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DSWD resumes guarantee letters But direct cash aid under AICS temporarily suspended By Maricel V. Cruz and Charles Dantes

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development has resumed the issuance of Guarantee Letters (GLs) for medical and burial assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program starting January 5 (Monday) after being suspended temporarily for over a month.

VOL. XXXIX • NO. 327 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

“As we have committed, we immediately resumed the issuance of GLs on January 5 to ensure that we can continue giving medical and burial assistance to qualified beneficiaries, especially those

affected by a crisis. We know the GL is a big help to ease the burden suffered by our vulnerable kababayan in a crisis situation,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Next page

LAHAR FLOW. A lava stream glows in the dark as it flows down Mayon Volcano. Phivolcs

‘Lahar,’ more evacuees likely amid Mayon unrest By Rio N. Araja, Rex Espiritu, Vince Lopez and Maricel Cruz THE state weather bureau warned residents near the Mayon Volcano of possible lahar flows as the Bicol region may experience three to four days of rain as the Office of the Civil Defense forecast the number of displaced individuals is expected to increase as the volcano continues to show heightened activity. PHIVOLCS also reported an ongoing dome collapse pyroclastic density current

SUCCESS. Bar exam passers rejoice after the Supreme Court announces

the names of the successful candidates yesterday in Manila. Inset shows bar topnotcher Jhenroniel Rhey Timola Sanchez from the University of the Philippines. Norman Cruz, UP Law Center

DOH allays fears of ‘super flu’, only 17 cases detected in 2025 By Charles Dantes THE Department of Health (DOH) allayed fears of the so-called ‘super flu’, pointing out that all the 17 patients of the new influenza subclass detected last

year have since recovered, and no sustained local outbreak has been recorded. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the cases were identified through a review of the Epidemiology Bureau’s Next page

UP tops 2025 bar exams; 5.5k pass out of 11.4k JHENRONIEL Rhey Timola Sanchez, a graduate of the University of the Philippines, topped the 2025 Bar Examinations, achieving an overall rating of 92.70%. The country’s top state university once again demonstrated its academic strength after securing six positions in the Top 20. The University of Santo Tomas (UST)-Manila, which served as the Bar

examinations headquarters, also made a significant impact with four candidates in the Top 20, while an examinee from its sister school, UST-Legazpi, placed 16th. Other candidates from Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), Arellano University, the University of the East (UE), and De La Salle–Lipa, among others, also placed in the top list.

A total of 5,594 examinees passed the 2025 Bar Examinations, representing a 48.98% passing rate, the Supreme Court (SC) announced on Wednesday. “The court approved the passing grade of 75% for the 2025 Bar Examinations. It means we did not adjust the passing grade… A total of 5,594 are Next page

NGCP hails Terra Solar new capacity

PROMOTED. President Ferdinand Marcos joins a groupie with the newly-promoted armed forces generals and flag officers, and the sole graduate of the Foreign Pre-Commissioned Training Institutions (FPCTI), during a ceremony at Malacañan Palace on January 7, 2026. Revoli Cortez

Herbosa dismisses rumors as Castro says no talk of revamp By Charles Dantes HEALTH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on Wednesday dismissed reports that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was mulling replacing him amid issues fac-

Melanie Marquez claims abuse by former spouse

ing the Department of Health (DOH). Malacañang also belied rumors on alleged Cabinet shakeup fanned by reports about the President eyeing a possible replacement of some members of

TRUMP MULLS MILITARY OPS FOR GREENLAND WORLD / A6

THE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines welcomes Terra Solar Power Project as a significant addition to the country’s growing renewable energy capacity, supporting national efforts toward a cleaner energy mix. Terra Solar has a total capacity of 2,500 Megawatts (MW), supported by a 1,125MW battery energy storage system (BESS) capable of sustaining output for around four (4) hours.

By Angelica Villanueva

‘PAHALIK’. A devotee with child wipes with a white cloth the wooden cross of the

Poong Hesus Nazareno at the Quirino Grandstand during the traditional ‘Pahalik’ that marks the start of the annual feast in Manila. Screen grab News5

FORMER beauty queen and actress Melanie Marquez has claimed she was “abducted” on her birthday and confined in a mental hospital for 10 days. Speaking on television show “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” Marquez Next page

NEWS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

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Senate, House ratings fall—survey P

UBLIC trust in government institutions remains mixed, with majority of government agencies (20 out of 33) remaining stable in public approval, and several critical institutions continuing to suffer significant drops.

ment agencies. Public approval rose from 12% to 16%, while trust ratings also improved (8% to 10%), reflecting growing confidence in the department’s ongoing infrastructure and flood-control programs. This recovery, alongside a similar gain for the Commission on Audit (31% to 35%), credited for its active role in auditing government officials and agencies, offers a rare glimmer of positive public sentiment in an otherwise challenging quarter for many institutions. Filipinos remain skeptical of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Trust in the Senate fell to 31%, with 57% expressing low or no trust. The House of Representatives mirrored this pattern, with low/no trust at 38% and moderate trust at 34%, reflecting public concern over legislative responsiveness and governance. A broad list of agencies experienced declining trust, including the AFP, PNP, Supreme Court, DFA, DOH, DTI, DOTr, DAR, COMELEC, DOF, DEVDEP, DBM, DHSUD, and CSC. The trend may reflect general public wariness of government performance amid persistent social and economic challenges.

Findings show that agencies involved in flood control, rising prices, transport issues, corruption, and economic management—including the Senate (28% to 24%), House of Representatives (21% to 20%), Department of Health (49% to 44%), Department of Trade and Industry (42% to 34%), Department of Transportation (42% to

37%), Department of Agrarian Reform (38% to 35%), Department of Finance (30% to 26%), and DEVDEP (formerly NEDA) (35%to 31%)—registered notable declines this quarter. The DPWH is the only agency to register a significant recovery in both approval and trust this quarter, making it the sole gainer among govern-

‘Lahar,’... From A1

Magnitude 6.4 earthquake rocks Davao Oriental

at the Mayon Volcano Wednesday evening, with 131 rockfall events recorded in the past 24 hours. “At times, there will be heavy rains, especially in the afternoon until the evening. So, there is a threat of lahar within the areas of the volcano,” PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said. After the government raised the Mayon Volcano alert to Level 3, some 964 families or 3,515 individuals residing within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone have been evacuated. The Interior department also alerted those residing within a 7 to 8-km radius to be prepared for possible evacuation in the event of progressive volcanic activity. PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol said the sharp increase in rockfall events indicated increasing instability at the volcano’s summit, which is commonly associated with magma rising from below. “There is lava dome growth. This is the thick and viscous lava at the top of the volcano and it collects there, so the lava dome grows,” he said. Bacolcol said the volcano’s signals are like what were observed in 2023, except that there are signs of swelling or ground deformation now. “This means there is material that is forcing itself – rising and swelling. This is a signal that there is pressurization in the volcano. If this will follow the 2023 template, this would be longer than the 2023 event because there is magma,” he added.

NGCP... From A1 NGCP, however, cautioned that heavy reliance on intermittent power sources such as solar generation, may pose operational challenges to grid stability, potentially causing fluctuations in system frequency and voltage that if not properly managed, could lead to under-frequency load shedding or rotating power interruptions in some areas. “Renewable energy initiatives such as the Terra Solar Power Project are welcome. Any new power source introduced into the system will help keep supply stable. However, not all renewable energy technologies are equal. Some technologies (such as wind or solar) are, by nature, variable or supply intermittently, and therefore need to be handled more carefully. There are operational considerations that must be carefully managed on both the side of the transmission, and more importantly, on the side of the generating plant. Doing so will help grid stability and mitigate any fluctuations inherent in variable renewable energy sources (VREs). In addition, all required facilities on the plant side, as determined in the system impact study, must be fully complied with,” NGCP said.

GLs... From A1 Dumlao said. Dumlao, however, said the provision of direct cash aid under the AICS program was temporarily suspended starting January 5 pending the release of funds under the 2026 national budget. “We are putting on hold the direct cash assistance while waiting for the guidelines from the Department of Budget and Management on how to use the funds from the 2026 GAA. But our services through our Guarantee Letters will continue without delay,” she said.

By Rio N. Araja A MAGNITUDE 6.4 earthquake jolted Davao Oriental and nearby provinces on Wednesday at 11:02 a.m., authorities reported. The tremor, which was initially recorded at magnitude 6.7, occurred 58 kilometers southeast of the town of Manay. Of tectonic origin, the earthquake had a depth of focus of 16 kilometers and was caused by the movement of

UP... From A1 privileged to join the legal profession,” said Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier, chairperson of the 2025 Bar Examinations. In her message, she also reminded future lawyers to bear the privilege with humility. In an interview with Manila Standard, Johan Gata, 2025 Bar Examinations Top 7, said he was overwhelmed by the results, admitting he did not expect to finish with flying colors. “What I was only wishing for during the waiting time for the results was just to pass [the examinations]… I really did not expect that I would be one of the topnotchers in this year’s Bar,” he said. Tedi Peña, another passer, said she felt relieved after seeing her name on the big screen, describing it as an “answered prayer.” Meanwhile, Lazaro-Javier formally revealed that the “biggest venue” was prepared for the oath-taking and roll signing ceremonies, which will be held on February 6 at the Philippine Arena. Last year’s Bar Examinations posted the highest passing rate in recent years since the 2020–2021 examinations, widely referred to as the “Best Bar Ever.” Among the top-performing law schools with more than 100 examinees were Ateneo de Manila University, the University of the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas–Manila, Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation, and Far Eastern University. The Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Edu-

tectonic plates. Intensity 5 was felt in Manay, Davao Oriental; Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur; and Talacogon, Agusan del Sur. Intensity 4 was reported in Bislig City; Cagwait, Surigao del Sur; and Tarragona and Cateel in Davao Oriental. Intensity 3 was experienced in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur; Boston and Baganga in Davao Oriental; and Claver, Surigao del Norte. Intensity 2 was recorded in Davao

City, General Santos City, Butuan City, Baybay City and Palo in Leyte, as well as in parts of Southern Leyte.Intensity 1 was reported in Cabanglasan; the cities of Malaybalay, Quezon, San Fernando, and Valencia in Bukidnon; Alabel, Maasim, and Malapatan in Sarangani; Koronadal City, Norala, Polomolok, Santo Niño, Surallah, and Tantangan in South Cotabato; and Basilisa, Cagdianao, Dinagat, Libjo, Loreto, San Jose, and Tubajon in Dinagat Islands.

2025 Bar Topnotchers 1. Jhenroniel Rhey Timola Sanchez, University of the Philippines - 92.70% 2. Spinel Albert Allauigan Declaro, University of Santo Tomas-Manila - 92.46% 3. Alaiza Agatep Adviento, University of Santo Tomas-Manila - 91.91% 4. Angelica de Castro Mitra, De La Salle-Lipa - 91.68% 5. Marc Angelo Galvez Santos, University of Santo Tomas-Manila - 91.58% 6. Jeowy Loyloy Ompad, University of San Jose-Recoletos - 91.25% Enrico Gabriel Reyes Paguia, Ateneo de Manila University - 91.25% 7. Johan Raphael Silapan Gata, University of Santo Tomas-Manila - 90.90% 8. Marie Shantelle Atienza Sarmiento, University of the Philippines - 90.87 9. Richmond Bulan Lucas, University of La Salette, Inc - 90.45% 10. Jusmin Teriann Afable Yap, University of the Philippines - 90.36%

Palace assures security for Jan. 9 Traslacion By Charles Dantes THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public of heightened security and full preparations for the Feast of the Black Nazarene, as millions of devotees are expected to join the annual Traslacion on Friday, January 9. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Wednesday that security measures are in place in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure a peaceful, safe, and meaningful religious event. “According to the police report, up to 18,212 uniformed personnel will be deployed to the locations where the Poong Nazareno Feast will be held,” Castro said. “The devotees participating in the Traslacion can expect an increased police presence and visibility, especially in three major areas – at Quirino Grandstand, along the entire route of the procession, and at Quiapo Church, the final destination of the Poong Nazareno image,” she added. For added security, the police will enforce no-fly zones and deploy cell phone signal jammers near Traslacion areas, according to Castro.

DOH... From A1 influenza surveillance data, covering infections detected in July and August 2025, mostly in Metro Manila. “Flu is a seasonal infectious disease. We’ve actually detected about 17 cases of this new subclass during that period, and all of them have recovered,” Herbosa said during a media briefing. Herbosa made the statement amid reports of a surge in severe influenza cases in the United Kingdom and the United States, where winter conditions contribute to higher transmission and more serious complications. The DOH chief explained influenza patterns differ in the Philippines, where flu season usually coincides with the rainy months, not winter. He added that the country uses a Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine formulation, which includes protection against influenza A strains most likely to circulate locally. While some reports suggest the new influenza subclass may partially evade existing vaccines, Herbosa said vaccination remains strongly recommended for high-risk groups, including the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic illnesses.

cational Foundation (DVOREF) College of Law also emerged as one of the Top 5 law schools nationwide with the highest passing percentage in the 2025 Bar Examinations, based on official data released by the Supreme Court. DVOREF recorded an 80.19% passing rate among first-time examinees from schools with more than 100 candidates, ranking fourth overall and placing it ahead of San Beda College of Law–Alabang and alongside leading institutions such as Ateneo de Manila University, the University of the Philippines, and the University of Santo Tomas. Out of 106 examinees, 85 passed the Bar, making DVOREF the only law school in the provinces to enter the national Top 5 in its category—an achievement widely seen as a breakthrough for regional legal education. The DVOREF College of Law is headed by Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, a lawyer who earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the Uni-

versity of the Philippines College of Law. Dean Romualdez credited the strong Bar performance to disciplined preparation, faculty mentorship, and an academic culture anchored on ethics and public service. “This achievement shows that excellence in legal education is not confined to Metro Manila,” Romualdez said. “I thank our administrative staff, faculty members, students, and parents for standing with us every step of the way and for helping turn our shared goal into reality.” The Supreme Court’s “Performance of Law Schools” report, released on January 7, 2026, covers first-time Bar examinees nationwide and serves as the official benchmark for institutional performance in the 2025 Bar Examinations. The examinations, held on September 7, 10, and 14, 2025 in 14 local testing centers across the country, set a new milestone as the largest number of finishers in Philippine Bar history. With Maricel V. Cruz.

his official family. Herbosa was reacting to media reports quoting Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro as saying there was no planned reshuffle in the Cabinet. “Ah, there’s no truth to that, I think Usec. Claire already said yesterday that there is no revamp of the Cabinet,” Herbosa said. “But we in the Cabinet all serve at the pleasure of the President. So if

ever the President wants to replace me, that is the prerogative of our President,” he added. Herbosa said the DOH remained focused on carrying out the administration’s priorities, including zero-balance billing in public hospitals and the expansion of Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service, or BUCAS centers. “We continue to fulfill all his mandates; zero-balance billing, BUCAS centers, and all this focus on the higher budget is emphasis on health,” he said. “So, I think we will continue to pursue the mandate of the President with emphasis on better care for all Filipi-

nos,” Herbosa added. In an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel, gave assurance there were no discussions of any changes in the Cabinet. “It hasn’t really been mentioned to us yet; sometimes someone is appointed, but for now, there hasn’t been any Cabinet revamp discussed,” she said. Castro confirmed however, that the President was constantly assessing and monitoring the members of his Cabinet. “We have also said that even before, the President always looks at and monitors the actions of the Cabinet secretaries,” Castro said.

vaguely recounted that she was invited to what she believed was a birthday party in July, but was snatched instead and placed in a mental health facility. She did not specify the year of the incident. “I was kidnapped against my will,” she said, adding that she was isolated, unable to communicate with anyone, and injected with medication that immobilized her. She said she later learned she was being held at a mental hospital in Pasig City. Marquez linked the incident to a legal case she had filed against her estranged husband, whom she accused of physical abuse. She said she was later transferred to a rehabilitation center where she stayed for eight months and suffered from depression. According to her, the staff at the facility eventually told her that medical tests showed she had no mental illness.

The issuance of GLs under the AICS program was temporarily halted on November 30, 2025 to allow the department to comply with liquidation and cash disbursement guidelines and reduce the risk of unpaid obligations at the end of the year. More than 8.2 million Filipinos in crisis nationwide have received aid through the AICS program from January to November 2025, higher than the department’s target of 6.9 million clients. Most of the beneficiaries were from Central Luzon with more than 800,000 individuals, followed by Cagayan Valley with 780,000 and Calabarzon with over 779,000. The bicameral conference committee

also approved a higher budget for the AICS program this year at P63.9 billion budget for the 2026 AICS program, higher than the proposed P26.9 billion under the National Expenditure Program. The DSWD guarantee letter for the AICS program is separate from the GLs previously issued by politicians. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa yesterday said the implementation of the zero balance billing (ZBB) program in government hospitals has eliminated the need for patients to seek GLs from politicians. Herbosa said ZBB was designed to remove political gatekeeping in access to medical care.

“There are no more guarantee letters because there is now zero balance billing. The reason we put up zero balance billing is so patients no longer have to go through politicians,” he said. He said patients can now directly go to Department of Health hospitals and receive treatment without paying anything or seeking endorsements from elected officials. Herbosa said Section 19 of the 2026 General Appropriations Act explicitly prohibits political involvement in the distribution of cash and financial medical assistance. “This is what they call the ‘anti-epal’ provision,” the Health chief said. Meanwhile, PhilHealth remind-

ed eligible members that the annual P20,000 Guaranteed Medicines Access Program (GAMOT) benefit applies per calendar year. “Any unused GAMOT benefit from the previous year will not be carried over to the current year,” PhilHealth said. Members and dependents are encouraged to maximize the benefit within the year to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for essential medicines. PhilHealth also reminded its partner health care providers for calendar year 2026 that the deadline for the submission of applications for the accreditation renewal has been extended until Jan. 14.

