BusinessMirror May 19, 2026

Mideast war to hit AsPac jobs, incomes–ILO

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the International Labour Organization (ILO) warning that reduced working hours in the region could reach the equivalent of 11.3 million full-time jobs this year. In its Employment and Social Trends: May 2026 Update released Monday, the ILO said Asia and the Pacific is the most exposed region next to the Arab States because of its heavy reliance on Gulf-linked energy, trade, tourism, migration and remittance flows.

MULTILATERAL

development banks (MDBs) said they are bracing for economic spillovers from the escalating Middle East conflict as disruptions to energy, fertilizer and trade routes threaten inflation, jobs, and food security in developing economies.

In a joint statement, major development lenders—including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank Group (WBG), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)—said they are responding to requests from countries seeking support to manage the “heterogeneous and compound impacts” of the crisis.

“MDBs are uniquely positioned to combine financing, policy support, private sector instruments, and technical expertise at scale to help countries manage shocks, preserve development gains, and strengthen long-term resilience,” the banks said.

Among the measures identified in the statement are support programs aimed at preserving access to essential goods such as energy, food and agricultural inputs, particularly for economies heavily exposed to supply disruptions and commodity price volatility.

The MDBs also said they are expanding trade and supply-chain fi-

nance programs to help ensure continued access to critical imports and support efforts to diversify sources of supply.

To help governments facing rising fiscal pressures, the lenders said they are prepared to provide fastdisbursing budget support intended to cushion the impact of external shocks on vulnerable households while allowing governments to maintain essential services.

The statement also highlighted support for businesses, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), utility companies and public-sector clients facing heightened market volatility.

This includes the provision of working capital, liquidity support and advisory services aimed at helping firms manage rising costs and protect jobs amid uncertain economic conditions.

The MDBs said policy advice and technical assistance would also form part of the response, particularly in

“Although the region as a whole is not directly affected by the conflict in the same way as the Arab States, it is highly exposed through energy imports, transport and logistics networks, tourism, labor migration and remittance flows. These channels connect external shocks to jobs, incomes and enterprises across the region,” the ILO said.

The UN agency said hours worked in Asia and the Pacific could decline by 0.7 percent this year and 1.5 percent in 2027 if elevated oil prices persist amid the prolonged conflict. These losses are equivalent to around 11.3-mil-

lion full-time jobs in 2026 and 30.7 million next year. The ILO said labor market pressures from economic shocks typically emerge first through reduced working hours and weaker incomes before translating into higher unemployment.

The agency expects real labor incomes in the region to fall by 1.5 percent this year and 4.3 percent in 2027 as rising fuel and logistics costs fuel inflation and erode household purchasing power.

The decline in labor incomes could amount to losses equivalent to about $660 billion this year and $1.9 trillion in 2027, the report

The region’s unemployment rate could also rise by 0.2 percentage point this year and 0.8 percentage point in 2027 as firms cut hiring and scale back operations amid higher energy and transport costs.

The agency said labor market pressures in Asia and the Pacific are expected to exceed the global average, particularly in economies heavily dependent on imported oil and gas.

“The region’s dependence on imported energy and its deep integration into trade, production and mobility networks mean that

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

MORE than a dozen major American companies are signaling interest in joining the Pax Silica initiative and the broader Luzon Economic Corridor which will rise in New Clark City, according to a senior government official of the United States.

US Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, who is on a visit to the Philippines and Singapore from May 17 to 21, said the firms currently in the delegation have all indicated willingness to take part in the project.

“We have over a dozen companies that are here with us. Several of them are over-a-billiondollar companies,” Helberg told reporters during a site visit in

New Clark City on Monday.

He said the current group represents only a fraction of the total number of companies expressing interest, noting that more firms are expected to engage in the initiative in subsequent visits after missing the initial trip due to time constraints.

Asked whether the firms are American, Helberg confirmed: “They’re all Americans. That’s right.”

The Philippines formally joined the US-backed Pax Silica in April, a program that aims to build integrated industrial ecosystems focused on artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain resilience.

THE Philippine economy is staring at another year of underperformance, with economists from De La Salle University (DLSU) slashing their 2026 growth forecast to 3.11 percent as war-driven oil prices and mounting second-round inflationary pressures batter domestic demand.

The revised projection is sharply lower than DLSU’s earlier 3.79-percent forecast and well below the 4.4 percent expansion recorded in 2025.

If such an outcome were to come true, it would mark the fourth straight year that the Marcos administration falls short of its growth goal, with the government targeting 5- to 6-percent gross domestic product (GDP) expansion for 2026.

It would also be the country’s weakest economic expansion since the pandemic-induced 9.5-percent contraction in 2020.

“With no end to the war in sight, we expect the Philippine economy to grow well below its potential for the remainder of 2026,” DLSU said in its latest economic report.

The think tank said the economy’s 2.8-per-

cent growth in the first quarter was likely the last reading that reflected “pre-shock normalcy,” before elevated fuel prices, tighter financial conditions and supply disruptions fully filtered through the broader economy. DLSU expects growth to remain weak at 2.8 percent in the second quarter before slowing further to 2.3 percent in the third quarter as higher transport, food and energy costs weigh more heavily on households and businesses. A modest recovery may emerge in the fourth quarter, with growth projected at

The total is projected to significantly boost supply reliability as demand continues to grow across the region.

Energy storage development is also gaining traction, with around 110 MW of battery energy storage capacity currently under review or planning stages—seen as a critical component in stabilizing the grid amid rising renewable penetration.

Rise in US Treasury yields sends peso to historic low

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

IGHER United States Trea-

HIllicit tobacco is also expected to increase from 23.6 percent in 2025 to 27.8 percent in 2028 across Asean-6, with illicit operators posting rising yearon-year profits—depriving governments of muchneeded revenues.

“If we could just stop the illicit trade in tobacco and make it all legitimate and the government can collect the duty revenues from it,” Humphrey said.

“It is diverting funds away from the formal economy, it is harming legitimate businesses, and it is therefore harming legitimate employees as well,” he added.

EU-ABC has called upon Asean to strengthen institutional coordination through a consolidated multi-stakeholder platform for intelligence sharing, joint action, commitment implementation and public-private collaboration.

Rather than creating new institutions, EU-ABC argued that Asean could enhance existing cooperation mechanisms under Strategic Trade Management and customs frameworks, building on Joint Customs Control initiatives and ongoing capacitybuilding efforts.

This consolidated platform could then be concretized through a proposed ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Preventing Illicit Trade and Diversion.

sury yields on prospects of rate hikes and the increase in global oil prices fueled the strength of the dollar anew, pushing the Philippine peso to a new record low of P61.75 against the greenback on Monday.

An analyst also pointed out the local currency could reach the P62-perdollar level in the near-term.

“The peso traded weaker as the

greenback was firmer on higher US Treasury yields on prospects of rate hikes this year,” Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said.

“Expect the currency to range between 61.500-62.000 levels in the near-term,” he added.

Ravelas issued the pronouncement after data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) showed that the peso slumped to a new record low of P61.75.

This rate is 3 centavos weaker than its previous finish of P61.72 against

coming more cautious amid rising living costs and economic uncertainty.

growth engine, is projected to grow 4.9 percent in 2026, slightly faster than the 4.6 percent expansion recorded in 2025.

Despite the modest improvement, DLSU warned that rising fuel and food prices are steadily eroding purchasing power even as remittance inflows continue to provide support to consumers.

It noted that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’s Consumer Expectations Survey showed that around 56 to 57 percent of households have shifted to “saving mode,” a sign that consumers are be-

Government expenditure, meanwhile, is expected to expand by 4.9 percent this year, slowing significantly from the 9.1-percent growth recorded in 2025 as procurement disruptions linked to the flood-control corruption scandal and slower budget releases weaken spending momentum.

The economists warned that fiscal tightening through cuts in non-essential spending could further dampen economic activity at a time when the economy is already under strain from external shocks.

“In an economic environment facing a war-driven supply shock, the government should not tighten spending,” the report stated, urging authorities

the greenback on Friday. Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist of the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), partly attributed the depreciation of the peso to possible Fed rate hikes in the coming months after faster-than-expected inflation in the United States.

“More than 50 percent chance of a +0.25 Fed rate hike by December 2026 and about 100 percent chance of a +0.25 Fed rate hike by March 2027, after fasterthan-expected US inflation gaug-

to channel more support toward food subsidies, energy assistance, public transport and infrastructure projects.

Investment activity is also projected to remain weak, with gross fixed capital formation expected to contract by 1.9 percent in 2026, a reversal from the 0.5 percent growth posted in 2025 and the first annual decline since the pandemic.

DLSU attributed the weak investment outlook to elevated borrowing costs, subdued foreign direct investments, delayed infrastructure projects and fragile business sentiment.

es recently; higher global crude oil prices as the Strait of Hormuz remains practically closed, with Nymex crude oil price slightly higher at $106 levels versus the previous trading day’s $105 levels,” Ricafort said. The peso has weakened for the third straight trading day against the dollar.

Within the trading session, the local currency’s strongest level was at P61.64 against the dollar while its weakest was at P61.75 against the greenback.

Inflation is likewise expected to accelerate sharply in the coming months, potentially peaking at around 8 percent by August 2026 as elevated oil prices and fertilizer shortages spill over into transport and food costs.

The report warned that aggressive interest rate hikes may do little to address what is largely a supply-driven inflation shock.

“Higher interest rates will neither bring oil prices down nor reopen the Strait of Hormuz,” it said. “What they will do is make borrowing more expensive, slow investment, and constrict household spending.”

Justine Xyrah Garcia

“There should be no dilatory tactics, no attempts to evade the process, and no political maneuvers to delay the presentation of evidence and the start of the trial,” the bloc said.

The lawmakers also underscored the importance of public vigilance, saying citizen engagement is key to ensuring a transparent and credible trial process.

“Without public vigilance, there is a risk that the trial could be delayed, evidence suppressed, or the process influenced toward acquittal,” the bloc said.

Meanwhile, Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon, a member of the House prosecution team, thanked the Senate for convening as an impeachment court and assured that the House prosecution panel is prepared to comply with all directives.

“We are ready to present the evidence before the impeachment court in the coming days,” Ridon said.

‘Senate on trial as well’ MALACAÑANG said Vice President Sara Duterte will not be the only one on trial before the Senate impeachment court, but also the lawmakers of the Upper House as well. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro issued the statement when asked if the Palace thinks the members of the Senate will be “credible” deciding on the articles of impeachment of Duterte submitted by the House of Representatives.

Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said the hub is not limited to US participation, adding that at least five companies from the US and East Asia have already shown interest in locating in the area.

Helberg said many of the interested firms are currently assessing opportunities in manufacturing-related and industrial support activities that could later form part of a broader integrated production ecosystem anchored by a major investor.

“A lot of it focuses on sectors adjacent to manufacturing, but it’s still early days,” he said. “We need to figure out and finalize the sectors that will get prioritized around an anchor tenant. And based on that, we will build out an ecosystem of companies that contribute to the master tenant’s activities.”

Responding to concerns about

jurisdiction and legal arrangements, Helberg said discussions remain ongoing under a two-year negotiation window agreed upon by both governments, with investor protection as the shared objective.

“At the end of the day, we both share the goal of ensuring investor protections,” he said.

He added that initial development work is targeted to begin next year, although technical studies and negotiations are still in progress. “We’re going to move very, very fast,” he said. “Work will definitely have commenced by next year.”

For his part, Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and CEO Joshua Bingcang said engineering teams are currently conducting detailed site assessments to define the scope and boundaries of the proposed development.

“Expect within two months we’ll come up with a feasibility study and then that’s where we’ll come out with the negotiation on the final contract arrangement,” he told reporters.

ply-chain disruptions, and weaker consumer demand.

This, as some senators are facing charges for their alleged involvement in the flood control project anomalies, including senators Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero, Joel Villanueva, and Jinggoy E. Estrada. Senator Ronald “Bato” M. Dela Rosa is currently back to hiding, with a warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.

Castro said she will defer commenting on the matter until the impeachment trial formally begins.

“We cannot make any judgement [on their credibility] for now to the senator-judges,” she said in Filipino in a press briefing.

“When they were campaigning [during the elections], they promised that they would serve the people, not just one person. They should not become a means for a person, who should be held accountable to evade accountability,” she said.

The Presidential Communications Office undersecretary gave assurances that Marcos will not interfere in the impeachment proceedings.

“We know that the impeachment trial is the work and mandate of the Senate. The President does not need to interfere with the said mandate of the Senate because we have a separation of powers,” Castro said. With Samuel P. Medenilla

many workers are in sectors exposed to higher costs, supplychain disruptions or weaker demand,” it added.

ILO estimates showed that around 84 percent of workers in Asia and the Pacific are employed in sectors facing medium to high exposure to the crisis, leaving only 17 percent in low-exposure industries.

Agriculture emerged as among the most vulnerable sectors, with about 91 percent of workers facing medium or high exposure because of its dependence on fuel and fertilizers.

Transport services were also heavily exposed, with 67 percent of workers classified under high exposure.

The ILO said around 30 percent of manufacturing jobs also fall under high exposure, while nearly all construction workers are employed in sectors categorized as medium or high exposure.

The report said informal and lower-skilled workers are especially vulnerable because they are concentrated in sectors highly exposed to fuel price shocks, sup -

The ILO also flagged mounting risks to labor migration and remittance flows, which remain key income sources for many Asian economies, including the Philippines.

Early evidence cited by the agency showed sharp declines in migrant worker deployment to Gulf Cooperation Council countries as employers slowed hiring amid rising uncertainty and disruptions in transport and business activity.

For the Philippines, the ILO said deployment of overseas Filipino workers to Gulf countries plunged by 78 percent year on year—from more than 72,000 in March 2025 to around 16,000 in March 2026.

The agency added that remittances to the Philippines declined from $3.02 billion in January 2026 to $2.79 billion in February, while inflation accelerated to 7.2 percent in April from 4.1 percent the previous month.

“Prolonged disruptions to migration and overseas employment could place further pressure on remittance inflows... If sustained, these trends could weigh on domestic demand and local labor markets,” it also said.

Justine Xyrah Garcia

designing targeted support programs for vulnerable households and sectors most affected by the crisis while preserving incentives for efficient resource use.

Beyond immediate relief measures, the development banks said they would continue supporting investments intended to strengthen economic resilience, including projects related to energy diversification and connectivity.

The lenders also stressed the need for close monitoring of emerging risks, particularly in food security, as conditions continue to evolve.

“MDBs will continue to adapt and scale their responses in line with countries’ and clients’ needs. MDBs will coordinate closely, and work with governments, development partners, and the private sector to ensure fast, targeted, time-bound, and fiscally sustainable responses,” they added.

Aside from the ADB, WBG, and EBRD, signatories to the statement also include the African Development Bank Group, Council of Europe Development Bank, European Investment Bank, and Inter-American Development Bank Group.

House resolution urges dela Rosa to surrender

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

ARESOLUTION urging Sen. Ronald dela Rosa to surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face charges linked to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs has been filed at the House of Representatives.

H ouse Resolution 1022 was introduced by Party-list Reps.

Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers, Sarah Jane Elago of Gabriela, and Renee Louise Co of Kabataan.

The measure expresses the sense of the House of Representatives calling on dela Rosa to submit to the jurisdiction of the ICC “in the interest of upholding human rights and justice” for alleged victims of the anti-drug campaign.

The resolution cited provisions of the 1987 Constitution and Republic Act 9851, or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International

Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity, which allow Philippine authorities to cooperate with international tribunals, including surrendering accused individuals when warranted.

L awmakers also pointed out that while the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019, the ICC retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member, as affirmed by the Supreme Court in Pangilinan v Cayetano.

Senate shooting prompts Erwin Tulfo to renew call for passage of MWMC

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

CALLING the May 13 shooting at the Senate a “blatant disrespect” to journalists who risk their lives daily for meager benefits and no safety guarantees, Sen. Erwin Tulfo renewed his push for the passage of the Media Workers’ Magna Carta. The veteran broadcaster-turnedlawmaker lamented the ordeal experienced by reporters covering the Senate when violence broke out early evening right after session adjourned on May 13. “The journalists play a crucial role in revealing the truth about what happened during the shootout. Who did fire fi rst?” Tulfo said in a radio interview.

A s investigations on the incident continue, the senator argued: “The authorities present at the scene should have allowed the reporters, cameramen, to cover the premises.” “ That could serve as a proof that the security, the law enforcement, if they really followed the protocol. At the same time, it is also to protect them because when so-called perpetrators find out that there’s media presence, they will think twice before firing their guns,” he added.

Tulfo pointed out that the media personnel caught in the crossfire primarily cover the Senate beat and are not trained for police or combat reporting. “For instance, the Senate media are not accustomed to these kinds of shootouts. Certainly, it trau -

matized them – we even heard some reporters crying while doing their live commentary. That’s how endangered they were at the moment,” he added. The incident was triggered by the “warning shot” fired by newly installed Senate acting Sergeant at Arms Ma. Oronado Aplasca, and was triggered by the presence of National Bureau of Investigation operatives on the Government Service Insurgance System side of t he premises, just as his team was on alert following the “protective custody” given by senators to Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, Oronado’s original Philippine Military Academy classmate but who graduated one year ahead of him.

Dela Rosa had been absent for five months since reports surfaced of a war-

T he resolution referenced a reported arrest warrant issued by the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber against dela Rosa in November 2025, alleging his involvement as an indirect co-perpetrator in crimes against humanity tied to the war on drugs. It added that the senator remains “at large” based on ICC records.

It further noted that dela Rosa had allegedly gone into hiding for months before briefly resurfacing to attend a Senate session on

rant of arrest for him from the International Criminal Court (ICC), where he is tagged as accomplice of former President Rodrigo Duterte in crimes against humanity related to the 2016-2019 war against drugs that killed thousands. Dela Rosa suddenly surfaced on May 11 to cast his vote in a Senate coup for Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, ousting Vicente Sotto III as Senate president. Even as investigation of the May 13 shooting continues, Tulfo reiterated the urgency of passing Senate Bill 249, or the Magna Carta for Workers in the Media and News Industry Act, one of his top 20 priority measures.

Tulfo’s bill seeks to standardize minimum compensation, overtime and night shift differential pay, security of tenure, hazard allowance, and insurance benefits, among others for media workers. “This measure is not just about improving journalists’ economic wellbeing, it affirms their dignity and rights as they stand on the frontlines to hold the line for press freedom,” Tulfo said.

May 11, 2026, and later evaded authorities anew.

The measure also questioned the Senate’s move to place dela Rosa in its “protective custody,” saying there is no constitutional or legal basis for such action. It emphasized that the constitutional privilege from arrest for lawmakers does not apply to serious offenses punishable by more than six years’ imprisonment, such as crimes against humanity.

C iting RA 9851, the resolution stressed that holding public office

does not exempt any individual from criminal liability, nor can it be used to avoid arrest or prosecution.

“ Now, therefore,” the resolution states, “the House of Representatives urges international fugitive Senator Ronald dela Rosa to surrender himself to the International Criminal Court to face all charges against him in the aim of justice.” The measure also reiterated the chamber’s commitment to uphold the Constitution, the rule of law, and the accountability of public officials.

Cops in Metro, key regions in heightened alert for Sara Duterte impeachment trial

POLICE units in Metro Manila and other key regions in the country are now on heightened alert with the Senate’s opening of the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday.

T his measure was done in anticipation of possible protest actions that could be triggered by the process.

I n a statement, the PNP Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., said all units are prepared to secure political activities expected to be conducted by groups from both sides of the issue.

“ The goal is always to ensure that all activities will start and end peacefully,” he added.

Nartatez said police presence is needed as possible high emotions could come out from the supporters.

H e said police deployments have been reinforced in strategic locations, including areas surrounding the Senate building in Pasay City, and other identified convergence points nationwide. Th e Senate leadership earlier confirmed that the chamber would convene as an impeachment court on Monday in line with established rules and procedures. Nartatez assured the public that police units remain on standby and will continue to uphold public safety while respecting the right to peaceful assembly.

Rex Anthony Naval

Govt loses P141-B to tobacco smuggling in 2 years

By Carmel Pedroza

CEBU CITY—The Philippines lost an estimated P141 billion peso ($2.46 billion) in government revenues from illicit tobacco products over a two-year period, making it one of Southeast Asia’s hardest-hit markets for illegal cigarettes and e-vapor products, a new study released by the European Union-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Business Council (EU-ABC) and Euromonitor International said.

The report, titled “Inside Asean’s Illicit Tobacco Market: Data, Trends, and Emerging Patterns,” found that illicit tobacco products accounted for more than a quarter of cigarette consumption in the Philippines in 2025, with illegal e-vapor products dominating the vaping market.

Navy intercepts P520-M smuggled cigarettes

By Rex Anthony Naval

THE Navy (PN) on Sunday night announced the interception of two motor boats loaded with some P526 million worth of smuggled foreign-branded cigarettes in separate operations in Tawi-Tawi last week.

In a statement, the PN said these operations were carried out by its units in the Western Mindanao Naval Command and constituted a “significant blow to illegal trade networks.”

Operating under Naval Task Force 61, naval forces successfully intercepted two motorboats carrying a combined total of over P526 million worth of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes. The operations led to the arrest of 21 individuals and the seizure of approximately 3,916 master cases of illicit tobacco products intended for distribution across mainland Mindanao,” the Navy statement added.

T he PN said that the first interdiction took place on May 13 when a naval patrol intercepted M/B Zhyzhy during routine operations in the waters off Tawi-Tawi. Aboard were 2,519 master cases of smuggled cigarettes. The captain and the crew failed to present documentation for the cargo.

L ess than two days later, on May 15, a second vessel, M/B  JTK Express was intercepted carrying an estimated 1,400 master cases of undocumented cigarettes originating from Tawi-Tawi.

The PN said operations were conducted in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

T he PN said that M/B Zhyzhy  has a crew of 14 while M/B  JTK Express  is manned by seven crew members. All arrested individuals were informed of their rights and are now facing charges for violations of Republic Act 12022 and other relevant laws on illegal importation.

T he confiscated items have been turned over to the BOC at the Port of Zamboanga, for disposition.

T he PN said these operations show their commitment in safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders, intensifying efforts ag ainst economic sabotage, and ensuring that illegal goods do not pass through the country’s southern backdoor.

A ccording to the study, the Philippines recorded approximately P126 billion ($2.06 billion) in lost revenues from illicit cigarettes and another P24.6 billion ($400 million) from illicit e-vapor products in 2024 and 2025 combined. I llegal tobacco operators were es -

timated to have earned P136 billion ($2.21 billion) during the same period.

The report estimated that illicit cigarettes accounted for 25.3 percent of the Philippine market in 2025, up from 23.8 percent in 2024.

I llicit e-vapor incidence was even higher, reaching 85.6 percent, one of the highest levels in Asean.

R esearchers said the expanding illicit market is being driven by widening price gaps between legal and illegal products, combined with growing online distribution channels and persistent enforcement challenges.

“ The archipelagic geographies of key markets such as Indonesia and the Philippines add to the monitoring and administrative challenges,” the report stated, noting that smuggling networks continue to exploit porous maritime borders and uneven enforcement systems across the region.

T he Philippines was identified, alongside Malaysia and Thailand, as one of the Asean countries with elevated illicit cigarette activity, partly linked to regular excise tax increases that have widened the affordability gap between legal and black-market products.

T his study noted that the Philippines maintains a scheduled annual increase in tobacco excise taxes, which researchers said could further stimulate demand for cheaper illicit alternatives if enforcement mechanisms fail to keep pace.

A cross Asean-6 markets—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam— illicit tobacco products represented 23.6 percent of total tobacco consumption in 2025, equivalent to nearly one in every four tobacco products sold in the region.

The report projects that figure will climb to 27.8 percent by 2028.

R egion-wide, illicit cigarette sales reached 85 billion sticks in 2025, generating an estimated $6.3 billion in lost government revenues, while illicit e-vapor products added another $600 million in fiscal losses.

EU-ABC Executive Director Chris Humphrey warned earlier this year that illicit trade poses broader economic and governance risks across Southeast Asia.

The scale of illicit trade across Asean is often sorely underestimated—and, more worryingly, growing

at an alarming pace. Its impacts are wide-ranging, spanning economic, public health and security chellenges. If left unchecked, illicit trade could jeopardise Asean’s economic future as a global growth engine,” Humphrey said in a statement.

T he report also highlighted growing concerns over illicit ecommerce channels, saying illegal tobacco and vape products are increasingly being sold online and shipped in small parcels designed to evade customs detection.

R esearchers warned that the illicit trade threatens not only public revenues but also consumer safety, citing risks linked to counterfeit and unregulated products that may contain elevated levels of toxic chemicals and heavy metals.

The decentralized nature of online sales makes it hard to crack down on illicit tobacco operations,” said Firdaus Muhamad, head of consulting for Asia Pacific at Euromonitor International.

Sellers quickly shift between platforms, communication channels and delivery networks to evade detection,” he added.

NFA fails to meet procurement target

By Ada Pelonia

THE National Food Authority (NFA) purchased only 13,127 metric tons (MT) of palay as of early May, falling short of its procurement target of more than 300,000 MT o wing to “strong” buying prices from private traders.

