By Rex Espiritu
PH deploys team to quake-hit areas
$100k standby fund for affected Pinoys
By Charles Dantes, Rex Espiritu and Rachelle Tonelada
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered the deployment of a 114-personnel humanitarian contingent to Myanmar following a powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake that also affected parts of neighboring Thailand.
The government also approved the release of $100,000 in standby funds for affected Filipinos in Myanmar Depart-
ment of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega said.
The humanitarian contingent, sched-
Comelec pauses gov’t ‘ayuda’ ahead of polls
By Vito Barcelo
THE Commission on Elections
(Comelec) announced that government aid distribution will pause from May 2 until May 12 to prevent misuse of state resources for illegal campaigning.
To be affected by the 10-day suspension are the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis situations (AICS), Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) programs.
In a statement on Monday, Comelec chairman George Garcia said the AICS program, which provides cash assistance for essential needs like medical expenses and education, will face additional scrutiny. He warned that any distribution within the 10 days would be deemed illegal and carry consequences.
Garcia explained that the expanded ban on government dole-outs during the crucial part of the election season highlights the poll body’s determination to close loopholes and prevent the misuse of public resources.
uled to depart today (Tuesday, April 1) will include representatives from the Department of Health, Bureau of Fire Protection, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and private sector groups, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.
“The President has instructed our agencies to act swiftly in assisting our neighboring countries. We stand in
By Charles Dantes
MALACAÑANG said stopping the impending Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) fare increase may breach the government’s contract with the operator, despite mounting public opposition.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro cited contractual obligations as the primary hurdle, emphasizing the hike’s delayed implementation for commuter relief.
The scheduled April 2nd increase will elevate maximum single journey fares from P45 to P55,
and minimum fares from P15 to P20. Castro warned of potential repercussions if the government fails to adhere to the contract.
Civil society groups, including PISTON, Bayan, and PARA, filed an appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., contesting the Department of Transportation’s (DoTR) approval of the hike. They argued it would disproportionately affect LRT-1’s daily commuters, largely students and workers.
“An added burden to commuters,
FORMER president Rodrigo Duterte’s lead lawyer said there was a “compelling” argument to throw out the International Criminal Court (ICC) case against his client even before it comes to trial.
On Sunday, Nicholas Kaufman said he hoped to stop the case before the ICC confirms the charges against Duterte by arguing the court cannot exercise its jurisdiction.
Kaufman pointed out the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court had become effective well before an investigation was authorized.
Duterte, 80, faces a charge of crimes against humanity for murder over his “war on drugs” that claimed the lives of thousands of mostly poor men, often without proof they were linked to drugs.
British-Israeli lawyer Kaufman, 56, said: “Coming back to the jurisdictional point, obviously you don’t need to be the dean of a law faculty to realize that that’s going to be a huge
By Rachelle Tonelada
THREE Filipino minors have been released after being detained by Qatari authorities for their participation in a political demonstration, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega confirmed. However, the mother of the minors and 16 other Filipinos remain in police custody.
“We’re hopeful that they will be released next week or so. If there is a case against them, which would mean up to 3 years detention, they aren’t causing trouble, plus deportation, they will have services of legal
Gov’t to push ‘Walang Gutom’ drive
By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz
ALACAÑANG
Mvowed to address the rising hunger incidence in the country following the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, which showed that 27.2% of Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger at least once in the past three months.
This marks an increase from the 25.9% recorded in December 2024 and is the highest rate since the 30.7% reported during the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2020.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that the Department of So -
cial Welfare and Development (DSWD) is intensifying efforts to combat hunger through the “Walang Gutom” Program (WGP), formerly the Food Stamp Program.
According to the DSWD, the WGP initiative currently provides 300,000 food-poor households, or approximately
1.5 million individuals, with ₱3,000 in monthly food credits.
“The government will carefully study the survey results to identify areas where hunger persists,” Castro said on Monday. “We will ensure that any gaps in assistance are promptly addressed,” she added.
DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to expanding the WGP to reach more families, especially in critical areas where hunger remains prevalent.
“By 2027, the agency targets to assist 750,000 food-poor families, reinforcing the government’s commitment to a hunger-free Philippines,” Dumlao said.
The Walang Gutom Kitchen, located in Pasay City, continues to provide free hot meals to families and individuals living on the streets. This initiative reduces food wastage by turning surplus food from hotels, restaurants, and organizations into nutritious meals for those in need.
Dumlao noted that hunger rates in Metro Manila, where the WGP was first piloted, did not increase — a reflection that these programs are making progress.
Beyond direct food assistance, the DSWD is also promoting better public nutrition through innovative programs like the “WGP Kusinero Cook-Off Challenge,” launched in February.
UPCAT application deadline extended to April 14
WHO seeks urgent funding for Myanmar
THE World Health Organization said Sunday the Myanmar earthquake was a top-level emergency as it urgently sought $8 million to save lives and prevent disease outbreaks over the next 30 days.
The WHO said the high numbers of casualties and trauma injuries were at high risk of infection due to limited surgical capacity in the country, while the underlying conditions in Myanmar meant the quake was likely to intensify the risk of disease.
“WHO has classified this crisis as a Grade 3 emergency—the highest level of activation under its Emergency Response Framework,” the United Nations health agency said in its flash appeal for funds.
The initial 7.7-magnitude quake struck near the central Myanmar city of Mandalay on Friday, followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock.
to be proactive in safeguarding lives.
The Office of Civil Defense said Monday Manila is not prepared yet for a 7.7 magnitude earthquake just like what struck Myanmar Friday that has killed more than 1,700 people.
“We cannot sugarcoat our answer to this. We really need to do some catching up in terms of preparations and engineering solutions,” OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said in a radio interview.
He said preparedness for a major earthquake involves two levels – the first is public awareness, with many Filipinos familiar with the “duck, cover, and hold” technique due to nationwide earthquake drills; and second is implementing engineering solutions, such as ensuring that houses, buildings, and bridges are built to withstand earthquakes.
Nepomuceno also urged Filipinos to visit hazardhunter.ph and type their address “to see if their house is near a fault system or near a landslide-prone area.”
The Philippines is in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region around the Pacific Ocean characterized by frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity, encompassing around 75 percent of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes.
For his part, Senate President Francis Escudero called for more inspections of public and private structures nationwide to check the buildings’ integrity.
“We must see to it that regular inspections are conducted on public infrastructure and on the structures constructed by the private sector, particularly the office and residential buildings that have sprouted over the past decades,” Escudero said.
The Senate has been advancing several bills seeking to update and strengthen the country’s decades-old Building Code to institutionalize stricter inspection and certification processes by local government building officials.
“We need to take disaster risk reduction and management initiatives seriously at all times,” Escudero said. With Maricel Cruz
By Rolando Ng III
THE application deadline for the University of the Philippines College Admissions Test (UPCAT) 2026 has been extended to April 14. The UP Office of Admissions in a
Facebook post on Monday announced it will continue to accept applicants for Academic Year 2026-2027.
Prospective students who are currently in Senior High School are encouraged to fill out and complete the application form by the said deadline.
said a brown jacket recovered from the debris belonged to the missing Filipino.
The submission of Form 2A and confirmation of applicants as senior high students will likewise be moved to April 25.
UPCAT 2026 is set to commence on August 2 and 3 across all UP campuses and affiliated testing centers across the country.
the proposed fare increase... imposes substantial financial burdens on the approximately half a million daily commuters of LRT-1, most of whom are students and workers,” the petition read.
The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) operates LRT-1 under a concession agreement extending to 2046, which includes infrastructure development like the Baclaran-Cavite extension. Appellants suggested the government absorb operational costs if the fare hike is rescinded. They pointed out that a 10.25% increase every two years, as stipulated since 2014, could result in fares nearly tripling by 2046. The government had previously denied LRMC’s fare hike requests in 2016, 2018, and 2020.
The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) operates the LRT-1, which provides train service for commuters traveling between Caloocan, Quezon City, Manila, and Parañaque, under a government concession agreement.
solidarity with the people of Myanmar and Thailand during this time of crisis,” Castro said.
The Philippine Air Force will transport the humanitarian team that will first travel to Thailand before proceeding to Myanmar due to logistical difficulties in accessing the quake-hit areas.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Myanmar,” added Office of the Civil Defense Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno.
De Vega said the Philippine embassy in Myanmar is prioritizing the welfare checks on the 151 Filipinos in Mandalay, all considered affected by the disaster.
While no Filipino casualties or injuries have been reported so far in Myanmar, four nationals remain missing.
“Right now, our priority is to locate and save our four missing nationals,”
De Vega said.
Three of the four missing Filipinos were inside a residential building that collapsed during the quake.
Alexis Gale and Edsil Adalid, a married couple, were reportedly housed at the ninth floor of the collapsed Sky Villa condominium in Mandalay.
Edsil’s co-teacher at the Mandalay International School of Acumen, Rojan Talita,
“We wanted to ask everybody to keep praying that we will be able to receive a miracle for Alex and Edsil, that they are found or that they will be found alive,”
Alexis’ sister, Veronica May Concepcion, said in a television interview on Sunday.
Francis Aragon, another Filipino still unaccounted for, was living on the sixth floor of the same building.
“We don’t know where he is, whether he managed to get out or if he’s still trapped inside. I just want him to be found, to see him as soon as possible,” Aragaon’s wife, Mae Kathleen, said.
Although no Filipino has requested repatriation yet, De Vega said the government would facilitate evacuation should anyone seek to return home.
The challenge, however, lies in Myanmar’s airport shutdowns, which would require repatriates to travel through Thailand.
Myanmar’s ruling junta declared a week of national mourning on Monday for the country’s devastating earthquake, which has killed more than 1,700 people, as hopes faded of finding more survivors in the rubble of ruined buildings.
National flags will fly at half-mast until April 6 “in sympathy for the loss of life and damages” from Friday’s massive 7.7-magnitude quake, the junta said in a statement.
The announcement came as the tempo
holy month of Ramadan.
Filipinos to celebrate the festival. “In spirit, the Festival of Breaking the Fast is more than a celebration; it is a testament to our desire for shared humanity, strengthening bonds of family and friendship, as well as unity among our peers,” Mr. Marcos said.
The president urged Filipinos to continue demonstrating compassion and service to others, taking inspiration from the values upheld during Ramadan.
He also called on citizens to embrace inclusivity and work toward a harmonious society, echoing the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday underscored the importance of unity and sharing of blessings with the family and those in need. In a video message, the Vice President wished the Muslim brothers and sisters “peace in their hearts, light to their spirits, and eternal happiness to their homes.”
Senate President Francis Escudero on Monday extended his greetings to the Muslim community as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the
issue at pre-trial.”
“I think that the jurisdictional argument is compelling as defense counsel. I believe that it should succeed, and I would be hugely disappointed if it doesn’t succeed,” he added.
“We hope to persuade the judges pretrial that it (the court) cannot exercise its jurisdiction over the case. There won’t be a confirmation-of-charges hearing if the judges rule in our favor,” he noted. Kaufman also called attention to the
and urgency of rescue efforts wound down in Mandalay, one of the worst-affected cities and the country’s second-largest, with more than 1.7 million inhabitants.
“The situation is so dire that it’s hard to express what is happening,” said Aung Myint Hussein, chief administrator of Mandalay’s Sajja North mosque.
Thousands more were injured and more than 300 remain missing.
At least 18 deaths have been confirmed hundreds of kilometers away in Bangkok, where the force of the quake caused a 30-storey tower block under construction to collapse.
However, with communications down in much of Myanmar, the true scale of the disaster has yet to emerge and the death toll is expected to rise significantly.
Mandalay’s 1,000-bed general hospital has been evacuated, with hundreds of patients being treated outside.
The challenges facing the Southeast Asian country of more than 50 million people were immense even before the earthquake.
Myanmar has been ravaged by four years of civil war sparked by a military coup in 2021, with its economy shattered and healthcare and infrastructure badly damaged.
The World Health Organization declared the quake a top-level emergency as it urgently sought $8 million to save lives and prevent disease outbreaks over the next 30 days. With AFP
Escudero expressed hope that the occasion would serve as a moment of reflection and inspire national unity, especially amid the country’s ongoing political divisions.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez also sent a message of support to the Muslim community. At the same time, the leader of the 306-member House of Representatives vowed that he and his colleagues would continue to support measure that would help Muslim Filipinos.
Romualdez also recognized the contributions of Muslim Filipinos to the country’s development.
He said Eid’l Fitr “is a reminder of unity, compassion and generosity - values that bind us together as a nation. It is through these principles that we foster understanding and strengthen the ties between all Filipinos, regardless of faith and background.”
The House leader expressed the hope that the conclusion of Ramadan “usher in peace, prosperity and divine grace.” Eid’l Fitr, one of the most significant Islamic holidays, is traditionally marked with prayers, feasts, and gatherings with family and friends. Ram Superable, Maricel V. Cruz
circumstances behind the former president’s arrest and rapid handover to the ICC in The Hague.
“I view it as a kidnapping, nothing more or less. It’s an extrajudicial rendition. He was given no due process, just slung over to the Hague,” Kaufman told AFP. “This was in complete contravention of Philippine law.” Kaufman, whose previous clients at ICC include former Congolese rebel leader Jean-Pierre Bemba and Aisha Kadhafi, daughter of the deceased Libyan dictator, said he was visiting his latest client virtually every day in the ICC detention center.
The quake has killed more than 1,700 people in Myanmar and at least 18 in neighboring Thailand.
In Myanmar, “preliminary assessments indicate high numbers of casualties and trauma-related injuries, with urgent needs for emergency care. Electricity and water supplies remain disrupted, worsening access to health services and heightening risks of waterborne and food-borne disease outbreaks,” the WHO said.
