MONKEY BUSINESS? A viral Facebook post claimed an adult Philippine eagle was rescued after being attacked by a troop of long-tailed macaques in Bukidnon, but wildlife experts say the bird’s condition points to a different—and more troubling—story. According
By Ada Pelonia THE Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) warned that the ballooning national debt, which surged to a record P18.55 trillion as of end-May, could trigger another debt crisis. In a joint press conference ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State on the Nation Address (Sona), the FDC and AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) stressed that “debt payments far exceed the government’s budget allocation on health and social services.”
Budget documents indicated that the government earmarked P2.599 trillion for social services under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA). Key items in-
THEBy Andrea E. San Juan
total assets held by the Philippine banking system continued to expand on the back of “healthy” growth in lending, sustained deposit inflows, and higher investment holdings.
total assets recorded as of endMay 2026 were also higher, by 1.06 percent, than the P30.12 trillion as of endApril 2026, central bank data showed.
BRINGING more people into the formal financial system by propelling the usage of digital payments will help the central bank have a “more timely” view of economic activity and better measurement of inflationary pressures, according to a deputy governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
clude P1.295 trillion for education, P477.3 billion for local government units (LGUs), and P458.4 billion for health.
Data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed that the government spent a total of P1.149 trillion on debt service as of end-May, 63.5 percent higher than the P702.968 billion it paid in the same period last year. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2026/07/06/maturing-covid-loans-weak-pesoswell-debt-service/)
The increase was driven mainly by principal repayment on domestic debt, which surged by 269.92 percent year-on-year to P630.367 billion from P170.403 billion. In contrast, repayments on external debt fell by 44.13 percent to P97.847 billion
from P175.164 billion.
FDC Secretary General Rovik Obanil said that while not inherently wrong, borrowing should serve only as one of the myriad of tools at the government’s disposal to strengthen the economy.
Obanil, however, claimed that the government seems to use borrowing as a crutch to source funds, with Filipinos suffering the brunt “through taxes and poor healthcare and social services.”
“Debt accountability is really important. There are policies that should be implemented to ensure that the borrowed money is used to improve the economy,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Obanil also urged the government to repeal the auto -
matic appropriations law.
“We’re also advocating for an independent debt audit. We have a lot of debt, but we can’t see what they are used for. It’s crucial that we get to monitor where the debt went, and if we benefited from it,” he said.
Meanwhile, AHF Country Program Manager Ryan Guinaran underscored the need to reform the global government debt system, as developing countries are slapped with higher interest rates compared to developed nations.
“Developing countries are really at a major disadvantage. The interest rates for these nations are about three to 10 times higher than when developed countries borrow funds,” Guinaran said.
The BSP Deputy Governor overseeing the Payments and Currency Management Sector told this newspaper: “In as far as digital payments help obtain a more timely view of economic activity, better measurement of inflationary pressures, such as how much consumers spend and where they spend, and improve the quality of economic intelligence available for monetary policy.”
Tangonan explained this further after he emphasized in a televised interview that the central bank aims to “bring in more people into the formal economy,” amid its push for greater usage of digital payments
In a message sent to the BusinessMirror, Mamerto E. Tangonan, BSP Deputy Governor for Payments and Currency Management Sector, explained that the benefits of embracing digital payments span across businesses, consumers, and even policymakers. For one, Tangonan explained to this newspaper that transitioning to electronic payments would help the central bank in its monetary policy decisions.
L. Mayuga receives
By Lenie Lectura
MTERRA Solar, touted as the world’s largest integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS), is now ready to fulfill its 600-megawatt (MW) mid-merit power supply agreement (PSA) with the Manila Electric Company (Meralco).
This development came after Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGen), together with its partners, inaugurated on Monday the P200billion power project.
“What we inaugurate today will be the world’s largest integrated solar and battery storage facility located in a single site.
And it rises not in Texas, not in the Gobi Desert, but right here in Gapan, Nueva Ecija. This inauguration today was made possible not only by Meralco but by many other hands, other minds, and many hearts,” Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said. During the inauguration, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the country’s ability to execute renewable energy projects of significant scale. “The MTerra Solar project is proof that the Philippines is capable not only of envisioning, but also of delivering.”
Marcos said the project is part of the government’s initiatives to raise the share of renewable energy (RE) in the country’s power genera-
tion mix to 40 percent by 2040. As of May, the Department of Energy (DOE) reported that RE accounts for 25.4 percent of the country’s total power generation.
The President said DOE’s 10-Year Green Energy Auction Program, which seeks to deliver 25 gigawatts of new renewable capacity from 2027 to 2035, will help the government achieve the said goal.
To support the growth in REs, he said, the country also expanded its energy storage systems to 845 megawatts as of May of this year from just 93 megawatts in July 2022.
MTerra Solar Phase 1 has successfully energized 1,373 megawatts (MW) of solar PV capac-
ity and 825 MW of battery energy storage, equivalent to 3,300 megawatt hours (MWh), making it the largest operational integrated solar and battery facility on a single site globally. At present, its maximum export capacity to the Luzon grid remains at 750 MW pending completion of various works done in collaboration with the grid operator. “We expect start of grid compliance testing end of July. After that, we expect to get FCATC [final certificate of approval to connect] for phase 1 from NGCP,” said MGEN President Emmanuel Rubio. The project has also fully energized all 741 battery units, enabling it to
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
THE Philippine information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry does not expect immediate disruption from proposed United States (US) measures seeking to bring call center jobs back to America, saying the bills have shown little
legislative progress since being filed.
Celeste Ilagan, Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) chief operating officer, said the industry has been closely monitoring both the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025 and the Halting International Relocation of Employment (HIRE) Act.
“We have been monitoring the bill and there has not been any movement....There’s no progress and therefore we really are not concerned about those two bills,” Ilagan said in an industry briefing in Taguig City on Tuesday afternoon.
She added that several IBPAP member companies, particularly those with US-based principals, have
also been monitoring the measures and remain confident that the proposals are unlikely to advance.
“They have seen these bills filed in previous congresses in the US and they have been shelved. The committee that is handling the two bills has the same committee head as in the previous congresses,” she said.
The Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025 seeks to discourage companies from relocating customer service operations overseas by imposing restrictions on outsourcing while requiring greater transparency on the use of artificial intelligence in customer service.
Meanwhile, the HIRE Act similarly seeks to discourage offshore outsourcing and encourage companies to retain jobs in the United States. Yet, Ilagan said the industry is not dismissing the proposals entirely, noting that their eventual passage could still affect Philippine outsourcing operations.
“I would not like to speculate on the loss of jobs and revenue, but certainly there’s going to be that because the bill’s main aim is to bring back jobs to the US,” she said.
Such a measure, she said, could lead to a contraction in the domestic IT-BPM industry, but noted that companies continue to main-
tain the country’s operations for business and economic reasons.
“There are justifications and arguments for locating these operations in the Philippines. Therefore, it will be the US consumers probably and the US companies who will bear the bigger brunt of the economic impact if these laws are implemented in the US,” Ilagan said.
IBPAP estimated that the Philippine IT-BPM sector generated more than $40 billion in revenues in 2025. By 2028, the industry projects revenues to reach $43.3 billion to $50.5 billion, with employment expected to grow to 1.85 million to 2.14 million
Asuncion said the fact that banking system assets have breached the P30-trillion mark “highlights the sector’s capacity to support economic activity through credit creation and financial intermediation,” which he said “remains essential for consumption, investment, and business expansion.”
“Looking ahead, we expect bank assets to continue growing, although the outlook has become more nuanced given the resurgence of hostilities in the Middle East,” added Asuncion.
He emphasized that this development matters because a prolonged escalation could keep oil prices elevated, revive inflation pressures, and introduce “greater uncertainty” into global financial markets.
“These factors could affect consumer and business sentiment and potentially slow the pace of borrowing and investment decisions,” Asuncion explained further.
Nonetheless, the bank economist said domestic liquidity remains “ample,” monetary conditions are “broadly supportive,” and credit demand has “remained constructive.”
“As such, barring a more severe and sustained external shock, we still expect the banking sector’s balance sheet to expand in the months ahead, albeit with greater sensitivity to geopolitical developments and their implications for inflation and interest rates,” Asuncion said.
The BSP data showed that the net total loan portfolio of banks grew 12.08 percent
year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to P16.946 trillion as of end-May 2026 from P15.12 trillion. The net total investments of banks also increased by 8.54 percent Y-o-Y to P8.64 trillion as of end-May 2026 from P7.96 trillion. Their net real and other properties acquired, likewise, climbed by 18.78 percent to P143.8 billion as of end-May 2026 from P121.06 billion in the same period last year.
Banks’ other assets also jumped by 20.19 percent Y-o-Y to P2.5 trillion from P2.08 trillion in end-May 2025. Their total liabilities, on the other hand, grew at a faster pace compared to bank assets.
Liabilities jumped by 12.86 percent Y-o-Y to P26.85 trillion as of end-May from P23.79 trillion in the same period a year ago. On a month-on-month basis, liabilities posted a 1.36-percent increase from the P26.49 trillion recorded in April. Deposit liabilities amounted to P22.31 trillion, of which P18.4 trillion consisted of peso liabilities and P3.91 trillion of foreign-currency liabilities. Liabilities due to banks climbed by 11.52 percent Y-o-Y to P188.23 billion as of end-May 2026 from P168.78 billion in the same period a year ago.
The unsecured subordinated debt also increased by 146 percent to P3.346 billion from P1.36 billion as of end-May last year.
Meanwhile, banks’ derivatives with negative fair value held for hedging declined by 99.25 percent Y-o-Y, from P24.45 billion to P183.31 million.
Further, banks’ total capital accounts increased by 3.46 percent to P3.59 trillion as of end-May from P3.47 trillion in the same period a year ago.
tion, the process through which savers and borrowers are matched by banks, including commercial banks and savings-and-loans associations.”
and its recent move to reduce interbank fees.
“So we know that digital payments can increase GDP per capita and also reduce informality,” Tangonan said.
On why the central bank would want to reduce “informality” in the financial system, the central bank deputy governor explained the consequences of staying in this kind of financial system.
“People do not have access to formal financial services [e.g. payments, savings, credit, insurance, investments] to help them improve their quality of life,” Tangonan explained to this paper.
Moreover, under an informal financial system, he said: “Policymakers do not have a complete view of the economic activities of the population to guide in policymaking.”
Impact on businesses, consumers MEANWHILE, the BSP deputy governor said digital payments shorten production cycles, boosting the productivity of businesses.
“When producers receive payments sooner, they can also buy raw materials sooner. Hence, they produce more in less time,” Tangonan pointed out.
He said embracing electronic payments also encourages funds to be kept in deposits that can be made available for credit, “thereby putting what could have been idle cash into more productive use.”
Tangonan said digital payments also enable new business models that drive new sources of revenues.
Finally, he said electronic payments allow people to save on time and the costs of making transactions physically give them more time to do more “value-adding” activities than going to an office to pay.
This was almost echoed by Former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Dante B. Canlas: “The BSP promotes digital payments to improve efficiency of financial intermedia-
“That is, the cost of every peso unit of financial transaction decreases and delivers more goods at reduced cost, thereby aiding the fight vs. inflation,” Canlas told this newspaper.
The country’s former chief economist also noted that digital payments enhance financial inclusion, whereby low-income individuals and families are able to gain access to financial services provided by the banking system.
In a televised interview on Tuesday, Tangonan revealed that since the BSP’s push for lower transfer fees, “Banks are telling me that their transaction volumes have increased anywhere from like 10 to 50 percent. So that’s very welcome news.”
In addition, the BSP deputy governor said “There are now new customers who have onboarded or opened accounts, especially that banks and e-wallets now support the online opening of account through a national ID authentication service.” Tangonan said the central bank had to implement the circular on lower interbank fees because, “We need a second wind in order to propel the greater usage of digital payments especially to those who are still non-users. That’s the holy grail, to get those non-users who are outside the formal financial system and bring them into the formal financial system.”
The central bank’s goal is for digital payments to corner 70 percent of the pie of retail transactions by 2028. In July 2025, the BSP reported that the share of digital payments to total monthly retail transactions rose to 57.4 percent in terms of volume and 59 percent in terms of value in 2024.
Asked if the central bank could still hit the 70-percent goal by 2028, Tangonan said: “Yes. We will continue to plow along until we reach that goal.” Andrea E. San Juan
2022, over 4 million Filipino-Americans live in the US, with Filipinos accounting for 17 percent of the US’s total Asian-American population. The data also showed 52 percent of FilipinoAmericans were born in the US, the highest among other major Asian-American groups, which were at 48 percent. Among Filipino immigrants, 75 percent are naturalized US citizens, on a par with Vietnamese-Americans, but higher than other AsianAmerican groups.
In terms of residence, some 1.6 million or 38 percent of Filipino-Americans live mostly in Califoria, specifically in Los Angeles and San Franciso. Other states which Filipino-Americans call home are Hawaii (270,000) and Texas (208,000).
According to the Pew Research Center study in 2024, “Although a large majority of FilipinoAmericans have a favorable view of the Philippines, two-thirds say they wouldn’t move there. Just 31 percent of Filipino adults in the US say they’d move to the Philippines, although that willingness varies significantly by where they were born. Filipino immigrants are about four times as likely as US-born Filipino adults to say they would move to the Philippines [43 percent vs. 10 percent].” Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo
The soil covering its feathers, he added, means the bird may have been struggling to get away from the snare, injuring itself in the process.
“That’s why we need to conduct a formal investigation,” says Ibanez.
Nevertheless, he said the PEF is grateful that the eagle was rescued and turned over to the DENR, and is now in the custody of PEF. Whether it was attacked by monkeys, caught in a snare, or was a victim of bycatch, Ibanez said the PEF is thankful it is alive and safe. The rescue, it added, also shows what can happen when people act together and without delay.
“Local residents, Indigenous communities, government agencies, veterinarians, wildlife biologists, animal keepers, and volunteers each played a part in bringing the eagle from the forest to specialized care,” it said.
While recovery is still uncertain, and the cause of her injuries remains under investigation, Sawaga-Dalwangan’s story is a reminder that saving endangered wildlife is not only about protecting forests, said PEF. “It is also about responding when an individual animal needs help—and making sure that help arrives before it is too late.”
the study urged the government to ratify the new ILO convention, strengthen occupational safety and health standards for platform workers, expand access to social security and health insurance, clarify the responsibilities of digital platforms, and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure.
The researchers noted that while the Philippines played a key role in shaping the landmark global labor standards, countries such as Singapore and Malaysia have already moved ahead with national measures to protect platform workers, underscoring the need for the country to turn its international leadership into concrete reforms at home.
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday told the Senate Impeachment Court that the “Romanov” reference cited by the defense in connection with Vice President Sara Duterte’s controversial remarks did not originate from an alleged threat against her family, but from a warning directed at the family of President Marcos.
NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc made the clarification during cross-examination after defense counsel Mark Vinluan raised an online press conference held by Duterte on Nov. 23, 2024, where she claimed she was responding to a question about an alleged “Operation Romanov” supposedly targeting her and her family.
The issue forms part of the fourth Article of Impeachment against Duterte, which accuses her of grave threats and betrayal of public trust over her statement that she had instructed someone to kill President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and
then-House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez if she herself were killed.
During the hearing, Vinluan read the question asked by proDuterte online personality Princess Maui, who mentioned an alleged “Operation Romanov” that supposedly sought to harm Duterte’s family. Lotoc, however, testified that investigators did not find any verified information confirming the existence of such an operation. He said the first time he heard the term “Romanov” was from Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte during a Maisug rally.
“I heard the term ‘Romanov’ when Mayor Baste mentioned it during the January Maisug rally. Other than that, I was not able to validate anything about the Romanov operation,” Lotoc testified.
Senator-Judge Raffy Tulfo then asked Lotoc to recall Mayor Duterte’s statement during the rally.
According to Lotoc, Mayor Duterte invoked the fate of the Russian royal family as a warning directed at the Marcos family.
“When you go to bed tonight, think about the Romanovs. That was how it was said, I believe. It seemed like he was saying that something similar could happen to your family, like what happened to you in 1986. If my memory serves me right, sir, that was what Mayor Baste was saying,” Lotoc told Tulfo.
Tulfo questioned why the term was later presented during Duterte’s online press conference as a supposed threat against the Duterte family.
“I was surprised that Princess Maui mentioned that during Vice President Sara’s online press conference – that the Romanov warning was a threat against the Dutertes. When in fact, it was Baste Duterte who made that statement, and it was a warning directed at the First Family,” Tulfo said.
When asked where the “Romanov” reference originated,
Lotoc maintained that it began with Mayor Duterte’s remarks.
“Yes, insofar as our investigation is concerned, since it started with Mayor Baste and we were not able to validate any other Romanov operations that took place, I think it originated from them, sir – from the Vice President’s brother,” he testified.
Tulfo later reiterated his interpretation before the impeachment court, saying the reference was used as a warning against the First Family.
“That threat, that term Romanov, was used as a warning directed at the First Family. The word Romanov came from Mayor Baste Duterte, as if he were threatening the First Family. Do you follow me, Mr. Witness?” he asked. “Yes, sir. That is correct,” Lotoc replied.
Senator-Judge Panfilo Lacson also revisited the issue, saying he initially understood “Operation Romanov” as a threat against Vice President Duterte.
“I don’t know about the other senator-judges, but until today, when Senator-Judge Raffy Tulfo clarified it, yes, the so-called Oplan Romanov was actually a threat against the First Family,” Lacson said.
Lotoc affirmed Lacson’s statement.
See “Romanov,” A4
DBy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
ETAINED Sen. Rodante Marcoleta is scheduled to be presented on Wednesday before the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division for a hearing that would eventually determine whether he would remain at the National Police General Hospital (PNPGH) or be transferred to an ordinary detention jail pending court proceedings on the plunder and graft charges filed against him.
The Sandiganbayan scheduled Wednesday’s hearing after directing the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) to bring Marcoleta to the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) for an independent medical examination on Tuesday.
In compliance, the PNP-CIDG brought Marcoleta to the UPPGH at around 11 a.m. while in handcuffs and wearing a
See “Marcoleta,” A4
By Malou TalosigBartolome
TAIWAN’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mofa) reiterated that it must not be excluded from multilateral mechanisms on South China Sea disputes, stressing its role as a responsible stakeholder in safeguarding peace and stability in the region.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, the foreign ministry reaffirmed Tai -
pei’s sovereignty claims. It outlined that four principles with regard to the South China Sea
disputes that remain unchanged:
n disputes must be resolved peacefully under international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos);
n Taiwan should be included in dispute settlement frameworks; n freedom of navigation and overflight must be safeguarded; n and differences should be set aside in favor of joint development.
Taiwan was not part of the arbitration case filed by the Philippines against China, as Manila considers Taiwan a province of China.
Aside from invalidating the historic claims of China, the tribunal also ruled that Itu Aba (Ligaw Island/ Taiping Island) is legally a “rock” that cannot generate a 200nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Its maritime entitlement is only limited to 12 nautical miles.
Itu Aba—the largest naturally formed feature in the Spratlys— is presently occupied by Taiwan. It has an airstrip, pier, hospital post, lighthouse, and Coast Guard presence.
Taiwan is also not a party to the negotiations for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea between the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and China.
By Rex Anthony Naval
FOUR FA-50 “Fighting Eagle” light fighter jets and a C-130
“Hercules” transport aircraft were deployed to this year’s iteration of the biennial Pitch Black air combat drills in Northern Australia from July 17 to August 7, the Air Force (PAF) said on Tuesday.
In an interview, the PAF spokesperson, Col. Ma. Christina Basco, said the aircraft were joined by more than 200 Air Force personnel who were sent-off from Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga, on July 6. “Two elements of FA-50 and a C-130 [transport plane],” Basco said when asked about the number of aircraft sent to take part in the Royal Australian Air Force’s
Pitch Black drills.
One element is composed of two aircraft, the lead aircraft and the trail aircraft.
Air forces from at least 21 nations will take part in the air combat exercises.
Basco described Pitch Black as a “premier biennial multinational air combat exercise” and “one of the Indo-Pacific Region’s largest multi-
Taiwan was silent on the joint statement issued by 13 countries who supported the Philippines on the Arbitral Tribunal ruling.
On July 12, the Philippines and 13 other countries—including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and Australia— said the arbitral award as final and legally binding under Unclos.
China immediately rejected the joint declaration, calling the award “illegal, null and void” and accusing external powers of destabilizing the region.
Beijing reiterated its sovereignty claims over the South China Sea islands and said the ruling was “nothing but a worthless piece of paper.”
Against this backdrop, Taiwan
national air combat exercises.”
“Bringing together air forces from 21 partner nations, the exercise provides a valuable platform for enhancing interoperability, strengthening operational readiness, and deepening defense cooperation through complex tactical flying missions and integrated multinational training,” she added.
Continued from A3
“My impression since last week, when we were discussing Oplan Romanov, was that it was a threat against the Vice President,” Lacson said.
Earlier in the hearing, Lotoc said the NBI invited Princess Maui to appear during the investigation to explain her claim regarding the alleged operation, but she failed to attend.
“We invited Princess Maui… but the investigator said that she did not appear,” he said.
The defense later asked whether the NBI conducted a separate investigation into the alleged “Operation Romanov.”
Lotoc said the NBI Cybercrime Division’s investigation focused only on possible violations involving information and communications technology, while any inquiry into the existence of an alleged operation would fall under the bureau’s intelligence service or higher officials.
RETIRED military Brig. Gen. Romeo Soliman David, who served in the Air Force, and later headed the Clark Development Corporation, as well as, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), died on July 12 at age 92. A native of Candaba, Pampanga, David belonged to a family who served the country in uniform. His grandfather was the town’s chief of police when World War II broke out and was executed by the Japanese. His uncle, the late Brig. Gen. Marcos Soliman was among the first pilots of the then Philippine Army Air Corps., and fought in Bataan during the war. Another uncle, Bonifacio Soliman, was an Air Force officer who flew fighter planes and retired as a colonel. David, just like his uncle Marcos, is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy. He belonged to the Class of 1956.
Continued from A3
detainee shirt under a protective vest.
He was returned to the PNP hospital less than two hours later.
said it opposes unilateral expansionism, grayzone coercion, and militarization, and urged all parties to honor international law and avoid actions that escalate tensions. It highlighted Itu Aba as a base for maritime cooperation, environmental conservation, humanitarian assistance, and scientific research, underscoring Taiwan’s commitment to advancing peace and joint development.
“Taiwan will continue to work with likeminded countries and regional partners to jointly uphold peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, and ensure a free, open, peaceful, and stable international order,” Mofa said.
At the PMA, he was the cadet captain of “D” Company and a member of Honors Committee. As an Air Force officer, David served as commander of the 5th Fighter Wing based at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga, as deputy base commander of Clark Air Base before that. He also commanded the then Armed Forces (AFP) Regional Unified Command III based in Camp Olivas, Pampanga. He took advanced flight training in the United States and later the Command and General Staff Course at the US Air War College in 1983.
In a three-page resolution issued on Monday, the Third Division directed UP-PGH director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi to conduct the medical examination on Marcoleta and submit a report and recommendation to the court on whether there is need for the senator’s continued confinement at the PNP General Hospital.
The anti-graft court required Legaspi to submit his report on July 15 at 8:30 a.m. and personally appear before the court together with the concerned attending physicians, to testify on the results of the medical tests.
The Sandiganbayan also directed the PNP to bring Marcoleta before the court for today’s hearing.