T he NFA bought 13,127 MT or 262,540 50-kilo bags of palay from January through the first week of May, accounting for 4.2 percent of its 313,315 MT procurement target for the period. A c hunk of the volume purchased— around 11,301 MT—have only been purchased from April through earlyMay, as the NFA “aggressively stepped

up palay buying” due to traders’ buying prices starting to decline.

N FA Administrator Larry Lacson said private traders largely outpaced the grains agency in the first quarter, as farmgate prices surged to over P24 per kilo following the four-month import freeze imposed last year.

D espite failing to capture its target, Lacson said the situation should n ot be viewed “negatively,” since farmers significantly benefited from stronger market prices.

He added that the higher prices also helped preserve NFA funds, providing flexibility to buy more palay as the harvest winds down and ahead of the main procurement season later this year.

Meanwhile, Lacson explained that around 15 percent of expected production during the dry season remains to be harvested, adding that the NFA is maximizing purchases to support farmers while buoying national rice reserves.

The grains agency said it continues to prioritize farmers registered under the Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA) to ensure targeted and efficient procurement.

He then urged RSBSA-listed farmers to sell to the NFA to support the government’s P20 per kilo rice program, aimed at providing affordable rice to consumers.

For his part, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who also chairs the NFA Council, said the grains agency

Dirty Money rarely travels alone

By Henry J. Schumacher

DIRTY money needs introductions, property deals, signatures, bank accounts and people willing to look away. Behind almost every corruption scandal sits a quiet, well-dressed industry: the enablers. They can help stolen wealth disappear from public view and reappear as a luxury apartment, an art piece or an offshore company with no obvious owner.

Financial enablers—who include bankers, wealth managers, investment advisers and payment providers—are able to give suspicious wealth access to the formal economy. They can move money across borders, invest it and make it appear respectable. Non-financial enablers—who include lawyers, accountants, auditors, notaries, real estate agents, tax advisers and trust and corporate service providers—are often the architects of concealment, creating the structures that make dirty money almost impossible to trace.

T he consequences are not abstract: when dirty money is

protected, it drives up housing prices, weakens public services, distorts economies and deepens inequality, while ordinary people pay the price through lost public funds and eroded trust in institutions.

How the system works THE Battle Cry: hide, move or invest wealth abroad. The most common services are very ordinary: setting up companies and trusts, administering them, providing nominee directors or shareholders, supplying addresses, advising on structures and facilitating real estate purchases. Used properly,

these services are legal. When exploited with ill-intent, they become camouflage for corruption.

That distinction matters. Not every professional involved in a suspicious transaction is a criminal. Some may be negligent. Some may be misused. Some may have followed the rules as they stood. But that is precisely the problem: too often, the rules are weak, supervision is fragmented, and accountability arrives late—if it arrives at all.

T he result is a system where corrupt wealth can move faster than the authorities trying to stop it. Enablers registered in one country may serve clients in another and create companies or trusts in a third. Secrecy jurisdictions, opaque corporate vehicles and anonymous property ownership give dirty money a place to hide. By the time investigators start asking who owns what, the trail may have already gone cold within a maze of companies, trusts, and legal arrangements.

I t is obvious that most of the enablers or bagmen are taking the risk, knowing that their share of the transaction is small in comparison to

wants to maximize the benefit to farmers.

The NFA has been adjusting to a very dynamic market—stepping back when private traders offered higher prices to ensure farmers benefited, then stepping up its buying as prices normalized,” Tiu Laurel said.

“Moving forward, it must continue to strategically build buffer stocks, prioritize direct support to small farmers, and stay ready to stabilize supply and prices, especially as we approach the lean months and the next main harvest cycle.”

N FA rice inventory as of May 7 stood at 6.75 million bags or 337,618 MT, which can feed the country for 8.74 days based on the daily demand of 38,608 MT.

the rich organizers. Some Filipinos are disgusted that even the small bagmen are stealing government funds that belong rightfully to the people.

Action needs to be taken: GIVEN the cross-border nature of dirty money, progress requires a critical mass of major financial centers to act together: governments, international organizations, civil society and the private sector to secure commitments to strengthen transparency, enforcement and international cooperation against illicit finance in real estate, gold and cryptoassets. Property, in particular, is where illicit wealth often hardens into power: it stores value, confers status and can be hidden behind companies and trusts.

D irty money does not just exploit loopholes. It hires people who know where the loopholes are. It is time that governments stop treating enablers as background characters—and start treating them as part of the main plot.

I n conclusion, dirty money rarely travels alone. As shown above, it needs a variety of enablers. And the enablers have to be prosecuted!

I a m looking forward to your comments; please contact me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com

Lawmaker eyes more benefits for educators

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

AS the country prepares for the opening of a new academic year, a lawmaker is pushing a set of legislative measures aimed at improving the welfare of Filipino educators, whom he described as the “second parents” of the youth.

Q uezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas called for the immediate passage of House Bills 5082, 5083, and 5085, which seek to increase teachers’ salaries, grant permanent positions to long-serving volunteer teachers, and provide incentives for those assigned in remote areas.

“ Teaching is considered one of the most noble professions, yet the sacrifices and hard work of our teachers often go unnoticed and unrewarded. As we prepare for the opening of classes, it is only right that the government also ensures a better life for them,” Vargas said.

U nder House Bill 5082, Vargas proposes raising the minimum salary grade of p ublic school teachers from P27,000 to P34,421. He noted that the rising cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for teachers to support their own families while fulfilling their role in educating the nation’s children.

The lawmaker also filed House Bill

The study called for stronger regional coordination among Asean governments, including tighter customs cooperation, expanded track-andtrace systems, intelligence-sharing platforms, and more harmonized regulatory enforcement. The findings come as the Philippines chairs Asean in 2026, placing Manila at the center of regional discussions on illicit trade and crossborder enforcement.

EU-ABC has urged the Philippine government to use its chairmanship to push for stronger Asean-wide antiillicit trade measures, describing the issue as a growing threat to investment, public finance, and supply chain integrity across the region.

“ Illicit trade has been allowed for far too long, giving rise to painful consequences for the region’s communities and economy,” Humphrey said.

“ While we cannot take back what has been lost, we must act quickly and decisively to protect government revenues, stregthen supply chain integrity and safeguard Asean’s economic resilience. Asean’s economic future hangs in the balance,” he added.

PHL SDG dashboard gets health, tech data

TBy Bless Aubrey Ogerio

5083, which aims to create permanent plantilla positions for volunteer teachers who have rendered at least five years of continuous service, in recognition of their contributions to the education system.

“O ur volunteer teachers quietly fill the gaps in our education system. They should not have to wait indefinitely for job security. It is only right that we recognize their contributions,” he added.

Meanwhile, House Bill 5085 seeks to provide monthly incentives to teachers assigned outside their home cities, towns, or provinces, particularly those serving in remote and underserved communities. Vargas emphasized that improving

(DENR), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Bangko Sentral (BSP), and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). The methodologies used for the newly updated indicators were approved by the PSA Board during its fourth quarter meeting on November 27 last year, the agency said. In addition, the 2024 SDG Watch incorporated findings from the 2025 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), released on March 30. The PSA said the survey will now be conducted every three years instead of every five, starting with the 2022 cycle, to allow for more frequent updates on key health and population indicators. T he agency said the updated data feeds into the SDG Pace of Progress framework, which tracks how the Philippines is performing against its 2030 commitments.

Globally, however, progress remains uneven. The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific said the region is projected to miss 88 percent of measurable SDG targets, or 103 out of 117 targets with sufficient data, if current trends continue. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2026/02/19/phl-most-aspac-nations-off-

teachers’ welfare would directly enhance the quality of education.

“If our teachers no longer have to worry about daily expenses and job security, they can focus fully on educating our children. When we care for our teachers, we are also caring for our future,” he said. The lawmaker urged his colleagues in Congress to prioritize the passage of these measures as the school year begins, stressing that the teaching profession must attract and retain the best talents through fair and just compensation.

“O ur teachers act as second parents to our children in school. They shape the future of this country within the four walls of the classroom. It is time we recognize their hard work and vital role in nation-building through laws that uphold their welfare,” Vargas said.

A12

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Drone hits UAE nuclear facility as US and Iran hint at return to hostilities

By Jon Gambrell & Samy Magdy

The Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emir -

ates—A drone strike

sparked a fire on the edge of the United Arab Emirates’ sole nuclear power plant on Sunday in what authorities called an “unprovoked terrorist attack.” No one was blamed, but it highlighted the risk of renewed war as the United States and Iran signaled they were ready to fight again. There were no reported injuries

or radiological release. The UAE, which has hosted air defenses and personnel from Israel, recently accused Iran of launching drone and missile attacks. Tensions have risen over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy waterway gripped by Iran, which is under a US naval blockade.

“For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them,” US President Donald Trump posted on social media shortly after a call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, whose

attack on Iran with the US sparked the war on Feb. 28.

Trump has repeatedly set deadlines for Tehran and then backed off.

“Our armed forces’ fingers are on the trigger, while diplomacy is also continuing,” Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, said on state television.

The ceasefire remains tenuous, with diplomatic efforts for a more durable peace having faltered. And fighting has heated up between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon despite a nominal ceasefire there.

Barakah plant can provide a quarter of the UAE’s energy THE UAE Defense Ministry said three drones came over its western border with Saudi Arabia, with the other two intercepted. It was investigating who launched them. Iran and allied Shiite militias in Iraq have launched drone attacks targeting Gulf Arab states in the war.

The attack, “whether carried out by the principal actor or through one of its proxies, represents a dangerous escalation,”

Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, said on social media.

Saudi Arabia condemned the attack, and later said it had intercepted three drones that entered from Iraqi airspace.

The $20 billion Barakah nuclear power plant was built by the UAE with the help of South Korea and went online in 2020. It is the only nuclear power plant in the Arab world and can provide a quarter of the energy needs in the UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms that is home to Dubai.

The UAE’s nuclear regulator said the fire didn’t affect plant safety and “all units are operating as normal.”

The International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, said the strike caused a fire in an electrical generator and one reactor was being powered by emergency diesel generators.

It’s the first time the fourreactor Barakah plant has been targeted in the war. Yemen’s Iranbacked Houthi rebels, whom the UAE has battled as part of a Saudiled coalition, claimed to have targeted the plant while it was under construction in 2017, which Abu Dhabi denied.

The UAE’s nuclear program is different from Iran’s and Israel’s

The UAE signed a strict deal with the US over the nuclear power plant, known as a “123 agreement,” in which it agreed to forego domestic uranium enrichment and reprocessing of spent fuel to ease any concerns. Its uranium comes from abroad.

That’s very different from the nuclear program in Iran that is at the heart of long-running tensions with the United States and Israel.

Iran insists its program is for peaceful purposes, but it has enriched its uranium close to weapons-grade levels and is widely suspected of having had a military component to its program until at least 2003. It has often restricted the work of U.N. inspectors, including since the 12-day war with Israel last year.

Israel is widely believed to be the only nuclear-armed country in the region, but has neither confirmed nor denied having atomic weapons. Iran struck near Israel’s Dimona nuclear facility during the war.

Nuclear plants have increasingly been targeted in wars in recent years, including during Russia’s

See “UAE,” A15

Editor: Angel R. Calso

Stocks fall and oil prices gain after Trump warns Iran ‘clock is ticking’

By Chan Ho-Him AP Business Writer

HONG KONG—Asian stocks mostly retreated and oil prices jumped on Monday after US President Donald Trump warned Tehran that the “clock is ticking” as US-Iran negotiations over a permanent end to the war stall.

US futures fell and markets in Japan and South Korea pulled further back from their records. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 fell 1% to 60,815.95, a decline led by technologyrelated stocks. It reached all-time intraday high levels last week above 63,000.

The yield on the 10-year Japanese government bond surged to as high as 2.8%, its highest level since the late 1990s, part of a shift toward higher yields as the Bank of Japan gradually raises interest rates and higher energy costs raise expectations of rising inflation. That’s up from around 2.55% just one week ago. Seoul’s Kospi climbed 0.3% to 7,516.04 after trading lower earlier in the day. It crossed the 8,000 mark for the first time on Friday, supported by buying of technology shares driven by the boom in artificial intelligence, but later declined partly on profit-taking by investors.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 1.4% to 25,596.68. The Shanghai Composite index edged 0.1% lower to 4,131.53, after China reported weaker-than-expected retail data for April.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 1.5% to 8,505.30.

Taiwan’s Taiex dropped 0.7%, while India’s Sensex fell 0.1%.

Oil prices rose after Trump warned Iran in a social media post that “the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them” following a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Trump has set deadlines for Iran and then backed off, so investors have remained cautious about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and how it is impacting global energy flows, including

oil and gas. The strait is still mostly closed, and the US has also imposed its own sea blockade on Iranian ports since last month.

A drone strike over the weekend on a United Arab Emirates’ nuclear power plant added to worries over a potential escalation in the conflict.

Brent crude, the international standard, gained 0.7% to $110.02 per barrel. It was trading at roughly $70 a barrel in late February before the start of the Iran war. Benchmark US crude was trading 0.8% higher to $106.31 per barrel.

“Re-escalation risks are increasing,” ING commodities strategists Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey wrote in a research note. While there has also been a pick up on shipping activities over the past week around the strait, they said, “this can change quickly.”

The pair also noted that the oil market was reacting to the lack of tangible results on the Iran war after last week’s widelywatched summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, even as the White House said both the US and China had agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open.

US officials had hoped that Beijing could use its influence, given its economic ties with Iran, to help broker a peace agreement and reopen the strait. Trump said last week in an interview that Xi told him China “would like to be of help” in negotiating an end to the war. So far it’s been unclear how Beijing might do that. The yield on the US 10-year Treasury was at around 4.60%, up from 4.47% last Thursday and sharply higher than the nearly 4% level it was holding at before the Iran war.

On Friday, the benchmark S&P 500 dropped 1.2% from the record it set the day before. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.1% and the technologyheavy Nasdaq composite lost 1.5%. In other dealings early Monday, the US dollar rose to 158.86 Japanese yen from 158.62 yen. The euro was trading at $1.1635, up from $1.1622.

DOJ recommends graft, plunder raps against Jinggoy, five others

By Joel R. San Juan | @jrsanjuan1573

THE Department of Justice

(DOJ) has forwarded to the Office of the Ombudsman its recommendation for the filing of plunder and graft charges against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, former Public Works secretary Manuel Bonoan and four others for their alleged involvement in the multi-billion illegal scheme involving flood control and infrastructure projects.

A side from Estrada and Bonoan, also recommended for prosecution were Department of Public Works and Highways assistant district engineers (North Manila) Bong Dinglasan and Denryl Caesar Cortuna; assistant district engineer (South Manila) Manny Bulusan; Arturo Gonzales, Jr. and several John and Jane Does.

T he DOJ, on the other hand,

dropped the charges against Estrada and Bonoan’s co-respondents Roberto R. Bernardo, Gerard P. Opulencia, and Henry C. Alcantara, all former DPWH officials, following their acceptance as state witnesses in the flood control scam. It also dropped the charges against former undersecretary Maria Catalina E. Cabral, with the recommenda-

tion to dismiss the case against her specifically, in view of her verified death on December 19, 2025.

A side from plunder and graft charges, the DOJ also recommended the prosecution of Estrada, Bonoan and their co-respondents for direct bribery and receiving gifts by public officers under Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code and corruption of officials under Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code.

The case was filed by the National Bureau of Investigation-DOJ Public Works and Bid-Rigging Task Force based on the testimonies of the witnesses claiming that Estrada allegedly received kickbacks from budget insertions and flood control projects.

The allegations claim that multiple high-ranking public officials and private individuals conspired to maneuver allocations, rig public bidding processes, and siphon government funds stemming from major national infrastructure budget systems such as the National Expenditure Program (NEP), the Bicameral Conference Committee - House General Appropriations Bill (Bicamp/HGAB), and the General Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (GAA FY 2025).

Marcos appoints de Leon DBM chief

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos has named former Budget undersecretary Kim Robert C. de Leon, who previously served under the Duterte administration, as the new head of Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

D e Leon will replace acting Budget Secretary Rolando U. Toledo, who was appointed as a member of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) B oard of Trustees. Toledo took over the helm of the DBM following the resignation of former Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman last year a fter she was linked to the flood control projects scandal.

W hen asked why Marcos opted to replace Toledo after a press briefing last Monday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that Marcos merely exercised his presidential prerogative in choosing the members of his Cabinet.

The Presidential Communications Office undersecretary said de Leon’s return to DBM is expected to translate to digital reforms in the agency.

A career public servant, Secretary de Leon is recognized for his work in fiscal management, organizational reform, and digital transformation,” Castro said. De Leon became DBM undersecretary from 2021 to 2022 before he opted to transfer to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), while it was led by its former Secretary Jaime J. Bautista. Castro said de Leon, who is 32 years old, will be the youngest member of the Marcos Cabinet.

Secretary De Leon is expected to take his oath of office tomorrow [May 19],” Castro said.

De Leon graduated magna cum laude and valedictorian from the University

of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG) and has a master’s degrees in Urban and Regional Planning, and Public Safety Administration.

H e took the 2016 Environmental Planning Licensure Examination, where he became among board topnotchers.

He also has a certificate in Business Process Management from the Queensland University of Technology in 2021 under the Australia Awards scholarship program.

In a statement on Monday, the DBM said it welcomes de Leon as the new Budget chief and expressed confidence that he will further strengthen the agency’s reform agenda.

DBM said de Leon will build on the gains of the institution while advancing meaningful innovations in fiscal governance, organizational excellence and d igital transformation.

The incoming secretary is no stranger to the DBM, as he previously served as undersecretary handling the Organization and Systems Improvement Group and t he Information and Communications Technology Group under then Secretary Wendel E. Avisado.

De Leon also held key government positions, including undersecretary for Administration and Finance of the Department of Transportation and Secretary General of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. He also obtained his Career Executive Service Eligibility in 2024.

B efore his appointment as Budget chief, he served as an assistant professor at the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP NCPAG), where he taught courses on governmental accounting, auditing, local government administration

a nd regional administration.

Meanwhile, Toledo expressed his full support for de Leon and for DBM, where he served for nearly four decades.

As I transition from this role, I extend my wholehearted support to the new DBM Secretary and remain confident in the Department’s continued pursuit of sound, transparent, and people-centered governance,” Toledo said.

The outgoing secretary has led key institutional initiatives, such as the conduct of the FY 2027 Budget Preparation Forums, the finalization of the administration’s version of the Philippine Budgeting Code and the rollout of the Usapang Budget Natin Town Hall Meetings.

L awmakers on Monday expressed optimism that the appointment of de Leon as Budget secretary will bring fresh energy, strengthen transparency, and advance reforms in government budgeting.

Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun described Marcos’ choice of de Leon as an e ffort to inject “young blood and a fresh outlook” into the Cabinet.

K honghun, who represents Zambales, noted that while de Leon comes f rom the academe as an assistant professor at the University of the Philippines D iliman, he is no stranger to public service. He previously served as DBM undersecretary from September 2021 to July 2022 and later held the same post at the Department of Transportation from July 2022 to January 2024.

He added that de Leon’s academic and professional credentials position him well to take on the role, especially as the government prepares the proposed 2027 national budget.

“ We hope he brings to DBM fresh

D uring the preliminary investigation of the case, the DOJ accumulated exhaustive evidence, including legislative records, sworn transcripts from the Senate Blue-Ribbon committee hearings, and other documents which showed illicit maneuvers and alleged 30-percent cuts surrounding regional flood control projects.

“ Following months of evaluation, the submission of counter-affidavits, and extensive evidence-gathering, the DOJ Panel concluded that there is an interconnected network of public officers who abused their official designations to manipulate project specifications, clear budgets, and rig public bidding workflows,” the Office of the Ombudsman said.

T he DOJ panel said the direct personal knowledge of the witnesses was vital to unraveling the bid-rigging scheme.

The Ombudsman said it will conduct its own independent review and resolution on the merits of the case.

The possible outcomes of the Office’s independent evaluation include affirming the findings of the Department of Justice, amending the resolution or reversing the findings altogether,” the Ombudsman said.

energy, vitality and ideas, which he will need in helping the President put together a national spending program that will address the ongoing oil crisis and economic slowdown, and provide assistance and relief to our suffering people,” he said.

K honghun pointed out that de Leon assumes the post at a crucial time, with the executive branch set to finalize the 2027 budget proposal, which will be submitted to Congress following the President’s State of the Nation Address in July.

Though the budget call starts in the first quarter, he still can have his inputs in the preparation of the spending program. We expect to soon see his imprint on budgeting and fiscal management,” he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V said de Leon’s appointment presents an opportunity to strengthen transparency, modernize systems, and push forward progressive budget reforms.

The national budget must be more than a spending plan—it must be a public trust document that is transparent, d isciplined, and responsive to the needs of citizens,” Ortega, who represents La Union, said.

He added that there is growing public demand for clearer budget processes, stronger safeguards against questionable insertions, and better monitoring of how funds are allocated and spent.

O rtega said the House of Representatives is ready to work with de Leon in pursuing reforms such as improved digital tracking of allocations, clearer disclosure of adjustments, tighter standards for fund releases, and more measurable outcomes for government programs.

He also noted that younger leadership could help modernize outdated systems, provided it is paired with institutional discipline and openness to legislative oversight.

Samuel Medenilla with Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz and Juvierre S. Alberto

PHL eyes more defense trade with Canada

By Rex Anthony Naval

THE Department of National Defense (DND) is seeing a stronger d efense trade and industrial collaboration with Canada following a high-level meeting between ranking officials of the two nations.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with Canadian Minister for International Trade, Maninder Sidhu in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, a defense statement on Monday said.

During the meeting, the two officials discussed regional security developments and opportunities to expand defense trade and industrial cooperation to address shared challenges.

“Secretary Teodoro highlighted the strategic significance of establishing a defense trade partnership with Canada, indicating that Canada’s expertise complements the Philippines’ modernization goals. The Secretary also looked forward to extensive collaboration with Canada following the recent signing of the Philippines-Canada Status of Visiting Forces Agreement [Sovfa],” the DND said. The Sovfa between the two nations was signed on November 2, 2025.

Meanwhile, Sidhu reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to support the Philip -

pines’ defense priorities and expressed i nterest in investing in the Philippine defense industry across cyber, air, land, and maritime domains.

He underscored Canada’s role in securing defense supply chains amid global geopolitical changes. The meeting between the ministers focused on strengthening the defense trade relationship between the two countries.

It underscored the longstanding security partnership that has developed through government-to-government engagements with Canada since 2013, following the signing of the 2012 Memorandum of Understanding Relative to Government-toGovernment Transactions in Defense and Military-Related Equipment, Materials, Systems, and/or Services between the Department of National Defense and the Canadian Commercial Corporation, under which the Philippines acquired eight Bell 412EP helicopters from Canada. Both sides looked forward to further advancing bilateral cooperation, i ncluding the integration of Canadian technology into Philippine defense systems to enhance interoperability and defense capabilities,” the DND said.

Balangay commemorates maritime heritage, Asean commonality

FILIPINO-MADE balangay  Florentino Das  took to the Pasig river for the first time to commemorate the maritime heritage of the Philippines, embodying the cultural and economic history shared with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) neighbors.

Florentino Das on Saturday sailed for the first time along the Pasig River from Napindan Channel in Pasig to the Escolta Ferry Station, where it will temporarily dock and may be viewed by the public. Former Undersecretary Arturo Valdez, who built  Florentino Das said the balangay symbolizes not just a shared history among Southeast Asian nations, but also the theme of the 48th Asean Summit under Philippine chairmanship: “Navigating Our Future, Together.” Valdez said that balangay is not unique to the Philippines, as relics of boats of similar design and construction have been found in other ASsean member-states, proof that the boat played a vital role in cultural and trade exchanges long before the West found a sea lane to the East.

“Itong sasakyan, hindi lang ito  solely  dito sa Pilipinas Makikita mo ito sa  Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam.  Iba’t

diyan, Perahu.  Iba diyan, Juanga,” Valdez said. H e added: “But that is what is common among Southeast Asian Nations. That’s why the Asean theme right now is “Navigating Our Future,

would eventually serve as the foundation of the “barangay,” the smallest political unit in the country. The discovery of similar vessels across Southeast Asia is proof of a heritage shared with ASEAN member-states, which is why the Asean 2026 logo depicts the balangay.

A14 Tuesday, May 19, 2026

WHO declares global health emergency over Ebola outbreak in Congo, Uganda

By Chinedu Asadu & Saleh Mwanamilongo The Associated Press

ABUJA, Nigeria—The World Health Organization declared the Ebola disease outbreak caused by a rare virus in Congo and neighboring Uganda a public health emergency of international concern on Sunday, after more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths.

WHO said the outbreak doesn’t meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency like COVID-19, and advised against the closure of international borders.

WHO said on X that a laboratory-confirmed case has also been reported in Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, which is about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from the outbreak’s epicenter in the eastern province of Ituri, suggesting a possible wider spread. It said the patient had visited Ituri and that other suspected cases have also been reported in North Kivu province, which is one of Congo’s most populous and borders Ituri.

On Sunday, the rebel government of Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city, said in a statement that the first confirmed case of Ebola was detected in the city. The infected person traveled from Ituri province and was currently under isolation, the statement said. Goma was the site of a rapid rebel offensive in early 2025, and the conflict between the Congolese armed forces and the Rwandabacked M23 rebel paramilitary

group has displaced hundreds of thousands.