While the Comelec has imposed strict guidelines, he emphasized the DSWD’s responsibility in maintaining the integrity of its aid programs.
“We will not stop the distribution of the financial aid but the DSWD must adhere to the conditions that we have set,” he said.
He said violations could lead to severe repercussions, including the revocation of exemptions for the DSWD’s programs.
The Comelec’s chief warned that any candidate or government worker exploiting the aid distribution process for political gain could face criminal charges and disqualification.
Meanwhile, Garcia also urged recording artists to file formal complaints against candidates using their songs as campaign jingles without consent.
“We hope that the band [or singers] can file a formal complaint with us. This will serve as the basis for our actions,” the poll chief said.
Garcia made the remarks after the band Lola Amour’s claim that their song was used without permission.
counsel,” De Vega said.
“Our Embassy is trying to work with lawyers and our consuls there to convince the authorities to set them free already, or maybe with a fine instead of a case,” he added.
Qatari law strictly prohibits political rallies and demonstrations, a regulation that applies across many parts of the Middle East. In Qatar, particularly, legal charges of political rallies and demonstrations could lead to up to three years of detention and deportation.
According to Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega, their arrest was not related to visa issues or immigration violations but solely due to their participation in what authorities classified as a political rally.
“They weren’t arrested because they didn’t have a visa. That’s not the reason. It was really about the political demonstration of the OFWs in Qatar,” De Vega clarified in a mix of English and Filipino, debunking misinformation suggesting otherwise.
Duterte was “adjusting to the reality of prison life. That’s not easy for anyone. However, the former president was in “good spirits,” his attorney noted.
“My only fear is that this court is starved of cases at the present moment and might be loath to let a case like that go, to slip through its hands,” Kaufman added.
A confirmation of charges hearing, where prosecutors and defense first lay out their evidence, is currently scheduled for September 23.
The issue of jurisdiction is key in this case as the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019. However, when the court issued its
arrest warrant for Duterte, it noted that the alleged crimes took place while the country was still an ICC member.
“As the alleged conduct has taken place between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019 on the territory of the Philippines, it falls within the Court’s jurisdiction,” the ICC said.
The ICC chief prosecutor’s application for his arrest said Duterte’s alleged crimes were “part of a widespread and systematic attack directed against the civilian population” in the Philippines. The families of victims of his war on d rugs see the ICC case as a long-awaited chance for justice.
Binay approves bill lowering Makati real property taxes
By Joel E. Zurbano
MAKATI Mayor Abigail Binay has approved a landmark ordinance lowering real property tax (RPT) rates on all land classes in Makati City, marking the largest tax reduction and lowest assessment level to date.
tax and assessment levels.
“After a comprehensive review of current tax rates and prevailing economic conditions, we have decided to lower tax rates for all classes of land in the city. Residents and property owners will now benefit from substantial savings thanks to the biggest tax reduction and the lowest assessment levels implemented by the city government,” she stated.
By reducing tax rates, Binay expressed hope that the city would attract more investments, fostering
long-term growth and sustainability.
Lowering the city’s RPT rates is a timely and sensible decision, with expected long-term benefits outweighing any immediate revenue loss in the coming months.
“I believe we can manage well even with reduced RPT collections. As more businesses choose to establish themselves in Makati, our revenue from business taxes and related fees will increase, leading to more job opportunities for our residents,” the mayor remarked.
Survey says Pinoys now less confident of administration
By Rachelle Tonelada
A GROWING number of Filipinos are becoming pessimistic about the government’s leadership and the country’s future, according to the latest Pahayag First Quarter Survey (PQ1-2025), conducted from March 15-20, 2025.
The nationwide independent survey revealed a significant drop in pro-Marcos administration sentiment, which fell from 28% in Q4 2024 to 15% in Q1 2025. According to Pahayag, this is the “sharpest decline” recorded.
Meanwhile, anti-administration sentiment surged from 30% to 45%, while neutral sentiment remained stable at 39%.
Support for the administration is highest in the National Capital Region (22%), while anti-administration sentiment is strongest in Visayas (52%) and Mindanao (62%)—the bailiwick of the Dutertes, who have positioned themselves as the “opposition” to the Marcos administration.
The survey also noted an increase in pro-opposition support (+8%) and antiopposition sentiment (+7%), though nearly half of respondents (46%) continue to hold a neutral stance.
Public confidence in the country’s economic future has also weakened, according to the survey results. Forty-five percent of respondents believe the country is in a “weak state,” up from 35% in the previous quarter, while only 28% consider it strong, down from 31%.
The survey further said 45% believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, a sharp rise from 32% in Q4 2024. The survey found that 39% of respondents expect the national economy to decline further, up from 26% last quarter.
Comelec taps DOST on paper for ballots
By Pot Chavez
THE Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), through its Pulp and Paper Testing Laboratory (FPPTL), is the sole certifying body accredited by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to ensure the quality of papers to be used for the 2025 midterm elections.
The FPPTL is the only pulp and paper testing laboratory in the country and one of the institute’s testing facilities certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) through the Philippine
Accreditation Bureau.
“Our mission at DOST-FPRDI is to support the forest products industry by providing reliable and cutting-edge testing services. The expansion of our services reaffirms our commitment to help local manufacturers compete in both local and global markets,” said FPRDI Director Rico Cabangon.
With these advancements, FPPTL strengthens its role in ensuring the quality and integrity of paper products, not just for the elections but for everyday use, he added. He also stressed that by setting high standards for testing,
PNP chief hails o icers in deadly road rage incident in Antipolo City
By Vince Lopez
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP)
chief General Rommel Marbil led an awarding ceremony at the Antipolo Component City Police Station, honoring eight officers with the “Medalya ng Kagalingan” for their response to a road rage shooting incident in Antipolo City. Marbil praised the officers’ courage and quick thinking, emphasizing their dedication to public safety and readiness to respond, even on Sundays. The eight cops were commended for their efficiency and dedication to public safety, the Police Regional Office 4A (CALABARZON) announced.
“The courage and quick thinking demonstrated by our police officers in this incident embody the very essence of our duty
IN BRIEF
for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Best Buddies-Philippines Executive Director, Michelle Ressa-Aventajado, emphasized the goal of creating an inclusive society where everyone finds their place and lives with dignity, highlighting CPMS’s leadership in this effort in Central Visayas. CPMS president, Marivic Bathan, stressed the importance of providing op-
to serve and protect. The police in PRO4A are on alert 24/7 and always ready to respond, even on Sundays,” Marbil said. In a statement, PNP-CALABARZON identified the honored officers from the Antipolo Component City Police Station as: Lt. Orlando Santos Jalmasco, Chief Master Sergeant Rannel delos Santos Cruz, Police Corporals Kaveen John Rubia Vea, Joeban Acosta Abendaño, and Niño Cipriano Chavez, Patrolman Reylan Rivarez de Chavez, Patrolman Michael Keith Lalican Panganiban, and lastly, Patrolman John Mark Bacli Manahan.
“The Medalya ng Kagalingan, or the PNP Medal of Merit, is awarded to officers who display exceptional bravery and swift action in apprehending suspects,” PRO-4A stated.
portunities for all learners to grow and contribute to society, advocating for inclusive environments that empower individuals with confidence and a sense of belonging.
The event featured Mary Sue Cervantes Bathan, a 23-year-old with cerebral palsy and a recent LPT passer, who shared her journey of overcoming selfdoubt and advocating for the recognition of different abilities. Minerva Newman
consumers are protected from substandard and overpriced paper products.
The laboratory evaluates paper quality based on its opacity and brightness, grammage, thickness, stiffness, tear, and dimension.
Among the paper products tested at FPPTL are multi-copy papers, continuous forms, envelopes, thermal papers, paper seals, vellum papers, newsprints, folders, and specialty papers. For his part, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. commended the FPRDI’s advanced testing services that are instrumental in the conduct of national events as important as the elections.
several agencies. The operation, supported by various organizations, revealed evidence suggesting Molina’s exploitation of children began as early as 2012, with potential data indicating collection of abuse materials dating back to 2002. The rescued minors are now under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The public is urged to report suspected child exploitation cases to the DOJ, NBI, or local law enforcement. Pot Chavez
concerns for prompt action.
Lacuna expressed gratitude to the 896 barangay leaders for their continuous support in addressing the needs of Manila residents, inviting them to seek city government assistance for jurisdictional issues.
She also directed the barangay chiefs to maintain communication with the Manila Barangay Bureau, led by Gilbert Sugay, who assured his office’s availability for support.
The mayor commended the barangay chairpersons for their efficient management of monthly allowance payouts for senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities. Lacuna highlighted that barangays are the initial recipients of information regarding new city programs and regulations. They are responsible for conveying these details to residents, ensuring proper guidance and access to benefits. Itchie G. Cabayan
March 24, Binay signed City Ordinance No. 2025-047, which amends sections of the Revised
FOR WOMEN. Members of the Caucus of Women Organizations sign their 10-Point Legislative Agenda and have called on election candidates for support, as part of the 2025 Women’s Month. Manny Palmero
CHECK UP. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque joins Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. yesterday in an unscheduled checking of the prices of pork, chicken, rice and other products inside the Mega Q-Mart and Save More, in Quezon City. Manny Palmero
NBI reclassifies special investigators as ‘Agent III’
By Pot Chavez
THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday announced the reclassification of 76 special investigators (SI) to agents.
”Under the NBI Modernization law, once an SI retires, the item shall be considered dissolved. That’s the reason why I requested and pleaded that these SI be reclassified to Agent III, and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Civil Service Commission (CSC) approved the request,” said NBI director Jaime Santiago.
He added that the reclassification of the agents will provide more quality service to the Filipino people, improve their performance in the solution of crimes, and raise the bar of competency in the field of law enforcement.
The new agents were reclassified from SI III (Salary Grade 18) to Investigation Agent III (Salary Grade 22), a milestone in the bureau’s history.
The reclassification, retroactive to July 1, 2024, is in accordance with the National Bureau of Investigation Reorganization and Modernization Act.
As such, the agents will be entitled to backwages.
The reclassification was made possible through the assistance of the CSC and the DBM.
BI nabs Vietnamese trying to flee to avoid trial for kidnap, rape
By Vito Barcelo
BUREAU of Immigration (BI) officers have arrested a Vietnamese national who attempted to flee the country to evade prosecution for kidnapping and raping a Chinese woman two years ago .
The suspect, identified as Nguyen Hu Mai, who was intercepted at the NAIA Terminal 3 prior to boarding a Cebu Pacific flight to Saigon.
BI commissioner Anthony Joel Viado said Nguyen was immediately turned over to the BI’s border control and intelligence unit (BCIU) and later transferred to the bureau’s detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.
“Our supervisors were able to establish that the passenger and person appearing in our watchlist are one and the same. He was thus stopped and arrested by our airport personnel,” he added.
According to BI-BCIU chief Ferdinand Tendenilla, Nguyen has been on the wanted list of the BI since March 10 when he and two Chinese nationals were charged for deportation as undesirable aliens and linked to the kidnapping and rape cases.
Police reports revealed that on March 2, 2023, the three foreigners conspired in kidnapping a Chinese woman inside her condominium unit in Makati City, and later taken to a secluded place where they sexually molested her multiple times.
The two Chinese involved in the kidnapping and rape were arrested earlier and currently detained.
They also reportedly demanded P4-million ransom from the victims’ relatives in exchange for her release.
Nguyen will remain in the BI’s custody until the criminal complaints against him are resolved by the court. If convicted, he will have to serve first serve his sentence before he can be deported.
DND to expand Navy’s WPS, Taiwan fronts
By Rex Espiritu
THE Department of National Defense has approved the reorganization of the Philippine Navy’s Naval Forces West and Naval Forces Northern Luzon, renaming them the Western Naval Command and the Northern Luzon Naval Command, respectively.
The Western Naval Command, based in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, is tasked with the maritime security in Palawan, including the Philippines-held areas within the Kalayaan
Island Group in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Meanwhile, the Northern Luzon Naval Command, based in San Fernando, La Union, oversees maritime security in critical areas such as the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, the Balintang Channel near Taiwan, and the Philippine (Benham) Rise to the east.
With the approval, the Philippine Navy is set to expand its naval units tasked with overseeing the WPS and the waters near Taiwan, aiming to bolster the country’s defense capabilities amid China’s growing assertiveness.
These commands are at the forefront of addressing China’s coercive and aggressive actions in the WPS. In recent years, Beijing intensified its activities in the South China Sea—claiming nearly the entire area—and around Taiwan, where it has not ruled out the possibility of using force to take the island.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy spokesman
for the WPS, explained that the expansion reflects the “increasing importance of both naval forces.”
“With the advent of the comprehensive archipelagic defense concept and shift to external defense, they are playing an increasing role in the defense and security of the country,” he said, referring to a defense strategy introduced in early 2024 that shifts the military’s focus from insurgency operations to territorial defense.
The expanded units will be officially activated upon the issuance of pertinent orders.
As part of the reorganization, the commands are expected to be elevated to the equivalent of a division, with their highest rank upgraded from commodore to rear admiral, a two-star position. Additional personnel and assets will also be deployed to support the expanded units.
“We are looking at a more robust organization for the fleet,” Trinidad said.
DOTr to create special review panel on jeepney modernization
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) is creating a special review committee for the Public Transportation Modernization Program (PTMP) to address issues raised by various transport groups. DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon issued the order forming the committee that will consult with various public transport stakeholders, evaluate and review the status and progress of the PTMP, and identify issues and concerns regarding the jeepney modernization program. “The committee is expected to submit to Dizon its recommendations regarding the PTMP next week,” the DOTr said in a statement.