Marcoleta was arrested along with his co-accused former congressman Michael Defensor, and businessmen Joseph Varias Espiritu and Aristotle Baluyut Viray last July 8 for plunder and graft charges filed by the Office of the Ombudsman.
The case stemmed from Marcoleta’s admission that he received campaign contributions from Defensor, Espiritu and Viray in the amounts of P30 million, P25 million and P20 million, respectively, in various dates in January 2025. However, the Ombudsman noted that Marcoleta failed to declare the amount in his statement of Contributions and Expenditures (Soce) or in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth (SALN), which is tantamount to “unjust enrichment.”
Marcoleta has denied the accusations against him. He also branded the complaint as “legally insufficient” as it does not establish the elements of the offenses charged. Since his arrest, Marcoleta has been confined at the PNPGH after complaining of chest pains and being diagnosed with hypertension and, subsequently, mild pneumonia.
His co-accused have been committed to the male dormitory of the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas.
By Mary Jade Jadormio
THE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) on Tuesday assailed the delayed implementation of the first tranche of Metro Manila’s P85 daily wage increase, saying the adjustment remains inadequate and should not have been staggered.
In an interview, TUCP spokesperson Carlos Miguel Oñate said the P60 increase, which will take effect on July 25, falls well below the P200 daily adjustment labor groups have long sought to restore the purchasing power of minimum wage earners.
“We do not dispute that this is the highest increase, but what is historic about this is that while it is only P85, it falls far short of the P200 which is lost from the purchasing power of minimum wages,” Oñate said.
He also questioned the staggered implementation of the wage order, noting that workers will have to wait until January 2027 to receive the remaining P25 increase.
“Imagine that the P25, which is the second tranche, will still be given in January. We do not know whether P25 still has purchasing power left with it,” Oñate said.
The labor leader, likewise, raised concerns
over the implementation date, saying the wage increase should have taken effect earlier had the wage order been published on time.
Beyond Metro Manila, Oñate said millions of minimum wage earners in other regions are still waiting for wage reviews, adding that several regional wage boards have yet to begin the process because existing guidelines generally allow only one wage order within a year.
He reiterated TUCP’s support for the proposed P200 legislated wage hike, arguing that Congress should pass the measure to provide immediate relief to workers and reform the regional wage-setting system.
Oñate also dismissed claims that a higher wage increase would inevitably translate into higher consumer prices.
He said, TUCP’s estimates show a P200 legislated wage hike would account for only around 9 percent to 13 percent of annual business profits, while employee compensation represents just 6 percent to 7 percent of the annual profits of micro, small and medium enterprises based on Philippine Statistics Authority data.
“It is not a question of capacity, but a question of willingness of our employers to share a portion of their profits with their workers,” Oñate said.
TO minimize the risk of sensitive government data being leaked online, President Marcos created a new oversight committee for the threeyear initial implementation of an updated government data classification and data residency framework.
Executive Order 119 that Marcos issued updated the provisions of Memorandum Circular 78 (series of 1964) as amended by MC 196 (s. 1968).
It highlighted the need to update the over 60-year old data classification framework, which was “formulated in the context of a paper-based bureaucracy and is no longer fully responsive to the demands of contemporary digital governance, cybersecurity risks, cloud computing environments, and cross-border data flows.”
Marcos created the Joint Oversight Committee for Data Classification (JOC-DC) for the implementation of EO 119’s provisions.
The panel will be co-chaired by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the National Security Council (NSC) and its members will be the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, National Privacy Commission, Philippine Statistics Authority, and the National Archives of the Philippines.
Among powers of the committee will be to formulate and issue the implementing guidelines and related issuances for the implementation of EO 119, which will
be issued 120 days from the effectivity of the order.
EO 119, which was signed on 13 July 2026, took effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette on Tuesday.
The JOC-DC was also tasked to monitor and evaluate agency compliance with the Government Data Classification Framework; submit annual reports to the President on the status of implementation and overall data governance compliance across government agencies; and conduct consultations with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to support the continuing development and refinement of policies under the said Framework.
It will also harmonize data classification practices across government and resolve inter-agency classification issues, consistent with the Philippine Government Interoperability Framework and provide oversight over the Government Data Classification Registry System to ensure governance, security, and accountability.
Data classification
GOVERNMENT data will now be classified as either Restricted Access Data and Open Access Data.
Restricted Access Data has four subcategories with Top Secret being the most important since it is information or matters the unauthorized disclosure of which would
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
THE wholesale price of construction materials in Metro Manila contin -
ued to rise in June, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The Construction Materials Wholesale Price Index (CMWPI) in the National Capital Region (NCR) rose by 2.9 percent in June, slightly faster than the 2.8 percent posted in May and a sharp increase from the 0.2-percent growth recorded in the same month last year.
The latest reading extended the steady pickup in construction material inflation from 0.9 percent in January, bringing the year-to-date average to 1.8 percent.
The PSA attributed the faster increase in wholesale construction material prices mainly to structural steel, whose annual price growth more than doubled to 3.7 percent in June from 1.6 percent in May. Other key construction inputs also posted faster annual price increases.
Cement accelerated to 1.2 percent from 0.2 percent, while electrical works rose to 2.9 percent from 1.9 percent, and painting works climbed to 5.3 percent from 3.8 percent.
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expects investments approved under the expanded Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) to average some P1.5 trillion annually, as the government rolls out a broader list of priority industries and investment incentives under the 20262028 scheme.
During the SIPP Roadshow Launch in Makati City, Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments (BOI) Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said the estimate was based on the government’s outlook
for investment approvals under the new three-year SIPP.
Based on that estimate, approved investments could reach around P4.5 trillion over the three-year implementation period, he added.
The projection follows the P3.38 trillion worth of investments approved under the SIPP from June 2022 to December 2024, which the DTI and BOI said are expected to generate about 132,000 jobs.
The 2026-2028 SIPP adopts a more structured approach to investment promotion by introducing a new Modern Basic Needs category that consolidates priority activities across manufacturing, agriculture, services, infrastructure, logistics, healthcare and energy.
The updated plan also broadens coverage of industries eligible for fiscal incentives, including manufacturing, critical minerals and green metals, renewable and emerging energy technologies, sustainability-driven industries, artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, quantum technologies and other innovation-driven sectors.
According to the DTI, the expanded SIPP is intended to better align government incentives with evolving industry requirements and emerging investment opportunities.
As the country’s lead investment promotion agency and steward of the SIPP, the BOI is overseeing the implementation of the updated priority list.
Rodolfo said the BOI is finalizing the plan’s General Policies and Specific Guidelines and remains on track to publish them within the third quarter.
President Marcos approved the updated SIPP in June under Memorandum Order 47, several months after the DTI’s earlier target of issuing it by the end of 2025. After the SIPP Luzon launch last week, the trade agency said there will be succeeding legs scheduled in the Visayas and Mindanao.
By Carmel Pedroza
CEBU CITY—The Negros Oriental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDDRMC) has approved a resolution recommending the declaration of a State of Calamity in the province as authorities intensify efforts to contain the continued spread of the destructive red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) that has devastated sugarcane plantations in several localities.
The declaration came as the pest continues to threaten the province’s sugar industry and the livelihood of thousands of farmers, with infestations reported in the cities of Mabinay, Bais, Bayawan, and Guihulngan, as well as nearby towns.
Earlier data from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) showed that the RSSI had already affected around 1,465 hectares of sugarcane farms in 56 barangays in Negros Oriental based on validated field inspections.
A statement released by the provincial government on Tuesday afternoon said that Gov. Manuel L. Sagarbarria has been closely monitoring the situation and continues to lead the provincial government’s coordinated response.
Through the PDDRMC, in partnership with the SRA, the Department of Agriculture, and affected local governments, the province is strengthening containment measures, providing assistance to affected farmers, and implementing interventions aimed at limiting further damage to sugarcane farms.
Annual price growth, likewise, picked up for sand and gravel (3.3 percent from 3.1 percent), hardware (0.6 percent from 0.1 percent), lumber (1.5 percent from 1.1 percent), G.I. sheet (0.6 percent from 0.5 percent), reinforcing steel (2.3 percent from 2.1 percent), and plumbing fixtures and accessories or waterworks (0.9 percent from 0.5 percent).
Meanwhile, plywood and PVC pipes reversed their declines in June, posting annual increases of 0.4 percent and 0.5 percent, respectively, after contracting by 0.1 percent and 0.2 percent in May.
Metal products and glass and glass products also recovered, with both posting flat annual growth after recording declines of 0.1 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively, in the previous month.
Not all commodity groups saw faster price growth, the PSA also noted.
Inflation eased for concrete products to 4.1 percent from 4.5 percent; doors, jambs and steel casement to 0.3 percent from 0.5 percent; and fuels and lubricants to 6.4 percent from 7.8 percent.
The annual growth rates for tileworks, asphalt, and machinery and equipment rental were unchanged from May.
The declaration of a State of Calamity would enable the provincial government to mobilize emergency resources more efficiently and accelerate assistance and response measures for affected communities.
This infestation in Negros Oriental is part of a much larger outbreak across the Negros Island Region.
According to the SRA, validated inspections as of June 2026 showed that 13,797.59 hectares of sugarcane plantations across the region had been infested by the red-striped soft scale insect, although actual affected areas may be higher as field validation continues.
The agency said reports placed the total reported affected area at 76,607 hectares, representing about 32.02 percent of the region’s 239,215.62 hectares of planted sugarcane for crop year 2025-2026. The validated infestation has affected 5,258 farmers across 333 barangays.
Negros Occidental accounted for the largest share of the validated infestation, with 12,332.56 hectares affected out of the more than 61,000 hectares initially reported.
Kabankalan City recorded the biggest validated affected area at 3,066.69 hectares, affecting 838 farmers in 23 barangays.
Other heavily affected localities included Himamaylan, Ilog, Silay City, Bago City, and La Castellana.
In Negros Oriental, SRA data showed 15,365.53 hectares of reported affected
sugarcane areas, while 1,465.03 hectares had been validated through field inspections.
recorded the largest validated infestation in the province with
Editor: Angel R. Calso
By Fatma Khaled The Associated Press
A6 Wednesday, July 15, 2026 See “Houthis,”
CAIRO—The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen said they launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia’s Abha International Airport on Monday in response to airstrikes they blamed on Saudi Arabia that struck Sanaa International Airport earlier in the day.
No casualties were reported, but the attacks marked an escalation not seen since a Saudi-led coalition struck Houthi-controlled areas several years ago. Saudi Arabian officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the airstrikes in Yemen.
Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, in a video statement on Telegram, warned airlines against flying through Saudi airspace, saying
these warnings should be taken “seriously until the blockade on Sanaa International Airport is lifted.”
The internationally recognized government in Yemen said earlier that the strikes that hit Sanaa International Airport were meant to prevent an Iranian plane from landing.
The Houthis vowed to retaliate for the strike, which marked the first major escalation between the
Houthis and Saudi Arabia following a period of relative calm.
The U.N. Security Council, in an emergency meeting on the developments Monday afternoon, officials expressed concern about the risk of a wider escalation.
“Yemen and the wider region cannot afford another cycle of escalation,” U.N. Assistant Secretary-General for political affairs Khaled Khiari told the 15-member council. “We call on all actors to constructively
engage in negotiations under UN auspices.”
For years, a Saudi-led coalition based in Yemen’s south has fought the Houthis in the north.
Saree said on Telegram earlier on Monday that Saudi Arabia
launched the airstrikes in what he called the end of a period of “deescalation.” He warned that “this aggression will not go unanswered or unpunished.”
By Jon Gambrell, Josh Boak, Konstantin Toropin & Will Weissert
The Associated Press
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—
The US launched strikes on Iran early Tuesday morning, hours after President Donald Trump said Washington is “reinstating” a blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump separately suggested the United States will charge other ships for safe passage, upending hundreds of years of American policy supporting freedom of navigation across the globe.
Iran responded with attacks targeting Bahrain and two tankers associated with the United Arab Emirates traveling through the strait, killing one mariner and wounding eight others. The Emirates threatened to retaliate against Iran, potentially drawing the nation home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai back into fighting with Tehran.
The attacks come as Iran and the US both vie for control of the strait through which a fifth of all crude oil and natural gas once passed in peacetime. The price of benchmark Brent crude oil rose to a one-month high of over $84 in trading early Tuesday, still well below the nearly $120 reached at the height of the war but threatening to make costs everywhere higher.
Trump insists strait will be open
THE US military’s Central Command said it struck areas around Abu Musa, Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Chahbahar, Jask and Konarak, targeting Iranian “coastal defense systems, missile and
drone sites and maritime capabilities.” Iran acknowledged strikes around those areas, but provided no immediate casualty or damage assessments.
“These strikes will continue imposing a heavy cost on Iranian forces and degrade their ability to attack innocent civilians and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz,” the US military said. Moments after the military announced the new strikes, Trump called it “another major attack.”
“We’re hitting them very hard. And it’ll continue, and we’ll see what happens,” he told reporters in the Oval Office. “We’re knocking out all of their offensive capability and we’re controlling the straits. We’re putting the blockade back.”
Trump also provided new details on his administration doing an about-face and suggesting it will charge tolls for ships going through the strait, after previously suggesting that it wouldn’t.
“We’re protecting a very rich
portion of the world,” he said. “We’re spending money. And so, what we’ve done is, we are going to be reimbursed for protection.”
It’s a change in US policy that, until now, said the strait should remain open to all without tolls — as it was before the US and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28. Any attempt by the US or Iran to charge fees would violate global norms on freedom of navigation and raise tensions, likely causing further economic disruption far beyond the region.
The US Navy has fought for freedom of navigation on the seas since the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812.
Attacks resume across the Middle East
THE United Arab Emirates’ Defense Ministry said early Tuesday that Iran attacked two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one mariner and wounding eight others.
The Emirati Defense Ministry said Iran launched two cruise missiles at the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah.
The attacks set both tankers ablaze, though the fires were extinguished.
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard claimed the attack on the tankers, saying the vessels “ignored repeated warnings.”
“They chose to pass through a minefield and were subsequently targeted and disabled,” the Guard said.
Bahrain also came under renewed attack early Tuesday morning as Iran retaliated over the latest round of US airstrikes. Bahrain sounded its missile alert sirens twice, urging the public to seek shelter. There was no word on any damage or casualties from the attack.
The Emirati Defense Ministry
said the attack on the tankers killed one Indian national and wounded six Indians and two Ukrainians.
“The UAE reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, its citizens and residents,” the Defense Ministry added.
The Emirates used similar language before launching attacks against Iran during the war. Fighter jets could be heard overheard Tuesday morning in Dubai.
The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate in Dubai alerted Americans early Tuesday that consular appointments had been canceled through Wednesday “due to the regional security situation.”
Trump says Iran failed a test EARLIER Monday, Trump told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt that the agreement reached last month was “built to test” Iran, adding that “when you’re dealing with sleazebags (agreements) don’t mean much.”
“They didn’t honor the test,” the president said.
Iran asserts it has the right to manage traffic through the strait and potentially charge fees in accordance with the interim peace deal. The US has disputed that.
The American military and the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization have tried to establish a route through the strait along the coast of Oman that would be outside of Iranian control. Iran has attacked ships using that route, saying the US is violating the interim peace deal. The US has attacked Iran in response, drawing Iranian attacks on US-allied Arab states.
By Kanoko Matsuyama
BRENT oil rose above $85 a barrel for the first time in a month, as US President Donald Trump reimposed a blockade on Iranian ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz and demanded payment for all other cargo.
The global crude benchmark climbed as much as 2.8% after surging almost 10% on Monday, while West Texas Intermediate traded near $80. Trump demanded a 20% reimbursement on cargoes—or roughly $30 million on full supertankers carrying oil—as US forces concluded another round of strikes against Iran that may last several more days.
Oil has rebounded to its highest in almost a month, paring a second-quarter drop of about 30%, as the escalating conflict rekindles concerns over supplies from the Persian Gulf. Iran had managed to export at least 57 million barrels of crude during a brief gap between two American naval blockades, highlighting what’s at stake for the global oil market now that restrictions are being reimposed.
Iran has been quietly moving oil tankers through the strait over the past few days
as hostilities escalated. Six US-sanctioned supertankers transited the waterway into the Gulf of Oman over the past week with their transponders turned off, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. “They were just shipping oil out at unbelievable rates,” said Jay Hatfield, chief executive officer at Infrastructure Capital Management. “We think we’ll hang around this $80 level, unless there’s some movement one way or another on the strait. But I don’t think we’ll go to, like, $90 or $100. And if the strait reopens, we’ll go to $60 in one hell of a hurry.” European natural gas surged as much as 3.3% to the highest in more than three months. Before the conflict, about a fifth of the world’s crude and liquefied natural gas passed through the strait. The Joint Maritime Information Center said US Central Command will begin enforcement of a blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas at 4 p.m. New York time on Tuesday. Trump said the US will be reimbursed by the countries it’s helping to protect in the strait, citing Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.
A8 Wednesday, July 15, 2026
By Chan Ho-Him AP Business Writer
HONG KONG—China’s exports accelerated in June, jumping 27% from a year earlier thanks partly to the boom in artificial intelligence, the customs agency said Tuesday.
The increase in exports in June was much better than economists had expected. Exports rose 19.4% year-on-year in May.
Imports in June surged 36%, better than May’s 27.4% year-onyear growth, with analysts attributing the expansion in part due to the Iran war driving up import costs.
China recorded a trade surplus of $125.6 billion in June, widening from $105.4 billion in the previous month.
“With the rapid growth of AI, our imports and export of products in this field are robust,” Wang Jun, vice minister of China’s General Administration of Customs, said at a news conference in Beijing. He said trade in electronic components, computer spare parts,
BBy Sam Mcneil The Associated Press
RUSSELS—The European Union
has coordinated efforts to raise 900 million euros ($1 billion) in pledges of aid for Gaza’s rebuilding following two years of Israeli bombardment that left much of the Palestinian enclave in ruins, a senior EU official said Monday.
How much of the money will be delivered, and when reconstruction of Gaza can begin, is unclear. The ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas militant group that took effect in October is effectively stalled. European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica announced the fund after a meeting in Brussels of the Palestine Donors Group, which includes EU and Middle East nations along with international organizations and financial institutions.
“The ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile, and the situation on the ground for civilians is not getting better,” Šuica said. She said the money will move through “trusted partners” but didn’t give details.
Few places in the Palestinian territory of over 2 million people have been left unscathed, and the United Nations, World Bank and EU estimate that reconstruction will cost $70 billion.
and other computing hardware jumped nearly 57% to 5.1 trillion yuan ($760 billion) in the first half of the year. Other products such as AI glasses, AI translating devices, powered exoskeletons and other smart products are also evolving.
“Trade values took another big leg up in June,” Julian EvansPritchard, head of China Economics at Capital Economics, wrote in a note Tuesday. “This predominantly reflects the recent surge in semiconductor prices on the back of the AI boom. But even putting that aside, foreign demand for Chinese goods remains robust.”
China’s exports of vehicles, especially EVs, and other techrelated products have boomed as rapid adoption of AI increases the need for semiconductors and other
electronic equipment.
The strength in export manufacturing has helped to offset prolonged weakness in domestic spending and investment due to a prolonged downturn in the property industry.
In January-June, China’s exports climbed 17.6% from a year earlier, while imports jumped 26.6%, according to the customs data.
Policymakers including those in the US and in Europe have express alarm over rising trade deficits with China. In order to bypass barriers such as higher tariffs, Chinese businesses have been moving factories to regions like Europe. China has also been exporting more to Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa.
Wang, the customs official, acknowledged the threat from rising trade barriers.
“We still face serious risks and challenges in the second half of the year,” he said.
While China’s export growth is likely to continue, it is becoming increasingly fragile, said Wei Li, head of Multi-Asset Investments at BNP Paribas Securities (China). Robust shipments in autos and AI-related items will remain dependent on global demand and regulatory barriers, he said.
Exports to Southeast Asia in
Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa.
June surged nearly 35% from a year ago, while those to the European Union and Latin America increased more than 18% and 28%, respectively.
Exports to the United States climbed almost 14% from a year earlier. China’s shipments to the US have risen in recent months, partly due to declines in shipments a year earlier after President Donald Trump returned to office last year and implemented higher tariffs.
China is set to announce its economic growth data for the April-June quarter on Wednesday. Chinese leaders have set an annual growth target of 4.5% to 5% for this year, slightly lower than the 5% growth in 2025.
Last week, the International Monetary Fund raised China’s annual growth forecast by 0.2 percentage point to 4.6%. But it said it expects China’s economy to expand just 4.1% in 2027.
Chinese leaders have sought to boost consumer spending through various initiatives, including trade-in subsidies for autos and home appliances. But many ordinary Chinese have been feeling the pressure from a slowing economy and avoiding big-ticket purchases.
AP Videographer Borg Wong contributed from Beijing.
Continued from A6
In the latest Telegram update, Saree said the strikes in Sanaa were aimed at “closing it to humanitarian flights carrying patients and stranded individuals to and from Sana’a International Airport.”
Yemen’s civil war began in 2014 when the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, and much of northern Yemen and forced the government into exile. A Saudi-led coalition, including the United Arab Emirates, intervened the following year to try to restore the government to power. Tensions rose earlier this year between US allies Saudi Arabia and the UAE as their yearslong partnership in the war in Yemen broke down, leading to the UAE pulling out of Yemen.
The official spokesperson of the Saudiled Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki, said Monday evening on X that air defenses dealt with ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis toward the southern region without providing further details.
The attack on the airport in Sanaa comes after tensions between the two sides flared earlier this month. The Houthis alleged that Saudi planes violated their airspace to try to prevent an Iranian plane from carrying a Houthi delegation to Tehran for the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Yemen’s defense minister, Gen. Taher al-Aqili, said in a post on X that the airport’s runway was struck Monday to stop an Iranian plane transporting the Houthi delegation from returning from the funeral.
In a video statement released shortly before the strikes, al-Aqili warned against
Continued from A7
infiltrating Yemeni airspace with Iranian aircraft.
“At this moment, we say that our patience has run out. Accordingly, we will respond appropriately to this treacherous and brutal act, and we will confront and deal with the hostile aircraft violating Yemeni airspace and sovereignty by all available means,” he said.
The Houthis said the plane was diverted to Hodeida Airport, where it landed. Video footage by the Houthi-controlled al-Masirah broadcaster appeared to show a missile striking a runway at Sanaa airport followed by a loud explosion.
A statement from the government in the south said that all airports in Yemen were “closed until further notice, with immediate effect.” The Yemeni defense ministry issued orders to evacuate the airport and surrounding areas.
Rashad al-Alimi, who leads Yemen’s ruling Presidential Leadership Council, said Iran had made a request to operate a flight by Iranian airline Mahan Air from Tehran to Sanaa to return the Houthi delegation.
The council, which denied the request, said in a statement Monday that Houthis had insisted on receiving the Iranian flight “outside the legal and sovereign frameworks governing civil aviation.” Hans Grundberg, the U.N.’s special envoy for Yemen, said in a statement that his office is monitoring Yemeni airspace developments and expressed concern about the risk of wider escalation. He called on involved parties to engage in dialogue that preserves the “relative calm Yemen has experienced since 2022.” Houthi-controlled areas were last targeted by the Saudi-led coalition before a U.N. brokered truce to cease hostilities came into effect in 2022.
The meeting also brought together
Mladenov has made clear that the next steps in implementing the ceasefire are stalled over the difficult issue of disarming Hamas militants in Gaza.
Israel’s current government has opposed.
