BusinessMirror February 04, 2026

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto

THEnational government’s outstanding debt rose to a new record high of P17.707 trillion as of end-2025, driven by increased borrowing and the impact of the peso’s depreciation on foreign debt.

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

THE delay in the actions taken by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), particularly freezing the assets of contractors, businessmen and entities tied to flood control ghost projects, could put the Philippines back on the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) gray list, according to economists.

Nearly a year after the Philippines officially exited FATF’s “grey list,” economists, alongside the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), are fretting over the Philippines’s

risk of being put anew under the Paris-based global money-laundering watchdog’s grey list for increased monitoring. The list identifies countries with strategic deficiencies in their regimes for countering money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing, but are actively working with the FATF to address their deficiencies.

‘No automatic relisting, but...’

LUIS F. DUMLAO, economics professor at the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU), told the BusinessMirror : “It is not the flood control scandal that threatens the

Philippines’s status with the FATF but more of the timing of the actions taken by the AMLC. If the AMLC took action before the scandal broke, it would have appeared that it has proactively policed money laundering.”

Dumlao underscored that since the AMLC took action after the scandal broke and after the public outcry, “it appears that it has taken actions only in reaction or even for the optics.”

Meanwhile, ADMU economist Leonardo A. Lanzona Jr. told this newspaper: “Given the enormous amount of money involved, concerns could have been raised about

how these have slipped the attention of the government, including the BSP.”

For his part, Jonathan Ravelas, Senior Adviser at Reyes, Tacandong & Co., explained to this newspaper that while the flood control mess by itself won’t put the country back on the FATF grey list, “It exposes weaknesses that FATF watches closely— especially when billions in assets and thousands of accounts are frozen as part of the probe.”

For Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera, the anomalous flood control probe

“The increase is due to the government’s strategic net issuance of debt instruments to fund development programs, as well as the valuation effects of peso depreciation against the US dollar and third currencies,” the Treasury said in a statement on Tuesday. The debt level has already surpassed the P17.359-trillion ceiling projected by economic managers for 2025. Most of the government’s debt was sourced domestically, accounting for 68.4 percent of the total debt portfolio, while the remaining 31.6 percent came from foreign financiers. Domestic debt climbed by 10.85 percent to P12.116 trillion as of end-2025 from P10.930 trillion a year ago. The Treasury said this was due to regular government securities auctions

TAgriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. the FAO’s report “confirmed” that targeted government intervention could deliver gains.

“Many thought the banana industry was in decline. This is proof of concept that

THE country’s farm trade balance narrowed to $668.35 million in December, after exports rebounded on an annual basis, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Data from the PSA indicated that the country’s agricultural trade deficit shrank by 26.9 percent to $668.35 million in the reference month, from $913.97 million in the same period of 2024. Imports still accounted for the bulk of the country’s farm trade, despite sliding by 6.2 percent to $1.55 billion in December from $1.66 billion in the previous year. While agricultural goods pur -

chased abroad continued to outpace outbound shipments in December, PSA data showed that exports jumped by 19.3 percent to $884.77 million from $741.92 million.

Overall, the country’s total agricultural trade rose by 1.7 percent to $2.44 billion, a slump from the 13.1-percent and 6.4 percent-increment posted in December 2024 and November 2025, respectively.

Edible fruit and nuts were the country’s top farm export, earning $329.72 million or 37.3 percent of total farm export receipts. This was followed by animal,

vegetable, or microbial fats and oils; preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts, or other parts of plants; and tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes.

Meanwhile, Malaysia remained the Philippines’s top buyer of farm goods within the Asean region in December, purchasing $58.09 million worth of exports, or nearly 60 percent of total agricultural shipments to Asean member countries.

The Netherlands also maintained its position as the country’s major trading partner in the European Union (EU), making up $154.41 million or 70.1 percent

of shipments to the bloc. In terms of imports, cereals were the country’s top farm inbound shipments in the reference month worth $234.18 million, or 15.1 percent of total agricultural shipments.

The top 10 import groups reached a combined $1.3 billion, down by 7.6 percent from the same month of 2024. Among its Asean partners, Indonesia also remained the country’s leading source of agricultural goods, supplying $146.61 million or 30 percent of the

when interventions are done right, we can reverse the trend,” he said.

The FAO attributed the recovery of the domestic banana sector to “substantial” investments to boost the production in Cagayan Valley. This includes the government provision of organic fertilizer and other inputs.

The DA said those investments were formalized under its 2025 High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), which included the distribution of 106,000 banana planting materials for farm expansion and rejuvenation.

Furthermore, the program also rolled out 120,000 units of organic fertilizer to restore soil health and deployed more than 215,000 biological control agents, such as Trichoderma, to strengthen plant resilience and cut postharvest losses.

The rebound in domestic banana output came amid the persistent threat posed by Panama disease, which the DA considered the industry’s “most urgent” challenge.

It noted that the disease has already affected about 15,500 hectares in the Davao Region, putting pressure on the Cavendish variety that anchors Philippine banana exports.

Officials said containment and mitigation will be critical to sustaining these recent gains.

With the recovery of the banana industry, Tiu Laurel said the DA now plans to scale the approach across other high-value crops.

In particular, the agency has identified 10 additional high-value crops for focused promotion: asparagus, avocado, cacao, calamansi, coffee, dragonfruit, durian, okra, pomelo, and rambutan.

“The banana comeback underscores a broader shift in policy—from volume-driven production to value-oriented, export-ready agriculture,” the agency said.

“If disease risks are managed and investments sustained, the DA’s strategy could reposition the Philippines not just as a major supplier, but as a more diversified and resilient agricultural exporter.”

Ada Pelonia

Probe against Leviste-led SPSB will continue–ERC

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will pursue its probe against Solar Para Sa Bayan Corp. (SPSB) despite claims that the Leviste-founded company is already non-operational.

The agency already issued a show cause Order (SCOs) against SPSB for alleged unauthorized operations and the imposition of power rates without prior regulatory approval.

SPSB operated in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, as well as other off-grid areas, without securing the necessary regulatory approvals, such as an Authority to Operate (ATO) and Certificates of Compliance (COC) for its generation facilities.

This act, according to ERC chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan, is considered a “mortal sin,” and the commission “will not allow this.”

“It can still continue because the company is still existing. They may have lost their franchise or site other reasons but if it can be proven

that there was a violation, we will continue.

This is not only for Solar Para Sa Bayan. We also want to show to the entire industry, to other distribution utilities, that they cannot simply ignore the commission. The ERC is here and we will move if there are such violations to protect the consumers,” said Juan over national television.

In 2019, SPSB was granted a 25year non-exclusive franchise under Republic Act 11357 to develop distributed energy resources and micro grids using renewable energy technology, or a hybrid thereof, to supply electric power to customers and end users in remote, unviable, unserved, or underserved areas.

However, the ERC pointed out that the franchise law itself mandates SPSB to comply with applicable regulatory approvals, particularly concerning the rates it will charge its customers. Reports had it that SPSB charges as much as P18 per kilowatt hour.

Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste reportedly owns SPSB. However, Leviste said during a recent interview that SPSB is no longer operating for

many years. When asked how the ERC will proceed following the issuance of the SCO, Juan said his office will wait for the reply. “We will give them a chance to explain. After this, we will find out what happened, what are the facts. If there was a violation, the commission will issue a warrant for punishment in which a penalty will be imposed. Even if the company is not operating anymore, we can still go after them for the penalty.”

Frasco orders DOT offices to drop her face from…

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can “affect perceptions of whether reforms are being sustained and whether high-level cases are being effectively investigated and prosecuted.”

Impact on investment sentiment IF the country returns to the gray list, this can be a cause for concern among investors who would fear the scale of corruption is not isolated to just one agency, but the whole government, Lanzona warned. Ravelas, for his part, said whenever the idea of returning to the grey list comes up, “investors take notice.” He said it raises questions about compliance costs and financial-system risks.

BSP Governor’s view ON Sunday, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. admitted: “To be honest, we have a risk. We have a risk of returning to the gray list, although we’re doing what we can to prevent that.”

“And this is going to be a long process, so we have time to do what we need to do to show the fundamentals that we’re doing everything we can. We’re in the process of evaluation. The next evaluation, I think, will be next week,” added Remolona.

Ejercito, who defends the budget of the Department of Transportation, shared that a project is in the pipeline to extend the runway of the Siargao airport by reclaiming land. This will “accommodate bigger aircraft, and lower the cost of airfare.”

tinations, the Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (Acap), along with flag carriers Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific all shared that airfares to destinations like Siargao, Busuanga (Coron), Basco, and the like were costlier due to the use of turboprop aircraft. Such aircraft are more expensive to operate due to their limited capacity (78-80 passengers), as well as the short runways and sunset limitations of these airports.

Continued

and the offering of retail treasury bonds.

Meanwhile, external debt amounted to P5.591 trillion as of end-2025, up by 9.19 percent from the P5.120 trillion recorded in 2024.

This was driven by the issuance of new global bonds, borrowings from international development partners and “unfavorable” exchange rate movements that increased foreign debt valuation, the Treasury said.

In 2025, the national government raised a total of P1.18 trillion in domestic net financing.

“[This demonstrates] sustained investor confidence in government securities amid evolving market conditions,” the Treasury said.

Net external financing, meanwhile, reached P317.02 billion. This came from global bond issuances and program and project loans supporting infrastructure, social reform and agriculture and industry sectors.

Moreover, guaranteed obligations of the government declined by 0.60 percent to P344.57 billion as of end-2025 from the P346.66 billion in the year prior.

‘Alarming’ ACCORDING to Leonardo A. Lanzona, economist at the Ateneo de Manila University, the current debt level is a cause for concern.

“It is alarming and the national government seems to have very limited options, especially because of the corruption

scandal,” Lanzona told the BusinessMirror

While higher infrastructure spending could have helped cushion the economic slowdown, Lanzona said much of the government’s resources are mostly debts.

“Thus, it is a Catch-22 situation: while needing debt to create growth, growth is needed to pay the debt,” Lanzona said.

“The only solution is to limit their propensity to borrow while the slowdown is ongoing and look for other alternatives to achieve growth.”

One option, Lanzona said, is to devolve more economic functions to local government units, allowing them to generate their own funding and pursue development projects independently.

“This situation calls for thinking out of the box. If the more entrepreneurial local government officials can figure out within their own communities how to enhance production, even pursue industrialization or agricultural expansion, then the burden of the national government is reduced,” he added.

Debt-to-GDP ratio

BTR data also showed that the share of the national government’s outstanding debt to the country’s overall economy inched up to 63.2 percent at the end of 2025.

This comes after the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth settled at 3 percent in the fourth quarter, slower than the 5.3 percent in the same period a year earlier. The current debt-to-GDP ratio is higher than the 60.7 percent posted in 2024 and the 63.1 percent in the previous quarter.

This is also the highest debt-to-GDP ratio since the 65.7 percent recorded in 2005.

It was also above the 61.3 percent target set for 2025 under the medium-term fiscal framework.

As of February 2026, the AMLC, an attached agency of the BSP, has frozen assets amounting to nearly P25 billion, consisting of bank accounts, insurance policies, motor vehicles, air assets, real properties, ewallet accounts, securities accounts, and investment accounts.

AMLC said in its statement that the figure is expected to increase as the Council conducts further investigation into the assets covered by the latest freeze order.

The Philippines exited from the FATF grey list on February 21,2025 after more than three years or since June 2021.

FATF’s decision to remove the Philippines from its grey list came after the country strengthened the effectiveness of its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) measures regime to meet the commitments in its action plan.

This is through enhancing riskbased supervision of designated non-financial businesses and professions, regulating casino junkets to mitigate money laundering risks, enforcing new registration rules for money or value transfer services and cracking down on illegal remittance operators.

2027 evaluation

AFTER its official exit from the Paris-based global money-laundering watchdog’s grey list, the Philippines is scheduled for its next evaluation by FATF in 2027. While the Philippines awaits its next evaluation, Rivera said this gives the government time “but only if it delivers credible, measurable enforcement outcomes, not just new rules.”

The local think tank’s senior research fellow explained to this newspaper: “Preventing a return to the gray list will require stronger prosecution of major laundering and corruption-linked cases, tighter monitoring of politically exposed persons, improved inter-agency coordination, and further reforms such as easing bank secrecy for lawful investigations, enhancing beneficial ownership transparency, and strengthening supervisory powers of regulators.”

Ravelas underscored that what really matters is “whether authorities can show fast, credible action in tracing the money and prosecuting those involved.”

Meanwhile, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael L. Ricafort told this newspaper that it is “very important to take seriously anti-corruption/good governance measures and reforms especially the four priority legislative bills related to these.” Ricafort said being included in the gray list anew would mean letting go of these: increased foreign investment inflows into the country, reduced costs and other requirements when sending money to the Philippines, among others.

DPWH to engage ‘largest, most reputable’ contractors for Maharlika Highway rehab

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will tap the country’s “largest and most reputable contractors” to rehabilitate Maharlika Highway, moving away from smaller builders in a bid to ensure quality work and faster completion.

Public Works Secretary Vivencio Dizon said the agency plans to meet with top-tier contractors— companies that typically participate only in foreign-assisted projects and have historically avoided DPWH undertakings—to discuss their possible involvement in the rehabilitation of the highway.

“I spoke to them, I want to meet them maybe this week or next week, and they have expressed interest to help out in the major projects, the priorities of the President, the highest priority of which is Daang Maharlika,” Dizon said. Dizon emphasized that engaging larger contractors would

provide assurance on both execution speed and build quality—critical factors in addressing the highway’s deterioration.

“This is a good sign that if they’re the ones doing this, we can be certain it will be fast and, more importantly, we can be certain of the quality of work,” he said. “If we do this right for the long term, and to do that we need to design it properly—not something that will get damaged now and then break again after six months. That’s no longer acceptable.”

He acknowledged that the approach may extend the initial timelines slightly but expressed confidence that proper design and construction would yield lasting results, with major sections from Northern Luzon to Mindanao potentially completed by the end of 2027.

The 3,400-kilometer Maharlika Highway serves as the

backbone of overland connectivity from Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. Years of deferred maintenance have left the artery plagued by uneven surfaces, deep potholes and deteriorated sections, particularly in the Quezon and Bicol corridors where motorists face slow and jarring journeys.

It was last rehabilitated during the incumbency of President Fidel V. Ramos.

Maharlika Highway, also called Pan Philippine Highway and Philippines-Japan Friendship Highway, starts in front of the provincial capitol of Ilocos Norte and ends near the Zamboanga City Hall.

Earlier this year, Dizon announced the “massive rehabilitation” of the highway—the first of its scale since the road was constructed—with an initial budget allocation of at least P16 billion.

Green Lane projects hit ₧6.14T as of end-January

HE Board of Investments

T(BOI) has certified 233 projects valued at P6.14 trillion under the government’s Green Lane initiative.

As of January 31, BOI data showed that projects endorsed in 2025 reached P1.96 trillion, representing roughly a third of the total value of all Green Lane certifications to date.

Foreign direct investments accounted for P86.92 billion of the projects approved during the year. Most of the certified investments are still at the early stages of development. A total of 162

projects, with a combined value of about P5.51 trillion, remain in pre-development. It was led by renewable energy initiatives, which dominate both in terms of project count and investment size. Other major components at this stage include publicprivate partnership (PPP) projects, infrastructure developments and water-related investments.

Projects that have advanced to the construction phase were at 47, carrying an estimated value of P366.26 billion. Renewable energy continues to account for the largest share of projects under

construction, while food security and manufacturing ventures are also progressing.

Digital infrastructure projects, on the other hand, represent a substantial portion of the investment value in this phase, signaling movement toward completion. A smaller number of projects have moved closer to operations.

Seven projects worth around P5.23 billion are in the pre-operation stage, mainly in renewable energy, manufacturing and PPP infrastructure and bulk water.

Meanwhile, 17 projects valued at approximately P258.19 billion

are already operational, with digital infrastructure accounting for the largest share of deployed investment, followed by renewable energy and food security.

The Green Lane initiative was institutionalized through Executive Order 18, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in February 2023.

The measure requires government agencies to establish dedicated units to fast-track, streamline and automate permitting processes for projects deemed strategic to economic development.

Bless Aubrey Ogerio

Legislator proposes universal annual free medical checkups

By Jove Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

ALAWMAKER is calling for the swift passage of a measure that seeks to provide free annual medical checkups for every Filipino, saying this will help spare families from costly out-of-pocket medical expenses in the future.

Parañaque Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan said early detection and treatment of serious health conditions through regular annual checkups would lead to better health outcomes and reduce the risk of life-threatening and financially crippling illnesses. Under the proposed Free Annual Medical Checkup Act or House Bill 2239, all Filipinos will be granted access to preventive health care, which Yamsuan said would also benefit the government in the long term by lowering state-subsidized spending on expensive treatments for severe illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disease, and heart conditions.

He also welcomed the Department of Health’s (DOH) move to explore improved hospital accommodations for paying contributors

of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), as part of the Marcos administration’s plan to expand benefit packages for middle-income workers.

“This plan is laudable, and we hope that it will be implemented soon to include free annual medical checkups. Investing in this proactive measure to prevent diseases is better than prolonged and expensive hospital confinement for ailments that have reached their severe stages because they were left undetected,” Yamsuan said.

President Marcos has directed the Department of Health to review and expand benefits for middle-income workers, who make up the bulk of PhilHealth’s paying members. The DOH said PhilHealth is considering better hospital accommodations and additional packages under the ZeroBalance Billing (ZBB) scheme as part of the planned expansion. Yamsuan noted that while free medical consultations are currently provided under the Yaman ng Kalusugan (Yakap) program, these need to be institutionalized through HB 2239 to ensure sustainability and adequate funding

under the national budget beyond the current administration.

He also pointed out that although the ZBB scheme is already in place, its implementation continues to face major challenges, including the lack of governmentowned health facilities and medical professionals staffing public hospitals.

The lawmaker cited DOH’s earlier statement that the Philippines has an average of only 0.5 hospital bed for every 1,000 people—far below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of two beds per 1,000 population.

In Metro Manila, DOH has also acknowledged that hospital bed capacity is largely provided by private hospitals, which far outnumber the 17 DOH hospitals and four governmentowned and -controlled hospitals in the National Capital Region.

“These realities demonstrate the challenges facing the effective implementation of the Yakap, ZBB, and other programs aligned with the UHC law. We need to come up with proactive measures while the government is still in the process

SC expands scope of virtual court hearings

By Joel R. San Juan

Licensing deal shows path for university innovations

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

TAKE a more active role in translating research into commercially applicable technologies, academic institutions were told.

This call follows a licensing agreement between the University of San Agustin (USA) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).

The agreement covers USA’s patented process for extracting antibiotic compounds from kadios seeds, titled “Methods of Purifying Antibiotic Compounds from Cajanus cajan,” which was awarded to lead inventor Doralyn Dalisay and her coinventors.

Under the deal, Maridan Industries Inc. can use the patented process to develop the Skivios brand, a formulation designed to target multidrug-resistant bacteria and other skin pathogens.

“When institutions enable commercialization, several positive gains are created,” IPOPHL acting director general Nathaniel Arevalo said.

“It brings new revenue streams for universities to reinvest in R&D [research and development], helps society gain from better products and services, strengthens industry competitiveness and opens opportunities for collaborations that make local innovation thrive,” he added.

For his part, IPOPHL’s Documentation, Information and Technology Transfer Bureau Director Ralph Jarvis Alindogan advised universities and research centers to “actively pursue patent protection, engage industry partners early and prioritize technology transfer to realize the full benefits of commercialization.”

Such a pact demonstrates a full-cycle process from laboratory research to industry application, Alindogan said, which IPOPHL hopes other higher education institutions will follow.

Tof expanding our healthcare capacity,” Yamsuan said.

HB 2239, one of the first bills filed by Yamsuan in the 20th Congress, mandates PhilHealth to establish a system for the regular scheduling and provision of free annual medical checkups for all Filipinos.

The proposed benefit covers medical consultations, physical examinations, and routine laboratory and diagnostic tests, including complete blood count, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, chest X-ray, and urinalysis. The list of covered tests may be expanded, subject to the availability of PhilHealth funds.

Yamsuan underscored the need for the swift approval of the measure owing to the continuing struggles many Filipinos face in paying for their medical expenses.

He cited as an example his home city of Parañaque, where residents go through the same challenges that many Filipinos encounter, such as the increasing costs of healthcare services and significant disparities in access to quality medical services.

HE majority leader of the House of Representatives has filed a bill proposing a strict “no work, no pay” compensation scheme for members of Congress to curb absenteeism, enhance accountability, and safeguard public funds.