The committee will be headed by the DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and NonInfrastructure as chairman. It will also include the heads of the Office of Transportation Cooperatives and the Land Transportation Office. Last week, the jeepney group Manibela staged a three-day strike against the implementation of the PTMP and allegations of misrepresented data on the consolidation of public utility vehicles by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. In response, Dizon called on Manibela and other stakeholders to join the DOTr in a dialogue to address their concerns.
IN BRIEF
Soldiers avert clash between two groups
ARMY soldiers have reportedly averted a violent confrontation between two armed Moro factions in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur, early Sunday morning.
Responding to reports from concerned civilians, troops from the 6th Infantry Battalion arrived at Barangay Ganta at dawnbreak. to find the rival groups gearing up for battle.
The warring groups dispersed upon seeing the soldiers coming, leaving behind two modified Garand rifles (converted to M14 configuration), a fragmentation grenade, and several rounds of ammunition.
“This swift intervention averted what could have been a deadly clan war,” said 6th Infantry Battalion chief Lt. Col. Al Victor Burkley. Rex Espiritu
Cops bust drug ring in Parañaque City
PARANAQUE City policemen have arrested six drug suspect, one of them classified as highvalue target, during a raid in Barangay Don Bosco on March 29.
Police said the primary suspect, identified only as Anne, 43, of Barangay Better Living, Parañaque has been tagged a “high-value” drug dealer.
Also nabbed were five of here alleged cohorts, identified by their aliases as Maite, 45; Donna, 31; Peter, 28; Darwin, 47; and Jeffrey 33; all residents of Parañaque.
The operation, conducted by the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU), was meant to dismantle an illegal drug trade network operating within the city. Vince Lopez
Iloilo launches massive anti-dengue campaign
IN a bid to curb the rising cases of dengue, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. ordered the execution of a province-wide clean-up drive aimed at eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
The initiative, dubbed “Limpyo Iloilo, Kada Lunes nga Lihok Kontra Lamok,” will be undertaken every Monday afternoon to boost Iloilo’s search-and-destroy strategy against the mosquito breeding grounds. Government agencies, offices, schools, businesses, and households are urged to participate in the regular clean-up drive to prevent further spread of dengue. According to the Provincial Health Office (PHO), dengue cases in Iloilo surged by 77 percent this year compared to the same period in 2024. From January 1 to March 1, 2025, the province has already recorded 803 dengue cases, raising concerns over the potential for a wider outbreak. Caloy Lozada
FREEDOM REGAINED. The Department of Justice and the Bureau of Corrections release190 inmates or persons deprived of liberty from the National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City in keeping with the government’s continuing decongestion of the country’s penal facilities. Danny Pata
VACCINATION DRIVE. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas leads the ceremonial kick-off of the city’s anti-measles immunization campaign spearheaded by the Iloilo City Health Office.
THIS IS JUST A DRILL. As part of its 49th anniversary celebration, the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division hosts the first-ever reservists, Reserve Officers Training Corps, and Veterans’ Day exercise at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal.
OPINION
When one gets old
WHEN you reach my age of almost 98 years, you start noticing things younger people don’t.
Like how some smiles aren’t so friendly.
How some “concerned” voices hide sharp edges.
And how, after a lifetime of earning, saving, and building, a single piece of paper -- one that you barely remember signing -- can take it all away.
This isn’t some far-fetched cautionary tale.
This is reality for many of us, the elderly, who are easy prey in a system that values documents over the truth, Santa Banana!
My gulay, take the case of a wellknown patroness and philanthropist from Pampanga, who also established one of the top accounting firms in the area.
If anyone knew the value of money, she was the one.
She spent her life balancing ledgers, making wise financial choices, ensuring her hard work didn’t go to waste.
In her off time, she volunteered diligently and faithfully for the Church, to the point of being given an award for her work with the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga.
Unfortunately, none of that protected the 88-year old lady from the betrayal of her own blood.
Slowly and methodically, her relative transferred her aunt’s wealth to herself, including the business and accounting firm the poor senior citizen had built from the ground up.
But theft wasn’t enough.
The victim had to be silenced , too — locked in a small room, with no access to the outside world. No phone, no internet, no radio, No way to call for help.
When the other relatives finally rescued her, they turned to the law for justice.
But the law, as it often does with seniors, failed her.
The courts looked at the papers — papers that bore the victim’s signature — and ruled them valid.
Never mind that she was already in mental decline when she signed them.
Never mind that she was manipulated, and possibly coerced.
Never mind that no one signs away their life willingly.
This is the cruel loophole that must
be closed, Santa Banana!
Legal documents may look clear-cut, but they don’t tell the full story.
When it comes to seniors, the law must take a closer look, because deception doesn’t always come in the form of brute force.
It comes in the gentle persuasion of a trusted relative.
The law must recognize what seniors know in their bones — that trust can be weaponized, that family can be the worst kind of thief
In the assurance “this is just a formality.” In the quiet, unnoticed erosion of our ability to think and decide for ourselves.
The justice system must evolve, my gulay.
Courts must consider not just the signatures on a page, but the circumstances surrounding them.
Were they signed under duress?
Was the elderly person still of sound mind?
Were there signs of manipulation or undue influence?
The burden of proof should not fall entirely on the victim — especially when that victim is someone whose memory and reasoning may already be fading.
Too many of us have seen friends, neighbors, and even ourselves fall into this trap.
Some of us have fought back, many more have not, weighed down by shame, fear, or the unbearable truth that the betrayal came from someone we loved, my gulay.
But here’s the thing about getting old: we may slow down, but we don’t stop.
And we will not stop demanding that the law recognize what seniors know in their bones — that trust can be weaponized, that family can be the worst kind of thief, and that, sometimes, the papers say one thing, but the truth says another, Santa Banana!
The billion-peso heist that keeps on giving
IF THERE were an Olympic event for corruption, the Pharmally scandal would take gold, silver, and bronze –while taxpayers get the participation trophy of ‘most gullible.’
A pandemic should have been a test of leadership; instead, it became a jackpot for a privileged few.
Welcome to the grand heist, where public funds disappear faster than vaccine slots. Let’s dig in.
1. The setup: Duterte’s pandemic cash grab
Picture 2020: the Philippines is choking on COVID, and who gets the lifeline?
Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation—a rinky-dink outfit with P625,000 in capital and no résumé. Under Rodrigo Duterte’s watch, they scored P11.5 billion in contracts for shoddy PPE. This wasn’t a fluke; it was a feature of Duterte’s reign. How does a nobody company hit the jackpot unless the game’s rigged?
2. Where’s the plunder punch?
By March 30, 2025, the Ombudsman’s tossing RA 3019, Section 3(e) graft charges like confetti — Lloyd Christopher Lao and Pharmally execs are in the crosshairs for “undue injury”
and “unwarranted benefits” over P4 billion in PPE sales.
Lao’s brief Sept. 2024 jail stint (and swift bail) proves the system’s halfawake.
But RA 7080 plunder charges? With P11.5 billion in play — way past the P50 million plunder threshold — why are we still nickel-and-diming?
Welcome to the grand heist, where public funds disappear faster than vaccine slots
Republic v. Sandiganbayan (401 SCRA 199, 2003) demands intent and injury for graft; they’ve got that. Plunder’s bigger fish—personal enrichment—sits untouched. Are prosecutors scared, or just saving the knockout for later?
3. Duterte’s legacy goes down in flames Public trust? Torched. Duterte’s tough-guy cred? Buried under Pharmally’s rubble.
This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in a horizontal format of the Philippine General Hospital. The columns are old and filled with cracks. The building is bursting at the seams. The doors are barred with the sign “Emergency Room at capacity.” The building is in danger of collapsing. There are weak scaffolding at the side. The planks are old and rickety with the label “Government funding.”
The frightful face of ruin
THE tragedy that befell Myanmar and Thailand, both members of the largely economic alliance Association of Southeast Asian Nations, on Friday last week has left a drape of destruction that caused stomachs churning and left survivors afloat with an unsettling feeling.
More than 1,700 people have died and more than 3,400 have been injured from the magnitude 7.7 tremor, according to the leaders of Myanmar’s military government. In Thailand, at least 18 were killed.
Beyond doubt these two neighboring countries are still feeling dizzy, even as international aid has started being flown in or reaching the disaster zones by available roads from all directions.
Even those beyond the swathe of death and destruction and have been unaffected personally have been left nonplussed.
Lives have definitely instantly changed, with an ordinary day ripped up or pulled to pieces.
As some observers of tragedies have said, “there is only everything before this moment and now everything after, tragedy divides
He’s dodged charges as of March 2025, but the stink clings.
Enter Michael Yang, Duterte’s exadviser and Pharmally’s fairy godfather, caught on tape cozying up with the company in 2017. Coincidence, or the puppet master’s strings?
The Ombudsman’s 2024-2025 moves — sacking Duque, nailing Lao — look tough, but smell like selective cleanup.
Why’s the top dog still wagging his tail, unscathed?
4. Senate bulldog or grandstanding gadfly?
Richard Gordon didn’t just probe Pharmally; he lit it up. Leading the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, he exposed rushed contracts under the Bayanihan Acts, defective gear, and a procurement process that stank of favoritism.
His push for plunder charges against Duterte and calls it the “biggest scam.” Political theater? Maybe.
each affected life into separate parts: before and after.”
We happily note the Philippines, also a member of the 57-year-old ASEAN, will be deploying today three Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Teams to help in post-earthquake response in Myanmar and Thailand.
Verily, we do not have a choice when tragedy strikes others near us
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has instructed the PEMATs to be on standby for deployment once international coordination protocols with the affected countries are complete and a request is received.
But with billions and Yang’s Duterte link, he’s got a case. Noble cause or personal glory — does it matter if he’s right?
5. Ethical Meltdown RA 6713 — the Code of Conduct — demands public interest and professionalism (Section 4).
Pharmally’s jackpot spits in its face.
RA 9184, the Procurement Reform Act, screams transparency (Section 3); emergency or not, this was a blackout (Section 65 penalties ignored). Why Pharmally? Corruption’s the sexy answer — insiders like Yang pulling levers. Incompetence is the boring one — a government too dumb to check credentials. Pick your poison; the system’s still a cesspool.
Who’s kidding who here?
6. Fix the damn mess Lock Down Procurement: Emergency powers shouldn’t mean blank checks. Tweak RA 9184 for real-time
“We are continuously in touch with the office of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for further instructions as the Philippines coordinates with its earthquakestricken ASEAN neighbors,” Herbosa said.
The World Health Organization said Sunday the Myanmar earthquake was a top-level emergency as it urgently sought $8 million to save lives and prevent disease outbreaks over the next 30 days.
Here we see the ripple effect and the power of human life is immeasurable.
While we raise prayers for additional survivors to be retrieved and rescued from the ruins, the window of opportunity to find anyone alive is rapidly closing. Most rescues occur within the first 24 hours after a disaster, and then survival chances drop as each day passes.
Verily, we do not have a choice when tragedy strikes others near us.
But we do have a choice about how we address its effects. And our government is there and then, ready to help ease the suffering.
audits and public dashboards — let’s see the cash move.
Drag Duterte In: His clean hands are a fairy tale. Subpoena Yang’s books, audit Duterte’s SALN (still $550,000 in 2025 — cute). Plunder’s fair game if the trail’s hot — Laurel v. Garcia (187 SCRA 797, 1990) says do it right. Burn the Loopholes: RA 3019’s too soft — slash plunder’s threshold or lighten the proof load. Courts need to speed up; justice on a snail’s pace is a joke. No mincing words: If Duterte skates while his cronies fry, the Philippines is a VIP club for crooks. Rip the Band-Aid off already. Parting Shot Pharmally isn’t a glitch; it’s the system baring its teeth.
Duterte’s legacy’s a smoking crater, the courts are tiptoeing, and Gordon’s the lone wolf howling for blood. Fix it, or watch the next billion vanish.
Who’s got the spine to step up?
Rescue hopes fading three days after deadly Myanmar quake
MANDALAY, Myanmar – Hopes faded
Monday of finding more survivors in the rubble of Mandalay, where some residents spent a third night sleeping in the open after a massive earthquake killed more than 1,700 people in Myanmar and neighboring Thailand.
The tempo and urgency of rescue efforts was winding down in the central Myanmar city of more than 1.7 million people, one of the worst affected by Friday’s devastating 7.7-magnitude quake.
Overnight, people camped out in the streets across Mandalay, either unable to return to ruined homes or nervous about the repeated aftershocks that have rattled the city over the weekend.
Some had tents but many, including young children, simply bedded down on
blankets in the middle of the roads, trying to keep as far from buildings as possible for fear of falling masonry.
More than 1,700 people are confirmed dead across Myanmar, according to the ruling junta, which has declared a week of mourning.
Thousands more were injured and over 300 remain missing. At least 18 deaths have been confirmed hundreds of kilometers away in Bangkok, where the force of the quake caused a 30-storey tower block under construction to collapse. But with communications down in much of Myanmar, the true scale of the disaster has yet to emerge and the death toll is expected to rise significantly. AFP
Trump says US tariffs to hit ‘all countries’ to check imbalances
WASHINGTON, DC – President Donald Trump said Sunday (Monday Manila time) the tariffs he plans to impose in the coming days would include “all countries,” not just those with the largest trade imbalances with the United States.
Trump has promised a “Liberation Day” on April 2, when he is set to unveil reciprocal levies to address trade practices that his government deems unfair.
