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Congress ratifies 2026 budget But Palace sticking to Jan. 5 signing to allow thorough review By Ram Superable and Maricel V. Cruz

ONGRESS ratified yesterday the proposed P6.793trillion national budget for 2026, but the government will still operate under a reenacted budget for the first week of the new year with the Palace sticking to its timeline of signing the spending measure into law by January 5.

At the House of Representatives, lawmakers ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the 2026 General Appropriations Bill via viva voce in under a minute – with some registering “no” votes such as ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Mamayang Liberal Rep.

By Pot Chavez, Maricel Cruz and Katrina Manubay

VOL. XXXIX • NO. 318 • 3 SECTIONS 18 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025

THE Office of the Ombudsman and Malacanang raised concerns over the so-called “Cabral files” now in the possession of Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, noting that the documents may have been manipulated and remain subject to verification. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said investigators from the Office of the Ombudsman approached Leviste after he claimed to have received a complete list from Cabral but he “did not present the entire set of files he claimed to possess, even when asked to do so.” Clavano said this happened when Cabral was still alive and was already represented by a lawyer in the investigation into anomalous flood control projects. “Congressman Leviste presented only limited portions of the list, responsive, in fairness, to specific inquiries,” he said. “We reiterate that the shared objective of all concerned institutions and even individuals should be very clear at this point. We need to establish

MOST Filipinos are thankful for good health this holiday season as in previous years, according to the Social Weather Stations (SWS) even as the latest PAHAYAG survey indicated widespread pessimism amid persistent corruption scandals, declining trust in top national leaders, and fragile business and investor confidence. The SWS poll conducted on Nov, 24-30, showed 45 percent of respondents saying they were thankful for good health during this Christmas and New Year. The research included an openended question where respondents could provide up to two answers regarding what they were thankful for. Around 29 percent of the respondents said they were thankful for the family, while another 28 percent were grateful just to be alive.

Cabral slipped, not pushed— PNP experts

MARTYR HERO. Workers clean

‘The Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal’ monument by National Artist for Architecture, Ildedonso Paez Santos, inside the Rizal Park in Manila yesterday in preparation for today’s commemoration of the 129th death anniversary of national hero Jose Rizal. Norman Cruz

By Vince Lopez

Park, Manila - Museo ni Rizal in Calamba City, Laguna - Museo ni Rizal in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte - local Rizal monuments across the

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) crime investigators have expressed confidence that there was no foul play in the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Catalina Cabral. PNP Forensic Group officer-incharge Col. Pierre Paul Carpio said scientific examinations, including a 3D scan, of the crime scene showed that Cabral could not have been pushed into the ravine along Kennon Road leading to Baguio City. Carpio theorized that Cabral could have slid into the ravine to a point only 0.2 meters away from the base of the cliff and 16.9 meters in height

PH commemorates today 129th martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal THE Philippines marks today the 129th anniversary of the martyrdom of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal that sparked the 1986 Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. This year’s commemoration carries the theme: “Rizal: Sa Pagbangon ng mga

Ombudsman, Palace flag Leviste’s files

RATIFIED. Senate President Tito Sotto, left photo, signs the Bicameral Conference Committee report presented to him by the Senate Bicam members led by Sen. Win Gatchalian. At right, Speaker Bodjie Dy and House Appropriations Committee Chair Mikaela Suansing present the approved report to House members.

‘Pinoys glad for good health, but sad over corruption’

Leila de Lima, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, Pwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat Rep. Harold Duterte and Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab. Ungab, in a Facebook post, noted “serious procedural and substantive

Mamamayan, Aral at Diwa Mo ang Tunay na Gabay,” the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) said. The following programs and activities will be conducted in various parts of the country, the NHCP said, 4:00 a.m.

Retracing of Rizal’s footsteps from Fort Santiago, Intramuros to Rizal Park Luneta (Manila) 7:00 a.m. Simultaneous Flag Raising and Wreath-Laying Ceremonies at the: - Rizal national monument, Rizal

Excessive use of devices weaken families—CBCP By Vito Barcelo THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) warned that excessive use of digital devices, such as cellphones, is weakening Filipino families. CBCP president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa

said constant phone and gadget use has replaced meaningful conversation at home, even during meals meant to strengthen family relationships. “Families no longer talk to one another,” Garcera said in Filipino during Mass at the Parish of the Holy Family Next page

AFP welcomes proposed US $2.5b military aid By Rex Espiritu THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday welcomed the passage of a United States Senate bill au-

thorizing up to $2.5 billion in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grant assistance to the Philippines, saying the measure supports efforts to strengthen the country’s defense posture and mili-

tary readiness. AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told Manila Standard that the military views developments that bolster Next page

FILM ICON. French actress Brigitte Bardot inaugurates the ‘100 photos of Brigitte Bardot’ exhibition in Paris on December 6, 1971. Bardot died at 91on December 28, 2025. Story on C3. AFP

NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Cabral... From A1

12-year old boy dies in ‘cracker blast A

12-YEAR-OLD boy was killed in Tondo, Manila while his friend was injured when they picked up from the street a firecracker that failed to explode and then lit it up.

The Manila Police District -Police Station 7 (MPD-PS7) said the firecracker exploded when the victim lit it up with a lighter. Police said due to the impact of the explosion, the fatality’s right leg was almost severed. His friend was rushed to

and discipline. This is impunity,” Marcoleta said in explaining his vote. Some senators who ratified the bicameral report did so while expressing reservations, such as Senator JV Ejercito and Risa Hontiveros. Ejercito cited increased funding for the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program, while Hontiveros raised the issue of unprogrammed appropriations. “It is very unfortunate that some of the reforms we are pushing for, including an overwhelming cut in unprogrammed funds, are not carried in this budget. Still, it is an improvement that the bicam version includes safeguards aimed at preventing unprogrammed funds from becoming slush funds,” Hontiveros said. Speaker Faustino Dy III, for his part, said the passage of the national budget is one of the most important duties of the House of Representatives under the Constitution. “This budget is historic—not only because the process was transparent, but because the priorities were clear. It is a budget shaped by love for country, a deep understanding of our people’s realities, and genuine compassion for our kababayan,” Dy said. The 2026 spending measure will be the first GAB to provide funding sup-

port to the education sector equivalent to 4.1 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), above the international benchmark. Other sectors prioritized under the 2026 GAB are health and agriculture. The fund increases for the identified priority sectors were sourced from reductions in the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways, following the flood control projects controversy. Senate Finance Committee chairman Sherwin Gatchalian, for his part, described the measure as centered on people, institutions, and long-term development. “The current budget measure, once signed by the President, would be a definitive turning point in terms of fiscal policy, providing focus on human capital development and institutional integrity,” he said. The chair of the House of Representatives committee on appropriations, Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Suansing, expressed hope that the Executive branch will submit the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to Congress earlier starting next year. She said this will allow lawmakers to thoroughly scrutinize the proposal without having to rush its enactment. “Hopefully if we’re able to receive it immediately after the SONA or a few days after the SONA, that would greatly help us manage the timeline,” Suansing said.

Cabral? When in fact in his Oct. 1, 2025 email, he never mentioned the name of Usec. Cabral,” the Palace official added. Clavano, for his part, said the most reliable source of documents are the agencies and individuals who had custody, control, and authorship of the computers, the storage devices and the files themselves. “Evidence that is derived directly from these sources will naturally carry far greater evidentiary value than copies that are circulating outside official custody,” he said. In a statement sent to ABS-CBN News, Leviste said he mentioned Bonoan’s name in the email because the former Public Works Secretary had earlier shown him a copy of the allocables list but did not give him a copy. He said this was the reason why he approached Cabral to get the actual files. “Sec Bonoan previously showed me a hard copy, which I mention because it’s why I knew this was an authentic file in the possession of multiple people in DPWH,” Leviste said. He also downplayed the statement of the Assistant Ombudsman that he submitted merely a portion of the supposed “Cabral files.” “Assistant Ombudsman Clavano was not part of (the team during the Nov. 26 meeting), so it would be best for the people in the meetings to speak for themselves. I presented to the Om-

budsman both the DPWH summary and Excel spreadsheet of the 2025 NEP during our meeting, which lasted from around 9:10 a.m. to 12 p.m.,” Leviste said in a social media post. “I invited the Ombudsman’s team to go through the file further, but they did not seem too interested,” he added. Meanwhile, former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin rejected claims he had P8.3 billion in “allocable” funds in the 2025 DPWH budget as cited in the “Cabral files,” calling the allegation outrageous. Bersamin said he did not request, endorse, approve, or authorize any DPWH projects. “I emphatically state that I did not ever request, endorse, approve, or authorize any DPWH project or budget allocation at any stage of the budget process. I also deny having instructed anyone, whether inside or outside of the government, to use my name or that of my former office for any such purpose,” he said. Bersamin further called on investigative bodies to prioritize this issue, saying it undermines the integrity of the national budget. “This incident only serves to raise more questions about the deeply flawed budget process followed at the DPWH. I strongly urge that the socalled Cabral files should be thoroughly scrutinized to unmask those behind the budget manipulation,” he added.

country. 9:00 a.m. - Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Rizal Monument, Plaza de Armas, Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila - BAKAS: Jose Rizal’s Imprints in the Provinces of the Philippines Ex-

hibit Opening at the Rizal Shrine, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte 10:00 a.m. Rizal Day Special Lecture: “Si Rizal bilang Gabay sa Pagbangon ng Nasyon” at the Rizal Shrine Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila 1:00 p.m. Annual Sketchwalk: Art Workshop at the Rizal Shrine Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila

5:00 p.m. Paligsahan: Ang Piging at Tulang Pasalita at the Rizal Shrine Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte The NHCP said similar activities will also be conducted in Philippine embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions worldwide. Flag-raising ceremonies and the display of the Philippine flag will likewise be observed in various parts of the country.

in Luyos, Tanauan City. He described parents watching television while children use computers and phones, leaving family members absorbed in personal devices instead of engaging in face-to-face conversation. Garcera stressed that communication is essential to marriage and family life, saying spouses, parents, and children must continue talking to one another to maintain unity. As the New Year approaches, he urged families to rediscover dialogue, saying conversation restores harmony and helps make families whole. The archbishop also raised concerns about what he described as changing views of family, particularly the treatment of pets as family members. He cited incidents in the archdiocese involving requests for blessings and special consideration for animals during church services, including cases that caused disruptions during Mass. The Mass, attended by several clergy, also marked the closing of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope in the Archdiocese of Lipa.

However, Padilla clarified that the Department of National Defense (DND), as the primary civilian authority overseeing defense policy and international defense cooperation, is best positioned to address the details and policy implications of the proposed US military assistance. “At the same time, the details, policy implications, and official position on the proposed US military assistance— including its scope, timelines, and alignment with national priorities— are best addressed by the Department

of National Defense,” she said. The US Senate earlier approved a bill authorizing the allocation of $2.5 billion in FMF grant assistance to the Philippines from 2026 to 2030 under the proposed Philippines Enhanced Resilience Act (PERA). The measure, passed on Dec. 17 as part of the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), is now awaiting the signature of US President Donald Trump. Under PERA, the United States will earmark up to $500 million annually over five fiscal years to support the de-

velopment of Philippine defense capabilities, a move seen as deepening US-Philippines defense cooperation and strengthening interoperability amid growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. Under the proposed law, the US Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and other agencies, will submit an annual report to Congress on efforts to enhance the bilateral defense relationship. The report will include assessments of capabilities needed to modernize Philippine defenses, such as coastal

defense, integrated air defenses, maritime security, intelligence and surveillance, cybersecurity, and manned and unmanned systems. For its part, Padilla said the AFP remains focused on its core mandate. “The AFP remains focused on safeguarding the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests of the Philippines, while ensuring that any support received is utilized transparently, responsibly, and in accordance with existing laws, policies, and alliances,” she said.

