rising from the substation.

Other videos, apparently shot inside Heathrow’s terminals, showed shuttered shops and deserted corridors, lit only by emergency lighting.

“The fire has caused a power outage affecting a large number of homes and local businesses, and we are working closely with our partners to minimize disruption,” said London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner Pat Goulbourne.

He said the fire was first reported at 11:23 pm.

“This is a highly visible and significant incident, and our firefighters are working tirelessly in challenging conditions to bring the fire under control as swiftly as possible,” a statement said.

British utility firm Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said on its website that an “unplanned outage” had left more than 16,000 homes without power in the area.

Heathrow handles more than than 80 million passengers a year and the operator says there are around 1,300 takeoffs or landings a day. AFP

Flights canceled after Indonesia volcano eruption

JAKARTA – At least seven international flights from Indonesia’s resort island Bali have been canceled, an airport official said Friday, after a volcano in the archipelago nation’s east erupted, shooting dark ash eight kilometers into the sky. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a 1,703-meter twin-peaked volcano on the tourist island of Flores, erupted for 11 minutes and nine seconds late Thursday, authorities said, raising the volcano’s alert status to the highest level. As of 9:45 am Friday, “seven international flights had been canceled, six of them are Jetstar flights bound to Australia and one Air Asia flight to Kuala Lumpur,” Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport spokesman, Andadina Dyah, said in a statement. Several other flights -- both domestic and international, including to Thailand, Singapore and Australia -- have been delayed, it said. The local airport in Maumere, on Flores, the closest to the volcano, has not been affected by the ash, according to the transportation ministry. AFP

lican

W. Bush, a

earlier

rare rebuke by the country’s top justice

remarks of the president after Trump called for the impeachment of the judge who ruled on the deportation case.

Finnegan nominated for 2025 AAI Award

By Peter Atencio

FILIPINO-AMERICAN gymnast Aleah Finnegan is one of 19 nominees for 2025 AAI (American Athletic, Inc.) Award.

The AAI Award is an annual award in the United States, given to the most outstanding senior collegiate female gymnast in the country.

The 22-year-old Finnegan, a senior student athlete at Louisiana State University, was nominated with Oklahoma’s Jordan Bowers and Audrey Davis, Oregon State’s Jade Carey, Florida’s Leanne Wong and Utah’s Grace McCallum.

The final votes will be conducted by NCAA women’s gymnastics head coaches throughout the nation to decide the winner of this year’s award.

The awards will be presented at the US NCAA Championships Banquet in Fort Worth, Texas.

LSU now has four AAI awardees in school history, the most by any school since 2010.

Among them is Haleigh Bryant, who claimed last year’s award.

The other past honorees from LSU include Sarah Finnegan (2019), Ashleigh Gnat (2017) and Susan Jackson (2010).

Finnegan, who represented the Philippines at the Paris Olympics, has had a

successful stint with the LSU gymnastics’ program over the last four years.

She has been a national champion, floor champion and Olympian with LSU, according to the records.

The 5’4” Finnegan is cited for helping the Tigers clinch their firstever national championship in 2024 in the beam. She was also named the 2024 NCAA Floor Champion, her first individual title on top of the team title.

Set to see action for the Philippines in the coming Southeast Asian Games, Finnegan also claimed last year’s floor title with her score of 9.9625 in the NCAA semifinals.

She was the fourth gymnast in LSU history to win a floor championship.

Finnegan’s floor 9.975 score in the semifinals equalled the highest recorded by an LSU Gymnast at championships.

Finnegan is one of the top floor performers in the country all year long in 2024, after snaring two All-America honors in the event in both the regular and postseason and three perfect scores in the event.

Lisa Sarines

Gecosala,

Cua seek to sustain PPS run

JAN Krelz Gecosala is determined to maintain his winning momentum as he sets his sights on another “double” at the Mayor Josef Fortich Cagas National Juniors Tennis Championships, which kicked off yesterday (Friday) at the Digos City courts in Davao del Sur.

The 14-year-old from Midsayap, North Cotabato delivered dominant performances last week at the Pres. Arnold Embudo Netfest in Cotabato, topping his age bracket and defeating Aljaven Lumambas in the 16-and-under singles final of the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop.

While confident in defending his 14-and-U title, Gecosala faces a stiff challenge in the 16-and-U category, headlined by top seeds Chad Globasa and Iñigo Barrios. Not stopping there, he has also entered the highly competitive 18-and-U division, eager to push his limits and continue his development as a player.

The week-long event marks the last of the three-leg Mindanao swing in the country’s longest-running talent search, the PPSPEPP Junior Tennis Circuit, initiated by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. The overwhelming participation of over 200 players from Digos City and nearby provinces highlights the growing enthusiasm for junior tennis development.

With the boys’ 12-, 14-, 16-, and 18-and-U divisions featuring 32-player draws, spectators can expect intense battles for titles and valuable ranking points. The event is sanctioned by Philta and supported by Universal Tennis Ranking and ICON Golf & Sports.

Aside from the singles categories, doubles titles will also be contested in the boys’ and girls’ 10-U, 14-U and 18-U groups, according to tournament organizer and PPS-PEPP program director Bobby Mangunay. For details, contact 0915-4046464.

In the girls’ division, Kidapawan City’s Dhea Cua is gunning for back-to-back victories in the premier category, where she is expected to face Sanschena Francisco. However, siblings Aika and Althea Salahuddin are also primed to challenge for the title, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.

Aika Salahuddin also leads a strong 16-and-U lineup alongside Ayl Gonzaga, Camille Clar and Princess Placa, while Gonzaga, Placa and Jhuane Flores are among the top contenders in the 14-and-U category.

In the younger age brackets, Shan Tuyor, Chandra Felecio, Althea Masinadiong and Maycee Cua are among the frontrunners in the girls’ 12-and-U division, while the boys’ 12-and-U field features promising players such as Kresthan Belacas, Pete Niere, Francis Florida and Jayvee Dimzon.

Late birdie lifts Sarines past Uyking; Padilla triumphs in playo

SANTA ROSA, Laguna—Lisa Sarines proved clutch under pressure, draining a nerve-wracking putt on No. 8 on the final stretch to claim a hardfought two-stroke victory over Johanna Uyking, her final-round 79 capping off a dramatic, daylong duel of skill, strategy and resilience in the Uswing Mojing Junior World Qualifying at The Country Club here on Friday.

The girls’ 13-14 division was a battleground of shifting leads as Sarines and Uyking waged a thrilling head-to-head contest. The wind-swept course tested their mettle, with both competitors trading shots and gripping the leaderboard. Uyking’s birdie on No. 7 pulled her into a tie at 16-over overall, setting up a high-stakes showdown as they approached the decisive par-5 No. 8 – a hole she had birdied on both previous rounds. But in a stunning twist, it was Sarines who rose to the occasion, executing a superb approach and capitalizing as Uyking missed a crucial putt to tie.

Seizing the advantage, Sarines carried her onestroke lead into the ninth, where she held her nerve and secured a par.

Uyking, in a last-ditch bid for a birdie to force another tie, instead bogeyed, handing Sarines the hard-earned victory with a 54-hole total of 232.

Uyking ultimately carded an 82, finishing at 234, while Mona Sarines and Precious Zaragosa rounded out the top four. Their performances secured them berths in the Junior World Championships in San Diego, California, this July, where they will compete among the world’s best rising stars.

Only the division winners, however, earned the coveted prize of free airfare to the event.

Mona Sarines shot a 78 for 242, while Zaragosa ended up with a 251 after an 85.

The boys’ 15-18 division also delivered a dramatic and unpredictable finish, with Tristan Padilla ultimately emerging victorious after a tense sudden-death playoff with Shinichi Suzuki. Padilla secured the win with a routine par from six feet on their return to No. 18, edging out Suzuki in the decider.

Holding a comfortable five-stroke lead heading into the final round, Padilla struggled down the stretch, dropping five strokes in the last three holes for an 83, and allowing Suzuki, who carded a 78, to force a playoff at 235.

But Suzuki fell short in sudden death, missing his par attempt from long range after chipping past the hole by about five paces.

The Cavalry vs. The Lights: TLPH battles RORA for top seeding

By Caezar Julius Cortez

IT’S the clash of the strongest as Team Liquid Philippines and RORA look to clinch solo first place in the standings of MPL Philippines.

Dropping only one game against OMG, Team Liquid swept most of its games, behind baby-faced assassin-”Babycakes Duo” in Karltzy and Oheb.

In their Week 3 match against last year’s champions ONIC PH, Karltzy went for 6-2-11, while Oheb shot down ONIC with an 11-1-4 performance to sweep the series.

