BusinessMirror June 04, 2026

Economy ‘largest collateral damage’ in Senate drama

By Andrea E. San Juan

THE Philippine economy, which is currently marred by elevated fiscal pressures and persistent inflation concerns due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, could become the “largest collateral damage” amid the political drama that has gripped the Senate since a month ago, a former central bank deputy governor warned.

In a commentary sent to reporters on Wednesday, former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo explained how the Senate’s credibility as an institution is not the only one at stake here, as recent political events could sow doubt among

THEPhilippines could be headed for one of its weakest growth years since the pandemic recovery as the escalating Middle East conflict fuels inflation and squeezes household spending, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

In its latest Economic Outlook released on Wednesday, the OECD cut its Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) growth projection for 2026 to 3.2 percent from the 5.1 percent it forecast in February, citing the combined impact of an energy shock, weak consumer demand, and sluggish investment.

If realized, the revised forecast would mark the Philippines’s weakest economic expansion since the Covid-19 pandemic, when the economy contracted by 9.5 percent in 2020.

Excluding the pandemic years, it would be the slowest growth print since 2009, when GDP expanded by just 1.4 percent.

OECD economist Cyrille Schwellnus said the downgrade comes as the Philippine economy was already losing momentum be -

fore oil prices surged. He explained that growth already slowed to 2.8 percent in the first quarter of the year as public investment remained weak following corruption investigations in late 2025, while household spending softened amid a weakening labor market.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that household consumption, the country’s biggest growth driver, has been steadily slowing over the past year. Private spending growth eased from 5.3 percent in the first quarter of 2025 to 5.2 percent in the second quarter, 4 percent in the third quarter and 3.8 percent in the fourth quarter before slowing further to 3 percent in the first quarter of 2026.

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

A@blessogerio

SUSTAINED 50-percent increase in refined oil prices could push the world’s annual net oil import bill higher by more than $20 billion, according to an estimate by the United Nations Trade and Development (Unctad) based on current import levels.

In its latest monitoring report, Unctad said recent geopolitical tensions have underscored how quickly energy disruptions can translate into broad economic costs, with effects that persist long after supply conditions stabilize. Before the recent disturbances, the Strait of Hormuz handled around one-fifth of global oil shipments, making it one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes. When disruptions began on February 28, crude prices climbed sharply, driving up costs in transport, supply chains, and energy markets globally. Unctad noted that the impact is uneven, with developing and vulnerable economies absorbing a disproportionate share of the shock.

Of 75 vulnerable economies analyzed, 65 are net oil importers, and most rely heavily on refined petroleum products rather than crude oil. Unctad said that these countries collectively account for nearly one billion people, with more than 30 percent of their population living on less than $3 a day.

The Philippines, while not directly importing crude oil from Iran, remains exposed to global price swings due to its reliance on Middle Eastern supply routes and Asian refining hubs tied to the Persian Gulf. About 98 percent of the country’s crude oil imports come from the Middle East. In addition, 97 percent of liquid petroleum products and 91 percent of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are sourced from Asian refineries dependent on Gulf crude flows.

“When the Strait of Hormuz is strangled, the world’s poorest and most vulnerable cannot breathe,” United Nations SecretaryGeneral António Guterres said. Based on 2024 import volumes, Unctad estimated that least developed countries would face an additional $16 billion in oil import costs, while small island developing states

investors, citizens, and the business community.

“The problem is that the consequences may extend far beyond politics,” Guinigundo stressed.

The deeper risk, the former BSP official said, is the “sustained” erosion of public trust in democratic governance itself.

“When the Upper House, historically regarded as a stabilizing institution and a chamber of sober statesmanship, becomes consumed by factional maneuvering, shifting loyalties, and narratives of political survival, confidence in the rule of law weakens alongside it,” said Guinigundo.

As a result of this, he pointed out that citizens begin to doubt whether accountability mecha-

nisms still function fairly. He also noted that investors could begin to question “institutional predictability.”

Moreover, the business community becomes more cautious and social cohesion deteriorates, Guinigundo warned.

“Public policy loses legitimacy because the institutions crafting it no longer command broad trust,” the former BSP deputy governor underscored.

“Unfortunately, the Philippine economy could become the largest collateral damage,” Guinigundo pointed out.

The former BSP deputy governor said this as he emphasized that markets do not respond only to economic indicators.

“They also respond to political coherence, institutional credibility, and policy stability,” said Guinigundo. As such, a Senate perceived as “divided, reactive, and vulnerable” to political pressure, creates uncertainty especially at a time when the country is facing elevated fiscal pressures, persistent inflation concerns, weak productivity growth, and growing external risks.

Worse, Guinigundo said stagflation is increasingly becoming a likely scenario if this political dynamics “further deteriorates.” He said each event may be dubbed a political drama. Collectively, however, “they reveal a

TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

HE government’s decision to increase pork imports entering the Philippines at lower tariffs is crucial amid risks posed by African swine fever (ASF) and war-driven inflation pressures.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. made the pronouncement after AGAP Party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones recently suggested that raising the minimum access volume (MAV) allocation for pork was “no longer timely” and had been issued without the DA chief’s knowledge.

Executive Order (EO) 116, issued

by President Marcos Jr., raised the MAV for pork to 204,210 metric tons (MT) for 2026 from the current 54,210 MT.

Tiu Laurel said the proposal was requested in 2025 when pork prices were surging and domestic supply remained constrained by ASF-related losses.

“EO 116 was crafted to help stabilize pork prices and ensure consumers have access to more affordable food,” he said. “While the proposal was initiated last year, the conditions that justified it remain—and may even be more pronounced today.”

Furthermore, Tiu Laurel stressed that the global oil crisis has added to inflationary pressures, while the onset of

the southwest monsoon season raises the risk of fresh ASF outbreaks, threatening to further disrupt hog output and tighten pork supply.

“Historically, ASF infections tend to increase during the rainy season. If supply is affected again, pork prices could climb as it did in before. This measure provides an added layer of protection for consumers and serves as a precautionary food security measure,” he said.

The EO stipulated that 30,000 MT should be given to processors while 120,000 MT was earmarked for the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) or the Kadiwa program.

The regular MAV allocation of 54,210 MT will be given to meat

processors (50 percent), FTI (20 percent) and “others” (30 percent).

The additional allocation for meat processors and the government ensures stable prices of processed pork and pork products, according to the DA. Meanwhile, Tiu Laurel noted that EO 116 is yet to be enforced, as the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) still need to be drafted and approved. The DA has been ordered to lead the drafting of the guidelines.

“EO 116 is not self-executing. The IRR will ensure that the interests of consumers, hog raisers, importers, and other stakeholders are properly balanced,” he said.

ecosystem, but to actively help build and shape it alongside international partners.

It also pointed to the importance of aligning government and private sector roles, strengthening capability formation across the workforce, supporting local technology champions, and improving coordination mechanisms across institutions.

Ultimately, the paper framed Pax Silica as a test of whether the Philippines can move from being a recipient of external industrial systems to becoming a co-designer of them.

It said the measure of success will not be the scale of investment commitments alone, but whether Filipino engineers, firms, and institutions are able to build, sustain, and take ownership of the technologies and systems that emerge from the initiative.

The Pax Silica initiative was launched in December 2025 as a United States (US)-led framework to deepen cooperation among allied economies in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), critical minerals, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure.

Anchored in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, the country had joined the Pax Silica Declaration in April, alongside plans for a 4,000-acre Economic Security Zone within the Luzon Economic Corridor, billed as an AI-native industrial hub.

Implementation remains earlystage, as Manila and Washington are still negotiating key elements of the framework, including sector priorities and governance arrangements.

DOE says Visayas needs more stable power supply

By Lenie Lectura

THEDepartment of Energy (DOE) has acknowledged that Visayas requires additional and continuous baseload and mid-merit power plants to guarantee grid stability despite having significant renewable energy (RE) capacity.

Baseload power plants are those that operate continuously while midmerit plants are designed to operate during high and fluctuating demand.

DOE Secretary Sharon Garin had said the Visayas needs more steady and dependable generation capacity to address recurring power supply concerns.

“What the Visayas needs is a steady baseload,” Garin said. “The Visayas is one of the areas in the country that has a lot of renewable energy,” she added. Garin also disclosed that several generation projects intended to strengthen the Visayas power supply have encountered delays. “There are already a few projects lined up. If they are completed now, the Visayas will

be sufficient. The start of some plants was delayed because they were not coordinated properly,” Garin said.

On Wednesday, the Visayas grid was again placed on yellow alert from 4pm to 9pm. A yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement.

Ten plants have been on forced outage since May 2026, one plant since March 2026, three plants since 2025, two plants since 2024, two plants since 2023, and one plant since 2021, while nine plants are running on derated capacities—for a total of 985.5 megawatts unavailable to the grid.

The DOE continues to pursue an aggressive renewable energy agenda

under the Philippine Energy Plan and the National Renewable Energy Program, which aim to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s power generation mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. Earlier, lawmakers examined the causes of recurring yellow and red alerts in the country’s major power grids. During the hearing, data presented showed that 96.7 percent of red alerts recorded from 2016 to 2025 were caused by generation-related issues. According to the figures, 237 of the 245 red alerts declared during the period stemmed from generation deficiencies, while only a small number involved transmission-related issues or a combination of transmission and generation factors.

Lawmakers were also informed

of high rates of unplanned shutdowns among generating facilities nationwide. Data presented during the hearing showed that 69.45 percent of generating units in Luzon experienced unplanned outages, while the figures reached 85.03 percent in the Visayas and 69.60 percent in Mindanao.

Garin said her office continues to look for solutions to temporarily address the supply constraints while waiting for new generating facilities to come online. These include the deployment of power barges, modular diesel generating units, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). A 30 MW BESS facility in Mactan, Cebu, is currently undergoing final testing and commissioning, while negotiations are underway for at least 20 MW of modular diesel generation capacity.

hold.”

“The current impasse in the Senate is untenable and unacceptable. When political divisions become too extreme and obstruct our mandate, we must all have the courage to pause, gain perspective, reflect, consider and realize that we should put the Senate, as the institution that we serve, above ourselves.”

Escudero continued, “This is not a political contest. I am not taking sides. I am taking a stand for the Senate. My allegiance is not to any faction, personality, group or alliance. This is not about loyalty, betrayal, or choosing one group over the other— this is about duty.”

In a statement, the new majority commended Escudero’s “courageous decision to take the floor today and confront the issues facing the institution. His action sent a clear message: that his commitment to the country, to the Senate, and to the Constitution would prevail above all else.”

The majority added, “His presence enabled the Senate to proceed with the discussion of matters that are too important to be left unresolved and too consequential to be set aside.”

The issue of quorum, it stressed, “is not an uncharted matter. The Supreme Court, in Avelino v. Cuenco, recognized the principle that a quorum of 12 is determined based on the number of members who are legally able to discharge the functions of the Senate.

“There is likewise an institutional precedent. In 2015, the Senate recognized a quorum of 12 senators who were within its jurisdiction. The Senate continued to perform its constitutional duties because the work of government could not be placed on

Blue Ribbon on Monday TULFO, who was chosen to be the new Blue Ribbon chief by the new majority, said he has reset for Monday, June 8, the hearing that Marcoleta called for Thursday.

At the same time, Tulfo declared “that all members of the Senate, be it in the majority or minority, are all members of the Blue Ribbon, para walang masabing may [so no one can claim there is] hocus pocus He, however, said he will have to review the list of invitees earlier declared by Marcoleta, to be sure they have something substantive to contribute to the inquiry.

House expects continued collab SPEAKER Faustino Dy III on Wednesday said the House of Representatives expects continued coordination with the Senate following Gatchalian’s assumption as Senate President Pro Tempore and Acting Senate President. Dy noted that the leadership transition in the upper chamber comes at a time when Congress is handling several priority measures that require timely action from both houses.

“At a time when our nation looks to its institutions for stability and leadership, a fully functioning Senate is essential to advancing legislation, exercising oversight, and upholding democratic governance. We are confident that under your stewardship, the Senate will continue to discharge its constitutional duties with integrity, independence, and dedication to the public interest,” he added.

According to Dy, cooperation between the two chambers remains essential to ensure the passage of key legislation and the effective functioning of Congress.

With Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

would shoulder around $4 billion more.

In some cases, the organization said that the added burden could exceed 5 percent of gross domestic product, forcing governments into difficult trade-offs between essential imports and development spending.

The agency said several economies are further exposed due to their reliance on the Gulf region as a primary energy source, limiting their ability to quickly switch to alternative suppliers when disruptions occur.

“As uncertainty continues, the question is no longer only how markets react to disruption, but how countries with the least capacity to absorb shocks can protect development gains and strengthen resilience for the future,” the agency said.

more troubling pattern: institutions increasingly operating under the logic of political

Investment activity has likewise deteriorated, with gross fixed capital formation decelerating from 6.5 percent in the first quarter of 2025 to 3.1 percent in the second quarter and 0.7 percent in the third quarter before plunging by 9.4 percent in the fourth quarter. The contraction narrowed to 2.7 percent in the first quarter of 2026.

“Going forward, we think that high inflation will further weigh on real incomes and private consumption, while the recovery in public investment is expected to remain subdued in the near term, in 2026,” Schwellnus said during a media briefing. The OECD also expects inflation to average 6.8 percent this year, well above the government’s 2to 4-percent target range. The organization said the Philippines is among the economies most vulnerable to the ongoing energy shock because of its heavy reliance on imported fuel.

Around 95- to 98-percent of the country’s crude oil imports come from the Middle East, exposing it to supply disruptions and elevated oil prices linked to the conflict in the region. The OECD also expects the country’s current account deficit to widen to 5.4 percent of GDP this year, from 4.6 percent in 2025, as higher energy prices swell the country’s import bill while weaker remittance inflows from Gulf economies weigh on external receipts.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng PIlipinas (BSP) showed that 15 percent of remittances to the Philippines originate from Gulf economies in February, making the country vulnerable not only to rising oil costs but also to slower economic activity in the region.

Schwellnus said the outlook effectively points to a stagflationary shock, with economic growth slowing even as inflation accelerates. Still, the OECD expects the impact to be temporary. The organization projects Philippine GDP growth to rebound to 5 percent in 2027, while inflation is expected to return to the BSP’s target range as energy-related pressures ease. Whether that recovery materializes will depend largely on the restoration of public investment and a slowdown in inflation, according to Schwellnus.

He said stronger public investment execution would require reforms in governance and project implementation, while the inflation outlook would hinge on both developments in the Middle East and the BSP’s policy response. To reduce vulnerability to future shocks, Schwellnus said the Philippines should accelerate investments in renewable energy and upgrade its electricity grid to lessen dependence on imported fossil fuels and volatile global energy markets. He added that reviving public investment would not only support growth in the short term but also improve productivity over the longer run.

“What needs to be done is to implement reforms to restore public investment execution and to strengthen corruption safeguards in a timely manner, which would support investment both by increasing public outlays, but also by supporting confidence of private investors,” Schwellnus added.

preservation rather than democratic stewardship.”

This is why, Guinigundo said, the present moment should not be “trivialized as mere Senate infighting.”

According to the former BSP deputy governor, the issue goes beyond personalities, factions and larger even than impeachment.

He said the central question is whether the country’s democratic institutions can still act “with enough maturity, restraint, and credibility to preserve public trust during periods of intense political conflict.”

Once institutional credibility collapses, Guinigundo said “Rebuilding it becomes far more difficult than winning any temporary political contest.”

And if political actors continue treating governance as a “zero-sum struggle for survival,” he said the “eventual casualty” may not simply be one Senate leadership, one political bloc, or one administration.

“It may be the country’s economic stability, democratic legitimacy, and long-term national cohesion itself. This should be enough warning to the Philippine Senate,” added Guinigundo.

2 courts junk Villar-owned PrimeWater’s pleas

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

HE Villar-owned PrimeWater

TInfrastructure Corp. failed to secure a temporary restraining order (TRO) and preliminary injunction against the city government of San Jose del Monte that took over management of local water operations in partnership with the San Jose del Monte Water District, after the company allegedly failed to provide satisfactory service.

P rimeWater filed a petition for a TRO or preliminary injunction or both at the

Regional Trial Court in Bulacan and the RTC Las Piñas but both courts junked the company’s petitions.

The RTC in Bulacan ruled on May 26, 2026 that PrimeWater failed to prove the element of urgency and its right to be protected against the local government’s efforts to address the city’s severe water supply problem.

After the RTC in Bulacan dismissed the TRO petition, PrimeWater filed a similar relief before the RTC Las Piñas City where its main office is located. The court also dismissed the petition on June 2, 2026.

“The plaintiff [PrimeWater] in this case

PHL, Vietnam chambers unlock new business lane

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

BUSINESS groups from the Philippines and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen economic cooperation through a new partnership aimed at expanding trade, investment flows, and private sector engagement b etween the two countries.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) formalized the agreement during the Viet Nam—Philippines Business Forum in Manila, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral business relations.

Under the agreement, the two chambers will regularly exchange information on trade and investment opportunities, support participation in business delegations, and encourage involvement in trade fairs, forums, and other industry events.

T he memorandum of understanding also includes provisions for the designation of focal persons from both organizations to coordinate joint activities and identify priority areas for collaboration.

PCCI and VCCI said the arrangement is intended to create a more structured channel for business-to-business engagement, allowing companies from both countries to better access market opportunities and strengthen commercial partnerships.

T he agreement also signals a broader effort to expand private sector linkages amid growing economic interaction between the Philippines and Vietnam, particularly in trade, manufacturing, and services.

Speaking at the same forum, President Marcos noted that Vietnam was the Philippines’ 11th-largest trading partner last year, with bilateral trade reaching $7.17 billion.

was not able to prove all requisites for the issuance of a TRO. It failed to show any grave irreparable injury unto its company, specifically its duty to provide reliable water service in the City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan,” the RTC in Las Piñas said in its decision.

D uring the hearing at the RTC in Bulacan, PrimeWater admitted that it had around 130,000 clients, but claimed that only 10,000 to 12,000 were affected by water shortages.

However, based on the city government’s assessment, more than 47,611 households, or around 250,000 residents representing 25 percent of the city’s total

House-passed

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE House of Representatives has endorsed for Senate approval a measure strengthening the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and unlocking more opportunities for housing, jobs, and economic growth in key development zones.

TBy Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

HE Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored on Wednesday that innovation and technological discussions, as well as institutional coor-

population, in 62 barangays have been experiencing poor water distribution.

To the mind of the court, the public injury to the people of the City [of San Jose del Monte] caused by the continuous problem of water availability being protected by the City is more supreme than t he contractual obligations provided by the JVA,” the court ruling stated in its decision, emphasizing that the welfare of the people outweighs the Joint Venture Agreement or contract between PrimeWater and the local water district.

P rimeWater’s branch manager also admitted that the company had

Th is, after the chamber approved House Bill 9257 on third and final reading with a vote of 271-9, with two abstentions.

The bill seeks to amend Republic Act 7227, or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, by allowing portions of selected BCDA properties to be declared alienable and disposable, subject to strict planning requirements and presidential approval.

dination, are crucial to advance climate resilience and low-carbon development.

I n his message during the Technical Consultation on the Development of the Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) for the Philippines held in Quezon City, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive

been receiving thousands of consumer complaints due to water shortages, giving the local government the right to intervene in the worsening crisis.

T he RTC Bulacan further said the city government’s intervention has basis, as it is supported by City Ordinance 2026-03-012 and ratified by the S angguniang Panlalawigan through Provincial Resolution 293-2026.

T he ordinance authorizes the City Mayor, during a state of emergency in water services, to assume interim management of local water operations. The court also noted that the ordinance and related provincial resolution enjoy the presumption of regularity unless annulled by a court.

Under the measure, up to 10 percent of the total land area within major BCDA zones—including the Clark Special Economic Zone, New Clark City, Clark Freeport Zone, Poro Point Freeport Zone, John Hay Reservation, and the Bataan Technology Park—may be opened for disposition.

Of this allocation, 5 percent will be designated for residential and mixed-use

Director Robert E.A. Borje said that climate governance today requires more integrated, anticipatory, and sciencebased approaches as climate risks increase across systems and sectors.

Risks do not simply occur one after another. They cascade across systems,

S an Jose del Monte Mayor Florida Robes has welcomed the court’s decision saying, “this ruling allows us to fo cus on what matters: improving water service, correcting long-standing problems in the system, and responding to the needs of San Joseños.” This affirms the authority of the local government to act to protect the general welfare. Our people have waited long enough, and we will not allow legal maneuvers to delay urgent action,” the mayor said.

uses aligned with government

The president may also authorize an additional five percent for similar purposes, depending on market demand and prevailing economic conditions.

compound existing vulnerabilities, and amplify development pressures. And in many cases, they arrive faster than institutions can recover from previous disruptions,” Borje said.

Civil society groups file charges vs Cayetano, Padilla, Aplasca

By Joel R. San Juan | @jrsanjuan1573

CIVIL society groups led by Tindig Pilipinas on Wednesday asked the Ombudsman to investigate and eventually prosecute Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, Sen. Robinhood Padilla and suspended Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Ma. Oronado Aplasca for obstruction of justice.

T he complaint was filed against them for their alleged role in the departure of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa from the Senate premises on May 14 following a gun discharge incident involving Senate security personnel led by Aplasca who shot at agents of

Cayetano

the National Bureau of Investigation (NBi) who were securing the Government Service Insurance System main office, that is co-located with the Senate premises. Dela Rosa is facing crimes against humanity before the ICC in con -

vows ‘truth’ will come out in flood-control probe

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

SAYING his sole mission “right now is for the truth to come out,” Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano announced on Facebook Live it’s all systems go for the Blue-Ribbon committee hearing Thursday on the flood-control fund mess, under the helm of its new chairman, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta. Cayetano said his main concern, while ignoring calls to convene the Senate so that key legislation will not be stalled as Congress adjourns sine die this week until the last week of July, is for important hearings like those of the Blue-Ribbon panel to proceed.

C ayetano made the declaration hours before the minority or “SB 11” was joined suddenly by Sen. Francis Escudero and declared itself the new majority, declaring all committee chairmanships vacant, including the Blue Ribbon.

The newly designated BRC chair, Sen. Erwin Tulfo, told reporters he had reset Thursday’s meeting to Monday, July 8.

A s Cayetano was announcing on social media the resumption of Blue-Ribbon committee investigation on the flood control mess, Sen. Raffy Tulfo, in an ambush interview before he entered the session hall on Wednesday, questioned the basis for Thursday’s planned Blue-Ribbon panel heading, as the committee he said has not been fully constituted according to Senate rules. Not a single member of the minority is a committee member, which means that if any witness is lying, there’s no minority senator who

can move to cite him for contempt.

They control the narrative,” Tulfo said, referring to the majority, of which BRC chairman Marcoleta is a member.

Tulfo said he won’t attend the hearing, because he is not recognized as a committee member. However, he will monitor it closely, and if he hears a witness patently lying, he will call out that lie in the proper channel, first on social media.

C ayetano also said the Blue-Ribbon panel invited for Thursday’s hearing the Office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). “We’ll find out nasaan na ba ang investigation nila, ilan na ba talaga ang ghost at hindi, magkano ba talaga ang involved dito? Meanwhile, he also debunked Palace claims that the Senate had sidelined vital legislation, saying he had reached out recently to the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) but was told the presentors of the measures were not ready. He insisted he was not holding on to the Senate presidency, amid calls for him to resign for leading a boycott of the session for two consecutive days, on the week the Senate is to adjourn. “Inuulit ko po, ha? Pag may trese, automatic, hindi ko kailangan mag-resign, sa inyo na. In fact, tinitingnan ko lang, day by day, week by week lang, na matuloy lang itong mga hearing at maumpisahan lang. Baka naman iyon lang ang trabaho ko. I’d be more than content to go. The day that God uses people to tell me na meron na kaming napili to lead us.”

Cebu oil exploration gains momentum

By Carmel Pedroza

CEBU CITY—Oil exploration activities in the town of Alegria in southwestern Cebu are gaining momentum, with site clearing now underway and permit applications being processed as the Department of Energy (DOE) works with the local government and a new contractor to move the longstalled project toward production.

R enante Sevilla, director of the DOE Visayas Field Office, said the agency recently visited the Alegria oil field with representatives from the Cebu provincial government, the provincial Committee on Energy, the local government, and the new contractor, Texcal, to inspect the site and discuss next steps for the project. Right now they are doing some clearing and at the same time applying for the requirements and permits, especially on the environmental aspect,” Sevilla said.

See “Cebu,” A7

nection with his role in the bloody anti-illegal drug war campaign of the Duterte administration.

I n particular, the complainant is questioning Cayetano’s decision to grant protective custody to dela Rosa despite the arrest order issued by the ICC.

I t may be recalled that dela Rosa appeared at the Senate on May 11 after six months in hiding to cast the decisive 13th vote that ousted Sen. Vicente Sotto III as Senate president and installed Cayetano as replacement.