‘Pinoys... From A1

Congress... From A1

Meanwhile, 10 percent said they were thankful to God. Additional responses include being thankful for having food to eat (six percent), being able to cope with daily hardships (five percent), job or career (four percent), happy life (three percent), prosperity two percent), education (two percent), as well as peace and safety (two percent). Finally, about one percent or fewer said they were thankful for having no worries or problems, a house, good friends, a love life or spouse, and surviving an illness or tragedy. The PAHAYAG survey showed that six in10 respondents or 58 percent expressed displeasure over the country’s state of of affairs even during the holidays. While the negative reactions marked an improvement from 70 percent last quarter, it remained significantly higher than the 49 percent recorded a year ago—underscoring that pessimism, though easing, continues to dominate public sentiment. Optimism has rebounded to 42 percent, up from 30 percent during the last quarter, but still below last year’s 51 percent. This improvement is largely driven by more favorable expectations for the national economy and household finances, which appear to be cushioning the negative effects of ongoing political and governance concerns. Despite improving economic expectations, Filipinos increasingly view the current state of the nation as weak and moving in the wrong direction, with both indicators now at their highest levels since tracking began. Only 24 percent described the country’s condition as strong (down from 27 percent during the previous quarter, while 49 percent consider it weak (up from 45 percent). Similarly, only 31 percent believe the country is headed in the right direction, down from 33 percent in Q3. Notably, this pessimism was not primarily driven by economic anxiety. Looking ahead, 37 percent expect the national economy to improve in the next quarter, while an even higher 55% anticipate better household financial conditions—clear signs of short-term economic optimism. The disconnect points instead to a deepening erosion of public trust, fueled by unresolved corruption controversies, weak accountability among top officials, and uncertainty over political leadership. These governance issues continue to undermine confidence despite improving economic signals. Pessimism is most pronounced in the Visayas and Mindanao, among the youth sector (ages 18–20), high-income earners, government workers, non-OFW households, and respondents with no formal education or a college background, reflecting stronger dissatisfaction with governance and national direction. South Luzon and Visayas registered the highest optimism regarding economic and household prospects for the first quarter of 2026, highlighting a growing divide between economic expectations and confidence in national leadership.

issues in the final version of the national budget.” “I voted NO on the FY 2026 General Appropriations Bill because I cannot, in good conscience, support a budget riddled with unanswered questions, uneven allocations, and questionable insertions,” Rep. Paolo Duterte said. “The bicam adopted the House version of Unprogrammed Appropriations amounting to ₱243 billion, disregarding the Senate’s effort to reduce it to ₱174.5 billion. But this is not merely a question of amounts. UAs should not merely be reduced or zeroed; they should be removed entirely. UAs have no place in the GAA,” De Lima said in a separate Facebook post. At the Upper Chamber, Senators Rodante Marcoleta and Robin Padilla voted “no” to the ratification, while Senators Imee Marcos, Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa did not sign. “When we place massive increases in ayuda and standby funds side by side, a troubling picture emerges. We are expanding both the soft channels of political patronage and the fiscal backdoors that allow them to be financed, all while claiming to pursue reform

AFP... From A1 defense and security capabilities as positive, particularly those that contribute to modernization and capability development. “The Armed Forces of the Philippines welcomes developments that strengthen the country’s defense and security posture, particularly initiatives that support the modernization, capability development, and readiness of our forces,” Padilla said in a statement.

the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRMMC). The incident took place at the corner of Lorenzo Street and Jose Abad Santos Avenue in Tondo, Manila, police said on Sunday night. Ichi Cabayan

from where she was last seen. “In this case our medico legal confirms that the wound or injuries sustained are of the same age. At the same time, the correlation of our medico-legal, the autopsy findings, our field-scanning and our toxicology examination and even the height, the impact, what her position was before or even during the impact, provides confirmation that it was indeed a first fall injury that occurred to our cadaver or our victim, Usec. Maria Catalina Cabral,” Carpio told reporters in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City. Carpio also rejected suggestions that Cabral might have been pushed to her death, saying her body was found between 0.2 meters and 0.8 meters from the base of the ravine along Kennon Road. “The correlation you can see is that the distance of our victim’s body or cadaver is around only 0.2 meters around the base of the ravine. So if someone pushes her, chances are she’ll go further away from there. So you can see here that her hand was scratched and even his back has scratches, So the probability that she slipped is high. at the same time, the distance between her body and the base of the ravine was only 0.2 to 0.8 meters away,” Carpio explained “So it correlates, it confirms the possibility, the probability is very high that that’s what happened,” he added. Carpio also said Cabral tested positive for the antidepressant drug “citalopram” as part of the ongoing investigations into her death, which authorities have largely deemed a case of suicide. “Among antidepressant drugs, citalopram is actually one of the indications, which is when she experiences drowsiness, weakness. Aside from that drinking alcohol, the anti-psychiatric drugs or the citalopram she took also have the same side effects,” said Carpio. “With the citalopram she is positive. So at least it’s indicative that she’s been taking an antidepressant drug and usually the update for things like this is that it’s been present in the urine for about three hours. Because the primary actions of anti-psychiatric or antidepressant drugs are that they calm the person down. It seems easier to have decision-making,” Carpio said.

Ombudsman... From A1 facts, we need to uphold transparency, and we need to hold accountable any individual found to have committed any wrongdoing. So, all our actions must lead to these,” Clavano added. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, for her part, said Leviste’s own social media post that what he requested for and received from the DPWH under Secretary Vince Dizon were budgetrelated filed for 2026. But as for the supposed “Cabral list” on the DPWH’s 2025 budget which Leviste said was given to him by the late public works undersecretary in September, Castro said this has neither been seen nor authenticated by Dizon. “What was given to him or what was allowed to him to be given by Secretary Vince is the 2026 proposed budget, not the 2025 budget list,” she said. She said based on Leviste’s own social media post on his Oct. 1 email to Dizon, it was former DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan who gave the files to him and there was no mention of Cabral. “So we don’t really know where his (Leviste’s) narrative is coming from. Perhaps he should clarify this because the details keep on changing. Who really gave him the document? Secretary Bonoan? Usec

PH... From A1

Excessive... From A1

NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025 MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

Oil firms hike diesel, kerosene prices by P0.60 per liter today By Alena Mae S. Flores

2026 CALENDARS. Workers at a screen-printing shop in Quezon City prepare orders for 2026 calendars. The coming year is the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing energy, strength, and perseverance. Manny Palmero

Anti-Dynasty law gathers support By Katrina Manubay

SLIM majority (54 percent) of Filipino adults support the immediate passage of a law banning political dynasties, according to a survey conducted by Pulse Asia Research Inc.

The survey results indicate that while a slight majority favors the legislation, a significant portion—33 percent of Filipino adults—somewhat agree with the urgent need for a law against political dynasties. Support for the immediate pas-

sage of such a law varies by region, with strong backing in Metro Manila (69 percent) and in the rest of Luzon and the Visayas (59 percent). In contrast, Mindanao showed the lowest support, with only 34 percent in favor.

Earlier this month, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made a rare appeal to Congress, urging lawmakers to prioritize the passage of a law prohibiting political dynasties. The appeal comes amid ongoing investigations into alleged corruption in flood control and other infrastructure projects, which have sparked protests demanding accountability and government reforms. The survey also revealed that more than half of the adult population (52 percent) agrees that Congress should promptly create a fully empowered Independent Commission Against Infra-

FIREWORKS CHECK. Police

BSP: December inflation seen within 1.2% to 2%

led by Juan Luna MPD-PCP commander P/Capt. Jeric Salandanan confiscate illegal fireworks being sold in parts of Divisoria, Manila. Authorities say inspections continue following a recent Abad Santos incident that killed one child and injured another. Norman Cruz

By Thony Rose Lesaca INFLATION in December 2025 likely settled within the 1.2 percent to 2.0 percent range, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Monday, citing upward price pressures from higher food and fuel prices. In its month-ahead inflation forecast, the BSP said price pressures could stem from increased prices of major food items in December amid lingering effects of adverse weather conditions, coupled with strong holiday demand. The central bank also noted that higher prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and gasoline may have contributed to inflation during the month. These pressures, however, may have been partly offset by lower electricity rates in Meralco-serviced areas, as well as declining kerosene and diesel prices. The country’s inf lation rate eased to 1.5 percent last November from 1.7 percent in October, bringing the 11-month national inf lation average to 1.6 percent. Data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed the continued downtrend in price movements was driven mainly by the near-f lat increase in the heavily weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages index. Food inflation also declined during the month due to slower price increases for vegetables and meat. Based on its release calendar for 2026, the PSA is scheduled to publish the December 2025 inflation data on Jan. 6, 2026.

structure Corruption (ICAIC). This sentiment is notably stronger in Metro Manila (67 percent) and the Visayas (61 percent), while the rest of Luzon and Mindanao registered lower support at 52 percent and 35 percent, respectively. Pulse Asia also noted that the President established an Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate a flood control scandal. However, some lawmakers are pushing for a more empowered body, which they propose to call the ICAIC, to ensure the independence of the investigation.

Taguig designates firecracker zones for New Year By Joel E. Zurbano THE Taguig City government on Monday announced the designated firecracker zones for the New Year celebration. City officials also reminded residents that the local government strictly prohibits the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in private homes and residential neighborhoods. The designated firecracker zones aim to ensure public safety while allowing residents to enjoy traditional festivities.

PICKET. Members of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) hold a picket protest at the south gate of the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Monday, as Congress moves to ratify the 2026 national budget. The group calls for the rejection of what it describes as a pork barrel–laden spending plan and warns of broader protests in 2026. Edd Castro

Fireworks are allowed only in designated zones located in barangays with open spaces, at least five meters away from buildings and establishments, and with emergency support such as on-site fire trucks, ambulances, medical personnel, fire extinguishers, and trained response teams. In District 1, the firecracker zones are Bambang (open basketball court on Kentucky Street and Mahogany Place 2, Block 3, Lots 2 and 4, San Dimas Street); Hagonoy (Hagonoy Sports Complex outside parking

area); Lower Bicutan (Lakeshore Barge, organized events only; individual use of firecrackers is not allowed); Napindan-Samama (Dulo) open area in Purok 5 Extension Tabing Ilog and Purok 5 in front of Jelly Port; New Lower Bicutan (C-6 Road near the CDRRM Office); San Miguel (Victoria Compound basketball court in St. Michael and open basketball court near the barangay hall); Tuktukan (J.P. Rizal Street); and Wawa (barangay road and along Guerrero Street).

OIL firms will implement a price hike for diesel and kerosene of P0.60 per liter effective 6 a.m. Tuesday, reflecting movements in the global oil market. Gasoline prices will remain unchanged. Seaoil Philippines, Jetti Petroleum, and Chevron Philippines issued separate advisories on the latest price movement, citing global political developments and concerns over supply disruptions. “Oil prices have been supported by geopolitical developments, as tougher U.S. sanctions enforcement on Venezuela and intensified attacks by Ukraine on Russian oil infrastructure have raised the risk of supply disruptions,” Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said last week. Bellas added that prices were further bolstered by the prospect of stricter sanctions on Russia should Moscow fail to agree to a peace deal with Ukraine. Department of Energy Oil Industry Management Bureau director Rodela Romero said last week that global oversupply from non-OPEC economies such as the United States, weakening demand as holiday travel winds down, and continued uncertainty surrounding tensions in Venezuela, Ukraine, and Russia influenced global oil price movements. On Dec. 23, oil firms cut prices across the board, reducing gasoline by P0.80 per liter, diesel by P1.30 per liter, and kerosene by P1.60 per liter.

IN BRIEF PNP-HPG seizes P120m illicit cigarettes THE Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) seized about P120 million worth of illicit cigarettes after intercepting an Isuzu cargo truck in San Simon, Pampanga on Dec. 25, HPG Director Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan said Monday. Marantan said the truck was flagged down for multiple violations during anticarnapping and traffic enforcement operations. A lawful inspection led to the discovery of suspected contraband cigarettes, prompting a follow-up operation. Authorities recovered more than 1,400 master cases of illicit cigarettes during the operation. Marantan said highway patrols, checkpoints, and police visibility will be intensified nationwide as the year ends. Vince Lopez

Criminal, admin cases vs. HPG officer PNP-HPG Director Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan said criminal and administrative cases have been filed against Col. Helson Walin. Marantan said Walin faces charges of physical injury and grave threats. The cases stem from allegations that Walin assaulted a patrolman and threatened the victim with a firearm. The criminal case has been filed before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office. The administrative case, Marantan said, is now with the Internal Affairs Service. Vince Lopez

De Lima renews call for EJK victims’ justice HOUSE Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila M. de Lima renewed her call for justice for children killed during the previous administration’s war on drugs. De Lima issued the appeal during the commemoration of Niños Inocentes, or the Feast of the Holy Innocents, on Sunday. She said the occasion honors innocent children who suffered and died unjustly. De Lima cited the case of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos as among the victims. She called for accountability not only for perpetrators but also for those with higher responsibility in the killings. Vince Lopez

NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF DOLE ramps up job fairs to boost hiring THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has intensified job facilitation and youth employment programs as part of initiatives to boost hiring across the country in the coming 2026. In line with its commitment to conduct monthly job fairs nationwide, DOLE reported that it successfully held 2,176 job fairs across the country as of November 2025. These job fairs were attended by 529,158 jobseekers, resulting in 74,564 hired-on-thespot applicants, based on the Department’s latest accomplishment report. Furthermore, DOLE implemented several youth-focused employment programs. A total of 151,316 beneficiaries under the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) received wages amounting to more than P686 million. Vito Barcelo

Solon files bills meant to protect Pinoy families from loan sharks By Maricel V. Cruz

PARTY-LIST lawmaker has filed two bills meant to protect Filipino households from “predatory loans.”