House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos filed House Bill 7432, or the proposed No Work, No Pay for Members of Congress Act, which seeks to link the salaries and other emoluments of senators and representatives directly to their attendance and participation in plenary sessions, committee hearings, and other official legislative functions.

“The principle of ‘no work, no pay’ is a general labor standard applied to workers across the country.

However, Members of Congress, who are entrusted with the responsibility of crafting laws and representing the people, are currently compensated regardless of attendance or participation,” Marcos said in the bill’s explanatory note.

He said this practice has fueled public concern over absenteeism, lack of accountability, and the waste of taxpayer money.

The measure aims to ensure that public funds are disbursed only when elected officials actually perform their duties, Marcos said, adding that tying compensation to actual work promotes transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance.

Under the proposal, lawmakers will be paid only for days when they are present and performing official legislative work. These includes attendance at plenary sessions, participation in committee hearings where they are listed members, and engagement in authorized official activities.

Unexcused absences will result in forfeiture of compensation, while valid absences are recognized, including illness certified by a licensed physician, authorized official representation, official travel or mission approved by chamber leadership, and approved leaves of absence.

Lawmakers will also be considered present when attending authorized committee meetings, sessions of the Commission on Appointments (CA), the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET), bicameral conference committees, and official missions approved by the Speaker or the Senate President.

To boost transparency, the measure mandates daily attendance monitoring by the secretariats of both chambers and requires that attendance records be made publicly accessible, with compensation released only on the basis of verified presence.

Addressing constitutional concerns, Marcos noted that the 1987 Constitution allows for statutory regulation of congressional compensation, stating that lawmakers’ salaries “shall be determined by law.”

The bill penalizes falsification of attendance records or claims for compensation without performing official duties, classifying such acts as misconduct subject to disciplinary action under existing congressional rules.

“In passing this measure, Congress affirms its commitment to uphold the highest standards of public service and to ensure that elected representatives truly embody the principle of service to the people,” Marcos said,

Legislators seek review of justice system

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

LAWMAKERS have filed a bill seeking the creation of a Joint Congressional Commission on Justice System Reform (Justcom) to undertake a comprehensive review of the justice system and address longstanding problems in the judiciary.

Nominees of the Akbayan party-list group in the House of Representatives led by Rep. Chel Diokno said reforms are urgently needed to fix a justice system that remains slow, unequal, and inaccessible to many Filipinos, particularly the poor.

“We need to make our justice system work. Without the necessary reforms, it will continue to remain slow and unequal – and the poor will continue to suffer the most. Cases must move faster than they do now,” Diokno said.

House Bill 7305 was filed by

Diokno together with fellow Akbayan Reps. Perci Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula, as well as Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao.

The measure seeks to tackle persistent issues such as massive case backlogs, prolonged pretrial detention, jail overcrowding, limited access to legal assistance, weak accountability mechanisms, and declining public trust in the justice system.

The bill aims to lay the foundation for long-term structural and legislative reforms.

“The government has long neglected the justice system, giving it far less attention than it deserves. This bill is a step toward meaningful reform, ensuring that cases move faster, accountability is strengthened, and access to justice is no longer a privilege of the few,” Diokno said.

The urgency of the proposed

reforms is underscored by the Philippines’ performance in the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, where the country ranked 97th out of 143 countries in 2025—its lowest ranking to date—and 13th out of 15 in the region, with particularly weak scores in civil and criminal justice administration.

Under the bill, the Justcom will be composed of nine members: three senators, three members of the House of Representatives, and three independent experts from civil society with recognized expertise in law, criminal justice, public administration, judicial reform, or human rights.

The commission will have a three-year mandate to conduct an independent, system-wide assessment of the justice system, covering four key pillars: law enforcement, prosecution, corrections, and community-based justice.

“This enables policymakers to be at the forefront of identifying and addressing solutions to these deep-seated problems. Justcom’s technical output will directly facilitate the crafting of legislation or congressional inquiries that can address these concerns,” the bill’s explanatory note said.

The commission will work closely with key government agencies, including the National Police (DOJ), Department of Justice, Office of the Ombudsman, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Corrections, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. It will also collaborate with civil society groups, the academe, nongovernment organizations, and people’s organizations.

Justcom will conduct nationwide consultations, engage stakeholders, and access relevant public data to identify structural,

Pangilinan stands by Senate resolution vs China Senate passes

SBy Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

EN. Francis Pangilinan has firmly defended his proposed Senate Resolution 256 on the Chinese Embassy in Manila’s remarks against several public officials, including himself, pointing out the need to enforce and defend the 2016 Arbitral Ruling and rally behind the Philippines’ uniformed personnel facing Chinese aggression in the contested West Philippine Sea.

During the interpellation by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta at the Senate’s plenary session on Monday, Pangilinan said that the Senate must support the Coast Guard (PCG), the Department of National Defense (DND), and the Armed Forces (AFP) as they continue to face China’s illegal activities in the disputed region.

“Mr. President, iyong binanggit ni Commodore Tarriela, dinepensahan na ng ating Department of National Defense at ng Armed Forces of the Philippines. Tapos ngayon,

narito tayo, may Senate resolution sumasangayon at sinasangayunan ang posisyon ng Department of National Defense at ng Armed Forces of the Philippines sa mga binitiwang salita ni Commodore Tarriela,” he said.

Pangilinan insisted that the legal documents and rulings, which include the 2016 arbitral victory, are sufficient for the proposed resolution to be adopted by the Senate.

“Mr. President, we beg to disagree that the coordinates are not clear, that we have not been able to determine it. We have by law. We have by administrative order, and we have by the arbitral ruling,” he said, as Marcoleta questioned the exact coordinates of the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), parts of which are being claimed by China and are being occupied by the Chinese military.

Pangilinan was referring to Administrative Order 29 series of 2012 that officially named the maritime areas on the western side

of the Philippine archipelago as the West Philippine Sea; Republic Act 12064, or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, of 2024, defining the country’s various maritime zones based on international law and establishing the Philippines’ exclusive sovereign rights to resources in these areas; and the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling that invalidated China’s nine-dash-line claim and affirmed that China has violated the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its EEZ.

“All these should suffice, Mr. President, for us to assert that China is illegally occupying parts of our exclusive economic zone and is claiming likewise 150,000 square kilometers of our continental shelf and 381,000 square kilometers of our EEZ,” he added.

PSR 256 has crossed political party lines, receiving support from Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senate Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Sens. Erwin Tulfo, Risa Hontiveros, Raffy Tulfo, Sherwin Gatchalian, Loren

DILG orders local govts to prepare handling of dead, missing persons

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

AHEAD of the typhoon season, which typically begins in June, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed all local governments (LGUs) to establish and operationalize local clusters for the management of dead and missing persons (MDM) as part of heightened preparedness for the rainy spell.

This directive is in line with

President Marcos’ order to further strengthen local disaster readiness and ensure swift, organized, and humane response during emergencies.

As the lead agency of the National and Regional MDM Cluster, the DILG underscored the need for clear coordination among LGUs, national agencies, and response partners to ensure orderly processes, accurate documentation, and dignified handling of disaster casualties.

Under Memorandum Circular 2026-003, LGUs and partner

agencies are instructed to organize and activate local MDM clusters within their jurisdictions to ensure systematic and well-coordinated operations before, during, and after disasters.

Local MDM clusters are mandated to strengthen coordination mechanisms, align preparedness plans, and support response and recovery efforts in close coordination with Incident Command Posts (ICPs). Pre-positioned MDM teams shall be deployed as needed, report to the on-the-ground ICP, and operate in accordance with

Sultan Kudarat earthquakes now

THE earthquake swarm in offshore Sultan Kudarat continues to rock the province and nearby areas, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology said. As of 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Phivolcs said the recorded number of offshore earthquake in the area has reached 3,319. Of these, 1,010 were plotted, and 114 were felt.

The earthquakes’ magnitude range from 1.3 to 5.9 in the Richter scale.

Phivolcs said the earthquake swarm in Sultan Kudarat since January 19 has not let up for the past 15 days, meaning earthquakes were recorded every day. However, Phivolcs observed a decrease in the number of earthquakes recorded per day. “But we cannot ascertain this, as another high-magnitude earthquake may happen after the decreasing trend. Just like what happened on January 29, with the magnitude 5.9 earthquake,” Phivolcs said.

Legarda, JV Ejercito, Bam Aquino, Jinggoy Estrada, Lito Lapid, Camille Villar, and Mark Villar.

Pangilinan recently received the ire of the Chinese Embassy after he spoke against China’s increasing aggression in the West Philippine Sea, including in areas within the Philippines’ EEZ, which has led to physical injuries to Philippine military personnel and damage to Philippine-flagged sea vessels.

China, through its expansive claims in a region where one-third of global trade passes by annually, has caused widespread concern in the international community about freedom of trade and navigation.

The West Philippine Sea, specifically Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), sits roughly 124 nautical miles from Luzon. As is the case with other features of the hotly contested region, the shoal—the site of a 2012 standoff between the Philippines and China that triggered the arbitration case—is over 470 nautical miles from mainland China’s coast.

the approved MDM action plan.

The DILG further directed local MDM teams to work closely with the Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) Cluster to support search operations and ensure proper recording and validation of all MDM-related data, including cases involving foreign nationals affected by disasters in the country.

MDM teams shall be deactivated only after all reported cases have been verified, validated, and accurately reflected in official situation reports.

By strengthening MDM clusters at all levels, the DILG aims to ensure that disaster response remains organized, compassionate, and responsive to the needs of affected communities and families.

on third week

An earthquake swarm is a sequence of mostly small tremors occurring within a short period in a specific area, without a single, clearly identifiable main shock. Earthquake swarms could be classified as tectonic or volcanic. In the case of Sultan Kudarat, the series of earthquakes was caused by the gradual release of tectonic stress along the Cotabato Trench.

Phivolcs also noted there was

no volcano around or near Sultan Kudarat.

Earthquake swarms typically last for days or weeks. One of the longest-recorded durations for a major swarm in the Philippines happened in Batangas in 2017, which lasted for more than four months.

Phiovolcs said a devastating earthquake may or may not happen after or during earthquake swarms, and advised the public to be ready for any eventuality.

Jonathan L. Mayuga

procedural, and policy bottlenecks that delay case resolution, contribute to detention overcrowding, and limit access to justice for marginalized sectors. Based on its findings, the commission will recommend concrete, evidence-based policy and legislative reforms aimed at improving accountability, transparency, efficiency, and human rights protections. It will submit annual reports to Congress and, within 90 days after the end of its three-year mandate, a final report that will include a National Justice Development Plan and a proposed Omnibus Justice Reform Act for immediate legislative consideration.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. With the creation of the Justcom, we have the opportunity to finally build a system that works for all Filipinos—not just for the powerful,” Diokno said.

bill creating specialty hospital for seniors

ASPECIALTY hospital for se -

nior citizens is now closer to reality after the Senate, in a 23-0 vote, passed on third and final reading the bill creating such specialty hospital.

Sen. Anna Theresia Hontiveros described it as yet another assurance that the work of improving healthcare for all sectors, including elderly Filipinos, will be continued in earnest despite the scarcity of funds.

“It will be easy to fulfill the wish of good health and long life that we always wish during birthdays of our lolo and lola because of the passage of the Philippine Geriatric Center [PGC] Act,” Hontiveros said, partly in Filipino, of the approval of Senate Bill 1509.

She thanked her peers for again crossing party lines to craft what she called a happy bill’ for “our countrymen, especially the elderly.”

Hontiveros expressed hope that the bill will be enacted into law as soon as possible, especially since a version of the proposal passed the House of Representatives in December 2025, has been identified by the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council as a priority measure, and is included in the Department of Health’s executive agenda for legislation.

“We owe our elderly citizens so much. They deserve to be repaid for their sacrifice with adequate and competyent care, especially for the ailing and fragile ones,” Hontiveros said. “I hope the Philippine Geriatric Center Act is enacted as soon as possible.”

The bill approved by the Senate

carries an amendment from Hontiveros that will ensure that the PGC will not become a “white elephant” or a useless government project.

“A provision I fought for mandates the setting up of a fully equipped, and operational Philippine Geriatric Center in five to seven years. I trust that the government, led by DOH, will carry out this mandate once the law is enacted,” Hontiveros said. The bill also contains an amendment from Sen. Robinhood Padilla that ensures that the PGC will prioritize indigent and low-income older persons, and vulnerable aging populations, while amendments by Sen. Pilar Juliana Cayetano integrate social welfare and protection programs with geriatric care and ensure age-friendly amenities and facilities within the hospital.

Another amendment from Hontiveros and Sen. Christopher Go also prescribes that the head of the PGC must be a duly licensed physician with demonstrated experience and competence in geriatric care and in hospital administration and management.

“Malaki ang pasasalamat ko kina Senator Robin, Pia at Bong para sa kanilang pagtulong na pinuhin pa ang panukalang batas para sa Philippine Geriatric Center. Maraming salamat rin sa mga kapwa kong authors ng bill, kasama si Senator Bong, pati na rin sina Majority Leader Migz Zubiri, Sens. Mark Villar, Lito Lapid, Jinggoy Estrada, Loren Legarda, Erwin Tulfo, Raffy Tulfo at Joel Villanueva,” Hontiveros said. Butch Fernandez

Navy detects 19,655 ships on PH waters in January

By Rex Anthony Naval

ATOTAL of 19,655 foreign and domestic ships were monitored on Philippine waters from January 1 to 31, a ranking Navy (PN) officer said on Tuesday.

“From 01 to 31 January 2026, the PN monitored a total of 19,655 vessels across the archipelago, reflecting sustained maritime activity within Philippine waters. Of these, 16,670 were foreign vessels and 2,985 were domestic,” the PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, said in a press briefing in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City. As this developed, Trinidad said 16,098 of the vessels responded

to radio challenges, while 3,557 did not.

Vessel activity was highest in the North (7,639), followed by Western Mindanao (4,366), the West (3,990), Southern Luzon (2,482), and Eastern Mindanao (1,178), highlighting the strategic importance of these maritime approaches.

“These figures reflect the AFP’s [Armed Forces] steadfast commitment to safeguard national territory, sovereignty, and sovereign rights. Consistent with national policy, the AFP will continue to uphold international law, maintain a credible and disciplined presence, and protect our rights and interests in support of regional peace and stability,” he added.

House committee set to vote on Marcos impeach raps’ ‘sufficiency in substance’

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE House Committee on Justice has postponed its hearings and will vote on Wednesday to determine whether the impeachment complaints against President Marcos is sufficient in substance, as some lawmakers say he cannot be impeached over the allegations.

The House Committee on Justice chairperson, Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, said the panel’s mandate is to assess the substance of the impeachment complaints under Article XI of the Constitution, not their political weight or public resonance.

“The chair has received a request to move the voting [on sufficiency in substance] to [Wednesday] afternoon, after we finish discussing the sufficiency in substance of the Maza et al complaint,” Luistro said, referring to the second impeachment complaint filed by former Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza and endorsed by Makabayan bloc lawmakers.

The sufficiency in substance of the second complaint endorsed by Makabayan lawmakers was not discussed during Tuesday’s deliberations.

Luistro said the panel will begin proceedings on Wednesday with the endorsers of the Maza et alcomplaint and then hear committee members’ comments before voting.

“The vote will first cover the de Jesus complaint, followed by the Maza et al complaint,” Luistro said, noting that a simple majority of members present is enough, provided there is a quorum.

“If found sufficient in substance—after already being declared sufficient in form—the complaints will move to the next step, allowing the respondent to file an answer and the complainants to submit a reply. Evidence, including affidavits, may also be received. If the complaints are deemed insufficient in substance, it will effectively dismiss them,” Luistro added.

The first complaint alleged that Marcos ordered former President Rodrigo Duterte’s surrender to the International Criminal Court, is a drug addict impairing his leadership, failed to veto unconstitutional budgets (20232026), benefited from kickbacks and ghost projects, and created a commission to protect allies.

During deliberations on Tuesday, several members agreed that Marcos cannot be impeached over the March 11, 2025 arrest and turnover of former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity.

The discussion centered on impeachment allegation number 1 in the complaint filed by lawyer Andre de Jesus and endorsed by House Deputy Minority Leader Jernie Jett Nisay, which accused Marcos of “betrayal of public

trust” for allegedly allowing the “kidnapping and surrender” of Duterte to the ICC.

Lawmakers from both the majority and minority blocs said the Duterte arrest was carried out legally through an ICC warrant coursed via Interpol and that enforcing such a warrant is not an impeachable offense.

They also questioned the sufficiency of the evidence submitted by De Jesus, noting that most attachments consisted of news articles.

Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon of Bicol Saro said the complainant lacked “personal knowledge and authentic documents” to substantiate the allegations, pointing out that several attachments were uncertified congressional documents.

Manila Rep. Joel Chua, vice chair of the justice panel, said the kidnapping charge fails outright since kidnapping under the law requires the offender to be a private individual.

Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima of Mamamayang Liberal said the complaint relied on “mere general allegations” and failed to cite specific facts.

“Former President Duterte was not surrendered but arrested on the strength of an ICC warrant,” de Lima, a member of the minority bloc, said.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez added that the government was “duty-bound to enforce

‘SEC case against Villars test of investor protection, market integrity, rule of law’

AN assistant majority leader of the House of Representatives on Tuesday said the criminal complaint filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against members of the Villar famility “is a test of investor protection, market integrity, and the rule of law.”

“This is not about one corporation. This is not about one family name. This is about the credibility of our financial system and the protection of the investing public,” said Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony

of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, and the Court of Tax Appeals. It covers all actions and proceedings at any stage, including mediation, consultation, deliberation, and the promulgation of decisions and resolutions, when conducted through videoconference.

Under the new guidelines, courts are mandated to ensure access to videoconferencing for individuals who are digitally disadvantaged, including those in geographically or geopolitically marginalized areas.

This may include deploying court personnel to provide temporary or mobile internet access for the said individuals.

Courts may also establish designated “access points” within judicial regions where litigants, witnesses, and other participants can use computers and videoconferencing equipment under court supervision.

The amended guidelines also widened the list of authorized overseas venues for videoconferencing.

Santos, in a privileged speech on Monday after the SEC charged the Villar Land Holdings Corp. with violations of the Securities Regulation Code.

“These are not minor paperwork issues. These are serious accusations that strike at the heart of market integrity. When information is manipulated, prices are manipulated—and ordinary investors end up paying the price,” Santos said.

He cited figures in the complaint, noting the company’s reported assets

Aside from Philippine consulates and embassies, the Court said videoconferencing abroad may now be conducted in Philippine government offices overseas, venues allowed under applicable bilateral or multilateral agreements, or other locations authorized by the SC.

“Overseas litigants, witnesses, and counsel are required to file a motion before the court where the case is pending, subject to the Amended Guidelines, applicable laws, procedures, and any treatybased restrictions,” the SC said. However, the SC said courts cannot compel any litigant or witness to testify via videoconference from abroad.

The amendments also strengthen accountability measures as any intentional disruption of proceedings, coaching of witnesses, or the presentation of falsified digital evidence during videoconferencing proceedings would now be considered as gross misconduct and direct contempt of court, punishable under existing laws and rules.

The amended guidelines was recommended by the Committee on Virtual Hearings and Electronic Testimony, chaired by SC Associate

the ICC arrest warrant in compliance with international law.”

During questioning, Party-list Reps. Brian Poe of FPJ Panday Bayanihan and Jan Padiernos of Galing sa Puso asked Nisay whether any kidnapping case had been filed against the President or administration officials and whether Marcos personally ordered Duterte’s arrest.

Nisay replied that there was no such case and that he was unaware of any direct order from the President, although he noted that the National Police (PNP) operates under the Chief Executive.

Lawmakers also found the second ground on drug addiction and moral unfitness as insufficient in substance, with lawmakers citing a lack of factual evidence.

Members emphasized that public statements, media reports, and alleged admissions from Senator Imee Marcos, the president’s sister, do not constitute factual proof of drug use.

“Allegations of drug addiction, even if repeated publicly, remain conclusions and not factual allegations,” said de Lima, noting that the complaint failed to show how the President’s alleged drug use impaired his official duties.

Quezon City Rep. Jesus Manuel Suntay stressed the absence of medical evidence or drug test results, while Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin of Ako Bicol highlighted that hearsay cannot establish moral unfitness.

senior citizens relying on dividends, and young people just starting to invest. When there is market deception, it’s not just numbers that are lost—it’s dreams,” Santos said.

allegedly jumped to P1.33 trillion before later dropping to P35.7 billion after the audit.