Herbosa... From A1

Melanie... From A1

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AFP leadership continuity assured By Charles Arvin Dantes

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public of a continuity in leadership and purpose within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as newly promoted generals and flag officers were formally recognized. Speaking at the promotion ceremony in Malacañang on Wednesday, President Marcos congratulated the newly elevated officers, including a lone commissioned graduate of a foreign pre-commissioned training institution. “Your higher rank demands sharper judgment and steadier leadership, especially in an era of complex threats, rising geopolitical tensions, and heightened security concerns for our country,” the president said. “The true measure of leadership lies in conduct and example, not rank,” he added. He noted that the AFP remained focused on readiness and modernization in 2025, advancing capabilities that support both national defense and humanitarian missions. “You have remained a dependable shield of our communities by protecting our seas, providing assistance during calamities, and sustaining peace-building efforts,” President Marcos said. Internationally, he said the AFP strengthened the country’s credibility through joint exercises and interoperability initiatives with defense partners. Mr. Marcos also pointed to the signing of the 2026 national budget as a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to the welfare of military and uniformed personnel. “With the signing of the 2026 National Budget, I reiterate the government’s commitment to uphold the welfare of the women and men who protect our nation,” President Marcos said. The ceremony was attended by National Defense Undersecretary Irineo Espino, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., major service commanders, government officials, and guests.

PNP keeping eye on illegal sale of ‘Thuoc Lao’

GIFTS FOR OFWS. A total of 312 overseas Filipino workers from Kuwait receive small gifts from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office upon their arrival at NAIA Terminal 1, as PCSO and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration welcome them as part of the ‘New Year’s Greetings to OFWs’ program. PCSO

J-1 visa not path to US citizenship—PH Embassy By Katrina Manubay THE Philippine Embassy in Washington emphasized that the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is a temporary visa strictly intended for cultural exchange, warning that it is not a pathway to employment or U.S. citizenship. In an advisory issued on Wednesday, January 7, the embassy stressed that the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is not a route to U.S. citizenship. “The Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC, reminds the public that the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program visa is a temporary, non-immigrant program designed for cultural exchange.

It is not an employment or work visa,” the statement read. The embassy also said Filipino teachers participating in the program are required to return to the Philippines after completion. “Filipino teachers are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement. Waiver of this requirement is difficult to obtain, not guaranteed, and requires exceptional hardship or highly meritorious circumstances,” the statement added. The embassy warned that overstaying in the United States beyond the authorized period is a serious violation of U.S. immigration law and may

result in deportation and long-term bans. It also reported receiving complaints about illegal recruiters, unscrupulous agents, and individuals posing as immigration lawyers who demand large sums of money for immigration assistance. These individuals often promise U.S. permanent residency or citizenship through the J-1 program and may encourage visa overstaying, misuse, or the filing of asylum claims solely to remain in the United States. The embassy advised applicants to participate in the program only with a clear understanding of its goals and limitations.

By Vince Lopez AMID a series of significant gains against cigarette smuggling, Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said on Wednesday, January 7, that authorities are also closely monitoring the smuggling and proliferation of “Thuoc Lao,” or black cigarettes, in the country. Nartatez said the PNP continues to intensify intelligence-gathering efforts in coordination with government agencies such as the Bureau of Customs and the Department of Health. He said authorities have already seen the harmful effects of black cigarettes, describing the situation as alarming, and stressed that law enforcement agencies are working together to prevent the entry and spread of the product in the Philippines. According to authorities, Thuoc Lao is a highly potent tobacco product from northern Vietnam that has recently appeared in the country. Its nicotine content can reach up to 9%, far higher than the one to 3% found in ordinary cigarettes, with some versions reportedly fortified with synthetic cannabinoids.

IN BRIEF Suspects in viral BGC pickpocketing arrested TAGUIG City Police Station (TCPS) chief Col. Byron Allatog on Wednesday confirmed that the two individuals arrested for illegal gambling and possession of dangerous drugs in Barangay Fort Bonifacio are the same persons identified in a viral social media video showing an alleged pickpocketing incident in Bonifacio Global City. The suspects, Junmar Tenio and John Michael Villaruel, were apprehended by personnel of Sub-Station 1 during a routine foot patrol after they were caught engaging in illegal gambling, locally known as cara y cruz. A lawful body search incidental to the arrest led to the recovery of two sachets of suspected shabu with a combined weight of about 3.21 grams. Charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 on illegal gambling and Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 are now being processed. Vince Lopez

Top 10 legacy projects of Cavite announced

NAZARENO BRIEFING. Rev. Fr. Ramon Jade Licuanan, rector and parish priest of the Minor Basilica and National

Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, and Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso speak during the final press briefing ahead of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno at the Pope Benedict Building in Quiapo, Manila, on January 8. Norman Cruz

DSWD’s Walang Gutom program starts By Maricel V. Cruz

SAFETY FIRST. Pablo Sebuan Elementary School ensures the safety of its students in Davao City following the magnitude 6.7 earthquake. Pablo Sebuan Elementary School

BENEFICIARIES of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Walang Gutom Program welcomed the new year by purchasing affordable and nutritious food items from partner merchants and retailers during their first redemption day of the year. DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said food redemption for beneficiaries began on January 2 to ensure that families have healthy food on their tables at the start of 2026, with simultaneous redemption activities conducted starting Friday. From January 2 to 6, food redemption activities were held in the municipalities of Talitay, Northern

Kabuntalan, and Datu Blah Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte; Lemery, Carles, and Balasan in Iloilo; Albay, Sorsogon, and Camarines Sur in Bicol; and Cotabato City. Dumlao said it was encouraging to see beneficiaries smiling after purchasing rice, fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious food items for their families. She added that food redemption activities in other cities and municipalities are scheduled to continue until the last week of January. Under the program, beneficiaries use electronic benefit transfer cards loaded with P3,000 in monthly food credits, allocated for carbohydrates, protein-rich products, and vegetables, fruits, salt, and other condiments.

CAVITE CITY — Mayor Denver Chua announced the city government’s top 10 legacy projects during the opening of the year 2026, highlighting programs focused on health, education, sports, tourism, and technological advancement. Chua said the projects reflect long-term programs designed to directly benefit Cavite City residents and show how taxpayers’ money is being utilized. Among the projects are the Cavite City State University Sea Breeze campus, a play park, aviary and chess hub at Samonte Park, a new tennis court and clubhouse, an animal center, and a new barangay multipurpose hall. Also included are the Unlad Mobile Clinic, a new Sangley Point National High School building, solar street lights along major roads, and free WiFi in strategic areas of the city. Dennis Abrina

Business hours of Samal Library extended for studes THE Samal Library and Museum has extended its operating hours and is now open from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., to give students and residents more time to study and access learning resources. The local government said the move aims to strengthen educational support for the youth while promoting appreciation of Samal’s culture and heritage showcased in the museum. Mayor Alex Acuzar encouraged students and residents to take full advantage of the extended operating hours. He said the initiative reflects the local government’s commitment to making education more accessible to the community. Butch Gunio

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Las Piñas to have P255-m MRBs IN BRIEF By Maricel V. Cruz

PBBM okays 7 more amnesty applications A NEW batch of seven amnesty applications was granted by the President Marcos Jr., the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) said on Wednesday. According to the NAC, the President approved the applications last Dec. 26 following the first batch of nine (approved in September 2025. This brings the total number of approved amnesty applications to 16, consisting of 15 for former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP–NPA–NDF) and one for a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The NAC recorded a total of 7,171 applications as of the end of the y, reflecting the growing interest in and trust of former insurgents in the government’s amnesty program. Rex Espiritu

EPARTMENT of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling affirmed the government’s strong commitment to the socialized housing program of Las Piñas City following the allocation of nearly ₱255 million for the project under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA). Aliling conveyed the DHSUD’s continued support for local housing initiatives designed to provide decent, affordable, and secure shelter for underprivileged and homeless families in the city during a meeting with Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos and other

stakeholders. Santos said the project is an initiative of the National Housing Authority (NHA), an attached agency of the DHSUD, which provides low-cost housing units within or near urban centers for informal settler families (ISFs) and other

qualified beneficiaries. The lawmaker added that the in-city relocation project will finally be implemented by the NHA following the approval on third and final reading of the General Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2026 by the House of Representatives late last year. According to Santos, the allocated budget will be used for the construction of three medium-rise buildings. He said his office has already identified at least two suitable sites in the city’s two districts for the project. The NHA will identify beneficiaries, notably informal settler families residing in danger zones such as waterways, easements, and other high-risk areas, households without adequate housing, and low-income families who meet the eligibility criteria set by the agency. Beneficiaries will be screened based

on housing needs, income level, and compliance with program requirements. “With the support of President Marcos, the DHSUD, the NHA, and other concerned government agencies, the socialized housing program of Las Piñas City will finally be realized after more than a decade of planning and despite opposition from powerful political figures in the city,” said Santos, a seventerm city councilor. “The realization of this socialized housing program shows that public welfare can prevail over political resistance,” he added. Aliling said the ₱255-million allocation reflects the national government’s continued support for local housing initiatives aimed at providing decent, affordable, and secure homes for underprivileged and homeless families.

MMDA shifts steps up drive on illegal parking MORE than 130 vehicles were apprehended during the first anti-illegal parking operation of 2026 conducted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s Swift Traffic Action Group (STAG). The operation was launched Tuesday, with special focus on seven major thoroughfares in Quezon City, specifically East Ave., Elliptical Road, Visayas Ave., Congressional Ave., Mindanao Ave., North Ave., and Panay Ave. “If a driver is present, the notice of violation will be handed directly to them. If no driver is present, the notice will be placed on the vehicle’s windshield,” said MMDA chairman Romando Artes. The STAG team led by Edison Nebrija Jr. also conducted inspections throughout the day, educating drivers about proper parking regulations. Joel E. Zurbano

Relatives, friends share holidays with inmates THE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has noted a significant increase in visitors at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City during the recently concluded Christmas and New Year. In his report to BuCor chief Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. NBP officerin-charge Supt. Roger Boncales said a total of 7,168 relatives and friends of inmates trooped to facility between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2. Of this number, regular family visits accounted for 4,676 while 2,492 were logged as stay-in or conjugal calls. Catapang explained that for the prisoners, these visits were a “lifeline,” providing emotional support and a reminder of their lives outside the confines of corrections facility and the ability to spend quality time together, even behind bars, helps mitigate some of the emotional strain associated with incarceration.

REACHING FOR THE SKY…ER, COINS. Devotees gather in Mabitac, Laguna to celebrate the Feast of the Three Kings which virtually draws the curtain on the Yuletide. One of the most anticipated moments is the sabugan ng barya or shower of coins, prompting the crowd raise their hands to catch the blessings. Arturo de Vera Jr.

BOC posts 1.9% growth in revenue collection in 2025 By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has generated about P916.674 billion in revenues in 2025, representing 1.9-percent or P17.726 billion increase over its 2024 performance. The BOC said the growth was recorded despite lower import volumes, the suspension of rice importation, and global commodity price fluctuations. The agency attributed the hike to im-

proved efficiency, stronger compliance measures, and expanded use of digital systems. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the BOC ended 2025 with gains in revenue collection, trade facilitation, border security, and institutional reforms, reinforcing its role in national development. Border protection remained a priority, with the BOC conducting 1,024 enforcement operations last year.

These led to the seizure of smuggled and prohibited goods valued at P61.707 billion. The bureau cited improved intelligence coordination, risk profiling, and cooperation with law enforcement agencies, as well as heightened use of nonintrusive inspection technologies. The BOC also implemented governance reforms, including strict enforcement of the “No Take” policy, an anti-conflict of interest directive, the

launch of the “Isumbong kay Commissioner” online portal, and updates to its Code of Conduct and Citizens’ Charter. Other initiatives included the enhanced BOC Tax Estimator and the establishment of the Balikbayan and OFW Action Center. “2025 showed that the Bureau of Customs can transform,” Nepomuceno said, adding that the agency aims to be faster, more transparent, and more reliable as it moves forward in 2026.

AFP eyes more global accords to strengthen defense of WPS By Rex Espiritu

WHERE DISCOUNT IS THE NAME OF THE GAME. In every public market such as the Mega Q-Mart Market in Quezon City, a wise buyer is the one who can haggle for the biggest rebate. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture vows to keep a closer watch on the prices of basic commodities in a bid to rein in inflation. Manny Palmero

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it was eyeing to secure more agreements with friendly countries this year to bolster its capabilities to protect the West Philippine Sea (WPS). “Around the world, there is an increase in different geopolitical activities. Naturally, that would also impact the West Philippine Sea,” Navy spokesman for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. “For the year 2026, the Department of [National] Defense and the AFP will continue its robust approach through defense diplomacy through modernization and capacity-building in order to allow us to be able to respond to… any challenge in the West Philippine Sea,” Trinidad added. Trinidad also said in the past year, the

Philippines had “strategic” partnerships with the United States (US), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Canada, “with more coming up.” On Monday, the Stratbase Institute said a survey it commissioned showed that Filipinos trusted the US the most when it comes to helping protect the Philippines’ interests in the WPS, followed by Japan, Canada, Australia and South Korea. For 2025, a total of eight multilateral maritime cooperative activities (MMCAs) and 12 bilateral maritime cooperative activities were conducted between the Philippines and its allies. “So yes, there will be an increase in our multilateral engagement and exercises,” Trinidad said. Asked if there will be new countries that will be taking part in the MMCAs, Trinidad said they do not telegraph their moves in advance.

DAR condones P125-m agrarian debts in Region 3 By Rio N. Araja THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has condoned nearly P125 million in agrarian overdue debts and distributed over 5,000 land titles to thousands of agrarian beneficiaries in Central Luzon (Region 3). Eric Francis Luna, DAR Central Luzon officer in charge, said the accelerated debt condonation and land title distribution reflected the firm directive of the Marcos administration through Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III to fast track agrarian reform

and deliver “immediate and tangible benefits” to the farmers. Estrella stressed that to free the agrarian reform beneficiaries from debt while granting secure land tenure, they must be empowered to invest more confidently in their farms, raise productivity, and finally enjoy the full rewards of their labor. Various DAR provincial offices implemented the initiative directly benefiting over 3,000 farmers who were freed from long-standing land amortization debts. DAR said with the farmers’ obliga-

tions erased, they could redirect limited resources toward improving farm productivity, increasing household income, and securing their families’ future. The distribution included close to 500 electronic titles under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling project, over 400 regular land titles and 4,200 certificates of condonation to benefit more than 4,000 beneficiaries in Central Luzon. The debt write off was being implemented under Republic Act No. 11953. or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act signed on July 7, 2023.

WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority shifts to high gear its drive against illegal parking, capturing over 130 vehicles in Quezon City during the launch of the campaign being waged by the agency’s Swift Traffic Action Group (STAG). MMDA photo

OPINION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

‘Walang pagbabago’ ONE of the best broadcast journalists of our time, Ted Failon, keeps stating “walang pagbabago” to describe what is happening to the state of the nation, as he chronicles the lack of meaningful change early on and till now. No words describe the country under the present dispensation better. Congress promised reform in the budgetary process. They even livestreamed the deliberations of the notorious bicameral conference committee, and indeed, we heard some senators bristle about the GAB produced by their counterparts in the HoR. But behind closed doors, in private huddles replete with bargaining for “acceptable” middle ground, the bicam produced what the president’s sister, the one with the creative intellect, described as one replete with pork, though minced to somehow hide the liempo. “Giniling na baboy,” she calls the produce of the bicam, approved by viva voce and silenced microphones in the lower House and sailed through the Senate with the minority simply giving up on what to them was a waste of time and effort to dispute in plenary. The Senate President effusively called the 2026 GAA as “the cleanest in history.” Even his buddy Joey de Leon would have chided him for “higop.” In contrast, the low-key Speaker was more modest in his praise of their collective produce. The President for his part did some cosmetic cuts in the unprogrammed appropriations, if only to make believe he went through (again!) 4,000 pages. But “giniling” is as giniling does, his Manang Imee would claim, even if administration bigwigs praise it as “embotido,” wrapped and insulated from corruption, though spiced with lots and lots of ayuda as “recados.” The hard “convergence” projects that used to be implemented by the DPWH were either assigned to DA and DepEd, principally because the department of hard pork has been flooded out by corruption most unexplainable. Worse than de-funding DPWH and foreign-assisted projects that truly matter, such as the North-South commuter railway line and the much-ballyhooed Metro Manila subway (after all these are projects initiated by the “hated” previous regime), our legislators ground the budget into very soft fat, as in MAIFIP, Tupad, and AICS. Development economics? Forget it. It’s not an economic plan for the people. Once again, it’s a budget for survival politics. From now till late 2027, current leadership will be transfixed at survival sans any appreciable legacy. It needs to “anoint” replacement in the 2028 elections, one who stands a chance to

somehow neutralize the geographical advantage of the frontrunner from the South, and one who can be trusted to “protect” the outgoing regime from feared “resbak.” Meanwhile, the public awaits, somewhat bored, for who and when the “big fish” will be dunned. Instead, on the first working day of the year, police arrested a retired police general, Romeo Poquiz, for alleged sedition, denied the presence of his lawyers. Is he the big fish that never was? The ICI chair is still wondering whether to pack up and just help manage historic Aristocrat Restaurant, a far better legacy that honors the distinguished name of his forebears better than the diversionary “palabas” to which he starred.

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Once again, it’s a budget for survival politics Cathy Cabral who decided to leave the world on her own terms, after what her lawyer calls undeserved humiliation for merely “following orders,” is now haunting the department she served for four decades. Ghoulish the DPWH will be for the next two and a half years, and “mahiya naman kayo” will be unable to shame the shameless. Now we will not get to know whether the proponent OP (ES/SAP) in the list is really the former ES or just a codename for someone else, just as whether SAP is the husband of beauteous Dawn Zulueta or in truth Secretary Amenah Pangandaman. After her colleague of equal rank pointed an accusing finger at her, neither the Blue Ribbon nor the ICI bothered to hale Cabral to confirm, corroborate or refute the Bernardo confessions. Neither were her files preserved as documentary evidence, with an upstart congressman beating government to the draw, exposing documents he took from her office more than three months ago. Only in da Pilipins, where nothing is ever real and is just all about optics. Convinced that she was being used as scapegoat and failing to get the ears of the high and mighty to listen to her defense, she finally decided to take her own life, or so her lawyer avers. Ghoulish the DPWH will be till 2028, and “mahiya naman kayo” will be unable to shame the shameless. Wala namang pagbabago, Cathy must have ultimately concluded, so goodbye Philippines.