Instead of allowing law enforcement authorities to perform their functions, newly-elected Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano placed dela Rosa under so-called ‘Senate protective custody’ and publicly took the position that the Senate would recognize only arrest warrants issued by Philippine courts,” the complainants noted.

“ Said ‘protective custody,’ which had no lawful basis, operated as a sanctuary to shield Dela Rosa from apprehension,” they added.

The complaint also noted that dela Rosa escaped from the Senate despite being in its protective custody.

O n the part of Padilla, the complainants noted that the senator confirmed that dela Rosa left the Senate premises under cover of darkness in his vehicle after the shooting incident and dropped him off in Makati City.

At the time respondent Padilla transported dela Rosa away from the Senate, dela Rosa was already the subject of an unsealed ICC warrant, law enforcement authorities had already attempted to apprehend him, and he was supposedly under Senate ‘protective custody,’” the complaint read.

“Respondent Padilla’s explanation that dela Rosa merely ‘hitched a ride’ does not erase the fact that he transported dela Rosa away from the place

where law enforcement had attempted to act and was continuing its attempt to serve the ICC warrant,” they added.

Th e complainants said respondents acts are punishable under Section1 of Presidential Decree 1829.

T he said provision states: “The penalty of prision correctional in its maximum period, or a fine ranging from 1,000 to 6,000 pesos, or both, shall be imposed upon any person who knowingly or wilfully obstructs, impedes, frustrates or delays the apprehension of suspects and the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases…”

The filing comes amid growing public concern over reports that public officials and security personnel may have facilitated or enabled dela Rosa’s evasion of arrest despite a standing warrant issued by the ICC.

The complainants stressed that the case is not simply about one individual but about defending the integrity of

Estrada, 3 others now at QC jail

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

SEN. Jose Pimentel Ejercito alias Jinggoy Estrada, along with Public Works engineers who were arrested in connection with a multibillion-peso flood control anomaly in Bulacan, were admitted to the general population of the Quezon City Jail, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) reported that Ejercito, Assistant District Engineer Denryl Caesar Cortuna, District Engineer Manny Bumagat Bulusan, and District Engineer Arturo Lombres Gonzales Jr. were transferred from the Sandiganbayan to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory on June 1, 2026, following the completion of all required legal, medical, and custodial procedures, the DILG said.

The BJMP reported that Cortuna was admitted at 5:47 p.m., while Estrada, Bulusan, and Gonzales were admitted at 8:15 p.m. after undergoing the prescribed medical assessments. Upon

medical clearance, they were admitted to the general population in accordance with existing custodial procedures.

T he DILG emphasized that all persons committed to BJMP custody are processed and treated under the same rules and detention protocols regardless of position or status. Court orders are implemented, due process is observed, and the law is applied equally to all.

This is not the first time Estrada is facing plunder before the Sandiganbayan.

In 2001, he was one of the co-accused of a plunder case filed against his father, former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada. In 2014, he was again charged with plunder in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam of Janet Lim Napoles. In both cases, the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division subsequently dismissed the complaints against him. Trials for graft and corruption against Estrada in connection with Pdaf are still ongoing.

Remulla apologizes

INTERIOR Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, meanwhile, apologized for raising his voice on Senate President

Allan Peter Cayetano during Estrada’s arrest at the Senate premises as he reiterated that Estrada and his co-accused w ill not be given special treatment while in custody.

C ayetano reportedly was the first to raise his voice during incident after noticing the arrival of television c ameramen to take video footage of Estrada’s arrest.

Neophyte Sen. Rodante Marcoleta later complained that Remulla did not even show “respect” to the Senate President and that the chamber’s minority bloc did ot show support for Estrada.

I n response, Sen. Panfilo Lacson slammed Marcoleta, saying the minority bloc was not at fault for the incident, and added that the neophyte senator should be grateful that the DILG chief did not strike Cayetano during the altercation.

“Damn your damdamin,” Lacson said, referring to Marcoleta.

PNP transparent in

Bonoan detention

THE National Police (PNP) on Wednesday assured that full transparency and strict

Body of infant recovered at collapsed building

By Ashley J. Manabat

ANGELES CITY—An infant was among the latest victims recovered from the rubble of the collapsed building in barangay Balibago as the confirmed death toll rose to 24 on Wednesday.

R esponders recovered Victim 21, identified as an infant, from Quadrant 2 of the collapse site at about 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Unified Command overseeing the rescue, search and retrieval operations.

E arlier that day, six bodies were recovered from the wreckage, raising the death toll from 14 to 20. Three victims were retrieved in the morning, while Victims 18, 19 and 20 were located and extricated later in the day.

Search operations continue 24/7. At 7:21 a.m. Wednesday, responders extri-

cated Victim 22 from Quadrant 2 after locating the victim the previous day.

A t 9:12 a.m., the Unified Command confirmed the recovery of the 2 3rd casualty. Another individual was successfully extricated at 10:57 a.m., raising the death toll to 24. Meanwhile, the owner of the collapsed building pledged full cooperation w ith the investigation being conducted by the Angeles City government.

W illie Rivera, legal counsel for property owner Ernest Jackson Lim, said during a news conference that his client would cooperate with the city government’s fact-finding committee and conduct a parallel inquiry into the incident. Rivera also said Lim is committed to providing assistance to victims and their families.

Nico Manguerra, legal counsel for project contractor Golden Years Con-

struction and Steelworks, likewise said t he company would extend assistance to those affected by the collapse. He said the contractor had coordinated with victims shortly after the incident and denied allegations that company representatives h ad gone into hiding.

Manguerra also said the contractor’s engineer maintained that appropriate construction materials were used in the project and that the company had complied with the requirements necessary to secure permits.

The building collapsed on May 24. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the incident.

A city government fact-finding committee, along with other concerned agencies, is conducting an investigation, with initial findings expected within two weeks. Search, rescue and retrieval operations remain ongoing.

Comelec: Barzaga may still run in special polls despite expulsion

EBy Mary Jade Jadormio

XPELLED Cavite Rep. Francisco Barzaga may still run in the expected special election in his district despite his expulsion from the House of Representatives, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.

B arzaga, although expelled, is not permanently barred from seeking public office because his removal from Congress does not carry the penalty of perpetual disqualification.

“He may still file because his removal as congressman does not carry a perpetual disqualification from holding public office,” Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said.

T he former congressman was expelled over findings on “disruptive” and “disorderly” behavior that reflected on his qualification to serve as a member of Congress.

G arcia explained that while Barzaga was

removed from office, the action was administrative in nature and different from a criminal conviction that automatically disqualifies a person from running for office.

“It is not the same as a criminal conviction where an additional penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office is often imposed,” Garcia said.

U nder the Constitution, a candidate for the House of Representatives must be at least 25 years old, a natural-born Filipino citizen, a registered voter, a resident of the district, and able to read and write.

“As long as he complies with the constitutional qualifications, such as age, citizenship, residency, voter registration, and literacy, he may still file his certificate of candidacy,” Garcia said.

T he Comelec chief added that any legal challenge against Barzaga’s eligibility may still be raised before the commission or elevated to the Supreme Court once the official guidelines

public institutions and ensuring that accountability mechanisms function without political interference.

M eanwhile, Department of Justice spokesman Polo Martinez said that the fact-finding investigation being conducted by the DOJ panel of prosecutors into the events that transpired at the Senate from May 11 to 14, 2026, will proceed independently of any investigation or proceeding before another agency.

“ The panel remains open to receiving any evidence that may assist in its investigation. Its findings, however, will be based on its own independent assessment of the evidence submitted to it and gathered in the course of its investigation,” Martinez said.

T he DOJ have issued several subpoenae for the production of documents relevant to its ongoing investigation on the shooting that took place at the Senate premises and dela Rosa’s escape.

compliance with legal procedures are being observed as former Public Works secretary Manuel Bonoan remains in medical care at the PNP General Hospital at Camp Panopio, Quezon City. The PNP enforces court orders fairly and without favor. Former Secretary Bonoan surrendered voluntarily but required immediate medical intervention after a severe blood pressure spike during booking,” the PNP Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, said in a statement. N artatez said that the PNP is committed to ensuring that Bonoan’s confinement will not affect the implementation of lawful court processes. I have directed the PNP Health Service and the CIDG [Criminal Investigation and Detection Group] to maintain full transparency, enforce tight security, and ensure that no special or ‘VIP’ treatment is extended. We are closely monitoring his health condition, and as soon as he is medically cleared, he will be turned over immediately to the proper judicial authorities,” Nartatez said.

A7

for the special election are released.

“If someone wishes to question my statement that he may run again, especially once we release the guidelines, that issue may still be brought before the Supreme Court,” he said.

Comelec is currently studying whether it is constitutionally mandated to conduct a special election following the vacancy in Dasmariñas, although Garcia admitted that the commission is already preparing for the possibility that the polls will proceed.

The Constitution provides that a special election in the House of Representatives may be held within 60 to 90 days after a vacancy occurs.

B ased on Comelec’s initial timetable, Garcia said the election may be scheduled either on August 22 or August 29, both Saturdays, to avoid disrupting school classes and preparations for the September 14 Bangsamoro parliamentary elections and the November 2 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of former Taguig City Mayor Lino S. Cayetano, the estranged brother of Senate President Alan Peter S. Cayetano, as the new People’s Television Network (PTV) General Manager. Acting Presidential Communications Secretary Dave M. Gomez confirmed Cayetano’s new designation after President Ferdinand Marcos called out the Senate leadership for stalling the passage of crucial pieces of legislation owing to the chamber’s majority block boycott of the session on Tuesday. Cayetano replaced former PTV 4 acting General Manager Maria Lourdes Choa-Fagar, who was just appointed last August.

“Former Mayor Cayetano brings with him a rare wealth of experience from the media, the private and the public sector that would certainly take PTV 4 to greater heights in our ever-evolving multi-media landscape,” Gomez said. He made the announcement after it was reported last Tuesday that Cayetano will take over the helm of PTV.

C ayetano served as representative of Taguig’s Second District in 2013 and as mayor of Taguig City from 2019 to 2022. He has made several films and worked for the country’s biggest networks during his more than 15 years of career as director.

He is a critic of his brother, Senate President Cayetano. Last October, he called for the resignation of top officials of the government including his brother, who was then the Senate Minority leader, amid the flood control scandal. Gomez thanked Fagar for her public service while managing PTV.

I would also like to extend my profound gratitude to GM Fragar for her service to the station and the nation,” he added.

Prior to being appointed as head of PTV

PHL braces for super El Niño as 47 provinces seen facing dry conditions by November ‘26

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

APOTENTIALLY strong El Niño is forecasted to develop by the end of 2026, prompting government climate authorities to intensify monitoring and preparedness efforts. This comes as the country gears up to host the ASEAN Climate Outlook Forum (ASEAN COP 27) in November, while a lawmaker urged the national government to immediately implement a wholeof-government preparedness plan to mitigate its possible impacts. During a hearing of the House Committee on Agriculture, Ana Liza S. Solis, chief of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section (CLIMPS), said there is now a 92 percent probability that El Niño will emerge in the coming months, with increasing chances it could strengthen significantly by October to December.

She said forecasts show the weather phenomenon may begin as weak but could intensify into a strong—and possibly very strong—El Niño toward the latter part of the year, raising concerns over reduced rainfall and prolonged dry conditions. Solis explained that “dry con -

Maynilad’s ₧955-M Parada Pumping Station and Reservoir nears completion

THE P955-million Parada Pumping Station and Reservoir (PSR) of Maynilad Water Services, Inc in Valenzuela City is nearing competition, the company said on Wednesday.

A major infrastructure investment aimed at strengthening water pressure and improving supply reliability in one of the concession area’s growing service zones, the PSR is now approximately 90% complete.

Maynilad said the Parada PSR will add 40 million liters to Maynilad’s water storage capacity once operational, helping stabilize supply during peak demand periods and supporting long-term service expansion in northern Metro Manila.

It is targeted for commissioning by the third quarter of the year and the facility will directly benefit around 50,000 residents of Barangay Parada. It is also expected to significantly improve water pressure in the area—from the current average of 7 pounds per square inch (psi) to 16 psi—sufficient to deliver water to the third floor of residential and commercial structures.

The Parada PSR forms part of Maynilad’s sustained capital expenditure program to modernize and expand its water infrastructure network. As of today, the company operates 41 pumping stations and 40 reservoirs strategically located across its West Zone concession area, up from only eight pumping stations and ten reservoirs in 2006, before its re-privatization.

“Investments in facilities such as the Parada PSR are critical to ensuring reliable and sustainable water service as demand continues to grow,” said Maynilad Chief Operating Officer Christopher Jaime T. Lichauco. “We are focused on completing this project on schedule so customers can experience tangible improvements in water pressure and service consistency.” Jonathan L. Mayuga

ditions” are defined as a significant reduction in rainfall of 21 to 60 percent for two consecutive months, while a “dry spell” involves more than a 60 percent reduction over a longer period. Meteorological drought, meanwhile, is characterized by prolonged and severe rainfall deficits lasting up to five months.

At present, Solis said around 19 provinces are already experiencing drought conditions, although these are attributed mainly to the ongoing warm and dry season rather than El Niño.

By November, according to Solis, up to 47 provinces may start experiencing dry conditions, marking the early phase of El Niño’s impact. These conditions are expected to worsen into dry spells and potentially prolonged drought by early 2027 if the phenomenon persists.

Despite the looming dry conditions, Solis noted that the country will continue to experience nearto-above-normal rainfall from June to September due to the southwest monsoon. However, a sharp decline in rainfall is expected toward the end of the year.

“From June to September, we still expect near to above normal rainfall due to habagat, but by October and November, there will be areas that may experience significant reduction in rainfall,” Solis said.

She said temperatures across the country are also projected to remain warmer than average, although not as extreme as peak dry season levels.

The PAGASA official also warned that while fewer tropical cyclones are expected—estimated at nine to 13 from June to November—those that develop may be more intense, with a higher likelihood of reaching the typhoon or super typhoon category.

Meanwhile, the Philippines, as part of regional efforts, will host ASEAN COP 27, where Southeast Asian meteorological agencies will issue a unified El Niño forecast and coordinate response strategies.

“We will be hosting the ASEAN COP 27 in November, wherein we will provide a consensus El Niño forecast for the whole of Southeast Asia,” Solis said, noting that the Philippines plays a critical role in assessing climate patterns that affect the region.

Solis said the forum highlights the country’s role as the region’s lead center for climate monitoring, ensuring that nations are better prepared for the impacts of a strengthening El Niño.

Activate FOR his part, Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña has urged the national government to immediately activate a whole-of-govern -

ment preparedness plan following warnings from the PAGASA.

Cendaña emphasized that the country cannot afford another delayed response to a climate-driven crisis that could threaten food security and water supply.

“Filipinos are already longing for a government that has clear contingency plans and adequate preparations for emerging crises. We are already facing water shortages—hopefully, the government will not also fall short in taking action. It must be proactive in addressing the looming Super El Niño,” Cendaña said.

Cendaña stressed that the government must prioritize protection for low-income families, particularly farmers, who are expected to bear the brunt of the weather disturbance.

“The poorest Filipinos will likely suffer the most from the effects of a Super El Niño. If conditions worsen, existing cash assistance currently provided by the government in response to the US-Iran conflict should be extended for several more months and expanded to cover more beneficiaries,” he added.

El Niño action plan

IN the same hearing, Cesar M. Idio, chief of staff of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to

Direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Cebu to launch in December

By Carmel Pedroza

CEBU CITY, Philippines—

Air travel between Vietnam and Cebu is set to become more convenient later this year as Vietnamese low-cost carrier VietJet Air introduces direct flights linking Ho Chi Minh City and Cebu beginning in December.

According to Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), the new route will operate five times a week, further strengthening travel and business connections between the Philippines and Vietnam.

The upcoming service was announced during the Vietnam–Philippines Business Forum in Manila on June 1, held alongside the state visit of Vietnamese President Tô Lâm.

Industry leaders said the expansion reflects both rising passenger demand and growing economic engagement between the two Southeast Asian nations.

Western Visayas gets 2,020

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said on Wednesday it has activated 2,020 free Wi-Fi sites across Western Visayas and expanded its government network to additional local government units in the region.

The activations cover sites in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, and Guimaras, including 27 state universities and colleges. Locations include schools, hospitals, health centers, libraries, parks, transport terminals, and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

Alongside the Wi-Fi rollout, DICT launched the expansion of GovNet the government’s secure communications backbone beyond its current 70 connected institutions

Aboitiz InfraCapital President and Chief Executive Officer Cosette Canilao said the route underscores the increasing movement of travelers between Cebu and Vietnam while reinforcing the strong ties shared by the two countries.

VietJet becomes the second Vietnamese airline to establish regular operations in Cebu.

In 2024, Vietnam Airlines launched direct flights connecting Cebu and Hanoi, marking the first scheduled air service between the Visayas and Vietnam.

Airport officials at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) noted that the growing presence of Vietnamese carriers mirrors the steady rise in travel demand from Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-expanding outbound tourism markets.

Prior to announcing the Ho Chi Minh City route, VietJet tested the Cebu market through charter flights between Da Nang and Cebu.

free Wi-Fi

ACAC said those services attracted strong passenger interest, providing airlines with confidence in the route’s commercial potential.

The additional connectivity comes as Cebu continues to strengthen its position as an international gateway outside Metro Manila, attracting more regional visitors and expanding its role in the country’s tourism sector.

Recent data also from travel platform Agoda highlighted Cebu as one of the most sought-after overseas destinations among Vietnamese travelers, citing the island’s renowned beaches, diving attractions, and leisure offerings as major draws.

In 2025, Vietnam visitors account for 33,599 or about 0.57 percent of total arrivals for the year, based on the data from the Department of Tourism (DOT).

According to DOT, Vietnam ranks 23rd as a tourist source market for the Philippines.

sites as DICT marks 10th anniversary

in Iloilo City to public offices in Passi City, Oton, Tigbauan, Guimbal, and Miag-ao.

These announcements coincide with the celebration of the National ICT Month, as well as the 10th anniversary of the creation of the DICT. This year’s theme is Isang Dekadang Digital: Konektado sa Puso at Serbisyo.

DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda said connectivity has now become a tool for public service rather than a purely technical achievement. He said the agency’s digital transformation agenda centers on expanding access to education, livelihood, and government services.

“Ang tema natin ngayong taon ay paalala na ang koneksyon ay hindi lang tungkol sa teknolohiya. Ito ay tungkol

sa pagbibigay ng mas madaling access sa edukasyon, kabuhayan, at serbisyo ng pamahalaan. Sa DICT, ang digital transformation ay serbisyo na may puso,” he said.

DICT Undersecretary Faye M. Condez-de Sagon said progress in digital transformation depends on coordination across sectors. She cited collaboration among government, private sector, educational institutions, and communities as essential to the gains being marked at the event.

“Digital transformation cannot be achieved by DICT alone. Every milestone we celebrate today is the result of collaboration among the government, the private sector, educational institutions, and communities,” she said. Lorenz S. Marasigan

a coordinated, whole-of-government approach in mitigating the potential impacts of the 2026 El Niño phenomenon. Idio said the government’s response is anchored on an updated El Niño Action Plan, which outlines mitigation strategies across five key sectors: food, water, health, energy, and public safety.

Under the food security sector, led by the Department of Agriculture, measures include water management, crop and livestock support, fisheries interventions, and the prepositioning of agricultural inputs. Crop insurance programs, irrigation rehabilitation, and drought risk mapping are also being implemented to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods.

For water security, agencies are intensifying efforts to reduce water losses, promote conservation, and expand rainwater harvesting systems, alongside strengthening monitoring and early warning systems.

Health preparedness efforts, led by the Department of Health, focus on addressing heat-related and water-borne illnesses through heightened surveillance, activation of emergency operation centers, and stockpiling of medical supplies.

Meanwhile, the Department of Energy is ensuring energy security by closely monitoring supply lev -

els, completing critical infrastructure projects, and activating the Task Force on Energy Resiliency. Public safety initiatives, coordinated with local government units, include updated contingency planning, pre-disaster risk assessments, and continuous monitoring to ensure timely response at the local level.

Idio also highlighted lessons from previous El Niño events, including the importance of early warning systems, strong interagency coordination, resource prepositioning, and active community participation.

He said among the government’s best practices are localized climate briefings, financial assistance programs such as cash-for-work, public awareness campaigns, and the use of digital platforms like HANDA PH for disaster preparedness.

The OCD official emphasized the need for sustained coordination among stakeholders, stronger private sector engagement, integration of El Niño strategies into disaster risk reduction plans, and consistent public communication.

“We remain committed to working closely with Congress, national government agencies, and local government units in ensuring a coordinated and proactive approach in mitigating the adverse effects of El Niño,” Idio said.

Sen. Padilla pushes anti-troll farm act

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

AS more Filipinos rely on the internet and social media for news, information, and public engagement, the threat posed by organized disinformation networks and coordinated online manipulation continues to grow, according to Senator Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla, who is pushing for the passage of the Anti-Troll Farm Act.

Various studies and reports have shown how troll farms and coordinated online campaigns can spread false information, damage reputations, distort public perception, and undermine democratic discourse. In a highly connected digital environment, systematic disinformation can have serious real-world consequences for society.

In response, Padilla is pushing the bill as part of his broader advocacy for a safer, more responsible, and

TBy Rex Anthony Naval

HE Philippine Navy (PN) on Wednesday said that it has achieved a milestone in maritime interoperability with the successful conduct of its firstever “vertical replenishment” (VERTREP) operation involving an embarked AW-109 naval helicopter and a United States Coast Guard cutter.

In a statement, the PN said this took place at the 3rd Philippines–United States bilateral “maritime cooperative activity” conducted last May 27 to 30 at the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, West Philippine Sea.

“The activity was carried out on May 30, 2026 by BRP Antonio

more transparent digital environment for all Filipinos.

The proposed measure seeks to address the operations of organized and paid troll farms that are deliberately used to manipulate public opinion, spread disinformation, and create artificial influence in public conversations.

Under the proposal, mechanisms will be established to identify, investigate, and hold accountable individuals and groups operating troll farms, while continuing to protect legitimate freedom of expression and lawful public discourse.

“This measure is not against free speech. It is directed against organized and paid deception that weakens public trust and damages our democratic institutions,” Padilla said.

According to the senator, technology should serve as a tool for truth, accountability, and national unity—not for deception and manipulation.

Luna (FFG-15) and its embarked AW-109 helicopter (NH-434) in coordination with USCGC Midgett (WMSL-757), which demonstrated the growing capability of both maritime forces to conduct integrated aviation and logistics operations at sea,” it added.

The Navy also said that its AW-109 helicopter also conducted “three touch-and-go” aboard USCGC Midgett as part of a cross-deck landing exercise which validated the aircraft’s capability to safely operate from an allied flight deck.

“Following the successful deck landing qualification, the helicopter executed the VERTREP mission by transferring a 50-kilogram external load using a cargo net and sling system,” the PN said.

A6 Thursday, June 4, 2026

Editor: Angel R. Calso

Middle East braces for wider war after Iran’s drone attack on Kuwait International Airport

By Jon Gambrell & Samy Magdy

The Associated Press

UBAI, United Arab

DDefense Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Saud Abdulaziz AlOtaibi said that “a number of hostile drones” had targeted Kuwait International Airport’s passenger building, severely damaging the building and injuring “a number of individuals.”

The airport reopened on June 1 after closing due to the Iran war.

Late Tuesday, the US military said it had launched strikes on an Iranian military facility in retaliation for Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait and Bahrain. It said Iran had fired two missiles at Kuwait that fell

Emirates—Kuwait said Wednesday it had suspended commercial flights after an Iranian drone attack hit the country’s airport, injuring a number of people hours after Iran and the United States traded missile strikes in the region. The attacks came after Iran stopped communicating with mediators about extending a ceasefire in the war with the US and Israel, according to reports Tuesday from two semiofficial Iranian news agencies. US President Donald Trump disputed that claim and said talks were continuing.

Ukrainian drones set fire to oil

By The Associated Press

UKRAINIAN long-range

drones struck an oil terminal in St. Petersburg and set it ablaze, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday, as the Russian city hosted an annual international economic forum promoted by President Vladimir Putin.

The drones flew more than 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) to hit the terminal, Zelenskyy said on social media. Clouds of black smoke rose over the city’s port after the attack.

Russian authorities said only that the Ukrainian drone strike targeted the city’s infrastructure, without providing further details. The airport of St. Petersburg briefly suspended flights overnight because of the attack. Authorities also cut off mobile internet services.

Putin is set to speak Friday at

apart en route, while US and Bahraini forces intercepted missiles aimed at Bahrain. US Central Command also said it had “downed multiple drones” targeting American forces in Kuwait.

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said it had targeted the headquarters of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet in Bahrain and another country in its attack, without naming Kuwait. It said it launched its attack in response to the US firing a missile into the engine room of an oil tanker that was trying to reach Iran despite the US blockade.

“We had previously warned

that in case of aggression, the response would be different and more severe, and we acted accordingly,” the Guard said in its statement.

