‘Underwater drones could aid warfare’
One drone sent signal to China—AFP
By Rex Espiritu
FIVE underwater drones found by Filipino fishermen were capable of gathering information that could aid in “underwater warfare,” the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Tuesday, noting at least one had relayed a signal to China.
By Maricel V. Cruz
SPEAKER Martin Romualdez on Tuesday said the recognition of the West Philippine Sea label by Google Maps was a “simple yet powerful” affirmation of the Philippines’ sovereign rights and the increasing global support for its maritime claims.
“The proper and consistent labeling of the West Philippine Sea on the widely-used platform Google Maps is welcome news for every Filipino,” Romualdez said.
By Charles Dantes
IN RESPONSE to a recent rise in kidnapping cases, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is strengthening ties with the Filipino-Chinese business community and revamping its anti-kidnapping strategies.
PNP officials announced Tuesday
MALACAÑANG said yesterday that the color black “better describes the previous [Duterte] administration”, contrary to the claim of the political advertisement wherein Vice President Sara Duterte endorsed the candidacy of presidential sister, Sen. Imee Marcos.
“Probably ‘black’, which was truly black. But things are getting brighter with the incumbent administration.” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said in Filipino at a briefing.
Ormoc cops test negative for powder burns PNP
sination attempt on Albuera mayoralty candidate and self-confessed drug lord Rolando “Kerwin” Espinosa all tested negative in the paraffin test. In a press briefing held at Camp
Crame on Tuesday, Col. Randulf Tuaño, acting chief of the Public Informa
tion Office of the PNP, also said that the seven policemen will continue to
House leader calls out Piñol on national debt issue
The revelation followed months of confrontations between the Philippines and China in the disputed South China Sea. It alao came as Manila prepares for large-scale military exercises with treaty ally the United States this month, where advanced capabilities including the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship
Agencies set for Holy Week diaspora
By
Joel
and
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has mobilized more than 65,000 personnel nationwide to ensure a safe and peaceful observance of Holy Week, PNP Major General Roderick Alba announced yesterday in a press briefing at Malacañang. Speaking on behalf of PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, Alba said the nationwide effort falls under the operational guidelines of “Ligtas SUMVAC 2025,” the PNP’s initiative to strengthen public safety during the summer vacation and Lenten season.
“We have strategically deployed our personnel and mobilized force multipliers—our volunteer groups—
Charles Dantes,
Zurbano
Rio N. Araja
SENAKULO A scene from the Senakulo shows Mary and her companions holding the body of Jesus Christ after being taken down from the cross where he was crucified upon orders of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. Joan Bondoc
GAUDI’S SAGRADA FAMILIA. Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi (inset) designed the still unfinished Spanish landmark, Sagrada Familia basilica, in Barcelona, Spain. Story on A2 VC Galvez/ Sagrada Familia website
By Vince Lopez
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed that the Ormoc cops arrested in connection with the assas-
Sagrada’s Gaudi on sainthood path
THE Catholic Church has put Antoni Gaudi, the designer of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia basilica nicknamed “God’s architect,” on the path to sainthood, the Vatican announced.
Pope Francis recognized the Catalan architect’s “heroic virtues” and authorized a decree declaring him “venerable,” the Vatican said in a statement on Monday.
This acknowledgment comes before beatification, and the next step after that is sainthood.
“It was a joy to receive the news... it
to key areas of convergence such as places of worship, tourist spots, terminals, highways, and other busy establishments,” Alba said.
The PNP’s heightened visibility will include enhanced police presence in transport hubs, pilgrimage sites, and residential areas that are often left unattended during the holidays. Mobile patrols will also be intensified in residential neighborhoods to prevent theft and other opportunistic crimes.
Alba noted that no specific security threats have been identified as of this time.
However, he assured that the PNP remains on full alert, especially in historically vulnerable areas, with intelligence units coordinating closely with counterparts in other uniformed services.
“We have increased deployment around vital installations such as power plants, communication infrastructure, and transport terminals,” Alba said. Similarly, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has ramped up inspections and enforcement efforts to curb vessel overloading and ensure safety in popular tourist destinations.
Commander Michael Encina, deputy spokesperson of the PCG, said Transportation Secretary Vince Hizon has ordered the PCG, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to strictly monitor and prevent overloading of both passengers and cargo.
“We are not tolerating any acts of overloading—whether of people or goods,” Encina said during a press briefing.
He added that the PCG is “strictly checking the number of passengers allowed per vessel, as well as the cargo load. No exemptions.”
Encina said the PCG has reminded shipping companies to refrain from taking advantage of peak travel demand, warning them that overloaded vessels will not be permitted to depart.
is a recognition not only of his architectural work but something more important,” said the Archbishop of Barcelona, Cardinal Juan Jose Omella.
“Gaudi has left a testimony for us all... he is saying to you... amid life’s difficulties, amid work, amid pain, amid suffering, are destined to be saints,” Omella added.
Beatification is reserved for three categories of people: martyrs, those who have lived a life of heroic values and others with a clear saintly reputation.
Candidates must also be credited with a miracle after their death, at which point they can move towards becoming saints.
The Church began in 2003 to vet Gaudi, a visionary and pious architect who died in 1926.
Two decades later, in 2023, Cardinal Omella commissioned a group of religious and lay people to press his cause.
Gaudi designed the unfinished mon-
umental Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, which was consecrated in 2010 by pope Benedict XVI, paving the way for its use as a place of worship.
At the time, Benedict praised “the genius of Antoni Gaudi... (who), inspired by the ardour of his Christian faith, succeeded in transforming this church into a praise to God made of stone.”
The signing of the decree was the first official appointment on Francis’s agenda since the 88-year-old was discharged on March 23 following five weeks in hospital battling life-threatening pneumonia. AFP
“This simple yet powerful update reflects the growing global acknowledgment of the Philippines’ sovereign rights over the maritime areas within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This reinforces what we have long asserted: That these waters are part of the Philippines’ territory, and all must respect our sovereign rights,” he added.
The House leader said the recognition was not just a technical or cartographic correction but a geopolitical milestone.
“Google’s decision to reflect the West Philippine Sea label is more than a map update. It’s a geopolitical affirmation. This platform shapes global consciousness, and this recognition adds significant weight to our cause,” he said.
“For the Filipino people, this is more than just a name on a screen. It is a symbolic and moral victory, a reminder of our decades-long struggle to protect what is rightfully ours,” Romualdez added.
The Speaker expressed hope that other institutions and nations would follow the lead of the Google platform in aligning with international law.
“We hope this move will encourage other mapping services, institutions, and governments to follow suit and acknowledge what the law and justice clearly uphold,” he said.
“Let this remind us: when we stand united in asserting our national interest, the world takes notice,” he added.
Google Maps not only plotted the WPS label but also showed the stretch of the area up to the Spratly Islands or the Kalayaan Group of Islands.
The name South China Sea remains visible to the north and west of the area now identified as the West Philippine Sea.
Beijing claims the South China Sea almost in its entirety despite an international ruling that its assertion has no merit.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines earlier welcomed the inclusion of the WPS on Google Maps. AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said: As defenders of national sovereignty, the AFP sees this as a valuable contribution to truthful representation and public awareness.”
WPS refers to waters within the country’s exclusive economic zone on its western side and extending up to 200 nautical miles.
Interdiction System (NMESIS) and highly capable unmanned surface vessels will be deployed.
The drones were discovered between 2022 and 2024 in locations “important strategically in the defense and the security not only of the country but for international maritime navigation,” military officials told reporters at a briefing on Tuesday. Their data collection served purposes “beyond navigation,” according to Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, who said the information could be used for “underwater warfare,” detecting threats and testing weaponry below the surface.
While declining to definitively identify the drones’ origin, Trinidad
noted that several bore Chinese markings, while at least one had relayed a signal to China.
“Based on the technical study of the forensics of the SIM card (found on one of the five drones), the last contact of the card was in mainland China,” said Trinidad, who serves as the navy’s spokesman for West Philippine Sea issues.
Three of the drones were found off the north coast of Luzon, including two near the Balintang Channel south of Taiwan, he added.
Two others were retrieved from what were identified as “critical chokepoints” -- one near Masbate Island and another near Mindanao.
The Chinese Embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
As this developed, the AFP said this
year’s Balikatan, or “shoulder to shoulder,” exercises with their US counterparts would include a test of “integrated air missile defense” for the first time.
The joint exercises, which will involve approximately 10,000 soldiers, will take place from April 21 to May 9.
“We are treating exercises as rehearsals. We are implementing a plan that has been planned out in the previous Balikatan and that is what we are going to execute at this time,” said Brig. Gen. Mike Logico.
AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner this month told troops in northern Luzon that the island would host the bulk of the Balikatan exercises because of its strategic importance.
“These are the areas where we perceive the possibility of an attack. I do not want to sound alarmist, but we have to prepare,” he said. AFP
The WPS was officially named as such during the term of then President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III in 2012. be investigated, as there are ways to test negative for paraffin.
Testing methods include washing hands with chemicals or wearing gloves when firing a gun.
He also revealed that the case has developed further with the discovery of 10 firearms being carried by the Ormoc cops—nine of which were undocumented, and one had a tampered serial number.
that the police force is undergoing a major restructuring of its Anti-Kidnapping Group, following a directive from PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.
As part of the initiative, the PNP has partnered with the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), which met with police leadership on April 11 to pledge support and offer assistance.
“The FFCCCII, with its 170 chambers from Aparri to Jolo, offered their help in sustaining peace and order,” said Police Major General Benjamin Alba.
One key proposal that emerged from the meeting is the establishment of a dedicated help desk—the PNP Chinese-Filipino Community Help Desk (PCFC)—designed to address the specific security concerns of the Chinese-Filipino community. The help desk will serve as a direct channel for reporting and coordination, particularly in high-risk areas. Initial rollouts of the PCFC are set for Binondo, Manila—home to one of the country’s largest Chinese-Filipino populations—as well as other major cities such as Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and parts of Region III.
“We are close to becoming truly white… almost white. Maybe not perfectly white… but we are headed down that path under the current administration,” she added.
On Monday, Senator Marcos released via her Facebook page the 31-second video in which the Vice President and the Senator, who were both dressed in black, castigated the current leadership for supposed social ills.
“Black is the color of the country today
because of hunger and crime… it is grieving,” they said in the advertisement.
When queried for the chief executive’s reaction to the video, Castro emphasized that Mr. Marcos rejects negative campaigning of any sort, especially if it is meant to misinform the voting public.
‘’Of course, the President does not like this kind of negative campaigning, especially when they are spewing fake news,” she noted.
Still, Senator Marcos proceeded with her offensive against her brother, urging him to “reflect” during the Holy Week, and insisting that his administration has “lost its way.”
“Maybe what I can say is that since it is Holy Week, let’ all take the opportunity to reflect. Let’s pray that we can correct our shortcomings. Let’s think about the lessons taught by my father,” she said in Filipino.
Senator Marcos also said that the “black” theme of the political advertisement was all the Vice President’s idea.
“It [script for the advertisement] happened so suddenly. We both forgot we were in a campaign. She wanted it to be ‘black’ to symbolize wrongs that should be corrected,” she told reporters in a virtual press briefing.
The arrested cops were found at a local residence in a dead-end area, where the owner of the house allegedly had connections to a known congressman in Leyte.
“According to the Regional Director, BGen. Cumigad, the residential compound was owned by a friend of a wellknown congressman,” Tuaño said. Tuaño also said the cops were arrested in a residential area four hours after the incident occurred, and according to the Regional Director in Leyte, the police officers were just resting in the area.
“According to BGen. Cumigad, the policemen were just resting,” Tuaño said.
paign sortie in North Cotabato, where he is seeking to return as governor.
added in just six years. That’s more than the combined total debt of all Philippine presidents from Manuel Quezon to Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III over 89 years amounting to only P6.6-trillion. If there’s a ‘death burden,’ it was the one the Duterte administration created,” Khonghun, a House Assistant Majority Leader, said. Piñol made the remarks during a cam-
According to Khonghun, Piñol’s attempt to weaponize the country’s debt against the current administration is “laughably audacious,” given his controversial tenure in government.
“He presided over rice crises, proposed legalizing smuggling, bungled the bird flu outbreak, and was linked to questionable behavior in the Recto Bank incident. And now he wants to lecture us on responsible governance” Khonghun said.
The House leader pointed out that the Marcos administration inherited a fiscal landscape already strained by Duterte-era loans, many of which were granted blanket approval under the guise of pandemic response but with little congressional scrutiny or transparency.
“We in Congress are now pushing for reforms to make sure future administrations don’t recklessly mortgage our nation’s future the way it was done under Duterte,” Khonghun said.
“That includes investigating how the P7.2 trillion in loans was used,
and whether the Filipino people truly benefited from that borrowed money,” Khonghun added.
House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin earlier called for a congressional inquiry into the P7.2-trillion debt, saying unchecked borrowing during the pandemic years severely reduced the country’s fiscal space.
“The truth is simple: the current government is paying for the sins of the past. The ones who bloated the debt are now acting like saints. It’s shameless,” Khonghun said.
TALLEST. Giant image of a Virgin Mary at the Montemaria international pilgrimage convention center is seen from a RORO passenger ship sailing off Batangas province. The Mother of All Asia Tower of Peace is said to be the tallest statue of the Virgin Mary in the world. Norman Cruz
MWSS says sufficient water supply for metro residents
IN BRIEF
SC upholds abolition of Brgy. San Rafael
THE Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the abolition of Barangay San Rafael and its merger with Barangay Dacanlao in Calaca City, Batangas.
In a decision written by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, the SC En Banc nullified a 2009 ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan that sought to restore San Rafael as a separate barangay. The Court ruled that the ordinance was invalid due to the absence of a plebiscite and a certification from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) verifying that San Rafael met the 2,000-resident minimum population required by the Local Government Code (LGC). At the time, San Rafael had only 611 residents, based on official records.
