Manila Standard - 2025 September 25 - Thursday

Elusive ex-DPWH exec faces Blue Ribbon today

Heading heading heading heading head

resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay

By Ram Superable and Vito Barcelo

By Rio N. Araja

TFORMER Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

By Charles Dantes and Rio N. Araja

undersecretary Roberto Bernardo is set to take center stage at the Senate today, where he is expected to deliver a potentially explosive tellall before the Blue Ribbon Committee.

HE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary

On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma. Mendoza narrated before congressmen how Garma allegedly facilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson yesterday confirmed Bernardo’s attendance, saying the former official had already submitted a prepared affidavit and also signaled plans to file a supplemental affidavit. “I don’t know if he will change his mind. He already submitted a previous affidavit, but he said he would file a supplemental one," said Lacson, who also chairs the Blue Ribbon panel. Bernardo’s appearance comes after his name surfaced in earlier hearings linking him to anomalous flood control projects that allegedly cost billions of pesos.

The whistleblower also implicated incumbent National Police Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.

Barayuga was a retired police general and lawyer who supposedly threatened to expose corruption within the PCSO shortly before he was shot dead in Mandaluyong City. Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in

MONITORING ‘OPONG’. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. presides over the situation briefing on response operations on the effects of Super typhoon Nando and preparations for severe tropical storm ‘Opong’ at Camp Aguinaldo. Inset shows the Opong's track. With the President are NDRRMC Chairperson and DND Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Lagdameo, Jr., and other key government officials.

Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry

By Darwin G. Amojelar and Vito Barcelo

By Charles Dantes

By Darwin Amojelar

TRANSPORTATION Secretary Jaime Bautista denied an online news report claiming that Malacañang was angry with the increase in airport fees without the approval of the Cabinet members.

By Katrina Manubay

“The Bilyonaryo article is malicious and unfounded,” Bautista said in a Viber message, referring to the website that published the said story.

“Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added.

Bilyonaryo reported online that “Bautista and his long-time protege in Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Bobby Lim, are at the center of the storm after it was

legal counsel of Chinese businessman Tony Yang sought to disparage lawmakers’ conclusions about his client’s supposedly sketchy past and his alleged ties with Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) and even Lawyer Raymond Fortun questioned the House Quad Committee’s impartiality and its ability to pin Chinese national Yang down for ay wrongdoing in a real

“I am very interested in how they [Quad Comm members] can prove this criminal network in court. In Congress, lawmakers act as both prosecutor and judge,” he said. Yang, who already admitted having a fake Philippine birth certificate, is the brother of Michael Yang, a presidential economic

adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Fortun, a lawyer who often finds himself at the center high-profile cases, apparently sought to mock congressmen, calling their probe “unacceptable.”

DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Tuesday ordered several other DPWH regional directors and district engineers to explain their lavish lifestyles.

However, House members argued they did not come by their suspicions about Yang recklessly.

On Friday, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga and Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon presented a matrix showing Yang’s first appearance and his subsequent activities at the Quad Comm hearing.

“We saw a pattern, and we tracked it to the top of these corporations... we stripped it of its layers , to get to the top and through it all, we have discovered and identified at least two main actors or players in the issue

Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal

By Rex Espiritu

of illegal drugs and illegal activities associated with POGOs,” Suarez said in a mixture of Filipino and English.

in the regional waters over the weekend. Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vin -

Dizon identified the officials as Gerard Opulencia, Danilo Villa, and Brando Raya for lavish lifestyle; Gerald Pacanan, substandard projects; Khadaffy Tanggol, failure to cooperate with ongoing investigation; and Isabelo Baleros, Almer Miranda, Gil Lorenzo, Arturo L. Gonzales, Jr., and Johnny Protesta, Jr., substandard projects.

“We are giving them five days to submit their written explanations of reports that we have received against them, and later on, depending on the results of the investigation, appropriate administrative charges will be filed against them,” Dizon said. Dizon also warned that if evidence warranted, those responsible would be held accountable, and the information would be forwarded to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.

The solons explained how the matrix details Yang’s connections to other individuals involved in illicit activities, including the operations of illegal POGOs.

Among the companies implicated are Brickhartz Technology Inc.

THE Philippine government on Sunday publicly called for the United Nations (UN) to give it a seat on the UN Security Council, highlighting the country’s strong record and dedication to upholding the rule of law.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo in a speech delivered at the UN General Assembly in New York said the Philippines continues to emphasize the “importance of upholding the rule of law and the integrity of the multilateral system in the face of toQuoted by reports, Manalo also said: “The Philippines has consistently pursued peace, the sovereign equality of states, the rights and digHe added that the country is also recognized as the “first Asian Re-

cent Trinidad told reporters that Manila troops did not monitor jing’s statement was meant only

“Our troops did not observe stand that sometimes, China is ence, right? For

By Ma. Katrina Mikaela Manubay

A2

House gives way to ICI, submits probe docs

By Maricel V. Cruz

BICOL Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, overall chairperson of the House Infrastructure Committee (Infra Comm), on Wednesday announced that the mega panel moved to suspend its hearings on the flood control mess.

"Today, we are announcing the suspension of proceedings of the House Infrastructure Committee to give way to the full and impartial proceedings of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI)," Ridon told reporters. He said the infra comm will cooperate with the ICI and it will submit pertinent documents that will help the investigating body ferret out the truth.

Elusive...

From A1

On Tuesday, former DPWH Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara accused Bernardo of orchestrating kickbacks from these projects to several lawmakers.

Alcantara identified Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, former senator Bong Revilla Jr., Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, and former Caloocan Representative Mitch Cajayon as alleged recipients.

He testified that in 2022, Bernardo started releasing project funds to his district office, with a standing agreement that 25 percent would be diverted to political proponents.

Lacson had earlier flagged Bernardo’s ties to Pampanga-based Globalcrete Builders, a firm that secured over 2.5 billion pesos in contracts during the term of DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan.

Corporate records linked Bernardo’s daughter, Sunshine, to MBB Global Properties, which included Bonoan’s daughter and relatives of Candaba Mayor Rene Maglanque as incorporators.

Senator JV Ejercito said Bernardo’s testimony could shed more light on systemic corruption within DPWH’s flood control projects.

Ejercito called Alcantara’s exposé shocking but argued that Bernardo’s account would be more pivotal in reform efforts.

Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Mr. Marcos was "furious" upon hearing a witness at the Senate inquiry recount how lawmakers now demand kickbacks equivalent to 25% to 30% of project costs. This is significantly higher than the percentage they reportedly demanded previously, which was 10% during the term of President Benigno Aquino III, and 12% to 15% under former President Rodrigo Duterte.

"That’s precisely why he initiated this investigation… no public official should take pride in receiving such huge kickbacks," Castro said in Filipino.

She referred to the sharp rise in illicit commissions as a telltale of "excessive greed and insatiability" among corrupt officials.

The Palace official also weighed in on Senators’ debate over whether contractors involved in corruption should return their alleged ill-gotten wealth before being admitted to the

BI...

From A1

"Within the next few days, the Infra Comm will turn over all transcripts, documents and other pieces of information and evidence to the ICI, and it is our commitment to fully cooperate with the ICI on any and every aspect of our previous proceedings," said Ridon.

Ridon also reported that the Infra Comm hearings had resulted in the following:

• The resignation of members

He said the kickback scheme appeared compartmentalized, with different engineers assigned to project execution, negotiations, and dealings with higher officials.

Ejercito then urged his brother, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, to present his full defense if he truly had no role in the controversy.

In a separate interview, Senator Erwin Tulfo said all fingers are pointing to Bernardo, who is considered the superior of Hernandez and Alcantara, and stressed the need to get to the bottom of the allegations.

Bernardo is a civil engineer who hails from Malolos, Bulacan.

He held various important positions within the DPWH, including that of Undersecretary for Regional Operations, where he oversaw projects in several regions.

Before being appointed undersecretary, he was named OIC-City Engineer on secondment status at the request of then-Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

In June, Bernardo flew to the United States to seek medical treatment but returned home the following month.

According to him, he is currently on medical leave due to a debilitating spinal condition and has denied allegations of corruption and being sacked from the DPWH.

However, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon earlier said that Bernardo was no longer with the Department when he assumed the post on September 1.

Witness Protection Program (WPP), saying it is a reasonable condition under the law.

Citing Republic Act No. 6981, Castro said the Department of Justice (DOJ) may impose reasonable conditions before granting protection, including full cooperation and disclosure of all wrongdoing.

"When they say 'tell all,' it means they must also disclose their liabilities," she said.

"If they admit to stealing from the government, it is only right that they return what they took to show their good faith," Castro added.

The Palace official pointed out that extending protection to witnesses under threat imposes a financial burden on the state.

"The government will be spending money on them, so they must also help the government in return," Castro said.

The Senate’s ongoing probe into massive corruption in the government's flood control program has sparked public outrage, with calls mounting for accountability among lawmakers and contractors implicated in the scandal.

20 to 25 percent from multibillion-peso flood control allocations.

On Tuesday, September 23, Co denied the allegations raised against him, calling them ‘‘false and baseless.’’

The House leadership is under pressure to hold Co accountable, with opposition lawmakers urging the chamber to immediately act on the flood control scam controversy. Lawmakers stressed that allowing Co to leave the country despite mounting allegations could undermine the integrity of the House investigation.

It was also reported that civil society groups have started calling for Co’s preventive suspension, warning that his continued absence from Congress erodes public trust and hampers efforts to seek accountability in the alleged misuse of flood control funds.

of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) over allegations of unexplained wealth and licenses for sale;

• The disclosure of one billion pesos in cash assets of MG Samidan Construction, one of the 15 largest flood control contractors named by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr;

• The disclosure of the financial statements of all Discaya-linked firms from 2014 to 2023, which showed the sharp rise of their consolidated revenues during the Duterte administration, and that such massive revenues have been sustained up to the present;

• The initial testimonies and evidence linking high-level officials in the executive and legislative to the ghost and substandard flood control projects in Bulacan, all of which

Dizon...

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Meanwhile, Dizon asked the AntiMoney Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze P474.5 billion worth of luxury vehicles owned by individuals implicated in the anomalous flood control projects.

He also warned the public against buying the cars in question.

“If any of our countrymen are looking to buy these vehicles, think twice, because you will be implicated once you buy them,” Dizon said.

“Don’t buy those assets, because they will probably be frozen,” he added.

The list of questioned vehicles included those owned by former DPWH Bulacan first district engineer Henry Alcantara with an estimated

PBBM...

From A1

Northern Luzon while preparing for Typhoon “Opong,” which is expected to make landfall later this week.

“This is important because we need to know how to maximize whatever logistics and resources we have now,” President Marcos said during a briefing with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Quezon City.

“We are still responding to the damage left by Typhoon Nando and the southwest monsoon in Northern Luzon, while at the same time preparing for the expected landfall of Opong in the Visayas.”

State weather bureau PAGASA reported that “Nando” has moved west of Macau in southern China, allowing authorities to shift their focus to “Opong,” which was last tracked 815 kilometers east of Mindanao on Tuesday. “Opong” is expected to strengthen into a typhoon within 24 hours, bringing heavier rainfall and stronger winds as it nears the eastern seaboard.

The system is forecast to make landfall in Samar province between Friday morning and Saturday morning, passing very close to Catanduanes by Friday noon.

It will then move across CALABARZON and approach Metro Manila by early Saturday, PAGASA said. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised in Samar provinces and is expected to escalate as the storm intensifies. PAGASA warned of heavy rainfall in Eastern Visayas and the Bicol Region, with torrential rains forecast over Northern Samar and Sorsogon from Thursday noon until midday Friday. Flooding and landslides are possible in these areas, prompting officials to urge local governments and residents to prepare early.

