Manila Standard - 2025 June 19 - Thursday

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PBBM: Fuel subsidies ready amid war fears

LTFRB set to OK P1 jeep fare hike, provincial buses to follow

By Charles Dantes and Alena Mae Flores

THE government is preparing to roll out fuel subsidies amid the rise in global oil as Iran and Israel exchanged missile strikes for a sixth day, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, with the Land Transportation Regulatory and Franchising Board (LTFRB) poised to grant petitions from public utility jeepneys for a P1 hike in minimum fare by next week.

While global oil prices eased Wednesday following Tuesday’s surge, investors remained on edge fearing a US intervention in the Israel-Iran conflict after President Donald Trump called for Tehran's "unconditional surrender.”

Local oil companies estimated that next week's pump price increases could range from P3.40 to P3.60 per liter for

By Charles Dantes, Vito Barcelo, Maricel Cruz and Ram Superable

WHILE he sees no need yet for mandatory repatriation for Filipinos caught in the ongoing conflict be

tween Israel and Iran, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government has already identified a route for those voluntarily seeking to be evacuated. Israel and Iran exchanged fire again on Wednesday, the sixth day

of strikes in their most intense confrontation in history, fueling fears of a drawn-out conflict that could engulf the Middle East.

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said his nation would "never surrender" after US President Donald Trump stepped up his rhetoric, demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and warning America knows where Khamenei is located but will not kill him "for now."

Foreigners have rushed to leave

By Ram Superable

By Vito Barcelo

Pot Chavez

the battle begin... We will show the Zionists no mercy.

By Charles Dantes and Ram Superable

PRESIDENT Marcos has expressed dismay over the country’s education sector

ESTERO RANGERS.With the onset of the

global oil supply.

PBBM:...

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diesel and P2.30 to P2.50 per liter for gasoline, based on the average of June 16-17 Mean of Platts Singapore trading.

"Growing uncertainty around the Iran-Israel hostilities and concerns the conflict may intensify and disrupt supply, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, have further pushed up the prices of crude oil and refined fuel products," said Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas.

Rino Abad, director IV of the Department of Energy's Oil Industry Management Bureau, said the high oil prices are driven by speculation that the Iran-Israel conflict could impact

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Israel and Iran amid fears that their conflict would escalate.

President Marcos said for the first batch of Filipino voluntary repatriates, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac was already on his way to Jordan to coordinate both the evacuees from Israel and Iran.

“The problem we had in evacuating them was that because of the war, many airports were closed. So, we were looking for a route where we can get them out (and) we have been able to do that,” he added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is planning to raise the alert

Palace...

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be alerted if there is an issue and the leader is accused of corruption and it seems that other senator-judges are siding with her,’’ Castro said.

‘‘This is alarming because the country's economy is improving. This is contrary to what the Vice President said—that the economy is failing,’’ she added.

Castro warned that the government's economic gains may be undermined if the Senate impeachment court fails to act on the complaint against Duterte.

She stressed that while the executive branch would not meddle in the impeachment process, the Senate must be mindful of broader economic implications.

‘‘It would be regrettable if our economy would be affected just because of what is happening in the Senate. So, our only appeal to the Senate regarding the impeachment trial is not to hasten the ongoing impeachment trial as we will not interfer but to simply follow the Constitution and the rule of law,’’ Castro said.

The Makati Business Club earlier urged the Senate to fulfill its constitutional duty by proceeding with the impeachment trial.

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) also expressed concern over the Senate’s decision to return the articles of impeachment against Vice President Duterte back to the House of Representatives.

Last week, Castro also emphasized the importance of lawmakers neutrality in handling Duterte’s case, citing observations that some senatorjudges had shown their biases when the Senate convened as an impeachment court.

Meanwhile, the Senate impeachment court is anticipating that Vice President Duterte’s legal team may file a motion to dismiss in response to the summons issued to her.

"I think their failure to submit the necessary filings is part of their strategy. We don’t really know the true reason, but perhaps your colleagues in the House should ask about that," impeachment court spokesperson lawyer Reginald Tongol said in a press conference Wednesday.

However, Abad said what has been consistent in the analysis is that “there is no actual supply disruption in the Middle East," in particular, Iran's exports of 1.5 million to 1.6 million barrels of oil per day.

Abad explained that even if a supply disruption were to occur, it would amount to only 1.5 percent to 1.6 percent of global oil supply.

The President said the government will aid those most affected, much like it did during the COVID-19 pandemic, as he acknowledged that higher oil prices would impact many sectors, especially public transportation.

"We are starting already with the assumption that the oil prices will in fact go up," President Marcos said,

levels in Iran and Israel as escalating conflict between the two nations entered its sixth day.

Once a decision is out, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega said the agency may “temporarily” raise the alert level in Israel from 2 (restriction phase) to 3 (voluntary repatriation phase).

The alert level for Iran, currently under alert level 1 (precautionary phase), will also be likely raised to “voluntary repatriation phase.”

“We cannot raise it to mandatory because most of the Filipinos there won't go home anyway. They have Iranian families there,” De Vega said.

He also disclosed plans to pull out non-essential personnel at the Philippine Embassy in Tehran.

He revealed that the Senate has yet to receive formal compliance from the House of Representatives or its prosecution panel, despite public statements indicating otherwise.

"We all know that the prosecution panel is backed by experienced advisers, and they will surely do what needs to be done once the answer with affirmative defenses is filed. If Vice President Sara does not submit an answer with affirmative defenses and instead files a motion to dismiss, I am certain the prosecution will file a comment and opposition to that motion," Tongol said.

He clarified that while the prosecution filed a notice of appearance with the Senate in February, it must be refiled now that the Senate is sitting as an impeachment court.

Despite claims from the House panel that further affirmation is unnecessary, Tongol stressed that official communications must follow legislative procedure.

He also addressed criticism from former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who said the Senate was delaying the proceedings. Tongol cited jurisprudence interpreting the term forthwith as without delay, not immediately, referencing Fisher v. Ambler and Manila Masonic Temple v. Alfonso.

"Senator Enrile is very wise and knowledgeable about the law. However, he was not the one confronted with the motion, he is not one of the senator-judges, and he is not sitting as a member of the impeachment court," he said.

Tongol emphasized that while the impeachment court operates under constitutional limitations, it retains authority to interpret procedural gaps in a manner consistent with its sole mandate to try and decide impeachment cases.

He also acknowledged that a gag order may be imposed once the trial begins, as allowed under Rule 18 of the Senate’s internal rules.

"By appointing me as spokesperson, it’s highly likely we are moving toward implementing Rule 18. But of course, it’s still up to the presiding officer at that time, and we can only make educated guesses for now," he said. "We’ll cross that bridge when we get there, once the presentation of evidence begins."

pointing to the possibility of the Strait of Hormuz being blocked if regional conflict escalates.

"The oil cannot come out of its sources. So, the prices will certainly be affected," he added.

Should crude prices exceed $80 per barrel, government fuel aid for public transport drivers and fisherfolk will be automatically triggered. As of June 16, the price of Dubai crude was at US$73 per barrel.

LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said the agency will issue a resolution on the P1 fare hike petition next week.

“One peso across the board, but that’s all – there will be no per kilometer increase yet. It will be flat rate first because it will be too burdensome for consumers if we adjust the flat rate

De Vega said there are less than 20 personnel and officials manning the Philippine Embassy in Iran, including Ambassador Roberto Manalo, who is expected to stay behind.

Some 14 Filipinos requesting repatriation will join the embassy staff should the evacuation plan push through, possibly via land crossing to neighboring Turkmenistan, which has an estimated travel time of 13 hours.

Some 150 Filipinos in Israel, on the other hand, have previously signified their intention to leave the Jewish state as soon as possible.

At least 21 Filipino national and local government officials – including nine mayors, four vice mayors, and two party-list representatives – who are part of an Israeli government-

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However, they are still being used until now. The education sector was neglected. That’s what happened. There was no effort to help education,” he added.

The President did not identify government officials who neglected their responsibilities.

Marcos has called for the need to rehabilitate some school buildings in the country, noting that these were built decades ago.

He said the government would build more school buildings through partnerships between the public and private sectors.

At the same time, the President ordered pertinent government agencies to check all electrical structures in schools following his inspection of the San Francisco High School’s Dao Building, which was heavily damaged by fire on June 15, a day before the opening of classes.

“As usual, faulty electrical system was the problem. That’s what we need to watch out for because our school buildings are already outdated,” Marcos told reporters duringan on-site inspection.

He also pointed out that the electrical systems were overloaded with computers, electric fans, and air conditioners, among other appliances.

Education Secretary Juan Edgado Angara, who accompanied the President in inspecting the burnt school building, acknowledged the country’s learning crisis as a major challenge.

Angara asserted however, that the problems were manageable through “focused program and reforms.”

“We can manage it, but we need action, and we have the leadership of the President. He has promised to devote resources to it,” he said in an interview.

Angara also said the Department of Education (DepEd) was particularly concerned with the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed many children further away from structured learning.

and have the per kilometer increase,”

LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said in an interview with dzBB.

“We may have a provisional increase, but subject to certain conditions, such as if gasoline prices reach $80 per barrel for the Dubai oil,” he added.

The LTFRB could also grant the fare hike petition for provincial buses but “on a graduated rate for the first 10 kilometers then subsequently, we will have a price for every subsequent kilometer,” he said.

The Department of Energy has urged gasoline station owners and operators to provide discounts for PUVs affected by the anticipated jeepney fare hike.

“Specifically, we are asking gas

sponsored study visit are also stuck in Israel as airspace remains closed.

The Israeli international aid agency MASHAV earlier said they will cross Jordan and take their flight back to the Philippines from there.

Other countries have started repatriating their citizens since Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign last Friday, targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities and sparking retaliation from Tehran.

Greece has repatriated 105 of its citizens and foreign nationals from Israel, the foreign ministry said Wednesday.

stations to offer discounts or promotions to help relieve the burden on our public utility vehicles,” said DOE officer-in-charge Sharon Garin. Abad said gasoline is now around P51 per liter and diesel at around P60 per liter, compared to January pump prices at P70 per liter for gasoline and P60 per liter for diesel.

"Our worst case scenario, it (oil price hike) might reach 7 to 8 (pesos per liter)," Abad said. "What we can do is to compare it to the historical situation. It’s hard to forecast."

Even if the projected P7 to P8 per liter increase occurs, Abad said gasoline prices would be around P62 pesos per liter, which is lower than or similar to January 2025 prices. With AFP

"The people repatriated were transported to Athens from Sharm ElSheikh, in Egypt, onboard C-130 and C-27 Greek air force planes," it said in a statement.

He said many students remained behind in basic reading and math skills due to prolonged school closures and limited teacher engagement during the crisis.

To address this, DepEd plans to allocate special programs and extend learning time for students with difficulties in literacy and numeracy.

Angara stressed that these interventions are necessary because the effects of the pandemic were still being felt years later.

The learning crisis, initially flagged by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), was described as widespread after a 2019 study revealed that 90 percent of Filipino Grade 5 students cannot read at their expected level.

The same study found that 83 percent of the children struggled with basic mathematics, with performance lowest in such areas as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Meanwhile, the President lauded public school teachers, saying that they are the hardest working public servants.

“They are leaders of their communities. They take care of our children. My God, this is a – you have to – we have to support them,” Marcos said.

To the teachers, expect that in this administration, you will be praised since you give dignity to our educational system.

Recently, the Senate and the House of Representatives jointly passed a concurrent resolution calling on Marcos to create a Cabinet Cluster for Education in order to address the country’s education crisis, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) said.

The EDCOM 2 said it passed the concurrent resolution on June 11, the last day of the 19th Congress, to resolve the prevailing issues of functional illiteracy, lack of access to quality early childhood education, the obvious mismatch between graduate skills and industry needs, and significant gaps in teacher development, as identified by the commission in its Year 1 and 2 reports. Janos Barbero

Along with Greek citizens and their families, other people on the flight included citizens of Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States, it said. Poland on Wednesday also evacuated around 160 people from Israel.

"The first group of Poles has just landed in Warsaw.... They arrived in Poland via Egypt. Another flight tomorrow (Thursday)," Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on X. On Tuesday, at least four countries –United States, China, India, and Thailand – have ordered the evacuation of its citizens from Israel and Iran. With AFP

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The Duterte Youth party-list was among three party-list groups that won three seats in the 2025 elections. The Comelec, however, decided to suspend the proclamation of Duterte Youth due to legal issues raised against it.

The Comelec, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC), proclaimed only 52 out of the 54 groups that won 63 seats in the 20th Congress last May 19.

Garcia said that while the proclamation of the Duterte Youth party-list remains pending as it is facing a disqualification case before the Comelec, the group can still be proclaimed should the Comelec en banc reverse the decision.

Duterte Youth party-list’s first nominee, Drixie Mae Suarez Cardema, was earlier asked by the Comelec to provide an explanation for her purported use of a different last name.

Drixie is the sister of Ducielle Cardema, wife of the group’s chairman, Ronald Cardema.

Drixie Mae declared her full name as Drixie Mae Suarez Cardema in her certificate of acceptance of nomination for the 2025 midterm elections.