Back to the salt mines AFTER all the revelries, it’s back to the salt mines. One lingering problem that needs serious government attention is the traffic in the National Capital Region which continues to worsen This is not only because of increasing motorization and the ongoing repair of NCR’s main thoroughfare, EDSA, but also due to all the obstacles, challenges and traffic malpractices contributing to the traffic gridlock. Considering population congestion and limited road mileage in relation to the number of vehicles, skeptics might say that this may no longer be possible. But it can actually still be done depending on the specific traffic mission chosen. This will also have to do with the competence of the traffic officials designated to do the job. Public confidence would naturally be higher if our traffic managers can implement science-based traffic solutions. If not, therein lies the problem. In addition, the motoring public, which means all those using the road whether they are vehicle owners, public transport riders or simply those who prefer walking, must also do their part. For the public, traffic discipline is paramount while our traffic managers must be competent. In addition, there is a need to change our unique traffic culture. For many of us who have been able to travel overseas, we know that our traffic culture is so different from other countries. For instance, we are perhaps the only country that puts fences on our roads. Our traffic authorities also install heavy cement barriers instead of water filled

plastic barriers on our busy roads, knowing that this could cause serious traffic accidents as they already have including fatal ones. In other countries, traffic authorities could be taken to court for this but not here. It is surprising that up to now, no one has ever done it. Cement barriers continue to be installed along EDSA and other national roads in the NCR, causing serious traffic accidents. Sidewalks as well as roads intended for pedestrians and vehicles havein many cases been used for dwelling, commercial and basketball courts. The unfortunate part is that instead of the government prohibiting this practice, it tolerates it, severely limiting road usage.

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Focus must be on reclaiming all roads lost to squatters and street vendors to maximize road usage Examples of this is the Baclaran church and the area around the former Tutuban station. Traffic authorities have been struggling for years to clear these areas but failed. Yes, the streets could be cleared for several days only for the street vendors to return days after. And we are only talking of traffic-related problems.

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Strengthening internal discipline in the PNP

HE news that the Philippine National Police has dismissed 1,120 personnel and suspended another 1,425 in 2025 provides a rare window into the scale of internal discipline within the country’s principal law enforcement institution.

With 4,203 administrative cases involving 6,527 police and non-uniformed personnel, the figures highlight both the persistence of misconduct within the ranks and the continuing effort of the organization to police itself. At one level, the data underscore the depth of the challenge confronting the PNP. The fact that more than 6,500 personnel were implicated in administrative cases in a single year suggests that discipline-related problems are not isolated incidents but systemic concerns. The concentration of cases among non-commissioned officers—who comprise the bulk of frontline policing—raises particular concern, as these personnel have the most frequent and direct interaction with communities. At the same time, the dismissal of over a thousand officers and the suspension of more than 1,400 others may be seen as ample evidence of an increasingly assertive internal accountability mechanism. In a country where public skepticism

toward the police has been shaped by past controversies, including corruption and extortion to allegations of abuse and excessive force, the willingness of the PNP to impose severe penalties reflects recognition that credibility is inseparable from discipline.

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The dismissal of over 1,000 officers and the suspension of 1,400 others may be seen as ample evidence of an increasingly assertive internal accountability mechanism The removal of erring personnel, particularly in cases meriting dismiss-

al, can help prevent repeat offenses and reduce the likelihood that rogue officers undermine law enforcement operations. However, the implications for peace and order are mixed and complex. In the short term, the dismissal and suspension of large numbers of personnel may strain operational capacity, especially in areas already facing manpower shortages. This could weaken police presence in crime-prone communities or overstretch remaining officers, potentially affecting response times and preventive patrols. This underscores the importance of investments in recruitment, training, and professional development to ensure that discipline enforcement does not compromise public safety. In the longer term, consistent and transparent disciplinary action has the potential to strengthen peace and order by restoring public confidence. Communities are more likely to cooperate with law enforcement when they believe officers are held to account and misconduct is not tolerated. The PNP’s 2025 disciplinary figures suggest that the institution stands at a crossroads. If sustained and coupled with structural reforms, such as better training, stronger oversight, and improved welfare for personnel, firm internal discipline can contribute meaningfully to peace and order throughout the country in the years ahead.

When roads begin to think like a nation By Melandrew T. Velasco THERE are roads that merely carry vehicles—and there are roads that quietly carry the weight of a country’s aspirations. The planned Skyway extension to Batasan is one of those roads. More formally known as Skyway Stage 4, or the Southeast Metro Manila Expressway, the project is a 32.7-kilometer elevated toll road designed to connect Taguig, particularly the Arca South area, all the way to Batasan Road in Quezon City. On paper, it is infrastructure. In daily life, it is time regained. Once completed, travel that now takes close to two hours—sometimes longer during peak congestion—could be reduced to under 30 minutes. By running largely along the old C-6 corridor, Skyway Stage 4 links SLEX and Skyway Stage 2 directly to the Batasan Complex, providing a long-overdue alternative to the overburdened EDSA and C-5. For thousands of motorists moving daily between Southern Metro Manila, Rizal, and Quezon City, this road is not a luxury—it is relief. But Skyway to Batasan is more than a traffic solution. It reflects a shift in how we now think about mobility. For decades, Metro Manila has lived with a cruel paradox: opportunity clustered in the capital, but movement strangled by congestion. We learned to measure our days not by hours worked, but by hours lost. In that sense, every kilometer of elevated road is also a reclamation of dignity— time returned to families, productivity, and rest. This thinking underpins the infrastructure push of San Miguel Corporation led by Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang who has often spoken with disarming directness about nation-building. “If we wait for the perfect time, nothing will ever get If we throw in flooding and garbage collection, MMDA’s functions are indeed overwhelming. But it is in traffic where the most inconvenience to daily living is caused in the NCR and this must be where a major part of MMDA’s effort has to be. With MMDA under a new day-to-day management, the division of labor is still apparently being ironed out but we already have a glimpse of some priorities. One is to improve response time in cases of traffic accidents. No mention so far about other matters like improving travel time but we hope General Torre will focus

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

built,” he has said—an unromantic line that nonetheless explains why projects long stuck in PowerPoint slides are now rising in steel and concrete. Ang has also been candid about the role of private enterprise in a developing country. “Government cannot do everything alone,” he has noted. “If we can help build what the country needs, we should.” It is a philosophy that treats infrastructure not as entitlement, but as responsibility.

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Skyway to Batasan is more than a traffic solution. It reflects a shift in how we now think about mobility The Skyway system has already reshaped north–south movement across the metropolis, stitching together regions once thought impossibly distant. Extending that logic eastward toward Batasan is both practical and symbolic. Practical, because it opens access to fast-growing residential and institutional corridors. Symbolic, because Batasan is not just a destination—it is where laws are debated, futures argued over, and national direction contested. The road leading there should reflect urgency, efficiency, and foresight. And Skyway Stage 4 does not stand alone. It belongs to a family of projects that signal a move away from piecemeal fixes toward systems thinking. The rehabilitation of NAIA seeks to untangle decades of neglect and restore the airport as a gateway worthy of a growing economy. on these issues. This is because traffic congestion is the core of the traffic problem in the NCR. If GM Torre can find some ways to improve travel time which others before him were not able to do, then the NCR public will forever be grateful to him. To accomplish this, he must reorient MMDA’s traffic management direction so all the agency’s muscle will be directed to this single issue of improving travel time. Focus must be on reclaiming all roads lost to squatters and street vendors to maximize road usage. The installation of multipliers like

The New Manila International Airport in Bulacan imagines aviation not as congestion, but as connection—linking regions, industries, and global opportunity. Expressways stretching north and south compress geography itself, turning oncedistant provinces into active partners in growth. Even flood control—long treated as an afterthought—has been pulled into the infrastructure conversation. River dredging, waterway clearing, and resilience-driven design reflect another blunt truth Ang has pointed out: “If you don’t fix flooding, everything else fails.” Roads that flood are roads that fail. Cities that sink cannot move forward. Critics will—and should—ask hard questions. About transparency. About safeguards. About equity. Mega projects deserve mega scrutiny. But skepticism should not blind us to momentum. As Ang himself has warned, “Doing nothing also has a cost—and Filipinos pay for it every day in traffic, delays, and lost opportunities.” Infrastructure, after all, is frozen policy. It reveals what a nation believes about its future. When we build roads that connect rather than divide, airports that invite rather than frustrate, and systems that prepare rather than react, we are making a quiet but consequential statement: that the Filipino tomorrow is worth planning for today. And sometimes, the clearest sign that a country is finally moving forward is when its roads do, too. (The writer, president/chief executive officer of Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc. and president/executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., a nongovernment outfit advocating tree-planting and environmental protection, is the official biographer of President Fidel V. Ramos.) CCTVs must also be increased to the fullest to assist in traffic enforcement after the Supreme Court finally allowed the No Contact Apprehension Policy to proceed. Lastly, it would help if MMDA can finally set up a state of the art traffic operation center to be ready to operate all the intelligent street signals if and when these new equipment will eventually be installed which is also a must. If MMDA or GM Torre will be successful in all these endeavors, travel time around the NCR will likely improve by making mobility more bearable than current conditions.

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

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WORLD

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Trump mulls military ops for Greenland S. Korea’s Lee W says urged Xi ASHINGTON, DC – President Donald Trump is exploring how to take control of Greenland and using the US military is “always an option,” the White House said Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time), further upping tensions with NATO ally Denmark.

to help curb North’s nukes

SHANGHAI – South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday he had urged Chinese leader Xi Jinping to help him curb Pyongyang’s nuclear program and suggested a freeze in its development of weapons of mass destruction was “feasible” with the right conditions. Lee’s visit this week was the first by a South Korean leader to China in six years, with Seoul seeking a broad reset in relations with its largest trading partner as well as help with the recalcitrant North. He met with Xi in Beijing on Monday -- a day after the nuclear-armed North fired two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan. Speaking to journalists in Shanghai as he wrapped up the visit, he said he had urged Beijing’s help in bringing Pyongyang back to the negotiating table. He told Xi he would “like China to play a mediating role on issues related to the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea’s nuclear program.” “All our channels are completely blocked,” he said. AFP

IN BRIEF Brown U mass shooter ‘admits crimes in clip’ NEW YORK – The self-described “animal” behind a mass shooting at Brown University and the killing of an MIT professor admitted to the crimes in a video made after the spree but gave no motive, authorities said Tuesday. Gunman Claudio Neves Valente killed two people and wounded nine at the Ivy League school before also killing a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with whom he had previously studied, two days later. The US Department of Justice said that while searching a storage unit to where Neves Valente apparently fled and later killed himself, they found a video of him admitting to the shootings. “I particularly like Trump’s shit, to have -- have called me an animal, which is true. I am an animal and he is also, but uhm, I have no love -- I have no hatred towards America,” he said according to the DOJ transcript translated from Portuguese. AFP

MARTYRS, MARTYRS. Ken Sicknick (2nd left), brother of late Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick who died from injuries following the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol, and Sicknick’s mother, Gladys Sicknick (2nd right ), stand alongside US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democrat of New York, (right) and US Representative and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (left), Democrat of California, prior to leading Democratic members of Congress and family members of fallen US Capitol Police officers in a moment of silence marking the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021 attacks on the US Capitol, outside the US Capitol in Washington, DC.AFP

US Capitol riot anniv exposes nation still divided WASHINGTON, DC – Washington on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) marked five years since a mob overran the US Capitol, with rioters pardoned by Donald Trump retracing their steps even as Democrats revive hearings to hold the president accountable. The anniversary highlighted a nation divided between irreconcilable accounts of an attack that reshaped American politics -- one supported by official findings of a violent bid to overturn an election, the other portraying it as a protest unjustly criminalized. “Five years ago today, a violent mob brutally attacked the US Capitol on January 6. Their mission was to overturn a

free and fair election. We will never allow extremists to whitewash their treachery,” top House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries posted on X. Trump supporters gathered in Washington on January 6, 2021 after the president urged them to protest Congress’s certification of his election defeat to Joe Biden. Several thousand breached the Capitol grounds, overwhelming police lines and wounding more than 140 officers, smashing windows and doors, ransacking offices and forcing lawmakers into hiding as the electoral count was halted for hours. Inside the Capitol on Tuesday, Demo-

crats convened an unofficial hearing featuring police, former lawmakers and civilians who experienced the violence firsthand. And they later held a candlelit vigil, joined by relatives of five police officers whose deaths on the day and in the aftermath have been directly or indirectly linked to the violence. “While Donald Trump pardons insurrectionists, lets those who attack our police officers walk free, we stand here with our first responders. “We’ll make sure that your sacrifices that day are never forgotten, or will we ever, ever forget the lives of those we lost in connection with the attack.” AFP

Venezuela leader says ‘no foreign power’ running her country

Musk’s xAI raises $20-b in Nvidia-backed fund SAN FRANCISCO – Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI announced Tuesday (Wednesday, Mnila time) it has raised $20 billion in its latest funding round, surpassing its initial $15 billion target as the company accelerates development of its Grok AI models. Founded by Musk, xAI competes in an increasingly crowded generative AI market against OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic, among others. The substantial funding round underscores continued investor appetite for AI ventures despite broader questions about achieving returns on the massive investments being made. The oversubscribed round drew investment from Valor Equity Partners, Stepstone Group, Fidelity Management & Research Company, Qatar Investment Authority, MGX and Baron Capital Group, among others, the company said. AI juggernaut Nvidia also participated and will support xAI’s computing infrastructure expansion by supplying its highly prized AI chips and software. AFP

Brazil oil drilling near Amazon halted SAO PAULO – Brazilian state oil company Petrobras said Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) that a “fluid leak” had forced it to halt drilling off the coast of the Amazon region. Despite strong opposition from environmental activists, Petrobas last year was granted a license to explore for oil in the Equatorial Margin, about 500 kilometers from the mouth of the Amazon River. On Thursday, the company said “a leak of drilling fluid was identified in two auxiliary lines” connecting the drilling rig to a well about 175 kilometers offshore. Drilling fluid is a liquid used to cool and lubricate equipment during drilling. The leak “was immediately contained and isolated,” and the lines will be brought to the surface for inspection and repair, the company added. Petrobras assured that the leaked fluid met “permitted toxicity limits,” was biodegradable and posed no danger to the environment or public health. AFP

Washington’s stark warning came despite Greenland and Denmark both calling for a speedy meeting with the United States to clear up “misunderstandings.” The US military intervention in Venezuela has reignited Trump’s designs on the autonomous Danish territory in the Arctic, which has untapped rare earth deposits and could be a vital player as melting polar ice opens up new shipping routes. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that “acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States,” to deter adversaries like Russia and China. “The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the US military is always an option at the commander in chief’s disposal,” she said in a statement to AFP. Trump’s renewed claims over self-governing Greenland have stoked concerns in Europe that the transatlantic alliance with the United States could be about to fracture. Earlier, Greenland and Denmark said they had asked to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio quickly to discuss the issue. “It has so far not been possible,” Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt wrote on social media, “despite the fact that the Greenlandic and Danish governments have requested a meeting at the ministerial level throughout 2025.” Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said meeting Rubio should resolve “certain misunderstandings.” AFP

‘TRUMP MURDERER.’ ‘People attend a rally in support of ousted Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and his

wife Cilia Flores in Caracas on Wednesday, Manila time. Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez insisted no foreign power was governing her country, after US President Donald Trump said Washington would ‘run’ it pending a transition after ousting her predecessor. AFP

CARACAS – Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez insisted Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) no foreign power was governing her country, after US President Donald Trump said Washington would “run” it during a transition after ousting her predecessor. Rodriguez, who was vice president under toppled leader Nicolas Maduro, has given mixed signals about how much she is prepared to cooperate with Trump, at times sounding conciliatory, at others defiant. Speaking three days after US special forces snatched Maduro and his wife in a stunning raid in Caracas prefaced by airstrikes, Rodriguez said: “The government of Venezuela is in charge in our country, and no-one else.” “There is no foreign agent governing Venezuela.” Trump insists Washington is now “in charge” of the Caribbean country but says he is prepared to work with Rodriguez -- provided she submits to his demand for access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. AFP

Talks on Ukraine guarantees to go on after Paris ‘progress’ PARIS – US and Ukrainian officials will continue talks over security guarantees for Kyiv on Wednesday, both sides said, after meetings with Western allies yielded breakthroughs including a US-led monitoring mechanism and a European multinational force to be deployed after any ceasefire with Russia. Following the largest meeting yet of the so-called Coalition of the Willing in Paris, both European leaders and US envoys hailed progress that hid tensions in recent days over assertive US foreign policy in the Western hemisphere under President Donald Trump. But the security guarantees for Ukraine would only come into force once a ceasefire is agreed to end the almost four-year war sparked by Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion. Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s intentions remain unclear. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff said Ukrainian and American officials would continue talks on Wednesday, with Ze-

lensky thanking Washington “for its readiness to provide a backstop in all areas”. The “robust” guarantees would see the United States lead a truce monitoring mechanism with European participation, French President Emmanuel Macron said after Tuesday’s talks that gathered representatives of 35 countries, including 27 heads of state or government. Macron, Zelensky and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a declaration of intent that foresees Britain, France and other European allies deploying troops on Ukrainian territory after a ceasefire. The allies also agreed to establish a US-Ukraine-Coalition coordination cell in Paris. But a promise that Washington would commit to “support” the European-led multinational force “in case of a new attack” by Russia, which was present in the draft statement, was not in the communique released on Tuesday evening. AFP

XMAS AMID WAR. Russian servicemen, involved in the so-called ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine, attend a Christmas service at the Kronstadt Naval Cathedral in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday. Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7 in the Middle East, Russia and other Orthodox churches that use the old Julian calendar instead of the 17th-century Gregorian calendar adopted by Catholics, Protestants, Greek Orthodox and commonly used in secular life around the world. AFP

SPORTS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

PH golf sees blockbuster year TWO prize-rich tournaments stacked with elite local and international talent will usher in what promises to be one of the most compelling seasons in Philippine golf history, as the Philippine Golf Tour, the Ladies PGT, and the ever-growing Junior PGT roll out their 2026 calendars. While the opening salvo may come from the professional ranks, what could ultimately define the year is a sustained structural leap for the sport – the second staging of the ICTSI Intercollegiate Tournament, which blasts off on April 26 at Splendido Taal. The partnership between Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. (PGTI) and the Philippine Golf Foundation (PGF) represents another watershed moment for Philippine golf. Buoyed by the resounding success of its inaugural edition last year, the collaboration thrusts collegiate golf into the national spotlight, aligning it with the prestige, organization and competitive rigor long associated with elite college golf. Before collegiate golf takes center stage, the professionals will set the tone. The PGT opens its season from Jan. 27-30 with its flagship event, the P6 million TCC Invitational, once again at The Country Club in Laguna. Held in honor of ICTSI founder Don Pocholo Razon – himself an avid golfer – the event has become synonymous with drama, depth and down-to-the-wire finishes.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Doncic, Giannis lead NBA All-Star voting

EW YORK—Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo lead in fan voting for the 2026 NBA All-Star tournament in returns released by the league on Tuesday. Doncic, a 26-year-old Slovenian star, led the overall vote and the Western Conference with 2,229,811 votes while Greek big man Antetokounmpo was second overall, pacing the Eastern Conference with 2,092,284 votes. The NBA All-Star event is set for February 15 at the home arena of the

STRONGER TIES. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial paid a courtesy call on Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio on Tuesday and assured the PSC honcho of the league’s continued cooperation and strengthening of ties with the sports agency.