The Palestinian Authority seeks a role in Gaza’s reconstruction, but the US 20-point plan only makes a reference to the possibility of a future Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, EU ministers discuss the West Bank
Separately, top diplomats from the 27-nation EU debated how to respond to increased Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
The bloc’s executive, the European Commission, has tabled options including cutting off trade with Israeli settlements in the territory.
Nations like Ireland and Spain are calling for forceful action. The Czech Republic, Germany and others alongside the commission are more cautious, seeking to apply incremental pressure. Some nations have signaled they would veto sanctions.
Exchanges of fire in recent days had already cast further doubt on the interim peace deal. Washington had lifted a blockade it imposed in mid-April as part of that deal, which also called for the strait to be fully reopened.
“We are reinstating the THE IRANIAN BLOCKADE,” Trump said on social media.
“All other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait.” The president said the US would be
Continued from A7
Iran’s army targeted US assets in Kuwait with drones and struck “a hostile vessel” with cruise missiles, the semi-official Fars news agency reported, citing an army statement. Meanwhile, the UAE said two of its tankers were attacked in Omani waters while transiting the southern route of the strait.
“reimbursed” by 20% of the value of cargo to help cover “any and all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security.” The US military said it will resume its blockade of Iranian ports at midnight local Wednesday in Dubai.
Boak, Weissert and Toropin reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Mae Anderson in New York, Christopher Weber in Los Angeles, Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut, Munir Ahmed in Islamabad and Stella Martany in Irbil, Iraq, contributed to this report.
The U.N. has said Gaza has more than 60 million tons of rubble, enough to fill nearly 3,000 container ships. It will take over seven years to clear, with additional time for demining.
Do sanctions “have a meaningful impact or not? What role could they play as a political message, and would this be escalatory in a wrong direction?” said Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova.
The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said the European Council’s legal service had found that severing trade ties with Israeli settlements in the West Bank—not technically sanctions—would require a majority vote and not total unanimity from bloc members. EU secures $1 billion in Gaza aid
Nickolay Mladenov, the head of the Board of Peace set up by US President Donald Trump to lead Gaza’s reconstruction; Trump’s sonin-law, Jared Kushner; Ali Shaath, the head of the new Palestinian committee meant to administer Gaza’s daily affairs but still unable to enter; and Palestinian Authority
“We are investing not only in the Palestinian future but also in the regional stability, shared security and just and lasting peace for everyone together,” Mustafa said, calling for “a resilient, sovereign, contiguous and viable Palestinian state”—something
Over the past month, Persian Gulf producers had begun marketing additional crude after the interim agreement eased export concerns. The UAE in particular proved highly successful at moving barrels by utilizing shuttle tankers sailing dark, or with their transponders off.
The UAE told OPEC that it increased crude production to 3.8 million barrels a day in June, up 1.71 million barrels from May, according to a monthly report seen by Bloomberg on Monday, after finding workarounds to the Iran conflict and ramping up output following its departure from the producer group.
The conflict also showed signs of widening beyond the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia’s air defenses engaged with ballistic missiles fired by Yemen’s Houthis on the country’s southern region, Alekhbariya reported, citing a Defense Ministry spokesman. Earlier, the Houthis said a Saudi airstrike hit Sanaa International Airport and vowed retaliation, opening another potential front in the area. Elsewhere, Trump will support a Russian sanctions bill championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, according to a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity. That would revive efforts to penalize buyers of Russian oil and natural gas and increase pressure on the Kremlin to end its war with Ukraine. With assistance from Gabriel Levin/Bloomberg
By Carmel Pedroza
CITY—The
Chinese
Consulate highlighted a rebound in tourism, expanding trade, and growing local partnerships with Cebu as among its key accomplishments for the first half of 2026 during a midyear media briefing on Monday, July 13, while also calling for a stable and welcoming environment to strengthen China-Philippines relations.
Chinese Consul General Zhang Zhen said tourism between the two countries continued to recover in the first five months of the year, supported by the Philippines’ visafree policy for Chinese tourists and the resumption of direct flights by Chinese carriers.
From January to May 2026, the number of Chinese tourists visiting the Philippines increased by 63% compared to the same period last year, according to the consulate. Travel in the opposite direction also showed growth, with the number of Filipinos visiting China from January to March rising by nearly 20% year on year.
‘Typographical issues do not undermine impeachment case under Article IV’
LAWMAKERS said on Tuesday that typographical and clerical issues raised during the impeachment proceedings did not weaken the House prosecution’s case under Article IV, emphasizing that such discrepancies do not affect the authenticity of key evidence.
Deputy Speaker Janette Garin of Iloilo explained that the central issue remains the credibility of the video evidence and not minor documentation errors. She noted that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) had already examined the recordings and determined that they were neither manipulated nor generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
NBI witnesses, including John Mark Calilung and Atty. Jeremy Lotoc, testified on how the recordings were obtained, authenticated, and analyzed. During cross-examination, the defense pointed out inconsistencies in docket numbers, dates, and other document entries. Lotoc clarified that these were assigned by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and were part of routine inter-agency procedures.
According to Garin, these lines of questioning do not address the core issue—whether the vice president made the statements and whether those statements constitute a betrayal of public trust.
Private prosecutor and House legal spokesperson Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. added that the weight of Lotoc’s testimony ultimately rests with the impeachment court. He stressed that the witness had already addressed the alleged errors, noting that they do not diminish the seriousness of the threats being examined.
Tolosa also said the defense appears to be using clerical inconsistencies to question the thoroughness of the NBI investigation but pointed out that the more critical issue is whether these discrepancies affect the substance of the allegations.
Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun of Zambales maintained that the alleged threats remain clearly documented in video evidence and supported by NBI findings already on record.
Khonghun said that while the defense is free to challenge documentary errors, such issues do not erase the evidence presented during the trial. He emphasized that correcting typographical mistakes does not negate recorded statements, sworn testimony, or investigative conclusions.
He added that after extensive crossexamination, the core evidence—including the videos and NBI findings—remains intact, and the defense has yet to present proof that would invalidate them.
Meanwhile, House prosecutor Terry Ridon addressed claims surrounding “Operation Romanov,” stating that it was first mentioned by Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte as a supposed threat against the presidential family. He said the defense must first establish the origin and relevance of the alleged operation if it intends to use it as context.
The consulate also underscored continued economic cooperation between the two countries, noting that China has remained the Philippines’ largest trading partner for the past 10 consecutive years.
Citing Philippine statistics, officials said bilateral trade reached another milestone in 2025, posting a 12.9% year-on-year increase.
China also remained the Philippines’ fourth-largest export destination, with exports of high-quality Philippine agricultural products and other goods continuing to record strong growth.
The briefing also highlighted ongoing China-Philippines cooperation in sectors, such as renewable energy, electric power, telecommunications and agriculture.
According to Zhang, these projects have contributed to local economic development and improved the well-being of Filipino communities.
At the local level, the consulate pointed to expanding exchanges between Cebu and Chinese provinces and cities.
Among the recent initiatives cited was the February visit of a Cebu provincial delegation to Fujian Province, Cebu’s sister province, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Cebu City firefighters also recently underwent training in Sanming City, Fujian, while a group of Cebu youth leaders participated in a study visit to Guangxi focused on artificial intelligence and robotics.
The consulate also announced that a delegation from Fujian Traditional Chinese Medical University is scheduled to conduct a medical outreach program at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City from July 23 to 25.
Officials described these exchanges as examples of strengthening subnational cooperation and people-to-people ties that could bring long-term benefits to local communities.
Zhang also emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive public opinion environment, saying that policy consistency, inclusiveness and friendly relations would
help attract more Chinese tourists, investors and business partners while unlocking opportunities across various sectors.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Consul General expressed regret over what they described as actions by “certain individuals in Cebu City” that they said run counter to efforts to improve bilateral relations.
She reiterated that China and the Philippines are close neighbors whose peoples have coexisted peacefully for generations.
The consulate called on both countries to uphold mutual respect, prioritize dialogue over confrontation, properly manage differences and focus on the welfare of their respective peoples.
It said such an approach would help place bilateral relations back on a path of stable development while contributing to regional peace, stability and prosperity.
Addressing members of the media, the consular official said journalists play an important role not only as observers of ChinaPhilippines relations but also as
bridges of communication and public understanding. She encouraged the media to present the broader context of bilateral relations to help reduce misunderstanding and foster an environment supportive of cooperation.
The briefing also included an update on China’s domestic economy. She said China’s gross domestic product expanded by 5% year on year in the first quarter of 2026. She added that profits in China’s electronics industry more than doubled, driven by demand from artificial intelligence, new energy and advanced manufacturing.
During the first five months of the year, China’s total imports and exports of goods increased by 15.3%, while trade with ASEAN grew by 16.6%. The consulate said China’s continued technological advancement, industrial upgrading and deeper international cooperation are expected to create new opportunities for economic collaboration with partners, including the Philippines.
“It was Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte who first made mention of Operation Romanov as a threat against the presidential family, not the other way around,” Ridon said.
House impeachment adviser and spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers urged the public to focus on the evidence presented in court rather than clerical imperfections in documents.
Barbers emphasized that impeachment proceedings are not about spelling or formatting errors but about whether such errors materially affect the evidence. He underscored that while accuracy in documentation is important, not all discrepancies carry legal weight.
“It’s not a spelling contest, the impeachment trial,” said Barbers. “The issue is not whether there are typos—the issue is whether they affect the evidence.”
He explained that the court must determine whether the alleged errors altered facts, compromised evidence integrity, or prejudiced the respondent’s rights. If not, such errors should not be treated as fatal flaws in the case.
Barbers also stressed the importance of distinguishing between documentary preparation issues and the actual evidence presented before the court, noting that recordings and testimonies must be evaluated independently.
Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union said the defense must directly respond to the testimony and findings presented by the NBI rather than relying solely on pointing out errors in documents.
Ortega acknowledged that questioning official records is a valid part of legal proceedings but stressed that it cannot replace a substantive rebuttal of evidence.
He pointed out that Lotoc’s testimony, which cited prima facie evidence supporting charges of grave threats and inciting to sedition, remains on record unless the defense can prove that the alleged discrepancies materially affected the investigation.
Ortega explained that while clerical errors should be corrected, they do not automatically invalidate findings unless they change key facts or undermine the reliability of the evidence.
Triggers HOUSE prosecutor Joel Chua said that even if Duterte’s statements were triggered by anger over the detention of an aide, such emotions do not justify threats against the president.
Chua said impeachment proceedings assess not only actions but also the judgment and character of public officials. He stressed that national leaders are held to higher standards because their conduct reflects on the country both domestically and internationally.
He warned that the behavior of top officials shapes the nation’s image and questioned whether such actions are appropriate for someone holding the second-highest office in the land. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz
By jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie
AHOUSE leader on Tuesday cautioned against public panic after a child’s reported death in Cavite was linked to a school deworming program, stressing that no conclusions should be drawn without a full medical investigation.
Former health secretary and Deputy Speaker Janette Garin, in an interview, said the incident could trigger fear that might undermine a key public health program if authorities fail to act swiftly and explain the facts.
“When concerns are not addressed promptly, they can create fear that
may affect the entire program,” she said, noting that misinformation could discourage parents from allowing their children to undergo deworming.
The lawmaker emphasized that deworming medicines are generally safe and are not known to cause severe conditions such as septic shock.
“As understand it, deworming medicine does not cause septic shock,” she said.
She added that reported symptoms, such as chills and difficulty breathing point to the need to examine other possible causes, including pre-existing illnesses.
“There are many factors to consider—it’s possible the child had
an underlying condition even before,” Garin said.
Garin urged authorities to conduct a thorough probe and, if permitted by the family, an autopsy to determine the true cause of death.
“The answers can only come from a proper investigation and an autopsy conducted by specialists,” she said.
Drawing from experience as a former health chief, Garin recalled a similar case during her tenure where a child’s death was initially blamed on a deworming campaign but was later proven unrelated.
“It has been established that it was not the cause, as the child had not yet taken the medication and had another illness,” she said.
She stressed that immediate and transparent communication from health authorities is crucial to prevent misinformation.
“It should be immediately explained to the public because it would be difficult if the program is halted only to find out later that it was not the actual cause,” she added.
Garin underscored that deworming programs play a vital role in children’s health and development, warning that fear-driven hesitation could have longterm consequences.
“It can have a major impact on children’s growth, brain development, and future if left unaddressed,” she said.
By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga
AN environmental and health watchdog urged the government on Monday to require child-resistant packaging (CRP) for bleach and other household cleaning products that may pose a risk of illness or injury to young children.
In a proposal submitted to the Food and Drug Administration—Center for Cosmetics and Household/Urban Hazardous Substances Regulation and Research (FDA-CCHUHSRR), the EcoWaste Coalition proposed CRP for household cleaning products containing sodium hypochlorite,
Tsodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, and other corrosive chemicals to reduce the risk of poisoning among children.
CRP is special, safety-tested packaging designed to prevent children from easily accessing or opening potentially hazardous items, such as bleach and other household chemicals. Child-resistant closures, such as push-down-and-turn caps, squeeze-andturn caps, and other mechanisms, can help ensure that even if a child finds a bleach bottle, she or he cannot easily open it.
The group’s policy proposal followed the issuance of FDA Advisory No. 2026-0708, which provided information on preventing bleach poisoning. Sodium hypochlorite,
an active ingredient of bleach, is one of the leading causes of poisoning among children, as well as adults, according to the UP-PGH National Poison Management and Control Center (NPMCC).
Improper use, storage, or disposal of bleach leads to poisoning incidents. When sodium hypochlorite—a corrosive substance—makes direct contact with skin or eyes, is inhaled through toxic fumes, or is swallowed, it chemically breaks down and damages body tissues, the EcoWaste Coalition said.
“We thank the FDA-CCHUHSRR for issuing the said advisory, guiding the general public on the proper usage and storage of
bleach products to promote awareness on bleach poisoning prevention,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “We are one with the FDA and other agencies in the ongoing efforts to educate our people about toxicants and toxins lurking in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities, which may pose severe health risks, especially to young children.”
“Considering the high number of bleach poisoning cases in the Philippines, we find it essential for bleach to adhere to CRP, as this will help in preventing accidental poisoning and serious chemical injuries, especially for children who may mistake bleach for drinking water,” she said.
lawyers ask SC to allow courts to use Filipino language during ‘Buwan ng
By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
HE Philippine Trial Lawyers Association, Inc. (PTLA) has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to allow the use of the Filipino language in all courts in the country to celebrate the “Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa” (National Language Month) from August 1 to August 31.
The request of the PTLA headed by lawyer Pete Principe was filed last July 8, 2028 in line with the government’s push for the strong use of Filipino to strengthen the economic programs of the government.
Principe noted that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. himself has been using Filipino in his official meetings and instructions as well as in his speeches nationwide.
He added that 92 percent of Filipinos can fully understand and speak the Filipino language.
“Tagalog is the nucleus of Filipino National Language and is known as the major native tongue and widely recognized as the leading language out of around 176 languages all over the country,” the PTLA head pointed out.
Principe also recalled that the SC Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo used the Filipino language in his speech in Caloocan City when he guested as keynote speaker during the 2026 Independence Day celebration and during his speech at the 18th Graduation Ceremony of Bulacan State University Law School.
Likewise, the PTLA noted that Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando was warmly applauded as guest of honor in the 20th
Graduation Ceremony of the Bulacan State University Law School after delivering his speech mixed with Tagalog.
For his part lawyer Yolando Lim, PTLA Secretary General, noted that Filipino is also currently being dominantly used in the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Noticeably, viewers are now strongly hooked on TV due to the very effective use of Tagalog by the prosecution and the defense panels. Even the Senator Judges in their code switching Tagalog and English effectively for the benefit of the public,” Lim said.
The PTLA stressed that the use of the Filipino language is in line with Article XIV, Sections 6 to 9 of the Constitution.
Section 6 specifically states that the
national language of the Philippines is Filipino while Section 7 provides that “for purposes of communication and instruction, the official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and, until otherwise provided by law, English.”
On the other hand, Section 8 states that the Constitution shall be promulgated in Filipino and English and shall be translated into major regional languages, Arabic, and Spanish.
Section 9, on the other hand, mandates Congress to “establish a national language commission composed of representatives of various regions and disciplines which shall undertake, coordinate, and promote researches for the development, propagation, and preservation of Filipino and other languages.”
By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga
THE Philippine Mining Development Corporation (PMDC), the government’s mining arm, has expressed its support for and adoption of “Big Brother–Small Brother” initiative. The partnership framework encourages cooperation between large-scale mining operators and small-scale miners.
In a statement, PMDC President and Chief Executive Officer Atty.
nahang Bayan where small-scale miners are allowed.
The DENR-MGB also provides capacity-building training to small scale miners to prevent environmental pollution brought about by indiscriminate disposal of harmful chemicals such as mercury which is being used in illegal smallscale mining activities.
Under the model, established and technically capable mining operators may assist small-scale miners in transitioning toward legal, properly regulated, and environmentally responsible operations.
For decades, a significant portion of the country’s small-scale mining sector has operated outside the formal regulatory system. Illegal and unregulated mining activities often expose workers to hazardous underground conditions where accidents and fatalities remain a serious concern.
ing challenges, Ambrosio said enforcement must be accompanied by practical and viable legal alternatives that encourage small-scale miners to enter the formal economy and become part of a safer, more productive, and properly regulated mining industry.
ment, livelihood generation, and operational sustainability.
“The MGB has recognized that cooperation between large-scale mining companies and small-scale miners can provide a practical pathway toward formalization.
Job Adrian M. Ambrosio said the corporation is adopting the approach in recognition of the support of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) for collaborative programs that promote the formalization of small-scale mining, responsible mineral development, improved mine safety, environmental compliance, and inclusive economic growth.
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With this, he called on the Philippines to participate in the United Nations-backed initiative dubbed Borrowers’ Club, established to provide developing nations a platform in global debt discussions.
“This is so that the Philippines can advocate for more just lending practices [...] because it’s a system that abuses developing countries,” Guinaran said.
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Carpenter was widely respected for his contributions to marine science, particularly his research on fish biodiversity.
He authored the scientific paper that identified the Verde Island Passage as the world’s “Center of Marine Shore Fish Biodiversity.”
He also served as an adjunct professor and associate researcher at Silliman University, working with the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences and the Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management.
His death drew an outpouring of grief from environmental groups, marine scientists and academic institutions.
In a Facebook post, Mangingisda described the incident as “a painful day for the Philippine marine science community” and called for justice for Carpenter.
The Negros Island Region police commander, Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, condemned the killing and assured the public that the investigation is being given top priority.
“I have directed our investigators to exhaust all legal means to identify and apprehend those responsible at the soonest possible time,” Cardiño said, assuring Carpenter’s family, the local community and foreign visitors that the case is being treated with utmost urgency.
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a fair opportunity for parties to be heard.
By placing legal assistance within communities, residents can access immediate help without the expense of hiring private lawyers or traveling to urban centers.
To encourage participation, the bill provides incentives for volunteer lawyers and law students, including mandatory continuing legal education credits, tax deductions for pro bono services, and internship credits for students in state universities.
The measure also promotes alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and conciliation to help resolve conflicts faster and at lower cost, while easing the burden on congested courts.
The bill creates a Barangay Legal Assistance Council that will oversee implementation, recommend improvements, and submit annual reports to Congress. The council will include representatives from key government agencies, the legal profession, law schools, and civil society groups.
Around 500,000 to 1 million small-scale miners are operating in the Philippines and the government endeavors to bring them to the fold by establishing more Mi -
Assistance may include technical guidance, mine planning, safety systems, environmental management, mineral processing, regulatory compliance, and access to legitimate markets.
The proposal seeks to demonstrate that responsible mining can create lasting economic opportunities while significantly improving worker safety, environmental stewardship, and community welfare in mining host communities.
The unregulated use of mercury and cyanide may also contribute to the contamination of rivers and waterways, while the absence of proper engineering, mine planning, waste management, and erosion-control measures increases the risks of landslides, pollution, and environmental degradation.
Illegal mining operations have likewise been associated with child labor, inadequate social protection, and economic inequities, where a limited number of individuals receive substantial profits while many miners continue to work under dangerous conditions and earn only modest incomes.
Recognizing these longstand -
VP Sara: Impeachment case lacks evidence, built on ‘fiction’
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3
VICE President Sara Duterte on Tuesday maintained that she committed no grave threat and that this was evident on the fourth day of the impeachment trial.
“Day 4 of the impeachment trial, the country witnessed what I have been saying all along: the complaint is not supported by evidence,” Duterte said in a statement.
She added, “Repeatedly claiming that there were threats when none existed, inventing an assassin where there was none, and fabricating evidence to support those claims does not transform fiction into fact.”
Instead, Duterte stressed, such actions “undermine the integrity of public institutions, erode public trust, waste public resources, and corrupt the search for truth.”
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cause exceptionally grave damage to the nation, politically, economically, or from a security aspect.
It was followed by Secret, which are information or matters the unauthorized disclosure of which would endanger national security, cause serious injury to the interest or prestige of the nation, or of any government activity, or would be of great advantage to a foreign nation; and Confidential, which are information the unauthorized disclosure of which, while not endangering the national security, would be prejudicial to the interest or prestige of the nation or any government activity, or would cause administrative embarrassment or unwarranted injury to an individual, or would be of advantage to a foreign nation;
The least important of the subcategories is Restricted, which refers to information or matters which require protection other than that determined to be Top
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To combat the outbreak, the SRA has continued field validation, surveillance, and technical assistance in affected communities while activating an RSSI Inter-Agency Task Force composed of representatives from the Department of Agriculture,
“An impeachment proceeding should be grounded in credible evidence, not speculation, manufactured narratives, or unsupported allegations. The rule of law depends on facts, not fiction,” she said.
It may be noted that the Vice President, in an online press briefing on November 23, 2024, uttered that if she were to be killed, she already instructed an assassin to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Continuation of the cross-examination
ON Tuesday, the fifth day of the impeachment trial, presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero reminded Vinluan to avoid making “disparaging statements” after defense counsel Mark Vinluan brought up the background of Duterte as a lawyer during his cross-examination
Secret, Secret, or Confidential
Open Access Data does not involve national security and may be designated as Unclassified or Open, subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
A risk-based methodology will be implemented by the originating agency of government data for the classification of its data.
The DICT will create and maintain a Government Data Classification Registry System, where all data classification, legal basis, and risk assessments from the said government agencies will be stored.
EO 119 prohibits “overclassification” of data to prevent unnecessary delay, expense, or administrative burden.
It also creates a new Data Residency Framework, which states all government data shall remain subject to the laws and jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines, regardless where such data is stored, processed, or handled. It also designated the storage locations for each data classification depending on their importance.
Bureau of Plant Industry-Plant Quarantine Services, Department of the Interior and Local Government, provincial governments, local agriculture offices, and local government units.
The agency has also rolled out pest management interventions through its Quick Response to Pest Outbreak Project, distributing insecticides and other control materials through Mill District
of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Regional Head and former Cybercrime Division chief Jeremy Lotoc.
“Are you aware that the Vice President is a lawyer? That she has a long degree and passed the Bar exams in her first attempt with a rating of 80 percent and she has a higher grade than most of the lawyers here,” Vinluan asked of Lotoc.
When Lotoc responded, “Yes Sir,” Vinluan then pressed him if he knew of Duterte’s passing rate which prompted House private prosecutor Amando Virgil Ligutan to object.
“Counsel for the respondent, kindly avoid those disparaging statements given that there are a lot of lawyers here and you don’t know what their grades are,” Escudero said.
Vinluan then said he will comply with Escudero’s admonition.