The SC emphasized that both the Constitution and the LGC mandate a plebiscite for the creation or division of a barangay. Since these requirements were not met, the ordinance restoring San Rafael was deemed unconstitutional. Pot Chavez
TINGOG party-list ranks 2nd in Tangere survey
TINGOG party-list secured the second spot with 5.50% voter preference in a non-commissioned pre-election survey conducted by Tangere (Acquisition Apps Inc.), suggesting it may win two seats in the House of Representatives in the May 12 elections.
The Duterte Youth party-list ranked first overall. Ako Bicol came in third with 5.00%, followed by 4PS and ACT-CIS, both with 4.75%, rounding out the top five party-lists expected to win two seats each. Among other incumbent groups in the top 10, Agimat placed seventh with 3.50%, Malasakit@Bayanihan ranked eighth with 3.00%, Alona ninth with 2.75%, and 1Pacman tenth with 2.50%.
Six new party-lists are projected to gain one seat each. Leading them is FPJ Panday Bayanihan, with 3.75%, headed by Brian Poe Llamanzares. Other notable newcomers include Ang Bumbero ng Pilipinas (2.35%), Solid North (2.00%), Partido sa Bagong Pilipino (1.75%), Tulfo para sa Turismo (1.52%), and Abante Bisdak (1.52%). Rio N. Araja
Solon seeks inquiry of MRT column collapse
REP. Bernadette Herrera of the Bagong Henerasyon Party-list has filed House Resolution 2262, calling for a congressional investigation into the collapse of a concrete column at the MRT-7 construction site along West Avenue in Quezon City. Herrera emphasized that the incident highlights serious safety lapses in the implementation and
By Rio N. Araja
THE Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) on Tuesday assured Metro Manila of sufficient water supply amid the dry season.
In a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview, MWSS deputy administrator Patrick
Dizon said Angat Dam has stored enough water until the end of the dry months.
The water level of Angat Dam, which supplies 90% of Metro Manila’s water needs, was at 207.4 meters on Monday compared to the 194 meters stored on the same day in 2024.
Dizon said recent water interruptions in the cities of Pasay, Las Piñas and Parañaque can be attributed to pump repair activities in Pasay City.
“We will maximize our repair works this Lenten Season,” he said.
Water interruptions are normally scheduled from 10 p.m. until (the fol-
lowing day at) 4 a.m. or at the maximum, at 6 a.m., “during which most people are asleep,” according to Dizon.
He said the MWSS is doing its best to avoid a repeat of the 2019 “pila balde” situation in the National Capital Region due to the historical low water elevations of Angat Dam.
“We have learned our lessons well. We have tapped other water resources in Laguna and Rizal. The construction is expected to be completed in December,” Dizon said.
“We expect less dependency on Angat Dam by 86% to 75% by end of December this year,” he noted.
By Vito Barcelo
By Charles Dantes
THE National Food Authority (NFA) announced Tuesday that the country’s rice buffer stock has increased significantly, now capable of sustaining the national demand for more than nine days—a key milestone in the Marcos administration’s food security program.
NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said the agency currently holds 358,000 metric tons of rice, equivalent to 7.16 million bags, marking a substantial rise from last year’s buffer of just one day. With the amended Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), the agency now targets a 15-day supply by the end of the year. To meet that goal, the NFA estimates it will need an additional P8 billion on
top of its current P9 billion budget.
Lacson said the agency is looking at ways to raise funds, including selling rice stocks to local government units (LGUs), though distribution has been slow due to pending local council resolutions and the need for Commission on Elections (Comelec) exemptions.
On procurement, the agency bought 2.2 million bags of palay from local farmers in the first quarter of 2025, amounting to P2.6 billion in support.
Purchases were made nationwide, except in the National Capital Region and parts of Region VII where production remains low.
The NFA also expanded its “fast lane” program for small farmers, increasing the bag limit from 50 to 70 to encourage greater participation and speed up local procurement.
C-5 Ortigas Flyover (southbound), and the Ortigas-C5 Interchange. Malaluan added that initial rehabilitation work on the Kamuning and Quezon Avenue flyovers has already begun under the 2024 budget. However, full-scale work will proceed in phases due to delays in fund disbursement. To minimize traffic disruptions, the DPWH is coordinating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on rerouting plans and advising motorists to use alternate routes such as the Mabuhay Lanes.
THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed complaints against lawyer Raul Lambino and Duterte Youth partylist chair Ronald Cardema for allegedly spreading false information about a supposed Supreme Court order halting the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
According to the NBI’s Intelligence Service, Lambino and Cardema publicly claimed that the Supreme Court had issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) to block the enforcement of an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant against Duterte. The bureau clarified, however, that while a petition had been filed, the High Court had not issued any such order.
Lambino allegedly made the claim during a Facebook Live broadcast on March 11, while Cardema echoed similar statements in a media interview. Though Cardema did not post the remarks on his own social media accounts, his statements were circulated widely through other Facebook pages.
Authorities said the dissemination of this false information, particularly during a volatile time, risked misleading the public and undermining law enforcement efforts. Both individuals were charged under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes the unlawful use of publication or utterances that could endanger public order. Lambino and Cardema have both denied wrongdoing and criticized the complaints as politically motivated. Lambino described the case as harassment against critics of the administration, while Cardema insisted he merely relayed information from publicly available news updates. Pot Chavez
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025
‘Equitable’ same-sex marriage bills eyed
IN BRIEF
Second Mindanao town under Comelec control
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has placed Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur under its control following the ambush of a local candidate in the run-up to the 2025 national and local Elections. Buluan is the second area in the country to be placed under Comelec control ahead of the May polls.
Comelec chairman George Garcia said the move was part of the poll body’s commitment to ensuring a safe and orderly electoral process in the country.
Earlier this month, the Comelec also took control of Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao del Norte as part of its proactive measures to maintain peace and security in the region ahead of the elections.
“Therefore, the guidelines we established when we placed Datu Odin Sinsuat under Comelec control will be implemented in the same manner as Comelec’s policies in Buluan,” Garcia said. Vito Barcelo
Cops nab fugitive on arrival at NAIA
A FUGITIVE with a P160,000-bounty on his head and wanted for multiple sexual offenses was promptly arrested upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport following a successful operation spearheaded by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
The 56-year-old suspect, a Filipino electrician assistant formerly based in Abu Dhabi, was picked up after his plane landed at the NAIA on Monday, April 14.
The suspect was facing multiple grave charges, including three counts of rape and six counts of acts of lasciviousness before the Regional Trial Court in San Juan del Monte City in Bulacan.
The operation involved close collaboration with the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC), the National Central Bureau–United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other national law enforcement agencies.
Vince Lopez
Pinay, 34, comes home with tales of nightmare
A 34-YEAR-OLD Filipina who illegally left the country through the backdoor, returned home with painful memories of her traumatic experience in Malaysia, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
The woman, apparently a human trafficking victim identified only as Tina, arrived at the Zamboanga International Seaport after being deported by Malaysian authorities.
The BI-protection and border enforcement section said Tina was a former government law enforcer who left on Feb. 5, 2025 using a non-traditional route—from Palawan to Kudat, Malaysia, then proceeded to Kota Kinabalu via speedboat, bypassing official Immigration checks and entry protocols. Vito Barcelo
By Rio N. Araja
THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) wants amendments on bills on civil partnerships of couples belonging to the LGBTQ+ community
The CHR remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting equality and fostering a more just and inclusive society, the agency said in a statement. Pursuant to its mandate, the CHR issued a position paper on House Bill Nos. 1015 and 6782 seeking to recognize the civil partnership of couples, and provide for their rights and obligations.
HB 1015 or the Civil Partnership Act was deemed a “landmark effort to provide civil rights, benefits and responsibilities to couples previously unable to marry, giving them due recognition and protection from the state.”
Under the measure, the civil partners would be given all the benefits and protections granted to married couples un-
der existing laws, rulings and orders.
HB 6782 or the Civil Partnership Bill seeks to create a legal framework for non-traditional relationships between two consenting adults who are of the same or opposite sex. Providing for their rights and legal obligations to each other.
According to the CHR, the proposed laws aimed to grant both same-sex and opposite-sex couples legal recognition as civil partners, affording them the same rights, protections, and privileges currently extended to married couples under existing laws and policies, including property rights, adoption and child custody rights, inheritance rights, and access to social protection programs as dependents and legal beneficiaries.
To further strengthen these provisions, the Commission has highlighted
some reservations and key areas that warrant further refinement, including the following: (i) limiting civil partnerships to same-sex couples to avoid redundancy, as opposite-sex couples are already covered under the Family Code; (ii) provisions granting civil partners equal visitation
rights to civil partners, emphasizing that decisions should prioritize the best interests of the child, regardless of the sexual orientation of the parents, among others.
By Pot Chavez
THE Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday announced the oath-taking of two new Court of Appeals (CA) justices who were appointed last Feb. 24. Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo administered the oath to CA Associate
Justices Edilwasif Baddiri as successor of retired Justice Eddwin Sorongon.
On the other hand, Associate Justice Jeoffre Willkom Acebido took his oath on Monday, April 14, replacing retired Justice Victoria Isabel Paredes. Baddiri served as presiding judge of Regional Trial Court (RTC)
By Maricel V. Cruz
gap in the family,” Dumlao said. The WGP, which serves as the gov-
ernment’s flagship anti-hunger program, currently serves 300,000 foodpoor households across the country. The program also aims to address food consumption gaps as beneficiaries are provided nutrition education sessions to help them understand the value of eating affordable and nutritious food.
Dumlao said the agency targets to assist 750,000 food-poor families by 2027, anchored on President Marcos’ vision of achieving a hunger-free Philippines before his term ends in 2028.
Branch 115 in Pasay City from 2015 to 2023, then as executive Judge of the RTC, also in Pasay. He also served as Commissioner of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos from 2010 to 2015. Acebido was presiding judge of RTC Branch 41 in Cagayan de Oro
City and served the bench for 16 years as RTC judge. Acebido, a recipient of Chief Justice Cayetano Arellano Award for Judicial Excellence, also previously worked as a prosecutor, public attorney, and senior legal officer at the Commission on Human Rights.
By Rex Espiritu
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday announced that from Jan. 1 to Apr. 10 this year, a total of 354 New People’s Army (NPA) members and supporters have been neutralized.
During a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, 303 of the communist insurgents surrendered to government forces. In military terminology, “neutralize” means rendering individuals incapable of further action, and it may involve surrender, capture, or death during operations.
Additionally, 25 Reds were apprehended and 26 killed in encounters with government forces during the same period.
“A total of 250 firearms and 116 antipersonnel mines were either seized or surrendered and 54 encampments were seized (in the same period),” Padilla said.
She reminded the NPA holdouts that the “doors of peace will not be open forever” as the amnesty period is only until next year.
The military previously reported that 88 out of the 89 NPA guerrilla fronts have been neutralized, leaving only one still operational but already debilitated.
SCORCHED EARTH. Two children cast long shadows over a portion of a field in Barangay Bagong Silangan, Quezon City where the earth has dried up hard and cracked under the intense heat of the summer sun. Edd Castro
THE OTHER FACE OF HOLY WEEK. Various progressive groups from urban poor communities of Metro Manila and nearby provinces converge on Holy Monday, Apr. 14, at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila for the annual Kalbaryo ng Maralita (Calvary of the Poor) with the theme ‘Wakasan ang Kalbaryo ng Maralita sa isang Malinis at Tapat na Halalan.’ Norman Cruz
FOOD AID FOR KANLAON EVACUEES. Volunteers work feverishly at the Department of Social Welfare and Development resource operations center in Pasay City, preparing food relief packs for victims of the Mt. Kanlaon Volcano eruptions in Negros Island.
OPINION
A bombshell versus PAOCC
A BOMBSHELL has been dropped at the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) by no less than the head of the Justice Department, Secretary Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla.
In a stunning revelation over his regular talk show aired over AM radio station, DZRH, Remulla revealed that a certain PAOCC official has been issuing release orders to questionable aliens under the custody of this agency.
Secretary Remulla made it clear this was not within the power or authority of the PAOCC official, nor of the agency as a whole.
The Office of the President, particularly the Executive Secretary, should look into this because the PAOCC is directly under its wing.
The issue is linked to the nowbanned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations, the undesirable characters once connected to this business, and the escape attempts of those among them facing criminal complaints.
It will serve public interest if Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin will probe this issue and summon the person Remulla referred to in his bombshell revelation. There are questions that need to be adequately answered.
First, on the basis of what authority did he allow the alleged persons to leave detention?
It appears the Justice Secretary made the revelation in a moment of exasperation and frustration. Prior to the revelation, Remulla was expressing his disappointment over the failure of law enforcement agencies to use digital forensics in their investigations resulting in the failed probe of human trafficking groups.
He revealed the practice of “granting bail” by certain PAOCC officials as contributing to the aggravation of this problem.
It is also highly unlikely that Remulla would make the revelation just to put PAOCC in bad light. If there is one government official who would defend the actions and agencies to death, that would be this particular Secretary.
It is also impossible for Secretary Remulla to have been mistaken regarding that revelation.
He is the legal expert of this Administration. When it comes to knowing whether or not the action or decision of a government functionary is within the powers of the agency he represents, we can trust Secretary Remulla.
So, the ball is now in the hands of PAOCC, particularly on the issue raised against the official named by Remulla.
We feel this PAOCC official is in a bind. Can he say that the Justice Sec-
retary is wrong and that the PAOCC can actually release detained aliens on bail? If he does, he will have to assert and to prove that President Marcos, Jr. chose an ignorant lawyer for the Justice portfolio.
If the PAOCC official admits that he was wrong, then he may have to face the legal consequences of his action. He may also be inferring that he is less than capable of performing his job well.
The ball is now in the hands of PAOCC, particularly on the issue raised against the o cial named by Remulla
He may also have to address speculations that there may have been some consideration for the issuance of a release order that is outside the power of the PAOCC.
Can he accuse Secretary Remulla of issuing a “politically motivated” accusation. We doubt if that would work. The public knows the politics of Remulla and his family, and that Remulla’s motivation is to protect the current President.