“You’d start with all countries, so let’s see what happens,” Trump told reporters onboard Air Force One, dashing hopes he might scale back some of the threatened levies or that they would target a select group with persistent trade imbalances.
“I haven’t heard a rumor about 15
countries, 10 or 15,” he said when asked which nations would be affected.
“Essentially all of the countries that we’re talking about. We’ve been talking about all countries, not a cutoff,” he said, without giving details.
Trump’s upcoming tariff salvo had been expected to target the 15 percent of partners that have persistent trade imbalances with the United States, a group Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called a “Dirty 15.”
But despite widening the target, the president insisted his tariffs would be more “generous” than those levied against the United States.
“The tariffs will be far more generous than those countries were to us, meaning they will be kinder than those countries were to the United States of America over the decades,” he said.
“They ripped us off like no country has ever been ripped off in history and we’re going to be much nicer than they were to us. But it’s substantial money for the country nevertheless,” he said.
Trump has already slapped tariffs
FURY OVER PUTIN, ZELENSKYY. US President Donald Trump steps off Marine One upon arrival at the White House on Monday. Earlier, NBC News journalist Kristen Welker said Trump had called her to express his fury over Putin questioning Zelenskyy’s future -- something Trump himself has done -- and threatening secondary tariffs on firms dealing in Russian oil. Later, Trump spoke to reporters on his plane flying back to Washington from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, and toned down some of his criticism. AFP
on steel and aluminum imports and additional levies on imports from China.
Tariffs on imported autos are also due to take effect on April 3.
Trump’s top trade aide Peter Navarro said the tax on auto imports could raise $100 billion a year.
“And in addition, the other tariffs are going to raise about $600 billion a year, about $6 trillion over a 10-year period,” Navarro told Fox New Sunday.
Trump’s plans to unleash a wide range of reciprocal tariffs risk a global trade war, with other countries already vowing to retaliate and economists warning the sweeping moves risk stoking inflation and triggering a downturn.
Trump has defended the levies as a way to raise government revenue and revitalize US industry. The size of the levies to be announced on Wednesday will vary from country to country –- depending on the duties they impose on US goods through import tariffs and other factors like value-added taxes. But the precise plans remain murky. AFP
Ex-navy commander new security chief
JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu picked former navy commander Eli Sharvit to be the next head of the domestic security agency, his office said Monday, despite the supreme court freezing the dismissal of the incumbent.
“After conducting in-depth interviews with seven worthy candidates, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to appoint former Israel navy commander, Vice-Admiral Eli Sharvit as the next director of the ISA (Shin Bet),” his office said in a statement. It remains unclear how and when Sharvit will formally assume leadership of the agency.
Netanyahu’s office said Sharvit had served in the military for 36 years, including five years as navy commander.
WASHINGTON, DC – US President Donald Trump lashed out Sunday (Monday Manila time) at the leaders of both warring parties in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, expressing frustration as efforts to kick-start ceasefire talks remain deadlocked.
Trump has himself had rocky relations with Zelenskyy, calling him a “dictator” and clashing with him live on camera at the White House last month.
Zelenskyy, in his evening address on Saturday, sought to rally his country’s allies against Putin.
“In that position, he led the force building of the maritime defence of the territorial waters and conducted complex operations against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran,” the statement said. Netanyahu moved to oust agency chief Ronen Bar on March 21, after citing an “ongoing lack of trust” in him. AFP
China discovers major oilfield off Shenzhen
“For too long now, America’s proposal for an unconditional ceasefire has been on the table without an adequate response from Russia,” Zelenskyy said.
“There could already be a ceasefire if there was real pressure on Russia.”
Trump is trying to broker a ceasefire between Ukraine and its Russian invader, and has been pushing Zelenskyy to sign an agreement to give US firms exclusive access to Ukrainian rare earth minerals.
Earlier Sunday, NBC News journalist Kristen Welker said Trump had called her to express his fury over Putin questioning Zelenskyy’s future -- something Trump himself has done -- and threatening secondary tariffs on firms dealing in Russian oil.
Trump first criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for questioning the credibility of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a negotiating partner, saying he was “very angry, pissed off” with the Kremlin chief. But the US leader later softened his tone on Putin and instead turned his ire on Zelenskyy, warning him Ukraine would have “big, big problems” if he got cold feet over a deal to sign over mineral rights to the United States. Putin, in power for 25 years and repeatedly elected in votes with no competition, has often questioned Zelenskyy’s “legitimacy” as president, after the Ukrainian leader’s initial five-year mandate ended in May 2024. Under Ukrainian law, elections are suspended during times of major military conflict, and Zelenskyy’s domestic opponents have all said no ballots should be held until after the conflict.
Later, Trump spoke to reporters on his plane flying back to Washington from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, and toned down some of his criticism. AFP
EIJING – China’s National Offshore Oil Corporation said Monday it has discovered a major oilfield in the eastern South China Sea, with proven reserves exceeding 100 million tonnes.
The Huizhou 19-6 oilfield lies about 170 kilometers from Shenzhen in south China’s Guangdong Province, Beijing’s Xinhua news agency said. Test drilling has yielded a daily production of 413 barrels of crude oil and 68,000 cubic meters of natural gas, the CNOOC
two consecutive years, which creates a new growth pole for the continuous growth in offshore oil and gas production,” he added. The US Energy Information Administration says the South China Sea is mostly underexplored because of territorial disputes, but most discovered oil and gas
VANISHING HOPES. Rescue teams work to evacuate residents trapped under the rubble of the collapsed building ‘Sky Villa Condominium development’ in Mandalay on Sunday. The sticky heat has exhausted rescue workers and accelerated body decomposition, which could complicate identification. But traffic began returning to the streets of Mandalay on Monday, and restaurants and street vendors resumed work. AFP
SPORTS Mensik shocks Djokovic to win Miami Open crown
MIAMI—Czech
teenager Jakub Mensik upset
Novak Djokovic 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/4) to win the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, denying the Serb his 100th career title.
The 19-year-old, ranked 54th in the world, claimed his first title on the ATP Tour with an outstanding display of powerful tennis.
The final was delayed by almost six hours due to heavy rain and when the players emerged it was clear that Djokovic had an eye infection. He used eye-drops during a changeover in the first set.
Mensik started strongly, breaking Djokovic’s first serve game to go 2-0 up and the tall, big-serving Czech was dominating until, at 4-2 Djokovic broke back when Mensik found the net.
The set remained on serve from then on, but in the tie-break Mensik’s powerful serve, with two aces, put him in charge from the outset. He opened up a 5-0 lead and although 24time Grand Slam champion Djokovic fought back the youngster sealed the set with an overhead volley.
It was the first set that Djokovic had lost in the entire tournament. Twice he lost his footing and ended up on his back, and he changed his footwear between sets.
Mensik had beaten Djokovic by the exact same margin in the first set of their only other meeting in Shanghai before losing in three sets.
This time, however, the momentum appeared to be with him.
The second set was a nip and tuck affair, though, with neither player
able to break. Once again Mensik’s power proved decisive in the tiebreak and when Djokovic went long on a return to hand him victory he fell to his back in celebration.
“To be honest I don’t know what to say. It feels incredible, obviously,”
Mensik said in his on-court interview.
“It was probably the biggest day of my life and I did super, which I’m really glad (about), to show the performance and keep the nerves outside of the court before the match.
“I feel just super happy and I think that the feelings will come later,” he said. Mensik has made no secret of the
fact that he grew up with Djokovic as his idol and after receiving the trophy he said that he started his career in the hope of emulating the Serb.
“There is no harder task for a tennis player than to beat you in the final of a tournament,” he said.
“I am pretty sure that this was just the first of many,” Mensik added, before revealing that he had been close to pulling out of the tournament before his first match due to a knee injury before last minute physiotherapy produced the desired results. No excuses After the match Djokovic admitted
he had not felt at his best.
“It’s unfortunate for me. Two tiebreaks, just very weird match, weird day with rain delay and all the things that (were) happening. Honestly, yeah, I didn’t feel my greatest on the court, but it is what it is. Nothing to take away from his victory,” he said. Asked specifically about his eye problem, the Serb said: “I really prefer not to talk about -- there are quite a few things, but I prefer not to... just congratulate him. That’s it. I don’t want to sound like I’m giving excuses here for my loss.” AFP
Teamfight Tactics: Cyber City o icial launch set
STEP into a futuristic metropolis where the stakes are high, and only the strongest crews survive in Teamfight Tactics: Cyber City. Launching globally on April 2 on PC and mobile, Cyber City brings players into the heart of a vibrant city filled with competing factions vying for control. Fight for supremacy, expand your turf, and defend your crew in this high-tech, fast-paced set. During the recent TFT Dev Drop, Riot Games showcased Cyber City’s electrifying gameplay highlights, including powerful new champions, unique traits, a new game mechanic, and eye-popping cosmetics. Cyber City promises a fresh, high-energy experience for both veterans and newcomers alike.
Champions Cyber City introduces a lineup of powerful champions ready to battle it out for dominance on the streets and high up in the skyscrapers. After a long awaited return, Shaco makes an appearance in Cyber City as a 1-cost, while steady favorites Brand and Aphelios make their comeback as 4-cost heavyhitters. In the 5-cost category, we’ll see the TFT debut of Aurora and Kobuko in new battle boss attire. Samira, Viego, Renekton, Garen, Zac, and Urgot are also part of the legendary lineup!
Traits & Origins Cyber City brings innovative new traits and origins that challenge players to think outside the box: Street Demon: Activate Street Demon hexes to power up your champions. Street Demon units placed in these marked hexes gain double the stats, with signature hexes granting even more power. Anima Squad: Choose from an arsenal of weapons inspired by League of Legends game mode, Swarm. These weapons automatically
fire during combat, turning the tide of battle when you need it most. Squaddies Include Vayne, Yuumi, Leona, and Aurora.
Golden Ox: Golden Ox champions increase damage and drop gold during combat. Spend big in a turn to increase bonuses permanently, but be prepared to save up for the next round of reinvestment.
Cypher: Cypher champions gather Intel by losing combat or killing enemies, and you can trade your Intel for loot during specific rounds.
The more Cypher champions you recruit, the more Intel you’ll have at your disposal.
Syndicate: Upgrade a Syndicate champion with a Kingpin hat to enhance their abilities. At 5 Syndicate, choose another Kingpin and enhance their power even further. At 7 Syndicate, your Kingpins get even stronger and gain additional benefits!
Cyberbosses (Yordles): Cyber City introduces the Cyberbosses, a new Yordle faction that grows in size and power as they level up. These Yordles pack a punch with abilities that scale to their larger-than-life form.
Set Mechanic: Hacks
In Cyber City, hackers have infiltrated core TFT systems like Opening Encounters, Shops, Orbs, Carousels, and Augments, bringing unexpected changes to your gameplay. But don’t worry—these hackers are on your side, introducing “happy little hackciddents” that keep things fun and unpredictable. Examples include Augment Hacks that offer tough choices, like selecting one strong Augment or two weaker ones, and special changes to Augment slots, such as Black Market Augments from past sets. Shops can also be hacked, with lucky (tailored) shops appearing or 2-star champions popping up.
Additionally, Glitched Carousels make a return, bringing wild surprises like extra items, Anvils, or even the rare Sentinel Golems with random emblems. These hacks will be spread evenly across all players in each lobby, ensuring that everyone experiences the same level of fun chaos. With these delightfully disruptive hacks, Cyber City is set to offer a new and exciting layer of unpredictability to TFT.
Villaseran, Palisoc lead record-breaking speedcube feats
THE South Luzon Speedcube Championships saw a series of record-breaking performances and exciting competition across multiple events. This year’s championship showcased the skill and determination of some of the top speedcubers in the region, with a number of impressive records shattered in both national and regional categories. Here’s a closer look at the standout performances of the event.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Cielo Beatriz Villaseran made waves with her exceptional performance, setting a National Skewb Female Average Record, marking a historic achievement in the speedcubing community.
Zian Principe stunned the crowd by setting an
Asian Clock Single Record, demonstrating his expertise and speed in the challenging Clock event.
Inigo Miguel Palisoc put on an extraordinary display in the 7x7x7 category, breaking the National Record for both the single and the average, a remarkable achievement in a highly competitive category.
Leo Borromeo had an outstanding performance, setting National Records for both the single and average in the 4x4x4 event, further cementing his status as one of the top speedcubers in the country.
Samuel Dada made history by setting a Nigerian National Record in Megaminx for the single, adding to the international representation at the championship.
MAC’s Crankit National Juniors tennis gains international nod
THE MAC’s Crankit Foundation National Juniors Tennis Championships, set for April 2-7 at the Valle Verde Country Club courts in Pasig City, marks a milestone in the longrunning Palawan Pawnshop nationwide circuit. The event has not only attracted a record number of 256 participants but has also earned international accreditation from the Modern Tennis Methodology Coaches Association (MTMCA).
Seven of the nine age group categories will feature 32-player draws, highlighting the increasing popularity of the sport, particularly among young players inspired by Alex Eala’s historic feat in the Miami Open.
The tournament, presented by Dunlop, is expected to fuel the aspirations of its participants, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and pursue success on the world stage.
Tournament organizer and PPSPEPP program director Bobby Mangunay confirmed the event’s international accreditation, featuring Philippe Matta as the guest of honor. Other notable MCF NTC UTR events, such as the Semana Sang Iloilo Open tournament (April 8-13), will also take place. Matta, a renowned resource educator and examiner, is sponsored by coach Pat Matet Puzon of MAC’s CrankIt Foundation. He will conduct an International Tennis Coaches Course seminar (April 4-6), focusing on the latest coaching techniques, tactical drills, and best practices from the world’s leading tennis academies.