The JOC-DC will enforce a three-year transition period for the implementation of EO 119.
Within the first year from the effectivity of the said Order, covered government agencies shall complete capacity-building measures, conduct an inventory of government data, and undertake the initial classification of datasets and workloads.
During the second year of the effectivity of EO 119, covered government agencies shall ensure full compliance with the requirements of this Order for data classified as Top Secret and Secret.
In the third year of the order’s implementation, covered government agencies shall ensure full compliance with the requirements of this EO 119 for all remaining government data.
Covered agencies may continue to utilize existing infrastructure and services, provided that they take reasonable measures to manage risks and ensure alignment during the transition period.
Samuel P. Medenilla
Development Councils.
In December 2025, the SRA released an additional P9.2 million worth of insecticides for pest management operations in the Visayas, including Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental.
Aside from pest control assistance, the SRA provided urea fertilizer to affected sugarcane farmers.
PMDC will work closely with the MGB, local government units, indigenous cultural communities, small-scale mining associations, partner operators, and other concerned government agencies to determine how the model may be responsibly implemented in suitable PMDC projects and mineral areas.
PMDC supports this direction and intends to adopt the Big Brother–Small Brother approach in appropriate PMDC mining areas,” Ambrosio said.
Ambrosio noted that the partnership approach draws from programs, such as the Big Brother–Small Brother initiative implemented by Itogon-Suyoc Resources, Inc. (ISRI), a subsidiary of Apex Mining Co., Inc., which demonstrates how established mining operators can help smallscale miners improve safety, compliance, environmental manage -
Ambrosio said the future of Philippine mining should be inclusive—one where mineral development benefits small-scale miners and their families, host communities, local governments, and the national economy.
“Responsible mining must create opportunity, not exclusion. By working with the MGB and our mining communities, we can help transform informal mining into a safer, legal, environmentally responsible, and sustainable industry that provides long-term livelihoods for Filipino miners,” Ambrosio said.
THE Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) on Tuesday told the Supreme Court (SC) that there are no other available documents provided by Congress in connection with the changes made by the Bicameral Conference Committee to the 2024 national budget.
Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe made the disclosure during the last day of the oral arguments on the four consolidated petitions assailing the constitutionality of specific provisions relating to the unprogrammed allocations and special accounts in the 2024, 2025, and 2025 national budgets.
It may be recalled that Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa previously asked the OSG to provide the Court several documents specifically on the Programs, Activities, and Projects (PAPs) that were inserted by the Bicam, the respective amounts for each, and the supporting documents for specific PAPs, such worksheets, spreadsheets, background calculations.
Berberabe and Caguioa told that the OSG has complied with the request of the Court by submitting the Bicam report for the 2024 budget together with the joint explanation of the differences that were determined and decided during the committee’s deliberation.
As for the other documents requested to be submitted by the SC, Berberabe said the House and the Senate leadership told her that under their rules they are only required to issue a Bicam report.
Berberabe also shared to the Court that there were “institutional concerns” raised by the House and Senate leadership during their meeting with regard to the Court’s request. This prompted Caguiao to ask the OSG to secure and submit a manifestation under oath from representatives of both chambers stating their reasons for not supplying the documents being requested.
“I think this is the directive of the Court already. We want to know whether or not these docs exist or do not exist, or whether these docs do exist but they don’t want to give them to us because of their institutional concerns,” Caguiao stressed.
“I want to hear it from the horse’s mouth under oath,” the magistrate added.
The SC has conducted a total of six days of oral arguments on the questionable provisions in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 budgets since April.
SC Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo directed all parties and the amici curiae (friends of the Court) to submit their respective memoranda on all issues within 20 days.
Gesmundo also tasked the respondent government to submit all the remaining requested manifestations, documents, certifications within a non-extendible period of 15 days.
“All the parties are reminded that the court will decide on this urgent case based on their own timeline considering the manifestations of the amici and that the GAA 2027 will soon be tackled by Congress, regardless whether the parties complied with the periods we have provided,” Gesmundo said.
Joel R. San Juan
“When we asked the House and the Senate there are no records that are available that can be certified, because again and they referred us to what is required under their rules and that they are required to come up with a Bicam report and that is what we submitted,” Berberabe said.
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reliably deliver clean electricity to the Luzon grid. It has also safely logged over 30 million work hours without a lost-time injury.
“MGen has always believed that the energy transition must deliver not only cleaner power, but also reliable and affordable electricity for Filipinos. MTerra Solar demonstrates what is possible when vision, innovation, and collaboration come together. Beyond building one of the world’s most significant renewable
energy facilities, we are helping build a stronger and more resilient Philippine energy system capable of supporting the country’s long-term economic growth,” added Rubio.
Phase 2 adds 1,000 MWp and 1,200 MWh BESS and are already under construction and could be completed in the first quarter of 2027. In all, the project is expected to generate up to 3,500 MWp of solar power, supported by a 4,500-MWh BESS—delivering clean energy to approximately 2.4 million households. With reports from Samuel P. Medenilla
www.businessmirror.com.ph
SOME 300 Filipino-Americans have joined this year’s edition of the Very Important Pinoys (VIP) Tour, which is organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in cooperation with the Department of Tourism (DOT).
The tour, which began on July 12, will last until July 21, and take participants to key local destinations such as Dumaguete and Cebu, aside from Metro Manila. “We are visiting Dumaguete for the first time, as well as Siquijor and Apo Island,” said Jose C. Clemente III, president of Rajah Tours Philippines, which has long been handling the tours for the DFA. The guests may also choose to extend their stay and join add-on tours.
The United States has overtaken South Korea as the top source market of foreign tourists in the Philippines, as per the DOT. From January to June 16, American visitors reached 591,569, accounting for 20 percent of the 2.96 million in total arrivals for the period. Clemente told the BusinessMirror that most of the participants in the VIP Tour use their American passports when they travel to the Philippines. “But I’m sure many of them are dual citizens,” he said.
The flagship tour of the Philippines’s foreign service posts “aims to reconnect FilipinoAmericans and friends of the Philippines with the country’s cultural, historical, and tourism landmarks through a curated travel experience,” according to the US consuls general. Participants this year are paying a basic tour package of at least US$1,915 per person (twin occupancy) for three-day stays each at Dusit Thani Manila, Liquid Dive Resort (Dumaguete), and Dusit Mactan. Other hotels participating in the tour include Henry
By Samuel P. Medenilla
WITH only two years before the end of his administration, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants to prioritize funding programs which can be implemented quickly and without any hurdles, according to Malacañang.
Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto relayed the chief executive’s instruction to members of the Cabinet during their meeting last Friday while they were finalizing the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP).
He reminded the agencies of the President’s instruction that only projects which are consistent with the priorities of the administration will be given priority in terms of funding.
In 2024, Marcos vetoed P194 billion in line items from the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) for not being aligned with government goals. Last year, he also vetoed P92.5 billion of unprogrammed appropriations in the 2026 GAA to prevent the funds from being used as “backdoor for discretionary spending.”
“Therefore, only items that align with the government’s program—in accordance with the national plan—and offer high public benefit should be included in the proposed expenditure,” Recto said in Filipino in a statement.
Last week, the Presidential Communications Office announced that the 2027 NEP was already finalized after it was presented by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to the Cabinet.
Among those present at the meeting were the secretaries of social welfare, agriculture, labor, energy, public works, transportation, and health.
The Office of the Executive Secretary said Marcos is hopeful the final version of the 2027 NEP went through a comprehensive review and study by the Cabinet.
DBM said last month that the proposed national budget next year will be P7.2 trillion, which is higher compared to the P6.679-trillion 2026 NEP.
The Executive Branch of the government usually submits its NEP after the opening session of Congress, which coincides with the President’s State of the Nation Address (Sona).
Marcos will deliver his fifth Sona on July 27.
Hotel Dumaguete and Atmosphere Resort in Dauin, as guest options.
22nd year and running
THIS is the 22nd edition of the tour, which began in 2004 as the Ambassadors, Consuls General, and Tourism Directors Tour, a brainchild of then Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario. It has since branched out with a Winter Escapade Tour, targeting Canadians of Filipino descent. Said tour is usually held in the first two weeks of February. In its initial iterations, a visit to Malacañang Palace was included, along with an audience with the current President. This Malacañang stop ended during the term of President Benigno S. Aquino III and was never revived since then.
Separately, Philippines Tourism Attache to Los Angeles, California Gerard O. Panga said, “Out of our 1.12 million visitor arrivals from the US in 2025, only 116,852 are Philippine passport holders. The rest or 90 percent is with American/foreign passports. The naturalized Filipino-Americans make up 53 percent of the US visitor arrivals.”
He also underscored the importance of encouraging younger or “new generation” Filipino-Americans to visit the Philippines.
“Most of our visitors from the US belong to the Baby Boomers and Gen-X market segment,” said Panga. Clemente said they are working on separate tours for Filipino-American Millennials and Gen-Zs.
Over 4M Fil-Ams in the US BASED on the US Census Bureau data as of
By Mary Jade Jadormio
THEPhilippines should back its global leadership on platform work with stronger protection for Filipino gig workers, as climate change exposes millions of app-based workers to greater health and financial risks without adequate labor and social safeguards, according to a new study.
The study, Towards Resilient Platform Work in the Philippines: Navigating Climate and Technological Disruptions, said the country’s role in leading negotiations for the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Convention on Decent Work in the Platform Economy gives it an opportunity to push similar reforms at home.
“The Philippines now has an opportunity to demonstrate global leadership by ratifying and implementing the ILO Convention and Recommendation on Decent Work
By Jonathan L. Mayuga
AN adult Philippine eagle that was turned over to the DENR on July 3 was reportedly rescued by a local from a troop of long-tailed macaques.
While less than 400 breeding pairs are believed to be left in the wild, efforts are ongoing to save the eagle from extinction through protection and conservation via rescue and rehabilitation of injured or captive eagles and their habitats, as well as through a successful captive-breeding program. Its reintroduction into previously known habitat—but where the species is now believed locally extinct—is now being implemented.
Local researchers have been monitoring the eagle’s behavior in the wild, and it was the first time that a report of an eagle being attacked by a troop of monkeys, as narrated by Facebook user Merly Omarol Suday, surfaced. It also came as a surprise.
In her Facebook post on July 9, Suday claimed the rescuer, Marvin, saw more than 30 monkeys aggressively attacking what he first thought to be a chicken.
“To scare the monkeys away, he barked like a dog,” the viral Facebook post said. The monkeys, the narrator continued, became frightened and scattered, and were shocked to discover that it was actually a Philippine eagle lying on the ground.
While hesitant about what to do, Marven eventually decided to stay with the eagle, gathered leaves from an Anunutong fern, and gently covered the eagle’s eyes to help keep it calm.
Using his jacket, Marvin covered the eagle’s body for protection.
While thankful for Marvin’s effort, experts from the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) say the condition of the rescued Philippine eagle tells a different story. According to the PEF, the eagle was turned over by locals to the DENR on July 3, with wounds already infested by maggots.
PEF initial investigation showed the eagle had been found earlier that day near the Sawaga River in Barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay City.
Residents brought her to the nearest accessible community, where government responders and conservation workers quickly organized a rescue.
The ancient forests of Dalwangan, within Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park, are among the Philippine Eagle’s most important strongholds. The area is recognized as a historic nesting territory and is the second-
oldest known breeding territory for the species, with breeding consistently documented since 1986. This makes it one of the longestmonitored Philippine Eagle nesting territories anywhere in the world.
The eagle, named Sawaga-Dalwangan after the place where it was rescued, appeared exhausted. Its wing was heavily soiled and severely infested with maggots, indicating the urgency of rescue and treatment.
“The eagle was very weak, dehydrated, and unable to fly. Her chest and belly feathers were stained with soil, giving them a muddy brown appearance. The feathers on her wings and body were dirty, broken, and badly worn. These signs suggested that she had been on the ground for quite some time,” the PEF said.
The veterinarian who treated her said the infestation was more extensive than expected. Larvae were found not only in the wing wounds but also around the base of her tail feathers, around the vent, and inside the lining of the cloaca.
The bird’s condition raised many questions.
According to PEF, the wounds, together with her severe dehydration, soiled feathers, damaged plumage, and the advanced maggot infestation, suggested that her injuries were not recent. She had likely been unable to move normally for several days. But what caused those injuries is still unknown.
Interviewed by the BusinessMirror, Jayso Ibanez, Director for Operations of the PEF, said the narrative of the rescuer and the condition of the eagle tell two different stories.
Ibanez said a troop of monkeys attacking a Philippine eagle has never been observed before.
“We have never observed this behavior from eagles and monkeys before,” Ibanez said. He said the natural tendencies or instinct of monkeys are to run away from the eagles.
“What we’ve seen is the alpha male posturing to fight an eagle, but monkeys ganging up on an eagle never happens. They are afraid of eagles,” says Ibanez.
“It is possible it was caught in a snare and was helplessly trying to escape for days already,” Ibanez said.
He said the eagle’s foot also bore signs of nylon burns, indicating it was caught in a snare intended for either a deer or wild pig.
According to Ibanez, the maggots from the eagle’s wounds mean the injury may have happened days ago, or at least a week ago.
See “Eagle,” A2
in the Platform Economy,” the study read.
Researchers said the convention comes at a time when platform workers remain vulnerable because many are still classified as independent contractors, leaving them with limited access to labor rights, occupational safety protections and social security.
The study said climate change is making those vulnerabilities harder to ignore.
“A substantial body of research has already documented the vul-
nerabilities endemic to platform work,” it said, adding that climate change reveals “what the absence of social protection actually costs for platform workers.”
For ride-hailing drivers, delivery riders and platform-based care workers, earning a living means working through extreme heat, heavy rains, floods and typhoons.
Workers often continue accepting bookings despite dangerous weather because stopping work also means losing income and, in some cases, affecting their platform ratings.
The risks extend beyond those on the road.
The report said remote workers also face disruptions from floods, power outages and unstable internet connections, with some forced to work through disasters to avoid missing client deadlines.
Researchers also found that platform workers shoulder nearly all work-related expenses themselves, from fuel and vehicle maintenance to internet services, gadgets and protective equipment.
For delivery and ride-hailing workers, daily operating costs were estimated at around P740. That
climbs to roughly P1,015 for workers who are still paying motorcycle and mobile phone amortization. On top of those expenses, workers also spend for raincoats, waterproof phone covers, boots, passenger rain gear and motorcycle canopies to cope with increasingly unpredictable weather.
The report said extreme weather can also trigger a cycle of lost income, debt and overwork as workers borrow money to repair damaged vehicles or replace equipment while trying to recover earnings lost during storms.
It warned against treating these hardships as simply part of the job.
“When workers share that they are able to bear the heat of riding at 1PM under a heat wave, or willingly take the burden of shouldering medical expenses after suffering from an accident or leptospirosis, this should not justify that they should continually bear all these responsibilities,” the report said.
“This should illustrate the urgency of social protection needs emerging from a long history of absorbing risk.”
Among its recommendations,
THE early 1990s were good times for the local coconut industry, particularly for those producing nata de coco—a jelly made from coconut water that is used for making popular Filipino desserts like halo-halo. From the 200 metric tons of nata de coco exported in 1990, shipments surged in subsequent years due to the spike in demand. Citing data from the Philippine Coconut Authority, a Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) discussion paper indicated that exports jumped to 14,303 MT in 1993 and 15,832 MT in 1994.
A study conducted by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) noted that the shipments of nata de coco skyrocketed in 1993 due to the huge demand for it in Japan. A small food company in Japan, the study indicated, built the image of nata de coco as health food through advertisements. Nata de coco was then distributed for sale to restaurants and groceries, eventually becoming a favorite diet food and used as ingredients for drinks.
The same SEARCA study noted that nata de coco is already being exported to several countries like the United States and Europe in the 1980s. The biggest demand for nata de coco, however, came from Japan. The Japanese considered nata de coco a health food for several reasons including its anti-cancer properties and the belief that it is good for pregnant women.
The study, which was published in the Philippine Journal of Crop Science, noted that the Japanese liked its taste as well as its effect on their health. Because of this, food processors in the Philippines were asked to supply the Japanese market with sweetened nata de coco. These food processors encouraged new growers of nata de coco to respond to the demand of the food traders in Japan.
However, two years after nata de coco shipments increased by leaps and bounds, exports fell by more than half to 6,091 MT in 1995, according to data provided by the same PIDS discussion paper. By 1997, exports of nata de coco fell below the 6,000-MT mark.
The SEARCA study noted that the decline in nata de coco demand was due to a number of reasons including oversupply and the rumor on the presence of formalin and other chemicals in nata de coco shipments from the Philippines. Despite the unfounded rumors, the buyers of nata de coco became very strict and choosy on the quality of nata de coco they buy. The authors said the buyers even formulated a letter of agreement to assure that the product had no unwanted chemicals. This and another rumor on rejected shipments were enough to destroy the growing market of nata de coco.
The experience of the nata de coco industry in the 1990s should serve as a cautionary tale for those pushing for the cultivation of certain crops due to fads. It should do well for policymakers to also remember that trade regulations in the 1990s were less stringent compared to current guidelines. Local producers must therefore be given assistance not only in terms of hiking production but also in meeting the stringent standards of importing countries, such as the United States and those belonging to the European Union.
OR an upper-middle income country like the Philippines, food security and lower prices remain a top priority. A well-fed nation where food prices are low promote political and economic stability and protect the purchasing power of every Filipino.
Food security begins with adequate supply of rice—the country’s staple food. Many economic policies, thus, must protect the rice sector and the farmers who till the soil in the countryside.
Ironically, the Philippines remains a major importer of rice in this part of the world. It should not be the case and it is about time that we put an end to it and instead become a major rice producer.
Rice imports jumped 20.1 percent in the first half of 2026 to 2.75 million metric tons from 2.29 million tons a year ago. Per the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Philippines increased its rice purchases from abroad to cushion irrigation disruptions, higher production costs and the anticipated effects of El Niño on domestic output.
The Philippines imported more as a precaution in the wake of the severe weather disturbance that would surely reduce the country’s rice production.
A DA official noted that over 30,000 hectares served by the Up -
per Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System were affected in the first quarter, trimming the country’s planted area before conditions recovered in the second quarter.
A surge in global oil prices as well as higher fertilizer costs earlier in the year also raised farmers’ production and transportation costs.
El Niño, as forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), remains a concern for domestic rice production in the latter part of the year.
Monthly rice arrivals peaked in May at 593,203 tons, followed by March with 481,457 tons, February with 442,866 tons and June with 438,582 tons. January imports reached 381,367 tons, while April was the only month to post a yearon-year decline, falling to 412,200 tons from 502,723 tons a year earlier.
The shortage of domestic rice production can easily be fixed by importations but buying the commodity from abroad for a longer time will adversely affect local farm-
By Diana Li & Pui Gwen Yeung
Tolosa
Rolando M. Manangan
817-9467; 813-0725. Fax line: 813-7025. (Advertising Sales) 893-2019; 817-1351, 817-2807. (Circulation) 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news.businessmirror@gmail.com www.businessmirror.com.ph
DEEPSEEK founder Liang Wenfeng’s net worth more than doubled after his firm’s most recent fundraising round, making the Chinese entrepreneur the world’s richest among creators of AI models.
Liang is now worth $36 billion, up from about $16.7 billion previously, according
Food security begins with adequate supply of rice—the country’s staple food. Many economic policies, thus, must protect the rice sector and the farmers who till the soil in the countryside. Ironically, the Philippines remains a major importer of rice in this part of the world. It should not be the case and it is about time that we put an end to it and instead become a major rice producer.
ers. Authorities do not want our rice farmers to be displaced by imports and priced out by foreign shipments.
Raising the palay buying price of the National Food Authority (NFA) will support farmgate prices and strengthen local procurement. Subsidies in the long run, however, will eat into the national budget that also funds other priority sectors, like health and educational services.
Keeping rice prices low and protecting the welfare of the farmers at the same time remain a challenge to policy makers.
The basic consideration is inflation management because it protects the purchasing power of households and keep their wallets flexible.
Inflation softened to 6.4 percent in June 2026 from 6.8 percent in May as transport and food costs grew slower.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages rose more slowly at 5.2 percent from 5.7 percent, while furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance eased to 3.7 percent from 3.9 percent.
Core inflation, which strips out volatile food and energy items, rose to 4.4 percent in June from 4.1 percent in May and was up sharply from 2.2 percent a year earlier. A drop in inflation is critical to Filipino families. Department of Economy, Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan summed it up—every percentage point drop in inflation matters to Filipino families.
“It means household budgets can go further, especially for poor families who spend a large share of their income on food and transportation,” he says.
Manageable prices, or lower inflation, are dependent on stable food supply, which weighs heavily on the inflation index.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages in June contributed the largest share to headline inflation at 31.4 percent, or 2.0 percentage points, followed by housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels at 26.0 percent, or 1.7 percentage points, and transport at 18.4 percent, or 1.2 percentage points.
Achieving food security, especially in rice, will bring us closer to an inclusive economy. Modern agriculture methods and more irrigation canals and infrastructure will uplift the output of our farmers and contribute significantly to lower prices. More importantly, the Philippines will eventually find no need to import rice from our Southeast Asian neighbors.
For feedback e-mail to senatormarkvillar@ gmail.com or visit our web site: https://markvillar. com.ph
Liang created DeepSeek in 2023 as an offshoot of the AI division of his hedge fund, Zhejiang HighFlyer Asset Management, which he set up with two former university classmates. The trio had begun trading as students during the global financial crisis.
By Thomas Escritt
THE last vestiges of Viktor Orban’s 16-year reign are being cast out. It will soon be up to Prime Minister Peter Magyar to begin phase two of his pledge to reincarnate democracy in Hungary.
The premier looks set to deliver on the promise to unseat Peter Sulyok, the president Orban appointed, and the top judges he handpicked who provided the air cover for his authoritarian regime.
The parliamentary vote on Monday—which Orban’s party boycotted—clears from the stage people who could have delayed legislation to restore Hungary’s access to €16.4 billion ($18.7 billion) in European Union funding.
Next, Magyar wants to create an asset-recovery authority with the power to seize control of companies suspected of cooperating in embezzlement of public money under the previous government.
“The constitutional change lays the foundations for the authority,” Magyar told reporters after the vote. “The authority’s leadership can be appointed in a transparent process in September and then it can get to work.”
All of this is part of a plan to reassure the EU that Hungary can safely release the billions that were frozen over concerns that Orban and his cronies were siphoning off a chunk.
Orban, who always cast himself as a “streetfighter,” is far from the field of battle. He’s posting obituaries for Hungarian democracy from North America, where he is watching the final three games of the football World Cup.
The rapid change in fortunes following Magyar’s landslide victory on April 12 has even the most cautious observers questioning whether Orban, the central figure in Hungarian politics since the fall of Communism in 1989, has a future.
“If you say that democracy has ended in a country, you can’t leave the same day for the football World Cup,” Gabor Torok, a political commentator, posted on Facebook. “It just undermines the message.”
Monday’s vote to amend the constitution crowns a frenetic period of legislative activity since the government was formed in May. The result removed the president, set a limit of three parliamentary terms for legislators and sent Orban allies in top courts into retirement.
His Fidesz party has decried the moves to dismiss them as a violation of democratic norms. But Magyar said voters gave him a mandate to carry out his promise to dismiss
The rapid change in fortunes following Magyar’s landslide victory on April 12 has even the most cautious observers questioning whether Orban, the central figure in Hungarian politics since the fall of Communism in 1989, has a future.
appointees. He said turned a blind eye to depredations and corruption committed by Orban’s allies.