Central Command said it responded with strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian news agencies report pause in communication with mediators

Iran’s Fars and Tasnim news agencies, both believed to be close to the Guard, reported that Iran’s negotiators have stopped communicating with ceasefire mediators as tensions flared in Israel’s sepa -

terminal in St. Petersburg ahead of Putin

the economic forum in St. Petersburg that the Kremlin views as a prestige event, although major Western investors and officials have stayed away since Russia invaded Ukraine more than four years ago. Saudi Arabia is a special guest country this year and is due to send a large business delegation.

The strikes are an embarrassment for Putin, weeks after he had to prune back an annual Victory Day parade in Moscow due to fears of Ukrainian drone attacks.

The strikes came a day after Russian forces launched a massive drone and missile attack on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, killing at least 22 civilians and wounding 138, as Moscow followed through with its threat of escalating its regular barrages.

With the front line changing little as swarms of drones hinder battlefield movement, both sides have sought an edge by increas -

ingly launching long-range strikes. The war that followed Russia’s invasion of its neighbor has now stretched into its fifth year, with no end in sight.

Ukraine’s attacks are aimed at diminishing Russia’s oil production, which is a key source of funding for Moscow, and disrupting weapon production.

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted oil facilities at the port of St. Petersburg and nearby ports. Ukrainian drone attacks overnight also hit the Kronstadt naval base, an old base for Russia’s Baltic Fleet, and a manufacturing plant involved in weapon production in Russia’s Tambov region, 600 kilometers (370 miles) from Ukraine, Zelenskyy said.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said that air defenses downed 354 Ukrainian drones overnight.

In the Russia-controlled part of Ukraine’s Donetsk region, a Ukrainian strike hit a bus that

visit

was traveling from Moscow to Crimea, killing seven and injuring 11, according to the Kremlin-appointed head of Donetsk, Denis Pushilin.

In the Smolensk region, two firefighters were killed by a Ukrainian drone attack, according to the regional governor, Vasily Anokhin. He said two other firefighters and a local resident were injured.

Meanwhile, Russia fired 198 long-range drones at Ukraine last night, according to Ukraine’s air force, with air defenses neutralizing 189.

Authorities in Ukraine’s northern Sumy region said that over the previous 24 hours one civilian was killed and 15 more were injured, including three children, by Russian strikes.

In the southern Kherson, Russian overnight shelling and drone strikes killed an 86-year-old woman and wounded five other people, according to regional authorities.

rate but related fight against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon.

A regional official involved in the mediation, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the talks, told The Associated Press that Iran had not communicated at all on Tuesday after saying that a ceasefire needed to be enforced in Lebanon for negotiations to continue.

Trump called reports of a cessation in talks “false and erroneous.”

“The conversations between us have been going on continuously, including four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, one day ago and today,” Trump said in a social media post. “Where they lead, one never knows, but as I told Iran, ‘It’s time, one way or another, for you to make a Deal.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not address the reported cutoff in communications as he testified at a congressional hearing in Washington. Instead, he sounded an optimistic note about the nuclear dimension of the negotiations, while cautioning that there’s no guarantee of reaching “a deal that’s acceptable.”

Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Jennifer Peltz in New York and Aamer Madhani and Konstantin Toropin in Washington contributed to this report.

Tight secret-ballot vote puts Bangladesh’s Rahman at helm of UN General Assembly

By Edith M. Lederer The Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS—Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman won a hotly contested race Tuesday to be the next president of the 193-member United Nations General Assembly.

In a secret-ballot vote, Rahman defeated Cyprus’ Ambassador Andreas Kakouris 99-91, with three countries not voting. He will succeed Germany’s former Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, whose one-year term ends in September.

The presidency of the world body rotates by region and this year it was the Asia-Pacific region’s turn.

While the presidency of the General Assembly is largely ceremonial, it is also prestigious.

It is the U.N. organ where countries large and small can speak, and is the scene of the only annual gathering of world leaders, in September.

The General Assembly controls the U.N. budget, adopts treaties, addresses global issues from poverty to corruption, and passes numerous resolutions that while not legally binding almost always reflect global opinion.

It has taken the spotlight in reacting to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza because action by the U.N. Security Council has been blocked by the veto power of Russia on Ukraine and, often, the United States on Gaza.

Rahman was selected as foreign minister in February by Bangladesh’s new prime minister, whose party won a landslide victory in

parliamentary elections. They were the country’s first since a mass student-led uprising in 2024 toppled the previous prime minister, Sheikh Hasina. Rahman previously served as national security adviser in the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, and as an ambassador. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres congratulated Rahman, saying, “Your remarkable political and diplomatic experience are a guarantee of success not only to the General Assembly but to the United Nations as a whole.”

He praised Rahman’s commitment to the ambitious program to reform the 80-year-old United Nations to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Rahman told diplomats assembled in the General Assembly Hall that its 81st session will open “at a historic crossroads” when “trust in our organization is being tested on multiple fronts.” Conflict and war—which the U.N. was established to prevent— are inflicting “untold suffering, development gains remain fragile and uncertain, and in some cases are regressing,” he said. “Despite advancements in human rights, we witness a general backsliding of certain rights and freedoms across the world and shrinking humanitarian space.”

Rahman said this is happening at a time when the U.N. is facing financial stress. “This is a challenge I will confront with all of you,” he told the assembly. The United States, which has historically been the largest contributor to the U.N. budget, is billions of dollars in arrears.

Continued from A3

House Majority Leader Ferdi -

nand Alexander Marcos said the measure aims to maximize the use of strategic government assets while ensuring that development benefits ordinary Filipinos.

“This bill is about turning idle potential into real opportunities—homes for families, jobs for workers, investments for communities, and stronger growth for the country,” Marcos, who represents Ilocos Norte, said.

He emphasized that the measure includes safeguards, such as the requirement for comprehensive master development plans, coordination with relevant government agencies, and presidential approval prior to any land disposition.

“We are not simply opening land for disposition. We are creating a disciplined, transparent, and development-driven framework so these areas can become engines of inclusive growth,” Marcos said. Proceeds from the sale or disposition of covered lands will be remitted to the Bureau of the Treasury and accrue to the national government’s general fund.

The BCDA will likewise be required to submit implementation reports to the Office of the President every three years.

The bill also clarifies that existing military bases under the jurisdiction of the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines will not be transferred to the BCDA.

Marcos said the measure reflects the House leadership’s commitment to practical reforms that promote housing, job creation, and sustained economic development.

“Government assets must work for the people. With proper safeguards, planning, and accountability, this measure will help transform strategic development areas into communities of opportunity,” Marcos said.

Continued from A3

The two-day consultation featured technical discussions and breakout workshops focused on identifying and prioritizing technologies for climate mitigation and adaptation across sectors including agriculture, energy, transport, waste, and industrial processes.

During the consultation, technology was highlighted as a critical enabler of resilience, governance coherence, and sustainable development—affecting how communities survive.

“For developing countries like the Philippines, technology is not a peripheral issue in climate governance,” Borje said. “It affects agricultural productivity and food security, shapes energy transition pathways and industrial competitiveness, and strengthens forecasting systems, early warning capacities, infrastructure

Nikkei 225 tops 68,000 for first time as AI-driven tech rally lifts markets

By Elaine Kurtenbach AP Business Writer

APAN’S Nikkei 225 index

Jtopped 68,000 for the first time on Wednesday after US stocks pushed further into record territory.

The dollar briefly surpassed 160 Japanese yen before slipping back slightly. Oil prices rose more than $1 a barrel.

Buying of technology shares linked to the boom in artificial intelligence has been driving rallies worldwide.

By midafternoon, the Nikkei 225 was up 2.9% at 68,634.74. Shares in computer chip equipment maker Tokyo Electron gained 13.4%, while those for chip testing equipment maker Advantest gained 5.9%.

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng lost 1.7% to 25,596.92, while the Shanghai Composite index added 0.4% to 4,092.53. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200

Cebu. . .

Continued from A4

He added that the local government has assured the DOE is working closely with the project proponents and that there is optimism the Alegria oil field could begin producing within the year.

Sevilla said the contractor is looking at maximizing the field’s natural gas potential for power generation while also planning to establish a mini-refinery for diesel production.

The proposed diesel facility, he noted, could help address Cebu’s growing fuel demand and support the

resilience, water security, disaster preparedness, and local adaptation planning,” he added.

The TNA is anchored in Article 4.5 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which facilitates environmentally sound technologies for developing countries, and Article 10 of the Paris Agreement, which recognizes technology development and transfer as critical to improving resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The TNA process helps countries identify and prioritize technologies aligned with national development and climate priorities.

The Philippines completed its first TNA in 2018, which identified mitigation priorities in the energy, transport, and waste sectors.

The ongoing TNA Phase V builds on these earlier efforts and supports the implementation of the country’s comprehensive, science-based blueprints such as

advanced 0.9% to 8,806.40 and Taiwan’s Taiex gained 2%.

In India, the Sensex lost 1.1%.

Markets in South Korea were closed for a holiday.

On Tuesday, winners of the artificial-intelligence boom kept driving higher, pushing US stocks to more records.

“One thing that stands out in today’s market is how little investors seem willing to pay for protection despite a world overflowing with potential shocks,” Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said in a commentary.

The S&P 500 rose 0.1% to 7,609.78 after drifting between small gains and losses through the day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.4% to 51,307.79, and the Nasdaq composite edged up by less than 0.1% to 27,093.90. All three set all-time highs.

A report said that US employers were advertising many more jobs at the end of April than economists expected, a potential signal

island’s energy requirements.

While a final timeline has yet to be set, Sevilla said planning remains ongoing as several issues raised during consultations with the local government still need to be resolved.

He added that the DOE is committed to keep the process transparent and ensure the municipality remains involved in all major developments moving forward.

“Any development which requires the support of the mayor or the local government... we will be really informing them,” Sevilla said, noting that Alegria officials have expressed their willingness to take a more active role in the project after not being fully

the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Long-Term Strategy (LTS), and emerging Just Transition framework.

Borje noted that the Philippines has already strengthened its climate policy architecture through the submission of its first NDC in 2021, the development of the NDC Implementation Plan in 2023, and the completion of the NAP 2023–2050 under the leadership of President Marcos.

However, he emphasized that the challenge now lies beyond producing climate plans.

“Increasingly, the deeper challenge lies in implementation. In governance coherence. In institutional coordination. In investment alignment. In deployment capacity. And in whether systems can move at the scale and speed that increasingly compounding risks now demand,” Borje further explained.

The expected outputs of the gathering

of continued health for the US labor market.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s stock soared 19.5% after it reported a profit for the latest quarter that blew past analysts’ expectations. It credited demand from customers building their artificialintelligence capabilities.

Marvell Technology leaped 32.5% for its best day since its stock began trading in 2000 after Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, suggested at a conference in Taiwan that Marvell could be “the next trillion-dollar company.” The last company to enter the expanding club of behemoths was Micron Technology, which is likewise riding the AI wave. Nvidia, which slipped 0.7%, has seen its total value top $5 trillion.

Generac climbed 5.7% after saying it signed a deal to provide backup power generators to an unnamed “leading hyperscale data center operator.”

Such “hyperscalers” are

involved in previous operations in the oil field.

Texcal Energy recently secured Petroleum Service Contract 89 (SC 89), granted by President Marcos, allowing the company to redevelop the Alegria Oil and Gas Field in southern Cebu.

Based on initial assessments, the Alegria field is estimated to contain around 27.93 million barrels of oil in place, with approximately six million barrels considered recoverable.

Meanwhile, recoverable natural gas resources are estimated at 6.6 billion cubic feet, representing nearly 70 percent of the field’s total estimated gas reserves of 9.42 billion cubic feet.

include a portfolio of shortlisted technologies for climate mitigation and adaptation that will inform the preparation of the Philippines’ updated TNA reports.

The consultation gathered various stakeholders from government agencies, academia, research institutions, civil society, and the private sector to identify and prioritize climate technologies aligned with the country’s mitigation and adaptation goals.

The CCC reaffirms that technical consultations such as the TNA are essential in ensuring that climate action remains evidence-based, coordinated, and responsive to the realities faced by vulnerable communities.

These efforts aim not only to perform a whole-of-government approach alone, but also to highlight that the TNA pursues an economy-wide and whole-of-society approach to ensure collective resolve in addressing increasingly interconnected climate risks.

spending tremendous amounts of money to build huge AI data centers, which are powering what proponents believe is the next great revolution for the global economy.

Alphabet is one of those hyperscalers. The parent company of Google said it’s raising $80 billion in cash to help pay for its investments by selling shares of its stock, which lost 3.9% on Tuesday.

The company is planning to spend as much as $190 billion on equipment and other investments this year. That’s more than all the stock of The Walt Disney Co. is worth, and Alphabet is forecasting its spending on investments next year will “significantly increase.”

Such huge sums raise the question about whether AI can produce the profits and productivity necessary to make all the investment worth it or if there is a bubble in AI investments.

Estrada. . .

Continued from A4

Bonoan was brought back to the PNP General Hospital late Tuesday afternoon following concerns over his medical condition after his arraignment at the Sandiganbayan was postponed when attending medical personnel noted elevated blood pressure during assessment, with readings reported at around 170/100.

He was initially confined at the PNP General Hospital after surrendering to the CIDG on Monday following a Sandiganbayan arrest order for plunder in relation to flood control anomalies.

Analysts have been saying the broad US stock market may be set for a slowdown following an unrelenting streak of nine straight winning weeks for the S&P 500, its longest since 2023. The rally has been largely due to strong profit reports from US companies, and to hopes that the United States and Iran will reach a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. That would allow oil to flow freely again from the Persian Gulf and hopefully lower its price. In the oil market, prices resumed climbing. Brent crude oil, the international standard, climbed $1.10 to $97.10 per barrel early Wednesday. It’s still well above its roughly $70 level from before the war. US benchmark crude oil advanced $1.17 to $94.93 per barrel. After briefly trading as high as 160.44 yen, the US dollar slipped to 159.90 yen from 159.92 late Tuesday. The euro fell to $1.1625 from $1.1632.

To reinforce accountability, Nartatez directed the PNP Health Service to conduct and document an independent medical assessment of Bonoan’s condition. He also ordered the CIDG and custodial units to maintain complete records of confinement, treatment, and all movements while the former official remains under police custody.

The PNP said these measures are intended to demonstrate that all persons under its custody are subject to the same standards regardless of status or position while ensuring that necessary medical care is provided in accordance with established procedures. With Rex Anthony Naval

Authorities said he experienced a spike in blood pressure during booking, prompting immediate medical intervention. He remained under observation as proceedings were reset to Thursday.

House unanimously okays child online safety bill on final reading

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE House of Representa -

tives has unanimously approved on third and final reading a priority measure seeking to strengthen the country’s defenses against online child sexual abuse and exploitation, expand protections for children in digital spaces, and equip authorities with stronger tools to combat emerging online threats.

On Tuesday, all 284 lawmakers present voted in favor of House Bill 9461, or the proposed Child Online Safety and Protection Act of 2026, with no opposition or abstentions.

The measure is a priority bill under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) and is principally authored by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III

Comelec says Dasmariñas special election may cost ₧200 million amid budget gap

By Mary Jade Jadormio

Commission on Elections

HE

T(Comelec) said the possible special election in Dasmariñas, Cavite could cost as much as P200 million.

The poll body struggles with limited funds as it prepares for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections and the Bangsamoro Parliamentary elections.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said the estimate is based on the district’s population, which is significantly larger than areas previously covered by special elections, such as the second district of Antipolo.

Garcia noted that Dasmariñas has about 437,730 registered voters, more than double the number in Antipolo City, which recently held a special election that cost nearly P98 million.

“More or less, based on our initial estimate, the Comelec will spend around P200 million to conduct the election in the lone district of Dasmariñas, Cavite,” Garcia said.

He explained that the cost is driven by the need to mobilize personnel, print ballots, and deploy election materials for a full manual election setup, which makes special elections significantly more expensive on a per-voter basis.

Garcia said the budget issue is a major concern since Comelec currently has no specific allocation for a special election in its approved budget.

The commission may need to realign savings from other items, defer hiring, or postpone non-essential capital expenditures, according to the poll body chief.

He added that Comelec will also write to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Office of the President to request possible support from contingency funds to cover the cost.

Garcia stressed that the commission cannot simply transfer funds from budgets already allocated for other major elections, such as the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections on Sept. 14 and the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) on Nov. 2.

“Funds for the BSKE and Bangsamoro elections are strictly for those purposes and cannot be used for the special election,” he said.

He added that while Comelec is facing financial pressure, it remains constitutionally mandated to conduct elections within 60 to 90 days from the occurrence of a vacancy in the House of Representatives.

and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos.

According to Dy, the bill reflects Congress’ determination to protect children from increasingly sophisticated forms of abuse occurring online.

“A child’s right to safety does not end when they go online. As more aspects of daily life move into digital spaces, our responsibility to protect children must extend there as well,” Dy said.

“Every child deserves to grow up free from exploitation, coercion and abuse. This measure strengthens our ability to protect the most vulnerable members of our society and ensures that predators have fewer places to hide,” he added.

The measure seeks to repeal Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC)

and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act, and replace it with a more comprehensive legal framework that strengthens child online safety protections, expands enforcement mechanisms, and addresses emerging digital threats.

Among its key provisions is the expanded definition of child sexual abuse or exploitation materials to include artificial intelligencegenerated, synthetic, and digitally manipulated content, including deepfakes involving children.

The proposal also criminalizes a broader range of offenses such as online grooming, sexual extortion, luring, image-based sexual abuse, and livestreamed exploitation.

Under the bill, those convicted of producing, distributing, livestreaming, or facilitating child sexual abuse materials may face life imprison-

ment and fines of at least P2 million.

Individuals found guilty of possessing such materials may face up to 20 years in prison, while those convicted of knowingly accessing them may be penalized with up to 12 years of imprisonment.

To strengthen enforcement, the measure authorizes lawful blocking, takedown, and disruption orders against websites, online accounts, platforms, and digital infrastructure used to facilitate child exploitation crimes.

The bill also imposes greater responsibilities on internet service providers, digital platforms, financial intermediaries, educational institutions, and regulators to help prevent, detect, and report online child exploitation activities.

It, likewise, strengthens financial surveillance by allowing covered entities to temporarily restrict

PNP: More police presence in Senate compound eyed

By Rex Anthony Naval

PHILIPPINE National Po -

lice (PNP) chief Gen. Jose

Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday said that they will be increasing police visibility around the Senate and nearby government facilities as political tensions continue to fuel concerns over possible protest actions and public disturbances.

Nartatez, in a statement, said that he had already ordered the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and concerned local police units to implement precautionary security measures around the Senate complex.

“Our current posture around the Senate is one of heightened vigilance but calibrated restraint. We have already directed the RD [Regional Director], NCRPO to maximize police visibility and

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and New Zealand broke ground for a new, state-of-the-art warehouse facility in Tacloban City that will soon benefit communities across Eastern Visayas from faster, life-saving humanitarian assistance during natural calamities.

The P30 million project is a joint initiative between the PRC and the Government of New Zealand, which contributed P20.65 million through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (MFAT) International Development Cooperation programme.

Strategically located in Tacloban City—a region historically bearing the brunt of severe typhoons, flooding, and climate emergencies—the facility will act as a critical logistics shield, reinforcing emergency preparedness and response operations in the region. By pre-positioning relief supplies directly within Eastern Visayas, the PRC will bypass shipping bottlenecks and deploy life-saving aid to vulnerable communities within the critical first hours of a disaster.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon emphasized that preparedness remains key to saving lives and reducing suffering during emergencies.

“Disasters do not wait, and neither should humanitarian assistance. By positioning relief supplies closer to vulnerable communities, we can respond faster, reach more people, and provide life-saving support when it matters most. We are grateful to the New Zealand MFAT for helping make this project pos -

establish strategic checkpoints around the Senate premises. Our deployment is strictly precautionary and proactive,” he added.

Heightened political developments have triggered public debate and raised the possibility of demonstrations near key government institutions.

Nartatez stressed that police presence is intended to ensure public safety and allow government functions to continue without interference

“The PNP remains entirely apolitical. Our sole mandate here is to maintain public order, manage traffic flow, and ensure that the Senate can conduct its vital legislative functions without any external disruption,” he said.

Apart from increasing visibility patrols, the PNP is coordinating with Senate security officials, local government units, and traffic

management authorities to ensure a unified security posture in areas that may be affected by protest activities.

Police units have also been directed to conduct continuous threat and intelligence assessments to identify potential risks while respecting lawful activities.

Meanwhile, Nartatez appealed to groups planning to hold demonstrations to exercise their rights responsibly and peacefully.

“We appeal to the organizers of these planned rallies to keep their activities peaceful and orderly. Do not allow your ranks to be infiltrated by provocateurs,” Nartatez said.

“Our police officers are on the ground not to suppress your voices but to protect lives and property. Any act of violence or vandalism will be dealt with immediately and strictly under the law,” he added.

sible—it further allows the Philippine Red Cross to be always first, always ready, and always there,” Gordon said.

Once completed, the modern facility will feature 52 sets of racking systems and maintain relief stocks capable of supporting up to 1,500 affected people.

It will also strengthen logistics and inventory management for neighboring PRC chapters, including Western Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Hilongos, Leyte, Ormoc, and Southern Leyte.

Joining the groundbreaking ceremony on June 2 were PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Her Excellency Dr. Catherine McIntosh, and representatives from both organizations.

New Zealand is a trusted partner in supporting disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts when requested.

Through rapid financial assistance and cooperation with established humanitarian organisations, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the

suspicious transactions linked to child exploitation offenses, helping authorities trace illicit proceeds and disrupt criminal operations.

The measure institutionalizes a whole-of-government approach through the creation of the National Council for Child Online Safety and Protection under the Department of Justice.

It also establishes the National Child-Safety Command and Operations Service, which will serve as the council’s operational arm for investigations, intelligence gathering, monitoring, and interagency coordination.

DSWD lauds approval

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) welcomed the House’s approval of the measure, saying it would strengthen the government’s protection against

Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).

“Having a bill—and once it is enacted into law—that supports the mandate of our department means we can expand the reach of our programs, especially interventions for victim-survivors and their families who have experienced OSAEC,” said Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, spokesperson of the DSWD. Dumlao noted that the measure aligns with the agency’s “Project SAFE,” an advocacy campaign aimed at strengthening prevention, protection, recovery, and reintegration of OSAEC victim-survivors. She also emphasized the need for government programs to adapt to rapid technological developments, noting that digital platforms have also enabled more advanced forms of criminal activity.

Cebu Capitol distributes ₧32-M aid to earthquake-hit Bogo residents

By Carmel Pedroza

CEBU CITY The Cebu Provincial Government on Wednesday distributed more than P32 million in financial assistance to over 3,000 residents of Bogo City whose homes were destroyed by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that rocked Northern Cebu in September last year.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro personally handed over the assistance to 3,215 beneficiaries during a distribution program in the city, which was identified as the epicenter of the powerful tremor.

Each family received P10,000 in cash along with a sack containing 10 kilograms of rice to help support their recovery.

Baricuatro said the release of the assistance was made possible through the approval of a trust fund by the Provincial Board.

She thanked Board Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez and other provincial legislators for helping facilitate the process, noting that affected residents had been waiting months for the aid.

Addressing beneficiaries, the governor acknowledged the hardships endured by families following the disaster and expressed relief that the long-awaited assistance had finally reached them.

“Ako nalipay nga nahitabo na gyud ni kay dugay na ko nag sigeg pang-yawyaw sa Kapitolyo - although I don’t like to do that but I’ve been telling them nga ipanghatag na gyud. Kay long overdue

na jud ni siya [I’m glad this assistance has finally been released because I’ve been repeatedly urging the Capitol to distribute it. While I don’t usually like to do that, I kept reminding them that the aid should already reach the beneficiaries. This has been long overdue,”] she said.

The governor also revealed plans to encourage private groups, international organizations, and donors from outside Cebu to coordinate directly with local government units in times of calamity, a move she said could speed up the delivery of relief and rehabilitation support.

In addition to the cash assistance, the Provincial Agriculture Office provided farming and fishery inputs aimed at restoring livelihoods in quake-affected communities.

These included vegetable seeds, grafted calamansi seedlings, fertilizer for mango farms, hybrid corn seeds, and fishing materials. To further support the agriculture sector, the Provincial Veterinary Office turned over 10 carabaos and 10 goats to the Bogo City Veterinary Office for distribution to qualified farmers as part of efforts to rebuild income sources and improve agricultural productivity. Among those who attended the aid distribution were Bogo City Mayor Mayel Martinez, Vice Mayor Carlo Martinez, Fourth District Rep. Sun Shimura, and Provincial Board Members Kerie Shimura and Nelson Mondigo.

PRC, New Zealand contributes to strengthening community resilience and supporting those affected by disasters.

“As New Zealand and the Philippines commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations, we are proud to partner with the Philippine Red Cross in advancing resiliencebuilding initiatives and reinforcing our longstanding commitment to humanitarian cooperation and disaster risk reduction,” Ambassador McIntosh said.