Defending champion Gwon Minwook is expected to return after his stunning breakthrough win last year, where the 23-year-old Korean edged two-time champion Guido van der Valk in a sudden-death playoff right in his tournament debut. Van der Valk, however, is back with unfinished business, still chasing a third TCC Invitational crown – a feat achieved only by Angelo Que and Juvic Pagunsan. Que himself looms as a central figure in the title hunt, riding the momentum of his first-ever Order of Merit crown last season, highlighted by victories in the opening two legs and a string of Top-5 finishes. A fourth TCC Invitational title would further cement his legacy. As always, the chase is expected to be fierce. Keanu Jahns, the only threeleg winner last season including the Match Play Championship, leads a deep cast of contenders that includes Fidel Concepcion, Rupert Zaragosa, Reymon Jaraula, Clyde Mondilla and former champion Tony Lascuña. The spotlight then shifts to the women as the Philippine Ladies Masters takes center stage from Feb. 4 to 6. The second edition of the $200,000, 54-hole tournament will once again attract a formidable international field, featuring standouts from the Thailand LPGA, Taiwan LPGA and Korean Dream Tour, alongside the LPGT’s top players and rising stars, and those from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Japan.

Los Angeles Clippers -- the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. A new NBA All-Star Game format will feature a World team of global talent and two teams of US players in a round-robin tournament of three 12-minute games and a 12-minute championship matchup. NBA All-Star voting will conclude

on January 14 with the team lineups revealed on January 19. Fans voting represents 50% of the balloting used to determine five players from each conference to be honored as starters, with a media panel and current NBA players each having 25% of the final totals. NBA All-Stars this year are being selected without regard to position. Each team will have at least eight players with NBA commissioner Adam Silver selecting players to fill out rosters as needed if voting does not deliver 16 US and eight global players, with the

internationals able to include US players with ties to other nations. Denver’s Nikola Jokic, a Serbian center and three-time NBA Most Valuable Player, ranked third in overall voting with 1,998,560. He was followed in the West by Golden State guard Stephen Curry (1,844,903), Canadian guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City (1,554,468), French center Victor Wembanyama of San Antonio (1,321,985), Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards (1,246,423), Israeli forward Deni Avdija (1,224,109) and 41-year-old Lakers legend LeBron

PH curlers rally past Spain, stay unbeaten By Randy Caluag TEAM Philippines survived another tense finish to remain unbeaten at the 2026 World Mixed Doubles Curling Qualification Event, rallying from a five-point deficit to defeat Spain 7–6 on Tuesday. Pedro Malvar and Katie Dubberstein secured their second straight victory in Group D after mounting a composed comeback against a Spanish pair that controlled the early stages of the match. Spain, holding the hammer, struck first and built momentum by scoring in each of the opening three ends to take a commanding 5–0 lead. The Filipinos, however, shifted the tone of the contest in the fourth end, producing a crucial three-point score to keep themselves within striking distance.

Malvar and Dubberstein then applied sustained pressure, stealing two points in the fifth end and another in the sixth to move ahead 6–5. Spain attempted to regain control in the seventh end by deploying their power play, but the Philippine defense held firm and limited the damage to a single point, leaving the match tied heading into the final end. With the pressure mounting, the Filipinos capitalized on their own power play in the eighth end, manufacturing the decisive point to seal the onepoint victory. The win lifted the Philippines to 2–0 in Group D, keeping them level with France, whom they face next. France also remained unbeaten after its opening two matches. The World Mixed Doubles Qualification Event serves as a pathway to the 2026 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship, with teams competing for limited qualification spots.

Sita’s and Isabel Lapus CEO of Kosmas Athletic Ventures for the continued support of the team through the donation of two KRYO Louisville

Shown here are (from left) UP head coach Ron Ron Pagkaliwagan, Ysabel Lapus, Sophia Lapus, Prof. Kiko Diaz and Kim Lapus.

James (1,059,855). New York guard Jalen Brunson was second in the East at 1,916,497 votes, with the most support of any US player. He was followed in the East by Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey (1,908,978), Detroit’s Cade Cunningham (1,752,801), Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell (1,530,237) and Boston’s Jaylen Brown (1,514,259). Other top vote-getters among World team possibilities include New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns, born to a Dominican mother, on 898,038 and Turkish center Alperen Sengun of Houston on 871,952. AFP

LPGA stars to compete in tech league The duo of Pedro Malvar and Katie Dubberstein in action (From the Curling Winter Sports Association of the Philippines)

UP women’s softball team receives equipment sponsorship THE University of the Philippines Women’s Varsity Softball Team expressed its sincere gratitude to Sophia Lapus, Marketing Manager of Mama

Luka Doncic

Slugger composite softball bats, formally turned over on Wednesday at the UP Diliman CHK Baseball Field. In a simple turnover ceremony, Mama Sita’s General Manager Kim Lapus together with his daughters Isabel and Sophia, personally handed over the new equipment to the team. The donation comes at a crucial time as the UP Softball Team intensifies its preparations for the UAAP Season 88 Softball Competition, scheduled to begin in early February 2026. Assoc. Prof. Francis “Coach Kiko” B. Diaz said the bats will play an important role in enhancing the team’s training and overall performance as they head into the new season. Mama Sita’s Food Corporation is one of the main sponsors of the UP Women’s Varsity Softball Team for School Year 2025–2026 and UAAP Season 88, demonstrating the compa-

ny’s sustained commitment to collegiate sports and athlete development. Last October 2025, with the support of Mama Sita’s Food Corp., the UP Softball Team successfully defended its title at the 2025 Makassar Open International Softball Tournament held in Makassar, Indonesia. Lapus plays a key role in leading the company’s community-building and youth-focused initiatives across the Philippines along with her sister Isabel Lapus, CEO of Kosmas Athletic Ventures. Sophia and Isabel actively support programs that empower young people through sports, education, and grassroots engagement. Their involvement reflects Mama Sita’s and Kosmas’ commitment to investing in the next generation and using athletics as a platform to inspire leadership, confidence, and positive impact among Filipino youth.

MIAMI—The LPGA and TMRW Sports, creator of the tech-golf league founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, announced Tuesday that a women’s edition of the league will debut next winter. Teams of LPGA players will play in the inaugural season of the WTGL in the 2026-2027 window in a female version of the TGL, which has just started a second season. The TGL uses simulators with tee shots and a green that shifts positions in an arena format with all matches contested in a specially built South Florida venue. The WTGL will use the same SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, that TGL teams use for matches. “Partnering with TMRW Sports on WTGL reflects our belief that innovation can help the game reach new fans and create greater visibility for LPGA athletes,” LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler said. “I’ve seen how new formats can engage audiences while showcasing both athlete personality and performance, and WTGL brings that spirit of innovation to the women’s game.” AFP

SPORTS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

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

Santo Tomas mauls La Salle, 18-6, in junior UAAP baseball Games on Saturday (Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium) 8 a.m. - NUNS vs UST 11 a.m. - DLSZ vs Southridge

THE UAAP High School Baseball Tournament returned in Season 88 after a six-year hiatus, and defending champion University of Santo Tomas made sure to send a strong message to the rest of the field. The Junior Golden Sox needed just seven innings to dispatch De La Salle Zobel Junior Green Batters, 18-6, setting their title defense in motion on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium. But UST was not the only team making waves, as guest team PAREF Southridge made a grand entrance with a thrilling 13-12 walk-off win over Ateneo de Manila University. The Admirals surged to a 10-2 lead by the fourth inning, building on three runs in the opening frame, a five-run second inning, and a run in each of the next two stanzas. Yet the Blue Eagles refused to back down. Southridge ace Joaquin Salvador was tested in the top of the fifth, facing 14 batters as Ateneo rallied to score 10 runs and take a 12-10 lead. However, Southridge showed it had arrived in the UAAP not just to compete, but to win, refusing to fold in the face of adversity. Down 11-12 with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the Admirals demonstrated their resilience. With JC Basañes at second, Blue Eagles head coach Pepe Jose intentionally walked Salvador to set up a force play. Hitless all game, Matt Genota stepped to the plate and lined a grounder to Ateneo first baseman Tommy Oblea—but Oblea fumbled it, allowing Basañes to score and tie the game at 12. Then came Luis Chavez, who wasted no time. On the first pitch he saw, Chavez singled to right field, bringing Salvador home for the walk-off victory.

Record 10 countries join Manila Hustle 3x3 SIXTEEN teams will once again wage war as the Manila Hustle 3x3 Season 4 returns at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall this Feb. 7 and 8. Two-time defending champion Zoos Tokyo is once again coming in as the team-to-beat, with the Japanbased club ruling the Fiba Level 5 tournament in its last two editions. Onus is on the five local crews, namely Gilas Pilipinas Women 3x3 and U23 teams, Uratex Dream and Tibay, and Pilipinas Aguilas to defend home turf and show once again that the Philippine clubs are among the world’s elite in the halfcourt. But doing so won’t be easy, especially with 10 more clubs from nine other countries all flying in to chase glory in the Philippine women’s 3x3 international invitational that has Uratex, Smart, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), B’lue, Titan, and Lanson Place as partners. Valencia Basketball of Spain and the New Zealand national team are among the eight new international teams joining this season which also includes Flowlish Gunma of Japan, CTBC Unity Fire of Chinese Taipei, and Southeast Asian teams Hanoi Basketball of Vietnam, EST Jersey of Malaysia, CT Tigers of Thailand, and the Singaporean national team. Completing the field are returnees Hansol Remicon of Korea and Shoot It Dragons of Thailand. Season 4 has a $8,000 prize pool, with $4,000 awaiting the champion in this tournament which also has Wilson, Laurin Oil, and Secret Fresh as major sponsors.

The Philippines’ Alex Eala (left) is expected to present a stern test for Petra Marcinko (right) of Croatia, particularly with her improved net game and growing maturity under pressure.

Eala battles another Croatian foe in ASB Classic 2nd round By Peter Atencio

ITH her 2026 season off to a blazing start, the Philippines’ Alex Eala is once again set to lean on passionate crowd support when she faces her former doubles partner, Croatian Petra Marcinko in the second round of the ASB Classic in Auckland on Thursday at 8 a.m. (Philippine time).

Fresh from a confidence-boosting first-round upset of Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic, Eala showcased both form and composure as she opened the new season, feeding off the energy of a predominantly Filipino crowd at the Manuka Doctor Center Court. “If there’s one thing I learned in 2025, it’s that home is the people and not the place,” Eala said after grinding out a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory over

Vekic in a gruelling two-hour and 40-minute encounter. The win impressed fans based mostly in Auckland, who rallied behind the world No. 53 as she outlasted Vekic, the player set to be the top seed at the upcoming Philippine Open Women Tennis WTA-125 Championships later this month. Seeded fourth in Auckland, Eala is expected to present a stern test for Marcinko, particularly with her im-

proved net game and growing maturity under pressure — qualities that make her the favored player heading into the match. Marcinko, also 20, advanced to the second round after surviving a tough three-set battle against Camila Osorio, 6-4, 0-6, 7-6(2). A former world No. 1 junior, the Croatian is coming off a breakthrough 2025 season in which she captured her first professional title at a WTA 125-level tournament in Rome. Her game is anchored on strong baseline play and versatility on both hard and clay courts. Although Eala and Marcinko have never met in a singles match, the two are familiar with each other’s games. They competed against one another during their junior days and last faced off as opponents in the 2021 French Open girls’ doubles quarterfinals. In that match, Eala teamed up with

Oksana Selekhmeteva to defeat Marcinko and partner Natalia Szabanin. They were also partners once, at the W80 Poitiers event in 2022, where they reached the quarterfinals. The duo opened their campaign with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Yuliya Hatouka and Iryna Shymanovich before falling to Czech pair Miriam Kolodziejova and Marketa Vondrousova in the second round. Should Eala advance, she will move on to the quarterfinals against the winner of the match between fifth seed Magda Linette of Poland and Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto. Linette earlier eliminated tennis legend Venus Williams in a three-set first-round duel, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. Elsewhere in the tournament, third seed Iva Jovic has already secured a quarterfinal berth after defeating Czech Sarah Bejlek, 7-6(7-3), 6-4, while Francesca Jones fought back to edge Austria’s Sinja Kraus, 1-6, 6-4, 6-1.

PTA 2026 National Instructors General Assembly set Sunday

PTA national instructors during last year’s General Assembly.

THE Philippine Taekwondo Association will be holding its annual National Instructors General Assembly on Sunday, Jan. 11, to chart a course for the continued growth of the sport with focus on forming formidable national team for a number of important international events this year. The PTA, one of the most successful national sports associations in last

year’s 33rd SEA Games in Thailand after producing 14 medals – two of them golds – sees more than 1,000 certified instructors to converge at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Apart from the affiliated PTA national instructors, also expected to attend are the Regional Management Committee chairmen and the top guns of the Philippine National Police and

the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Also up for discussion are the national and regional development programs and the national and international competitions, such as World Junior Taekwondo Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Asian Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and World Poomsae Championships in Chuncheon, Korea.

They are also looking forward to competing in the World Taekwondo GP Series in Rome, Italy, Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan and the Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) in Riyadh, Saudi, Arabia. Registration starts at 9 a.m. followed by a practical review of new Poomsae rules and Referee Hand Signal. Agenda proper begins at 2 p.m.

Caddies volunteer as marshals as Intramuros golf course opens Sundays to public By Randy M. Caluag CADDIES of the Club Intramuros Golf Course (CIGC) have taken on a new role beyond assisting golfers,

Club Intramuros

volunteering as caddie marshals every Sunday to help keep the historic course clean, safe, and orderly as it opens its fairways to the public. Beginning November last year,

CIGC temporarily paused regular golf operations on Sundays to transform the course into a green recreational space for families, residents, and visitors seeking a relaxing outdoor escape within the walled city of Intramuros. To ensure smooth operations during public access days, volunteer caddies serve as marshals, providing visitors with briefings on safety guidelines and proper conduct inside the course. Violeta Cabugngan Borlado, one of the caddie volunteers, said their task includes orienting guests on the “dos and don’ts”, while reminding them to respect the grounds and other visitors. “Kung may dalang pets, siguraduhing lilinisin ang dumi ng kasamang hayop. Bawal magkalat kahit saan sa loob ng course,” Borlado said. She added that picnics are allowed as long as visitors practice proper

waste disposal. “Puwede mag-picnic at magdala ng pagkain at inumin, basta lilinisin ang kalat pagkatapos,” she said. In return for their three-hour volunteer service every Sunday, the caddie marshals are allowed to play on the golf course the following Tuesday—an incentive that fosters both camaraderie and shared responsibility in caring for the course. The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), which oversees CIGC, said the golf course is open to the public every Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., while regular golf operations continue from Mondays to Saturdays. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy light outdoor activities such as walking and jogging along designated cart paths, picnicking in identified grassy areas, and participating in group exercises like stretching and yoga.

BUSINESS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

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

POWER MONITORING.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

The real-time operations team of the Independent Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) monitors the supply and demand scenario at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) with the entry of the new year at their market operations center in Quezon City.

4.4% Jobless rate in November 2025

5.0% Jobless rate in October 2025

3.2% Jobless rate in November 2024

Spot power prices rose in December amid higher supply

Peso hits bottom at 59.35 a dollar

PH jobless rate rose to 4.4 % in November T By Thony Rose Lesaca

HE Philippines unemployment rate climbed to 4.4 percent in November 2025 from 3.2 percent a year ago as severe weather disrupted key service sectors, but the figure marked an improvement from the previous month, government data showed Wednesday. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported the number of unemployed individuals reached 2.25 million in November, up from 1.66 million in the same month in 2024. However, the rate was a decrease from 5.0 percent, or 2.54 million people, recorded in October 2025. Both unemployment and underemployment figures remained within the government target ranges for the year.

Job losses were concentrated in subsectors where typhoons hampered economic activity, affecting about 873,000 workers. The impact was felt most heavily in accommodation and food service activities, wholesale and retail trade, fishing and aquaculture and other service categories. The underemployment rate, which measures those looking for more work hours, eased to 10.4 percent from 10.8

CUSTOMS DONATION.

By Alena Mae S. Flores SYSTEM-WIDE average electricity spot market prices rose to P4.38 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in December 2025 from P3.98 per kWh in the previous month, according to the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines. Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) corporate planning and communications manager Arjon Valencia said that system-wide average supply at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market increased 1.2 percent to 20,233 megawatts in December from 19,998 MW in November. While overall demand decreased 0.5 percent to 13,440 MW, leading to an increased supply margin of 4,798 MW, tighter regional conditions drove the price hike. Valencia said margins in the Visayas and Mindanao regions decreased by 136 MW and 245 MW respectively, which pushed up the system-wide average. The Luzon region saw prices drop to P2.98 per kWh from P3.52 per kWh as supply grew 2.6 percent to 14,422 MW and demand fell 2.9 percent to 9,324 MW. Visayas supply reached 2,524 MW, while demand rose to 11,978 MW. In Mindanao, supply fell to 3,287 MW as demand grew to 2,137 MW. Valencia said these conditions resulted in tighter margins and price spikes, triggering the secondary price cap for 213 intervals in Visayas and 216 intervals in Mindanao. This led to market prices of P7.22 per kWh for Visayas and P7.82 per kWh for Mindanao.

percent a year ago. Of the 5.11 million underemployed people, 68.3 percent worked less than 40 hours a week while 31.7 percent worked 40 hours or more. The labor force participation rate fell to 64.0 percent from 64.6 percent. Officials attributed the decline to increased family responsibilities and a drop in youth participation due to schooling. Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the government is prioritizing investments in skills development and social protection to help workers transition across sectors and withstand economic shocks. He said strengthening workforce competitiveness is essential to attracting investments that generate quality jobs.