Online, and in English-language podcasts for foreign consumption, Fidesz officials keep insisting that Magyar’s reforms are an authoritarian power grab.
“Hungarian Democracy 19902026,” Orban posted on Facebook ahead of the vote. His party’s legislators boycotted the session, standing outside the chamber, most of them dressed in mourning black.
“They don’t really think the rule of law is at an end,” Magyar shot back in the news conference. “If they did, they’d call for real action from their supporters and probably wouldn’t be watching football.”
Interest in parliament has soared since Magyar took office, partly since the neo-Gothic building by the Danube is once again a place where laws are made after years during which Orban largely ruled by decree.
Over the final years of his time in office, sessions of parliament averaged some 5,000 online views. Since the elections, that number has soared to as much as 250,000.
And Orban’s party seems to be in disarray. Caucus leader Gergely Gulyas stood down on the morning of the vote, saying that since he could no longer be re-elected following the amendment, someone else should take the job. The decision took his party colleagues by surprise.
Orban has promised to lead the party through a process of renewal from outside parliament. Details may emerge later in the summer at a festival in Transylvania, in neighboring Romania that he attends every year.
Others question whether he still has the authority to run that process.
“It’s more Viktor Orban’s myth that’s ended today, not Hungarian democracy,” Torok, the political analyst, said. With assistance from Zoltan Simon /Bloomberg
OCIAL media is flooded with photos of students from the University of the Philippines wearing the Sablay that signal completion of their college life.
The Sablay is the official academic costume of the University, replacing upon its introduction in 1990 and its official adoption in 2000, the traditional mortarboard (cap) and toga.
The word “Sablay” refers to an indigenous loose garment that, simple yet elegant, is traditionally used for formal occasions.
It is an indigenous sash adorned with Philippine geometric patterns, the university’s acronym in Baybayin, and the UP colors (maroon, green, and gold).
The design features the ukkil (a motif representing the growth of knowledge) along with geometric patterns commonly found across various indigenous tribes in the Philippines.
Formal clothing should be worn with the sablay as a sign of respect and to preserve the solemnity and dignity of the occasions when it is worn.
The sablay was designed not only as an adaptation to the country’s tropical climate but also as a distinctly Filipino symbol of academic achievement.
Before conferment, the sablay hangs from the right shoulder with the band resting slightly below the shoulder. Once the degree is conferred (signaling the person is offi-
cially a graduate), the sablay is shifted or flipped to the left shoulder.
The Diliman campus was my solace for a decade as a student at the UP School of Economics from 1987 to 1991 and later at the UP College of Law from 1992 to 1998.
I did not wear the sablay during my graduation from the two colleges as we still wore the traditional toga.
The sablay ceremonies are also time of recognition to those who finished their studies with Latin honors.
The “Latin honor” system usually has three levels of honor (listed in order of increasing merit): wherein summa cum laude (SCL) is the university’s highest academic distinction for graduates with a weighted average grade of 1.20 or higher, followed by magna cum laude ( MCL) for 1.21 to 1.45, then cum laude (CL) for 1.46 to 1.75. In UP, the highest grade is 1.0, the lowest passing grade is 3.0, and the failing grade is 5.0.
UP Diliman has 1,995 bachelor’s degree holders who finished with Latin honors (out of 5,022): 154 SCL, 927 MCL, and 914 CL.
UP Los Baños has 1,051 out 3,136: 35 SCL, 379 MCL, and 737 CL.
UP Manila has 549 graduates with Latin honors: 12 SCL,173 MCL, and 364 CL.
The UP sablay is more than a graduation sash—it’s a symbol of resilience, purpose, and the journey behind every achievement.
UP Diliman Extension Programs in Pampanga and Olongapo (UPDEPPO) have 85 out of 180 graduates: 17
MCL and 68 CL.
UP Baguio has 184 out of 372: 2
SCL, 34, MCL, and 138 CL. UP Mindanao has 124 out of 274: 1 SCL, 34 MCL, 89 CL.
UP Cebu has 200 out of 469: 4
SCL, 51 MCL and 145 CL.
UP Tacloban has 60 out of 295: 1 ML and 59 CL.
Aside from 154 SCLs in UP Diliman this year, there are 35 in UP Los Baños, 12 in UP Manila, 4 in UP Cebu, 2 in UP Baguio, and 1 in UP Mindanao.
UP Diliman’s valedictorian, Janine Sofia Marie Umiten, (B.S. Social Work, SCL) said that UP does not produce graduates to be admired, but citizens called to serve.
“We stand as equals with the masses in dignity. We stand as equals with them in wisdom. We stand as equals with them in the capacity to transform society. When we falter, let us not be deafened by the sound of applause,” Umiten said.
UP Los Baños valedictorian Jan Neal Isaac Villamin (BS Computer Science, SCL) said that UP education reshaped the way he viewed both his discipline and the nation.
“For a country that was exploited for being so rich, our small farmers are continuously pitted against other nation’s imports,” Villamin said. “Education should not only produce innovators, it should produce graduates who use their knowledge to confront inequality and serve the people.”
South Korea turns more bullish on economy as chip boom rolls on
By Heesu Lee
SOUTH Korea’s government is taking a more bullish view of the economy than the International Monetary Fund’s recent assessment, maintaining that an artificial intelligence-driven semiconductor boom will continue to outweigh the impact of the Middle East conflict.
In its second-half economic policy strategy released Tuesday, the government raised its growth forecast for this year to 3 percent from 2 percent previously. The revised projection is above the 2.6 percent forecast published just last week by the IMF. The fund’s forecast matched a Bank of Korea projection from May.
The expansion that began in the
second half of last year is expected to gather further momentum as strong demand for AI chips continues to offset the drag from the war, while a supplementary budget helps cushion the impact of higher energy costs, according to a joint government statement. The government expects growth to moderate to 2.2 percent next year.
The document also painted a
By Isabelle Chong
SINGAPORE’S economy is on track to outperform the government’s own full-year growth forecast as global demand for artificial intelligence-related electronics continues to offset geopolitical headwinds.
Gross domestic product in the second quarter grew 5.7 percent from the previous year, based on advance estimates released Tuesday by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. While slower than the 6.3 percent in the preceding quarter, that beats the 5.5 percent median forecast in a Bloomberg survey and keeps the city-state well above MTI’s latest fullyear growth projection of 2 percent to 4 percent. Manufacturing was the only sector that accelerated year-on-year, which the MTI said was largely from electronics and precision engineering driven by strong AI-related demand. Meanwhile, construction and all services slowed.
After the data, the Singapore dollar was up 0.1 percent to 1.2934 versus the greenback. Economists say continued
strength in AI-related manufacturing and construction has kept Singapore’s economy resilient despite uncertainty stemming from the Middle East conflict, with several forecasting growth above the government’s forecast range.
The AI-related manufacturing boom “still has legs to run,” said Selena Ling, chief economist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., adding that the bank had upgraded its full-year growth forecast to 4.3 percent. Even if manufacturing moderates in the second half, there’s still upside risk to the official outlook, she said.
Following Tuesday’s data, a few economists had revised their GDP forecast. United Overseas Bank Ltd. raised its 2026 growth forecast to 4.8 percent from 4 percent, highlighting supportive AI tailwinds.
Economists say continued strength in AI-related manufacturing and construction has kept Singapore’s economy resilient despite uncertainty stemming from the Middle East conflict, with several forecasting growth above the government’s forecast range.
MTI will likely upgrade its own full-year forecast to 4 percent to 5 percent when final second-quarter economic figures are released in August, said Brian Lee, economist at Maybank Securities Pte. The bank also raised its full-year growth projection to 4.8 percent.
“The solid expansion, alongside the price pressures from the oil shock, may spur the central bank to tighten policy again later this month. We think a recentering of its FX band is likely,” said Bloomberg economist Tamara Mast Henderson.
On a seasonally adjusted quarterly basis, the economy grew 1.1 percent, compared with the median estimate of 1.3 percent in the
Bloomberg poll.
While growth continues to be strong in Singapore, “consumer facing sectors like food and beverage continue to lag,” said Jonathan Koh, Asia economist and FX analyst at Standard Chartered Plc., adding that business expectations are soft for the industry. Emerging concerns over AI-related job disruptions may also add to consumer caution even as the labor market remains healthy overall.
Earlier in June, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong warned the economy has yet to feel the full impact of the war, and uncertainty remains over the nation’s growth and inflation outlook. Higher global energy prices will also begin feeding through to households, with electricity rates set to rise by a record 17 percent in the third quarter.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore will decide on its policy settings no later than July 31, with economists largely forecasting a hold after benign inflation data for May. With assistance from Marcus Wong, Srinidhi Ragavendran, Cynthia Li and Claire Jiao /Bloomberg
UP Mindanao class valedictorian Allizah Keziah Manulat (B.A. Communication and Media Arts, SCL) said in her speech that “UP students are not the Messiahs of our time.”
“As much as we would want to, we cannot magically cure every issue in the fabric of Philippines society. Yet that does not mean we should stop trying,” Manulat said. She added: “Because when we stop trying, we let down the hopes of every Filipino out there who still dreams of a better future.”
UP Baguio’s valedictorian Joshua Abiezer Marayag (B.S. Computer Science, SCL) urged his fellow graduates to keep hoping.
“Hope does not always manifest itself in the grand scheme of things. Often, it finds us in between ordinary interactions exemplified by ordinary people. Through these, we learn that hope is not only something we hold a tight grip upon; it is also something that we can give to others,” Marayag said.
The university teaches what textbooks cannot capture, the state education curriculum avoids, or the state authorities censor, erase or prohibit.
The UP sablay is more than a graduation sash—it’s a symbol of resilience, purpose, and the journey behind every achievement.
To the new UP graduates, savor the brightness of the sunflowers and the colors of sablay, and be true to the lyrics “Humayo’t itanghal, giting at tapang. Mabuhay ang pag-asa ng bayan!”
Peyups is the moniker of the University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the Seafarers’ Division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, e-mail info@ sapalovelez.com, or call 0908-8665786.
brighter picture for South Korea’s external accounts, forecasting a record current-account surplus of $290 billion this year as soaring chip prices improve the nation’s terms of trade. That follows a record $141.3 billion surplus in the first five months of 2026, already surpassing the previous annual high of $123.1 billion recorded last year.
The government also expects nominal growth to reach its fastest pace in three decades, lifting per-capita gross national income close to $40,000, while reducing the government debt-to-GDP ratio to 47 percent in 2026 from a previously projected 50.6 percent.
With regard to inflation, the government warned that energy
from A12
Zhejiang University, a prestigious college in the city of Hangzhou where he also earned a master’s degree in information and communication engineering.
Liang created DeepSeek in 2023 as an offshoot of the AI division of his hedge fund, Zhejiang High-Flyer Asset Management, which he set up with two former university classmates. The trio had begun trading as students during the global financial crisis.
Early on, High-Flyer used its massive trading profits to stockpile advanced graphics chips before US export restrictions tightened. Those early investments gave DeepSeek the computing power necessary to develop its breakthrough models without relying on traditional venture capital.
markets and food remain key sources of uncertainty likely to keep price growth elevated at 2.6 percent this year. South Korea’s consumer price increases have remained well above the BOK’s 2 percent target in recent months, accelerating to the fastest pace in more than two years. As for financial markets, officials pledged to continue broad efforts to stabilize the won, while pressing ahead with reforms aimed at improving access to the currency. Measures include expanding offshore use of the won, extending support for banks’ foreign-currency funding and issuing additional sovereign foreign-currency bonds. Bloomberg
DeepSeek shocked the global tech industry in early 2025 by releasing a model that achieved performance comparable to US rivals like OpenAI, but at a fraction of the cost. The startup is keeping up that momentum, recently showcasing its latest V4 model and publicly touting its compatibility with chips made by domestic tech giant Huawei Technologies Co. For years, consumer internet tycoons like Alibaba’s Jack Ma defined tech wealth in China. That era is now giving way to state-backed artificial intelligence. The influx of state and corporate capital marks DeepSeek’s transition from a private software experiment into a critical national asset.
What sets Liang apart from his Silicon Valley peers is the sheer scale of his equity retention. In the US, building a $50 billion frontier AI company typically requires giving up massive chunks of equity to tech giants and VCs. By contrast, maintaining a near78 percent stake gives Liang a boost to his personal wealth and control that is unusual among modern AI founders. While US giants like OpenAI and Anthropic command massive valuations approaching $1 trillion, their equity is more fragmented across larger investor bases or multiple cofounders. Liang’s $36 billion fortune makes him China’s eighth-richest person, just behind Chen Tianshi, the hardware AI billionaire and Cambricon Technologies co-founder. With assistance from Zheping Huang and Pei Yi Mak/ Bloomberg
July 15, 2026
IT warms the heart to see Alex Eala at Malacañang as special dinner/guest of President Marcos Jr. on Monday. The occasion did not only validate Eala’s impact on the nation’s consciousness, which Mr. Marcos so zealously recognized with his singular action of engaging the tennis sensation up close and personal.
More than anything, it made Eala a paragon of sporting excellence worthy of emulation.
In his speech to welcome Eala, Mr. Marcos unabashedly admitted that he is Eala’s avid fan.
“We invented this occasion in order for us to have a photo opportunity with you,” the President said of Eala, eliciting chuckles from an audience that included First Lady Lisa Araneta Marcos and Chairman Pato Gregorio of the Philippine Sports Commission. “Nagpupuyat kami para lang mapanood ka namin.” Mr. Marcos lavishly heaped praise on Eala’s numerous achievements on the world tennis stage since she turned pro last year, making special mention of the Filipina’s sensational winning run in the just-ended Wimbledon in London.
“I’ve watched matches myself in Wimbledon in the past,” said the Chief Executive, who studied in UK’s University of Oxford after attending secondary school at West Sussex. “Wimbledon is the highest in prestige of all tennis tournaments in the world.”
In her turn at the rostrum, Eala said she always carried the Filipino spirit in her matches abroad.
“I always carry the Philippine flag wherever I compete,” she said, earning hearty applause. Ipinagmamalaki ko po na ako’y Pilipino.” Wimbledon was Eala’s last tournament, where she became the first Filipino—male or female—to reach the fourth round of the third of four Grand Slams held yearly.
Eala punctuated her incredible winning streak by eliminating defending Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek of Poland, a feat that gave her a 2-1, win-loss edge in her head-to-head duel with the five-time Slam winner.
Before that, Eala immersed herself in a torrid campaign on grass courts in Europe in preparation for the grass-surfaced Wimbledon event in England.
Along the way, Eala, who turned 21 on May 23, won the Birmingham Open last month in the UK, her second Women’s Tennis Association title after winning the Guadalajara Open in Mexico last year.
Pundits favored Eala to defeat Italian Jasmine Paolini in their Round of 16 match at Wimbledon’s Centre Court.
But when Eala showed up with a heavilybandaged right thigh, and with her swinging left arm also thickly wrapped in white sheet, I knew at once she was to play hurting. Wounded. Her strokes visibly dulled.
Her footwork slowed down. Her serve sting-less.
Still, she fought on unbowed and was a gallant loser in three sets, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, to Paolini, who was ousted by Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine two days later in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, in the quarterfinals.
Eala is enjoying her much-needed break here, unselfishly holding meet-and-greet sessions with fans, signing autographs, before plunging back to action en route to joining the US Open, the year’s last Slam set August 25 to September 13 in Flushing Meadows, New York.
Enjoy your much-needed furlough, Alex.
THAT’S IT As expected, Italian world No. 1 Jannik Sinner defeated German Alexander Zverev, 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4, to retain the men’s Wimbledon crown on Monday. But for reaching the final on his 10th try, Zverev, the reigning French Open champion, climbed to No. 2 for the first time from No. 3, dislodging the injured (wrist) Carlos Alcaraz of Spain, who dropped to No. 3. In women’s play, Linda Noskova beat Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 in a dramatic All-Czech final that saw the 21-year-old Noskova blow away five match points in the second set before regaining her poise in the deciding third set to salvage her first Slam triumph.
CHRISTY ANN PEREZ and Christopher Te delivered contrasting victories in the Sunrise Sprint as they emerged among the biggest winners in Sunday’s Sun Life 5150 Bohol Triathlon in Panglao. Perez delivered a wire-to-wire masterclass in the women’s 16-17 division of the 750-meter swim, 20-km bike and 5-km run race, capitalizing on her dominant swim before pulling away further in the bike leg and capping her performance with a strong run to clock 1:17:52.
CAERA CELIS and Edz Escultura served as St. John’s Institute (SJI)-Bacolod’s one-two punch in downing guest team Perfect Set Dream Makers, 25-16, 25-15, for a third straight win in the 2026 Shakey’s Juniors National Invitationals on Tuesday at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan. The Falcons remained unbeaten in three games and moved closer to claiming a spot in the Final Four of the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor.
Celis finished with 11 points on seven kills and four aces to lead SJI-Bacolod’s offense while Escultura provided ample support with nine markers on five attacks and four service winners.
“It feels good to play against other teams
GBy Josef Ramos
LOBAL tennis sensation Alex Eala has her eyes on the gold medal at the 20th Asian Games that Japan is hosting in September in Nagoya.
“Asian Games is in my plans,” Eala told a press conference organized by her principal sponsor BPI at the bank’s headquarters in Makati City on Tuesday afternoon.
The Asian Games are set September 19 to October 4 and the tennis competitions will be at the Nagoya City Higashiyama Park Tennis Center’s grass courts.
“You think I am [just] going for the first round? Of course, yeah,” Eala told the BusinessMirror as she aired the same confidence and aura that got her to the third round of the mecca of tennis, Wimbledon, just last week.
Unfortunately, no one asked about the US Open, the fourth and final major of the year, which will be played from August 30 to September 13 at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York City—a hard court.
Eala earlier declared the US Open as one of her major target this year, having already played there in 2025 and beat Denmark’s Clara Tauson 6-3, 2-6, 7-6, before losing in the second round to Spain’s Cristina Busca, 4-6, 3-6.
Eala competed in the year’s first major at the Australian Open where she got herself in the first round and on Roland Garros’s clay in the French Open where she also missed advancing to the second round of the main draw.
The 21-year-old Eala is now the highest ranked Filipino, male or female, at No. 28 in the Women’s Tennis Association and the Asian Games, she said, will be a primary goal this season.
“The way I approach tournaments is match by match, round by round,” she said. “I try to go as far as I can, but of course, the ultimate goal is to win.”
Eala settled for a bronze medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, losing to China’s Zheng Qinwen, 1-6, 6-7, 3-6 in the battle for a spot in the gold medal round.
Eala captured the Birmingham Open title last June 8 just before Wimbledon, where she sent reigning champion Iga Swiatek, 7-6 (9), 6-2, packing in the round of 32. Her campaign concluded with a loss to Italian
ALEX EALA beams with an ever-positive aura as she answers questions from the media. JOSEF
By Aldrin Quinto
CITY OF CANDON—Candon continues to build on its reputation as one of the country’s premier volleyball destinations as it hosts Week One of the Southeast Asian Volleyball Cup (SEA V Cup) beginning Wednesday.
Fresh from successfully staging the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup, this bustling city in Ilocos Sur welcomes the top men’s national teams in the Southeast Asian region to the state-of-the-art Candon City Arena.
Under the leadership of Mayor Eric D. Singson, Candon has developed top-notch facilities capable of hosting elite international volleyball. And by bringing major tournaments to the city, the local government has elevated Candon’s status on the international sporting stage while fostering a passionate volleyball culture.
The Candon crowd has, in fact, is one of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable in Philippine volleyball, creating an electric atmosphere to the delight of the home squads as well as visiting teams.
Singson also noted that the significance of hosting another international tournament goes beyond their arena.
“Hosting this prestigious championship for the second consecutive year is another significant milestone for Candon City and reflects the confidence entrusted to us in staging international sporting events,” he said.
“It also provides Candon City the opportunity to represent the Philippines by sharing the warmth of Filipino hospitality while advancing sports tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural exchange, and community development.”
Jasmine Paolini, 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, in the round of 16 but besides continuing to be the darling of the crowd—Filipino or not—she pocketed 300,000 pounds (P24.7 million) for her effort. She also became the first ever Filipino to reach the Wimbledon Championship.
“It’s always an honor—playing in the Asian Games, SEA [Southeast Asian] Games, or in the Olympics, they all bring a different vibe than when I compete on the WTA Tour, and I always, always enjoy when I have my Filipino teammates around,” Eala said. Eala arrived on Tuesday afternoon to a hero’s welcome at the NAIA Terminal 3 led by Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pató” Gregorio and
DC Open in Washington DC from July 27 to August 2 and the National Bank Open in Toronto from August 2 to 13.
“It’s really a continuous process and it’s only getting started,” she said.
Alas determined to deliver LAST year’s SEA V.League proved crucial in Alas Pilipinas’s fine performances in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, where it placed 19th and just a hairline short of the knockout rounds; and the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, where it bagged the bronze medal.
Alas Pilipinas is determined to make the podium this time in the rebranded SEA V Cup, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee, with focus on the charismatic Josh Ybanez and fellow FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship veterans Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez and Vince Lorenzo.
Alas Pilipinas, coached by Angiolino Frigoni of Italy, now also features Jude Garcia, a member of the Philippine beach volleyball team that bagged bronze in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia. The Philippines battles Cambodia at 5:30 at the start of Group B play. Thailand, champion in the first leg last year also in the City of Candon, plays in the curtainraiser at 2 p.m. against Vietnam. Myanmar makes its debut against Thailand on Thursday.
Alas Pilipinas battles 2025 SEA V. League second leg champion Indonesia on
FLIQ1 placed third in 2:08:51. Team Anselmos ruled the women’s relay in 2:27:52, once again denying Team Kuya J Multisport Team, which settled for second in 2:42:53. Team BYD finished third in 2:52:48. In the mixed relay, Team FerrumTri FLIQ1 topped the field in 2:24:15, beating Team TriBohol (2:50:08) and Team TSG (2:55:59). Giro Don Rafael Gito claimed the men’s 16-17 title in 1:09:51, defeating Miguel Papas (1:18:03), Cecille Mole topped the women’s 18-24 category in 1:35:27, ahead of Keirstein Ann Marie Tigullo
from other countries,” Escultura said after the Falcons’ swift 52-minute win over the Californiabased Dream Makers. “Of course, they are from other countries so we are adjusting because their system is different.”
SJI-Bacolod exploited Perfect Set’s spotty service receive by raining down 13 aces while outgunning the Dream Makers in attacks, 23-14.
Perfect Set absorbed a third straight loss in as many starts in the weeklong competition with Victoria Anderson pacing the Dream Makers with six points, all from spikes and Nizmund Manalad adding three points.
One La Salle collected a third straight win after sweeping Pusong Azul, 25-22, 25-19, to improve to a 3-1 win-loss record.
(1:37:49) and Angela Tan (1:38:37), while Justin Pabualan captured the men’s 25-29 crown in 1:21:45, outlasting John Batingal (1:28:42) and Benjo Namoc (1:29:54). Joanna Galeza ruled the women’s 25-29 division in 1:46:52, with Shea Restauro (1:53:01) and Camille Flores (2:00:42) finishing second and third, respectively. Philip Jurolan cruised to the men’s 30-34 title in 1:15:58, well ahead of Anthony Luspo (2:07:46) and John Kim (2:08:57), while Patricia Ann Cruz-Bautista won the women’s 30-34 crown in 1:26:41 over Nicole Adlawan (1:41:47) and Alliza Borja (1:47:58).
Kylie Celada torched Pusong Azul with 16 points built on 14 attacks and two aces to power One La Salle within a couple of wins of booking a semifinal berth.
