Manila Standard - 2026 January 9 - Friday by Manila Standard

manilastandard.net

@ManilaStandardPH

@mnlstandardph

@manilastandard

@ManilaStandardYT

Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net . For advertisement: email: advertise@manilastandard.net •09173382170 / 85646229

US TO CONTROL V’ZUELA OIL

All systems go for Traslacion; rains possible

WORLD / A6

BABIES FOR SALE CASES RISING VOL. XXXIX • NO. 328 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026

NEWS/ A2

PBBM orders PhilHealth amnesty for non-payers

One-time interest waiver covers 2013-2024 missed payments

By Joel Zurbano, Itchie Cabayan, Vince Lopez, Katrina Manubay and Rio Araja IT’S all systems go for today’s Traslacion with logistics and security preparations in place – a stronger “andas” or carriage for the Jesus Nazareno image, some 18,000 police deployed, and all Department of Health hospitals in Metro Manila on Code White. Fr. Robert Arellano, spokesperson for the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, said they expect “there will be fewer” attendees today when the Nazarene is transferred through a procession from the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park to the Quiapo Church. Last year’s Nazareno celebration drew 8.1 million devotees. Next page

By Charles Dantes

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to implement a general amnesty and a onetime interest waiver this year to help employers and selfemployed members settle unpaid contributions. Mr. Marcos said the program is projected to benefit about 300,000 members of the national health insurer. “We know that the three percent paid for PhilHealth is something our fellow Filipinos really feel every month,” he said in a video message posted on his social media accounts yesterday. The amnesty would cover businesses, private employers, and self-employed Filipinos with missed payments from 2013 to 2024. He said the initiative is part of the government’s efforts to ease healthcare costs and challenges faced by Filipinos.

DEVOTION. Thousands of Catholic devotees line up on the eve of the grand procession to participate in the ‘Pahalik’— the touching, wiping and kissing the cross and feet of the image of Jesus Nazareno at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. Norman Cruz

Mayon seethes further as Kanlaon acts up anew

BRIDGING DISTANCES.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon lead the inauguration of the 2.16-kilometer Camalaniugan Bridge in Cagayan province. The bridge will cut travel time from one hour to only 20 minutes for 6,000 motorists. PCO

By Rio N. Araja THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) on Thursday advised residents to keep their safe distance from Mayon Volcano in Albay province due to huge rocks falling from the volcano’s lava dome. Meanwhile, two more ash eruptions by Kanlaon Volcano that generated grayish plumes rising 900 meters above the crater lasted eight hours and nine

ICC rejects Rody petition related to his release THE International Criminal Court (ICC) has rejected a request by former President Rodrigo Duterte‚’s legal team to appoint an expert who would prepare a report on “risk factors” related to his possible release. In a decision issued Wednesday,

Authorities seize luxury cars of Co By Ram Superable SEVERAL luxury vehicles linked to former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co were seized by authorities in Bonifacio Global City. The Bureau of Customs, on Thursday night, issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention covering the Next page

Pre-Trial Chamber I ruled that an additional expert report is “neither appropriate nor necessary” for the court’s upcoming periodic review of Duterte’s detention. The former president’s counsel had asked the court to commission the

report to assess risk factors under Article 58 of the Rome Statute, which governs the necessity of arrest and continued detention. The chamber, presided over by Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, Next page

minutes on Wednesday, Phivolcs reported. Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said “pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) or the so-called ‘uson’ in Bicol appeared to be an avalanche of combined ash, rocks and gas. The emissions could rush down along the volcano’s slopes, he said. Citing the1993 eruption of Mayon which killed 77 people, Bacolcol warned of the extreme Next page

De Lima, Erice file SC suit to declare allocables illegal By Maricel V. Cruz MAMAMAYANG Liberal partylist Rep. Leila de Lima and Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice on Thursday filed before the Supreme Court a joint petition seeking to

declare as unconstitutional the unprogrammed appropriations in the 2026 national budget. This as President Marcos vetoed nearly P92.5 billion of unprogrammed appropriations in the 2026 General Next page