Dr. Pang highlighted the importance of investing in preparedness to ensure faster and more effective humanitarian action, “With each item that will be prepositioned or stored in this warehouse is a family that may one day need help recovering from a disaster.”

“This facility strengthens our ability to stand with communities in their most difficult moments, ensuring that assistance arrives faster, reaches farther, and provides hope when it is needed most. This is an investment not only in infrastructure, but in humanitarian service and human dignity,” she added.

NBI arrested SEC director for ₧250,000 extort try

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday announced the arrest of a director of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)–Butuan Extension Office (SEC-BEO) for allegedly trying to extort the amount of P250,000 from a lending firm.

Arrested during an entrapment operation last May 29 at a coffee shop in SM City Butuan was SEC director identified as lawyer Jason Tan.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the operation was conducted in in close coordination with the SEC, whose leadership is concerned about protecting the SEC’s reputation from damage by a few bad actors within the commission. The operation stemmed from a complaint filed by SALiGAL Law, counsel for HMW Lending Investors, Inc. (HLI), alleging that Tan and an unidentified female cohort demanded money from the firm in exchange for the non-filing of administrative cases for alleged alleged violations of the Revised Corporation Code and the

The NBI said

P650,000.00 to clear all its 13

in the Caraga Region of any liabilities. The amount was eventually lowered to P250,000.00, of which only P80,000.00 would have been officially receipted, with the remaining P170,000.00 going directly to Tan. Upon authorization by NBI Assistant Regional Director Jonathan V. Balite, officer-in-charge of NBI-Caraga, and in coordination with the SEC-Cebu and SECManila offices, marked bills were prepared for the operation. On May 29, 2026, Tan arrived at 9:50 a.m. at the location aboard a gray Toyota Innova and accepted the marked money from HLI’s representative. NBI agents immediately moved in and placed Tan under arrest in flagrante delicto (caught in the very act), recovering seven marked P1,000.00 bills, six marked P500.00 bills, and one

PHL buys more rice as strong El Niño looms

IBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

MPORTED rice arrivals rose to 2.22 million metric tons (MMT) as of end-May, as traders increased their purchases in preparation for the possible decline in local paddy output due to weather-related shocks.

Latest government data showed that rice imports jumped by 15.18 percent in January to May, from 1.93 MMT in the same period in 2025.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary

Arnel de Mesa said the threats posed by El Niño and typhoons on local rice output likely drove the surge in foreign rice shipments.

“If we look at it, [rice imports] are quite high. There’s also a need

‘Curb smuggling to prop up income of planters’

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

SENATOR Francis Pangilinan commended the Bureau of Customs and the National Bureau of Investigation for the seizure of P35.4 million worth of smuggled agricultural products, saying the operation highlights the urgent need to curb smuggling.

The issue was among those raised during the Senate hearing in Nueva Ecija under Senate Resolution No. 344.

Pangilinan said the operation sends a strong message that the government is serious about protecting Filipino farmers and safeguarding the country’s food security.

Yung P35 million na nakumpiskang smuggled onions, P35 million na puwedeng mapunta sa bulsa ng ating mga onion farmers. Ganyan kahalaga ang gawain ninyo sa BOC at NBI [The P35 million worth of confiscated smuggled onions is P35 million that can go to the pockets of our Filipino onion growers. That is the value of your work in BOC and NBI].”

The operation, led by Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and NBI Director Melvin Matibag, uncovered thousands of bags of imported yellow onions, red onions, garlic, and other agricultural products suspected of lacking proper import documentation.

Pangilinan lauded the coordination between Customs, the NBI, and other government agencies involved in the anti-agricultural smuggling campaign.

Sa pagtugis sa mga food smugglers, pinoprotektahan natin ang ating seguridad sa pagkain at ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda mula sa hindi pagbayad ng wastong buwis nitong mga smuggler [Going after food smugglers and making them pay protects our own food security as they protect our own farmers and fisherfolk from undue advantage of not paying taxes].”

The senator noted that agricultural smuggling not only deprives government of revenues but also harms local producers who must compete against illegally imported products.

He said every successful operation against smugglers helps strengthen the country’s food production sector and protects the livelihood of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.

Kapag pinatay ang ating sariling sistema ng pagkain, pagpatay rin ‘yun sa industriya ng food production sa Pilipinas, at pagpapahina a ating kakayahang pakainin ang ating mga sarili [When we kill our own food systems, it also kills the food production industry in the Philippines, and weakens our ability to feed ourselves].”

Nueva Ecija is among the country’s top onion-producing provinces, and local growers have long raised concerns about the impact of illegal imports on farmgate prices and their incomes.

Pangilinan expressed hope that the ongoing investigation would help identify those responsible for the shipment and further strengthen efforts against agricultural smuggling.

“In the age of high fuel prices and volatility of the geopolitical situation, it is imperative that Filipinos are able to feed themselves.”

He added that protecting local agriculture and ensuring fair competition in the market are essential to achieving long-term food security, especially as global supply chains continue to face uncertainty.

The seized products remain under investigation as authorities continue case build-up and verification of import documents.

to [prepare] for any problems that the El Niño could cause in our production,” De Mesa told reporters in a press briefing on Wednesday.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) recently projected that paddy rice output could fall by 700,000 metric tons (MT) should a strong El Niño hit the country this year.

The state weather bureau said last April that the probability of a moderate to strong El Niño in the last quarter of this year until early 2027 has risen to 92 percent.

“The projection was only for El Niño. If we’ll also consider the effect of typhoons, [we could lose] an additional 500,000 MT to 600,000 MT of [palay],” De Mesa said.

Earlier, the DA official said the country’s rice imports could reach a new record high as spikes in fertilizer and fuel prices and El Niño could cut palay output in 2026. Rice arrivals hit an all-time high of 4.81 MMT in 2024 due to severe dry spell.

(See: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2026/04/22/phl-riceimports-may-hit-new-recordthis-year/)

Despite the surge in imports, retail rice prices still averaged P50 per kilo for local regular and well-milled rice, latest government monitoring showed.

De Mesa said high farmgate prices during the dry harvest season drove retail prices.

“That’s why the SRP [suggested

retail price] being proposed for local rice is P53 per kilo, higher than that of imported rice.”

“We need to give a premium to the hardships of our farmers because if we lower the [SRP], the farmgate price will be affected. We don’t want that [to happen], because keeping their planting intentions is important.”

De Mesa added that encouraging farmers to continue planting is especially crucial at this time as they are now grappling with the spikes in the prices of critical farm inputs.

“We want to assure them that [farmgate] prices will remain profitable.”

The DA recently announced that the National Food Author -

ity (NFA) will increase its buying price for dry palay to P27 per kilo in the wet season harvest in September. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2026/06/01/ nfa-to-raise-buying-price-fordry-palay-to-P27-a-kilo/)

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who chairs the NFA Council, said the move aims to shield planters from losses despite the spike in fertilizer and fuel prices.

“Even before harvest starts nationwide, the NFA will already set a buying price of P22 per kilo for wet palay and P27 per kilo for dry palay,” he said. “The goal is to set a benchmark for the industry and help ensure that farmers can earn a reasonable profit.”

PSA: Coconut-based export receipts higher in Jan-April

THE surge in the value of coconut oil shipments in January to April allowed the Philippines to increase its earnings from coconut-based exports by double digits during the period, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Data from the PSA showed that receipts from coconut-based exports during the period expanded by 12.1 percent to $1.328 billion from $1.19 billion posted in the previous year.

Shipments of coconut oil, which accounted for the bulk of revenues from coconut products, increased by 7.5 percent to $1.08 billion in January to April, from $1 billion in the same period last year.

For the month of April alone, PSA data indicated that receipts from coconut oil exports soared by 69.3 percent to $422.8 million from the previous year’s $249.77 million.

Earnings from several coconutbased products also posted increments on an annual basis, based on PSA data.

The country’s exports of copra meal or cake surged by 91.3 percent in the reference period

BUSINESSMIRROR file photo

to $32.62 million, from $17.05 million in 2025.

Revenues from outbound shipments of desiccated coconut also leaped by 32 percent to $166.03 million as of April, from $125.79 million in the previous year.

Export earnings of other coconut products jumped by over a third or 35.2 percent to $45.53 million from $33.68 million.

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is targeting to raise coconut output this year as it

implements various government interventions, including fertilization and drip irrigation, that could offset the potential impact of El Niño on plantations.

Data from the PSA showed that export receipts from coconutbased products in 2025 surged by over a third to $3.5 billion in 2025 from the $2.66 billion recorded in 2024 as supply constraints jacked up prices.

Shipments of coconut oil accounted for the lion’s share of

the product group last year, as it jumped by 29.4 percent to $2.87 billion, a new record-high from the $2.22 billion recorded in the previous year.

In 2025, the average price of coconut oil, the country’s leading farm export, skyrocketed by 63.27 percent to $2,480 per metric ton (MT) from $1,519 per MT a year ago, according to World Bank. Meanwhile, PSA data also showed that earnings from fruits and vegetables exports in went up by 18.5 percent to $1.05 billion in the four-month period from $890.06 million last year. Banana exports continued to dominate the product group, rising by 15.6 percent to $569.82 million from last year’s $492.79 million. All exports of pineapple-based products posted increases during the period. Shipments of canned pineapple jumped by 30.3 percent to $102.7 million from $78.83 million, while those of pineapple juice rose by 18.4 percent to $48.75 million from $41.18 million. Revenues from pineapple concentrates soared by 39.7 percent to $10.83 million from $7.75 million in the previous year. Ada Pelonia

Govt to start building FMRs for big-ticket projects in H2

THE construction of farmto-market roads (FMRs) for big-ticket infrastructure projects is slated to begin in August, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the bidding process of FMRs for coffee production areas in Sultan Kudarat, mega food hub in Clark, Pampanga, and mega cold storage facilities nationwide will begin this month.

“Normally, the bidding process can last up to one to two months maximum, so the construction will start in August,” he told reporters in a press briefing on Wednesday.

Of the P33 billion earmarked for FMR projects in 2026, De Mesa said P2 billion was allocated for the coffee production areas, P2 to P4 billion for the Clark food hub, and around P100 to P500 million for cold storage facilities.

DA officials said the initial plan to kickstart the construction of FMR projects for 2026 in April was stalled as the global oil crisis hindered them from deriving a per-kilometer cost.

While De Mesa did not disclose the final costing per kilometer, he said prices for each project can range from P10 million to over P20 million per kilometer.

The revised costing deviated

from the standard P15 million per kilometer costing of projects when the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) handled the FMRs.

“The price will differ depending on the labor, materials, or areas—whether these will be built on flatlands or rolling. If the FMR is built on an island, there will be additional costs,” De Mesa said.

For 2026, there are a total of 1,605 FMR projects, covering more than 2,000 kilometers.

The DA has assumed the development and implementation of FMR projects following the controversial infrastructure projects by the DPWH.

The agency has also launched the FMR Watch, a transparency and monitoring portal by the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE). The platform allows the public to track projects from proposal to completion by integrating official records with budget data, construction milestones, geotagged photos, and citizen feedback. On the website, the FMR Watch has tracked 6,428 projects between 2021 and 2026. These have a combined investment of P109.53 billion, covering nearly 2,400 kilometers of roads nationwide. Of these, 3,135 FMR projects have been completed. Ada Pelonia

US lowers tariffs on farm, industrial equipment as costs soar

THE White House announced it will reduce tariffs on imported farm and construction equipment such as harvesters and forklifts, an effort to boost the industrial economy and provide relief for American farmers.

Under a proclamation issued late Monday, those duties would drop to 15 percent from 25 percent. Foreign companies could qualify for a lower 10 percent levy rate if capital equipment contains at least 85 percent US steel or aluminum, according to a White House fact sheet. President Donald Trump cited rising costs as a justification for the move. The changes take effect June 8 and would run through the end of 2027. The temporary

relief will “spur near-term investments that will rebuild the Nation’s industrial base,” the fact sheet said.

The directive comes as Trump has been courting US farmers, who have been wrestling with soaring fuel and fertilizer prices, and comparatively smaller gains in crop prices. The low-margin environment has intensified with the war in Iran, further delaying purchases of larger farming equipment.

A monthly report from Purdue University and CME Group on Tuesday showed grower sentiment dropped in May, with an index of farm capital investment falling to the lowest level since September 2024.

Shares of industry leader Deere & Co. were up as much as 5.7 percent in New York on Tuesday, while tractor maker CNH Industrial NV jumped as much as 10 percent, the most in more than a year. Rival AGCO Corp. rose as much as 6.6 percent. Construction equipment giant Caterpillar Inc. added 4.7 percent. Shares of Kubota Corp., the Japanese industrial machinery manufacturer, rose as much as 7.9 percent in Tokyo.

“At a time when our nation’s farmers are under increasing pressure, this action represents an important step towards lowering input costs, strengthening supply chains, and supporting American farmers and manufacturers,” Kip Eideberg, senior

vice president of government and industry relations for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, said in a statement.

The directive is also the president’s latest effort to adjust steel and aluminum duties dating back to his first administration — using so-called Section 232 trade authority that has broadly produced mixed results on growth, hiring and investment.

The White House claims domestic steel production is surging, but many users of the metal are grappling with high costs and spending more in order to comply with the evolving tariff regime.

In April, the administration lowered tariffs to 25 percent on some imported de -

rivative goods deemed to be “substantially made” of steel, aluminum or copper while maintaining a higher 50 percent rate on many other imports containing the metals. Globally, aluminum buyers have been shaken by the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly 10 percent of global supply. The crucial waterway was effectively shut after the US and Israel went to war with Iran in late February.

“Among other things, the Secretary has informed me that recent circumstances have affected and are affecting domestic industries that use agricultural equipment, industrial equipment and machinery, and other related products,” the president’s proclamation reads. Democrats have frequently cited rising costs to farmers as a result of Trump’s trade policies as an issue that could help flip key House and Senate seats in the Midwest in November’s midterm elections. AGCO and CNH appear best positioned to benefit from the administration’s decision, “given their relatively higher import exposure of finished goods,” Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Christopher Ciolino wrote in a report. Deere, meanwhile, could qualify for a reduced 10 percent duty on some products since about 90 percent of its

are sourced in the country, he said. Bloomberg News

Imports up, exports lag: The balancing act PHL cannot sustain

THE latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) delivers a stark, two-faced portrait of the nation’s economy. On one hand, the 22.4 percent surge in import payments to $13.17 billion in April signals robust industrial activity and consumer demand. On the other, it reveals a dangerous dependency that threatens to undermine the very foundations of sustainable growth. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Import payments soar 22.4% to $13.17B in April,” says PSA, May 30, 2026).

The numbers are sobering. Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials saw import payments more than double—a staggering 105.6 percent increase year-on-year. Petroleum crude imports alone exploded by 124.7 percent. While electronic products remain the top import commodity, the explosive growth in fuel bills—now accounting for nearly one-fifth of the total import bill— should set off alarm bells in every economic planning office.

What does this tell us? First, that the Philippine economy remains painfully vulnerable to global energy price shocks. Every uptick in Middle Eastern tensions or every production cut by oil-exporting nations translates directly into a heavier burden for Filipino consumers and businesses. Second, it highlights a persistent structural weakness: we are importing energy because we have not sufficiently invested in producing or securing it locally.

The trade deficit tells the rest of the story. With exports rising only 6.3 percent to $7.21billion, imports are galloping ahead at more than three times that pace. The result is a trade gap that widened by nearly 50 percent in a single month—to $5.97 billion. Over the first four months of the year, the deficit has ballooned to $19.28 billion, up from $16.44 billion a year ago. This is alarming. A widening trade deficit puts persistent downward pressure on the peso, fuels inflation by making imported goods more expensive, and reduces the country’s ability to weather external financial crises. When we spend billions on imported fuel and electronics but cannot match that with our own exports of goods, we are essentially borrowing or drawing down reserves to pay for consumption—not investment.

China remains the largest source of our imports at 28.8 percent, followed by South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. While trade diversification is healthy, the double-digit growth from Malaysia (86.6 percent) and others underscores that our regional neighbors are aggressively expanding their own manufacturing and resource sectors.

The immediate reflex cannot be protectionism. Slapping tariffs on imports or erecting barriers would only hurt domestic industries that rely on foreign components and fuel. Instead, three urgent actions are needed:

First, accelerate the energy transition. Every peso spent on imported crude and coal is a peso that could have been invested in solar, wind, geothermal, or even nuclear research. The government must fast-track renewable energy projects and reduce red tape for domestic energy producers.

Second, boost export competitiveness. The yawning trade gap cannot be closed by cutting imports alone; we must sell more abroad. This means improving port logistics, reducing export document processing times, and providing targeted support for high-value industries beyond electronics—such as processed agribusiness, minerals beneficiation, and creative digital services.

Third, strategic fuel management. The 105 percent spike in fuel import payments demands an immediate review of the country’s strategic petroleum reserves, hedging mechanisms, and energy efficiency programs. Large industrial users should be given incentives to shift to alternative fuels, and the public transport modernization program must accelerate to reduce overall petroleum demand.

The April trade figures are not a crisis—yet. But they are a loud warning. An economy that pays double for fuel while its exports limp along is an economy living beyond its means. Without decisive policy action, the widening trade deficit will not just be a statistic in a PSA report. It will become the daily reality of higher prices, a weaker currency, and diminished opportunities for every Filipino.

BusinessMirror

Red tape killing the EV dream

TOUTSIDE THE BOX

HE International Energy Agency projects electric vehicles accounting for 45 percent of Philippine car sales by 2035 under a scenario where government policies are actually implemented. The Philippines has passed at least four laws designed to accelerate the shift to electric vehicles with a comprehensive national roadmap. It has set an ambitious target of 66,000 public charging stations by 2028, and yet has managed to deploy, by some counts, fewer than 600 of them.

The Department of Energy has spent two years trying to donate the P3 million charging stations to local governments and national agencies. The hardware sits crated and ready. The approvals remain buried under layers of local licensing. Even the lead agency cannot clear the red tape.

That gap between legislation and reality is not a bug. It is the system.

The Dutch spent centuries reclaiming land from the sea with pumps, dikes, and canals. The engineering was difficult, but the bureaucracy was harder. Every village protected its own interests, every landowner demanded compensation, and every canal required permission from someone who treated delay as a bargaining weapon. The Netherlands eventually became efficient not because it discovered superior technology, but because it learned that fragmented authority kills projects

before they are ever built.

The agency responsible for the country’s energy transition cannot secure a permit to give something away for free.

The Philippines already has the ARROW (Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way) Act, designed to streamline right-of-way acquisitions. It has the Ease of Doing Business Act. It has the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, which explicitly mandates charging infrastructure rollout.

What it does not have is any single office with real power to cut through six months of local permitting delays, even for donated government assets. The Department of Energy is now drafting a joint memorandum circular to solve the problem. In the Philippines, a memorandum circular is the bureaucratic way of admitting you have spotted an obstacle you

still do not know how to remove. Six months for a donated charging station is not a process problem; it is a structural one.

The commercial stakes are real.

EV sales are accelerating. Fuel price anxiety from the Hormuz situation is pushing consumers toward EVs and zero-tariff policy through 2028 is pulling prices down. BYD, a dominant player in the local EV market, held an estimated 40 percent of battery EV imports in the first half of 2025. Demand is not the problem.

Consumers are moving. The infrastructure is not. The roadmap set a target of 66,000 charging stations by 2028. Closing the gap requires not incremental progress but a deployment rate this country has never demonstrated in any infrastructure category. That will not come from a joint memorandum circular drafted after yet another forum.

Every company in the EV supply chain, from the charging station operators to the property developers who want to offer EV amenities to the automotive brands projecting double-digit sales growth, is exposed to a single choke point: permit approval. Ayala’s ACMobility, Shell’s charging network, the mall concessionaires retrofitting parking bays, they are all waiting in the same line.

The market is not being held back by technology or demand. It is being held back by the same bureaucratic architecture that holds back every infrastructure build in this country.

Six months for a donated charging station is not a process problem; it is a structural one. The ARROW Act, the

TikTok billionaire usurps Ambani as Asia’s second-richest person

By Cindy Wang & Pui Gwen Yeung

ZHANG YIMING surpassed Mukesh Ambani to become Asia’s second-richest person after a rise in ByteDance Ltd.’s valuation and further progress in the Chinese firm’s AI ambitions.

Zhang’s net worth climbed to $92.8 billion, cementing his position as China’s richest person, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The ByteDance co-founder’s fortune swelled more than sevenfold since Bloomberg started tracking his wealth in March 2019, when he was worth $13 billion.

The surge comes amid the success of ByteDance’s video app TikTok, as well as its Doubao AI chatbot, which has amassed more than 300 million monthly users to become China’s most popular. ByteDance also earlier this year transferred parts of its US business to American investors.

“The jump in valuation reflects

the company’s strong fundamentals and the success of its apps such as Doubao in China,” said Amy Lin, Shanghai-based analyst at Capital Securities. “The developments in the US are unlikely to have a major negative impact.”

The Bloomberg Billionaires Index applied a 25 percent risk discount to ByteDance’s valuation after the US House of Representatives passed a bill in March 2024 to ban TikTok’s operation in the country unless its Chinese owner sells the app. That discount was lowered to 10 percent on June 2 to reflect the completion of the US sale as well as the first post-spinoff valuations given by institutional investors

in regulatory filings published in late May.

Zhang’s wealth jumped by more than $24 billion after Bloomberg analyzed valuations from investors BlackRock Inc., Fidelity Investments and T. Rowe Price Group Inc. and those given by HSG and General Atlantic last month.

ByteDance didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Meantime, Ambani dropped to the third-richest in Asia, the Bloomberg index showed, with a net worth of $86.9 billion. Gautam Adani retained the region’s top spot at $117.4 billion. ByteDance is China’s highestprofile private company. Its success with Doubao has led it to prepare to charge subscription fees, rare in a country where users have been unwilling to pay for online services. The firm has long been considered a prime candidate for an eventual initial public offering.

The company’s profile remained intact even after TikTok’s US op -

anti-red tape legislation, the EVIDA mandates, all of it accumulates into a stack of overlapping authority with no one assigned to actually enforce the outcome. The regional contrast is stunning. Singapore already pushed EV sales above 40 percent. Thailand aggressively subsidized assembly. Vietnam moved quickly because VinFast understood infrastructure matters more than slogans. The Philippines still behaves as though building EV charging stations is a pilot project requiring endless committee discussion. Investors eventually adapt to bad systems. They build relationships, hire consultants, and budget for delay. But adaptation has a cost. The smaller entrepreneur disappears first. A homeowner with excess solar capacity thinking about adding community charging abandons the idea after discovering the permit stack resembles an application for a casino franchise. The market consolidates around large conglomerates because only large conglomerates can afford administrative friction. That has consequences beyond transportation. Infrastructure delay teaches a broader lesson to capital markets: Philippine growth stories often depend less on innovation than endurance. Success here belongs to those who survive the process. It is less an economy than an American TV series. “Outwit. Outplay. Outlast.”

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

erations were transferred to a consortium led by Oracle Corp., Silver Lake and Abu Dhabi-based investment company MGX. That ended years of political and regulatory uncertainty over what critics said were potential national security vulnerabilities.

Now the Beijing-based social media leader is betting heavily on artificial intelligence. It’s discussing expenditures of as much as $70 billion this year in a bid to lead the Chinese AI market and challenge the top US players abroad, Bloomberg News reported last month. Much of that investment is expected to be funded by the roughly $50 billion in profit it earned in 2025.

“Removing the US overhang unlocked the re-rating of the remaining ByteDance entity,” said Ke Yan, a Singapore-based tech analyst with DZT Research. “Even with the rerating, the valuation still looks cheap on fundamentals.” Bloomberg

Trump’s Netanyahu problem is latest key hurdle to Iran deal

By Kate Sullivan & Magdalena Del Valle

PRESIDENT Donald Trump has spent months projecting confidence that a deal to end the Iran conflict is within reach. Israel’s determination to press ahead with its own objectives underscores his tenuous control over the outcome of the crisis.

The latest diplomatic rupture followed days of Israeli military escalation against Hezbollah in Lebanon, prompting a phone call between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The leaders offered differing accounts on what was agreed—with the US president initially suggesting a broader truce than his counterpart was willing to declare.

The episode cast a fresh spotlight on an element of the war Trump has largely refused to acknowledge: The US and Israel have very different ideas about what an end to the war should look like. That divide is jeopardizing the fragile, long-running negotiations between Washington and Tehran, which insists that Lebanon must be part of any peace agreement.

While Trump has repeatedly cast Iran as desperate for a deal, the Islamic Republic said Monday that talks through mediators were suspended. Trump on Tuesday denied that talks had stopped. The apparent move by Tehran came after Netanyahu threatened new strikes on the Lebanese capital Beirut. Israel has said its campaign against Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia that is considered a terrorist group by the US, is central to its own security and the region’s.  There were signs of continued clashes in the region as both sides tried to influence the outlines of a lasting peace.