Additional 700 CAFGUs end training in Davao THE 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army has produced additional 700 militias, officially called Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit or CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (CAAs), following the completion of their basic military training, strengthening territorial defense and security operations in the Davao Region and nearby provinces. The 10th Division Training School (10DTS) held the closing ceremony for the CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA-1) Basic Military Training at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. in Barangay Tuboran, Mawab. Davao De Oro on December 28. The 45-day training covered professional competence and operational skills, including small unit operations, weapons proficiency, intelligence, tactical combat casualty care, and the Integrated Territorial Defense System. The program also included instruction on civil-military operations and mass base operations. Rex Espiritu

Gov says LGUs in good position to build schools CAMARINES Sur Gov. Luis Raymund Villafuerte backs the Department of Education’s (DepEd) proposal for local government units (LGUs) to take the lead in the construction of school buildings in their respective localities. Villafuerte noted that LGUs are in a better position to speed up such infrastructure projects to address the worsening classrooms backlog across the country. At the same time, Villafuerte, himself a former congressman representing Camarines Sur, hailed DepEd’s suggestion even as he sought congressional approval of a pending bill doubling the LGUs’ collection of their School Education Funds (SEFs) to give local governments more money to build classrooms and undertake other educationrelated projects in their respective areas of jurisdiction. “I give my full support to this proposal by Secretary Sonny (Angara) for LGUs to assume a more active role in the construction of school buildings in their communities, given that local governments are in a good position to take on this task in their respective localities in order to better help DepEd and the national government close the ever yawning gap in classrooms all over the country,” Villafuerte said in a statement. Maricel V. Cruz

A LOSING INDUSTRY. Unless the government intervenes soonest, the local carrot producers and traders fear their industry may die out due to the deluge of imported ones that overwhelms the domestic market, weighing down prices in the process. Industry players say their sales plunge to an all-time low even during the holidays on account of unfair competition from the importers. Dave Leprozo

Lawmaker sees smooth sailing for second Luzon-Visayas span

House pays tribute to Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop THE House of Representatives on Monday emotionally paid last respects to the late Antipolo City 2nd District Rep. Romeo M. Acop during an eulogy held at the legislative chamber. Speaker Faustino Dy III honored Acop as a lawmaker “who lived a life of integrity, quiet strength, and genuine public service.” “We feel this loss deeply, not just because we lost a colleague, but because we lost a friend, a brother, and a man who gave his whole heart to public service,” Dy said. “Today, we gather as one House, one family, united in both grief and gratitude,” he added. Dy described Acop as someone whose strength lay not in loud words or self-promotion, but in the firmness of his convictions and the clarity of his principles. “He was someone we trusted. Matatag (Strong). Malinaw ang paninindigan (Determined). He did not seek attention, but his presence was always felt,” the Speaker recalled. “In moments that required courage, he stood firm, guided not by convenience, but by conscience,” he said. According to Dy, Acop’s integrity never wavered throughout his years in public service, serving not for recognition but for the people he believed in. “In every question he asks, in every decision he stands by, his care and sense of responsibility are palpable,” the Speaker said in Filipino. “He reminded us that public service, at its best, is about honesty, humility, and doing what is right, even when it is difficult,” he pointed out. Maricel V. Cruz

To prevent Filipino consumers and small businesses from falling into “debt traps,” 1Tahanan Rep. Nathan Oducado filed House Bill (HB) 6980 or the “Credit Cards and Loans Penalties and Surcharges Regulation Act”, and HB 6968, or the “Strengthening Access to Credit for Micro and Small Businesses Act of 2025.” “More than 60 percent of Filipino families currently struggle to balance daily expenses with debt payments,” Oducado said. “As of early 2025, household and consumer loans reached P3.18 trillion, with credit card receivables exceeding P560 billion,” he noted. Under HB 6980, uniform rules will be established on the total cost of credit, regardless of the loan amount or the type of lender. Disclosure requirements for banks and lending institutions will also be required, providing legal remedies for borrowers subjected to unfair charges as the lawmaker also urged his colleagues to pass the measure immediately to support equitable economic growth and protect consumers. “Current Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas safeguards apply only to loans of P10,000 or less,” Oducado pointed out. “This leaves larger personal and business loans without comprehensive limits, allowing a P50,000 loan to potentially grow to P120,000 within two years due to interest and penalties,” he added. “This bill is not anti-lending. It is profairness. It ensures transparency, protects borrowers from abusive charges, and supports small businesses and families so they can grow instead of being trapped in debt,” he explained. HB 6968 aims to establish a sustainable financing mechanism for micro and small enterprise (MSME) development through the Pondo Para sa Pagbabago Program. “Aside from regulating loan penalties and surcharges, we also have to provide better alternatives to informal lenders or the so-called “5-6” money lending system availed of by micro enterprises,” Oducado stressed.

FIRE UNDER CONTROL. Philippine Red Cross volunteers show what rapid response looks like when they reach a fire incident in Quezon City in no time at all. The PRC dispatched three ambulances, two fire trucks, and 22 volunteers who assisted at least two patients, conducted vital signs monitoring, and provided psychosocial support to the affected individuals. PRC photo

Navy says exercises with allies boost PH defense capabilities By Rex Espiritu

MARITIME cooperation activities this year, particularly joint drills with allied and partner nations, have significantly strengthened the country’s ability to protect its waters and uphold international law, according to Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez. Martinez told Manila Standard that the Navy’s bilateral and multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activities (MCAs) with the United States and other like-minded partners such as Japan, Australia, Canada, and France were “highly significant and strategically beneficial,” noting that many of these activities were conducted within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea. “They helped establish limited credible deterrence, enhanced regional confidence through the regular presence of

allied navies, and reinforced the Philippines’ firm commitment to freedom of navigation and a rules-based international order.” Martinez said. She added that the activities also promoted United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) adherence, demonstrating the Philippine’s resolve to uphold its rights under international law, particularly its EEZ. Operationally, Martinez said the joint activities improved interoperability, multinational maritime coordination, and maritime domain awareness, while expanding training opportunities for Filipino sailors. Beyond operations, she noted that the MCAs also strengthened strategic communications and sovereignty messaging by clearly conveying the Philippines’ position on maritime rights under international law. The Navy spokesperson also highlighted that the exercises provided Phil-

THE proposed Luzon-Visayas bridge, whether built above ground or a subterranean tunnel, is expected to move forward as a foreign-assisted project (FAP), following the model of the Metro Manila Subway and Cebu’s Marcelo Fernan Bridge, House according to House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan. “We are counting on foreign development partners such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to help finance and oversee the tunnel or bridge project to insulate it from political interference and corruption,” Libanan said in a statement. “The project is envisioned to follow the FAP model. This will ensure discipline, transparency, and foreign donor scrutiny from Day One,” Libanan added. The urgency of the fixed link between Luzon and the Visayas has once again been highlighted by the severe congestion recently experienced at the Port of Matnog in Sorsogon during the Christmas and New Year travel rush,

where the RORO ferry system was overwhelmed, forcing passengers and vehicles to endure long queues and extended waiting times. “The bottleneck at Matnog is not just an inconvenience—it is a structural weakness in our national transport network. Every holiday season, the same problem repeats itself, disrupting mobility, trade, and emergency access between Luzon and the Visayas,” Libanan noted. The proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to sign into law by the first week of January, includes ₱130 million for the feasibility study of the Luzon–Visayas bridge or tunnel project. The proposed linkage across the San Bernardino Strait, spanning roughly 28 kilometers between Sorsogon and Northern Samar, is intended to provide a permanent connection that guarantees uninterrupted movement of people and goods, unlike the existing ferry system that is frequently disrupted by weather disturbances, the solon said. Maricel V. Cruz

CAFGUS IN TRAINING. Essentially, these militiamen undergoing basic military training at the Army’s 10th Infantry Division headquarters in Davao de Oro are civilians in nature, but are being tapped to provide non-traditional support to their regular counterparts as exigencies arise. Philippine Army

OPINION

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

(Emil Jurado, who writes ‘To The Point’ column every week for the Manila Standard, is on a compassionate leave following the death in Los Angeles, California of his eldest son, Emiliano Vicente III. He will resume writing his column on Jan 6, 2026. – Op-Ed Editor)

Curtains on the Greatest Farce of 2025 IN THE rarefied air of corporate boardrooms, resignations are choreographed with the grace of a wellrehearsed exit interview. Commissioner Rossana Fajardo’s farewell statement from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) was precisely that: elegant, serene, and utterly divorced from the wreckage she left behind. “I have completed the work I set out to accomplish,” she intoned, citing strengthened financial oversight, comprehensive evidence-gathering protocols, and recommendations for better procurement processes. One could almost hear the polite applause of former colleagues at SGV & Co. Yet outside the bubble of self-congratulation, the reality is far grimmer. Fajardo’s departure marks the third high-profile resignation in just over three months, following former Baguio mayor Benjamin Magalong and Commissioner Rogelio Singson. What remains of the ICI is a skeletal trio—Chairman Andres Reyes Jr., Special Adviser Rodolfo Azurin Jr., and Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka—presiding over a body that is, for all intents and purposes, defunct before the new year. What, one must ask, was truly accomplished? A few referrals to the Office of the Ombudsman, an institution already groaning under its Constitutional load? The arrest of contractor Sarah Discaya and a scattering of mid-level officials, while the masterminds of the multi-billion-peso flood control scandal remain untouched? President Marcos’ theatrical vow that the guilty would be “jailed before Christmas” now reads like a cruel holiday joke. Christmas has passed; the promised cells remain empty. Fajardo’s polished exit is less a transition than a calculated retreat from a vessel taking on water. Rats do not abandon ship because the journey is complete; they abandon it because the hull is fatally compromised. The ICI was compromised from the moment of its birth. As the petitioner who successfully challenged the unconstitutional Philippine Truth Commission in 2010, I recognize executive overreach when I see it. Executive Order 94, which conjured the ICI into existence last September, is little more than a zombie rehash of that earlier monstrosity. Created by presidential fiat without legislative appropriation or sanction, it brazenly duplicated the mandates of the Ombudsman, the Commission on Audit, and Congress itself. Stripped of genuine subpoena power and prosecutorial authority, it was never designed to bite -- only to bark. I have long branded it the Independent Commission for Illusions, a Potemkin probe meant to simulate action while containing damage. And the damage it was meant to contain is nothing less than a metastasizing cancer in the Department of Public Works and Highways. Billions intended for flood control vanished into ghost projects, substandard structures, and monopolized contracts. The intrigues surrounding the scandal are as chilling as they are revealing.

The late Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, widely believed to be the repository of explosive evidence on budget insertions, plunged to her death in a ravine along Kennon Road days before she could testify. Vice President Sara Duterte’s subsequent remark about officials suffering “ravine anxiety” captured the pervasive fear that has silenced potential witnesses.

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Stripped of genuine subpoena power and prosecutorial authority, the ICI was never designed to bite — only to bark Fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co remains at large; former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan is conveniently abroad. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, once vociferous, has fallen curiously quiet—suggesting not investigative fatigue but a political settlement. The consequences extend far beyond political embarrassment. Institutionally, the ICI’s collapse scatters whatever evidence it gathered into the bureaucratic maw of permanent agencies ill-equipped to sustain momentum. Economically, the pilfered billions have contributed to sluggish growth, halted public works, investor hesitation, and a weakening peso. Corruption here is not mere moral failing; it is direct theft from the livelihood of every Filipino. Socially, the recovery of some P20 billion in assets rings hollow without highlevel convictions, teaching a cynical public that graft is simply the cost of doing government business. This is the Marcos administration’s indictment. Their handpicked commission has imploded on their watch. Their deadline for justice has expired unmet. Their narrative of transparency has curdled into farce. Whether through lack of political will or deliberate containment to protect allies, the result is the same: impunity reaffirmed. No more temporary illusions. The Constitutional remedy already exists. The Ombudsman and the Department of Justice must immediately assume full, unconditional responsibility. They must inherit every scrap of ICI evidence—however imperfect— and publicly commit to transparent, expedited, and fearless prosecution that reaches the highest conspirators. The public deserves an unredacted accounting of all findings transferred. We will accept nothing less than accountability that climbs the entire chain of command, not merely the contractors and clerks. To my fellow citizens, the media, and civil society: this is not a concluded drama. It is an ongoing heist. Vigilance is our only remaining weapon against a disease the ICI never treated—and may have been created to spread. The curtain falls on 2025’s greatest political theater. Let us ensure it is not the final act. ManilaStandard

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EDITORIAL

Exposure to pollution levels

EAR after year, health experts have warned that air pollution in Metro Manila, a global megacity, has worsened from an environmental problem to a serious public health concern. More than 13 million of the country’s 117 million population who live within the lines of 636 square kilometers – comprising 16 cities and one municipality – are daily exposed to pollution levels that surpass global safety standards. Authorities say Metro Manila’s air quality often fluctuates, frequently falling into the “Moderate” category with PM2.5 levels exceeding guidelines from the World Health Organization, making it a significant health concern. Globally, Southeast Asia bears a high PM2.5 burden, with countries like Indonesia and Vietnam experiencing severe pollution, though it varies greatly by region and time, as gleaned from reports highlighting Manila as one of the world’s most polluted cities at times. PM2.5 has been raised as the primary concern, stemming from vehicle emissions and industrial activities, creating near-constant smog, with environmental specialists classifying it as a serious health crisis, with millions exposed to dangerous levels, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are major health concerns across the country, including Metro Manila, with ischae-

mic heart diseases consistently popping up as the leading cause of death nationwide for several years: in 2023, for instance, 22,027 were recorded deaths nationally.

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The situation remains a critical public health issue requiring continued, strengthened commitment Pneumonia and chronic lower respiratory diseases are also consistently ranked among the top causes of mortality, with at least 33,040 pneumonia cases recorded as a cause of death nationwide as of March 31, 2025. While global conditions are diverse, some areas see drastic improvements while major cities worldwide face daily severe pollution, making real-time data essential. The Philippine government, through agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural resources and the Department of Transportation, has been addressing Metro Manila’s air pollution via the Clean Air Act, focusing on stricter emission

standards. Such standards cover cleaner fuels like Euro 4, enhanced monitoring – roadside, construction-- promoting sustainable transport – bike lanes, carfree zones, EVs – improving waste management, and public awareness campaigns, all supported by international partnerships and plans like the NDC Implementation Plan. This whole-of-government strategy is the country’s detailed roadmap for achieving its climate goals under the Paris Agreement, translating broad commitments – like emissions reduction targets and adaptation measures – into concrete actions, policies, timelines, costs, and responsibilities across sectors. We note the DENR has reported a significant decrease in key pollutants in Metro Manila, with PM10 levels dropping by 17.4percent and PM2.5 levels by 37.6 percent between 2016 and 2024. The enactment and implementation of the Philippine Clean Air Act has also shifted the gear to providing a comprehensive legal basis for pollution control, leading to an increased recognition of the need for action. In the main, while the government has made notable strides and achieved measurable reductions in some pollutants, the situation remains a critical public health issue requiring continued, strengthened commitment and the expansion of effective strategies across the entire metropolis.