If the PAOCC official pushes that theory, then Secretary Remulla would be even more justified for making that revelation since that would be in the interest of the protection of this administration and the President. We believe ES Bersamin would be interested in finding out if the temporary freedom given to the detained aliens enabled them to attempt—and even consummate—escape plans to avoid prosecution and to evade the proper deportation process.
He may even wish to address speculations that the PAOCC was actually in custody of some of these aliens prior to their attempt to use the southern Philippine backdoor to exit the country— which were later foiled by the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies.
He might also wish to ask the concerned PAOCC official why he would go out of his way to take the big risk of issuing a release order that would help these undesirable aliens attempt and execute an elaborate escape plan.
By doing so, ES Bersamin would actually be doing PAOCC and the very Office of the President a great service.
(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
Palm Sunday in uncertain times
PALM Sunday is the commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, when crowds welcomed Jesus by spreading palm branches (palaspas) in his path, symbolizing victory and peace. The palaspás represents the palm branches waved by crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem, a symbol of welcome, honor, and reverence for Christ as King and Savior. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, leading up to Easter Sunday. Instead of arriving like a warrior on a mighty horse, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey—a deliberate act symbolizing peace, humility, and servanthood.
Humility in leadership, especially for community leaders and heads of families, mirrors the kind of servantleadership Jesus modeled when He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. God’s kingdom is not built on force or dominance, but on love, grace, and humility. Unlike the kingdoms of this world—built on power, control, and conquest—the Kingdom of God stands in stark contrast. It reverses the world’s values, challenging us
to see greatness not in dominance, but in service, compassion, and self-giving love.
This kind of servant-leader is especially significant as the Philippines is set to embark on a political journey to choose a new set of community leaders these coming elections.
Unlike us imperfect and frail humans, God always keeps His promises, and He never fails
At the very heart of God’s kingdom is love—not the fleeting or conditional kind, but a love that is sacrificial, unconditional, and deeply inclusive. Jesus did not march with armies or seize power through force. Instead, He won hearts through mercy. He healed the broken, lifted the lowly, and welcomed the forgotten. His love embraces the outcast, forgives the sinner, and searches for the
EDITORIAL
Telling it like it is
ANAVIGATION app’s use of “West Philippine Sea” to refer to waters off the west coast of the country should leave no more room for doubt that this part of the world belongs to the Philippines.
Prior to the update, Google Maps used “South China Sea.”
The platform’s use of WPS reflects a growing global acknowledgment of the Philippines’ sovereignty over the waters as affirmed by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in its 2016 ruling on our claim.
The name change, however, should give Filipinos further impetus to assert our sovereignty amid continued bullying and harassment by China.
On Monday, April 15, a vessel of the China Coast Guard sailed dangerously close to a vessel of the Philippine Coat Guard near Scarborough Shoal. The Chinese vessel even blocked the route of the Philippine vessel.
PCG Spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said the incident highlights the CCG’s non-compliance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. “It reflects a blatant disregard for safety at sea.”
And then, on Tuesday, the Philippine Coast Guard detected a Chinese
lost. It is a love that lays down its life so that others might live.
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which foretold that the Messiah would come in humility, riding on a donkey.
This act revealed Jesus as the longawaited Savior—not a warrior king, but a King of peace. For believers, this moment underscores the sovereignty of God, affirming that His promises are steadfast and His timing flawless. Even amidst delays or challenges, God’s plan unfolds according to His perfect will.
Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy deepens faith, reminding Christians that God’s purposes will be accomplished at the right time, just as He promised.
God’s purposes are always carried out at the right time, in accordance with His perfect plan and will.
Throughout Scripture, we see that God’s timing is not bound by human expectations or limitations. While we may face moments of uncertainty, impatience, or waiting, the Bible reminds us that
—“—
Philippine o cials must be unrelenting in their protest and uncompromising in their position
research vessel off Batanes, some 78 nautical miles northeast of Itbayat.
The PCG issued a radio challenge to the vessel, saying its presence was a violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and that it had no authority to conduct research within the Philippines’ EEZ. There was no response from the Chinese ship.
This is just the latest in a string of provocative acts by the Chinese in various parts of Philippine territory.
The list of infractions is long, the maneuvers audacious.
To be sure, the Philippines has been protesting within the appropriate diplomatic channels. Last week,
God is sovereign over all things and His timing is always intentional. Unlike us imperfect and frail humans, God always keeps His promises, and He never fails.
Throughout history, countless examples of injustice, oppression, and inequality highlight humanity’s failure to uphold God’s standards of justice.
This is why there is economic inequality, and poverty or that our country is still grappling with the gross injustices committed during the previous regime’s brutal drug war, or that countries are now locking horns with one another in the on-going trade war on the pretext of perceived economic inequalities and opportunism.
Whether through slavery, racism, or economic disparity, our imperfections have caused immense suffering for others.
These systemic failures reveal the deep flaws within our hearts and societies, exposing the disparity between God’s ideal of justice and the reality of
even before the two latest incidents, the Philippines raised these concerns during the meeting of the joint working group on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Specifically, the Philippines highlighted incidents that endangered its vessels and personnel as well as actions that infringed on its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction.
The joint working group is undertaking negotiations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and China for a Code of Conduct.
The difficulties created for the Philippines by China’s actions in waters established as ours are as much a defense and security issue as they are economic. Therefore, Philippine officials must be unrelenting in their protest and uncompromising in their position. They have the support of the people behind them, because the issue strikes at who we are as a people. The use of “West Philippine Sea” in an online map may be a small thing. Still, the first step to addressing an issue is recognizing it and giving it an apt name. Our next steps should go beyond names; they should reflect a diplomatic but firm assertion of what is ours, basic respect for each nation’s boundaries, and adherence to international law.
human actions.
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem marks the start of His path to the Cross, where He would lay down His life as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. This moment embodies God’s ultimate act of selfless love, extending an invitation to all people— regardless of their background, nationality, or status—to enter into a relationship with Him. His arrival signifies God’s call to salvation, offering forgiveness, hope, and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
So this Sunday, let us meet the Lord Jeus Christ, astride a donkey, hail him as our King, as he enters the Jerusalem of our hearts, shouting Hosannah! Hosannah in the Highest!
For, the Lord freely dispenses hope, joy and freedom from the slavery of sin and the misery of despair.
Facebook, X, and Bluesky: tonylavs Website: tonylavina.com
This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a sombere illustration of the Holy Week. The image is muted and not loud featuring holy images of Lent and Filipino culture
Israeli demands hostage release for Gaza truce
GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories—Hamas said Israel has offered a 45-day ceasefire if it releases half of the remaining hostages held in Gaza, that the United Nations said is now in the grip of its worst humanitarian crisis since the start of the war.
A Hamas official told AFP that Israel had also demanded that the Palestinian militants disarm to secure an end to the Gaza war but that this crossed a “red line.”
Egyptian mediators passed on an Israeli proposal that “includes the release of half the hostages in the first week of the agreement, an extension of the truce for at least 45 days, and the entry of aid,” the official said.
Militants took 251 hostages during the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks that set off the war. Some 58 are still held in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.
“The proposal includes the disarmament of Hamas and all Palestinian armed factions in the Gaza Strip as a condition for a permanent end to the war,” the official added.
Hamas leaders were reviewing the ceasefire proposal but the official said “Hamas and the resistance factions’ position is that the resistance’s weapons are a red line and non-negotiable,” the official said.
The official said Hamas negotiators were going to Qatar, where the group has an office and the main mediation talks with Israel have been held. Israel
Trump says Xi’s
HANOI—China’s President Xi Jin-
ping paid tribute to Vietnam’s late revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh on Tuesday, his last day of a trip to Hanoi that President Donald Trump said was aiming to “screw” the United States.
Xi is in Vietnam as part of a Southeast Asia tour that will include Malaysia and Cambodia, with Beijing trying to position itself as a stable alternative to Trump as leaders confront US tariffs.
The Chinese leader called on his country and Vietnam Monday to “oppose unilateral bullying and uphold the stability of the global free trade system,” according to Beijing’s state media. Hours later, Trump told reporters at the White House that their meeting was aimed at hurting the United States.
“I don’t blame China. I don’t blame Vietnam. I don’t. I see they’re meeting today, and that’s wonderful,” he said.
“That’s a lovely meeting... like trying to figure out, how do we screw the United States of America.” China and Vietnam signed 45 cooperation agreements on Monday, including on supply chains, artificial intelligence, joint maritime patrols and railway development.
Xi said a meeting with Vietnam’s top leader To Lam on Monday that their countries were “standing at the turning point of history... and should move forward with joint hands.” AFP
did not immediately comment on the Hamas statement.
“Hamas informed the mediators that it is willing to agree to any proposal that includes a permanent ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the entry of aid,” the official said.
Earlier, the United Nation warned that Gaza’s humanitarian crisis was spiralling out of control with no aid entering the territory for weeks and conditions rapidly deteriorating.
Israel, fighting in Gaza since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, resumed operations in the Palestinian territory in March after the collapse of a twomonth old ceasefire amidst differences over the next phase.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced, with Israel blocking humanitarian aid since March 2, before the truce disintegrated.
Medical supplies, fuel, water and other essentials are in short supply, the UN says.
“The humanitarian situation is now likely the worst it has been in the 18 months since the outbreak of hostilities,” said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. AFP
Iran’s top diplomat to head to Russia after nuke talks
TEHRAN—Iran’s foreign minister is to visit ally Russia this week to discuss nuclear negotiations with the United States, ahead of a new round of talks between the foes planned for Rome.
On Saturday, Abbas Araghchi held talks with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Oman -- the highest-level negotiations since the 2015 nuclear accord collapsed.
US President Donald Trump, who withdrew from the deal, has brought Iran back into the spotlight since returning to office in January.
In March, he sent a letter to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for nuclear talks and warning of possible military action if Tehran refused.
Western countries, including the United States, have long suspected
Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, an allegation Tehran has consistently denied, insisting its programme is for peaceful purposes.
Russia, a close ally of Iran and party to the 2015 deal, and China have engaged with Tehran in recent weeks over its nuclear programme.
“Dr Araghchi will travel to Moscow at the end of the week,” said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, adding that the pre-planned trip would be “an opportunity to discuss the latest developments related to the Muscat talks”.
Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Araghchi would meet his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and other officials.
Iran and the United States have both described Saturday’s discussions as “constructive.” AFP
IN BRIEF
WASHINGTON, DC—El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele on Monday (Tuesday Manila time) ruled out returning a man wrongly deported from the United States, as he bonded with Donald Trump over a scheme to send migrants to a mega-prison in the Central American country.
The US president gave a warm welcome in the Oval Office to 43-yearold Bukele -- the self-proclaimed “world’s coolest dictator” who is now Trump’s key ally in his controversial deportation push.
Bukele and top White House officials alike rejected calls to repatriate Kilmar Abrego Garcia, in spite
of a US Supreme Court order for the Trump administration to facilitate his return from the notorious jail.
“Of course, I’m not going to do it,” Bukele told reporters.
“The question is preposterous.... I don’t have the power to return him to the United States.”
The expulsion of Abrego Garcia has set off a major legal crisis, after the Trump administration admitted he had been deported in an “administrative error,” even though a court order blocked it because of fears of gang persecution.
Trump officials insist he is a member of El Salvador’s notorious MS-13 gang, despite him never hav-
ing been convicted.
The 78-year-old Republican, who has made mass deportations a core part of his second-term agenda, thanked Bukele for “helping us out” and called him a “hell of a president.”
Trump also urged Bukele to build more jails, saying he was even considering deporting some US citizens who commit violent crimes to El Salvador.
“We also have homegrown criminals that push people into subways, that hit elderly ladies on the back of the head with a baseball bat,” he said. “I’d like to include them in the group of people to get them out of the country.”AFP
Peru mourns its literary giant Mario Vargas Llosa
LIMA—The Peruvian flag flew at half-staff Monday (Tuesday Manila time) as the South American country grieved the passing of literary great Mario Vargas Llosa with a day of national mourning.
Tributes from around the world and wreaths poured in as President Dina Boluarte attended a private wake at the Vargas Llosa family home for the novelist and Nobel laureate who died there Sunday aged 89.
The author of such acclaimed works as “Conversacion en la catedral” (“Conversation in the Cathedral,” 1969) and “La guerra del fin del mundo” (“The War of the End of the
World,” 1981), will be cremated in a private ceremony.
Wreaths of white flowers decorated the outside of the family home in Lima’s Barranco neighborhood, where admirers had gathered clutching Vargas Llosa books.
Some were in tears.
“His passing will mark a before and after in the history of world literature,” one of them, 30-year-old artist David Marreros, told AFP.
Added philosopher Gustavo Ruiz, 55: “I am shedding tears because he was a very important reference for me, he used to say that ‘Literature saved my life’ and
I always use this phrase.”
The Nobel Prize committee, meanwhile, hailed Vargas Llosa as “a significant figure in Latin American literature and culture.”
Reflecting on his deep love of storytelling and use of rich language, it recalled that he was awarded the 2010 Nobel Prize in Literature “for his cartography of structures of power and his trenchant images of the individual’s resistance, revolt, and defeat.” Boluarte, dressed in a black suit, was received for the wake by Vargas Llosa’s son, Alvaro, who briefly addressed journalists at the entrance to the family home.
AFP
ISRAELI PROPOSALS REVIEWED. Smoke plumes billow from Israeli bombardment on the east of Gaza City as pictured from Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday. Israel said earlier it planned to expand its military offensive in Gaza after seizing a new corridor as part of a broader effort to take large parts of the war-battered Palestinian territory. The previous truce with the Palestinian Hamas movement brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar which took effect on Jan. 19 collapsed on March 18 as Israel resumed intense strikes on Gaza. AFP
KEY ALLY. US President Donald Trump meets Tuesday (Manila time) with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC. Trump hosted Bukele, the self-described ‘world’s coolest dictator’ who is now the US leader’s key ally in a controversial push to deport illegal migrants to a notorious Salvadoran prison. The meeting comes as the White House faces pressure over the case of a father who was mistakenly deported to the jail in the Central American country -- whose return a US court has ordered the Trump administration to facilitate. AFP
LITERATURE LAUREATE. The hearse carrying the coffin of late Peruvian writer and Nobel literature laureate Mario Vargas Llosa leaves his apartment heading to the crematorium in Lima on Tuesday, a day after he died at th age of 89, ending the era of Latin America’s literary golden generation.AFP
Tour of Luzon a complete package
THE Tour of Luzon comes as a complete package of a multi-stage race when the fabled summer sports spectacle returns on April 24 with the “Great Revival” edition.