A brighter and more welcoming learning space awaits students of Pulung Cacutud Elementary School following the turnover of the newly renovated Special Needs Education (SNED) Room by the Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark. Designed to support learners with special needs, the project reflects the Bureau’s commitment to inclusivity and meaningful community engagement beyond its day-to-day functions.

Robinsons Supermarket gets nod to buy Premiumbikes THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has cleared Robinsons Supermarket Corp.’s acquisition of 100-percent of the shares of Premiumbikes Corp. after finding the deal would not harm market competition. The antitrust regulator said it determined the acquisition is unlikely to lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the markets where both companies operate. It said its Mergers and Acquisitions Office reached the conclusion after evaluating the sale of motorcycle ac-

cessories as well as motorcycle oils and lubricants in cities and municipalities where both firms have a presence. The commission said it found that the merged entity would have limited ability or incentive to exercise market power. This was based on the fact that both parties hold limited market shares and face significant pressure from numerous remaining competitors in the retail space. Robinsons Supermarket is a domestic wholesaler and retailer that

manages several prominent brands including Robinsons Easymart, Shopwise, The Marketplace and Uncle John’s. Through its subsidiary Robinsons Handyman Inc., the company also operates the DIY retail brands Handyman Do It Best and True Value. Premiumbikes operates more than 200 branches across the Philippines. The company specializes in the distribution and retail of motorcycles, spare parts and accessories, carrying brands such as Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, TVS and Kymco.

Customs revenue rose 1.9% to P916b in 2025

REPAIR COMPLETION. The dedicated inner busway lane along the

northbound and southbound sections of EDSA, from Roxas Boulevard to Orense, returns to normal operations following the completion of the asphalt overlay on the busway lane, which is part of the EDSA Rehabilitation Project. The repair works were completed within the original timeline, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to fast-track improvements to ensure faster and more comfortable travel for commuters returning to work and school on Jan. 5, 2026.

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Wednesday it generated P916.674 billion in revenue for 2025, up 1.9 percent from the previous year despite trade headwinds. Preliminary figures released for the January to December period show the agency collected P17.726 billion more than it did in 2024. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the growth was achieved despite lower import volumes, the suspension of rice importation and fluctuations in global commodity prices. The agency attributed the performance to improved efficiency, stricter compliance measures and the expan-

sion of digital systems. Under the direction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the bureau also focused on border security and institutional reforms to stabilize its role in national economic development. Border protection efforts resulted in 1,024 enforcement operations during the year. These operations led to the seizure of smuggled and prohibited goods with an estimated value of P61.707 billion. Customs officials said these results were led by enhanced risk profiling and closer coordination with other law enforcement agencies. Thony Rose Lesaca

Parts makers seek auto funding talks

Gov’t debt reached P17.65t in November

BOI: Strategic investments exceed P6.11t By Othel V. Campos THE Board of Investments (BOI) said Tuesday 232 strategic investment projects worth P6.11 trillion were certified under the government’s “green lane” program from February 2023 to Dec. 31, 2025. The initiatives, approved through the One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments under Executive Order 18, are projected to create nearly 400,000 jobs across the archipelago. Renewable energy emerged as the primary driver of this growth, accounting for 179 projects or 77 percent of the total certifications. These clean energy ventures carry a combined value of P5.21 trillion and are expected to generate nearly 250,000 jobs while attracting P1.38 trillion in foreign investments. The renewable energy projects are primarily concentrated in Regions IV-A, III and I. Within the broader tally, a specific subset of 63 renewable energy projects contributed P1.46 trillion in investments and 44,854 jobs. The public-private partnership, infrastructure and water sector followed with 5 projects valued at P416.08 billion. These projects focus on addressing critical gaps in transport, utilities and water services and are projected to create over 113,000 jobs. Digital infrastructure, though smaller in project count with 9 certified initiatives, accounts for P401.69 billion in value and is expected to generate 20,376 jobs to improve nationwide connectivity. The manufacturing sector contributed 7 projects worth P67.04 billion and 7,773 jobs. The BOI said that in the food security sector, 31 projects worth P18.7 billion are estimated to create 7,319 jobs. These investments are spread mainly across Regions II, III and IV-A to strengthen the agri-food value chain and support rural development.

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TODAY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

PCC approves Ayala, EMIF II joint venture By Othel V. Campos

HE Philippine Competition Commission said Wednesday it has approved a joint venture between Ayala Corp. and EMIF II Holding III B.V. following the Dutch firm’s acquisition of a 40-percent stake in AC Logistics Holdings Corp.

The commission’s Mergers and Acquisitions Office concluded the transaction is unlikely to result in a substantial lessening of competition because of significant competitive constraints across the affected sectors. Regulators said they examined the impact on domestic and international freight forwarding, the nationwide contract logistics market and the provision of container liner shipping services. EMIF II SPV serves as an investment vehicle for A.P. Møller Capital P/S, an infrastructure fund manager focused on transport and energy transition. AC Logistics is the logistics arm of Philippine conglomerate Ayala Corp. and holds Air 21 Holdings as its sole subsidiary. Through Air 21, the group operates LGC SCN FORM NO. 1 (R.A. NO. 1986)

 Certified true copy of NBCR/s of petitioner’s child/children (issued also by BT);

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF MOHIT LAXMAN MENGHRAJANI to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139. SCN CASE NO. 000929 x - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - -- - - - - - - x PETITION Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares: 1. My full name is MOHIT LAXMAN MENGHRAJANI, but I have also been known since childhood as or I have been judicially authorized to use the alias name(s) . 2. My present place of residence is #84 MADRID ST., MERVILLE PARK SUBD. / Municipality of PARAÑAQUE Province of NCR and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) 1) 84 MADRID ST., MERVILLE PARK SUBD. PQUE CITY 2. 2 SAN ANTONIO ST., MAGALLANES VILLAGE, MAKATI CITY 3. I was born on SEPT. 18, 1998, in MAKATI CITY Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of INDIA 4. My father's name is LAXMAN BHUGROMAL MENGHRAJANI and he was born on MARCH 07, 1963 in INDIA He is a citizen or subject of INDIA. My mother's name is HARDEVI LAXMAN MENGHRAJANI and she was born on DECEMBER 02, 1966, in INDIA. She is a citizen or subject of INDIA. 5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is ENTREPRENEUR and from which I derive an average annual income of N/A, inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an average annual income of N/A. (Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (2) name of school: DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY MANILA and (3) years graduated: MAY 09, 2020 ] who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship. 6. My civil status is Single, I was married on N/A in N/A. My wife's/husband's name is N/A and she/he was born on in N/A in N/A She/he is a citizen or subject of N/A and presently resides N/A. 7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A. 8. I have N/A child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows: Name N/A

Date of Birth N/A

Place of Birth N/A

Residence N/A

9. I received my primary and secondary education from the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: Name of School DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY COLEGIO SAN AGUSTIN COLEGIO SAN AGUSTIN

Place of School TAFT MAKATI MAKATI

Dates of Study 2016-2020 2012-2016 2005-2012

Highest Grade Completed COLLEGE GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL PRIMARY

10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following dialects of the Philippines: YES, TAGALOG. 11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: Name of Child N/A

Logistics Inc, Cargohaus Inc., U-Freight Philippines Inc. and U-Ocean Inc. These entities provide a range of services including warehousing and contract logistics. The commission said it found that the freight forwarding market remains highly fragmented, with customers frequently using multiple providers. In the contract logistics segment, the regulator noted that competition is led by performance-based tenders and service differentiation. The container liner shipping market is characterized by numerous global and regional carriers and strong buyer power. These factors limit the ability or incentive for the joint venture to restrict capacity or degrade service quality, according to the antitrust office.

Name and Place of School N/A

Date of Enrollment N/A

12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living. I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139. I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease. The country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof. 13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, to INDIA of which at this time I am a citizen or subject. I will reside continuously in the Philippines from the date of the filing of this petition up to the time of my admission to Philippine citizenship. 14. My character witnesses are ROSHAN PREM AMARNANI and AJAY STA TERESA KHATRI both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at 92 LONG BEACH ST., MERVILLE PARK SUBD., PARAÑAQUE CITY and U126 SHERWOOD HGTS. JERUSALEM ST., PARAÑAQUE CITY respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization. 15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the duplicate originals or certified photocopies of the following documents (please check the appropriate box):  Authenticated copy of Birth Certificate of petitioner [issued by PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority)]  Certified true copy of petitioner’s Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) or I-Card Certificate [issued by BI (Bureau of Immigration)];  Certified true copy of petitioner’s Native-Born Certificate of Residence (NBCR), if available (issued also by BI);

 Duty notarized Affidavit of Financial Capacity of the petitioner, or Affidavit of Support from the person financially supporting petitioner, if petitioner is either a student, a new graduate, spouse or war cities without income or a candidate for a government licensure exam, who has no own income. In addition, submit: (1)* Bank Certifications (two are required: [1] said bank certifications must indicate the present balance and [2] average daily balance for the past six months); (2)* Certificate of Employment if employed or Proof of Registration of Company if doing business (if doing business, please submit also the latest GIS (General Information Sheet) which was submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the financial statements of the company, which was submitted to the BIR/appropriate government agency]; (3)*Proof of Ownership of Real Property/ies such as condominium, etc.; and if owner of motor vehicle, proof of ownership of the same (4) Proof of Ownership of other property/ies, such as shares of stock, insurance, etc. Note: If petitioner is relying on support from another person, the said person must also submit the above-mentioned documents. Note: If petitioner is already a graduate but unemployed, submit a notarized affidavit of what petitioner is currently preoccupied with.  Latest Income Tax Returns (ITR) and Tax Documents (must show the receiving stamp of the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue)] for the past three (3) years of the petitioner or of the person supporting him/her, with Proof of Payment of said taxes (such as official receipts, alphalist, etc.) Note: If petitioner is employed in a family-owned company, the company’s ITR and the company’s Proof of Payment of Taxes must also be submitted, aside from the submission of petitioner’s own ITR and tax documents and Proof of Payment of Taxes. Note: The company’s latest GIS (General Information Sheet), which was submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the financial statements of the company, which was submitted to the BIR/appropriate government agency, must also be submitted.  Duly notarized Affidavits of at least two (2) credible and disinterested witnesses who must be Filipino citizens (preferably natural-born citizens of the Philippines), of good repute in their community, and have no criminal record (Note: submit National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance of character witnesses; also submit a copy of the ID which the character witness used in the notarization of the affidavit) [Note: character witness must attest in the affidavit: (a) that he/she has known petitioner for at least 10 years or more (must also indicate how he/she got acquainted with the petitioner); (b) the good moral character of the petitioner (and how he/she mingles with Filipinos and the society); (c) that in his/her own opinion, petitioner has all the qualifications necessary to become a citizen of the Philippines and none of the disqualifications provided for by law);  Medical Certificate from a government hospital stating that petitioner is not suffering from mental alienation, or a user of prohibited drugs or otherwise a drug dependent, and that he/she is not afflicted with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or any incurable contagious disease [please attach the following to the certificate: (1) Neuro-Psychiatric Evaluation Report (from a duly licensed psychiatrist (who is a medical doctor), not a psychologist); (2) Laboratory Test Results for Drugs Test and HIV Teat, and, (3) other laboratory test’s (Note: all laboratory tests must also conducted from a government hospital)]; Note: Petitioners for naturalization are required to have their medical examination/diagnostic procedures conducted in a government hospital or facility, and not merely hospitals or facilities which are accredited by the government. The mere fact that the government hospital or facility is not near the residence or place of work of petitioner is not a valid reason for petitioner not to have said medical examination or diagnostic procedure conducted in a government hospital or facility. Note: It must be clear in the medical certificate and the diagnostic/laboratory test results that the subject of said medical examination or diagnostic/laboratory test is the petitioner.  Certified true copy with school seal of the Diploma and Transcript of Records of the petitioner from the school’s he or she attended to and/or graduated from in the Philippines (Elementary, High School and College) Note: If petitioner is still a student, please submit a Certification from the school where he/she is currently attending, stating his/her year level, that he/she is currently enrolled therein, and please attach proof of petitioner’s enrollment therein and submit a certification as to the amount of tuition fee and other required school fees paid (such as official receipt/s, certificate of matriculation, etc.) Note: if petitioner has no own income and is relying on another person for support, the person financially supporting petitioner must submit certifications as to the amount of tuition and other required school fees paid by said person for the education of his/her other dependents (example: the tuition and other required school fees of the children of the person financially supporting petitioner).  Certified true copy with school seal of the Diploma, Transcript of Records, or Certification (if applicable) from the school’s attended by, currently enrolled in, and/or graduated from by petitioner’s child children [the school’s must either be public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the DEPED (Department of Education), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality); (Note: please submit a Certification from the school where said child/children is/ are currently attending, stating his/her year level, that he/she is currently enrolled therein, and please attach proof of said child/children’s enrollment therein and submit a certification as to the amount of tuition fee and other required school fees paid (such as official receipt’s, certificate of matriculation, etc.) for said child children’s enrollment in said school.  Clearances NBI Clearance; Barangay Clearance of the barangay where petitioner is currently residing (It should be a barangay clearance, not a residence certification); Police Clearance from the Police Station Police Office having jurisdiction of the place where petitioner is currently residing: RTC Clearance (Regional Trial Court), from the RTC which has jurisdiction over the place where petitioner is currently residing; MeTC/MTCC/MTC/ MCTC Clearance (Metropolitan Trial Court/Municipal Trial Court in Cities/ Municipal Trial Court/Municipal Circuit Trial Court, as the case may be) from the MeTC/MTCC/MTC/MCTC which has jurisdiction over the place where petitioner is currently residing); and Office of the Prosecutor Clearance, from the Office of the Prosecutor of the place where petitioner is currently residing. Note: All clearances must be current and must not be expired. 16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his/her petition: _______________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No, 9139. Dated at Parañaque City, Metro Manila, this 26th day of

Right thumbmark of Petitioner

June, 2025 .

MOHIT LAXMAN MENGHRAJANI Name and Signature of Petitioner Telephone Number: 09178300918 Email Address: mohitmenghrajani@gmail.com

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF CITY OF PARAÑAQUE CITY S.S. I, MOHIT LAXMAN MENGHRAJANI of legal age and a resident of 84 MADRID ST., MERVILLE PARK SUBD. PQUE CITY after being duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same is true of my own knowledge.

MOHIT LAXMAN MENGHRAJANI Name and Signature of Petitioner SUBCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at PARAÑAQUE CITY this 26th day of JUNE 2025.

 Authenticated copy of petitioner’s Marriage Certificate, if petitioner is married (issued by PSA);  Authenticated copy of Death Certificate of his/her spouse if petitioner is widowed, or of his/her parent’s if petitioner is a student or candidate for a government licensure exam;  Certified true copy of Court Decree Judgment annulling/nullifying of petitioner’s marriage or granting legal separation, if such was the fact;  Authenticated Birth Certificate/s of petitioner’s child/children (issued by PSA);  Certified true copy of ACR or 1-Card Certificate/s of petitioner’s child/children (issued by BI);

TYPHOON DONATION. The Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. and the Philippine Dealing System Holdings Corp. donate P1 million each for communities affected by Super Typhoon Uwan in the province of Catanduanes. through the GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. Attending the ceremony are from left PSE Capital Markets Development Division head Mark Frederick Visda, Issuer Regulation Division head Marigel Baniqued-Garcia, COO Roel Refran, PSE and PDS chairman Jose Pardo, GMAKF EVP and COO Rikki Escudero-Catibog, PSE and PDS president and CEO Ramon Monzon, Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. president Stephanie Marie Zulueta, and Philippine Depository & Trust Corp. President Ma. Theresa Ravalo.

Peso hits bottom at 59.35 a dollar as stocks slip By Jenniffer B. Austria LOCAL shares slipped Wednesday as investors took profits after a three-day rally. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index declined 25.82 points, or 0.41 percent, to close at 6,292.09. The broader all-shares index, however, inched up 5.84 points, or 0.16 percent, to 3,594.19. “The local market fell as investors took profits following three days of rallying. Investors were also wary of the peso’s depreciation against the dollar,” said Japhet Tantiangco, research head at Philstocks Financial Inc. The peso closed at 59.35 to the dollar, depreciating further from 59.21 on Tuesday. Sectors were mixed. Mining and oil rose 0.81 percent, while industrial stocks advanced 0.63 percent. Services dropped the most, falling 1.29 percent. Trading remained active with value turnover reaching P6.82 billion. Market breadth was slightly negative as decliners edged out advancers, 107 to 101. Foreign investors were net buyers with inflows of

P201.88 million, signifying continued accumulation. Semirara Mining and Power Corp. was the day’s top index gainer, rising 4.47 percent to P30.40. San Miguel Corp. was the main laggard, down 2.27 percent to P84. Over the near term, analysts expect the index to consolidate between the 6,200 and 6,250 levels. Meanwhile, oil extended losses Wednesday after Donald Trump said Venezuela would turn over millions of barrels to the United States, while equities were mixed after a record-breaking start to the year. Crude has seen wild swings since the US president ordered the toppling Saturday of Nicolas Maduro, his counterpart in Caracas, and said Washington would run the country while demanding “total access” to its key resource. But both main contracts sank more than one percent Wednesday—having lost 1.7-2.0 percent Tuesday— after Trump announced the latest development. “The Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 million barrels of high quality, sanctioned oil, to the United States of America,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform. With AFP

PH agriculture needs more farm-to-market roads

—“—

Politics, as usual, can complicate the construction of these roads. THREE years into the Marcos presidency, the agriculture sector remains a laggard. Its performance leaves much to be desired. For a sector that employs one-fourth of the country’s working population, agriculture has underperformed and failed to make the economy an inclusive one. Agriculture as of October last year employed 10.44 million Filipinos, or 21.5 percent of the country’s 48.62 million workers. Yet, the agriculture and fisheries sector grew just 2.8 percent in the third quarter of 2025 year-on-year. Those at the helm of the department know well what ails Philippine agriculture. And so do our lawmakers, who fail to grasp the strategic contribution of agrciculture to the overall economy. The poor links to the market and lack of infrastructure, inadequate storage facilities and too much focus on rice production are among the reasons that are holding back the development and modernization of Philippine agriculture. Farm-to-market (FMR) roads still hold the key to harnessing the full potential of the sector. The Philippines needs about 131,000 kilometers of farmto-market roads to spur rural development, boost farmers’ incomes and reduce food costs. The Department of Agriculture (DA) estimates that roughly 60,000 kilometers of these roads have yet to be built—an undertaking estimated to cost around P720 billion. At current budget levels, completing the network of roads would take at least 21 years. FMR roads are critical to the development of the countryside. They speed up the transportation of crops to the market. The faster delivery, in turn, leads to more agricultural output and lower production losses. “With a P33-billion budget, we can build about 2,750 kilometers of farm-to-market roads that will lower production and transport costs, raise farmers’ incomes, and help bring down food prices for consumers,” says Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. Business groups and agribusiness stakeholders have welcomed the expanded FMR program from the original proposal of P16 billion, describing it as a productivity multiplier that can reduce logistics costs, cut post-harvest losses and improve the competitiveness of Philippine agriculture in both domestic and export markets. Tiu Laurel calls Congress’ decision to more than double the funding for FMRs a “game-changing investment” for farmers, food supply chains and rural economies.