Antonella Jayobo got five markers and Aislinn Alemana added five for One La Salle, who pounded 30 attack points and received 15 free points off Pusong Azul’s errors. Pusong Azul dropped its fourth straight game with two more matches left in the elimination round.
Jhenica Sadia was the lone bright spot for winless Pusong Azul with 10 points. Juliana Peregrino scored six in a losing effort. Action continues Wednesday starting at 1 p.m.
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
PHL NAMED WORLD’S 4TH MOST PUNCTUAL AIRLINE
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
AIRASIA Philippines was named the fourth most punctual airline in the world for June 2026 after posting a 92.96-percent on-time performance (OTP), up from 87 percent in May, according to global aviation data provider OAG Aviation.
The low-cost carrier operated 2,535 flights during the month with a zero-percent cancellation rate, based on OAG data.
It placed behind Garuda Indonesia (97.13 percent), Fuji Dream Airlines (93.29 percent), and FlySafair (93.18 percent), and was the only Philippine carrier in the global top 10.
“Beyond offering affordable and accessible fares, reliability has always been at the core of AirAsia’s DNA. Despite the challenges faced by the aviation industry in the first
ERC tweaks rate review application timelines
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has adjusted the filing timelines for private power distributors applying for rate reviews.
The agency said Tuesday it approved Resolution No. 21, amending the different entry groups under the Rationalized Rules for Setting the Distribution Wheeling Rates (RRDWR) for privately owned distribution utilities (PDUs) implementing Performance-Based Regulation (PBR).
Under the resolution, the ERC transferred Subic Enerzone Corp. (SEZ) to the third entry group, while Visayan Electric Co. (VECO) and Shin Clark Power Corp. (SCPC) were transferred to the fourth entry group. The remaining (DUs) will retain their original schedules.
The ERC staggers distribution wheeling rate (DWR) application timelines across different entry groups to align with utility operational needs and ensure efficient regulatory evaluations.
It said spacing out these filings provides DUs with predictability for long-term infrastructure planning while allowing the ERC to protect consumers by thoroughly reviewing costs.
“PBR is designed to enable distribution utilities to provide safe, reliable, and quality electricity service while ensuring that consumers pay only for prudent, reasonable, and efficient costs.
By adjusting the entry groups based on the circumstances of the affected utilities, we are strengthening the integrity of the rate reset process without compromising consumer protection,” said ERC Chairman Francis Saturnino Juan.
Further, this allows the commission to conduct more thorough evaluations while giving utilities sufficient time to plan and implement necessary investments.
half of the year, we’re proud of the operational progress we’ve made while continuing to provide safe, efficient, and customer-focused service,”
AirAsia Philippines President and General Manager Anna Victoria Lu said.
She attributed the improvement—its strongest OTP showing this year—to strategic operational planning and coordination across its units, including proactive aircraft maintenance, efficient flight dispatch and turnaround processes, proper crew scheduling, close coordination with airports and air traffic control, continuous weather monitoring, and realtime decision-making.
“Our next priority is to stabilize operations so our guests and stakeholders can count on our continued commitment to rebuilding travel confidence and bringing more people back to the skies, safely and on time,” Lu added.
RBy Bless Aubrey Ogerio @blessogerio
ENEWABLE energy (RE) projects accounted for P349.38 billion, or nearly all investments approved under the government’s Green Lane initiative in the first half of the year, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Data from the Board of Investments (BOI) showed that the agency certified 17 projects under the Green Lane program from January to June, representing P351.02 billion in investments and projected to generate 39,368 jobs.
Of the total, 14 RE projects accounted for 99.53 percent of ap -
proved project costs. The remaining certifications consisted of two food security projects worth P980 million, expected to generate 102 jobs, and one industrial zone project.
“The strong pipeline of Green Lane-approved projects reflects growing investor confidence in the
Philippines and the government’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business,” Trade Secretary and BOI Chairman Ma. Cristina Roque said in a statement.
Since the Green Lane initiative was launched in February 2023 under Executive Order 18, the BOI has certified 239 strategic investment projects with a combined value of P6.32 trillion.
The projects are projected to generate about 421,000 jobs across renewable energy, digital infrastructure, public-private partnerships, infrastructure and water, food security, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.
Still, renewable energy accounted for 183 of the certified projects since the program began, with a combined value of P5.42 trillion, representing 76.57 percent of all Green Lane certifications and 85.68 percent of total approved investment value.
THREAT TO IPO Shein has finally won long-awaited Chinese regulatory approval for its planned Hong Kong listing, but slowing business growth threatens to weigh on the valuation it can command in the initial public offering. The fast-fashion retailer’s global web traffic, app downloads and US sales have either stagnated or
GBy VG Cabuag @villygc
AMING firm DigiPlus In-
teractive Corp. has joined companies in Brazil in the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) with its expansion into the Brazilian market.
The IBJR said in a statement that with DigiPlus’ accession, the institute reinforces its “strategic” performance and expands its contribution to the construction of a complete, sustainable and responsible betting ecosystem. “The entry of DigiPlus brings an important impulse for the entity, strengthening the union of the market around responsible practices and the fight
against irregularities,” the organization said.
“Joining the IBJR reflects DigiPlus’ expansion in Brazil, where we already operate the BingoPlus brand and continue to invest in growing our presence in the country,” Graham Tidey, managing director of DigiPlus in Brazil, said.
“Bringing over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry, we pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines and are committed to replicating this success in the Brazilian market in a responsible manner and in full compliance with regulatory requirements.”
The IBJR now counts among its members the following companies: A2FBR, BandBet, bet365,
BetBoom, BetMGM, Betsson Group, DigiPlus (BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone), Entain (Sportingbet and Betboo), Flutter Brazil (Betfair and Betnational), Kaizen Gaming (Betano), KTO Group, Novibet, and Skill on Net (Bacana Play).
“It is a pleasure to have DigiPlus as a member of IBJR; we are excited about the arrival of the company, a reference in the interactive gaming and sports entertainment market in the Philippines and throughout Asia,”
IBJR Chief Executive Carlos Lima said. “The company’s entry is a demonstration of the maturity of the sector and reinforces its commitment to regulation and
the firm fight against the illegal betting market. We will remain committed to strengthening the responsible game, prioritizing the protection of the bettors.”
DigiPlus said recently that it is on track to launch its Brazil operations this September.
With a population of over 200 million and internet penetration of nearly 90 percent, Brazil is one of Latin America’s fastest-growing gaming markets, with an estimated market size of $4.6 billion for iGaming, based on a report from LCA Economic Consulting.
The company said a dedicated local team with deep cultural and regulatory knowledge is already in place in Brazil.
Between May and June, the BOI certified three additional projects under the initiative.
This includes the P5.52-billion, 50-megawatt Southwest Kalinga Geothermal Power Project of Aragorn Power and Energy Corp. and the P4.76-billion Wind Energy Project of Cauayan Philippines Renewable Corp. in Negros Occidental. The two energy projects are expected to add renewable power capacity once completed.
Also certified during the period was Una Grande Tierra Development Corp.’s P670-million industrial zone project in Pampanga.
“We now see the fruition of the Green Lane initiative: a strong pipeline of strategic investments that are largely anchored in renewable energy to support sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” BOI Investments Assistance Center Executive Director Bobby Fondevilla said.
More Smart stores offer postpaid home WiFi
SMART Communications Inc. has expanded the availability of its Home WiFi Postpaid service to more than 100 Smart Stores nationwide, a move that an executive said puts fixed wireless home internet within reach of over 1.3 million households in 3,200 barangays. Marjorie Garrovillo, FVP and co-officer-in-charge at Smart, said the expansion covers Smart Stores in North Luzon, Central Luzon, South Luzon, the National Capital Region (NCR), Visayas, and Mindanao.
“We want to be more than just a service provider; we aim to be a dependable partner in our subscribers’ journey toward their goals,” she said. “By expanding to more communities, we are enabling more Filipinos to seamlessly connect and focus on what matters most.” Smart Home WiFi Postpaid, which targets young urban families, work-from-home professionals, and students, offers two plans. Home Plan 1499 comes with unlimited 5G data and a free plug-and-play modem, while Home Plan 999 includes 200 gigabytes (GB) of 5G data, a daily 2GB bonus, and data rollover, with a one-time modem fee of P995. Both plans carry a 24-month lock-in period and access to Smart Perks and GigaPoints rewards. Subscribers may purchase data add-ons through the Smart Online Store or Smart App. Customers can verify coverage through the 5G indicator on their Smart mobile phone or by entering their barangay on the Smart Home WiFi Postpaid website’s 5G checker.
Smart said each plan is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing device returns if 5G signal is unavailable at the customer’s address. Lorenz S. Marasigan
EXCELLENCE provides comfort, but comfort is often the silent killer of professional growth. Many sales leaders plateau because “good enough” becomes their baseline, leaving immense latent potential completely untapped. In leadership, this is the Complacency Trap.
Competence frequently breeds complacency. It creates a false sense of security that distracts leaders from pursuing genuine, peak performance. True leaders understand that continuous improvement is an enduring mindset, not a static milestone. Here are five strategic shifts required to shatter your comfort zone and sustain long-term growth.
Anchor yourself in a growth mindset COMPETENCE is merely your starting line, not your finish line. Sustained growth demands a mindset that actively seeks out challenges. View setbacks as data points for learning rather than indictments of failure.
As psychologist Carol Dweck noted, “Becoming is better than being.” Leaders who prioritize growth constantly expand their capabilities because they view excellence as an ongoing journey, never a final destination.
Pursue feedback relentlessly HIGH performers do not operate in a vacuum; they aggressively seek perspectives outside their own.
Request raw, honest insights from your peers, mentors, and clients. As management expert Ken Blanchard famously stated, “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” Constructive critique exposes your blind spots and uncovers hidden opportunities. Regular feedback guarantees that current success does not mutate into future stagnation.
Deliberately disrupt your comfort zone
IF your daily routine feels effortless, it is no longer serving your development. To grow, you must intentionally introduce friction. Take on stretch assignments, pilot untested sales frameworks, or spearhead expansions into unfamiliar markets. To paraphrase Jim Rohn, if you are unwilling to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary. Professional evolution occurs exclusively in the space of discomfort.
Benchmark against elite standards
NEVER measure your current success solely against your own past performance. Instead, calibrate your metrics against industry titans, top-tier competitors, and market innovators. In the words of Jim Collins, “Good is the enemy of great.” Comparing your outputs to the absolute best in the field inspires higher internal standards and yields actionable, sophisticated strategies. Your objective is aggressive progress, not just competent maintenance.
Institutionalize continuous learning
EXCEPTIONAL leaders never finish their education. Consistently invest your time and resources into advanced courses, masterclasses, executive workshops, and novel professional experiences. Benjamin Franklin accurately observed, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Continuous learning preserves your agility and adaptability, ensuring you remain sharp in volatile markets. Mastery is the direct result of systematic curiosity.
Final thoughts
BEING good is comfortable, but comfort quietly paralyzes progress. By anchoring yourself in a growth mindset, hunting for feedback, disrupting your routines, benchmarking against elite standards, and committing to lifelong learning, you ensure that “good” never becomes your ceiling. The exact moment you stop pushing past raw competence is the moment you stop growing. True leaders transform every milestone into a stepping stone for the next breakthrough.
Remember this: even the best can still get better. God bless!
Alexey “Coach Lex” Rola Cajilig is the President and CEO of ARCWAY Consultancy Inc., a recognized Sales Leadership Coach, Strategic Sales Operations Consultant, Christian Motivational Speaker, and Human Ecologist. As the author of The Effective Seller and Solving the Sales Puzzle, Coach Lex empowers leaders and sales professionals to turn knowledge into action, and action into measurable results. He is also the creator of ARCH Styles, a cutting-edge behavioral discovery framework that helps individuals and teams unlock their true potential and perform at their peak. Connect and collaborate with Coach Lex at arcway.ph.
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
DIRECT cash purchases accounted for nearly 60 percent of total sales generated during the latest IMPAKABSAT Regional Trade Fair, as the Department of Trade and Industry-Cordillera Administrative Region (DTI-CAR) reported P13.27 million in revenues from the five-day event.
DTI-CAR said cash transactions reached P7.84 million, or 59.1 percent of total sales, while booked orders amounted to P5.42 million, representing the remaining 40.9 percent.
The agency said the trade fair generated business for 34 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the Cordillera Administrative Region, with organizers placing greater emphasis on securing
million, with most of their revenues coming from direct cash purchases.
long-term business-to-business (B2B) transactions alongside retail sales.
Among the participating provinces, Abra posted the highest sales at P5.42 million, driven largely by wholesale and retail demand for its handloom-woven products.
Baguio-Benguet followed with P4.32 million, while Kalinga recorded P2.01 million in sales. Ifugao, Mountain Province and Apayao collectively generated more than P1.5
The trade fair featured a range of Cordillera-made products, including handwoven textiles, fashion accessories, handcrafted furniture, home décor, processed food, coffee and cacao products.
DTI-CAR also reported that all pending business negotiations initiated during the event were converted into confirmed orders before the fair concluded, resulting in a 100-percent conversion rate for prospective B2B transactions.
During the closing ceremony, the agency recognized outstanding exhibitors based on sales performance.
Trixie Dhel’s Loomweaving and Mondiguing’s Woodcraft received the Top Seller awards in the nonfood category, while Garcia’s Food Products and Log Cabin Sagada were recognized as top performers in the food category. The regional trade fair was held from July 1 to 5 at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City.
DTI-CAR said it will continue strengthening market access programs for Cordillera MSMEs by expanding business-to-business engagements, improving market readiness and connecting enterprises with institutional buyers to create more sustainable market opportunities.
FSUU MIRACLE (Modern Implementation for Revolutionizing Advanced Cutting-edge Layout and Excellent Printing Solution) was con-
By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio
OVER the course of decades, Jen
Ruz built her career in the corporate world, learning the value of customer service, discipline, and operational excellence. Outside the office, she nurtured another passion: wellness.
That passion eventually became Bali Body Rituals, a Makati-based spa that has quickly earned a loyal following by offering personalized treatments centered on relaxation and holistic well-being.
Founded in early 2024, Bali Body Rituals was born not from an acquisition but from a bold decision to build a business from the ground up.
Before launching the spa, Ruz told the BusinessMirror in an interview that she spent six months researching the industry, visiting numerous wellness establishments across Metro Manila—from luxury spas to neighborhood massage centers—to understand customer preferences, pricing strategies and service gaps.
“I wanted to create something of my own,” Ruz said. “I studied the market, tried different spas and learned what customers really wanted.”
She eventually partnered with two friends, who now oversee the company’s finance and operations, while Ruz serves as founder and drives the brand’s vision.
Inspired by Bali
RUZ said the Bali Resort in Indonesia is the inspiration behind naming wellness after the world famous resort. Ruz added that Bali is one of her favorite destinations.
She said Bali’s deep connection to nature and traditional healing rituals inspired the concept behind the business.
“The idea is that wellness should become a ritual—something people do regularly,
ceptualized during a learning mission to ProPak Asia in Bangkok, Thailand in June 2024, organized by then DTI MSME Development Group (MDG) Undersecretary, now Secretary Cristina A. Roque, who personally led the Philippine delegation. DTI Caraga was among the three regional offices that joined the mission, recognizing the opportunity to learn from one of Asia’s premier processing and packaging exhibitions. During the visit, Secretary Roque shared her vision of establishing similar worldclass packaging facilities in the Philippines to help Filipino MSMEs compete in both local and global markets. Inspired by this vision, Regional Director Gay A. Tidalgo led DTI Caraga in pursuing the establishment of
whether weekly or monthly, as part of taking care of themselves,” she said.
That philosophy also shapes Bali B’s services. Rather than simply offering traditional massage techniques, the spa developed its own signature treatments based on customer feedback.
Its signature massage combines elements of Balinese, Swedish, aromatherapy and deep-tissue massage into a customized treatment. “We took what works best from different techniques and created one massage that addresses different needs,” Ruz explained.
The spa has also introduced lymphatic massage, a treatment that has gained international attention after celebrities, including Hailey Bieber, highlighted its wellness benefits, particularly in improving circulation and reducing water retention.
beyond relaxation
RUZ believes the wellness industry is benefiting from changing lifestyles as more and more people prefer to pursue a healthier lifestyle.
Despite economic uncertainties, she said customers continue to prioritize self-care as work-related stress increases.
the FSUU MIRACLE, translating global best practices into a regional innovation hub that will benefit MSMEs across Caraga.
The partnership with FSUU was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement signed on March 14, 2025. FSUU serves as the project’s cooperator, providing the infrastructure and technical support necessary for the facility’s operations. Secretary Roque recently reaffirmed DTI’s partnership with FSUU during her visit in Butuan City on July 7, where she met with FSUU officials led by the University President, Rev. Fr. Randy Jasper C. Odchigue for the ceremonial turnover of SSF projects. The FSUU MIRACLE will provide the MSMEs of CARAGA Region and Mindanao
Corporate employees make up a significant portion of Bali B’s clientele, while foreign tourists and airline crews have also become regular visitors through partnerships with travel agencies.
The spa has also observed changing consumer behavior.
Deep-tissue massage remains popular among active individuals and sports enthusiasts, while demand for grooming services among male clients continues to grow. “We’re seeing more men investing in wellness and personal grooming than before,” Ruz said.
Personalized service
WHAT distinguishes Bali B, according to Ruz, is its highly personalized approach.
Every guest fills out an intake form indicating preferred massage pressure, wellness concerns and previous treatments, allowing therapists to tailor each session.
The spa also keeps customer records so returning clients receive treatments suited to their preferences.
“It’s about knowing our customers and making every visit personal,” she said. Word-of-mouth recommendations remain Bali Body Rituals strongest mar-
with affordable access to packaging design, label development, commercial printing, die cutting, packaging fabrication, prototype production, and technical assistance on branding and packaging improvement. These services will help enterprises improve product presentation, comply with labeling standards, reduce production costs, and expand opportunities in supermarkets, institutional markets, trade fairs, e-commerce, and export markets. The launch of FSUU MIRACLE reflects DTI’s continuing commitment under the leadership of Secretary Cristina A. Roque to equip Filipino MSMEs with modern technologies and innovation-driven support services that will enable them to become more resilient, competitive, and future-ready.
keting tool, complemented by a loyalty program that encourages repeat visits.
Respecting the profession
RUZ also wants to help elevate the image of massage therapy as a skilled profession. She expressed concern over social media trends that sexualize massage services, saying they undermine legitimate therapists who spend years developing their craft.
“Massage is a skill and a profession. It should be respected for the care and expertise therapists provide—not for appearances,” she said.
She takes pride in employing mostly single mothers, believing they bring compassion and dedication to customer care while providing for their families. Looking ahead
Rather than rapidly opening multiple branches, Ruz wants Bali B to evolve into a broader wellness destination.
Plans include opening a healthy café within the spa that will serve nutritious beverages, wellness shots and coffee, alongside retail offerings featuring locally made natural products such as shampoos and personal care items. She also hopes to partner with Filipino wellness entrepreneurs to showcase homegrown brands.
For Ruz, wellness extends beyond massage. “It’s what you put into your body, how you care for yourself and the habits you build every day,” she said.
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
THE Bureau of the Treasury
(BTr) fully rejected bids for the 7-year Treasury bonds (T-bonds) at Tuesday’s auction on weak demand and high investors’ asking yields.
“Demand is weak and bids are too high,” National Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza told the BusinessMirror.
“The bids reflected the market’s defensive stance amid renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.” Almanza referred to the reinstatement of a US blockade of Iranian ships passing the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington also asked for a 20-percent reimbursement for all other cargo shipped through the waterway, a Bloomberg report read.
Apart from the re-escalation of the Middle East crisis, investors also demanded higher yields on
expectations of a possible rate hike in the next rate-setting meeting in August of the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), according to Michael Gerard D. Enriquez, president of Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corp.
BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. has said the economy could still absorb a quarter-point rate hike to tame inflation and bring figures down to the central bank’s 2-percent to 4-percent target range.
Likewise, the US Federal Reserve’s policy is expected to continue
to impact emerging markets like the Philippines.
“Even our expectations for the Fed to move gradually, if we do see oil prices stabilize or even ease from here, that would be supportive for Philippines bonds as well as the peso and overall financial conditions,”
Manulife Investment Management
Chief Investment Officer Murray Collis said during an online briefing last Tuesday.
However, if oil prices rise again, inflation risks would increase, prompting the BSP to maintain its hawkish stance and delay further monetary easing, Collis added.
Undersubscribed
BIDS for the government-backed securities were undersubscribed, only P18.057 billion relative to the P30 billion offering.
Investors demanded returns ranging from 7 percent to 8.3 percent on the debt papers.
Had the Treasury awarded the bids, yields would have surged to an average of 7.575 percent. This would
have been 79.6-basis points (bps) higher than the 6.779-percent average yield for the same tenor auctioned last June 16.
Compared to secondary market rates, the average yield for the debt papers would be 41.5-bps above the 7.160 percent quoted for the 7-year bonds, based on PHP Bloomberg Valuation Reference Rates.
The Treasury last rejected all bids for T-bonds of the same tenor last May 19. Had the Treasury awarded the securities to investors, yields would have reached 7.915 percent.
Next week, the Treasury will auction 91-, 182- and 364-day Treasury bills to raise up to P50 billion for the government.
A total of P2.682 trillion is programmed for this year’s borrowing, of which 77 percent will come from domestic sources and 23 percent from foreign lenders.
The government’s outstanding debt climbed to an all-time high of P18.546 trillion as of end-May, up by 9.62 percent from P16.918 trillion in the same period a year ago.
By Andrea E. San Juan
THE
Bangko Sentral ng Pili-
pinas (BSP) announced last Tuesday of supporting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by BSP-supervised financial institutions (BSFIs) guided by developing global standards.
A statement issued by the central bank read the BSP has issued governance principles to guide BSFIs in adopting AI. According to the BSP, the guidance aims to improve financial services while protecting consumers and preserving trust in the financial system.
While the principles are “voluntary and non-binding,” the BSP said these reflect its minimum supervisory expectations for AI adoption.
“We want BSFIs to take advantage of AI, especially to serve their customers and do so while being guided by developing global stan-
dards.” BSP Deputy Governor for Financial Supervision Sector (FSS) Lyn I. Javier was quoted in the statement as saying.
Issued through Memorandum M-2026-031, the “Governance Principles for AI in Financial Services” provide guidance for BSFIs in developing their own AI governance and risk management frameworks. According to the central bank, it promotes the responsible and ethical use of AI through five key principles: sustainability, transparency, accountability, responsibility and security, collectively referred to as “Stars.”
“AI is spreading across BSFI operations and ‘Stars’ provides them with principles that can help them innovate while mitigating unintended consequences from the use of the technology,” Javier said. The BSP said the memorandum applies to all BSFIs. Under the “sustainability” pillar
in the “Stars” principles, the value of the solution is expected to be “materially beneficial” to the whole financial ecosystem and sustainable in nature. On “transparency,” the principles noted that relevant and necessary information must be readily available and tailed to the knowledge and expertise of intended users or stakeholders.
The BSP said “accountability” must be clearly defined among the management, developers and all relevant stakeholders. While AI systems provide recommendations, the set of principles pointed out that humans are “ultimately accountable” for decisions made.
Under the pillar of “responsibility,” the central bank said the AI system must be designed and deployed in a way that “avoids unfair practices or potential harm” to its users, institutions, or the broader financial ecosystem.