“Eight stages of technical riding among the cyclists and their respective teams,” said Arrey Perez, Chief Regulatory Officer of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, presenter and title sponsor of the race organized by DuckWorld PH with Cignal TV as Official Media Partner.
“From start to finish, from Stage 1 to the queen final Stage 8 in Camp John Hay, it will not only be a race about who’s the strongest, but also about who’s the smartest,” said DuckWorld PH president Patrick “Pató” Gregorio about the race, powered by the MVP Group’s Meralco, Metro Pacific Investment Corporation, Maynilad, Smart, PLDT, Landco Pacific Corporation and mWELL and Megaworld.
Seventeen teams of seven riders each—for a total 119 cyclists—are seeing action in the 1,074.90 kilometer Tour of Luzon that starts on April 24 with the 190.70-km Paoay-Paoay Stage 1, 68.39-km Paoay-Vigan team time trial Stage 2, 130.33-km ViganSan Juan Stage 3, 162.97-km AgooClark Stage 4, 166.65 Clark-Clark (via New Clark City) Stage 5, 168.19 Clark-Lingayen Stage 6, 15.14-km
individual time trial Labrador-Lingayen Stage 7 and finally the queen Stage 8 which is a 172.53-km from Lingayen to the Scout Hill finish inside Camp John Hay in Baguio City. A cool P1 million awaits the champion team while the individual champion gets P500,000 in the Tour of Luzon which forged partnerships with the Cardinal Santos Medical Center (Official Medical Partner), GO21 (Official Logistics Partner), Dong Feng Motors (Official Vehicle Partner), Victory Liner, Digital Out of Home (DOOH), Public Safety Savings and Loan Association, Inc. (PSSLAI), Unilab, Huawei, Toyota, MVP Group/We Are Sports and Pilipinas Live.
PH Athletics Championships draw 800 bets
AROUND 800 athletes, including 60 bets from six foreign countries, will see action in the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships 2025 scheduled May 1 to 4 at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
Reli de Leon, special assistant to Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) president Terry Capistrano, said the country’s finest will be on hand as well as athletes from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, India and Papua New Guinea.
“The event serves as the basis for the selection of our national team to the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December so we expect the best performances from them,” he said during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
De Leon, who was joined at the forum by national coaches Dario de Rosas and Jeoffrey Chua, said the country’s top under-18 athletes will also vie as they seek slots to the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain in October.
“That’s why everybody is excited for this event. Even our national athletes and Paris Olympians Jan Tolentino Cabang and Lauren Hoffman are excited,” said De Rosas ahead of the Category B event under World Athletics.
Chua said the foreign bets will not take the event lightly because points are at stake as they try to qualify to the World Championships in Japan in September.
The modern stadium, venue of the 2019 SEA Games, makes the event more competitive. To ensure the safety of the bets considering the intense summer heat, competition events are set from 2 to 9 p.m. except for walkathon that has morning sessions.
PH finswimmers capture 6 golds in Taiwan; Otom wins in world tilt
By Randy M. Caluag
THE Philippines collected a total of 11 medals— six gold, three silver and two bronze—at the 2025 Chinese Taipei Age Groups Finswimming Competition held in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, officials said Monday.
Jiskah Cachero led the national team’s campaign with four gold medals, winning the women’s 100m surface and 50m apnea events. She also contributed to victories in the 4x50m surface relay and 4x100m bifin relay.
Cachero was joined by Allen Manlises, Curt Cosico and Jhan Blaine Repil in the 4x50m event, while Manlises, Repil and Kenneth Santos completed the 4x100m squad.
National coach Mary Ann Reyes added two more gold medals in the women’s 50m snorkeling bifin and 200m immersion events in the masters 50-and-above division.
Cachero also secured two silver medals in the women’s 50m and 200m surface events, while Santos took silver in the men’s 200m bifin. Cosico earned bronze in the 800m surface event, and Santos added another bronze in the 400m bifin. Meanwhile, Filipino para swimmer Angel Otom captured one gold and one bronze at the 2025 Para Swimming World Series in FujiShizuoka, Japan.
Shark Billiards launches PH Open; PTV4 is broadcast partner
THE Sharks Billiards Association (SBA) officially launched the Philippine Open 2025 via a milestone press conference and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held at the Sharks Arena and Sports Bar in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.
The event celebrated the start of a media partnership with People’s Television Network (PTV) and laid out the direction of one of the biggest professional billiards tournaments in the country.
The press conference gathered key stakeholders in the billiards, broadcast, and regulatory sectors, offering insight into SBA’s vision, tournament structure, and its rising stature in the world of Philippine cue sports.
The event was attended by highranking officials and respected figures, including Hadley Mariano, SBA commissioner and founder; Francisco Rivera, chairman, Games and Amusements Board (GAB); Oscar M. Orbos, chairperson of the Board and OIC-Network General Manager, People’s Television Network and Atty. Pamela Parce, Legal and Administrative Officer, People’s Television Network; team owners representing SBA’s founding franchises, namely Reynato Roallos Jr., Manila
terest in billiards, noting GAB’s data on tournament growth.
“In 2019, we only had seven sanctioned events. By 2024, that number grew to 35—and we’ve already recorded
Humility, trust fuel Petro
JAPANESE coach Koji Tsuzurabara consistently referred to his Petro Gazz Angels as the “challengers” and downplayed their chances against the 10-time Premier Volleyball League champions, the Creamline Cool
Smashers. Even though he may only be the one who understandably knows what his instructions during games were, his message though was clear —they were there to win. He maintained a calm and quiet demeanor throughout the tournament, letting his team’s performance speak for itself. He placed immense trust in his players, especially team captain Remy Palma, empowering her to lead during crucial moments. Tsuzurabara also made a point of highlighting the contributions of every player, not just the stars, ensuring everyone felt valued. This humble and team-focused approach proved successful, as the Angels achieved a historic victory, dethroning the long-reigning Creamline in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. Even in the moment of triumph, Tsuzurabara remained reserved, quietly observing his team’s celebration. The emotional embrace he shared with Palma afterwards symbolized the strong
15 in the first quarter of 2025. This momentum shows the sport is thriving. I give the SBA two thumbs up for creating a platform where our players can shine professionally,” said Rivera. Mariano revealed that SBA has already exceeded its registration goal of 128 players for the Philippine Open 2025 and is now preparing to open additional slots due to overwhelming interest.
The tournament will follow international 9-ball rules, with a Race to 7 format in the early rounds and a Race to 13 in the finals. Although the full prize distribution is still being finalized, Mariano confirmed that the ₱1 million prize pool would allocate approximately 30 to 40% to the overall champion.
He also emphasized SBA’s commitment to inclusivity, stating that female cue artists are welcome and encouraged to join the tournament. One of the event’s main highlights was the announcement of the SBA’s non-exclusive media partnership with People’s Television Network (PTV). Under the agreement, SBA matches—including those from the Philippine Open—will be aired on primetime television in a dedicated two-hour broadcast slot.
bond and effective partnership that led to their unexpected championship win. At the post-championship press conference, the typically reserved mentor let his guard down. For a man who rarely spoke, the tear he shed said more than any speech ever could. And when asked how it felt to finally triumph after embracing the underdog role all-conference long, his answer was simple: “Too much happy. I can’t believe,” he said. But his team believed. The faithful believed.
And with their grit, resolve, chemistry—and silent strength, the Angels proved they’re no longer just “challengers.” They are champions—with or without the grand speeches, with or without the playbook spelled out. Because coach Tsuzurabara didn’t need to speak loudly. He led loudly.
Members of the victorious Philippine nswimming team are shown at the podium.
Otom, who competed at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, won the women’s 50m backstroke S5 event in 46.84 seconds and placed third in the 50m butterfly with a time of 50.00 seconds. Her performance secured her a spot in the 2025 Para Swimming World Championships in Singapore this September.
MSW Mavericks; Atty. Glenn Michael Nuestro, Quezon City Dragons; Edmund Jose, Taguig Stallions and Marc Yao, Negros Occidental Pillars. Rivera highlighted the surging in-
SBA founder/commissioner Hadley Mariano (third from left) and PTV 4 OIC General Manager Oscar Orbos (second from left) sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for SBA’s Season 2 PH Open 2025 to be held at the Sharks Arena and Sports Bar in Tomas Morato. They are joined by GAB chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera (left) and PTV 4 executive Atty. Pamela Parce.
Coach Koji Tsuzurabara: The Angels’ true edge hides beneath his brilliance, unleashed through his unconventional style
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025
rumallari@thestandard.com.ph
rieramallari@yahoo.com
RIERA
U. MALLARI, Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
By Riera U. Mallari
ONE look at the specs of the newly launched POCO F7 Pro and I am reminded of Adam Sandler’s 100% Fresh Special on Netflix, wherein he did a number with the title “Phone Wallet Keys.”
The rap song, if you may call it that, focuses on the three most basic things one needs -- phone, wallet, and keys. Which brought me to the three most basic things that a smartphone should offer, at least decently -- battery, camera, performance.
The R&D guys of the POCO F7 Pro, which was launched recently at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre with its more powerful sibling, the F7 Ultra, offers those three -- and with flying colors.
Camera
Admittedly, past POCO phones won’t win you any photo contest awards. Not anymore.
Makers of the POCO F7 Series have made it conscious effort to boost its camera system and give users an amazing mobile photography experience. Our group of some 40 journalists and bloggers could attest to this during a tour at the Gardens By The Bay in Singapore.
From the Supertee Grove all the way to the Flower Dome and Floral Fantasy, photos taken using the POCO F7 Pro’s 50MP main camera, bolstered by the Light Fusion 800 sensor, produced stunning shots with exceptional clarity and vibrant detail. Don’t take our word for it, just look at the wonderful photos we took.
Meanwhile, the 8MP ultra-wide lens expands your perspective, allowing you to effortlessly capture breathtaking panoramas and inclusive group photos. Even the AI enhancements are a gem as they provide the tools to refine and enhance your photos and videos, transforming them into captivating works of art.
Battery
Recognizing the ever-increasing demand for sustained smartphone usage, POCO has prioritized ultra-efficient battery performance in its latest devices. The POCO F7 Pro’s twin, the F7 Ultra boasts of a substantial 5,300mAh battery, designed to keep you powered throughout the day. But for those requiring even longer endurance, the POCO F7 Pro features a massive 6,000mAh battery, paired with 90W HyperCharge, providing hours of uninterrupted performance for even the most intensive tasks. The POCO F7 Pro’s advanced charging chipsets significantly en-
POCO F7 Pro: Mastering the smartphone essentials
hance charging speed and prolong battery lifespan, achieving optimized charging efficiency and maintaining battery health over time. Even after 1,600 charging cycles, the battery retains over 80% of its original capacity, demonstrating exceptional longevity. During our two-day Singapore trip, I charged the POCO F7 Pro just once and went by all my smartphone businesses without any worries.
Performance
For gamers seeking uncompromising performance, the POCO F7 Pro delivers with its Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 chipset and Xiaomi HyperOS 2. WildBoost Optimization 4.0 ensures ultrasmooth and responsive gameplay.
I am not a gamer myself, but to test its gaming capabilities, I let my nephew take
it for a spin playing Genshin Impact. By activating its Super Resolution and Smart Frame Rate, the extended gaming experience proved to be exciting, with smooth visuals and ultra-responsive controls, as it went on without any lags and the phone staying cool. This was due to its LiquidCool Technology 4.0, 3D dual-channel IceLoop system with a 5400mm loop heat pipe, effectively reducing SoC temperatures by up to 3°C¹º and preventing thermal throttling. I myself was able to use it for two days, closing and editing the sports pages of the Manila Standard without any hassle when I was in Singapore.
Design, Durability, More
The POCO F7 Pro features a unique gloss-matte glass back, a smooth metal frame, and a stylish camera ring. It’s
Infobip becomes Platinum Partner of Rakuten
GLOBAL cloud communications
platform Infobip has become a Platinum Partner of Rakuten Viber. As a Platinum Partner, Infobip will be able to offer its customers early access to new products and features as well as getting priority access to a knowledge center. Infobip’s elevation to Platinum Partner marks another achievement in its ongoing mission to enhance digital communication strategies for businesses worldwide.
CEO of Rakuten Viber, Ofir Eyal, presented Infobip with Viber’s Platinum Partnership Excellence Award at a recent Infobip and Rakuten Viber event. This recognition highlights groundbreaking innovation, significant business growth, and the strong collaboration between Infobip and Rakuten Viber.
Cristina Constandache, Chief Revenue Officer at Rakuten Viber, said: “At Rakuten Viber, we believe that strong partnerships are key to driving mutual growth. Our collaboration with Infobip has fuelled significant innovation and expansion. Infobip achieving the Platinum Partnership status shows our shared commitment to revolutionizing customer engagement with advanced technology and integrated communication solutions.”
Silvija Renuša, Business Unit Head of Digital Channels at Infobip, said: “The strong partnership between Infobip and Viber underscores our shared commitment to future-focused, seamless customer experiences. We’re proud to have reached the Platinum Partner status in the Rakuten Viber Partner Growth Program, and we look for-
ward to continuing working closely with Viber and shaping the future of customer engagement together.”
Over eight years, Rakuten Viber has integrated with Infobip’s platform, becoming a key OTT channel. The collaboration has enabled businesses to use Viber for direct, rich media interactions with customers, enhancing user experiences, and helping customers in their digital transformation journey.
One recent example is Metrobank, the second-largest private universal bank in the Philippines. Metrobank partnered with Infobip to integrate Viber rich business messaging into its customer communication strategy, enhancing its operations with a trusted and secure digital platform.