“That is not a rounding [off] error. That is not a typo. That is a gap so huge it raises serious questions. When such disclosures influence stock prices and investor decisions, the public deserves the truth.”

The lawmaker said that the stock market is not just for the wealthy.

“These includes Filipino overseas workers saving for their families, teachers preparing for retirement,

Justice Jose Midas P.

It will take effect on February 16, 2026, after posting on the SC and OCA websites.

Videoconferencing was institutionalized during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

Videoconferencing may be initiated in civil and criminal cases upon motion by the parties or through their counsel, whether individually or jointly.

It is the preferred mode of hearing cases involving persons deprived of liberty and children in conflict with the law at all stages of the proceedings. It is also preferred for arraignment, bail

Santos emphasized that the issue goes beyond personalities.

“Whether you are a tycoon, a former senator, or an ordinary citizen—the same law must apply. No exemptions. No sacred cows,” he added.

“The Philippines is not a playground for manipulation. Our economy is not a casino for insiders.

Public trust is not for sale. When the playing field is fair, the Filipino people win,” he said. Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

hearings, and hearings involving minor incidents.

For child witnesses and victims of gender-based violence, courts may order that the accused be hidden from their view during videoconferencing. Courts may also, on their own, order the conduct of proceedings through videoconferencing at any or all stages to achieve a just, speedy, and inexpensive disposition of cases.

An accused may still invoke his or her right to face the witness in person at any stage of the proceedings if it can be shown that the waiver was not made freely, voluntarily, and knowingly.

Leaked document reveals Vietnam’s military contingency planning for US confrontation

By David Rising & Aniruddha Ghosal

The Associated Press

HANOI, Vietnam—A year after Vietnam elevated its relations with Washington to the highest diplomatic level, an internal document shows its military was taking steps to prepare for a possible American “war of aggression” and considered the United States a “belligerent” power, according to a report released Tuesday.

More than just exposing Hanoi’s duality in approach toward the US, the document confirms a deep-seated fear of external forces fomenting an uprising against the Communist leadership in a so-called “color revolution,” like the 2004 Orange Revolution in Ukraine, or the 1986 Yellow Revolution in the Philippines.

Other internal documents that The 88 Project, a human rights organization focused on human rights abuses in Vietnam, cited in its analysis point to similar concerns over US motives in Vietnam.

“There’s a consensus here across the government and across different ministries,” said Ben Swanton, co-director of The 88 Project and the report’s author. “This isn’t just some kind of a fringe element or

paranoid element within the party or within the government.”

‘The 2nd US Invasion Plan’ THE original Vietnamese document titled “The 2nd US Invasion Plan” was completed by the Ministry of Defense in August 2024. It suggests that in seeking “its objective of strengthening deterrence against China, the US and its allies are ready to apply unconventional forms of warfare and military intervention and even conduct large-scale invasions against countries and territories that ‘deviate from its orbit.’”

While noting that “currently there is little risk of a war against Vietnam,” the Vietnamese planners write that “due to the US’s belligerent nature we need to be vigilant to prevent

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Trump’s surprise trade deal with Modi resets fractured ties

By Shruti Srivastava, Dan Strumpf & Swati Gupta

PRESIDENT Donald Trump and Prime

Minister Narendra Modi took a major step to reset fractured ties with a surprise deal on Monday to slash tariffs, bringing much-needed relief to India’s economy.

The US will cut its levy on Indian goods to 18% from 25%, lower than most Asian peers, while an additional 25% punitive duty tied to purchases of Russian oil was scrapped. Trump said Modi had agreed to buy $500 billion of US goods, cut its tariffs to zero, and halt crude purchases from Russia, a key demand of the US president.

Aside from the new tariff rate, Modi didn’t confirm the details of the deal, and like Trump’s other trade announcements, much could change. Even so, the agreement was hailed by officials from both sides and cheered by investors. The rupee posted its biggest gain in more than three years and stocks jumped the most since 2021 after the announcement.

“It is great news for the US-India relationship,” Kenneth Juster, the former US Ambassador to India, said in an interview Tuesday with Bloomberg TV. “This is the first phase of the agreement and if they continue to work on it, we can see the rate drop further.”

The previous 50% US tariff rate, in place since August, had hurt India’s labor-intensive industries, undermined its appeal as a manufacturing and export hub, and soured ties between the two countries. India’s currency was Asia’s worst performer against the dollar last month, weighed down by concerns over the lack of a US trade deal.

Vietnam. . .

Continued from A6

the US and its allies from ‘creating a pretext’ to launch an invasion of our country.”

The Vietnamese military analysts outline what they see as a progression over three American administrations—from Barack Obama, through Donald Trump’s first term, and into Joe Biden’s presidency— with Washington increasingly pursuing military and other relationships with Asian nations to “form a front against China.”

Vietnam balances diplomatic outreach with internal fears

IN his term, Biden in 2023 signed a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” with Vietnam, elevating relations between the nations to their highest diplomatic level on par with Russia and China as “trusted partners with a friendship grounded in mutual respect.”

In the 2024 military document, however, Vietnamese planners said that while the US views Vietnam as “a partner and an important link,” it also wants to “spread and impose its values regarding freedom, democracy, human rights, ethnicity and religion” to gradually change the country’s socialist government.

“The 2nd US Invasion Plan provides one of the most clear-eyed insights yet into Vietnam’s foreign policy,” Swanton wrote in his analysis. “It shows that far from viewing the US as a strategic partner, Hanoi sees Washington as an existential threat and has no intention of joining its anti-China alliance. “

Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry did not answer e-mails seeking comment on The 88 Project report or the document it highlighted.

The US State Department refused to comment directly on the “2nd US Invasion Plan,” but stressed the new partnership agreement, saying it “promotes prosperity and security for the United States and Vietnam.”

“A strong, prosperous, independent and resilient Vietnam benefits our two countries and helps ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains stable, secure, free and open,” the State Department said.

Documents offer a window into internal thinking

NGUYEN KHAC GIANG , of Singapore’s

ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute research center, said the plans highlighted tensions within Vietnam’s political leadership, where the Communist Party’s conservative, military-

The rapprochement follows months of stalled negotiations that had left India with one of the highest tariff rates in the world and one of the few major economies without a trade deal with Washington. Trump’s closer ties with India’s arch-rival Pakistan had also strained relations with New Delhi.

The new trade deal is expected to offer relief to India’s economy. While Asia’s third-largest economy is not primarily export-driven, the US is India’s biggest market and accounts for about a fifth of its overseas shipments. Laborintensive industries such as textiles, leather, footwear and jewelry, had been particularly hard-hit by the tariffs.

“The trade agreement details remain cloudy, but topline, if both sides reduce tariffs as meaningfully as indicated on social media, this could unlock real commercial opportunities,” said Rick Rossow, a senior adviser and chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. At 18%, India’s tariff is now lower than Vietnam’s 20% rate and the 19% applied to most of Southeast Asia, while South Korea and Japan secured duties of 15%.

That’s likely to spur investment into India, which had hoped to attract more manufacturing into the country as an alternative hub to China. Capital Economics estimates a 0.2 to 0.3 percentage-point boost to gross domestic product growth this year. A senior Indian bureaucrat said Tuesday that growth may now reach 7.4% in the fiscal year starting in April, exceeding the government’s earlier projection of 6.8% to 7.2%.

The China+1 process of luring exporters

aligned faction has long been preoccupied with external threats to the regime.

“The military has never been too comfortable moving ahead with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the United States,” Giang said.

Tensions within the government spilled into the public realm in June 2024, when US-linked Fulbright University was accused of fomenting a “color revolution” by an army TV report. The Foreign Ministry defended the university, which US and Vietnamese officials had highlighted when the two countries upgraded ties.

Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington, said the Vietnamese military still has “a very long memory” of the war with the US that ended in 1975. While Western diplomats have tended to see Hanoi as most concerned by possible Chinese aggression, the document reinforces other policy papers suggesting leaders’ biggest fear is that of a “color revolution,” he said.

Further undermining trust between the US and Vietnam were cuts made to the US Agency for International Development by President Donald Trump’s administration, which disrupted projects such as efforts to clean up tons of soil contaminated with deadly dioxin from the military’s Agent Orange defoliant and unexploded American munitions and land mines.

“This pervasive insecurity about color revolutions is very frustrating, because I don’t see why the Communist Party is so insecure,” said Abuza, whose book “The Vietnam People’s Army: From People’s Warfare to Military Modernization?” was published last year.

“They have so much to be proud of— they have lifted so many people out of poverty, the economy is humming along, they are the darling of foreign investors.”

While China and Vietnam have been at odds over territorial claims in the South China Sea, the documents portray China more as a regional rival than a threat like the US.

“China doesn’t pose an existential threat to the Communist Party (of Vietnam),” Abuza said. “Indeed, the Chinese know they can only push the Vietnamese so far, because they’re fearful that the Communist Party can’t respond forcefully to China (and will) look weak and it will cause a mass uprising.”

China is Vietnam’s largest two-way trade partner, while the US is its largest export market, meaning Hanoi needs to perform a

to India “was getting a bit disrupted due to these tariff uncertainties,” V. Anantha Nageswaran, India’s chief economic adviser, said in an interview on Bloomberg TV. “Now, that would be once again be back in contention.”

While the mood in New Delhi’s corridors of power was celebratory on Tuesday, some analysts urged a more cautious approach, citing Trump’s mercurial temperament and the lack of detail on the agreement. “Until there is a joint statement, negotiated text, and clarity on enforcement, this should be seen as a political signal — not a final

balancing act in keeping up diplomatic and economic ties, while also hedging its bets.

“Even some of the more progressive leaders look at the United States, saying, ‘Yes, they like us, they’re working with us, they are good partners for now, but given the opportunity if there were a color revolution, the Americans would support it,’” Abuza said.

Trump’s second administration softens some concerns, but raises more UNDER Vietnamese leader To Lam, who became Communist Party general secretary at around the same time the document was written, the country has moved to strengthen ties with the US, especially under Trump, Giang said.

Lam was reappointed general secretary last month and is expected to also assume the presidency, which would make him the country’s most powerful figure in decades.

With Lam at the helm, Trump’s family business has broken ground on a $1.5 billion Trump-branded golf resort and luxury real estate project in northern Hung Yen province. The Vietnamese leader almost immediately accepted Trump’s invitation to join the Board of Peace, which Giang said was an unusually swift decision given that foreign policy moves are typically calibrated with close attention to Beijing’s possible reaction.

But Trump’s military operations to capture former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro have given Vietnamese conservatives fresh justification for their unease about closer ties with Washington. Any US military action involving Hanoi’s ally Cuba could upset Vietnam’s strategic balance, Giang added.

“Cuba is very sensitive,” he said. “If something happens in Cuba, it will send shock waves through Vietnam’s political elites. Many of them have very strong, intimate ties with Cuba.”

Overall, the first year of Trump’s second term is likely to have left the Vietnamese happy about the focus on the Western Hemisphere but wondering about other developments, Abuza said.

“The Vietnamese are going to be confused by the Trump administration, which has downplayed human rights and democracy promotion, but at the same time been willing to violate the sovereignty of states and remove leaders they don’t like,” he said.

Rising reported from Bangkok.

Trade negotiations

THE two sides had been locked in negotiations for months and there were no recent indications that an agreement was imminent. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said last week that while India had “made a lot of progress” in curbing Russian oil purchases, “they still have a ways to go” on the issue.

Progress appeared to accelerate after the arrival of Sergio Gor last month as US ambassador to India, a post that had been vacant since Trump took office. Gor, a former senior White House official and close Trump confidant, has repeatedly underscored the importance of US-India ties.

In a post on X following Trump’s announcement, Gor said he was “thrilled” by the deal and added that the relationship between the US and India has “LIMITLESS POTENTIAL.”

leading rice exporter. India also maintains strict limits on genetically-modified crops, which dominate US corn and soybean production. Washington pushed during the talks for greater access for genetically-modified crops, as well as entry for its dairy products—another industry that India closely guards.

The Trump agreement comes just days after India secured a landmark deal with the European Union, bringing the number of trade pacts New Delhi has signed since May to five. The flurry of deal-making is expected to lift competitiveness and further integrate India into global supply chains.

deal,” said Ajay Srivastava, founder of New Delhi-based think tank Global Trade Research Initiative. Even so, the agreement is likely to bring the two nations closer in areas beyond trade, including in defense and technology, even if New Delhi ends up making greater concessions than initially intended. According to Juster, the deal could also give “new impetus” to the Quad — an informal grouping of the US, Japan, India and Australia — aimed at countering China’s growing influence in the region.

A major sticking point in the talks was India’s purchases of discounted Russian oil. Not traditionally an importer of Russian crude, India emerged as a key buyer after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine upended trade flows and made discounted supplies attractive. Efforts by the Trump administration to curb those shipments have slowed the flow of oil to India, but not stopped it.

In his post on Monday, the US president said Modi agreed to buy more oil from the US and potentially Venezuela. New Delhi is yet to confirm those details.

India’s heavily protected agricultural sector also emerged as a hurdle. Neither side has said whether New Delhi would ease those protections, but the country is largely self-sufficient in many major crops, including wheat, and is the world’s

“The key tail risk of India’s geopolitical isolation about which investors were concerned has now been adequately addressed by the back-to-back deals with EU and US,” said Citigroup economists Samiran Chakraborty and Baqar Zaidi. India was among the first to open trade talks with the Trump administration last year, but ties soured after the US president repeatedly claimed credit for a ceasefire between India and Pakistan— an assertion that incensed officials in New Delhi—while the tariffs further eroded ties.

Signs of a thaw between the two economies emerged after Trump called Modi on his birthday in September, ratcheting down tensions and seeing the countries resume stalled trade talks. The US president in November said he could visit India at the urging of Modi. With assistance from Swati Pandey, Vrishti Beniwal and Megan Durisin/ Bloomberg

DepEd and Church forge stronger ties to reach underserved learners

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

TO reach learners left behind by pov -

erty, mobility, and weak retention, as part of a broader push to place learners at the center of education reform, the Department of Education (DepEd) is strengthening partnerships with the Church and civil society groups.

Speaking at the 42nd National Social Action General Assembly of Caritas Philippines in Tagaytay City on Tuesday, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said education reform, like pastoral work, requires sustained presence in communities and close attention to the daily realities of learners and teachers,

particularly in underserved areas.

Angara pointed to DepEd’s collaboration with Caritas Philippines’ nationwide network of 86 diocesan social action centers to extend the reach of key programs, including school-based feeding, learning recovery, and the Alternative Learning System (ALS), particularly for out-of-school youth and other marginalized learners.

“We take our inspiration from all of you. Your stories and successes drive us towards meaningful reforms,” Angara said, noting that partnerships help government programs respond to realities on the ground, from hunger that affects learning to learners who need flexible pathways back to school.

Angara cited the expanded School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP), now covering

DILG declares cases solved: Justice pledged for murdered cop, child, and colleague

SECRETARY Jonvic Remulla of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) assured the public on Tuesday that justice will be served in the killings of two policemen and an 8-year-old boy recently.

At a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Remulla said the cases are considered solved as he vowed to deliver justice for the victims and their families.

The DILG chief was referring to the brutal killing of PSMS Diane Marie Mollenido and her eight-year-old son, as well as PSSg Renato Casauay.

Mollenido and her son John Ysmael were killed following a vehicle transaction. The suspects, Pia Katrina Panganiban and Christian Suarez Panganiban, are now in police custody.

“Sa halagang P450,000 pesos ay pinatay angmag-ina,” he said, citing the alleged motive.

The victims went missing on January 16, 2026, and their remains were later found in Bulacan and Tarlac. Charges will be filed against the suspects, while husband John Mollenido remains a person of interest.

Meanwhile, Casauay, assigned to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Group–SOU 3, was found in a septic tank in Malolos City, Bulacan. He was allegedly shot by Julian “Mon” Salamat. Four suspects, including PCpl Vivencio Abalos y Verdadero, have been arrested.

CCTV footage shows Casauay was with Salamat before the killing. Seven suspects, including Salamat, remain at large. A P1 million reward has been offered. “Samatakolang,tinginkotapos naitongkasongito. Certainty of conviction na ito for both cases,” Remulla said. Remulla stressed that while PNP “syndicate groups” have been dismantled, questionable transactions persist.

Sa loob ng hanay, may mga transaksyon na nangyayari na hindi naman dahil sa PNP. Nakakasamalangsila.”

“Angbawatbuhaypongpulisaymahalaga saamin.Hindiponaminpinapamenoskungmay mangyarisaamingkapulisan.Ginagawanilaang kanilangtrabaho,napakataasngtiwalangmga taosakanila.Angmgaganitongklasengbagay ayhindinatinpwedengpalusutin,” he added. Jonathan L. Mayuga

all Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners nationwide, as an example of how DepEd is responding to evidence linking nutrition and learning.

He also underscored the scale-up of learning recovery through the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, which provides structured tutoring and remediation for millions of learners. Angara said community and church-based groups can complement these efforts through volunteer tutoring, mentoring, and local learning initiatives, particularly in areas with limited access to formal support.

He further highlighted the role of the ALS as a key entry point for out-ofschool youth, working adults, and other marginalized learners seeking a second

chance at basic education. He acknowledged the contribution of church-led initiatives, such as community-based learning centers, in helping learners return to education through flexible and trust-based approaches.

Angara said supporting teachers remains central to DepEd’s reform agenda, noting recent efforts to reduce administrative requirements, expand welfare support, and promote thousands of teachers.

Fellow Cabinet members Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, along with church leaders and civil society representatives nationwide, also joined the gathering, which focused on strengthening partnerships to improve service delivery

across social sectors.

Meanwhile, Angara thanked the Society of Jesus Educational Apostolate (SJEA), which brings together Jesuit schools and universities nationwide, for its support of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) and its reform agenda

He acknowledged the Jesuit network’s endorsement of the commission’s findings, which he said helped build momentum for major policy shifts in education.

Angara said the long-standing work of Jesuit schools and other faith-based institutions in communities makes them vital partners in translating national reforms into concrete gains for learners, particularly those most at risk of dropping out or being left behind.

DepDev inks deal backing AI use in LGU planning

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

THE Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) has entered an agreement with the Naga City government in implementing an artificial intelligence (AI)-based platform intended to support transport and mobility planning at the local level.

DEPDev said on Tuesday that the Naga City AI Planner will be funded through a P6.79-million innovation grant from the National Innovation Council (NIC). The platform integrates transport, land

use, tourism, and vendor activity data using AI tools and mobile-based data collection to support planning.

According to the agency, the system is designed to assist local planners in generating data that may be used in managing transport and mobility and in improving walkability.

It will also include a reporting feature that allows residents to submit information on road crashes and illegal parking, which the city government may use in updating public transport route plans and comprehensive land use plans.

DepDev Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon said the agency’s support for the project is anchored on the use of data in local planning and governance. “We share the goal of Naga People’s Council to attain a walkable, orderly, and secure city through people-centered, evidence-based transportation planning and monitoring and evaluation. By supporting this project, we want to raise awareness among LGUs across the country that AI can help make the delivery of their services to

See “DepDev,” A11

Government must make a clear decision on K to 12–Cayetano

SBy Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

ENATE Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday intensified his call for the government to clarify its education targets, demanding a decisive choice on the full implementation and funding of the K to 12 program.

Speaking on the National Education and Workforce Development Plan 20262035 (Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8, which includes the recommendations of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), Cayetano supported the ten-year framework but identified the unresolved status of the K to 12 as the “big elephant in the room.”

DOJ says MTRCB may recall circular which imposes high registration fees for CATV

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has declared that the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) may recall its memorandum circular, which imposes excessive registration fees for cable television networks (CATV).

In a three-page legal opinion signed by DOJ Acting Secretary Fredderick Vida, the justice department held that the MTRCB, as an administrative agency, is vested with quasi-legislative and such powers necessary to enforce its mandate.

“Thus, MTRCB may issue Memorandum Circulars provided that their subject matter falls within the scope of its powers and functions and that they are not contrary to law, morals, public policy, or established customs,” Vida said.

“Unlike a statute, a memorandum circular is an administrative issuance primarily intended for internal governance and implementation of policies within an agency. While it does not carry the force of law, it may still bind parties within its regulatory jurisdiction under certain conditions,” he added.

The DOJ also recommended that any amendatory circular may include remedial provisions to address the concerns of affected sectors with respect to the collection of fees.

However, the DOJ said such amendatory circular should be applied prospectively, “meaning that it cannot be condoned past due registration fees.”

The DOJ issued the legal opinion upon the request of MTRCB Chairperson Diorella Maria Sotto-Antonio.