How coordinated leadership finally delivered for our teachers By Jose Antonio Goitia FOR years, the story of our public school teachers has been one of silent endurance. They are the backbone of our nation, yet thousands have spent a decade or more waiting for the professional advancement they earned long ago. Promotion backlogs were treated like an inevitable weather pattern— something to be acknowledged and lamented, but rarely changed. As of this December, that narrative has shifted. The promotion of more than 16,000 public school teachers by the Department of Education is more than just a human resources update; it is a definitive victory for functional governance under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The End of Executive Silos In my years of observing and advocating institutional reform, I have seen many well-intentioned policies die in the “silos” of government. One department wants change, but another lacks the funding, and a third is buried in red tape. This breakthrough did not occur by accident. It required a level of executive clarity and political will that we haven’t seen in this sector for a long time. We are witnessing a “whole-

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

of-executive” approach where the President sets a clear mandate, and his Cabinet—specifically Education Secretary Sonny Angara— translates that vision into operational reality.

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Promoting 16,000 teachers might not dominate the news cycle for weeks, but its impact will be felt daily in classrooms from Batanes to Tawi Tawi When the leadership is aligned, the gears of the bureaucracy actually turn. We saw close coordination on funding, plantilla management, and personnel approvals. This is what it looks like when a government stops making excuses and starts delivering results. Restoring Professional Dignity Beyond the higher pay grade or the new title, these promotions are about dignity. When you keep a teacher at the same rank for 15 years despite their growth and service, you are telling them the system doesn’t see them. By clearing these backlogs, the

Marcos administration is sending a powerful signal: Service and performance matter. You cannot speak seriously about “quality education” or “global competitiveness” while neglecting the very people who stand at the front of the classroom. We are finally strengthening our educational institutions from the inside out. The Power of Quiet Governance In an era where political “noise” often takes center stage, this achievement is a reminder that the most impactful governance is often the quietest. Promoting 16,000 teachers might not dominate the news cycle for weeks, but its impact will be felt daily in classrooms from Batanes to Tawi Tawi. It is a governing approach that favors delivery over drama. Good governance doesn’t always have to be loud. Sometimes, it simply works. And when it works—when the system finally serves those who serve the people—those results endure far longer than any headline. (The writer, a PhD holder, serves as Chairman Emeritus of the Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya, People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, and Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement.)

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Joyce Pangco Pañares Managing Editor Virgilio DC Galvez News Editor Miguel Gil City Editor

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Aytch dela Cruz Online Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

WORLD

Trump says Ukraine deal closer than ever P

ALM BEACH – US President Donald Trump said Sunday (Monday, Manila time) a deal was closer than ever to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but reported no apparent breakthrough on the flashpoint issue of territory after new talks with the warring countries’ leaders.

BUT NO BREAKTHROUGH. Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump arrive at a press conference following talks at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on Monday. After their talks, Zelenskyy and Trump spoke jointly by telephone with key European leaders, who have been particularly alarmed about any decisions that would embolden Russia. Zelenskyy said that he and European leaders could return jointly for talks with Trump in Washington in January. AFP

Trump, who had promised a peace deal on day one of his nearly year-old presidency, said it would become clear within weeks whether it was possible to end the war that has killed tens of thousands of people since February 2022. In a pre-New Year’s diplomatic sprint, Trump brought Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Florida, where the two met with top aides over lunch, a day after Russia unleashed major new attacks on residential areas of the capital Kyiv. Much like when Zelenskyy last met Trump in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin also spoke shortly beforehand by telephone with the US leader, who immediately insisted that Moscow was “serious” about peace despite the assault. “I really believe we’re, Mr. President, probably closer than -- far closer than -- ever before with both parties,” Trump said with Zelenskyy at his side in the tea room of his Mar-a-Lago estate. “Everybody wants it ended,” Trump said. After their talks, Zelenskyy and Trump spoke jointly by telephone with key European leaders, who have been particularly alarmed about any decisions

China warns ‘external forces’ over Taiwan support BEIJING – China made a warning against “external forces” backing Taiwan on Monday after launching live-fire drills around the island that it said would simulate a blockade of its key ports. Foreign Manila ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a regular news conference that any Standard attempts TODAY to stop China’s unification of Taiwan with the mainland would fail. This week’s show of force follows a bumper round of arms sales to Taipei by the United States, Taiwan’s main security backer. In related developments: Taiwan condemned China’s use of

“military intimidation” after Beijing announced major drills around the democratic island. “In response to the Chinese authorities’ disregard for international norms and the use of military intimidation to threaten neighboring countries, Taiwan expresses its strong condemnation,” Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo said in a statement. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory and has refused to rule out using military action to seize the island democracy. The latest show of force follows a

bumper round of arms sales to Taipei by the United States, Taiwan’s main security backer. China said it was conducting “live-fire training on maritime targets to the north and southwest of Taiwan” in large-scale exercises involving destroyers, frigates, fighters, bombers and drones. A military spokesman said earlier that Beijing would send army, navy, air force and rocket force troops for “major military drills” code-named “Justice Mission 2025”. The activities will focus on “sea-air combat readiness patrol, joint seizure

that would embolden Russia. Zelenskyy said that he and European leaders could return jointly for talks with Trump in Washington in January. The Ukrainian president stayed studiously polite throughout his visit, mindful of his disastrous White House meeting on Feb. 28 where Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly berated him for not being sufficiently grateful. Trump, for all his stated optimism, gave few details on the progress he cited, instead digressing into familiar grievances about his predecessor Joe Biden, who committed billions of dollars for Ukraine’s defense, and speaking of his own friendly rapport with Putin. Trump acknowledged continued disagreement between Kyiv and Moscow on territory. The current plan, revised after weeks of intense US-Ukrainian negotiations, would stop the war at the current frontlines in the eastern Donbas region and set up a demilitarized area, while Russia has long demanded territorial concessions. “It’s unresolved, but it’s getting a lot closer. That’s a very tough issue, but one that I think will get resolved,” Trump said. AFP

IN BRIEF Myanmar pro-military

of comprehensive superiority, blockade party ‘winning’ poll on key ports and areas, as well as all-dimensional deterrence outside the island NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar – Myanmar’s chain”, said Senior Colonel Shi Yi of dominant pro-military party is “winning CYAN MAGENTA BLACK the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern a majority” inYELLOW the first phase of junta-run Theater Command. elections, a party source told AFP MonChinese authorities also published a day, after democracy watchdogs warned map of five large zones around Taiwan the poll would entrench military rule. where further live-fire activities would The armed forces snatched power in take place from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on a 2021 coup, but on Sunday opened votTuesday. ing in a phased month-long election they “For the sake of safety, any irrelevant pledge will return power to the people. vessel or aircraft is advised not to enter The massively popular but dissolved the afore-mentioned waters and airparty of democratic figurehead Aung San space,” the statement said. AFP Suu Kyi did not appear on ballots, and she

remains jailed since the military putsch which triggered a civil war. Campaigners, Western diplomats and the United Nations’ rights chief have condemned the vote -- citing a stark crackdown on dissent and a candidate list stacked with military allies. “The USDP is winning a majority of seats around the country according to different reports,” said a party official in the capital Naypyidaw, requesting anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to media. AFP

North Korea tests missiles to show ‘combat readiness’

LAVISH BRIBES. South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon Hee (left) arrives for her first trial hearing on corruption charges at the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul in tis file photo on Sept. 24, 2025. She was alleged by prosecutors on Monday to have accepted lavish bribes including fine art, jewelry and a handbag totaling over $200,000 as well as meddling in state affairs. Kim, the wife of disgraced ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, was arrested in August and is under investigation for alleged stock manipulation and accepting gifts from the cult-like Unification Church. AFP

South Korea’s ex-first lady accused of taking in bribes SEOUL – South Korea’s former first lady was alleged by prosecutors Monday to have accepted lavish bribes totaling over $200,000, including fine art, jewelry and a handbag, as well as meddling in state affairs. Kim Keon Hee, the wife of disgraced ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, was arrested in August and is under investigation for alleged stock manipulation and receiving gifts from the cult-like Unification Church. She has also been accused of meddling in parliamentary elections. In an announcement concluding their investigation, prosecutor Min Joong-ki said South Korea’s institutions were “severely undermined by abuses of power” by Kim. Kim allegedly “illegally intervened in state affairs behind the scenes, beyond the public’s view,” said prosecutor Kim Hyung-geun. They alleged that bribes from businesses and politicians received by Kim totaled up to 377.25 million won ($263,000). Investigators alleged Kim had received two Chanel bags and a Graff

necklace from the leader of the Unification Church. She also allegedly received luxury jewelry, a painting by famed South Korean minimalist painter Lee Ufan, a Dior handbag and a wristwatch. Former president Yoon denied he was aware of these transactions when pressed by investigators, “a claim that many find difficult to accept,” said the prosecutor Kim Hyung-geun. Prosecutors demanded a 15-year prison term for the former first lady in early December, saying she had “stood above the law” and colluded with the Unification Church to undermine the “constitutionally mandated separation of religion and state.” They also asked the court to fine her two billion won ($1.4 million). The former first lady has denied all the charges. In her final testimony, she said the allegations were “deeply unjust.” “Yet when I consider my role and the responsibilities entrusted to me, it seems clear that I have made many mistakes,” she said. AFP

Netanyahu to meet Trump in Florida for key Gaza talks PALM BEACH – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Donald Trump in Florida on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time), with the US president pushing to move to the next stage of the fragile Gaza truce plan. The crucial meeting at Trump’s lavish Mar-a-Lago resort comes as some White House officials fear both Israel and Hamas are slow-walking the second phase of their ceasefire. Trump, who said Netanyahu had asked for the talks, is reportedly keen to announce -- as soon as January -- a Palestinian technocratic government for Gaza and the deployment of an international stabilization force. The two leaders are to meet at 1 pm, the White House said. Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian said Netanyahu would discuss the second phase, which involves making sure that “Hamas is disarmed, Gaza is demilitarized.” But Netanyahu will also try to shift the focus onto Iran during his fifth meeting in the United States with Trump this year, amid reports he will push for more US strikes on Tehran’s nuclear program. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

SEOUL – North Korea test-fired two strategic long-range cruise missiles, state media reported Monday, hailing the exercise as a show of “combat readiness” against foreign threats. Leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the drill -- staged Sunday over the Yellow Sea to the west of the Korean peninsula -- and called for “unlimited and sustained” development of his nuclear weapons forces, the state-run Korean Central News Agency said. The goal of the exercise was to review the “counter-offensive response posture and combat capability of long-range missile sub-units,” KCNA said. The missiles flew for more than two hours, state media said, sharing photos of the missiles being fired and hitting a target. Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles were fired Sunday at 8:00 am (2300 GMT Saturday) from the Sunan area near the capital Pyongyang. Kim vowed Pyongyang “would as ever devote all their efforts to the unlimited and sustained development of the state nuclear combat force”, KCNA said. AFP

Indonesia nursing home fire kills 16, says official JAKARTA – A fire at a nursing home on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi killed more than a dozen people, with three others injured, a local official said Monday. Firefighters received the report of the blaze at 8:31 pm Sunday at a nursing home in the North Sulawesi provincial capital Manado, said the city’s fire and rescue agency chief Jimmy Rotinsulu. “There were 16 deaths; three (people) had burn injuries,” he told AFP. Many bodies of the victims were found inside their rooms, Jimmy said, adding that many of the elderly residents were likely resting in their rooms in the evening when the fire broke out. Authorities managed to evacuate 12 people -- all unhurt -- and transfer them to a local hospital, he said. Footage aired by local broadcaster Metro TV showed the fire engulfing the nursing home, while locals helped to evacuate an elderly person. AFP

SPORTS PSC fast-tracks renovation of RMSC, Philsports By Randy M. Caluag

HERE is no holiday break for Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pató” Gregorio as the agency presses ahead with extensive renovations at key government-owned sports facilities, including the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila and the Philsports facilities at the Ultra in Pasig City. Construction work continues round-the-clock as the PSC targets a renewed and modernized RMSC by 2026, part of a broader effort to provide improved training environments for national and grassroots athletes. Gregorio, together with his monitoring team, has been conducting regular site inspections to ensure that projects remain on schedule and meet required standards. The ongoing upgrades are being spearheaded by the PSC Sports Facilities Division Core, led by Division Chief Julia Llanto, with Engineering and Maintenance Head Engr. Vicky Moya is overseeing technical and structural improvements. Recent site visits covered several major venues within the RMSC, including the Tennis Center, Baseball Stadium, Football and Track Oval Stadium, Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Aquatics Center, Rizal Memo-

rial Coliseum, and the PSC Administrative Building. Gregorio emphasized that enhancing sports infrastructure remains one of his key priorities and a legacy he hopes to leave as head of the country’s sports agency. He reiterated his commitment to delivering better training facilities that will support the development of grassroots athletes while meeting the needs of current national team members. Once completed, the upgrades are expected to significantly improve the overall experience for athletes, spectators, and other stakeholders. The revitalized Rizal Memorial Sports Complex is being positioned to strengthen its standing as one of the country’s most iconic sporting venues, capable of hosting high-level international competitions, as well as collegiate and grassroots events in the years ahead.

PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio and his team conduct daily inspections at RSMC and Philsports.