US Central Command said Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward neighboring countries including Kuwait and Bahrain. Some were shot down by US and Bahrain air defenses and none hit their targets, Centcom said in a statement, adding that no US personnel were harmed in the strike attempts.

The US shot down three attack drones launched toward civilian mariners, while striking a military target on Iran’s Qeshm Island. Centcom also said it had disabled an unladen oil tanker traveling toward Iran’s Kharg Island on Tuesday “by firing a Hellfire missile into the ship’s engine room.”  Oil prices edged higher for the second straight session as traders focused on real world oil flows over the contradictory narratives from the US and Iran over peace talks. Both global benchmarks rose by more than 1% with Brent crude ending the session at $96 a barrel.

The US and Israel started the war together, launching joint attacks on Iran at the end of February, but the signs of a rift between them could now complicate Trump’s efforts to end it. According to an Axios report, this week’s heated phone call included expletives from Trump and an accusation of ingratitude directed at Netanyahu.

The White House didn’t respond to a request to confirm the Axios report. The Israeli embassy in Washington didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment

The US and Israel started the war together, launching joint attacks on Iran at the end of February, but the signs of a rift between them could now complicate Trump’s efforts to end it. According to an Axios report, this week’s heated phone call included expletives from Trump and an accusation of ingratitude directed at Netanyahu.

on any rift with the US.

“Iran is trying to drive a wedge between the United States and Israel and frankly has enjoyed some success in doing that,” said Michael Singh, former National Security Council senior director for the Middle East during George W. Bush’s presidency.

Trump also faces the challenge of convincing observers—including oil-market traders—that he can break out of a cycle of repetition in the conflict.

As a tentative US-Iran ceasefire was brokered in early April, Israel ramped up its campaign in Lebanon, then Iran threatened to quit talks.

Trump held a call with Netanyahu, and the Israeli leader offered a pledge to halt attacks—a pattern of events that has more or less repeated itself over the last two days.

US and Iranian negotiators are grappling with several other critical questions, including freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the future of Iranian funds frozen abroad and the scope of any broader regional security arrangements.

ABC reported Tuesday that Trump was pushing Iran to make specific nuclear concessions as part of a preliminary deal. The White House didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on that report.

Iran has denounced Israel’s deepening invasion of Lebanon and said it might increase restrictions on traffic in the strait, close the Bab el-Mandeb strait as well, and strike Israel directly.

American allies in the Arab world and Europe have also called for a halt to the Lebanon conflict. Fighting continued there overnight, with attacks reported by both sides. More than 3,000 people have been killed and about 1 million displaced.

Trump emerged from the Monday call declaring that Israeli forces would not move against Beirut and suggesting a broad ceasefire had been struck between Israel and Hezbollah.

Netanyahu confirmed a tentative ceasefire in northern Lebanon while affirming that Israel would keep up operations in the southern part of the country. Trump later followed with a post that focused on his stated success in convincing Netanyahu to turn “his troops around” from Beirut. With assistance from Courtney Subramanian, Devika Krishna Kumar, Meghashyam Mali, Ben Holland and Jon Herskovitz/Bloomberg

State-sponsored cartelization in the rice importation sector?

By Leonardo Q. Montemayor

IS the Philippine rice importation sector undergoing a “creeping cartelization” under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture (DA)?

Early this year, DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu-Laurel, Jr. announced a policy of setting a maximum volume of rice imports monthly. Following the ban on rice imports carried out from September to December 2025 under Executive Orders No. 93 and 102, the good Secretary’s measure would presumably shield Filipino farmers from a recurrence of severe drops in farm gate prices resulting from the massive surge of imported rice last year. At the same time, enough imported rice would be allowed to stabilize over-all supply and prices of the country’s staple.

To operationalize the system, the Secretary created a technical working group (TWG), reportedly chaired by President Joseph Rudolph C. Lo of Food Terminal, Inc. (FTI) and with the heads of DA’s rice industry development program, National Food Authority (NFA), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PHILRICE), Philippine Rice Importers Association (PRIA), and Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement (PRISM) as members. Major rice farmers’ organizations were noticeably missing from the TWG.

Rice import quotas were set initially at 300,000 metric tons (MT) each for January and February and 150,000 MT in March, for a total of 750,000 MT. These were to be allocated to qualified importers on the basis of their average import performance in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

They would then be issued the proper sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs) by BPI.

These targets were adjusted later to 450,000 MT each for January and February and 300,000 for March, plus 50,000 MT monthly for government-approved purchases—for a grand total of 1,350,000 MT.

Actual rice imports during the first quarter reached 1,305,000 MT, which were 550,000 MT or 74 percent more than the original goal. (This volume also exceeded rice arrivals over the same period in 2025 by 37 percent.)

But wait! Weren’t rice imports supposed to be curtailed to protect local farmers from the adverse effects of over importation?

Surprisingly, the monthly rice import quota and allocation scheme among importers were reportedly not covered by written official orders, but effected through mere verbal instructions by higher DA officials.

Problems arose when the import distribution guidelines were not followed consistently.

Take the case of Planters Products, Inc. PPI started importing rice only in 2025, with a volume of 22,750 MT. Using 2023 to 2025 as the base period, PPI imported an average of 7,583 MT yearly, or 0.19 percent of 3,929,000 MT (the yearly average of rice imports).

Thus, PPI’s share of the January 2026 import quota should have been 0.19 percent or 725 MT out of the to -

tal arrivals of 381,367 MT. Instead, PPI brought in 63,000 MT, or 16.5 percent of all imports!

Based on BPI records, as of April 23, 2026, the top 10 importers (PPI included) accounted for 21 percent of the total volume of 1,582,015 MT.

The top 30 firms carried about 40 percent of all imports.

In terms of import volume applied for, the top 10 corporations secured 43 percent of the total quantity of 2,118,981 MT and 23 percent of SPSICs from BPI.

Referencing George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” some importers are more equal than others!

Lately, the DA announced that it was considering the continuation of import quotas and capping monthly arrivals from June to October at 200,000 MT.

The DA’s current import quota policy for rice is most likely illegal.

Whether one likes it or not, under existing laws, the rice trade has been liberalized since 2019 pursuant to Republic Act 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law (as amended by RA 12078). Unilaterally limiting rice entries is a form of quantitative restriction that is explicitly banned by the RTL and deemed illegal under the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The private sector is free to import rice, subject only to payment of import tariffs and compliance with quarantine regulations to safeguard the health and safety of humans, animals and plants.

Fair market competition, rather than bureaucratic decision-making, is expected to provide better food security for farmers and consumers.

The DA and BPI cannot legally repurpose the SPSIC as a mechanism for restricting import volumes, dol-

ing out import quotas, or controlling the timing of import shipments. Doing so will also open the door to corruption and supply disruptions. While seemingly well intentioned, this recent policy of restricting rice import quotas may ultimately undermine public welfare and interest. Enabling a few importers/traders to access state-determined levels of imported rice raises the likelihood of creating or abetting a cartel in the marketing of this staple. Unduly constricting the number of suppliers increases the opportunity for them to control prices for unmerited private gain, and at the expense of both consumers and farmers. Must we still wonder why rice prices remain inordinately high, despite already low tariffs and rounds of price caps and maximum suggested retail prices?

Will mere warnings from the Philippine Competition Commission against collusive and anti-competitive behavior by importers and traders suffice?

If—and as the Secretary of Agriculture has publicly declared— profiteering is happening, where is government’s iron hand that will finally employ its coercive powers against violators of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (RA 12022) passed by Congress almost two years ago?

And why is government running only after the small fry—the retailers who do not comply with the price caps, instead of the big fish—the importers and wholesalers who are raking in billions of pesos in extraordinary profits?

The author is the Board Chairman of the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF), and former Secretary of Agriculture.

South Korea’s Lee faces first election test a year into office

By Soo-Hyang Choi

SOUTH Korean President Lee Jae Myung faces his first electoral test a year into his term with local votes that could boost his party’s influence throughout the nation or show the limitations of his appeal as the main opposition party tries to rebuild itself.

Thousands of municipal council seats nationwide are up for grabs, but attention is likely to focus on 16 governor and mayoral races in South Korea’s biggest cities, including Seoul and Busan. Lee’s progressive Democratic Party won only five of those posts in the last local elections in 2022 compared with the conservative People Power Party’s haul of 12.

The number of those positions this time around has been reduced by the upcoming merger of Gwangju city and South Jeolla province.

While the result won’t significantly impact dynamics in parliament, where Lee’s Democratic Party has a large majority, a clear ruling party victory would further symbolize the strength of Lee’s popularity.

According to a Gallup Korea poll conducted May 19-21, 46 percent of respondents said Lee’s party should win a majority of the local positions being contested in the nationwide elections, while 33 percent expected opposition candidates to prevail.

Looming large over the election is the lingering shadow of impeached former President Yoon Suk Yeol of the PPP. His short-lived gamble to impose martial law in December 2024 ultimately paved the way for Lee’s rise to power a year ago.

“The group that holds the deciding vote in this election is common-sense conservatives,” said Cho Gab-je, a political commentator. Those voters face a difficult choice: whether to back the PPP at the risk of strengthening its far-right wing, or to withhold their support and allow the dominant DP to further consolidate power, he said.

Since winning office, Lee has been riding a wave of support that has consistently hovered around the 60 percent mark in opinion polls. His administration has also benefited from a surge of global demand for artificial intelligence technology that has propelled South Korea’s semiconductor exports, helping power both the country’s economic growth and

sharp gains in the nation’s booming stock market. Still, in an electorate known for its sharp political divide, the PPP will be looking to confound the polls and peg back support for Lee’s party.

Among the key contests is the battle for Seoul’s mayor, a vote that pits the DP’s Chong Won-O against long-running PPP incumbent Oh Sehoon. Ousting Oh, a relatively moderate conservative whose first stint as Seoul mayor started in 2006, would serve as another illustration of the swing of support away from the PPP.

With four years remaining in office, maintaining a stable relationship with the US is one of Lee’s top priorities. The US has criticized South Korea for making little progress on fulfilling its investment commitments, and Washington is increasingly accusing Seoul of discriminating against American companies.

“Lee may again avoid Trump’s ire. But if Seoul misreads Washington’s red lines, or Trump sees South Korea as defying his trade agreement, the relationship could face a major test—of both trade ties and the defense alliance that has underpinned peninsular security for decades,” said Bloomberg economist Adam Farrar.

Indonesian stocks slump to five-year low, rupiah drops to record

IBy Bernadette Toh & Prima Wirayani

NDONESIAN stocks plunged to their lowest level in five years and the rupiah hit a record low in another stark reminder of the multifaceted challenges confronting Southeast Asia’s biggest economy. The benchmark Jakarta Composite Index tumbled as much as 5.2 percent to the lowest since May 2021. Materials led the declines, with a subgauge of the sector plummeting more than 10 percent. The rupiah weakened 0.5 percent against the dollar, leading losses in Asia, as Brent crude

prices advanced for a third day. The selloff highlighted a confluence of concerns weighing on investor sentiment. Elevated oil prices are fueling worries about fiscal and external balances, while fears of greater state intervention in the commodities sector and any fallout from a potentially adverse MSCI Inc. reclassification have spooked global funds. Down about 32 percent in 2026, the JCI is already the worst performer this year among more than 90 global equity indexes tracked by Bloomberg. “Investors remain cautious amid lingering concerns over Indonesia’s

fiscal trajectory, speculation around a potential sovereign rating downgrade, and continued rupiah weakness,” said Mohit Mirpuri, a partner at SGMC Capital Pte. “While valuations are becoming increasingly attractive, investors are looking for a positive catalyst whether in the form of policy clarity, rating stability, stronger capital inflows, or a more constructive MSCI review to restore confidence.”

The latest slump came after data on Tuesday showed Indonesia’s trade surplus nearly vanished in April as soaring prices for imported oil and gas outpaced export gains. Con-

sumer prices rose 3.08 percent in May from a year earlier, exceeding the median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists and moving further above the midpoint of Bank Indonesia’s 1.5 percent to 3.5 percent target. The rupiah has depreciated around 7 percent against the dollar this year, the worst performance among global emerging-market currencies tracked by Bloomberg.

The nation’s foreign-exchange reserves fell in April to the lowest in nearly two years as the central bank stepped up intervention to defend the rupiah.

Voting will run through 6 p.m. at more than 14,000 stations, with exit polling expected to be released soon after. Fourteen parliamentary seats are also up for grabs in by-elections. The National Election Commission said 23.5 percent of voters cast their ballots during the two-day early voting period last week.

“The conservative camp is widely expected to suffer a significant setback in this local election,” said Kim Joonil, a political analyst. “The more important question for Korean politics may be what comes afterward: how the conservative bloc chooses to rebuild and redefine itself.” Bloomberg

But it’s the situation on the ground back at home that is of more interest to voters. The president is trying to handle inflationary pressure stemming from the war in Iran and the rapid growth driven by the tech sector. How to spread the benefits from the AI boom has also emerged as a key flash point for the government as Samsung Electronics Co. recently promised record bonuses to its chip workers to avert a strike.  Also at the top of voters’ minds is a housing rally in South Korea’s capital that continues to push property prices further out of the reach of most households. Rising house prices are also a concern for policymakers as they fret about household debt and the risk of broader financial imbalances.

Falling reserves have increased the risk of credit rating downgrades, with Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Ratings already having cut their outlooks this year. In contrast to the weakness in equities and the rupiah, Indonesia’s sovereign bonds gained on Wednesday. The yield on 10-year debt was down 8 basis points at 6.68 percent. Concerns that Indonesia’s credit rating and outlook “might be downgraded due to higher risk of a widening fiscal deficit” are weighing on stocks, said Henry Wibowo, a former JPMorgan Chase & Co. strategist who co-founded Alphagate Capital in Jakarta. Weakness in the rupiah, which is approaching the 18,000-per dollar mark, is also adding to that pressure, he added. In recent weeks, worries about tighter government control of the key commodities sector have also sapped sentiment. President Prabowo Subianto announced in May that the administration would take direct control of exports of some of Indonesia’s most important commodities.

A sub-gauge of stocks in the basic materials sector plunged nearly 11 percent on Wednesday. It slumped almost 23percent last month. Bloomberg

Thursday, June 4, 2026

2nd Front

BusinessMirror

STUDY WARNS: PAX SILICA MAY JUST BE HOSTING TECH FUTURE

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

THE proposed Pax Silica initiative could fall short of its long-term promise if it is treated merely as an investment-attraction scheme or a designated industrial zone, a University of the Philippines (UP) study cautioned.

In a UP School of Economics policy discussion paper, author E. Annette Balaoing-Pelkmans said the initiative should be assessed beyond the volume of incoming investments, stressing that its real value depends on whether it can build sustained domestic capabilities in advanced technology sectors.

Balaoing-Pelkmans, a trade and development economist, said Pax Silica should be viewed less as a location for foreign-led projects and more as a platform for capability-building across semiconductors, artificial intelligence systems, software services, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, engineering, and broader industrial ecosystems.

It warned that focusing narrowly on attracting investors could limit the country to a “hosting” role in global technology networks, instead of enabling it to participate in shaping them.

The paper argued that the key

issue is not whether the Philippines has talent or potential, but whether existing institutions are strong enough to finance, coordinate and scale that capability into long-term industrial development.

It noted that fragmented systems often prevent emerging skills and technologies from developing into sustained national capacity, even when pockets of expertise already exist.

Under this framing, the study said the challenge is to ensure that participation in global technology networks leads to capability accumulation at home, rather than dependence on external systems.

The paper stressed that early design choices in initiatives like Pax Silica carry long-term consequences, as initial frameworks tend to shape which industries grow, which firms emerge, and how skills and institutions evolve over time.

Because of this, it said participation in shaping governance structures and technology transfer arrangements is critical, not only for policy alignment but for determining the country’s longterm development path. The study added that the objective should not be limited to hosting a world-class technology

Win is Acting Senate chief as Chiz breaks stalemate

By Butch Fernandez

THESenate minority or “SB 11” pulled off a coup Wednesday, after Sen. Chiz Escudero joined them at the session hall to garner 12 attendees and constitute a quorum so as to break the two-day gap in session after Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano refused to call one.

The 12 senators then elected Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as the new Acting Senate President Pro Tempore in order to preside—in the absence of Cayetano—over vital procedural steps needed to properly adjourn the First Regular Session of the 20th Senate. The session was scheduled, under the legislative calendar, to adjourn Wednesday until the fourth Monday of July, when the President delivers his State of the Nation Address. The new Senate majority then sent notices to the House of Representatives and Malaca ñang Palace, which both recognized the new leadership.

Cayetano, however, later declared the session adjourned sine die “remotely” as he was away from the session hall. He said on FB live the reorganization undertaken by the new majority was illegal.

In a short speech after being administered the oath as Acting Senate President Pro Tempore, Gatchalian said the events of the past two days, triggered by the majority boycott of session, had “[placed] us on the brink of a constitutional violation” because three consecutive sessions that were cancelled without notice to the House are prohibited in the Charter. He added that their acts were “in

Ex-PAL chief Stanley Ng a DOT usec

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror

operating officer Capt. Stanley K. Ng has been appointed as Undersecretary at the Department of Tourism (DOT). Several BusinessMirror sources confirmed the appointment of Ng, currently a pilot at PAL and Vice President of PAL Holdings Inc., the carrier’s parent unit. The aviation official, a close friend of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, was one of the earlier rumored candidates as Tourism Secretary. The appointment of Ng was made “vice” Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, who was Undersecretary of Halal Tourism and Muslim Concerns, according to a source who has seen the appointment paper from Malacañang. The appointment was “effective immediately.” Abubakar confirmed to this paper via Viber her departure from DOT: “I was told by the new chief of staff at noon [Tuesday] and was served

full accord with the ruling of the court in Avelino vs Cuenco, that an absolute majority of 12 out of 23 senators can constitute a quorum.”

In that case, Senate President José Avelino was facing charges from fellow senators. During a heated Senate session on February 21, 1949, he allegedly used delaying tactics and then left the session hall with several allies. The remaining senators continued the session under Senate President Pro Tempore Melecio Arranz, eventually declaring the position of Senate President vacant and electing Mariano Jesús Cuenco as Acting Senate President. The high court eventually sided with Cuenco.

In an interview with TV5, former Sen. Richard Gordon said that while various legal questions may be raised by either of the current rival blocs in the Senate, it is important to note that in past SC rulings, the primordial consideration given was preventing a disruption in the work of government—in this case, of legislation. “The law abhors a vacuum,” Gordon, a lawyer for former member of the constitutional commission, reminded everyone.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo explained later to reporters that Cayetano stays as Senate President because the law

specifies that an SP must be elected by 13 senators. “In the law, we need 13 to elect the SP.” “But we could elect a new Senate Pro tempore because the law does not impose a fixed number. We have a quorum because we are now just 22, so majority is 12.” He explained the basis for the number 22: Sen. Ronald dela Rosa “is in hiding” and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada is in jail on a nonbailable plunder charge. If he continues to stay away, Cayetano becomes a “virtual Senate President,” Tulfo said. The new majority then proceeded to re-install Rey Bantug Jr. as the new Secretary of the Senate; and named retired Major Gen. Alfredo Sotto Corpus as the new Sergeant at Arms. They also declared all committee positions vacant and installed acting chairmen, leaving in limbo the fate of Thursday’s Blue Ribbon Committee hearing called by the Cayetano-led majority—now the minority.

Chiz explains decision IN a statement later, Escudero explained his decision to attend the session and break ranks with the majority in the boycott that has lasted two days.

Next scandal starts before the headlines –biz, reform groups

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

BUSINESS and governance groups have warned that the country’s next major corruption scandal is already being set in motion unless key reforms are completed, stressing that accountability efforts alone are not enough to prevent future abuses of public funds.

In a joint statement, the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), Justice Reform Initiative (JRI) and Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) said several critical safeguards remain unfinished despite recent progress in transparency and procurement reforms.

These include full project-life-cycle transparency systems, rapid-response mechanisms for procurement red flags and public monitoring tools for major infrastructure projects— measures they said are essential to stopping irregularities before public money is lost.

The statement comes in the wake of developments linked to the flood-control controversy, which the groups had earlier flagged in December last year.

beneficial ownership disclosure through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and the HARBOR registry. These measures aim to reveal the real owners behind companies that participate in government contracts, reducing opportunities for hidden interests and intermediary entities to benefit from public procurement.

The groups warned, though, that the effectiveness of these reforms will depend on whether they are fully integrated with procurement, tax, audit, and anti-money laundering systems.

a memo by HR [Human Resources] around 2 pm. It was effective 01 June 2026.” She said she was on travel and was supposed to have returned on Monday, but her flight was cancelled. In a mix of Filipino and English, she added that the Malacañang order, “indeed indicated that Stanley Ng was [appointed] vice me.”

Divestment from private firms SEPARATELY, Ng messaged this paper that he has not yet taken his oath as Undersecretary, and has not reported to the DOT yet. As in previous cases, the DOT Secretary can administer the oath of office to an Undersecretary. Ng’s appointment to the DOT was the first to be signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. after designating veteran trade and investment official Ma. Bernadita Angara-Mathay as Tourism Secretary. Sources intimated that Ng, who is married to Lilibeth Tan, a licensed pilot and daughter of PAL Chairman Lucio Tan Sr., will assume the position of Undersecretary for Special Concerns. Ng ended his presidency at PAL on May 29, 2025, having shored up the revenues of the carrier to some P47 billion, up 2.5 percent at the end of the first quarter in 2025. Net income attributable to shareholders also grew by 20 percent to P4.33 billion. Under the law, as undersecretary, Ng is required to resign from all private employment and to divest their shares in private companies or businesses “in case of conflict of interest.”

Development Planning Christine Joy E. Cari; Assistant Secretary for Protocol and Engagement Ronald P. Conopio; Director for Product Development and of Golf Tourism and Special Projects Lyle Fernando Uy; and Director for Special Concerns and concurrent officer-in-charge for Statistics, Economic Analysis, and Information Management, as well as Tourism Development Planning Glenn Albert M. Ocampo. (See, “Angara-Mathay seeks courtesy resignations of DOT executives,” in the BusinessMirror, April 5, 2026.)

Malacañang action still pending BASED on Repulic Act No. 9593 (Tourism Act of 2009), there are only three legally mandated Undersecretaries at the DOT: for Tourism Development; Tourism Regulation, Coordination, and Resource Generation (TRCRG); and Special Concerns and Administration. Each Undersecretary will be assisted by one Assistant Secretary. It would be recalled that Angara-Mathay asked for the courtesy resignations of other DOT officials, many of who were loyal to her predecessor, Christina Garcia-Frasco. These include: Undersecretary for Special Projects Ferdinand C. Jumapao; Assistant Secretary for Tourism

Frasco had also promoted Regional Director for Central Visayas Shahlimar Hofer Tamano to Undersecretary for TRCRG and Chief of Staff, and Director for Office of Public Affairs and Advocacy Czarina Ina-Loyola to Assistant Secretary; and appointed Roberto P. Alabado III as Director for Film and Sports Tourism Development and OICDirector for Mimamopa.

Angara-Mathay was recently with Marcos Jr. during the latter’s State visit in Japan. She was instrumental in the Chief Executive landing some P209.1 billion in investment pledges from Japanese investors, which includes some P100.86 billion in tourism investments. (See, “Japan firms explore over $1.6B in PHL tourism opportunities,” in the BusinessMirror, June 2, 2026.)

Since then, the Office of the Ombudsman has announced the filing of plunder and related charges against public officials, while the government has begun implementing the New Government Procurement Act and other transparency initiatives.

The groups said these developments show that institutions can act when credible allegations surface. However, they stressed that accountability remains incomplete.

They noted that several individuals named in ongoing investigations have yet to be brought before Philippine courts, while broader reforms intended to prevent similar abuses remain largely unfinished.

“The challenge before the country is therefore not merely to prosecute past wrongdoing, but to ensure that the conditions that allowed it to occur are fundamentally addressed,” the statement said.

Of the four reform areas the groups proposed in December, they said only one has seen meaningful progress so far—

They urged the government to accelerate action on several fronts, including the investigation and prosecution of flood-control-related cases, and the apprehension of individuals still outside the reach of Philippine courts. They also called for full implementation of transparency and digital monitoring provisions under the New Government Procurement Act. Among their recommendations was the integration of beneficial ownership data with procurement, tax, audit, and AML systems to detect conflicts of interest and suspicious bidding patterns more effectively. The groups also pushed for realtime public tracking of major infrastructure projects, including updates on disbursements, variation orders, cost overruns, delays, and contractor concentration.

They further called for tighter coordination among key agencies, including the Ombudsman, Commission on Audit, Anti-Money Laundering Council, Department of Budget and Management, Government Procurement Policy Board, Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and implementing agencies, so that procurement red flags trigger immediate action.

“The Filipino people deserve more than another major scandal followed by years of investigation and delayed accountability,” the groups said.

“They deserve institutions capable of preventing abuse, detecting irregularities early, and ensuring that violations are addressed swiftly and fairly, regardless of position or influence,” it added.