The Duterte Youth has argued that Rep. Cardema was using a political name. It will be recalled that progressive organizations have asked the poll body to invalidate the Duterte Youth for allegedly making significant misrepresentations when it fielded candidates who were beyond the age of 18 in 2019.

The proclamation of the Duterte Youth party-list remains pending as it is facing a disqualification case before the Comelec.

DOJ’s...

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The DOJ chief noted however, that an extradition case might no longer be needed when the court decided to cancel Roque’s passport, which would clear the path for the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to arrest him.

CORAL REHABILITATION. A member of the Philippine Coast Guard Marine Science Group (PCG MSG)

participates in another coral reef rehabilitation effort at Pag-asa Island and Kalayaan Group of Islands in Palawan.

National forensics institute major leap for PH—Remulla

By Vince Lopez

DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla on Wednesday said the newly launched National Forensics Institute (NFI) is a major step in transforming the country’s justice system, providing accurate and science-based forensic results crucial in solving crimes.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony held at the University of the Philippines Manila, Secretary Remulla emphasized the institute’s importance in strengthening criminal investigations.

Philippines, was created through Administrative Order No. 29 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The order also established a technical working group (TWG) chaired by the Office of the Executive Secretary and composed of members from the DILG, DOJ, DOH, DFA, DBM, CHED, the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat, and UP Manila.

UP President Angelo Jimenez said the NFI will help produce more forensic medicine experts, enhance the capacity of law enforcement for science-based investigations, and promote a justice system anchored on human rights, transparency, and accountability.

Dr. Raquel Fortun and Dr. Cecilia Lim, the country’s only two forensic pathologists, will serve as core faculty members alongside experts from UP and Monash University under the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine program.

The PCG MSG used methods such as selecting of coral fragment, handling and replanting procedures and assisting biodiversity assessments and surveys. PCG MSG C

“Here, we are certain why, we are certain what was the cause of death, and the scientific evidence for the convictions or acquittals of our suspects is also certain,” he said. Present at the launch were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Australian Ambassador H.K. Yu, Monash University Senior Vice President Craig Jeffrey, and UP Manila Chancellor Michael Tee.

The NFI, the first of its kind in the

The creation of the NFI fulfills one of the Philippine government’s commitments during the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights held in Geneva in December 2023

CA: Pay P28b to Hacienda Luisita

IN BRIEF

Pope Leo XIV accepts resignation of Kalibo bishop

POPE Leo XIV has officially accepted the resignation of Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc as head of the Diocese of Kalibo, according to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

Archbishop Victor Bendico of Capiz was named apostolic administrator sede vacante to oversee the diocese until a new bishop is appointed.

Under canon law, bishops are required to submit their resignation upon reaching the age of 75.

Tala-oc, who turned 75 on June 9, served nearly 14 years as bishop of Kalibo.

“We thank all for their understanding and cooperation during this period of transition,” said Kalibo diocesan chancellor Fr. Justy More.

Tala-oc was ordained a priest in 1979 and became bishop in May 2011. He was formally installed in July that same year. Vito Barcelo

2 Vietnamese arrested for illegal medical practice

THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Wednesday announced the arrest of two Vietnamese nationals for allegedly practicing medicine without a license in Makati City.

CIDG Acting Director Brig. Gen. Rolindo Suguilon said the suspects, identified only as Nguyen (female) and Phuong (male), were caught conducting consultations and giving quotations for nose and body modification procedures at Doly Beauty Lounge in Bel-Air Village.

The suspects were charged for violating Republic Act 2382, or the Medical Act of 1959.

The CIDG warned that unlicensed medical practice poses a serious threat to public health.

Suguilon urged the public to report similar illegal activities and commended the CIDG Quezon City field unit for swift action. Vince Lopez

World Bank backs MMDA waste management project

HE World Bank reaffirmed its support for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in implementing solid waste management under the Metro Manila Flood Management Project.

MMDA Chairman Romando Artes met with World Bank representatives, including Senior Environmental Economist Dr. Pawan Patil, to discuss ongoing challenges and solutions at the agency’s Pasig office.

Artes thanked the World Bank for supporting flood control initiatives, including waste management projects aimed at reducing flooding in Metro Manila. Efforts include upgrading pumping stations and launching communitybased programs to improve waste collection, raise awareness, and promote recycling. Last year, the World Bank conducted a site visit at the Vitas Pumping Station to inspect waste-diversion equipment, such as ecobrick machines and plastic processors, and pledged continued collaboration for better waste solutions. Joel E. Zurbano

THE Court of Appeals (CA) has ordered the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and state-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to pay P28 billion in just compensation to Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI), in line with a Supreme Court ruling mandating the distribution of HLI land to farmer beneficiaries.

In a 35-page decision, the CA said the Tarlac City Regional Trial CourtSpecial Agrarian Court (RTC-SAC) erred in its computation of compensation for HLI. The amount to be paid, the appellate court stressed, should be “real, substantial, full, ample, just and fair,” taking into account factors listed under Section 17

DOJ announces evidence vs. Kelly in Anson Que

case

By Pot Chavez

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday announced the finding of prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction against Gong Wen Li, also known as “Kelly,” in the kidnapping for ransom with homicide of Anson Que.

The DOJ made the declaration following the completion of the preliminary investigation.

In its statement, the DOJ emphasized that “the resolution is not a determination of guilt but a directive to proceed to trial based on the sufficiency of evidence presented during the investigation.”

The department also assured the respondents that they will be afforded their full right to due process, and that their constitutional rights will be safeguarded throughout the judicial proceedings.

“The public can be assured that this case, as with all cases, is being handled to the utmost level of objectivity and accountability,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

He stressed that the rule of law is paramount and that, as stewards of justice, they are “bound not by pressure or presumption, but by evidence, law, and the enduring principles of fairness and due process.”

of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law.

The ruling covers 4,500 hectares of land owned by the Cojuangco family.

In a statement, the DAR said: “We will reserve our legal position in an appropriate pleading with proper coordination with DAR legal services

and the Solicitor General.” It added, “DAR, as was before, now and ever will always uphold what the law provides.”

The appellate court granted HLI’s petition for review and reversed the February 15, 2023 decision and August 11, 2023 resolution issued by RTC Branch 63 in Tarlac City, which had acted as the Special Agrarian Court.

“Respondents are ordered to pay petitioner the total amount of P28,488,944,278.71 as just compensation as of 30 April 2025, without prejudice to the accrual of interest until fully paid,” the CA said.

The court ruled that the RTC-SAC failed to consider actual and reliable data, noting that HLI had submitted documentation on Average Gross

Income, which was dismissed by the DAR Adjudication Board without proof that the data was inaccurate or unverifiable.

The CA also found that the RTCSAC merely adopted the DAR Adjudication Board’s findings and relied on valuations by DAR and LBP, without independent assessment.

The CA explained that the P28 billion valuation was based on a prescribed formula that considered both the value of the property and potential income the landowner could have earned. It deducted the P471.5 million already received by HLI in 2013.

The Supreme Court originally ruled in November 2011 to distribute nearly 5,000 hectares of HLI land to around 6,000 farmer-beneficiaries.

By Vince Lopez

THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2025

Torre makes communities feel safe—PBBM

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III was chosen for his ability to make communities safe, thus restoring public trust in the police service.

“In terms of the police, I only have one thing on my mind, we are safe,” the President said in his social media vlog. “But it’s not enough that people are statistically safe. They must feel

IN BRIEF

Teves undergoes knife for appendix removal

DETAINED former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. on Tuesday underwent appendectomy or surgical removal of an inflamed appendix at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila, his legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio said.

Teves was brought to the PGH last night after complaining of severe stomach pain the night before. He was previously transported to an undisclosed medical facility from his detention center at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

“Rep. Arnolfo Teves is scheduled to go under the knife within the hour for appendectomy. He is under the care of Dr. Ancoy Lopez,” Topacio said.

The lawyer earlier said Teves was supposed to be taken to the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City, but added that his client received the surgery at the PGH instead. Pot Chavez

Mandanas conferred PICPA highest award

BATANGAS Gov. Hermilando Mandanas was conferred on Tuesday evening the “Parangal San Mateo Award” by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Foundation.

It is PICPA’s highest award to a CPA for excellent and distinctive achievements in the accounting profession. According to PICPA, Mandanas has “distinguished himself as a respected leader in the profession, both in the country and in the international arena.”

The group recognized Mandanas’ “exceptional contributions to the advancement of the accountancy profession and steadfast commitment to upholding the highest professional and ethical standards.” Mandanas was behind the Supreme Court’s (SC) landmark ruling that gave local government units a higher share of national internal revenue taxes. Pot Chavez

NGCP stages annual stakeholders meeting

AS part of its holistic approach to supporting a reliable energy industry, NGCP conducted its annual stakeholder consultation to discuss the Transmission Development Plan (TDP) for 20252050, a vital initiative focused to map out future grid development and expansion plans in the Philippines. Held every March across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the TDP stakeholder consultation provides NGCP the opportunity to meet with energy stakeholders and present its grid development plan. This initiative is meant to align with the government’s goals for the energy sector and other power industry players’ committed projects. NGCP also held focused consultations with key agencies such as the Department of Energy (DOE), the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), the National Transmission Corporation (TransCo), the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC), and the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP). Butch Gunio

safe,” he added. The Chief Executive underscored that while crime statistics may show improvement, public trust is built only when the citizens feel secure enough

to walk around the neighborhood at night or send their children on errands without fear.

“I assure you that Gen. Torre is effective at that. And so that’s why we, in the end, chose him for PNP chief,” Marcos said.

“Very soon after he assumed the position, we rolled out the ‘cops on the beat’ program. People feel their presence immediately,” the President said.

He said this renewed visibility of patrol officers is central to rebuilding public confidence and curbing the resurgence of low-level drug activity in local communities.

Asked about his marching orders

for Torre, Marcos said the directive is clear: go after the large-scale drug syndicates and stop illegal drugs from entering the country.

“We still have a drug problem,” Marcos acknowledged. “The shabu is still coming in. I told him (Torre): go after the big ones and close the entry points,” he added. The President also emphasized coordination between the Philippine Coast Guard and the PNP in intercepting drug shipments, ensuring that seized narcotics are destroyed properly and transparently.

“Make sure you’re there when they say it’s so many tons, count it properly,

pour gasoline, and burn it,” Marcos said. He cited reports that while major drug operations are being dismantled, small-time dealers are returning to the barangays. He said this is where the beat patrol strategy becomes essential.

“Because they’re always patrolling, no dealer will want to stay knowing the police are just around the corner. That’s how we drive them out,” the President said.

Marcos reiterated that the goal is not just law enforcement, but restoring a sense of normalcy and safety at the community level.

Cebu gov-elect scores predecessor over trust funds

By Minerva Newman CEBU

City— Cebu governor-elect

Pamela Baricuatro labelled outgoing governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s memorandum to establish trust funds for various provincial programs, as an abuse of power designed to hinder the incoming administration’s ability to serve effectively.

In her Facebook post, June 18, Baricuatro described Garcia’s initiative as an act of sabotage” that undermines the trust of the people of Cebu and sullies the fiscal integrity of the province.

“I am deeply disappointed and appalled by the recent actions of the outgoing governor, as evidenced by Memorandum No. 36-2025. Her last-minute attempt to manipulate the provincial budget through the creation of trust funds just weeks before her departure is not only a blatant disregard for the principles of good governance and democratic transition, but also an outright violation of legal and ethical standards,” Baricuatro said. According to her, such actions are a “stark reminder of the need for vigilance against political maneuvers that seek to entrench influence beyond one’s term.”

As the new leaders of Cebu, Baricuatro said their team will review, assess, and, if necessary, revoke any illegal or questionable provisions of her predecessor’s memorandum.

The mayor said they will also pursue all legal remedies to ensure that the rule of law prevails and that the province’s resources are used transparently and for the benefit of all Cebuanos.

Barucuatro called on her fellow officials and stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of integrity, respect the democratic process, and prioritize the welfare of the people over partisan interests.

QC holds first unified confab on public healthcare

By Rio N. Araja

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte will lead a unified health care drive in a precedent-setting assembly of local government unit-employed physicians, public health experts and key stakeholders from across the city’s health-care system. Belmonte announced the conduct of the two-day convention on June 20-21 at the M.I.C.E. Center, saying the gathering of leaders from local hospitals, health departments, and allied government agencies have one shared goal — to strengthen, innovate, and make healthcare truly inclusive for all “QCitizens.”

The first Quezon City Health Network marks a milestone in Quezon City’s journey toward universal health care, one that is built on collaboration, innovation and a deep commitment to public service, the city government said.

“This convention is more than a professional gathering — it is a citywide movement. One that affirms

is led by Dr. Dave Anthony Vergara, the city’s chief health care op -

erations officer and officer-in-charge of the Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital.

The convention also showcases Quezon City’s intersectoral model of inclusive healthcare.

“This is how we break silos — by working together across disciplines, departments, and sectors to uphold health equity and social justice,” Vergara said. Belmonte, as keynote speaker, would reaffirm Quezon City’s vision of a unified and responsive health system — where hospitals, clinics, social services, and local governance operate hand in hand to deliver compassionate, resilient and accessible care to every QCitizen.