As the storm moves closer to the country’s landmass, widespread rainfall is expected in Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and parts of Central Luzon. Authorities also issued an early storm surge warning for coastal communities in Bicol, where surges could reach up to three meters.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said post-disaster operations in the north and pre-emptive preparations in the Visayas are ongoing. About 7,000 families are currently staying in evacuation centers in

are relevant and indispensable to the ongoing and developing Senate Blue Ribbon Committee proceedings.

Ridon also noted that the House panel implemented transparency measures during the course of the proceedings such as mandating the disclosures of possible conflictof-interest issues for participating members as well as the no interpellation and immediate recusal protocol for legislators named.

Ridon said the mega panel also intends to propose legislation that ensure:

• Private sector participation in project inspections;

• Legitimate civil society participation in project procurement;

• Proponent identification and public disclosure in each and ev -

worth of P670 million; dismissed DPWH assistant engineers Brice Hernandez, P35.34 million; Jaypee De Leon Mendoza, P18.5 million; Ernesto Galang, P3.8 million; John Michael Ramos, P2.4 million; and contractor-couple Pacifico Discaya, P59 million, and Cezarah Rowena, P218.1 million; Sally Nicolas Santos, P30 million; and Robert Tecson Imperil, P53.1 million. Dizon also asked the AMLC to freeze the air assets registered to companies linked to Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Elizaldy Co estimated at P5 billion. The companies' aircraft holdings were identified as Misibis Aviation & Development Corp. with assets worth $74.65 million; Hi Tone Construction Development Corp. with $7.94 million; and QM Builder with $2 million.

Northern Luzon, where authorities are still collecting reports of damage, including several deaths from landslides and a missing fisherman in Aurora. Another fatality was reported in Cagayan.

Teodoro said the government needs better weather conditions before it can conduct a thorough damage and needs assessment. Preliminary reports place agricultural losses at P15 million, but validation is still ongoing. According to him, the Department of National Defense is focused on providing logistics support to transport essential goods. Prepositioned relief supplies remain sufficient, and road-clearing operations are underway to ensure access in case of worsening weather.

PAGASA reported on Wednesday that tropical cyclone “Opong” (international name: Bualoi) has already intensified into a severe tropical storm over the Philippine Sea. Moving west-northwestward at 20 kilometers per hour, Opong was last estimated 670 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.

According to PAGASA’s 5 p.m. bulletin, the severe tropical storm has maximum sustained winds of 95 kph and gusts of up to 115 kph. It is forecast to move toward Eastern Visayas and Southern Luzon, making landfall over the Bicol Region by Friday morning or afternoon and crossing southern Luzon the same day.

Afterward, it will continue moving generally west-northwestward over the West Philippine Sea before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Saturday. Opong will continue to intensify over the Philippine Sea, possibly reaching typhoon category before making landfall, and then weakening as it crosses the archipelago. Re-intensification is considered highly likely once the storm re-emerges over the West Philippine Sea.

ery program, activity or project proposed at any and every stage of the budget process: National Expenditure Program, House Appropriations Committee and Subcommittees, Senate Finance Committee and Subcommittees, Bicameral Conference Committee; and

• A stronger ICI, particularly the granting of subpoena and contempt powers.

"The House Infrastructure Committee has full faith in the mandate, integrity and competence of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure,” Ridon emphasized.

"We trust that through its work, the ICI will be able to ensure transparency, that it will be able to ensure accountability, and most important of all, that it will be able to ensure justice," he emphasized.

Nothing...

"This is in line with its functions under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and relevant Philippine laws to protect the welfare of all Filipinos," the DFA said in a statement.

"This is a duty of all Philippine Foreign Service Posts and is no different from what the DFA does for other Filipino citizens who are in detention abroad," it added.

This development follows Vice President Sara Duterte's statement issued earlier the same day, where she accused the said officials of clearly abusing the rules of her father's detention unit concerning consular visits.

"If such sham 'welfare checks' are allowed to continue, then the ICC and the Philippine government must be prepared to answer, fully and directly, for any harm that comes to former president Duterte —including, should the worst happen, his death in custody as a direct result of these intrusions, the false pretense of conducting a 'welfare check,'" Sara said.

"These are nothing but orders of President Marcos disguised as consular functions, and we strongly object to such visits. (Rodrigo) does not need you, our family will take care of him," she added.

The Vice President further claimed that there are other detained Filipinos overseas "who have not had the benefit of a single 'welfare check' from the Philippine government."

Tags: vice president, Sara Duterte, Rodrigo Duterte, DFA, embassy, Hague, ICC, Philippines, news

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 has been raised in northern Samar and the northern portion of eastern Samar, covering San Policarpo, Oras, Jipapad, and Arteche. Signal No. 1 is likewise hoisted over Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Samar, the rest of eastern Samar, Biliran, and the northern portion of Leyte, including Barugo, San Miguel, Babatngon, Tacloban City, Calubian, Leyte, Capoocan, Carigara, and Palo. Discaya... From A1

“The Witness Protection Program (WPP) was created so that witnesses in cases will not be harmed, their lives will not be placed in danger... Their testimony is very important not only in the Senate but in the future, in the Sandiganbayan and in the Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) if anyone has jurisdiction over the crimes we are filing,” Remulla told justice reporters.

He explained that protection will be provided to allow continuous revelation, but noted that being a state witness is another matter.

Security will be provided for the aforementioned individuals such that the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be aware of their location at all times. The DOJ will be finalizing the arrangement with the Senate on the terms of protection to be provided. Remulla also stressed that the witnesses are not necessarily immune from charges, explaining that the government will carefully consider those who will be placed in state witness status.

“We need to evaluate who can be given state witness status because that does not mean that everyone will be made a state witness,” he said.

He clarified that there is still no state witness in the case in consideration of several factors.

Meanwhile, the DOJ chief shared that he has yet to discuss restitution with the Discayas and Alcantara, while Hernandez had voluntarily surrendered his assets.

“You can really see, there is a real need for restitution. This is what our people really want, and this is what justice is all about,” said Remulla.

IN BRIEF

PNP reports arrest of 10 sexual abusers in 24 hrs

THE Philippine National Police (PNP), through the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, arrested 10 rapists and sexual abusers nationwide within 24 hours.

The operations on September 22 led to arrests of four suspects in Luzon, two in Visayas, and four in Mindanao, based on warrants for rape, statutory rape, and violations of child protection laws.

PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the arrests show the police’s firm commitment to protect women and children, while PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño assured that no offender can escape the law.

CIDG Acting Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said six of those arrested were regional most wanted persons, while others were listed as provincial, municipal, or local wanted individuals. Vince Lopez

Cops seize smuggled goods in Manila market

POLICE seized nearly P2 million worth of smuggled onions and counterfeit cigarettes in separate operations in Quiapo, Manila, this week.

PNP Highway Patrol Group spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang said two truck drivers were arrested after being flagged for traffic violations on Carlos Palanca Street.

Around 1,200 sacks of onions worth P1.35 million were found inside their vehicles, with one driver also presenting spurious documents.

In another operation, police caught a vendor loading counterfeit cigarettes onto a van near Quinta Market. He failed to present documents and admitted the goods were fake.

Authorities confiscated eight boxes of cigarettes valued at P600,000. Police are now tracing the source of the counterfeit goods and the group behind the operation. Vince Lopez

PH, Romania meeting for stronger bilateral ties

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro and Romanian Foreign Affairs Minister Oana Toiu met at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23.

Toiu thanked Lazaro for the opportunity to deepen cooperation and said she looks forward to sustaining dialogue between the Philippines and Romania in both UN and ASEAN settings.

The two officials also discussed maritime security and recognized the contributions of the Filipino community in Romania. Toiu welcomed Manila’s decision to reopen its embassy in Bucharest.

Last year, the two countries held the 6th Philippines-Romania Political Consultation, underscoring efforts to boost bilateral and multilateral engagement. Katrina Manubay

Church sanctuary for whistleblowers

By Vito Barcelo

CATHOLIC Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Kalookan Archbishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David has offered the church as a sanctuary for whistleblowers on the flood control project anomalies worth billions of pesos.

“We will open our churches as a sanctuary for those who have the courage to tell the truth,” David said. The CBCP head said the offer aims

to provide a safe space for individuals to come forward and expose corruption, particularly in the context of the flood control scandal and other gov-

ernment projects.

He said the Church sanctuary will protect whistleblowers from retaliation and harm, offering a secure environment for them to share information.

“We are encouraging individuals to come forward with information about corruption and wrongdoing,” David said, adding that the Church is committed to supporting justice and promoting the common good, particularly in the face of corruption and abuse of power. The CBCP head said he has been vo -

DBM approves P1.64 billion bonus release for Army personnel

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Budget and Management

(DBM) has approved the release of P1.64 billion for the payment of the FY 2023 Performance-Based Bonuses (PBB) of 110,688 qualified officials and employees of the Armed Forces of the Philippines –Philippine Army (AFP-PA).

“We know, especially President Bongbong Marcos, the perseverance and hard work of every soldier. Our soldiers dedicate their lives to defending peace and protecting our people. This release underlines our commitment to recognize and reward our men and women in uniform who fulfill their duties with excellence,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said. Under the approved release, each eligible AFPPA official and employee will receive a PBB equivalent to 45.50 percent of their monthly basic salary as of 31 December 2023.

Those in the First, Second, and Third Levels must have achieved at least a “Very Satisfactory” rating under the Civil Service Commission-approved Strategic Performance and Management System (SPMS) or the system required by the Career Executive Service Board.

The funds will be charged against the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund under Republic Act No. 12116, the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act.

PH gov’t submits ratification of high seas treaty in New York

By Katrina Manubay

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Theresa3 Lazaro submitted the Philippines’ instrument of ratification for the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regarding the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), also known as the High Seas Treaty, in New York City on Tuesday, September 23.

In her remarks, Lazaro said the agreement seeks to address the loss of biological diversity and the degradation of ocean ecosystems.

“The Agreement is a milestone in addressing biodiversity loss and ocean degradation. It is a crucial multilateral framework for an archipelagic state like the Philippines, located in the world’s center of marine biodiversity and bounded by the high seas in the Pacific and the South China Sea. It further implements and reinforces UNCLOS,” she said.

cal about promoting peaceful means to demand government accountability.

David also lamented the violence at a weekend rally in Mendiola and urged demonstrators to press their call for government accountability through peaceful means. “It is saddening that violence broke out at the Mendiola rally,” David said. “Let us not give in to provocation or violence.

“What is more important is our collective stand—firm yet peaceful—for accountability and honesty in government,” he added.

MMDA: Recycle, reuse to prevent floods in metro

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is strongly urging the public to reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize waste and prevent clogged waterways, which contribute to flooding in Metro Manila. MMDA chair Romando Artes said residents can help create cleaner communities and improve quality of life by adopting simple recycling habits.

He added that participating in local recycling programs also fosters responsibility toward sustainable practices.

“Reducing waste through recycling is essential, as clogged waterways are a major cause of flooding in the National Capital Region,” Artes said.

He also encouraged households to adopt more eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.

LANDMARK BILLS. TINGOG party-list Reps. Jude Acidre (middle) and Andrew Romualdez (left), together with EDCOM 2

IN BRIEF

DAR rolls out ‘justice on wheels’ program

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has rolled out its flagship Agrarian Justice on Wheels (ARJOW) program in Zamboanga del Norte to provide direct access to speedy, affordable and accessible legal solutions.

PH, Vietnam deepen maritime ties

By Rex Espiritu

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has welcomed Vietnamese Navy chief Vice Admiral Tran Thanh Nghiem who is currently in Manila to strengthening bilateral maritime collaborations.

AFP deputy chief Lt. Gen. Rommel Roldan led Tuesday’s reception for the visiting Vietnamese official at Camp Aguinaldo, as part of continuing partnership between the two countries.