“Lahat ng teams sa Pilipinas, hindi mo puwedeng maliitin ‘yan. Siguro for me, may ibang training lang kami, and iba ‘yung culture namin sa kanila. (Siguro) this season, mas nagfo-focus lang kami sa kung ano ‘yung dapat i-focus this season,” said coach Rodel “Arsy” Criz on their winning streak.

On the other side, Aurora Gaming had closer wins, with Twisted Minds as their only sweep back in Week 1. Domengkite currently leads the gold laners in kills and kill participation with 89 kills and 72.82% KP, while Renejay is on the top of assists board for all Roam players with 130 to participate in 72.82% RORA’s total number of kills; visibly far ahead from TLPH Jaypee’s 104.

“Ang mag-mamatter muna is ‘yung sa TNC. So ang gusto kong i-look forward ngayon is TNC. After TNC, saka namin pag-iisipan ‘yung sa TLPH saka sa Falcon,” said RORA coach MasterTheBasics on facing TLPH. The storylines are set for Saturday’s matchup, as fans are looking forward to the refuelled rivalry between the two teams, the Jungle-Gold Lane matchup between The Kite Brothers and The Babycakes Duo and Oheb’s anticipated revenge match against his former teammates.

TLPH vs RORA is scheduled for the first match on the second day of week 4.

With RORA and TLPH currently standing atop of their competition, both teams remain levelled and composed for their upcoming matches.

“Tingin ko po lahat naman po sila (capable).

‘Yung pinaka-tinitignan ko po talaga ngayon, ‘yung nag-top 1 din, TLPH. Pero tingin ko po, lahat naman sila kaya kaming talunin, depende sa ibibigay naming performance and execution,” Renejay said.

rivalries, and the best ballers in the game. This is where champions are made! Here’s how the action unfolds on the court!

The vivo 3x3 Basketball Challenge will feature sixteen teams—eight men’s and eight women’s—battling it out on the

Aleah Finnegan (center) celebrates with her LSU teammates. LSU Gymnastics

SATURDAY,

RANDY M.

EDGARD HILARIO,

IOC chief Coventry confronts global intrigue

COSTA NAVARINO, Greece—Kirsty

Coventry became the first woman and first African to be elected president of the International Olympic Committee on Thursday and set her sights on confronting the dual unpredictability of geopolitical intrigue and US president Donald Trump.

The 41-year-old two-time Olympic swimming champion from Zimbabwe is the youngest person to hold the most powerful position in sports governance.

“This is an extraordinary moment,” said Coventry, the sports minister in her native Zimbabwe.

“As a nine-year-old girl I never thought that I would be standing up here one day, getting to give back to this incredible movement of ours.”

Coventry faces enormous challenges, such as dealing with Trump in the run-up to Los Angeles hosting the 2028 Summer Games.

She said “communication will be key” with the US leader.

“I have been dealing with, let’s say, difficult men in high positions since I was 20 years old,” said Coventry, confident Trump would put all his weight behind the staging of the 2028 showpiece.

“My firm belief is that President Trump is a huge lover of sports, he will want these games to be significant, he will want them to be a success.”

Coventry added that on the thorny issue of transgender athletes -- Trump has said there are only two genders, male and female -- the IOC would stand its ground.

“So in terms of Donald Trump, again, it’s going to take communication. As I just said, we’re going to create a task force that’s going to look at the transgender issue and the protection of the female category,” she said.

She said a decision would be made “collectively” with the international federations.

“That decision will be made very clear and we won’t move from that decision.”

Another major issue on her agenda is the question of whether to allow Russia to return to the Olympic fold.

In Paris last year Russian athletes had to compete under a neutral banner, after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. AFP

is shown at her first press conference during the 144th IOC Session. AFP

Galedo likes Pinay riders’ chances in Thailand SEAG

By Randy M. Caluag

MARK Galedo has seen it all.

After a storied, checkered career highlighted by a Southeast Asian Games championship, Galedo has now turned his attention to mentoring the next generation of cyclists. And as the coach of the Philippine women’s national road cycling team, he likes what he sees.

Following the team’s impressive campaign in Vietnam, Galedo is optimistic about his wards’ medal prospects at the 2025 SEA Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

In a recent radio interview, he ex-

praised the team’s determination and rapid progress, especially as Bonilla and Altamarino made their debut in international

multi-stage events. The team recently competed in the UCI Biwase Tour and the Binh Duong International Biwase Cup—both held in Vietnam—with strong performances that exceeded expectations. Eighteen-year-old Bonilla emerged

as the top Filipino performer in the UCI Biwase Tour, while Altamarino secured the country’s best finish in the Biwase Cup.

Veteran Prado, long respected for her leadership, earned a commendation from Galedo for her guidance both on and off the road.

The Philippine team finished 5th among 20 teams in the General Classification of the Biwase Tour and 7th overall in the Biwase Cup standings—results that have significantly boosted the team’s confidence heading into the SEA Games.

Galedo, together with coach Marita Lucas, also mentored newcomer Lovely Gitaruelas during the Vietnam events. The coaching staff is now focusing on fine-tuning strategies and sharpening the riders’ performance as they prepare for their biggest challenge yet.

“There’s a huge chance of winning a medal at the SEA Games based on what I saw during their races,” Galedo said. “We’ve identified areas where they can improve, and since they learn quickly, this is a great opportunity for them to succeed.”

PSC Commissioner Olivia Coo, a Hall of Fame bowler, who leads the commission’s women-in-sports initiatives, said Ochoa’s global achievements in jiu-jitsu deserved recognition, especially following her recent retirement from competition.

“She’s just retired, and it’s truly fitting for her to be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award,” Coo said.

she split into three parts.

Shortly after receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippine Sports Commission during a glittering ceremony at Century Park Hotel, the devout Christian athlete gave full credit to God.

“I am grateful because it’s not my name that is honored, but the Lord’s. Any recognition I receive is only because of Him — He made me, sustains me, saved me, and whatever I accomplish is a result of His work in me. Any good that comes from me is solely because of Him. Apart from Him, no good can come from me,” she said.

Now shifting her focus entirely to coaching the Philippine national team, Ochoa aims to mentor the next generation of champions.

Coo led the commission in honoring 140 women athletes, coaches, and sports executives for their excellence and inspiration in the world of sports.

Ochoa also took time to thank those who supported her journey as an athlete.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey—especially our coaches throughout my time with the team: Coach Hansel, Coach @alisulit, Coach @stephenkamphuis. Thank you for being in my corner, for your guidance, and unwavering support throughout my career.”

FIRST WOMAN IOC PRESIDENT. Newly-elected president of the International Olympic Committee, Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry

Meggie Ochoa receives her Lifetime Achievement trophy from PSC commissioner Olivia ‘Bong’ Coo. PSC PCO

Mark Galedo (second from left) with the Filipina riders at the Biwase Cup in Vietnam Jermyn Prado pressed confidence in rising stars Kim Bonilla, Angelica Altamarino, and seasoned rider Jermyn Prado. Galedo

Building permits in January 2025

Building permits in December 2024

12,526 11,513 14,665

Building permits in January 2024

PH business mission to Middle East raises $27m

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines’ business mission to the Middle East, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), generated $27.28 million in export sales.

Held from Feb. 7 to 21, 2025, the mission sought to expand market opportunities and strengthen trade partnerships for Philippine agricultural, fisheries, and personal care exports in key markets, including Doha, Amman, Riyadh and Dubai.

Filipino exporters engaged with buyers, distributors and industry leaders through store visits, supplier meetings and business-matching sessions.

The delegation also took part in Gulfood 2025, apprising exporters on market entry and compliance with the Qatar Ministry of Public Health and the Dubai Municipality. Meanwhile, the Jordan Food and Drug Administration and the Jordan Ministry of Agriculture expressed strong interest in sourcing more Philippine marine products and tropical fruits, signaling growth in non-traditional export markets.

“The business-to-business [B2B] meetings provided us with valuable insights into our operations in the United Arab Emirates [UAE]. We realized that our current business structure for marketing our products is no longer adaptable to the area’s current setup. We have also identified other markets to explore, which has helped us recognize avenues for growth,” said HDR Foods Corp.’s Aris Unson

The Philippine Trade and Investment Centers in Riyadh and Dubai organized the event with support from the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. and in coordination with Philippine embassies. Participating companies included Axelum Resources Corp., C and H Cosmetics Industry Daila Wholesale LLC., Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc., Dry Tech Manufacturing Corp., Ferino’s Bibingka, Fisherfarms, Inc. and Global Foodsolutions, Inc., among others.