Bomb threat halts classes, offices in Laguna town

By Rex Espiritu

ALL classes and local government operations in Santa Cruz, Laguna were suspended on Wednesday following a bomb threat.

The announcement on the suspension of classes and offices was made by Santa Cruz Mayor Edgar San Luis through a Facebook post.

“Today, a message has been circulating on social media regarding a supposed bomb threat in our town. As a precautionary measure, classes in all levels—both public and private—are suspended, along with the temporary halt of operations at the local government while authorities investigate the matter,” San Luis said.

He urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.

“We encourage everyone not to believe or share unofficial reports. In situations like this, false information can cause unnecessary fear, panic, and danger,” the mayor added.

The Laguna provincial information office (PIO) confirmed that an investigation was ongoing.

“At present, authorities are actively looking into the report. Inspections have started in several facilities including the municipal hall, the provincial capitol, and nearby schools,” the PIO said in a statement.

OPINION

Tricky situation

SO FAR, all the pleadings of the defense team representing FPRRD have been denied by the International Criminal Court.

The demand for inhibition of two of the judges was refused by the judges, then denied by the whole court. But a tricky situation has just arisen.

The defense team is now requesting for the provisional release of FPRRD to a third country which it claims has apparently agreed to host the former president under any conditions set by the court which FPRRD promised to abide by.

Under existing rules, there is apparently no blanket prohibition for a temporary release so long as the conditions set by the ICC can be met by the defendant. A provisional release is therefore entirely possible.

Not surprisingly, the lawyers representing the private complainants are strenuously objecting and disagreeing to the assertions of the defense that FPRRD no longer has any political clout or influence in the country.

They cited that the current Vice President is his daughter and a son remains a member of Congress.

They also pointed out that the youngest son was just elected Vice Mayor of Davao City and could remain as Mayor considering that FPRRD who was just elected as Mayor may not be able to assume the position due to his incarceration.

To the administration, however, a temporary release is a situation that it would rather not like to have and that is understandable.

As of now, the reaction of the administration has been muted at best.

If it will publicly object to the release, it could run counter to its official narrative when FPRRD was brought to The Hague that it was only complying with the request of the Interpol for the arrest of the former president.

In a way, it is now in a dilemma and must navigate the issue cautiously.

This is because if FPRRD will succeed in being provisionally released, he could still be a thorn in the neck of the administration notwithstanding all the conditions that could be set by the ICC.

As we know, the defense team promised that FPRRD has agreed not to use any electronic devices, issue any statements and basically keep his mouth shut to limit communications with the multitude of his followers in the country. Nothing, however, was mentioned about visitation rights.

In The Hague where he is confined,

visitors are strictly limited by number and schedule.

This is the reason why Senator Imee Marcos was not allowed to enter the confinement facility.

The question of supervision is also paramount.

Will it be the third country that has agreed to host him do the supervision or will it still be the ICC.

Regardless whether one is a supporter of the former president or not, one thing going for him with regard to this request for provisional release is his advancing years and current medical condition.

He is now 80 years old and is reported to have some kind of a neuromuscular disorder.

No defendant accused of crimes against humanity has ever been granted a provisional release

Keeping him locked up for years may affect his health and ability to stand trial and since he has been charged, we would all like to see the trial go thru so that his guilt or innocence could be determined.

He himself has time and again said it when he was here.

If the administration was thinking that it was able to wash its hands off the Duterte thorn by his being transferred to The Hague, it is beginning to look it is not the case.

In fact, the contrary seems to be true.

Even if the guy is half a world away, under detention and unable to say anything, he apparently continues to sway events in his country.

What should the government do and how should it react to the Duterte defense team’s request for a provisional release to a third country?

Right now, its current nonchalant response to questions arising from the provisional release request appear to be working and should therefore just wait.

After all, the request will still have to be decided by the whole court.

Besides, no defendant accused of crimes against humanity has ever been granted a provisional release.

But the big mystery is the name of the third country that agreed to host FPRRD.

Longer exposure, more pollen: Climate change worsens allergies

PARIS – Runny nose, itching eyes, worsening asthma symptoms -- the effects of hay fever are nothing to sneeze at, experts say, warning of an “explosion” of allergies as climate change lengthens and intensifies pollen seasons.

The UN’s World Meteorological Organization has found that a shifting climate has already begun altering the production and distribution of pollen and spores.

As winter frost thaws earlier and spring weather gets warmer, plants and trees flower earlier, extending the pollen season, numerous studies have shown.

Air pollution can also increase people’s sensitivity to allergens, while invasive species are spreading into new regions and causing fresh waves of allergies.

More and more people, particularly in industrialized nations, have reported developing allergy symptoms in recent decades.

Around a quarter of adults in Europe suffer from airborne allergies, including severe asthma, while the proportion among children is 30 to 40 percent. That figure is expected to rise to half of Europeans by 2050, according to the World Health Organization.

“We’re in crisis because allergies are exploding,” said Severine Fernandez, president of the French Allergists’ Union. Whereas previously an allergic person would endure only what is commonly known as hay fever, albeit sometimes for years, “now that person can become asthmatic after one or two years,” Fernandez said.

Climate change affects allergy patients in multiple ways, according to a 2023 report by the WMO.

Rising levels of carbon dioxide, one of the main heat-trapping gases produced by burning fossil fuels, boost plant growth, in turn increasing pollen

production.

Air pollution not only irritates the airways of people exposed, but it also causes stress to plants, which then produce more “allergenic and irritant pollen”.

Nicolas Visez, an aerobiologist at the University of Lille, said each plant species reacted differently to a variety of factors such as water availability, temperature and CO2 concentrations.

Climate change affects allergy patients in multiple ways, according to a 2023 report by the WMO

Birch trees for example will wither as summers get hotter and drier, while the heat causes a proliferation of ragweed, a highly allergenic invasive plant.

“There’s no doubt that climate change is having an effect,” Visez said.

In a study published in 2017, researchers projected that ragweed allergies would more than double in Europe by 2041-2060 as a result of climate change, raising the number of people affected from 33 million to 77 million.

The authors suggested that higher pollen concentrations as well as longer pollen seasons could make symptoms more severe.

A Europe-wide “AutoPollen” program under development aims to provide real-time data on the distribution of pollen and fungal spores.

In Switzerland, a tie-up with MeteoSwiss allows patients and doctors to match personal allergy profiles with maps of specific allergens throughout the country.

In parts of France, authorities have

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format in pen and ink with colored pencil texture. A couple of young Filipino children in school uniforms are returning to school. The school building is anthropomorphized. It looks like a typical Philippine public school. The door serves as the mouth, and the door panels are broken like missing teeth. The windows are shattered. The walls are buckling. At the facade of the school is labeled ‘Our ejukasion sistem’ scrawled like a crayon. The building has a speech balloon emanating from its mouth saying, ‘Welcome back.’

EDITORIAL

Thorough planning in gov’t projects

WHICH government agency or agencies came up with the idea of rehabilitating EDSA, the highway connecting a number of cities in Metro Manila as well as to outlying northern and southern provinces?

We imagine it’s the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation and the Metro Manila Development Authority that worked together on the rehabilitation plan.

The tri-agency project was really needed as we’re told that the last time the vital road artery in Metro Manila had undergone major repairs was 50 years ago.

Now, with a rapidly growing urban population and a corresponding increase in the number of public and private vehicles using EDSA on a daily basis, then the EDSA rehab project is truly an idea whose time has come.

But wait. There appears to have been a headlong rush to get the multi-billion road rehab project off the ground that the impact on the riding and motoring public and remedial measures to cope with the resulting traffic congestion for the two-year timeline of the project had not been adequately discussed.

The result, if the original twoyear project duration were to be followed, would have been pure bedlam in EDSA and nearby thoroughfares as hours-long traffic would be the new normal, even if Transportation

planted “pollinariums,” gardens packed with the main local allergen species.

These provide information on the very first pollen released into the air so that people can start taking antihistamines and other protective measures in a timely manner.

“Hazelnuts have started to bloom as early as mid-December, which wasn’t the case before,” said Salome Pasquet, a botanist with the association behind the pollen gardens.

“That’s really because we’ve had very mild winters, so flowering has come earlier,” she said.

Some countries are taking an inter-

Secretary Vince Dizon had said that portions of the Skyway road project of San Miguel Corporation and the North-South Connector Road could be used by motorists for free to avoid the anticipated daily traffic jam along EDSA.

The postponement of the P8.7-billion rehabilitation of EDSA would remain in effect until ‘a solid rerouting plan’ is proposed and local government units are fully ready

Aware of the potential carmageddon that the EDSA rehab project could cause, President Marcos Jr. has stepped in and ordered the agencies concerned to make a detailed plan for traffic rerouting before rehabilitation of EDSA could begin.

ventionist approach -- cutting off the pollen at the source.

In Japan, the government announced a plan in 2023 to combat allergies caused by the archipelago’s many cedar trees, which includes felling cedars to replace them with species that produce less pollen.

Countries in Europe are also more mindful of species in the environment, both native ones that have been planted and invasive newcomers like ragweed.

Preference is given to species with a lower allergenic potential, such as maple or fruit trees.

“The idea is not to stop planting al-

The postponement of the P8.7-billion rehabilitation of EDSA would remain in effect until “a solid rerouting plan” is proposed and local government units are fully ready, according to the Chief Executive.

“One of the things we have also focused on in the past few weeks is transportation. I earlier announced the temporary suspension of the Edsa rebuilding program. I said that two years is too long to bother our countrymen.,” the chief executive said.

“And until I see solid re-routing plans and I can be sure that the LGUs are well prepared, let’s not do it and fix the plan first,” he added.

The president’s decision is commendable following concerns raised by commuters about the inconvenience that the rehabilitation would cause. Rehabilitation was supposed to start in mid-June.

The EDSA rehabilitation aims to rebuild and reconstruct its 23.8-kilometer southbound and northbound lanes, which Department of Public Works and Highways said would cover 200 kilometers of lanes. Given the scope of this project, the Transportation and Public Works departments should really go back to the drawing board and revamp their plan within a month. As the President has pointed out, there are more effective ways and new technology that we can use to finish the project ahead of time—and spare the hapless public and the economy of a two-year Carmageddon.

lergenic species,” Pasquet said, but to be mindful of creating diversity and avoiding having “places where there are rows of birch trees, as was the case a few years ago”. It was birch trees in a client’s garden that originally set off symptoms for Simon Barthelemy, an architect who lives near Paris.

“I had a major eye allergy, and it’s been a recurring problem every year since,” he said.

“I’m on antihistamines, but if I don’t take them I get itchy eyes, I’m very tired, I cough... I can’t sleep at night.” AFP

Trump battles to keep control of state troops

LOS ANGELES—Calm appeared to be returning to protest-hit Los Angeles on Tuesday as the mayor lifted a nighttime curfew, while President Donald Trump battled to keep control of California troops he deployed to the city.

A fraction of the sprawling US city had been off-limits from 8pm to 6am to most people for a week after instances of looting and vandalism during demonstrations against Trump’s immigration raids.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the curfew had been “largely successful in protecting stores, restaurants, businesses and residential communities from bad actors who do not care about the immigrant community.” However, she added that, “as we continue quickly adapting to chaos coming from Washington,” she was prepared to reissue a curfew if needed.

Bass and other California officials have accused Trump of inflaming tensions by sending 4,000 of the state’s National Guard troops—as well as 700 Marines—to the second-largest US city.

In a show of political muscle, Trump ignored the objections of Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who would usually oversee the Guard.

A judge said Thursday that the Republican president’s actions were “illegal” and ordered that he return control of the force to Newsom.

But a higher court paused that ruling after the Trump administration

Tokyo, Seoul vow to boost relations vs. Pyongyang

KANANASKIS—At their first faceto-face meeting on the sidelines of the G7 leaders summit in Canada, the leaders of South Korea and Japan vowed Wednesday to boost cooperation in the face of growing threats from the nuclear-armed North.

Newly-elected South Korean President Lee Jae-myung met his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba, saying he hoped the talk would mark “the beginning of a more forwardlooking and improved relationship between Korea and Japan,” according to a readout from Lee’s office.

South Korea and Japan are both US allies and economically advanced democracies, but bilateral ties have been strained by historic issues stemming from Japan’s 35-year colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, including the use of wartime sex slaves.

The neighboring countries had drawn closer under Lee’s impeached predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, who was known for his hardline stance on North Korea and for strengthening military ties with Tokyo and Washington to counter Pyongyang. Lee, who took office this month following a snap election triggered by Yoon’s disastrous martial law attempt in December, has pledged a more conciliatory approach toward Pyongyang. AFP

lodged an appeal and slammed the judge’s order as an “extraordinary intrusion on the President’s constitutional authority as Commander in Chief.”

At an appeals hearing Tuesday, the Justice Department argued that Trump needed to keep control of California’s troops to ensure federal immigration officers could carry out arrests without threats from the public.

“Unfortunately, local authorities are either unable or unwilling to protect federal personnel and property from the mob violence ongoing in Los Angeles today,” said Brett Shumate, representing the Trump administration.