By Henry Empeño
SUBIC Bay Freeport—Government-owned or -controlled corporations operating in three major special economic zones in Central Luzon remitted a total of P4.14 billion dividends this year, contributing 2.81 percent of the P147.15-billion non-tax revenue plowed back to the National Treasury by 50 GOCCs for 2025.
Data from separate statements by top GOCCs in the region showed that Clark Development Corp. (CDC) declared dividends of P2.597 billion, or 62.73 percent of the total remittances from Region 3. The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), which operates the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone (SSEFZ) under a separate charter, remitted P820 million, or 19.8 percent; while Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) contributed P585 million (14.13 percent).
The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), on the other hand, declared dividends of P138.12 million (3.34 percent).
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized the GOCC contributions during the “2026 GOCC Day” held at Malacañan Palace on July 8. Marcos also stressed that the foremost mandate of every GOCC is public service, not profit.
For 2026, total dividends amounted to P147.15 billion from 50 GOCCs, with actual dividend collection of P140 billion as of July 8, Malacañan announced. The balance will be remitted by December 2026, it added.
The CDC, which operates both the Clark Freeport Zone and Clark Special Economic Zone, remitted P1.207 billion in 2022, P1.800 billion in 2023 and P2.488 billion in 2024. Meanwhile, the SBMA noted that its dividend payout this year “registered a substantial decrease”
due to the implementation of the “Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises,” or “Create,” law. The law mandated a 25-percent income tax rate on SBMA’s taxable income, in contrast to the 5-percent rate applied prior to 2024, according to the agency.
The SBMA added that the higher tax rate led to a substantial increase in income tax expense, with the SBMA paying income tax for 2025 of P489 million, up from P130 million in 2023.
“The implementation of the ‘Create’ Law also reclassified many SBMA expenses as allowable deductions, resulting in a decrease in taxable income and consequently (lower) dividend remittance,” added the he Subic Bay Freeport Zone manager.
The SBMA turned over P1.465 billion in dividends last year, which consisted of P798.27 million from its net earnings in 2024 and P667.21 million as final installment for its 2022 dividend obligations.
TFinally, under “security,” the central bank reminded BSFIs to put in place “rigorous” cybersecurity and data quality controls.
The central bank said the implementation of the memorandum should be “proportionate to the nature, extent, scale, complexity, and materiality of their AI systems.”
“It should also be proportionate to the BSFI’s overall operational complexity and risk profile,” BSP emphasized.
The memorandum also covers outsourced service providers that support AI-related activities under a shared responsibility model.
According to the central bank, these principles are aligned with guidelines developed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Financial Stability Institute, and other organizations.
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
HE recent housing loan adjustments introduced by the Pag-IBIG Fund could spur demand for homes this year, according to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
According to Housing Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling, the lower interest rates and higher loan ceiling could benefit both homebuyers and private developers by making home financing more accessible and supporting activity in the housing and real estate sector.
“This is like hitting many birds with one stone—it will trigger economic activity in the housing and real estate sector; boost government efforts to address the housing need without burdening the national coffers; prop up sales of the private developers, and good for homebuyers with much wider options in terms of financing schemes and the type of housing units they can avail,” Aliling said last Tuesday.
The Home Development Mutual Fund (also known as Pag-IBIG Fund) rolled out last month promotional interest rates for economic housing loans of as low as 4.5 percent. The government agency also increased its maximum housing loan ceiling to P10 million.
The fund also retained its 3 percent interest rate for socialized housing under the government’s “Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino,” or “4PH,” program.
The provident-savings system manager also relaxed its borrowing rules by allowing up to three members to combine their incomes under a single housing loan account. In addition, the Pag-Ibig Fund has begun investing in reputable construction firms to help increase the supply of socialized housing projects.
Aliling said the changes make homeownership “more inclusive” for households as the new financing options now also cover the minimum wage earners.
He added they believe the measures could help advance the government’s housing program without adding pressure on the national budget, while giving private developers an opportunity to increase sales.
An upper-middle-income nation—but how?
GROWING up, I always considered our family to belong to the working class: we were neither poor nor wealthy. For me, rich people were those who owned vast tracts of land or operated large business empires. Like many Filipinos, I never imagined that one day I would hear the Philippines being described as an upper-middleincome country.
With the country’s recent upgrade, many of us have become curious about what “upper middle income” really means. We often hear the term in discussions, but its meaning is not always clear.
According to a 2026 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), for a family of five, the middle-income group is divided into three categories: the lower middle class, with a monthly family income of about P40,000 to P80,000; the middle-middle class, earning around P80,000 to P130,000; and the upper-middle class, with incomes ranging from P130,000 to P200,000. Beyond these are the upper income families but not rich households, followed by those considered rich whose incomes exceed the highest threshold established in the study. On the international front, the World Bank recently upgraded the Philippines to upper-middle-income economy status. The World Bank classifies economies in this category as those with a gross national income (GNI) per capita ranging from $4,636 to $14,375. The Philippines crossed this threshold after posting a GNI per capita of approximately $4,850, placing the country at the lower end of the upper-middle-income bracket.
How did the Philippines achieve this milestone?
According to the World Bank, the country’s progress was largely driven by sustained economic growth that generated millions of jobs despite the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, elevated global commodity prices, high interest rates and poverty incidence continued to decline—from 16.7 percent in 2018 to 15.5 percent in 2023. Since 2010, the Philippines has emerged as one of the more dynamic economies in the East Asia and Pacific region.
The country’s economic expansion created approximately 11.7 million new jobs, with employment growth outpacing the increase in the labor force.
This strengthened household incomes, stimulated consumer spending, and improved the lives of many vulnerable families, aided by overseas remittances and favorable labor market conditions. But where did this growth come from?
Much of it was fueled by the services sector—particularly business process outsourcing (BPO), wholesale and retail trade, tourism, and other
service-oriented industries. For those of us working in the services sector, this presents tremendous opportunities. It reminds us of the importance of continuously upgrading our skills so we can meet the growing demands of both local and global markets. What struck me most was that while public attention was focused on political controversies, allegations of corruption, and other socio-economic issues, the country’s economy was quietly making significant progress. One day, we simply woke up to the news that the Philippines had achieved upper-middleincome status. Our rapidly expanding services sector was silently strengthening the economy while political noise dominated the headlines. Imagine how much further we could progress if governance continued to improve, corruption was effectively addressed, public officials exercised greater statesmanship, and every Filipino contributed positively instead of merely complaining. The Philippines has many strengths working in its favor: a young and growing population; increasing urbanization; resilient consumer demand; and, a globally-competitive services sector. These are powerful foundations for sustained economic growth. With the right policies and collective effort, it is not unrealistic to hope that more Filipinos will move from poverty into the middle class in the years ahead. Still, we must not lose sight of reality. A PIDS study shows that the uppermiddle-income group represents only a small fraction of Filipino households. The overwhelming majority still belongs to the poor, low-income, and lower-middle-income sectors. While the country’s upgrade is certainly a milestone worth celebrating, it does not mean that prosperity has already reached every Filipino family. Like any economic development, the country’s new status brings both opportunities and challenges. For now, however, we should focus on maximizing its benefits. More importantly, we must ensure that economic progress becomes more inclusive so that growth is not enjoyed by only a few but shared by the greater majority of Filipinos.
After all, the true measure of national progress is not simply achieving a higher international classification but improving the quality of life of every Filipino.
Wilma
Why do more women get these four diseases?
OWNING to her unique anatomy, hormones, family history, and lifestyle, a woman at some point in her life will undergo tests to rule out, confirm, or monitor diseases related to her gynecological and reproductive health: from cancers of the breast, cervix and ovaries, to polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and urinary tract infection.
But such factors also make women more vulnerable to certain conditions that men can have as well. For example, the natural changes a woman goes through following menopause—less production of estrogen, increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels—put her at risk for heart attack and stroke.
Sheryll Cornejo, MD, an internal medicine consultant of the country’s top hospital Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net.ph), identifies four other health conditions that affect more women than men, and what women can do to reduce their risks.
n Osteoporosis, or the weakening of bones, is a result of decreased estrogen production from menopause, which contributes to bone loss.
“Anatomically, women also have smaller, thinner bones than men, putting them at risk for fracture,” points out Cornejo.
Fortify your bones before they become brittle and break by maintaining a diet rich in calcium (dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fish whose bones you can eat are excellent sources) and vitamin D (get it from early morning sun exposure). Also, engage regularly in strength-training and weight-bearing exercises, and avoid alcohol and smoking, which have a negative impact on bone health.
n Thyroid cancer, or a malignant growth visible and palpable from the base of the neck, is more common among women in their reproductive years. Because thyroid tissue contains estrogen receptors, fluctuations in female hormones can sometimes promote the growth of these cells, which helps explain the gender gap. Other possible causes are a family history of cancer, faulty genes, radiation exposure, a lack of iodine in the diet, and obesity.
“While you cannot completely prevent sporadic thyroid cancer, keeping a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, limiting radiation exposure, and being aware of your family history can minimize your risks,” says Cornejo. “More importantly, performing regular neck self-examinations help you catch it early and begin treatment as soon as possible.” The prognosis for thyroid cancer among women is good and marked by high survival rates.
n Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the lining of the joints. Females are two to three times more prone to developing RA. Because women have two X chromosomes—which carry many immune-related genes—they naturally mount stronger immune responses, making them more vulnerable to autoimmune misfires. Furthermore, fluctuating estrogen levels, particularly the sudden drops following pregnancy or during menopause, can trigger the disorder. Others posit that it’s caused by a combination of genetics, smoking, obesity, and environmental factors.
Lifestyle changes, explains Cornejo, can help manage your risk and reduce severe flare-ups if you are genetically predisposed. “Consume a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Stick to your ideal weight and exercise regularly. Crucially, quit smoking—a major documented trigger for RA—and learn to manage stress.”
n Alzheimer’s disease, or the degeneration of the brain due to the accumulation of plaque that destroys healthy brain cells, is diagnosed among more women than men, presumably because women live longer. However, people with the disease are more likely to have hypertension and diabetes, consume cigarettes and alcohol in excess, live a sedentary life, and have limited social interaction.
“Modifying these risk factors can delay, if not prevent Alzheimer’s disease from developing,” says Cornejo. “Staying physically and mentally active, as well as socializing with family and friends do wonders in keeping the brain stimulated, healthy, and happy.”
THERE are relationships that drain you in a way that is hard to explain to people who have not felt it. You leave the conversation and feel smaller than when it started. You begin questioning things you were certain about before the other person offered their opinion. You find yourself rehearsing what you will say, or replaying what was said afterward and wondering whether the fault was yours. The exhaustion is real, but because it is emotional rather than physical, it is also easy to dismiss. You tell yourself the person means well, or that every relationship has its difficult stretches. And so you stay, and the pattern continues.
What makes a toxic relationship particularly hard to address is that you do not readily see it. It builds slowly, through small moments that each seem manageable on their own. A comment here, a dismissal there, a habit of interrupting or minimizing your concerns that becomes so familiar you stop noticing it. By the time you recognize the overall shape of the dynamic, you have already adjusted your behavior around it. You speak more carefully. You avoid certain topics. You apologize in advance. These adjustments feel like relationship skills, but they are often something closer to strategies that allow the relationship to continue without addressing the real problem.
Toxic does not always mean dramatic. Some of the
most draining relationships involve people who never raise their voices. The pattern can look like consistent criticism wrapped in humor. It can look like someone who always needs help but is never available when you need it in return. It can look like a friend who makes you feel guilty for spending time with other people. What these patterns share is a consistent imbalance. Your needs are treated as secondary. Your perspective is regularly dismissed or redirected. Over time, the relationship costs more than it returns. The word “strategic” matters here because addressing a toxic relationship does not always mean ending it immediately. It means making deliberate choices about how much access you give, how much emotional energy you invest, and how clearly you communicate your limits. Consider a coworker who regularly undermines your confidence before important meetings with comments about your preparation or approach. You cannot avoid this person entirely, and a direct confrontation might create more problems than it resolves. Instead, you can limit your interactions to what is strictly necessary for work, and stop sharing anything personal that could later be used to make you doubt yourself. Access, in many cases, is the first thing worth adjusting. Reducing your emotional investment is different from pretending not to care. It is a deliberate choice to stop expecting the relationship to be something it has repeatedly shown it cannot be. When a family member consistently responds to your good news with comparisons or criticism, the problem is not that you are sharing too much. The problem is that you keep expecting a response the relationship has never produced. Adjusting your expectations is not defeat. It is an accurate reading of available information. You do not withdraw affection entirely, but you stop presenting the parts of yourself most vulnerable to damage in a space that has not proven safe enough to hold them.
Sometimes an honest conversation is the right next step. This works best when the other person is someone you genuinely want to maintain a relationship with, and when you have reason to believe the behavior is something they are unaware of rather than something they are choosing. Keep the conversation specific and calm. Instead of describing the person as difficult or harmful, describe what you experienced and what you need to change. A friend who consistently cancels plans at the last moment may not realize the effect this has on your trust.
Telling that person directly that the pattern makes it hard for you to invest in making plans together is more useful than either silent frustration or a complete withdrawal without explanation. Sometimes, however, distance is the only reasonable response. Not every relationship can be repaired through better communication. Some people are not interested in adjusting their behavior, and some patterns are genuinely harmful regardless of intent. When a relationship consistently leaves you feeling worse, when limits are repeatedly ignored, or when honest communication is met with hostility, distance is not failure. It is a measured response to information you have been given over time. Distance can be gradual. You do not need to make a declaration. You simply stop making yourself available, and you let the relationship settle into something smaller and safer. What you protect when you address a toxic relationship strategically is not just your peace. You protect your judgment, your confidence, and your ability to invest genuinely in the relationships that do sustain you. Every relationship teaches you something about what you are willing to accept. The ones that cost the most often teach the most, if you allow yourself to learn from them rather than simply endure them. You do not have to make a perfect decision. You only need to make a more honest one than the last.
Why losing weight isn’t just about counting calories—and what to do about it
By J.M. Hirsch The Associated Press
BOSTON—When it comes to losing weight, it turns out the simple math of counting calories doesn’t always add up. Fad diets come and go, but the underlying message almost always follows a simple equation. If you consume fewer calories than you burn, the weight will melt away.
In principle, it’s true. And counting calories can be a useful tool for managing weight. But it only works if you know what numbers you’re counting. And what’s been billed as basic math can sometimes look more like Einstein’s theory of relativity.
That’s because a complex web of factors influences how or even if our bodies process calories. And it turns out diet quality is just as important as quantity, and possibly more.
“Different foods have very different effects on the brain, liver, fat cells, muscle function, pancreas and all organs related to metabolism and body weight,” said Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University.
COUNTING CALORIES COULD BURN YOU
A CALORIE is the unit of energy used to count what the body can get from carbohydrates, proteins and fats. That sounds simple, but the complexity of counting calories went mainstream recently, when a lawsuit accused the maker of David protein bars of affixing labels that misrepresent how many calories and how much fat the products contain. The lawsuit has since been dropped.
The allegations were based on an analysis of the bars using bomb calorimetry, which measures calories by burning food and calculating the amount of heat released, a method that counts every potential calorie. But our bodies aren’t combustion chambers and don’t treat all calories the same. The company’s numbers, like many food labels, are based only on the calories our bodies can actually use. Technically, both are correct, but only the latter matters for diet.
The calorie counts on most nutrition labels reflect the total our bodies are likely to metabolize, not their burn rate. But they still can be misleading. Because of permitted rounding, the tallies can be off by as much as 20 percent.
CALORIES ARE SIMPLE.
HOW YOUR BODY USES THEM IS NOT
OUR bodies determine how to process calories— either burning them or storing them—depending in part on our energy needs. But the quality of the calories matters, too. High-glycemic foods, such as white breads, pastas and sugars, are easily converted to usable energy and trigger our bodies to store calories, Ludwig said.
Foods containing resistant starches, including some beans, whole grains and seeds, resist easy conversion into usable energy and don’t trigger that same storage response. They also are more difficult to process, so we absorb fewer of the total calories contained in them.
“Having a snack of 8 ounces of sugary beverage, 100 calories, should be better for your weight than 1 ounce of nuts at 200 calories, right?” Ludwig said.
“That’s the opposite of what actually happens because those 100 calories, even if they’re fewer at that moment, they shift your body toward storing fat and leave you hungrier sooner.”
Which of course triggers you to eat more, well, calories.
Even cooking and ripeness influence the equation. The calories in cooked foods are more easily absorbed than from raw ingredients, while the calories in unripe produce, such as bananas, are less easily absorbed. This means the number of calories you get from eating a medium banana, which is listed at 105 calories, can depend on how ripe it is.
As for processing, including something as simple as grinding a food, can change caloric impact.
SHOULD YOU EVEN BOTHER TO COUNT CALORIES?
SO what’s a weight watcher to do? Calorie counts can be a rough guideline; many people otherwise struggle to make healthy choices or determine appropriate portions, Ludwig said.
But the evidence indicates people should focus on diet quality, not just calorie quantity. Avoid ultraprocessed foods, particularly refined starches, and build your diet around whole, minimally processed foods with an emphasis on plant-based ingredients rich in fiber.
“We need to think about calories in a much more sophisticated fashion than the number on the package,” Ludwig said. “The number on the package can do more harm than good by misleading people into thinking that it’s simply an accounting problem.”
The building façade of the 482-room Hotel101Niseko has been completed, with interior fit-out works now in full swing as the property remains on track to open in December 2026.
The opening will mark another milestone for DoubleDragon Corporation as Hotel101 becomes the first homegrown Filipino hotel chain to build and operate a property in Japan. With 482 rooms, Hotel101-Niseko is also set to become the largest hotel in Kutchan, Niseko, Hokkaido.
Following the opening of the 680room Hotel101-Madrid in March 2026, which enabled DoubleDragon to begin generating recurring revenues in euros, Hotel101-Niseko is expected to add Japanese yen-denominated recurring revenues to the company’s growing international portfolio.
Hotel101-Niseko will feature two indoor swimming pools, a hot mineral bath and sauna, a business center with meeting rooms, HBNB all-day dining with private rooms, HBNB Grab & Go, a children’s playground, fitness gym, ski rental shop and ski locker facilities.
Niseko is internationally renowned for its “JAPOW,” or light, dry Japanese powder snow, complemented by views of illuminated ski slopes and Mount Yotei. During summer, the destination transforms into a cool alpine retreat offering whitewater rafting along the Shiribetsu River, hiking, mountain biking, ziplining, golf and relaxing onsen experiences.
An actual photo of the 482-room Hotel101 in Niseko, Hokkaido Japan
The destination’s growing global appeal is supported by new and announced direct air routes to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, including seasonal services from Vancouver and San Francisco. Direct flights from Manila via Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines are also expected to make Niseko more accessible to Filipino travelers.
Hotel101 Global is pursuing its vision of developing one million uniform Hotel101 rooms across 100 countries, primarily through the licensing of its asset-light HBNB business model, which is designed to generate long-term recurring revenues.
In the Philippines, the 518-room Hotel101-Manila and 606-room Hotel101Fort continue to record high occupancy levels. Hotel101-Madrid, the brand’s first property outside the Philippines, has also demonstrated strong demand, achieving
full occupancy and generating more than €100,000 in revenue in a single day.
A total of 2,229 Hotel101 rooms are scheduled to become operational in 2026. These include 680 rooms in Madrid, 519 rooms in Davao, 548 rooms in Cebu and 482 rooms in Niseko.
DoubleDragon expects the continued expansion of Hotel101 to strengthen its recurring revenue base and eventually contribute to U.S. dollar inflows into the Philippine economy.
In 2025, Hotel101 became the first Filipino company with a subsidiary listed on the U.S. Nasdaq. DoubleDragon currently has total assets of ₱225.3 billion.
The company remains committed to building Hotel101 into a globally recognized Filipino hospitality brand with a presence across key international markets.
Be captivated by the exquisite creations of renowned Filipino designer Peach Garde, featuring avant-garde and reimagined wedding gowns and Barong Tagalogs that beautifully blend tradition with modern artistry
PLANNING a wedding is a journey of turning dreams into reality, and Richmonde Hotel
Iloilo is setting the perfect stage for modern couples as they begin their “happily ever after.” Last June, the hotel lobby was transformed into a haven of style and local creativity with Richmonde showcasing the stunning bridal fashion exhibit of renowned Iloilobased designer Peter Gagula, under his celebrated brand Peach Garde.
Running until today, July 15, 2026, the display features an extraordinary collection of wedding gowns and Barong Tagalog reimagined through contemporary design. Every piece celebrates Filipino craftsmanship, heritage, and creativity, utilizing the rich textures of locally sourced fabrics to bring timeless glamour to modern weddings. Beautifully styled by Events by Tanz, the exhibit serves as an invitation to couples planning a dream wedding that blends tradition and unique style.
The artistry featured in the lobby is just a glimpse of the seamless experience Richmonde offers soon-to-be newlyweds. Recognizing that the journey to the altar
should be filled with joy rather than stress, the hotel presents “Ready, Set, I Do!”—a simple and straightforward pre-wedding stay package designed for chic comfort and effortless preparation.
Couples can enjoy a relaxing night’s rest before the big day in any of the hotel’s spacious, well-appointed accommodations. Whether choosing an Executive Deluxe Room, Premier Room, or a luxurious One-Bedroom Suite, the generous floor areas easily accommodate the bride’s glam team, supportive bridesmaids, and photo/video crews. Best of all, bookings are highly accessible, priced at the hotel’s current best available rates, with no extra charges for in-room bridal preparations, and use of the hotel’s most picturesque public spaces, including the lobby, driveway, guest floor hallway, atrium, and pool deck, providing a convenient and splendid backdrop for the couple’s pre-nuptial shots and videos. Beyond the preparations, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo offers an idyllic location for intimate wedding receptions that do not compromise on prestige or charm. The Intimate Wedding Package offers the perfect solution for couples seeking a more private celebration up to a maximum of 150 attendees.
Couples can choose the backdrop that best fits their love story: a sleek, temperature-controlled indoor function room, or the breezy, alfresco pool deck that overlooks the cityscape and presents a magnificent sunset view. Providing meticulous and professional assistance in planning and executing every dream wedding is the hotel’s banquet events team.
To complement the celebration, the hotel’s expert culinary team crafts an array of delectable buffet selections. The curated menu bridges cultures and flavors, featuring international dishes alongside traditional and modernized heirloom Ilonggo recipes— ensuring a feast that guests will remember for years to come.
From the first sketch of the gown to the final toast of the night, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo weaves style, heritage, and heartfelt hospitality into every detail of each wedding journey.
For inquiries regarding Richmonde’s wedding packages, contact (6333) 328-7888 or log on to www.richmondehoteliloilo.com.ph for more information about ongoing promotions. To contact Room Reservations directly, call (63) 917-580-9642 or email stay@richmondeiloilo.com. For Banquet Bookings, call (63) 917 563 3973 or email sales@ richmondeiloilo.com.
AS more Filipino professionals navigate increasingly demanding careers and lifestyles, preventive healthcare is becoming less of an afterthought and more of a necessity.
From routine executive health screenings to proactive wellness programs, a growing number of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and working professionals are prioritizing early detection and longterm health management as part of their everyday lives. The shift reflects a broader understanding that staying productive, achieving personal goals, and maintaining overall well-being require more than treating illnesses when they arise—they require preventing them in the first place.
This evolving mindset is something Fullerton Health Philippines has witnessed firsthand. Now celebrating their second anniversary, the organization continues to champion preventive healthcare as an essential part of modern living, helping more Filipinos take proactive steps toward better health through executive health screening, advanced diagnostics, and personalized wellness solutions.