For inquiries and details, contact Matta at +357-95517424 or Mangunay at 0915-4046464. The tournament, sanctioned by Philta and supported by Dunlop, Universal Tennis, and ICON Golf & Sports, will feature singles events in the 10-and-under unisex, 12-, 14-, 16and 18-and-under categories for both boys and girls.
PRIZED setter Ish Polvorosa continues to shine under the bright lights of the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, steering Criss Cross in an unbeaten march straight to the finals. The King Crunchers went on a sizzling 13game sweep en route to a third championship collision against defending champion Cignal. All thanks to the steady leadership and pinpoint playmaking of Polvorosa, who earned his second Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week honor presented by Pilipinas Live for the period of March 26 to 30 -- the fourth straight week a Criss Cross player bagged the recognition. The former Ateneo de Manila University playmaker powered the King Crunchers’ semifinals sweep. He tallied 13 excellent sets he laced with three points and six digs in Criss Cross’ dominating 25-19, 25-20, 25-16 triumph over VNS-Laticrete Griffins last Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Polvorosa saved his best for last as he continued to be a thorn in the side of the HD Spikers, dishing 27 excellent sets for a 25-22, 19-25, 25-18, 25-21, win on Sunday to cap the semis unscathed. But for the 27-year-old setter, all past performances from their unbeaten run mean nothing if the King Crunchers can’t finish the job.
“Personally, and for the team, these 13 games— they’re all erased. I don’t care about what happened in the last 13 games. I’m looking forward and very focused on the fact that we’re going to the Finals next week,” Polvorosa emphasized.
Novak Djokovic (left) of Serbia and Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic pose with their trophies following the men’s singles final on the final day of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. AFP
Cielo Beatriz Villaseran
The streets of Cyber City are alive with electrifying activity as factions fight for control in the latest Teamfight Tactics set, to be released globally on April 2.
Ish Polvorosa
TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
Nambatac steps up in Castro’s absence
REY Nambatac has won his third championship in his storied career since college.
The first one was with his alma mater team, the Letran Knights in the National Collegiate Athletic Association back in the 2015.
The second and third was last year’s Philippine Basketball Association Governor’s Cup and then, this year’s Commissioner’s Cup, which came last Friday, with the TNT Tropang Giga.
In that decisive Game 7, Nambatac took over in the final minutes to lead TNT to an 87-83 overtime thriller for the franchise’s 11th championship.
The 31-year-old Nambatac eked out a playoff career-high 23 points in Game 6, and 22 points, four assists, two rebounds, and three steals in Game 7 on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Nambatac said there was pressure for him to step up, with Jayson Castro, the last conference’s PBA Finals’ MVP, injured and sidelined. He needed to step up as the team’s point guard, helping direct team plays during the games.
“When Kuya Jayson was injured, I knew it that the pressure was on me Talaga. Grabe iyung pinagdaanan ko. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko na-overcome ‘yung ganoon. But, then again nu’ng sinubukan kong i-embrace ‘yung challenge, it ang naging outcome,” said Nambatac.
The 5’11” Nambatac, who is on his eighth year in the league, ended up getting his first-ever individual award in the league.
Tropang Giga coach Chot Reyes said the players never lost heart when the Gin Kings came back in the last four minutes, and later forced an overtime.
“I told the team that we were OK, and we’re still in the game. So, don’t lose heart, don’t lose heart. I told them that we’re still in the ballgame. And that’s only way we survived,” remarked Reyes.
Adamson, UP begin softball title clash
Games Tuesday (Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium)
8 a.m. - AdU vs UP (Finals Game 1) 10 a.m. - UST vs DLSU (Battle for 3rd)
ADAMSON University stands at the brink of history as they chase an unprecedented 12th consecutive UAAP softball championship.
But standing in their way, once again, is a University of the Philippines squad hungry to break their reign.
The best-of-three finals series for the UAAP Season 87 softball championship begins today (Tuesday) at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, where Adamson looks to extend its golden era while UP fights to rewrite its own.
The Lady Falcons are determined to maintain their position as the team with the longest active championship streak in the collegiate division and to surpass University of the East’s 11 consecutive titles in high school boys’ fencing, a competition that will take place next month.
Just last Saturday, the University of Santo Tomas ended the longest title run in the league, which was held by Far Eastern University-Diliman with 12 consecutive championships in High School Boys’ Football.
The first pitch is set at 8 a.m. Adamson secured the championship title in Season 85 (2022–23) with a series sweep, but they faced a challenging 0-1 series deficit against UP in Season 86 (2023–24).
The Lady Falcons clinched their 11th title with a hard-fought, come-from-behind victory, winning the final game 4-3. Head coach Ana Santiago emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the present, as Adamson is aware that the path to the championship will not be easy.
Gilas 3x3 women make history with best-ever Asia Cup finish
By Randy M. Caluag
THE Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 lady cagers carved their names in history with a remarkable fourth-place
finish at the FIBA Asia Cup 3x3, their best performance yet in the continental half-court showcase.
Despite falling to powerhouse China, 11-21, in the battle for third place on Sunday night, the Filipinas won the admiration of fans in Singapore
with their Filipino brand of neversay-die spirit.
The Women Gilas’ campaign was made even more challenging by the
absence of key player Camille Clarin, who suffered a high-grade partial ACL tear in her right knee.
Yet, the trio of Mikka Cacho, Jhazmin Joson, and Kaye Pingol rose to the occasion, defying the odds with a courageous run through the knockout stage.
In the quarterfinals, Gilas faced off against last edition’s bronze medalist, Mongolia. Down 3-10 early in the match, the Filipinas staged a stunning comeback to topple the world No. 10 team, securing a hard-earned
spot in the semifinals. However, Japan proved to be a formidable opponent, dealing Gilas a 9-22 defeat in the final four. The squad wrapped up its campaign with another tough loss to China in the third-place match, yet its fourthplace finish was enough reason for fans to celebrate back home. With their fourth-place finish, Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 women surpassed their previous best performance—a sixth-place finish in the 2024 edition of the tournament.
Brownlee positive again for banned substance
By Peter Atencio
GINEBRA import and Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Jus tin Brownlee has reportedly tested positive again for a banned substance. Again.
Brownlee reportedly tested positive for a recreational drug and he could face another suspension if the results are confirmed.
The situation developed a few days after the Gin Kings and Brownlee lost the 49th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup crown to the TNT Tropang Giga. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas released a statement indicating that Brownlee is currently addressing the situation with the assistance of his legal team based in the United States.
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has not issued any official ruling on the matter.
Two years ago, Brownlee tested positive for ‘CarboxyTHC’ in a random drug test that was done after Gilas Pilipinas beat Jordan in the Asian Games’ basketball final on October 6, 2023.
Brownlee’s use of Carboxy-THC, a substance linked to cannabis use, resulted in a three-month suspension handed to him by FIBA.
“The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is aware that Gilas Pilipinas player Justin Brownlee has received notice of an adverse analytical finding. Brownlee is currently dealing with the situation aided by his US-based lawyers. The SBP wishes to clarify that FIBA has not issued any official ruling as of date,” the SB said.
By Caezar Julius Cortez
THE second round of the regular season of MPL Philippines concluded earlier this weekend, with ONIC PH breaking Aurora Gaming’s flawless record, Team Liquid PH coming up on top in their brawls against Team Falcons and Twisted Minds, and TNC debuting fielding new players.
ONIC PH seems to have regained their ultra instincts, with Grant Duane “Kelra” Pillas leading their sweep against TNC Pro Team and ending Aurora Gaming’s perfect regular season run.
“Para sa akin, ‘yung difference nila is si (Jan Dominic IV) “Domengkite” (Del Mundo), magaling mag-freeze ng lane. Magaling din naman mag-freeze si (Frederic) “Bennyqt” (Gonzales) kaya para sa akin, mas nahirapan ako kay Domengkite sa match-up namin,” said Kelra on his lane counterparts in Week 5.
In a bit of a surprising move, TNC Pro Team fielded different rosters for their two matches last week, with Frediemar “3MarTzy” Serafico and Kyle Shawn “Koyi” Reyes picking up the
win against AP Bren.
“Parang same lang din naman pero may konting pinagbago lang ‘pag nandoon si (Mark) “Zaida” (Palma) and (Jhon) “LordJM” (Sebastian), mas nadadalian kami sa mga shotcall ‘pag sa late game dala ng experience. Pero ‘pag sa mechanics, same lang na halos ‘di mo malalaman kung sino naglalaro” Bennyqt on playing with different rosters.
For Team Liquid PH, they had a challenging series against Team Falcons and Twisted Minds. Despite the surprise picks and strategies brought out against them, coach Rodel “Arsy” Cruz and his boys were able to remain composed to reverse sweep both series.
“’Yung pagkatalo namin sa Aurora, mas lumawak ‘yung eagerness namin doon na manalo pa sa mga next matches hanggang sa makalaban namin sila.”
“Gaya nu’ng sinabi namin nung sa last interview, sa Round 2 talaga, mas mahihirapan lahat ng teams,” coach Arsy said in their post-match press conference against FLCN.
The Gilas Women squad in an emotional celebration after the upset win over Mongolia (Grabscreen from FIBA 3x3)
Grant Duane “Kelra” Pillas from ONIC PH. MPL Philippines
Justine Brownlee
Rey Nambatac
Villar’s Golden MV posted nearly P1t in 2024 income
By Jenniffer B. Austria
Holdings Corp.
Revenues fell 25 percent in 2024 to P3.57 billion from P4.76 billion in 2023 as real estate sales decreased 26 percent to P3.31 billion from P4.46 billion.
DMCI readies 7 projects worth P305b DTI warns vs. poor construction materials
OLDEN MV Holdings Inc., a death-care and real estate unit of billionaire Manuel Villar, saw its net income surge to nearly P1 trillion in 2024, thanks to significant appreciation in the value of its investment properties.
“Net profit increased to P999.72 billion from P1.46 billion in 2023, largely driven by fair value gains on investment properties,” the company said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Monday.
Golden MV said it recorded an increase in fair value gains on its investment properties amounting to P1.3 trillion in 2024, primarily due to value appreciation of investment properties.
Total assets reached P1.37 trillion as of Dec. 31, 2024, up from P28.64 billion a year earlier primarily due
to the fair value gains of investment properties. The company acquired in September 2024 Althorp Land Holdings Inc., Chalgrove Properties Inc. and Los Valores Corporation which collectively own 366 hectares of prime land within Villar City—a 3,500-hectare development in southern part of Metro Manila and Cavite province.
These properties were recorded in the books as investment properties and accounted for using the fair value method, said Golden MV which will soon be renamed Villar Land
These properties were recorded in the books as investment properties and accounted for using the fair value method.
Villar City is being developed to be a central hub for Metro Manila, combining economic, lifestyle, cultural and leisure activities to redefine urban living.
Under the plan, Golden MV will focus on developing Villar City, while Villar’s property firm Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. will continue to develop its own land bank through Vista Estates across the country.
Total liabilities increased to P355 billion from P14.03 billion in 2023, led by higher deferred tax liabilities arising from fair value gains.
P999.72 billion
P1.37 trillion P355 billion Golden MV’s income in 2024 Golden MV’s assets in 2024 Golden MV’s liabilities in 2024
Survey shows decline in economic optimism, household financial outlook
A SURVEY released on Monday showed growing pessimism among Filipinos about the country’s economic and political direction, with national outlook hitting its weakest point since 2022.
The Pahayag First Quarter Survey, conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. from March 15 to 20, 2025, found 45 percent of respondents believed the country was headed in the wrong direction, up from 32 percent in the previous quarter. Those who felt the country was on the right track fell to 29 percent from 42 percent.
The independent, non-commissioned nationwide survey of 1,500 registered voters also revealed a significant decline in economic indicators, including household financial expectations.
Forty-five percent of respondents perceived the country’s state as weak, up from 35 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024, while only 28 percent considered it strong, down from 31 percent. Economic outlook also deteriorated,
with 39 percent expecting the national economy to decline further, compared to 26 percent last quarter. Optimism about the economy dropped to 32 percent from 48 percent. Household financial expectations weakened, with 48 percent believing their financial situation would improve, down from 60 percent in the previous quarter.
The survey found that concerns were most pronounced among respondents from Mindanao, the youth sector (18 to 29 years old), middle- and high-income families, non-working individuals and those with a college background.
Two in three registered voters expressed pessimism about the second quarter of 2025, with 30 percent reporting growing anxiety about the country’s future.
PUBLiCUS Asia said the survey used a purposive sampling method, drawing respondents from a research panel of over 200,000 registered Filipino voters maintained by PureSpectrum, a US-based panel marketplace.
1,350-MW LNG plant resumes operations
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Department of Energy (DOE) said Monday Linseed Field Corp.’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal is back online, providing 1,350 megawatts to ensuring energy security and supply stability in Luzon when temperatures rose at the start of the dry season.
The DOE said, however, the natural gas power plant of Excellent Energy Resources Inc. (EERI) remained offline due to technical issues with its 500 kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), delaying its return to service. Meanwhile, South Premiere Power Corp. (SPPC) was expected to complete its synchronization with the grid by 4 p.m. Monday at a capacity of 1,350 MW.
“The DOE continues to monitor the situation closely and assures the public that efforts are underway to restore full generation capacity while ensuring grid stability. Energy consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant and practice energy conservation measures to help manage electricity demand during this transition period,” the DOE said.
The agency said the temporary shutdown of these natural gas facilities—jointly owned by Meralco PowerGen Corp., San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp., and Aboitiz Power Corp.—was a necessary measure to facilitate critical mechanical activities at the LNG terminal over the weekend.