California officials have rejected that charge, insisting that Trump’s use of the military has escalated demonstrations that Los Angeles that law enforcement could have handled.

Samuel Harbourt, representing Newsom and California, pointed out that local authorities in Los Angeles have made around 1,000 arrests during the disorder.

“Are we in a world that’s so different from normal conditions as to justify an extreme measure like militarizing the situation and bringing in the National Guard?” he said. AFP

ONGOING TREMORS.

G7 minus Trump rallies behind Ukraine as US blocks statement

KANANASKIS, Canada—Group of Seven leaders minus President Donald Trump on Tuesday vowed greater support for Ukraine, as the United States blocked a joint call to pressure Russia, which is ramping up attacks on its neighbor.

The US president had been due to meet at the G7 summit in Canada with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with whom he has had a volatile relationship, but flew back to Monday over the Israel-Iran conflict.

Zelenskyy met the other leaders at a remote lodge in the Canadian Rockies hours after Russia hit Kyiv with one of the worst bombardments since it invaded in February 2022, killing at least 10 people in the capital.

In the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, meanwhile, rescuers said the death toll from a major Russian attack on

Ukraine’s capital the previous day had risen to 21, with more than 130 people wounded.

Russia launched dozens of drones and missiles at Kyiv early Tuesday in what President Zelenskyy called “one of the most horrific attacks” on the capital of the three-year war.

“In total, 21 people died in the capital and 134 people were injured,” Ukraine’s state emergency service wrote on Telegram.

It added 16 bodies had been recovered from the rubble of a single ninestory apartment building in the Solomyansky district.

The previous death toll given by Kyiv’s mayor was 14.

Zelensky said 440 drones and 32 missiles were launched in the strikes nationwide and urged the international community not to “turn a blind eye.” AFP

JAKARTA—Dozens of flights to and from Indonesia’s resort island of Bali were cancelled on Wednesday, according to authorities and the island’s airport, after a volcano in the archipelago’s east erupted, shooting an ash tower 10 kilometres into the sky.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a 1,584-meter volcano on the tourist island of Flores, erupted on Tuesday, with authorities raising its alert status to the highest level of a four-tiered system.

“Due to volcano activity of Lewatobi Laki-Laki in East Nusa Tenggara, several flights at I Gusti Ngurah

Rai Airport are cancelled,” airport operator Angkasa Pura Indonesia told AFP in a statement.

The flights cancelled included Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, with Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore’s Tigerair and China’s Juneyao Airlines also cancelling flights “due to volcano”, Bali’s international airport website said.

Jetstar confirmed cancellations to and from Bali in a statement on its website Wednesday, adding that some afternoon flights would be delayed until ash cleared.

PHNOM PENH—Tens of thousands of Cambodians took to the streets of Phnom Penh on Wednesday for an official rally to support the government’s actions in its recent border dispute with Thailand.

A massive crowd led by Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many -- Prime Minister Hun Manet’s youngest brother—joined a “Solidarity March” to support Cambodia’s government and troops stationed on the border with Thailand.

Singing patriotic songs and flourishing Cambodian flags and portraits of Hun Manet and his father, former leader Hun Sen, supporters

“Forecasts show the ash cloud is expected to clear by later tonight. As a result, this afternoon’s flights will be delayed to operate later this evening,” it said.

Several domestic AirAsia flights leaving for popular tourist hotspot Labuan Bajo on Flores were also cancelled.

A Bali airport customer service agent told AFP the aviation hub was still operating normally despite the cancelled flights.

“It depends on the route and also the airline,” the agent, who declined to give her name, said. AFP

marched to the Independence Monument in the heart of the capital.

One Cambodian soldier was killed on May 28 as troops exchanged fire in a disputed area known as the Emerald Triangle, where the borders of Cambodia, Thailand and Laos meet.

The Thai and Cambodian armies both said they acted in self-defense. Hun Many told the crowd that the march was “an encouragement and additional energy for the government and our forces.”

“When the country faces a threat or any insult, the Cambodian people will not stay still, we will stand up in

IN BRIEF

united spirit,” he said. Cambodia has asked the International Court of Justice to help resolve the border dispute in four areas—the site of last month’s clash and three ancient temples. Cambodian leaders have repeatedly said the move was to prevent further military clashes.

Hun Manet said Tuesday evening he wanted to maintain “peace and good cooperation” with Thailand. “Filing a complaint at the ICJ to resolve the dispute peacefully is our best option to keep friendship and good cooperation with Thailand,” he said. AFP

FIBA Asia Cup Trophy makes historic stop at Rizal Coliseum

By Randy M. Caluag

THE prestigious FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Trophy made a ceremonial stop on Tuesday at the iconic Rizal Memorial Coliseum (RMC), located within the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC), as part of its nationwide Trophy Tour.

The RMC, a storied venue that has witnessed countless historic basketball clashes between the Philippines and visiting foreign squads, served as a symbolic backdrop for this leg of the tour.

Now on its third and final stop in the Philippines, the trophy was welcomed by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) officials, alongside members of the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Team—Afril Bernardino, Monique del Carmen, Naomi Panganiban, and Sumayah Sugapong. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Erika Dy and FIBA Asia Communications Head Magesh Saba were also present.

The ceremonial visit builds anticipation for the upcoming FIBA Women’s

LONDON—Carlos Alcaraz came through a testing first-round match against Adam Walton at Queen’s on Tuesday as the top seed returned to action for the first time since his dramatic French Open triumph.

But two of the world’s top 10 crashed out as Americans Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton lost to French duo Corentin Moutet and Arthur Rinderknech respectively.

Alcaraz, back on grass for the first time since winning his second Wimbledon title last year, beat his 86thranked opponent 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) on a sweaty day in west London.

The Spaniard, who overcame Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller at Roland Garros just nine days ago, broke in the seventh game and went on to clinch the first set against lucky loser Walton, who replaced Alejandro Davidovich Fokina after he withdrew due to illness.

The 2023 Queen’s champion appeared to have found his rhythm only for Walton to rally impressively, carving out two set points on his opponent’s serve in the 10th game.

But the Australian failed to convert either of them and Alcaraz levelled, coming out on top in the subsequent tie-break.

Alcaraz scribbled “Grass season, here we go!” on the courtside

in Shenzhen, China. Excitement is mounting as the Gilas Pilipinas Women prepare to compete in Group B, against powerhouse teams from Australia, Japan, and Lebanon. The Trophy Tour aims to bring fans

camera lens, thanking fans for their vocal support and saying he felt “loved” in London.

“First match on grass is never easy to get used to the competition again, to get used to the grass again,” he said. “So, I just want to say thank you for helping me a little bit.”

The world number two said he had taken time away from tennis after his gruelling French Open triumph to “reset” his mind and rest.

“I’m just really happy with the performance that I had today,” he said.

“First match, I feel great. Obviously, a lot of things to improve, a lot of things that I have to put into work just to feel a little bit more comfortable on the grass. But in general, I’m just happy to get through.”

closer to the pinnacle of women’s basketball in Asia and celebrate the Philippines’ growing

Alcaraz wins testing Queen’s opener; Fritz, Shelton out Panthers rout

Alcaraz faces compatriot Jaume Munar in the last 16.

World number four Fritz failed to convert a match point against Moutet before losing 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (9/7), 7-5.

Moutet held on in the second set tiebreak before securing the only break of serve in the match in the final game.

Sheldon also stumbled to a shock early exit to Rinderknech in two tiebreaks 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/4).

THE Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters sustained their recovery with a 92-65 crushing of the Valenzuela City Magic on Tuesday in Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season at the Batangas City Coliseum.

Again showing the form that gave them a 131-65 drubbing of the Cebu Classic after back-to-back losses, the Rum Masters ruled the boards, 53-35, and led as far as 87-44 in posting their ninth win against seven losses in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.

Levi Hernandez led Batangas’ assault with 17 points and 5 rebounds, followed by John Ambulodto with 13 points and 5 rebounds, Ced Ablaza with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, and Mark Niel Cruz with 10 points plus 3 rebounds.

In the second game, the Mindoro Tamaraws subdued the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys, 86-77.

Bannered by RJ Ramirez and four others, the Tamaraws surged ahead, 47-31, at halftime and thwarted the Cowboys’ repeated rallies to rise to 9-8.

Ramirez posted 14 points and 6 rebounds to clinch best player honors over Bambam Gamalinda with 13 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, Axel Inigo with 12 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals, Wendell Comboy with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists, and Ethan Galang with 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.

The Sarangani Grippers nipped the Bacolod Tubo Slashers, 77-75, in the first game for a 5-11 slate.

Sarangani’s Junjie Hallare finished with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists to earn best player honors over Coy Alves with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists, and King Destacamento with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists.

De Brito welcomes dual coaching duties, bets on Capital1 star Belen

JORGE Souza de Brito sees no conflict in calling the shots for both the Alas Pilipinas women’s volleyball team and the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League, viewing it as a matter of careful planning and passion for the sport.

“It’s never been a problem coaching a club alongside national duties.

The teams follow the calendar, so it’s really, really, really okay,” said the Brazilian Olympic gold medalist.

More than a year since steering the Akari Chargers to a seventhplace finish in the 2023 PVL Second All-Filipino Conference, De Brito is back in the league, this time leading the Solar Spikers. He expressed excitement over his return, calling the PVL the “best league.”

Despite juggling dual roles, De Brito assured that managing both the national squad and Capital1 will not be an issue. In fact, he welcomes the diversity and learning that come from working with players of different backgrounds and skill sets.

“Being with the national team allows me to coach players with different styles. In the PVL, I also get to contribute to the highest level of club volleyball in the country. I’m happy to help because I always want to be part of the best,” he said.

De Brito will also be at the forefront of Capital1’s campaign in the PVL on Tour, where the Solar Spikers face powerhouse teams Creamline and Cignal on June 22 and 23, respectively, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

“I’ll be there. After practice with the national team on Friday, I’ll head straight to join Capital1. I’ll be with the team against Creamline,” he confirmed.

One of the key storylines in Capital1’s campaign is the arrival of top rookie pick Bella Belen, a three-time UAAP MVP who has played exclusively for the NU Lady Bulldogs over the past 11 years. De Brito is particularly excited to guide Belen in her transition to the professional ranks.

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz returns against Australia’s Adam Walton during their men’s singles round of 32 tennis match at the HSBC ATP tennis Championships at Queen’s Club in west London. AFP

“It’s a big change for her – not just shifting from college to the pros, but also stepping into a new role. She’s no longer just a young player on the national team; she’s now a leader,” said De Brito. “But I believe she has what it takes. She has the mindset, the work ethic, and the heart.”

De Brito has made it a personal mission to help Belen unlock the next level of her game.

“Feels amazing, no place I’d rather be,” said Draper. “We travel the world playing tennis, never get to come home or spend much time with my family but to be on this court in front of you guys, my people, my family, thank you.” AFP

Earlier, British second seed Jack Draper dispatched American Jenson Brooksby 6-3, 6-1 to reach the second round. The left-hander, who has previously beaten Sinner and Alcaraz at Queen’s, won 93 percent of firstserve points and did not face a break point in a dominant display. Draper is chasing his second title on grass after winning in Stuttgart last year and will next face Alexei Popyrin after the Australian beat compatriot Aleksandar Vukic.

MIAMI—The Florida Panthers, powered by Sam Reinhart’s fourgoal effort, captured their second consecutive Stanley Cup on Tuesday, defeating Edmonton 5-1 to win the NHL Final.

Florida goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 28 shots while Matthew Tkachuk added a goal for the Panthers, who took the best-of-seven series 4-2.

“It’s incredible,” Florida’s Brad Marchand said. “It’s a feeling you can’t really describe... words can’t put this into reality how great it feels. Such an incredible group.”

After claiming their first crown last year, the Panthers become the first NHL club since Tampa Bay in 2020-21 to win back-to-back titles.

Florida beat Edmonton in seven games in last year’s Stanley Cup final after squandering a 3-0 series lead, but this time dominated the last two games to hoist the trophy again.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Bobrovsky said. “They are amazing, the group. I’m so privleged to be their goalie. It’s a dream come true and to win that trophy twice, it’s amazing.”

Not since Montreal beat Boston in 1977 and 1978 had a team defeated the same foe in the final two years in a row.

The Panthers, who also lost to Vegas in the 2023 final, obtained Tkachuk in a 2022 trade with Calgary and haven’t missed the final since.

“It’s my challenge to help her stay focused, improve, and grow –not just as a player, but also as a teammate and leader. I think Capital1 is doing its best to give her an environment where she can truly thrive,” he said.

“We’re a dynasty,” Tkachuk said.

I

THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Haliburton ready for ‘backs against wall’ final test

LOS ANGELES—Tyrese Haliburton vowed to be ready for Indiana’s must-win NBA Finals game six after being hobbled by injury during the Pacers’ 120-109 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.

The Pacers talisman, who suffered a right leg injury in game two of the series, once again struggled as Indiana slipped to a defeat that leaves the Thunder one win away from clinching the series.

Haliburton discussed sitting out the remainder of the game with head coach Rick Carlisle at half-time but eventually returned after the break.