Kyrgios nips Sabalenka in ‘Battle of the Sexes’ DUBAI—Nick Kyrgios beat women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the “Battle of the Sexes” on Sunday, in a highly-publicised showdown with modified rules that divided tennis fans. Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match in Dubai bearing little resemblance to the era-defining 1973 encounter between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Back then, there was more at stake with the nascent women’s professional tour, set up by King, fighting for its legitimacy and prize money for female players still far lower than for the men. King, one of the all-time greats of the women’s game who was at the peak of her powers, saw off the 55-year-old Riggs, a top player in his day, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in Houston. On Sunday, each player received only one serve and the dimensions of Sabalenka’s side of the court were nine percent smaller, in an attempt to restrict Kyrgios’ power and speed advantage.

Critics questioned the motive behind the event, organised by the agency that manages the careers of both players, beyond the broadcast ratings and money generated. The suitability of Kyrgios -who admitted assaulting an exgirlfriend in 2021 and has had to distance himself from misogynistic remarks in the past -- for the men’s role in the act also stirred debate. Kyrgios, the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up, has dropped to 671 in the rankings after playing just six tour-level matches over the past three seasons, but the 30-year-old Australian still had enough to see off four-time Grand Slam singles champion Sabalenka. “Honestly, it was a really tough match. She is a hell of a player and such a great champion,” said Kyrgios. “She broke my serve numerous times, and I had to strap in. “Honestly, I would love to play her again and showcase her talent and what I have left in the tank. Ultimately it was a really hard-fought battle.” AFP

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025

Pelicans’ Alvarado, Suns’ Williams draw bans NEW YORK—New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado was suspended two games and Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams was suspended one game by the NBA on Sunday for roles in an on-court fight. The incident took place with 2:06 remaining in the third quarter of Phoenix’s 123-114 victory at New Orleans on Saturday. Alvarado committed a defensive foul Manila

Standard

TODAY

on Williams as he set a pick. Williams shoved Alvarado in the back and the smaller Pelicans standout grabbed Williams, spun him around and swung punches at him as teammates on both sides tried to break up the fight. Both players were issued technical fouls and ejected from the game. Alvarado will serve his suspension on

Monday when the Pelicans play host to the New York Knicks and on Wednesday when New Orleans will visit Chicago. Williams will serve his suspension on Monday when the Suns visit the Washington Wizards. The Pelicans are 8-25, last in the Western Conference, while the Suns are 18-13, seventh in the West. AFP

SPORTS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Stephen Holt

Holt’s heroics not surprising to coach Cone WHEN Stephen Holt stepped up for Barangay Ginebra’s dramatic 99-98 overtime triumph over the Converge FiberXers in their do-or-die quarterfinal match on Sunday, it was all just a regular day in the office for him. Gin Kings’ coach Tim Cone said this after Ginebra forged a best-ofseven semifinal series against the San Miguel Beermen in the 50th Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. “It’s not the first time for him (Holt). He’d been doing it all conference,” said Cone of Holt, who connected with a crucial buzzer-beating, game-winning three-pointer for the Kings during their encounter with the FiberXers at the Aranera Coliseum. Holt had several standout performances for Ginebra in the past. He scored 27 points to earn Player of the Game honors in Ginebra’s 108-105 victory over the Titan Ultras during the eliminations. Against TNT on November 3 last year, the former Terrafirma Dyip no. 1 rookie pick, scored 18 points, including a crucial late-game triple, for a 106-92 triumph that tied the 49th season Governors’ Cup finals series at 2-2. Then, there’s a 30-point outing on October 9, also last year, in a Kings’ victory over the Beermen during the Governors’ Cup semis. With Ginebra now in the semis for the 32nd time in league history, Cone feels that the teams needs to be at the “very top of our game” to have a chance to make it past Beermen. Peter Atencio

ELITE JUNGOLFERS. PLAY GOLF announced the ELITE Golfers for the year 2025 during the 2nd Founders Cup held at the Canlubang Golf and Country Club last December 17 to 19. The PLAY GOLF ELITE are 45 PLAY GOLF junior golf members, who have at least scored 75 and below at least once at bonafide junior golf tournaments. Each junior golfer will receive a Travis Mathews Cap from Play Golf. These junior golfers are as follows -- Asher Abad, Chan Ahn, Paolo Agustin, Monte Andaman, Apollo Batican, Athena Batican, Javie Bautista, Kelsey Bernardino, Enzo Cham, Aerin Chan, Raj Crisostomo, Juanton Cruz, Lauro Delen, Kami Del Mundo, Ronee Dungca, Zian Edoc, Zoji Edoc, Luis Espinosa, Mavis Espedido, Inigo Gallardo, CC Gonzales, Zach Guico, Georgina Handog, Emil Hernandez, Michael Hortel, Rafa Leonio, Brie Macasaet, Race Manhit, Alex Mauricio, TJ Padilla, Santino Pineda, Cade Santos, Winter Serapio, Aenzo Sulaik, Ryuji Suzuki, Shinichi Suzuki, Patrick Tambalque, Kenzo Tan, Jakob Taruc, David Teves, Mico Ungco, Makayla Verano, Zach Villaroman and Precious Zaragosa.

Eala aims for breakthrough at Aussie Open main draw By Peter Atencio

ILIPINA tennis sensation Alex Eala is setting her sights on a strong showing in the coming Australian Open, an event where she has historically struggled in the qualifying rounds.

Eala, who has secured direct entry into the main draw for the 2026 tournament, made her aspirations known at the conclusion of the Macau Tennis Masters at the Macao Forum on Sunday. Eala’s inclusion in the main draw is a significant achievement, earned by her Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) ranking, which peaked at world No. 50 at the close of the 2025 season. This milestone grants her a first-ever main draw appearance in Melbourne

after her previous attempts in the qualifying tournaments. Despite losing her last two exhibition matches for Team Li Na against Conchitina Martinez’s team in Macau, the world No. 53 is optimistic about the new season. “I’m so excited. I’ve been preparing this whole preseason,” she said. The Filipino star is determined to rewrite her Australian Open narrative. “I haven’t had much success in the Aus-

tralian Open in the qualifiers before, but I’m hoping that will change in the main draw. Every year is a different story. I’m so open and so eager to be out on that court,” Eala added. The Australian Open, which launches the annual Grand Slam season, is scheduled to kick off on January 12 at Melbourne Park. Eala and Russian world No. 9 Mirra Andreeva, who sat next to the Filipina during a final press conference in Macau, are among the rising stars expected to make an impact in the tournament. Andreeva claimed a victory over Eala in their women’s singles encounter in Macau with a 6-4, 6-2 score. Despite the loss, Eala, who holds two junior-level wins over Andreeva, said she “had a blast” and thoroughly enjoyed the match.

Unbeaten boxer Martin wants continuity under MP Promotions TWO months removed from his last fight, Carl Jammes Martin—is navigating an uncertain stretch in his career, with questions emerging about timing, direction, and momentum for one of the Philippines’ rising boxing stars. A native of Ifugao known as the “Wonder Boy”, Martin has been without a promotional contract since his deal with MP Promotions, previously affiliated with the now-defunct Probellum Promotions, expired in November. While the lapse technically makes him a free agent, Martin has made it clear he prefers continuity under the Pacquiao-backed company rather than seek a new management path. “I have so much respect for MP Promotions, specifically Senator Manny Pacquiao and especially MP president Sean Gibbons,” Martin said. “I just felt like two months passed by without gaining anything.” The 26-year-old unbeaten fighter (270, 20 knockouts) praised Gibbons for his guidance and hands-on approach in managing Filipino boxers’ careers.

Shown here are (from left) trainers Abel Martin and Juan Carlos Lantin, boxer Carl Jammes Martin and MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons after the unbeaten fighter scored an impressive win during ‘Thrilla in Manila 2’ last October.

Yet Martin also expressed frustration over the absence of a defined timeline for his next bout, a critical factor

given his standing as a top-rated contender in the World Boxing Organization’s 122-pound division.

“At this stage, I should already be preparing for a specific schedule, a specific fight,” he said. Concerned that inactivity could stall his ascent, Martin has begun exploring adjustments to his training setup. Among the options is the addition of veteran coach Marvin Somodio to his team, alongside his father and longtime trainer, Abel Martin. “I’ve already spoken with coach Marvin, and he seems ready to join my team,” Martin said. “If that happens, we’ll likely need two meaningful, strategic fights before aiming for a world championship.” Martin last competed in October at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where he overcame a third-round knockdown to defeat Thailand’s Aran Dipaen by unanimous decision on the “Thrilla in Manila 2” card. He said a step-up fight early next year would have been ideal — something he expected to have been finalized by now.

Tolentino on 2026: Another productive year for PH sports THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Family couldn’t ask for more from Filipino athletes in 2025 and the coming new year, according to president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, looks brighter as ever. “There will be more competitions overseas and more historic achievements to come for Team Philippines in 2026,” said Tolentino as he reaped praises for the marked achievements at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games—in particular the victories in women’s football, beach volleyball and basketball and the remarkable successful gold medal retention campaign in men’s 5x5 basketball. The reason for Tolentino’s positive outlook on the future? “Now, we’re working together with the PSC [Philippine Sports Commission] in a harmonious way,” he said. Tolentino was generous in praising the country’s performance in the Thailand SEA Games that despite finishing sixth overall with 50 gold medals, the gold medals came in the most important events—Olympic sports. In a news release from the PSC on Monday citing an analysis of the Thailand games by vnexpress.net, a Vietnamese online media platform, Team Philippines’ gold medals came from Olympic sports, tying Singapore for the highest percentage

Abraham Tolentino

among the 11 competing nations. Singapore landed fifth overall with 52 golds, 20 in aquatics—an Olympic centerpiece, whole the Philippines had its share in Olympic sports of athletics (five golds), swimming (three), gymnastics (three ), triathlon (three) and modern pentathlon (three). Filipino athletes also made their mark in the Olym-

pic sports of women’s football, men’s baseball, tennis through Alex Eala, beach volleyball, basketball (2), judo (2), skateboarding (2), softball (2), taekwondo (2), rowing (1), sailing (1), short-track speed skating (1), weightlifting (1) and wrestling (1). “Those are what mattered the most, the gold medals from Olympic sports,” said Tolentino, who, under his term as POC head, saw the Philippines win its first gold medal in Tokyo 2020 via weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and two more in gymnastics at Paris 2024 through Carlos Yulo. Thailand was the runaway overall winner in its own SEA Games with 233 gold medals but in terms of winning Olympic events, it ranked fifth at 64 percent behind Indonesia and Singapore with 65 percent. “And that’s where many of the points are—the Olympic goal,” Tolentino said. The new year gives Tolentino the same enthusiastic confidence as he acknowledged successes at the Bahrain Asian Youth Games where seven gold medals were won, Chengdu World Games that yielded two silvers and two bronzes and the emphatic men’s curling gold medal at the Ninth Asian Winter Games in Harbin. “That made us,” said Tolentino, referring to the Harbin gold medal, the first in an international winter sports competition not only by the Philippines but for Southeast Asia.

Alexandra Eala

Wawrinka at peace with retirement PERTH—Three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka said Monday he was “at peace” with his decision to make 2026 his last year on tour but insisted there were still goals to meet. The 40-year-old announced this month that he plans to call it quits, with the United Cup in Perth starting Friday the beginning of the end for the popular Swiss star. “Of course, I’m still passionate about the game, about the sport I love,” he said. “What I received from it, the emotion playing in a different country, coming back here with a lot of fans, a lot of support, so I’m going to miss that part, that’s for sure,” he said. “The last few months, I’ve had time to decide whether it will be my last year or not, and for me, it’s quite clear. I’m happy with the decision, I’m at peace with that.” Wawrinka won the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open a year later and the US Open in 2016, at a time when Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were dominating men’s tennis. A former world number three, he is now ranked 157 after struggling with injuries but said he would work as hard as ever this season. “I still want to play some good tennis, I still have goals. Hopefully I can come back in the top 100, finish on a good ranking,” he said. “I want to play the full year, the big tournaments, the main ones, and let’s see my ranking in the next few months.” Wawrinka has 16 career ATP titles although the last came in Geneva in 2017. He won Olympic gold in doubles alongside Federer at Beijing in 2008 and helped deliver a first Davis Cup triumph for Switzerland in 2014. Wawrinka leads a Swiss team also boasting world number 11 Belinda Bencic at the mixed-teams United Cup where they are grouped with France and Italy. AFP

BUSINESS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025

PH, UAE set to sign free trade pact in January to boost growth $1.88 billion PH-UAE trade ibn 2023

$342 million PH exports to UAE

$1.54 billion

By Othel V. Campos

HE Philippines is set to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates in January 2026 as part of a government push to expand trade and attract foreign investment, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said Monday. The signing is scheduled between Jan. 11 and 14 during a visit to the UAE by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of Trade and Industry officials. The agreement marks the first free trade deal for the Philippines with a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council and its first in the Middle East.

Roque said the government is specifically targeting manufacturing investments to boost domestic production and exports. She noted that meetings with prospective investors and companies are being arranged to coincide with the formal signing ceremony. The UAE serves as the 18th largest

trading partner for the Philippines and is its top export market within the GCC. Total bilateral trade reached $1.88 billion in 2023, with exports valued at $342 million and imports at $1.54 billion. The two nations held an initial round of negotiations in Dubai from May 6 to 8 after consulting with stakeholders. Beyond trade volume, the UAE hosts one of the largest populations of overseas Filipinos in the Middle East and several established Filipino business brands. President Marcos is a proponent of free trade agreements to lower tariffs and improve the competitiveness of Philippine goods.