These works were part of broader infrastructure enhancements, including the completion of Linseed’s first onshore LNG storage tank, expected to be operational by the end of April 2025, it said.
EERI and SPPC have an installed capacity of 1,320 MW and 1,200 MW, respectively but the running capacity is dependent on the gas supply from the LNG terminal and its associated infrastructure.
The DOE said the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) coordinated the shutdown schedule to align with lower system demand, mitigating potential supply disruptions.
It said that as a result, no yellow or red alerts occurred during this period, as initially assessed by the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP).
on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 9:00 A.M., with the following agenda: AGENDA1
1. Call to Order
2.Determination of Existence of Quorum
3.Approval
4.Annual Report
5.Approval of the 2024 Audited Financial Statements
6.Ratification of the Acts and Resolutions of the Board and Management
7.Election of Directors, and approval of the re-election of Independent Director Sherisa Nuesa for another term for meritorious justification;
8.Appointment of External Auditor and Fixing its Remuneration
9.Consideration of Such Other Business as May Properly Come Before the Meeting
10.Adjournment
Only stockholders of record as of March 10, 2025 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, this meeting. Stockholders may only attend the meeting by remote communication, by proxy or or by voting in absentia
Stockholders intending to participate by remote communication should register via https://conveneagm.com/ph/MWCI2025ASM to create an account and register in the CONVENE AGM System and notify the Company by email to corporatesecretary@manilawater.com on or before April 8, 2025. By registering to participate in the virtual stockholders’ meeting, a stockholder or a proxy or an individual representative of the stockholder hereby authorizes the Company and/or its service providers to process his/her sensitive personal information necessary to verify his/her identity and authority. A stockholder who fails to comply with the registration requirement will not be able to participate in the virtual stockholders’ meeting.
Duly accomplished proxies and sworn certifications, as applicable, shall be submitted on or before April 8, 2025 to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at the 2/F MWSS Administration Building, No. 489 Katipunan Road, Balara, Quezon City and by email to corporatesecretary@manilawater.com. Please note that corporate shareholders are required to submit a proxy and a Secretary’s Certificate certifying the validity of the proxy. Validation of proxies is set for April 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Office of the Corporate Secretary.
Stockholders may vote by remote communication or in absentia , subject to validation procedures. The procedures for participating in the meeting through remote communication and for casting votes in absentia are set forth in the Information Statement.
Stockholders of record as of March 10, 2025 owning at least 5% of the total outstanding capital stock of the Company may submit proposals on items for inclusion in the agenda on or before April 8, 20252
All communications should be sent by email to corporatesecretary@manilawater.com on or before the designated deadlines.
(together with the Audited Financial Statements as of
Copies of the Information Statement and Management Report for the Annual Stockholders'
TUESDAY,
PH stocks climb on expectations of rate cuts amid lower inflation
PHILIPPINE stocks ended the first quarter in the green on expectations that March inflation rate would remain low, prompting the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to ease its monetary policy.
The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index rose 33.28 points, or 0.54 percent, to close at 6,180.72, while the broader all-shares index climbed 10.93 points, or 0.30 percent, to settle at 3,677.88.
Bank of the Philippine Islands lead economist Emilio Neri said the March Inflation likely moderated to 2 percent year-on-year, with an implied month-on-month change of 0 percent.
“Given the recent inflation forecast, a rate cut from the BSP could be on the table at their April monetary board meeting,” Neri said.
“Global oil prices have also remained stable and the Peso has be-
haved at around the 57 level, making the timing more appropriate for a rate reduction,” he said.
Neri said that except for meat, prices of major food items like rice and vegetables continued to decline amid improved supply conditions, supported by stable weather, increased importations and relative currency stability.
Meanwhile, value turnover was thin at P5.1 billion as investors remained cautious about US reciprocal tariff which would take effect this week. Foreign investors were net buyers, with inflows reaching P249.7 million.
Sectors, however, ended mixed, with property advancing by 3.03 percent, holding firms by 1.84 percent, industrial by 1.6 percent and mining and oil by 1.12 percent.
Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP
DMCI readies 7 projects worth P305b
By Jenniffer B. Austria
DMCI Homes, the real estate arm of the Consunji family, lined up seven projects with a total sales value of P305 billion, which are ready for launch once the demand picks up.
DMCI Homes said that while the property sector is saddled with oversupply problem, particularly on the middle-income market, it plans to focus on selling remaining inventories from recently-launched projects.
It also continues to offer flexible payment terms and restructuring op-
tions and expands rent-to-own program while strengthening its sales network through enhanced in-house and international efforts.
The launch of the seven pipeline projects depends on market demand and prevailing conditions, the company said.
“2024 was a challenging year for the real estate industry, but it allowed us to sharpen our focus,” said DMCI Homes president Alfredo Austria.
“We focused our efforts on strengthening our financial position, preparing for future launches and developing new products for underserved markets. As the market recovers, we are ready to roll out projects that offer strong value and quality,” he said.
DMCI Homes reported a net income of P2.8 billion in 2024, down 31 percent from P4 billion the previous year, as slower sales and fewer project launches during the pandemic
delivery Lalamove helps women-led businesses like Common Room get the job done, whether it’s having multiple bookings at the same time, booking multiple drop-offs in one order, or needing a multitude of delivery vehicles. Lalamove teamed up with Common Room to support the local women crafters and women-led brands they house.
HOW is the Senate of the incoming 20th Congress likely to look?
We already know how one-half of it will look. It will be composed of the twelve senators whose terms will not expire on June 30, 2025. They are Senators Allan Peter Cayetano, J.V. Ejercito, Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Sherwin Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros, Loren Legarda, Robin Padilla, Raffy Tulfo, Mark Villar, Joel Villanueva and Miguel Zubiri.
The rest of the membership of the 20th Congress’s Senate will be supplied by the Magic 12 winners in the May 12, 2025 elections.
The non-reelectionist members of the present Senate includes two lawyers (Francis Escudero and Allan Peter Cayetano), four mass media/show business personalities (Jinggoy Estrada, Loren Legarda, Robin Padilla and Raffy Tulfo), two members of leading business families (Mark Villar and Sherwin Gatchalian), a son of a religious group leader (Joel Villanueva) and a women’s rights advocate (Risa Hontiveros). Who among the candidates are likely to make up the rest of the 20th Congress’s Senate? The leading opinion survey firms have been tracking the 2025 Senate race
DISTINGUISHED
BEDAN. San Beda University recognizes Manila Electric Co. senior vice president and head of regulatory affairs and distribution utility regulatory management Jose Ronald Valles as one of the most outstanding alumni in honor of his excellence in corporate law practice and lifelong dedication to the legal profession. With a legal career spanning 27 years, Valles was unanimously chosen by the San Beda University Alumni Association to be one of the recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Bedan for Corporate Practice-Law Award during the Red and White Ball on March 24, 2025 at the Manila Hotel.
continued to impact construction activity and revenue recognition.
Excluding one-time gains from land sales, core net income fell by 35 percent to P2.5 billion. Sales declined 22 percent as demand remained soft
The average selling price (ASP) per unit, meanwhile, rose by 18 percent, while price per square meter increased by 8 percent, mainly driven by elevated construction costs, the company’s shift toward more premium, centrally located developments and the sale of larger units.
The property firm unveiled residential condominiums in Pasig, Quezon City and Cebu last year. It also
launched leisure developments in Baguio and Batangas. It completed 11 buildings during the year, up from 7 in 2023, contributing to a rise in ready-for-occupancy (RFO) inventory. These completions also supported improved collections, which strengthened the company’s liquidity and reduce debt.
“While our selling prices rose year-on-year due to rising construction costs and a shift toward more premium developments, they remain highly competitive given the quality and value we deliver,” said Austria.
Lalamove, Common Room team up to support women entrepreneurs
ON-DEMAND delivery platform
Lalamove teamed up with Common Room to support local women crafters and women-led brands during Women’s Month. Common Room, a collaborative space founded by women, houses over 300 local crafters and brands offering handmade goods.
“At Lalamove, we are committed to empowering businesses of all sizes by providing reliable and efficient delivery solutions,” said Lalamove managing director Djon Nacario.
“This Women’s Month, we are proud to partner with Common Room to support local women crafters and women-led brands. We aim to celebrate their creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit by giving them the logistical support they need to grow and thrive,” said Nacario.
Common Room’s entrepreneurs
lauded Lalamove’s affordability and convenience.
“Lalamove is my go-to for rush orders,” said Lala De Leon, a perfumer and crafter from Simoy ng Haraya, which aims to capture Filipino culture through scents.
Cai Sio of Paper Chic Studio highlighted Lalamove’s payment options. “My favorite feature is the Lalamove Wallet! I like the convenience of cashless transactions plus the discounts when I top-up,” she said. Patricia Fernandez Lim, owner of Woven, which creates Filipino handicrafts, said Lalamove helps them connect with their crafting communities.
“We use Lalamove for our retail and wholesale orders, as well as supply deliveries—anything from raw materials to packaging. Apart from the cheaper rates and ease of use, my favorite is the wallet option,” she said.
What the 20th Congress’ Senate might look like
– particularly the Magic 12 – for many months, and as May 12, 2025 draws closer, the surveys have become more frequent. It is probably correct to say that the candidates who are in the survey firms’ Magic 12 at this point in the campaign are the men and women who likely will be members of the 20th Congress’s Senate.
The latest (March 15 to 20) survey, conducted by one of the leading survey firms, has produced a Magic 12 composed of Sen. Christopher Go, Erwin Tulfo, Tito Sotto, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, Manny Pacquiao, Pia Cayetano, Ping Lacson, Ronald de la Rosa, Abigail Binay, Willie Revillame and Camille Villar. With the exception of Go, De la Rosa and Revillame, all the Magic 12 candidates belong to the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
Pia Cayetano, Go, de la Rosa and Lapid are incumbent Senators. Sotto, Pacquiao and Lacson are former senators. Revilla, Lapid, Revillame and the Tulfo brothers are show business/broadcast industry figures. Before she became the chief executive of her city, Binay represented one of Makati City’s two Congressional districts. Villar is a member of the political/business family headed by former Senate president Manuel Villar.
This year’s Senate election is particularly important because of the scheduled post-election impeachment trial of Vice-President Sara Duterte.
Opinion survey, not being an exact science, may see changes in the composition of the Magic 12 between now and Election Day. Well-known candidates like Chel Diokno, Kiko Pangilinan, Leila de Lima, Heidi Mendoza and Neri Colmenares could manage to get into the Magic 12 in the weeks remaining before May 12, 2025.
If it turns out that the March 15-20 surveyor got it right and there is no change in the composition of its Magic 12 list, what will the Senate of the 20th Congress’s look like?
The Senate that will come into being on July 1, 2025 will likely be composed of two lawyers, nine show business/broadcast industry personalities, five re-elected
senators, two returning senators, a former mayor, two members of leading business families, a son of a religious group leader and a women’s rights advocate.
Elections for the Senate are important not only because senators are elected nationally but also because they perform certain functions reserved for them by the Constitution. One of these functions is the review and approval or rejection of treaties and international agreements entered into by the Executive Department. Another is to sit as a court to try cases against government officials deemed by the Constitution to be removable from office only by impeachment. This year’s Senate election is particularly important because of the scheduled postelection impeachment trial of Vice-President Sara Duterte. The votes of two-thirds of the membership of the incoming Senate, or 16 senators, will be needed to convict this country’s second highest official. Alyansa is campaigning hard to ensure that in the wake of the election, there will be at least 16 pro-conviction votes in the new Senate. The opposition is campaigning hard to prevent that election outcome from happening.
(llagasjessa@yahoo.com)
TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025
DTI vows to eliminate poor building materials
By Othel V. Campos
DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said the government is committed to eliminating substandard construction materials, citing recent enforcement efforts under Task Force Kalasag.
The crackdown comes in the wake of an Isabela accident, where a P1.2-billion bridge collapsed, revealing the use of below-standard materials.
“We really need to catch substandard products, especially those that fail to meet the DTI standards. There have been a lot of seizures, and we are aggressively stepping up efforts to ensure compliance,” Roque said. Roque said the Fair Trade Group is actively monitoring construction materials, particularly as the country enters peak building season.
She also raised concerns about the sale of non-compliant products through e-commerce platforms, warning that the DTI would issue directives to address the issue and release a list of violators.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the official launch of Tatak Pinoy, a program aimed at promoting locally manufactured products.
Roque said an initial list of government-preferred Filipino-made construction materials was released, with more additions expected.
“The list will continue to grow because we need to ensure that these companies are Filipino manufacturers, compliant with standards, and aligned with the Tatak Pinoy law,” she said.
“We are also looking to include food products and MSME-made goods that qualify,” she said, noting that the initial list includes textiles, wood products, rubber and plastic products, meta and non-metallic mineral products, computer, electronics and optical products, among others.
The DTI plans to finalize the list within the next two months as part of a broader campaign to strengthen the recognition of high-quality Filipino products.
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT. Ilocos farmer and community leader Arlene Lopez turns hardships into harvests with technology. Through the Scaling Up Sustainability Project, an initiative led by the Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA) in collaboration with PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), Lopez learned to use modern machinery and internet resources to enhance her farming practices. Social media has also been instrumental in marketing her products.
of the Members of the Board of Directors, including three (3) Independent Directors, to serve for 2025-2026
Stockholders may attend and participate in the meeting only by remote communication, voting in absentia and/or appointing the Chairman of the meeting as their proxy. The procedure and requirements for online registration for remote communication and voting in absentia are explained in the Information Statement.