“It’s the Finals, man. I’ve worked my whole life to be here and I want to be out there to compete, help my teammates any way I can,” Haliburton said.

“I was not great tonight by any means, but it’s not really a thought of mine to not play here. If I can walk, then I want to play. It is what it is. Got to be ready to go for game six.”

Haliburton said the Pacers would only be thinking about winning game six when the series returns to Indianapolis on Thursday.

“The thought is if you lose, the season is over. So our backs are against the wall,” Haliburton said.

“We’ve got to take this a day at a time. Our backs are against the wall. You have to look at game six like it’s a game seven.

“We’ve got to go in and take care of business, just approach the game the right way.” Pacers team-mate Pascal Siakam backed Haliburton to fight through the pain barrier.

“He’s a fighter. He’s been our rock all year,” Siakam said of Haliburton.

“He’s a big reason why we’re here. I don’t know exactly what’s wrong, but I know he’s fighting and he’s going to give us everything he’s got.

“We are a hundred percent behind him.” AFP

Sundowns edge Ulsan in front of empty stands at Club World Cup

ORLANDO—Mamelodi Sundowns got off to a winning start at the Club World Cup with a 1-0 victory over South Korean side Ulsan HD on Tuesday in a match delayed by a weather warning and played before largely empty stands.

The South African side went top of Group F in front of a crowd given as 3,412 after Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense drew 0-0 earlier.

A weather warning pushed back kick-off by just over an hour for one of the less enticing group clashes in the expanded FIFA tournament, which has so far not succeeded in filling grounds for every match.

However, those who were in attendance were party to an engaging battle.

Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso’s Mamelodi have won the South African top flight for eight consecutive seasons but finished as runners-up in the CAF Champions League final earlier in June.

They claimed victory through Iqraam Rayners’ first-half goal.

“I think the first half was very beautiful, a lot of control... we didn’t get the second goal and the pressure comes,” said Cardoso.

“But I think my players made a wonderful job, we are very proud, (it was) the first victory of an African team in the tournament.”

Cardoso handed Themba Zwane his first start since September after injury, against Ulsan, who qualified through AFC confederation rankings.

Nicknamed “The Brazilians” because of their bright yellow shirts, akin to those of the five-time World Cup winners, Sundowns players showed some flair on the ball in the opening stages.

However it was Ulsan who should have taken the lead, when their Brazilian striker Erick Farias fired a fine chance just over the angle of post and bar.

Mamelodi thought they had taken the lead after the half-hour mark when Rayners bundled home from a corner, but the ball went in off his arm and it was disallowed.

However the South Africa international was not to be denied and he stroked his team in front after Lucas Ribeiro set him up. Rayners had another goal disallowed for offside before the break as he picked away at the Ulsan defence. AFP

Wave of resignations rocks

PH’s national football body

By Peter Atencio

TWO more officials have stepped down from important posts in the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).

National training director and team manager Freddy Gonzalez has resigned from his role, along with Philippine national men’s football team assistant team manager Mikkel Paris.

The PFF leadership, led by its president John Gutierrez, has accepted their resignations, which came after coaches Albert Capellas and Tom Saintfiet, and long-time football patrons Jeff Cheng (women’s team) and Dan Palami (men’s team) also gave up on their responsibilities.

“This was a very difficult decision to make and one that required much reflection and introspection. Now is the time for me to focus on other pursuits and opportunities, both

Freddy Gonzales

personal and professional,” said Gonzalez in a statement.

Last December, the PFF terminated its contract with national women’s futsal team coach in Dutch Vic Hermans, who built the squad for the past three years. He was reassigned to the

national men’s futsal squad.

Over the past months, a wave of resignations has hit the ranks of the PFF leadership, while the national men’s and women’s squads are in the midst of changes and makeover. New faces are expected to step up to fill up the gaps, with major tournaments coming, such as the third round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers awaiting the national men’s side.

For the Filipinas, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers are coming up later this month.

Towards the end of the year, the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand is in the horizon as well.

“The PFF remains fully committed to building upon the foundations laid for Philippine football. We assure the players that we will continue Fred’s framework for the national team, diligently ensuring our programs are well-supported and thriving,” said Gutierrez in accepting the resignations.

For now, Gutierrez and director of football, Vince Santos will make the crucial decisions behind the people who will fill up the posts left behind by Gonzalez and Paris.

Folayang has high expectations of Miralpez

Folayang has been working with Jayson “Dum-

ond-consecutive win, and his first victory streak in the promotion, when he faces China’s Yeerzati Gemingnuer in a flyweight MMA bout at ONE Friday Fights 113 on June 20 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Like in his previous fights, Miralpez spent a fraction of his training camp in the mountain highlands of Baguio City with Folayang’s Lions Nation MMA, and the 41-year-old Filipino MMA icon is confident that the Bicolano rising star will hurdle his next challenge.

“He trained with us and the only thing I regret is him not spending a longer time here,” Folayang said.

“I believe he’s developed the experience now, and he’s shown great heart in the past, so I believe he’ll win his next fight.” Folayang noted how Miralpez’s fearlessness is an asset that makes him stand out from the rest, most notable in his loss against Robson de

World’s best marathon runner Sawe chooses Berlin over Tokyo worlds

NAIROBI—Kenya’s world-leading marathon runner Sabastian Sawe has decided to run September’s Berlin marathon instead of the world championships in Tokyo.

Already a winner of two marathons in Valencia in December 2024 and London last April, Sawe was expected to spearhead the Kenyan men’s challenge at the Tokyo worlds.

The men’s marathon in Tokyo will be held on September 15, only six days before the Berlin marathon.

“I am preparing for Berlin,” said Sawe, whose meteoric rise in the marathon world has been compared to his compatriot, the late Kelvin Kiptum who died in a road accident in February 2024.

Like Kiptum, Sawe won the Valencia race on his debut over the 42km distance in December 2024, clocking a world-leading 2:02.05.

He followed that up when he destroyed an elite field at this year’s London marathon, winning in a time of 2:02.27.

The Berlin flat course is considered the fastest in the world, accounting for 13 individual world records for men.

Sawe said he is expecting to run a fast time on his Berlin debut but ruled out setting a new world mark.

“It’s too early to talk about a world record. It takes time and clear planning to achieve it,” he said.

Kiptum posted the current world record of 2:00:35 in the Chicago marathon in October 2023.

Kiptum broke the previous record

Oliveira where he willingly rolled with the dangerous BJJ black belt and even had the Brazilian in a lot of compromised positions.

Facing a KO artist in Ryuya Hatakeyama, he stood with the Japanese fighter and knocked him out for his first win.

“He’s a complete package. He’s got a do-or-die attitude. He’s not afraid, he doesn’t care what belt you’re holding in jiu-jitsu, he’ll go at you. He won’t allow you to impose your will and that’s one thing that I love about him. He’ll fight at his own pace,” he said.

“His skills and his mind can still be sharpened even further and I know that he will still be better.”

With that said, Folayang believes there are great things ahead for Miralpez as long as he stays on track.

“It’s all about sharpening his skills now. He’s got the heart to fight and I believe he can be a champion someday,” he said.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

ED Council extends water concessions by 10 years

THE Economy and Development (ED) Council, formerly the NEDA Board, on Wednesday approved a 10-year extension for the concession agreements of Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Company Inc. to ensure continued water supply for Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

The approval, made during the council’s inaugural meeting Wednesday and chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., extends the agreements from July 31, 2037 to Jan. 21, 2047.

investments, reduce tariff pressures and secure long-term water supply. It is also projected to generate an additional P50.3 billion Philippine ($858 million) in government revenues.

Sumitomo gets longer contract to maintain MRT-3

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Transportation

(DOTr) will extend its contract with Sumitomo Corp., the current maintenance provider for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), as the government prepares to privatize the railway system’s operations and maintenance (O&M), an official said Wednesday.

“There will be an extension, we will give the details once it’s done. It will be extended, that’s for sure. I will just give you the details later on,” Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said.

The DOTr, Sumitomo and Oriental Consultants Global signed a P7.38billion extended contracts in May 2023 for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the line until July 2025.

The new contract’s scope was expanded to include extending rail lines and installing signals to the common station, which is shared with other lines, and expanding the pocket track necessary for increasing the number of railcars in a train from three to four, in addition to main line maintenance.

Dizon said the privatization of MRT-3’s O&M would proceed this year despite the extension of Sumitomo’s contract.

“We need to [have] public-private partnership for MRT-3. That is the goal for this year,” he said.

The agency tapped the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to facilitate the MRT-3’s privatization.

The government operates MRT-3, while the Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC), owned by Metro Rail Transit Holdings II Inc. led by businessman Robert John Sobrepeña, is responsible for the design and construction of the EDSA rail transit system.

This aligns the contracts with the legislative franchises of both companies, as mandated by Republic Act Nos. 11600 and 11601.

The Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) said in a statement the extension is expected to accelerate capital

“Ensuring water security is fundamental to fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for our growing population,” said DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, who is also the ED Council vice chairperson.

“By aligning the concession agreements with legislative franchises, we

are promoting policy coherence and long-term investment planning in the water sector,” he said.

The ED Council also approved two new infrastructure projects, financed through official development assistance (ODA).

One project is the P27.7-billion Farm-to-Market Bridges Development Program by the Department of Agriculture. This will construct 300 climate-resilient modular steel bridges across 52 provinces in 15 regions.

Balisacan said improving physical connectivity in farming and fishing communities addresses infrastructure gaps that limit market access, increase post-harvest losses and hinder rural productivity. He said the program aims to uplift rural incomes and improve food logistics, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

try,” she said.

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines is taking a wait-andsee approach on the 10-percent baseline tariff as a 90-day reprieve granted by the United States nears its expiration on July 9, 2025.

“We don’t know yet what the decision of the US will be, but of course, we’re waiting for that,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said Wednesday.

“Once we get the update, we will inform the Filipino people because this is very important for our coun-

Roque acknowledged reports that US President Donald Trump had expressed openness to extending trade deadlines for participating countries but clarified that no official decision had been made.

The Philippines submitted its own set of proposals to US trade negotiators, she said, but could not disclose specifics due to a signed non-disclosure agreement.

“For now, the tariff is at 10 percent, which is already better than the previous 17 percent,” Roque said.

THE Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) said it acquired an additional 12 hectares of land in Barangay Esteves, Casiguran, Aurora to support the development of the APECO Airstrip into a commercial airport.

APECO president and chief executive Gil Taway IV signed the agreement with landowners Edward Chua Cham and Magdalena Chua Cham in Quezon City on June 17, 2025.

Under the deal, the Chua Cham family donated 5.2 hectares, representing half of the airstrip’s footprint and sold an additional 6.8 hectares to APECO.

“APECO’s capacity to expand hinges on the land we administer. This acquisition was made at 50 per-

“If an extension maintains the 10-percent rate, that would still be favorable. But of course, if we can get something even lower, why not?” she said.

Roque said while other countries have engaged the US in multiple rounds of talks, she confirmed the Philippines was unlikely to enter a second round of negotiations, saying all proposals had already been formally submitted.

“We have no control over what the US will decide. We only have control over our position,” she said.

cent less than previous buying rates, making it highly advantageous to the government,” said Taway.

He said the Chua Cham family’s contribution reflects growing public confidence in the agency’s renewed direction under the “Bagong APECO” vision.

Chua Cham said the land transfer was their family’s way of supporting APECO’s goal of fostering inclusive growth in northeastern Luzon.

“This is our small way of contributing to nation-building. We’ve seen the commitment of APECO’s leadership to drive economic development in Aurora and hope this encourages others to support community-uplifting projects,” he said. Othel V. Campos

10 years

Extension of water concessions

P27.7 billion

Cost of farm bridges project

P5.1 billion

Cost of Liloan Bridge in Leyte

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SM PRIME Holdings Inc. (SMPH) reported a 15-percent increase in foot traffic at its Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex in the first quarter of 2025, with visits reaching 34.5 million.

SMPH, in a disclosure to the stock exchange, attributed the rise to the strong slate of events, led by the return of the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition, which featured top-tier fireworks teams from around the world and sharply boosted evening visits as well as popular concerts by international artists.

Sporting events like the UAAP volleyball season brought in university fans as well.

“The Mall of Asia Complex demonstrates how our integrated, experience-led strategy—from retail and offices to education and entertainment—drives sustained foot traffic,” said SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim.

“It’s the SM ecosystem in full effect,” he said.

The 60-hectare MOA Complex is SMPH’s first integrated estate. It includes the SM Mall of Asia, SMX Convention Center Manila, MOA Arena, SM MOA IMAX and the world’s largest IKEA store.

“We are seeing sustained momentum toward experience-driven consumption so we are aligning our event strategy to capture that demand,” Lim said.

SMPH earlier reported an 11-percent increase in consolidated net income in the first quarter to P11.9 billion, mainly due to strong mall performance. Revenues grew 7 percent to P32.8 billion on the back of higher rental income.

SM Prime plans to focus on organic expansion, regional development and diversification, Lim said. Lim said integrated property projects and high-end residential developments would help drive growth in the next five years.

Cement importers: Local industry resilient, continues to dominate market

THE Philippine cement industry has not suffered substantial injury from imports, according to evidence presented by cement importers at a Tariff Commission (TC) hearing Wednesday. Importers argued that local producers continue to dominate the market and exhibit resilience amid modest foreign competition.