Utilizing Infobip’s plug-and-play solution, Metrobank seamlessly incorporated Viber business messages into its existing processes with minimal effort. In no time, the bank began delivering personalized, rich content messages, including images
and videos, to millions of consenting customers. This strategic move not only created a unique customer experience but also resulted in up to 50% cost savings compared to traditional SMS messaging, as Metrobank effectively communicated its latest offerings through Viber’s rich media capabilities.
Ramon Martin Rodriguez, Performance Marketing Head at Metrobank, said: “Infobip provided a solution that enabled us to quickly start benefitting from using Viber for Business for sending marketing messages, using both a portal and an integration with our CRM system. The integration was extremely easy to set up with no disruption to our businesses processes, and no requirement to involve technical resources from other departments. We have been very satisfied with the entire process.”
Learn more about the Metrobank success story: https://www.infobip. com/customer/metrobank
also durable, with IP68 dust and water resistance and Gorilla Glass 7i, so you can take it to the beach, or go hiking without any worries. Recognizing that flagship performance demands an equally exceptional user experience, the POCO F7 Pro, according to its press release, also significantly enhances connectivity and entertainment. A dedicated signal enhancement chipset, the Surge T1S tuner, boosts cellular performance by up to 37% in mid-high frequencies, ensuring a more stable and reliable connection. Additionally, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth performance are improved by up to 16%, providing seamless wireless experiences. For immersive entertainment, the device features Stereo Dual Speakers that deliver powerful and clear audio.
Furthermore, AI Super Cinema technology elevates both audio and visuals, transforming every moment into a captivating cinematic experience, whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or enjoying multimedia content. Verdict
The POCO F7 Pro is a well-rounded device that delivers on its promises. It successfully addresses the three core aspects of a modern smartphone -- performance, camera, and battery life, and does so with significant improvements over previous POCO models. Product availability
The POCO F7 Pro, offered in Black, Silver, and Blue, is available in 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB configurations and is sold exclusively on Shopee.
SOPHOS, a global leader of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, recently announced the appointment of Malis Selamat as managing director for ASEAN, Greater China, and Korea. In this role, Selamat will spearhead strategic growth initiatives and expand Sophos’ market presence across these key regions.
Bringing more than 25 years of experience in enterprise technology, sales leadership, and channel management, Selamat is well-positioned to enhance Sophos’ partner-driven approach and help organizations navigate today’s evolving cybersecurity threats. She will lead the company’s corporate sales efforts, focusing on scaling enterprise adoption and deepening collaboration with partners to deliver best-in-class security solutions.
Before joining Sophos, Selamat was the head of corporate sales for Southeast Asia and country manager for the Philippines and Vietnam at Google, where she led go-to-market strategies and accelerated business growth in emerging markets. Prior to that, she led sales organizations at VMware, McAfee, Citrix, and Qlik, driving enterprise and mid-market sales while expanding partner ecosystems.
“I am excited to join Sophos at such a pivotal time in the cybersecurity industry,” said Selamat. “As cyber threats become more complex and widespread, organizations are seeking innovative solutions to stay ahead. I look forward to working with our team and partners to drive growth, foster collaboration, and deliver impactful security strategies that empower organizations to best defend their businesses from persistent threats.”
Gavin Struthers, senior vice president, APJ at Sophos, added, “Malis’ impressive track record of helping businesses strengthen their cybersecurity postures and driving digital transformation in the region makes her an invaluable addition to Sophos. Her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to grow our footprint and reinforce our market leadership across ASEAN, Greater China, and Korea.”
POCO F7 Pro
Sample POCO F7 Pro photos
Maris Selamat
By Othel V. Campos DEPARTMENT of Trade
Industry (DTI)
and
Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said the Philippines is now operating under a temporary 10-percent tariff imposed by the United States, which is in effect for 90 days as part of a broader reciprocal tariff policy announced by President Donald Trump on April 2, 2025.
Speaking at the sidelines of a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-led donation event Tuesday, Roque said she actively seeks a meeting with her US counterpart to clarify the Philippines’ long-term tariff standing.
“We’re now at 10 percent for 90 days. We’ve already requested a
meeting three weeks ago, and they’ve acknowledged it. We’re just waiting for the schedule,” Roque said.
“Once we have that, we will definitely talk about it. This is not something we intend to keep under wraps. The Filipino people need to know, and globally, everyone is watching this development,” she said. Roque said that while the 10 percent rate applies temporarily to most US trading partners, what follows after the 90-day period remains uncertain.
“We don’t want to speculate, whether it goes up to 70 percent or drops to 17 percent. Of course, if our ASEAN neighbors face higher rates, that could benefit us—but we can’t assume anything until we’ve had the meeting,” she said.
PH remains resilient, expected to grow 6.3% despite shocks
THE Philippines and its fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), along with their three major Asian trading partners, are
AMRO, an international organization established to contribute toward securing macroeconomic and financial resilience and stability in the ASEAN+3 region, forecast the Philippine economy would likely grow 6.3 percent annually in 2025 and 2026.
This would make it the secondfastest growing ASEAN economy, after Vietnam at 6.5 percent. Inflation in the Philippines is seen averaging 3.3 percent in 2025 and 3.2 percent in 2026. AMRO said the growth forecast
for the Philippines is higher than the average 4.3 percent growth projected for the ASEAN+3 region. The region is positioned to remain resilient with the policy space to cushion near-term shocks, it said. The outlook for the region faces significant headwinds from unprecedented global tariff escalation, creating an unusually wide range of possible outcomes, the organization said. “Nevertheless, ASEAN+3 is positioned for resilience with growth increasingly driven by domestic demand, diversified export markets and policy space to manage risks,” it said.
CEBU Pacific said Tuesday its passenger traffic grew 18.9 percent in March 2025, driven by increased seat capacity.
The airline unit of the Gokongwei Group said it carried 2.2 million passengers in March, up from 1.85 million passengers it served in the same month last year.
The airline’s seat load factor (SLF) reduced slightly to 81.4 percent from 81.6 percent last year, while seat capacity grew by 19.2 percent.
Domestic passengers increased 20.2 percent to 1.65 million from 1.37 million passengers last year on
17.9-percent increase in seats, with a SLF of 84.1 percent.
International passenger traffic grew 15.2 percent to 551,0000 on 22.9-percent higher seats, coming with a percentage point decrease in SLF to 74.3 percent.
CEB said the first-quarter passengers also grew 26.3 percent to 7 million from 5.5 million a year ago.
Domestic passengers increased 27.9 percent to 5.2 million, while international passengers grew 21.8 percent to 1.8 million. SLF averaged 84.9 percent, while overall capacity in
By Jenniffer B. Austria
SUBIC Water and Sewerage Com-
pany Inc. said it aims to achieve 100-percent wastewater service coverage in Olongapo City after obtaining a fresh 20-year extension of its franchise agreement with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).
Subicwater is a joint venture of DMCI Holdings Inc. through its subsidiary DMCI Project Developers Inc., IV3 Aqua Holdings, SBMA, Maynilad Water Services and the city government of Olongapo.
DMCI said in a statement Subicwater and SBMA signed a new agreement that extends their partnership
seats grew 24.8 percent to 8.2 million.
“Despite the shift of Easter from March of last year into April of this year, the traffic growth and seat load factors remained robust for both domestic and international networks,” said Xander Lao, president and chief commercial officer of CEB.
“For the first quarter, overall, we have registered increases in load factor while growing capacity at circa 25 percent. This reinforces our positive outlook for the second quarter of this year,” he said.
Darwin G. Amojelar
for another 20 years or until March 31, 2047.
“We thank SBMA for trusting us to continue serving the community,” said Subicwater chairman Apollo Tiglao.
“This extension helps us move closer to our goal of 100 percent wastewater service coverage in our areas,” he said.
Subicwater announced several new plans, including expanding its sewerage and sanitation services, focusing on areas that are underserved or experiencing growth.
“The announcement of elevated and broad-based tariffs by the U.S., and the developments since, have added significant layers of complexity to the ASEAN+3 region’s outlook,” said AMRO chief economist Hoe Ee Khor.
“Nevertheless, ASEAN+3 economies today are more resilient and diversified than during past global shocks and better positioned to navigate the unfolding tariff shock,” Khor said.
$2.72 billion $2.65 billion $34.5 billion Cash remittances in February 2025 Cash remittances in February 2024 Cash remittances in 2024
By Darwin G. Amojelar
CASH remittances sent by Filipinos working overseas through banks reached $2.72 billion in February 2025, up by 2.7 percent from $2.65 billion registered in February 2024, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Tuesday.
The BSP said that in the first two months, cash remittances rose 2.8 percent to $5.63 billion from $5.48 billion sent from January to February 2024.
The growth in cash remittances from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates led to the increase in remittances in the two-month period, the BSP said.
Personal remittances, which include cash and personal items, also saw a 2.6-percent increase in February 2025, reaching $3.02 billion from $2.95 billion in February last year.
The BSP said the increase was driven by contributions from both land-based and sea-based workers. The cumulative personal remittances also reached $6.27 billion in January to February 2025, up by 2.7 percent from $6.10 billion seen in January to February 2024.
Stock market climbs, peso closes at 56.77 a dollar
By Jenniffer B. Austria
THE main composite index rose for a fifth consecutive trading day, lifted by US tariff exemptions and hopes for further policy easing by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index climbed 40.58 points, or 0.66 percent, to close at 6,186.10, while the broader all-shares index advanced 18.76 points, or 0.52 percent, to reach 3,646.65.
“Philippine share pushed closer to 6,200 level as sentiment continued to improve with markets calming before the Easter holiday,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said.
“Sentiment also got boost from US stocks which rose led by tech gains after President Trump temporarily exempted smartphones, computer chips from new tariffs,” he said.
The peso also jumped Tuesday, closing at 56.77 against the US dollar from 57.08 Monday.
Locally, stock investors were hoping for further monetary easing after the BSP last week lowered policy rate by 25 basis points.
Among the indices, only the mining and oil sector ended in the red, declining by 0.04 percent. Industrial jumped 1.3 percent, followed by financial which rose 0.77 percent.
Manila Standard TODAY NOTICE
Value turnover remained thin at P4.05 billion, with 102 advancers, 79 decliners and 66 unchanged stocks. With AFP WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025
Notice is hereby given of the Extrajudicial Settlement of the Estates of Baltazar Nobleza Layador and Floreslinda Galicia Layador notarized by Atty. Mark Phillip M. Ingente of Makati City recorded as Doc. No. 21, Page No. 6, Book No. II, Series of 2025
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
Aboitiz Foods net income soars
315% to $60.2m on stable prices
By Othel V. Campos
ABOITIZ Foods, the food and agribusiness arm of the Aboitiz Group, said it recorded a net income after tax (NIAT) of $60.2 million in 2024—a 315-percent increase from $14.5 million in 2023.
Aboitiz Foods president and chief executive Tristan Aboitiz credited the strong performance to stabilizing commodity prices, improved feed and
INVESTOR PROTECTION.
Securities and Exchange Commission chairperson Emilio Aquino (right) and BDO Foundation Mario Deriquito lead the launch of the investor protection videos on April 4, 2025 at the SEC headquarters in Makati City as part of their partnership to boost financial literacy. The videos tackle the red flags of potential investment scams, equipping the public with the knowledge to help them avoid fraudulent schemes.
Notice is hereby given that an Apostilled Deed of Extrajudicial Partition of the Estate of the late HORST ERNST BUSCHHORN who died intestate by his heirs, namely, Ursula Jutta Buschhorn, widow, as per Doc. No. 120 of documentary role for 2025, before Atty. Michael Semrau, a Notary Public for and in City of Lüneberg, Germany and child, Oliver Buschhorn, as per Doc No. 124; Page No. 26; Book No. V, before Atty. Juvy Ramirez Manwong, a Notary Public for and in City of Mabalacat, Pampanga.
(MS-APRIL 16/23/30, 2025)
flour formulations and strategic pricing decisions.
“This kind of progress doesn’t just happen overnight—it’s the result of
our people’s dedication,” he said.
“One of the biggest reasons we succeeded in 2024 was because we truly began to operate as one team. What we saw last year was the outcome of hard work put in throughout 2022 and 2023,” he said.
The completion of two new Gold Coin feed mills in Vietnam and China also expanded the company’s regional footprint and production capacity.
Aboitiz said transformational ini-
tiatives further fueled Aboitiz Foods’ momentum.
These included a major rebranding effort that brought Pilmico and Gold Coin under a single identity, Aboitiz Foods, which was launched in August 2024, and a series of values-based workshops conducted across eight countries.
Aboitiz said the sessions reinforced a high-performance culture grounded in the company’s core values.
TRANSPORTATION fare hikes are unpopular but they are not immoral per se. Transport operators need to adjust their tariffs to fund improvements and expansion, and make their investments worthwhile and sustainable,
Commuters deserve a better riding experience. The fare hike is designed to improve and modernize transportation facilities. In some cases, they prevent the government from shouldering added operating expenses through a subsidy that could slash state assistance to public education and healthcare.
Disallowing fare adjustment, in addition, will create uncertainties in the regulatory regime and discourage the private sector from taking over other critical mass transportation operations in the country.
These risks were manifested when conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) declined to pursue a plan to rehabilitate, operate and maintain the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) in view of government’s reluctance to grant tariff or fare hikes.
The low, unadjusted fares of MRT 3, as a result, are costing the government billions of pesos worth of subsidy. MRT 3’s operations are a burden to the state.
Another troubling trend is the opposition to the LRT-1 fare hike. Commuters clamor for global standard-level public services but balk at fare increases that fund improvements in the rail system.
Such mindset hinders the private sector from building a transit system worthy of Metro Manila’s future.
Put it in another way, the LRT-1 fare hike is about raising funds that will secure the future of the operations, 10 or 20 years from now.
The government earlier approved a fare adjustment for LRT Line 1 and Line 2― the first train systems in the metropolis― consisting of an additional P2.29 boarding fare and P0.21 distance fare per kilometer, from the P11.00 boarding fare and P1.00
is no such thing as free lunch.
distance fare.