“Mr. President, I rise today to put this on record. Maganda ang 10-year plan, I support it. Maganda po ang findings ng EDCOM 2 - yung first, second, and third publications. But the big elephant in the room is if we decide to fully fund it (K to 12th),” the Minority Leader said.

“Baka naman po yung tinatarget natin sa K to 12 ay target ng USA, ng Europe, at ng Japan. PerosaPilipinas,kailangannatin linawin ang ating target,” he urged.

Citing the EDCOM 2 report, Cayetano said the K to 12’s effectiveness in the Philippines requires reassessment as curriculum revisions alone are insufficient without addressing critical support systems, evidenced by stark outcomes where only 0.4% of Grade 12 students are proficient, with 74% failing to meet minimal skills.

A longtime critic of the program’s implementation, the senator argued that the K to 12 has failed to deliver its promised improvements to education equality. Since his return to the Senate in 2022, he has been calling the attention of the government to make a radical decision on either suspending or fully funding it.

See “K to 12,” A11

In her letter-request, Sotto-Antonio sought the DOJ’s legal opinion on whether MTRCB has, or may be authorized by the justice department, to grant amnesty for a limited period in favor of qualified cable television networks, and whether the agency may recall or invalidate its Memorandum Circular No. 10-2015. The circular provided for a tiered registration fee system to rationalize the registration fees of CATV networks operating in lower income geographical units.

Section 3 of the circular provides that the MTRCB shall assess the CATV operators the prescribed registration fee for every service area stated in their provisional authority or congressional authority.

The tiered registration schedule, according to the MTRCB, should have been implemented as early as 2016, but the circular was not enforced until October 2024.

The MTRCB said due to the delay in the implementation of the circular, the affected CATV network providers are now required to settle their accrued fees including surcharges and penalties, which would accumulate exponentially for most providers. Thus, the MTRCB said it is considering the invalidation or recall of the circular, as well as the grant of amnesty to qualified CATV network providers affected by its implementation. As to MTRCB’s query on whether the DOJ can authorize the agency to grant amnesty for affected CATV network providers, Vida answered in the negative.

“Nowhere in the powers and functions of this Department is it authorized to exercise control or supervision over the MTRCB, much less to empower it to grant amnesty in its collections,” he said. Joel R. San Juan

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

DBM releases final ₧7.4B, ensuring full ₧20K service incentive for teachers, school staff

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto

REMAINING funds needed for the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) for eligible teaching and nonteaching personnel, amounting to P7.372 billion, were released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

On Tuesday, DBM said Acting Budget Secretary Rolando U. Toledo approved the issuance of the special allotment order and the corresponding notices of cash allocation on January 27 to release the funding.

The DBM said the additional cash allocation release guarantees the full and complete payment of the SRI, a long-awaited benefit for teachers and school personnel.

The Department of Education (DepEd) initially implemented a staggered payment of the SRI due to the significant immediate cash requirement and the large number of personnel covered across the country.

Qualified beneficiaries will receive the incentive in full, as the remaining balance for the full SRI will now be paid, following the approval of the additional cash allocation.

Of the P7.372 billion additional cash allocation, P6.617 billion was released to the DepEd Central Office, while P754.238 million will be released directly to various Regional Office Proper and Schools Division Offices and/or implementing units.

Savings from agencies’ personnel services, as well as the maintenance and other operating expenses under the 2025 national budget, will be used to fund the SRI. Under AO No. 40, qualified teachers and non-teaching personnel would receive the SRI at a uniform rate not exceeding

the hard work you have endured, and the heart you have poured into teaching and caring for our youth.”

To recall, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the issuance of Administrative Order (AO) No. 40, authorizing the grant of a one-time Service Recognition Incentive to all qualified government employees for 2025.

First IP program to mentor 20 MSMEs on IP strategies

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

MORE than 20 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide are set to join a new intellectual property mentoring initiative jointly run by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Called the Intellectual Property Management Clinic (IPMC), the four-month program running from February to May will provide participating firms with one-on-one mentoring to help them design IP strategies aligned with their operations, markets and long-term expansion plans.

“MSMEs can raise their innovative capabilities by maximizing the use of their IP assets while protecting their IP rights,”

IPOPHL assistant director general Nathaniel Arevalo said.

“IP assets have a value that is translatable to their equity or market value,” he added.

“Harnessing the potential of your IPs would strengthen your position in the markets, from local to global, while stimulating your entrepreneurial growth.”

The clinic blends structured training with hands-on coaching by IP specialists, focusing on practical applications rather than theory.

First introduced by WIPO in 2022 and already implemented in several countries, the IPMC is designed to help enterprises better identify, protect, and commercialize their IP assets.

For its part, WIPO said the program is designed to respond to the needs of enterprises operating in a wide range of sectors.

Guy Pessach, director at the WIPO’s IP for

Business Division director, said the clinic focuses on practical support for entrepreneurs.

“The Philippines has a vibrant SME sector—from fashion, crafts and food products to creative industries and technology startups,” Pessach said. “We are proud to support these businesses in unlocking the full value of their ideas and creativity.”

The IPMC in the country officially kicked off with a four-day in-person event that concluded on February 5.

Online follow-up consultations are scheduled in the coming months to provide continued guidance and support to the participating enterprises.

MSMEs remain a key part of the country’s economy, accounting for the majority of business establishments and more than 66 percent of total employment in 2024.

Five nabbed in ₧26.9 million seizure of smuggled cigarettes in Zambo City

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox

AVAO CITY – Zamboanga police

Dconfiscated on Friday last week more than P26 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a joint antismuggling operation with maritime and antinarcotics agents.

The police said it flagged down two vehicles that were suspiciously cruising along Logoy Diutay, Barangay Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City at midnight of Friday.

Authorities confiscated 635 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes, including various brands such as New Mega, Fortune, Johnhill, Gift, Stargold, Modern, Harbor, Suvenir, Fortland, Astro, Blast, Marlboro, Cannon, Bravo, and Fort.

The two vehicles used in the illegal activity were also seized.

The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) certified that the retail value of the confiscated cigarettes amounted to P26,987,500.00.

Five persons, all males and all residing in Zamboanga City, were arrested

The suspects faced charges for violation of Section 7 of Republic Act No. 12022, otherwise known as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

Police Brigadier General Edwin A. Quilates, regional Police director emphasized that smuggling remains a serious threat to public order, government revenue, and national security.

“This successful anti-smuggling operation underscores the PRO 9 firm resolve to

dismantle illegal trade networks that undermine lawful commerce, deprive the government of much-needed revenues, and pose risks to public safety. We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven and interagency operations to protect our borders and ensure the strict enforcement of the rule of law,” Quilates said. The operation was jointly carried out by operatives of the Regional Intelligence Division 9, Regional Special Operations Unit, and the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (Seaborne), in coordination with personnel from Zamboanga City Police Station (ZCPS) 12, City Investigation and Detective Management Unit, Zamboanga City Maritime Police Station, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and ZCPS 6.

Effusive eruption at Mayon Volcano continues for 28 consecutive days

EBy Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

FFUSIVE eruption at Mayon Volcano in Albay, now in its 28th day, continues to generate incandescent lava flows that have reached a radial distance of 3.7 km from the crater in the Basud gullies or on the east side of the volcano, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said on Tuesday.

Cayetano also recognized the noble intention behind the K to 12 program and the various efforts that stakeholders have made to address the country’s education challenges. He, however, warned that the program’s potential is being stifled by indecision by the government.

the people more efficient,” Edillon said.

An earlier report by Oxford Insights showed that the Philippines ranked 49th out of 195 countries in the Government AI Readiness Index, with a score of 57.76 out of 100.

While this placed the country above the global average score of 41.40, the

Aside from the Basud gullies, incandescent lava flows in Bonga or the southeast side of Mayon have also reached 1.6 km from the crater, and Mi-isi gullies reaching 1.3 km.

In its summary of 24-hour observation at Mayon, Phivolcs said it recorded 9 volcanic earthquakes, 304 rockfall events, and 68 pyroclastic density currents. Alert Level 3 prevails over Mayon, and entry into the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone is prohibited. Mayon’s Alert Level 3 or intensified unrest status was raised by Phivolcs on January 14.

“I don’t want to use half-hearted kasi tumotodo naman tayo. But ang punto ko, kung hanggang 100 kilometers ang takbo ng kotse at kaya natin mag-100 kilometers, no one can say na half-hearted tayo. Pero kung hanggang 200 kilometers ang takbo ng kotse, at sabihin natin, ‘Boss, hanggang 120 lang kaya natin, yung 80, hindi’, y’ung potential na 80 ay half-hearted,” he explained.

report noted lower scores in AI infrastructure at 48.11 and in development and diffusion at 42.46. DEPDev said initiatives such as the Naga City project fall within broader national efforts to improve the use of AI and integrated data systems, which are included under the Global Innovation Index’s innovation input indicators and the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document 2023–2028.

Aside from Mayon, Phivolcs is also closely monitoring volcanic activities at 3 other volcanoes: Kanlaon in Negros Island is currently under Alert Level 2 or increased unrest, while Bulusan and Taal in Sorsogon and Batangas, respectively, are both under Alert Level 1 or low-level unrest status.

While backing Senate Concurrent No. 8, Cayetano reiterated his call to the government to make a decisive move.

“Mr. President, may I just put that at the doorstep or at the feet of our honorable senators and decision-makers. Yes, let’s do everything we can — better budget for 2027, full implementation in 2026, a 10-year plan. But sooner or later, hindi natin pwedeng hindi ito pagusapan,” he said.

“We want to build a dynamic innovation ecosystem through these grants, by supporting projects like this that promote multistakeholder collaboration,” Edillon added. Aside from providing grant support, DepDev said it will assist the Naga City government through regular monitoring and field evaluation of the project. The agency said it will also help strengthen linkages with innovation partners involved in the initiative.

A bitter fight: Sugar industry seeks regulation against artificial sweeteners

FLAVORING certain dishes or food items used to be a straightforward exercise. Sinigang, for instance, becomes sour because of tamarind or kamias, and cooks use more than a handful of these edibles to create the iconic dish. As preparing the dish is a tedious process, enterprising food companies and manufacturers were able to turn tamarind or kamias into powder, enabling cooks to whip it up faster.

It would appear that sugar is facing the same fate as tamarind or kamias, going by the official data as well as pronouncements of government officials and local planters. According to the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), local traders and planters are up in arms against the influx of artificial sweeteners. (See, “Govt wants to regulate importation of sugar substitutes,” in the BusinessMirror , February 2, 2026). Stakeholders in the sugar industry are urging the government to regulate the importation and use of artificial sweeteners, which they blamed for the decline in demand for locally produced sugar.

In a report it published last year, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service in Manila (USDA-FAS Manila) said the Philippines’s consumption of sugar alternatives will jump by 47 percent, or half of the projected 2.2 million metric tons (MMT) of raw sugar consumption. The consumption of alternative sweeteners, when converted into raw sugar equivalent, will reach 1.14 MMT in marketing year 2025. The volume is more than half of the raw sugar production of the country in crop year 2024-2025.

The projected consumption of sugar substitutes is significantly higher than the 774,000 metric tons (MT). These alternative sweeteners are known as aspartame, acesulfame, sucralose, saccharin, and stevia. Among the artificial sweeteners that enter the country, the most popular may be sucralose, which is 600 times sweeter than table sugar, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.

These alternative sweeteners are usually popular among diabetics in the Philippines, a country which considers diabetes mellitus as one of the top causes of deaths among its citizens. This could probably explain the increasing preference of Filipinos for alternative sweeteners. Filipinos are buying these artificial sweeteners even if they carry a higher price tag.

In the case of some bakeries and beverages manufacturers in the Philippines, however, the USDA-FAS report noted that they shifted to alternative sweeteners which were cheaper than local sugar. Food and beverages manufacturers use sugar in huge quantities for their products. Any increases in the sweetener, which they regard as a key raw material, would naturally mean lower profits for these manufacturers.

As these sugar substitutes have now become an essential part of making processed food items, the government should look beyond regulation and help the industry make sugarcane propagation more cost-efficient. While placing controls or limits could help the industry by propping up demand in the short-term, the state should address the increasing cost of producing sugarcane. Enabling our planters and local sugar industry to compete with imports is a more sustainable solution than imposing limits or prohibiting the entry of commodities, which would encourage smuggling.

Faster economic expansion

AAngel R. Calso, Dionisio L. Pelayo Ruben M. Cruz Jr.

Eduardo A. Davad Nonilon G. Reyes D. Edgard A. Cabangon Benjamin V. Ramos Aldwin Maralit Tolosa Rolando M. Manangan

BusinessMirror is

Mark Villar

THE BUILDER

FTER a moderate performance in 2025, the Philippine economy is moving from recovery mode into a phase of rapid growth.

Even with global challenges and tighter government spending, the country grew 4.4 percent last year, led by record-breaking exports and the best agriculture output in five years.

The Philippine economy grew 4.4 percent in 2025 despite a host of external and domestic challenges. This sets the stage for a faster expansion in 2026, with the expected recovery of government spending and private sector investments.

The agriculture, fishery and forestry sector grew 3.1 percent in 2025, the highest annual growth in five years. Per Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the government is laying the groundwork for “smarter, climate-resilient” farming to stabilize food prices and supply.

The services sector led the economy with a 5.9-percent growth, while the industrial sector recorded a modest 1.5 percent increase.

Consumer spending, which traditionally anchors the Philippine economy, increased 4.6 percent last year, while government spending rose 9.1 percent despite the yearend cooling.

The gross national income, which includes earnings from Filipinos working overseas, rose 6.1 percent in 2025, supported by 19.1-percent

Iincrease in net primary income from the rest of the world.

The trade sector remains a “bright spot,” according to the World Bank. Spurred by global demand for semiconductors required for artificial intelligence (AI) applications, merchandise exports surged 15.2 percent in 2025 to an all-time high of $84.41 billion. This cut the trade deficit to $49.17 billion from $54.33 billion in 2024.

While growth eased last year, several international bodies are optimistic about a rebound. No less than the United Nations expects the gross domestic product (GDP) of the Philippines to expand 5.7 percent in 2026, as low inflation and robust labor conditions drive consumer spending.

Price stability is anticipated to remain within target, with the report predicting Philippine inflation to average 2.3 percent in 2026 and 2.8 percent in 2027.

The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) sees the Philippines growing 5.3 percent in 2026, making it the second-fastest growing economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations after Vietnam.

In its January 2026 Global Economic Prospects report, the World

By Ashutosh Joshi, Alex Gabriel Simon & Abhishek Vishnoi

NDIAN equities are primed to ease their run of underperformance after a long-awaited trade agreement with the US, which removes a key overhang on financial assets that had triggered record foreign outflows.

US President Donald Trump agreed to cut tariffs on Indian goods to 18 percent from 25 percent and eliminate an additional 25 percent duty linked to the purchases of Russian crude oil. Fund managers see the deal as a potential catalyst for global investors to return to Indian equities after the market’s worst January since 2016, while also supporting a rupee that has hit record lows.

The benchmark NSE Nifty 50 Index rallied as much as 5 percent on Tuesday, before paring gains to 2.8 percent. The rupee gained as much as 1.2 percent against the dollar, the biggest advance in more than

three years.

“This is a good reset to India-US trade that may shift foreign investor sentiment toward India to positive,” said Arvind Chari, chief investment strategist at Q India UK. “India’s underperformance versus emerging markets could reverse.”

Global investors have sold $3.2 billion of local stocks this year, on top of a record $18.8 billion outflow last year. After a more than 30 percentage-point underperformance versus emerging-market peers, positioning has weakened to the point that in January India’s weight in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index fell below

In its January 2026 Global Economic Prospects report, the World Bank expects the Philippine GDP to rise 5.3 percent in 2026 and 5.4 percent in 2027. The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) also sees the economy growing 5.3 percent in 2026, led by domestic demand, infrastructure spending and continued expansion in the services sector.

Bank expects the Philippine GDP to rise 5.3 percent in 2026 and 5.4 percent in 2027.

The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) also sees the economy growing 5.3 percent in 2026, led by domestic demand, infrastructure spending and continued expansion in the services sector.

The Economic and Development (ED) Council views 2026 as a rally point for speeding up the implementation of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 and restoring public confidence through visible and measurable improvements in people’s lives.

Per the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), this addresses the growing disconnect between public expectations and actual results. Faced with budget constraints, the government is prioritizing high-impact programs and projects that offer the most significant benefits to Filipino families.

The ED Council has committed to accelerating programs in sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure.

Hosting the 2026 ASEAN Summit offers the Philippines an ideal stage to demonstrate its national growth and solidify its reputation as a lead-

South Korea’s for the first time since December 2021, a contrast to the period when the South Asian nation was challenging China for the top spot.

Cash equities had shown tentative signs of a rebound on Monday, with the Nifty climbing 1.1 percent even as most Asian markets closed in the red amid a broader regional selloff. The advance showed investors looking past concerns over a proposed tax hike on equity derivatives and a sharp drop in metal prices that weighed on risk assets globally.

India’s valuation premium over Asia has also fallen to its lowest in nearly five years as concerns about the tariffs and a drawn-out earnings slowdown weighed on sentiment. The trade deal’s finalization comes just a day after Sunday’s budget, which offered fresh support for exporters and industries sectors including rare earths, reinforcing early signs of improving investor confidence.

ing destination for global investment and tourism.

Also supporting the growth outlook are OFW remittances, tourism and the business process outsourcing (BPO). Per the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), cash remittances rose 3.2 percent to $32.11 billion in the first 11 months of 2025 from $31.11 billion a year earlier.  International visitor arrivals reached 6.48 million in 2025, up 0.76 percent from 2024, per the Department of Tourism. The agency is optimistic about surpassing the 2025 performance this year, with the granting of visa-free entry for Chinese travelers.

The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) is “cautiously optimistic” about the 2026 growth outlook. BPO revenues rose 5 percent to over $40 million in 2025, while employment increased 4 percent to 1.89 million.

As the Philippines navigates 2026, I believe the economic growth will continue on the back of sustained infrastructure investments and household spending, which constitutes nearly 70 percent of our GDP. As inflation is projected to stay within the 2 percent to 4 percent target range, the BSP has room to keep interest rates low to fuel spending and investments.

With the Philippines in the global spotlight for the 2026 ASEAN Summit and the Economic and Development (ED) Council marking this year as a pivotal “rally point” for national progress, the country is primed for a faster growth trajectory.

For feedback e-mail to senatormarkvillar@ gmail.com or visit our web site: https://markvillar. com.ph

“It’s a great development coming immediately after” the budget announcement “that will lead to a reversal of foreign outflows and also rally in the Indian currency,” said A Balasubramanian, chief executive officer of Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Ltd. “Close to $100 billion was waiting to enter into India over the next two to three years, pending the tariff settlement with the US.” The reduction in tariff could boost India’s attractiveness as an alternative manufacturing hub to China. At 18 percent, India’s tariff is lower than Vietnam’s 20 percent rate and the 19% for most of Southeast Asia.  Still, not all of India’s challenges have eased. Earnings this reporting season have been mixed, and investors are awaiting clarity on India’s commitment to buy $500 billion of goods from the US as part of the deal. At the same time, scope for further See “US,” A13

On finding culture in mathematics

By Ronald G. De Guzman Jr.

MATHEMATICS is often described as pure, uniform, and abstract. This characterization holds true for pure mathematics, which deals with axioms, postulates, and theorems.

However, questions arise regarding whom mathematics serves and whether it is genuinely universal. When we say universal, uniformity matters regardless of different socio-cultural groups and needs. Such an idea is questioned due to the mere dominance of Eurocentric approaches in mathematics while risking sidelining other approaches in mathematics.

In response to this exclusion, a new field emerged in the 1980s within mathematics. Coined “ethnomathematics” by the late Brazilian mathematician Ubiratan D’Ambrosio, it explores the relationship between mathematics and culture. It examines how different socio-cultural groups use and embed mathematics in their daily life. And to make it clear, it does not only encompass indigenous groups but also other socio-cultural communities like professional groups and workers’ groups.

Ethnomathematics is a specialized area within applied mathematics and mathematics education. It intersects with various fields, including the history and philosophy of mathematics, mathematical modeling, and critical mathematics pedagogy. This intersection illustrates that mathematics extends beyond traditional classroom settings. Diverse approaches to mathematics— such as weaving patterns, counting systems, games, navigation, architecture, and storytelling—are valued when examined through an anthropological lens that considers cultural contexts.

In the Philippines, mathematics is, believe it or not, deeply embedded in daily life. For example, whenever we make a purchase, cashiers often ask if we have coins available to provide exact change. This practice arises from the tendency to use large bills for payment, a common situation amid rising economic inflation. Such interactions illustrate the heuristics of basic arithmetic, which are typically covered in elementary education.