Industry data cited during the safeguard investigation showed that domestic manufacturers supplied approximately 81 percent of the country’s total cement demand from 2019 to 2024.

The commission classified this 81 percent share as a “dominant market position” based on volumes of Type 1, Type 1P, and Type 1T cement.

Cement importers echoed this assessment, with internal estimates showing that local producers, both members and non-members of the Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines (CeMAP), continued to command at least 80 percent of the market as of 2024.

While CeMAP’s share saw some rebalancing, non-CeMAP players expanded their foothold from 27 per-

cent in 2019 to 32 percent in 2024, further challenging the notion of widespread damage from imports, importers alleged.

Based on the summary of proceedings from Wednesday’s hearing, “a binary view of domestic vs imports may lead to erroneous conclusions.”

The summary emphasized that the financial performance of domestic players varies significantly, with several firms showing clear competitiveness and growth.

Moreover, own-company disclosures suggest that factors beyond im-

port pressures, such as internal cost structures, operational decisions, and market dynamics, have played a larger role in shaping financial outcomes for some firms.

Importers claim that despite assertions of injury, the Philippine cement sector remains one of the most regulated and protected industries.

Non-tariff measures include mandatory Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) audits of importers and exporters, pre- and post-shipment testing to ensure compliance with Philippine National Standards (PNS), tax incentives

Marcos approves 4 ecozones

By Othel V. Campos

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved four new economic zone projects in the first half of 2025, with a combined investment of P3.22 billion aimed at boosting regional growth and attracting new investments.

Tereso Panga, director general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), said the newly approved zones — two expansions and two new information technology parks — support the government’s goal of inclusive growth through economic zoning. “These ecozones will play a vital role in attracting investments, generating jobs, and accelerating socioeconomic progress, especially in the countryside,” Panga said.

Topping the list is the P1.4 billion expansion of the Aboitiz-led Lima Technology Center (LTC) in Malvar, Batangas. Two newly proclaimed areas will add more than 42 hectares to the industrial estate.

Megaworld Corp. also secured a proclamation for The Upper East IT Park in Bacolod City. The 33.96-hectare development, with a projected investment of P1.6 billion, is expected to house five IT-business process outsourcing (BPO) firms and create more than 2,500 local jobs.

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is optimistic the Philippines will achieve sugar self-sufficiency within a few years, following a significant increase in production during the current crop year. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced that raw sugar production reached 2.015 million metric tons as of June 8, 2025. This surpasses the Sugar Regulatory Administration’s (SRA) earlier projection of 1.7 million metric tons by more than 300,000 metric tons, or the equivalent of 6 million bags of sugar.

“This steady increase under the current administration proves that, with the right conditions and sustained support, the sugar industry has the potential to meet the country’s domestic demand of 2.3 million metric tons,” Laurel said.

In the previous crop year, output stood at 1.922 million metric tons, while the 2022–2023 crop year yielded 1.799 million metric tons. This marks a recovery from earlier production disruptions caused by climate and supply issues. The last time the industry exceeded 2 million metric tons was in the 2020–2021 crop year, when it produced 2.14 million metric tons.

The DA secretary attributed the continued improvement to several key factors, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s approval to gradually shift the sugarcane cropping calendar.

Starting in the 2025 harvest season, the calendar will move from August to October 1. This adjustment is expected to better align planting and harvesting with optimal climate and crop maturity periods.

Other contributing factors include enhanced soil productivity, improved sugarcane varieties, better coordination among producers, increased government support, and ongoing reforms in farm management. Othel V. Campos

In Tagbilaran City, the President approved the designation of Tagbilaran Uptown IT Hub 2 as a new IT Park.

With a projected investment of P200 million, the 11,237-squaremeter site builds on the success of the first Uptown IT Hub and has already attracted interest from potential locators.

Under the current administration, 32 economic zones have been proclaimed, representing P13.406 billion in committed investments.

PEZA is also advocating for the creation of the Palawan Mega Ecozone and the Pantao Ecozone as part of its medium-term plans.

PEZA cited data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showing that most of the top gross domestic product-contributing local government units outside Metro Manila host economic zones.

for investments, and support under the Tatak Pinoy Act.

The prevailing foreign exchange environment also serves as an implicit protective factor for local production.

On the tariff side, the sector has benefited from several layers of protection, including safeguard duties imposed from 2001 to 2004 and again from 2019 to 2022, anti-dumping duties introduced in 2023, and a provisional safeguard duty of P400 per metric ton that remains in effect pending the outcome of the ongoing review.

Othel V.

Campos

Mandaluyong City Tel. Nos. 8724-44-41 to 53 Fax No. 8705-52-09

TO THE STOCKHOLDERS:

Notice is hereby given that the annual stockholders’ meeting of PHILIPPINE SEVEN CORPORATION (the “PSC”

City Contact No. 09753729932/09257800974 www.acemclegazpi.com

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

DEAR STOCKHOLDERS:

Please be informed Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Care

(ACE) Medical Center- Legazpi, Inc. be held on July 10, 2025 (Thursday) at a.m., via Zoom Webinar. For the conduct of the Webinar, please on before July 1, 2025, through the following link: Link:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BeCELH7FRTms3QbD_3PaMw Once you successfully registered, you will a confirmation email containing information about webinar meeting. The link will

the election of directors may also be done in absentia through the above link. The meeting shall be recorded (visual and audio) for future reference. The Agenda: I. Call to Order II. Invocation III. Determination of Quorum IV. Welcome Message from the Chairman of the Board V. Reading

in absentia through link. The meeting be recorded (visual and audio) for future reference. The Agenda: I. Call to Order II. Invocation III. Determination of IV. Welcome Message from the Chairman of the Board V. Reading and Approval of the Minutes of Y2024 Annual Stockholders’

Only stockholders of record at the of on 20, 2024, Friday, be to notice of and to at the If you cannot personally attend meeting, you may to send to attend on your behalf. your duly executed form with the email, at gmail.com or acemclegazpi@gmail.com

Form 17-A are available at the Corporation’s website at www.acemclegazpi.com You may contact the undersigned via email at acemedicallegazpi@gmail.com or acemclegazpi@gmail.com at mobile number: 09753729932/09257800974

copy of the downloadable voting form found in https://www.7-eleven.com.ph/2025-asm/. The requirements and procedure for registration and voting are set forth in Annex “D” of this Information Statement and shall be published in the Company’s website at www.7-eleven.com.ph. Pursuant to SEC Notice dated March 12, 2025, a copy of the Notice and Agenda of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Information Statement (SEC Form 20-IS), Proxy Form, Management Report/Annual Report (SEC Form 17-A) for the year ended December 31, 2024 and Sustainability Report, and 1st Quarterly Report with Management’s Discussion and Analysis and unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three (3) months ended March 31, 2025 (SEC Form 17-Q) will be posted on the Company’s website at

Electric vehicle sales topped 10,000 in five months

By Othel V. Campos

SALES of electric and hybrid vehicles topped the 10,000 mark in the first five months of 2025, according to a joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA).

Sales of electric and hybrid electric vehicles (xEV) reached 10,433 units in the five-month period, marking a strong growth from the near zero sales last year. The segment also accounted for 5.48 percent of total sales during the period.

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) comprised the majority of xEV sales

Vista Land gets financing to settle P10-b debt

By Jenniffer B. Austria

VISTA Land & Lifescapes Inc. (VLL), one of the country’s leading integrated property developers, said it secured financing through shareholder advances to settle its P10-billion retail bonds.

VLL said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it arranged the necessary funding ahead of the maturity date to ensure full payment of the obligation.

The bonds, which were originally issued on Dec. 18, 2019, matured on June 18, 2025.

“Please be advised that Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. has obtained financing, in the form of shareholder advances, to pay the P10-billion retail bonds issued by the company on Dec. 18, 2019 and which will be maturing on June 18, 2025,” the company said.

The move is seen as part of VLL’s ongoing efforts to maintain financial stability and investor confidence amid current economic environment.

Vista Land raised $150 million from loan agreement signed with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. Singapore Branch and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. in March 2025.

The loan facility is guaranteed by Vista Land and its subsidiaries Brittany Corp., Crown Asia Properties Inc., Camella Homes Inc., Communities Philippines Inc., Vistamalls Inc. and Vista Residences Inc.

Vista Land in July last year also raised $300 million through the issuance of US-denominated unsecured fixed rate notes.

at 8,536 units, or 81.82 percent of the total. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) followed with 1,779 units, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) contributed 118 units

Meanwhile, total vehicle sales went down by 1.2 percent in May to 39,775 units from 40,271 a year ago. Monthon-month, sales were up by 18.4 percent from April’s 33,580 units.

Total automotive sales in the first five months rose 1.7 percent to 190,429 units from 187,191 a year earlier.

“We are encouraged by the industry’s sustained growth, especially with commercial vehicles driving overall performance. This reaffirms

the significant role of the automotive sector in supporting the country’s economic activities,” said CAMPI president Rommel R. Gutierrez. Commercial vehicle sales rose 10 percent to 151,704 units from 137,944 a year ago, while passenger car sales declined by 21.4 percent to 38,725 from 49,247.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. remained the top market player with a 48.13-percent share, followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (19.23 percent), Nissan Philippines Inc. (5.19 percent), Suzuki Philippines Inc. (4.68 percent) and Ford Group Philippines (4.49 percent).

BSP, financial agencies boost anti-scam drive

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Financial Sector Forum (FSF), led by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), revived its “Protect Your Money” (PYM) information campaign to empower financial consumers and combat scams.

The campaign, with the tagline “I am a smart financial consumer,” will disseminate financial insights across platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, text messages, radio, printed materials in high-traffic areas and ATM machines.

It will offer practical guides for safe transactions, highlight red flags for financial scams, and outline redress options.

FSF members, including the BSP, Insurance Commission (IC), Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), will each play specific roles in implementing the campaign.

“This campaign is in response to the rapidly evolving digital financial landscape,” said BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who chairs the FSF’s Consumer Protection and Education Committee.

“By strengthening awareness of our rights and responsibilities as financial consumers, we empower individuals to guard themselves against scammers and fraudsters,” said Puyat.

More industries join retail aggregation program—ERC

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MORE industries are joining the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP) to exercise greater control over their electricity supply, signaling growing confidence from the private sector, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said.

“Just a few months ago, we were only dreaming about RAP to help smaller consumers—homeowners, families, residents—and actually feel the impact of lower electricity costs through the power of retail aggregation,” ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said.

EvoEnergi, a member of the Lao Group of Companies backed by D&L

Cebu Pacific expands partnership with CAE to enhance pilot training

CEBU Pacific said Wednesday it expanded its partnership with CAE to further enhance pilot training with the new Airbus A330neo full-flight simulator (FFS).

The A330neo FFS is scheduled to be ready-for-training by December 2026 and will add to the existing A320 and ATR 72-600 simulators operating at the Clark facility.

“Being the largest operator of the A330neo in Asia, this new simulator will provide additional training capacity and heighten the safe operation of this stateof-the-art aircraft,” said Cebu Pacific chief operations officer Javier Massot.

“This expansion will help meet the growing demand for pilot training as Cebu Pacific continues to grow its network and widebody fleet,” he said.

Cebu Pacific operates the largest A330neo fleet in Asia, with 11 aircraft in service and additional deliveries

expected in the near future.

Michel Azar-Hmouda, division president, commercial aviation at CAE said the deployment of the new A330neo simulator strengthens its shared commitment to delivering world-class pilot training.

“We are happy to be expanding our longstanding partnership with Cebu Pacific and further enhancing our center’s position as a key aviation training hub in the region,” he said.

Since establishing their joint training center in Clark in 2011, Cebu Pacific and CAE have worked together to provide world-class pilot training solutions using state-of-the-art technology, support fleet growth, and contribute to the continued development of aviation professionals in the Philippines and across the Asia-Pacific region. Darwin G. Amojelar

Industries’ manufacturing expertise, recently held a ceremonial signing where 10 of its Retail Aggregation Groups (RAGs) officially switched to the RAP.

The company aims to empower businesses with energy solutions tailored to their needs, anchored on transparency, customer-centricity and sustainability.

EvoEnergi signed agreements with 22 companies, including LBL Prime Properties Inc., Star Anise Properties Corp., JBC Food Corporation, RPMC Plastics Phils., Inc., ACE Water Spa Hotel, Em-Pol Corporation, Polymer Chemicals Inc., Rezcoat Inc., Atlantic Coatings, Inc., Jentec Storage Inc., Jentec D.C. Corporation, Jenny’s

Garment Inc., Maclin Electronics, Inc., Linkage Food Venture Corp., JG Jinmen Leisures Corporation, Bestwin Multi-Enterprises Corp., Island Multi-Polymer Plastic Corp, Puremark Marketing Corporation, Kawit Megaland Realty Corp., TRI-Pack Philippines Corp., Shrinkpack Philippines Corp. and CK Plastic Manufacturing Phils Corp.

These groups represent a total aggregated demand of 9.6 megawatts (MW), pioneering RAP in their respective sectors, including real estate, food and chemical manufacturing, paints and plastics, wellness and leisure, logistics, warehousing, textiles, electronics and retail industries.