Critics claim the fare hike punishes minimum wage earners. But freezing fares amid rising inflation is not a solution―it’s a slow death sentence for public services.
LRT-1 has not raised fares in nearly a decade, while operational costs for electricity, maintenance and personnel have soared. No business or service, public or private, can sustain this imbalance.
Commuting via rail is a faster and more reliable alternative than buses and jeepneys. The commuting time is more predictable and passengers enjoy a relatively safer ride.
Rail commuters, thus, must pay a premium or higher fare than those charged by buses or jeepneys for the conveniences provided by the train system.
Commuters must distinguish between fare equity and fare stagnation. Equity means fair pricing relative to service quality and affordability, not indefinite price freezes. What commuters should advocate for is better service and facilities―not a blanket rejection of any price adjustment.
Critics also wrongly blame privatization as the cause of every fare increase. Publicprivate partnerships (PPP) like Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) have delivered infrastructure gains that government alone struggled to achieve.
The LRMC consortium is composed of MPIC and Sumitomo Corp.’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp. (MPLRC), AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp. of the Ayala Group and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) Pte. Ltd.
LRMC’s Phase 1 of the Cavite Extension, a project decades in the making, for instance, is finally underway. Station improvements, better train availability and system reliability have all improved since 2015.
Thus, instead of demanding the termination of the LRMC concession agreement, we should push for more transparent fare-setting, performancebased penalties and independent oversight.
There is no such thing as free lunch. Even in countries with zero-fare transit models, the taxpayers pay for the service. State subsidies on transportation produce a budget imbalance. They lead to underfunding education and hospitals. Moreover, every peso the government spends covering fare gaps is a peso not spent on provincial roads, climate resilience or healthcare.
Commuters will soon realize that the fare hike unlocks a host of benefits that can dramatically improve their daily experience. Better funding ensures that stations are cleaner, safer and more accessible, especially for the elderly, pregnant women and persons with disabilities.
It enables enhanced security systems, updated ticketing technologies and realtime passenger information tools that reduce travel stress and increase commuter confidence.
With better funding, LRT-1 can invest in more energy-efficient trains, greener operations and long-term carbon reduction―an environmental gain that benefits everyone.
The LRT-1 fare adjustment is a recognition that better service requires real investment. We must learn from previous experience. Low, unadjusted fares will eventually force the government to waste billions of pesos worth of subsidy.
E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com
BCDA expanding transport corridors in New Clark City
By Othel V. Campos
STATE-RUN Bases
Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it is expanding the transportation and utility corridors in New Clark City, Tarlac, with completed roads expected to reach nearly 60 kilometers by year-end.
BCDA said the city’s road network will span 57.18 kilometers—about 40 percent of the planned 148.44-km. system across the development by end2025.
“One of the key factors that make Clark attractive to investors is its unmatched connectivity, anchored by an international airport, a nearby
seaport, and major expressways. But we need to build on this advantage and invest further in infrastructure. This will help us scale up, become more competitive in the region, and solidify New Clark City’s standing as a premier investment hub,” said BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang. The ongoing roadworks include multiple lanes with bike and pedestrian paths, solar streetlights, linear parks and drainage systems. Underground utility corridors are also being installed to support current and future locators.
As of November 2024, 41.48 kilometers of roads have been completed and are being used already, including the 12-km. access road to the SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway and the 19.8km. One Clark Boulevard connecting to Clark International Airport.
ERC issues preliminary pricing for 4th green energy auction
By Alena Mae S, Flores
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said it issued the draft reserve price for the fourth round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA) involving 9,378 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity.
The ERC set the preliminary GEAR 4 price for rooftop solar at P4.7679 per kilowatt-hour, ground-mounted solar at P4.1480 per kWh, floating solar at P5.9515 per kWh, onshore wind at P6.5134 per kWh and solar with battery energy storage system at P5.2835 per kWh.
The regulator said the GEAR 4 prices are still subject to public consultations scheduled this month.
“All comments received by the commission within the prescribed period shall form part of the records of this rule-making proceeding and shall be considered in the finalization of the draft Green Energy Auction Reserve Prices for Round 4 of the Green Energy Auction Program,” the ERC said. Philippine Solar and Storage Energy
Construction is ongoing for 15.7 km. of roads, led by the 10.1-km. Connecting Road Package 2, which will serve the industrial zone, Virol ogy and Vaccine Institute of the Phil ippines and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex. Road packages 3 and 4 (7.5 km. and 6.7 km.) will soon be bid out, along with connectors to the sports complex, residential areas, and the river park. Another 72.26 km. are in the pipeline. New Clark City, which spans 9,450 hectares, is poised to become the country’s first smart, sustainable, and future-ready metropolis, with a pro jected population of 1.2 million and a workforce of 600,000.
Its road network will serve as the backbone of transit-oriented develop ment across the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, paving the way for multi-modal transport hubs.
EERI vows to resolve Batangas natural gas plant issues
EXCELLENT Energy Resources, Inc.
(EERI) said it plans to resolve the issues regarding its 1,275-megawatt combined cycle power plant in Batangas by end-May 2025 and deliver its committed capacity to Manila Electric Co. under their power supply agreement.
EERI made the comment in response to the call of the Department of Energy (DOE) on the delayed full capacity under the PSA, which should have been delivered by December 2024.
Meralco and EERI signed a PSA covering 1,200 MW of baseload capacity during a previously-held competitive selection process last year.
Meralco awarded EERI the PSA for its offer of P7.1094 per kilowatt-hour in terms of total delivered levelized cost of electricity, VAT inclusive.
“The EERI power plant has achieved significant milestones with units 1 and 2 successfully completing the testing and commissioning process and being issued the final certificate of approval to connect [FCATC]. With a combined generating capacity of 850 MW, these units are already fully operational and can now generate power,” said EERI president and chief executive Yari Miralao.
Miralao said unit 3, with a capacity of 425 MW, has recently undergone testing and commissioning but is still awaiting the issuance of its FCATC. He said the target is to address and resolve the concerns of the power plant by May 30, 2025.
“With the continued support from Department of Energy, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines and Meralco, we remain committed to ensuring that the facility can reach
full operational capacity at the earliest possible opportunity,” he said.
DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said delays in the delivery of the supply under the PSA “will be more pressure in the electricity spot market.”
DOE assistant secretary Mario Marasigan said while the PSA mandates replacement power, the capacity that Meralco and EERI will secure to fulfill its commitment would be coming from existing facilities which should be serving different markets.
Alliance (PSSEA) chairperson Tetchi Capellan welcomed the issuance of the GEA 4 price, but asked for clarity on the methodology used to arrive at the pricing.
“This clearly signals the commitment of the DOE family to accelerate the deployment of RE and bring us closer to the 2030 target of the government. Our technical working groups are still studying the proposed prices. Initially however, we noticed that there are significant deviations in the methodology adopted by the commission viz GEAP 1 and 2,” she said.
“The private sector simply seeks consistency in the application of rules. Meaning, the methodology used in GEAP 1 and GEAP 2 should remain unless collectively agreed upon by parties. This will avoid confusion,” Capellan said.
The DOE released last month the terms of reference (TOR) for GEA-4, which sets out the technical, financial and commercial requirements that will govern project selection, ensuring a transparent and competitive bidding process.
Mariveles Power secures P50-b loan
By Alena Mae S. Flores
MARIVELES Power Generation Corp. (MPGC) tapped five local banks and other financial institutions for an omnibus loan of up to P50 billion, backed by its parent firm San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMGP).
SMGP said in a disclosure to the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. Tuesday its stockholders ratified the execution, delivery and performance by the corporation as sponsor and shares security grantor of the loan executed by MPGC, the company and
IN BRIEF
the lenders.
The lenders include Asia United Bank Corp., Bank of Commerce, China Banking Corp., Development Bank of the Philippines and Philippine National Bank as well as other financial institutions. The ratification
took place at a special meeting on April 14, 2025.
The company did not disclose the intended use of the loan proceeds. MPGC owns a 4 x 150-megawatt circulating fluidized bed coal-fired power plant in Mariveles, Bataan.
The company is undertaking a 600MW expansion project, adding units 5 and 6 with a capacity of 300 MW each, slated for completion in 2029.
SMGP said its stockholders also approved an increase in its authorized capital stock to P7.8 billion, divided into 7.8 billion shares with a par value of P1 per share. This is an increase from the pre-
IT WASN’T long ago that Pampanga Electric Cooperative, Inc. (PELCO) faced significant operational and financial difficulties. In the early 2000s, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) classified PELCO II, which serves the municipalities of Bacolor, Guagua, Sasmuan, Sta. Rita, Porac and Mabalacat City, as an “ailing cooperative” due to substantial operational and financial challenges.
Since PELCO II entered an investment anagement Contract (IMC) with Comstech Integration Alliance, Inc., with Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) as its technical partner in 2024, its performance has steadily improved. Within a decade, PELCO II
Pangasinan province taps Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) and Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation Inc. to develop accurate and comprehensive displays of WWII in Pangasinan at the new Capitol Park, Lingayen. Signing the memorandum of agreement are (from left) PVB assistant vice president Rowena Nuyda, first vice president Geraldine Romano, first vice president Mike Villa-Real, Pangasinan Gov. Mon-mon Guico, Vice-Governor Mark Lambino, PVB Lingayen branch manager Charmaine Loresco and Pangasinan provincial tourism and cultural affairs office head Malu Elduayan.
achieved a complete turnaround, earning a AAA rating from the NEA – the highest possible for an electric cooperative.
Meralco senior vice president and head of external and government affairs Arnel Casanova said the company is ready to collaborate with electric cooperatives across the Philippines to strengthen their operations, similar to their work with PELCO II.
With over 120 years of industry experience and advanced distribution systems, MERALCO offers not only technical expertise but also the scale, systems and discipline needed to help ECs deliver reliable and affordable power.
Casanova said they are willing to
vious P3.774 billion, divided into 3,774,400,000 shares with a par value of P1. The stockholders also ratified the subscription by conglomerate San Miguel Corp. to 1,011,093,800 shares of SMGP stock with a par value of P1 at a subscription price of P30 apiece, totaling P30.33 billion out of the ACS increase.
SMGP said this is subject to the approval of the applications to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the ACS increase.
The company is involved in several expansion projects across various power generation technologies.
“The company plans to continue its strategic development of greenfield power projects in parallel with its plan to acquire existing power generation capacity. The company balances the need for reliable and cost-efficient operations with environmental performance, and views clean coal technologies and LNG power plants as viable and sustainable options for its greenfield power projects. SMGP also actively seeks to identify and pursue renewable energy investments such as hydroelectric power and solar power projects, subject to the outcome of viability and feasibility analysis,” SMGP said earlier.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
customer service, digital services and quality of financial advice.
Meanwhile, The Banker—a publication of the Financial Times—named Maya Bank the top-ranked digital bank in the Philippines in its inaugural Neobank Rankings, a global benchmarking of licensed digital banks based on asset strength, capital efficiency and growth. The recognition places Maya Bank alongside the world’s Top 100 digitalfirst banks, reflecting its robust financial performance and growing relevance in a highly competitive sector.
50,000 consumers across 34 countries to assess banks based on customer satisfaction and five weighted dimensions: trustworthiness, terms and conditions,
share their infrastructure and knowhow across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service reliability.
Casanova said supporting ECs will uplift communities and foster broadbased economic development.
“We want to uplift the lives of people across the country—so that we may build industries like cold storage for farmers, or advanced facilities for our engineers,” Casanova said. He also emphasized that Meralco efforts are intended to support, not take over, the ECs. “We have no intent of taking over the cooperatives. What we want is to empower them— and upgrade the skills of their people,” Casanova said.
“These global recognitions reflect our relentless focus on creating a digital banking experience that is simple, inclusive, and deeply trusted by our customers,” said Shailesh Baidwan, Maya Group president and co-founder of Maya Bank.
PANGASINAN province led by Governor Ramon Guico III tapped Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) and Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation Inc. (PhilWar Foundation) to develop historically accurate and comprehensive displays of WWII in Pangasinan at the new Capitol Park, Lingayen. The MOU was signed recently in the Pangasinan Provincial Capitol. Guico said Pangasinan has a rich history including its significant role in World War II. The Lingayen Gulf Landings stands as a historic moment during the war, marking the return of the Allied Forces to Luzon and the Liberation of the Philippines. Beyond this pivotal event, there are countless untold tales of heroism, sacrifice and resilience that deserve to be shared with the people of Pangasinan, its visitors and future generations. Veterans Bank said it aims to highlight the bravery, sacrifice and heroism of the Filipino WWII veterans who are its original shareholders.
The PhilWar Foundation seeks to educate the Filipino Youth about the country’s WWII history, instilling a deep love for the Philippines and fostering a strong sense of national pride.
The proposed WWII displays will complement the planned redevelopment of the Pangasinan Capitol Complex and will bring to life factual and little known but historically accurate displays of the war in Pangasinan, portraying the role of the province and its people in World War II.
NEW CREDIT CARD. EastWest and Puregold Price Club Inc. launch the EastWest Puregold Always Panalo Visa Credit Card, the latest game-changing financial tool designed to give shoppers even greater rewards and savings. Attending the launch are (from left) Issa Gotianun Yap, EastWest head of strategy and transformation; Jerry Ngo, EastWest chief executive; Ferdinand Vincent Co, Puregold president; and Ivy Piedad, Puregold head of marketing.
Manila Electric Co. senior vice president and chief external and government affairs officer Arnel Paciano Casanova says the power retailer is ready to collaborate with electric cooperatives across the country to strengthen their operations.
La Union’s historic churches ready to welcome pilgrims for Visita Iglesia
THE Province of La Union is not only popular for its stunning beaches and vibrant attractions but also known for its historical churches and pilgrimage sites that draw catholic devotees across the country to fulfill their spiritual journey.
“These religious sites are not only places for prayer and reflection but also cultural landmarks that represent our faith, history, and tradition,” Officer-InCharge of La Union Provincial Tourism Office Julius Manabat said.