Another example would be the usage of measurements typically used by ordinary Filipinos. Terms like “guhit” (100g), “dangkal” (span from thumb to middle finger), and “talampakan” (1 foot or 12 inches) are used to measure something from clothing to cooking. Those terms are more commonly used among middleaged to senior Filipinos. Scholars in the Philippines are increasingly focusing on advancing knowledge in ethnomathematics. The MATHTED framework for mathematics education in basic education also underscores the importance of cultural rootedness as a key cognitive value.

Despite growing interests, challenges arise in advancing this niche field in the Philippines. As Early Sol Gadong observes in her 2025 study, the DepEd’s K-12 curriculum fails to integrate ethnomathematics in its mathematics framework, treat-

. . continued from A12

monetary easing is narrowing, with economists in a Bloomberg survey expecting the central bank to hold rates on February 6.

“Earnings will come back into focus once the initial policy relief trade fades, and that’s where India’s next leg—or not—gets decided,” said Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo Markets. “If the results and guidance keep coming in remain uneven, the deal becomes a sentiment boost, not a reason for a sustained re-rating.”

For now, investors are looking past near-term uncertainties, drawing comfort from the finalization

Can the country avoid a debt implosion?

Ethnomathematics is a specialized area within applied mathematics and mathematics education. It intersects with various fields, including the history and philosophy of mathematics, mathematical modeling, and critical mathematics pedagogy. This intersection illustrates that mathematics extends beyond traditional classroom settings. Diverse approaches to mathematics—such as weaving patterns, counting systems, games, navigation, architecture, and storytelling—are valued when examined through an anthropological lens that considers cultural contexts.

ing it as supplementary rather than integral part. This poses a risk of alienating Filipino learners from mathematics, particularly in the early grades, where formative years are crucial for child development.

Another challenge is the lack of local research studies on ethnomathematics. As highlighted by Horencio C. Adaro Jr. and Dennis B. Roble in their 2025 systematic review of ethnomathematics research in the Philippines, there is a pressing need for investment in international visibility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and validation through real-world experiences and classroom practices. These efforts aim to promote more evidence-based and culturally relevant approaches to teaching and learning mathematics in the Philippine context.

Regardless, ethnomathematics’ international study group, the International Study Group on Ethnomathematics (ISGEm), is formally affiliated with the International Commission on Mathematics Education in 2024, thereby gaining a larger international network and recognition since the ISGEm’s inception in 1985. Such affiliation came about three years after Ubiratan D’Ambrosio’s death.

For aspiring Filipino researchers and specialists in mathematics, consider exploring this as a potential area of interest. After all, there may be mathematical practices unique to the Philippines that have been overlooked, largely due to centuries of colonization and the ongoing challenges of postcolonialism. However, it’s essential to recognize that engaging in this area of interest requires a foundational understanding of the anthropological nature of culture. This understanding allows for the exploration of various cultural examples while integrating deeper mathematical insights.

Ronald G. De Guzman Jr., 24, temporarily paused his undergraduate studies in mathematics at the University of the Philippines Baguio to explore mathematics education as a potential area of interest.

of the US-India trade deal and the budget’s growth tilt, which prioritized manufacturing incentives and infrastructure spending. Morgan Stanley expects stronger capital expenditure, services-sector growth and wider AI adoption to underpin earnings growth in the fiscal year beginning April 1. The US trade deal “should now turn” foreign investors’ negative sentiment on Indian assets, Jefferies Financial Group Inc. strategists including Mahesh Nandurkar wrote in a note. “Combined with the recent large EU, UK and other” trade deals, the rupee “could get substantial boost in the near term—this could act as a positive trigger for” foreign portfolio investments. With assistance from Vrishti Beniwal/Bloomberg

Dr. Rene E. Ofreneo

LABOREM EXERCENS

THE question has been hanging in the minds of many concerned citizens. Can the country avoid a debt-driven economic implosion? Can a repeat of the horrible1981-1985 debt crisis be avoided?

As it is, the economy has been teetering on the edge of a debt abyss. The national debt “stock” has shot up to over P17 trillion. Due to the old Marcosian Presidential Decree 1177, the allocations for “automatic” debt service payments—interest and principal amortization—now average over P2 trillion annually, easily eclipsing the budgetary appropriations for education and the “guniguni” public works projects. Half of all government revenues now go to the servicing of the debt service mountain, not to the expansion of payments for social services such as more and better health and education services and facilities.

Is debt sustainable?

It is if the economy has been growing faster than at the rate it is borrowing from domestic and foreign creditors. But it is not. The government itself has reported its failure to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to less than 60 per cent in 2024-25 as part of the Administration’s original 2022 list of promises. The ratio, as of the third quarter of 2025, was 63 per cent. The keys to the reduction of the debt burden are well known: fiscal discipline, faster economic growth, and higher government revenues. On fiscal discipline. Finance Secretary Frederick Go issued a good call to those in government: reduce unnecessary expenses and tighten the national budgetary belt. His call was unheeded. First, Malacanang allowed Congress to set aside P4.5 billion as the confidential and intelligence funds for the Office of the President. Why a huge and separate CIF for the OP when the whole bu-

reaucracy, including the military, is literally under the control of the OP?

And then came the steadfast refusal of Congress to do away with the pork barrel system. As widely reported, Congress set aside over P200 billion as “soft pork” allocations for patronage programs such as the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIF), Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances (AICS), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and Tulong Dulong. The DPWH still retains the questionable system of “allocables” amounting to as much as half a trillion pesos. And then there is the “standby” P123 billion “shadow pork” or “unprogrammed appropriations.” The Supreme Court frowns upon UAs and have declared the transfer of funds from GOCCs such as PhilHealth to finance the UAs as unconstitutional.

Why have Secretary Go and the DOF failed to remind Congress on the critical importance of fiscal discipline in these difficult times?

On economic growth as a debt slayer, most of the forecasts are not reassuring. The unresolved flood control scandal has dampened the enthusiasm of investors, foreign and local. No less than the IMF and World Bank are predicting low and slow recovery up to 2027. The call center-BPO sector, a major life saver, is now shrinking, no thanks to the job-displacing AI. On the other hand, there is no discernible surge in OFW remittances, the economy’s leading life saver, due to the rise of anti-migrant sentiments in labor-

To conclude, it is abundantly clear that the country is standing at the edge of a debt abyss. Escaping from the debt precipice requires a strong collective national resolve to institute real fiscal discipline, re-strategize economic development in these uncertain times, mobilize revenues without inflicting new taxes on the people, and yes, stop corrupt governance in budgetary prioritization and spending.

receiving countries and worries of OFWs and their families that the unresolved politico-economic crisis in the country would wipe out their savings. As to tourism, a new growth engine, the Philippines has been falling out as a favored tourist destination in Asia due to the unresolved flood control scandal, undeveloped supportive infrastructures and high cost of moving and staying in various tourist destinations.

Finally, there is the huge cloud of economic uncertainty enveloping the Philippines and many countries due to the disruptions of the global economic order—no thanks to President Donald Trump. The US tariff war against China and the rest of the world has disrupted the flow of capital, goods and services in a globalized economic order. There are predictions on global economic cataclysms erupting this year or next.

But setting aside these predictions, the stark reality is that the Philippines is in a precarious and uncertain situation. It does not have the exportables needed by the global market. Nor does it have unlimited funds for the critical importables such as rice and oil. Moreover, the government has not revealed if it has the weapons needed to shield the country from a global recession that is now spinning into a global depression.

As to raising and collecting taxes to plug the fiscal deficits, nasa sukdulan na po. The Philippines’ 12 percent VAT on virtually all imports and goods circulated in the economy are the highest (together with Indonesia)

Latino voter shift drives 31-point flip against GOP in Texas district

By Joe Lovinger

BIG shifts among Latino voters fueled a Texas Democrat’s upset victory in a state senate district in the Fort Worth area that’s been dominated by Republicans for more than three decades, according to an analysis of results from the January 31 election.

In one precinct of the city’s heavily Latino Northside neighborhood, 81 percent of voters picked Democrat Taylor Rehmet, a labor union leader. In the same precinct in 2024, by contrast, 51 percent chose President Donald Trump, who praised Rehmet’s GOP rival before the Jan. 31 vote. Several nearby precincts backed Rehmet at 90 percent or more compared with about 60 percent for Kamala Harris in 2024.

“The Hispanic vote really locked in,” said Matt Angle, founder of the Lone Star Project, a Democratic consultancy. “It’s clear that they overwhelmingly supported Taylor Rehmet.”

The electoral result is leaving Republicans searching for answers as Texas voters prepare to choose a US senator this year and pick congresspeople based on redrawn maps designed to favor the GOP. With Trump’s immigration crackdown dominating headlines nationwide, Rehmet won by 14 points against conservative firebrand Leigh Wambsganss in the state senate district, which supported the president by a 17-point margin in 2024. That’s a 31-point shift.

“Did the Hispanic Trump voters automatically vote R?” asked Vinny Minchillo, a Texas-based

Republican consultant at Glass House Strategy. “It doesn’t look like it.”

The election was a run-off to fill a state senate seat vacated by Kelly Hancock, a more moderate Republican who left office to become the state’s acting comptroller. Wambsganss, a longtime conservative activist, has been embroiled in hot-button social issues in the district, which includes ritzy suburbs in addition to working-class areas of Fort Worth.

“This was a great misread of an electorate in that district,” Minchillo said.

Just 15 percent of registered voters turned out for Saturday’s election, a weekend contest that came after a brutal cold snap that made campaigning difficult. The amount either party can glean from such a unique situation is limited but the warning signs are flashing, Minchillo said.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, a Republican who endorsed Wambsganss, blamed low voter turnout and called the race a “wake-up call for Republicans across Texas” in a post on X. John Huffman, the former mayor of Southlake, Texas, who ran against Wambsganss in the first round of voting in November, faulted her for pursuing too narrow and ideo -

in Southeast Asia. The country’s tax base is further eroded by the reported closure of a large number of firms in 2025, principally those engaged in real estate, BPO leasing, garments exports and service industries. It was reported that half a million registered MSMEs dropped out of the PSA list last year. To enlarge the tax base, growing the economy faster and higher is the best approach. But this is not happening.

Overall, the swelling national debt and the rising debt service burden are the direct results of weaknesses in fiscal discipline, poor economic performance of the country and natural limits on the taxability of the people in a limping economy. To complete the picture on the deepening debt abyss, one must add here the negative impact of corrupted infra projects and the consequent failure of the government to build up solid defense against climate change risks such as floods. Debt rises because corrupt politicians and contractors keep seeking budgetary support for their “guni-guni” projects, including those with no scheduled programmed allocations. On the other hand, the consequences of “ampaw” or hollow projects are obvious: weak capacity of government to address real needs of the people, especially in strengthening the readiness of vulnerable communities to CC devastations and priming the economy for higher growth through strong and reliable infras nationwide.

To conclude, it is abundantly clear that the country is standing at the edge of a debt abyss. Escaping from the debt precipice requires a strong collective national resolve to institute real fiscal discipline, re-strategize economic development in these uncertain times, mobilize revenues without inflicting new taxes on the people, and yes, stop corrupt governance in budgetary prioritization and spending.

Are the above doable? More in the next instalment.

Dr. Rene E. Ofreneo is a Professor Emeritus of the University of the Philippines. For comments, please write to reneofreneo@ gmail.com.

The electoral result is leaving Republicans searching for answers as Texas voters prepare to choose a US senator this year and pick congresspeople based on redrawn maps designed to favor the GOP. With Trump’s immigration crackdown dominating headlines nationwide, Rehmet won by 14 points against conservative firebrand Leigh Wambsganss in the state senate district, which supported the president by a 17-point margin in 2024. That’s a 31-point shift.

logical a coalition of voters.

The GOP will soon get a chance for revenge: Rehmet will serve out the remainder of Hancock’s term, and face Wambsganss again in November for a full four-year term. Rehmet said he’d be ready.

“We’re building momentum,” he said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. “If we can stick to the voters, and focusing on our communities and building trust locally, extremely local, I think that’s the way we can really succeed no matter what side of the political aisle you’re on.”

As chief communications officer of Patriot Mobile, a cell phone company, and executive director of its political action committee, Wambsganss supported conservative school board candidates who aimed to eliminate certain race and gender teachings from classrooms and became embroiled in debates over the contents of pub -

lic school libraries.

Wambsganss leaned on national Republican figures like Trump for support and appeared on Steve Bannon’s War Room show to encourage voters to turn out. Rehmet, a US Air Force veteran and machinist at a Lockheed Martin Corp. factory in Fort Worth, eschewed culture-war issues to focus on the cost of living. He also talked about the union benefits he has received from working at the facility.

Texas Republicans were already wary of this year’s midterm congressional elections, which will be the first to use the state’s revamped congressional districts. The new maps, which were strongly backed by Trump, are meant to net Republicans as many as five new seats in the US House of Representatives. But political analysts have cautioned that Republican leaders may have left too thin a margin if Democrats make major gains.   The state will also vote for a US senator. The Republican incumbent, Senator John Cornyn, is locked in a close primary with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, an outspoken conservative, and US Representative Wesley Hunt.

Democrats, meanwhile, are choosing between Texas State Representative James Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian who touts his crossover appeal, and US Representative Jasmine Crockett, who’s known for her fundraising skill and ability to create viral moments on social media from her confrontations with Republicans.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

2nd Front Page

BusinessMirror

MARCOS OKS EXTENDING CAR REGISTRATION FROM 3 TO 5 YRS

By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

PRESIDENT Ferdinand

Marcos Jr. has approved

the proposal of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to extend the validity for car registration from three to five years.

The chief executive made the decision during his Tuesday meeting in Malacañang with DOTr Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez, who gave updates on the agency’s initiatives to improve the experience of commuters and motorists.

“The President has initially approved this and it will be followed by memorandums that the DOTr will prepare, so let’s just wait for it,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in Filipino in a press briefing on Tuesday.

She said the reform, which will apply to new cars, is expected to help minimize the registration burden of motorists.

It is expected to complement Republic Act No. 10930, which extended the validity of the driver’s license from three years to five years.

Lopez also reported to the President improvements in the country’s railways, including the rehabilitation of the train facilities of

the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) in Quezon Avenue Station, renovation of the Dalian trains of the MRT, as well as the implementation of cashless payment for MRT 3, Light Rail Transit (LRT) System Line 1 and LRT Line 2 this year.

DOTr also highlighted the expected start of the partial operations of the North-South Commuter Railway route from Valenzuela to Malolos; and MRT 7 that will connect Quezon City and Bulacan next year. In 2028, the agency said it is targeting to start the partial operations of the North-South Commuter Railway route from Malolos to Bulacan and the demo run of the Metro Manila Subway before it becomes fully operational in 2033.

“President Marcos Jr. directed the Secretary to prioritize the welfare of commuters, keep facilities clean and tidy, and ensure that trains are reliable and on-time at all times,” Castro said in Filipino. Since last week Marcos has met with economic managers as his administration prioritized accelerating the country’s gross domestic product this year. Castro said “making life easier for commuters” through faster and more comfortable travel is part of the said initiative.

Supply gaps, rising demand fueled pork, chicken imports

By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

PERSISTENT supply gaps created by African swine fever, slow herd rebuilding, and rising demand from a growing population caused pork and chicken imports to expand faster than the overall meat purchases of the Philippines last year, according to an industry group.

The Meat Importers and Traders Association (Mita) made this pronouncement after government data showed that meat shipments surged to 1.64 million metric tons (MMT) in 2025, up by some 13 percent from the 1.45 MMT the previous year. Of these, pork imports grew by 16 percent year-on-year to 851,760 metric tons (MT),

while chicken shipments rose by 14.47 percent to 540,522 MT.

“The two main proteins— pork and poultry—grew slightly faster than the overall market, confirming their position as the country’s core staple proteins,” Mita President Emeritus Jesus Cham said.

“This growth likely reflects the persistent supply gap cre -

Palace defends hotel casino as ATF venue

By Samuel P. Medenilla

attending the international event.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Office of the President,

which organized the forum, did not violate any Asean protocol when it held the event at the NUSTAR Resort & Casino in Cebu last month.

“If the purpose [of the participants] is to attend the event in the hotel, although it has a casino, it is not [a violation]...the Office of the President or this administration is not violating any protocol,” she said.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) issued the statement after some observers criti-

cized the government’s decision to hold the international event in the hotel casino, while expecting Muslim participants. Under Sharia law or the Islamic religious law, gambling is forbidden. After meeting with concerned government agencies on Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the country is now ready for hosting the 2026 Asean Summit and related meetings this year.

Castro assured the public that the use of government funds for the Asean Summit events will be transparent and go through the necessary procurement procedures.

“We are reporting on the use of the fund because the President does not want corruption,” she said. The Philippine government has allocated P17.5 billion for hosting the Asean Summits. The bulk or P10.78 billion of the budget was allocated to the Office of the President.

ated by ASF, slow herd rebuilding, and rising demand from a growing population. Imported pork and chicken are becoming fundamental to food security and price stability,” he added.

He also noted a “structural shift” in pork shipments, as pork meat accounted for over half of its volume, overtaking offal, skin, and fat.

Similarly, chicken leg quarters and cuts including whole chicken made up 54 percent of the chicken imports, he added.

“This indicates that Filipino consumers are now consuming more lean, table-cut pork, rather than primarily relying on low-value by-products.”

Meanwhile, Cham said beef shipments posted a slower growth on an annual basis, as it inched up by 1.74 percent to 207,436 MT.

“This suggests that the beef market may be reaching a demand ceiling at current price levels. For most Filipino consumers, beef has increasingly become a higher-priced, occa -

sional protein, while pork and chicken dominate daily consumption,” he said. Despite this, he noted that the rebound in buffalo imports to its 2023 level “reinforces the importance of lower-priced beef alternatives in processed food,” such as those for canned corned beef.

Meanwhile, Cham also stressed the growth in duck imports, following Thailand’s approval as a source country. Duck volumes leaped threefold or by 212 percent to 692 MT, from 221 MT in 2024.

“This demonstrates how market access, not consumer demand alone, drives protein diversification. Once supply barriers are removed, importers rapidly respond to niche and specialty protein demand.” Of all the meat shipments, government data indicated that turkey imports declined, which Cham attributed to huge preference for mechanically deboned meat (MDM) of chicken.

Frasco orders DOT offices to drop her face from streamers

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) has issued instructions to its regional offices to stop using the face of its Secretary in its banners and streamers on her visits.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco made this assurance after being prodded by Senator Raffy Tulfo to use a different marketing tack in promoting destinations by featuring the destination itself, instead of her photos. “We actually already ordered all of our regional offices...to take down any offending material, as the case may be, or any material that bears my image,” she said at a hearing by the Committee on Tourism on Tuesday on Senator Joseph Victor “JV” G. Ejercito’s Senate Resolution No. 257.

Tulfo showed hearing participants Frasco’s images being used as a welcome banner at the Caticlan Airport, and at Lake Sebu, where the DOT chief was photographed in T’boli attire while riding a banca surrounded by water lily flowers. The practice of wearing native attire by individuals who do not belong from an indigenous tribe is called “cultural misappropriation” and is now frowned upon by polite society. Frasco, however insisted, that the Lake Sebu photo was taken during a work visit to promote the Philippine Experience Program for the Socksargen region, and not a marketing tool to promote herself. Said photo, however, has been transformed into memes, which netizens have used to criticize Frasco’s performance as DOT Secretary, in the light of the country’s poor tourism arrivals.

‘Push destinations, not festivals’ LAST year, only 5.9 inbound tourists visited the Philippines, 1.3 percent less than in 2024. This figure is based on the e-travel app managed by the Bureau of Immigration, and includes Philippine passport holders permanently residing abroad.

(See, “Tourist arrivals barely hit 6M, still below pre-pandemic peak,” in the BusinessMirror,

Jan. 20, 2026.)

“The interpretation or misinterpretation of that [photo], of course, is up to public consumption, but we have all the documentation to prove that my presence there was a legitimate one, and it was to help the destination,” said the DOT chief. Frasco was also criticized earlier, when photographs circulated showing her giving packages of biscuits as gifts, bearing her and her husband’s photos, to her foreign counterparts at an Asean event in 2023. Husband Rep. Duke Frasco’s family owns the company which produces the popular Titay’s biscuits.

Tulfo, speaking in English and Filipino, also suggested that DOT market the destinations itself on its web pages not festivals: “Festivals are good, but the tourists will not come to the Philippines because of the festivals. They come to the Philippines because of our beaches, the adventure that they can take advantage of, diving sites, etc.” Tulfo’s sister, Wanda Teo, was DOT Secretary from July 2016 to May 2018.