“ visit builds on previous joint activi-

ties and dialogues focused on regional stability, maritime security, and cooperation in the West Philippine Sea and the wider ASEAN region,” the AFP said in a statement.

“The Philippines and Vietnam have

Group allays fears on telco cells risk to kids

A CONSUMER advocacy group has allayed fears and anxieties over installation of telecommunication towers near schools, saying they were needed to enhance digital access in education.

The CitizenWatch Philippines was reacting to growing concerns among communities and school authorities about the supposed health risks from radiation emitted by telco towers.

“These fears are not supported by science and may actually delay much-needed infrastructure that would help students and teachers in underserved areas gain access to reliable internet connectivity,” the group said in a statement.

“Let’s base our decisions on science, not speculation,” said Orlando Oxales, lead convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines.

“Decades of global research show that the radio signals coming from cell towers—even those near schools—are hundreds to thousands of times below levels that could harm people,” Oxales said.

He cited research by global health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which have found no confirmed health risks from the kind of low-level radio signals emitted by base stations.

maintained a strong tradition of bilateral defense engagements, advancing cooperation based on mutual respect and strategic trust,” it added.

Both countries have been locked in bitter territorial disputes with China, which continues to assert claims to nearly the entire South China Sea.

Meanwhile, Chinese ships operating in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) over the past week have significantly declined due to unfavorable weather.

In a press briefing, Navy spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said there were only nine Chinese Coast Guard vessels spot-

ted at Bajo de Masinloc, one People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ship near Pag-asa Island, and two Chinese Coast Guard vessels in Ayungin Shoal.

The fleet is fewer compared to the previous monthly average of 14 to 20 vessels, the Navy said.

Trinidad noted that the decline was largely due to super typhoon “Nando” and an earlier storm, which likewise limited Philippine patrols in the disputed territories.

“The weather will impact all countries, not only the PLA Navy and Coast Guard, but even our patrol missions,” Trinidad said.

Through ARJOW, the DAR adjudication board brings mobile legal services and on-site hearings directly to farming communities. The innovation benefits farmerbeneficiaries by on- site resolution of land-related disputes thereby enabling the farmer-litigants to save on time and money attending court hearing by providing consultations on tenancy, land tenure and other agrarian reform concerns, and speeding up the re-issuance of collective certificates of land ownership award and other legal remedies that secure farmers’ land rights. The initiative forms part of a nationwide simultaneous rollout of government services in celebration of the 68th birthday of President Marcos. Rio N. Araja

Policewoman returns lost P260k to owner

AN HONEST p olicewoman in Oas, Albay gained commendations for returning a bag containing P260,000 in cash and important documents to the owner.

According to the Oas police, SSgt. Angelica Salando was eating with her family in a restaurant when she saw an unattended bag. She inquired with the diner’s owner about the owner of the bag, but was told the person had already left. Salando inspected the bag’s contents and found out it belonged to an architect. Salando then turned it over the bag to the Pili police which subsequently traced the owner. Vince Lopez

Healthcare program gains ground in Cebu

CEBU Gov. Pamela Baricuatro’s healthcare program, being implemented in collaboration with various sectors of society, continues to gain traction across the province.

Dr. Nikki Catalan, provincial Piso Health consultant, cited weekly milestones in the governor’s healthcare initiatives starting with the hiring of at least 160 nurses and training them for a two-day Basic Life Support (BLS) before deployment to the 16 government-run hospitals and 12 district health facilities.

John Noel Enriquez, facilitator and manager of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management in Health (DRRM-H) program of the Provincial Health Office, echoed Baricuatro’s priority to enhance hospital services not only in terms of equipment, facilities or diagnostic tools, but also additional manpower.

Baricuatro rolled out last Monday the community-based rehabilitation program in all Cebu local government units, especially in far-flung towns and islands. Minerva Newman

Prioritize education, healthcare in crafting budget measure—Poe

A PARTY-LIST lawmaker has called on his colleagues in the House of Representatives to “prioritize youth empowerment, education, student welfare, healthcare reform, and cybersecurity” in the deliberations of the 2026 national budget.

FPJ Panday Bayanihan Rep. Brian Poe, vice chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, made the call dur-

ing Monday’s sub-committee hearing on the fiscal measure.

Poe, sponsor of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) proposed budget, underscored fiscal prudence and public impact in crafting next year’s General Appropriations Act.

The young legislator also pushed the

House bills seek reforms in tech-voc sector

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE TINGOG party-list has filed three landmark bills aimed at instituting comprehensive reforms in governing the country’s higher and technicalvocational education sector. The three measures seek to modernize the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) by amending Republic Act 7796 of 1994, strengthen the governance of state universities and colleges (SUCs) by amending Republic Act 8292 or the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997, and establish a unified governance framework for local universities and colleges (LUCs), the proponents said.

According to the TINGOG legislators—Jude Acidre and Julian Romualdez—their proposed

laws were designed to create a more coordinated, responsive, and accountable post-secondary education system in the Philippines.

Acidre, chairman of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and cochairman of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), said the reforms were about ensuring that schools and training institutions truly serve the hopes of Filipino learners.

“Our young people deserve schools and training centers that can prepare them for the future they dream of. Modernizing TESDA, strengthening governance in SUCs, and setting clear standards for LUCs are steps to make sure our institutions are not just keeping up with change, but helping students get ahead,” said Acidre.

expansion of the Government Internship Program (GIP) under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) initiative being implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“The Government Internship Program is a good stepping stone for youth to get involved in what we are doing

here,” Poe said in a statement.

“Many young people want to help our government, to change our system of governance,” he added.

Poe acknowledged that the proposed ₱48.4 billion allotment to construct 19,360 classrooms across the country was “the largest single-year bump ever for DepEd (Department of Education).

ARMY, AIR FORCE DRILL.

The Philippine Army and the Philippine Air Force test their inter-service integration and synchronization of operations during a week-long joint exercise in Albay and Catanduanes provinces, involving over 1,600 soldiers and reservists from both units. Army photo

OPINION

The web

FACTS written about in this space or stated in TV interviews are being proven by the discoveries unearthed in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings presided over by Sen. Ping Lacson. Ever since the Supreme Court outlawed the PDAF, another name for “pork barrel” in the wake of the Napoles scandal involving legislators from both houses of Congress, our astute legislators have been conniving with district engineers sanctioned by the DPWH central office to incorporate in the president’s budget, mismo, their “priority” projects. District engineers are by long standing practice, the “appointees” or assigns of congressmen, but for a handful who find it beneath their dignity to meddle into a purely executive function. Then, the DPWH submits its proposed budget to the DBM which crafts the NEP. In fine, pork is already incorporated in what DPWH calls a “leadership fund” even before the NEP is submitted to Congress. Congress cannot pass a GAA which is higher than the NEP submitted by the president, but it can re-align sums according to what our legislators deem as more important and efficient fund utilization.

That is theoretical, because in practice, they prioritize their district interests and, worse, fund projects where the “commissions,” which are deemed “obligations” by contractors and DPWH personnel are “satisfactory.”

Per the confessions in the Lacson committee hearings, “obligations” to legislators were 5-10 percent in PNoy’s time, then 10-15 percent under PRRD, and has grown to 25-30 percent under PBbM.

That is what goes to the legislator-proponent either in the NEP, or through the GAA in the House, thence the bicam, and finally passed and sent to Malacanang for the president to sign into law.

In those final steps, the web of conspiracy between DPWH (as well as other agencies) and the Houdini’s in Congress are finalized.

In the 2025 budget, the insertions on line items as well as unprogrammed appropriations resulted in the most corrupt budget in history.

The favorite “priority” is flood control, where the “obligations” are settled through sub-standard construction by contractors who are part of “the web” of the DPWH syndicates.

Worse than sub-standard, there are “ghosts,” but, altogether, these have caused floods to worsen, and even create floods where there used to be none.

Many more will be unearthed in both the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and the Investigative Commission for Infrastructure.

Many more scams, hopefully to include decrepit and over-priced classrooms, perhaps with another set of “ghosts,” in farm-to-pocket roads, in multi-purpose buildings, in sports centers, even in hospitals.

The web is as criminal as criminal can possibly be.

***

The outrage from all sectors of society, from the rich to the lumpen proletariat who attacked the police, was so clearly expressed in separate rallies last Sept. 21.

Shocked by the looming public anger, the president was forced to cause the replacement of his first cousin and chief political confidante, days before last Sunday’s storm of discontent.

It is noteworthy the new Speaker immediately ordered the missing Chief Houdini of the 2023-24-25 GAA to return to the country from wherever in the universe he is hiding.

In the 2025 budget, the insertions on line items as well as unprogrammed appropriations resulted in the most corrupt budget in history

Next, he publicly stated that those InfraComm hearings presided over by the toady of the Chief Houdini who spun the notorious web among agencies of the executive and the legislature to line deep private pockets should stop and defer to the ICI.

So far so good.

The new DPWH secretary removed flood control from his department’s earlier approved 2026 proposal, which amounted to a huge 255 billion pesos, as he and the ICI seek out the culprits.

Which is the right thing to do, but no sooner had he disavowed 255 billion than the Chair of the Appropriations Committee announced they will seek ways by which to re-align the amount to the “right” priorities.

Congressmen are already salivating over the unexpected bonanza, like crocodiles sensing new prey.

With such a huge fiscal deficit accompanied by a humongous public debt, why not just reduce the 6.793 trillion NEP by said amount, along with other unnecessary expenditures to include even the Office of the President and Congress itself, as a sign of willingness to reform governance?

*** Meanwhile, to Sen. Erwin Tulfo who in bombastic tone declared last Tuesday that “sometimes you have to bend the law to be able to please the people,” eliciting a sheepish “Yes Sir” from the DOJ secretary, while Sec. Rudy Quimbo of the committee was beside himself in amused laughter at Tulfo’s back, I commend the immortal words of Alexander Pope in “An Essay on Criticism” “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.”

Angels and demons

THE PDAF congressional investigations of a decade ago was supposed to be the mother of all investigations that would put an end to government corruption with Janet Napoles sent to jail. Instead, government officials responsible in crafting the national budget simply became more creative in developing a new system of how to steal government funds. Over the past several years, we have become familiar with new terms in the national budgeting process like funds being parked like cars, insertions and unprogrammed funds. These funds took the place of the Priority Development Assistance Funds in addition to the budgeted funds intended for flood control mitigation programs.

As the current investigations are showing, PDAF funds were very small compared to what has been allegedly stolen from the money intended for flood control mitigation projects.

Last Sept. 21, on the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, the public took to the streets to show their revulsion to the magnitude of corruption. It must have been that video showing the piles of money all in 1,000-peso bills on top of those tables that finally broke the camel’s back, so to speak.

Whether in fact the current investigations will succeed in sending high government officials to jail for corruption is something the public must be vigilant in monitoring to prevent the old boy network from protecting their own kind.

This is because almost everyone is somehow tainted with the corruption disease.

These investigations must not be allowed to take too long to conclude

But there are reasons to be hopeful this time around. Unlike in the PDAF investigations, the public has now become wiser.

In those PDAF investigations, they were made to believe Janet Napoles was the sole mastermind.

But as the public now realize, there were others who were as guilty but managed to stay free because the direction of the inquiry made it appear that she was the only mastermind and the public swal-

documents the scene with a clipboard. Dark satire, urgent, socially critical.’

Gov’t

must heed clamor for change

LAST Sunday, the streets of Manila erupted with a familiar but urgent call to send to jail all those involved in massive corruption in the country. But the peaceful protest against anomalous, substandard and even non-existent flood control projects, while overshadowed by the violence that took place later that day, sent a clear and loud message: the looting of the national treasury must stop, and stop now.

The tens of thousands of Filipinos who gathered at Rizal Park and the People Power Monument in Manila and in other cities throughout the archipelago were there to underscore the fact that corruption persists on an even larger scale now than ever before.