As the province observes Semana Santa this week, around 33 Catholic churches and chapels in the province are now ready to welcome pilgrims and devotees for the traditional Visita Iglesia.
“I warmly welcome all pilgrims and visitors to our beautiful province of La Union,” La Union Gov. Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David said.
“As you explore La Union’s historic churches, may you take this opportunity to reflect and pray while nourishing a deeper sense of appreciation for our local religious heritage,” she added.
One of the major and most visited churches is the St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, also known as Namacpacan Church in Luna. It is one of La Union’s three Marian churches and it houses the Shrine of the Miraculous Lady of Namacpacan, known to local devotees as Apo Baket (revered aged woman).
Apo Baket is believed to have performed miracles such as making a disabled woman walk, appearing in a dream of Pope Pius XII, and calling infidel families from the mountains. The church also features a healing well. It was declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2001.
Another Marian Church is the Holy Guardian Angel Parish which is the home of the Miraculous image of Nuestra Señora del Mar Cautiva in the town of Santo
Tomas. On July 19, 1845, the sacred image of the Blessed Mother was brought to the parish church. Since then, countless miracles, conversions, healings, and safe childbirths have been attributed to her intercession.
Located at the heart of Agoo, another Marian Church is the Basilica Minore of our Lady of Charity. The church was founded in 1578 by Franciscan Friars and was consecrated as a Marian Shrine on December 8,1978 by Sebastian Cardinal Baggio. It was elevated to the status of Basilica Minore by Pope John Paul II on July 15,1982.
St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Bacnotan town was established in 1599. The church’s facade is a mix of baroque and neoclassical style. Today, it is one of the few churches in the province that has kept its original, rustic facade. Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Bauang town was canonically completed on April 25, 1587 by Augustinian missionaries. One of its main attractions is the San Pedro Bell, which was returned to the church after being in American possession for 115 years.
Another Church to visit is the St. William the Hermit Cathedral in the City of San Fernando. It was originally built in the area of Pindangan, now known as Barangay San Vicente. The church was later moved to its current location in the city proper.
St. John the Baptist Parish in San Juan, La Union was founded in 1707. After the Spanish-American War, it underwent restoration under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Mariano Gaerlan, the first Filipino parish priest of the church and a native of San Juan. Aside from these, there are more 26 historical churches and chapel to visit in the province situated in the four vicariates namely Vicariate of San Nicholas, Vicariate of St. Ferdinand, Vicariate of St. Peter the Apostle and Vicariate of St. Francis Xavier. With the expected influx of visitors, the Provincial Government of La Union, its component local government units, and law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine National Police shall work together to ensure public safety and security.
Experts urge: Tackle cost of LGBTQ+ discrimination
LGBTQI+ advocates and development experts are calling on the Philippine government to address the economic cost of discrimination and adopt stronger diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) measures, especially amid global economic uncertainty.
New research from the coalition Open for Business estimates that LGBTQ+ discrimination costs the Philippine economy up to PHP 73 billion in lost GDP annually. Wage gaps, health disparities, and talent migration are cited as major factors.
“The inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons is not just a social issue—it is a business and economic matter,” said Jap Ignacio, Executive Director of Babaylanes, Inc. “Companies that embrace diversity perform better, but without explicit DEI policies, progress is always going to be uneven.”
A separate study by the University of the Philippines and TLF SHARE Collective found that LGBTQ+ Filipinos, despite having slightly higher education levels, are more likely to be underemployed or work in unstable conditions.
“Discriminatory practices—unfair treatment, verbal harassment, blocked career growth—are common,” said Rocky Rinabor of TLF SHARE.
Experts also warn of a growing “brain drain” as LGBTQ+ professionals leave the country seeking safer, more inclusive work environments abroad.
The Asian Development Bank notes that inclusive policies boost creativity and workforce productivity.
Advocates stress that passing the longdelayed SOGIESC Equality Bill is critical to economic inclusion. “If we want to future-proof the Philippine economy, we must invest in all our people,” Ignacio said. “Inclusion isn’t a handout—it’s a smart economic strategy.” Erika Sinaking
Salceda to promote Ligao City as 3rd District tourism hub under Global Albay
ALBAY 2nd District Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda has drawn up measures to make this city a “tourism giant,” by bringing in massive government investments in tourism infrastructures and facilities, and embarking on programs that will promote agri-ecotourism.
BEYOND merchant adoption, the event sparked vibrant engagement from local entrepreneurs, freelancers, and digital nomads, many of whom recognize cryptocurrency’s potential to streamline cross-border transactions and mitigate currency exchange challenges.
Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, held the PayFi x Bitget Wallet event in Siargao, Philippines. The event is part of Bitget Wallet’s PayFi initiative, aiming to connect the traditional financial system with blockchain technology. With overwhelming participation from merchants, entrepreneurs, and residents, the event showed Bitget’s ongoing effort to promote financial innovation and drive cryptocurrency integration among local businesses and communities.
In February 2025, Bitget Wallet launched PayFi Vision and introduced
the PayFi Flywheel, changing how we use cryptocurrency from being a passive asset to a dynamic financial tool for everyday transactions. The PayFi Flywheel converts crypto wallets from simple storage solutions into powerful engines of financial empowerment. With its earning, sending, and spending ecosystem, users can deposit crypto assets, such as stablecoins, into savings accounts offering flexible, real-time yields.
The PayFi x Bitget Wallet event achieved significant strides in merchant adoption, with five key businesses across hospitality, retail, and food & beverage sectors now accepting cryptocurrency through PayFi features in Bitget Wallet. This integration enables seamless transactions for both locals and international visitors, bypassing traditional barriers such as high transaction fees and limited banking infrastructure.
At the Lung Center of the
Sin Tax
Doctors,
By Erika Sinaking
MORE than 200 doctors and health advocates gathered at the Lung Center of The Philippines urging 2025 candidates to become “Health Tax Heroes” by backing stronger taxes on tobacco, vapes, and alcohol to combat what they describe as a growing addiction epidemic among Filipino youth.
The event featured a bold gallery titled “Health Tax Heroes and Hazards,” naming lawmakers based on their voting records on public health taxation—including the landmark R.A. No. 10351 sin tax reform law and the controversial House Bill 11360, which advocates dubbed the “Sin Tax Sabotage Bill.” Among those hailed as “Health Tax Heroes” were Senator Pia Cayetano, former Senators Kiko Pangilinan and Ping Lacson, and boxing champion-turnedlawmaker Manny Pacquiao, all of whom consistently supported taxes on cigarettes, vaping products, and alcohol. In contrast, Senators Imee Marcos and
Bong Revilla were labeled “Health Tax Hazards” for opposing key sin tax measures. “We need candidates for the 2025 elections to be health tax heroes and stand with us in prioritizing the health and well-being of our people,” said AJ Montesa, economist from Action for Economic Reforms and a member of the Sin Tax Coalition. Montesa stressed that health taxes are not merely economic policies, but lifesaving tools. “For over a decade, the laws taxing tobacco, vape, and alcohol products have helped fund critical healthcare programs. We have to stay the course so that these taxes keep impacting consumption, given the ongoing epidemic affecting young people,” he added. In a powerful visual protest, doctors and public health advocates unveiled their central demand: “Tax Yosi, Vape, Alak, Now,” a new campaign under the coalition’s Health Manifesto, which outlines legislative commitments they want aspiring lawmakers to support.
Salceda, whose nine-year term in Congress ends in June, is now gunning for governor of Albay, a position he once successfully held for nine (9) years. He currently leads local election surveys with a wide margin.
Ligao City is the newest of the seven cities in Bicol and the 2nd largest in land area, with a population of about 111, 400. It is a 4th class city with an economy largely dependent on agriculture, with a significant portion of the population working in farming and related industries.
Salceda was principal author and sponsor of the Cityhood of Ligao (RA No. 9008) during an earlier stint as Congressman, representing Albay’s third district. He now plans to continue maximizing the “immense potential of Ligao City as the primary center of economic development in the district” with tourism as a banner program beside agriculture.
“The overwhelming advantage of Albay’s 3rd district with Ligao City at the center, is its natural beauty… it offers a scenic view of the province’s three volcanoes – Mounts Masaraga, Malinao and Mayon,” explained Salceda.
Ligao is at the center of the Albay West Coast area, surrounded by ports and beaches, caves, rivers, and other natural attractions. “It has immense potentials that need to be pursued, considering that the West Coast is the most economically underdeveloped area of Albay,” he noted.
Salceda said that as previous governor of Albay, and even earlier when he was congressman of the third district, he had initiated major road projects that all linked up Ligao with the key areas of the province, among them, the Albay West Coast Road and the Ligao-Pioduran Road. As he stages a comeback as governor, he said he would create a new network of tourism roads to be known as the Ligao Tourism Circuit, stretching from Herrera and Nasisi resorts, to the provincial campsite, to Paulog and the Kawa-Kawa Park, through the Ligao highlands, and finally to the beaches of Cabarian and Catburawan.
Philippines, Quezon City, doctors & health advocates push for
Law supporr from election 2025 candidates. (Photo by Erika Sinaking)
Basilica Minore of our Lady of Charity
St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Bacnotan town
Holy Guardian Angel Parish
St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
POST Malone electrified Coachella as Sunday’s headlining set, melding his early rap hits with his recent country turn to close out the first weekend of the California desert festival.
Around 100,000 festival-goers braved scorching temperatures to attend the sprawling desert weekend festival that also saw performances by Lady Gaga, Charli XCX, and Green Day
Post Malone sported jeans with a tucked-in tee for his laid-back set that saw him light up a cigarette and lavish praise on his audience.
As he performed his smash “Sunflower,” he left them with a parting message: “Keep spreading love, keep giving love, keep receiving love. No matter what you’re going through right now, ladies and gentlemen, you’re loved more than you know it.”
Ahead of Post’s marquee performance, hiphop superstar Megan Thee Stallion ruled the main stage, bringing guest stars Queen Latifah and Ciara out to play. And German electronic pioneers Kraftwerk packed a tent of fans eager for their trailblazing conceptual soundscapes.
The iconic group whose work is frequently cited as era-defining delivered, playing hits including “Computer Love” and their bestknown song, “Autobahn.”
Shaboozey kicked off Sunday with his viral brand of country that recently earned him a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
South Korea’s Jennie electrified the stage with a solo performance days after her Blackpink bandmate Lisa— fresh off a role in HBO’s hit show The White Lotus —did the same. And France’s Polo & Pan— the duo that has found fame with its brand of electronic infused with tropical influences—are preparing for a primetime DJ slot for their second round playing Coachella
The group is formed by Paul ArmandDelille and Alexandre Grynszpan, the latter of whom told AFP backstage they feel honored to return to the desert and feel “a responsibility to represent France.”
“ Coachella is definitely a global institution when it comes to festivals,” he said.
On Saturday Charli XCX bathed the desert in her signature “brat” lime green to close out her banger set that pays homage to her sensational year, with cameos including Troye Sivan, Lorde and Billie Eilish, whose appearance whipped the crowd into a frenzy.
The appearance of Eilish triggered hysteria rivaled only by the crowd’s mad dash to the stage next door, where Senator Sanders made a surprise appearance to thunderous applause. AFP
SHOWBIZ
Sam Verzosa skips wedding talk, challenges Isko Moreno to debate
By Nickie Wang
ACTRESS Rhian Ramos is proving to be more than just a girlfriend to Manila mayoral candidate Sam Verzosa —she’s also his lucky charm and life consultant, especially now that he’s entering politics.
During a media conference at Kamuning Bakery and Café on Monday, questions about a possible wedding between Sam and Rhian surfaced once again.
Verzosa declined to discuss any wedding plans with Rhian, reportedly eyed to happen at Quiapo Church, stressing that he doesn’t want it to be used as part of his campaign narrative.
“I don’t want to use a wedding to boost my candidacy. We’re happy, and if it happens, I’d like it to take place at Quiapo Church because I’m a devotee of the Black Nazarene,” said Verzosa.
True to his previous statements, he reiterated that his decision to run for Manila mayor stems from a desire to help and bring hope to Manileños. He also expressed disappointment over the apparent decline of political debates, which were once a staple in past elections.
Unlike before, when voters anticipated debates, this election cycle has seen little to no interest—even from major networks. Verzosa said he was ready to engage in one, especially against former Manila mayor Isko Moreno who currently leads in the surveys.
“If ever there’s a debate organized by any group, I’m ready to participate and respond,” said Verzosa, a current Party-list Representative, during the Pandesal Forum hosted by Wilson Lee Flores “I believe debates and discussions are essential for voters to truly understand the plans of each candidate,” he added.
Celebrity couple Rhian Ramos (left) and Sam Verzosa
Taking a swipe at some rivals, Verzosa noted, “There are those who speak well and say what people want to hear, but when given the chance to lead, they failed to deliver.”
He recalled how President Bongbong Marcos won the last election despite skipping all debates.
IN OBSERVANCE of Holy Week, GMA Network brings viewers a reflective and meaningful lineup of special programs this Maundy Thursday (April 17), Good Friday (April 18), and Black Saturday (April 19)—ensuring that Filipino families can commemorate the Lenten season with heartwarming content.
Maundy Thursday opens with the biographical animated film The Story of Jesus for Children at 6:00 am, followed by a line-up
of animated and adventure movies: Flushed Away at 7:30 am, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip at 8:30 a.m., and Space Jam: A New Legacy at 10:00 a.m.
The biblical epic Noah airs at 11:30 a.m., while the docu-feature My Mother, My Story featuring Sparkle artist Jillian Ward follows at 1:30 p.m.
At 2:30 pm, viewers can watch the acclaimed religious drama series The Chosen. Then catch the award-winning documentary program
Jo Koy praises PAL crew for handling emergency landing in
FILIPINO-AMERICAN comedian
Jo Koy commended the cabin crew of Philippine Airlines Flight PR102 for their professionalism during an emergency landing at Haneda Airport in Tokyo. The flight, which departed Manila for Los Angeles on the evening of April 9, was diverted after smoke was detected in the cabin. In an Instagram story posted April 10, Jo Koy, who was onboard with
his family, said the crew “went above and beyond,” calling them “amazing” for remaining calm and guiding passengers through the situation. Philippine Airlines said the smoke came from one of the aircraft’s airconditioning units. All passengers were safe, and no major damage to the aircraft was reported. Jo Koy added that he and his family are waiting for their flight back to the U.S.