Rare but often fatal and highly contagious

EBOLA is highly contagious and can be contracted via bodily fluids such as vomit, blood or semen. The disease it causes is rare, but severe and often fatal.

WHO’s emergency declaration is meant to spur donor agencies and countries into action. By WHO’s standards, it shows the event is serious, there is a risk of international spread and it requires a coordinated international response.

In a separate statement on X on Sunday, the WHO Regional Office for Africa said that a team of 35 experts from the WHO and the Congolese Ministry of Health had arrived in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, along with 7 tons of emergency medical supplies and equipment.

The global response to previous declarations has been mixed. In 2024, when WHO declared mpox outbreaks in Congo and

elsewhere in Africa a global emergency, experts at the time said that it did little to get supplies like diagnostic tests, medicines and vaccines to affected countries quickly.

It’s hard to treat a variant of Ebola

HEALTH authorities say the current outbreak, first confirmed on Friday, is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare variant of the Ebola disease that has no approved therapeutics or vaccines. Although more than 20 Ebola outbreaks have taken place in Congo and Uganda, this is only the third time that the Bundibugyo virus has been detected.

Congo accounts for all except two of the cases, both of which were reported in Uganda, WHO said.

The Bundibugyo virus was first detected in Uganda’s Bundibugyo district during a 2007-2008 outbreak that infected 149 people and killed 37. The second time was in 2012, in an outbreak in Isiro, Congo, where 57 cases and 29 deaths were reported.

Dr. Richard Kitenge, chief of operations at the Centre des Opérations d’Urgence de Santé Publique, part of Congo’s National Institute of Public Health, recently arrived in Ituri. He said that while the risks may be high, Congo has weathered previous outbreaks.

“We have managed enough epidemics in the country without treatment. The Zaire virus, which we managed, was also untreated in several epidemics, and not everyone died,” Kitenge told The Associated Press.

Conflict and migration complicate efforts

AFRICA Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya said Saturday that a high number of active cases remain in the community, particularly in Mongwalu, where the first cases were reported, “significantly complicating containment and contact tracing efforts.”

Violent conflict with militants, some backed by the Islamic State group, as well as constant population movement because of mining, both within Congo and across the border in Uganda, have also posed a major challenge to response efforts.

Officials first reported the spread of the disease in Ituri province, close to Uganda and South Sudan, on Friday. On Saturday, the Africa CDC reported 336 suspected cases and 87 deaths in Congo.

“There are significant uncertainties to the true number of infected persons and geographic spread associated with this event at the present time. In addition, there is limited understanding of the epidemiological links with known or suspected cases,” WHO

China agrees to boost trade for US agri products such as beef, poultry following Trump-Xi summit

By Didi Tang

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—China has agreed to ramp up trade for US agricultural products such as beef and poultry, buying at an annualized rate of $17 billion per year for 2026 and at that level for 2027 and 2028, the White House announced Sunday, two days after President Donald Trump returned from a highstakes summit in Beijing where he sought to ease the impact on American farmers from the trade war he launched last year.

China would restore market access for US beef and resume imports of poultry from US states determined by the US Department of Agriculture to be free of the bird flu, the White House said. The deals are on top of China’s soybean purchase commitments last year.

The agreements offer some hope to American farmers harmed by the trade war as they saw a major export market for soybeans and other products dry up. Farmers also are feeling new pressure from Trump administration policies—the war that the US and Israel launched against Iran has curtailed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital trade corridor that has restricted global fertilizer supplies and sent those prices soaring.

There was no immediate confirmation of the terms from Beijing.

China’s Ministry of Commerce on Saturday said the two sides would “resolve or make substantial progress toward resolving certain nontariff barriers and market access issues” regarding agricultural goods. The US would “actively work” to address China’s concerns regarding detention of its dairy products, seafood, the export of potted bonsai, and the recognition of Shandong province as a birdflu-free zone, while the Chinese side will “likewise actively work” to address US concerns regarding the registration of beef processing facilities and the export of poultry meat from certain states to China, a ministry spokesperson said. The two sides also agreed to expand trade, including that of farm goods, through measures such as reciprocal tariff reductions on “a specific range of products,” though the spokesperson did not specify the products.

China, recognizing the link between food security and national security, has diversified its sources of imported soybeans, beef and other farm goods, turning increasingly to Brazil, Argentina and other countries over the US.

China sharply cut back US imports during the trade war

DATA from the US Department of

Agriculture show China’s imports of US agricultural goods peaked in 2022 with $38 billion but fell to $8 billion in 2025. These figures include nearly $18 billion in soybean purchases in 2022 and $3 billion in 2025.

It’s not immediately clear how much more China would buy from American soybean farmers, who were hit especially hard in the trade war. China, traditionally the largest foreign buyer of American soybeans, stopped purchasing them altogether last year after Trump hiked tariffs on Chinese goods.

The latest agreement builds on a trade truce Trump reached with Chinese President Xi Jinping in October in which China agreed to resume buying US soybeans. The White House said then that China committed to buying 12 million metric tons in the current marketing year and 25 million metric tons for each of the next three years.

According to the White House, hundreds of US beef plants, including those run by Tyson and Cargill, also will be able to export again to China, though it’s not immediately clear how much beef American businesses will be selling to China.

China let licenses for hundreds of US beef plants expire last year, and the import value for 2025 fell to less than $500 million, according to USDA figures. China’s

purchases of US beef had peaked at $2.14 billion in 2022, the government data shows.

The US export of poultry meats and products to China was $286 million in 2025, down from more than $1 billion in 2022.

Trump and Xi used summit to find areas of economic cooperation DURING the summit last week, Trump and Xi discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation, including expanding market access for American businesses in China and increasing Chinese investment into US industries, the White House had said. The two leaders agreed to set up separate boards of trade and investment— though offered few details on the proposals or how they would differ from existing trade dialogues.

The Board of Trade will allow the two governments to manage trade of “non-sensitive goods,” and the Board of Investments would provide a venue for the two sides to discuss investment-related issues, according to the White House.

China’s Ministry of Commerce said the two bodies would address respective concerns regarding trade and investment. The Board of Trade, the ministry spokesperson said, would allow the two sides

Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

The two cases in Uganda include one person whom officials said had traveled from Congo and died at a hospital in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, and another WHO said had also traveled from Congo.

WHO said the high percentage of positive cases among samples tested, the spread to Kampala and Uganda and the clusters of deaths across Ituri “all point toward a potentially much larger outbreak than what is currently being detected and reported, with significant local and regional risk of spread.”

CDC says risk to Americans low

US health officials describe the risk to Americans as low, but did not directly answer questions about whether any Americans may have been exposed to the Ebola virus in Africa.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working with other health officials “to ensure the outbreak is managed and

prevent further spread of Ebola,” said Dr. Satish Pillai, the manager of the CDC’s response to the outbreak, in a call with reporters Sunday.

The agency has an office with 30 personnel in Congo, and is working to deploy additional CDC workers to respond to the outbreak, Pillai said.

The agency on Friday issued travel advisories urging Americans traveling in Congo and Uganda to avoid people who have symptoms like fever, muscle pain and rash. The CDC also is “putting in appropriate measures for identifying individuals with any symptoms” at ports of entry, Pillai said, but CDC officials did not immediately respond to follow-up questions asking for more detail.

Congo outbreak killed 50 before it was detected

KASEYA said that slow detection delayed the response and gave the virus time to spread.

“This outbreak started in April. So far, we don’t know the index case. It means we don’t know how far is the magnitude of this outbreak,” Kaseya said, using a term for the first detectable case of an epidemic.

The earliest known suspected case, a 59-year-old man, developed symptoms on April 24 and died at a hospital in Ituri on April 27. By the time health authorities were first alerted to the outbreak on social media on May 5, 50 deaths had already been recorded, the Africa CDC said. WHO said at least four deaths have been reported among healthcare workers who showed Ebola symptoms.

The Associated Press writer Mike Stobbe contributed from New York.

Israeli military intercept vessels from flotilla trying to breach Gaza blockade

By Suzan Fraser & Melanie Lidman The Associated Press

ANKARA, Turkey—The Israeli military began intercepting boats on Monday morning that are part of the latest wave of flotilla activists attempting to break the blockade of Gaza.

More than 50 vessels departed from the port in Marmaris, Turkey, last week in what the organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla described as the final leg of their planned journey to Gaza’s shores.

The organization’s livestream on Monday showed activists aboard several vessels putting on life jackets and raising their hands before a boat carrying troops approached. Israeli troops wearing tactical gear boarded the ship, and the livestream abruptly ended. Many of the ships are currently off the coast of Cyprus.

Other footage showed Israeli troops on speedboats approaching and instructing the activists to move to the front of the boat.

An hour prior to the interception, Israel’s Foreign Ministry called on activists to “change course and turn back immediately.”

“Once again, a provocation for the sake of provocation: another

so-called “humanitarian aid flotilla” with no humanitarian aid,” the Foreign Ministry posted on X. The Israeli military declined to comment on the ongoing operation. Organizers said the boats were intercepted 250 nautical miles from the shores of Gaza. Unlike previous interceptions, which took place under the cover of night, the Israeli military boarded the boats in broad daylight. The blockade has been in effect for 18 years, long predating the recent war in Gaza.

Israel and Egypt, which borders Gaza to the south, imposed the blockade after the 2007 Hamas takeover of the territory, seeking to prevent the group from smuggling in weapons. Since then, Israel has controlled Gaza’s airspace and coastline, and restricted the flow of goods and people in and out of the territory. Some critics consider it collective punishment.

Around 20 boats from flotilla intercepted last month ON April 30, Israeli forces intercepted more than 20 boats from a flotilla near the southern Greek island of Crete, initially holding about 175 activists. Israeli officials

Gaza. . .

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said they had to act early because of the high number of boats involved.

Israel took two of the activists—a Spanish-Swedish citizen of Palestinian origin, Saif Abukeshek, and Brazilian citizen Thiago Ávila—back to Israel, where they were interrogated and detained for several days. The activists accused Israel of torture, which Israel denied. Brazil and Spain condemned Israel for “kidnapping” their citizens. The two were deported from Israel after about a week in detention.

Organizers say the latest efforts involved a regrouped fleet joined by additional boats. Nearly 500 activists from 45 countries were taking part.

Previous flotillas also unsuccessful in reaching Gaza

THE activists’ attempt comes less than a year after Israeli authorities foiled a previous effort by the group to reach Gaza. That attempt involved about 50 vessels and around 500 activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela and several European lawmakers.

Israel arrested, detained and later deported the participants, who claimed Israeli authorities abused them while in detention. Israeli authorities denied the accusations.

The Israeli action raised questions about what any nation can legally do to enforce a blockade in international waters. Several world leaders and human rights groups have condemned Israel, saying it violated international law.

Previous efforts to breach the blockade have also failed. In 2010, Israeli commandos raided the Turkish boat Mavi Marmara, which had been participating in an aid flotilla attempting to reach Gaza. Nine Turkish citizens and one Turkish-American on board were killed. The last time an activist boat succeeded in reaching Gaza was in 2008.

Flotilla aims to draw attention to the situation in Gaza

THE ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains fragile, and the top diplomat overseeing it says it has stalled because of the deadlock over disarming Hamas. Both sides have traded accusations of violations. Gaza has seen near-daily Israeli fire with more than 850 people killed in the Palestinian territory since the ceasefire went into effect in October, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

The ministry is part of Gaza’s Hamasrun government, but staffed by medical professionals who maintain and publish detailed records viewed as generally reliable by the international community. The ministry says Israel’s retaliatory strikes in the war have devastated the Palestinian enclave and killed more than 72,700 people.

The flotillas have been criticized for bringing minute amounts of aid on tiny ships. The Israeli defense body overseeing humanitarian aid to Gaza claims that sufficient aid is entering Gaza, with around 600 trucks carrying humanitarian aid entering Gaza daily, similar to prewar levels.

Nonetheless, around 2 million Gaza residents are still living with severe shortages of housing, food and medicine.

Flotilla organizers have said they hope their latest attempt to reach Gaza will help highlight the living conditions endured by Palestinians in the territory, particularly as global attention has shifted its focus to the US and Israel’s war against Iran.

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to discuss issues such as tariff reductions on specific products. “In principle, the two sides agreed to reduce tariff on products of respective concern at equivalent scale,”

UAE. . .

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Ukraine conducts large-scale drone strikes on Russia, killing 4 and wounding dozens

By Samya Kullab The Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine—One of Ukraine’s largest drone strikes on Russia killed at least four people, including three near Moscow, and wounded a dozen others, local authorities said Sunday. Debris fell on Russia’s largest airport without causing damage.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the drone strikes, saying that they were “entirely justified.” Russia has repeatedly launched similar attacks on Ukraine’s capital and other cities during the war, and an expert said that the strikes appeared to be retaliation for recent Russian attacks on Kyiv. Russian drone strikes on Ukraine overnight wounded eight people, Ukrainian authorities said.

In Ukraine’s strikes on Russia, a woman was killed after a drone hit her home in Khimki, a Russian city just northwest of Moscow, and two men died in the village of Pogorelki, which is 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the capital, according to local Gov. Andrei Vorobyev. Ukrainian drones had also damaged unspecified “infrastructure” and several high-rise buildings, Vorobyev said on social media.

One man was also killed after a drone struck a truck in the Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, according to local authorities.

In Moscow itself, at least 12 people were wounded in the nighttime strike, mostly near the entrance to the city’s oil refinery, mayor Sergei Sobyanin

reported. Sobyanin reported that the “technology” of the refinery hadn’t been damaged.

Hours later, the Indian Embassy in Moscow reported that an Indian worker died in a drone strike “in (the) Moscow region,” while three other Indian nationals were hospitalized with injuries. It wasn’t immediately clear whether the worker was one of the three people reported dead by Moscow region officials, or a further fatality.

Russia’s largest airport—Moscow’s Sheremetyevo—said that drone debris had fallen on its grounds without causing damage or affecting flights.

Russian defenses shot down 81 drones headed for Moscow overnight, state agency Tass reported, citing Sobyanin, marking one of the largest attacks on the city since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

Russian air defenses overnight destroyed 556 drones over Russia, the occupied Crimean Peninsula and the Azov and Black Seas, the Russian Defense Ministry said Sunday morning. Shortly after midday local time, it reported that more than 1,000 drones had been shot down or

jammed in the previous 24 hours.

Zelenskyy said that the drones had flown more than 500 kilometers (310 miles) from Ukrainian territory, and that Ukraine was “overcoming” Russian air defense systems concentrated in and around the capital.

“Our responses to Russia’s prolongation of the war and attacks on our cities and communities are entirely justified. This time, Ukrainian long-distance sanctions have reached the Moscow region, and we are clearly telling the Russians: their state must end its war,” Zelenskyy said.

Revenge for Russian attacks, expert says NIGEL GOULD DAVIES, senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a London-based think tank, said that Ukraine’s large-scale attack appeared to be “the retaliation or revenge that President Zelenskyy promised after the fierce attacks that Russia carried out on Kyiv.”

Those strikes came immediately after the end of a brief

ceasefire that allowed Russia to hold its annual Victory Day parade on May 9 commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany during World War II. Russia and Ukraine accused each other of repeatedly violating the pause in hostilities.

“It brings home the fact Ukraine has the capacity to strike at very significant scale at or around the Russian capital,” taking the war home to Russians in a way that would be “most unwelcome” to the Kremlin, Gould Davies told The Associated Press.

“There is no ongoing peace process to disrupt. What (the attack) is more likely to do is add to the darkening cloud of anxiety over Russia which has developed palpably over the last three or four months,” he said. He cited a combination of factors, including Russia’s recent battlefield setbacks, a deteriorating economic situation at home, and the Kremlin’s intensifying crackdown on the internet, including in Moscow and Russia’s secondlargest city, St. Petersburg.

“The fact that Ukraine is reminding the Moscow population that it is vulnerable to these attacks is likely to intensify the mix of concerns now,” Gould Davies said. “I see no prospect though, in the shorter term, that even these factors together will induce Russia to consider the compromises that will be necessary for peace negotiations.”

Ukrainian drones are also flying deep into Russia to strike oil facilities, sending up plumes of smoke that can be seen from space and bringing toxic rain to tourist destinations on the Black Sea. The attacks are aimed at slashing Moscow’s oil exports, a key source of funding for Russia’s grinding invasion of Ukraine.

While their economic impact is so far unclear—as the rise in oil prices from the Iran war, and a related easing of US sanctions, have helped replenish the Kremlin’s coffers—the range of the strikes and their environmental impact is bringing the war home to ordinary Russians far from the front lines. 8 wounded in Russian drone strikes on Ukraine RUSSIA attacked Ukraine with 287 drones overnight into Sunday, 279 of which were shot down or jammed, the Ukrainian air force reported.

The strikes wounded 8 people in Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region: three in the regional capital of Dnipro, four in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih, and one in the district of Synelkove, Ukraine’s state emergency service said.

Residential buildings were damaged in all three locations, the service said.

Emma Burrows contributed to this report from Tallinn, Estonia.

Hong Kong court hears final arguments in the trial of Tiananmen vigil organizers

By Kanis Leung The Associated Press

HONG KONG—A Hong Kong court started hearing final arguments Monday in the national security trial of two organizers of the large vigils remembering the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Hong Kong for decades was the only place in China where a large-scale public commemoration of the crackdown was held. The vigils were banned in 2020, and the two former organizers were charged in 2021 with inciting subversion under a Beijing-imposed national security law that has virtually stifled the city’s pro-democracy movement. Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan, two former leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, have pleaded not guilty. If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison.

Observers say their prosecution reflected

the spokesperson said. Xi said last week that China’s door of opportunity will open wider when he met with US business leaders joining Trump on the trip. Among those who traveled to Beijing was Brian Sikes, CEO of the agricultural giant Cargill. Soybeans, which are used for

the city’s decline in Western-style civil liberties, which Beijing promised to maintain for 50 years when the former British colony returned to its rule in 1997. The governments of Beijing and Hong Kong insist that the security law is necessary for the city’s stability.

Prosecution argues freedom of speech is not absolute

DURING the trial, the prosecution focused on “ending one-party rule,” one of the alliance’s core demands, arguing that their advocacy was about inciting others to use unlawful means to overthrow the leadership of China’s ruling Communist Party. It alleged the defendants were not advocating for amending the constitution.

On Monday, prosecutor Ned Lai said freedoms of speech, assembly and association are not absolute rights, accusing Lee and Chow of attempting to blur the focus with human rights arguments.

“The freedoms of speech, association

livestock feed and biofuels in China, are among the top US agricultural exports. Soybean exports to China in the past had accounted for about half of US exports of agricultural goods to the Asian nation.

USDA data shows the US exported 10.9 million metric tons of soybeans to China as of May 7,

and assembly mentioned by D2 and D4 are not ‘trump cards’ that can override the law,” Lai said, referring to Lee and Chow by their defendant numbers.

Defense says no evidence to prove wrongdoing

LAWYER Erik Shum, who represented Lee, said the prosecution still could not present evidence to prove what exactly the alliance had asked residents to do, even when the trial neared its end. Shum insisted the alliance had not asked people to use any illegal means over the past three decades and had not abused power.

He said it was just dissatisfied with the current situation, asking, “It can’t even say that?”

He said the court cannot just pay “lip service” to protecting human rights and give it an easy pass over the issue of illegal means.

The hearing will continue on Tuesday.

In previous hearings, Lee denied that “ending one-party rule” means ending the

putting China on track to fulfill its previous commitment by the end of the marketing year on Aug. 31. This is well below the 25 million to 30 million metric tons that China purchased in past years.

Before Trump’s initial planned trip to Beijing in late March— which was postponed by the Iran

Communist Party’s leadership. He argued that it actually means moving toward democracy, letting the people decide who leads them, and that the Communist Party should not enforce “dictatorship.”

Chow, a barrister who defended herself, had argued that her past writing was not about inciting action or hatred and was instead intended to foster Hong Kongers’understanding of mainland China, where many Chinese also hoped to pursue democracy.

Their co-defendant, Albert Ho, entered a guilty plea when the trial began in January.

Pleading guilty typically could result in a sentence reduction.

The trial, initially scheduled to last 75 days, is expected to end earlier. But the judges have not yet indicated when a verdict could be delivered.

Chow called the trial ‘absurd’ AMNESTY International’s Deputy Regional

Director Sarah Brooks said in a statement that the prosecutors’ case relied on “vague, overly broad and arbitrary definitions of ‘subversion,’” calling on the charges against Chow and Lee to be dropped.

“Although this is an absurd trial where the plaintiff has become the defendant, the court proceedings are ultimately a public process where facts can be cross-examined and testimonial evidence can be preserved,” Chow wrote in a post published on her Patreon account last week.

Tens of thousands of people attended Hong Kong’s annual Tiananmen vigils until authorities banned it in 2020, citing the Covid-19 pandemic.

After Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, the former vigil site was occupied instead by a carnival organized by pro-Beijing groups. Some people who tried to commemorate the event near the site on June 4, the crackdown’s anniversary, were detained.

war—the American Soybean Association urged him to prioritize soybeans in the trade talks with Xi. Scott Metzger, president of the association, said Thursday the group would like to see “additional soybean purchases this marketing year, as well as continued progress toward fulfilling future purchase commitments.”

“Greater certainty and consistency in the marketplace help provide farmers with the confidence they need as they make decisions for the year ahead,” he said.

AP journalist Kevin Vineys contributed to this report.

Ceasefire appears increasingly shaky ISRAEL is coordinating with the US about a possible resumption of

full-scale invasion of Ukraine that began in 2022. During the Iran war, Tehran repeatedly claimed its Bushehr nuclear power plant came under attack, though there was no direct damage to its Russian-run reactor or any radiological release.

attacks, said two people familiar with the situation, including an Israeli military officer. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing confidential military preparations.

Speaking to his Cabinet on Sunday, Netanyahu said “our eyes

are also open” when it comes to Iran, and “we are prepared for any scenario.”

On Iranian state TV, presenters on at least two channels appeared armed during live programs.

One of them, Hossein Hosseini, received basic firearms training

from a masked member of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. Hosseini mimed firing a shot at the flag of the UAE. On another channel, Mobina Nasiri said a weapon had been sent to her from a gathering in Tehran’s Vanak Square. “From this platform, I declare that I am ready to sacrifice my life for this country,” she said.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Dela Rosa camp: OSG failed to provide SC legal basis for enforcing ICC arrest order

TCHED defends closure of AMA Computer College programs as ‘regulatory function’

TBy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE camp of Senator Ronald

“Bato” Dela Rosa on Monday said the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has failed to provide the Supreme Court (SC) its legal basis for allowing the enforcement of the arrest order issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the senator.

Lawyer Israelito Torreon, one of the counsels of Dela Rosa, said Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe specifically failed to answer their main argument in their manifestations which raised the legality of enforcing an ICC process inside Philippine territory without Philippine judicial authority.

“We respectfully maintain that the OSG’s Comment does not answer the central constitutional issue: what specific Philippine law authorizes the Executive to arrest, detain or surrender a Filipino citi-

zen to the ICC on the basis of an ICC warrant, without a warrant issued by a Philippine court and without any domestic surrender proceedings,” Torreon said. Torreon also countered as “baseless and unfair” the OSG’s characterization of Dela Rosa as fugitive from justice, noting that no arrest warrant has been issued by a local court against the senator.

“There is no Philippine courtissued warrant of arrest against him, no criminal case requiring his arrest, and no final judicial directive from any Philippine court ordering his surrender to the ICC. What is being questioned before the Supreme Court is precisely the legality of enforcing an ICC process inside Philippine territory without Philippine judicial authority,” Torreon added. Torreon made the statement in response to the comment submitted by the OSG on their manifestations urging the Court to prohibit the National Bureau of Investigation, the

Cebu’s brightest take center stage: Student AI disease detectors, IoT power monitors win big at Innovate Cebu

By Carmel Pedroza

CEBU CITY - Cebu’s brightest innovators took center stage as student developers and technology professionals unveiled groundbreaking solutions aimed at strengthening food security, disaster response, and power reliability during the culmination of an innovation competition spearheaded by Visayan Electric.

Dubbed “Innovate Cebu: Ideas That Empower,” the communitycentered competition was organized by Visayan Electric in partnership with Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., and InnovationForce to develop practical, technology-driven solutions to some of Cebu’s most pressing challenges.

Emerging as the Student Category champion was InterPhaseAgriSagot of the University of Cebu - Banilad for its AI-driven platform

that helps farmers detect plant diseases and pests through image recognition technology, enabling early intervention that could protect harvests and strengthen local food security.

The first runner-up award went to Calvary Solutions - AidVocate of University of Cebu Main Campus for its real-time disaster relief coordination application, while The Innovators from University of Cebu - Banilad secured second runner-up honors for developing an AI-powered papaya disease identification system.