Eala thrashes Marcinko to enter quarters By Peter Atencio

PRETTY in pink, Alexandra Eala smothered Croatian Petra Marcinko, 6-0, 6-2, in their second round women’s singles match in the ASB Classic in Auckland, Zealand at the Manuka Doctor Center Court on Thurday morning (Philippine time). This time, the big crowd of fans that showed up wasn’t that loud as they watched the 20-yearold Eala quickly adjust to the breezy conditions and pull off her most emphatic win so far in the young season. “I’m so happy with how I was able to compete and handle the different situations on court,” said the world no. 53 Eala, who was done with Marcinko in 63 minutes -- way faster than when

she outlasted Croatian Donna Vekic in 2 hours and 40 minutes to win her opening match, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Marcinko got into trouble right from the start, as she was unable to counter the Eala’s dominant all-around performance and powerful serves. “I’m happy with how I’m starting, it’s difficult, everyone at this level gives you certain challenges, but again, I’m happy with how I’m playing,” said the fourth-seeded Eala in reaching the quarterfinals. With coach Joan Bosch and the Filipina star’s parents watching, Eala thrived with her mean forehand, which was sharpened further last November, when tennis great Rafa Nadal personally Next page

ON A ROLL. Alexandra Eala smothered Croatian Petra Marcinko, 6-0, 6-2, in their second round women’s singles match in the to barge into the semifinals of the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.

NEWS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

By Vince Lopez

HE Philippine National Police Women and Children’s Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) on Thursday noted an increase in cases involving individuals selling children online in 2025, with eight people arrested last year for selling their newborns — up from five cases recorded in 2024.

WCPC chief Brig. Gen. Maria Sheila Portento said during a press conference at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame that the surge spread rapidly as transactions were carried out through online platforms.

Escudero seeks VAT exemption for power sales By Ram Superable SENATOR Francis Escudero on Thursday clarified that his proposal to exempt electricity sales from the 12% value-added tax is a targeted intervention distinct from calls to revert the expanded VAT rate to 10%. “Secretary Recto is right to be cautious about across-the-board cuts. My measure is different. It is surgical, not sweeping. It addresses one of the most pressing pain points of our economy while respecting fiscal realities,” said Escudero. The senator said electricity is a basic necessity that affects nearly every sector of the economy, making it a logical target for narrowly tailored relief. According to him, electricity costs in the Philippines remain among the highest in Asia, inflating the prices of goods and services. He then urged his colleagues to hasten the deliberation of Senate Bill No. 496, which he filed last year and now pending before the Committees on Ways and Means and Energy. “SB 496 seeks to address the high electricity cost by exempting electricity sale from value-added tax. Such tax relief can lower operating costs of industries and businesses, temper inflation, and increase disposable household income while generating revenue through increased economic activity and consumption,” Escudero explained.

Eala...

‘Babies for sale cases rising’ “It spread like wildfire all of a sudden. It’s because online platforms have become very accessible. You can sell almost anything online now, and it‘s so alarming,” Portento said. She added that authorities are conducting cyber patrols and coordinating closely with social media platforms to request the immediate takedown of posts offering children for sale. Earlier, the WCPC reported the arrest of a 17-year-old mother who allegedly sold her one-month-old baby for P55,000. Portento said police discovered the transaction through the teenager’s social media post advertising the child to potential buyers. Authorities arranged a meeting with the suspect at a fastfood restaurant in Quezon City last Tuesday, which led to her arrest.

Portento said the teenager admitted that she planned to use the money to pay for her tuition. Initial investigation showed that the young mother had already been communicating with a foreign national based in Japan, who had been sending money to purchase the child. Portento did not disclose how much had already been given. The infant and her minor mother were turned over to the city’s social services department. The suspect may face charges for human trafficking and violations of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. Portento said most of those arrested cited their inability to financially

support their children as the reason for selling them, but stressed that parents who cannot care for their children may place them for adoption through the National Authority for Child Care. “They can just surrender them without making a profit from it,” she said. The WCPC chief noted that the data reflects only cases uncovered through police operations and does not account for possible offline transactions. The Philippines continues to record one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Southeast Asia. Data from the Commission on Population and Development show that one in ten Filipino women aged 15 to 19 has already begun childbearing, with the youngest recorded teen mother being nine years old.