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

SM Prime defers bond sale after posting flat Q1 profit

SBy VG Cabuag @villygc

HOPPING mall operator SM

Prime Holdings Inc. on Wednesday said it has indefinitely deferred the issuance of its P18-billion fixed-rate bonds.

The Sy-led property developer said in its disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange that the bonds have a principal amount of P12 billion, with an oversubscription of P6 billion. It consists of 5.75-year series AE Bonds, due on 2032, and 10-year series AF Bonds, due on 2036.

SM Prime said it is deferring the float “until further notice.”

“The company will provide the Exchange with updates on any future

plans relating to the bond offer in accordance with applicable disclosure requirements,” it said.

SM Prime’s net income came in flat at P11.66 billion in the first quarter compared with the previous year’s P11.65 billion, as costs and expenses outpaced revenue growth.

Total revenues rose a slim 2 percent to P33.3 billion from last year’s P32.8 billion on higher rental income and other revenues, which helped

cushion weaker revenue from real estate sales.

“Recurring income will remain central to our performance in 2026,” Jeffrey C. Lim, the company’s president, said.

He said the company’s performance was affected by weak residential sales, but its shopping malls have picked up the slack.

“Hopefully the second, third and fourth quarters for the year, malls will be able to continue to deliver the recurring business. Because on the residential side, we expect that it will be a bit weak even in the next two three quarters.”

Steven Tan, SM Supermalls president, said “foot traffic did not drop at all”, during the first quarter but sales grew by double digits.

Lim said the company is reviewing its capital expenditures for the year, which the company has set at P100 billion.

Capital expenditures (capex) for the first quarter reached P15.5 billion, down 9 percent from P17.1 billion a year earlier.

“When we review the capex for the 100 billion, there are certain locations that we decided probably, maybe we should not pursue yet, right, and move it to next year. There are also those that are supposedly for redevelopment that we think may can be deferred. So, all of these are fluid up to now we continue to review because, it’s very difficult to really project,” Lim said.

Rental income went up by 8 percent to P21.6 billion from the previous year’s P20 billion on higher mall and office occupancy.

Other revenues rose by 11 percent to P3.9 billion from P3.5 billion, driven by higher ticket sales, stronger food and beverage revenue and increased uptake of experiential offerings.

ACWA Power, BCDA seal lease deal

SBy Bless Aubrey Ogerio @blessogerio

AUDI Arabia-based ACWA Power Philippines has secured a long-term land lease with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) for a 500-hectare site inside New Clark City for a large-scale renewable energy project.

The contract covers the development of an integrated solar photovoltaic facility paired with a battery energy storage system (PV-BESS), designed to deliver clean electricity for industrial and commercial users within the planned urban hub.

The project is expected to involve an initial investment of at least $400,000 per megawatt (MW), with planned capacity reaching up to 500 MW once fully devel -

oped, subject to final engineering design, regulatory approvals and phased expansion.

Once operational, the solar facility is expected to serve as a key power source for New Clark City, supplying electricity to data centers, advanced manufacturing firms and other energy-intensive locators within the special economic zone.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the entry of ACWA Power signals growing investor confidence in the country’s renewable energy agenda and broader reform program.

“ACWA Power’s decision to invest is a strong vote of confidence in the country and the reforms being pursued under this administration.”

He added that the project is expected to generate economic activity beyond energy supply, in -

cluding job creation and improved infrastructure support for Central Luzon’s long-term growth.

In relation to the initiative, the government targets raising the share of renewable energy to 35 percent of the national power mix by 2030, while supporting New Clark City’s positioning as a low-carbon, technology-driven urban center.

The lease also marks the company’s first direct land agreement with a Philippine government agency. For ACWA Power CEO Samir Serhan, the partnership reflects the type of integrated development that global energy firms are increasingly prioritizing.

“New Clark City reflects the kind of integrated, future-ready development that global energy investors are looking for,” Serhan said.

“Working alongside BCDA gives

this initiative both strategic clarity and long-term momentum. We see an opportunity to help power industrial growth while lowering energy costs and supporting the country’s broader economic ambitions through reliable renewable energy.”

ACWA Power, founded in 2004 and headquartered in Riyadh, operates in 15 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.

The company employs more than 4,000 people and manages a global portfolio spanning 109 assets, with total assets under management valued at about SAR 455 billion ($121.3 billion), covering 95.7 gigawatts of power capacity—more than half of which comes from renewable sources—and 9.7 million cubic meters per day of desalinated water output.

‘AirAsia PHL is still fully operational’

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

UDGET carrier AirAsia Phil -

Bippines said on Wednesday it remains fully operational and is honoring its commitments to the government, clarifying a report that claimed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) grounded its operations. An online report alleged that the Caap had already grounded the airline’s operations, following the issuance of a cease-anddesist order that supposedly takes effect three days after receipt of the notice.

However, the airline led by Malaysian tycoon Tony Fernandes said it remains fully operational despite the claim.

“AirAsia Philippines assures the travelling public that it remains fully operational, with flights and services continuing as scheduled across its network, subject to normal operational considerations such as weather and other standard factors affecting airline operations,” the airline said in a statement.

The Caap assured “that airline operations across all Caap-operated airports remain normal and uninterrupted.”

“Any interruption in airline operations carries significant con -

sequences, including economic impacts, potential employment displacement and disruption to passenger and cargo services,” it noted.

Caap noted that it is collecting arrears from various allies, including AirAsia Philippines “to ensure full regulatory compliance and the orderly conduct of airport and aviation operations.”

Previously, it sought some P833.7 million in obligations from the Fernandes-led carrier.

“Accordingly, the settlement of the obligations remains the most practical and preferred course of action,” Caap said. “In this regard, Caap clarifies that AirAsia Philippines has been given until June 6, 2026 to settle its outstanding financial obligations. The authority and the airline have been in discussions on this matter since last year.”

A source familiar with the matter said AirAsia has been paying its arrears and continues to do so until it completes the full amount.

When sought for comment, a company official said AirAsia “stays true to its commitments to the government” as far as its obligations are concerned.

AirAsia Philippines currently operates 26 destinations—14 domestic and 12 international—and recently launched routes to Ha Noi and Da Nang in Vietnam.

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Wednesday said it helped the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrest one of its directors for extortion.

The SEC did not name the director but said the official was accused of extorting funds from a private corporation.

The agency has placed the director under preventive suspension while the investigation is ongoing.

“Rest assured, however, that operations in the SEC will carry on as usual and will be unhampered by this development,” it said in a statement.

“The SEC takes allegations of misconduct and breach of public trust very seriously. As overseer of the corporate sector and regulator of the capital market, the Commission maintains zero tolerance against unlawful practices within its walls and will not hesitate to take drastic actions against erring individuals from its ranks,” SEC Chairman Francis E. Lim added.

“We remain committed to promptly investigating all reports and taking appropriate action in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations,” it said. SEC is the registrar and overseer of the Philippine corporate sector; it supervises active corporations and evaluates the financial statements (FS) filed by all corporations registered with it. It also develops and regulates the capital market, a crucial component of the Philippine financial system and economy.

“With the growing number of corporations and other forms of associations that SEC supervises and monitors, and given the evolving nature of transactions where the corporate vehicle is being used to defraud the investing public, as well as the ever dynamic character of the capital market, SEC must progressively perform its critical role as the prudent registrar and supervisor of the corporate sector and the independent guardian of the capital market,” it said on its website. VG Cabuag

The SEC said the public should report any irregularities or unethical practices that they may experience in transactions involving personnel of the agency.

Banking&Finance

Gross gambling revenues seen to drop by a quarter

THIS year’s Philippine gaming industry’s gross gaming revenues (GGR) is seen to fall by a quarter from last year’s level as the Middle East crisis dampens discretionary spending and electronic gaming takes a hit.

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said he expects lower GGR in 2026, ranging from P320 billion to P350 billion.

The calculated guess for this year’s GGR is a potential decline of roughly 12.5 percent to 20 percent from last year’s P396.14 billion in gaming revenues.

Tengco pinned the drop to the delinking of e-wallets in online gambling platforms and the war in the Middle East.

“It is primarily because of the Middle East crisis,” Tengco told reporters on the sidelines of the SiGMA Asia Summit 2026. He explained that the uncertainties caused by the war has led to a softening in discretionary spending of the lower C class and the upper D.

“Before placing their bets or playing online, they would only make sure they eat and are able to buy the basic necessities,” Tengco said.

“Prior to this crisis, the online gaming segment has already overtaken the land-based casinos. But we’re not seeing the same after the Middle East crisis. It’s [like] a rollercoaster ride.”

Now, the contribution of landbased casinos and online games to the GGR pie will be equal and balanced, Tengco added.

Currently, the Pagcor is placing its bet on the uptick in tourist arrivals to drive gaming revenues this year.

“Definitely, that will help. That will bring in customers to the integrated resort or land-based casinos,” Tengco said.

Developments, including digital disruptions, changing consumer behavior, increasing calls for stron-

THE Paris-based think tank Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) sees the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) being handed a Gordian knot.

The BSP is currently facing a “tradeoff” between growth and inflation, OECD Economist Cyrille Schwellnus said during a news briefing last Wednesday.

Schwellnus said the central bank is walking a tightrope: growth could be weakened if BSP decides to pursue the path of higher interest rates, warranted by the high inflation rate.

Given that inflation is “already very high,” and well above the BSP’s target band, Schwellnus said the Paris-based think tank sees the central bank raising interest rates for the rest of 2026.

“The balance of risk has shifted really towards high inflation. So, we think to prevent these spillover effects into broader price pressures and a deanchoring of inflation expectations, the [BSP] will probably, you know, I think as a baseline, our projections will raise the monetary policy rate by another 100 basis points over 2026,” he said.

According to Schwellnus, the OECD expects the country’s headline infla-

BANCNET Inc. (BancNet) and the Philippine Clearing House Corp. (PCHC) jointly announced last Tuesday that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved their merger with BancNet as the surviving entity. Early this year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) authorized the merger.

A statement issued on June 2 read that BancNet began operating under its new corporate name, Pay-

ger accountability and even geopolitical tensions, make the gaming industry unpredictable, the Pagcor chief added.

This was evident in the local industry’s performance, after the GGR increased 6.5 percent year-on-year in 2025, but then declined by 16 percent in the first quarter since the Middle East crisis erupted.

“The 2025 results were largely driven by the strong expansion of the electronic gaming sector, which at that time had overtaken land-based casinos as the primary contributor of revenues,” Tengco said. “However, since the Middle East crisis, the momentum has been totally moderated.”

In the first quarter, the GGR of the e-gaming sector contracted by 23 percent, while land-based casinos contributed 51 percent of the total gaming revenues.

Data from the Pagcor showed that total industry GGR fell to P87.601 billion in the first quarter, down by 15.86 percent from P104.121 billion in the same period last year.

(See https://businessmirror.com. ph/2026/05/18/gross-gamingrevenues-plunge-22-42-yoy-pagcor-data/)

“Digital gaming leads in expansion phases, while traditional casino operations continue to provide resilience during periods of market adjustment,” Tengco said. Despite these shifts, Tengco said the industry’s long-term success should be measured not only by revenue performance but also by its ability to maintain public trust and uphold the highest standards of responsibility.

“The true measure of this industry is not simply its size or rate of expansion, but our ability to ensure that gaming remains properly regulated, socially responsible, and more importantly, genuinely beneficial to the communities we all serve,” he said. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

High borrowing cost, weak economy tie PHL in knots

By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto

THE Philippines will face greater pressure to rein in spending as higher borrowing costs and weaker economic activity make fiscal consolidation more challenging.

A report by Oxford Economics Ltd. Assistant Economist Artie Lam raised such conundrum: a marked increase in borrowing costs would limit the Marcos administration’s ability to respond to economic shocks.

Among emerging-market Asean economies, the Philippines is seen as the “most affected” by inflation, Lam wrote.

Hence, the Oxford, United Kingdom-headquartered think tank believes that to control inflation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) could raise interest rates by a total of

100 basis points this year, 25 basis points of which have already been delivered.

Yields have risen since the war in the Middle East began on February 28, particularly in the Philippines and Indonesia, amid market concerns about energy vulnerabilities, higher inflation, deteriorating fiscal positions, and foreign-exchange pressures, the report read.

“Persistently high yields may even force the government to rein in future spending, weighing on government consumption and public in-

vestment,” Oxford Economics added. The think tank believes that among its neighbors in Southeast Asia, the Philippines was making steady progress in reducing its deficit before the first missiles were exchanged between Washington and Tehran. But when 2026 began, the Philippines had the largest deficit—at 5.6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP)—among the emerging markets in Asean.

Except for the Philippines, emerging Asean governments have utilized fuel subsidies to cushion high oil prices, which “arguably [was] the costliest part of their responses,” Oxford Economics noted.

Still, the government ordered a three-month suspension of excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene, which are primarily used in households.

The loss in government revenue is estimated to be P4.1 billion for over three months, or around P16 billion for a year, whereas suspending excise tax on all fuels would have cost more

than P44 billion. On the revenue side, Oxford Economics said the loss of economic activity due to higher energy prices reduces the bureaucracy’s income and ultimately hits government revenues. “The loss in economic activity, for instance, in lower consumer spending or compressed margins from firms facing higher input costs, will likely translate into lower tax receipts for governments in the region,” Oxford Economics explained. Nevertheless, the think tank said it expects temporarily higher deficits, but no meaningful rises in debt levels in the medium term.

Oxford Economics noted that while there are no statutory deficit targets the Philippine government has committed to reducing the fiscal deficit to below 4 percent of gross domestic product by 2028.

“We assume it will do so to prevent downgrades,” the think tank added. Oxford Economics also expects deficits to return to their pre-conflict trajectories by 2028.

Banking system’s total assets post mild contraction

By Andrea San Juan

TOTAL assets held by the Philippine banking system slightly declined compared to the previous month due to a combination of “portfolio rebalancing” and more cautious positioning by banks given rising inflation and economic uncertainty.

Jonathan L. Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said the slight dip in bank assets in April is “more of a technical pullback than a concern.”

“After the usual quarter-end buildup in March, banks tend to rebalance as liquidity normalizes, government deposits are drawn down, and market valuations adjust,” Ravelas explained.

tion to average at 6.8 percent this year, well above the BSP’s 2-percent to 4-percent target band.

“Inflation—that is already very high in the Philippines that could spill over from energy prices and food prices into core inflation, with inflationary pressures becoming very broad-based and then leading to a de-anchoring of inflation expectations,” he added.

According to BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr., the central bank is signaling “proactiveness.”

“I think whatever we do, we want to convey the message that we’re trying to be proactive. We’re trying to stay ahead of the curve and that we’re serious about inflation,” Remolona said in an earlier interview.

The Monetary Board of the BSP has raised the target reverse repurchase rate by 25 basis points to 4.5 percent in its April 23 meeting after holding an off-cycle meeting to maintain the policy rate at 4.25 percent on March 26.

Prior to the off-cycle meeting in March, the central bank cut rates nine times from August 2024 to February 19,2026, for a total 225 basis points, thus reducing the policy rate from 6.50 percent to 4.25 percent.

The MB is expected to meet on June 18. Andrea San Juan

ments Network of the Philippines Inc. (PNPI) beginning June 1. “BancNet” shall be retained as a brand for PNPI’s ATM Network while “PCHC” shall be retained for check clearing operations, the statement read.

“The merger marks a significant milestone in the continued modernization and strengthening of the Philippine payments ecosystem, initiated by the BSP,” the statement read. It added that the merger “uni-

Latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that assets held by the banking system reached P30.12 trillion as of end-April 2026, 0.71 percent lower than the P30.336 trillion as of endMarch 2026.

John Paolo R. Rivera, senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), said the contraction “likely reflects normal balance sheet adjustments, liquidity management, portfolio re-

WITH energy security becoming a systemic risk that must be planned for, insurers could play a larger role in energy transition to improve resilience rather than merely insuring against losses.

ACEN Corp. President John Eric T. Francia said during a panel discussion at the Philippine Insurance Summit 2026 last Wednesday that the energy sector should be partnering with the insurance industry in managing climate, energy and technological risks. Francia said there are opportunities for insurers as the energy transition accelerates.

fies the country’s leading payment and clearing switch operators into a single, stronger, and more resilient entity, better positioned to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient payment services for the benefit of consumers.: Both BancNet and PCHC are identified by BSP as operators of designated payment systems (ODPS) under the National Retail Payments System (NRPS): BancNet for InstaPay

balancing, and valuation effects on financial assets amid volatile market conditions.”

However, Rivera said it may also be due to “slower credit expansion and more cautious positioning by banks given rising inflation, peso volatility, and economic uncertainty.”

Bigger picture

THE BSP data showed that bank assets jumped by 12 percent from the P26.893 trillion as of end-April 2025.

As such, analysts said this indicates that the banking system remains liquid and capable of supporting lending and economic activity.

“The bigger picture remains very constructive: a P30 trillion banking system, up 12 percent year-on-year (Y-o-Y), tells us liquidity is strong, credit is flowing, and the financial sector is actively supporting growth,” Ravelas said.

Both Rivera and Ravelas expect bank assets to continue expanding.\

Still, Rivera sees higher inflation, slower economic growth and higher interest rates could moderate the pace of asset accumulation.

“Bank assets will continue growing over the medium term although possibly at a slower pace than in previous years,” he said.

“There’s a lot of opportunity in distributed generation now that solar prices and battery prices have come down significantly,” Francia said.

However, he noted that battery storage technologies come with risks such as thermal runaway and fire incidents, which could create demand for specialized insurance products that provide additional protection.

While there are advanced technologies that mitigate these risks, Francia said having an insurance product makes homeowners sleep better at night.

Beyond rooftop solar and battery storage, Francia said insurers could

“Growth in loans, deposits, and investments should continue to support expansion but elevated inflation, slower GDP growth, and higher interest rates may temper the pace of asset accumulation,” the PIDS senior research fellow pointed out.

Ravelas echoed such view by saying that he expects bank assets “to continue expanding at a healthy pace, driven by lending to infrastructure, businesses, and consumers, especially as inflation eases and rates eventually come down.”

Assets, liabilities

THE BSP data showed that the net total loan portfolio of banks grew 12.30 percent Y-o-Y to P16.67 trillion as of end-April 2026 from P14.85 trillion.

The net total investments of banks also increased by 8.09 percent Y-o-Y to P8.68 trillion as of end-April 2026 from P8.03 trillion. Their net real and other properties acquired, likewise, climbed by 19.27 percent to P142.98 billion as of end-April from P119.88 billion in the same period last year.

Banks’ other assets also jumped by 22.73 percent Y-o-Y to P2.43 trillion from P1.98 trillion in end-April 2025. Their total liabilities, on the other hand, grew at a faster pace

look into newer technologies, such as floating solar projects and offshore wind power, as these also carry various risks.

“This is where we think that the insurance sector should partner with the industry. We would love to see them get up to speed,” Francia said.

“Understanding, appreciation and having good communication and collaboration in all these new technologies is pretty interesting for making this discussion,” he added.

When shocks occur, Francia said energy is affected—but it also impacts everything.

A series of global disruptions in

compared to bank assets. Liabilities jumped by 13.16 percent Y-o-Y to P26.489 trillion as of end-April from P23.409 trillion in the same period a year ago. On a month-on-month basis, liabilities posted a 0.88-percent decline from the P26.724 trillion recorded in March.

Deposit liabilities amounted to P22.06 trillion, of which P18.161 trillion consisted of peso liabilities and P3.90 trillion of foreign-currency liabilities. Liabilities due to banks declined by 11.85 percent Y-o-Y to P190.673 billion as of end-April from P170.471 billion. The unsecured subordinated debt also dropped by 58.84 percent to P3.346 billion from P8.13 billion as of end-April last year. Banks’ derivatives with negative fair value held for hedging likewise declined by 98.4 percent Y-o-Y, from P29.73 billion to P47.43 million.

Further, banks’ total capital accounts increased by 4.60 percent to P3.63 trillion as of end-April from P3.48 trillion in the same period a year ago. “Bottom line: short-term fluctuations are normal, but the trend is clearly upward—and that’s a good signal for the economy,” Ravelas said.

recent years, including the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, have affected global oil and gas markets and contributed to higher inflation, Francia said.

“Any energy crisis becomes a system-wide crisis because energy is everywhere, including especially food,” Francia said adding that food, fertilizer and transportation costs are also affected.

“Rather than watching this from afar, I think we really need to take on the theme of being proactive,” he added. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

and the PCHC for PESONet, the Philippine Domestic Dollar Transfer System (PDDTS) and the Paymentversus-Payment (PvP) mode.

The merger is expected to enhance operational efficiencies, promote greater interoperability, and accelerate innovation in digital payments, read the statement.

“The merger represents a transformative step toward a more integrated and future-ready national payments system,” BancNet Chairman Nestor V. Tan was quoted in the statement as saying. “By combining the strengths and expertise of BancNet and PCHC, PNPI will be in a stronger position to support BSP’s digital payments transformation agenda for the country and deliver greater value to banks and other financial institutions, businesses, and consumers.”

“PNPI will enhance the safe, reliable, and efficient processing of electronic payment transactions and clearing services that are vital to the country’s financial system and our broader economy,” PCHC Chairman Joseph A. Gotuaco said through the same statement. ”PNPI will continue to work closely with regulators, participating financial institutions, and industry stakeholders in advancing secure, inclusive, and interoperable payment systems for the Philippines.”

Health&Fitness

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

MENOPAUSE’S RISING HEART RISK SPARKS CALL FOR AGGRESSIVE CARE

By Candy P. Dalizon Contributor

FOR many women, the truest threat of menopause happens out of sight. Medical experts at the 18th Asian-Pacific Society of Atherosclerosis and Vascular Diseases (APSAVD) Congress have raised urgent concerns over the underrecognized surge in cardiovascular risk among midlife women transitioning through menopause.

“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity, but women are often overlooked because their symptoms are more atypical and they tend to present later,” said Dr. Louella Santos, president of the APSAVD.

As women approach menopause, hormonal and metabolic shifts begin to influence cholesterol levels, increasing vulnerability to atherosclerosis—the buildup of plaque in the arteries that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. What makes this transition particularly concerning,

experts noted, is that these dangerous changes often happen quietly, without obvious warning signs.

Higher incidence of cardiovascular events

DR . Santos shared that menopausal women face a 2.6-fold higher incidence of cardiovascular events compared to premenopausal women. Hormonal shifts trigger atherogenic lipid changes (higher LDL, triglyceriderich lipoproteins, questionable HDL function), central weight gain, and metabolic syndrome, all increasing cardiovascular risk.

Women develop heart diseases later than men because of the protection in the reproductive phase of their life. Once they enter menopause the risk increases. Estrogen provides a protective effect against heart disease in women. Therefore, the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases after menopause in most cases.

Health experts emphasize the importance of monitoring the health of women in their middle age, a critical

Filipino teens increasingly turning to vapes as first nicotine product

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

VAPES have overtaken cigarettes as the most common entry point to nicotine use among Filipino adolescents, according to a new survey conducted by the Health Promotion Program (HPP) of the University of the Philippines Manila-National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH).

Released in observance of World No Tobacco Day and No Smoking Month, the study found that vaping is now the dominant form of nicotine use among students, even in cities with active tobacco and vape control programs.

The survey also revealed that vapes have become the primary nicotine product used by young people, that existing regulations are often easily bypassed, and that many students perceive vaping as a safer alternative to smoking.

Researchers surveyed 4,340 students in Grades 7 to 10 in Baguio, Pasig, Iloilo, and Davao from November to December 2025. All four cities have ongoing tobacco and vape control initiatives.

Survey items on initiation, first product used, and reasons for initiation were adapted from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) and the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Youth Survey and were contextualized for Filipino adolescents.

Vapes becoming the first nicotine product

ONE of the study’s most significant findings is that vapes, rather than cigarettes, have become the first nicotine product used by many Filipino adolescents.

According to the survey, Republic Act No. 11900, or the Vape Law, prohibits flavor descriptors and marketing strategies that appeal particularly to minors. However, enforcement remains uneven, allowing many young people to continue accessing vape products.

The study examined which nicotine products students tried first, the age at which they began using them, and the reasons behind their initiation.

Among respondents who had tried nicotine products, 709 identified vapes, e-cigarettes, or heated tobacco products (HTPs) as their first nicotine experience, nearly three times the 250 students who said they started with cigarettes. Another 69 students reported trying both products at the same time, while 277 said they could no longer remember which product they used first.

Among current vape users, 58.1 percent said vaping was the very first nicotine product they had ever tried.

The survey also found that nicotine initiation often begins at age 12 or younger, underscoring concerns about early exposure among Filipino youth.

Curiosity, peers, and flavors drive initiation

RESEARCHERS found that curiosity remains the leading reason why young people experiment with vaping.

Thirty-one percent of respondents said they first tried vaping out of curiosity, while 22.3 percent cited friends who vape as their primary influence. Meanwhile, 14.5 percent said flavors encouraged them to try vape products.