PH imports from UAE HOLIDAY CHEER. More than 80 Christmas characters, including Santa and his reindeer, march through SM City East Ortigas during the Grand Magical Christmas Parade. The event featured a synchronized production performance, followed by a mall-wide parade, bringing a festive atmosphere to shoppers showcasing a diverse cast of dwarves, fairies, princes and princesses and toy soldiers in a celebration of community and joy. Norman Cruz

SEC asks hospital operators to tap capital markets for expansion THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) asked private hospital entrepreneurs and administrators to tap the capital market to support expansion and improve healthcare access across the Philippines. The commission recently met with hospital owners and medical professionals to promote a program designed to provide easier access to the capital market by streamlining the

registration process for securities. The funds are intended to finance the construction and expansion of healthcare facilities. Under the Securing and Expanding Capital for Hospital Entrepreneurs (SEC HOPES) program, the review period for the registration of hospital securities has been reduced to 28 days from the standard 45 days. The acceleration is made possible through

the use of a simplified registration statement. Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Francis Lim said the financing needs of the healthcare sector continue to grow as providers seek to expand capacity, upgrade facilities, adopt new technologies and improve service delivery. “While the public sector continues to lead major investments in infra-

structure and service delivery, the private sector plays an equally important role—especially in areas of healthcare where there is a strong business case for expansion,” Lim said. Public and private investments should complement each other to ensure that Filipinos across the country gain access to safe, modern and adequate health facilities, Lim said. Jenniffer B. Austria

IN BRIEF SINGAPORE-BASED precision tool fabricator MNEX Pte. Ltd. signed a registration agreement with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) on Dec. 11 to establish a manufacturing facility in Batangas, officials said Monday. The P180-million project is expected to generate more than 60 direct jobs. Operations will be located at the Light Industry and Science Park III Special Economic Zone in Sto. Tomas and will focus on producing molded parts for various global industries. PEZA director-general Tereso Panga and MNEX chief executive Goh Su Min signed the agreement, which aims to strengthen the advanced manufacturing ecosystem in the Philippines. Panga said the agency’s investor-friendly incentives and streamlined processes would allow the company to scale operations and enhance its regional competitiveness. Established in 2007, MNEX specializes in precision tooling, injection molding, smart automation and assembly solutions. Othel V. Campos

ENERGY Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan said on Monday the agency is preparing a 2026 strategic agenda designed to strengthen consumer protection and modernize regulatory processes to attract more power sector investment. The regulator aims to address long-standing backlogs and promote competition within the electric power industry. Juan, who described the vision as a “New ERC,” said the commission would focus on transparency and public engagement to improve consumer welfare. The strategy centers on five primary directions: fair rate setting, timely case resolution, robust market oversight, a stable regulatory environment and proactive leadership. Juan said the commission would enforce least-cost obligations and complete delayed regulatory resets for distribution utilities. To support the transition to cleaner energy, the regulator will establish pricing frameworks for emerging technologies including offshore wind and liquefied natural gas. The agency plans to update market rules and technical standards to accommodate these new energy sources. Alena Mae S. Flores

Bitget deploys Starlink to remote PH schools CRYPTOCURRENCY exchange Bitget has deployed high-speed Starlink internet terminals to six schools across the Philippines as part of a digital inclusion initiative targeting remote island communities, the company said Monday. The project, part of Bitget’s Blockchain4Youth and PayFi Islands initiatives, provides reliable connectivity to more than 7,300 students and over 100 teachers in the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Siquijor and Negros Oriental. Prior to this installation, many of these institutions relied on printed worksheets due to a lack of stable internet access. The rollout covers Espoir School of Life and Lasala Integrated School in Surigao del Norte, Apo Elementary School and the Arts & Design Collective Dumaguete in Negros Oriental, and Siquijor State College and Siquijor Provincial Science High School in Siquijor. Bitget chief executive Gracy Chen said the project is about more than just connectivity. By bringing Starlink to these islands, the company is giving thousands of young people their first real access to the digital world and the tools needed to participate in the future economy, Chen said. Beyond hardware installation, the company conducted digital readiness assessments and educator consultations to integrate learning modules. Darwin G. Amojelar

Vista Land signs P13.61-b 5-year credit facility to support growth By Jenniffer B. Austria VISTA Land & Lifescapes Inc. said Monday it secured a P13.61-billion five-year credit facility to boost its capital for growth opportunities and debt management. The property developer led by the Villar family said it made an initial drawdown of P7.22 billion at a fixed interest rate of 7.8947 percent per year. China Bank Capital served as the lead for the transaction, which represents the largest pesodenominated corporate notes issuance for Vista Land since the start of the pandemic. China Bank Capital managingdirector Juan Paolo Colet said the financing solution supports the company’s strategy of balancing its growth pursuits while managing its balance sheet. The credit facility follows a series of financial moves by the developer to restructure its obligations. Last week, Vista Land settled P3.5 billion in retail bonds that matured on Dec. 22, 2025. The company used the proceeds from advances provided by its majority shareholders to settle those bonds, which were originally issued in December 2018. Vista Land unit VLL International Inc. also obtained a $150-million loan early this year to repay debt and cover operating expenses. The facility carries an annual interest rate of 6.40509 percent and was signed with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. Meanwhile, the company’s mall subsidiary, Vistamalls Inc., also announced that its board approved a cash dividend of P0.0433 per share. The dividend is payable on Feb. 5, 2026, to stockholders of record as of Jan. 15, 2026.

MGen weighs ammonia co-firing for coal project By Alena Mae S. Flores

Singapore’s MNEX investing P180m in PH

ERC sets 2026 agenda to boost investment

extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

TAX DISCOUNT. Residents and investors line up at the Imus City Hall lobby in Barangay Malagasang 1-G to pay their taxes for a 20-percent discount given by the local government of Imus that will last until Jan. 20, 2026. The city government also announces a 10-percent discount from Jan. 21 to March 31, 2026. Dennis Abrina

DA: Affordable rice program aims to reach 3.2m people by February THE Department of Agriculture expects to reach about 3.2 million Filipinos, or roughly 780,000 households, as it extends its P20-perkilogram rice program from January to February 2026. The expansion will begin with a province-wide rollout in Pangasinan, shifting from limited distribution to full provincial coverage for eligible middle- and lower-income households, the department said Monday. Originally restricted to the most vulnerable sectors, the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” flagship food security initiative is widening its scope to ease food inflation and support palay farmgate prices. The program is supported by a P23-billion allocation in 2026, but the government said the figure could be reduced if pending legislation

granting the National Food Authority (NFA) greater authority over rice supply and demand is approved. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the program initially targeted beneficiaries of the 4Ps welfare program, people with disabilities, single parents and senior citizens. Coverage has since grown to include transport workers, farmers, fisherfolk, minimum-wage earners and education personnel. Tiu Laurel said the government aims to reach 15 million households, or about 60 million Filipinos, by 2026. Following the Pangasinan pilot, the department plans to expand to three cities in the Visayas and Mindanao, including Davao City and six additional provinces between January and February. Othel V. Campos

MERALCO PowerGen Corp. (MGen) is studying the use of ammonia co-firing for a proposed 1,200-megawatt ultra-supercritical coal plant in Quezon province to comply with government decarbonization mandates. The project, under subsidiary Atimonan One Energy Inc., should transition away from coal as a fuel source by 2050 to meet conditions set by the Department of Energy. The DOE issued an exemption to the national coal ban for the Atimonan project on the condition that the facility eventually be repurposed for cleaner fuel types. MGen president Emmanuel Rubio said the company had agreed to these terms, noting that the plant would not be allowed to operate beyond the deadline if it continues to burn coal. “We are not allowed to burn coal as fuel… What are the alternatives? Ammonia. But today it’s still ammonia co-fired with coal,” Rubio said. He said while pure ammonia firing in a coal boiler does not yet exist, the company expects technology to advance by 2050. Ammonia co-firing is under evaluation in markets like Japan as a method to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and lower dependence on traditional fossil fuels. Atimonan One Energy plans to secure an anchor market by participating in the competitive selection process of Manila Electric Co. or a planned baseload auction by the Department of Energy in 2026. The plant is expected to generate enough electricity to serve 5 million households or 1,000 hospitals, while creating 6,000 jobs during construction and 300 long-term roles during operations. The move aligns with the broader growth strategy of MGen, which held a combined net sellable capacity of 5,068 megawatts from traditional and renewable sources as of July 2025.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025 extrastory2000@gmail.com

PH stocks lost 7.3% in difficult trading year By Jenniffer B. Austria

HE Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) ended the trading year at 6,528.79, down 476 points or 7.3 percent from the previous year’s closing price of 6,528. The index was trading in the green for most of the day before a last-minute decline that saw stocks drop 12.72 points or 0.21 percent from Friday’s close. The all-shares index, on the other hand, rose 8.58 points or 0.25 percent to 3,473.24. The peso closed at 58.79 to the U.S. dollar Friday, slightly weaker than the 58.71 close on Dec. 26. “The benchmark index ended the year on a negative note amid holidaythinned trading, with the last session Manila

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for 2025 dropping to 6,052.92 for a year-to-date loss of 7.29 percent,” said Juan Paolo Colet, managing director at China Bank Capital. “This caps the most challenging trading year since the pandemic crash of 2020 as the index underperformed most analysts’ initial base case targets and also relative to other regional stock markets,” he added. Due to a mix of trade and economic issues both locally and abroad, as well as governance concerns in the

Philippines, Colet said foreign investors were net sellers by around P51

as most investors remained on holiday. Financial markets will be closed Tuesday through Thursday. Trading will resume Jan. 2, 2026. Asian equities were mixed Monday in quiet post-Christmas trading as investors look ahead to the release of minutes from the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting this month, while precious metals retreated from record highs. Markets looked set to end the last few days of the year on a positive note, helped by hopes for more US interest rate cuts and optimism that the tech-led rally still has more legs. While the US central bank lowered borrowing costs earlier in December as expected, it also indicated it could stand pat when decision-makers gather again at the end of next month, with two votbillion for the year. ing against any move and one calling Value turnover was thin at P4.03 billion for a bigger reduction. With AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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BUSINESS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025

extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

FCDU loans fell 5% to $15.1b in 3rd quarter

By Thony Rose Lesaca

OREIGN currency deposit unit (FCDU) loans in the Philippines fell 5 percent to $15.13 billion in the third quarter of 2025 as repayments outpaced new disbursements, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data showed Monday. FCDUs are units of local banks or branches of foreign banks authorized by the BSP to conduct transactions in foreign currencies, primarily to support importers and businesses with international exchange requirements. The end-September balance represents an $802.09 million decline from the $15.93 billion recorded in Manila

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the previous quarter. On a year-onyear basis, the loan portfolio dipped 3.9 percent. The BSP said outstanding loans in the third quarter reflected $9.77 billion in new credit against $10.56 billion in principal payments. The decline occurred even as foreign currency deposits grew 5.7 percent to

$60.73 billion from $57.46 billion a made up 79.8 percent of the total year ago. portfolio, a slight increase from Philippine-based borrowers the 79-percent share reported in the accounted for $9.59 billion or 63.4 second quarter. percent of the total outstanding debt, Michael Ricafort, chief economist while the remainder was extended at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., to non-residents. Among local said the decline in FCDU loans borrowers, merchandise and service reflected borrowers’ increased caution exporters held the largest share at over risks of foreign exchange losses $2.51 billion or 26.2 percent. that come with foreign borrowings The transport and logistics sector, amid the peso’s depreciation against including towing, tanker, trucking the US dollar. and forwarding, accounted for $2.05 He said the government also shifted billion or 21.4 percent of local loans. to more domestic borrowings while Power generation companies held reducing external borrowings in the $1.71 billion or 17.8 percent of the past years, citing lessons learned from domestic total. the mistakes on foreign exchange Medium- to long-term loans risks in past crisis periods “as a matter with maturities exceeding one year of prudence.” CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

ENVIRONMENT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025

extrastory2000@gmail.com RAY S. EÑANO, Editor

& SUSTAINABILIT Y DENR, Petron restoring forest cover of Limay THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is strengthening forest rehabilitation efforts in Central Luzon with the formalization of a multi-sector partnership aimed at restoring 30 hectares of degraded upland forest in Sitio Daing, Barangay Duale, Limay, Bataan. The initiative marked the official launch of the five-year Puno ng Buhay–Limay Reforestation Project. It brings together the DENR, the local government unit of Bataan, the municipality of Limay, Petron Foundation Inc. and the Samahang Magsasaka sa Kagubatan Limay Bataan Inc. (SAMASAKA) in a collaborative effort to accelerate ecosystem recovery. The partnership also creates sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. Anchored on DENR’s mandate under Executive Order No. 192, the project supports the National Greening Program by rehabilitating denuded forestlands, protecting critical watersheds and contributing to national climate action through forest restoration and carbon sequestration. “What will make this project succeed is our shared commitment― national and local government, the private sector and our people’s organizations – working together to deliver concrete results,” DENR Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said. The project site lies within the Community-Based Forest Management area of SAMASAKA and will be implemented through a community-led approach. The rehabilitation plan includes the planting of native species, such as fruit-bearing trees, bamboo and timber species to enhance biodiversity and promote ecosystem resilience. “This watershed project will help improve groundwater recharge and benefit local communities. Though it covers 30 hectares, it reflects our long-term commitment to work with DENR and our partners in Bataan to sustain and expand this effort,” said Petron general manager and chairperson Lubin B. Nepomoceno.

New generation of farmers ready to confront climate change woes A NEW generation of farmers is set to embark on a new journey to help achieve the country’s agriculture modernization and sustainable farming goals to fight climate change.