The occasion marked the anniversary of martial law declared by then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., yet the rallying cry was not about the past, it was about the present: a corruption scandal so brazen it threatens to overshadow even the infamous Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel scam of 2013.

At the heart of the outrage are billions of pesos allocated for flood control projects, many of which turned out to be ghost contracts or dangerously substandard.

The Discaya couple, who own a total of nine construction firms that bagged

lowed it hook line and sinker.

Now, the public wants the scalps of all government officials involved in the scandal regardless of whether they are from the executive or legislative branch.

Sorting out who are the angels and who are the demons in this sordid scandal, however, will be tricky.

Those in the public who are familiar with how government funds are liquidated understand that almost if not all of those in the line of the liquidation process have varying degrees of involvement.

The investigators will therefore have to identify the guiltiest down to the least guilty and then determine the best person or persons to accept as state witnesses.

But since there are so many investigations going on at the same time, it is difficult at the moment to make any heads or tails where the direction of the investiga-

The looting of the national treasury must stop, and stop now

multi-billion-peso flood control projects, have become symbols of a system that rewards greed and punishes accountability. But this time, the people are pushing back. The twin “Baha sa Luneta” and “Trillion Peso March” protests were not just expressions of anger; they were declarations of civic ownership. Among those who took part in the protest action were Church officials. An outspoken bishop quoted Psalms:

tion is going. As shown by the Senate hearing last Tuesday, there seems to be no delineation of scope, functions and responsibilities among the four investigative bodies looking into the flood control corruption scandal.

What happensm for instance, if the House and Senate separately clears someone but the DOJ and the ICI charge the person in court or vice versa? What will also happen if each of the four investigating bodies have identified different masterminds because it could indeed happen that there could be another with the same degree of guilt?

One investigating body might identify the District Engineer as the mastermind but another believes it is the politician where the fund came from . Medyo magulo but at least the investi-

“Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise.”

A prominent cardinal called for repentance and restitution. Their presence, alongside activists, artists, and opposition lawmakers, signaled a rare convergence of moral, political, and cultural forces.

Big protest actions against corruption indicate massive disenchantment with how government handles crises such as this.

Will institutions respond with integrity, or retreat into partisan paralysis?

We recall that earlier, President Marcos Jr. even welcomed the protests and claimed to support public outrage. But if the administration is serious about reform, it must pursue the prosecution of those who benefited from the scam, recover stolen assets, and overhaul the procurement systems that enable such abuse.

The protests also remind us that real change does not begin in the halls of Congress or the Palace: it begins in the streets, in the voices of ordinary citizens who refuse to be silent.

The tens of thousands of Filipinos, from battle-hardened activists to religious leaders and celebrities, who converged to demand accountability for what may be the largest corruption scandal in contemporary Philippine history, have already spoken, and government is left with no choice but to listen to them.

gation going on is not only limited to the contractors but includes politicians. Let’s see whether this will be resolved.

From what the resource speakers and the members of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee were saying last Tuesday, the answers can be found by following the trail from those parked, inserted and unprogrammed funds. That is where the big fish can be caught. But these investigations must not be allowed to take too long to conclude. The four investigative bodies especially the two houses of Congress already know the drill and what needs to be done. They should just go ahead and do it.

Prolonging the agony will not be good for our country’s reputation as we already lost a lot of prestige as a result of the scandal.

Finish it so the country can move on.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF

Russia: ‘No alternative’ to Ukraine offensive

MOSCOW – The Kremlin on Wednesday said it had no choice but to continue its military offensive on Ukraine, as Moscow rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Russia was a “paper tiger.”

The comments come a day after Trump said Ukraine could win back all of its territory from Russia, which he characterized as a “paper tiger” with a failing economy -- a major pivot in his stance on the three-and-a-half-year conflict.

“We are continuing our special military operation to ensure our interests and achieve the goals,” set by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday, using Moscow’s term for its assault on Ukraine.

“We are doing this for both the present and the future of our country. For many generations to come. Therefore, we have no alternative,” he added in a radio interview with a Russian newspaper.

He also pushed back against Trump’s “paper tiger” remark, but conceded the economy -- slowing after three years of rapid growth and with stubborn inflation -- was facing some headwinds. AFP

Organizers: Gaza flotilla targeted by drones

ATHENS – Organizers of a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying aid and pro-Palestinian activists said Wednesday that several of their boats had been targeted by multiple drones.

The Global Sumud Flotilla said more than a dozen explosions were heard around the flotilla as it sailed off Greece late on Tuesday, with damage caused by “unidentified objects” dropped on deck.

“Multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats,” it said.

Polish lawmaker Franek Sterczewski, who is on board one of the vessels, posted on X that there had been 13 attacks on a total of 10 vessels, including the one he is on.

“Three of the ships were damaged,” he added.

German human rights activist and flotilla member Yasemin Acar said in a video she posted on Instagram that five vessels had been attacked.

“We are carrying only humanitarian aid,” she said. “We have no weapons. We pose no threat to anyone. It is Israel who is killing thousands of people (and) starving a whole population.” AFP

SoKor’s ex-first lady tried for corruption

SEOUL – South Korea opened a criminal trial Wednesday for the wife of impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol, marking the first time an ex-first lady has faced trial, after her husband was removed from office over a martial law bid.

Kim Keon Hee was arrested in August on a range of charges, including stock manipulation and corruption. She appeared in person at the Seoul Central District Court, escorted by guards.

Dressed in a dark suit with her hair tied back, the former first lady wore a badge on her chest bearing her inmate number: 4398.

The trial began with the court confirming her identity and her occupation, to which she replied briefly: “I am unemployed.”

She also gave her date of birth and declined to request a jury trial.

The case means South Korea now has both a former president and a former first lady simultaneously facing criminal proceedings. AFP

Sao Paulo gov quietly emerges as Bolsonaro heir

SAO PAULO, Brazil – He actively denies it, yet one name keeps surfacing as a potential successor to convicted former president Jair Bolsonaro at the helm of Brazil’s right: Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas.

As Bolsonaro, 70, remains occupied with appealing a 27-year sentence for plotting a botched coup, Brazil’s considerable conservative electorate is currently headed into presidential elections in 2026 without a champion.

A former minister in Bolsonaro’s government, Freitas runs a state that is home to 46 million people, the economic powerhouse of the country with a GDP equivalent to that of Belgium or Sweden.

Polls have shown the former army engineer as the candidate likely to perform best against leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

But Freitas -- a more traditional conservative than the far-right Bolsonaro -appears uneasy having his name bandied about as a possible successor.

“Jair Bolsonaro is our greatest political leader,” Freitas has said. However, expectations are high that Bolsonaro will appoint a successor. Other potential candidates are said to be his wife, Michelle, or his son, the senator Flavio Bolsonaro.

A champion of economic efficiency and a tough police force, Freitas is a technocrat who had not run for office until he won the Sao Paulo governorship in 2022. AFP

At UN, Petro urges ‘criminal process’ against Trump

UNITED NATIONS, New York – Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro addressed the UN General Assembly Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time) to call for a “criminal process” to be opened against counterpart Donald Trump for US strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean.

Petro said unarmed “poor young people” died in the strikes that Washington said were part of a US anti-drug operation off the coast of Venezuela, whose president Washington accuses of running a cartel. Over a dozen people are known to have been killed in strikes on at least three boats in attacks UN experts have described as “extrajudicial execution.”

Swatting away concerns the killings are unlawful, Trump vowed at the same forum earlier Tuesday to obliterate drug smugglers.

“To every terrorist thug smuggling poisonous drugs into the United States of America, please be warned that we will blow you out of existence,” he told the assembly.

Trump has dispatched eight warships and a submarine to the southern Caribbean, and the biggest US deployment in years has raised fears in Venezuela of an invasion. AFP

Typhoon wreaks havoc in Taiwan, HK

HONG KONG – Fierce winds, pounding rain and high seas battered Hong Kong on Wednesday as Super Typhoon Ragasa headed into southern China after causing a lake burst that killed at least 14 people in Taiwan.

The Chinese finance hub saw scores of fallen trees and flooding in multiple neighborhoods, with the storm surge smashing the glass doors of an upscale hotel and flooding its lobby, according to footage circulated online.

Ragasa is churning away from Hong Kong gradually around noon but the city will still be lashed by hurricane-force winds, according to the Hong Kong Observatory, which issued the highest level of typhoon warning overnight.

Ragasa has brought “significant storm

surge”, with waters at coastal areas rising more than three metres above the reference level, the observatory added.

The nearby casino hub of Macau -which also saw widespread flooding -- has suspended power supply to some low-lying areas, according to utility company CEM.

In Taiwan, at least 14 people were killed and 18 injured when a decades-old lake barrier burst in the eastern Hualien county after Ragasa pounded the island, according to regional officials.

No pause for food delivery during Pakistan’s monsoon

LAHORE, Pakistan – Abdullah Abbas waded through Lahore’s flooded streets, struggling to push his motorcycle and deliver a food order on time.

The water had risen to his torso, his jeans soaked and rolled up over sandals, leaving him vulnerable to electrocution and infectious diseases.

Even as monsoon rains deluge Pakistan’s cities, food and grocery orders on the Singapore-based delivery platform Foodpanda pour in.

“If I don’t deliver the orders, my Foodpanda account will get blocked, which would leave me without money,” Abbas told AFP in the old quarter of Lahore, known for its narrow, congested streets.

“I need this money to pay my high school fees,” added the 19-year-old, who is completing his last year of secondary school.

Since June, monsoon rains in Pakistan have killed more than 1,000 people, swelling major rivers and devastating rural communities along their banks.

Urban centres such as Lahore, a city of more than 14 million people, and Karachi, the country’s largest city with more than 25 million people, have also suffered urban flooding in part because of poorly planned development.

Abbas earns around $7 a day, above the average salary, but only when the sun is shining.

To meet the average monthly pay of around $140, he was to work seven days a week for over 10 hours fitted around his studies. AFP

The super typhoon killed at least two people while ripping through the northern Philippines. China’s Ministry of Emergency Management said the typhoon is expected to make landfall along Guangdong’s coast between Zhuhai and Zhanjiang from midday to late Wednesday. Authorities across mainland China ordered businesses and schools to shut down in at least 10 cities across the nation’s south, affecting tens of millions of people. Streets were mostly empty as wind picked up on Wednesday morning in Yangjiang, a city west of Hong Kong near where the typhoon is expected to make landfall.

One local shopkeeper told AFP she was not sure if she would be able to open her convenience store today. “It will depend on the weather conditions,” she said.

The Yangjiang train station -- normally bustling with activity, locals said -- stood empty, with rail travel suspended Wednesday across the province of Guangdong.

Multiple districts in Hong Kong saw instances of flooding, according to images circulated on social media and verified by AFP.

At the Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel, next to a theme park, a man was seen losing his balance after storm surge shattered the glass front doors and swept into its lobby, one of the videos showed.

“We are doing all we can to mitigate the impact brought about by the super typhoon,” a spokesperson for the hotel told AFP.

Floodwaters rushed into the seaside Heng Fa Chuen residential estate and covered its interior courtyards, another video clip showed. AFP

“I realized that even though the home was still standing, it might be lost to me,” the 58-year-old designer said. The wildfires that ravaged the Los Angeles area in January killed 31 people directly, and razed more than 16,000 buildings, tearing a swathe through the working- and middle-class neighborhood of Altadena and the upmarket enclave of Pacific Palisades.

Horrifying pictures of a burned out landscape were broadcast around the world, showing acres (hectares) of almost unimaginable devastation, in one of the most expensive natural disasters the world has ever seen.