Night-rating key airports MEANWHILE , the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) assured senators that it is working to install night-landing facilities to destinations serviced by turboprop aircraft, which will now been transferred to the Clark International Airport in Pampanga before the end of March. (See, “Tourism braces for move of turboprop flights to Clark,” in the BusinessMirror, Jan. 26, 2026.)

CAAP Assistant Director General II for Aerodome Development and Management Service Lt. Col. Valentino Dionella told senators in Filipino, “There is a possibility that we will be able to implement [night rating of these airports]. We are already studying the possibility of night-rating Siargao and Busuanga [Coron] to help the airlines in their turboprop operations, while we are in the process of extending the runways for jet, Airbus operations.” Responding to Ejercito’s inquiry on the high airfares to select

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

B1

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

ABG to set up modular construction unit

By VG Cabuag @villygc

ASIABEST Group International Inc. (ABG), which is transforming itself into an infrastructure company, said it will establish ABG Modular, a subsidiary that will serve as its platform to scale modern modular construction solutions in the Philippines.

ABG Modular will have an authorized capital stock of P100 million and an initial subscribed capital stock of P10 million.

“The move positions ABG at the forefront of modern, efficient and sustainable building solutions, targeting lucrative sectors such as housing, commercial projects, infrastructure, schools and community facilities,” the company said.

It said investors and property developers are increasingly preferring modular construc -

SMIC completes GeoRiskPH training

SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) said it marked a milestone as the first conglomerate to complete a training on the use of GeoRiskPH, a suite of online tools designed to identify location-specific vulnerabilities and strengthen resilience against climate change and natural hazards.

The two-day training is in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs).

GeoRiskPH is a multi-agency endeavor led by Phivolcs in 2018, funded by the DOST in collaboration with the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development.

The platform enables users to determine which areas are at risk and displays percentage of land prone to

hazards, in terms of demography and infrastructure.

Nearly 60 executives and representatives from across the SM group participated in the program, including teams from SM Prime Holdings Inc., SM Retail Inc., SM Markets, BDO Unibank Inc., China Banking Corp., 2Go Group Inc. and Philippine Geothermal Production Co. Inc.

“As a group, we welcome this partnership as an important step in harnessing science-based tools to deepen our understanding of disaster and climate risks and in demonstrating how the public and private sectors can work together to protect our communities,” Koleen Davila Palaganas, head of the SM’s sustainability office, said.

“Given the SM group’s presence across the regions, the effective use of GeoRiskPH can also contribute to the safety of our employees and com-

munities, as well as enable faster and more informed disaster response and relief operations.”

GeoRiskPH is the central source of information for accurate and efficient reportage on environmental hazards and risk assessment to enable the public to perform hazards assessments anytime, anywhere, for free.

“This initiative is a proactive solution to better equip our stakeholders such as local government units, national government agencies, and now the private sector to protect the livelihoods and lives of our communities,” Teresito C. Bacolcol, Philvolcs director, said

“This partnership boosts confidence and trust within our communities to have the support of a longstanding public partner such as SM, which is now utilizing the platforms,” he said. VG Cabuag

tion for its ability to compress schedules and reduce cost uncertainties.

“With its superior quality consistency, and unbeatable cost efficiencies compared to traditional methods, ABG Modular is poised to capture high-demand contracts and drive rapid revenue growth,” the company said.

“The planned creation of ABG Modular is grounded on our mission in becoming a vertically integrated supply, logistics, and manufacturing powerhouse,”

Jan Michael Lim, ABG’s investor relations officer, said. He said the company will pursue more design-and-build contracts for housing developments and schools.

ABG Modular is planned to initially operate in partnership with Concrete Stone Corp., one of the Philippines’s top precast and aggregates leaders.

While ABG advances its plans on fully integrating Concrete Stone, this collaboration is seen to capitalize on its cutting-edge

expertise in production.

The partnership is expected to result in supply of premium precast components, scaled-up operations, and projects delivered with quality.

Modular construction is seen as a solution to address the Philippines’s shortage in mass housing and school buildings, ABG Modular will support quicker project turnovers, better margins and meaningful value creation for shareholders in a sizable domestic market, ABG said.

Investors lapped up bonds as yields dip

INVESTORS lapped up longer tenors of debt papers the government sold last Tuesday, enabling the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) to raise a total of P50 billion, as awarded yields were lower than the previous auction and the secondary market.

During the primary auction of the 5-year Treasury bonds (Tbonds), the auction committee awarded in full the P30 billion initial offer, as strong demand was seen in the market.

Tenders for the debt papers were 5.4 times oversubscribed at P164.808 billion.

The auction saw the average yield fetching at 5.557 percent, 15.3 basis points higher than the 5.710 percent recorded in the previous auction for the same tenor last January 13.

This was also lower by 7.7 basis points than the 5.634-percent secondary market rate for the 5-year tenor.

Investors asking yield for the Tbonds ranged from a low of 5.520 percent to a high of 5.563 percent. The coupon rate of the government security stood at 6.125 percent.

According to Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort, T-bond yields fell on strong investor demand and expectations monetary authorities would push through with a rate cut in their policy meeting this month.

Slowing economic growth and subdued inflation are reinforcing market expectations for further monetary easing, despite signals that the central bank is nearing the end of its easing cycle, Ricafort said.

The reissued 5-year T-bonds have a remaining life of four years and nine months and is set to mature on January 18, 2031.

Tap facility

SEEING strong demand for the 5-year tenor during the auction, the Treasury decided to open the tap facility window to allow government security eligible dealers to access bonds after the initial auction.

As such, an additional P20 billion was raised under the tap facility with the same annual average rate of 5.557 percent and a coupon rate of 6.125 percent.

Bids received by the Treasury amounted to P142.362 billion, 7.1 times oversubscribed the P20-billion offering.

The tap facility was opened from 2 to 4 p.m., with the auction ending at 5 p.m. the same day. The last time the Treasury utilized its tap facility was on January 27.

For this month, the Treasury aims to borrow up to P308 billion from the local debt market. This is higher than the P268 billion domestic borrowing program it set last month.

About P108 billion is programmed through the issuance of Treasury bills and up to P200 billion via T-bonds.

Outstanding debt of the national government reached a new record high of P17.707 trillion as of end-2025.

Meanwhile, the government’s debt-to-GDP ratio, or its debt compared to its gross domestic product, inched up to 63.2 percent as of end2025. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

Banking&Finance

BOC’s Jan take up y-o-y as peso sags

By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) collected P80.744 billion in revenue in January, surpassing its target for the month as the average dollar-to-peso rate settled at P59.1622.

A statement from the BOC last Tuesday read that its collection was higher by P513 million than its P80.231-billion target for the month, posting a 100.6 percent revenue collection efficiency.

The bureau also recorded a yearon-year increase in collection, as this was up by 1.9 percent from the P79.254 billion collected in January last year. The peso that month settled at P58.3906.

“Exceeding our January target

BITCOIN remained under pressure Tuesday, stalling after a brief rebound from a 10-month low as trader caution persisted in options activity.

Trading was mostly flat by early afternoon in Singapore, with the original cryptocurrency hovering below $78,500 a day after bearish sentiment nearly pushed it to the lowest level since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House just over a year ago. Put options—contracts that protect against downside risk—have eased, but strike price concentrations show the market has not shaken off its jitters. The highest concentrations of put options indicate buy-side support at $75,000, making it a key support level, according to Deribit data.

is a strong affirmation of the hard work of our Customs personnel and the growing cooperation of the trade community,” Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno was quoted as saying.

With the revenue performance setting a positive tone for the year, Nepomuceno said revenue gains are supported by strengthened and continuous enforcement activities.

For the month of January, the BOC’s nationwide enforcement op

The token dropped as low as $74,541 on Monday before recovering. The next key support level is $70,000.

“The BTC options market is showing signs of stabilizing as extreme downside fear begins to meanrevert,” said Sean McNulty, APAC derivatives trading lead at FalconX. “However, a weekly close below $75,000 would invalidate the current bounce higher, and potentially open a vacuum toward that $69,000 to $70,000 zone.”

Bitcoin perpetual futures—derivatives that do not expire and make up the bulk of crypto trading volume—also signal a more pessimistic mood in the market. Funding rates, which help keep the contracts’ prices aligned with Bitcoin, have turned negative, falling to their lowest

AT this stage in my life, i consider that true leadership is not about position or even power. You can be a leader even without a position. And leadership does not necessarily always refer to a position or title. It is the ability to influence even if your position is without authority. This is the current view which I found out many people share with me. When we are happy with what we are doing and we have a sense of purpose why we are doing it, positions and titles does not matter. How do you attain this kind of being a leader with or without authority? I gathered certain factors that I would like to share here and which express my own thoughts. First, you have to know yourself. What is the purpose why you love doing what you do right now? I remember when I first joined the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex), it was for the purpose of expanding my network

and to increase my clientele pipeline. For other professional organizations that I am part of, it was more for professional development and collaboration to unite in important advocacies. But all of these organizations are essential; not only of my profession but of developing my character as a person.

After joining the Finex, I realized that I love to write when I became one of its writers for the different business columns it maintained. Furthermore, I realized that the Finex is a channel where I can help promote advocacies through the books that I co-wrote: the two volumes of the Finex Ethics books and, later, our Sustainability Handbook. In the latter I serve as project chairman and editor-in-chief. These projects give me the greater satisfaction knowing we can help promote an advocacy to help save the earth. I can see that these are not all coincidences but by Divine Providence that I can do these tasks for

erations yielded 66 successful apprehensions with a combined estimated value of P886.8 million in seized contraband and smuggled products.

The largest seizures for the month included seized dangerous drugs valued at over P309 million, intercepted through intelligence-driven operations, as well as the confiscation of illicit drugs worth P114.566 million found concealed in a shipment declared as malachite stones.

This was followed by the seizure of more than P209 million worth of illicit cigarettes and tobacco products during the raid of an illegal cigarette manufacturing facility in Pampanga, where smuggled machinery and raw materials were used to locally produce cigarettes.

Vehicles and vessels valued at approximately P43 million were also seized for unlawful importation, and electronics worth over P221 million, which included undeclared mobile phones valued at P1.68 mil-

level since the August 2024 unwind of the yen carry trade, according to CryptoQuant data. When rates turn negative, short sellers make up the majority of the market and pay those holding long positions to keep their trades open.

Bitcoin was up as much as 0.83 percent in early Asia trading on Tuesday, breaking past $79,100 before giving up those gains. The cryptocurrency’s implied volatility index remained elevated at around 48.8, similar to Monday’s level, according to charting platform TradingView.

“Turnaround Tuesday seems to be in effect,” said Jeff Anderson, head of Asia at STS Digital. “Markets got over their skis selling risk assets, and now that everyone has calmed down a bit, things rally off the lows.” Bloomberg

a higher purpose.

Now my purpose was clear. It is not mainly to win more clients but to be able to do something other than what I usually do in my career or profession or even in my personal life. Our good friend Finex Director Maria Mignon “Migs” W. Ramos also provided another insight and said it well when she said “it’s about the mindset of each person.

“It’s not just that we want to be of service. It’s because membership and leadership give us opportunities for experiences that are not easily part of our professional lives. So leadership in the association adds value to us, which we should enjoy!,” she said. I thank Migs for that.

It is also important for us to develop rapport and trust and seek the right connections (source: chieflearningofficer.com dated September 12, 2022). Improving our network and developing more friendships with people whom we can have mutual trusts is helping us to be more influential without even authority over them. There are other ways but for me the above are the two main areas we can start with.

Donald McGannon expressed it well: “leadership is action, not position.”

Wilma Miranda is a Finex Business Column Writer, the Managing Partner of Inventor, Miranda & Associates CPAs, Member - Board of Directors and Former Head of Business Development of Knowledge, Process, System Outsourcing (KPSO. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of these institutions.

lion at the Port of Cebu during the same month.

Other enforcement actions covered unlawfully imported agricultural products, wildlife and natural resources, food items and other regulated goods that pose risks to consumers, local industries and fair competition.

Nepomuceno said the BOC is committed to safeguarding the country’s borders and recognized the role of partner agencies, including the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police and Highway Patrol Group, in its enforcement efforts.

“Our enforcement is primarily focused on sustained and intelligenceled action that protects communities, supports legitimate trade and strengthens public trust in Customs,” Nepomuceno said.

As the new year unfolds, the BOC said it is committed to sustaining col-

MAHARLIKA Investment Corp. (MIC) President and CEO Rafael Jose D. Consing Jr., has joined the board of Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) ahead of the latter’s planned privatization, read a statement the MIC issued last Tuesday.

MIC, the manager of the country’s sovereign wealth fund, said Consing was elected by shareholders as an additional member of ATI’s Board of Directors during the recent special stockholders’ meeting of the port operator.

“One of Maharlika’s key pillars is in transportation and logistics infrastructure,” Consing was quoted in a statement as saying. “Ports are the economic arteries of our nation. They are the pulse of our trade, moving the goods and ideas that fuel our growth and connecting the lives of every Filipino to the rest of the world.”

Consing’s appointment to the Board will proceed after the completion of key transactions and regulatory requirements linked to ATI’s planned transition to private ownership.

These include the successful tender offer for the company’s public float shares, its voluntary delisting from the Philippine Stock Exchange, and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of amendments to ATI’s articles of incorporation to accommodate an additional board seat.

According to the MIC, its participation in the tender offer reflects its strategy of investing in critical infrastructure that supports national economic development.

Ports play a central role in im-

lection efficiency while intensifying intelligence-based and high-impact enforcement operations to support the government’s priorities on economic stability, public safety and good governance.

“We are committed to sustaining this level of efficiency to support the President’s economic agenda and to exhibit the BOC’s ability of delivering reliable public service,” Nepomuceno said.

This year, the BOC’s revenue collection target amounts to P1.003 trillion. This was lowered by the country’s economic managers from the earlier goal of P1.013 trillion, following expectations of slower economic growth.

Still, the adjusted target is 5.66 percent higher than last year’s P958.714 billion program.

Full-year revenue target of the government is set at P4.824 trillion, also a 3.19 percent reduction from the P4.983 trillion initial goal.

proving trade efficiency, enhancing supply chain resilience and supporting long-term competitiveness, MIC added.

The MIC said ATI serves as a “profitable, cash-generative” port infrastructure operator with a solid balance sheet and a consistent dividend history.

Its operations are considered high-barrier assets that are essential to the country’s logistics network and closely tied to economic growth, according to MIC.

“This investment allows Maharlika to participate in the modernization of critical logistics infrastructure that directly supports trade, lowers costs for businesses, and improves competitiveness across the Philippine economy,” Consing said. MIC’s tender offer price of P36 represents a 49 percent premium over ATI’s one-year volume-weighted share price as of December 12, 2025. The price is within the valuation range cited in an independent fairness opinion issued by Multinational Investment Bancorporation (MIB) Capital, a Makati-based investment banking and advisory firm. The tender offer process is intended to provide ATI’s public shareholders with a transparent and regulated avenue to realize value as ATI shifts to private ownership, in line with PSE and SEC regulations.

The state-backed MIC manages the Maharlika Investment Fund and is mandated to generate sustainable returns through strategic investments that contribute to long-term national development and economic resilience. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

CLINGY ON-SCREEN PARTNER.

LOVETEAMS are a huge part of the entertainment scene in the Philippines. Newcomers rely on loveteams to boost their popularity. This showbiz scion is part of a popular loveteam. Despite his lineage, his screen partner seems to be more popular with the general public than him. There is nothing between them except a professional relationship but the girl thinks otherwise. She is so obsessed with him that she would even go to his house at night. She has been texting and calling him even if he does not reply most of the time. In public, she tries to be touchy-feely with him, knowing that he can’t do anything to stop him. The showbiz scion is afraid that she is getting the wrong ideas about his feelings toward her. What is an even scarier possibility for him is that she may be blinded by her own feelings that she is completely disregarding his. For now, he has to continue working with her and pretend that they’re more than friends even if he has a non-showbiz girlfriend.

BITTER EX

A CONTROVERSY that resulted in a legal tussle is allegedly caused by the actions of the ex-boyfriend of one of those involved in the situation. All those accused in this controversy are not known for physical or verbal abuse. They may be snooty at times but for the most part, they have gotten along with people. The ex-boyfriend is allegedly resentful that the love of his life, after breaking off with him, seems to have moved on and is dating another guy. This is after he spent millions on her in the time that they were together. So he tried bribing someone to spy on her. At first, the girl wondered why her ex still knew her whereabouts even when she’s been careful about posting on social media. She could not believe that the man she was with could pay someone to spy on her when he told her that it was over for them. But an incident showed her that he still hasn’t moved on.

Show BusinessMirror

Mars and Rosé—from the K-pop group Blackpink—performed “APT.,” one the biggest hits of the year, a song inspired by a South Korean drinking game. She wore a white tank top, black slacks and a tie, while he matched the color scheme in a dark suit, tie and with his guitar slung with a checkerboard strap. There was plenty of jumping, shredding and smoke—a raucous opening.

UNCOMFORTABLE

FAN service is very common in show business, particularly when loveteams are involved. A young and beautiful starlet is in a loveteam with an actor who’s slightly older than her. Both talented, they also look good together. However, the starlet is not comfortable with skinship as she is a newcomer who isn’t used to these things.  The actor, meanwhile, is a sort of veteran and for him, skinship is natural when one is in a loveteam and so he complies with instructions that they be affectionate especially in public. The starlet wants to complain but she knows she agreed to this partnership. She wants to set boundaries because she is a conservative girl but she’s been told this is how things really work.

REALIZATIONS

WHEN the young star started dating the guy, who is also in showbusiness, everybody warned her about him. He has a reputation for being rude. Aside from that, people say he is a womanizer. But being young and in love, the star did not listen to those who warned her. Later on, she started seeing the guy’s real character and she was flabbergasted. Aside from that, she had been hearing rumors about him flirting with other girls. He would tell her he has to be nice to them because of work and she believed him at first. After a while, she realized her friends were telling the truth. He was indeed a womanizer and he was rude. She ghosted him and was surprised he did not even try to pursue her or explain things to her.

Lady Gaga later took it to the weird, singing “Abracadabra” in a feather-festooned costume from inside a basket-like headpiece. She used a gnarly cane, played some synths, twitched and nailed a more rockfunk version of her song.

Lady Gaga would take home the trophy for best pop vocal album. Mars would return to the stage for his latest single, “I Just Might.”

■ Sabrina Carpenter nails her Grammys moment. Sabrina Carpenter turned the Grammys into a busy airport during her performance of “Manchild”—and it soared.

Playing her sexpot, tongue-in-cheek best, the singer-songwriter wore white hot pants, a white neckerchief and a white captain’s hat emblazoned with SCA—presumably for Sabrina Carpenter Airlines—as she strutted across a stage filled with baggage carousels and dancers, even signing into an intercom at one point and using a pair of traffic wands used on runways. “Hey Grammys, how ya doing? It’s your captain Sabrina speaking,” she said.

Among those shown grooving along was best new artist nominee Olivia Dean. It was the second straight Grammy appearance by Carpenter, a nominee for best new artist last year.

■ New artist block. Taking note of what worked last year, the Grammys once again leaned on the best new artist category to spark the crowd. They were clumped into a block and despite their various styles, it showed the future of music is in good hands.

The Los Angeles-based band the Marías started with some shimmery, bilingual dream-pop of “No One Noticed Me” before influencer-turned-pop-artist Addison Rae was shown on the back of a moving truck entering the Crypto.com Arena, jumping off to deliver a sweaty, sultry “Fame Is a Gun.”

That led to the six-piece girl group Katseye with

their high-energy

“Gnarly” as they danced into the arena with gymnastics and booty-shaking. They gave way to Leon Thomas’ guitar-driven “Mutt” and then Alex Warren took a microphone from a popcorn vendor and walked through the aisles for his “Ordinary,” shrugging off what seemed like earpiece difficulties, before being hoisted into the air on a platform.

The British powerhouse Lola Young took the baton, seated at a piano to sing “Messy,” before Olivia Dean, the old-soul British singer-songwriter, gave an exuberant version of her “Man I Need.”

Chappell Roan, last year’s category winner, then anointed her successor—Dean.

■ The Bieb strips it down. Justin Bieber alone on the Grammy stage in just a pair of shimmering gray boxers shorts and gray socks gave a mesmerizing, somber performance of his “Yukon.”

A guitar slung across his back, the shirtless Bieber programed his song first and then sang along, eyes often closed, opposite a full-size mirror. It was a nod to the way Ed Sheeran has shown audiences how to make a hit song with just looped instruments and a voice. “One wrong move, and we would have had to put the show on OnlyFans,” Noah later joked.