A new batch of 150 young farmers faces the challenge of climate change and the task of promoting organic farming following the graduation ceremony of the 2nd National Youth Internship Program on Organic Agriculture (YIPOA) held earlier this month in Quezon City. “In the time when the average age of Filipino farmers continues to rise, engaging our youth is more critical than ever for the sustainable modernization of Philippine agriculture and strengthening of food security,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. in a

message delivered by Undersecretary Alvin John F. Balagbag. “Through programs like this, we are cultivating a new generation of farmers: innovative, resilient and deeply committed to the progress of agriculture and the fisheries sector,” he added. The YIPOA graduates (101 males and 49 females) are composed of 85 out-of-school youth and 65 college graduates. Together, they have established a total of 150 organic agriculture enterprises, successfully completed the program from June 2024 to December

2025 and submitted all the necessary requirements for the internship. Implemented by the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) under the DANational Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP), YIPOA is a specialized 21-month internship in organic farming for youth aged 18–35. Unlike typical scholarships, YIPOA offers hands-on training, mentoring and start-up support to help youth become organic agripreneurs. It includes nine months of schooling and farm-based training, followed by a year of practical enterprise implementation, empowering participants to embrace farming as both a livelihood and a lifestyle. “Today, these young individuals stand as symbols of hope and innovation. You have shown that the youth are not only the future, they

are the present for shaping change in our agriculture and fisheries sector. Their determination and creativity have strengthened the foundation for a more sustainable and resilient food system,” DA-ATI Director Remelyn Recoter said. With guidance from DA-ATI farm partners and mentors, the interns gained vital skills in sustainable farming, pest management, soil health and organic certification, equipping them to manage their own enterprises. DA-NOAP Director Bernadette San Juan acknowledged the farm partners who played a crucial role in honing the skills of the graduates. She reminded the new farmers to treasure the knowledge, experiences and incentives they received, as these will serve as blessings in growing their ventures.Gumamela Celes C. Bejarin-Rosas, DA-AFID

SEC honors Globe officer for UN goals

New farmers.

Renewable water availability down by 7% more in a decade, says FAO

ECO-FRIENDLY. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is encouraging the public to celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays responsibly by adopting simple, eco-friendly practices that help reduce waste.

ROME—Renewable water availability per person has continued to decline by a further 7 percent over the past decade, while pressure on already scarce freshwater resources is increasing in several regions. The 2025 AQUASTAT Water Data Snapshot released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) last week provided a global overview of how water availability and use are evolving. It presented new data on irrigation, efficiency and water stress reported through the 2024 AQUASTAT cycle. Renewable water refers to freshwater that is naturally replenished through the hydrologic cycle, which includes evaporation, condensation and precipitation.

The latest figures show that some regions—particularly Northern Africa and Western Asia—continue to operate under extremely limited freshwater endowments. Countries such as Kuwait and Qatar rank among the lowest renewable water resources per person worldwide. Freshwater withdrawals have also increased in several regions in recent years, adding pressure to already stressed river basins and aquifers. Agriculture remains the largest water-using sector globally, accounting for 72 percent of withdrawals in many regions. A closer look at regional trends and changes in water use, the Snapshot uses clear, accessible examples to illustrate how water availability and demand are shifting across regions. FAO News

THE Securities and Exchange Commission has named Globe Telecom Inc.’s chief sustainability and corporate communications officer Maria Yolanda Crisanto as recipient of the 2025 Private Sector Sustainability Champion Award. The honor, part of the SEC Gender and Development Awards, commends Crisanto’s significant contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The award highlights the growing role of corporate leaders in shaping long-term, purpose-led growth across Philippine businesses and industries. Building upon her distinction as Sustainability Leader by Campaign Asia Pacific Women Leading Change (2022) and Asia’s Top Sustainability Superwomen by CSRWorks International (2018), the SEC 2025 Private Sector Sustainability Award solidifies Crisanto’s legacy. She has been earlier recognized as pioneering leader in driving corporate sustainability across the Philippines. Globe is a UN Global Compact Participant since 2019. The award affirms Crisanto’s visionary approach in tackling Sustainability challenges and opportunities. These led to Globe institutionalizing ESG metrics in the company’s Balanced Scorecard targets starting 2020 and the publication of ESG-linked policy commitments that set the tone, direction and long-term commitment of the company.

What the world environment will look like in 2050 Conclusion THE world will lose 1 million square kilometers of forests, peatlands and other natural spaces. This is largely due to the expansion of cropland needed to feed a rising global population with a growing taste for meat. Because of the loss of ecosystems, the planet’s mean species abundance–a single number that captures the diversity and distribution of life– is expected to drop 3 percent. Climate change, left unchecked, will expose about 1.1 billion more people to heavy rains and an addi-

tional 900 million people to intense drought by 2050. This climactic onetwo punch will help push up to 132 million people into poverty and put another 24 million people at risk of hunger by 2040. By 2050, 3.3 billion people–one third of the planet–will face water stress. GEO-7 says the world is approaching a series of climate-related thresholds from which there may be no return. The Greenland and Western Antarctic ice sheets could collapse, causing sea levels to rise 10 meters.

Thawing permafrost could release massive amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, supercharging warming. The Amazon rainforest may wither into a savannah, depriving the planet of one of its most important carbon sinks. Nearly every warm-water coral would disappear, devastating undersea ecosystems and threatening fisheries around the world. Even ocean currents and the Jet Stream could be affected, throwing the climate into disarray. There is still time to save the planet–and us

As serious as the situation is, the Earth’s future is not written in stone,

GEO-7 argues. There is time for humanity to address climate change, nature loss and pollution. But it will take urgent and unprecedented changes in how countries govern their economies, handle materials and waste, generate energy, produce food, use raw materials and treat the environment. For more on that, read the next in our series of stories on GEO-7, set for publication on Dec 22. Launched in 1997, the GEO series offers an unparalleled look at the state of the natural world and provides policymakers with a blueprint for creating a healthier planet. UNEP News

SHOWBIZ

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

EW Year’s Eve has a way of pulling everyone into the same heartbeat. Some people stay glued to the television, counting down with a bowl of grapes or a plate of pancit. Others want to feel the noise, the lights, the crowd, and the moment when the clock tips into tomorrow. Either way, no one wants to miss it.

Julie Anne San Jose

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

Kyline Alcantara

Angel Guardian

Kapuso stars headline

New Year countdown to 2026 This year, GMA Network is leaning fully into that shared ritual, rounding up its biggest stars and loyal Kapuso crowd for what it calls a grand thanksgiving and New Year celebration rolled into one long night of music, dance, and spectacle. Billed as “Kapuso Countdown to 2026,” the event takes place on Dec. 31 along the SM Mall of Asia Seaside Boulevard, turning the familiar strip into a full-scale party zone. It is GMA’s annual way of saying thank you to viewers who stuck around all year, and they are doing it with volume turned all the way up. Leading the charge to midnight are some of the network’s most familiar faces, including Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz, Christian Bautista, Rocco Nacino, Betong Sumaya, Angel Guardian Faith da Silva, and Kyline Alcantara, all set to take turns on stage as the seconds tick away. Fans can arrive as early as 6:00 p.m., when the night kicks off with a lantern parade, followed by a preshow featuring international singer Bonnie Bailey alongside GMA Music artists Plume and Vilmark. The lantern parade itself gets an extra dose of pop culture buzz,

Rodjun Cruz

Will Ashley

headlined by former housemates from Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition, including Will Ashley, AZ Martinez, Charlie Fleming, Vince Maristela, Marco Masa, Eliza Borromeo, Waynona Collings, and Lee Victor. Expect bright colors, playful designs, and plenty of camera-ready smiles inspired by Kapuso shows and sponsors. Adding a pageant glow to the evening is Emma Tiglao, Miss Grand International 2025, whose appearance comes on the heels of the Philippines’ back-to-back win on the global

Rayver Cruz

AHOF

1621

Christian Bautista

stage. Dance fans are also in for a treat, with Stars on the Floor Ultimate Dance Star Duo Rodjun Cruz and Dasuri Choi leading high-energy performances, joined by Joshua Decena, JM Yrreverre, and sisters Kitty and Kakai Almeda. Music fills the rest of the night, with performances lined up from Jessica Villarubin, Hannah Precillas, Naya Ambi, Tala Gatchalian, John Rex, Jong Madaliday, Anthony Rosaldo, and Tanghalan ng Kampeon 2025 grand

Kylie Padilla shares co-parenting truths Kylie Padilla (left) talks about co-parenting with Aljur Abrenica and maintaining a peaceful family setup after their separation

champion Bjorn Morta. PPop group 1621 brings a dose of youthful charm, while K-pop act AHOF, presented by SM Mall of Asia, is set to close the show with an electrifying set. Somewhere between the performances and the fireworks, GMA will also announce the winners of the first GMANetwork.com Awards, revealing which stars and shows topped online fan polls. Categories range from New Kapuso Male and Female Star of the Year to Drama Series, Kontrabida, and Comedian of

just told me to be careful with my suitors. He knows that at present, I’m single. Then, I mentioned a suitor of mine, and he gave his opinion,” she shared. Joseph Peter Gonzales Despite their separation, Kylie said their relationship has settled into a peaceful LIFE after separation, it turned rhythm. out, came with unexpected “Actually, even if we’re already conversations. separated, our co-parenting setup In a recent interview, Kylie is okay. We are at peace with each Padilla shared that her other,” she said. estranged husband, Aljur That peace, however, followed some Abrenica, once offered of the most difficult conversations of advice about her suitors. her life. Kylie admitted the hardest The moment happened part was explaining their situation to last August during Alas. “There was a point when I had what was meant to difficulty explaining things to Alas be a simple family regarding our situation,” she said. outing, when they One question, in particular, stayed brought sons Alas and with her. “He asked me, ‘Does Papa Axl to a circus show. not love you? ’Of course, it broke my “It happened last heart during that time.” August when we brought Kylie said she chose reassurance our children, Alas and over emotion. Axl, to a circus show. I “I just told Alas that, despite what can’t remember if it was happened between his dad and me, he who asked about the we deeply love and care for him still. topic or I brought it up,” After that, I didn’t show any emotion Kylie said. anymore. I don’t want to make it Aljur’s message was appear as if it’s a heavy issue.” She direct and protective. “He

the Year, giving fans another reason to keep their eyes on the stage. As the countdown reaches zero, fireworks will light up skies across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, a visual reminder that the celebration stretches far beyond Pasay. For those who prefer to celebrate their New Year from their homes, the entire event will air live on GMA-7, Kapuso Stream, and ATM’s official YouTube channel, with Tim Yap, Sean Lucas, and Cheska Fausto hosting the livestream alongside special guests.

Piolo Pascual talks about staying present and keeping pressure at bay as he balances his roles as actor and co-producer of the MMFF film ‘Manila’s Finest’

Shticks

later asked Aljur to step in. “Then, I talked directly to Aljur and told him what Alas said. I told him to explain things to our son. It’s better if it would come from him first and not me,” Kylie added. *** FOR Piolo Pascual, calm has become a conscious choice. As lead star and co-producer of the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Manila’s Finest, the actor said stress was something he preferred to keep at bay. “For one, we can’t do anything

about my double role in the project as actor and producer. I just enjoyed the shooting of the film,” Piolo said. He spoke about the importance of staying present. “You need to enjoy it…the experience, and I’m always at my happiest when I’m on the set. I feel like I’m always present when I’m on the set,” he said. Manila’s Finest marked Piolo’s third straight MMFF entry since 2023, following the box-office success of Mallari and last year’s The Kingdom. Asked if he felt pressure to keep the streak going, Piolo shrugged it off. “Well, pressure will always be there. As for me, I just don’t think much about it. I just work continuously. I always hope and pray for the best!” For Piolo, the formula remained unchanged: stay calm, keep working, and let the rest follow.

SHOWBIZ Top Philippine dramas of 2025 Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition A historic season for the long‑running Pinoy Big Brother franchise, the Celebrity Collab Edition marked its first broadcast on GMA Network through a collaboration with ABS‑CBN Studios. The season featured 20 celebrity housemates from both Star Magic and Sparkle GMA Artist Center, giving audiences a unique mix of personalities under one roof for 119 days. Hosted by an expanded roster of Kapuso and Kapamilya artists, including Bianca Gonzalez, Robi Domingo, Kim Chiu, and Melai Cantiveros, the show connected with viewers through worldwide broadcasts on GMA Pinoy TV, live digital streams, and the ABS‑CBN Entertainment YouTube channel. Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca were named as the first Big Winner Duo when the season concluded in early July.

ST A N D A R D ’S C H O I C E By Angelica Villanueva

HE Philippine television landscape in 2025 offered a mixed bag of local series that resonated across genres. From teen romances and action dramas to reality shows and revitalized fantasy worlds, local storytelling entertained viewers nationwide and across borders.

These shows dominated conversations on social media, introduced rising stars, and reinforced the talent of established actors who anchored each series. This year’s lineup included both original concepts and popular adaptations, excluding ongoing series, reaching audiences across broadcast networks and streaming platforms. Here’s a closer look at seven of the most talkedabout Filipino TV shows of the year, including their casts, story highlights, and viewing platforms.

‘Avenues of the Diamond’ lead stars Lance Carr as Clyden Ramirez and Aubrey Caraan as Samantha Vera

Andres Muhlach (left) and Ashtine Olviga play as Keifer and Jay-Jay, respectively, in the series adaptation of ‘Ang Mutya ng Section E’

Ang Mutya ng Section E Based on Lara Flores’ hit Wattpad novel Ang Mutya ng Section E, this teen romantic comedy blended coming‑of‑age laughter with heartfelt romance. Ashtine Olviga starred as Jay‑Jay, the titular “mutya” who transfers into the quirky Section E of a prestigious school, where she eventually draws the affections of class president Keifer (Andres Muhlach) and the charming Yuri (Rabin Angeles). After streaming its 16‑episode first season on Viva One, the series later moved to free TV on TV5, expanding its audience. It also found a following online, driven in part by the chemistry of its young cast and a fresh love team.