The DA’s job of establishing FMRs, meanwhile, is getting a boost. Starting this year, the DA will assume full responsibility for the development of FMRs, taking over the function from the graft-ridden Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The decision makes sense. It streamlines project implementation and better align road construction with the needs of farmers and agricultural producers. The agriculture chief said early estimates indicate that the DA can deliver FMR projects at roughly 20 percent lower than the DPWH’s average cost of P15 million per kilometer. That potentially frees up funds to build more roads. The construction of FMRs should not be understated. FMRs in Mindanao, for one, will unlock its farmland potential, especially in the rich Liguasan Marsh. They will cut through some of the country’s most promising―but chronically underutilized―food production zones, including wide tracts in Sultan Kudarat and the vast Liguasan Marsh. Liguasan Marsh, says Tiu-Laurel, could deliver an even larger windfall, with up to 300,000 hectares recoverable once road networks are in place. He said hundreds of billions of pesos in untapped agricultural value can finally be unlocked once longisolated farmlands are connected to commercial hubs. “Once we build it―like now―we want to put ₱2 billion into a single road in Sultan Kudarat that will open up 32,000 to 35,000 hectares of new farmland,” the DA chief said. “These areas aren’t being used now because there’s simply no road.” Politics, as usual, can complicate the construction of FMRs. Tiu Laurel noted that every mayor, congressman and senator wants a road in their constituency. Politicians may not be aware that the national master plan on FMRs shows a 60,000-kilometer backlog and funding for only about 2,000 kilometers next year. “It’s really a negotiation,” says the agriculture chief. “We have to filter because the budget is never enough.” Tiu Laurel, however, remains bullish believing that Mindanao’s farm corridors are central to longterm food security. “These roads are in front of the people―they will be used,” he said. “And once they open new farmlands, the whole country benefits.” E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@ gmail.com

(MS-JAN. 8/15/22, 2026)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BUSINESS

B3 THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Parts makers seek talks after Marcos vetoes auto funding T HE Philippine Parts Makers Association urged immediate talks with policymakers after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vetoed a proposed P4.32 billion budget for the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy and P250 million for the Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement program. The association warned the move further jeopardizes an already struggling local automotive manufacturing sector. “The Philippine auto parts industry needs CARS and RACE to survive. Without sustained and predictable government support, local manufacturers will continue to lose ground, investments will slow, and skilled jobs will disappear,” said PPMA President Ferdinand

Raquelsantos. CARS and RACE were designed to rebuild vehicle assembly volumes, strengthen local parts manufacturing, and restore the Philippines’ competitiveness in the ASEAN automotive market. For the PPMA, these programs are critical lifelines rather than optional support mechanisms. In light of the veto, the group is seeking dialogue with senators,

members of Congress and other government leaders to clarify how the programs work and why they are essential. “We want to engage, not confront. The auto industry is ready to sit down with legislators to show how these programs drive jobs, investments and long-term industrial resilience,” Raquelsantos said. “This is about building a competitive manufacturing base for the Philippines.” The PPMA stressed that time is critical. Without swift action, the group said the country risks being permanently sidelined in one of Southeast Asia’s most strategic manufacturing sectors. The association noted the Philippines lags behind ASEAN counterparts, with limited local production and many parts makers relying on exports or nonautomotive industries to survive. It also emphasized the sector’s broad economic impact, noting that locally assembled vehicles generate demand for thousands of parts across the steel, plastics, electronics, rubber, logistics and tooling industries.

Manila

ASIAN TERMINALS, INC. Standard ATI Head Office, A. Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila

TODAY

Tel. No. 8528-6000

NOTICE OF SPECIAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING To the Stockholders of Asian Terminals, Inc.: The Board of Directors on December 15, 2025, resolved to hold the special stockholders’ meeting virtually, pursuant to applicable SEC regulations. The special stockholders’ meeting will be virtually conducted and may be accessed on the link https:// bit.ly/ATI_Special_Stockholders_Meeting on January 30, 2026, 2:00 p.m., to consider and take action upon the following matters: 1.

Call to Order.

Certification of Notice and Quorum.

Report on the Tender Offer.

Approval of Voluntary Delisting from the Main Board of The Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE).

Approval of the Amendment of the Sixth Article of the Articles of Incorporation to Increase the Number of Directors from Eight (8) to Nine (9) subject to the following conditions: (i) MIC acquiring more than nine percent (9%) of ATI’s issued and outstanding shares and (ii) the effective date of delisting of ATI from the Philippine Stock Exchange has occurred.

Election of the Ninth Director, subject to the following conditions: (i) MIC acquiring more than nine percent (9%) of ATI’s issued and outstanding shares, (ii) the effective date of delisting of ATI from the Philippine Stock Exchange has occurred, and (iii) approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission of the amended Articles of Incorporation.

Ratification of the Renewal of the ATI-POMS Management Contract for Five Years.

Other Matters.

Adjournment.

All stockholders of record at the close of business on January 7, 2026, are entitled to notice and to vote at the special stockholders’ meeting and at any adjournment thereof. The stock and transfer books of the Company will be closed from January 7, 2026 up to January 30, 2026. If unable to attend the meeting, stockholders may appoint the Chairman of the Meeting as proxy with voting instructions and submitted via the Registration Portal. Proxies should be submitted on or before 7:00 p.m. of January 20, 2026. (Please refer to Appendix “A” for the procedure). Proxies will be validated at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026 at the Office of the Corporate Secretary., ATI Head Office, A. Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila, 1018. The Information Statement and its attachments may be accessed at a) PSE EDGE website b) ATI Website at https://www.asianterminals.com.ph c) QR Code (please refer to Annex “”A”). A hard copy of the Information Statement may be provided to a stockholder for free, upon written request sent by: Office of the Corporate Secretary ATI Head Office Building A. Bonifacio Drive Port Area, Manila, 1018

mail to

email to ATISHMeeting@asianterminals.com.ph (subject heading: Special Stockholders’ Meeting Information Statement)

The detailed procedure of the registration and voting process are stated in Appendix “A” hereof. Manila, Philippines, January 6, 2026. RODOLFO G. CORVITE, JR. Corporate Secretary APPENDIX “A” Procedure for the Registration, Participation and Voting in the 2026 Special Stockholders’ Meeting

TAGBILARAN PLAN. Palafox Associates and

Palafox Architecture prepares the Urban Development Plan of Tagbilaran City. Led by founder, principal Architect, and urban planner, Felino Palafox Jr., this serves as a long-term roadmap guiding the capital of Bohol toward becoming a smart, resilient, and livable city by 2050. As the province’s primary service and growth hub, Tagbilaran’s plan focuses on balanced spatial development, efficient mobility, strong branding and investment strategies, and peoplecentered urban design. Key priority areas—the Civic and Trade Hub, Sports Complex and Community Housing, and the Floating Market with Mangrove Boardwalk—highlight how economic growth, culture, ecology, and community can move forward together.

The Board of Directors on December 15, 2025, resolved to hold the special stockholders’ meeting by remote communication and voting will be in absentia, pursuant to applicable SEC regulations. All stockholders of record at the close of business on January 7, 2026, are entitled to notice and to vote at the special meeting and at any adjournment thereof. A)

REGISTRATION: Stockholders may register to participate in the virtual meeting at the Registration Portal (“Registration Portal”) at: https://bit.ly/34INqR7 Registration will be from 9:00 a.m. of January 8, 2026, until 7:00 p.m. of January 23, 2026. Stockholders are advised to register as early as possible. To proceed with the registration, personal information will be required. For identification, the Company shall only accept a scanned back-to-back copy of one valid governmentissued ID bearing photo and signature which will be uploaded in the Registration Portal. Consent to process personal information is included in the Registration Portal. 1.

Individual stockholder with shares recorded in their name: name, valid email address1, active contact number and upload a valid government-issued ID. For stockholders with joint accounts, only the authorized stockholder will register and in addition to the above, shall upload scanned copy of a notarized authorization letter signed by the other stockholders, indicating who among them would be authorized to participate and/or vote and upload their valid government-issued IDs. Individual Stockholder under a broker/ PCD: in addition to the name, valid email address, active contact number and valid government-issued ID, the stockholder needs to coordinate with his broker and secure a duly signed Broker’s Certification stating the full account name, number of shares, and account or reference number which shall be uploaded in the Registration Portal.

Corporate stockholder: the duly authorized representative of the corporate stockholder shall register and provide his name, valid email address, active contact number, valid government-issued ID and the scanned copy of the notarized Secretary’s Certificate and signed proxy appointing the Chairman of the Meeting. A proxy given by a broker in respect of shares of stock held by such broker for the account of the beneficial owner must be accompanied by a certification under oath stating the number of shareholdings and a that the broker has obtained the written consent or authorization of the account holder. The Company reserves the right to require additional documents as may be necessary or relevant.

APECO budget gets 49% boost to P381m in 2026

BCDA, Taguig city government, DepEd partner for new community school project

VALIDATION: A notification by email from ATISHMeeting@asianterminals.com. ph shall be received by the stockholder together with a unique passcode which shall be used to access the ATI Voting Portal or other instructions. For queries, assistance or any technical difficulties, the stockholders may communicate with the Company through the above-mentioned email address or call 8528-6000. If unable to attend the meeting, stockholders may appoint the Chairman of the Meeting as proxy with voting instructions and submitted via the Registration Portal. Proxies should be submitted on or before 7:00 p.m. of January 20, 2026. The duly accomplished scanned copy of the proxy (and other attachments, as applicable) may be uploaded by the stockholder upon registration or hard copies may be sent to the address below. Proxies will be validated at the Office of the Corporate Secretary ATI Head Office, A. Bonifacio Drive Port Area, Manila, 1018 on January 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

VOTING: All the agenda items indicated in the Notice will be set out in the ATI Voting Portal (“Voting Portal”). Voting shall be online and may be accessed using the unique passcode sent to the registered email. The Voting Portal shall be open from 9:00 a.m. of January 14, 2026 up to 7:00 p.m. of January 28, 2026, in the link below: https://bit.ly/3q69lcl 1.

By Othel V. Campos THE Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport is set to receive a P381.54 million budget under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, a 49 percent increase from its P256.02 million allocation in 2025. The increase, totaling P119 million, reflects additional funding requested during budget deliberations before Senate and House committees, APECO president Gil Taway said in an interview Tuesday. “This is what was approved by the President, though it has yet to be officially announced,” Taway said. The funding will go toward completing unfinished projects and initiating key infrastructure developments within the economic zone. Among the projects slated for 2026 are the bidding for the STP2 facility in January and a corporate office building in February. Work is ongoing for the first phase of an expressway, while planning for the second phase aims to improve access from APECO to the envisioned Bangas Point port. The second phase of a grand lagoon and the rehabilitation of the JPEC Beachfront Villas for tourism, including an additional 48 hotel rooms, are also part of the plan. Taway said the airport project may receive 2026 funding specifically for a terminal building, with completion expected by August or September if bidding proceeds as scheduled. The terminal, designed for 40- to 60-seat turboprop flights, will enable APECO to transition from chartered flights to commercial operations.

Individual stockholder with shares recorded in their name: they may access the Voting Portal by providing the valid email address they used in the registration and the sent unique passcode. For stockholders with joint accounts, only the stockholder who registered and was authorized by the joint stockholders shall vote by providing the valid email address they used in the registration and the unique passcode. Individual Stockholder under a broker/ PCD: they may access the Voting Portal by providing the valid email address they used in the registration and the unique passcode.

Corporate stockholder or broker. The Chairman of the Meeting may vote, as may be provided in the proxy. The Office of the Corporate Secretary assisted by its stock and transfer agent or Professional Stock Transfer Inc. (PSTI), shall tabulate all votes received and the results shall be validated by R.G. Manabat and Co. Access to the Registration and Voting Portals shall be limited to the Office of Corporate Secretary, ATI IT Support Team, authorized representative of the stock and transfer agent and R.G. Manabat and Co.

The memorandum of agreement signing was led by BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang (second from right), Taguig City Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano (third from right), BCDA chairperson Larry Paredes (first from right), DepEd Regional Superintendent Cynthia Ayles (fourth from right), and SRCCMSTHS OIC-Principal Arturo Tolentino(last from right).

THE Bases Conversion and Manila Development Authority partnered with the Taguig Standard TODAY city government and the Department of Education—Taguig and Pateros on Dec. 18, 2025, to develop a new school and community facilities in Pamayanang Diego Silang. The agreement granted usufruct over a 1,110-square-meter parcel of land for the construction and operation of facilities that will serve students and the surrounding community. BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang said the partnership reflects the agency’s commitment to supporting human capital alongside infrastructure development. “BCDA has consistently supported quality education, including initiatives like the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City. This project extends that commitment to Taguig by creating inclusive learning spaces for the community,” Bingcang said. The site, currently managed by the Senator Renato “Compañero” Memorial Science and Technology High School, was originally

slated for a sports complex. Under the new plan, it will be repurposed to provide accessible school and community spaces that directly benefit residents. Taguig Mayor Laarni Cayetano said the partnership strengthens the city’s education agenda while ensuring public land delivers tangible social benefits. The project is part of BCDA’s ongoing efforts to align land use with long-term social returns and reinforce partnerships with local governments. Othel V. Campos

QUORUM: The following stockholders shall be deemed present for purposes of quorum: a) b) c)

whose registrations are validated. who sent their accomplished proxies and validated who voted from 9:00 a.m. of January 14, 2026 up to 7:00 p.m. of January 28, 2026.

PROCEEDINGS: The meeting will be held virtually on January 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., on the link https://bit.ly/ATI_Special_Stockholders_Meeting. Only stockholders whose registration were validated may access the meeting. Every item in the agenda for approval of the stockholders will be shown on the screen during the meeting as the same is taken up. During the meeting, the Secretary shall report the votes received and inform the stockholders if the particular item is carried out or disapproved. The total number of votes cast for each item for approval under the agenda will be shown on the screen. The meeting shall be recorded and the recording will be made available to the stockholders upon request sent to ATISHMeeting@asianterminals. stockholders upon request sent to ATISHMeeting@asianterminals.com.ph. For queries, com.ph. Fortechnical queries,difficulties, assistance any technical difficulties, the assistance or any the or stockholders may communicate withstockholders the Company may communicate with theemail Company the above-mentioned email address or call through the above-mentioned address through or call at 8528-6000. at 8528-6000.

F. F.QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS: Relevant theAgenda itemsmay in be thesent Agenda may beduring sent by Relevant questionsquestions on the itemson in the by stockholders the stockholders meeting (induring the the Q&A chatbox) or chatbox) in advance by email to to meeting (in the Q&A or in advance by email ATISHMeeting@asianterminals.com.ph on or before on 7:00orp.m. of January 28, 2026 with the 28, ATISHMeeting@asianterminals.com.ph before 7:00 p.m. of January subject heading “SSM Question” and the identity of the sender must be stated after the question. 2026 with the subject heading “SSM Question” and the identity of the sender must Replies be given meeting and any unanswered be replied be may stated afterduring the the question. Replies may be will given duringto by theemail. meeting and any unanswered will be replied to by email.

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given for the settlement of the Estate of the late MARIA TERESA LAMI CASTAÑEDA, also known as MA. TERESA LAMI CASTAÑEDA (“Decedent”), who died on 27 December 2024, intestate, and without any outstanding debts. The Decedent left three (3) parcels of land with improvements in Biñan City and Parañaque City, two (2) parcels of land in Biñan City and one (1) parcel of land in Parañaque City. The foregoing properties were the subject of a Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement executed by the heirs of the Decedent, notarized by Atty. Patricia Mae E. Dela Rosa a Notary Public for and in Makati City on 31 March 2025 entered as Doc. No. 29; Page No. 7; Book no. 1; Series of 2025. 1

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BUSINESS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

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

Gov’t debt hit P17.65t in November T

PIDC SCORECARD.

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) is recognized among the topranking governmentowned or-controlled corporations (GOCCs) in the Philippines and among 11 GOCCs with the highest ratings in the Corporate Governance Scorecard for calendar year (CY) 2024. Receiving the award of excellence from the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) on behalf of PDIC is board member Aurora Ignacio (center) at the Sequoia Hotel, Parañaque City on Dec. 1, 2025.

By Thony Rose Lesaca

HE Philippine government’s total outstanding debt reached P17.65 trillion at the end of November 2025, up 0.49 percent from the previous month, as the state continued to ramp up borrowing to meet its fullyear financing program.