Bieber’s darkly, moody set didn’t feature any background graphics, musicians or stage decor, and he ended it simply by walking off the stage. It was a performance in stark contrast to the night’s highly produced sets, like Tyler, the Creator, who performed with a sports car, gushing water and explosions. Justin, a one-time child star who was discovered on YouTube at the age of 12, returned to the Grammys this year at age 31 after a four-year absence as a new father.

■ A memorable in memoriam. Usually, in memoriam sections are staid affairs, with a harp and a sad song. Not this year.

Post Malone, Chad Smith, Duff McKagan,

By Eugenia Last

Be aware of what you know and where you fall short. It’s never too late to learn something new or to venture down a path that can enrich your life. Partnerships may not be as they appear; read the fine print and know when to walk away. Communication is the route to resolving unfinished business. ★★★

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Keep your money and possessions in a safe place. Refuse to let anyone play with your emotions or scam you into something you regret. Consider what’s real and what’s manufactured by those looking for a handout. Protect your assets. ★★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Interacting with people who stimulate or teach you something new will help you map your way forward. Live and learn as you go, and something magical will manifest. A lifestyle change is overdue, and it’s up to you to initiate what comes next. Stop procrastinating and start producing what matters most to you. ★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take your time; be the witness, not the instigator. Watch, learn and recognize the possibilities that lie ahead. Learn all you can, and you’ll gain understanding and respect for those who come before you. Life is about choices, knowing what’s important to you and following through when the time is right. Stop, look, learn and listen.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Keep the momentum flowing, your eye on your target and your energy on physical action and completion. Let your mind entertain unique alternatives, and you’ll come up with a new and exciting way to use your knowledge, experience and skills to head in a direction that excites you. Communication, travel and learning take precedence, and romance is favored. ★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): When opportunity knocks, recognize what’s available and act. You have plenty to gain if you are willing to adopt lifestyle changes. Rethink your financial position and how you can use your skills to offset expenses. A partnership opportunity may tempt you, but first, weigh the pros and cons, and be sure to get what you want in writing. ★★★★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Be open to suggestions, but verify information before initiating change. The precautions you take will ease your mind and encourage you to trust your instincts. Preparation will prove valuable when money is involved. Double down on payments, sell off what you don’t use or need, or pay it forward to someone who has something to offer in return. ★★★

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Take a moment to evaluate every angle of sensitive situations. Partnerships will require special attention and thought to maintain balance. Positive change requires action; live up to your promises, and expect the same in return. A close friend will shed light on your life. ★★★

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Me first without the guilt

YOU know the feeling. You finally say yes to rest, space, or an opportunity that lights you up, and instead of relief you feel a heavy tug in your chest. Guilt shows up right on schedule, whispering that you are selfish, careless, or letting someone down. Choosing yourself can feel like breaking an unspoken rule you have followed for years. Yet learning how to carry that guilt without obeying it is part of growing into a healthier and steadier version of yourself.

You probably learned early that being good meant being helpful, agreeable and available. You may have been praised for putting other people’s needs first. Over time, that message can turn into a reflex. And when you consider your own needs, an alarm goes off in your mind. Guilt is often that alarm, not proof that you have done something wrong but a learned emotional response which can be unlearned with patience and practice. It helps to pause and ask what the guilt is trying to protect. Sometimes it is trying to protect relationships. Sometimes it is trying to protect your image as a dependable person. Sometimes it is trying to protect you from conflict you would rather avoid. When you name the fear underneath the guilt, the feeling becomes less mysterious and more manageable. You move from being controlled by emotion to being informed by insight.

Imagine you decline an invitation because you are exhausted. Your first thought might be that you are a bad friend. A more balanced thought could be that rest allows you to show up as a better friend next time. When you always override your limits, resentment quietly builds. That resentment does not disappear but leaks into your tone, your patience, and your energy. Protecting your time and energy is not a betrayal of others. It is maintenance for the relationships that you value.

Another common moment comes at work. You might turn down an extra task because your plate is already full. Guilt may tell you that you are not a team player. A healthier view recognizes that overcommitting leads to mistakes and burnout. When you communicate your limits clearly and respectfully, you model sustainable work habits. You also give others silent permission to be honest about their own

Sleep-tracking devices

By R.J. Rico & Emilie Megnien The Associated Press

ATLANTA—Your watch says you had three hours of deep sleep. Should you believe it?

Millions of people rely on phone apps and wearable devices like rings, smartwatches and sensors to monitor how well they’re sleeping, but these trackers don’t necessarily measure sleep directly. Instead, they infer states of slumber from signals like heart rate and movement, raising questions about how reliable the information is and how seriously it should be taken.

The US sleep-tracking devices market generated about $5 billion in 2023 and is expected to double in revenue by 2030, according to market research firm Grand View Research. As the devices continue to gain popularity, experts say it is important to understand what they can and cannot tell you, and how their data should be used.

can be one of the hardest arenas for selffocused choices. You might choose a career path, partner, or lifestyle that does not match expectations. Guilt can feel especially sharp here because it is tangled with loyalty and love. Remember that love does not require self-erasure. You can care deeply about your family while still building a life that fits who you are. Discomfort does not always mean you are doing harm. Sometimes it means you are doing something new.

One practical step is to change the way you talk to yourself in guilty moments. Instead of saying you are selfish, try saying you are practicing balance. Instead of saying you are letting people down, try saying you are setting a boundary. Words shape experience. When your inner voice becomes more accurate and less harsh, the guilt often softens. You are not lying to yourself. You are choosing language that reflects the full picture rather than the harshest interpretation. It also helps to use small experiments. You do not have to transform overnight. Start with low stakes situations. Maybe you take a quiet evening instead of attending every social plan. Maybe you ask for help with a task you usually handle alone. Notice what actually happens. Often the outcomes are far less dramatic than your guilt predicted. Real world

Clear communication reduces guilt as well. When you explain your limits calmly and kindly, you give others context. You can say that you need a weekend to recharge so you can be fully present next week. You can say that you cannot take on another project because you want to do justice to the work already on your desk. You are not asking for permission to have needs. You are offering information that helps relationships function more smoothly.

There will still be moments when guilt lingers even after you do everything right. Feelings do not always update as quickly as your thinking. In those moments, treat guilt like background noise rather than a command. You can acknowledge the feeling without changing your decision. You can say to yourself that guilt is present, and you are still allowed to care for your own well-being. That quiet act of self trust builds confidence over time.

Choosing yourself does not mean you stop caring about anyone else. It means you recognize that you are also someone worth caring about. When you make room for your needs, you become less resentful, more energized, and more genuine. The guilt may not vanish completely, but it no longer runs you. You learn to hear it, understand it, and then make your choice from a wiser and steadier place within yourself.

have limits. Experts want

Grammys...

Continued from B4

Slash and Andrew Watt belted a rocking version of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” in honor of Ozzy Osbourne, compete with fire bursts and plenty of leather. Osbourne’s wife, Sharon, and kids Kelly and Jack, seemed deeply moved. Ms. Lauryn Hill led the tributes to D’Angelo with versions of “Nothing Even Matters,” “Brown Sugar,” “Lady,” “Devils Pie,” “Untitled [How Does It Feel],” and ”Africa” with such singers as Raphael Saadiq, Jon Batiste and Anthony Hamilton. Hill then pivoted to a tribute to Roberta Flack, with “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Compared to What,” “Closer I Get To You,” “Where Is the Love,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song” featuring John Legend, Chaka Khan, Leon Bridges and Wyclef Jean. Add to that list a performance of “Trailblazer” by Reba McEntire, Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson—as well as pre-recorded tributes to Brian Wilson from Bruce Springsteen and one to Bob Weir from John Mayer—and it was a stacked, rollicking goodbye to some musical giants.

users to know what they are

Here’s a look at the technology—and why one expert thinks its full potential has yet to be realized:

n What your sleep tracker actually measures. Whether it’s an Apple Watch, a Fitbit, an Oura Ring or one of innumerable other competitors, health and fitness trackers largely take the same basic approach by recording the wearer’s movements and heart rate while at rest, according to Daniel Forger, a University of Michigan math professor who researches the science behind sleep wearables. The algorithms used by major brands have become highly accurate for determining when someone is asleep, Forger said. The devices are also somewhat helpful for estimating sleep stages, though an in-lab study would be more precise, he said.

“If you really want to know definitively how much non-REM sleep you’re having versus REM sleep, that’s where the in-lab studies really excel,” Forger said.

n The sleep numbers that matter most. Dr. Chantale Branson, a neurologist and professor at the Morehouse School of Medicine, said she frequently has patients showing up with sleep scores from fitness trackers in hand, sometimes fixated on granular details such as how much REM sleep they got on a certain night.

Branson says those patients are taking the wrong approach: the devices help highlight trends over time but should not be viewed as a definitive measure of one’s sleep health. Nor should any single night’s data be seen as significant.

“We would have believed them with or without the device and worked on trying to figure out why they can’t sleep—and

that is what the wearables do not do,” she said. Branson said she thinks people who check their sleep statistics every morning would be better served by spending their efforts on “sleep hygiene” such as creating a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding screens before bed and making sure their sleep environment is comfortable. She advises those concerned about their sleep to consult a clinician before spending money on a wearable.

Forger takes a more favorable view toward the devices, which he says help keep the overlooked importance of sleep front of mind. He recommends them even for people without significant sleep issues, saying they can offer insights that help users fine-tune their routines and feel more alert during the day.

“Seeing if your biological clock is in sync is a huge benefit because even if you’re giving yourself the right amount

of time, if you’re sleeping at the wrong times, the sleep won’t be as efficient,” Forger said.

How sleep data can drive better habits. Kate Stoye, an Atlanta-area middle school teacher, bought an Oura Ring last summer, having heard positive things from friends who used it as a fertility tracker: “It’s so accurate,” she said. Stoye found the ring to be just as helpful with tracking her sleep. After noticing that the few nights she drank alcohol coincided with poorer sleep quality, she decided to give up alcohol.

“I don’t see much reason to drink if I know that it’s going to affect how I feel,” said Stoye, who always wears her device except when she is playing tennis or needs to charge it.

Another trend she says she detected in the ring’s data: the importance of not eating too late if she wants to get good rest.

“I always struggle with going to bed, and it’s often because I eat late at night,” Stoye said. “I know that about myself, and it knows it, too.”

n When sleep tracking becomes a problem. Mai Barreneche, who works in advertising in New York City, used to wear her Oura Ring constantly. She said it helped her develop good sleep habits and encouraged her to maintain a daily morning exercise regimen. But as a metric-driven person, she became “obsessed” enough with her nightly sleep scores that it began to cause her anxiety—a modern condition that researchers have dubbed “orthosomnia.”

“I remember I would go to bed thinking about the score I was going to get in the morning,” Barreneche said.

Barreneche decided not to wear her ring on a beach vacation a few years ago, and when she returned home, she

never put it back on. She said she has maintained the good habits the device pointed her toward, but no longer wants the stress of monitoring her nightly scores.

Branson, of the Morehouse School of Medicine, said she’s observed similar score-induced anxiety as a recurring issue for some patients, particularly those who set goals to achieve a certain amount of REM sleep or who shared their nightly scores with friends using the same device. Comparing sleep types and stages is illadvised since individual needs vary by age, genetics and other factors, she said.

“These devices are supposed to help you,” Branson said. “And if you feel anxious or worried or frustrated about it, then it’s not helpful, and you should really talk to a professional.”

n The future of wearables. Forger thinks the promise of wearables has been underestimated, with emerging research suggesting the devices could one day be designed to help detect infections before symptoms appear and to flag sleep pattern changes that may signal the onset of depression or an increased risk of relapse. “The body is making these really interesting and really important decisions that we’re not aware of to keep us healthy and active and alert at the right times of day,” he said. “If you have an infection, that rhythm very quickly starts to disappear because the body goes into overdrive to start fighting the infection. Those are the kind of things we can pick up.” The technology could be particularly useful in low-resource communities, where wearables could help health issues to be identified more quickly and monitored remotely without requiring access to doctors or specialized clinics, according to Forger.

Makati Medical Center wins three Silver Anvil Awards for Excellence in PR

Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) earned three Silver Anvil Awards at the 61st Anvil Awards, organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP). With the theme, “The 61st Second: Pushing Past Possibilities,” the award ceremony was held on January 28, 2026, honoring impactful and strategic public relations campaigns across the country.

Under the Public Relations Programs – Employee Engagement category, MakatiMed was honored for its Gabay 2.0 Mental Health and Wellness Program, an institutionalized initiative that provides sustained mental health support for hospital employees through psychological consultations, mindful interventions, and psychosocial support training.

MakatiMed also received a Silver Anvil under Marketing and Brand Communication for its QR Code Scheduling: Digital Innovation for

Patient Convenience Program, which simplifies outpatient procedure bookings through a mobile-accessible digital system. The program has recorded steady adoption and an an average of 83 percent conversion rate, supporting the hospital’s patientfocused digital transformation efforts. Completing the wins is the Red Light Project, awarded under Advocacy/ Public Awareness/ Cause Related Programs.

Led by the Hematology Section and the Hospital Blood Transfusion Committee, the initiative uses red lights atop the

MakatiMed building to signal critically low blood supply and encourage timely blood donations, raising public awareness on the importance of blood donation.

Anchored on the spirit of “Pushing Past Possibilities,” these recognitions underscore MakatiMed’s continued commitment to moving beyond traditional approaches, strengthening employee wellbeing, enhancing patient access through digital innovation, and advancing advocacy initiatives that create meaningful impact on the community it serves.

5 ways to finally achieve your ‘New Year, New Me’ health goals

EW Year’s resolutions: easy to make, even easier to break.

NOne resolution we hear each year is resolving to live healthier, whether that means finally taking a diet seriously, joining more fun runs, or trying out a new fitness trend.

But if you’re juggling a full-time job, side hustles, social plans, and trying to make drastic changes to your lifestyle, it can quickly become overwhelming to maintain. A more realistic way to start is by making small, practical changes and adopting simple habits that can easily fit into your busy schedule. Here are five ways you can start today:

1. Eat balanced - not perfect

In 2026, it’s time to ditch fad diets and the pressure to eat perfectly three meals a day, seven days a week. Instead, shift your focus to eating well-balanced meals with a good mix of veggies, protein, and fiber. And if life forces you into a fast-food run, don’t stress; just reset at your next meal. Progress beats perfection every time.

2. Move your body, even if it’s just a little each day

Physical activity supports heart health and helps clear your mind to do better at work. You don’t need to spend hours at the gym just to be “active.” If you work long hours, you can focus instead on finding small pockets of time to move, such as taking a morning walk or doing a quick home workout. You can also join a dance or yoga class after work or play a sport you genuinely enjoy, because the movement you like is the one you’ll stick with.

3. Stay hydrated

Hydration is a simple but often forgotten habit when you’re rushing between meetings, client calls, or events. Water helps you stay sharp and energized, so keep a bottle with you and set reminders to drink throughout the day.

4. Make sleep a priority

Skipping sleep might feel like you’re getting more done, but it slows you down. When you prioritize getting more complete hours of sleep or achieving quality rest, you’ll be more prepared to face the workday.

5. Support your health with supplements made for a busy schedule

Some days, our schedules are nonstop, and having a simple supplement to support our health can make a difference. Santé Barley Max is a natural, easy, and affordable option.

Available in capsules or as pure barley powder, Santé Barley Max provides a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that benefit your body. It’s proven to boost energy and stamina, aid digestion, help prevent anemia and fatigue, support kidney function, and much more. Most importantly, it’s fuss-free. Just drink and go – it’s the perfect daily companion for anyone with a packed schedule.

At just P136 for 10 capsules of the 8+2 Promo Pack or P705 for Santé Barley Max NZ Powder 10 Sachets, it’s an affordable and convenient way to keep your health in top shape. And because building healthy habits should feel rewarding, not another task on your to-do list, Santé Barley Max is making it even more exciting this year.

From now until July 31, 2026, every single receipt purchase worth at least P500 of Santé Barley Max and other participating Optimum products now gives you a chance to win big through the Santé Barley Max Grand Raffle Panalo promo, with over P3 million worth of prizes. Monthly winners take home up to P10,000 each, with bigger prizes up for grabs during the grand draw, such as a trip for two to New Zealand, a green Vespa Sprint, and the grand prize: a BYD ATTO 3 electric car.

Learn more about the Grand Raffle Panalo promo here, and grab your Santé Barley Max today at leading drugstores, groceries, and online retailers near you. Follow Santé Barley Max on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok Shop, and YouTube for more information.

Global experts headline obesity, diabetes symposium; new

AT the much-awaited medical symposium spearheaded by Zuellig Pharma, a leading healthcare solutions company in Asia, a new modality for diabetes and obesity was discussed by three internationally recognized global experts Professors Luc Van Gaal, David Cummings, and Roger Chen, to the Philippine medical community, providing them a timely deep dive into the breakthrough treatment known as dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist.

The Twice as BOLD symposium (Breakthroughs in Obesity, Leading Edge in Diabetes) was held last January 26, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City and welcomed over 2,500 doctors and medical practitioners from across the country, underscoring how obesity and diabetes have become urgent public health concerns.

Latest data available shows that the adult prevalence of diabetes is at 7.5 percent, corresponding to 4.7 million adults, with >87 percent are either overweight or obese. Moreover, 39.8 percent of adult Filipinos are suffering from obesity while 17.3 percent are overweight; simply put, six out of 10 adults are burdened by weight problems and this puts them at five times the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and at two times the risk of developing coronary heart disease.

Cummings highlighted the complementary actions of the two incretin hormones which showed that dual agonism of GIP and GLP-1 addresses multiple pathophysiologic defects in Type 2 diabetes through central and

peripheral mechanisms. These were further supported by Chen’s discussion of the SURPASS clinical trials of tirzepatide across the spectrum of Type 2 Diabetes. In particular, SURPASS-2 demonstrated that tirzepatide significantly outperformed once-weekly semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) in adults with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by metformin.

In a presentation that engaged the whole symposium, a patient avatar named Julia who has type 2 diabetes interacted with the experts, sharing her struggles and point of view as a patient.

In two separate sessions, global and Filipino experts and thought leaders uncovered breakthroughs that reshape treatments for obesity and diabetes.

Cummings and Chen presented the key milestones of SURPASS-2, which ushered in a session of shared insights and learnings chaired by Dr. Bien Matawaran with Dr. Dante Morales providing a cardiovascular perspective.

A mirroring of Julia’s case with that of the real-life patients of the two experts were held up for study; the consensus was that all of them who had type 2 diabetes indications achieved better outcomes with tirzepatide.

In Van Gaal’s lecture, the SURMOUNT-58 clinical trials showed that patients achieved greater weight loss and waist circumference reduction with tirzepatide than semaglutide.8

With the results of the landmark study as his backdrop, Van Gaal’s shared expertise on the clinical application of the new treatment deepened the attendees’ understanding of the clinical efficacy of tirzepatide for obesity. A robust exchange of

AXA study: Most Filipinos know mental health matters but few know what to do

AS the new year begins, many are setting intentions for better health, balance, and well-being. Mental health is increasingly part of that conversation. Yet while Filipinos are more aware than ever about mental health, they are unsure about the actions to take.

This insight reflects one of the key findings of the latest AXA Mind Health Study, which shows that the Philippines ranks among the highest globally when it comes to mental health awareness, with 65 percent of Filipinos stating they are aware of mental health issues. However, the study also reveals a concerning gap: only about a third of those surveyed stated knowing what to actually do when faced with mental health challenges, whether for themselves or others.

Paula Ferrer Cheng, Head of Research and Development at Mind You, AXA Philippines’ partner in mental health, states that it is not enough to know what anxiety looks like, people need to know what to do. “Awareness without action leaves people stuck, and in some cases, vulnerable to worsening conditions. That’s why education must go hand-in-hand with any awareness effort. We need to ensure that Filipinos not only recognize mental health issues but also know how to respond. Without that, we risk letting early warning signs escalate into long-term distress.”

According to Cheng, this disconnect between awareness and action poses real risks. Without clear knowledge on how to respond to prevailing mental conditions, the health issues may go unnoticed and result in long-term emotional and economic tolls.

The AXA study found that individuals who are well-informed about mental health -- those who know the signs, available support, and how to respond -- are significantly more likely to report positive mental wellbeing and experience better outcomes than those who do not consider themselves well-informed.