Only Stockholders of Record as of 5:00 p.m. of 31 March 2025 shall be entitled to vote at this meeting. Votes cast remotely or in absentia should be received by the Corporation on or before 16 April 2025.
Stockholders who wish to vote by proxy shall submit the same on or before 16 April 2025 to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, through Atty. Lindeza R. Rogero-Gavino, located at 6th Floor, The Beaufort, 5th Avenue corner 23rd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, or by email to FDCASM@ filinvestgroup.com. A proxy submitted by a corporation should be accompanied by a Corporate Secretary’s certificate quoting the board resolution designating a corporate officer to execute the proxy. In addition to the above requirement for corporations, a proxy form given by a broker or custodian bank in respect of shares of stock carried by such broker or custodian bank for the account of the beneficial owner must be accompanied by a certification under oath stating that the broker or custodian bank has obtained the written consent of the account holder.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CORPORATION IS NOT SOLICITING PROXIES.
For your convenience and in accordance with the Notice of the Securities and Exchange Commission dated 12 March 2025 regarding the Alternative Mode for Distributing and Providing Copies of the Notice of Meeting, Information Statement, and Other Documents in connection with the Holding of Annual Stockholders’ Meeting for 2025, a copy of the Definitive Information Statement, Management Report, SEC Form 17A, Audited Financial Statements and other pertinent documents will be available for viewing and downloading at the Corporation’s website at https://www.filinvestgroup.com and in the Philippine Stock Exchange EDGE disclosure system no later than 1 April 2025.
Pursuant to SEC Memorandum Circular No. 6, Series of 2020, please be informed that there will be a visual and audio recording of the meeting.
Please be guided accordingly.
(sgd.)
LINDEZA R. ROGERO-GAVINO Corporate Secretary
HEALTH EDUCATION. Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) and AIA Philippines Life and General Insurance Company Inc. (AIA Philippines) sign a memorandum of agreement for the AIA Healthiest Schools (AHS) program. AHS is AIA’s educational initiative that aims to empower more schools, students and communities to become healthier and more sustainable. Attending the signing ceremony are (from left) Melissa Henson, chief marketing officer of AIA Philippines; Stuart Spencer, AIA Group chief marketing officer; Elvira Lopez Bautista, president and executive director of KCFI; and Edric
IN BRIEF
evaluate and review status and progress and identify issues as well as concerns of the PTMP.
The committee will be chaired by the DOTr Undersecretary for road transport and non-infrastructure with its members comprising of the Undersecretary for road transport and infrastructure, assistant secretary for road transport and non-infrastructure, Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) chairman and Land Transportation Office (LTO) assistant secretary.
The committee is expected to submit its recommendations on the PTMP next week.
ACEN secures P34b worth of bank loans
ACEN Corp.,
for the green loan to partially finance GA6’s 344.5 megawatt peak Quezon North Onshore Wind Power Project (formerly Isla Wind) in the provinces of Quezon and Laguna. The first phase of the Quezon North wind project is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026. It has a project cost of P70 billion for both phase 1 and phase 2 with a capacity of 208 MW.
ACEN said it out also acted as lender to Amihan Renewable Energy Corp., as borrower, for a P350 million term loan facility to fund the latter’s working capital requirements. Alena Mae S. Flores
Knaul seeks anti-dumping duties on gypsum board
Knauf Philippines is calling for the imposition of anti-dumping duties on gypsum board imports from Thailand, citing significant harm to the local industry. Speaking at a Tariff Commission hearing Monday, Knauf Philippines country manager Mark Sergio presented the adverse effects of increased Thai gypsum board imports on domestic manufacturers.
“If you look at the timeline, from 2019 to 2021, there was a large decline in imported products from Thailand. This was due to our acquisition of USG Boral, increasing our production capacities while enhancing local manufacturing, improving utilization and domestic sales,” Sergio said.
He said that starting 2022, the trend reversed, with Thai gypsum board imports surging by 41 percent from 2022 to 2024, leading to a 30 percent decline in local production. Othel V. Campos
Pag-IBIG Fund keeps housing loan rates low
The state-run home financing agency said it would keep its three-year repricing period rate at 6.25 percent per annum and its one-year repricing period rate at 5.75 percent.
This compares to market rates for home loans, which the agency said ranged from 6.82 percent to 7.94 percent in indicative terms, and 7.18 percent to 8.78 percent in effective terms, as of the week ending Jan. 29, 2025.
Pag-IBIG’s Affordable Housing Program will also continue to offer a 3-percent annual interest rate for minimum-wage earners, the agency said.
“We recognize the importance of affordable home financing for Filipino workers,” said Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar, head of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and chairman of the PagIBIG Fund Board of Trustees.
“This effort aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to address the housing needs of our countrymen,” said Acuzar.
Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta attributed the agency’s ability to maintain low rates to efficient operations, a high performing loans ratio, and strong loan payment collections.
“We posted a record-high performing loans ratio of 93.72 percent to end
We recognize the importance of affordable home financing for Filipino workers.
Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar, head of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and chairman of the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees
last year, which means most of our members are diligently paying their home loans,” Acosta said.
“This, combined with the quality of our investment portfolio, allows us to finance housing loans without the need to borrow externally, which in turn insulates our members from rising market interest rates,” she said.
Acosta said Pag-IBIG housing loan interest rates remain lower than the dividends earned on member savings.
“As administrators of the workers’ fund, we remain deeply committed to providing affordable home loans and competitive dividends, empowering our members to achieve homeownership and a better life,” she said.
Calma, vice-president of KCFI.
& SUSTAINABILITY
DENR calls for steps to fight climate change and pollution World Water Day
By Marita Moaje
THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has called for urgent and collective action against climate change.
DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga noted that the Philippines, as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, experiences the impacts of climate change firsthand, pointing to extreme weather events that have hit the country in recent years.
“We face what scientists call the triple planetary crisis, climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. The impacts are undeniable,” she said.
Loyzaga cited the record-breaking typhoon season experienced in 2024, with six consecutive storm systems battering the Philippines in under a month, which serves as a stark reminder of how climate change is intensifying extreme weather.
She lamented the worsening state of the country’s coral reefs due to rising sea temperatures, alongside the 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste produced annually which pollute marine ecosystems and threaten food security.
In a video message ahead of the recent Earth Hour this year, Loyzaga said the observance should not only instill awareness but should also be a call to action to combat climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
“As we turn off our lights tonight, let this be a symbol of the power we hold when we act together,” she said as she enjoined the public to observe Earth Hour 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
“Every fraction of a degree counts. Every small action multiplied across millions of people becomes a force for change,” she added.
Loyzaga said the world remains at a critical juncture despite efforts to preserve the environment.
She said the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Agreement, and the Global Biodiversity Framework, among others, have outlined a shared vision for a more equitable and sustainable future.
However, latest data show that such efforts still fall short of achieving goals and targets.
“Greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate and pollution is infiltrating even the most remote
ecosystems, from Arctic ice to the depths of the Philippine Trench,” Loyzaga warned.
Despite these challenges, Loyzaga expressed optimism, citing signs of reef recovery, active reforestation efforts, and the use of new technologies to monitor ecosystem health.
She likewise underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders and across sectors in building climate-resilient communities and transition toward a circular economy.
Small actions, when multiplied, lead to meaningful change, Loyzaga said.
“Every small action multiplied across millions of people becomes a force for change,” she said.
“We broke this world. We must fix it. The time to act began yesterday.” PNA
MAYNILAD Water Services Inc. (Maynilad), along with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) honored individuals and institutions leading the charge in achieving water security and environmental sustainability.
This year’s World Water Day Philippines Awards recognized outstanding efforts from local leaders, organizations, and advocates working to protect the country’s water resources and provide more Filipinos with greater access to water and sanitation.
Maynilad, the DENR and the NWRB and in partnership with seven key other organizations cited the honorees in celebration of World Water Day 2025 on March 22.
Protecting the country’s water sources and natural ecosystems requires a collective effort from individuals, organizations and policymakers.
The Kampeon ng Lawa Award, presented by the Laguna Lake Development Authority, honored Pinky P. Tobiano, a chemist and sustainability advocate, who was recognized for mobilizing volunteers and raising awareness about the importance of preserving Laguna Lake.
Pilotage Trading and Construction Inc. was also recognized for its contributions to solid waste recovery in Laguna de Bay, helping repurpose collected waste and improving the water quality.
The Kaagapay sa Tubig-Kanlungan Award, presented by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, honored local leaders dedicated to water conservation and watershed protection.
Honored were Tanay Mayor Rafael A. Tanjuatco, Teresea, Rizal Mayor Rodel N. Dela Cruz and Morong Mayor Sidney B. Soriano for their initiatives in attaining water security and environmental compliance. Education and community-driven initiatives play a vital role in promoting responsible water use.
From Struggle to Success: Pampangueña rises above poverty, builds biz
THE saying goes that for every ‘hat’ a man wears, a woman wears two. The concept of a “work-life” balance appears to weigh more heavily on a woman as she’s expected to juggle domestic duties with a career. This rings true for Maryjoy Delara, an entrepreneur and a mother, who has been supporting her family since adolescence while still keeping her dreams alive.
As she tells it, Maryjoy has been in the service of her family her whole life. Starting in the summer of her third year in high school, she has been selling dried fish to support her family in rural Bicol. With school out for two months, she had the idea to do a side hustle; while her mother discouraged her, she was determined to save up for school supplies for her siblings and herself.
Nag-isip pa rin ako ng paraan na magka-pera. Naisip ko may P500 ako, bibili ako ng dilis, ipapatuyo ko tapos ibebenta ko. Nag-click naman yon. Yun yung tuloy tuloy na pinagmulan halagang P500
hanggang magpasukan na, may pera ako pambili ng gamit. Sabi ko sa mama ko, ito na gamitin mo na pera naipon ko para sa gamit ko and sa mga kapatid ko,” she said. This inherent determination and can-do attitude carried Maryjoy through numerous obstacles, including the death of her mother, and compelled her to pursue her dream of being an entrepreneur.
Maryjoy opened a sari-sari store in 2018 in San Fernando, Pampanga with her partner and built up enough business know-how to keep it going —even through the pandemic.
“Naabutan kami ng pandemic — medyo natigil kami nung 2019 pero di kami sumuko. Patuloy pa rin po, hanggang nakabili kami una ng motor ng 2021 dahil sa sari-sari store na ito - buy and sell ng partner ko Nagsimula ako ng puhunan ng P5,000. Ngayon napalaki namin to more than P50,000 may savings pa kami at insurance. Nabibili ko pa gusto ng mga anak ko,” Maryjoy proudly said.
Maryjoy Delara in front of her sari-sari store in San Fernando, Pampanga, which she has built up from a starting capital of P 5,000.
Supporting her small business through the ups and downs is the Converge Surf2Sawa prepaid fiber, the most affordable product of Converge. Surf2Sawa, or S2S, offers quality connectivity for as low as P 50 for one day, up to P700 for one month usable for 6 gadgets. The prepaid product offers unlimited (no data cap) connectivity, has no contract attached, and is priced at a level within reach of low-income Filipinos. S2S has not only helped Maryjoy secure more orders, but helps her manage the connectivity needs of
DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga
TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
Alfred Vargas shares updates on his livelihood program, which has helped thousands start small businesses
Atasha Muhlach to lead local ‘Bad Genius’ remake
SHOWBIZ scion
Atasha Muhlach is set to headline the Philippine adaptation of the hit Thai series Bad Genius, her first lead role in a major project.
She shared that the news brought her to tears, describing the moment as surreal. Muhlach also expressed gratitude for the opportunity, calling it a great honor and saying she was thankful to be chosen for the role.
While she admits feeling nervous, she remains confident. “It’s inevitable, but I’m with a great team. When I first read about it, I knew I’d give it my all.”
Atasha is focused on doing her best rather than setting expectations. “I just want to give my 100 percent, and if I do that, I’ll be super happy.”
With her twin brother, Andres Muhlach also making waves as the lead in Ang Mutya ng Section E, comparisons between the two have surfaced.
“There’s no competition between us. He’s my brother and best friend. In our family, it’s all love and support,” she said.
* * * Actress Ara Mina is venturing into politics, announcing her candidacy for Pasig City’s District II councilor in a recent press conference.
“This is a new path for me,” she said. “I believe entering politics is my destiny. It feels good to help people.”
Ara, known for her work in film and television, shared her deep ties to Pasig, revealing that her mother was born and raised in Santolan. “Ninety-nine percent of my relatives are from Pasig. We still have our house here, and it’s where I’m staying now,” she said. Even before her political bid, Mina has been involved in helping those in need, including supporting colleagues in the entertainment industry. She recalled offering her vacant apartment to veteran actress Deborah Sun during a difficult time.
IHow Alfred Vargas continues to make an impact beyond showbiz
HAVE known Alfred Vargas for years, long before he became a public servant. Back then, during showbiz junkets, we would talk about his big dreams and the kind of change he wanted to see. Now, seeing him turn those ideas into action is something I can’t help but admire.
Alfred’s livelihood program in Quezon City’s 5th District is one of those initiatives that remind me why he got into public service in the first place. It’s not flashy, and he doesn’t make a big deal out of it, but the impact? It’s undeniable. More than 4,500 residents have benefited, whether through job fairs, startup capital, or vocational training.
I remember a conversation we had a few weeks ago about the importance of giving people not just financial aid but actual opportunities to build a sustainable livelihood.
“It’s not just about handing out help,” he said. “It’s about making sure people have something to hold on to in the long run.”
And that’s exactly what he’s done.