In the Professional Category, Cubeworks of Cubeworks Technology Consulting & Solutions Inc. clinched the championship with its enterprise-grade IoT Energy Management and Automated Transformer Outage Monitoring system

See “Cebu,” A17

Presidential advisory body notes progress in PhilHealth service

DAVAO CITY—A Presidential advisory body has noted progress in the delivery of services by the controversial Philippine Health Insurance Corp., or PhilHealth, saying the health care reforms have been felt immediately by Filipinos after the controversial fund juggling accusation last year. The health care sector of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) said it welcomed “the continued progress of PhilHealth’s YAKAP [Yaman ng Kalusugan Program] and related healthcare reforms aimed at reducing the financial burden on Filipino families.” The 10th Meeting of the PSAC Healthcare Sector held at Malacañan Palace on May 13 reviewed the gains the healthcare reforms at the PhilHealth. PSAC Lead Convener Sabin Aboitiz said “the stronger PhilHealth support, faster reimbursements, broader coverage, and expanded access to medicines through the GAMOT [Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment] and YAKAP programs are helping reduce the financial burden on Filipino families, and the private sector remains fully committed to supporting the

Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and all persons acting under their authority from arresting and handing him over to the ICC.

The manifestations also urged the Court to declare as unconstitutional any arrest or detention to be effected within the Senate during a session, without a valid arrest warrant issued by a Philippine court.

Dela Rosa also sought the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO), a status quo ante order and/or a writ of preliminary injunction to enjoin government officials and law enforcement authorities from facilitating or implementing any warrant, red notice or surrender request, issued by the ICC.

In its comment to the manifestations of Dela Rosa’s camp, the OSG argued that President Marcos Jr. can exercise the option to surrender Dela Rosa to the ICC under Section 17 of Republic Act No. 9851

(Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity) being the chief architect of the country’s foreign policy.

Berberabe said the provision does not impose any other requirement on Philippine authorities before allowing a foreign tribunal to take over the investigation and prosecution of a crime

Berberabe stressed that the ICC arrest warrant may be implemented through the President’s “prosecutorial and foreign relations powers.” considering that the arrest order was received by the government through the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime (PCTC).

The OSG also maintained that the rules on extradition proceedings does not apply to the case since the arrest warrant issued by the ICC, which is not a state.

“The Extradition Rules revolve around the concept of a Requesting State. Where there is no Requesting

State, the mechanism will not operate. It cannot be made to govern by analogy when the essential subject is absent,” Berberabe said.

The OSG has also tagged Dela Rosa as a fugitive from justice based on his “consistent pattern of hiding” to evade the ICC arrest warrant.

It also cited Dela Rosa’s departure from the Senate while the building was under lockdown and high security.

The OSG claimed that the senator’s actions meet the legal definition of a fugitive.

The OSG submitted its comment last Saturday, which prayed for the dismissal of the manifestations of Dela Rosa, in response to the directive of the SC giving it 72 hours to answer the senator’s pleadings.

De la Rosa has been given 72 hours by the Court to respond to the OSG’s comment before it comes out with a ruling on whether or not to grant Dela Rosa’s plea for interim relief.

DepEd gets green light for nearly 33K new teacher items to lower class sizes

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

IN response to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) request for a structural solution to lower the learner-to-teacher ratio and improve classroom instruction, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved a total of 32,916 new teaching positions for School Year 2026–2027.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said that this development will address classroom needs and optimize teacher workloads in public schools across the country.

Angara said the newly approved positions will cover various academic levels, spanning Kindergarten, Elementary, Junior High School, Senior High School, and the Alternative Learning System (ALS), responding to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to prioritize teacher welfare and elevate basic education standards.

government in achieving these goals.”

Data presented during the meeting show that as of February this year, 87 hospitals were implementing zero balance billing programs, serving 1.6 million patients and covering approximately P95 billion in hospital bills. The PhilHealth GAMOT Program has accredited 2,026 pharmacies, served more than 171,000 beneficiaries, and dispensed P238.23 million worth of medicines as of May 2026. The PSAC Healthcare Sector also noted PhilHealth’s ongoing IT transformation of its information technology efforts, which it said have improved claims processing and expanded healthcare access. It noted that PhilHealth reported an improvement by 46 percent in claims processing turnaround time, reducing reimbursement waiting periods from around two months to as low as two weeks.

Beneficiary coverage also increased by 65 percent compared to 2023, equivalent to an additional 8.7 million Filipinos served.

Paolo Borromeo, president and chief executive officer of Ayala

See “Philhealth,” A17

“Through the strong support of President Bongbong Marcos and the DBM under Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo, our request for these critical items has been granted, fun-

damentally expanding our teaching force so that our educators can focus on what they do best—nurturing the minds of our learners,” Angara said.

He added, “This is a critical step in giving our schools the structural support they need to deliver quality education.”

The newly created items comprise 32,047 Teacher I positions, 369 Teacher III as Special Science Teacher I positions, and 500 Teacher IV positions for Special Needs Education (SNED) to ensure learners in specialized programs receive targeted instruction.

Among the regions, Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) is slated to receive the highest deployment allocation with 3,361 total items, which includes 1,467 Teacher I positions earmarked for the Division of Sulu to bridge critical instructional gaps.

Other regions receiving major item allocations include Central Luzon (Region III) with 2,722 items; Calabarzon (Region IV-A) with 2,644 items; Central Visayas (Region VII) with 2,586 items; and Northern Mindanao (Region X) with 2,541 items.

Per existing policy, DBM Region-

al Offices will directly issue the corresponding Notice of Organization, Staffing, and Compensation Actions (NOSCAs) to Schools Division Offices for Elementary, SHS, and ALS positions, while NOSCAs for JHS positions will be issued directly to specific implementing units.

Aside from strengthening the workforce through the creation of additional teaching positions, DepEd continues to implement the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) system, a merit-based framework established under Executive Order No. 174, s. 2022. The ECP provides teachers and school leaders with a clear and structured pathway from entry-level positions to higher teaching and school administration roles.

This initiative addresses career stagnation within the public school system by expanding opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.

Through the ECP, teachers may progress in rank and salary grade while remaining in the classroom, allowing them to pursue career development without the need to transition to administrative positions or seek employment opportunities abroad.

Davao City passes local EV ordinance to expand benefits to other key players

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox

DAVAO CITY – The local version of the electric vehicle (EV) law has expanded the benefits to other players in the industry aside from manufacturers, which were the sole beneficiary players in the national law, the author of the ordinance said in a social media post on Friday.

Passed during the City Council session on Tuesday, the said ordinance provided a wider coverage of incentives for key players in the EV industry and not just for manufacturers.

Davao City Councilor Temujin “Tek” Ocampo said the Davao City Electric Vehicle Ordinance of 2026 that he authored “aims to give incentive to key players of electric vehicle related activities such as manufacturers, dealers, users, public conveyance operators, spare parts suppliers, charging stations and environmentally sound battery disposal and recycling facility.”

“This ordinance that we approved today for the third and final reading, the EV ordinance of

Davao City, is purposely crafted to help players not included in the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act [EVIDA],” he said.

He said the EVIDA law mentioned only the manufacturers who are entitled to the incentive, but not the dealers, charging station operators, recyclers, and parts suppliers.

The ordinance sets the criteria for eligible companies for the local tax incentive up to a maximum of six years and other applicable fees and incentives including payment of mayor’s permit fees, licenses, excluding government permit and service fees, he said.

Manufacturers or assemblers engaged in domestic-oriented manufacturing should have a minimum paid-up capital of P100 million, while export-oriented manufacturing are required to have a minimum paid up capital of P200 million.

Distributors or dealers must have minimum investment of P10 million; charging station operators with a minimum investment of P2 million; and EV Battery Recycling and Electronic Waste Repurposing Enterprises with a minimum investment of P2 million. All key players must

HE Commission on Higher Education (CHED) reiterated on Monday that the immediate closure of certain programs at AMA Computer Colleges in Cebu, Davao, and Tuguegarao is part of its exercise of regulatory functions against non-compliant higher education institutions (HEIs).

CHED also said that it is part of their steadfast commitment to quality education in both public and private HEIs by safeguarding the welfare of students, parents, and stakeholders through strict compliance with legal requirements.

Recently, the CHED Commission En Banc (CEB) issued Resolution Nos. 091-2026, 092-2026, and 093-2026 approving the immediate closure of identified programs of AMA Computer Colleges in Cebu, Davao, and Tuguegarao. Notwithstanding the letter-reply dated May 7, 2026, of CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis to Engr. Arnel F. Hibo, President of AMA Education System, relative to the closure orders, and an undertaking on the part of AMA to proceed with the voluntary closure of the identified programs, of the concerned AMA Computer Colleges campuses, after a meeting between CHED officials and AMA representatives, an alleged complaint as claimed in a news article was filed before the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) against CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, claiming inaction on AMA’s letters.

While the Commission has yet to officially receive a copy of the alleged complaint cited in the news report, CHED firmly rejects the unfounded and misleading allegations directed against the Commission and its Chairperson.

“The ARTA complaint, as well as the allegations directed at the CHED Chairperson, appear to divert attention from the substantive regulatory issue surrounding the institution’s non-compliance with existing CHED policies and standards,” CHED statement read.

Likewise, the Commission maintains that its actions were undertaken in accordance with law, due process, and its responsibility to uphold the integrity and quality of the higher education system.

CHED also informed AMA that remedies are available under the law to protect its rights against the closure orders.

Also, CHED encourages all HEIs to refrain from coursing its issues through the media whenever they have concerns because the Commission”will not dignify publicity stunts by any higher education institution under its regulatory jurisdiction.” Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

BARMM sets up commission to address war’s wrongs on Moro populace

DAVAO CITY - The Bangsamoro Parliament has approved the creation of a commission to address what it claimed as historical injustices, human rights violations, and marginalization caused by land dispossession. The commission came out from the Bangsamoro Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Act of 2026.

Member of Parliament Raissa Jajurie said the issue of transitional justice and reconciliation “have long been central to the peace agreement between the Government of the Philippines [GPH] and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front [MILF].”

hire from this city at least 70 percent of its employees.

Interested industry players should apply for the incentives from the Davao City Investment Board, which would be the one to approve the length of incentives. All local incentives shall be subject to prior evaluation and recommendation by the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC),

“While we have long awaited the delivery of a comprehensive transitional justice and reconciliation program by the National Government, the Bangsamoro is now taking a step at the regional level,” Jajurie said.

She said the passage of the law sent a “clear message” that the Bangsamoro government is “serious and resolute” in pursuing transitional justice and reconciliation for the Bangsamoro people and other indigenous peoples. The law required a Bangsamoro Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Program to be implemented by an independent Bangsamoro Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (BTJRC). The Commission is tasked with investigating and documenting massive and emblematic human rights violations from the American colonial period up to the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). The Commission will conduct fact-finding activities, public hearings, and communitybased listening sessions with victims, families, and affected communities to establish an official historical record. It will also address

Cebu. . .

Continued from A16

designed to improve utility reliability through real-time sensors.

The DOVE project of Cebu Institute of Technology - University placed first runner-up for its use of high-altitude drones to restore communications in disaster-stricken areas, while mastAIRs - InterviewAI, also from Cebu Institute of Technology - University, earned second runner-up recognition for its AIpowered recruitment and coaching platform.

Launched on Oct. 16, 2025, Innovate Cebu was designed to serve as a provincial research and development engine bridging academic innovation with industry application.

Through a “sandbox” environment, participants were able to test their prototypes directly within utility and agricultural systems, ensuring the solutions were practical and ready for real-world deployment.

“Innovate Cebu is more than a competition; it is a launchpad for a more resilient and futureready province,” said Mark Kindica, president and general manager of the Visayan Electric.

The initiative also brought together mentors from major organizations such as Cebu Pacific Air, Globe Telecom, and Philippine Airlines.

The final pitch rounds, held on April 7 and 8, 2026, were evaluated by representatives from the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and leaders from the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Talisay City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighting the broad collaboration behind the initiative’s mission to empower communities through innovation.

Philhealth. . .

Continued from A16

Healthcare Holdings Inc. (AC Health) and Chief Social Infrastructure Officer of Ayala Corporation, said the reforms “are beginning to deliver meaningful results for patients.”

“PhilHealth’s YAKAP Program demonstrates that meaningful healthcare reform is possible when government and the private sector work together. The progress in faster reimbursements, expanded coverage, and reduced out-of-pocket spending is already making a real difference in the lives of Filipino patients,” Borromeo said.

The PSAC Healthcare Sector also discussed the need to sustain momentum in key healthcare reforms, including healthcare digitalization and system modernization, accelerated FDA approvals, pharmacy reforms, and adaptive healthcare facility regulations to encourage greater investment and publicprivate partnerships in health.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. established the PSAC to foster stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. The PSAC is composed of business leaders and experts across six key areas—Agriculture, Infrastructure, Digital Infrastructure, Education and Jobs, Healthcare, and Tourism. Manuel T. Cayon

BARMM. . .

Continued from A16

historical land dispossession, including policies that transferred lands from Bangsamoro and other indigenous peoples to private individuals and corporations.

The body is also empowered to integrate transitional justice and Bangsamoro history into the regional education system, recommend legal action when warranted, and propose measures to prevent the recurrence of conflict. It will coordinate with Bangsamoro ministries, offices, and agencies (BMOAs), as well as relevant national agencies, to carry out its mandate.

BTJRC will be composed of a chairperson and four regular members, all of whom must be descendants or spouses of native Bangsamoro inhabitants and possess at least ten years of experience in peacebuilding, human rights, or transitional justice. The law ensures sectoral representation, including women, non-Moro Indigenous Peoples, civil society, religious scholars, and residents of island provinces.

The Commission will operate for seven years, with a possible three-year extension, and enjoy fiscal autonomy, with an initial appropriation of P125 million. It is also mandated to provide mental health and psychosocial support to victims of armed conflict and submit annual and terminal reports to both the Bangsamoro Parliament and the Philippine Congress. Manuel T. Cayon

Millers sound alarm: Local refined sugar demand slumps as imports rise

TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

or 10.36 million bags.

HE Philippine Sugar Millers Association (PSMA) flagged the lackluster demand for locally produced refined sugar despite a surge in output.

PSMA made the pronouncement after latest data from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) showed that refined sugar output rose by 7.06 percent to 554,608.65 metric tons (MT) or 11.092 million 50-kilo bags, from last year’s 518,034.5 MT

Citing SRA records, the group noted that local refineries can produce up to 19 million bags or around 950,000 MT.

Despite this, PSMA Deputy Director for Programs Oscar Cortes said domestic demand for locally produced refined sugar has weakened.

He explained that demand for locally produced refined sugar has contracted by 11.96 percent yearon-year to 346,952.9 MT from 394,081 MT.

“While our refineries have improved production volumes this

season, there has been no corresponding increase in market uptake for local refined sugar. Meanwhile, withdrawals of imported refined sugar continue to rise,” Cortes said.

Citing SRA data, PSMA said withdrawals of imported refined sugar grew by about 25 percent to 1.042 million bags compared to the same period last year.

“The domestic market should primarily absorb local production, not imports, particularly given the current excess supply,” Cortes added. “Our available inventories must move through the

BARMM public works ministry installs cybertech systems app to prevent overlapping infra projects

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox

DAVAO CITY - The Bangsamoro Ministry of Public Works (MPW) installed another digital systems application to improve monitoring of its infrastructure projects and to prevent overlapping of projects.

On May 13, the ministry convened its division chiefs and district engineering focal persons for an orientation and planning workshop aimed at finalizing the system upgrade and strengthening coordination among regional and district engineering offices.

It said it was officially rolling out the upgraded version of the Expanded Bangsamoro Advanced Road Mapping and Management (E-BARMM) System to improve the monitoring, planning, and transparency of infrastructure projects.

“The upgraded digital platform would help eliminate overlapping projects and inconsistencies in regional infrastructure implementation,” Director-General Danilo Ong said.

“Through this system, we can establish a more accurate, reliable, and updated database of road networks and project locations to support sound planning and informed decision-making,” he said.

The upgraded E-BARMM platform now integrates advanced se -

curity features, geographic information system (GIS) capabilities, and a dedicated mobile application through a partnership with WoodFields Consultants, Inc.

Construction Division Chief Tarhata Kalim said the upgraded system was also designed to increase public participation by making project information accessible in real time.

“We wanted the participation of the community in the implementation of the projects. Even common people with mobile phones will be able to see all the infrastructure projects in their area,” she said.

During the workshop, WoodFields Project Manager Dave Umali demonstrated the updated platform before participants conducted data validation and correction activities.

Field engineers also reviewed migrated records and filtered uploaded geotagged photos to ensure the accuracy and quality of the database prior to the system’s rollout.

The MPW said the technological improvements are expected to modernize infrastructure project monitoring in the Bangsamoro region while enabling easier coordination among engineering offices.

Meanwhile, the Bangsamoro Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) earlier rolled out its own Beneficiary Data Management System (BDMS) two weeks earlier, on April 28, to en -

sure aid reaches vulnerable families in the region.

The MSSD funded the P10million system, and supported by the Australian Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). It was designed to store, organize, and track beneficiary data, helping ensure that assistance is delivered efficiently, fairly, and transparently.

Mohd Asnin Pendatun, Cabinet Secretary of the Office of the Chief Ministry, told MSSD “to use this system properly, keep the data clean, and uphold integrity in your work. Once data is compromised, everything that follows will be compromised as well.”

Peter Adams, Counsellor for Development at the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, said “Australian government supports this initiative as it improves social services and community protection.”

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, more than 14 percent, or an estimated 900,000 children in BARMM, still live in poverty, underscoring the need for stronger and more responsive social protection systems.

“Unicef will continue to support the full rollout and ongoing enhancement of this system so that its impact is felt where it matters most,” said Andreas Wustenberg, head of office of Unicef Mindanao.

Wawa-Calawis Water Supply System boosts water security in East Zone—Manila Water

MANILA Water Company, Inc. on Monday highlighted the Wawa-Calawis Water Supply System as a critical, reliable source securing water for the East Zone concession area amid the intensifying climate conditions.

In a statement, Manila Water said the Wawa-Calawis Water Supply System is a two-phase bulk water supply project designed not only to respond to current supply pressures but to future-proof Metro Manila’s growing demand for decades to come. More than an infrastructure project, it is a strategic investment in reliability, ensuring that water remains available not just today, but for the next generation of customers who will depend on it.

Phase 1 of the system, completed in 2022, established the Calawis Water Supply System anchored on the Tayabasan Weir. This facility delivers 80 million liters per day (MLD) to the Calawis Water Treatment Plant, which has been supplying water to nearly one million residents across expansion areas in Antipolo City and nearby communities.

Building on this foundation, Phase 2 introduces the Upper Wawa

Dam, the largest water source built in 50 years and now a critical component of Manila Water’s diversified source portfolio. Designed to deliver up to 710 MLD exclusively for the East Zone of Metro Manila and Rizal Province, the Upper Wawa Dam significantly expands supply capacity through an integrated system of treatment plants and conveyance infrastructure. At the heart of this system is the Flow Diversion Structure, a key facility that efficiently distributes raw water to Manila Water’s treatment plants within the system, ensuring optimized and reliable delivery across the network.

Today, the Calawis Treatment Plant already draws from the Upper Wawa Dam through this diversion system, demonstrating the project’s operational readiness and immediate contribution to supply augmentation.

Further strengthening the system is the Kaysakat Water Treatment Plant, which is targeted to be operational by the last quarter of 2026. Connected through a six-kilometer tunnel and a three-meter diameter pipeline, the facility will receive up to 220 MLD, significantly boosting

supply resiliency for the East Zone once commissioned.

The Flow Diversion Structure itself is engineered to deliver water across multiple treatment facilities, supporting 80 MLD for Calawis WTP, 220 MLD for Kaysakat WTP, and up to 200 MLD for a future treatment plant to be constructed in Pasig City, ensuring that supply can be flexibly allocated where it is needed most.

At a time when traditional sources are under strain, the Wawa-Calawis Water Supply System represents a decisive shift toward source diversification, reducing dependence on single reservoirs such as Angat and providing a buffer against climate variability.

“As Manila Water continues to invest in infrastructure that supports 24/7 water availability, the Wawa-Calawis Water System stands as a symbol of that commitment, an enduring asset designed to serve not only today’s households but also the future of East Zone customers who will one day rely on the same dependable supply,” says Dittie Galang, Corporate Communications Department Head of Manila Water.

Jonathan L. Mayuga

market; otherwise, local producers will continue to shoulder the full burden of increased production.”

Meanwhile, PSMA also highlighted that “a substantial volume” of imported refined sugar remains in the system.

The group noted that around 2.908 million bags of imported refined sugar under Sugar Order (SO) 8 from crop year 2024–2025 remain unwithdrawn as of May 3, which the PSMA said represents a 68 percent increase in carry-over import inventories compared to the previous year.

DSWD-7

“The latest figures clearly demonstrate that the country has sufficient and stable refined sugar supply available in the market,” Cortes said.

“With local production continuing for the current season and substantial inventories already on hand, the Philippines remains well-positioned to meet market demand comfortably for the remainder of the calendar year,” he added. The SRA recently told the BusinessMirror that as of this time, there is no need to import refined sugar.

extends ₧22-M financial assistance to struggling PUJ drivers in Central Visayas

By Carmel Pedroza

CEBU CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VII – Central Visayas (DSWD-7) has successfully distributed a total of P22.12 million in Cash Relief Assistance to thousands of public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers througout the region.

The payout activity, held from May 13 to 14, 2026, provided financial assistance to 4,424 qualified PUJ drivers under the government’s emergency subsidy program.

Based on records from DSWD-7, the payout achieved a 91.25 percent completion rate.

In Bohol, 227 of the 242 listed beneficiaries were able to claim their assistance, while Cebu recorded 4,197 successful payouts out of 4,606 intended recipients.

Among the recipients was Ruben Eraldo, a multicab driver operating the Naga-Uling route, who shared the daily struggles of earning enough income amid rising fuel prices and fewer passengers.

Eraldo said he continues to work hard to provide for his family, especially for his high school child who is currently studying.

He plans to use part of the assistance for fuel expenses, while the remaining amount will go toward his child’s tuition and their rice supply.

He disclosed that his current take-home income only ranges from P300 to P500 per day because of the continuous increase in fuel prices and the decline in passengers due to the absence of classes.

Before the fuel price hikes, he

said drivers like him could still earn around P500 to P1,000 daily.

Aside from fuel costs, Eraldo also shoulders aP400 daily boundary payment for the jeepney he drives.

Another beneficiary, Clemente Navarro Jr., a multicab driver plying the Carcar-Tabunok route, said the cash assistance would greatly help support their household needs. Navarro shared that despite earning only a small income, he continues driving every day to provide for his family.

He noted that the difference in earnings compared to previous months has been significant, with most of their remaining income going to fuel and rice expenses. Meanwhile, despite the extension of the claiming period until Friday, May 15, 2026, around 424 beneficiaries have yet to receive their aid.

According to DSWD-7, the number of unclaimed payouts remained unchanged as of May 18, 2026. The distribution was carried out by DSWD-7 personnel in partnership with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), which supplied the verified list of eligible beneficiaries to ensure a smooth and organized payout process.

The cash assistance program is part of the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. aimed at providing immediate financial relief to sectors heavily affected by increasing fuel costs and continuing economic difficulties, particularly public utility vehicle drivers who play a vital role in public transportation services.

DAR encourages ARBOs to venture into cash crops

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Monday urged Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organizations (ARBOs) to venture into cash crop production to boost farm productivity, increase household income, and support the country’s food security efforts, while enhancing self-reliance as food producers.

“Cash crop production can bring more opportunities for our ARBs and help strengthen the country’s agricultural sector,” Estrella said. “Our climate is suitable for growing different kinds of crops. What farmers need is continuous support to help their communities grow sustainably,” DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III said.

The DAR recently partnered with the Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Barangay Sumilang, Inc. (Samakalang) for the implementation of a cash crop production project under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program (CRFPSP) in Barangay Sumilang, Gen. Luna, Quezon. The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement among DAR-Quezon II Officer-in-Charge Ma.

Gemma Esguerra, Gen. Luna Mayor Jose Stevenson Sangalang, and Samakalang President Noli Padilla.

Under the agreement, DAR will oversee the implementation of the project, the local government of Gen. Luna will provide support, while Samakalang members will actively participate in all project activities. A symbolic seed planting activity was also conducted to represent the shared commitment of the partners toward the success of the project. Esguerra encouraged the members of Samakalang to maximize the opportunity given to them through the program.

“You are fortunate to be chosen among 106 aspiring ARBOs to become project beneficiaries. We hope you will apply all the knowledge and skills you will gain from this program,” Esguerra said. As part of the project, Samakalang members will undergo lectures and hands-on training on modern farming techniques and climateresilient farming practices for chili, tomato, cucumber, and eggplant production Jonathan L. Mayuga

A lesson in loss: When our best educators must leave to succeed editorial

THE same week a Filipino teacher receives a royal honor in London, thousands of his peers are quietly trading their blackboards for cleaning supplies abroad. This is not a coincidence. It is a verdict.

Edison David, a public school teacher from Tarlac, stood before Prince William at Windsor Castle last week to receive the Member of the Order of the British Empire medal—an honor reserved for those who have transformed UK’s education. He wore a barong from Lumban, Laguna, a proud emblem of the homeland he left behind. And that is precisely the tragedy. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Pinoy educator awarded for UK education contribution,” May 16, 2026).

The Philippines celebrates David’s achievement as a point of national pride. But we should ask ourselves a harder question: Why did it take leaving the Philippines for one of our finest educators to be recognized, resourced, and empowered to succeed?

The answer lies in the grim arithmetic of our public school system. International assessments like PISA repeatedly place Filipino students near the bottom in reading, math, and creative thinking. The majority of 10-year-olds cannot read a simple sentence with understanding. These are not abstract statistics—they are futures collapsing before they begin.