“Our mission has always been to empower individuals to take control of their health before illnesses develop or progress. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on helping more people live fuller, healthier lives through preventive care,” said Carmie de Leon, Country General Manager of Fullerton Health Philippines.
The growing emphasis on prevention has fueled Fullerton Health Philippines’ growth over the past two years. Since opening its doors, the organization has established itself as a trusted partner in executive health by combining advanced diagnostic capabilities, efficient patient experiences, and comprehensive health screening programs designed to offer efficient, fast, and seamless preventive healthcare experience.
A significant highlight in Fullerton Health Philippines’ journey this year was the recognition received at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2026, where they were honored as Specialty Clinic of the Year
MARKING a significant milestone in its commitment to elevating expertise within its high-net-worth advisory team, Sun Life Philippines announced that 100 financial advisors have successfully completed an exclusive delivery of the Chartered Trust and Estate Planner (CTEP) program.
A specialized program, CTEP equipped participating advisors with advanced knowledge across six comprehensive modules covering estate planning fundamentals, estate taxation, wills and trust strategies, gifting and life insurance planning, business succession arrangements, and special powers of attorney.
Delivered by seasoned financial industry experts, the CTEP curriculum combined comprehensive theoretical knowledge with practical case studies, enabling advisors to apply learning immediately to real world client scenarios involving business succession, philanthropic structuring, and incapacity planning.
“This program represents our commitment to ensuring our advisors possess world-class expertise in wealth preservation and legacy planning,” said JJ Moreno, Country Head and CEO of Sun Life Philippines. “As Asia approaches an unprecedented intergenerational wealth transfer,
our advisors need to be equipped not just with product knowledge, but with sophisticated planning strategies that address the complex concerns of affluent families. These 100 advisors now hold globally recognized credentials that reflect the caliber of guidance we can provide.”
The CTEP cohort contributes to Sun Life’s sustained investment in advisor development, positioning them among the Philippines’ most qualified trust and estate planning professionals. The designation validates their expertise across critical wealth management disciplines and enhances client confidence in their advisory capabilities.
This also aligns strategically with Sun Life’s recent launch of Sun Life Premier Legacy, a comprehensive financial solution designed for affluent Filipinos seeking structured wealth preservation and multigenerational continuity.
“Our advisors are our greatest asset in serving the high-net-worth segment,” Moreno added. “By continuously investing in their professional development, we ensure Sun Life remains the trusted partner for families navigating complex wealth transfer and legacy preservation decisions.”
Converge ICT Solutions executives led by, from left, Tim Ordinario, CEO, Ravenous Communications Inc.; Sandra Tubale-Dingal, AVP and Head of Consumer Segment Marketing, Converge ICT Solutions, Inc.; Orange Ramirez, VP and Brand & Marketing Head, Converge ICT Solutions, Inc.; Demetrio Montes, AVP, Regional General Manager for South Luzon & Bicol Region, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. together with KZ Tandingan.
CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc., the fastest-growing broadband service and technology provider in the Philippines, brought energy and excitement to Naga City as the Converge Super FiberX Xponential Tour made its tour stop at Plaza Rizal.
Today, the internet has become an essential part of everyday life, opening new opportunities for people to work, learn, create, build businesses, enjoy entertainment, and stay connected with family and friends. As digital technology becomes increasingly woven into everyday life, Converge continues to create experiences that celebrate not only technology, but also the people whose passions, talents, and aspirations thrive through meaningful connections.
More than a concert, the Xponential Tour gives local artists and creators the opportunity to share the stage with established performers. It celebrates individuals who are making a positive impact in their communities and highlights how connection can create opportunities and bring people together.
(Executive Health) – Philippines. The award recognizes the organization’s excellence in executive health screening, mainly in offering advanced diagnostic imaging technologies, evidence-based healthcare practices, and patient-centered care designed to support early detection and better health outcomes.
Fullerton Health Philippines has also expanded access through strategic partnerships with major HMO providers, healthcare organizations, and digital health platforms, making executive health screening more convenient for
Leading the celebration was singer-songwriter KZ Tandingan, whose journey from Davao to becoming one of the country’s most respected artists embodies the spirit of Xponential. Her story shows how talent, perseverance, and the right support can help people reach their full potential.
“To me, being Xponential means constantly growing, pushing your limits, and inspiring others along the way. It’s about making the most of every opportunity and becoming the best version of yourself,” said Tandingan. As more households, businesses, and creators across the Bicol Region embrace digital opportunities, Converge continues to deliver reliable connectivity that helps communities stay connected and unlock new possibilities
“Bicol is full of Xponentials. Through this platform, we want to celebrate local talent and create experiences that bring communities together. It’s one way we support and empower the communities we serve,” said Orange Ramirez, VP and Brand & Marketing Head of Converge ICT Solutions.
Leveraging our position as the architect of the nation’s first end-to-end pure fiber infrastructure, Converge continues to deliver fast, reliable, and consistent connectivity through Converge Super FiberX, its flagship fiber broadband service. Designed to meet the demands of today’s connected households, Super FiberX supports multiple devices and users simultaneously, making it ideal for remote work, online learning, streaming, gaming, content creation, running online businesses, and staying in touch with loved ones. With dependable high-speed internet, Filipino families can stay productive, pursue their passions, and enjoy seamless digital experiences at home. The Xponential Tour illustrates Converge’s belief that strong connections go beyond technology. By bringing together communities, creators, and inspiring personalities, the platform showcases how connectivity can help people pursue their passions, share their talents, and create a greater impact.
Stay tuned for the next stop of the Xponential Tour and future Converge events. For more information, visit www.convergeict.com or follow the company’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ConvergeICT.
By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio
EMERGING townships in Northern Luzon and Southern Luzon are the growth drivers of the residential property sector, driven by major infrastructure projects, rising employment opportunities and sustained end-user demand, according to Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC).
Roy Golez, director for research, consultancy and valuation at LPC, told reporters that residential demand has remained resilient despite geopolitical tensions, elevated interest rates and inflationary pressures.
“The demand is intact despite inflation, higher borrowing costs and global uncertainty,” Golez said in LPC’s recent First Half 2026 Philippine Market Report.
During the first half of 2026, Golez said residential take-up rose 6 percent year-on-year to around 40,500 units, while developers increased new project launches by 18 percent. Although unsold inventory reached a record 82,900 units, Golez said the market remains healthy, with supply equivalent to about 34 months, still considered a manageable level.
He said the strongest momentum is now coming from areas outside the National Capital Region.
According to LPC research, residential township developments north of Metro Manila posted some of the country’s fastest price increases. Residential land values in Bulacan climbed by as much as 60 percent, while Pam -
panga recorded gains of around 15 percent, reflecting growing demand as infrastructure projects reshape Central Luzon.
Premium township developments in the north are now selling for P43,000 to P45,000 per square meter, a level that would have been difficult to imagine only a few years ago. Southern growth centers remain among the country's most expensive residential markets. In Cavite, Laguna and Batangas, average residential lot prices now range from P59,000 to P62,000 per square meter, while prime developments in Nuvali command up to P88,000 per square meter. Select luxury communities have already breached the P100,000-per-squaremeter mark.
While prices in the south continue to rise, Golez noted that annual increases have slowed to single digits, suggesting buyers are becoming more sensitive after several years of rapid appreciation.
The luxury residential segment, however, remains largely unaffected by global economic uncertainties. High-end developments along Batan -
gas' western coastline continue to attract affluent buyers, with premium projects such as Rockwell's seaside communities posting strong sales and commanding prices approaching P87,000 per square meter.
Golez said infrastructure will continue to reshape the country’s residential landscape over the next
several years.
He identified the Luzon Economic Corridor as a major catalyst for new housing demand.
Even as Metro Manila’s condominium market continues to face softer rental rates and elevated inventory, Golez said demand from end-users remains solid. Buyers are increasingly
New recreational destination expands the offerings of the Philippines’s first industry-driven central business district
LIPA-MALVAR , Batangas—The Golf Range at LIMA Estate, a new recreational facility now open to the public, marks the latest addition to Biz Hub at LIMA Estate, expanding the lifestyle offering of the country’s
Batangas Limapark supports business travel linked to ongoing operations.
Daily life within the estate is reinforced by supporting infrastructure across retail, recreation, and mobility. The Outlets at LIMA Estate, LIMA Exchange, The Golf Range at LIMA Estate, and Aboitiz Pitch
dents,
“Our decision to invest in LIMA Estate reflects our confidence in the platform that Aboitiz Group has built,” shared Arnulfo Delos Reyes, President of Partners & Properties Inc. “It provides a stable and credible environment where developments like the Golf Range can take shape with a clear view of long-term demand.”
The opening of the Golf Range reflects how development within LIMA Estate follows the conditions of its industrial environment.
"Biz Hub at LIMA Estate reflects a growing market demand for destinations where industry and everyday life intersect,” shared Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, President and CEO of Aboitiz Economic Estates and Aboitiz Land. “Its growth is being shaped by the strength of an existing economic ecosystem, creating opportunities for new investments across retail, hospitality, services, recreation, and enterprise.”
The Golf Range is the latest addition to Biz Hub at LIMA Estate, where sustained industrial activity is supporting a broader mix of business, commercial, and lifestyle investments. Its opening reflects the district’s continued evolution as
opting for ready-for-occupancy units instead of pre-selling projects, supported by improved housing financing programs and government initiatives such as the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
Because of the still-elevated inventory, developers are expected to remain selective in launching new condominium projects and instead focus on selling existing units.
“The next phase of residential growth will be driven not only by Metro Manila but increasingly by emerging growth corridors north and south of the capital, where infrastructure, jobs and new townships are creating fresh opportunities for both developers and homebuyers,” Golez said,
Developers rein in new supply LOBIEN said one of the healthiest developments in the market is the
sharp slowdown in new construction. Building permits have declined significantly, allowing developers to gradually address oversupply in offices and condominiums.
“We don’t want more office spaces and more condominium projects right now,” she said. “Developers are now being very strategic.”
Rather than building speculatively, developers are now launching projects only after confirming demand.
“The market today is healthier compared to before,” Lobien said.
On the residential side, Lobien said homeownership remains a strong aspiration among Filipinos, with around 80 percent of households owning their homes.
Rather than oversupply, she said the country’s biggest challenge remains a housing shortage, particularly in the affordable and mid-market segments priced between P2.5 million and P10 million.
Demand has also shifted beyond Metro Manila as buyers seek more affordable homes in areas benefiting from major infrastructure projects.
Meanwhile, condominium developers have sharply reduced new launches, helping stabilize the market after years of aggressive expansion.
Despite softer market conditions, residential property prices continue to rise by about 7 percent annually, with Metro Manila still posting the highest price increases. She expects the property sector to remain supported by improving employment, steady OFW remittances, continued BPO expansion and disciplined project launches. “As long as developers remain strategic and demand continues to grow, the market is in a healthier position than it was before,” she said.
PROPERTY giant Megaworld has officially started the construction of the 313-room Paragua Sands Hotel, one of its two hotels being built inside the 462-hectare Paragua Coastown township in San Vicente, Palawan.The 10-story new hotel will offer a variety of room layouts, including Presidential Suites, along with a host of premium amenities set against the backdrop of lush mountains and the famous Long Beach of San
biggest hotel operator in the area. Leading the groundbreaking ceremony were Darwin Villestas, Head of Sales and Marketing, Megaworld Palawan (Third from right) and Manuel Mendoza, Chairman, Monocrete Construction Philippines (Third from left). Also shown in photo are (from left)
By Carmel Pedroza
CEBU CITY—The National Police (PNP) has created
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
MORE than half of Filipino internet users have already fallen victim to cybercrime, even as nearly all of them believe their online habits are safe, according to a new study that lays bare a widening gap between confidence and conduct in the country’s digital life.
The Asia-Pacific Cyber Safety Landscape 2026 report, released by global insurtech bolttech, found that 96 percent of Filipino respondents rate their online safety habits as “good” or “very good.”
Yet fewer than half—48 percent—consistently practice strong cyber hygiene, producing a 48-point perception gap, wider than the regional average of 41 points. That overconfidence is colliding with one of the region’s most
Legislator eyes free legal assistance in underserved, remote communities
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
ALAWMAKER is proposing the rollout of barangay-based legal assistance desks and mobile legal clinics nationwide to bring free legal services closer to underserved and remote communities.
Parañaque Rep. Brian Yamsuan said improving access to legal aid would help narrow the gap between privileged and marginalized sectors while empowering Filipinos to better understand and assert their rights.
To achieve this, he filed House Bill 9476, which seeks to institutionalize mobile legal clinics (MLCs) and barangay legal aid desks (BLADs).
“Every Filipino has the right to free access to adequate legal services. However, many of our countrymen, especially those in remote areas, are not given this kind of service because it is difficult to go to the courts or a lawyer, or that it eats up not only a lot of their time but also their meager income,” he said. According to the latest available data from the World Justice Project, eight out of 10 Filipinos lack access to legal aid. Those most vulnerable to this inadequacy were overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), persons with disabilities (PWDs), small and medium enterprise owners, and indigent clients. Under the bill, mobile legal clinics will be operated by the Department of Justice and the Public Attorney’s Office, delivering “legal aid on wheels” to hard-to-reach areas. These clinics will be staffed by PAO lawyers, paralegals, volunteer lawyers, law student interns, and legal aid volunteers.
The measure also mandates the establishment of barangay legal aid desks in every barangay, which will serve as community-based support hubs staffed by trained paralegals, volunteer lawyers, and legal interns.
Both MLCs and BLADs will offer legal consultations, mediation and conciliation services, and assistance in preparing documents such as affidavits, contracts, and basic pleadings. In addition, mobile clinics will handle labor disputes, land and family issues, consumer concerns, notarization, and public legal education sessions.
Yamsuan underscored that many disputes do not necessarily require court litigation but instead need proper guidance and
hostile threat environments. Some 93 percent of Filipinos surveyed have encountered a scam attempt, above the Asia-Pacific average of 89 percent, and 57 percent have already been victimized by cybercrime, well above the 39 percent recorded in the region. Nearly three in four incidents resulted in financial loss. In addition, 58 percent of Filipino respondents expect someone in their own household to
fall victim within the next year.
Jemma dela Cruz, bolttech’s general manager for the Philippines, said the findings suggest the country’s cybersecurity problem has shifted from ignorance to inertia.
Filipinos know the threats exist. They simply are not acting on that knowledge. Nearly 70 percent of consumers reuse passwords across multiple accounts, meaning a single breach can cascade across banking apps, e-wallets, and social media profiles.
“What this shows is that the issue is no longer awareness—it’s behavior,” she said. “Consumers already know cyber risks exist, but protection today still depends too heavily on individuals making the right decisions every time. What’s needed now is a shift towards support that is embedded and seamless, so people are protected as they go about their everyday digital lives.”
The study, which surveyed 3,850 consumers in 11 AsiaPacific markets—350 per market, aged 18 to 55—found that
Southeast Asian economies including Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, report higher cybercrime exposure and more frequent scam activity than markets such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Australia.
“Scams have become an inescapable friction in the regional digital economy,” said David Black, founder and chief executive officer of Blackbox Research, the independent Singapore-based agency that conducted the fieldwork. “Yet even with the vast majority facing scam threats, there is a stark disconnect between public anxiety and personal action, as most consumers declare their own safety protocols are failing to keep pace.”
The report scored markets across five cyber indexes measuring experiences, exposure, digital behaviors, and sentiment toward scams and cybercrime, each on a 0–100 scale, with results analyzed across age, gender, socioeconomic status, education, and employment.
CEBU CITY—The National Power Corporation (Napocor) has energized Cataban Island in Talibon, Bohol, marking a major milestone in its continuing effort to provide reliable electricity to remote and off-grid communities.
Napocor President and Chief Executive Officer Jericho Jonas Nograles announced in an online briefing that the island officially received dependable power on July 10, giving residents access to electricity for the first time.
“This is the first time that the municipality has reliable energy,” Nograles said, highlighting the transformative impact of the project on the island’s fishing community.
Before the electrification project, residents—particularly fishermen—relied heavily on disposable batteries to power their daily activities.
With the new electricity service, households can now use
rechargeable batteries, reducing both household expenses and environmental waste.
Nograles shared that the community requested an adjustment to the daily eight-hour power schedule to better suit the livelihood of local fishermen.
While Napocor initially planned to provide electricity from 4:00 p.m. to 12 midnight, the barangay asked that the schedule be moved earlier, from 2:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Nograles said the change would allow fishermen enough time to recharge their batteries before heading out to sea at around 10 p.m.
“They told us they needed to recharge their batteries because they leave for fishing at 10 o’clock in the evening,” he said.
“After catching fish, they even cross to Cebu to sell their catch. That is the daily reality of life on the island,” he added.
The energization of Cataban Island is the sixth successful island
electrification completed by Napocor under its off-grid electrification program in the area. It follows the energization of Sagasa, Maumawan, Malingin and Hingotanan in Bien Unido town and Ga-us Island in President Carlos P. Garcia town, all of which were connected to dependable power in May 2025.
Napocor said the continuing expansion of electricity services to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas is aimed not only at improving the quality of life of residents but also at stimulating local economic growth.
Nograles reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to reaching the country’s most remote communities.
“Napocor continues to work hard to go to the furthest areas that need electricity,” he said.
“We are working hard to bring power and be a catalyst for economic change in these islands,” he added. Carmel Pedroza
a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to fast-track the investigation into the fatal shooting of an American marine scientist and the alleged sexual assault of his Filipino partner inside their home in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.
The task group, designated SITG Carpenter, was organized following the killing of Dr. Kent Carpenter, 73, a globally recognized marine scientist, on Sunday night in barangay Ajong, Sibulan.
In a virtual press briefing on Tuesday, the spokesman of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NORPPO), Capt. Stephen Jaynard Polinar, said the task group is composed of investigators from the provincial police, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the Provincial Anti-Cybercrime Team, the Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco), and other law enforcement units.
Initial findings indicate that robbery is among the possible motives after the assailants reportedly carted away valuables from the victims’ residence.
However, Polinar said investigators are continuing to explore all possible angles.
“Investigators are not ruling out other possible motives, given the other circumstances during the commission of the crime,” Polinar said.
Police said three men wear -
ing bonnets and masks forced their way into the residence at around 11:30 p.m. Sunday. One of the suspects allegedly shot Carpenter in the head, killing him instantly.
Authorities also alleged that Carpenter’s 34-year-old Filipino partner was sexually assaulted during the attack. She is currently under the care of the police Women and Children Protection Desk. Her identity is being withheld for her protection.
In a statement, NORPPO said responding personnel from the Sibulan Municipal Police Station immediately secured the crime scene after receiving a report from a concerned citizen.
The provincial police added that Soco personnel conducted forensic processing and evidence collection as investigators pursued leads to identify and arrest the suspects.
NORPPO also appealed to the public to report any information that could help solve the case, assuring residents that authorities are coordinating with other law enforcement units to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, Polinar said Carpenter’s family in the United States and the US Embassy in the Philippines have already been informed of his death.
Police are still conducting an inventory to determine the value of the items stolen from the residence.
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna—Laguna Gov. Sol Aragones announced on Tuesday the construction this year of a new command center aided by artificial intelligence (AI) technology to boost disaster preparedness, emergency response and public safety across the province.
“It’s important that we are prepared in any disaster, and at the end of the day, the lives of our people depend on this,” the governor said in Filipino in her Facebook livestream.
She noted that construction will begin before the end of the year, with the center expected to enable faster, more coordinated action during crises once operational.
Meanwhile, Laguna Provincial Information Officer Danilo Lucas, in a news release,
said the Laguna Command Center will use AI-powered closed-circuit television cameras installed across the province’s 30 towns and cities to provide real-time monitoring of floods, road incidents and other emergencies.
“The facility will be equipped with Eagle Eye AI video surveillance at the landing point in Nagcarlan town, LED display walls, 10 monitoring stations, an automated weather station, an incident command post and a dedicated management team,” Lucas said.
An in-house meteorologist or weather forecaster will be on the staff, and personnel will work in shifts to ensure continuous monitoring and coordination during emergencies, he added. PNA
CEBU CITY—Three minors who figured in separate school threat and violent incidents in Cebu admitted that their actions stemmed from social media influence, academic pressure, and prolonged bullying – reasons that prompted Gov. Pamela Baricuatro to personally meet with them as the provincial government moves to strengthen school safety measures.
Two boys, aged 12 and 13 from Talisay City, admitted posting separate bomb and school threat messages on Facebook pages linked to schools after being influenced by reports and online content about the recent deadly school shooting in Tacloban City. One of them confessed that he hoped the threat would lead to class suspensions because he was unprepared for an upcoming examination.
The third minor, a 17-year-old from Carcar City, said he carried a bladed weapon after enduring repeated bullying from fellow students.
He recounted being physically assaulted by classmates on separate occasions, prompting him to
confront his alleged tormentors before barangay officials intervened and police took him in for questioning.
Alarmed by the incidents and their impact on public safety, Baricuatro invited the three minors and their parents to the Capitol for a closed-door dialogue initiated through the Provincial Peace and Order Council. During the meeting, the minors apologized for causing fear and anxiety among students, parents, schools, and law enforcement authorities.
While emphasizing that threats and acts of violence are serious offenses that authorities cannot ignore, Baricuatro said the purpose of the meeting was not merely to reprimand the children but to understand what drove them to commit the acts and determine how the government could help prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Also present during the dialogue were Department of the Interior and Local Government
Cebu Director Jesus Robel Sastrillo Jr. and Cebu Police Director Col. Abubakar Udang Mangelen Jr.
The parents admitted they struggled to closely supervise their children’s online and offline activities because of work commitments.
Baricuatro reminded them that parental guidance is as important as providing for their children’s daily needs, particularly at a time when young people are heavily exposed to social media.
She also urged the minors to be more discerning about online content, warning them against imitating violent behavior and believing misinformation circulating on social media.
Instead of pursuing purely punitive measures, the provincial government decided to give the minors another opportunity through intervention programs. They will undergo assessment, counseling, and other appropriate interventions under the Department of Social Welfare and Development to address behavioral concerns and help steer them away from future offenses.
Before the meeting ended, the governor encouraged the minors to focus on their education, avoid trouble, and become responsible
members of their communities.
The incidents have also reinforced Cebu Province’s broader push to strengthen campus security.
Earlier, the Cebu Provincial Board urged the Department of Education in Central Visayas and the DepEd Cebu Province Division to enhance security measures in both public and private schools amid growing concerns over student safety.
The initiative supports Executive Order 35, signed by Baricuatro on June 25, which established the Cebu Safe Schools Program.
This province-wide policy requires schools to adopt measures on violence prevention, emergency preparedness, mental health support, and incident response while promoting stronger collaboration among schools, local governments, law enforcement agencies, parents, and communities.
During discussions before the Provincial Board, education officials outlined ongoing efforts to improve school security, including allocating school funds for the purchase of metal detectors
where feasible, strengthening Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) and values formation programs, and expanding mental health support through teachers trained in Psychological First Aid to address the shortage of guidance counselors.
DepEd officials also clarified that existing policies do not prohibit students from bringing mobile phones to school but limit their use during class unless authorized for instructional purposes. They noted that while stricter security measures are being considered, any additional inspections or restrictions must comply with legal requirements, including data privacy and the constitutional rights of students.
Complementing the governor’s executive order, the Provincial Board also endorsed proposed measures encouraging schools to strengthen campus security, review emergency response protocols, seek police assistance when necessary, and expand student safety and mental health programs as part of a comprehensive strategy to keep Cebu’s schools safe and secure. Carmel Pedroza