Building constructions remained weak in January

BUILDING constructions declined in January 2025 from a year ago, but grew in terms of value and size, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed Friday.

The PSA reported 12,526 construction projects from approved building permits in January 2025, a 14.6-percent decrease from 14,665 recorded in January 2024. This followed a 5.0-percent drop in December 2024.

Residential buildings accounted for the largest share, with 7,671 projects, or 61.2 percent of the total. This went down by 14.1-percent from 8,931 projects in January 2024. Single-type houses comprised the majority of residential construction, with 6,863 projects, or 89.5 percent.

Non-residential construction was the second-largest category, with 3,138 projects, or 25.1 percent of the total. This sector declined by 4.3 percent annually. Commercial buildings accounted for the majority of nonresidential construction, with 2,288 projects, or 72.9 percent.

Additions, which increase the height or area of existing buildings, alterations and repairs, and other construction projects, accounted for 3.7 percent, 7.8 percent, and 2.2 percent of the total, respectively.

The total value of construction

projects in January 2025 reached P48.58 billion, up by 26.1 percent from P38.52 billion in January 2024.

Non-residential building constructions, valued at P24.16 billion, accounted for 49.7 percent and grew 40.4 percent from P17.21 billion in January 2024.

Residential building construction was valued at P20.94 billion, or 43.1 percent of the total. This went up by 28 percent from P16.35 billion in January 2024.

The total floor area of construction projects in January 2025 was 3.72 million square meters, excluding alterations and repairs, certain nonresidential projects and other construction projects that lack reported floor area. This increased 29.5 percent increase from 2.87 million sq. m. in January 2024.

US firms, PH schools to train nuclear workforce

By Alena Mae S. Flores

US COMPANIES and Philippine educational institutions signed agreements Friday in support of building the country’s nuclear workforce.

EōS Organization, a global leader in advancing energy solutions, announced key partnerships and initiatives designed to accelerate nuclear energy development in the Philippines.

“By investing in educational pathways, we are ensuring that Filipino students are at the forefront of nuclear innovation,” said Aaron Green, chief executive of EōS Organization.

These efforts include strategic agreements with Fulbright Philippines, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) and support for the Philippine Nuclear Research In-

stitute (PNRI) through Valar Atomics’ pioneering gigasite model.

A P192-million grant to the Philippine Nuclear Science Foundation (PNSF) further reinforces the research and development of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies.

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, who witnessed the signing ceremony, said building a civil nuclear industry requires a skilled workforce to bring that technology to life and maintain it safely.

“I am honored to witness the signing of two memoranda of understanding [MOUs] to support civil nuclear workforce development in the Philippines, marking the first US private sector commitments in the Philippines’ nuclear sector. This is a direct outcome of our 123 agreement and the Philippine International Civil

Japan explores PH real estate investments

JAPAN’S Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) is looking at investment opportunities for Philippine real estate, the Board of Investments (BOI) said. Representatives from MLIT met with BOI officials for a briefing on the Philippine real estate investment climate and opportunities for Japanese developers and investors, the BOI said in a statement.

“Through partnerships with organizations like Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, the government is realizing its goal of further increasing investments into the Philippines,” said Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa, industry development services executive director

at the BOI. The Philippines, with its growing economy and demand for residential and commercial properties, is an attractive destination for Japanese real estate developers, the BOI said. MLIT, through its Joint Network for Overseas Real Estate Business (JNORE) program, is exploring ways to facilitate the expansion of Japanese firms by collaborating with local governments and addressing issues related to the overseas real estate industry. Discussions focused on enhancing real estate development and management systems through information exchange between the Philippine and Japanese governments and private sector stakeholders.

Nuclear Supply Chain Forum that the United States and the Philippines cohosted in November 2024,” she said.

EōS, in collaboration with Fulbright Philippines, said it is committed to cultivating the next generation of Filipino nuclear professionals.

“The MOU between EoS and Fulbright Philippines is just the start of a journey toward economic security for both the United States and the Philippines. Banking on US expertise in civil nuclear energy and the Fulbright program, the partnership also highlights the importance of private sector investment in workforce development. An energy secure Philippines makes it an even more important partner in making the US more prosperous and secure,” said Fulbright executive director Julio Amador III.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

FINANCE Secretary Ralph Recto asked the Insurance Commission (IC) to elevate its role beyond regulation and become a “relentless guardian of the Filipino dream.”

“This means setting higher standards, championing financial empowerment and ensuring that every policy and every regulation truly serves the evolving needs of the Filipino people,” Recto said in a speech delivered by Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary Maria Luwalhati Dorotan Tiuseco at the 76th anniversary celebration of the IC on March 20, 2025.

“For this is what you do—you give our people a fighting chance. You make sure that no matter what crisis lies ahead, they have a shot at stability, dignity, and hope,” Recto said. The IC is an attached agency of the DOF mandated to regulate and supervise the insurance, pre-need and health maintenance organization (HMO) industries in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Code.

Recto lauded the IC for steering the Philippine insurance industry toward becoming a strong, resilient and dependable sector that safeguards the well-being of Filipinos.

The IC’s combined industry assets grew by 6.4 percent to P2.5 trillion in 2024. Premium collections increased 12.8 percent to P440.4 billion, while net income climbed 16 percent to P56.3 billion.

The total benefit payments also grew by 19 percent to P160.3 billion.

The insurance density improved by 12.6 percent last year to P3,892.8. Insurance density refers to the amount of premium per capita or the average spending of each individual on insurance.

Recto said the gains prove that more Filipinos are making the wise decision to invest in their security as jobs and incomes continue to rise in pace with the fast-growing economy.

DIGITAL CHAMPION. Banko Sentral Governor Eli Remolona Jr. (third from left) congratulates Teodoro Lamang Jr. (second from left) the third DFIA

Microenterpreneur Digital Champion during the 4th Digital Financial Inclusion Awards (DFIA) at the Business Center of Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Malate, Manila on March 20, 2025. With them are Microfinance Council of the Philippines (MCPI) chairperson Gilbert Maramba (left) and Citi Philippines chief executive Paul Favila. Joseph Muego

US companies and Philippine educational institutions sign memorandum of agreements in support of the country’s nuclear workforce. Signing the MOU are (seated, from left) Ian Paolo Azusano, EoS chemical engineer; Dennis Añover, EōS lawyer; Aaron Green, EōS chief executive; Jessica Simon, US Embassy counselor for public affairs; Julio Amador III, Philippine-American Education Foundation executive director and Department of Foreign Affairs assistant secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga. Standing are US principal deputy assistant secretary Ann Ganzer and US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.

Officials of the Board of Investments and Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Tourism discuss opportunities in the Philippines at the BOI Main Office on Feb. 20, 2025.

PH stocks decline on growing US trade concerns

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PHILIPPINE stocks ended the trading week in the red as US and Asian markets slipped due to concerns about the possible impact of US trade policies on global economy.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index closed at 6,266.75, down 56.38 percent or 0.89 percent from the previous day trading, while the broader all-shares index ended at 3,727.12, lower by 18.20 points, or 0.49 percent.

“Philippine and US equities slipped as economic uncertainty stalled a market rebound while other investors followed the latest FTSE rebalancing,”

Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said.

Limlingan said investors also expected policy rates to remain steady until the impact of US President Donald Trump’s tariff plans becomes clearer.

Investors were concerned that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas would again keep interest rates unchanged in its next policy meeting after the Fed kept rates steady.

Most sectoral indices ended in the red, with property and financials leading the decline, dropping 1.39 percent and 1.36 percent, respectively.

Only the industrial sector ended in the green, rising 0.13 percent.

Value turnover reached P11 billion. Despite the market’s decline, Ayala Land Inc. manage to rise 0.89 percent to P22.70. Jollibee Foods Corp. declined 4.03 percent to P238.

Asian equity markets also limped into the weekend on Friday following a tepid lead from Wall Street as the optimism stoked by a dovish US Federal Reserve meeting gave way to long-running fears about Donald Trump’s tariff agenda.

DEED OF

Traders took heart from Fed boss Jerome Powell’s comments that the impact of hefty levies imposed on imports from key partners would likely be transitional, and from officials’ forecasts that did not see a feared recession this year. With AFP

First Gen’s recurring income softened to $245m in 2024

By Alena Mae S. Flores

IRST Gen Corp. of the Lopez Group on Friday reported a 12-percent decrease in attributable recurring net income for 2024 to $245 million (P14 billion) from $277 million (P15.4 billion) in 2023.

First Gen said in a statement its geothermal portfolio, through Energy Development Corp. (EDC), reported a combined decline in revenue and an increase in cash operating expenses as it focused on its drilling operation program in 2024.