BDO Unibank launches fifth sustainability bond offer By Jenniffer B. Austria BDO Unibank Inc. launched a public offer of peso-denominated fixed-rate sustainability bonds on Wednesday, targeting a minimum of P5 billion to fund environmental and social projects. The three-year bonds carry a coupon rate of 5.7125 percent per year, the bank said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange. The offer period is scheduled from Jan. 7 to Jan. 19, 2026, with the official issuance, settlement and listing set for Jan. 26, 2026. Potential investors should commit

a minimum of P500,000, while additional subscriptions are available in increments of P100,000. The Securities and Exchange Commission confirmed the issuance complies with ASEAN Sustainability Bond Standards. BDO said it would use the proceeds to support lending activities, diversify funding sources and finance or refinance eligible assets under its Sustainable Finance Framework. This marks the bank’s fifth pesodenominated sustainability bond offering since January 2022. To date, the lender has raised P286.7 billion

through these instruments. In 2025, BDO Unibank raised a record P115 billion from a similar offering, which was oversubscribed by 23 times. Standard Chartered Bank serves as the sole arranger for the issuance. BDO and Standard Chartered Bank are acting as the selling agents, while BDO Capital & Investment Corp. is the financial advisor. The bonds will be listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. The bank said it reserves the right to amend the terms and timing of the issuance as necessary.

IN BRIEF Technology, AI to drive PH job market

DIGITAL transformation and artificial intelligence will drive hiring for technology roles in 2026 as employers seek upskilled talent for AI-enabled processes, according to the Jobstreet by SEEK “In-Demand Jobs Wrapped report. Hiring trends from 2025 are expected to persist into the new year, with administration and office support roles continuing to anchor employer demand. Engineering positions followed at 10.2 percent of total demand, while education and training roles made up 9.2 percent. Call center and customer service jobs accounted for 9.1 percent, and information and communication technology roles comprised 6.6 percent. Steady hiring activity was also recorded in other sectors, including accounting at 5.8 percent and sales at 5.0 percent. Manufacturing, transport and logistics roles represented 4.7 percent of demand, followed by retail and consumer products at 2.7 percent and marketing and communications at 2.6 percent. On the supply side, Jobstreet by SEEK noted that candidates from call center and customer service roles were the most active jobseekers, accounting for 12.3 percent of total applicants. This was followed by candidates from hospitality and tourism at 9.8 percent, manufacturing, transport and logistics at 8.0 percent, ICT at 7.5 percent and engineering at 6.5 percent. Othel V. Campos

Conglomerates eye Meralco RE auction

FOUR of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines are among 15 power generation companies seeking to supply Manila Electric Co. with 200 megawatts of baseload renewable energy. The power units of Ayala Corp., San Miguel Corp., Aboitiz Power Corp. and First Gen Corp. expressed interest in the competitive selection process to help the utility comply with renewable portfolio standards. The 15 prospective bidders have offered a combined capacity of 725 megawatts for the contract. Meralco Bids and Awards Committee for Power Supply Agreements chairman Lawrence Fernandez said the strong interest reflects confidence in the procurement process. He added that the company

The debt stock rose by P85.84 billion from the P17.56 trillion recorded at the end of October. It was also up 9.94 percent, or P1.6 trillion, from P16.05 trillion recorded in November 2024. Data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed the month-onmonth growth was led by the net issuance of both domestic and external debt, but the increase was tempered by a stronger peso that reduced the valuation of foreign currency obligations. Domestic debt, which accounts for 68.66 percent of the total, rose 0.60 percent to P12.12 trillion. The Treasury attributed this to P71.85 billion in net issuance of government securities, offset slightly by a P0.12 billion reduction in the peso valuation of retail dollar bonds. Since the start of 2025, domestic debt has increased by P1.19 trillion or 10.86 percent. Of this amount,

2GO bullish as e-commerce sustains growth

remains committed to transparency and regulatory compliance to deliver sustainable and least-cost electricity to customers. The utility has scheduled a pre-bid conference for Jan. 15, 2026, while the deadline for bid submissions is set for Feb. 16, 2026. The resulting 4-year power supply agreement is intended to begin on Jan. 26, 2026, following approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission. Meralco has contracted 1,536 megawatts of renewable capacity, which exceeds its initial target of 1,500 megawatts. The company expects renewable energy to account for 22 percent of its supply portfolio by 2030 as part of its long-term sustainability strategy. Alena Mae S. Flores

PIDS predicts moderate growth THE Philippine economy is forecast to maintain its growth trajectory through 2026, but emerging global and domestic challenges may hinder its transition to upper-middle-income status, according to a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies. The state-funded think tank projects the economy will grow 5 percent in 2025 and 5.3 percent in 2026. This momentum is expected to be led by domestic demand, infrastructure spending and continued expansion in the services sector. While these figures indicate resilience, the growth forecasts remain below the government’s official targets. The economy grew 5.7 percent in 2024, supported by the services and industry sectors. However, the country narrowly missed the threshold for uppermiddle-income country status that year, highlighting the vulnerability of its economic transition. In the first half of 2025, growth moderated to 5.4 percent due to softer investment and global trade uncertainty. One significant development noted in the report is the easing of inflation. Headline inflation averaged 3.2 percent in 2024 and dropped further to 1.7 percent by October 2025, falling within the 2 percent to 4 percent target range of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. This decline allowed the BSP to begin easing monetary policy and lowering borrowing costs, providing households with relief from years of high prices.

AFFILIATE PROGRAM.

Salmon, a leading financial technology company in the Philippines, launches an affiliate program that gives creators a fresh way to earn, as they take part in the company’s mission to make financial services more accessible among Filipinos. Content creators can earn up to P500 for every approved Salmon Credit referral – while helping more Filipinos access a revolving credit line that they can use to pay for their everyday needs.

P1.18 trillion came from new debt issuances for financing requirements, while P2.52 billion resulted from the weakening of the peso compared to its 2024 year-end level. Government officials said borrowing predominantly from local creditors in the local currency remains a core strategy to maintain debt sustainability. This minimizes exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations and ensures interest payments benefit Filipino investors, supporting domestic income. External debt also edged up by 0.26 percent to P5.53 trillion. While the government recorded P22.84 billion in net loan availment in November, this was partially offset by P8.73 billion in downward valuation adjustments. These adjustments were fueled by the peso’s appreciation against the U.S. dollar and other third currencies like the Japanese yen and the euro.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

TOUR OPERATORS. Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco meets with the new leadership of the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) to discuss its 2026 roadmap, which focuses on continued support for DOT programs and strategies including partnerships for training and education (4Ps: Partnership for Professionalism and Progress Program), support for the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) and the development of meaningful travel products that celebrate Filipino culture, heritage and local livelihood.

Metrobank Research expects moderate economic recovery THE research arm of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) expects the Philippine economy to undergo a gradual recovery in 2026 as easing inflation and a more accommodative monetary policy landscape offset the lingering impact of a volatile 2025. The bank projected a more constructive backdrop for the year ahead following a period of market jitters and domestic fiscal hurdles. While the local economy faced significant headwinds last year, including a sharp slowdown in private consumption and allegations of government corruption, Metrobank analysts see a path toward stabilization as both global and domestic conditions improve. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is expected to continue its easing cycle in 2026 by delivering a cumulative 50-basis-point reduction to the policy rate, it

said. This would bring the target reverse repurchase rate to a terminal rate of 4.0 percent by the end of the year. Metrobank said the BSP has room to maneuver because inflation settled below the 2.0 percent to 4.0 percent target range last year, providing the necessary leeway to support soft economic activity. It said that in the global front, the US Federal Reserve is anticipated to be even more aggressive with its easing. Metrobank forecasts a 100-basis-point reduction in the Fed Funds Rate, bringing it to a range of 2.50 to 2.75 percent by year-end. The shift is expected as a more dovish Federal Open Market Committee, potentially led by a new governor replacing Jerome Powell, prioritizes labor market support over strictly hitting inflation targets. Jenniffer B. Austria

LOGISTICS solutions provider 2GO Group Inc. is optimistic about its 2026 outlook as it ramps up operations in freight, express delivery and sea travel to capitalize on the country’s growing digital economy. The company is positioning itself to support a domestic logistics market that reached an estimated $55.65 billion in 2024. Industry experts project the sector will grow at about 6 percent annually through 2030 as investments in transport networks and digital services deepen. 2GO Group president and chief executive Frederic DyBuncio said the 2026 outlook is anchored on building smarter and more responsive logistics solutions that support economic activity. He said that as the Philippine economy grows, the role of logistics becomes even more essential in ensuring goods, services and people move reliably across the archipelago. Online commerce has emerged as a primary driver for this demand. The Philippine e-commerce sector is expected to surpass $28 billion in 2025, maintaining strong double-digit annual growth. In response, 2GO is expanding its fulfillment capabilities through nationwide pickup, sorting and last-mile delivery services integrated with digital tracking platforms. Beyond small-parcel delivery, the company is strengthening its freight forwarding and specialized container solutions. These services provide temperature-controlled and customized cargo handling for manufacturers, agribusinesses and exporters navigating interisland and international trade.

DHSUD allocates P255m for Las Piñas socialized housing DEPARTMENT of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling affirmed the national government’s commitment to socialized housing in Las Piñas City, following the allocation of nearly P255 million for the project under the 2026 General Appropriations Act. Aliling expressed continued support for local housing initiatives during a meeting with Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos and other stakeholders. The funding is intended to provide secure and affordable shelter for underprivileged and homeless families within the city. The initiative is a project of the National Housing Authority, an attached

agency of the DHSUD. NHA officials intend to provide low-cost units within or near urban centers for informal settler families and other qualified beneficiaries. Santos said the in-city relocation project would be implemented by the NHA following the House of Representatives’ approval of the 2026 General Appropriations Bill on its third and final reading late last year. The budget will fund the construction of three medium-rise buildings. Santos said his office has identified two suitable sites across the city’s two districts for the development. The NHA will identify and screen beneficiaries, focusing on informal

settler families living in high-risk areas such as waterways and easements. Households without adequate housing and low-income families who meet agency criteria are also eligible. “With the support of President Marcos, the DHSUD, the NHA and other concerned government agencies, the socialized housing program of Las Piñas City will finally be realized after more than a decade of planning and despite opposition from powerful political figures in the city,” Santos said. The lawmaker, who served seven terms as a city councilor, said the realization of the program demonstrates that public welfare can prevail over political resistance.

BINONDO

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Jackson’s Garage Bosch Car Service opens doors in QC By Michael Wong Ho

Representative Wallace M.G. Chow and Taiwanese business leaders celebrated strengthening bilateral ties at a New Year flag-raising ceremony in Carmona City, Philippines.

PH, Taiwan pledge deeper economic ties T By Julie Ann Lope

HE Taiwanese business and overseas community in the Philippines marked the start of 2026 with a flag-raising ceremony in Carmona City on Jan. 1 to signal strengthening bilateral relations.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) Rep. Wallace Chow told about 200 attendees that the ceremony reflects growing momentum between the two nations. Chow said 2025 was a year of significant progress in bilateral cooperation and expressed optimism that economic, trade and people-topeople exchanges will expand further through 2026. The event, organized by the Taiwanese Chamber of the South Philippines (TCSPI), gathered business leaders, community representatives and volunteers from

Taiwan’s Overseas Community Affairs Council. Recent advancements in the relationship include increased official exchanges, visa-free entry for Taiwanese travelers and major investment missions to Philippine economic hubs such as Subic, Clark and Metro Manila. Chow said these initiatives have established a firm groundwork for in-depth cooperation in the manufacturing, logistics, agriculture and technology sectors. TCSPI president Jeff Yu said the ceremony underscored the unity and

enduring presence of the Taiwanese community. Yu noted that Taiwanese businesses have operated in southern Luzon for more than 2 to 3 decades, contributing to local economic development while navigating global economic challenges. Participants from TECO and various Filipino-Chinese organizations also attended the event to showcase the community’s role in fostering diplomatic and commercial links. While specific investment figures were not disclosed at the event, previous missions have funneled millions of pesos into local infrastructure, with some projects exceeding P100 million in initial capital. Taiwan remains a key trading partner for the Philippines, with bilateral trade growing by several percent annually as both regions look to diversify supply chains in Southeast Asia.

JACKSON’S Garage Bosch Car Service launched its operations in Quezon City on Dec. 6, 2025, offering specialized automotive repair and maintenance for gasoline, diesel, electric and hybrid vehicles. The facility is operated by Chinese Filipino Business Club, Inc. (CFBCI) member Jackson Ngie. The garage provides a comprehensive range of services including advanced computer diagnostics, preventive maintenance, oil changes, brake system repairs, air-conditioning services and software updates. All services utilize genuine Bosch parts to ensure high

Jackson’s Garage Bosch Car Service, operated by CFBCI member Jackson Ngie, opens in Quezon City, offering expert maintenance for gasoline, electric and hybrid vehicles.

Filipino fencers win medals at Guangzhou event FIFTEEN Filipino fencers earned a total of five bronze medals during the International Regional Circuit held on Jan. 3 to 4 in Guangzhou, marking a significant showing for the Philippines in the 2025-2026 fencing season. The competition, the second International Regional Circuit organized by USA Fencing this season, drew 362 athletes from 12 countries. Participants competed across the foil, epee, and saber disciplines in categories ranging from Y8 to Junior levels. Junior Men’s Epee bronze medalist Oscar Gabriel Del Castillo, Cadet Men’s Epee bronze medalist Franco Antonio Pediapco and Junior Women’s Foil bronze medalist Hagia Sophia Del Castillo led the Philippine contingent with their podium finishes. Y8 and Y10 Women’s Saber bronze medalist Allysa Rae Villacin contributed two additional medals to the country’s tally.

Fifteen Filipino fencers compete in the International Regional Circuit in Guangzhou, China, securing five bronze medals and strengthening bilateral sports ties.

Philippine Consulate general consul Jan Michael Gomez attended the event to support the athletes on behalf of Philippine Consulate General Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas. Gomez said the tournament promotes excellence in sports while fostering friendships and understanding among international youth. The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou said these types of athletic engagements are vital to its mission of promoting people-to-people exchanges . Officials noted that such interactions serve as a foundation for building goodwill and strengthening bilateral relations between the Philippines and China. Michael Wong Ho

standards of quality for local motorists. The center established a partnership with AC Motors to provide vehicle owners with a reliable and affordable maintenance experience. Through this collaboration, the company aims to position itself as a key player in the Philippine automotive service industry. The garage offers competitive pricing for its specialized labor, with basic diagnostic assessments starting at P2,500. Officials said the facility is equipped to handle the shifting demands of the market as electric vehicle adoption in the country grows by more than 15 percent annually.

FFCCCII donates relief goods to fire victims in Mandaluyong

Royal Air Philippines suspends all commercial flights starting Jan. 4, 2026, citing a sharp decline in Chinese tourism and increased competition from Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.

Royal Air PH suspends commercial flights in 2026 ROYAL Air Philippines suspended all commercial flight operations starting Jan. 4, 2026, marking a major retreat for the carrier after more than 20 years of service in the archipelago. The decision follows a sharp decline in passenger traffic led by cooling relations between Manila and Beijing and increased pressure from larger regional competitors. The airline, owned by the Cambodia-registered Lanmei Group, has struggled to maintain its lowcost model as its primary customer base of Chinese and Korean tourists dwindled. Lanmei Group is a private enterprise backed by Chinese civil capital and led by former Shenzhen Airlines president Li Kun. Li founded the group with the

vision of capturing the Southeast Asian budget travel market using investments from various Chinese aviation firms. Data from the first nine months of 2025 highlighted the airline’s deteriorating position. International passenger volume fell to 51,800, while domestic traffic plummeted 63 percent to 38,800. This followed a brief period of growth in 2023 and 2024, when the carrier served 100,000 and 116,000 passengers respectively. Industry analysts suggest the suspension will disrupt regional tourism, particularly for travelers from Taiwan and China. An estimated 3,000 to 4,000 passengers booked on flights from Taipei to Boracay between January

and April 2026 now face cancellations. Royal Air Philippines launched in 2002 as a charter service before pivoting to a low-cost carrier model in 2018. It expanded its network to include Taipei, Hong Kong, and Quanzhou, primarily targeting resort destinations. However, the airline found itself squeezed by the rapid fleet expansions of dominant local players such as Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. The carrier’s heavy reliance on Chinese tourism became a liability as diplomatic tensions intensified. While the company has not disclosed the total financial impact in pesos, the loss of these key routes has made continued operations unsustainable in the current market climate. Michael Wong Ho

THE Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) donated essential relief goods to 600 individuals displaced by a major fire in Pleasant Hills, Mandaluyong City. FFCCCII president Victor Lim led the support initiative following a Dec. 12, 2025, blaze that affected 230 families. The Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Mandaluyong Inc. requested assistance from the national organization to address the immediate needs of the victims. The donation consisted of 600 sacks of 25-kilogram rice and 7,200 sachets of three-in-one coffee. The FFCCCII Welfare and Social Responsibility Committee coordinated the logistics of the relief operation to ensure a swift response to the local chamber’s request. Mandaluyong Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Ding Wei Du led a delegation to the FFCCCII headquarters on Dec. 23, 2025, to receive the items. FFCCCII vice president Antonio Cosing, who is also the FilipinoChinese Chamber of Commerce Mandaluyong Inc. honorary president, presided over the turnover ceremony. The relief effort is part of the chamber’s ongoing social responsibility program aimed at providing disaster relief to communities across the Philippines. Michael Wong Ho

FCAAF unveils renovated head office THE Filipino Chinese Amateur Athletics Federation (FCAAF) held a ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony on the morning of Dec. 14, 2025, to celebrate the opening of its newly-renovated head office. Chairman Chen Zhu Yuan, vice-chairman Chen Zhu Chang and board members Lu Zu Ying, Cai Qi Ren, and Shi Wei Lian, along with president She Yi Jing and other staff members, participated in the ceremony. The renovation, which honors the federation’s 30-year history, aims to enhance the health, sports and cultural development of the Filipino Chinese community. The updated facility features a bright and spacious environment, including a multipurpose gym for health dance, Qigong and Tai Chi activities. The new center will also provide a dedicated space for the older generation of Overseas Chinese, promoting community engagement and well-being. Julie Ann Lope

The FFCCCII led by president Victor Lim leads the turnover of rice and coffee donation for 600 fire victims in Pleasant Hills, Mandaluyong City.