Our teachers, meanwhile, labor under conditions that would break professionals in any other field. Overcrowded classrooms where 50 or 60 students compete for the attention of one exhausted teacher. Administrative paperwork that steals hours meant for lesson planning. Textbooks that arrive late, if at all. Salaries that, despite recent increases, still lose ground to inflation.

This is why Filipino public school teachers leave. Not because they love domestic work abroad more than teaching. Not because they lack patriotism. But because they can earn more as domestic helpers in Hong Kong or caregivers in Canada than as licensed educators shaping the next generation of Filipinos.

A domestic worker abroad often earns a higher salary than a public school teacher with a college degree, board licensure, and years of experience. The market has spoken—and it says the Philippines undervalues its teachers catastrophically.

Edison David did not leave because he was mediocre. He left because he was excellent, and excellence requires oxygen to burn. In the UK, he found smaller classes, adequate resources, professional respect, and compensation that matches his contribution. His MBE is Britain’s gain, but it is our indictment.

We cannot keep romanticizing the “resilience” of our teachers while systematically underpaying, overworking, and under-resourcing them. Resilience is not a renewable resource. Every teacher who leaves for a domestic job overseas is a classroom that loses a mentor. Every textbook shortage is a lesson that never happens. Every overcrowded room is a child who never gets asked, “What do you need help with?”

We need a national reckoning. Not more declarations of concern. Not another Senate hearing that produces headlines but no budgets. We need to make public school teaching a profession that no Filipino of Edison David’s caliber would ever have to leave.

That means competitive salaries that outpace inflation. It means reducing administrative burdens so teachers can actually teach. It means fixing overcrowding—hiring more teachers, building more classrooms, funding more resources. It means treating the learning crisis as the national security threat it is.

Every Filipino child deserves a teacher like Edison David. But right now, too many of those teachers are boarding planes to countries that understand their worth.

Opinion

TOUTSIDE THE BOX

on the other, a whirlpool that takes ships. You do not choose between safe and dangerous. You choose which danger you can survive.

The Philippine economy is in that passage now. Scylla is a 7.2 percent inflation rate, the highest in over three years, tearing at jeepney fares, rice prices, and household budgets that can absorb neither. Charybdis is an economy posting 2.8 percent growth, its weakest quarter since the pandemic, already feeling the pull. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas must choose which shore to steer away from, knowing that steering away from one means steering toward the other.

The government tries to call this something other than stagflation. The first quarter of 2026 disagrees.

GDP came in at 2.8 percent yearon-year, below the consensus forecast of 3.5 percent and a further slide from the 3.0 percent posted in the fourth quarter of 2025. Quarteron-quarter, the economy expanded just 0.9 percent against an expected 1.5 percent. Capital Economics has cut its full-year growth forecast to 3.0 percent, well below both official

targets and market consensus. These are not the numbers of an economy in temporary turbulence.

The primary cause is domestic and self-inflicted. Government construction fell 31.5 percent in the first quarter, the third consecutive quarterly decline, the direct consequence of the flood-control corruption scandal that President Marcos called out in his State of the Nation Address last July. That was 10 months ago. The procurement pipeline has not recovered. The fiscal drag from that single governance failure is still compounding.

Household consumption, the one engine Filipinos have historically been able to count on, slowed to 3.0 percent from 3.8 percent the prior quarter. That deceleration matters more than the construction collapse in terms of daily economic texture. Consumption is where OFW remittances, informal sector income, and ordinary family spending show up. When that number softens, the

kitchen-table economy is feeling the weight. The inflation side of this is a different kind of failure. The Philippines imports more than 90 percent of its petroleum requirements, a fact true for years across multiple administrations. When the Middle East became a war zone in late February, the Philippines did not absorb an unexpected shock. It absorbed the entirely predictable consequence of a structural dependency it has never seriously moved to reduce.

Other economies deployed fiscal buffers, targeted fuel subsidies, excise adjustments, transfer payments. The Philippine government’s response was limited. Higher global prices fed straight through into domestic fuel and transport costs with almost nothing absorbing the impact between the refinery and the jeepney route.

Fuel prices rose 46 percent yearon-year in April. Headline CPI jumped from 4.1 percent in March to 7.2 percent, a 3.1 percentage-point move in a single month, the highest reading in over three years, and 1.7 points above consensus. Food inflation followed energy inflation, which means the pressure is not concentrated in a sector households can partially avoid. When fuel and food move together, the damage lands hardest on the income levels least equipped to absorb it. OFW families receiving fixed remittance amounts are now spending those pesos into a domestic economy that costs measurably more than it did 60 days ago. The BSP has already moved, hik-

ing rates to 4.5 percent in April, its first tightening move in more than two years. Capital Economics now expects an additional 50 basis points of tightening before year-end. Raise rates hard enough to stop the inflation monster and you steer directly into the whirlpool. Leave rates where they are and Scylla tears at wages, at expectations, at credibility, until the cost of killing the inflation later crushes the cost of killing it now. Pressure will mount on Malacañang to restart the stalled construction pipeline. The fiscal logic is understandable. But restarting public spending into an inflationary environment, before demonstrating that the procurement rot has been structurally addressed rather than temporarily suppressed, does not stimulate the economy. It finances the conditions for the next scandal. The Philippines did not drift into this passage. It sailed here through a series of choices, to remain dependent on imported energy without building alternatives, to allow procurement governance to deteriorate until a presidential address was required to stop it, to provide less fiscal cushioning against an energy shock than neighboring economies with smaller reserves. The BSP must now choose its danger and move. The rest of the government needs to decide whether it will help navigate or simply watch from the shore.

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.

US, Iran far from Hormuz deal as Trump says clock ticking

By Arsalan Shahla & Salma El Wardany

THE US and Iran remained far apart Sunday on a deal to end weeks of war and reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz, as a drone attack sparked a fire at a United Arab Emirates nuclear plant, spotlighting the risks of a fragile ceasefire.

President Donald Trump made clear his patience is wearing thin, posting on social media Sunday that “For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!”

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency said the US had set five main conditions for a peace deal, including the removal of uranium used by Iran’s nuclear program to the US; no US reparations to Tehran and the unfreezing of less than a quarter of Iran’s suspended assets. Fars didn’t give a source for the information, and the US hasn’t publicly commented on such stipulations.

Meanwhile, the semi-official Mehr news agency said Washington offered “no tangible concessions” while seeking “to obtain concessions

that it failed to obtain during the war, which will lead to an impasse in the negotiations.”

Trump met Saturday with Vice President JD Vance, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe to discuss the war, Axios reported Sunday. He is expected to meet again with his national security team on Tuesday.

“We want to make a deal,” Trump told Axios, adding he’s waiting for an updated Iranian proposal. “They are not where we want them to be. They will have to get there or they will be hit badly, and they don’t want that.”

Since the ceasefire began on April 8, Trump has repeatedly threatened to resume the bombing campaign that began on February 28.

Drone attack

SUNDAY’S drone attack in the UAE sparked a blaze in an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah power plant and had no impact on radiological safety, Abu Dhabi’s media office said in a statement. Authorities were working to extinguish the conflagration, which didn’t cause any injury, it said. The drone that hit the power plant was one of three fired from west of the emirate, the UAE defense ministry said in a social media post. The other two were intercepted. The UAE said it was investigating the source of the attack. Saudi Arabia, which borders UAE to the west, condemned the attack.

Iranian threats on shipping in the Persian Gulf have brought the region’s energy exports to a nearstandstill, sending global prices soaring and giving Tehran significant leverage in talks with the US.

The US-Israeli war on Iran has claimed thousands of lives, mainly in the Islamic Republic. Retaliatory attacks by Tehran targeted US allies

across the Gulf, including the UAE, which has carried out intermittent strikes on Iran in response, Bloomberg has reported.

In Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, briefing his cabinet about the Iran crisis, said he would speak to Trump later on Sunday for an update on the China visit. A member of Netanyahu’s security cabinet, Zev Elkin, said the country was poised to resume strikes on Iran should Trump decide to do so.

“We have targets that we want to hit, of course,” Elkin told Kan radio.

“The current situation, with the US blockade continuing, would also be good for Israel, because it’s wreaking major damage upon the Iranian economy on a daily basis.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his country is committed to a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. Several energy shipments have managed to clear the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks, and an Iranian official said this weekend authorities were working on a formal See “US,” A19

Labour’s Starmer revolt revives thorny debate over rejoining EU

By Lucy White & Alex Wickham

THE thorny question of whether Britain should unwind a decade of estrangement from the European Union is resurfacing as the Labour Party starts to imagine a future beyond Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Two key figures have emerged as potential challengers after a series of political body blows that have left Starmer’s leadership in crisis, and the specter of rejoining the EU is creeping back into the debate.

Wes Streeting, who resigned from Starmer’s government as health secretary last week, argued in favor of rejoining the bloc in a speech on Saturday, saying the decision to leave in 2016 was “a catastrophic mistake.” While less forceful in tone, Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester who plans to stand as Labour’s candidate in a June 18 by-election so he can mount a challenge against Starmer, also said in an interview on Saturday that there was a case for rejoining the EU.

The comments follow heavy losses by the party in local elections earlier this month to the right-wing Reform UK and the leftist Green Party. In the aftermath, Labour members of Parliament pointed to voters’ dissatisfaction with Starmer as a contributing factor, and more than 90 MPs have since publicly called for the prime minister to resign.

Although Streeting refrained from mounting an immediate challenge against Starmer after stepping down, he said on Saturday that he would run in a leadership contest against Burnham, who must first gain a seat in the House of Commons before he can stage a campaign.

Streeting also suggested that he would focus on a push for the UK to rejoin the EU, a move Starmer has baulked at, instead advocating for closer ties with the bloc without fully rejoining the single market.

That puts Burnham in a dilemma as he prepares to contend a by-election in a constituency that voted resoundingly to leave the EU 10 years ago. His allies have accused Streeting of deliberately raising the salience of rejoining the bloc to confound Burnham’s chances of beating the

anti-EU Reform UK. At the same time, Reform officials have said they would exploit the Manchester mayor’s past ruminations about returning to the EU in their campaign against him.

Speaking at a conference hosted by the Labour-aligned Progress think-tank in London, Streeting said the UK’s future is with Europe. “The biggest economic opportunity we have is on our doorstep,” he said. “We need a new special relationship with the EU, because Britain’s future lies with Europe—and one day back in the European Union.”

At Labour’s annual conference seven months ago, Burnham also said the UK should rejoin the EU. But, speaking on ITV News on Saturday, he adopted a more cautious tone. “In the long-term there is a case for that, but I’m not advocating that in this by-election,” Burnham said. “In fact, what I am saying is focus now domestically.”

Burnham’s careful phrasing shows the tightrope he walks. Before he can become eligible to challenge Starmer, he will first have to win the by-election in the Greater Manchester constituency of Makerfield, where Labour lawmaker Josh Simons has stepped aside to facilitate a Burnham candidacy. In recent local elections, that area voted decisively for Reform.

A victory for Reform in Makerfield would see the party gain a ninth member in the 650-seat House of Commons, and would help cement party leader and Brexit architect Nigel Farage’s claims that his party can beat Labour even in its heartlands. The upstart party is trying to prove itself as a credible contender for government, with a general election due by mid-2029 at the latest.

Lisa Nandy, the UK’s culture secretary who herself campaigned to remain in the EU in 2016, told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that it would be a mistake to reopen Brexit wounds. “I don’t really understand why the sudden focus on Europe,” she said. “We’re already as a government trying to repair in a pragmatic way the needless damage that was done by that poor Brexit deal to peoples’ living standards in towns like mine, without reopening the circular arguments that we ended up in as a country.” Bloomberg

VAT refund checklist

FTAX LAW FOR BUSINESS

OR many VAT-registered taxpayers, a VAT refund represents more than a tax remedy, it is a vital source of liquidity. Delayed or denied refunds can significantly affect cash flow, operational expansion, and competitiveness. In industries where zero-rated transactions dominate, unrefunded input VAT may accumulate into millions of pesos tied up in government coffers.

Yet despite the economic importance of VAT refunds, many taxpayers still underestimate one critical aspect of the process: documentary compliance. Some continue to view the submission of invoices, receipts, and supporting papers as a mere procedural formality. Recent jurisprudence (GR 203547 & 203561, December 3, 2025) and evolving administrative rules, however, show that documentary requirements in VAT refund claims are far from pro-forma. They are jurisdictional, technical, and increasingly exacting. Understanding when the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)’s processing period begins and what constitutes “complete documents” has become crucial in determining whether a taxpayer may successfully pursue a judicial claim before the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA).

Under the National Internal Revenue Code, taxpayers claiming refund or tax credit of unutilized input VAT attributable to zero-rated sales must first file an administrative claim with the Commissioner of Internal Revenue. The CIR is then given a specific period within which to act on the claim. Only after the lapse of such period, or upon denial of the claim, may the taxpayer elevate the matter to the CTA.

Opinion

BusinessMirror

The weight of impartiality: Questions for the Senate as impeachment judges

WMAKE SENSE

ITH the upcoming impeachment trial taking over television, print, and social media news, I find myself grappling with a question that cuts to the core of democratic accountability: Can the Senate genuinely act as an impartial court of justice?

The upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte has forced this question upon the nation. As the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines reminds us, the impeachment process is not merely a political exercise—it is a constitutional mechanism “to address offenses against the state, betrayal of public trust, and political tyranny.”

The senator as judge: A contradiction in terms?

I know of a particular case where a trial court judge recused herself to preserve the integrity of the judicial process after the defense filed a motion for her inhibition. This happened in 2018 during the trial of Senator Leila de Lima’s drug cases. Notably, in November 2018, Judge Lorna Navarro-Domingo of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 206 recused herself. While the judge denied claims of bias, she inhibited herself to show “good faith to all parties” and preserve the integrity of the judicial process

after the defense filed a motion for her inhibition.

The standard was exacting: justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done. Yet here we are, contemplating an impeachment trial where some senators have already appeared on news programs declaring their opposition to the Vice President’s impeachment before a single piece of evidence has been formally presented.

My first question to our legal luminaries is painfully straightforward: Can these senators be counted on as neutral judges?

The CBCP has appealed to the Senate “to abide by what the Constitution directs: to proceed with the trial and to decide the case against the Vice President by summoning witnesses, hearing testimony, and voting according to the evidence and, above all, the demands of righteousness and justice.” But how can a senator vote “according to the evidence” when they have already announced their verdict in primetime?

Continued from A18

law and framework to allow passage for some vessels.

The US and China, the world’s two largest economies, sought to emphasize points of agreement on the Middle East conflict when Trump met last week with China’s Xi Jinping, an ally of Iran.

trative claim together with complete supporting documents. The emphasis gradually shifted from taxpayer discretion to administrative determination by the BIR.

The shift became even more pronounced following the enactment of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. The TRAIN Law shortened the CIR’s processing period from 120 days to 90 days beginning January 1, 2018. While the reduction appeared favorable to taxpayers, it also resulted in stricter scrutiny of documentary compliance.

At first glance, the rule appears straightforward. In practice, however, determining the commencement of the CIR’s processing period has undergone substantial changes over the years. Prior to June 11, 2014, the governing principle was relatively taxpayer-driven. Jurisprudence recognized that the taxpayer determined when complete documents had been submitted. The 120-day period for the CIR to act could commence either upon the submission of complete documents or upon the taxpayer’s manifestation that it would no longer submit additional supporting documents. This rule provided taxpayers with some degree of flexibility. The administrative claim was not necessarily considered complete upon initial filing. Taxpayers could still supplement their submissions, and the reckoning of the CIR’s 120-day period depended largely on the taxpayer’s own representation regarding completeness. However, this framework applies only to claims filed before June 11, 2014.

The legal landscape significantly changed thereafter.

From June 11, 2014 onwards, the reckoning period became more rigid, requiring the filing of the adminis -

Subsequently, the BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Order (RMO) No. 47-2020, which introduced a formal Checklist of Requirements for VAT refund applications. The significance of this issuance cannot be overstated.

Under RMO No. 47-2020, only applications with complete documentary requirements would be accepted by the authorized processing office. More importantly, the 90-day processing period would commence only upon actual filing of the application with complete documents duly received by the processing office.

This effectively removed ambiguity regarding when the processing period begins. The BIR now exercises primary control in determining whether the documents submitted are complete based on the prescribed checklist.

Consequently, taxpayers can no longer assume that filing an application automatically triggers the running of the 90-day period. An incomplete submission may result in the claim not being officially accepted for processing at all.

The rules continued to evolve upon the enactment of the Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Act.

To implement the new law, the BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 115-2024, which clarified that the 90-day processing period commences only upon acceptance of the ap -

The inhibition question IN our regular trial courts, the rules are clear. The Rules of Court explicitly state that a judge may be disqualified if they have expressed an opinion on the merits of the case. Once a judge shows partiality—or even the appearance of partiality— the other party can file a motion for inhibition. The judge, if they possess any measure of judicial integrity, steps aside.

The missing framework I HAVE searched the transcripts of the Constitutional Commission. I have read the debates of 1986 and 1987. The framers spoke eloquently about the Senate’s role as a check on executive power. They envisioned senators rising above partisanship, guided by what Commissioner Hilario Davide Jr. called “the higher interest of the nation.” But did they ever imagine a scenario where senators would actively campaign against an impeachment before the trial even began?

I suspect they did not. Or perhaps they did, and they trusted that the people would elect senators of sufficient character to resist such temptations. If so, that trust is now being tested. The CBCP statement, signed by Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, captures something essential: “We urge the Senators to avoid any act that may be perceived as evading their sworn duty or circumventing the requirements of the Constitution.” The key word is perceived. Justice is not merely a matter of private conscience—it is a public performance

On his way back from Asia, Trump told reporters he had discussed with the Chinese leader potentially lifting sanctions on Chinese oil companies that buy Iranian crude. The Treasury Department has escalated the penalties in recent weeks as the US tries to pressure Tehran on talks, while Beijing has ordered its companies to ignore the sanctions.

“I’m going to make a decision

plication with complete documents as determined through the check-listing procedure.

Thereafter, under the CREATE MORE Act, further refinements were introduced. Presently, the CIR has 90 days to grant the refund or issue a tax credit certificate counted from the submission of certified true copies of invoices and other supporting documents specifically prescribed in pertinent revenue issuances.

The current framework demonstrates a clear legislative and administrative direction: documentary compliance is no longer merely evidentiary. It is jurisdictional in nature and directly affects the taxpayer’s substantive right to seek judicial relief.

This distinction is critical.

In many VAT refund disputes, the issue is not whether the taxpayer actually incurred input VAT attributable to zero-rated transactions. Rather, the controversy often centers on whether the taxpayer complied with procedural and documentary requirements within the prescribed periods.

Failure to understand these evolving rules can have severe consequences. A premature judicial claim may be dismissed for failure to exhaust administrative remedies if the CIR’s processing period has not yet commenced or expired. Conversely, an excessively delayed filing may result in prescription.

Taxpayers must therefore pay close attention not only to the preparation of invoices and supporting schedules, but also to the precise timing and manner of submission.

The evolution of the rules may be summarized as follows: Ultimately, VAT refund litigation is no longer won solely through proof of entitlement. Increasingly, it is won or lost thru procedural precision.

For taxpayers, the lesson is clear: documentary requirements in VAT refund claims should never be treated as routine

of fairness.

When a senator declares opposition to the Vice President’s impeachment on live television, the perception of partiality becomes unavoidable. The CBCP’s appeal “to not delay the trial and to convene the Senate as an impeachment court at the soonest possible time” is admirable. But speed is worthless without fairness. “To delay the trial is to delay justice,” the bishops wrote, “for both the Filipino people and the Vice President.” I would add: To rush a trial with prejudged senators is to pervert justice entirely.

A modest proposal I AM not a legal luminary. I am simply a citizen trying to make sense of a constitutional process that seems, from the outside, deeply flawed. We must remain vigilant in monitoring the proceedings, but vigilance without standards is merely observation. As citizens, we are all bound to follow the law, and if we violate it, we accept the consequences as prescribed by law.

And so my question is this: If the constitution intended the Senate to be an impartial court, but some senators have already demonstrated partiality, what remedy exists? Should the Supreme Court step in, despite the political question doctrine? Or should the people themselves— vigilant, informed, demanding— become the ultimate check?

Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza is the Chairman Emeritus of the Federation of Philippine Industries and concurrent Chairman of the Anti-Smuggling and AntiIllicit Trade Committee.

over the next few days,” Trump said aboard Air Force One when asked if he’d consider lifting the sanctions.

“We did talk about that.”

Trump said in an interview with Fox News that three Chinese tankers that went through Hormuz loaded with Iranian oil this week did so because the US allowed it.

Iranian state TV had previously said over 30 ships were allowed passage through the strait since Wednesday night, citing an official from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ navy.

attachments prepared at the last minute. They are the very foundation upon which the administrative claim, the running of statutory periods, and ultimately the jurisdiction of the CTA may depend.

The author is a senior partner of Du-Baladad and Associates Law Offices (BDB Law) (www. bdblaw.com.ph).

The White House faces a conundrum: How to reopen the strait, lower global energy prices and wind down an increasingly unpopular conflict that has caused the biggest oil supply disruption in history ahead of midterm elections in November. With assistance from Dan Williams and Kevin Whitelaw/Bloomberg

The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a

Summary of the Rules on Determining the Processing Periods for VAT Refund Claims under Section 112(A) of the Tax Code

A20

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

2nd Front Page

BusinessMirror

‘IMPOSING STEEP TAXES ON VAPE ITEMS COUNTERPRODUCTIVE’

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

WITH the government losing a total of P141 billion from illicit cigarettes and vape products over the past two years, imposing steep taxes on vape products without stronger enforcement against smuggling could further erode revenues and push more consumers toward the black market.

At the launch of EU-Asean Business Council (EU-ABC) and Euromonitor International’s report titled “Inside Asean’s Illicit Tobacco Market,” EU-ABC Executive Director Chris Humphrey said the government must be careful in raising the tax rates on vape products as it seeks to collect more revenue during a time of fiscal pressure.

Findings from a report revealed that among Asean countries, the Philippines recorded the highest government revenue loss from e-vapes in 2025 at P12.1 billion.

“At a time of geopolitical uncertainty, when we are facing supply chain disruptions borne out of the crisis in the Middle East and that is particularly being felt here in the Philippines, the money that is being lost to governments could be easily used to help mitigate some of those effects,” Humphrey said.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has proposed that taxes on vape products should be higher than those levied on cigarettes since one vapor product is not the same as the consumption of one pack of cigarettes (See: https://businessmirror.com.

ph/2025/05/20/bir-wants-higher-vapetax-no-tobacco-excise-cut-eyed/).

Currently, a pack of cigarettes is taxed at P69.46, while nicotine salt and conventional freebase or classic nicotine vape products are

levied at P60.20 per milliliter and P6.95 per milliliter, respectively. Increasing the tax rates on vape products, however, must be fair, transparent and gradual, Humphrey said.

“If it’s too big, it becomes a shock to the market and all you’re doing is forcing more people into the illicit market to buy their vapes,” Humphrey warned.

Higher taxes alone are not enough, Humphrey added, as the government should pair tax hikes with stricter anti-smuggling efforts on vape products and cigarettes.

Citing the case of Malaysia, Humphrey said the country has sharply increased cigarette taxes, expecting higher revenue, but collections actually declined due to the expansion of illicit trade.

However, the illicit vape trade is already rampant in the Philippines. The report showed that 85.6 percent of e-vapes sold in the Philippines are illicit, outnumbering legal sales at only 14.4 percent.

Among Asean-6 countries where e-vapes are legal, the Philippines recorded the highest illicit e-vape incidence, exceeding Indonesia and Malaysia.

Illicit e-vapes are also expected to grow faster than illicit cigarettes, with e-vapes growing at about 8.5 percent annually from 2025 to 2028 across Asean-6.

According to the study, illicit e-vapes are imported mainly from China and are sold in independent tobacconists, such as specialty vape shops and through online platforms.

Equally important, the illicit cigarette trade resulted in P61.6 billion in revenue loss in 2025—the second-highest among Asean-6 countries, after Indonesia.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

23 senators convene as VP Sara impeachment court

By Butch Fernandez & Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

NOnew Senate leadership shakeup took place on Monday, contrary to weekend speculations in social media, but 23 senators convened as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano thus avoided the dubious distinction of having the shortest stint as chief of the chamber rocked by last week’s coup and gunshots erupting in the premises, as it sought to shield from arrest a member wanted for crimes against humanity in the International Criminal Court.

On Monday, the Senate briefly suspended session to prepare to convene as an impeachment court for Vice President Duterte.

Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, the subject of an earlier NBI search, did not attend Monday’s session, after having “escaped” at dawn of May 14 from the Senate’s protective custody. He was thus not around when senators donned their maroon

robes and took their oath before Cayetano as senator-judges.

The court briefly attended to the urgent tasks at hand for the pretrial: directing the service of summons and of the Articles of Impeachment from the House of Representatives to VP Duterte, giving her 10 calendar days to respond, as well as to enter her plea. The prosecution was given five days to respond to Duterte’s reply.

The trial proper shall commence after the pretrial, Cayetano said.