The parent also incurred higher interest expenses following its availment of a P20-billion loan for the purchase of the 165-megawatt Casecnan hydroelectric power plant.

It said higher profits from the natural gas business and the newly-pur-

chased Casecnan plant partially offset the declines.

“First Gen is forging ahead on many fronts to crystallize the uniqueness and value of our clean and renewable portfolio. We are committed to find solutions to help address the country’s critical issue of energy security. On the gas side, we will be receiving our seventh LNG [liquefied natural gas] cargo since the start of our terminal’s operations in the second half of 2023,” First Gen president and chief operating officer Francis

Giles Puno said.

“We expect LNG supply deliveries in April and May to address the increased electricity demand during the hot summer months. Our gasfired plants should benefit from the newly-enacted Natural Gas Law, but we are reviewing our options for the 1,000 MW Santa Rita power purchase agreement which expires in August. Meanwhile, we are also focused on the benefits of completing our geothermal drilling campaign and commissioning of our growth project. This will provide 24/7 baseload renewable energy electricity to our growing customer base,” Puno said.

The company generated $2.408 billion (P137.3 billion) in revenues in 2024, or 3 percent lower than $2.475 billion (P137.7 billion) in 2023. The natural gas portfolio account-

ed for 65 percent of First Gen’s total consolidated revenues, while 32 percent came from EDC’s geothermal, wind and solar plants and the balance from the hydro business unit.

The natural gas business unit reported a 12-percent increase in recurring earnings in 2024 to $187 million (P10.7 billion) from $166 million (P9.2 billion) in 2023.

Both the 1,000-MW Santa Rita power plant and 500-MW San Lorenzo power plant delivered higher income due to savings in operating expenses and lower interest expenses as debt was serviced.

The Santa Rita plant fully paid off its outstanding long-term debt in May 2024.

First Gen said its LNG terminal had a higher recurring income in 2024 due to the terminal fees billed to the natural gas plants.

MEGA Prime Foods Inc. (MPFI) said it is expanding into Dubai, introducing its product lines, including Mega Sardines, Mega Mackerel, Mega Squid, Mega Prime Corn & Mushroom and Mega Prime Nata, to the Middle Eastern market. The Philippines-based company

participated in Gulfood 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Center, showcasing its products to an international audience.

MPFI also held events at Barrio Fiesta Dubai and Kooya Filipino Eatery, featuring Filipino influencers.

CEBU Landmasters Inc. (CLI) said Friday it plans to build 16,000 affordable residential units by February 2029 as part of its commitment under the

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late ANTONIO MA. LIZARES LEDESMA (A.K.A. ANTONIO LIZARES LEDESMA) has been extra-judicially settled among his heirs, as per Doc. No. 160; Page No. 32; Book No. CLI; Series of 2025 before Notary Public Atty. Jose Ma. B. Torres and as per Apostille before Notary Public Phillip Silver with Notary Public Identification No. 1555.

(MS-MAR. 8/15/22, 2025)

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

Notice is hereby given that a Deed of Extrajudicial Partition of the Estate of the late JOSE ANTONIO MARCAIDA PRATS pertaining to a 68.90 sqm at Cityland Pasong Tamo Tower, Chino Roces, Avenue, Makati City with CCT No. 74816, who died intestate by his heirs, namely, Anita Marcela Mandanas-Prats, widow, and children, Juan Diego Mandanas Prats and Maria Guadalupe Mandanas Prats as per Doc. No. 408; Page No. 82; Book No. XIV; series of 2025, before Atty. Gener C. Sansaet, a Notary Public for and in City of Parañaque City, Philippines. (MS-MAR. 8/15/22, 2025)

04-005-01752 / Cabuyao, Laguna)

4. Tax Declaration No. AA-10-0004-00925 (Indang, Cavite) 5. Tax Declaration No. AA-10-0004-00928 (Indang, Cavite)

As per Doc No. 80; Page No. 17; Book No. 01; Series of 2023 before Notary Public ATTY. GLENN WIL D. EGANO. (MS-MAR. 15/22/29, 2025)

in

“Our entry into Dubai is a milestone that reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality Filipino flavors to the global stage,” said

P5-billion sustainability-linked bonds (SLB).

CLI chief operating officer Jose Franco Soberano said in an interview at the sidelines of the company’s bond listing they would spend at least P10 billion to complete the 16,000 affordable residential units.

Most units will be built in the Visayas and Mindanao, with prices ranging from P2.5 million to P3.5 million and monthly amortization of P8,000 to P10,000.

Soberano said the units would not only significantly expand the group’s affordable housing portfolio but would also help address the country’s 6.7 million housing backlog.

He expressed confidence about meeting the target, saying that on aver-

age, CLI delivers 6,000 units annually.

“Our mission at Cebu Landmasters has always been clear: to build communities where Filipino families can thrive,” said CLI chairman and chief executive Jose Soberano III.

“With this sustainability-linked bond, we are strengthening that commitment by holding ourselves accountable to a measurable target—building 16,000 more affordable homes by 2029. In just five years, we will more than double what we have achieved over the past two decades,” he said.

The bonds consist of three-year Series D bonds at a rate of 6.6348 percent annually and five-year Series E bonds at 6.9157 percent.

The offering was three-times oversubscribed, indicating strong investor confidence on the company.

CLI is the first real estate developer in the Philippines to use affordable housing as the key success metric for an SLB. An SLB is a unique financial instrument tied to an environmental, social and governance (ESG) objective. In case CLI fails to meet its sustainability targets within a specified period, the interest rate increases by 0.75 basis point.

Jenniffer B. Austria

The company teamed up with Baqer Mohebi Enterprises to distribute its products

Baqer Mohebi Supermarkets across Dubai.

MPFI president and chief executive Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan. The expansion comes as MPFI celebrates its 50th anniversary. Dubai’s status as a culinary hub and global trade center makes it an ideal location for MPFI’s international growth, the company said.

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2025

extrastory2000@gmail.com

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor

ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Globe donates refurbished smartphones to 4Ps families

By Darwin G. Amojelar

GLOBE Telecom, GCash and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are providing smartphones to 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) fami-

lies to boost financial inclusion and improve their lives.

Under the pre-loved phone donation drive, Globe is donating refurbished smartphones, enabling recipients to use GCash for financial transactions.

This is in line with its long-standing commitment to digital inclusion, ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in the country’s digitalization journey.

Many Level 1 4Ps households struggle to manage their funds digitally due

to a lack of smartphones, relying on ATMs to receive P2,000 to P5,000 every two months through the program.

By shifting to GCash, they can get their grants more securely and efficiently while reducing dependence on cash transactions.

“Through mobile phones, 4Ps members can receive their cash grants faster, safer, and more efficiently and they can be better assisted in financial transactions, such as using digital banking and other services that can help their livelihoods,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said. Globe deputy chief executive Carl Cruz said Globe’s support aims to open doors to education, livelihood opportunities and essential services.

DOT holds council meeting to boost tourism

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) convened the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) meeting to advance the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 in collaboration with government agencies and industry stakeholders.

Established under Republic Act No. 9593, the TCC, chaired by the DOT secretary, coordinates national tourism efforts, including the implementation of the NTDP, which was approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in 2022.

Addressing TCC members from

government and private sectors, DOT

Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco

noted the sector’s strong performance.

“Tourism remains a thriving pillar of our economy, driven by our collective hard work and commitment to making it a force for good,” Frasco said.

Mercado, Aguda vow to ensure smooth DICT leadership transition

DEPARTMENT of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) officer-in-charge and Undersecretary Paul Joseph Mercado said Friday he is working with incoming Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda for the smooth transition of leadership.

“The DICT is ready to work with incoming Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda, a distinguished digital technocrat with vast experience in banking, fintech and digital transformation,” the agency said in a statement.

The DICT said Aguda would share updates on his plans to the public in due course, following thorough consultations with the executive and management committees of the DICT.

“With Secretary Aguda at the helm, the department is confident that we will continue to uphold President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s vision of an inclusive Bagong Pilipinas and accelerate the

realization of his digital agenda for the country,” the department said.

President Marcos on Thursday appointed Aguda, a digital banking pioneer, the new secretary of DICT, in place of lawyer and IT expert Ivan John Uy who resigned earlier.

“The DICT family, including its attached agencies, welcomes the appointment of our new Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda,” the department said in a Facebook post.

Aguda, the former president and chief executive of UnionDigital Bank and the digital infrastructure sector lead of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), played a pivotal role in providing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with visionary strategies and innovative initiatives to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and create more than a million digital jobs, the DICT said.