BSP Monetary Board member Jose Querubin, who represented BSP Governor and FSF chairman Eli Remolona Jr. at the launch, said: “The objective is simple but clear – to enable Filipinos to confidently say ‘I am a smart financial consumer.’ A Filipino who knows the rights, risks and options that are available.”

BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier, alternate to Governor Remolona as FSF chair, said: “We are proud to support the refreshed PYM campaign—now sharper, more digital, and more relevant than ever. It unites our efforts to educate, empower and protect every Filipino.” Since its introduction in 2013, the PYM campaign has broadened its scope to address new fraud risks, leveraging tools such as the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act (FCPA) and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA). It targets financially underserved Filipinos, including retirees and overseas Filipinos (OFs), by delivering information through new platforms.

IN BRIEF

BINONDO

CFBCI warns vs. P200 wage hike

By Michael Wong Ho

THE Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc.

(CFBCI) warned that a P200 daily wage increase for private sector workers could inflict more harm than help on the Philippine economy particularly for small businesses and their employees.

In a statement, CFBCI said the across-the-board pay raise could trigger job losses and inflation, especially among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that operate on thin profit margins.

“These businesses form the backbone of the Philippine economy, yet they often operate with narrow margins. A significant wage hike like this will force many of them to either dismiss employees to stay afloat or pass the additional cost onto consumers, driving up the prices of basic goods and services.” the group said.

“Eventually, wage earners may find that their higher pay is offset by rising inflation and job insecurity,” it said.

Instead of a one-size-fits-all increase legislated by Congress, CFBCI advocated for the continued use of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, which includes representatives from labor, employers, and government. The board is in a better position to assess regional economic conditions and propose tailored wage policies.

The business group also asked the government to shift its focus from wage hikes to targeted cost-of-living interventions.

“As a business organization and a social welfare advocate, we strongly believe that the government can play a more proactive role in alleviating pov-

Filipino food festival brings culinary culture to Guangzhou

A FILIPINO food festival titled Chi FUN Le! was held at Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou from June 7 to 15, 2025.

Led by visiting Filipino chef Hernan Chris De Jesus and the hotel’s in-house culinary team, the festival featured an impressive array of traditional Filipino dishes, including adobong pusit (squid adobo), kilawin na tuna (Filipino-style ceviche), chicken inasal (grilled marinated chicken), beef kaldereta (beef stew), lumpiang sariwa (fresh spring rolls), and the classic leche flan for dessert. Each dish was paired with Filipinoinspired cocktails and beverages, offering guests a complete sensory experience of the Philippines.

More than 60 people- including bloggers, media representatives, and cultural partners attended the official launch.

The launch was a tasting event and cultural introduction. It was the first step in introducing Filipino cuisine to Guangzhou in an established hotel setting.

“This is more than a food event - it is a cultural bridge,” said Philippine Consul General Iric C. Arribas during the launch.

“Each dish carries the story of our people. Through food, we share our history, identity, and warm Filipino hospitality.” he added.

Attendees were also invited to participate in a survey to help determine which dishes could become permanent offerings in ShangriLa Guangzhou’s Southeast Asian restaurant or buffet lineup.

The Filipino Food Festival was one of several initiatives marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.

Michael Wong Ho

erty without relying solely on wage hikes,” CFBCI said.

Among the proposals were expanding rice subsidy programs to offer rice at P20 per kilogram, rolling out more Kadiwa stores to bring affordable goods to communities, and providing transportation fare discounts, utility support and food vouchers.

“Employers, government, and community groups must work together to craft policies that address both economic survival and long-term prosperity,” CFBCI said.

A P200 wage hike may feel like progress, but we owe it to our workforce to offer smarter, more sustainable solutions,” it said.

Taiwan supports global singing competition

THE Philippine regional selection for the 2025 Global Singing Competition for Overseas Compatriot Youth took place on June 15 at Liberty Hall, Manila.

The event, organized by the Dynamic Youth of the Philippines, was guided by Taiwan’s Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) and the Culture Center of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (T.E.C.O.) in the Philippines.

Twenty-three young Filipino singers competed in two age categories: Group A (12-16 years old) and Group B (17-24 years old). The top three from each group will represent the Philippines in the global online semifinals later this year.

Jaime Tan, president of Dynamic Youth, highlighted the competition as a valuable platform for cultural exchange and youth development. Eric Po-Chih Chuang, Culture Center Director, praised the students’ performances and emphasized the importance of Mandarin music in preserving shared heritage.

Winners received certificates and cash prizes, with first to third place receiving P10,000, P8,000, and P6,000 respectively.

In Group A (ages 12 to 16), Georgia Ysabela Molo was awarded first prize, followed by Kyler Rich C. Kiwahko in second place and Shauna Elizabeth D. San in third.

In Group B (ages 17 to 24), Caeley Alexyss C. Laco won first place, with Ian Kiong taking second and Hans Matthew Sy placing third.

The competition is part of OCAC’s global effort to connect overseas Taiwanese youth with Taiwan

Mandarin competition fosters bilateral understanding

By Julie Ann Lope

ANGELES University hosted the 24th “Mandarin Bridge” World College Mandarin Contest, an esteemed international competition for Mandarin language learners.

Sponsored by the Chinese Embassy and co-organized by various Confucius Institutes across the Philippines, the event gathered over 300 attendees including media representatives, Mandarin educators and students from across the country.

A total of 18 contestants advanced to the final round after the preliminary competitions.

Ambassador Huang Xilian delivered a keynote speech via video, highlighting the event’s importance in strengthening cultural and diplomatic ties.

He said the “Mandarin Bridge” serves not only as a language competition but also as a vital platform for fostering communication, mutual understanding, and friendship between nations.

He noted the growing number of Philippine universities offering Mandarin courses and the increasing interest among students, which contributes to a stronger foundation for cooperation and connection between China and the Philippines.

Also in attendance were Chinese Consul Xiong Sheng, Angeles University Vice President Melani Mejia, and directors of Confucius Institutes across the country, all of whom underscored the importance of language education in fostering international collaboration.

The final round featured four segments: trivia, keynote speeches, talent showcases, and free canvassing.

Huang Xia Yao from the Angeles University Confucius Institute won as the overall champion.

He will represent the Philippines at the global finals of the “Mandarin Bridge” contest later this year.

The “Mandarin Bridge” contest, often likened to the Olympics for Mandarin language learners, continues to serve as a platform for cultural exchange, academic excellence and international friendship.

Taiwan, Filipino communities promote folk dance program

MORE than 300 parents, students and community members gathered at Liberty Hall in Manila to celebrate the 2025 Summer Folk Dance Showcase—highlighting a successful collaboration between Taiwan and the Filipino community to promote cultural heritage and youth education.

The event was part of the “Cultural Learning Program” jointly organized by Taiwan’s Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), the Filipino Chinese Cultural and Economic Association (FCCEA), and the Philippine Chapter of the Chinese Cultural Renaissance Movement Promotion Committee. Filipino students, trained by local instructors, performed traditional folk dances in a vibrant display of movement and tradition.

FCCEA president Jaime Tan emphasized the association’s long-standing dedication to cultural education since its founding in 1966, adding that such programs build pride among youth and foster closer ties between Taiwan and the Philippines.

Director Eric Po-Chih Chuang of the Culture Center of T.E.C.O. in the Philippines commended the students for dedicating their summer to cultural enrichment. He highlighted the contributions of lead instructor Kaneesha Jobie Ko in nurturing a new

generation of folkdance performers. Chuang also noted that the Center and FCCEA promotes multicultural education through additional classes in Mandarin, Hokkien, and mental arithmetic. Ko, now in her third year leading the program, expressed gratitude

for the enthusiastic participation of students and strong parental support. She choreographed performances such as Flying Drum Rhythms, Fan Dance Elegance, and Joyful Village, blending tradition with creativity after just 20 days of training. Seven assistant instructors also supported the program, which engaged children of all ages in preserving and celebrating cultural identity. Distinguished guests included OCAC adviser Helen Lim Chua and deputy director of the Culture Center Benjamin Chong-Wei Liang. Organizers reaffirmed their commitment to cultural exchange and educational initiatives that keep traditional heritage alive and relevant among the younger generation in the Philippines.

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

By Jasper Valdez

Vartist Rabin Angeles rises to the challenge of portraying Drake Palma in the screen adaptation of the hit Wattpad novel ‘Seducing Drake Palma’

Rabin Angeles, Angela Muji

IVA’S newest series, Seducing Drake Palma , the much-anticipated book-to-screen adaptation, is a major turning point for rising stars Rabin Angeles and Angela Muji , who now fi nd themselves headlining a project with built-in fan expectations.

At the series’ grand media conference held at Viva Café, both actors admitted they were overwhelmed when cast in the lead roles, especially since the show is based on Ariesa Jane Domingo’s bestselling Wattpad novel. Angela, who plays Alys Zyril Perez, said the response from fans took her by surprise.

“I’m used to playing minor characters,” she said. “ Kaya laking tuwa po talaga at parang nabunutan ng tinik nung nalaman ko na masaya naman po majority na ako po si Alys.” The young actress shared that she had sleepless nights leading up to the announcement, worried about how

viewers would react to her fi rst major role. Now that the show is gearing up for release, she says she’s learned to channel her nerves into focus and appreciation.

“Ini-enjoy ko na lang po kung ano yung nasa harapan ko ngayon,” Angela said.

Nakaka-relate po talaga ako kay Alys… grabe po kasi ako magmahal, parang baliw na baliw talaga.” For Rabin, playing the titular Drake Palma felt like a dream opportunity that came earlier than

“This is such a big role so I had to make big preparations, too,” he said. “ Biglang dumating, pero hindi ko po ito pinapalampas. Talagang pinagaralan ko po .” Despite the pressure, Rabin stays grounded and focused, saying he tries not to let fame get to his head.

Ayoko po lumaki ulo ko… kasi malayo pa ,” he added.

Director Crisanto Aquino said the chemistry between the two leads made his job easier.

“When they look at each other… it’s very, very natural,” Aquino shared. “It’s effortless.”

Author Ariesa, who was consulted during the adaptation process, said she was moved by the cast’s commitment to the characters and appreciated being part of the collaboration.

“They’re very open with the notes,” Ariesa said. “So I appreciate the actors.”

Mindset of the underrated

PHILIPPINE AM station DZMM Radyo Patrol

630 resumed broadcast with a new 24-hour programming lineup on June 2, bringing back veteran broadcaster Noli de Castro and actress-host Charo Santos to its roster.

The relaunched station, simulcast on DZMM Teleradyo via cable and digital platforms, marked the return of two flagship programs—Kabayan, de Castro’s longrunning public affairs show, now airing weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and MMK sa DZMM, a radio version of the popular drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya, airing weekdays from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

IN the Philippines, where nearly everybody can sing, it’s a given that some of the finest artists actively gigging and making records are underrated. It’s beyond control that only a handful get massive public acclaim. It must hurt knowing you have what it takes to be up there, while someone selling out is the talk of the town.

Well, it boils down to how an artist deals with success. Who says popularity is the gauge when an incompetent clown and hate-monger can win an election via popular vote?

Adjeng, a professional musician tapped as an ambassador for mental health and wellness, is in a position to address the matter.

“I just fix my eyes on doing the work, enjoying the creative process, and striking a balance between fulfilling my roles as a wife and mother while doing work I enjoy and love,” she said. By saying that, she’s sending the message that the respect she gains from people who matter in her life “weighs heavier than trying to dwell on getting everyone’s approval.”

Veteran actress and host Charo Santos brings the heart of ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya’ to radio as ‘MMK sa DZMM’ airs daily on the newly relaunched DZMM Radyo Patrol 630

DZMM, once one of the most trusted AM radio stations in Metro Manila, is now operated by Media Serbisyo Production Corporation. Its president, Marah Faner-Capuyan, said the relaunch revives a legacy of public service and news delivery. The station’s weekday programming begins at 4:00 a.m. with Radyo Patrol Balita Alas Kwatro, followed by Ronda Pasada with Johnson Manabat at 5:00 a.m., and Gising Pilipinas with Alvin Elchico at 6:00 a.m. Doris Bigornia joins Elchico at 7:00 a.m. before cohosting Tandem ng Bayan with Robert Mano at 8:00 a.m.

Mid-morning segments include Balitapatan with Peter Musñgi and Rica Lazo at 9:00 a.m., followed by Kabayan at 10:00 a.m., and Nagseserbisyo Niña Corpuz at 11:00 a.m., co-anchored by Niña Corpuz and Migs Bustos News bulletin Headline Ngayon airs at noon, followed by MMK sa DZMM with Santos. Afternoon programming features legal and medical advice in Hello Attorney with Atty. Noel Del Prado and Lyza Aquino at 1:00 p.m., and Aksyon Ngayon with Winnie Cordero and Doc Denis at 2:00 p.m. Amy Perez leads lifestyle show Ako ‘To, Si Tyang Amy at 3:00 p.m. Tony Velasquez anchors Headline sa Hapon at 4:00 p.m., followed by commentary program ATM: Anong Take Mo? at 4:30 p.m. Velasquez and Karmina Constantino also co-host Isyu Spotted on Teleradyo, while Arangkada Balita with Niña Corpuz and Jeck Batallones airs on AM radio from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The evening newscast TV Patrol is simulcast from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Nighttime programming continues with Spot Report at 8:00 p.m., Alam na This at 9:00 p.m., and Love Konek at 10 p.m. The broadcast day ends with Remember Your Music hosted by Dan Capucion from midnight to 4:00 a.m. DZMM can be accessed on 630 kHz AM and via DZMM Teleradyo on Sky Cable, other cable providers, The Filipino Channel (TFC), iWant, satellite TV, and online through Facebook and YouTube.