The persistence of peer-driven experimentation and flavor-driven initiation, despite legal restrictions on youth-oriented marketing, suggests that existing safeguards are not being implemented effectively, the study noted.

Perception of safety remains a concern

THE survey also found that students who exclusively use vapes are significantly more likely to view them as less harmful than traditional cigarettes.

Many respondents rated vaping as only “a little harmful” or even “not harmful” at all, highlighting the continuing challenge of correcting misconceptions about nicotine products among young users.

Researchers warned that such perceptions may contribute to the growing popularity of vaping among adolescents and increase the likelihood of nicotine dependence at an early age.

Calls for stronger enforcement

BASED on the findings, researchers called for stronger enforcement of existing regulations, particularly those governing flavors, marketing, and youth access to vape products.

The study emphasized the need for stricter implementation of Republic Act No. 11900 and raised the possibility of a comprehensive ban on flavored and disposable vape products to curb youth initiation.

Researchers also stressed that prevention programs must begin before children reach their teenage years, given evidence that nicotine use can start as early as age 12.

The findings suggest that while the Philippines has established a comprehensive legal framework for regulating tobacco and vape products, enforcement gaps and the continued appeal of flavored vaping products are reshaping how young Filipinos are introduced to nicotine. Researchers said stronger safeguards and earlier prevention efforts will be critical in preventing a new generation from developing nicotine dependence.

time when early intervention strategies should be implemented to reduce the risk of CVD.

“By the menopausal transition, women begin to experience hormonal and metabolic changes that significantly increase their cardiovascular risk. Yet despite the availability of effective therapies, many patients, particularly those already at high risk, remain undertreated,” said Dr. Santos.

Persistent gap between treatment, outcomes

ACROSS the region, a significant proportion of patients are still failing to meet recommended cholesterol targets, even with existing treatment options.

“Very few high-risk patients are achieving their LDL cholesterol targets, and this remains a major global and regional problem,” said Dr. Brian Tomlinson, a professor at the Faculty of Medicine at Macau University of Science & Technology.

Data presented at the congress revealed that many patients remain on single-drug therapy while oth -

ers receive no treatment at all, leaving their cardiovascular risk largely unaddressed. This care gap reflects a combination of delayed treatment intensification and challenges in long-term adherence, factors that allow cardiovascular risk to accumulate over time, drastically increasing the likelihood of serious, life-threatening cardiac events.

Why earlier intervention, combination therapy matter

EXPERTS emphasized that the future of cardiovascular care lies in acting earlier and more decisively. Lowering LDL cholesterol early in the disease process has been shown not only to slow the progression of cardiovascular disease but, in some cases, even reverse plaque buildup.

“Greater benefits are observed when LDL cholesterol lowering is started early; this can delay progression and even regress plaque,” Dr. Santos said. This timeline is especially critical immediately following a cardiovascular event, such as a heart at -

tack, when patients face their highest risk of recurrence and complications.

To achieve faster and more consistent cholesterol reduction, specialists are increasingly recommending combination therapy—specifically statins alongside ezetimibe—which Dr. Tomlinson explains is safer, more effective, and helps patients reach their targets more quickly.

This approach works by targeting cholesterol through two distinct pathways: statins reduce production in the liver, while ezetimibe limits absorption in the intestine.

Together, they offer a comprehensive reduction strategy without requiring maximum statin doses, which can pose safety risks for certain populations. This is particularly relevant for Asian populations, including Filipinos, who may be more susceptible to statin-related side effects.

“Asian patients may be at higher risk of statin-related adverse effects because drug levels remain higher in the blood,” Dr. Tomlinson noted, cautioning against the routine use of

high-dose monotherapy.

Shift toward prevention

BEYOND immediate medical treatment, experts emphasize that proactive prevention is just as critical to reducing the national cardiovascular burden. Daily lifestyle factors— specifically poor nutrition, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and chronic stress—remain primary drivers of heart disease, highlighting an urgent need for more robust public health interventions, early screenings, and continuous patient education. Ultimately, successfully combating cardiovascular disease demands a strategy that goes beyond simply improving access to medication. It requires a fundamental shift toward earlier risk recognition, timely and precise medical intervention, and a commitment to proactive, evidencebased care. While the tools necessary to prevent heart disease already exist, the critical challenge now lies in deploying them early enough to truly save lives.

NGO pushes for professionalization of animal-assisted services in PHL

By Patrick Villanueva

NIMAL-ASSISTED services

A(AAS) should be given greater recognition and professional support in the Philippines, according to Communitails Inc., a pioneering non-profit organization advocating the use of human-animal partnerships in mental health and wellness programs.

During a recent media briefing, Communitails highlighted the growing body of evidence showing how positive interactions between humans and animals can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, strengthen interpersonal connections, improve mood, and even lower resting blood pressure.

The organization is now advocating for the professionalization of animalassisted services in the country, emphasizing the need for proper training, standards, and ethical practices to ensure the welfare of both people and animals involved.

At the heart of Communitails’ work is the belief that healing is a shared experience between humans and animals.

“One of our most important commitments is emphasizing that animals are not tools, they are our partners in healing. We recognize that they are our partners,” said Danielle Marie Parreño, Program Manager of Communitails. Communitails classifies animalassisted interventions into three areas. Animal-Assisted Treatment involves structured interventions delivered by licensed and trained professionals. Animal-Assisted Support Programs are recreational and informal activities facilitated by trained personnel, while Animal-Assisted Education focuses on teaching and learning about animal-assisted services.

Promoting the human-animal bond OVER the years, Communitails has launched several initiatives designed

ASIAN Hospital and Medical Center launched the “9th Annual Clinical Innovation Summit: Lumina 2026” at the Filinvest Tent, bringing together healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, industry experts, and innovators for meaningful discussions and collaborative learning focused on advancing healthcare, beauty, and wellness. Special messages during the grand opening were delivered by Dr. Carmen Nievera, Asian Hospital Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Beaver Tamesis, Asian Hospital President and CEO; and Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

to strengthen the human-animal bond and provide emotional support to various sectors.

Among its most accessible programs are therapy dog visits, which allow participants to interact with dogs through activities such as petting, brushing, and simple engagement.

While seemingly straightforward, these interactions have proven effective in helping participants relax, destress, and enjoy positive emotional experiences.

The organization has also implemented more structured interventions, including Animal-Assisted Therapy for Chronic Schizophrenia Patients, which serves as a complementary intervention alongside conventional treatment. Sessions include guided activities, introductions, and assessments designed to support patients’ overall well-being.

Communitails has likewise pioneered trauma-informed animal-assisted services through pilot sessions conducted with survivor leaders in partnership with the International Justice Mission and the Philippines Surviving Network, with support from the Atlantic Fellows.

Joining the grand opening and ribboncutting ceremony were Dr. Lito Acuin, Director of the Asian Learning Institute; Dr. Benjamin Co, Chief Medical Officer of Metro Pacific Health; Dr. Valerie Guinto and Dr. Jennifer Narvaez of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; along with members of the Lumina 2026 Organizing Team. “Lumina 2026 is a gathering that brings together experts, advocates, and communities to celebrate excellence in beauty, wellness, and health. It is an opportunity to learn, be inspired, and discover innovations that can help us live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Through events like

Another milestone initiative is the Pioneering Animal-Assisted Therapy for Female Adolescent Trauma Survivors in the Philippines (PROJECT PAATTS), a pilot study led by the National Center for Mental Health and funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development.

The project focused on female adolescent trauma survivors aged 12 to 17.

The organization has also partnered with institutions to expand the reach of animal-assisted services. Its Alagang Pawsitibo program provides wellness activities for employees of the National Center for Mental Health, while training sessions for pediatric rehabilitation professionals aim to equip practitioners with the knowledge to integrate appropriate AAS activities into their work.

Advocating standards and training

A KEY goal of Communitails is to help establish animal-assisted services as a recognized and professionally practiced field in the Philippines.

According to the organization, the absence of formal regulation creates

the risk of misuse and misunderstanding, particularly when individuals view animal-assisted services as a replacement for medical or mental health care rather than as a complementary intervention.

To address this, Communitails announced plans to formalize its membership structure for practitioners under the organization. The initiative seeks to ensure that facilitators receive proper training not only in working with animals but also in recognizing participants’ needs and guiding them appropriately.

Parreño clarified that professionalization does not necessarily mean creating an entirely new licensed profession. Instead, the focus is on establishing foundational competencies and standards for professionals who wish to incorporate animal-assisted services into their respective fields.

“Creating plantillia positions might be a long shot but we’re hoping that this will happen in the future, in the sense that this can be tied to certain roles like let’s say doctors. When we say professionalizing, it does not necessarily mean creating another licensure for this but really maybe certifying or making sure that professionals who practice this actually have foundational knowledge,” Parreño said.

She cited the organization’s foundational training program for rehabilitation professionals as an encouraging step toward that goal.

“That’s why we are very proud to have had this foundational training for the rehabilitation professionals because many people were interested in this,” she added.

A s awareness of mental health and holistic wellness continues to grow, Communitails hopes that animalassisted services will gain wider recognition as a valuable complement to existing health and support systems— one that benefits both humans and the animals that help them heal.

this, we continue to empower people with knowledge and create a brighter future for everyone,” said Dr. Jennifer Narvaez, Overall Chair of the Lumina 2026 Summit. The summit also featured appearances and engaging discussions from well-known celebrities and influencers, including Toni Gonzaga, Candy Pangilinan, Ciara Sotto, and Joyce Ching, among many others. Through their personal experiences and insights, they contributed to meaningful conversations on health, beauty, wellness, and personal growth. Complementing the learning sessions was a dynamic expo featuring food, apparel,

DFA, UNACOM mark 75 years of cooperation with UNESCO through commemorative stamps launch

SECRETARY of Foreign Affairs

Maria Theresa P. Lazaro led the 75th founding anniversary celebration of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) with the unveiling and launch of commemorative stamps.

The milestone event on May 21 underscored the Philippines’ enduring linkage with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), reaffirming the country’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism, cultural diplomacy, sustainable development, and international cooperation.

The event was made possible through the collaboration between UNACOM headed by Secretary-General Ivan Anthony S. Henares PhD, and the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) spearheaded by Postmaster General and CEO Maximo Sta. Maria III.

In her remarks, Lazaro—as the commission’s chair—described the occasion as “more than a historical milestone,” as she called it “a celebration of a 75-year journey of advancing peace, education, science, culture, and communication.” She further emphasized that the commemorative stamps serve as “tangible anchors of our identity, memory, and shared history.”

For his part, Sta. Maria highlighted the role of commemorative stamps in preserving national memory and promoting Philippine heritage and identity. He reaffirmed PHLPost’s continued support for initiatives that advance awareness and appreciation of the country’s cultural and natural heritage.

A key highlight of the programme

Building bridges through technology: Why the UK-PHL partnership matters more than ever

By Ambassador of the United Kingdom Sarah Hulton OBE

Kickstart Ventures Pres.

Minette Navarrete

TECHNOLOGY partnerships are rarely built in a single meeting or sealed with one transaction. They are forged through sustained engagement, shared ambition, and the belief that collaboration delivers far more than going it alone.

As the United Kingdom (UK) and the Philippines deepen a relationship anchored in innovation and growth, few platforms illustrate this journey better than London Tech Week, which is taking place this year between June 8 and 12.

London Tech Week is Europe’s largest technology festival and one of the world’s most influential gatherings of innovators, investors and policymakers. For the past five years, a growing Philippine contingent has travelled to London Tech Week to connect with partners, explore new markets and foster relationships.

This year marks an important milestone. For the first time, the Philippines will exhibit at Olympia, placing Philippine innovation at the heart of London Tech Week’s main programme and signalling its place on the global technology stage.

From the UK perspective, this moment could not be more timely.

Guided by its Modern Industrial Strategy, we are placing digital and frontier technologies at the heart of driving productivity, attracting investment and securing long-term prosperity. The ambition finds a natural partner in the Philippines, where digital evolution has become a central pillar of national growth. It is shaping a shared agenda for competitiveness, innovation and inclusion. The alignment creates a common vision where strategy meets opportunity, and where our combined strengths can be channelled into building the next chapter of a partnership defined by purposeful innovation.

Continued growth, enrichment FOR Kickstart Ventures, the corporate venture capital firm of one

of Southeast Asia’s leading conglomerates, London Tech Week has played a significant role in deepening that relationship. Kickstart’s participation in 2023 expanded its ties with the UK technology ecosystem. This opened new avenues for collaboration, shared learning, and innovation that can contribute to the continued growth and enrichment of the Philippine startup community.

Alongside London Tech Week that year, we saw the announcement of Kickstart Ventures’ investment in UK’s Roslin Technologies, marking a milestone collaboration. What started as a single investment has since evolved into a broader partnership, now extending across the wider Ayala Group as it works with UK partners to build bridges across technology, innovation and research-driven growth. Those engagements demonstrated the growing importance of building deeper global connections to create mutually beneficial economic and sustainable value. From 10 Downing Street to meetings with spinouts from top UK universities, these experiences showed the strength of the UK ecosystem. More importantly, they showed what can happen when ecosystems connect and work together.

As the Philippines accelerates digitalization, UK technologies are already shaping the path forward. British firms such as iProov are redefining digital identity verification. Its systems, using advanced facial biometrics, combat fraud and enable secure remote transactions at scale. Ipsotek, a leader in artificial intelligence-powered video analytics, is supporting safer urban environments by turning data into real-time insights for public safety and infrastructure protection. At the same time, innovators on financial technology or fintech like Wise are demonstrating how low-cost cross-border payments can unlock greater financial inclusion for Filipinos.

Innovation ecosystem THE UK’s strength is not just its size; it also has strong startups, leading universities, access to capital, and a business environment that helps ideas move from research to market. London Tech

Week brings these strengths together and connects them with international partners ready to work together.

Personal connections also shape the UK-Philippines technology partnership. London Tech Week helps turn conversations into lasting partnerships and new opportunities for both sides. Since Kickstart took part, the relationship has grown into one focused on solving global challenges together and building shared success.

UK-Philippines technology ties have grown stronger and deeper. Regulators, researchers, founders and investors are working together with trust and shared purpose. That is why we welcome the bigger Philippine presence at London Tech Week and the partnerships that may grow from this year’s exhibition at Olympia. Philippine companies are there to engage, invest and collaborate. Moving from delegation to exhibition shows confidence in Philippine innovation and in the UK as a strategic partner.

This year’s London Tech Week also comes at a pivotal moment for the Philippines as Asean chair, underscoring its growing regional leadership at a time when digital transformation, resilience and innovation are top priorities across Southeast Asia. As the country showcases its innovation ecosystem in London, and while the UK deepens its engagement across the region, technology-led tie-ups are increasingly shaping how we work together to navigate shared challenges and opportunities.

UK-Philippines technology cooperation builds on 80 years of diplomatic relations and is now gaining real momentum. Platforms like UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week and London Tech Week have already created partnerships, investments and results. They are also opening the door to deeper collaboration in areas such as engineering biology, quantum technologies and advanced semiconductors.

These fields can drive growth, strengthen resilience and reshape industries. The next step is cocreation—bringing together scientists, entrepreneurs and institutions to build solutions that matter and create lasting prosperity.

featured the ceremonial unveiling of the UNACOM commemorative stamp collection, followed by the

signing of the Official First Day Cover featuring Philippine UNESCO-designated and inscribed sites,

celebrating the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Henares presented the stamp collection and explained that the designs reflect UNESCO’s core programmes, showcasing Philippine World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, UNESCO Global Geoparks, Intangible Cultural Heritage, and other UNESCOdesignated and inscribed elements. He likewise noted that the stamps highlight endemic Philippine flora and fauna, underscoring biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.

The celebration also featured a cultural performance by the Far Eastern University’s Bamboo Band, and a curated gastronomic presentation entitled “Flavors of Heritage: A Culinary Journey Through Philippine UNESCO-Designated Sites,” held in observance of National Heritage Month.

The DFA and UNACOM reaffirmed their commitment to advancing UNESCO’s ideals of peace, intercultural dialogue, and sustainable development through education, science, culture, communication and information.

On PHL’s Asean chairship: The positive side of detours

By Josue Raphael J. Cortez

WHEN the Philippines formally assumed the Asean Chairship in January, three cross-pillar goals were unveiled to achieve within the year: security anchors, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment.

No doubt, all these are aligned not just with the regional pillars comprising the Asean Community, but also Manila’s very own pillars of foreign policy.

The very fact that these pathways are strategically designed to make the bloc more adept at responding to the call of the times, made the country’s hosting more highly anticipated.

However, there was a gradual change when armed tensions among the United States, Israel, and Iran unfolded. The month-long conflict, currently halted by a ceasefire whose viability remains uncertain, seemingly changed both the geopolitical and geoeconomic landscapes. Sudden shifts in the way we do things, similar to what transpired amid the global pandemic, occurred.

Hence, a rebalancing of Asean’s priorities also had to be facilitated in an instant. Hundreds of preparatory meetings, which were slated to be hosted in various parts of the Philippines, had to be transitioned

to virtual modality, so as to address rising fuel costs and a looming energy emergency. Safety of navigation and overflight also had to be taken into account, as attacks nowadays are both unpredictable and cataclysmic.

The sudden shifts in priorities and discussions at the regional level were met with mixed perceptions. Some acknowledged that it is a way for the bloc to show its agility in responding to trends needing collective action, while others viewed it as a pivot that would debilitate regional efforts to address perennial matters, including the muchawaited binding document on the South China Sea, which is among the primary flashpoints in the world today.

On a brighter note, however, the bloc’s decision—with the Philippines as primary steerer of regional conversations this year—to tweak its order of discussions in light of recent circumstances, does not veer away from the three priority areas Manila has espoused early this year. Instead, it can be appreciated as a change of focus to issues that may have more impact on regional stability and order, if left unaddressed.

The challenges of our times, which we ought to respond to, on the other hand, also allowed the 11-member

organization to further intensify its efforts to integrate economies and decision-making. This is something that could not have occurred without the presence of perils and threats. Indeed, it has always been a part and parcel of Asean’s nature to work evercloser in times of crisis.

Although such nature or tendency in regional dynamics can be perceived as a weakness, there is a big possibility that the recent events have resulted in the reshaping of how we collaborate with our neighbors. Our shared challenges now may have been an impetus to the revamping of collective thinking among regional elites. The Philippine Chairship may have taken a sudden detour, but potentially, the road we are now jointly traversing may provide the building blocks for the betterment of our region in the years to come.

(Cortez is a full-time faculty member of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s School of Diplomacy and Governance. Aside from teaching, he also serves as practicum coordinator of its Diplomacy and International Affairs Program. He has specialized in the European Union and Asean for his further studies at the Ateneo de Manila University, with research interests spanning regionalism, discourses on collective identities, and efforts on artificial intelligence in regional blocs.)

From medical care to night market games: Taiwan outreach warms Manila community

ATAIWAN-LED community outreach initiative combining free medical services and Taiwanese cultural activities brought warmth and assistance to underserved residents in Manila on May 24.

The event, “Project: T.A.I.W.A.N.,” was initiated by Gavin Tan, a candidate for Taiwan’s Overseas Community Affairs Council International Youth Ambassador program. It was held at the Chiang Kai Shek College campus in Manila in partnership with the Taiwan Association Inc. Philippines, TAP Youth Chapter, Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, CGHMC Social Development Foundation, Chiang Kai Shek College, and barangay representatives from Tondo, Manila.

The outreach program featured a free medical mission, health screenings, relief assistance, and cultural exchange activities for grassroots communities. CGHMC’s medical professionals provided free consultations, blood pressure checks, and basic healthcare services to around 400 residents—many of whom have limited access to medical care.

TAP and its Youth Chapter also distributed “Tai-

HopeTrek

introduces ‘Less is More’ with a new smart, safe home ecosystem in the PHL

HopeTrek, the smart energy brand under global AIoT leader Uniview, officially launched its brand and smart home safety ecosystem in the Philippines at Le Parc Event Hall. As rising electricity costs, unstable power supply, and growing demand for smarter living continue to shape the Philippine market, HopeTrek introduced its integrated “Smart & Safe Home” solution designed specifically for modern Filipino homes and businesses.

Driven by the belief that “Safety comes first,” HopeTrek believes that true smart living starts with complete protection. For modern families, safety is no longer limited to traditional home security. It also means stable power during a brownout, reliable protection for homes and businesses, and stronger privacy and data security.

“We understand the real priorities of Filipino families — safety, stability, and practical energy savings,” said Hermit Zhang, CEO of Uniview. “By leveraging AI-driven coordination, HopeTrek brings together solar power, energy storage, EV charging, and smart home technologies into one integrated solution. We are not simply delivering technology products — we are creating a smarter, safer, and more reliable living experience for modern

homes and businesses.”

At the heart of the launch is the “LESS IS MORE” concept which translates to a stress free experience for users:

Less Waiting: Featuring an ultra-fast four minutes backup switching—essential for protecting sensitive appliances and computers during sudden power fluctuations or “voltage dips” common in Metro Manila.

Less Cost: Optimized to maximize solar consumption, helping reduce monthly electricity bills and deliver longterm energy savings.

Less Trouble: Engineered with a wide 170V–290V voltage compatibility, making the hardware resilient against “weakgrid” environments and provincial power instabilities.

Combined with AI-driven coordination, the system is designed to deliver less waiting, less cost, and less trouble, together with more solutions and more intelligence.

HopeTrek is not just launching products in the Philippines; it is also building a strong local support ecosystem for partners and customers. To ensure professional and reliable

service, HopeTrek introduced a dedicated Installer Empowerment Program, offering technical training and certification, marketing support, demo unit incentives, and local spare parts inventory.

At the same time, the brand is strengthening its local service capabilities through expanded service teams and a 24hour fast-response mechanism on working days, helping partners improve efficiency, reduce operational pressure, and achieve more sustainable business growth while building a stronger long-term channel ecosystem.

By deeply integrating solar power, energy storage, EV charging, security, smart home technologies, and AI-driven coordination, HopeTrek is building an integrated smart home safety ecosystem that combines security, energy management, and intelligent living into one unified solution.

“Our goal is simple,” Zhang added. “We want to deliver less waiting, less cost, and less trouble — together with more intelligence and more peace of mind. At the end of the day, we want to help more families enjoy a smarter, safer, and more reliable living experience.”

How one man’s fight for survival shaped Asia’s largest dialysis network

BEHIND Asia’s largest dialysis network lies not a conventional corporate blueprint, but a deeply human advocacy born from a young man’s fight for survival. NephroPlus, which continues to expand its footprint across the Philippines, is driven by a simple yet powerful belief: people on dialysis deserve to lead long, happy, productive lives - with dialysis remaining just a small part of their journey. At the heart of this multi-national mission is Kamal D. Shah, co-founder of NephroPlus and a patient since the age of 21. For Kamal, the business of healthcare is deeply personal – he has been a

dialysis patient himself for nearly three decades.

In 1997, Shah’s life was unfolding precisely as he envisioned. Having just secured a student visa to pursue a master’s degree in the United States, he felt the world opening its doors to his ambitions.

But on the cusp of departure, a sudden medical emergency derailed his plans. Doctors diagnosed him with Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS), a rare, life-threatening genetic disease affecting only two to three million people worldwide.

“How could a young man preparing for graduate school in America suddenly be fighting for survival?” Kamal recalled, describing his harrowing first dialysis session. “Fear overtook me as my blood circulated through the machine.”

What followed was exhausting medical interventions: regular hemodialysis, plasma exchanges, steroid treatments, and blood transfusions. A temporary recovery was cut short by a severe lung infection, forcing his family to briefly explore alternative therapies in sheer desperation.

In November 1998, a kidney transplant using his mother as a donor offered a beacon of hope. However, fate intervened again when his primary disease recurred in the transplanted kidney as well, sending him back to square one. Faced with a lifetime of treatment, Shah made a pivotal choice: “I have the will to win.”

He refused to remain a passive bystander in his own healthcare.

In 1999, he discovered Peritoneal Dialysis (PD), a home-based treatment option that was exceptionally rare in India at the time. Under the care of a supportive nephrologist, the transition

allowed him to regain his energy, put on weight, and successfully return to the workforce as a young professional.

Years later, while on a beach vacation with colleagues in 2004, Kamal survived a devastating tsunami that flooded his room to neck level. While he escaped with his life, the seawater severely infected his PD catheter site, forcing a grueling return to hospital-based hemodialysis.

The physical and mental drain of standard hospital rotations led Shah to look for alternative solutions. He searched medical reports, watched international demonstrations, and worked closely with clinical staff to pioneer daily home hemodialysis, demanding a life lived with dignity, choice, and knowledge.

Through his dual lens as a patient and an acute observer of clinical gaps, Shah realized that renal care needed a global overhaul. Patients deserved more than clinical routine; they deserved better holistic outcomes, stringent quality controls, and empathy.

This conviction laid the cornerstone for NephroPlus.

“We want our guests to get their lives back,” says Shah. “People on dialysis can live normal, long lives, provided they receive good-quality care.”