She acknowledged key challenges, including slower growth in outbound markets, air connectivity issues, geopolitical uncertainties and destination capacity constraints.

The DOT said to address these, it intensified efforts to enhance infrastructure and streamline travel processes through strategic partnerships with key agencies.

These include the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on airport and seaport enhancements; Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on expanding internet connectivity in tourism hubs; Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Depart-

ment of Justice (DOJ) on implementing the Cruise Visa Waiver Program; Department of Public Works and Highways on developing tourism roads; and Department of Health (DOH), for establishing tourist first aid facilities.

Frasco called on TCC members to sustain collaboration, citing tourism’s role in national progress.

“Tourism embodies our shared commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of the Filipino people. Its success depends on our collective efforts. We look forward to your continued support in realizing our President’s vision of tourism as a transformational force for our country,” she said.

CICC taps Astria to train law enforcement agencies on digital forensics

CYBERCRIME Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), in collaboration with local company Astria Corp., is providing vital digital forensics training to Philippine law enforcement to address the growing threat of cybercrime, Aside from CICC agents, representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines

(AFP) are expected to participate in the training on March 22 to 26, 2025 at the National Cybercrime Hub in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

CICC executive director Alexander Ramos cited the importance of the training to boost the resolution of cybercrime cases and the conviction of cyber criminals.

“With the increase in the cybercrime complaints received by various agencies, it is imperative for us to integrate digital forensics as a cor-

nerstone in the battle against cybercrime,” he said.

Digital or computer forensics is a field of forensic science that encompasses the identification, preservation, examination and preservation of electronic or digital evidence in legal proceedings. The electronic devices include computers, smartphones, servers and other digital storage media.

“Our new collaborations with industry partners underscore our mission to equip Philippine law enforcement agen-

DIGIPLUS Interactive, through its BingoPlus Foundation, said it com

mitted P100 million in 2024 to sup

port education, disaster relief and livelihood programs, benefiting over 120,000 Filipinos. The foundation launched “PLUS Centers” nationwide, providing free internet access, digital literacy training and educational resources to underserved communities, DigiPlus said. These centers aim to provide learning spaces for students and job seekers. Its “PLUS Factor Scholarship Program” provides full scholarships, financial aid and mentorship to more than 60 students in STEM, business and digital innovation fields, the company said.

cies with world-class training and tools necessary to combat evolving cyber threats and digital-enabled criminality. This initiative represents a significant step toward achieving our vision of a safer digital environment for all Filipinos,” Ramos said.

Lead forensic examiner at Astria, Jonathan Shorter, who has 18 years of global investigative experience, said digital evidence is essential from online fraud to transnational cybercrime cases. Darwin G. Amojelar

Following Typhoon Kristine, DigiPlus said it allocated P37 million in emergency aid, including relief, rebuilding support and livelihood assistance to affected communities.

The foundation also invests in livelihood programs, providing training and resources for economic independence, DigiPlus said.

“True success is measured not just by business growth, but by the impact we make in people’s lives,” DigiPlus chairman Eusebio Tanco said in a statement.

“Through the BingoPlus Foundation, we are empowering scholars, bridging the digital divide, rebuilding communities, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities,” said Tanco.

Bloomberry awarded ‘Best Gaming Operator’

BLOOMBERRY Resorts Corp. was awarded the title “Best Gaming Operator”, acknowledging its leadership and innovation in the industry at the prestigious Asian Gaming Awards. The company said this is a testament to Bloomberry’s dedication to providing unparalleled gaming and entertainment experiences.

Greg Hawkins, acting chief operating officer of Bloomberry, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “We are deeply honored to receive these esteemed awards. They validate the hard work and passion of our team, who continually strive to elevate the standards of gaming and hospitality in the Philippines. Our commitment to excellence remains unwavering, and we will continue to innovate and enhance the experiences we offer to our guests,” he said. The Asian Gaming Awards are highly regarded within the gaming community, celebrating the outstanding achievements of operators and properties across the region. Bloomberry’s recognition in the category underscores its position as a leader in the industry.

Private sector backs Right-of-Way Office

THE Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) asked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to establish a Right-of-Way (ROW) Office to streamline land acquisition and accelerate infrastructure projects.

The proposal, presented by the PSAC Infrastructure Sector during a March 20 meeting, aims to address delays caused by lengthy legal disputes and bureaucratic inefficiencies in acquiring land for government projects.

“The ROW Office, certainly I think that we have to do it,” Marcos said, according to a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office.

“We have to do something as this is something that always comes up and the main reason why we are always delayed and we have added cost,” the president said.

The proposed office would work with government agencies to resolve conflicts in ROW execution and assign lawyers to priority sectors, including transportation, energy, telecommunications and water. Marcos called for a review of a pending Right-of-Way bill in the Senate, suggesting funding requirements be included in the legislation.

Go Digital

TECH

Wait is over: realme 14 Series 5G

AFTER making waves at MWC 2025 with its color-changing design, MagicGlow Triple Flash, and underwater capabilities, the all-new realme 14 Series 5G has officially landed in the Philippines. The launch was streamed live on realme’s official Facebook page, marking its highly anticipated local debut.

The latest Series, which includes the realme 14 Pro+ 5G and realme 14 Pro 5G, provides impressive mobile photography capabilities, a sophisticated design, and various features for a complete smartphone experience. The realme 14 Series 5G is meticulously crafted to meet the Squad’s diverse needs and dynamic lifestyles.

Expertly crafted for work, play, and everything in between, the realme 14 Series 5G is the ultimate daily smartphone. The realme 14 Pro+ 5G, powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 and equipped with a 6000mAh Massive Battery, delivers smooth performance and stunning photography with its Triple Sony Camera System and MagicGlow Triple Flash. On the flip side, the realme 14 Pro 5G, featuring the Dimensity 7300 Energy 5G Processor, ensures seamless productivity. Its 50MP Sony IMX882 OIS main camera supports underwater photography, making it ideal for content creators and photography enthusiasts.

Overall, the realme 14 Series 5G guarantees Triple Clarity in Every Shot, delivering exceptional photo quality in any setting or environment. Equipped with advanced camera features such as Night Photography for low-light brilliance, Underwater Mode for seamless aquatic captures, AI Snap Mode for intelligent scene optimization, and Telephoto for precise long-range shots, it ensures that every moment is captured with stunning detail and clarity.

First-Selling Offers and Availability

Available in stylish Pearl White and Suede Grey

colors, the realme 14 Series 5G debuts with competitive pricing: P27,999 SRP for the realme 14 Pro+ 5G (12GB+512GB) and P21,999 SRP for the realme 14 Pro 5G (12GB+256GB).

To officially welcome the newest addition to its Number Series, realme is treating the Squad to exciting first-selling promos. Fans who visit any realme physical store nationwide from March 20-30, 2025, can grab the realme 14 Series 5G and receive a FREE TechLife Bluetooth Speaker 2 worth P1,799.

Additionally, there are offline-exclusive offers from March 20-30, 2025. Customers can avail themselves of an 18-month installment term at 0% interest using Home Credit and Credit Card. Furthermore, at select realme

Offline Stores, customers can participate in a “Spin The Wheel” event for a chance to win exciting prizes, including a realme Watch S2, realme Pad, realme Pad Mini, or a TechLife Bluetooth Sensor Speaker on March 21-23 and March 28-30, 2025. Meanwhile, great deals also await online shoppers until March 27, 2025. The realme TikTok Shop offers the realme 14 Pro+ 5G for as low as P25,363. This is bundled with a FREE realme Watch S2 with a steel wristband worth P4,499 while supplies last. Similarly, the realme Shopee Flagship Store has the realme 14 Pro 5G available for as low as P19,499, along with a FREE realme Watch S2 with a silicone wristband worth P3,999. Keep posted on the latest news and announcements from realme, visit the brand’s official website, and follow its Facebook page.

Philtower, MIDC, ZTE boost collab at MWC Barcelona ‘25

ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063. SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, and Phil-tower Consortium Inc. and Miescor Infrastructure Development Corporation, an independent tower company (ITC) in the Philippines, have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2025 in Spain. This agreement marks a significant step toward enhancing the country’s telecommunications infrastructure. Under the MoU, ZTE, Philtower, and MIDC will explore the feasibility of supplying Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment under a neutral host model. This collaboration aims to accelerate the expansion of telecommunica-

AYALA Foundation has formalized a partnership with GlobalLink MP, an events and marketing company that has been in operation since the early 1990s, through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), appointing the company as the official events management and marketing partner for Ayala Museum’s event spaces.