“We will come up with an impeachment calendar that is fair” to the respondent and the prosecution and will allow senators to continue their work as legislators, said Cayetano. During the impeachment of then Chief Justice Renato Corona,

New projects eyed to boost Visayas grid

By Carmel Pedroza

CEBU CITY—A slate of incoming power projects across the Visayas grid—including a new plant in Toledo City, Cebu and additional facilities in Panay—is expected to strengthen grid reliability as the region continues its transition toward a higher share of renewable energy, energy officials said.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the projects are part of a broader pipeline of well-designed power developments currently underway, though she emphasized that power infrastructure requires long lead times before full operation.

Coal-fired facilities alone typically take around three to five years to complete, while some projects may come online within one to two years depending on stage of development.

She noted that the expansion is

critical for maintaining stability across the Visayas grid, particularly given transmission constraints.

“It cannot be that one area like Panay is at the end of the line without support at the other end,” she said, underscoring the need for distributed generation capacity across key load centers.

DOE is also pushing policy measures to support renewable integration, particularly battery energy storage systems.

According to Garin, the agency has issued a battery policy to help address the intermittency of solar power, which now accounts for a significant share of the region’s generation mix.

“The Visayas is already around 50 percent renewable energy, which is a success in the transition to cleaner energy. But it also highlights the need for reliability. If there is no sun, there is no solar power—so storage is necessary to

balance the system,” she said.

Battery systems, she added, are essential for regulating fluctuations in renewable output, allowing excess solar energy to be stored and dispatched when generation drops.

To complement this, the DOE is also advancing plans for a green energy auction in the Visayas and Mindanao, particularly targeting solar projects due to their relatively faster development timelines.

DOE Undesecretary Rowena Guevarra said the auction will help accelerate renewable deployment while supporting system adequacy.

She also noted ongoing evaluation of mid-merit plants—potentially non-gas facilities—for the Visayas and Mindanao grids to help balance the high penetration of variable renewable energy.

“Solar is the easiest to build, but we also need plants that can respond

when renewables fluctuate. It is always a balancing of policies. The system cannot rely purely on intermittent sources,” Guevarra said.

She added that the goal is to ensure an energy mix that is not only clean but also reliable and affordable, stressing that planning must account for both demand growth and grid stability.

Energy officials emphasized that the transition remains a work in progress, with no immediate overnight solution. Most projects, they said, take at least a year or more to complete even after approvals are secured.

In terms of capacity outlook, Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella reported that about 1,132 megawatts of committed or incoming power capacity is expected to enter the Visayas grid in 2026.

This includes a diversified mix of technologies: 38 MW from biomass, 5.6 MW from geothermal, 8.1 MW from hydro, 611 MW from solar, and 469.5 MW from wind. See “Visayas,” A2

senators under Juan Ponce Enrile conducted trial from January to May 2012, but continued legislative work in the afternoon.

Also on Monday, the new leadership under Cayetano announced the new committee chairmanships.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda took over the Basic Education committee from Sen. Bam Aquino, and kept Culture and Arts.

Sen. Christopher Bong Go took the Health committee, vice Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

Sen. Dante Marcoleta took over Public Services from Sen. Raffy Tulfo, but has not gotten back the committee he used to hold and still covets, the Blue Ribbon.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada is new chief of the Games and Amusement committee, vice Erwin Tulfo.

Sen. Pia Cayetano kept her Ways and Means panel, and Energy; as well as on Sustainability.

Sen. Joel Villanueva took over Higher Technical and Vocational Education from Legarda; Sen. Jinggoy Estrada also took over the defense panel from Legarda.

HOR members seek urgent action LAWMAKERS, meanwhile, called on the Senate to swiftly proceed with the

impeachment trial of Duterte.

“On my part, as a member of the House prosecution panel, we pray for strength and wisdom as we carry out this very significant mission to prosecute and hold VP Sara accountable,” Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima, one of the House prosecutors, said.

“Let us continue to remain vigilant, discerning, and steadfast in standing for justice and accountability,” added de Lima.

Members of the Makabayan bloc, including ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, and Kabataan Rep. Renee Louise Co, likewise welcomed the Senate’s move, calling it a crucial constitutional step toward accountability.

The House earlier voted overwhelmingly in favor of Duterte’s impeachment on four articles: for unexplained wealth, misuse of confidential funds, bribery and grave threats and inciting to sedition. The group said there should be no further delays in the proceedings and urged Duterte to promptly submit her formal response to the articles of impeachment and recognize the jurisdiction of the impeachment court.

Visayas grid on yellow alert again; Palace, solons seek probes

By Lenie Lectura & Samuel P. Medenilla

THE Visayas grid was again placed under yellow alert on Monday due to thin supply as 12 power plants are still on forced outage, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported.

This, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Energy (DOE) to hold accountable those who may be responsible for the rotating blackouts in Luzon and Cebu last week.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the chief executive issued the order after the DOE reported that it activated its Grid Reliability Task Force (GRTF) to probe the cause of the tripping 500-kilovolt (kV) Tayabas-Iligan and Iligan-Dasmariñas transmission lines, which contributed to the wide scale power shortage.

She said Marcos instructed “NGCP [National Grid Corporation of the Philippines] to provide the full technical and incident reporting to ensure accountability and the safe return of critical capacities to the grid.”

The NGCP is the sole operator of the country’s power transmission network.

“DOE was instructed to restore [the power grid] asap, investigate the accountability, and to exert all efforts to avoid the happening of the same scenario,” the Presidential Communications Office undersecretary said in a Viber message.

Last week, parts of Luzon and Visayas were hit with a power shortage due to a surge in demand forcing NGCP to declare a red alert, where the supply is insufficient for demand.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry had raised concerns on the potential negative impact of such power outages on the country’s economic growth if it becomes frequent.

Monday’s yellow alert was in effect from 3pm. to 8pm., the grid operator said. A yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement. As of 2:48 p.m. available capacity stood at 2,683 megawatts (MW) while peak demand hit 2,585MW.

There are 12 plants 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 12 plants are running on derated capacities, for a total of 845.2MW unavailable to the grid.

The NGCP said that an increase in forecasted system demand by as much as 137MW contributed to the yellow alert extension, which was supposed to start at 4p.m. Energy officials separately said that there

could be more yellow alerts for Visayas in the months ahead. “For Mindanao, we are seeing zero red alerts, but six yellow alerts for the months in September, October, November,” said Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said.

Power plants back online DOE Undersecretary Rowena Guevarra, meanwhile, said that as of Monday morning all power plants that recently conked out are now back on line. “All the plants that were out last time, Ilijan and EERI, have returned so Luzon is now normal. It is no longer on alert,” she said.

Last week, the Luzon and Visayas power grids were placed under yellow and red grid alerts that resulted from a power system strained by multiple plants on maintenance shutdown, high demand at summer peak, aggravated by the tripping of lines isolating further several generating units.

As the rainy season approaches, the DOE, meanwhile, is projecting an increased output from hydropower plants.

“We are already seeing the change of the season from the hot season transitioning to the rainy season so that means there are more water for the hydro plants and it will also signal lesser demand.

The generation, transmission to distribution sectors are working to meet the challenges we face for the shift of the season going to El Nino,” added Fuentebella.

House seeks NGCP probe THE House of Representatives is set to investigate the NGCP following consecutive transmission line failures that triggered power outages across Luzon and the Visayas. Speaker Faustino G. Dy III and Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez on Monday filed House Resolution 1024, calling for a congressional inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the May 13, 2026 tripping of the 500-kilovolt Tayabas-Ilijan and Dasmariñas-Ilijan transmission lines. Dy said the massive outages were unacceptable, stressing that electricity is a basic necessity that directly impacts livelihoods, businesses, education, and daily life. He added that the back-to-back tripping exposed serious weaknesses in the country’s power transmission system and highlighted the need for accountability and urgent reforms. The resolution seeks to determine whether the incident was caused by force majeure or by possible lapses on the part of NGCP, particularly in maintaining and investing in the integrity of the national grid.

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

ABS-CBN Q1 losses widen on decline in ad spending

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

ABS-CBN Corp. slipped deeper into net loss in the first quarter as revenues fell sharply across its business segments, weighed down by the absence of blockbuster content that had lifted results a year earlier and by a broader pullback in advertising spending.

The media conglomerate posted a consolidated net loss of P813 in January to March, deteriorating 63 percent from the P500-million net loss recorded in the same period last year, according to its disclosure to the stock exchange. Consolidated revenues de -

MRSGI

By VG Cabuag @villygc

METRO Retail Stores Group

Inc. (MRSGI), a retailer led by the Gaisano family, said its net income almost doubled to P25.84 million in the first quarter from the previous year’s P13.38 million mainly on the good performance of its food retail segment.

Revenues rose 5 percent to P9.47 billion from the previous year’s P9 billion, as all major segments saw gains, reflecting steady demand across core categories,

clined 21 percent to P3.33 billion from P4.23 billion in the first quarter of 2025, dragged mainly by weakness in its cable TV and broadband segment. On the expense side, the group managed to trim consolidated operating costs by 12 percent,

or P568 million, to P4.06 billion from P4.63 billion, as cost-control measures reduced general and administrative expenses and employee costs.

ABS-CBN’s core Content Production and Distribution business generated P2.76 billion in revenue in the first quarter, down 13 percent year-on-year.

The company attributed the decline to a combination of factors: the absence of election-related advertising that had boosted the industry in the same period last year, a general softening in domestic advertising expenditure, and the lack of major movie and live event releases in the quarter.

The company noted that firstquarter 2025 revenues had been lifted by a sold-out BINI concert at the Philippine Arena and the strong box office performance of the film “My Love Will Make You

Disappear”—neither of which had a comparable equivalent in the current period.

Global economic headwinds and their dampening effect on consumer sentiment further weighed on performance, the company added.

ABS-CBN expressed confidence that revenues would “improve significantly” for the remainder of the year, citing a pipeline of content it expects to drive audience and commercial momentum.

Actor Coco Martin is set to return to primetime in June, while Star Cinema’s first theatrical release of the year, “Tayo Sa Wakas,” is scheduled for May.

The group also pointed to BINI’s upcoming world tour, which is expected to launch in June following the pop group’s performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April, as a significant revenue catalyst.

Q1 income nearly doubles

with food retail remaining the primary driver, followed by general merchandise.

Same-store sales grew 2.9 percent year-on-year, the company said.

Gross margin improved to 21.7 percent during the period from 21.3 percent a year ago, driven by a favorable category mix and stronger performance in the food retail segment. Operating expenses went up by 6.6 percent to P2.15 billion, mainly attributed to costs related to store expansion, network scaling, and the continued ramp-up of newly opened and renovated stores.

“During the quarter, we continued to strengthen our network in key growth areas, while managing costs and improving operational efficiency. These results reflect the sustained efforts of our teams on the ground as we build scale and expand our reach nationwide,” Joselito G. Orense, the company president and COO, said.

During the period, the company launched the pilot rollout of Generika Drugstore within select Metro Retail locations, further strengthening its strategy of integrating essential services into its retail network.

The first two pilot stores are in Ayala Feliz and Tagaytay, while MRSGI plans to open a dozen more by the end of the year.

To date, Metro Retail operates a total of 81 branches across Luzon and the Visayas under the formats Metro Supermarket, Metro Department Store, Super Metro Hypermarket, Metro Value Mart, and Metro Home Improvement and Lifestyle.

In line with its commitment to sustainable growth and strong corporate governance, MRSGI said it continues to expand its retail network.

Swatch-Audemars Piguet watches flipped for as much as $2,800

AFTER the frenzy over the weekend to buy timepieces from the new Audemars Piguet-Swatch collaboration, many who succeeded in laying their hands on the Royal Pop pocket watches wasted no time to flip the soughtafter product.

Listings on platforms such as France’s Le Bon Coin showed the Royal Pop reselling for €1,500 ($1,745.) That’s about four times what the €385 the cheapest model costs in France. On Switzerland’s Ricardo website, a model of the watch was offered for 2,200 Swiss Francs ($2,800)

The pocket watch, the result of a rare collaboration between mass manufacturer Swatch Group AG and Audemars Piguet, the maker of the exclusive Royal Oak, went on sale on May 16. The announcement generated so much interest that some Swatch stores across the world had to shut down for crowd-safety concerns and sometimes couldn’t even open. The product was only available for purchase in stores.

“Looking at this weekend’s footage and the chaos that sometimes ensued, it seems the people queuing were clearly only interested in an immediate resale, with no interest in the product, which is quite sad,” Pierre-Olivier Essig, head of research at AIR Capital told Bloomberg. “If Swatch was looking for a shock buzz, it was a hit!” Essig has a speculative buy on the stock.

Shares of Swatch fell as much as 2.76 percent in Zurich trading early Monday, reducing this year’s gains to about 17 percent.

Swatch reminded customers on its Instagram account on Saturday

EGardens Memorial Park Corporation has formally announced its new Board of Directors and leadership structure following the passing of its late Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, D. Edgard A. Cabangon, as approved during the Board Meeting held on May 4, 2026.

This transition marks a significant chapter in the company’s history, as Eternal Gardens continues to uphold and strengthen the enduring legacy of Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, whose vision laid the foundation of the organization.

Guided by this legacy, the company moves forward with a renewed commitment to continuity and stability. The new Board, composed of members of the Cabangon family, includes D. Arnold A. Cabangon as Chairman of the Board, D. Edward A. Cabangon as Co-Chairman, Jesus Antonio A. Cabangon Jr. as Vice Chairman, and Dannica Nicole A.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the values of its late founder and strengthen Eter

nal Gardens as one of the country’s most trusted memorial park institutions. This August, the company marks its 50th anniversary, honoring five decades of serving Filipino families while continuing its commitment to excellence and compassionate care.

The Board expressed its gratitude to employees, partners, and clients for their continued trust and support, and called for unity and dedication as Eternal Gardens moves forward into a new chapter guided by legacy and purpose.

that the Royal Pop collection would remain available for several months and that queues of more than 50 people couldn’t be accepted in some countries, with sales needing to be paused. The warning prompted angry comments from high-profile watch influencers such as Chamath Gamage, with about 140,000 followers on that social media platform. Gamage urged the watch group to fix its approach and emulate Apple Inc., which initially faced similar lines with its Iphone launches. The Californian company eventually moved toward virtual queues and reservations, Gamage added,

telling Swatch: “You know exactly how many units each boutique is holding, so why let the lines keep building? Why let people wait for hours when the allocation is already clear?” Gamage wrote. “A product like this should feel fun, accessible and exciting. Not stressful,” he added in his post.

Air Capital’s Essig said he doesn’t see the need for Audemars Piguet to engage in this collaboration since the exclusive watchmaker enjoys a strong reputation that’s built on scarcity, questioning the strategy of CEO Ilaria Resta, who took over about two and a half years ago.

Audemars Piguet sold about 50,000 watches last year with a production capacity of an extra 20,000, according to a joint report by Morgan Stanley and LuxeConsult. That compares to about 4.4 million for the Swatch brand, the report said. Audemars Piguet and Swatch weren’t immediately available for comment.

“The AP x Swatch launch turned to an image disaster with the catastrophic logistics around the drop,” said Oliver Mueller at LuxeConsult. “I still think it’s a good idea and concept. But the execution needs to be at the level of the concept.” Bloomberg News

Banking&Finance

Political noise making borrowing costly for govt

By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto

TREASURY bill (T-bill) yields rose sharply for the fourth straight week as local political tensions added to investors’ concerns over rising inflation and a weak peso.

Investors demanded higher returns from the Treasury last Monday, taking into account the political developments in the country that could potentially divide some lawmakers from passing priority reform measures, said Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist of the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.

Last week, gunfire erupted in the Senate during the attempted arrest of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who was tagged as a fugitive of the International Criminal Court. Dela Rosa was charged as an indirect coperpetrator of the crime against humanity of systematic murder under Article 7(1)(a) of the Rome Statute stemming from his connection to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs.” (See https://www. jurist.org/news/2026/05/philip-

The Magnificent Seven: How to ride the rally sans losing your head

EVERY so often, financial markets create moments that grab the world’s attention. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite reach record highs. A few technology giants soar past previous peaks. Headlines announce a new era of growth. Amid all this noise, ordinary investors ask a reasonable question: should I take action?

The truth is simpler and more nuanced than most headlines suggest. Yes, there are opportunities in the current global markets. However, opportunity without discipline is merely speculation. For Filipino investors just beginning to explore global stocks through mutual funds, UITFs and feeder funds, understanding the story behind the numbers is more important than just reacting.

Let’s explore three key principles that apply whether markets are soaring or suffering, which will serve you well long after today’s headlines fade.

1. Big tech is no longer just a sector. The companies in the “Magnificent Seven”—Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia and Tesla— are not just large corporations: they form the backbone of the modern economy. Cloud computing, artificial intelligence, digital advertising, e -commerce and consumer technology flow through these firms in ways t hat impact nearly every industry worldwide.

When these companies report strong earnings, it signals that the digital economy is holding up, that businesses are still spending on technology, that consumers are engaging w ith platforms and that artificial intelligence is turning from a promise into actual revenue. This matters for investors because the performance of these companies heavily influences global equity indices like the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq.

If you hold a global equity UITF or a feeder fund linked to international indices, you are already part of this story, whether you realize it or not. The key question is not whether you should be involved you likely already are, but whether your level of exposure matches your goals and time frame.

2. Interest rate cycles shape the landscape. One of the biggest forces affecting global markets over time is monetary policy, particularly what central banks like the US Federal Reserve are doing with interest rates. When rates rise quickly, b orrowing gets expensive, growth slows and stocks usually struggle. When rates stabilize or drop, the environment becomes more favorable for stocks. Understanding where we stand in the rate cycle is not about predicting the future. It’s about putting risk into context. A high-rate environment requires more caution in growth investments and greater attention to fixed income. In contrast, a stable or declining rate environment has historically rewarded those who stayed invested

pines-urged-to-arrest-senatorfollowing-icc-warrant/)

The Senate has also convened as an impeachment court on Monday to decide on the fate of Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.

The political noise may have caused the 91-day T-bills to fetch an average yield of 5.074 percent, up by 22.4 basis points (bps) from 4.850 percent in the previous auction. The auction committee awarded yields ranging from 4.915 percent to 5.173 percent.

Yields on the 182-day securities rose sharply by 62.4 bps, averaging at 5.894 percent from the previous auction’s 5.270 percent. Accepted yields were between 5.590 percent and 6 percent.

The average 364-day T-bill yield also climbed to 6.037 percent, 31.8 bps higher than the 5.719 percent in the previous auction. Yields ranged

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

TPERSONAL FINANCE

in diversified equity portfolios during tough times.

As experts always remind us, you don’t time the market; you give time to the market. The lesson is not to chase after rate changes, but to build a portfolio that withstands various rate environments. This means holding a mix of assets whose performance isn’t all dependent on the same economic conditions working in your favor.

3. Geopolitical risk never disappears: diversification is your permanent answer. There will always be geopolitical events capable of shaking the markets. An oil crisis, a trade dispute, a military conflict, or a sudden change in diplomatic relations can all cause turmoil. While the specifics change, the pattern remains the same: markets react, fear spikes and investors concentrated in one market or sector face disproportionate losses.

This argument supports diversification not as a temporary strategy, but as a key part of a solid financial plan. A well-constructed portfolio spreads risk across different areas, asset classes and time frames. It doesn’t rely on a ny single country’s political stability, any one sector’s dominance, or any particular currency maintaining its value.

In practical terms, this means your portfolio should include local Philippine assets for familiarity and stability, global stocks for long-term growth, bonds or money market instruments for capital preservation and, where appropriate, exposure to other asset classes that behave differently from stocks. No single investment should be large enough that one negative event can derail your financial goals.

Invest with a purpose, not with the news cycle. Markets will always give us reasons to feel excited or scared, sometimes within the same week.

Record highs provoke euphoria. Corrections trigger panic. Neither feeling provides a reliable guide for making sound financial decisions.

The disciplined investor centers every choice not on the latest market fluctuation, but on well-defined go als. Are you saving for retirement two decades from now? For your children’s college education in ten years? For a business you want to start in five? Your goal sets your time frame. Your time frame determines your risk tolerance. Your risk tolerance shapes your portfolio. It’s important to follow this order not the other way around.

Karlo Biglang-awa is

from a low of 5.925 percent to a high of 6.1 percent.

T-bill yields also climbed over inflation concerns, after the April inflation print came out higherthan-expected at 7.2 percent, driven by “sharply higher” global oil prices stemming from the Middle East war, Ricafort said.

To bring back inflation to the 2 to 4 percent target of the government, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has signaled further rate hikes if the armed conflict in the Middle East is prolonged and inflation worsens. Moreover, the Philippine peso hit a new record low at P61.75 on Monday, which could lead to higher importation costs and inflation, Ricafort added.

Nonetheless, Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corp. President Michael Gerard D. Enriquez said the violence in the Senate and the

HE Marcos administration is still studying if it can absorb an additional financing offered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) without missing its fiscal and debt management targets.

The ADB announced last week its readiness to extend $1.75 billion to help the government cushion the socio-economic impact of the war in the Middle East, which created pain points to net oil importing nations like the Philippines.

A week later, Palace Press Officer Claire A. Castro told reporters covering the Palace said the Marcos administration held off accepting the offer from the ADB until the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Finance (DOF) can look into it.

Castro said the financing support from the ADB will still go through the review and approval process of DBM.

“The [DOF] needs to study the

THE release of this year’s national budget moved at a slower pace compared to last year, with 81.3 percent of the budget released as of the end of April.

terms and conditions of the financing to ensure that it is in line with the government’s fiscal and debt management objectives,” Castro said in Filipino.

Debt targets

UNDER its Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, the Marcos administration is aiming for a debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio lower than 60 percent by 2025.

However, the Congressional Policy and Budget Department (CPBRD) has projected that the country’s debtto-GDP ratio can rise to 63.8 percent this year and to 64.3 percent in 2028.

The national government’s outstanding debt has climbed to a new all-time high of P18.488 trillion as of end-March, pushing the debt-toGDP ratio to its highest in 21 years at 65.2 percent

Castro earlier said the President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is pushing for the passage of a bill the will allow the government to tap its savings as well as unreleased and unobligated

Latest data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed that P5.523 trillion of the P6.793-trillion national budget has been released from January to April.

This was slower compared to the same period last year when the DBM released 89.5 percent, equivalent to P5.663 trillion, of the P6.326-trillion national budget.

The DBM explained that the lower release rate was due to the additional revalidation processes undertaken for existing infrastructure projects to ensure that releases remain aligned with implementation readiness, project requirements and fiscal priorities.

“The DBM continues to work closely with agencies to facilitate the timely and prudent release of funds for priority programs and projects,” it added.

DBM data further showed that 74.4 percent, or P3.271 trillion, of the P4.396 trillion under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) has been disbursed as of end-April.

Of the amount, P2.768 trillion went to line departments, while P141.902 billion was set aside for special purpose funds (SPFs).

SPFs are budgetary allocations earmarked for specific socio-economic activities, including budgetary support for government corporations, local government units, contingent fund, miscellaneous personnel benefits fund, national disaster risk reduction and management fund and pension and gratuity funds.

Moreover, 89.6 percent, or P2.146 trillion, of the P2.396 trillion in auto -

impeachment proceedings are just the “usual” political noise.

“In my opinion, investors consider this as the usual political noise, which does not directly affect their view on the economy,” Enriquez said.

“It’s more of inflationary concerns that are affecting the short-term bill rates,” he added. “The [Treasury] already rejected the higher bids to better manage the short-term rates not to move up too fast.”

The 182-day and 364-day debt papers were partially awarded at P8.6 billion and P3.810 billion, respectively. The government intended to raise P10 billion each from both tenors.

appropriations.

The push came after the DBM revealed last April that the government may require an additional P155 billion to sustain its actions addressing the conflict in the Middle East. The state’s responses include the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) from the region and provision of fuel subsidies and service contracts to public utility vehicle drivers and their operators.

When asked if the government will push for a supplemental budget request from Congress for its Middle East response, Castro said the DBM has no final decision on the proposal.

“For now, any next steps will be based on the results of the government’s inter-agency assessment of fiscal space and the actual need for our response measures,” Castro said.

Waiting game

ONE of those measures is the “Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport,” or “Up -

matic appropriations has been released.

In April, the DBM released 75 percent, or P21.525 billion, of the P28.7billion allocation for net lending.

About P712.5 billion in interest payments were also disbursed, out of the P950-billion program.

The DBM also made P9.368 billion of the P14.5 billion allocated to the tax expenditures fund available.

As early as January, the DBM had fully disbursed the P1.190 trillion allocation for national tax allotment and the entire P93.982 billion in block grants.

The DBM also freed up the entire P16.89 million to cover the requirements of various government agencies.

An additional P257.021 million in retirement and life insurance premiums (RLIP) of state workers were also released, on top of the P82.451 billion already released in January.

Furthermore, P12.064 billion had been released from the 2025 continuing appropriations for line departments and SPFs as of end-April.

As for unprogrammed appropriations, the DBM released an additional P25.111 billion in April, bringing the total releases to P79.892 billion.

This includes P44.901 billion for the Department of Transportation, P24.891 billion for the Department of Public Works and Highways, P9.587 billion for the Department of Social Welfare and Development and P511.033 million to the Philippine Competition Commission.