But among the embers smoldered another, less-visible disaster: the pollution released when homes, cars, televisions, household goods and batteries burned. Driven by gusts reaching 100 miles (160 kilometers) and hour, this poisonous soup seeped under neighbors’

BCDA finalizes MOU with Philta to build tennis center at NCC

AS a part of the agency’s broader vision to transform New Clark City in Tarlac into a premier sports destination, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has partnered with the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) for the establishment and development of the Philippine Tennis Center within the property.

BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang and PHILTA Secretary General John Rey M. Tiangco, who also serves as Navotas City Mayor, on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), paving the way for the establishment of the Philippine Tennis Center in New Clark City.

La Salle, UP eye sweep as ICTSI Tour heats up

LIPA, Batangas—In a display of grit, precision and resilience under challenging conditions, La Salle-1 Julia Lua and UP-1’s Emilio Carpio rose above the field to take contrasting leads in their respective divisions, setting the stage for a potential sweep of the inaugural ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour on Wednesday at the Summit Point Golf and Country Club here.

Battling a rain-softened course stretched by days of unrelenting downpour brought on by Typhoon Nando, Lua displayed nerves of steel, grinding out an 85 to grab a commanding eight-shot lead in the women’s individual play. She leads College of St. Benilde-1’s Natastha Bantug (93) heading into Thursday’s final round of the 36-hole event.

ASICS Meta: Time Trials puts spotlight on personal bests

IN a sporting world often defined by podium finishes and elite competition, the ASICS Meta: Time Trials takes a refreshing an d empowering approach: putting personal achievement at the forefront of the racing experience.

Set for Oct. 19 at the Vermosa Sports Complex in Cavite, the country’s first Meta: Time Trials event offers a unique opportunity for runners of all levels to chase their personal bests, rather than just compete against others. At its core, this 10km race is about breaking barriers – both mental and physical – in a supportive, professionally designed environment.

“This event is about progress, not comparison,” said Faith So, Brand Communications manager of SONAK Corp. “When runners register, they’re asked to indicate their personal best for 10K. That simple act sets the tone – it’s about running your own race and reaching your own goals.”

Originally introduced in Spain in 2022, the Meta: Time Trials has expanded rapidly across Asia, celebrated for its athlete-focused course designs, inclusive race environments, and dedication to performance-driven experiences.

With its Philippine edition, the event continues that mission, providing local runners a rare chance to focus solely on self-improvement in a race built specifically for that purpose.

To support this goal, ASICS is also rolling out structured training programs through its Running Clubs, offering expert coaching, motivation, and community-building activities in the lead-up to race day. These grassroots initiatives reinforce the race’s deeper message: that preparation and passion matter as much as race-day results.

Beyond the route itself, the Meta: Time Trials serves as a showcase of ASICS’ innovation in gear and injuryprevention technology, giving participants the chance to experience firsthand how the right tools can empower better performance.

Lua’s La Salle-1 team also dominated the team standings, pooling a 179 aggregate behind Janine Yusay’s 94. With teammate Stacey Chan’s 96 not even counting in the three-to-play, two-to-count format, La Salle-1 stormed to a 26-shot lead over UP-1 (205), powered by Addie Manhit’s 96 and Katrisse Datoc’s 109. La Salle-3 stood at third with

a 206 on rounds of 101 (Nicole Tan) and 105 (Madeleine Valderrama).

“Accuracy is everything on this course, and I relied on my woods and irons to keep me in play,” said Lua, who previously topped the opening leg of the four-round eliminations of the Tour co-developed by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and the Philippine Golf Foundation at Royal Northwoods.

“I didn’t expect to take the lead this early, but I knew I could be on the podium. I just want to do my best to get there,” she added.

Lua credited La Salle’s familiarity with the championship layout, where each hole replicates a famous hole from iconic golf courses around the world.

“The key was knowing the course –we practice here a lot,” said Lua. “That helped me figure out where to aim and

where the misses should be.”

“But it’s a long and challenging layout. A lot of bunkers protect the fairways, so you have to be very precise,” she added.

With a sizeable cushion, Lua hinted at playing conservatively in the final round while banking on her local course knowledge.

Unlike Lua’s runaway lead, the men’s division is shaping up for a dramatic conclusion.

Carpio carded a composed even-par 72, highlighted by a strong backside 34 and clutch birdies on Nos. 10 and 12. That late surge pushed him one stroke clear of Sean Granada of CSB-1, who bogeyed the final hole after flubbing a par-saving putt from six feet, finishing with a 73.

“It feels surreal – I honestly didn’t expect to play this well,” said Carpio,

who rebounded from front-nine miscues on Nos. 7 and 9 with a precise approach game on the back.

“My approach shots were key today. I hit it to 12 feet on 10 and even closer on 12. That made the difference,” said Carpio. Despite the lead, the UP standout remains cautious heading into Thursday’s finale.

“There’s still 18 holes to go, so I need to settle myself, get good rest tonight, and stay mentally focused,” he said. “The key is not doubting myself. I stuck to my routine today, made good saves, and took advantage of scoring chances.”

La Salle-1’s Zachary Castro and Miguel Fusilero both turned in 75s to tie for third, while Ranz Balay-odao (University of the Cordilleras) and UP1’s Miggy Roque fired matching 76s.

BRAVE Combat celebrates 9 years of redefining MMA

BRAVE Combat Federation marks its ninth anniversary this September, a milestone that highlights the meteoric rise of the Bahrain-born promotion from a bold vision tMMo a global force in mixed martial arts.

It all began on September 23, 2016, when His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa — the founder and driving visionary behind BRAVE CF — unveiled the organization with a stacked inaugural card, BRAVE CF 1: THE BEGINNING.

The event featured future stars like Ahmed “The Butcher” Amir, Eldar Eldarov, Hamza Kooheji, Mohammad “Sher-e-hind” Farhad, and Stephen “The Sniper” Loman.

The debut card lived up to its billing, producing fireworks as seven of the 10 bouts ended in spectacular finishes. It was an evening that signaled the dawn of something extraordinary.

“I still remember the electricity in the air during our very first event.

Nobody knew how big BRAVE CF would become, but we all felt we

By Lito delos Reyes

were part of something historic,” recalled BRAVE CF President Mo-

That singular night in Isa Town sparked what would become a global phenomenon. Its platform has unearthed and nurtured some of the sport’s most recognizable names. Global icons such as Ilia “El Matador” Topuria and

ATHLETES, coaches and sports icons will be honored on the 2025 Sports Heroes Night set on September 28 at 6 p.m. at the Grand Ball Room of The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City.

It is presented by the Southern Sports Digest, an online sports, lifes tyle and news publication in cooperation with the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA).

“The Greatest and the Latest sports icons, personalities, athletes, coaches, organizations and the like within the Davao region,” said Leonard Paul Palo of Southern Sports Digest.

Sambist Chino Sy Tancontian and his elder sister Sydney are the Sports Hero of the Year for the Male and Female, respectively.

Their uncle and coach Ace T. Larida is the Coach of the Year while the National Sports Association (NSA) of the Year is the Pilipinas

Sambo Federation Inc. PSFI, formerly known as Sambol Pilipinas, is headed by its President Paolo Tancontian, a judoka from Davao City and father of the winning Tancontians.

Special plaques of recognition will also be

given to 16 individuals and organizations including 22 certificates of appreciation.

“Those who have contributed and helped in the development and growth of sports in the local community,” said Palo. They will be honoring sports heroes (home grown talents) and those who have helped and contributed to the development of sports from the Davao Region, from the past and the present.

Among the invited guests are from the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the City Sports Development Division Office, the Davao City Council, the Dabaw City Sports Council (DCSCI) and the City Governm ent of Davao.

“This will be the first sports awards, which is being held in collaboration with the DSA,” said Palo. DSA was founded some 30 years ago here in Davao City.

“We hope to be more inclusive with our list of awardees, especially with the help of various groups and organizations,” said Palo.

The 2025 Sports Heroes Night is backed by the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Philippine Airlines, San Miguel Corporation, Microtel by Wynd-

Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev trace their rise back to the BRAVE CF cage. BRAVE CF also helped propel the careers of Loman, Jeremy “The Juggernaut” Pacatiw, Benoit “God of War” Saint-Denis, Bubba “Bad Man” Jenkins, Jarrah “Jordanian Lion” Al-Silawi, and Amin “Fierceness” Ayoub.

Simultaneously, BRAVE CF has cultivated a strong homegrown roster featuring stalwarts like Kooheji, Mohammad “The Latest” Fakhreddine, Gerard “The Animal” Burns, Jose “Shorty” Torres, and rising star Muhammad “The Punisher” Mokaev.

“Our scouting program is second to none. We’ve built a system that finds hidden gems from every corner of the world and gives them a stage to shine. No other organization can say they’ve done that at the scale we have,” Shahid emphasized. The expansion has been breathtaking. In less than a decade, BRAVE CF has reached territories most promotions have never ventured into.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

New playo s venue, features, faces on stage at MPL PH

By CJ Cortez

IT’S still everybody’s game in this season’s race to playoffs, as the second round robin of the regular season for MPL PH Season 16 concludes with Aurora Gaming, ONIC Philippines, Team Liquid PH, and Twisted Minds PH holding on to their spots at the upper half of the standings.

Before the second round started, fans were already filled with hype and anticipation as the MPL Philippines announced the opening of ticket sales for this season’s playoffs, which will take place at the historic Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on October 22 to 26.

“This iconic venue has been home to unforgettable moments in Philippine sports, and now, it will also stand as the stage where Filipino esports continues to make history,” Lee Viloria, PH Esports Head of BD and Partnerships at MOONTON Games, said.

Before week 5 started, major changes to the game arrived, prompting the teams to adapt to the new map features and hero adjustments. Most of the teams were able to adjust quickly even with the patch being live for less than a week.

For Hans “Wurahhhh” Solano, who was announced before Week 5 started as the new head coach for Smart Omega, “Since pinaka-affected talaga kasi yung roam, tingin ko nasa 80-85% kami.” Robert ‘FindingHito’ Candoy also debuted onstage in Week 5 as the assistant coach for TNC Pro Team, besides Patrick ‘E2MAX’ Caidic.

“Siguro masasabi ko mga 70-80% kasi ‘yung mga hero naman pwede mong gamitin kung saan siya nababagay na mapa e. Ang aayusin na lang namin is mga hero pool pa na pwede namin magamit lalo sa roaming.

After sitting out their last two games due to illness, Michael ‘MPtheKing’ Endino returned on stage with a loss against Team Falcons last Saturday (September 20). After the match, he assured fans that he is doing good now, especially with the recent patch changes.

Pinoy netters crush China, snares Asian soft tennis gold

THE Soft Tennis Pilipinas team captured a historic gold medal in the mixed team event of the 9th Asian Soft Tennis Championship following a 2-0 sweep of China in the best-of-three finals at the Mungyeong International Soft Tennis Stadium in Mungyeong, South Korea.

Perpetual Help standouts Joseph Arcilla and Samuel Nuguit delivered in the men’s doubles with a 4-1 victory, while Bien Zoleta and Princess Catindig

matched their feat with a 4-1 win in the women’s doubles.

“This win also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan,” said head coach

Michael Enriquez. Lt. Colonel Bobby Moran, president of the Philippine Soft Tennis Association, lauded the team’s effort: “I congratulate our players for bringing home the country’s first-ever gold medal in an Asian-level tournament. Their hard work and training truly paid off.”

The Filipinos reached the championship round by dominating Cambodia, 2-0, in the quarterfinals and sweeping India, 2-0, in the semifinals.

Coca-Cola Golf Classic raises support for education, relief e orts

UNDERSCORING the importance of purpose-led efforts, Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP) and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI), hosted another successful edition of the Coca-Cola Golf Classic tournament, bringing together valued partners in support of community-driven initiatives.