The signing took place at Ayala Museum, March 17, 2025.

Ayala Foundation President Antonio Joselito “Tony” Lambino II opened the signing event by expressing his appreciation for Global-Link MP’s trust over the past years. The collaboration between Global-Link MP and Ayala Foundation began in December 2023, when Ayala Foundation was named its official CSR partner. This ongoing partnership seeks to raise awareness of the foundation’s initiatives in community develop-

tions networks in the Philippines, driving the adoption of 5G and next-generation mobile technologies

ment, leadership development, and arts and culture. Lambino emphasized the significance of their partnership and shared commitment to excellence and meaningful impact as they enter a new phase of collaboration. As a key component of this phase, Ayala Foundation’s Arts and Culture pillar, through Ayala Museum, aims to expand the reach of Philippine art, history, and culture, making them more relatable and impactful for diverse audiences.

“We are excited to work with Global-Link MP as our official events management and marketing partner for Ayala Museum event spaces. With the team’s expertise in events and experiential marketing, and our shared commitment to excellence and impact, we will create new ways for people to experience the

connectivity and network quality to local users. All parties have obtained the necessary approvals and authorizations to proceed

with this agreement. Devid Honore Gubiani, President and Chief Executive Officer of Philtower and MIDC, stated, “Our partnership with ZTE will leverage its cutting-edge technology and expertise to support telecom operators in the Philippines. This initiative will enhance network coverageand service quality, contributing to the country’s digital transformation.”

Mei Zhonghua, Senior Vice President of ZTE, added, “We are excited to partner with Philtower and MIDC in advancing the Philippines’ telecommunications landscape. ZTE remains committed to delivering innovative and high-quality network solutions to our global partners, and we believe this collaboration will create significant value for the industry and consumers alike.”

RIERA

Fortinet expands OT Security Platform

SUNNYVALE, California -Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced it has advanced its OT Security Platform to further support the protection of critical infrastructure and industrial sites from evolving cyberthreats. New enhancements go beyond traditional OT visibility solutions and include deeper OT-specific threat visibility with the FortiGuard OT Security Service, expanded ruggedized solutions for segmentation and 5G in harsh environments, and an upgraded OT SecOps portfolio for automated threat response and regulatory compliance tracking.

“Fortinet has been building an industry-leading OT Security Platform for 20-plus years and remains at the forefront of OT security innovation,” said Nirav Shah, Senior Vice President, Products and Solutions at Fortinet. “As cyberthreats against critical infrastructure and across industries such as energy, transportation, and manufacturing continue to grow, Fortinet remains committed to delivering comprehensive security solutions tailored for operational technology environments. These latest enhancements give organizations the tools they need to improve their OT security posture and adhere to regulatory requirements—all managed through a single, unified platform.”

Key Enhancements to the Fortinet OT Security Platform

The latest Fortinet OT Security Platform updates introduce powerful new capabilities to enhance OT security:

New FortiGate Rugged NGFWs combined with new enhancements to the FortiGuard OT Security Service provide unparalleled security enforcement in OT environments, allowing organizations to detect threats across over 3,300 OT protocol rules, nearly 750 OT IPS rules, and 1,500 virtual patching rules. These capabilities protect against known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs) and other cyber risks while delivering advanced threat protection through virtual patching for legacy OT systems. Additional new secure networking OT capabilities include updates to FortiSRA, enhancing secure remote access with improved secrets and password management for OT environments.

To ensure secure segmentation, Fortinet has also introduced the FortiSwitch Rugged 108F and FortiSwitch Rugged 112F-POE, expanding its portfolio of industrial-grade small form-factor switches. These ruggedized switches allow for granular security enforcement at the port level, preventing unauthorized lateral movement across OT networks while maintaining seamless integration with Fortinet’s broader security ecosystem. These switches, built on Fortinet’s unified FortiOS operating system, streamline network and security management.

Global-Link MP; and Maria Lourdes Patricia S. Lagandaon, COO of Global-Link MP.

museum—not just as a cultural landmark, but as a venue rich with possibilities for inspiration and engagement,” said Lambino. The MOA signing was attended by key representatives from both parties, including Paul Vincent S. Mercado, Senior Director of Marketing and Donor Relations of Ayala Foundation; Patrick Lawrence Tan, CEO of Global-Link MP; Felipe Antonio P. Estrella III, Chief Finance Officer of Ayala Foundation; and Maria Lourdes Patricia S. Lagandaon, COO of Global-Link MP. Also present as witnesses were Katrina Lagandaon-Uy, Project and Business Development Director at Global-Link MP, and Aprille P. Tijam, Associate Director of Ayala Museum at Ayala Foundation. The Ayala Museum team and Global-Link MP representatives were also at the signing event.

realme 14 Series features

realme ambassador Kathryn Bernardo with realme’s latest o ering.

while delivering enhanced

Philtower, MIDC and ZTE sign an MoU at MWC Barcelona 2025

Shown here are (from left) Paul Vincent S. Mercado, Senior Director of Marketing and Donor Relations of Ayala Foundation Inc.; Aprille P. Tijam, Associate Director of Ayala Museum at Ayala Foundation Inc.; Patrick Lawrence Tan, CEO of Global-Link MP; Felipe Antonio P. Estrella III, Chief Finance O cer of Ayala Foundation Inc.; Katrina Lagandaon-Uy, Project and Business Development Director at

LINKEDIN, the world’s largest professional network, has formed a strategic partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines to address the nation’s educational and workforce challenges.

This partnership aims to provide over 200,000 public school teachers with scaled access to LinkedIn Learning courses, mapped to the Philippines Professional Standards for Educators. This initiative will help teachers develop critical competencies in areas including creative thinking, data analytics, and digital skills as the country undergoes rapid digitalization accelerated by AI. This will empower teachers to stay relevant, become more productive and efficient in daily tasks, and deliver a higher quality of education in the classroom.

Beyond upskilling educators, DepEd will also leverage LinkedIn Talent Insights (LTI) to shape and inform curriculum design, particularly for Grade 11 and 12 students. This data-driven approach will ensure that classroom pedagogy aligns with in-demand skills and competencies, to better guide and prepare job-ready graduates to enter the workforce.

“The Philippines is facing significant challenges in addressing teacher distribution and a shortage of nearly 90,000 educators . The global pandemic underscored the need for ongoing teacher support and training to deliver quality education in diverse and remote learning environments. Our partnership with LinkedIn enables DepEd to establish robust professional development programs for teachers beyond

LinkedIn, DepEd join hands to upskill over 200k teachers, job-ready graduates

Remote ransomware rising: Attackers increasingly encrypting files out of sight

RANSOMWARE is one of the most significant threats facing organizations today. Battling it is no easy task, particularly given that threat actors are continually refining their techniques and approaches.

At the end of 2023, Sophos X-Ops noted a significant increase in ‘remote encryption’ attacks – where ransomware attackers breach a compromised and often under protected endpoint to encrypt data on other devices connected to the same network.

This trend has only accelerated, with Sophos X-Ops now reporting a 50% year-over-year increase in remote ransomware attacks in 2024. That represents a 141% rise since 2022, underscoring the prevalence of this threat. As shown on the above chart, remote encryption was relatively low throughout 2022 and the first half of 2023, but it increased significantly in the latter half of 2023. Since then, it’s remained at relatively high levels (albeit with some ups and downs).

Rising Trend of Remote Ransomware While remote encryption is not new, it has become increasingly common among modern ransomware groups

since it can bypass many endpoint security products. That’s because the files are encrypted out of view of defensive capabilities, such as memory scanning and behavior monitoring.

Microsoft’s 2023 Digital Defense Report, observed that around 60%

WITH rising electricity and medical costs, prioritizing your health and well-being has never been more important. As temperatures soar and air quality declines this summer, staying cool should not come at the expense of your health—or your wallet. Yet, many traditional air conditioners circulate stale air, trap allergens, and drive up energy bills, leaving you choosing between comfort and cost.

TCL Electronics, a global leader in consumer electronics, introduces FreshIN 3.0, the new generation of air conditioners that help you save more, breathe better, and stay comfortable all summer long. Designed for efficiency and convenience, it tackles the common hassles of air conditioning—high costs, poor air circulation, and fluctuating temperatures— so you can enjoy a fresher, healthier home without the usual drawbacks.