PBBM...

over to the current year,” PhilHealth said. Members and dependents are encouraged to maximize the benefit within the year to help reduce out-ofpocket 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. Aside from PhilHealth initiatives, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on Wednesday said the implementation of the zero balance billing (ZBB) program in government hospitals has eliminated the need for patients to seek guarantee letters 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.

Arellano expressed hope this year’s procession will be faster and more orderly. Last year, the Jesus Nazareno image returned to Quiapo Church from Quirino Grandstand after 14 hours, 59 minutes, and 10 seconds. State weather bureau PAGASA said devotees can expect cloudy skies, moderate to strong winds, and occasional rain during the Traslacion. Weather specialist Benison Estareja said: “Here in Metro Manila, we’re recommending to our countrymen who will attend (the Traslacion) to bring with them umbrellas because there will be occasional rain.” Some 18,000 police personnel have been tapped to secure the procession, while strict security measures, including gun, firecracker and liquor bans, are implemented. A Code White Alert has also been raised in all DOH hospitals in the National Capital Region that will remain in effect until Saturday.

The DOH also encouraged children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and those with existing medical conditions to stay at home. Devotees were advised to use hats, and to bring hand fans and towels to protect against extreme weather conditions as well as drinking water to stay hydrated and easy-to-eat food. To ensure immediate medical response, the DOH said 20 hospitals in Metro Manila are on standby throughout the duration of the activity. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority also implemented extensive safety measures and traffic management plans with road closures and traffic rerouting enforced before and during the traditional religious activity. MMDA Chairman Romando Artes and General Manager Nicolas Torre III earlier conducted an inspection of the Quirino Grandstand earlier in preparation for the Traslacion.

From A1

“That is why we continue to do this to alleviate the burden of our country’s health care costs,” Mr. Marcos said. The President also urged employers to update their records and register their workers under PhilHealth’s “Yaman ng Kalusugan” or YAKAP program to ensure coverage and accurate enrollment. Earlier, PhilHealth also reminded 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

All... From A1 He said it will be better for the elderly and the youth to stay at home and “pray sincerely.” This year’s “andas” will feature a sunroof that will allow spectators from buildings to see the image during the procession while permitting natural light to shine on the Jesus Nazareno statue. Organizers also strengthened the stainless metal components and wheels of the carriage. Moreover, to prevent injuries, the “andas” has been modified to make it harder to climb by devotees of the Black Nazarene due to a steep and slippery feature in front of the carriage. The Traslacion on January 9 will bring the procession of the Jesus Christ image, accompanied by millions of expected devotees, from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church in Manila.

From A1

shared some of his skills with her during a special training session. Dictating with a blistering pace, Eala raced to a 6-0 lead in just 22 minutes. “I’m very happy with the match. Different conditions from the night session that I played the other day. Overall, a great level,” said Eala, who converted 21 points off 30 first serves. Marcinko, who looked visibly upset in the closing moments of the first set, momentarily found her rhythm in the second set. After Marcinko took a 2-1 lead, Eala bounced back, and won five consecutive games to seal the match. The 20-year-old Marcinko scored eight points on her 21 first serves, in bowing out of contention. Fifth seed and world no. 52 Magda Linette, a Polish pro, who has won three Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles’ title, is Eala’s next opponent. Linette moved into a clash with Eala after beating Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto, 7-5, 2-6, 6-3, in a contest that lasted two hours and 35 minutes.

De Lima... From A1

Appropriations Act (GAA) which he enacted last Monday. The petition cited alleged violations of the Constitution, with De Lima also saying the presence of the unprogrammed funds undermines Congress’ power of the purse. It aimed to nullify Section XLIII of the GAA and sought the immediate issuance of a temporary restraining order and other injunctive reliefs to halt the

DepEd mourns teacher’s death, defends class observation By Rolando Ng III THE Department of Education (DepEd) Thursday stood by its classroom observations policy even as it mourned the untimely death of schoolteacher Agnes Buenaflor. Buenaflor, an educator from Pedro A. Diaz High School in Muntinlupa City, reportedly collapsed while conducting a routine classroom observation task with some groups attributing her death to job-related stress. In a statement, the agency emphasized the importance of such activity to strengthen professional practice among teachers. “We reiterate the value of classroom observation as a tool for improving teacher quality, supporting teacher development, and enhancing learner outcomes when conducted as a shared learning experience,” the DepEd said. The department later expressed its appeal for a “supportive” and “nonintimidating” conduct of these routine practices in line with its existing policies.