SHOWBIZ

C2 THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

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

Winners pose during the MMFF51 awards ceremony, closing a festival edition marked by strong individual grosses but weaker cumulative earnings

OR decades, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has been known as the “people’s festival,” a yearly celebration where Filipino families could come together to enjoy local films. Yet in recent years, questions have emerged: How do we truly measure the success of the MMFF? And if ticket prices continue to rise while overall box-office earnings falter, can the festival still claim to succeed?

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

Is the MMFF losing its heart to high prices? an extension of screenings and continued validity of MMFF Season Passes until Jan. 17. To sustain public engagement, a free concert is scheduled for Jan. 10 in the Middle East, featuring stars from MMFF films including Love You So Bad, Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins, Unmarry, Bar Boys: After School, and

The Metro Manila Film Festival continues its holiday run amid debate over rising ticket prices and declining overall box-office turnout

Traditionally, success has been defined by revenue and star power. The 2025 edition, MMFF51, fell short of last year’s total earnings by roughly P100 million, even as several films reached impressive milestones. Seven of the eight entries grossed eight-digit receipts, according to MMFF spokesperson Noel Ferrer. Leading the pack is Call Me Mother, starring Vice Ganda, Nadine Lustre, and Lucas Andalio, which reportedly earned P300 million (figure based on Vice Ganda’s social media post). Other entries, including Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins, Bar Boys: After School, and Unmarry, also drew sizable audiences. Despite these figures, critics argue

the festival may be alienating its core audience. Filmmaker Jun Robles Lana noted that a family of four now needs at least P1,500 just for tickets, excluding transport or snacks. Lana warns that by pricing out ordinary Filipinos, the MMFF risks turning a shared cultural experience into a middle-class privilege. The issue is not only about revenue. Audience turnout, positive word of mouth, and cultural impact are equally important. Chairman Romando Artes of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the agency organizing the festival, said post-New Year grosses have already surpassed those of the previous year, prompting

Stars gather at Metro Manila Film Festival’s red carpet event, celebrating Filipino cinema

I’mPerfect. The event will also showcase performers and Pinoy pride artists such as Sofronio Vasquez, John Arcilla, Morissette, and Bamboo. Addressing the challenges, the MMFF could consider reviewing ticket prices to make cinema more accessible. Offering discounted family packages, promo bundles, or loyalty passes could encourage attendance without compromising overall revenue. Expanding outreach beyond Metro Manila through touring screenings or partnerships with local cinemas could also bring films to a broader audience. Most importantly, measuring the festival’s success should include cultural impact, community connection, and industry influence—not just box-office totals. The MMFF remains the country’s largest showcase of Filipino cinema, but its future depends on keeping the “people” in the festival. Record-breaking grosses may look impressive on paper, but if ordinary audiences are priced out, the festival risks losing its heart—the very families that once made it a cherished national tradition. Artes confirmed that the MMDA is considering reviewing ticket prices to boost attendance. “The festival is exploring incentives, such as volume sales or promo bundle schemes, to make cinema more accessible to a broader audience,” he said. “The MMFF is committed to enhancing the moviewatching experience, as evidenced by its ongoing dialogue with the Cinema Exhibitors Association Cast members of ‘Call Me Mother’ at the annual MMFF parade, an outreach activity meant to bring the festival closer to ordinary moviegoers of the Philippines (CEAP).”

Third ‘Avatar’ film passes the $1 billion mark worldwide

Taylor Swift (center) performs at Paris La Défense Arena during her 2024 Eras Tour, which filled the venue to its 40,000-seat capacity

Live Nation to buy massive Paris La Defense Arena LIVE Nation Entertainment said Tuesday that it had signed a deal to buy Paris La Defense Arena, Europe’s biggest indoor venue and a modern behemoth that Taylor Swift filled to its 40,000seat capacity during her 2024 Eras Tour.

The deal comes as music fans increasingly clamor for live performances around the globe, bolstering demand for massive concert sites. No financial details were disclosed, but Live Nation said it would pursue upgrades “that will enable the Arena to host significantly more production year-round... reinforcing Paris’ position as a global live entertainment destination.” The arena on the western outskirts of the French capital was built in 2017 and is owned by the Ovalto holding company, owned by French businessman Jacky Lorenzetti. The space can be adapted for entertainment as well as sporting events and was the site of swimming and water polo competitions during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. It has also hosted stars including the Rolling Stones, Kendrick Lamar, and Dua Lipa. “In just ten years, we have made Paris La Defense Arena a unique venue in Europe,” Lorenzetti said in the statement. “Today, a new chapter begins.” AFP

AVATAR: Fire and Ash has surpassed the $1 billion mark at the global box office, maintaining the top spot in North American theaters with another $40 million in ticket sales, industry estimates showed Sunday. The third installment in director James Cameron’s blockbuster series has now earned $306 million in the United States and Canada and another $777 million abroad, putting the total at $1.08 billion, Exhibitor Relations reported. Fire and Ash 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. It is the fourth Cameron film to pass the $1 billion mark, following the first two Avatar films and Titanic. In second place in North America was Zootopia 2, Disney’s feel-good animated film and an Oscar contender, which earned $19 million. Its global

total now stands at nearly $1.6 billion. Coming in third with $14.9 million was Lionsgate’s The Housemaid, a film adaptation of Freida McFadden’s best-selling novel about a young woman, played by Sydney Sweeney, who is hired by a wealthy couple, Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar, who harbor dark secrets. Marty Supreme, A24’s period sports drama starring Timothee Chalamet, finished in fourth place with $12.6 million. Anaconda, the new meta comedy action film starring Paul Rudd and Jack Black as friends trying to reboot the original 1997 horror movie, finished in fifth place with $10 million. Rounding out the top 10 were The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants with $8.2 million, David with $8 million, Song Sung Blue with $5.8 million, Wicked: For Good with $3.3 million, and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 with $2.7 million. AFP

A scene from ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash,’ which has crossed the $1 billion mark worldwide, extending James Cameron’s billion-dollar box-office streak

LIFE & SHOWBIZ The sound of the ‘80s losing relevance?

Tina Ryan

C3 THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

The ban aims to curb how early exposure to junk food shapes children’s eating habits and long-term health (AI-generated image)

of 89.9 says otherwise By Rolando Ng III

INA Ryan of Magic 89.9 has always been in a rush, managing her own weekly Friday show.

In fact, she was busy running across the station’s small space in Mandaluyong City, skipping between her duties on the air and behind the microphone. Madness is the memo for the station every Friday as it plays some throwback stuff from 40 years ago; she has become the voice of afternoon disco. “It’s my personal preference. I know there are people who would tell me that 80s music no longer holds any relevance; I beg to differ,” she says. Tina has been with Magic for some thirty-something years, being the first female jock to stay with the station for a considerable amount of time. Her first big break came in 1994, when she was taken in by her mentor Rockin V to co-host the morning show. “I was sitting uncomfortably on my first day,” she recalls, “as I was suffering from pigsa! I couldn’t move around in my seat. But we couldn’t move the premiere since teasers had already been aired.” TV Morning was one of the shows that woke up the Magic generation on the air For Tina Ryan, radio in the ‘90s, followed by The remains a Breakfast Club. space where Radio has been part of Tina’s nostalgia, identity, as she first experienced community, getting the call for WLS’ Campus and music Aircheck in 1991 at the age of 16. still meet in But she did not seem to mind the real time changes in the songs being played on the station, given that Magic caters to today’s youth. That was until podcasts streaming on the web came of age. “I was very new to that world. I didn’t know it would become this big because I still ponder on it up to now,” she says, adding that podcasts seem to rely on their “commercial-free nature.”

“I miss those days when listeners would really take the time to call. Now, everybody’s on social media. Our phones only ring occasionally,” the seasoned DJ recounts, arguing that radio still holds more weight in interacting with people. Social media, however, has also created awareness among today’s listeners of the good ol’ days of disco music. “There were retro parties before the pandemic. We had to give way and find another place where we could hang out because the Gen Zs are taking over,” she recounts, noting how she still relishes the lively setting of every beat. For a station that serves “today’s best music,” she asserts that playing the 80s is its way of bridging generational gaps. “This station has, somehow, gathered generations of listeners. Our listeners still need to acknowledge the past, and that’s why we play the retro music,” she adds. The ear-friendly sound and “on-point” lyricism of 80s hits only prove Tina Ryan’s passion for keeping them on the air. “It’s making a comeback. They don’t just write music the way they used to. The ‘80s will never go away.”

No more junk food ads on daytime UK TV and online BRITAIN on Monday began enforcing a ban on daytime television and online advertising for foods high in fat, salt, or sugar, a move the government says is aimed at reducing childhood obesity and improving long-term public health. The new rules prohibit adverts for so-called junk food before 9:00 p.m. watershed on TV and at any time online. The health ministry said the measures are expected to cut up to 7.2 billion calories a year from children’s diets, reduce the number of children living with obesity by around 20,000, and deliver an estimated £2 billion ($2.7 billion) in long-term health benefits. The advertising restrictions were first announced in December 2024 and built on other recent policies aimed at improving children’s diets. These include an expanded sugar tax on prepackaged products such as milkshakes, ready-to-drink coffees, and sweetened yogurt drinks. Local authorities have also been granted powers to prevent fast food outlets from opening near schools. Officials say the changes are driven by evidence that advertising plays a key role in shaping children’s food preferences from an early age, influencing what and when they eat and increasing the risk of obesity and related illnesses. Government figures show that 22 percent of children in England are overweight or obese when they start primary school, rising to more than one in three by the time they reach secondary school. Tooth decay remains the leading cause of hospital admissions among children aged five to nine, according to health officials. “By restricting adverts for junk food before 9 p.m. and banning paid adverts online, we can remove excessive exposure to unhealthy foods,” health minister Ashley Dalton said. He said the move was part of a broader effort to shift the state-funded National Health Service toward prevention as well as treatment. Health charities welcomed the ban. Katharine Jenner, executive director of the Obesity Health Alliance, described it as a longawaited step to protect children better. Diabetes UK also backed the move, warning that rising obesity rates are contributing to an increase in type 2 diabetes among young people, with serious long-term health risks. AFP

Piolo Pascual kicks off 2026 on Cinema One with hit drama films family’s struggle with oppression, activism, and personal loss as they confront social and political change. Last Night (Jan. 26) Reuniting with Toni Gonzaga, Pascual plays Mark, a troubled businessman who meets Carmina (Gonzaga) during a dark period in their lives. Their encounter leads to conversations and an emotional connection that helps them rediscover hope. Cinema One will also feature its Blockbuster Sundays at 7:00 p.m., including Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz’s Finally Found Someone (Jan. 11), Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards’s Hello, Love, Goodbye (Jan. 18), and Angelica Panganiban and Coco Martin’s Love or Money (Jan. 25). Sharon Cuneta’s films will air Wednesday through Friday, including Kung Ako Na Lang

From left: Piolo Pascual, Judy Ann Santos, and Leandro Muñoz star in ‘Kahit Isang Saglit,’ a film about love, loyalty, and unexpected closeness

CINEMA One is kicking off the new year with a showcase of Piolo Pascual’s most popular films, highlighting the actor’s range and impact on Philippine cinema. The Kapamilya star will lead the cable channel’s Monday Drama block at 9:00 p.m. with three films: Kahit Isang Saglit (Jan. 12) Pascual plays Michael, a hardworking architect who supports Annie (Judy Ann Santos) after her fiancé, Dexter (Leandro Muñoz), falls into a coma. The film explores themes of love, loyalty, and unexpected emotional closeness. Dekada ‘70 (Jan. 19) Pascual stars as Jules, one of the Dela Cruz children navigating life under Martial Law. The story follows the

Piolo (right) and Toni Gonzaga reunite in a film about a businessman and a woman finding hope through connection

Sana (Jan. 7), Unexpectedly Yours (Jan. 8), and Three Words to Forever (Jan. 9). Comedy fans can catch Vhong Navarro in the Tuesday Comedy block with Mr. Suave (Jan. 13), Da Possessed (Jan. 20), and My Only U (Jan. 27). Cinema One is available on SKYcable channel 56, Cignal channel 45, GSat Direct TV channel 14, and other local cable providers. In ‘Dekada ‘70,’ Piolo is Jules, a Dela Cruz child navigating life under Martial Law

LIFE

C4 THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

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

Small, repeatable movement sets the tone for habits that last beyond January

NOW & NEXT

How consistency can shape a healthier 2026 Healthy routines grow stronger when families build them together, one day at a time

By Nickie Wang

OR many Filipinos, January feels like a reset button. Yet the pattern is familiar.

A Forbes Health and OnePoll survey shows more than 60 percent of adults feel pressured to set resolutions, often piling on three or more goals at once. Research cited by Verywell Mind offers a sobering follow-up: more than 90 percent of these resolutions fall away within months. The problem is rarely a lack of will. More often, it is the scale. Grand promises made on Jan. 1 tend to demand instant transformation. Extreme diets, punishing workout plans, or sudden lifestyle overhauls sound impressive but quickly collide with real life. Psychologists point out that lasting change usually starts small, rooted in clear motivation and built through habits that can be repeated daily. That idea of consistency over intensity feels like a quieter, more realistic way to begin the AS Watson, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, marked its 185th anniversary by announcing a major milestone in its global health efforts: the completion of 10,000 free cleft surgeries for children through its partnership with Operation Smile. The Hong Kong-based company said the target was reached ahead of schedule under its “Give a Smile” campaign, launched in 2018 to support children born with cleft lip and cleft palate. Building on the achievement, AS Watson announced a new goal of funding 15,000 surgeries by 2030. Founded in 1840 as Hong Kong’s first Western pharmacy, AS Watson has grown into a global retail group with operations across health, beauty, and personal care. The company said the anniversary reflects both its expansion and a long-standing commitment to community care. “As we mark 185 years, I am deeply proud of how AS Watson has grown from a single pharmacy in Hong Kong to a global leader in health and beauty retail,” said Group CEO Malina Ngai. The executive credited the company’s 130,000 employees, customers, and partners for supporting its social initiatives and said care for communities remains central to its mission.

year. Instead of chasing sweeping change, it asks a simpler question: what can you do today and again tomorrow? This is the mindset LAC Philippines highlights as families step into the new year. The focus shifts from long lists of resolutions to routines that fit into everyday life, small actions that gradually support energy, immunity, skin health, and overall vitality. For parents, the challenge is especially familiar. Busy workdays, irregular meals, and constant multitasking make balanced nutrition hard to sustain. Children face their own hurdles, from picky eating to changes in food quality and growing exposure to environmental stressors. Building habits together can ease the load. Shared meals with better choices, more consistent sleep schedules, and realistic activity goals create rhythms that feel manageable, not overwhelming. Daily supplementation can become part of that rhythm. Products such as LAC Men’s Mega Multi and LAC Women’s Mega Multi are designed to help fill nutritional gaps shaped by modern lifestyles. Each provides more than 50 clinically researched vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, and brain-support nutrients. With timed-release technology, nutrients are

absorbed gradually through the day, supporting immunity, metabolism, heart health, and cognitive function. For women, the formulation also supports hair, skin, and nails. The recommended intake is two caplets daily with food. Children can be included in these routines through options like LAC Multi Junior Jelly. Packed with 19 essential nutrients, the mixedberry jelly supports growth, immunity, brain development, neuromuscular health, and overall resilience. It comes in a format children are more likely to enjoy, taken after food, with one stick

daily for ages three to six and two sticks for ages seven to twelve. What stands out in all this is not the promise of instant results, but the power of repetition. Small actions, done consistently, tend to outlast bold declarations. As 2026 begins, the most effective resolutions may be the ones simple enough to repeat every day. When habits are built patiently and supported by science-backed choices, wellness stops feeling like a January project and starts becoming part of daily life.

Wellness begins with everyday choices that fit into real schedules, not sweeping resolution

Small, chic, and life-saving: The tiny tin everyone wants in their bag AS Watson Group CEO Malina Ngai (right) credits its employees, customers, and partners for supporting its social initiatives

AS Watson turns cleft struggles into joy for thousands AS Watson said, its early years included providing free medicines to people in need, a practice it described as the foundation of its present corporate social responsibility

AS Watson celebrates 185 years of growth from a single pharmacy to a global leader in health and beauty retail

programs. That approach later shaped the “Give a Smile” campaign, which supports comprehensive cleft care, including surgery, follow-up treatment, and community outreach. Operation Smile said a child is born with a cleft condition about every three minutes worldwide, and access to surgical care remains limited in many regions. Kathy Magee, co-founder, president, and CEO of Operation Smile, said AS Watson’s support has helped narrow gaps in access to care for thousands of patients. “Thanks to AS Watson, we are able to provide essential surgical and comprehensive cleft care for thousands of patients,” Magee said, congratulating the company on its anniversary and the 10,000-surgery milestone. Ngai said customer donations and participation have played a key role in funding the surgeries. She added that the company plans to continue raising funds and involving customers in efforts to support children with cleft conditions.

IT MAY look like a simple medicine tin, but the Biogesic On-The-Go Pack is quietly taking over the bags of students, commuters, and frequent travelers. Compact, colorful, and endlessly customizable, it has quickly evolved from a practical essential into a personal style statement. Young users are decorating their tins with stickers and charms or keeping them sleek and minimal—each one reflecting its owner’s personality. The little pack has become a fixture in “desk tours,” “day in the life” videos, and travel-prep vlogs, seamlessly slipping into daily routines. For many, it’s more than a tin; it’s a small daily ritual that brings a sense of comfort and reassurance. Practicality is part of the charm. The tin is easy to

The Biogesic On-The-Go Pack is popular among students, commuters, and travelers

spot in a crowded bag, work pouch, or travel kit, ensuring relief is always close at hand during long commutes, busy schedules, or unexpected headaches. It’s convenient with a touch of care—ready whenever and wherever it’s needed. Users have noticed the emotional side, too. “It’s such a small thing, pero it really feels like alaga,” one shared, highlighting how the tin represents more than just medicine—it’s a tiny act of self-care and a reminder to look after others in simple everyday moments. Available in soft peach and calming blue, the Biogesic OnThe-Go Pack slides effortlessly into any bag, desk, or travel kit. Compact, portable, and ready to personalize, it’s designed to keep relief—and a little comfort— always within reach. The Biogesic On-The-Go Pack is now available at leading drugstores nationwide.

Designed to be practical yet personal, the onthe-go tin blends self-care with everyday style