“We have continuously pushed the boundaries of air conditioning technology, delivering the industry’s most advanced fresh air solutions. The TCL FreshIN 3.0 series elevates this innovation with its patented FreshIN Technology, making the series the next generation of air conditioners,” says Joseph Cernitchez, TCL Philippines Brand Manager. Smart Air Quality Control for a Healthier Home

The TCL FreshIn 3.0 AC’s visible air quality display empowers you to breathe more easily. A built-in TVOC sensor that tracks indoor air quality in realtime, giving you peace of mind about the air your family breathes. The Filter Life Span Reminder tells you exactly when to change your filters to maintain optimal performance.

With FreshIN Technology, featuring a liftable fresh air inlet, the AC actively brings in fresh air while maintaining stable indoor temperatures—so you’ll never experience sudden chills or stuffy heat. The QuadruPuri Filters include a four-layer purifi-

of human-operated ransomware attacks involved remote encryption, with 80% of all compromises originating from unmanaged devices. In its 2024 report, Microsoft also found that 70% of successful attacks involved remote encryption.

data-driven resources to close skill gaps, improve competencies, and drive meaningful change in class-

Chester Wisniewski, director and global field CISO at Sophos, said, “Remote encryption has now become a standard part of ransomware groups’ bag of tricks. Every organization has blind spots and ransomware criminals are quick to exploit weaknesses once discovered. Businesses need to be hypervigilant in ensuring visibility across their entire estate and actively monitor any suspicious file activity.”

What to Do to Stay Protected To stay secure against remote ransomware, Sophos recommends the following:

● Practice active asset management—Regularly track all devices and endpoints to identify vulnerabilities and unauthorized access

● Identify unmanaged machines—Continuously scan for rogue devices that could serve as entry points for attacks

● Use security solutions that monitor file activity—Implement tools to track file movements and transfers in real time to detect suspicious behavior

Setting Job-Ready Graduates Up for Success in a Rapidly Changing World of Work

With over 1.1 billion members globally, including 16 million in the Philippines—LinkedIn has a unique view into how work is changing at an unprecedented pace. Its recently launched Work Change report projects that the skills required to do a job in the Philippines will change by 70% by 2030, accelerated by AI. In fact, 10% of workers hired in 2024 hold job titles that didn’t exist in 2000—in a new AIdriven era of work, roles like AI Engineer, Data Scientist, Sustainability Manager, Social Media Manager, and Customer Success Manager are now commonplace.

The growing demand for AI-related competencies is clear: 68% of Filipino leaders would hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills, than a more experienced candidate without them . However, with AI’s potential to automate more routine, everyday tasks— business leaders are also recognizing the importance of soft skills; skills that set people apart to innovate and collaborate in ways technology cannot. In the Philippines, six of the top 10 growing in-demand skills are soft skills, with writing and critical thinking being the most in-demand skill, followed by problem solving, leadership, and interpersonal skills . “AI will continue to drive up the value of skills as it becomes relevant to every job in the future and woven into many tasks. But as we integrate this technology into daily work, human skills like communication, creative thinking, and leadership will become even more critical,” Feon Ang, Managing Director, APAC at LinkedIn, said. “Our focus is on equipping educators with the technical and soft skills that reflect this shift. By partnering with the Department of Education, we aim to empower educators to lead this transformation and prepare the next generation of graduates with the skills and in-demand capabilities they need to thrive in an evolving world of work.”

turns 6: Introduces full-scale Financial OS, faster onboarding for biz

CELEBRATING six years of fintech innovation, PayMongo has unveiled its most powerful transformation yet, introducing an enhanced Financial OS alongside an upcoming, industry-first dynamic onboarding.

● Practice good cybersecurity hygiene— Enforce strong passwords, regular updates, multi-factor authentication, and employee training to reduce risks

Experience the new generation of fresh air conditioner with TCL FreshIN 3.0

This soon-to-be-released feature will allow businesses to

mizes cooling efficiency, reducing power consumption by up to 37%. Ideal for families and households in warmer climates, this feature makes FreshIN 3.0 an eco-friendly choice that helps you save money while reducing environmental impact.

The TCL FreshIN 3.0 air conditioner features Electricity Consumption Monitoring via the TCL Home App, which provides users with an energy usage chart. This smart feature helps you track and optimize your AC consumption, ensuring greater efficiency and cost savings. Voice Control for Ultimate Convenience Hands full while cooking or playing with your kids? Just say “‘Hey TCL, turn on the AC.” With Hey TCL, Google, and Alexa voice control, you can easily adjust the temperature, activate FreshIN mode, or turn the unit on and off—without lifting a finger. Even when the internet is down, TCL’s offline voice control ensures you stay in command.g Extend your smart home ecosystem with the TCL FreshIN 3.0. Compatible with Google Home and Alexa, it connects seamlessly to your smart TV, smartphone, or Alexa soundbar through TCL Home or Google Assistant, enabling voice and remote control. Ready for a home with healthier, fresher air?

Visit your nearest TCL authorized dealer store or shop on the official Lazada and Shopee Mall pages to experience advanced air quality and cooling technology.

The partnership was formalized by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Singapore. LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky, LinkedIn APAC Managing Director Feon Ang, and Philippines Secretary of Education Sonny Angara attended the ceremony, marking a signi cant milestone in the nation’s drive to enhance educational standards.

one-off training initiatives,” Senator Sonny Angara, Secretary of Education, Department of Education Philippines, said. “By leverag-

ing LinkedIn’s global insights and comprehensive LinkedIn Learning course offerings, we can provide educators with the tools and the

rooms nationwide.”

The number of remote encryption incidents (normalized as percentages) from January 2022 until December 2024.

Jojo Malolos highlighted the increase of commercial growth throughout the years.

FreshIN 3.0, the new generation of air conditioners from TCL

SHOWBIZ

Sharon does ‘Sharon’ to bring food security to the table

FOR years, Sharon Cuneta’s name has been tied to music, film, and the kind of familiarity that cuts across generations. Known for roles that mirror the everyday Filipino’s struggles and triumphs, she has stayed a fixture in the country’s cultural landscape.

families to put enough food on the table.

Pangilinan, who has long pushed for agricultural reforms, appears in the ad as the problem-solver. Known for legislation aimed at helping farmers and fishermen, he has consistently framed food security as a matter of national importance.

The campaign touches on a familiar question for many Filipino families — why staples like spaghetti or ham have become rare treats, often reserved for birthdays or holidays. It also confronts the paradox of farmers working hard, yet unable to provide enough for their own households.

Now, Cuneta is back in the public eye for a different reason—joining her husband, former senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan , in raising awareness about food security and the challenges facing Filipino farmers.

Their latest campaign, anchored on a television ad titled Pag may Kiko, may Sharon, uses humor to raise serious questions about inflation and food prices. The ad plays on Cuneta’s pop culture image—the “baon” or leftover queen—to show how shrinking portions have made even leftovers a luxury.

In one scene, she arrives at a party and notices how food portions have become so small there is hardly anything left to bring home. The moment draws attention to how inflation is making it harder for

While Cuneta brings her wide reach and relatable presence, Pangilinan offers policies he believes could ease these burdens. The message is simple: access to affordable, nutritious food should not be a luxury.

Cuneta’s return to advocacy is not new. She stood by Pangilinan during his 2022 electoral bid, a race that ended in defeat but did little to slow his work. This time, the couple frames their campaign as a shared effort—one drawing attention to a cause that cuts across political lines.

For Cuneta, known for portraying stories of family and survival, joining this campaign comes naturally.

In a country where celebrity voices carry weight, her involvement helps put the spotlight on a growing concern for many Filipino households.

ACTOR Donny Pangilinan, actress Belle Mariano, and TV personality Maine Mendoza spent time with selected Smart Communications subscribers in a series of intimate fan meet-ups in February.

The events were part of Smart’s Holideals promo, which offered subscribers a chance to join meetand-greet sessions with the network’s celebrity ambassadors.

Donny and Belle, otherwise known as DonBelle, met 10 subscribers on Feb. 15 for a group date filled with games and conversations. Fans presented gifts and sang an early birthday song for Donny, who turned 26 on Feb. 10.

The pair took time to talk individually with each fan, answering questions, listening to personal stories, and even making video calls to friends of the attendees.

“We really enjoyed spending time with you. Belle and I would not be here without you,” Donny told the group. Belle added it was rare for them to interact closely with supporters. “It’s really nice to have this opportunity to know more about you,” she said.

PowerAll data promos for school presentations. “I no longer bring a laptop. I mirror my phone screen when there’s no Wi-Fi and stream educational videos in class,” she said. Mary Graze Oalog, a former overseas Filipino worker, joined the event after returning from Saudi Arabia. “We join Smart promos because of Maine. She was our stress reliever abroad,” she said. Maine, who marks her 10th year in entertainment, thanked supporters. “We’ve been through so many firsts together. It’s rare we get to share stories like this,” she said. The Holideals meet-ups formed part of Smart’s rewards program to offer subscribers experiences beyond connectivity.

told Daydream’s about

The subscribers later expressed appreciation for the event, describing the interaction as more personal than expected.