ICC... From A1

however said it already has sufficient information tomake a determination on the matter. “The Chamber finds that any additional expert report is neither appropriate nor necessary for its adjudication,” the five-page decision stated. The document also added that the panel has already fulfilled its mandate through the submission of its reports, which are available to the defense and may be cited in its observations during the review of Duterte’s detention. Meanwhile, the court acknowledged the defense’s request for a hearing on the periodic review of Duterte’s detention, noting that ICC rules require such a review every 120 days. The chamber said it will set the schedule of the hearing “in due course.” On the same day, the Office of Public Counsel for Victims submitted an observation urging the court to keep Duterte in detention while he awaits trial for alleged crimes against humanity. Victims have expressed fears for their safety and that of their families, as well as concerns over a possible increase in violence in their communities should Duterte be released, OPCV Principal Counsel Paolina Massidda said.

Authorities... Kanlaon occurred at 2:58 a.m. and lasted six hours and 21 minutes, while its second emission was recorded at 11:05 p.m. and lasted one hour and 48 minutes, according to Phivolcs. This was followed by two more ash eruptions on Wednesday that generated graying plumes rising 900 meters above the crater lasted 8 hours and 9 minutes on Wednesday. The volcano also generated volcanic earthquakes and emitted 854 tons of sulfur dioxide on Wednesday. Entry into the four-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and flying any aircraft close to the volcano had been prohibited. Possible hazards that can occur included sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, precursory magmatic activity, said Mari-Andylene Quintia, Phivolcs resident volcanologist at the Kanlaon Observatory in

From A1

dangers posed by the volcanic activity. Alert Level 3 remained over Mayon Volcano. Entry into the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited. Bacolcol warned however, that Phivolcs might broaden the six-km PDZ to eight kilometers under Alert Level 3, signifying an increase in volcanic earthquakes, frequent PDCs, increase in sulfur dioxide emissions and lava flow or lava fountaining. “We still see no lava flow. We thought the incandescent (glow) was a lava flow (but it’s not) but it’s just a rockfall. PDCs are also hot as if they are lava flow. We have not yet observed any lava flow,” he said. The volcano released new lava that

caused the collapse of its dome. Phivolcs, in a Facebook post, said the lava effusion occurred around 6:35 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Jan. 7. A total of 162 rockfall events had been recorded in the past 24 hours from Wednesday 12 a.m. to Thursday 12 a.m. At least 50 PDCs were observed in the volcano. “The PDCs, which we had observed, reached 1.5 kilometers from the crater, from the summit,” the Phivolcs chief said. “The PDCs in Mi-isi Gully is in Daraga, then the PDC in Bonga Gully in Legazpi, and then the Basud Channel in Sto. Domingo,” he pointed out. One volcanic tremor was recorded as the volcano’s edifice was still inflated. The crater glow is visible to the naked eye, Phivolcs said. The first ash emission by

implementation of the assailed provisions pending resolution of the case. According to De Lima and Erice, unprogrammed appropriations allow the use of public funds without clear and existing sources of financing, in violation of the Constitution and effectively creating a “budget within a budget.” They asserted that this poses a serious threat to transparency, accountability, and the balance of powers in government. The plea listed alleged multiple

violations of constitutional limitations governing public expenditures, among them Article VII, Section 22 which requires that the President’s proposed budget as the basis of the General Appropriations Act. Another was Article VI, Section 25(4) which mandates that contingent or special appropriations should be supported by funds actually available, as certified by the National Treasurer, or by a corresponding revenue proposal. A third violation was Article VI, Sections 24 and 25 which limit Congress’ power of