Unprogrammed appropriations are standby appropriations that authorize additional agency expenditures for priority programs and projects when revenue collections exceed the resource targets or when additional grants or foreign funds are generated. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

The 364-day T-bills received the weakest demand at P5.660 billion, while bids for the 182-day amounted to P12.150 billion.

Next Monday, the Treasury will issue 91-, 182- and 364-day T-bills, with the final issuance volume to be determined upon the release of the Notice of Public Offering before the auction.

The Treasury aims to raise as much as P268 billion from the issuance of T-bills and Treasury bonds this month.

Outstanding debt of the national government climbed to a new alltime high of P18.488 trillion as of end-March, pushing the debt-toGDP to its highest in 21 years at 65.2 percent.

Meanwhile, the auction committee upsized the awarded bids for the 91-day T-bills to P13 billion from the planned P10-billion offering as demand reached P19.870 billion. Demand for short-dated securities remained relatively subdued, with bids exceeding the P33-billion offer by just 1.2 times. Combined bids for the three tenors reached P40.680 billion.

lift,” bill that Castro said last week would be possibly included in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council’s meeting. However, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) undersecretary said the May 19 meeting will no longer push through. She did not disclose the reason for the postponement.

Malacañan’s push for the Uplift bill as urgent came after Senator Vicente C. Sotto III was replaced by Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano as the new president of the Upper Chamber of Congress.

“The change in leadership in the Senate is their activity. So, the President has nothing to do with whether they change the leadership or not. So, that’s up to them, that’s up to the Senate,” Castro said. This was echoed by Marcos when asked by reporters during an event in Mandaluyong City last Monday.

“We will have to wait and see [if there is another leadership change],” Marcos said.

By Andrea Louise San Juan

N ET profit of banks in the Philippines grew in the first quarter of 2026 albeit at the slowest pace since the pandemic lockdowns, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) indicated.

Latest data from the central bank showed the Philippine banking system posted a 2.87 percent growth in its

in the

three months of 2026. Historical data from the BSP indicated this was the slowest pace of growth since banks’ net income contracted by 5.68 percent in 2021 or during the pandemic years.

net income of the banking sector increased to P104.82 billion as of March 2026 from P101.9 billion as of March 2025.

The banking industry’s total operating income grew 23.41 percent to P370.70 billion in the period ending March 2026 from the P336.90 billion posted in the same period last year.

Data from the BSP showed net interest income of the banking industry reached P310.59 billion in the first quarter this year.

The data showed this represented a 12.44-percent increase from the P276.23 billion posted in the first quarter of 2025.

In terms of non-interest income, however, Philippine banks saw a 0.92-percent contraction to P60.11 billion in March 2026 from P60.67 billion in March 2025.

The data also showed that universal and commercial banks posted a net profit of P96.26 billion as of March 2026. This was 1.88 percent higher than the P94.49 billion posted in March 2025.

Thrift banks, meanwhile, posted a net profit of P5.86 billion in the first quarter of 2026, a 11.83-percent growth from the P5.24 billion in the first quarter last year.

The BSP also reported that rural and cooperative banks posted a net income of P3.42 billion in the first three months of 2026. This was 6.54 percent higher than the P3.21 billion posted in the same period last year.

Digital banks, meanwhile, posted a net loss of P717.71 million in the period ending in March 2026. This, however, was 31-percent narrower than the P1.04 billion net loss in March 2025.

Art BusinessMirror

Vida Doria is living the dream:

Painting as a pursuit of happiness and purpose

WHEN someone tells you they “own a Vida Doria,” they’re likely referring to a piece of women’s clothing bearing the fashion designer’s name—a wedding gown or formal wear, for instance, or one of her many blouses in a burst of vibrant colors and prints.

To art lovers, owning a Vida Doria means having another of her creative outputs in their possession: an oil on canvas painting of flowers or other natureinspired scenes executed in romantic strokes and hues reminiscent of the French Impressionist Claude Monet.

Longtime collectors of her work, as well as those eager to discover this side of the designer and Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1971 winner are welcome to visit Tapestry of Woven Dreams, a group exhibition that runs from May 22 to 28 at the Atrium on the second floor of The Podium in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

Through this event, Vida fulfills the dream of exhibiting with her five co-members of Katha Art, a group of ladies from diverse backgrounds who share a common passion for arts and good food. Originally mentored by the late Nestor Villanueva, the ladies are now guided by Jeff Consumo.

Each will showcase a collection of 15 to 20 paintings, making the event a visual treat of colors, styles and themes. In turn, Vida and the other featured artists will be contributing to making others’ dreams come true too. A portion from the proceeds of their sales will go to three of the ladies’ chosen charities: Sibol Ning Aeta Foundation Inc., Mary Queen of Heavens Missionaries, and Vida’s personal pick, ANCOP (Answering the Cry of the Poor), the non-profit founded by the Catholic family renewal community Couples for Christ, of which she is a member.

EYEFUL OF AN EXHIBIT

WHETHER you’re familiar with her works or are seeing them for the first time, you’re sure to get an eyeful from this exhibit. For one thing, the artist includes paintings on larger canvases—a request of her clients, she tells you. Then there are her colors and strokes, which have noticeably become less Monet and more Van Gogh.

“Even with his small works, his perspective is amazing. And his colors!” she gushes of the beloved post-Impressionist Dutch painter. “He doesn’t mix two colors to get a third color. To him, if it’s red, it’s red; if it’s yellow, it’s yellow; if it’s green, it’s green.

Also, when you look at his paintings, there’s so much movement, it’s like they’re swaying.”

The exhibit is an opportunity to explore new themes too. Apart from her trademark flowers and dreamy meadows and prairies, expect to see waterscapes in her collection. “My impression of the ocean and the deep sea,” she notes.

Yet as she continues to evolve as an artist, growing in confidence and being open to trying new things, one thing is constant: “When you see my paintings, there is emotion.”

PAINTING TO HEAL, HELPING OTHERS HEAL INDEED, emotion has always been integral to her art. Deeply affected by back-to-back deaths in her family in 2005—her brother due to cancer and their mother two months later—she took up a friend’s invitation to join a “Paint to Heal” class in Santa Maria della Strada Parish in La Vista, Quezon City. “The very first painting that I made during that session was a bouquet of flowers I titled My Mom’s Bouquet,” she says. “It’s still with me.”

That she took to painting easily in that first class didn’t come as a surprise. The fashion designer and boutique owner for five decades simply “migrated” her fashion know-how—from her penchant for bright, happy colors to her use of luxurious fabrics—onto a canvas.

Like her fashion, which has been around since the early 1970s and continues to capture a market that’s into timeless, feminine apparel, there’s great enthusiasm for Vida’s paintings—people just have to have them. In a previous solo show, an oil on canvas of a nature scene in autumn was purchased early by an art patron “who didn’t even haggle, not a single centavo,” she says. Turns out, other buyers had their eye on that painting too and were disappointed to know it had already been sold. In another exhibit, one guest snapped up three paintings, while others bought two each.

Perhaps people don’t just see beauty in her canvas; they see the artist’s earnestness and the purity of her intentions, as well. Unknown to many, with each painting Vida sells, someone benefits.

“I have family members and friends who need chemotherapy or a PET scan, and it’s so expensive,” she says. The artist has even been known to donate to strangers seeking medical assistance. “So, I pray that people like my paintings so I can help others.

Miraculously, people do. Even I’m surprised.”

Over 20 years ago, Vida turned to painting to heal. Today, the wife, mom of four grown children, and

grandmother to three grandkids who cheer whenever they see her, paints both for art’s sake and to help others heal.

“That’s why if you see my studio, my canvas is always ready and mounted, and my paints are open. So, when I feel like painting, I can just go,” says Vida. “I have so many things I want to paint that I don’t think I would be able to paint them all even if I had forever!”

Vida Doria-Legaspi is joined by five Katha Art featured artists including Gracie Aranda, Clarita Lazatin Magat, Bebet Pastelero Sto. Tomas, Salie Henson Naguiat, and Rellie Liwag. The Tapestry of Woven Dreams exhibit runs from May 22 to 28 at the Atrium of The Podium in Ortigas Center.

Interested parties may contact Vida Doria about her art and paintings at 0917-7926720 for mobile, Viber and WhatsApp, and via e-mail at vidadlegaspi@ gmail.com.

‘Michael’...

CONTINUED FROM B5

Amazon MGM Studios had three movies in the top 10, including The Sheep Detectives in fifth place, Project Hail Mary in seventh place and Is God Is rounding out the top 10. The Sheep Detectives enjoyed a slim 33 percent drop from its first weekend, taking in an additional $10.2 million and bringing its running total to $30.5 million. Project Hail Mary, which is now available to rent or buy at home, brought in another $3.4 million in its ninth weekend in theaters. Is God Is, Aleshea Harris’s adaptation of her Obie-winning play about twin sisters ( Kara Young and Mallori Johnson ) on a quest to find and kill their abusive father made $2.2 million in its first weekend in theaters. It has a 97 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Meanwhile, the action caper In the Grey, released by Black Bear, made $3 million from 2,018 locations. Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal and Eiza González star in the film about a team of elite operatives on an impossible mission. It currently carries a 44 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and a “B” CinemaScore.

There were also several high-profile re-releases in theaters this weekend, including Top Gun which made $3.1 million, and Shrek which earned $1.3 million.

Paul Dergarabedian, head of marketplace trends for Comscore, noted that Prada, Michael and Top Gun all making the top 10 show “nostalgia is on full display.”

Distance yourself from rigidity and conflict when dealing with organizations, agencies or institutions trying to force you down a path that doesn’t feel right. Partner with those who have something to contribute. ★★★

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Stop worrying about what others are doing. Follow your instincts, include details and do what you do best. Challenge yourself, and you’ll come out on top. Don’t let a change of attitude someone displays dismantle your thoughts and actions. Make decisions that live up to your expectations, budget and concerns. Trust, love and put yourself first. ★★★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Network, learn something new, associate with people who share your interests and take the initiative to tidy up loose ends. Clearing the way for something you want to pursue will help you stop procrastinating and start manifesting your dreams. Refuse to let someone use you as a way to further their own agenda. Protect your reputation and ideas. ★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): See what’s available, and focus on budget, truthfulness and the best way to fill your heart with joy and your soul with peace. Expand your relationship with someone who touches your heart and exposes their deepest feelings, secrets and desires. The growth and love you experience will help you gain insight into achieving your bliss. ★★★★★

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Stick to your budget, control your emotions and focus on healthy living and being kind. Use your intelligence to bring about positive changes, and talk to those you want to get to know better. Sharing concerns and solutions will give you a sense of belonging and hope for a better future. Home improvements will encourage better relationships. ★★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Stick to what’s important to you. Look for the truth, and stand by your word. Refuse to let what others do play with your mind or tempt you to get involved in something you shouldn’t. Make your own opportunities, and stick to what you know and do best. The only one you need to please is yourself. ★★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Find peace of mind and comfort in the confines of your surroundings. It’s up to you to build the foundation that pleases you and allows you to follow your heart, your interests and to find the peace and joy of doing what’s best for yourself. Refuse to let outside influences tempt you. ★★★

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Listen, but don’t believe everything you hear. Distance yourself from anyone pushing their views on you. Choose to put your energy into personal growth and gain. Home adjustments and self-improvement will give you the boost you need and the confidence to engage in chasing your dreams. Don’t give control to someone else; be the master of your destiny.

BIRTHDAY BABY: You are responsive, sensitive and opportunity-driven. You are intense and productive.

‘58th’ selected to compete at New Zealand’s Doc Edge Festival

GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures’ animated documentary film 58th continues its international festival run after being officially selected to screen at the 2026 edition of Doc Edge Festival, New Zealand’s premier documentary festival and an Academy Awards-qualifying event.

The selection marks another major milestone for the film, following its earlier selections at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival and International Film Festival Rotterdam earlier this year.

Recognized globally as one of the leading platforms for documentary storytelling, Doc Edge is accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with winners in selected categories becoming eligible for Oscar consideration. The Doc Edge Festival showcases the best films from New Zealand and around the world and is committed to selecting high-quality films that demonstrate excellence in storytelling, celebrate diversity, and inspire social change.

58th revisits the Maguindanao Massacre, widely regarded as the deadliest attack on journalists in history, honoring the victims while bringing renewed attention to the case of Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay, who is still seeking recognition as the 58th victim. The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Carl Joseph Papa and features a stellar cast led by Glaiza de Castro. By combining animation with archival footage, 58th retells this important story for younger and international audiences. The film explores themes of press freedom, fragile democracies, election violence, impunity, and accountability—issues that continue to resonate around the world. Since its world premiere, the film has continued to gain attention from international programmers and audiences for its bold visual language and timely political resonance.

The film’s participation in Annecy, considered the world’s most important animation festival, and Rotterdam, known for championing bold and groundbreaking cinema, helped position 58th among a new generation of daring international films. Its selection at Doc Edge further widens the film’s reach across major global documentary and animation festivals.

The Doc Edge Festival will take place from June 24 to July 12 in New Zealand. 58th will be screened in Auckland on June 29 at 8:15 pm and on July 2 at 6 pm (Auckland time).

THEATRE Group Asia has announced that acclaimed iconic Filipino performer Celeste Legaspi will take on the role of Older Allie in its highly anticipated production of The Notebook: The Musical A defining figure in Philippine performing arts, Legaspi brings with her not only a storied career, but a lifetime of shaping the very landscape of Filipino music, theater and cultural advocacy. Born into a family of artists as the daughter of National Artist for Visual Arts Cesar Legaspi,

Show

JUST a few minutes before tickets were made available in the market for his planned July concert, reports came in that these were all sold out. Billed as WRTen By, this very special two-night concert at the New Frontier Theater will showcase the many gifts of Ross as a performance artist.

“I couldn’t believe it when I got the news from Viva that both nights were sold-out less than an hour after tickets were released for sale. I became emotional, and was lost for words,” Ross shared.

The 28-year-old wears many hats: singer, songwriter, composer, dancer, comics writer, comedian, actor. “I think I just have too many things inside me that need to be released from time to time. And I’m more than happy that I can find these ‘releases’ through various forms of art.”

There was a time when Ross was engulfed by depression and anxiety, but he is happy to have risen above all these challenges. “I feel that my mind is too active, that’s why there are so many rooms that are open for a lot of emotions to come in, including unnecessary ones. That’s why I am glad I have learned to manage these emotions and to constantly remind my mind not to think of more than what it can handle. I’m happy that I have learned to channel these overwhelming emotions through different creative outlets.”

He added, “It also helped that I have learned not to take everything seriously—especially the opinion of others, especially on social media. Before I used to be very affected with the littlest harsh comment, rude criticism, or even a differing opinion. But as I grow older, I have happily learned to edit, delete and not let these affect me. Self-love is truly very important.”

Self-love indeed pushed Ross not only to explore different artistic endeavors but also to excel in whatever he sets his sights onto. His new album Aking Musika is a testament to his serious pursuit of anything artistic that he chooses to focus on and excel at.

“I still don’t think many people know me as a singer and songwriter, and that is perfectly okay. This album hopes to make them realize that I can be one also, a serious one,” he said.

I was reminded about an interview I did with Ross when the worldwide pandemic was on its last stretch. He was telling me about the close friendship he developed with celebrities Vice Ganda and Ion Valdez when the couple took him in during a critical lockdown period of the pandemic.

“They treated me not just as a friend but as family, and I will forever be grateful for the love that they

Wilbert Ross continues to spread his wings

continue to show me,” he told me, adding, “I will make sure that they will get front row seating in my July concert!”

The young dreamer from Davao has indeed come a long way. With both feet still firmly grounded,

‘Michael’ reclaims the top box office spot in its 4th weekend

BY LINDSEY BAH� The Associated Press

AFTER two weeks trailing The Devil Wears Prada 2, the Michael Jackson biopic Michael reclaimed the No. 1 spot at the North American box office with $26.1 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates on Sunday.

The Lionsgate movie is in rarefied territory, having brought in $703.9 million worldwide and counting.

It still has a way to go to surpass the current reigning champion of musical biopics: Bohemian Rhapsody. The Queen movie grossed over $910.8 million worldwide. There were also several newcomers in the mix this weekend, including the relationship horror movie Obsession, the Guy Ritchie action pic In the Grey, and the revenge saga Is God Is, but the holdovers continued to draw the largest crowds. The power dynamics are poised to shift when Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters next weekend. Disney and 20th Century Studios’ The Devil Wears

Prada 2 took second place in its third weekend with $18 million, bringing its domestic total to $175.9 million and worldwide earnings to $546.2 million. Obsession topped the newcomers, exceeding expectations with an estimated $16.1 million from 2,615 theaters. YouTube breakout Curry Barker wrote and directed the thriller in which a hopeless romantic gets more than he bargained for when his crush returns his affections. The film received

positive reviews from both critics (94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes) and audiences (“A-” CinemaScore). Perhaps more notable is that Barker made the film for $750,000. Focus Features acquired it out of the Toronto International Film Festival last fall for around $15 million.

Lisa Bunnell, president of domestic distribution for Focus Features, attributed some of Obsession’s success to audiences craving fresh, original voices at the movies. It’s also getting an infusion by wordof-mouth, with younger audiences making plans to go back with friends. Horror movies don’t often get CinemaScores in the “A-” range, but Obsession is in good company with another recent hit: Weapons

“I’m expecting a really strong holdover,” Bunnell said. Fourth place at the box office this weekend went to Mortal Kombat II, which fell 65 percent in its second weekend to $13.4 million in domestic ticket sales. Globally, it has made $101.2 million from 80 markets.

SEE “MICHAEL,” B4

PHILIPPINE MUSIC ICON CELESTE LEGASPI RETURNS TO THEATER IN ‘THE NOTEBOOK: THE MUSICAL’

Legaspi’s creative foundation was established early. She began singing in kindergarten and rose to prominence in 1969 as part of The Ambivalent Crowd before transitioning into a solo career that would redefine the possibilities of Original Pilipino Music. Her splendid recording career boasts legendary successful albums, such as Ako si Celeste and Bagong Plaka, Lumang Kanta that achieved gold and double platinum status, while songs, like “Saranggola ni Pepe,” “Tuliro,” “Mamang Sorbetero,” and “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal?” became enduring Filipino classics. Parallel to her music career, Legaspi cultivated an extraordinary presence in theater. She appeared in early productions, such as Showboat and Oliver! before gaining widespread acclaim

through performances at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, where she collaborated with literary giant Rolando Tinio.

In 1988, alongside longtime collaborator Girlie Rodis, Legaspi co-founded Musical Theater Philippines, a company that became instrumental in producing original Filipino musicals. Through this platform, she helped bring to life works, such as KenKoy Loves Rosing, Alikabok, Sino Ka Ba Jose Rizal, Fire Water Woman, and Saranggola ni Pepe, championing narratives rooted in Filipino identity and history. In stepping into The Notebook: The Musical, Legaspi embraces both the artistic challenge and emotional depth of the role. She reflects: “The characters in The Notebook are interesting. As I study the music of the Older Allie, I

learn that the music is modern and exacting.” Her portrayal of Older Allie is shaped by personal experience as well. “My family suffered when my mother got sick with Alzheimer’s for 10 years. It was one of the most difficult times in our lives. Although remembering that is painful, it will be my responsibility to honor my mother by bringing understanding and compassion to my role.”

TGA has assembled a multi-generational ensemble capable of capturing the sweeping emotional scope of The Notebook: The Musical, which features music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a Tony Award-nominated book by Bekah Brunstetter. More information can be found at www. theatregroupasia.com.

BDO Life stands out as Gen Z’s top insurance choice

Gen Zs are taking a fresh approach to securing their future. While many prioritize side hustles and personal goals, they also value authenticity and see the importance of financial protection early on.

Recognizing this shift, BDO Life has emerged as Gen Z’s top choice for their next purchase, earning the No. 1 spot in Consideration in the insurance sector at the 2026 Synergy-YouGov Awards. This citation comes from YouGov BrandIndex’s 2025 nationwide consumer tracking results, based on daily brand health tracking among more than 3,000 Gen Z respondents.

“BDO Life is expanding its reach to support a broader range of breadwinners, including Gen Z. We appreciate how they value life insurance as a meaningful way to plan ahead and secure their future. This milestone inspires us to keep growing alongside the evolving needs of future DBP relocates to a prime location in Naga, Cebu

deepening relevance among younger generations who consider insurance not just a safety net, but as their Plan B in building a

WOVEN: Four years of elevated moments, flavors, celebrations at NUSTAR Resort Cebu

Nworld-class experiences in gaming, hospitality, dining, retail, and entertainment along Cebu’s South Road Properties.

To celebrate the occasion, NUSTAR unveiled “WOVEN: Four Years of Elevated Moments,” a monthlong anniversary celebration inspired by the idea that every memorable stay, meaningful interaction, and shared experience forms part of a larger story carefully woven together over time. The campaign reflects the people, moments, and experiences that continue to shape NUSTAR into one of the country’s most iconic integrated resorts.

NUSTAR’s 4th Anniversary E-Raffle

AS part of the anniversary festivities, NUSTAR launches a resort-wide e-raffle promotion running throughout the month of May 2026. Guests who spend a minimum of P2,000 net in a single, same-day receipt at participating outlets earn one e-raffle entry. Multiple entries and bill splitting are allowed.

Participating outlets include NUSTAR Hotel,

Fili Hotel, Hagod Spa, Mott 32, Il Primo, Xin Tian Di, Fina, Umisho, NUSTAR Lobby Lounge, Fili Lobby Lounge, Fili Café, Abaca Baking Company, Bangkok Kitchen, Barcino, Cafe Laguna, Carmen’s Best, Cebu’s Original Lechon Belly, Coffee Bay, Dai Pai Dong by Harbour City, Gong Cha, Good Luck Hot Pot, Jose Filipino Kitchen, Koshima by Nonki, Lemon Grass, Lucky Lantern, New York Buffalo Hot Wings, Nonki Express, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, Shilin Bites, Sisig Hooray, Starbucks, Taiwan Shabu-Shabu, Texas Roadhouse, Thirsty, UCC Mentore Coffee + Bar, Yeonhwa by Kaya, and Huangdi. Retail outlets at The Mall at NUSTAR include Boss, Bulgari, Burberry, Celine, Dior, Ferragamo, Givenchy, Gucci, Kenzo, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Montblanc, Porsche Design, Rimowa, Rustan’s Beauty Source, Saint Laurent, Tiffany & Co., Tory Burch, Univers, and Versace.

The promotion is open to all guests and NUSTAR Rewards members. To participate, guests simply scan the QR code and complete the online form with their name, mobile number, email address, governmentissued ID, and receipt upload.

The promotion runs until May 31, 2026, with entries accepted daily from 8 am to 9 pm.

Five lucky winners will take home exclusive prizes, including an overnight stay at the Chairman’s Suite, AirAsia tickets for two to any domestic destination, a P10,000 dining voucher at Mott 32, and Fili Café dinner buffet vouchers for two.

HWoven Through Flavor: Anniversary Dining Experiences

NUSTAR’s signature restaurants are joining the celebration with limited-time anniversary offers throughout May.

At Il Primo, guests can enjoy Social Four: Aperitivo Nights, a curated selection of four celebratory drinks available all month long. Xin Tian Di presents Fourfold Fortune, where guests who order any three distinct dim sum dishes receive one complimentary siomai from until May 31.

Elevate Every Stay with Exclusive Anniversary Privileges

GUESTS can also enjoy exclusive anniversary privileges with 25 percent savings on Fili rooms and 30 percent savings on NUSTAR rooms, plus a complimentary upgrade to the next room category, a one-time P500 casino gaming credit upon arrival, access to The Mall NU Perks, and a 20% discount at signature outlets except Mott 32. Offer is valid for booking and stay until May 31, 2026.

The Mall | NUSTAR’s Grand Giveaway

AS part of its anniversary celebration, The Mall | NUSTAR Cebu invites guests to shop, dine, and be rewarded through June 30, 2026. For every P10,000 spent, single or accumulated, at participating outlets, shoppers earn one electronic raffle entry for a chance to win luxurious stays at NUSTAR Hotel, including a three-night stay in a Bayview Suite.

Qualified guests may also receive instant rewards such as P500 movie passes at NUSTAR Premier Cinemas or dining gift certificates from select restaurants, making every visit even more rewarding.

Getting to NUSTAR

NUSTAR provides complimentary shuttle services from key locations around Cebu. Guests may also enjoy free 24/7 parking at the resort’s upper and lower ground floors, alongside valet services available at the Casino Entrance and Fili Hotel at NUSTAR Cebu lobby drop-off. Shuttle service locations can be viewed at nustar.ph/free-shuttle. Reservations are encouraged for all dining offers. For more information, guests may visit NUSTAR Resort Cebu Official Website or contact contactus@nustar.com. ph or (032) 888-8282.

OW a young girl from an island coastal town found healing, belonging, and childhood through people who chose to stay In the quiet island coastal town of Anda, Pangasinan, where the rhythm of life is shaped by the sea and resilience is a way of life, a young girl’s journey has become a powerful story of courage, compassion, and hope.

Ara (not her real name) was born with a congenital anal malformation, a condition that profoundly affected her early years. Growing up in a family sustained by her father’s modest income as a fisherman and her mother’s devoted care, access to specialized medical treatment remained out of reach. For years, Ara endured discomfort in silence, attending school with hesitation and navigating daily life with caution and self-consciousness.