“Awareness is an important first step, but real progress happens when people know they can take action with the right support,” said Ayman Kandil, CEO of AXA Philippines. “Guided by our purpose to act for human progress, AXA stands as a partner to Filipinos—helping

them know they can take meaningful steps toward better mind health through access to practical, reliable resources and solutions.”

AXA has committed to helping address this gap through various initiatives, which include the launch of the free and anonymous Mind Health Self-Check tool, an innovative digital tool designed to give individuals a clear, accessible overview of their emotional wellbeing. With a clear understanding of their emotional wellbeing, individuals can better manage their mental state.

The AXA Mind Health Self-Check evaluates three critical areas of a person’s life: Current State of Mind, Skills and Beliefs, and Lifestyle. By answering a set of detailed questions, users receive a single Mind Health Index score, developed using AXA’s proprietary methodology, that ranges from 0 to 100. This score falls under one of four distinct categories:

Flourishing (68+): The highest level, indicating excellent emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing.

Getting By (57-68): A stable state with some positive aspects but not fully flourishing.

Languishing (43-57): A state with low motivation and wellbeing, signaling the need for improvement.

Struggling (<43): Indicates difficulty and distress in many areas, often associated with emotional and psychosocial impairment.

“The findings we see aren’t isolated,” Cheng notes.

“They reflect deeper strain that builds over time and highlights the need for early, compassionate support.” In a separate study conducted by Mind You, among 15,206 employees surveyed, the top reason for seeking help was simply the need for someone to talk to (28.01 percent), showing that connection and safe spaces matter. With 80 percent of help-seeking driven by emotional distress rather than clinical diagnosis, and growing curiosity about mental health services (6.07 percent), the findings point to a cultural shift toward empathy and openness at work.

“When people don’t know how to respond to mental health challenges, they may delay getting support— impacting both their personal wellbeing and their livelihoods,” Kandil stressed. “Filipinos who are more informed are better equipped to take action and to thrive. This is why we believe it’s crucial to move from awareness toward practical solutions that empower individuals to care for their mind health. Through tools like the AXA Mind Health Self-Check and comprehensive health plans that safeguard holistic well-being, we aim to be a trusted partner in that journey.”

Check out the AXA Mind Health Self-Check tool to access actionable self-care guides, tips, and advice that can help you build self-awareness and make informed decisions about your mental well-being. To support you beyond awareness, AXA’s health plans offer free mental health counseling, while its latest superior critical illness plan, Health Max Elite, provides coverage for select mental health conditions—helping safeguard your wellbeing at every stage.

modality with better outcomes unveiled

insights ensued in the session chaired by Dr. Nemencio Nicodemus Jr. with Dr. Maria Adelaida Iboleon-Dy expounding vital points relevant to cardiologists.

As the sessions progressed, Andrei, the avatar of a patient living with obesity, introduced Sandee, a real patient burdened by weight issues. Obesity has severely limited her life, causing her to face physical challenges that impact her work. Moreover, her condition has compounded her fears of developing other diseases, and she dreads who will take care of her aging mother if obesity overcomes her.

Parallels were drawn between her case and that of the experts’ patients which showed better patient outcomes with tirzepatide.

Ninia Torres, General Manager of Zuellig Pharma, noted that advances in science and medicine are reshaping metabolic care and improving patient outcomes. She added, “As science and medicine advances, metabolic care that provides better patient outcomes follows. The research and development that led to the availability of the world’s first FDA-approved dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist marks a transformative chapter in metabolic care, giving patients much needed access to new treatment options beyond older therapies.”

Medical societies also made a strong showing, following the signing of a historic partnership to unite efforts against obesity and diabetes. These included the Philippine Society for the Study of Overweight and Obesity (PASOO), the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism

Editor: Tet Andolong

BusinessMirror

Mnex expands country’s manufacturing capabilities to drive industrial growth

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

LIMA Estate, the Aboitiz InfraCapital-developed economic zone, continues to welcome major locators that could function as growth engines of the economy.

Singapore-based precision engineering and advanced manufacturing group Mnex has recently expanded its multi-regional footprint to the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in the company’s 37-year journey as a trusted manufacturing partner for global industry leaders.

Today, the group operates across Singapore, China, Malaysia, and now the Philippines, serving leading brands in the consumer, oil and gas, medical, and industrial sectors. Mnex’s integrated value chain spans design and engineering, prototyping, high-precision component manufacturing, and full product assembly.

Mnex said it continues to invest in next-generation capabilities which include automation

engineering, IoT-enabled operations, and digitalized production systems, enabling the company to deliver high-complexity solutions with speed, consistency, and operational transparency.

Bringing unique capabilities to the Philippines

THE new Philippines facility represents more than geographic expansion—it brings differentiated technical capabilities that are not commonly available in the region.

Mnex will introduce: Micro-molding capabilities for ultra-precise plastic components used in next-generation consumer, industrial, and medical products. A medical-grade cleanroom environment to support the production of medical devices and

components requiring stringent contamination control.

The company said these additions position the Philippines facility as a high-value manufacturing hub capable of supporting advanced industries and attracting new medical and high-tech programs into the country.

The company stressed that the Philippines will serve as an essential pillar in its multi-regional manufacturing strategy designed to improve resilience and serve customers in underserved regions. With its deep engineering ex-

pertise, proven manufacturing systems, and strong investments in advanced technologies, Mnex said the primary goal is to play a meaningful role in strengthening the Philippines’s industrial ecosystem.

Mnex pointed out that its entry into the country as a long-term commitment that supports national ambitions for higher-value manufacturing.

Located within a Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) accredited zone, the site benefits from the fiscal incentives available to export-oriented manufactur -

ers. The facility covers 1,794.11 square meters of covered area, including a mezzanine, along with 1,622.62 square meters of open space.

The expansion was secured through a deal brokered by real estate firm Savills Philippines. The Savills Philippines Team, led by Executive Director Quirino “Ninoy” Teo Jr., Manager Wilbert De Leon, and Director for Investment Services Early Orolfo, facilitated the lease of the site. This marks Mnex’s first facility in the country. The new facility, located at the EZP Technohub in Lima Technology Center,

Malvar, Batangas, had a handover in January 2026.

Building collective growth with the Philippines WITH its deep engineering expertise, proven manufacturing systems, and strong investments in advanced technologies, Mnex said they aim to play a meaningful role in strengthening the Philippines’s industrial ecosystem. “Mnex views its entry into the country as a long-term commitment that supports national ambitions for higher-value manufacturing,” it said.

Greenfield Development Corp. redefines urban wellness TP opens second Davao site, strengthens Mindanao footprint with state-of-the-art, scalable hub

IN the Philippines, wellness is often imagined somewhere far away—at a quiet retreat, a nature escape, or a destination outside the city where life finally slows down. For many urban dwellers, finding true well-being within the city feels unlikely. The people in Greenfield believe otherwise.

At the heart of its new campaign, “Wellness Belongs Here. We Belong Here,” is a clear, human-people-centered principle: wellness thrives where people feel they belong, where individuals feel welcomed, supported, connected, and safe to be themselves. This belief is shaping a new generation of wellness-forward communities across Greenfield District and Greenfield City, with upcoming developments expanding into South Luzon, including Alabang, Biñan, and Calamba.

As the sister company of Unilab, one of the country’s pioneering and most trusted leaders in health, Greenfield carries a deeper understanding of what true wellness means. This connection allows the company to speak about well-being with credibility and purpose, shaping communities where the science of health and the heart of everyday living come together naturally.

Wellness, when communities are designed for people GREENFIELD has long recognized that building a modern city requires more than putting up towers or commercial districts. It requires creating places where people feel rooted and connected—places designed so everyday living naturally supports well-being. Developing urban communities are never just about buildings, they are about belonging.

Across Greenfield District, this vision comes alive in small or big, meaningful moments: families taking morning walks, neighbors greeting each other at the park, friends gathering for classes or weekend markets, and children running freely in wide, open spaces. These aren’t isolated scenes; they’re the living expression of the campaign’s core belief—that wellness belongs in the everyday.

Movement that ties community wellness MOVEMENT has become one of the strongest threads tying the Greenfield community together. It’s everyday proof that

wellness doesn’t have to be aspirational; it can be lived daily. On any given day, you’ll find groups stretching under the morning sun, people walking their pets, and families setting out picnic mats. Runners have shaped their own rhythm across the district, with treelined walkways and open streets inviting beginners, seasoned runners, and anyone seeking movement to find their pace. Greenfield City even hosts fun runs and bike races, making community fitness an everyday celebration.

Climbers scale indoor walls at Climb Central, functional training groups gather for strength and agility sessions at Obstacle Central, and padel enthusiasts rally long after sunset on courts of Play Padel built for leisure and competition. Spaces for fencing, martial arts, and Pilates, Kalinong Wellness for yoga, and Zero Dance Fitness have grown into close-knit micro-communities, reminding everyone that wellness thrives where people gather.

Weekends bring the district even more to life. Open areas transform into free community workout zones featuring dance, rope flow, jump rope, and high-energy fitness classes. During Car-Free Sundays, streets open up to cyclists, skaters, walk-

ers, and families, creating a safe, lively environment that celebrates movement and belonging.

Even moments of leisure and reset have their place here: from retail therapy at Paseo Outlets to the wide sports fields in Greenfield City that host football matches, frisbee games, fun runs, and bike races— reinforcing that recreation and wellness can coexist effortlessly within city life. This thoughtful blend of urban convenience and open green space sets Greenfield apart. It demonstrates that the city doesn’t have to be a place you simply endure—it can be a place that energizes you and makes wellness part of your daily rhythm.

Greenfield’s long-term direction remains clear: create communities where wellness is not something to search for, it is something that surrounds you. Whether in Greenfield District, Greenfield City, or the company’s upcoming developments across South Luzon, Greenfield continues to build places where people feel they belong. Because in Greenfield, wellness isn’t distant. It isn’t exclusive. And it’s never just about personal ambition. Wellness is everyone’s. Wellness belongs here. And so do you.

TP in the Philippines (formerly Teleperformance), a leader in digital business services, today announced the launch of TP Davao Uprise, its second site in Davao City and fourth across Mindanao, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to regional growth, talent development, and inclusive job creation in the Philippines.

Located at The Uprise at Felcris Centrale Mall, a PEZA-accredited development, the new site currently serves global and domestic markets and is scalable for expansion as needed. Apart from the operations areas, the site also houses a recruitment hub and several recreational spaces including a fully equipped gym, a karaoke room, and a basketball half court.

“The launch of TP Davao Uprise reflects our confidence in Davao City as a strategic growth hub and in Mindanao as a critical pillar of the country’s ITBPM industry,” said Rahul Jolly, CEO of TP in the Philippines. “With scaleready infrastructure, deep talent pool, and strong public–private collaboration, Davao continues to enable us in TP to deliver world-class service to our clients.”

Key regional officials from Davao’s local government units and industry partners were present at the opening of TP Davao Uprise including Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Davao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ICT Davao, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in Davao, and the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).

MinDA Chair Leo Magno shared how the IT-BPM industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy and a powerful driver of job creation, exports, and digital transformation. “Investments such as TP's expansion in the Davao Region translate the national vision into concrete outcomes - generating quality, futureready jobs for Mindanaoans.”

He further adds that “as TP continues to expand its footprint in Mindanao, it also creates a strong demonstration effect. It sends a clear message to other investors, both local and foreign, that Mindanao is open,

capable and ready for business.”

Domain-ready talent pool

DAVAO City is home to over 100,000 IT-BPM professionals, the largest talent hub in Mindanao and expanding since last year. The region is wellknown for a strong talent pool for English proficiency and low attrition. The city’s workforce offers deep domain expertise, particularly in travel and hospitality services, supporting functions such as guest services, reservations, and itinerary logistics.

“People are at the center of our growth strategy, and Davao continues to prove itself as a destination for resilient, highly capable, and customer-focused talent,” said Jeffrey Johnson, Chief People Officer of TP in the Philippines. “TP Davao Uprise expands our ability to provide meaningful employment, career mobility, and skills development while supporting clients that require specialized, domain-ready teams.”

Recognized digital and business hub

DAVAO City’s position as a leading digital growth center is reinforced by its recognition as a Digital Cities Awardee and a DICT–IBPAP Center of Excellence, as well as its ranking in the top 10 of the 33 highly urbanized cities in the DTI’s Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index in the past years.

The launch of TP Davao Uprise

marks the next phase of expansion, underscoring TP’s long-term investment in Mindanao as a growth engine for both the company and the national economy.

Strategic location and connectivity advantage SITUATED in the center of Davao City, TP Davao Uprise anchors operations within the growing Davao Region economy, the principal trade and commercial hub of Mindanao. The site offers strong visibility and access to a growing consumer and talent base, supporting workforce mobility and business continuity. Its proximity to Francisco Bangoy International Airport, which is set to scale up to 13 million passenger capacity this year, strengthens domestic and international connectivity. The site is also near Sasa Wharf, supporting passenger terminal access, and is future-ready with major infrastructure projects underway, including the High Priority Bus System and the proposed 102-kilometer Mindanao Railway.

TP Davao Uprise builds on the company’s strong presence in Mindanao complementing its existing operations in SM Davao in Matina (Davao City), Cagayan de Oro City, and micro-site operations in General Santos City. Together, these locations position Mindanao as a strategic delivery cluster supporting the region’s fast - growing digital services sector.

Ladies start battle at Summit Point

TOne

players to watch out for, Thai Nook Sukapan, acknowledged the advantage held by the players from the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT), but welcomed the challenge.

“The LPGT players are very talented and competitive,” Sukapan said.

“Playing with them motivates me to keep improving my game.”

Sukapan is out for redemption after missing last year’s title by a single stroke to Korea’s Kim Kayoung.

“It was a great experience,” said

Sukapan after Tuesday’s practice round.

“The course is challenging, especially the greens, and it really tests your focus. I enjoy playing Summit Point and I feel I’m ready this time.”

Summit Point changes character by

Almeniana, Dominguito make Perpetual, Arellano U look good

UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help System Dalta and Arellano University remain unbeaten in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 101 volleyball tournaments thanks primarily to their two outstanding athletes— Cyrille Almeniana and CJ Dominguito.

Almeniana stood at the forefront as the Lady Altas stayed clean after three matches, and so did Dominguito for the Chiefs, also at 3-0 won-lost.

After sitting out much of Season 100 because of an injury, Almeniana is back with vengeance for Perpetual Help which already has one of its victims defending champion College of Saint Benilde.

“While I sat out last season, all I did was train and focused on which facets of my game need improvement,” said Almeniana, who erupted for 27 points to help snap the Lady Altas’ seven-year

losing streak to the Lady Blazers, a 2521, 18-25, 25-23, 17-25, 16-14 thriller to the delight of coach Sandy Rieta.

“I expected her to play big time,” Rieta said. “I can see her focus and dedication to win, I saw the same from her while she wasn’t out on the court last year.”

Almeniana—who had 18 points against Jose Rizal University and 10 points against San Sebastian College in their other victories— beat Benilde’s Zam Nolasco, San Beda University’s Angel Mae Habacon and Letran’s Judiel Nitura in earning the nod of members of the Collegiate Press Corps for the Player of the Week award presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and supported by Discovery Suites and Buffalo Wings N’ Things.

Dominguito shared the season’s first Player of the Week award in the men’s side with a sterling performance highlighted by his17 points, 21 excellent receptions and five digs in the Chief’s victory over the Knights.

He also had 12 points against Lyceum of the Philippines University and 14 against San Beda to run away with the award from teammate Jiwen Sinuto, Benilde’s Reymark Betco, and Mapua University’s Arjay Ramos.

WHO would question San Miguel Beer (SMB) as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA)?

Only a fool would.

SMB is even known as the PBA’s winningest team of all time, pocketing its record-extending 31st title on

to accomplish the

With momentum on their side, the

the hour with elevation shifts and slick greens turning even solid shots into difficult recoveries.

“The course looks great and I really like the layout,” said Min Lee, No. 2 in the Taiwan LPGA Order of Merit and

a former LPGA Tour campaigner. “It’s quite windy here and the type of grass is something we don’t see very often, so it takes a bit of time to adjust the shots and calculations.

Lee anchors a formidable Taiwanese lineup that includes No. 4 Chih-Min Chen, former LPGT Tour Midlands winner fifth-ranked Ching Huang and No. 7 Han-Hsuan Yu.

Backing up Sukapan are Kan Bunnabodee, Chonlada Chayanun, Pakin Kawinpakorn, Supamas Sangchan, Sherman Santiwiwattahanaphong, Ornnicha Konsunthea and Pimnipa Panthong.

The Koreans, even without Kayoung, are a certified force that could hound the locals led by Epson Tour campaigner Pauline del Rosario, who finished joint fourth last year.

But del Rosario wanted to secure a homecourt advantage.

“Competing at home gives me extra motivation and pride,” del Rosario said. “The support from the fans inspires me to stay focused and play with confidence while representing the country the best way I can.”

Princess Superal, meanwhile, begins her season with confidence.

“This week has been about steady preparation and staying focused on the basics,” Superal said. “I feel calm and positive, but I also understand how strong the competition is. My focus is on my process and learning from this tournament.”

Also tipped to contend are Florence Bisera, coming off a joint sixth finish at last week’s Indonesia Open, and China LPGA Tour-bound Chanelle Avaricio, Mafy Singson, Daniella Uy, as well as Epson Tour regulars Sam Bruce, Tomi Arejola, Sarah Ababa, Harmie Constantino, Marvi Monsalve and Martina Miñoza.

THAILAND’S Nook Sukapan (right) takes a refreshing sip of coconut juice while the Philippines’ Pauline del Rosario (white outfit) and Princess Superal take it all easy in Tuesday’s pro-am. LPGT PHOTO

Obiena eyes Asian indoor gold medal

EBy Josef Ramos

RNEST JOHN

“EJ” OBIENA competes in the 12th Asian Indoor Athletics Championships that start Friday in Tianjin hoping to heat up further his 2026 campaign as he tries to regain a top three spot in the world men’s pole vault ranking.

“The goal is always to win, but I don’t remember any major indoor title so I guess this will be a second indoor opportunity for me,” Obiena told the BusinessMirror on Tuesday from

WParis, a day before he flies to the major port city in China which will host the competition at the Tuanbo Sports Center Athletics Arena. Obiena, 30, fell to No. 11 in the world from a high No. 2 when he clinched silver behind unbeatable Swede, Armand Duplantis, at the 2023 world championships in Budapest. Obiena remains Asia’s No. 1 though—his latest conquest was at the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand last December—and started the indoor season last month with a bronze medal at the ISTAF Indoor in Düsseldorf, Germany,  at 5.5 meters and a shared gold at 5.77 meters with The Netherlands’ Menno Vloon at the International Springer-Meeting in Cottbus, Germany.

tune

the Super

He was fifth at Perch’Xtrem at 5.75 meters at the La Palais des Sports Caen la Mer in France last Friday.

“Not exactly the result that I wanted, but I’m okay,” said Obiena, a three-time Asian champions who won’t have his renowned Ukranian mentor, Vitaly Petrov, by his side in Tianjin. Obiena is expected to face a tough challenge from home bet Huang Bokai, who he beat for the gold at the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games, Thailand’s Patsapong Amsam-Ang and world No. 49 Hussain Asim Al Hizam of Saudi Arabia. Also seeing action in Tianjin are Thailand SEA Games 800 meters gold medalist Hussein Lorana, 110m hurdles champion John Cabang Tolentino and high jumper Leonard Gorospe.

More than 184,000 people have signed a petition calling on the league to denounce the potential presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Super Bowl, which is being held at Levi’s Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area. The liberal group MoveOn plans to deliver the petition to the NFL’s New York City headquarters

THE Lady Altas’ Cyrille Almeniana in action against San Sebastian Lady Stags’ Christina Marasigan. NCAA PHOTO

But Don Trollano tied the count at 68-all and Fajardo would next lay up to regain for SMB the lead at 70-68 after three quarters.

It was in the last quarter where SMB unravelled its fiercest, banging home 19 points behind the quartet of Mo Tautuaa, Lassiter, Fajardo and Brondial as the Beermen starved 5G to just five points while erecting an 89-73 bubble with only 3:07 left.

That 16-point lead was more than enough to spell victory for the Beermen as they limited TNT to just four points the rest of the way for the final 92-77 count.

Fajardo capped his series brilliance with 29 points and 23 rebounds, in the process crowning himself the Finals Most Valuable Player.

It was Fajardo’s fifth from the PBA Press Corps.  He received the Ramon Fernandez trophy from no less than Fernandez himself. Fajardo also pocketed his 12th PBA title, seven shy of Fernandez’s 19 record crowns.  For SMB coach Leo Austria, the win gave him a perfect 8-of-8 in All-Filipino