Today, NephroPlus has evolved into Asia’s largest dialysis network, partnering with local communities to bring world-class, empathetic dialysis care directly to Filipino patients. At the heart of this mission is a shift from treating patients to welcoming guests. This philosophy honors the lived experience of its co-founder, proving that chronic illness does not mean a life on hold, and championing a better quality of life across geographies.

We Hope Medical opens free chemo centers in San Juan, Canlubang

THE latest national data reveals a growing and deeply concerning cancer burden in the Philippines, with nearly 190,000 new cases and more than 110,000 deaths recorded in 2022. Health advocates warn that Filipino cancer patients continue to face severe disadvantages in diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care, conditions that demand stronger national action and sustained investment in equitable cancer services.

Despite the passage of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), many patients continue to struggle with late diagnosis, limited access to specialized care, and high out - of - pocket expenses. Chemotherapy alone can cost up to P120,000 per cycle, with total treatment reaching P5 million or more, pushing families into debt, asset liquidation, or treatment abandonment.

With thousands of patients delaying or abandoning treatment due to cost, We Hope Medical Group is here to operate specialized medical

facilities and programs that make treatments accessible, affordable, and sustainable through strong partnerships with local government units, national government and communities.

St. John the Baptist Chemotherapy Center at Makabagong San Juan Center and Canlubang Chemotherapy Center at iMall Calamba are designed to provide a safe, compassionate and patient-centered environment, staffed by licensed oncology doctors and equipped with modern treatment facilities.

Services include free chemotherapy sessions for qualified residents covered by PhilHealth, cancer assistance fund and other LGU programs. The center also provides oncologist consultations, patient education, and wellness programs, empowering families throughout their healing journey. Patients who wish to avail of the services could visit the centers and present their valid ID and Philhealth MDR. “Our mission is simple but powerful. No Filipino

Radenta Academy offers TESDA accredited courses

RADENTA Academy now offers seven TESDA accredited courses like Cyber Threat Monitoring I, Contact Center Services NC II, and Data Analytics Level III.   All courses are open to college students and professionals.

Cyber Threat Monitoring provides the skills to proactively monitor networks from threats, analyze security alerts, and conduct vulnerability scanning of assets using industry-standard tools and protocols. The course provides entry level cybersecurity qualification using institutionand enterprise-based training modalities for the ICT sector. The 144 hour-program earns a Certificate of Competency (COC) and National Certification upon assessment. Graduates can land career opportunities as Cybersecurity Analyst (LI), Cybersecurity Support Staff, and Cybersecurity Help Desk Staff. Contact Center Services NC II is designed to develop the essential communication, customer-handling, and computer-based operational skills required by modern contact center environments. Trainees will learn to manage inbound and outbound calls, identify customer needs, document interactions accurately, and engage professionally using English as the primary medium. The course covers 144 hours. A student can look into work opportunities as Inbound/Outbound Contact Center Agent, Customer Service Representative, Entry Level Technical Support Representative, Customer Support Staff and Service Desk Support Personnel. The Data Analytics Level III program is designed to transform beginners into competent Junior Data Analysts. Applicants are required to have completed at least 10 years of basic education or ALS Grade 10 equivalent, have basic computer literacy, and possess good written and oral communication skills.

The 144-hour course covers the end-toend data process: from gathering and cleaning “dirty” data to crunching numbers with statistics, and finally, telling compelling stories  through interactive dashboards. Trainees will learn practical job-ready skills using Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and Google Looker Studio.

The course has four modules. Module 1 is applying Basic Statistical Concepts and Analysis. A student will learn to distinguish between categorical, numerical, nominal, and ordinal data. Learn to answer ‘what happened’ using historical data. Master the calculation of Mean, Mode, Standard Deviation, and Quartiles. The student will also understand the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and how to protect sensitive information.

Module 2 is Preparing Data Sets. The course concept is “Garbage In, Garbage Out. Learn to Fix broken data.” Included are Data Importing on how to connect to CSVs, da tabases and web tables; Data Cleaning which is the most critical skill for analysts like fixing missing values, removing duplicates and standardizing formats; Data Transformation is how to convert text to numbers and handle date formats; Data

Radenta Academy now offers TESDA-accredited courses.

Filtering is how to use slicers and tables to isolate specific information.

Module 3 is Summarizing Data Sets or how to crunch the numbers and turn thousands of rows into a single summary. Pivot Tables lead to mastering the most powerful tool in spreadsheet applications. Data Aggregation involves performing complex calculations (sum, count, average, max/min) instantly. Frequency Analysis is how to group data by age, price ranges, or dates (months/years) to find patterns. Pivot Charts teaches how to create dynamic charts that update automatically as filler data.

Module 4 is Preparing Data Visualization. It teaches how to tell the story and present the findings to stakeholders. Details include Dashboards vs. Reports to learn when to use interactive dashboards versus static reports. Data Storytelling is design principles for clear, uncluttered and eTactive visualizations. Interactive Dashboards tells how to build live dashboards using Google and Looker Studio. Publishing is sharing reports securely to management and teams via PDF or live web links.

The program will develop skills on the use of tools and technologies that employers use to include spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets; data visualization tools like Google Looker Studio, introductory Microsoft Power BI; and presentation tools like Powerpoint and Google Slides.

The trainee, upon completion of the course, will receive a Certificate of Training for Data Analytics Level III and then undergo the National Assessment by TESDA to earn the National Certificate (NC).

Radenta’s Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) also feature an 80-Hour Robotics and Virtual Reality Integration course. The key robotics programs under this are Collaborative Robot Programming Level III to include programming and maintaining collaborative robots.  Mobile Robotics System Servicing Level II involves installing, testing, and maintaining mobile robots. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Prompting for Automation Level III focuses on configuring automation workflows, a key component of modern robotic systems.

Radenta Academy is a TESDA-accredited Technical Vocational Institute and is the brainchild of Radenta Technologies, one of the country’s leading solutions integrators.

should ever have to choose between financial survival and life-saving cancer treatment,” Dr. John Paul Aclan DBA. We Hope Medical Group proudly highlights the visionary leadership of the Chairman and CEO, whose bold vision and unwavering commitment to accessible healthcare have redefined cancer care for Filipino families. We Hope Medical Group believes that every Filipino deserves access to quality healthcare.

The organization’s rapid growth reflects a deep commitment to public health innovation, community partnership, and sustainable healthcare delivery. By targeting 100 operational centers by year-end, We Hope Medical Group is setting a new national standard, one where compassion meets innovation, and where healthcare systems are built around the needs of the people.

The launch of these centers marks a historic milestone ensuring that financial barriers no longer stand between patients and life-saving treatment.

Parentlife

When fatigue is more than burnout: How can our family detect MDS?

THAI STAR MEW SUPPASIT INTERPRETS THE POWER OF ‘LET’S WRITE’ FOR MONTBLANC FOR over a century, Montblanc has always believed in the power of words as vessels of culture, carriers of memories, and bridges between generations. The brand continues its campaign Let’s Write, inviting individuals to pause, reflect and reconnect with their thoughts. For this new chapter, Montblanc spotlights its esteemed Thai actor and Friend of the Brand, Mew Suppasit, who lends his voice and perspective to the profound meaning behind the act of writing.

Since 1906, Montblanc has remained dedicated to championing the culture of writing, with the Meisterstück standing as its most iconic writing instrument. Nearly a century later, the brand continues to inspire a rediscovery of writing’s timeless power, especially amid a digitalized world. The Let’s Write campaign now centers on Mew Suppasit, who reflects on pivotal moments in his journey, the challenges he has overcome, and the insights he has gained along both his personal and professional paths.

Mew reveals that writing is more than just putting words on paper, but a personal journey of self-discovery. As an artist who expresses himself through both acting and music, he believes in staying true to one’s inner voice. More information on the Montblanc Meisterstück can be found www. montblanc.com/en-ph

new

By Laura Ungar The Associated Press

MOMENTS after Jenna Carberg gave birth to her daughter, doctors put the baby on her chest.

“I felt a disconnect right away,” she recalled.

At home, the Orlando, Florida, mom was exhausted and anxious and cried every day. She was eventually diagnosed with postpartum depression—a potentially dangerous condition that can fill a typically joyous time with deep despair.

The mood disorder has been on the rise. A 2024 study in the journal JAMA Network Open found that US rates more than doubled in just over a decade, climbing from 9.4 percent in 2010 to 19 percent in 2021, partly due to improved screening and diagnosis.

It can be hard to differentiate the disorder from the much milder and more common “baby blues” brought on by plummeting hormone levels. But recognizing and treating postpartum depression is crucial, said OB-GYN Dr. Tiffany Moore Simas at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. Moms who go untreated may have problems bonding with and caring for their babies. And they’re at increased risk of suicide.

“A healthy you will ultimately be important for a healthy baby,” Moore Simas said.

AS parents, caregivers and working adults, we have become experts at explaining away exhaustion. We call it stress. Aging. Burnout. Hormones. Traffic. Lack of sleep.

But what if our bodies are trying to tell us something more? Last May, as the world observes World Blood Cancer Day, health experts were reminding us to pay closer attention to persistent fatigue, frequent infections, and unusual bruising—symptoms many people dismiss as ordinary signs of getting older. Sometimes, these subtle signs may point to a condition called Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), now more accurately known as Myelodysplastic Neoplasms.

MDS is a form of blood cancer that affects how our bone marrow produces blood cells. Despite medical advances, it remains one of the more overlooked and under-recognized conditions in the Philippines. According to a landmark 10-year study conducted at Makati Medical Center involving 240 patients, MDS remains “underestimated, underreported, and underdiagnosed” in the country. One striking finding from the study revealed a major gap in patient care: only 15 percent of patients were able to undergo advanced laboratory tests such as cytogenetic testing. In simple terms, around 85 percent did not receive a complete diagnostic evaluation.

many people quietly live with—persistent fatigue, breathlessness, recurring infections, and easy bruising. Although MDS can affect people of any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in adults over 60. And this is where awareness becomes important. The reality is that fatigue is one of the most non-specific symptoms in medicine—and precisely because of this, it deserves attention.

To help bridge this gap, healthcare leaders, specialists and advocates continue to strengthen efforts toward better diagnosis, specialized treatment, and stronger collaboration in blood health care. While World Blood Cancer Day serves as an important reminder each May, this mission goes beyond a single awareness campaign.

To understand MDS better, it helps to picture the bone marrow as the body’s own blood factory. In a healthy system, immature blood cells grow and mature before entering the bloodstream to perform important functions.

But in MDS, this factory begins producing defective or abnormal cells. Instead of maturing properly, many die too early. This “factory failure” creates shortages of healthy blood cells. The result may be anemia or low red blood cells, leukopenia or low white blood cells, and thrombocytopenia or low platelets. Because these blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen, fighting infection, and helping stop bleeding, their absence creates symptoms that

HOW TO TELL IF POSTPARTUM

IS MORE THAN BABY BLUES

SADNESS

BABY blues affects about 8 in 10 new moms, striking shortly after delivery.

“Moms will feel kind of more emotional than normal,” said Dr. Jennifer Payne, an expert in reproductive psychiatry at the University of Virginia. But the crying jags and feelings of sadness aren’t severe enough to interfere with normal life. Moms should still be able to care for themselves and their babies.

Screening tools can help discern if the problem is more serious. A commonly used 10-item questionnaire, often given at a postpartum checkup, asks how often a mom has experienced feelings such as sadness, panic or worry. A high score points toward the need for further evaluation.

Experts say there’s no single cause of postpartum depression. Genetics, physical changes and emotional issues may contribute to it.

“We’re pretty sure that having a case of the baby blues doesn’t increase your risk of postpartum depression,” Payne said.

“But it does seem that both conditions can develop in the same person.”

SIGNS OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION TO WATCH OUT FOR IF sadness lingers for more than two weeks, that’s one sign.

Others include intense feelings of despair, anxiety, loss of interest, feelings

As Dr. Rosalio Torres, founding president of the Philippine College of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine (PCHTM), explains, “A good doctor must start by reviewing a patient’s full history and conducting a physical exam, because fatigue is very non-specific and can hide many things. Our blood cells have critical functions: red cells carry oxygen, white cells fight infections, and platelets stop us from bleeding. When these are damaged in MDS, patients suffer from shortness of breath, lack of energy, recurrent infections, and easy bruising or bleeding.”

The good news is that early consultation can make a meaningful difference. Often, the first clue comes from something as routine as a Complete Blood Count (CBC). When abnormalities appear, physicians may refer patients to hematologists for further evaluation, including more specialized procedures like bone marrow aspiration.

Torres also reminds patients that while MDS can be challenging, hope and management options do exist: “We now have management and supportive care options available in the Philippines. While these treatments are often long-term and can be resource-

intensive, catching the disease early helps us manage costs and care more effectively.”

One of Torres’ current patients illustrates this hope. A Manila-based businessman in his late 70s initially experienced vague but exhausting weakness that standard treatments failed to explain. His journey eventually led him to a hematologist and a confirmatory bone marrow evaluation. It involved supportive therapies, increasing blood transfusions, and even an overseas treatment experience that left him disappointed. Because of his age, stem cell transplantation was no longer an option.

When his medical team shifted toward a more targeted management strategy designed to improve red blood cell levels, his body gradually responded. Structured therapy cycles reduced his dependence on transfusions, eventually bringing it down to zero.

Today, he continues routine maintenance visits and therapy to manage iron levels. More importantly, he remains active—running his businesses, enjoying retirement, and embracing perhaps his most meaningful role yet: being present for his first granddaughter.

His journey reminds us that while MDS is a serious and long-term condition, diagnosis does not automatically mean defeat. Better outcomes begin with awareness, specialist care, and timely action.

For those who wish to learn more, trusted organizations like the MDS Foundation continue to provide educational resources and support for patients and caregivers.

of guilt and worthlessness, low energy and decreased concentration and appetite. Moms may worry constantly about their babies, be unable to sleep, or stop showering for days.

They “feel negatively and badly about themselves. They’ll feel that they’re a bad mother. They might not feel attached to the baby very much,” Payne said. They may even have thoughts of harming themselves. Carberg, who gave birth to her daughter in 2016, had such thoughts a couple of times—once while driving with her daughter. She went to a

psychiatric facility for a few days and did better for a while.

But she later had a severe breakdown. She sent text messages to her husband, Chris, saying she was sorry, then turned her phone off. Chris desperately tried to reach her, worried she’d hurt herself.

“She luckily went to the hospital ER,” he said.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION CAN BE TREATED EFFECTIVELY

ULTIMATELY, finding the right medication was the key to Jenna Carberg’s

recovery.

“I felt like myself again,” she said after taking the stimulant Vyvanse. Other medications include antidepressants such as Zoloft or Prozac, or Zurzuvae, the first pill approved for postpartum depression. Talk therapy is another common treatment, and experts also stress the importance of getting enough sleep and support from family and friends.

To help others, the Carbergs started an online information resource— postpartumdepression.org—to provide support and connect patients with professional help.

Doctors advise anyone who thinks they or a loved one may have postpartum depression to reach out to their OB-GYN, primary care doctor or mental health provider.

If necessary, be persistent, said Dr. Kerry Hudson, an OB-GYN at Newport Women’s Health Services in Rhode Island. When she suffered postpartum depression two decades ago, she said, her doctor told her she was just an overstressed medical resident. She finally got help after breaking down in front of colleagues during a presentation.

After therapy and medications, Hudson went on to have a second child. So did the Carbergs. All are doing well.

“When we get people help, I think they can have a good future ahead of them,” Hudson said. “You don’t have to suffer in silence.”

PSC articulates on role vis a vis sports bodies

AKOB TARUC and and Kendra

JGaringalao turned the final round of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Beverly Place Junior Philippine Golf Tour Championship into a personal coronation walk on Wednesday in Mexico, Pampanga. Braving an early morning downpour, both scorched the course to claim dominant double-digit victories in the premier division.

Taruc merely put the finishing touches on an already 11-stroke cushion to roll to an 18-stroke rout over Nathan Belandres after a 75, while Garingalao turned a tense three-shot lead into a front-nine blowout.

Despite a birdie-less 77 at the Beverly Place Golf Club, Garingalao secured an eight-stroke victory over Rafa Anciano.

T he day started under ominous skies as a heavy downpour triggered an hour-long rain delay and when play commenced under a “lift, clean and place” format, players battled a soft, drizzling golf course.

The shifting weather did little to slow down Taruc, who ignited his round with a birdie on the opening hole and although he stumbled with three bogeys over the next four holes as the heat intensified— and later suffered a double-bogey on the par-three 15th—play was soon halted due to lightning threats.

T he two-hour-long delay only postponed the inevitable as Taruc coasted to a 18-shot triumph over Belandres, closing with a four-over par for a 54-hole total of 224.

Belandres rallied with a 76 to snatch runner-up honors at 242, while Jacob Bayron charged back with a 79 to tie for third at 243 with Francis Slavin and Bryce Co, who posted 82 and 83, respectively.

Taruc, Garingalao in easy victories in Beverly Place

STEPHEN CLEMENTER and Soleil Molde braved

conditions to

control of their respective divisions at the

of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Bacolod Junior Philippine Golf Tour Championship on Wednesday. W ith spots in the North vs South Grand Finals on the line, the short but tricky par-70 Binitin course tested the young golfers’ poise, turning the opening round of this penultimate stop of the six-leg regional series into a

NATIONAL team standouts Bea

Quiambao and Irienold Reig, Jr. are primed to spearhead a fierce battle as they headline the milestone 10th staging of the Century Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay this Sunday. The country’s premier triathlon capital is set to transform into a high-stakes battleground where local icons and international contenders vie in the 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike and 21-km run race.

virtual survival of the fittest.

B rimming with confidence following a recent playoff victory that snapped Ethan Lago’s three-leg winning streak at Pueblo de Oro, Clementer picked up right where he left off. Despite battling the heat and a cold putter, he ground out a gritty 80.

A double-bogey on the challenging par-3 18th did little to dampen his position as he walked off with a commanding three-stroke cushion over Thomas Ngo, who shot an 83 with Ashton Araw-araw turning in a 93.

Quiambao clinched the overall women’s championship and the Filipino Elite title in Davao City to go alongside her historic win at the inaugural 5150 Camiguin.

R eig, meanwhile, looks to ride the momentum of his breakthrough men’s victory, aiming to prove his mettle in the Philippine Sports Commissionbacked competition. A lso ready to ignite the course are

ownership could be described as fatherly and patriarchal rather than corporate. Even Canent’s height was “old world.” Five-feet-eight isn’t exactly a measurement you would associate with the hardcourt. His frame—lean and spare—wouldn’t intimidate the defense or offense at all. But he was lithe and springy and able to change direction at mid-journey. His mind was as quick as his feet. And he was terribly fast.

C anent played for the legendary Yco Painters in that pre-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) league called the MICAA (Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association). The MICAA was THE basketball entertainment of an era when most dads and uncles rooted for just two teams—Yco or Ysmael. He was one of three blue-chip guards on the Yco bench: Ed Ocampo, acknowledged as “Asia’s Best Guard” and a three-time Olympian; Freddie Webb, also an Olympian who was called “Fastbreak Freddie” because he was fast, tenacious and a steals wizard; and Canent, the youngest of the three, who could leap as high as a flea, shoot suddenly and accurately from any part of town, and just keep the energy going for himself and his team.

THE Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) primary goal is to fund sports development but with it comes a responsibility of protecting public funds as the agency conscientiously carries out the task.

“ The financial assistance granted by the government sports body comes with accountability, requiring National Sports Associations [NSAs] to align their programs with the PSC’s national sports development goals,” said PSC Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy in a statement released on Wednesday.

Our mandate extends beyond merely supporting national athletes, coaches and NSAs. As steward of public funds, the PSC has the duty to ensure that resources are used properly, judiciously and in accordance with law and policy,” Iroy said.

The PSC statement furthered: Recognized NSAs, affiliated with their respective international federations, operate under the PSC’s supervisory and visitorial powers. This authority allows the agency to inspect, examine and review records, documents and activities of NSAs to ensure compliance with laws, policies and directives.

I roy emphasized that the PSC holds the mandate to oversee these associations and enforce discipline, safeguarding the integrity and credibility of Philippine sports.

“Corollary to this responsibility is the obligation to hold beneficiaries accountable for the use of public resources entrusted to them,” Iroy said.

Under Republic Act 6847, the law that created the agency, the PSC is expressly empowered to impose sanctions on NSAs that violate its policies and regulations.

These sanctions may include withholding or suspending support from associations not in good standing—ubject to due process, the PSC may enforce penalties to correct violations and uphold discipline within the sports community.

Th e articulation came in the midst of the PSC suspending funding to the volleyball NSA, Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), which, according to the PSC, breached its obligation in terms of promotion and attribution during the recent Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge at the Nuvali Sands Courts in the City of Santa Rosa. The PSC has become meticulous in promotion and attribution of its funding support to NSAs, particularly those which hosts domestic and international competitions.

Atty. Alberto Agra, a legal sports luminary and Sports Law professor affirmed this principle.

As beneficiaries of government support, NSAs should recognize that funds provided by the PSC are public resources entrusted for the development of sports and athletes,” Agra said. They must therefore use such resources responsibly, efficiently and in full compliance with law and policy, while remaining accountable for the results achieved,” added Agra, former head of the obstacle sports federation now the head of the sports climbing NSA. Th rough its supervisory and sanctioning authority, the PSC affirms its role as both guardian and enforcer of Philippine sports governance. By holding NSAs accountable, the agency ensures that public resources are used responsibly and that athletes and coaches thrive under a system rooted in discipline, compliance and integrity. The PSC’s sanctioning powers are not merely punitive,” Iroy said. “They serve as protective mechanisms to ensure that NSAs operate with transparency, fairness, and adherence to national standards.”

“ By exercising these powers, the PSC strengthens the credibility of Philippine sports institutions and reinforces the country’s reputation as a responsible player in the global sporting arena,” Iroy added.

multi-titled national athlete Erika Burgos, 2022 Ironman 70.3 Cebu champion August Benedicto and Jethro Ramos, the first Igorot to qualify for the Ironman World Championships in 2024. The stakes are equally high across the age groups, spanning from the hungry 18-24 division to the inspiring 75-79 category, all vying for prestige in this landmark edition of the race organized by Sunrise Events Inc.

Abuilding its credentials as a top sports destination in the Philippines, Candon City gears up for another major hosting challenge

and staging domestic professional competitions, the City of Candon, behind Mayor Eric D. Singson continues to raise the standards

Gregorio and Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC)

“Tats” Suzara to help elevate sports and boost sports tourism. We are grateful to the PSC and the AVC for giving Candon City the opportunity to host an event of this scale,” Singson said. “Beyond the competition, we want to showcase our city’s readiness and, more importantly, the hospitality of our people.” Buoyed by the experience from the five-nation Men’s Sea V.League, Candon City has enhanced the 8,000-seat Candon City Arena to support teams and tournament operations, while also installing a strength and conditioning gym on the third floor. Two dedicated training venues have also been put up for team preparations during the nine-day tournament. Singson is also eager for local fans to experience elite international women’s volleyball firsthand this time with the tournament presented by the PSC, FIVB, Volleyball World and AVC. “We’re excited to welcome these teams to Candon and share this moment with our fans,” Singson said.

Before he joined Yco, Rene Canent was a star player on his high school and college teams—the Jose Rizal Light and Heavy Bombers. His name is carved in stone and in the hearts of Jose Rizal College (JRC) students and fans of the mid-1960s because together with Egay Gomez—one of the most feared outside shooters in Philippine basketball who would have made the three-point line (and beyond) his personal gated community if it had already existed by then—he gave JRC its first basketball championship after 1948.

The following year, the duo—Canent was Stockton to Gomez’s Malone—did it again. JRC, now JRU, experienced its first back-toback, courtesy of these two Bombers who would meet again and play side by side in the MICAA, as Yco Painters both.

Canent played nine years with Yco (1966-1975) and was one of the main attractions of the team, thanks to his dizzying but deliberate court generalship.

When the winds changed and the MICAA was replaced by

the PBA, Canent played still for the Elizalde franchise (the Elizaldes owned Yco), then called Tanduay Rhum in the pros. He played from 1975 to 1981.

D uring those early PBA years, the Yco dominance was no more. A new rivalry—Crsispa-Toyota—caught

the fancy of basketball fans instead. But Canent and his Tanduay team soldiered on.

Tanduay’s championship era in the PBA would not come until 1986 and 1987, long after Canent left to live with his family in the United States in 1981. But Rene Canent would carve his name in stone in another way in the PBA. H e made history as the league’s first ever president of the PBA Players Association. One of the benefits he was able to get for players was to provide free

C anent stayed in Chino, California, in the US and would occasionally come to Manila for visits and get-togethers with his Yco teammates, notably Egay Gomez. O ne of the very first players I got to interview during my early days as a sports journalist, Rene became a good friend and we would stay in touch through Facebook—ribbing each other now and then about the Celtics and the Lakers. O n May 30, Rene Canent did one of his patented fastbreak plays and made a great leap to the