Avenues of the Diamond Avenues of the Diamond brought another Wattpad favorite to life as a romantic comedy‑drama. Starring Aubrey Caraan and Lance Carr, the series followed the story of Samantha “Sam” Vera and Clyden “Cy” Ramirez, whose arranged‑marriage situation turns into unexpected romance amidst family expectations, personal growth, and the high‑school social scene. The series drew viewers with its Wattpad fanbase, teen romance story, and lead chemistry, keeping audiences engaged. Promotional events and online fan interaction boosted its popularity, making it one of 2025’s notable hits in the streaming world.

From left: The new generation of Sang’gres—Kelvin Miranda, Bianca Umali, Angel Guardian, and Faith Da Silva

The action-drama ‘Incognito’ features an ensemble cast navigating undercover missions and high-stakes secrets

Incognito The action‑drama series Incognito became an early ratings powerhouse of 2025. Produced by Star Creatives and Studio Three Sixty and directed by Lester Pimentel Ong, the ensemble cast included Richard Gutierrez, Baron Geisler, Maris Racal, Anthony Jennings, Kaila Estrada, Ian Veneracion, and Daniel Padilla. Its plot interweaves undercover missions and dark secrets, drawing viewers in with tightly choreographed sequences and multi‑layered character arcs. The show debuted first on Netflix before its free‑to‑air run on Kapamilya Channel’s Primetime Bida evening block, where it maintained strong viewership through its July finale. Incognito also topped Netflix Philippines’ charts during its initial release period.

Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre A new chapter in the beloved Encantadia universe, Sang’gre featured Bianca Umali in the lead role as Terra, a young heroine discovering her destiny as a royal-blooded diwata. The series also starred Kelvin Miranda, Faith da Silva, Angel Guardian, and Rhian Ramos as the primary antagonist, Mitena. Set against lush worldbuilding and mythic conflict between kingdoms of elemental gems, the show brought a nostalgic yet refreshed fantasy adventure to primetime audiences, with episodes available for free on GMA’s YouTube channel. Sang’gre revived Filipino fantasy, drew cross-generational fans, and sparked online buzz and fan engagement, reinforcing the appeal of Philippine mythology in modern TV.

The Philippine remake of the 2020 South Korean hit ‘It’s Okay To Not Be Okay’ features Joshua Garcia as Patpat (left) and Anne Curtis as Mia

‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition’ Big Four duos (from left) AZ Martinez ans River Joseph, Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca, Charlie Flemming and Esnyr Ranollo, and Ralph De Leon and Will Ashley

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (Philippine adaptation) This Philippine take on the 2020 South Korean hit reimagined the story with Anne Curtis as Mia, a woman navigating life with antisocial personality traits who forms an unlikely bond with Patpat (Joshua Garcia), a caretaker in a mental health facility. Carlo Aquino co‑starred as Patpat’s older brother, Matthew. Directed by Mae Cruz‑Alviar and Raymund B. Ocampo, the series ran through mid‑October with 65 episodes and debuted atop Netflix Philippines’ most‑watched list while also reaching sizable live stream figures on Kapamilya Online Live.

C3 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025

Brigitte Bardot leaves behind a complex legacy that spans cinematic stardom, cultural influence, and decades of animal-rights advocacy

Remembering France’s screen siren Brigitte Bardot FRENCH film icon Brigitte Bardot, a symbol of sexual liberation in the 1950s and 1960s, has died at the age of 91. Her foundation confirmed she passed away Sunday at her Saint-Tropez home, La Madrague, on the French Riviera. “The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announces with immense sadness the death of its founder and president,” the statement read. Bardot had left a prestigious acting career to dedicate herself to animal welfare. No cause of death was provided, though she underwent a minor procedure in October. Known affectionately as “BB,” Bardot quickly became a global star after her breakthrough role in And God Created Woman (1956). She went on to appear in around 50 films before retiring from cinema in 1973. Fans and locals paid tribute outside her Saint-Tropez residence. A handful left flowers near her gate, while a hearse was seen entering and leaving the property. Bardot was born in Paris in 1934 and grew up in a traditional Catholic household. She was married four times and had one son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, with her second husband, actor Jacques Charrier. After stepping away from acting, Bardot devoted herself to animal rights. Her interest reportedly began on the set of her final film, when she rescued a goat from being killed. She later founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986, which now has thousands of donors and hundreds of employees. While she earned global fame, Bardot also became known for her far-right political views. She supported Marine Le Pen, opposed the “Islamization of France,” and was convicted multiple times for hate speech, comments that alienated some of her fans. Despite controversy, tributes poured in after her death. President Emmanuel Macron described her as a “legend” of the 20th century, highlighting her cultural impact while avoiding reference to her political stances. Bardot remained outspoken until her final years. In her last book, published just months before her death, she criticized contemporary France and Saint-Tropez, maintaining the blunt, provocative style she was famous for. She had long expressed her desire for a simple farewell. Bardot wanted no large crowd at her funeral and requested a modest wooden cross for her grave, like those she arranged for the animals she cared for. AFP

‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ sparks holiday frenzy, leads box office ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ continues James Cameron’s epic saga, drawing crowds back to Pandora

AVATAR: Fire and Ash retained the top spot at the North American box office after debuting the week before, reeling in $64 million during the weekend after Christmas, industry estimates showed Sunday. The third installment in director James Cameron’s blockbuster series stars Zoe Saldana as Na’vi warrior Neytiri and Sam Worthington as ex-Marine Jake Sully, who must battle a new foe threatening their family’s life on the planet Pandora. Zootopia 2, Disney’s feel-good animated film and an Oscar contender, rose to number 2 from 5 in the rankings, bringing in $20 million, according to weekend estimates. Marty Supreme, a period sports drama starring Timothée Chalamet, soared to third place in the rankings from the number 10 spot the previous

week, bringing in $17.5 million, weekend estimates showed. The film grossed $217.6 million at the box office worldwide during the current weekend, according to estimates. Dropping one notch to fourth place was The Housemaid, a thriller from Lionsgate Films starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, which earned $15.4 million, according to estimates. Anaconda, the new comedy-action movie starring Paul Rudd and Jack Black, placed fifth in the rankings after making its debut. Distributed by Sony, the film brought in $14.5 million, according to estimates. Rounding out the top 10 are David, which earned $12.6 million, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants with $11.2 million, Song Sung Blue at $7.6 million, Wicked: For Good, bringing in $5.2 million, and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, which took in $4.4 million. AFP

LIFE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025

Guests try sample custom drinks at IQOS Boutique’s Mocktail Pairing Bar

NOW & NEXT

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

IQOS Boutique showcases its devices and accessories as part of its hands-on approach to modern tobacco alternatives

Designed as a hub for discovery, the boutique invites adult smokers to explore smokefree alternatives through taste, scent, and personalization

place where they can learn, interact, and feel confident in their decision to switch. That is precisely what we have built here,” the executive said. Echiverri added that the boutique represents the best of PMFTC’s Retail 2.0 vision. “Every detail, from the consultation areas to the customization bar, has been thoughtfully calibrated to deliver a truly multi-sensory experience. When you step inside, you won’t just see our products; you will understand the care, intention, and innovation behind their creation. And behind all of this— behind the design, the technology, and the

A space where informed choices meet an elevated experience By Nickie Wang

innovation—is one powerful mindset: Forever curious,” he stated. The Glorietta boutique is the first in the Philippines to feature a dedicated Scent Experience, allowing visitors to connect with IQOS through a new layer of sensory engagement. “These innovations provide adult smokers with informed options, offering enjoyable ways to explore modern alternatives,” Echiverri noted. With this opening, IQOS strengthens its presence in the Philippines and showcases its commitment to a smokefree future. The IQOS Boutique is now open at Glorietta 3, Ayala Malls, Makati City, inviting every adult smoker to experience smokefree alternatives in style.

HE new IQOS Boutique at Glorietta 3, Makati, gives adult smokers a premium space to discover smoke-free alternatives through an immersive, sensory experience. From scent and taste to personalization, every detail invites visitors to explore modern tobacco options hands-on.

PMFTC, the Philippine partner of Philip Morris International, designed the flagship store to merge technology, design, and sensory elements, making each visit a journey of curiosity and engagement. During the grand opening, a Mocktail Pairing Bar allowed visitors to sample unique flavor combinations, while an Engraving Station offered personalized customization of IQOS devices. A curated

art installation showcased upcoming collaborations, establishing the store as a hub for creativity and discovery. Attorney Ferdi Echiverri, PMFTC communications director, emphasized the purpose behind the boutique. “Adult smokers who are considering better alternatives deserve more than just a place to purchase smoke-free products. They deserve a home—a home for smoke-free alternatives. A

An outdoor seating area overlooking the seaside extends Dessert 39’s Manila experience

Korean café makes Manila debut at Mall of Asia

Executives and guests raise a toast during the opening of the new IQOS Boutique at Glorietta 3

“We wouldn’t want to be perceived as just desserts. With their approval, we were able to introduce savory items so we can also capture the lunch and dinner crowd, not just after-meal customers,” Sy explained. Alongside pastries like the crisp Croquant Choux and the soft Premium Tokyo Roll Cake are rice bowls, sandwiches, and pastas meant for everyday meals. Options include the Chicken Inasal Bowl, Spaghetti and Meatball Pasta, and classic ham and cheese sandwiches, making the café suitable for both quick lunches and longer breaks. Drinks remain central to the experience. The Einspänner, an iced Americano topped with whipped cream and brown sugar, is among the brand’s bestsellers in Korea. Sy also pointed to the matcha lineup, singling out the strawberry matcha.

By Angelica Villanueva FROM quick coffee stops to quiet dessert breaks, a new Korean café has opened in Manila with a menu designed for everyday dining. Dessert 39 recently opened its first branch in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia at the Entertainment Mall of SM Mall of Asia, introducing a Korean café concept that combines desserts with savory options meant for any time of day. “This has been two years in the making. We were very picky with the location because it’s the first one. By far, this is the best location that was offered to us for Dessert 39’s minimalist interior highlights the Korean café’s focus on everyday dining the brand,” said April Sy, vice “It’s not too sweet and president for operations of doesn’t overpower; the blend is The Bistro Group, which just right,” she said. brought Dessert 39 to the Dessert 39 also offers its Slim country. line of zero-calorie beverages Founded in 2015 in made with allulose, part of what Gyeongridan-gil, Itaewon, Kyeong described as the brand’s Dessert 39 takes its name from effort to rethink indulgence. its original idea of curating 39 Sustainability plays a role of the world’s best desserts. as well, with biodegradable, “We collect 39 kinds of the reusable tumblers introduced by best desserts in the world, the brand in 2020. and we make them to make The minimalist Manila space seats customers happy,” said 138 guests and features greeneryKyeong Kwangho, general softened interiors and an outdoor manager of Dessert 39 Dessert 39 expands its menu to welcome quick lunches, quiet breaks, and casual dinners area overlooking the seaside. headquarters. With more than 700 stores While the menu has since worldwide and more Philippine expanded, he said the brand’s philosophy—sharing healthiness with locations planned, Dessert 39 aims to direction has stayed the same. the world,” he added. position itself as a daily café that fits “Nowadays, people think dessert That philosophy carries over to the naturally into Filipino routines, whether is not healthy, but we try to make Manila menu, which goes beyond for a quick bite or a quiet pause. healthy desserts. That is our main pastries and drinks.

The opening of the IQOS Boutique at Glorietta 3 introduces a new retail concept centered on exploration, personalization, and informed smoke-free choices for adult smokers

Forbes hails Conrad Manila’s luminous Christmas tree By Angelica Villanueva CONRAD Manila has been included in Forbes’ list of the “15 Most Breathtaking Hotel Christmas Trees of 2025,” placing the Philippine luxury hotel among a select group of global properties recognized for standout holiday displays. The annual list by Forbes Travel Guide highlights hotels whose Christmas trees combine design, scale, and storytelling. In its annual roundup, it highlighted the Forbes Travel Guide– Recommended hotel’s luminous lobby installation, anchored by a 16-foot crystal Christmas tree layered with frosted ornaments and shimmering accents. The display was styled by Filipino fashion and lifestyle icon Randy Lazaro, who reimagined the traditional Christmas tree through a play of light, texture, and refined detail. According to Forbes, Lazaro’s approach gave the tree a “bright,

joyful, and elegant makeover,” turning the hotel’s main lobby into a festive visual experience that balances glamour with warmth. Conrad Manila’s holiday installation, part of its seasonal celebrations, has become a popular photo spot throughout December. The tree, according to the hotel, embodies its blend of festive tradition and contemporary luxury, providing guests with a memorable year-end experience. Conrad Manila joins 14 other celebrated luxury hotels from major cities around the world, included in Forbes’ 2025 list, known for elaborate and imaginative Christmas installations. Each year, Forbes Travel Guide curates the list to spotlight hotels that transform seasonal décor into immersive design statements. The Christmas tree and accompanying holiday installations remain on display through the festive period, welcoming travelers and locals alike as the year comes to a close.

Conrad Manila’s 16-foot crystal Christmas tree reflects stylist Randy Lazaro’s vision of balancing glamour, light, and warmth in a contemporary holiday display