Held at the Sta. Elena Golf & Country Club, the event gathered nearly 200 business partners, industry leaders, and key customers – all united by a long-standing tradition of coming together for a cause and a shared commitment to creating positive impact.

“At CCEAP, we live by our culture of malasakit, keeping our people and communities at heart of everything we do,” shared Gareth McGeown, President and CEO of CCEAP. “The Coca-Cola Golf Classic has become a platform for driving meaningful initiatives, and this year’s success is a testament to the generosity of our partners and our collective mission to refresh the Philippines and make a difference.”

Now in its fifth year since its return in 2019, with roots dating back to 2003, the tournament continues to channel proceeds toward disaster relief efforts and programs for chosen beneficiaries. Last year’s event

supported early childhood education initiatives through the Reading Readiness Program, where CCEAP associates led storytelling sessions and distributed learning materials to partner schools.

Building on its efforts to promote learning, the previous tournament also enabled Synergeia Foundation, a CCFPI beneficiary, to implement a program aimed at improving student reading performance in Pavia, Iloilo. The program included strengthening

teacher capacity to help build foundational literacy skills among students.

The Coca-Cola Golf Classic continues to support disaster response and recovery efforts, working alongside first responders to provide immediate relief to families affected by recent calamities. As a total beverage company, CCEAP mobilizes its vast network of teams across the country to deliver potable water to affected communities within and beyond where it operates.

Prior to the tournament, the national squad held a training camp from August 24 to September 13 in Sunchang, Korea. Joining Arcilla, Nuguit, Zoleta, and Catindig were teammates Sherwin Nuguit, Adjuthor Moralde II, Jason Caminting, Shyryn Salazar, Bea Ebriega, and Airies Nuguit. They were mentored by head coach Enriquez, with assistant coaches Josephine Paguyo, Wenifredo De Leon Jr., and Mark Anthony Alcoseba.

Eala sets sights on Round of 16, takes on Japan’s Yamaguchi

By Peter Atencio

This year’s tournament concluded with an exciting finish, with winners Jaye Escuadro, Jose Juanchit, Eric Gozo, and Erik Escalona from The Turf Company emerging as the overall team champion, with a winning gross score of 59. The success of the Coca-Cola Golf Classic 2025 was made possible by its valued sponsors: Gold sponsors: Toyota Mobility Solutions Philippines, Inc., Petron Corporation, Ascendion, PT Muliaglass.

PSC rolls out red carpet for IS Manila golf leg

INTERNATIONAL Series Head Rahul Singh and Tournament Director Pat Janssen paid a courtesy visit to Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio in anticipation of the Manila leg of the prestigious International Series, set for October 2326, 2025 at Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club. Leading the Filipino charge is top-ranked golf ace Miguel Tabuena, who will compete alongside a stellar lineup of global talent. Organizers have confirmed the participation of several LIV Golf stars, including major champions Bubba Watson, Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel, and Louis Oosthuizen.

“We’re thrilled to finally bring the International Series to the Philippines and connect with the country’s passionate golf community,” said Singh. “This event marks a significant step in growing the game across Southeast Asia.”

Chairman Gregorio expressed equal enthusiasm, noting the PSC’s commitment to hosting world-class sporting events.

China’s Jia Lu or India’s Riya Bhatia. Lu battled past Ekaterina Reyngold 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, while Bhatia stunned fifth seed Xinyu Gao 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.

“We look forward to making history with LIV Golf, and look ahead to a meaningful partnership that we hope will b e a springboard for broader collaboration toward the growth of golf in the country,’’ he added.

Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and associated with LIV Golf, the International Series continues to expand its global footprint, with the Manila leg poised to deliver highcaliber action and elevate the country’s profile on the international golf stage.

“We are proud to welcome some of the finest golfers in the world for the tournament, just a month after the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships,” Gregorio said. “This reinforces our advocacy for sports tourism and highlights the Philippines as a premier destination for international competition.”

third seed Lulu Sun of Switzerland moved through to the next round with a straightforward 6-3, 6-2 victory over Italy’s Tyra Grant. Eala, a former US Open junior doubles champion, has enjoyed a steady climb in the rankings this year and is aiming for her second career title on the WTA 125 circuit.

BUSINESS

Ayala, CP

AXTRA team up to bring Makro back to PH

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE Ayala Corp.

is teaming up with Thailand-based wholesaler and retailer CP AXTRA to reintroduce Makro wholesale stores to the local market.

Ayala’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ACX Holdings Corp., signed an agreement with Makro ROH Company Limited (MROH), a subsidiary of CP AXTRA, to form a new entity, M&Co Corp., that will own and operate the stores.

ACX will have a 49-percent stake in the venture, while MROH will hold the remaining 51 percent.

“We are excited to partner with CP AXTRA to bring Makro back to the Philippines,” said Mark Uy, head of corporate strategy and business development at Ayala Corp.

“This partnership is in line with Ayala’s strategy of working with world-class companies to expand consumer choices, raise retail standards and help Filipinos thrive,” said Uy.

Tanit Chearavanont, group chief wholesale business officer at CP AXTRA, noted the Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s “most dynamic and fast-growing markets.”

“Through this partnership, CP AXTRA’s expertise in wholesale and retail management is combined with Ayala Corporation, a trusted local partner with strong market presence, established customer base, and extensive land and mall development expertise,” Chearavanont said.

Makro previously operated in the Philippines in a joint venture with the SM Group, resulting in several Makro warehouse clubs. However, the SM Group acquired a majority stake in the partnership in 2029 and later converted the stores into SM Hypermarkets.

The new partnership marks Ayala’s latest move to expand its presence in the consumer sector.

8-month budget deficit increased to P869.2b

THE Philippine government’s budget deficit widened by 24.7 percent in the first eight months of 2025 to P869.2 billion, as expenditures grew faster than revenue collection, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said Wednesday.

Total revenue collections rose 3.1 percent to P3.09 trillion, while expenditures climbed 7.2 percent to P3.95 trillion in the January-toAugust period. It said the deficit remained within the government’s revised full-year target of P1.56 trillion for 2025. Tax collections, led by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), sustained an 11.44 percent growth year-on-year.

The BIR raised P2.14 trillion, on the back of higher corporate and personal income taxes, as well as value-added tax and excise taxes on tobacco.

IN BRIEF

SEC supports lifting bank secrecy

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) expressed strong support for proposed amendments to lift bank secrecy restrictions to help address government corruption and enhance its investigative powers.

“As a corporate and capital market regulator, the SEC welcomes the proposed easing of our bank secrecy laws as a necessary measure to uphold trust and confidence in the Philippine capital market and overall economy,” SEC chairman Francis Lim said.

“Corruption is a major concern for local and foreign investors alike. It does not only create crippling uncertainties; it translates to real, unnecessary, additional costs of doing business in the country,” he said.

Lim said the current banking secrecy laws have often been used as a shield by owners of bank accounts, limiting the SEC’s enforcement capacities. It has also prevented the SEC from validating information on the declared financial position of companies, especially when there are suspicions of fraud, misrepresentation, or violations of securities regulations.

“We are optimistic that further easing of bank secrecy—especially relating to securities law violations—can significantly aid enforcement efforts,” Lim said. Jenniffer B. Austria

September inflation seen rising above 2%

MANULIFE Investment Management expects the Philippines’ September inflation rate to rise above 2 percent on food supply disruptions from recent typhoons and a suspension of rice imports.

Jean de Castro, head of fixed income at Manulife Investment Management, said recent movements in global fuel prices and peso volatility could also add to inflation risks.

“Food supply shocks from recent typhoons and rice import restrictions will likely influence the BSP’s September inflation forecast,” De Castro said.

“Against this backdrop, headline inflation in the coming months could exceed 2 percent with additional upside risks if weather disturbances persist,” she said.

She said “movements in global oil prices and peso volatility may also introduce risks, in addition to higher import costs and waning base effects from 2024’s low inflation levels.”

Despite these pressures, De Castro still expects inflation to remain within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 2 percent to 4 percent target range.

The inflation rate in August was 1.5 percent, up from 0.9 percent in July.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Cigarette tax collection shortfalls hit P87b

UNIVERSAL Health Care (UHC) for 103 million Filipinos remains out of reach as shortfalls in cigarette excise tax collections ballooned to P87 billion over the past three years, half of which, or P43.5 billion, should have gone to PhilHealth and the Department of Health (DOH).

BenCyrus Ellorin, chairperson of Pinoy Aksyon for Governance and the Environment, asked the government to show authority and political will in curbing the illegal tobacco trade, which he said is draining revenues that fund health and social programs.

“Instead of legislating more taxes, the government should crack down hard on the flood of illegal cigarettes by enforcing laws through police, customs, and other authorities,” he said.

“Every untaxed cigarette stick strips away health benefits meant for Filipinos. P40 billion can already buy about four million hospital beds that our public hospitals badly need,” said Ellorin.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is targeting P329 billion in excise tax collections in 2025, with tobacco accounting for P150 billion, or 45 percent. Of this, P75 billion is earmarked for public health. Tobacco remains the single biggest contributor to excise revenues. Othel V. Campos

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) generated P621.4 billion, a 1.14 percent increase from the previous year, partly due to intensified efforts against illicit trade. Government spending in the first eight months of the year expanded by 7.15 percent to P3.95 trillion. Of the total, P3.37 trillion were primary expenditures, which the BTr said demonstrated the government’s commitment to “channeling resources toward priority programs and growthenhancing expenditures.”

Non-tax revenues reached P298.3

billion as of the end of August, already achieving 97.33 percent of the revised full-year program of P306.5 billion. Non-tax revenues last year were boosted by a one-time big remittance, making the year-overyear comparison higher than usual.

Income from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), at P189.3 billion, made up 63.46 percent of the total non-tax revenues. This has exceeded the revised fullyear program of P179.2 billion. The BTr’s outperformance was driven by higher interest earnings on national government (NG) deposits, dividend remittances, income from managed funds and the NG’s share from the profits of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

The resulting primary deficit of

P869.2 billion

P3.09 trillion P3.95 trillion Budget deficit in 8 months Revenue haul in 8 months

Gov’t expenditures in 8 months

P285 billion as of the end of August demonstrates the government’s commitment to channeling resources toward priority programs and growthenhancing expenditures that improve the lives of Filipinos, the BTr said.

BUSINESS

AirAsia

PH adds 5 flights out of Cebu

By Darwin G. Amojelar

AIRASIA Philippines is expanding its presence in Cebu with the launch of five new routes—three domestic and two international—starting Nov. 15, 2025. AirAsia, recognized as the “world’s best lowcost airline” said it would revive its Cebu-DavaoCebu with 18x weekly and CebuCaticlan-Cebu with 11x weekly flights, while initiating a new domestic route Cebu-Iloilo-Cebu with 4x weekly. To bolster connectivity to Asean and beyond, AirAsia will fly back to its mega hub via Cebu-Kuala Lumpur-Cebu with 14x weekly flights and will offer value-driven alternative gateway to Hong Kong and China via CebuMacao-Cebu with 3x weekly flights. It said that until Sept. 28, 2025, guests may book via MOVE app direct flights going to Caticlan, Iloilo, Davao, Kuala Lumpur and Macau for as low as P118, for travel between Nov. 15, 2025 and March 28, 2026.

“Cebu is a cornerstone in our next phase of growth in the Philippines. By linking domestic feeders from across the Visayas and Mindanao into international gateways like Macao and Kuala Lumpur, we are creating a stronger bridge between local communities and the wider region. Through Kuala Lumpur alone, travellers from Cebu can seamlessly connect to more than 3,500 routes across Asia and beyond,” AirAsia Aviation Group chief commercial officer Amanda Woo said.