In August 2024, during a service initiative in Anda, members of the Rotary Club of San Mateo Highlands were introduced to Ara through a local public school teacher and fellow Rotarian. What began as a simple referral soon evolved into a deeper commitment, one that recognized not only a medical need, but a child who deserved care, dignity, and a chance at a normal life. Support began within the community, with the club providing essential assistance such as food, vitamins, medical supplies, clothing,

STATE-OWNED Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has moved its branch-lite unit (BLU) in Naga City, Cebu to a more strategic location as part of its continuing efforts to provide more convenient touchpoints for its clients.

DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. de Jesus said the DBP Naga branch-lite unit, which has transferred to the Naga City Hall Building in Purok Diamond, Brgy. East Poblacion, Naga City, Cebu will enable the Bank to better serve its clients in the city as well as nearby municipalities. DBP Naga BLU is among the 153 branches of the Bank, most of which are located in underserved areas

of the country. Present during the blessing and inauguration last month are Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro, Naga City Mayor Valdemar M. Chiong, and DBP Chairman Philip G. Lo (third, fourth, and fifth from left, respectively). Also in photo are the Head of DBP Branch Banking Group – Central & Eastern Visayas, Senior Vice President Helbert Antoine A. Achay (second from left), the Technical Assistant of Visayas Lending Group, Vice President Jose Roy G. Laporno (leftmost), and the Head of DBP Talisay Branch, Assistant Vice President Kristine Michelle B. Ancog (rightmost).

Philippine proptech company makes 1st international expansion through strategic partnership with Canadian firm

PHILIPPINE PropTech company Inventi is making its move into North America through a partnership with Canada-based Property Copilot, marking a proud milestone for a homegrown SaaS firm as it enters a highly developed real estate market.

The move positions Inventi within a growing trend of Philippine tech companies exporting enterprise-grade software, as global demand for digital and increasingly AI-enabled property management platforms increases. While the local real estate sector generates over $90 billion annually, the adoption of integrated property technology in the Philippines remains limited. Many property owners and operators are only starting to transition from fragmented tools to unified platforms, creating room for locally built solutions to

and overseas. As part of their collaboration, the companies will establish Inventi Canada Inc., which will introduce Inventi’s platform to the Canadian market. The initial rollout is targeted for the second half of 2026, with plans to expand further across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia, as part of a long-term roadmap for the Asia-Pacific region.

Inventi has spent over seven years building enterprise technology solutions for the Philippines’ property management industry. The company currently serves some of

and financial aid. These efforts helped prepare Ara for the long and complex medical journey ahead, as her condition required careful strengthening before surgical intervention.

In July 2025, Ara was brought to Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila for thorough evaluation. Despite the challenges of leaving her hometown for the first time and facing an unfamiliar hospital environment, she remained quietly brave. On August 22, 2025, she successfully underwent anoplasty, marking a major turning point in her life. Her recovery required unwavering commitment. For one month, Ara underwent daily dilation therapy, an essential but painful process carried out with dedication by the club’s pediatrician and nurse, alongside the constant support of her parents. This phase of healing was marked not only by medical care, but by consistency, patience, and compassion. During her stay in Manila, Ara and her family were welcomed into the home of a Rotary member, providing a safe and nurturing space between hospital visits. In this environment, Ara experienced moments of joy she had long missed—her first mall visit, her first train ride, shared meals, and the simple freedom to play without fear. She also joined

the most recognized property developers in the country, with its platform supporting over 400 buildings and more than 12.8 million square meters of managed space. Its technology covers facility management, work order management, visitor management, and building administration.

Property Copilot specializes in leasing, tenant screening, and digital payment solutions for the real estate industry. Its financial technology will enhance Inventi’s platform, offering enterprise clients a broader suite of tools and greater value in their subscriptions. “This expansion shows that technology developed in the Philippines can compete on a global stage,” said Francis Henares, President and CEO of Inventi. “We built our platform by addressing real operational challenges,

Rotary gatherings, including a Governor’s visit and a Christmas celebration, where she was embraced as part of a family.

In December 2025, the club organized a “Movie for a Cause” fundraiser to support her continuing treatment, drawing overwhelming support from individuals and communities moved by her story.

On February 23, 2026, Ara reached another life-changing milestone as she successfully underwent the takedown of her colostomy after ten years. This marked not just a medical achievement, but the realization of a long-held hope—to live freely and experience the childhood she deserved.

Following a period of observation, Ara was cleared to return home. On March 12, 2026, she journeyed back to Anda, Pangasinan. The Rotary Club of San Mateo Highlands made it a point to be present for this meaningful transition. Members spent time with Ara and her mother, sharing a simple meal together before accompanying them to the bus terminal.

It was an emotional moment for everyone. For Ara and her family, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. For the Highlanders, it was the fruition of a shared mission, a dream realized after years of unwavering commitment that began in 2024. What started as a simple act of service had grown into a journey of healing, hope, and transformation.

How Keir Starmer imploded and plunged Britain into more chaos

By Alex Wickham

KEIR STARMER acknowledged the stakes if he and his Labour Party failed, in his first words as prime minister. Nodding to the political chaos that had gripped Britain in recent years, the former prosecutor pledged to end the “era of noisy performance” that was draining away people’s belief in a better future.

“One of the great strengths of this nation has always been our ability to navigate a way through to calmer waters,” Starmer told flag-waving activists outside No. 10 Downing St.’s glossy black door on July 5, 2024. “And yet this depends upon politicians, particularly those who stand for stability and moderation—as I do—recognizing when we must change course.”

Those words are now reverberating back on Starmer and the more than 400 Labour faithful he led to electoral victory in every corner of the country.

Less than two years later, Starmer, weakened by personnel scandals, fiscal struggles and dismal election results, is facing calls from more than one-fifth of his party to go. The biggest blow came three weeks ago. One of Starmer’s longest supporters in Westminster, the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, called the prime minister, urging him to set a timetable to leave office.

Starmer refused, arguing his departure would hand power to the populist architect of Brexit, Nigel Farage, according to people familiar with the conversation.

But the prime minister’s sense of betrayal, in learning that his earliest friend in Westminster was leading the effort to push him out, only compounded the crisis for the government. Britain is facing the prospect of a divisive and drawn out leadership battle to install what would be its seventh prime minister in a decade.

Far from reaffirming people’s faith in public service, Starmer’s historic collapse is raising questions about whether Britain has become ungovernable. The principal change promised by Labour—a turn away from the turmoil under the Conservatives that led to Brexit and the socalled mini-budget crisis—rings increasingly hollow.

Meanwhile, the investor confidence Starmer and his chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, have tried so hard to rebuild over the past 22 months has rapidly dissipated due to fears they could be swept aside by a more left-wing government that doesn’t accept how stretched the public finances are.

Starmer’s chief rival for the job, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, has complained about the British government being “in hock” to the bond market, a remark he said was a critique of the political system rather than investors.

The uncertainty has prompted a steep selloff in the pound and UK government bonds, a third of which are held by overseas investors, as traders seek safer harbors. The yield on 30-year gilts, which is more sensitive to fiscal and political risks than shorter notes, rose above 5.8%, the highest level in almost three decades.

Some investors are now anticipating gilt yields above 6%,

a level that could push Britain into recession and fiscal distress. Lurking in the background are the so-called bond vigilantes, who have repeatedly shown their willingness over the years to punish Britain for loose fiscal policy.

John Sidawi, senior portfolio manager at Federated Hermes, said that even from his base in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the UK’s politics constantly command his attention. Sidawi pared back his investments in UK debt in February and said there’s little incentive to plunge back in.

“When political instability is tied to fiscal uncertainty, the value argument for the UK falls apart,” Sidawi said. “It opens the door to another bond vigilante run.”

This is the story of how Starmer led Labour from triumph to turmoil. It is based on interviews with dozens of ministers, lawmakers and political aides. They spoke to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity to discuss the details of internal government disputes.

The cheering crowds had hardly left Downing Street’s rainsoaked pavement in July 2024, when Starmer’s ministers— many in government for the first time—began to accept a gloomier narrative. In the row of 17th century houses that contain the center of British government, they discovered they hadn’t done enough in their long years in opposition to prepare for the task at hand and had far less money than they needed.

Reeves, a former Bank of England economist and junior chess prodigy, sat down with the Treasury only to be given the bombshell news that her Conservative predecessors had left the public finances in an even more parlous state than she had thought. She went public to warn of a £22 billion “black hole” in the budget. Starmer followed up a few weeks later with a similarly bleak message in the rose garden behind No. 10.  Their solution was to slash a popular subsidy on winter heating bills and signal tougher decisions were coming in Reeves’ first budget. Business confidence immediately plunged. Members of Parliament began to field complaints from pensioners furious that their heating expenses were soon to rise.

One former aide acknowledged that Reeves’ doom-laden rhetoric immediately wiped out any optimism that the public felt toward the new government. When the history of the Starmer administration is written, it is Reeves who will come off worst, a senior figure on the left of the party said, characterizing her as out of her depth.

Reeves has repeatedly defended the “tough decisions” she has made, blaming the fiscal situation she inherited. She told the BBC after the heating subsidy was abandoned last year that she did

“understand the concerns that people have.”

Starmer, Reeves and other top ministers were buffeted early on by a wave of revelations that they had accepted clothing, concert tickets and other benefits from wealthy benefactors. While they apologized and agreed to curb the freebies, the episode reinforced impressions that Labour was no different from the scandal-plagued Tory government under Boris Johnson.

The atmosphere outside Westminster was even worse in the first weeks of the administration, as the killing of three girls in northwest England prompted a wave of unrest at hotels housing asylum-seekers. The sometimes-violent incidents were fanned online by hard-right agitators and billionaire Elon Musk predicted on his X social media platform that “Civil war is inevitable.”

Reeves’ first budget in October 2024 brought some £40 billion of tax rises, focused on businesses, leading to widespread complaints that she was departing from her election pledge to prioritize economic growth. The tax increases have been blamed for helping push unemployment to a four-year high, with youth joblessness at almost 16%.

Behind the scenes, infighting had broken out between Starmer’s top lieutenants, including his chief of staff Sue Gray and top political adviser Morgan McSweeney. It became clear that the plans needed to enact long-overdue overhauls of the courts, the prisons, the welfare system and the defense industrial complex and National Health Service were far from ready.

Gray, a veteran civil servant who had overseen inquiries into Downing Street parties during Covid lockdowns, was the subject of a steady flow of critical stories citing anonymous Downing Street officials blaming her for the inaction. Just three months into the job, Starmer removed Gray and replaced her with McSweeney, whose efforts to limit the influence of Labour’s left-wing made him a subject of controversy in the party.

As Starmer’s domestic challenges piled up, events unfolded across the Atlantic that drew his attention abroad. Donald Trump’s election to a second term as US president ensured havoc as he roiled the globe with tariffs, pulled back US support for Ukraine in the war with Russia and threatened the collapse of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

The UK, reliant on its socalled “special relationship” with America in particular for its defense and security, was especially exposed to the

breakdown of the transatlantic alliance. Starmer adopted a strategy of flattery, shrugging off his past attacks on the president in an attempt to hold the billionaire Republican close and prevent a rupture in relations.

His approach at times appeared servile and was uncomfortable for many in Labour, still scarred from Tony Blair’s support for George W. Bush’s war in Iraq.

While Starmer’s allies insist it helped prevent a worst-case scenario on Trump’s policy toward Russia, NATO and his designs on Greenland, it reached its limits when Starmer refused to support the president’s war with Iran, badly damaging their personal relationship.

A person close to Starmer blamed Trump as singularly responsible for the failure of his premiership. They said from the moment Trump was elected, the international crises that followed meant it was impossible for the prime minister to focus on the domestic priorities of voters.

No British leader had confronted a global security situation as dangerous as the one caused by Trump in decades, they said, arguing that if the Democrats had won the election the story of Starmer’s time in office would have been completely different.

Trump’s victory also led Starmer to make what he privately views to be his worst ever mistake. Rather than appointing a career diplomat as his ambassador to Washington, the premier appointed Peter Mandelson, a notorious figure from the Tony Blair era nicknamed the “Prince of Darkness” for his penchant for scandal and political machinations. The idea was that Mandelson’s skill-set would endear him to Trump-world.

Instead, a Bloomberg News investigation revealed the extent of his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and set off a series of events that were integral to Starmer’s plight. The prime minister sacked Mandelson following the revelations, only for more details to emerge during the release of the Epstein Files which forced the resignation of McSweeney and sparked police and parliamentary inquiries, further destabilizing the government and imperiling Starmer’s position.

The Mandelson scandal deepened a factional divide that had already broken out between the right and left wings of the Labour Party, as it has so often in the party’s history.

In early 2025, confronted with a soaring welfare budget and productivity crisis, Reeves had sought to reform a key benefit payment given to disabled people with the aim of saving some £5.5

September, hoping for a reset. Some allies urged him then to fire Miliband, the energy secretary, and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, whom the prime minister already suspected of plotting against him. Starmer declined, fearing instability in the party, the person said.

By April of this year, fresh revelations about Starmer’s appointment of Mandelson had once again rocked faith in the PM’s judgment. The USIsraeli war in Iran has rekindled fears of inflation and dashed the government’s hopes of an economic rebound.

billion and curbing what she saw as an unsustainable rise in spending.

The chancellor did so with the bond market in mind. Despite the Bank of England cutting interest rates, the risk premium in gilts had risen since Labour entered office. That kept bond yields elevated, limiting Reeves’ fiscal room-for-maneuver and leaving her headroom against her budgetary rules vulnerable to the whims of investors.

Yet for left-wing Labour MPs who entered politics to protect the vulnerable, it went against everything they stood for. A rebellion grew as lawmakers warned they could not stomach measures they said would plunge thousands of people into poverty.

For that wing of the party, the proposed cuts also spoke to their growing criticisms of Starmer as a leader: that he had no positive vision for the country and no policies bold enough to deliver the “change” Labour had promised.

By the summer, Starmer and Reeves were trapped, stuck between Labour rebels and the bond market. Politics prevailed and they were forced to climb down, canceling the cuts as well as a series of other unpopular revenue-raising policies, only adding to investors’ nerves.

At the time, a person close to Starmer despaired that Labour had “a hundred Liz Trusses” on its backbenches, pushing the government into an ever-riskier fiscal space.

“Recent experience has shown investors that a big parliamentary majority no longer guarantees stability and, as a result, they are demanding a premium,” said Dan Hanson, c hief UK economist with Bloomberg Economics. “With the electorate increasingly fragmented, the big risk is that future governments find that they lack the political capital needed to take the tough decisions that will have to be taken to keep the public finances on a sustainable path.”

One of the prime minister’s closest supporters said that capitulation on welfare was the beginning of the end of his premiership, arguing it sent a signal to Labour’s so-called soft-left faction that they had the numbers to push the premier in their direction and, if he refused, to force him out. Reeves’ subsequent appearance in the House of Commons in tears prompted investors to sell off, concerned she wasn’t long for the job.

Both Starmer and Reeves hung on. But from that moment, the prime minister was in office, but out of power, the supporter said. Starmer nevertheless attempted a reshuffle in

Local elections were looming that would see Labour lose some 1,500 council seats and surrender for the first time control of the Welsh parliament. The chief beneficiaries were Farage’s Reform, the left-wing Greens and pro-independence parties in Scotland and Wales. Some in the governing party decided it was time to lead the prime minister toward the exit.

Miliband took the lead. The former Labour leader, who had played an instrumental role in the prime minister’s decision to enter politics, urged him to set a timetable for an “orderly transition.” The call confirmed Miliband’s return as a power broker in Labour more than a decade after leading the party to defeat in the 2015 election.

A spokesperson for Miliband declined to comment.

In recent weeks, he emerged as a key advocate for allowing Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, back into Parliament and poised to seek Starmer’s job. An ally of the prime minister compared it with Miliband’s decision to stand against and defeat his own brother, David, for the Labour leadership in 2010.

Concerned that Labour’s left-wing was rallying behind Burnham, Streeting laid the ground for his own run for the leadership. He quit the cabinet on Thursday, saying it was “now clear” that Starmer wouldn’t lead Labour into the next election, due in 2029. He backed Burnham’s return to Parliament, but could yet challenge him for the leadership.

While allies of the prime minister complain of betrayal, Starmer has nonetheless inched toward accepting Miliband’s plan. On Friday, a key Labour panel cleared Burnham to run for the seat.

Allies of Miliband, Burnham and Streeting said their actions were motivated by a desire to give their party the best chance of defeating Farage. Still, one Starmer ally expressed disbelief that Labour politicians were riven by factionalism like the Tories after only a fraction of the time in power.

If Burnham succeeds in winning back local voters from Reform, he will be the clear front-runner to replace Starmer.

Supporters of Burnham believe he will be named the new premier in time for Labour’s annual conference in September. That prospect weighed on investors on Friday. The yield on 10-year gilts jumped 18 basis points to 5.17%, the highest since 2008, with global concerns about high energy costs and inflation also driving the move. Burnham’s announcement that he intends to run for Parliament put the pound on track for its worst week since 2024 against the dollar. Burnham’s supporters hope a handover will be orderly. Recent experience of British politics suggests the chances of that are slim. With assistance from Julian Harris, Alice Gledhill and Georgia Hall/Bloomberg

Guiao braces for semis vs ‘half Gilas’ Gin Kings

By Josef Ramos

AIN OR SHINE and Barangay Ginebra

RSan Miguel start their semifinals duel in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday with Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao admitting his team has its hands full playing “half of Gilas Pilipinas” in the best-of-seven series.

We are dealing with half of Gilas Pilipinas—plus the Best Import—and the GOAT himself,” Guiao said. “And they’re also peaking every game, so we need a good defensive game plan to contain them.”

SEAN RAMOS returns with confidence to familiar ground this week to complete an unfinished business in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Caliraya Springs Championship that gets under way Tuesday at the Caliraya Springs Golf and Country Club here.

Ramos hopes to ride the momentum from a near-breakthrough on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) in Selangor where he lost in a three-man playoff two weeks ago into what could be a long-awaited second Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) title.

“ Definitely, I’m very hungry for a win after coming off a good week at ADT in Malaysia,” Ramos said. “I’m always thankful when I’m home and get to play the local tour.”

The talented shotmaker first broke through on the PGT by capturing the inaugural Lakewood Championship in 2024 over veterans Tony Lascuña and Reymon Jaraula.

Since then, Ramos remained one of the Tour’s most consistent performers, balancing campaigns on the Asian Tour and ADT while regularly contending locally.

Now back at Caliraya where he tied for seventh last year, Ramos believes the challenging layout could reward disciplined play and smart decisionmaking as much as power.

“I’m very excited to be back at Caliraya,” he said. “It’s a good course and an event I look forward to every year.”

But Ramos faces a loaded field in the P2.5-million championship, the second stop of this season’s 10-leg circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Defending champion Keanu Jahns is back to anchor the title defense, while reigning Order of Merit winner Angelo Que, multi-titled Clyde Mondilla, Guido van der Valk, Jhonnel Ababa, Rupert Zaragosa, Jaraula and Lascuña are all expected to contend in what shapes up as another wide-open battle.

R ising stars Carl Corpus and Aidric Chan are also tipped to challenge as they add youthful firepower to an already deep cast.

The tournament resumes the Tour after a two-month break following the Lakewood Championship in Cabanatuan City last March, a pause that appears to have only heightened the players’ hunger heading into the rest of the season.

The tournament also features a strong international contingent led by Korean standout Ha Taewon, runner-up to absentee Justin Quiban at Lakewood, along with Daiya Suzuki, Hyun Jin Youn, Ugo Ottogalli, Nakajima Hikaru, Junghyeon Son, Atsushi Ueda, Kim Tae Soo, Jisung Cheong, Ryoto Furuta, Lee Song and Fil-Am Ivan Yabut.

AUSTRALIAN

I

Ginebra is one team that’s hard to contend with— head coach Tim Cone has 25 PBA titles, resident import Justin Brownlee’s a certified reliable despite being undersized in the conference and there are Gilas players—besides Brownlee--Scottie Thompson, RJ Abbarrientos, Japeth Aguilar and Troy Rosario.

It will be a tough grind game, a tough series,” Guiao said. “We are the best scoring team in the eliminations so we’re sure that they are doing everything to make scoring tough for us.”

R ain or Shine and Ginebra square off at 7:30 p.m. right after the 5:15 p.m. series between TNT Tropang 5G and Meralco at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

R ain or Shine averaged 112 points during the elimination round behind import Jaylen Johnson’s 23.6 points, 14.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game that gave them a 9-3 win-loss card.

Guiao and the Elasto Painters brought that energy with a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals where they topped powerhouse San Miguel Beer, 113-104, last Friday.

Th anks to Andre Caracut’s career-high 29 points just in time against the Beermen.

Ginebra, on the other hand, again had Brownlee to rely on—he everaged 30.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists in the 12-game eliminations that got them a 9-3 record and were superior over Phoenix Super LPG in the quarterfinals.

Singson locked and loaded from overseas stints

THE Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) resumes Tuesday with the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Caliraya Springs Championship that features a loaded cast of leg winners, seasoned campaigners and rising stars.

B annering the field are Yvon Bisera and Mafy Singson, both returning in top form after sharpening their games overseas during the LPGT break.

Bisera heads to Caliraya brimming with confidence following her victory at the Lakewood Championship in Caba natuan last March—she edged Sarah Ababa and LK Go in a playoff. Armed with a steady all-around game and proven composure under pressure, she looms as one of the strongest con tenders for back-to-back victories.

Singson, meanwhile, returns battle-tested after campaigns on the China and Thailand tours, experiences she believes have elevated both her confidence and consistency.

I’m looking forward to playing at Caliraya again. I always enjoy playing the course,” said Singson, who tied for seventh here last year.

The young Filipina star said she hardly stepped away from competition during the LPGT break.

“ I’ve been playing tournaments in China and Thailand and it’s always fun

to be back on the local tour,” she said.

“I’ve been practicing pretty much every day as usual and I’ve been staying more consistent with my fitness and recovery.

I’m ready to play and just hoping everything comes together.”

A lready a winner on the LPGT after edging Bisera in sudden

But Guiao said Ginebra and San Miguel Beer are apples and oranges.

Ginebra is a different situation with SMB and we expect the series to be more exhausting,” he said. A drian Nocum is averaging 14.7 points and Gian Mamuyac provides leadership in the backcourt with 13 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. They will be up against an Ginebra backcourt consisting of Stephen Holt, Thompson and Abarrientos.

HEAD coach Yeng Guiao: It will be a tough grind game, a tough series. PBA IMAGES

death at Eagle Ridge and capturing  the Match Play Championship at The Country Club last year, Singson appears primed for another strong title run in the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

The tournament could have gained even more intrigue with the return of Pauline del Rosario, but the Epson Tour campaigner withdrew at the last minute from the P1 million championship to prepare for her breakthrough stint in the Ladies Professional Golf Association’s premier major championship.

Del Rosario, whose campaign is supported by ICTSI, recently secured one of the final two berths in the US Women’s Open set June 4 to 7 at Riviera Golf Club in Pacific Palisades, California, surviving a grueling 36-hole sectional qualifier at Cross Timbers Golf Course in Azle, Texas.

A fter opening with a 67, the former Taiwan LPGA Tour winner battled through a roller-coaster final round before birdying Nos. 13, 14 and 15, then draining a clutch eagle putt on the closing par-5 for a gutsy 70 and a 137 total that sealed her spot in the major championship.

Dagupan City named regional training center for Pangasinan

THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has officially unveiled Dagupan City as Pangasinan’s Regional Training Center (RTC) for gymnastics and swimming, sparking excitement and strengthening hopes of shaping the next generation of Filipino world-class athletes.

PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio and Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez signed the memorandum of agreement along with PSC commissioners Walter Torres, Matthew “Fritz” Gaston, Division Schools Superintendent Marciano Soriano Jr. and Finnela Sim, head of the Dagupan Youth and Sports Development Commission.

“ We believe talent should be nurtured where it is found. By establishing Regional Training Centers, we ensure that children don’t have to leave their homes just to access world-class facilities. We bring the opportunities to them,” Gregorio said. A s part of the collaboration, the PSC and the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP), led by president Cynthia Carrion, donated the very same equipment that Carlos Yulo trained on before becoming a world champion and clinching double Olympic gold in Paris 2024, an inspiring legacy now set to elevate the skills and dreams of Dagupan’s young gymnasts.

One technical flaw can separate a champion from a finalist. For Gout, the next phase of development may be more psychological than physical. Managing fame, media attention, sponsorship pressure, and national expectations will become as important as refining his starts or improving his bend running.

A ustralia also faces a broader challenge: protecting its young superstar from overexposure. Modern sports culture often rushes phenoms toward celebrity before they are physically or emotionally prepared. The smartest path for Gout’s camp may involve selective racing, patient progression, and prioritizing long-term development over short-term headlines.

There is also the Olympic factor.

The closer the sporting world moves toward the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, the louder the attention surrounding Gout will become. Australia has traditionally been stronger in swimming, rowing, and field events than in global sprinting. A genuine Australian sprint medal contender would be transformational for the sport nationally. Commercially, Gout’s potential is enormous. He is charismatic, marketable, and already resonates with younger fans through highlight clips and social media virality. Athletics has long searched for new crossover stars capable of connecting with audiences beyond traditional track followers. Gout possesses that