Atom Araullo Specials at 5:30 p.m.
Tune in to GMA’s flagship newscast 24 Oras at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Hollywood classic The Ten Commandments at 7:30 p.m., and the long-running documentary program I-Witness at 11:15 p.m.
a.m., Sherlock Gnomes at 9:00 a.m., and Firehouse Dog at 10:30 a.m. At 12:00 noon, reflect on Jesus’ seven last words from the Sto. Domingo Church via Siete Palabras.
This is followed by My Mother, My Story featuring Ai-Ai delas Alas at 2:00 p.m., and another installment of The Chosen at 3:00 p.m. CBN Asia’s Tanikala: Preso airs at 5:30 p.m. Catch 24 Oras at 6:30 p.m., followed by the family drama film Family Matters at 7:30 p.m., the musical romantic drama LSS at 9:30 p.m., and I-Witness at 11:15 p.m. On April 19, Black Saturday begins with the film Jesus at 6:00 a.m., followed by the musical religious special Himig Panalangin at 7:30 a.m. Morning favorites include Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax at 9:30 a.m. and Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library at 10:30 am. The historical epic Ben-Hur airs at 12:00 noon. Then catch My Mother, My Story featuring Bea Alonzo at 2:00 p.m. and the final set of episodes of The Chosen at 3:00 p.m. Get a taste of food and culture with Pinas Sarap at 5:30 p.m. 24 Oras continues to deliver the latest headlines at 6:30 pm, followed by the blockbuster classic Titanic at 7:30 p.m. Cap off Holy Week viewing with I-Witness at 11:15 p.m.
Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy
Iconic Manila churches for Visita Iglesia
IT IS that time of the year again when devotees seek to strengthen their faith by reliving the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. One of the traditional ways they do this is through the Visita Iglesias, where devotees visit seven churches (some go to 14 churches) for penance and reflection.
History has it that this tradition of visiting and praying in seven churches on Maundy Thursday started in Rome in the 16th century.
In 1554, Italian priest Philip Neri , who became a saint in 1622, began visiting churches to preach and share the story of his religious encounter with his friends.
This religious tradition of Visita Iglesias arrived on the Philippine shore during the early Spanish era,
brought by the conquistadors. With Spaniards ruling for over 300 years, this tradition has become deeply embedded in the Filipino Catholic culture.
This Holy Week, pilgrimage routes, especially in Metro Manila, can be overwhelming with crowds of devotees visiting churches. To ease the journey, the NLEX Connector offers strategic access, streamlining travel between the north and south of
Glazing Life
faith and resilience. Its majestic façade, impressive stainedglass windows, and the solemnity of its interior create a powerful atmosphere for prayer and reflection.
the city.
This elevated expressway reduces travel time, minimizes traffic, and enhances the Visita Iglesia experience, providing a smoother, more meaningful pilgrimage to Manila’s iconic churches during peak seasons.
Here are some iconic churches in the capital city of Manila which you can visit this Maundy Thursday and the best NLEX Connector to reach them:
1. San Agustin Church
(Intramuros): A Timeless Testament to Faith and History
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent church beautifully symbolizes centuries of history and architectural grandeur. This grand edifice, the oldest stone church in the Philippines, boasts stunning Baroque architecture, intricate interiors adorned with trompe-l’œil paintings that give the optical illusion of three-dimensional art pieces on a two-dimensional surface, and a tranquil museum housing centuriesold religious artifacts.
Where to exit: 15 minutes away from NLEX Connector España exit
2. Manila Cathedral
(Intramuros): The Heart of Philippine Catholicism
The Mother Church of the Philippines, the Manila Cathedral, stands as a mark of unwavering
How nature and tech weave the future of fabric trends
By Angelica Villanueva
SUSTAINABILITY is setting the tone for this year’s textile trends, as designers blend natural elements with evolving technology to reflect society’s shifting values in uncertain times.
Diana Jean Katigbak , textile educator at the Fashion Design and Merchandising Program of De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde, said that current trends focus on mindful material choices and biophilic design, highlighting raw textures and imperfections found in nature.
“Geometric motifs and contrasting colors now blur the line between tradition and modernity,”
Katigbak said, adding that bold yet subdued tones and hyperrealistic textures are pushing design boundaries,
contrasting with last year’s preference for handmade treatments like embroidery and beading.
Katigbak, also known for her work in natural dyeing, said there’s a growing preference for unconventional combinations that merge natural elements with imaginative design, influencing materiality in fashion. She
Where to exit: 15 minutes away from NLEX Connector España exit
3. San Sebastian Church: An Architectural Marvel
With its unique architecture, the San Sebastian Church is a breathtaking sight. Its neo-Gothic design, reminiscent of European cathedrals, and its stunning stainedglass windows offer a visual feast for the eyes and a serene space for contemplation.
Where to exit: 10 minutes away from NLEX Connector Magsaysay exit
4. National Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus (San Miguel): Finding Hope and Intercession
Reverently known as the “Church of Hope,” the National Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus draws countless devotees seeking the intercession of the patron saint of hopeless causes.
The shrine’s serene ambiance and the heartfelt prayers of its visitors create a powerful and uplifting spiritual experience.
Where to exit: 9 minutes away from NLEX Connector Magsaysay exit
5. Archdiocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament (Santa Cruz): A Place of Eucharistic Adoration
At the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in Santa Cruz, you’ll appreciate a beautiful
noted a shift toward retro fashion, simple silhouettes, and rich textile treatments that reimagine traditional prints through surreal textures.
The latest direction aligns with WGSN’s global forecast, according to Katigbak. One key theme, Common Connections, emphasizes authenticity, storytelling, and community. This approach encourages zero-waste techniques, functional basics, and ornamentation that embraces imperfection and local craft traditions.
Katigbak cited updated gingham and windowpane checks, painted warp ikat, jacquards, and floating yarn textures as standout elements in this movement. She also highlighted handblocked prints, geometric dobbies, and passementerie as part of a renewed appreciation for intricate detailing.
Another trend, Restorative Realms, reflects the search for calm amid global uncertainty. It draws heavily from nature, with garden-inspired themes, soft color palettes, and salvaged looks. Biophilic designs, plant-based materials, and non-toxic
pigments are expected to dominate this category.
“There’s a growing emphasis on reducing environmental strain while reclaiming peace and balance through design,” Katigbak said.
Mineral and rock-inspired fabrics with distressed finishes and raw imperfections are part of this trend.
shrine that serves as a focal point for Eucharistic Adoration, inviting the faithful to spend time in prayer and contemplation before the Blessed Sacrament, fostering a sense of peace and spiritual connection.
Where to exit: 14 minutes away from NLEX Connector España exit
6. Quiapo Church (Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene): The Center of Deep Devotion
The Quiapo Church is a hard-tomiss landmark of faith. Here, one can experience the vibrant faith of the Filipino people, as it is home to the revered image of the Black Nazarene. This bustling basilica is a constant hub of prayer and devotion, with countless devotees flocking to seek blessings and express their unwavering faith.
Where to exit: 9 minutes away from NLEX Connector España exit
7. Santisimo Rosario Parish (UST Chapel) (Sampaloc): A Seat of Learning and Spirituality
Within the historic walls of the University of Santo Tomas stands the Santisimo Rosario Parish, a beautiful chapel that has been a center of faith and learning for centuries. Its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere provide a sacred space for quiet reflection and prayer for students, faculty, and visitors alike.
Meanwhile, Digitopia explores the fusion of digital creativity and craft.
Where to exit: 6 minutes away from NLEX Connector España
Katigbak said expect textiles with color-shifting effects, exaggerated silhouettes, and hyper-haptic textures. These designs often blur the lines between fantasy and reality, with dreamlike aesthetics and sensorial features.
She added that technological innovation is also enabling the creation of precise, waste-reducing materials and highly personalized products. New formats include lace-like, skeletal fabrics and ombré finishes using advanced color-materialfinish (CMF) techniques. Quilts, padded textiles, and heat-pressed patterns are also being updated for contemporary appeal.
Benilde continues to incorporate global insights from WGSN and fashion intelligence platform BoF in its curriculum, helping students stay attuned to industry shifts and explore sustainable, forward-looking design practices.
Glaiza Lee
NLEX Connector offers strategic access to ease travel during Holy Week for those who want to do their Visita Iglesia tradition
The Manila Cathedral symbolizes unwavering faith and resilience
Dye artist Diana Katigbak specializes in indigo dyeing, educator, and program coordinator of Benilde Textile Design 03
Digitopia Look by Mathieu Lehanneur
‘Restorative Realms Look’ by Aviva Stanoff Design
‘Restorative Realms Look’ by Nicole Miller
‘Common Connections Look’ by Projektityyny
Digitopia Look by Diotima World
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
FOR decades, women in the arts have had to work harder to be seen, let alone celebrated. While talent knows no gender, opportunity often does. That’s why programs like Sining Filipina matter—because they provide a national platform where women artists are not just included but placed at the center.
On March 27, Sining Filipina: Her Earth, Her Future held its awarding ceremony and exhibit opening at SM Aura. The event honored ten women artists as the best among 52 finalists from across the country. Their works, which range from traditional painting to mixed media, were on display until April 3, offering the public a rare look at the diversity and depth of female artistry in the Philippines. The competition is copresented by Chinabank and SM Supermalls for the benefit
Very Wang Nickie Wang
of the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs. More importantly, it remains the only nationwide, all-women art competition in the country—a fact that is both a milestone and a reminder of how much further we have to go when it comes to gender equity in the arts. This year’s top prize went
By Jasper Valdez
GLOBE is changing how Filipinos look at home connectivity—literally. At a stylish launch dubbed The Art of Connection, held at a:museum in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, the telco unveiled its latest Globe At Home 5G WiFi lineup in collaboration with South Africa-based tech company rainx.
But this wasn’t just another gadget launch. Instead of glass displays and tech demos, the event looked more like an art exhibit.
The new routers, powered by rainx’s 101 Pro and 101 5G models, come wrapped in artwork by Philippine National Artists Vicente Manansala, Larry Alcala, Botong Francisco, and Abdulmari Imao
They’re the kind of devices you don’t hide behind the TV; you display them like you would a framed print.
“These are not just functional gadgets, they’re conversation pieces,” said Globe’s VP and Head of Brand Management, Abigail Cardino. “We wanted to bring iconic Filipino
option for renters, condo dwellers, or households in areas without fiber access.
More than just performance, the devices also reflect Globe’s push to redefine the digital lifestyle—where form matters as much as function.
Globe Chief Commercial Officer
Darius Delgado likened the new offering to a luxury item, comparing its emotional value to buying a designer bag for someone you love.
“It speaks to both your left brain and your right brain,” he said. “It’s logical and emotional. It’s useful, but also something you’ll be proud to own.”
Artist Abdulmari de Leon Imao
Jr. reflected on the cultural impact of
Sining Filipina gives women artists the space they deserve
to Jowee Anne Aguinaldo for her painting Panagtagpi-tagpi , which earned her P250,000 and a custom trophy. Second and third place winners Geanne Gentizon and Shara Chan were recognized for artworks that explored everyday life and sustainability, while fourth and fifth place went to Ma. Jezsheel Asares and
Sunshine Vitto Cash prizes, trophies, and visibility are all part of the package. But beyond the awards, what Sining Filipina offers is validation—proof that women’s voices, stories, and visions belong not in the margins but at the forefront of Philippine art. It’s also worth noting the deeper
the product, saying, “It has made these otherwise expensive or non-accessible artworks accessible to the public.”
He described the collaboration as a way to bring Filipino heritage into the digital space, allowing more people to engage with local art through everyday technology.
The collaboration with rainx is Globe’s first of its kind with a global tech firm on this scale.
Rainx founder Brandon Leigh praised the Philippine team and culture, saying the product was engineered “from the customer up,” designed to make connectivity intuitive and beautiful.
Each device also includes a user-
impact. During the exhibit’s Insight Forum, organizers, including Zonta Club president Joanne ZapantaAndrada and SM Supermalls VP Grace Magno discussed the judging process and the strong turnout this year. This kind of dialogue matters. It sends a message: women’s artistic work is serious work—and it deserves the same level of scrutiny, support, and celebration as any other.
One standout moment was when artist Wencyl Mallari received a special award for donating the full value of her paintings to the Zonta Club’s charitable projects for two consecutive years. It was a quiet gesture with big meaning, reminding us that art, when paired with purpose, can ripple beyond the canvas.
As viewers wander through the exhibit at SM Aura, they’re not just seeing art—they’re seeing what happens when women are given room to create freely and be recognized for it.
And in a country where cultural spaces are still unevenly shared, Sining Filipina is a step toward balance. Not just in representation but in how we define value, visibility, and what it means to be an artist in the Philippines today.
Globe At Home’s new 5G WiFi features Larry Alcala’s iconic ‘Barangay’ illustration
The ‘Marahuyo’ router by Abdulmari Imao Jr. blends bold color, rich culture, and seamless connectivity
From left: Artist Abdulmari Imao Jr., Globe VP and Head of Brand Management Abigail Cardino, Globe chief commercial officer
Geanne Gentizon of Guimaras takes 2nd place with her vibrant market scene ‘Si Nanay sa Merkado’
Sunshine Vitto’s earns 5th place for her piece ‘Salamin ng Kahapon’ that reflects generational legacies through art
Shara Chan’s ‘Pinagtagpi-tagpi’ wins 3rd place at Sining Filipina 2025 for spotlighting women’s role in sustainability across the
Jowee Anne Aguinaldo wins the top prize at Sining Filipina 2025 for her painting ‘Panagtagpi-tagpi’
Ma. Jezsheel Asares wins 4th place for her playful and powerful piece ‘Bayan ni Juana’