More than 1,000 people have landed jobs through his job fairs, while over 2,500 received capital to kickstart their small businesses. But what really stood out to me was how TESDA came in to support the program with skills training in everything from meat processing to soap making. These are practical skills that residents can immediately use to start earning.
One of my favorite stories from this program is about a former scrap collector who used to push a cart around looking for recyclables. Today, he owns a junk shop. Another is a chicharon vendor who can now afford to send his kids to school.
There’s also a seamstress who, after
but if your heart is in the right place and you genuinely want to help, you can be an agent of change.”
Mina is running alongside mayoral aspirant Sarah Discaya, whom she credits as a source of inspiration. “She has a big heart and continues to help people. Her vision is to improve Pasig’s healthcare services, including the establishment of free hospitals,” she said. If elected, Mina plans to balance her duties with her acting career. “I’ll still accept movie projects, and my TV show Magandang Araw on Net 25 will continue. Showbiz is my passion— it’s just a matter of scheduling,” she said, citing Vilma Santos as a role model in managing both fields.
“I feel it’s my calling. I prayed for it,” she said of her decision to run. “Politics is stressful,
receiving a sewing machine, now supplies uniforms and towels to companies.
Even those who started with something as simple as selling homemade perfumes online now have an extra P500 to P700 coming in every month. It might not sound like much to some, but as Alfred pointed out, “That’s money for electricity, water, or even diapers and milk. It may be small, but it makes a big difference.”
One thing I appreciate about Alfred’s approach is that he doesn’t stop at giving people resources—he makes sure they’re guided along the way. With his brother, Congressman PM Vargas , they set up a mentorship system to track progress and help beneficiaries navigate challenges. “We don’t just hand them capital and disappear,” he once told me. “We stay with them until they can stand on their own.”
I have seen firsthand how much this means to people. Stay-at-home moms now have their own small businesses. Some are finally doing work they’re passionate about while earning at the same time. There’s pride in their eyes, knowing they created something of their own.
At the end of the day, Alfred’s program does not just focus on livelihood, it’s also about giving people dignity. It’s about giving people the means to take control of their own lives. And that, to me, is the kind of leadership that truly matters.
MGM’s new thriller A Working Man, with Jason Statham, emerged atop a flock of new films this weekend in North America, earning an estimated $15.2 million, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday.
The action film, from Suicide Squad director David Ayer, features Statham as a military veteran who comes out of retirement to seek the kidnappers of his boss’s daughter. It grabbed the top spot from Disney’s Snow remake, which saw ticket sales plunge.
The big-budget Disney film plummeted from last weekend’s $45 million opening to just $14.2 million despite showing in 4,200 theaters—the year’s lowest debut for a movie opening in at least 3,000 theaters, analysts said. Snow White, “any hopes of a box office rebound evaporated with a very poor showing,” Daniel Loria, a vice president at the Boxoffice Company. While it “should still cross the $100 million mark domestically, (it) stands out as the first major box office disappointment of 2025.” Three other new releases rounded out the weekend box office.
The Chosen: Last Supper Part I, part of a Fathom Events series about the life and teachings of Jesus, scored an unexpectedly strong $11.5 million, placing third for the Friday-through-Sunday period.
Universal’s psychological horror film The Woman in the Yard, about a widowed single mother who receives an ominous warning
from a strange woman, placed fourth, at $9.5 million. Danielle Deadwyler stars. And A24’s comedy horror film Death of a Unicorn, with Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a father and daughter who accidentally kill a young unicorn—drawing the wrath of its parents— scored $5.8 million in ticket sales.
The year’s first quarter, Loria said, will be the worst such three-month stretch since 2022, “but we expect the market to begin its rebound in April before a strong summer season kicks off.
Rounding out the top 10 were Princess Mononoke 4K with $4 million, Captain America: Brave New World with $2.8 million, Black Bag with $2.2 million, Mickey 17 with $1.9 million, and Novocaine with $1.5 million. AFP
Business growth, leadership in focus at SMX Aura event
BUSINESS leaders and industry experts will gather at SMX Aura, Bonifacio Global City, on April 4 for a full-day event focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation.
Business Beyond Limits PH
2025 , running from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., will feature wealth coach Chinkee Tan, known for his financial literacy advocacy, and Steve Sy, founder and CEO of Great Deals E-commerce Corp., a leader in online retail. Entrepreneur Sean Si, an expert in search engine optimization and business culture, will also speak.
Leadership speaker Francis Kong will discuss personal and professional growth, while author and motivational speaker Jayson Lo will focus on leadership and
Smart spaces designed for your life’s next chapter
FOR today’s self-made professionals, success means cultivating a life fueled by ambition, purpose, and well-being.
Avida Land, a subsidiary of Ayala Land, understands that the pursuit of the right home lies in finding one that supports and adapts to the needs and aspirations of its residents.
“Avida Land has always believed that home is more than just a place to stay—it’s where you create your best life,” said Raquel Cruz, head of Avida Land. “That’s why we don’t just provide living spaces; we build communities that evolve with you, support your aspirations, and reflect your values.”
Avida recently introduced The Bespoke Experience, an initiative that redefines modern living with smart, lifestyledriven spaces. From March 21 to 26, the real estate company displayed a series of pop-up model units at the Glorietta Activity Center, each developed in collaboration with the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers and leading brands like Furniture Republic, Samsung, and Anko.
The installations reflect various homeowner needs— from solo urban dwellers and families to pet owners— demonstrating how Avida tailors its offerings to match every lifestyle.
With a focus on functionality, comfort, and sustainability, Avida’s developments cater to dynamic homeowners in
self-improvement.
Management consultant Anthony Pangilinan will share insights on team and organizational success, and digital marketing specialist
Carlo Ople will cover emerging trends in technology and marketing. The program includes keynote speeches, interactive panel discussions, and networking sessions. Attendees will gain practical strategies for business growth, leadership development, and digital transformation. Industry leaders will also engage in discussions designed to foster innovation and collaboration among professionals. For ticketing details and more information, visit BusinessBeyondLimits.ph.
Digital bank backs Philippine football in multi-year PFF deal
By Jasper Valdez
GOTYME Bank is now playing for the home team.
The digital bank recently sealed a multi-year partnership with the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), becoming its official banking partner—a collaboration that’s as much about backing the sport as it is about showing up for the people in it.
“I think we’re similar in that we’re kind of young, scrappy teams,” said GoTyme co-founder and CEO Nate Clarke
Bank is our travel propositions.”
That support is already helping behind the scenes, said PFF National Teams director Freddy Gonzalez
“Banking is a big deal for the team because we have allowances, salaries, all of that stuff,” Gonzalez said. “GoTyme helps us make that all seamless, especially internationally, with the players.”
“Most of our players play abroad. So when we need to do bank transfers and all that, it makes it much easier for our staff as well,” he added.
For Gonzalez, the partnership also reinforces the team’s standards.
Urban convenience Avida Towers Makati Southpoint, located close to the Makati Business District, provides professionals with city accessibility and modern amenities. The development features co-working spaces, wellness areas, and sustainable elements such as motion-sensor lighting and rainwater harvesting. Unit prices start at P7.1 million and go up to P12.3 million.
Modern suburban living
“We actually often refer to ourselves internally as a team, you know, competing here in the Philippines against other teams, but we also have big ambitions globally.”
The partnership was launched on March 18, with GoTyme pledging financial support for the next three years and looking to bring more private backers into the fold.
“Our first large investor triggered lots of other investors, and we’re going to try to do the same,” Clarke said.
“With the exception of other banks, we’re going to be recruiting others. There are a few other businesses we need to knock on.”
But this isn’t just about funding— it’s also about being part of the national teams’ day-to-day realities.
“We want GoTyme to be integrated into their lives, into their trips,” Clarke said.
“We’re very fortunate that the players enjoy it. One of the big reasons why people join GoTyme
“It legitimizes the teams, number one, because now we have somebody like GoTyme supporting us,” he said. “And it also makes sure that we are answerable to GoTyme. So we have to be at their level and at that level of professionalism as well.”
GoTyme and PFF are also preparing to launch the GoTyme Bank Cup 2025, an invitational tournament featuring national teams from the Philippines, South Africa, Vietnam, and Singapore.
“The intent there is really to share the love of football, to showcase the ability of the Philippines,” said GoTyme co-CEO Abet Tinio.“GoTyme is here to make sure those dreams have every chance of coming true.”
“Football is a beautiful game,” Clarke added. “And a lot of customers love GoTyme because it’s a beautiful experience. I thought that was a really cool connection.”
Sentria Storeys, situated in Cavite’s 700-hectare Vermosa estate, transforms suburban living with pet-friendly areas and modern unit designs that include private balconies. Ideal for couples and young professionals, the units range in price from P5.7 million to P8.5 million.
Nature-focused communities
Crescela NUVALI in Laguna, part of Ayala Land’s largest eco-city, is perfect for families who value green living and community involvement. It features large parks, swimming pools, and a safe, environmentally friendly setting. Lot prices begin at P48,000 per square meter.
A weekend retreat
Serin Terraces in Tagaytay is perfect for a second home or a peaceful getaway, offering countryside living with townhomes and open spaces designed for relaxation. Unit prices range from P12.1 million to P15 million.
With each of its developments, Avida continues to position itself as more than just a housing developer—it’s a life partner for every chapter.
“Whether you’re looking for a home that fosters wellness, fuels creativity, or embraces sustainability, Avida ensures you have the ideal space to flourish,” said Cruz. Angelica Villanueva
Avida highlights comfort and creativity in a thoughtfully designed lounge for today’s self-made professionals
From left: PFF national teams director Freddy Gonzalez, GoTyme CEO Nate Clarke, and PFF Men’s football team coach Albert Capellas
GoTyme Bank co-founder and CEO Abet Tinio at the launch of GoTyme Bank–Philippine Football Federation partnership
This lifestyle-driven setup by Avida blends dining, lounging, and pet-friendly features for modern homeowners
Avida’s model unit showcases a modern bedroom that balances style and function
ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY
Many of world’s glaciers won’t survive the century
GLACIERS in many regions will not survive the 21st century if they keep melting at the current rate, potentially jeopardizing hundreds of millions of people living downstream, UN climate experts said on the first World Day for Glaciers.
Together with ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, glaciers lock up about 70 percent of the world’s freshwater reserves. They are striking indicators of climate change as they typically remain about the same size in a stable climate.
But, with rising temperatures and global warming triggered by humaninduced climate change, they are melting at unprecedented speed, said Sulagna Mishra, a scientific
officer at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Last year, glaciers in Scandinavia, the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard and North Asia experienced the largest annual loss of overall mass on record. Glaciologists determine the state of a glacier by measuring how much snow falls on it and how much melt occurs every year, according to UN partner the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) at the University of Zurich.
In the 500-mile-long Hindu Kush mountain range, located in the western Himalayas and stretching from Afghanistan to Pakistan, the livelihoods of more than 120 million farmers are under threat from glacial loss, Mishra said.
The mountain range has been dubbed the “third pole” because of the extraordinary water resources it holds, she noted.
Despite these vast freshwater reserves, it may already be too late to
save them for future generations.
Large masses of perennial ice are disappearing quickly, with five out of the past six years seeing the most rapid glacier retreat on record, according to the WMO.
The period from 2022 to 2024 also experienced the largest-ever threeyear loss.
“We are seeing an unprecedented change in the glaciers,” which in many cases may be irreversible, said Mishra.
WGMS estimates that glaciers, which do not include the Greenland and Antarctica ice sheets, have lost more than 9,000 billion tons of mass since 1975.
“This is equivalent to a huge ice block of the size of Germany with a thickness of 25 meters,” said WGMS director Michael Zemp. The world has lost 273 billion tons of ice on average every year since 2000, he added, highlighting the findings of a new international study into glacier mass change .UN News
As electronic waste surges, countries look for answers
Conclusion
Investment in collection and recycling infrastructure could generate US$38 billion in annual economic benefits by 2030, including by improving human health, protecting valuable ecosystems and spurring the recycling industry, finds a report by the UN Institute for Training and Research and the International Telecommunication Union.
These actions can trigger far-reaching benefits, extending the lifespan of electronics, reducing demand for newer products and lessening the environmental burden of manufacturing, ultimately creating a greener technology industry.
Global collaboration is also essential, say experts, as electronic waste is a transboundary issue that disproportionately affects middle- and lowincome countries.
High-income countries sent some 3.3 billion kilograms of e-waste and used electronics to middle- and low-income countries through uncontrolled transboundary movements in 2022.
On January 1, an amendment to the Basel Convention, an international treaty regulating the transboundary movement and disposal of hazardous waste, came into effect, which could alter the electronic-waste landscape.
Parties to the convention—including 190 countries and the European Union—must now seek prior informed consent before transporting electronics and electronic waste to other countries.
“This amendment represents a landmark step in reducing the environmental and health impacts of e-waste,” says Rolph Payet, executive secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions. “While the amendment is an important step, success is contingent on parties to the Basel Convention meeting their commitments and promoting cooperation at all levels.”
Back in Kazakhstan, Zaitsev is hard at work developing strategies to bolster electronic waste recycling and improve efficiency. With electronics flowing in from industrial enterprises, telecommunications companies and small-scale collectors, his New Capital Company has no shortage of e-waste to recycle. Zaitsev said he’s “cautiously optimistic about the future. In Kazakhstan, only 9 percent of electronic waste in the country is recycled, according to UN data.
“Addressing e-waste is important to me because it combines environmental protection with economic opportunity,” he said “It is not just about business, but also about creating a sustainable future for our communities and the planet.” UNEP News
Natural-color satellite image of the margin of Matusevich Glacier in East Antarctica. UN News