Adjeng started as a frontwoman in acknowledged bands in the music scene before releasing solo records at the height of the COVID pandemic. Her songs “Be Kind” and “Kaya Mo Yan” have been considered tunes “with messages that highlight the importance of showing kindness during tough times as well as the value of hope and encouragement in the face of challenges.”

This talented, eloquent lady, in my opinion, belongs to the elite female acts who create good music and present themselves on stage in inspiring ways, much like household names Kitchie Nadal and Barbie Almalbis a working musician, going around bars and performing songs—covers and originals— with her club group AdJunDie. She’s the featured singer in Wolf’s Gang, the band at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse in Newport, Pasay City, which plays numbers exclusively arranged for customers enjoying its fine wine and steaks. She’s set to perform there on June 30.

Adjeng shared, “There’s so much joy in doing live gigs, especially with musicians I’ve trusted and worked with for years. I’m secure knowing that all of us have individual strengths, and I trust in God’s timing and the open doors He has for me.”

It has been over a year since Adjeng released her eight-track album Unravel. She’s due for a new release, so a single, “Good Versus Better,” a track she framed “through the eyes of lovers in a committed relationship,” will be available in digital stores soon. She explained, “In the advent of so many explicit songs about passion,

I remember writing it with the thought that intimacy is sacred when shared with the one you love.”

The song, which Adjeng collaborated on with veteran musician Nino Regalado, gives off an uplifting jam vibe that reminds you of the pop sensibility of, say, The CompanY. Adjeng’s voice is sexy in a cute, harmless way, without any of that forced sensuality that other female singers tend to project in intentionally suggestive tones. She mentioned the word “gravitas” twice or thrice in our latest conversation, and that reflects how she has taken singing seriously, with consistent vocal training. She believes that “it takes a lot of time to unlearn unhealthy habits and embrace the right ones.”

If you’re a musician or an actor working too hard and being appreciated less, take it from a mental health advocate who is one of us on how to handle such stress. Adjeng noted, “Hustle culture pushes people to believe that grinding nonstop equates to success. That’s frightening because it puts pressure on people to the point that some forget the value of rest and taking breaks. Projecting your headspace is crucial.”

The work of the underrated goes beyond a big song or a blockbuster. It is a good body of work that has kept on going because the artist themself knows it should. And that fame—in most cases, just fleeting—is only the icing. There’s the whole cake to enjoy.

By Nickie Wang

PUBLIC service television program Kapwa Ko Mahal

Ko, known for helping indigent patients access medical treatment, is entering its 50th year, with its hosts and foundation marking the milestone as a time for reassessment and long-term planning.

The show first aired on Dec. 1, 1975 on GMA Network, during martial law, when most broadcast content was tightly controlled. It was one of the first independently produced programs allowed to air under government restrictions

‘Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko’ celebrates 5 decades of health support for underserved communities

and focused on public health and medical assistance.

Its founding host, former senator and defense secretary Orly Mercado , said GMA decided to create a public health program after seeing long lines of patients outside the network’s building.

“We had the opportunity to raise awareness about diseases and raise money for patients who needed medicine,” said Mercado, who remains one of the show’s hosts and now serves as president of the Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko Foundation.

Mercado was joined at the time by actress Rosa Rosal and Dr. Antonio Talusan, the

A shot at good health

Why keeping up with vaccines even as an adult matters

THE death of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, known to Filipino audiences for her role in the early 2000s drama Meteor Garden, has drawn attention to the risks of flurelated complications and the importance of routine adult vaccinations, according to medical experts in the Philippines. Hsu, who was 48, reportedly died after developing complications linked to influenza. While details remain limited, health professionals have used the incident to highlight how even mild illnesses can lead to serious consequences.

“Even healthy adults are not exempt from contracting preventable and potentially fatal diseases,” said Dr. Ryan Raymond Y. Bautista of Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “Minor infections like the flu can lead to missed work, rising healthcare costs, or even hospitalization.”

With the flu season ongoing in the Philippines, MakatiMed has issued a reminder on key vaccines for adults to reduce risk of complications and protect public health. Flu vaccine – Influenza is a viral infection that can cause high fever, cough, sore throat, and in some cases, serious conditions such as pneumonia. Dr. Bautista explained that flu vaccines in the Philippines are typically administered annually before the cooler months begin in January. The available variants include quadrivalent, adjuvanted (for people aged 65 and up), and jet injector (for those 18 to 64 years old). “It takes about two weeks for the body to develop antibodies after vaccination,” he said.

Pneumonia vaccine – Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, pneumonia remains the third leading cause of death in the Philippines across all age groups. MakatiMed recommends that adults over 60 receive the PCV13 vaccine followed by PPSV23 a year later. Newer versions such as PCV15 and PCV20 provide broader protection and may not require additional doses. For those aged 18 to 64, PCV13 is typically sufficient.

show’s first medical director. The program evolved into a clinic on the air and eventually led to the establishment of the foundation in 1976 to handle patient records, interviews, and case coordination. The foundation coordinated with volunteer doctors and partnered with other groups to extend services to more patients, including those the show could not feature due to airtime limits.

Among its earliest volunteers was Margo D. Mercado , now the foundation’s executive director. She joined the organization before the pandemic after working part-time and volunteering at various times. “I knew I wanted to help,” she said, adding that her

Tdap vaccine – The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). These bacterial infections affect breathing and can lead to severe complications. “Adults should get the Tdap vaccine once if they haven’t had it before, then a booster every 10 years,” Dr. Bautista said. The vaccine is also recommended for pregnant women and adults caring for newborns.

Common side effects of these vaccines include fever, chills, and localized pain at the injection site. “These symptoms generally resolve within a few days,” Bautista said.

While reactions may cause temporary discomfort, MakatiMed stressed that the long-term benefits outweigh the risks. “Getting vaccinated protects not only your health, but also the well-being of those around you,” Bautista added.

father had reminded her that public service was not about profi t. Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko has featured several high-profile personalities as co-hosts over the decades, including Helen Vela, Cielito del Mundo, Nonoy Zuniga, Juan Flavier, and Tina Monzon-Palma. Actress Connie Angeles, who joined in 1983 and later served as vice mayor of Quezon City, currently co-hosts the program. She also serves as executive director for health and wellness programs of the SM Foundation, one of the foundation’s partner organizations.

One of the program’s key initiatives is Batang Kapwa (BK), launched in 1989, which supports children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The program offers financial, emotional, and psychosocial aid and focuses on developing critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and character among young patients.

As it approaches its 50th anniversary, the foundation is shifting focus from numbers to outcomes. “We go all the way. We want patients to become productive members of society,” said executive director Mercado.

The show continues to air on GMA Network and maintains its mission to provide medical and social support to underserved communities across the Philippines.

promotes healthier eating habits with free Gohan Lite rice for every microwave purchase during Hypertension Awareness Month

HANABISHI Appliances is offering free pouches of Gohan Lite rice with every purchase of its microwave oven this month in support of National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month.

The initiative, called “Heat with Heart,” is available exclusively through Hanabishi’s online stores.

Gohan Lite is a low-calorie, high-fiber pre-cooked rice developed by BiotechJP using Japanese technology. It is marketed as a healthier option for individuals managing hypertension, diabetes, or weight concerns.

“Health starts at home, and as a brand that has been part of the Filipino household for decades, we want to help our customers not just with reliable appliances but with healthier choices for everyday living,” said Cherish Ong-Chua, Hanabishi’s vice president for marketing and finance.

Hanabishi said the rice can be prepared in two minutes using its microwave oven.

Rice is a staple in Filipino households, Ong-Chua said, and the brand aims to promote healthier eating through accessible appliances and food choices.

The promotion is available via Hanabishi’s official website and online stores on LazMall, Shopee Mall, and TikTok Shop. Free low-calorie rice with microwave buys for hypertension awareness

NICKIE

WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

SKIN often reveals what words leave unsaid. For many Filipinos, dealing with sensitivity, like flare-ups, itching, and discomfort, forms part of a daily routine. Around 7 in 10 Filipinos experience sensitive skin, yet discussions about it remain limited.

Aveeno’s “Sensitive Skin Stories” campaign brings these experiences into focus, beginning with personal accounts and expanding into a broader

community initiative.

The campaign, anchored by the hashtag #SensitiveSkinWontStopUs, invites individuals to share how they manage their skin while balancing life’s responsibilities. From athletes to parents to professionals, each story adds to a growing recognition of sensitive skin as both a common condition and a

Inspiring movement for Filipinos with sensitive skin

personal experience. Aveeno marked the campaign’s launch with a gallery-style event on June 5. Attended by select media and social media personalities, the event featured curated installations that showcased real-life experiences.

Athlete and TV host Vince Velasco spoke about childhood bullying linked to eczema, while certified color analyst Enzo Villacorta recalled how the con-

oat-based formulations helped maintain skin comfort amid active routines.

Ira Santos, marketing manager of Aveeno, also joined the program. She shared, “At Aveeno, we believe sensitive skin shouldn’t hold anyone back. Whether you’re pushing limits as an athlete, juggling family life, pursuing your passion, or chasing deadlines at work, your skin should never be a reason to stay on the sidelines.”

“That’s the spirit behind our new campaign: #SensitiveSkinWontStopUs. This movement is about empowering people to move stronger, live no matter their skin story.” Expert voices also contributed. Dermatologist Dr. Paula Carait explained that sensitivity is not always visible. Even well-hydrated skin may feel discomfort, such as burning, stinging, or itching. Oat, backed by more than 75 years of research, remains a key in -

gredient in restoring the skin’s barrier and easing irritation.

“The absence of dryness or flaking does not rule out skin sensitivity. Sensitive skin can present as burning, stinging, or itching, even in well-hydrated skin. Formulations containing scientifically supported ingredients like oat can help restore the barrier, reduce reactivity, and promote overall skin comfort,” the skin expert said.

For Isabel Lacson-Ruiz, senior marketing manager at Kenvue Philippines and a mother of three, the campaign connects on both professional and personal levels. Two of her children live with atopic dermatitis, making the need for gentle, effective solutions a daily concern. She described “Sensitive Skin Stories” as a way to support individuals in recognizing their challenges without

compromising on confidence or ambition.

“This campaign is about celebrating sensitivity despite the challenges that come with it, not holding back, and believing aspirations can come to life,” Lacson-Ruiz said.

Aveeno uses these stories to open a conversation shaped by personal experience and backed by research. By doing so, it supports a community that values empathy and evidence-based care in equal measure.

Filipinos with sensitive skin are finding support through shared stories and consistent care. The campaign creates a space where personal experiences, expert advice, and community come together to change how sensitive skin is understood and managed.

Language skills vital for global healthcare roles

OET, a global provider of English language testing for healthcare professionals, hosted a media roundtable in Manila last week to emphasize the role of real-world communication skills in improving patient care and boosting the international mobility of Filipino healthcare workers.

The event, titled Raising the Standard: English Proficiency in Healthcare for Better Patient Outcomes, brought together members of the Philippine media to discuss how English proficiency supports clinical practice, career development, and workforce readiness in both local and international healthcare settings.

“Thousands of Filipino healthcare professionals have already taken the OET, opening doors to employment in top global healthcare systems,” said Jaime Cortes, CEO of OET. “We aim to equip workers with the communication tools needed to deliver care with clarity and empathy— at home or abroad.”

Developed specifically for 12 healthcare professions, the OET uses clinical scenarios such as patient consultations and medical handovers to

assess English language skills. This structure allows healthcare workers to engage with language that mirrors the tasks they perform on the job, according to OET’s Director of Assessment and Learning, Dr. Gad Lim

“Our research shows that candidates who train with clinical content feel more prepared and confident in the workplace,” Lim said.

Filipino healthcare workers make up a significant share of the global medical workforce. OET said that English proficiency not only helps them meet international standards but also plays a critical role in improving patient safety and teamwork in local settings.

Filipino-British nurse May Parsons, known for administering the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine outside clinical trials, shared her experience of adapting to healthcare systems abroad.

“When I migrated to the UK, it wasn’t the clinical work that challenged me, it was communication, explaining procedures to families, and supporting patients in distress,” she said. “OET would have helped me prepare for those moments.”

OET is expanding its presence in the

Philippines through partnerships with universities, hospitals, and professional groups. These collaborations aim to embed OET-aligned training into academic programs and professional development tracks. Cortes said the goal is to position English proficiency

as a tool for patient care and career advancement.

The roundtable concluded with an open forum exploring the test’s role in certification, workforce development, and healthcare communication standards across the country.