“We’ve restructured this hub to scale more sustainably, deepen our presence in Asean, and provide more affordable choices for millions of travelers. Beyond Kuala Lumpur and Macao, we are also planning additional international routes out of Cebu to further strengthen its role as another global gateway for the Philippines. With this, Cebu will play its part in realising our ambition to become the world’s first low-cost network carrier,” she said. Beyond its year-round promo fares, AirAsia underscores its commitment to safety, reliability and overall operational efficiency--anchored to making purposeful journeys among guests.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Finding ‘paraiso’ through digital empowerment for persons with disabilities

ONCE depicted in a 1996 awardwinning film as a remote village hesitant to embrace modern medicine, the town of Mulanay in Quezon province has transformed into a first-class municipality that promotes diversity and inclusion.

The local government, through its Municipal Social Welfare and Development office, has partnered with ATRIEV, PLDT, and Smart to provide persons with disabilities training on entrepreneurship and digital tools. The program is part of the PLDT Group’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy through Technology initiative.

“As a father to a child with autism, I understand the challenges that persons with disabilities face,” Mayor Aristotle Aguirre said. “That is why we are working with like-minded organizations to provide them with digital skills and entrepreneurial opportunities, so they can start or grow their own businesses and thrive in today’s economy.”

More than 20 people with disabilities and carers attended the Digital Business Basics Training, an eight-day workshop also supported by the NORFIL Foundation. The first module covered the fundamentals of starting a business, including branding, pricing, and fund sourcing, while the second focused on using Facebook, TikTok, and other online platforms to expand market reach. Sergio Macarang, a 55-yearold former construction foreman who lost mobility after an accident, turned to selling medical masks and wipes. “You need careful planning,” he said. “You have to learn proper costing, so you don’t end up selling your products at a loss.”

For 26-year-old beauty products reseller Jerald Regencia, born with physical impairments, pricing was a crucial skill. “I brushed up on my Math skills to ensure that I am earning from my business. You have to factor in all your expenses,” he said.

Both participants said the training allowed them to explore online selling and even design logos for their businesses. “Through Facebook and other online platforms, I can now reach more people and potential customers,” Macarang said.

Stephanie Orlino, PLDT assistant vice president and head of stakeholder engagement, said the program aims to make technology a “powerful equalizer.”

The initiative supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals on decent work and economic growth, as well as reducing inequality by empowering persons with disabilities to join the digital economy.

Eight decades of care, a million reasons to celebrate

By Nickie Wang

MILESTONES in the health and wellness industry are often measured through expansions, product launches, or bigger market shares. For Unilab, turning 80 celebrates “Husay, Malasakit at Bayanihan,” values that have shaped its growth from a small Binondo drugstore in 1945 to becoming the country’s largest pharmaceutical company.

Founded as United Drug Co. Inc., Unilab built its success on medicines and on what it calls alaga (care), the Filipino sense of genuine care. This year, the celebration centered on enduring partnerships that make health care more accessible, with Robinsons Retail Group through Southstar Drug and Rose Pharmacy taking the spotlight.

The launch of Alagang Unilab Para sa Lahat at Robinsons Galleria on Sept. 24 showcased a wide range of initiatives under four campaign pillars. These included the Smart Meds Program with

with disabilities, supported cancer warriors, and stood with us in making healthcare more accessible, more meaningful, and more equal. So today, we are not just launching a program. We are reaffirming a practice.”

“Together, we will bring genuine care to every Filipino. And so, I call on everyone here: let us carry this mission forward. Let us be relentless in making Alagang Walang Hanggan reach farther, touch deeper, and save more lives. Because when we bring care without boundaries, we do more than heal— we give hope,” he carried on. The launch also featured Alagang

Maxicare, which provides members with exclusive offers and seamless access to medicines at any Southstar Drug or Rose Pharmacy, ensuring Filipinos can stay on track with their treatment and live healthier lives. There were also online exclusives aimed at strengthening the digital presence of both chains through thematic deals and promos.

Excitement was added through the Alagang Para sa Lahat Raffle Promo, running from October 1 to December 31, 2025. Southstar Drug shoppers will see 80 winners each taking home P8,000, with one grand winner walking away with P1,000,000.

Rose Pharmacy customers will have their share of prizes as well, with 80 winners receiving P8,000 each and another 80 winners getting P2,000 worth of assorted Unilab products. The campaign’s fourth pillar focused on advocacies and CSR partnerships, further reinforcing Unilab’s long-standing commitment to community health and meaningful collaborations.

Unilab president and CEO Backy Baquiran told guests, “This is the spirit we celebrate today with our partners, Southstar Drug and Rose Pharmacy. They have gone beyond business. They have created opportunities for persons

and Wellness Day at Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, where mallgoers joined activities at booths offering wellness services, health-related programs, and specially priced products. A symbolic donation to the Philippine Business Disability Network, supported by Southstar Drug, added a meaningful touch, highlighting the shared advocacy for inclusivity and opportunities for differently abled Filipinos. The series of celebrations will continue in Cebu on Oct. 25, when Rose Pharmacy leads Alagang Para sa Lahat Health and Wellness Day at Robinsons Galleria Cebu. Similar to the Manila event, participants can look forward to health services, community activities, and affordable Unilab products—bringing the company’s brand of alaga closer to Cebuanos. Through its 80th year, Unilab is framing success through the lives it touches and the communities it serves. From accessible medicines and health programs to partnerships that uplift, the company’s brand of alaga continues to define its mission. Eighty years on, Unilab’s promise of “Husay, Malasakit at Bayanihan” remains the same: genuine care carried forward by partners, felt in every Filipino household, and shared across generations.

companions. mWell invites the entire UAAP community to get their wrist game on by showing school pride in style while staying healthy every step of the way.

The collection, available in three models, features updated watch faces and straps in team colors. The Prestige Sport Watch comes with GPS, barometer, altimeter, and AMOLED display for training, while the Prestige Watch blends health tracking with a premium look. The Power Watch offers essentials for active users at a lower price point.

Each watch is equipped with health tools including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen monitoring, step tracking, sleep analysis, and access to more than 100 exercise modes. They sync with the mWell app’s wellness score system and promise up to seven days of battery life. Prices start at P2,499, with an

extra strap and free shipping via the mWell app e-shop.

UAAP executive director Rene “Rebo” Saguisag said the partnership highlights the league’s Season 88 theme, “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” by encouraging athletes and fans alike to prioritize health and wellness.

mWell chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan added that the watches are daily reminders of discipline and resilience learned through sports. The UAAP collection will be available at mWell booths during games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum, as well as online.

Celebrates 58th Anniversary

Exploring BOI’s role in global landscape

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

WITH a proven track record of securing record-breaking investment pledges, the Board of Investments (BOI) enters its 58th year by building on its successes.

In a dynamic global economic landscape, the BOI has transformed into a proactive and agile institution, acting as the primary catalyst for foreign and domestic capital, particularly in high-impact and futureproof sectors. Its recent contributions and milestones, from record-shattering approvals to pioneering new policy frameworks, are the clearest indicators of its enduring purpose and vital role in the nation’s economic ascent.

BOI milestones

The most compelling story of the BOI’s effectiveness lies in the numbers, which tell a tale of monumental growth and sustained investor confidence. In 2024, the agency achieved an unprecedented milestone, approving a staggering P1.62 trillion in investment pledges. This monumental figure not only set an all-time high for the BOI but also represented a significant year-on-year increase from 2023’s already record-breaking P1.26 trillion. Entering its 58th year, the BOI has continued its strong performance in 2025.

While the first seven months of the year saw investment approvals reaching P398.94 billion, the agency has set an ambitious target of P1.75 trillion for the full year, an 8 percent increase from its 2024 achievement.

For several years, renewable energy and power have consistently dominated the investment landscape, reflecting the BOI’s commitment to the global green transition. In 2024, projects in electricity and gas supply, largely driven by renewable energy initiatives, accounted for a substantial portion of the approved investments. This trend continues in 2025, with renewable energy projects leading the investment mix, underscoring the Philippines’ burgeoning potential as a clean energy hub. This is a direct outcome of the government’s policy to open the renewable energy sector to 100 percent foreign ownership, a landmark move that the BOI has actively championed and promoted to global investors. Beyond energy, the agency has also successfully channeled significant capital into other priority areas, including transportation, manufacturing, and digitalization, all of which are essential for diversifying the economic base and creating a more resilient industrial ecosystem.

Better processes

In addition to its role in securing investment pledges, the BOI has also been at the forefront of policy innovation and process improvement. A significant milestone for 2025 is the finalization of the new Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) for 2025 to 2028. This updated blueprint identifies key economic activities that are eligible for incentives under the CREATE MORE Act, an enhanced version of the landmark CREATE Law. The new SIPP is designed to align with the Marcos administration’s socioeconomic agenda, focusing on sectors that promise high-impact job creation, value chain upgrading, and technological innovation. It categorizes projects into tiers, with each

strategic approach ensures that incentives are not just a handout but a tool to shape the economy toward specific national development goals, such as food security, advanced manufacturing, and a robust digital infrastructure.

Another crucial contribution has been the BOI’s continued success with the “Green Lane” system, established by Executive Order No. 18. This initiative streamlines the permit and licensing processes for strategic investments, drastically cutting bureaucratic red tape and accelerating project implementation.

As of mid-2025, the BOI had endorsed numerous projects for Green Lane treatment, collectively valued at trillions of pesos. A significant majority of these were renewable energy projects, with others spanning digital infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and manufacturing. This initiative is a practical and direct response to a major pain point for investors—the complexities of government approvals. By simplifying the process, the BOI not only makes the Philippines a more attractive investment destination but also ensures that investment commitments quickly translate into tangible jobs and economic activity on the ground.

The BOI’s story, however, is one of evolution, not just recent triumphs. It began as a bold experiment in national economic management. The agency was officially created on September 16, 1967, through the “Investment Incentives Act,” or Republic Act No. 5186. At its inception, its purpose was clear and singular: to promote and guide the flow of both domestic and foreign investments toward priority industries crucial for the country’s industrialization. The BOI was tasked with administering a system of tax and non-tax incentives to attract capital and technology, thereby helping to build a selfsufficient and diversified economy in the post-war era. Its role was expanded and cemented with the passage of the “Omnibus Investments Code of 1987,” which consolidated various investment laws and positioned the BOI as the lead investment promotion agency and a “one-stop shop” for investors. Today, the BOI’s fundamental purpose remains anchored in its foundational

mandate, though its scope has broadened to encompass the complexities of a globalized, knowledge-driven economy. As an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, it continues to serve as the government’s principal arm for investment promotion. Its core mission is to create a conducive investment climate and to strategically steer capital into sectors that will create quality jobs, foster innovation, and promote inclusive growth. The agency’s work is not limited to attracting foreign capital; it also plays a critical role in supporting and incentivizing local industries, thereby strengthening the domestic economic base. It is a dual mandate that recognizes the importance of both external and internal engines of growth.

On its 58th year, the BOI stands as a testament to strategic vision and institutional resilience. By putting its recent, record-breaking achievements front and center, it showcases its dynamism and its critical role in shaping the nation’s economic future. The milestones of 2024 and the ambitious targets for 2025 are not just a point of pride but a promise of things to come. The agency’s success in attracting a fresh wave of investments, particularly in green and high-tech sectors, is a clear signal that the Philippines is on a path to a more sustainable, competitive, and prosperous future.

Ultimately, the BOI’s journey from a regulatory body to a strategic economic partner is a narrative of continuous adaptation and a deep commitment to unlocking the nation’s full potential.

Forum discusses PH-China relations

FFCCCII calls for systemic reforms vs. corruption

THE Federation of FilipinoChinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) calls on the government, private sector and citizens to take decisive action against corruption, which it describes as a “cancer” eroding the nation’s foundation.

The group cited in a public statement the need for systemic reforms to dismantle the ecosystem that allows corruption to thrive.