On Feb. 22, Maine surprised nine subscribers during a lunch gathering in Quezon City. The event, hosted by P-pop group Denise Silva, allowed fans to share stories about the TV host’s decadelong showbiz career.

Among the participants was 36-yearold Elvira Abad, a Smart subscriber since 2015. “As a fellow introvert, I could relate to her when she was starting out in showbiz,” she said.

Another fan, 52-year-old teacher Leonora Aquino, said she regularly uses Smart’s

To learn more about Smart’s special promos and meet-and-greet rewards, load PowerAll 99 with the following inclusions: Unli Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram or Unli TikTok; 10 GB for all apps; unlimited calls; and unlimited texts—all valid for 7 days.

A full-circle moment for Tim Yap

HOST and lifestyle journalist Tim Yap has signed with GMA Network’s talent agency Sparkle, returning to the network where he previously headlined his own talk show.

The contract signing was held Tuesday, March 18, with GMA senior vice president Annette Gozon-Valdes and Sparkle first vice president Joy Marcelo present.

Marcelo described Yap as the “spark” the agency had been looking for, citing his influence and potential to guide younger artists. Gozon-Valdes welcomed Yap back, recalling his earlier projects with GMA and saying it was an honor to have him rejoin the network.

“I’ve been such a fan of GMA since I was a kid. And now that it’s GMA’s 75th year, I’m honored and humbled to be back in this

building to build new memories with you,” Yap said.

Yap previously hosted The Tim Yap Show from 2013 to 2015, co-hosted Miss Universe Philippines 2024, and appeared in the Philippine adaptation of Start-Up in 2022. He said he aims to return to television with bigger projects this year. “For my personal goals, I want to continue hosting and do more television. This year is like my big TV comeback,” Yap said.

Gozon-Valdes confirmed Yap’s plans include appearing in a GMA drama series. “I think Tim’s character in the industry won’t be complete without him appearing in entertainment shows not just as a host, but also in acting,” she said.

Sharon Cuneta (left) is now raising awareness about food security and the challenges faced by Filipino farmers, joining her husband, former senator Francis ’Kiko’ Pangilinan

Tim Yap is back with GMA Network as he signs with its in-house talent agency Sparkle

TV host Maine Mendoza at Smart’s Holideals meetand-greet event

Belle Mariano (left) and Donny Pangilinan discuss which interesting details they wish to share with their fans

Where memories are made and burgers are flipped

George Yang’s McDonald’s Greenbelt isn’t going anywhere

THE McDonald’s store along Paseo de Roxas, known as McDonald’s Greenbelt, remains open and operational, continuing to serve customers in the heart of the Makati Central Business District.

The branch, located beside the recently demolished Greenbelt 1 mall, has drawn attention as the last remaining retail establishment in the area. Its continued operations come as McDonald’s Philippines prepares to celebrate the store’s 40th year in December.

Opened in 1985, McDonald’s Greenbelt was the ninth store launched by McDonald’s Philippines Chairman and founder George T. Yang. Referred to as Store 009 by its employees, the branch has become a familiar stop for office workers, residents, and visitors in Makati’s busy commercial district.

The store’s lease has been renewed until 2027, assuring its presence in the area amid redevelopment projects.

“McDonald’s Greenbelt is open and will continue to serve our customers in the Makati CBD,” said Adi Hernandez, McDonald’s Philippines assistant vice president for Corporate Relations and Impact.

“We’re excited and thankful to have the opportunity to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the store later this year with our customers and employees, both past and present.”

Hernandez said operating a store in the same location for four decades reflects the community it has built. “The success of McDonald’s

LGreenbelt is not just in sales, but in the loyalty it has earned from customers, managers, and crew through the decades,” she said.

Hernandez added that the store is not closing and will continue to operate through dine-in, take-out, delivery, and a newly renovated drivethru lane.

Customers and former employees have taken to social media to share memories of the branch, which has become part of their daily routines and family moments.

AUREEN Uy-Cruz is a name synonymous with style, trendsetting fashion, and authentic influence.

As one of the most celebrated fashion icons and digital influencers, Laureen has carved a niche for herself in the fashion and lifestyle scene. With her keen eye for detail, impeccable taste, and relatable personality, she has amassed a loyal following that looks to her for inspiration in fashion, travel, beauty, and lifestyle. This week, I reached out to Laureen, and this is her story.

Laureen shared that at an early age, she already wanted to have a career in the world of fashion.

“I started interning for a fashion magazine at the age of 15 because I knew I wanted to be part of the fashion industry. I didn’t know my path yet, but I knew my hard work would lead me there. When I got to college, I opened a clothing brand with my best friend. During that time, I was also a contributing stylist, writer, and model for several magazines,” said Laureen on how she started.

On her 21st birthday, she created a blog to serve as a visual diary since she loved dressing up and taking photos. Not long after, she received an invite for an out-of-town fashion show. What followed were several fashion and travel business opportunities.

“I’ve never stopped since then.

I’m really lucky to be where I am right now, doing what I love and meeting amazing people along the way,” she continues.

Laureen admires her two siblings, who started working in the fashion industry long before her. Growing up with them inspired her to be part of the industry as well.

She stays authentic by mixing trends with her style. The key is knowing the trend forecast while still staying true to oneself.

She continues, “I tried so many styles and am still trying new ones! I’ve tried preppy, chic, urban, street, and more. Being open to experimenting with different styles and trends has led me to my personal style now, which is street chic. Picture a cropped shirt paired with long denim shorts, accessorized with a Fendi sequined sling bag, and paired with socks and heels. It’s not too feminine, but not too masculine either.”

One Facebook user recalled decades of meals at the store, writing, “Breakfast meetups, late lunches, and late-night snacks. So many memories for more than two decades.”

Another shared a family story from the 1980s: “So many happy memories our family wrote in Greenbelt—from Greenbelt Aviary to Rizal Theater, to the first McDonald’s where the young Richard Gomez took the orders of our small daughters, to celebrating the seventh birthday of our youngest son.”

A former crew member also shared

how the store shaped their personal growth: “From an introvert teenager to a confident crew member, McDonald’s has become a big part of what I am right now… forever grateful.”

Since Yang opened the first McDonald’s in the Philippines along Morayta Street in Manila in 1981, the company has expanded to nearly 800 stores. It ended 2024 with 792 outlets nationwide and is preparing to open its 800th branch soon, making the Philippines one of the brand’s top 10 markets globally.

Laureen Uy is exploring the world in style

The world of influencers and content creation is constantly changing. Laureen mentions that she started during the Lookbook/Chictopia era, and she has seen how the digital landscape has evolved and is still changing.

“In the early 2000s, people didn’t know that blogging could be a full-time job. Fast forward to now, and there are so many full-time influencers and content creators. We can further enhance our creativity with the use of AI and editing apps that make it easier to create content, and this trend will continue to grow. As far as I can tell, it will keep evolving for many years,” she said. Aside from providing new fashion trends and

travel tips to her audience, Laureen has also ventured into the food business. Together with her husband, Miggy Cruz, the couple manages Hungry Homies, a smash burger joint with several branches in the Metro.

“My husband’s burgers are the main reason I ventured into business. He started cooking burgers during the pandemic, and I loved them so much that I told him we could sell them online. Since my college course was IMC (Integrated Marketing Communications), we agreed he would run the kitchen, while I would handle marketing,” said Laureen on their business.

As for future plans, she wants to build a beautiful family and open more Hungry Homies branches.

Laureen continues to inspire through her unique blend of style, authenticity, and creativity. From her humble beginnings as a fashion blogger to becoming a global influencer, Laureen has proven that passion and hard work can turn dreams into reality. Her ability to connect with her audience, coupled with her ever-evolving personal brand, ensures that she remains a significant figure in the world of fashion, lifestyle, and travel.

As she continues to break boundaries and set trends, there’s no doubt she will keep inspiring aspiring influencers and fashion enthusiasts alike.

For more Dee-Tails, you may reach the author at angeloardee2@gmail. com.

JASPER VALDEZ ,

Fashion maven Laureen Uy-Cruz

At a young age, Laureen has expressed her passion for fashion

Laureen (left) also owns Hungry Homies, a burger joint with branches in the metro, with her husband, Miggy Cruz

McDonald’s Greenbelt, located in Paseo de Roxas, remains open and serves customers

McDonald’s Philippines chairman and founder George T. Yang