It said that merely prosecuting corrupt individuals is insufficient and called for radical transparency, efficiency and ruthless accountability in governance.

The federation also urged the Philippines to learn from successful anti-corruption models in other jurisdictions, highlighting the importance of establishing powerful, independent anti-corruption agencies with full autonomy to investigate and prosecute without fear or favor.

“Corruption is not a victimless crime,” the FFCCCII said.

“It is a heinous betrayal that robs our most vulnerable citizens of essential services and a better life. It stifles innovation, repels investment, and essentially destroys our nation and kills its people,” it said.

“The time for half-measures is over. Let us unite to build a system that rewards integrity and paves the way for a just and prosperous Philippines,” the group said.

The statement comes amid growing public concern over corruption in the country, with recent scandals highlighting the need for stronger anti-corruption measures. Julie Ann Lope

The FFCCCII and Angelo King Foundation Inc., in cooperation with Paco Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Paco Hong Giam Taoist Temple, lead a relief operation on Sept. 14, 2025 for

By Julie Ann Lope

THE Chinese Embassy in the Philippines and the Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU) hosted the 14th Manila Forum for Philippines-China Relations on Sept. 17, with the theme “Ensuring Continuing Peace and Security in the AsiaPacific Region.”

About 300 political and business leaders, members of the FilipinoChinese community, media, think tanks and diplomats participated in the event.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian noted China’s recent diplomatic achievements, including the successful hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Tianjin Summit and the conference marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World AntiFascist War.

Huang stressed China’s role as a stabilizing force in global affairs, advocating for international fairness and justice.

He reiterated China’s commitment to working with neighboring countries to promote peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, all of which he described as core Asian values.

Victor Gao, vice president of the Center for China and Globalization

Chinese envoy lauds community leaders

By Michael Wong Ho

CHINESE Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian hosted a dinner for prominent FilipinoChinese leaders on Sept. 12, 2025 and thanked them for their role in promoting friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The event, held at the Ambassador’s residence, was also attended by Chinese Consul General Wang Yue

and Consul Shi Wei Jian.

Among the guests were Lu Zu Ying, chairman of the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association Inc. (PCCAI); Chen Zu Chang, founding chairman of the Philippine Song Qing Lin Foundation; Victor Lim, president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII); Zhao Qi Ping, chairman of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Associations of the

Philippines (FFCAP); and Wu Zhong Qing, chief founder of the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PCCCII) and its current chairman, Hou Shi Lian.

Ambassador Huang reviewed his cooperation with the local Chinese community throughout his tenure and expressed gratitude for their efforts. He also congratulated Hou on his achievements as the eighth chairman of the PCCCII.

said China and the Philippines have coexisted peacefully for thousands of years without war or confrontation. He expressed confidence that the two nations would remain close neighbors and friends for years to come.

Gao also urged Filipinos to deepen economic ties with China while maintaining a balanced foreign policy.

A panel discussion featured Gao alongside Su Hao, director of the Center for Strategy and Peace Studies at China Foreign Affairs University; Ding Dou, director of the Research Center for International and Regional Issues at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies; former National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.; former presidential spokesperson Rigoberto Tiglao; and APCU Chairman Atty. Raul Lambino. The participants engaged in in-depth discussions on regional security, diplomatic cooperation and economic engagement aimed at sustaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific.

Franchise business conference to be held in October

THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc.’s (FFCCCII) Trade and Industry Committee will host a Franchise Business Matchmaking Conference on Oct. 11, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the ground floor of the FFCCCII Federation Building in Manila.

The conference aims to encourage entrepreneurs to become partners with established, time-tested brands and concepts and take the lead in exploring new business opportunities. They will also learn about the advantages of the franchising business model.

Distinguished speakers will share their insights and experiences during the event, including Sam Christopher Lim, CEO of U-Franchise and FranCorp; Charles Sy, chief operating officer of Powerhouse Tools; Ryan Lim, CEO of Save 5 Laundromat; and Melodie Isaguirre, CEO of Tapa King Inc. The conference will offer a valuable opportunity to build networks and explore potential partnerships with leading franchise businesses. Michael Wong Ho

30 patrol motorcycles donated to Manila LGU

THE Federation of FilipinoChinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) led by its president Victor Lim donated 30 Yamaha NMAX patrol motorcycles to the Manila city government during a signing and turnover ceremony in Manila City Hall on Sept. 15, 2025.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno thanked FFCCCII for its ongoing support to help maintain peace and order in the city.

He said the motorcycles would be distributed to police stations across Manila to enable law enforcers to respond quickly to criminal activities.

Moreno also expressed appreciation for FFCCCII’s

continued assistance in supporting the policies of the Manila city government.

He said the new patrol motorcycles would help police apprehend ridingin-tandem criminals and ensure justice for victims.

FFCCCII honorary president Cecilio Pedro, vice presidents William Gosiaco, Antonio Tan and Antonio Cosing, treasurer Willy Limbonhai, welfare committee chairman Robert Kho Tian Ang, secretary general Dr. Fernando Gan, assistant secretary-general Gino Villanueva Chen and external affairs committee vice chairman Edison Sy were also present during the event. Julie Ann Lope

Group provides 500 bags of rice to Manila flood victims

THE Federation of FilipinoChinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) and Angelo King Foundation Inc., in cooperation with Paco Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Paco Hong Giam Taoist Temple conducted a relief operation on Sept. 14, 2025 for the flood victims in Manila.

Some 500 bags of rice, each weighing 5 kilograms, were distributed to families in need through the collaborative effort of the four organizations and in coordination with Manila City Hall and local Barangay officials. The initiative aimed to provide immediate relief to those grappling with the aftermath of the floods, ensuring that basic food supplies reached the most vulnerable members of the community. Paco Hong Giam Taoist Temple, which means “Temple of Heaven,” occupies a 2,700-square-meter lot in Paco, Manila. The temple has long been dedicated to charity and relief missions for the poor. Michael Wong Ho

Celebrates 58th Anniversary

PH watches US court’s tariff ruling

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines is closely watching a pending US Supreme Court ruling that could determine the fate of new tariffs, with officials and industry leaders hoping for a decision that could ease pressure on local exporters.

The United States is the Philippines’ third-largest trading partner and top export market, with total two-way trade reaching $20.3 billion in 2025, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque told senators during deliberations on her department’s proposed 2026 budget. The balance remains in the Philippines’ favor, with $4 billion.

That surplus is under threat.

In August, Washington imposed reciprocal tariffs of at least 10 percent on 69 nations, alongside existing Section 232 duties on

steel, copper, aluminum and autos. Investigations are pending for goods including trucks, aircraft, timber, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and critical minerals.

“These developments highlight the urgency of strengthening Philippine industries and export sectors to stay competitive,” Roque said. The government is accelerating market diversification through free trade agreements (FTAs) with the United Arab Emirates, the European Union and Chile and is seeking entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive

Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Roque said talks with Washington are ongoing under the Framework on Reciprocal Trade, though both sides remain bound by a confidentiality agreement. The Philippines is pushing for a long-term bilateral trade deal while also negotiating exemptions for sensitive exports.

Frederick Go, who serves as the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, confirmed the government is seeking tariff shields for semiconductors and electronics— products not domestically produced in the US but critical to American supply chains.

“We’re working on getting several of our exports exempted. We’re hoping they view the work we do here as part of the production chain that they don’t want to do in America,” Go said, adding that local testing, assembly and packaging are functions US

firms prefer to outsource.

He acknowledged, however, that the process has been slow.

“Up to today, it’s still a gray space. We are still seeking clarification from the U.S. and lobbying for our semiconductor exports to be exempted if there is such,” Go said, noting that more than 150 countries are vying for similar relief.

Exporters warned of steep losses if the tariffs proceed. Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PhilExport) president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. cited a University of the Philippines Center for Integrated and Development Studies report that projected as much as $2.2 billion in lost revenues in the second half of 2025.

Labor-intensive exports such as garments, leather goods, wearables, furniture and corporate-based products would be hardest hit.

“While the export industry has

shown remarkable growth, we are also mindful of the challenges ahead, particularly from tariff actions by the U.S. that cloud the global trade outlook,” Ortiz-Luis said. He welcomed government initiatives to cushion the impact on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through loans, new market access activities and an ambitious trade agenda that targets at least 13 FTAs by 2028. Ortiz-Luis said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s pledge in his State of the Nation Address to boost exports signals strong political will to scale up highvalue sectors, from electronics and automotive to pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

“Does a silver bullet to exports exist? Yes, but it is forged, not found. It is built on world-class products, smart data, efficient systems, and, most importantly, partnership and collaboration,” he said.

How the BOI shapes Philippine economy

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

THE Board of Investments (BOI) has served as a key architect of the country’s economic landscape for 58 years. The agency, established to promote and regulate investments, is now adapting its strategy to build a more robust, competitive and sustainable economy. Its focus has shifted to attracting strategic investments that will drive economic growth, create high-quality jobs, and empower Filipinos.

Growth driver

Investments are a vital driver of economic growth and stability. They channel money into productive assets such as new factories, technology, and infrastructure. Investments can be from domestic or foreign sources. Domestic investment is critical for building infrastructure, while foreign investment introduces new technologies, management expertise, and access to international markets. These combined investments stimulate innovation and help integrate the country into the global economy.

Priority investments

The BOI’s core mission is guided by its Strategic Investment Priorities Plan (SIPP), a comprehensive blueprint for local and foreign investors. The SIPP identifies and prioritizes sectors eligible for government incentives. It is divided into three tiers:

Tier I focuses on sectors that create jobs and address basic needs, such as agriculture, mass housing, and renewable energy.

Tier II targets industries that enhance the Philippines’ global competitiveness, including green ecosystems and high-tech manufacturing.

Tier III is dedicated to innovation, research, and development, aiming to attract projects that will position the Philippines at the forefront of the new economy.

By strategically guiding investments into these areas, the BOI ensures that

the country’s growth is purposeful and deliberate.

Impact on Filipinos

The BOI’s strategic focus has a direct impact on Filipinos. BOI-approved projects create job opportunities, improve skills, and lead to more stable incomes. For example, the push for renewable energy investments is generating new jobs for engineers, technicians, and construction workers in solar farms and wind power plants.

The SIPP’s emphasis on healthcare and manufacturing has led to the development of new facilities that provide specialized employment and skills training. This focus on high-value industries helps transition Filipino workers from low-wage jobs to careers with higher pay and better prospects.

To address the skills gap, the BOI launched the Academe-Industry Matching (AIM!) Program, which links educational institutions with industries to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills companies need.

Benefits for consumers

A stronger, more diverse local industry provides consumers with a wider range of quality products and services, often at more competitive prices. When foreign companies invest in local manufacturing, it can reduce the need for imports, helping to stabilize prices and support local supply chains. This also benefits local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which can become suppliers to larger, BOI-registered companies. Investments in cement manufacturing plants, for instance, not only meet the country’s infrastructure needs but also modernize the industry and lessen reliance on imported materials.

Looking ahead

The BOI recognizes that the global economy is highly competitive and that the Philippines faces challenges such as bureaucratic red tape and the need for more advanced infrastructure. To address these issues, the agency has established a “green lane” system for strategic investments.

Created by Executive Order No. 18, this policy designates the BOI as a single entry point for investors, streamlining the process of obtaining permits and licenses from various government agencies. This initiative cuts through complexities that often delay or discourage potential investors, signaling that the Philippines is a committed business partner.

As the BOI marks its 58th anniversary, it is focusing on ensuring investments are truly transformative. The agency is actively working to bring projects to the countryside to create opportunities outside major urban centers. It is also pushing to solidify the Philippines’ role as a leader in sectors like digital infrastructure and sustainable energy.

The BOI plans to leverage the upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026 to showcase the country’s potential to the world, continuing its mandate to be the primary engine of industry development and investment promotion.