appropriation and preserve the constitutional separation between legislative appropriation and executive execution by restricting Congress from increasing the President’s budget recommendations. The petition likewise cited Article VI, Section 29(1) which restricts the disbursement of public funds to constitutionally valid appropriations, and Article VI, Section 25(2) which prohibits riders in the GAA. Unprogrammed appropriations refer to funding that can be utilized if certain conditions are met, including

the presence of revenue beyond projections, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). While unprogrammed appropriations have been around since 1989, they noticeably increased over the years, according to Erice, who noted the it in the 2016 at only at P67 billion. This was ostensibly bloated to over P700 billion in 2024. Unprogrammed appropriations are down to P150.9 billion for 2026 following the President’s decision to veto P92.5 billion worth of projects.

Mayon... From A1

vehicles as part of an enforcement operation supported by the Highway Patrol Group and the Southern Police District. Nine of the 17 vehicles inspected were found to have customs violations, while others showed irregularities involving importation, taxes, and documentation. Some of the seized vehicles are connected to Co’s business interests and are now subject to further regulatory and legal review. The condominium unit and parking spaces where the vehicles were located have not been traced to an identified owner. The National Bureau of Investigation earlier said efforts to locate Co are ongoing as he faces graft and malversation cases before the Sandiganbayan. Arrest warrants have been issued against Co and 17 co-accused, but he remains abroad as authorities coordinate with foreign law enforcement

NEWS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

DA rejects road overpricing claims By Charles Dantes

GRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said farm-to-market road projects funded this year are now subject to a revised and transparent costing system, rejecting claims by civil society groups that many projects were improperly priced. During a press briefing in Malacañang, Tiu Laurel said the Department of Agriculture (DA), which is now directly implementing the projects, has developed new cost estimates after consulting private sector stakeholders. He said the updated figures will be presented to major construction firms in a meeting scheduled next week. “I already have a new costing,” Tiu Laurel said. “I have consulted the private sector on this, and we will have a meeting with the most reputable construction companies by next week so that we can present our figures to them.” Tiu Laurel said the DA’s initial estimate places the cost of farm-to-market roads at about P14.5 million per kilometer, value-added tax included and with

FESTIVAL SECURITY.

Colorful revelers take part in the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan, as the Philippine National Police deploys nearly 3,000 personnel daily from January 14 to 18 to ensure public safety. Municipality of Kalibo

drainage canals already factored in. This is significantly lower than the previous P18 million per kilometer costing used under earlier Department of Public Works and Highways projects, he said. The agriculture chief acknowledged that past farm-to-market road projects were criticized for being overpriced but stressed that safeguards are now in place to prevent a repeat of issues that have plagued other infrastructure programs. “My name and the name of our President are written here, and the President’s directive to all of us is very clear: keep it clean and do it fast,” Tiu Laurel said. To ensure transparency, he said the DA will launch an interactive Farm-to-Market Road Watch portal next week, which will be presented to agriculture beat reporters.

Ombudsman debunks Imee’s claim on charges vs. Villanueva By Pot Chavez OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday dismissed the claim of Senator Imee Marcos that charges will be filed on January 15 against Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, and former Senator Bong Revilla over alleged flood control anomalies. In his first press briefing this year, Remulla said his office would refrain from identifying individuals and setting dates, assuring the public that work is ongoing to ensure justice. “We have no updates yet on specific cases,

but things are moving smoothly. The work continues on a daily basis, and we intend to keep it that way for the next seven years,” he said. The Ombudsman declined to mention names, explaining that doing so has been misinterpreted in the past, adding that his office has learned from experience. “We cannot give any dates or commitments. You see us here every day to make sure that justice is obtained by the Filipino people,” he said. In November, Remulla said high-ranking individuals would soon be charged and that warrants of arrest might be issued

AQUAPONICS SHOWCASE. DA-BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig leads the HitoNics harvest at the BFAR National Inland Fisheries Technology Center in Tanay, Rizal, highlighting aquaponics technology that integrates African catfish and leafy greens. Manny Palmero

IN BRIEF PNP to deploy nearly 3,000 cops to secure Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said a daily average of 2,980 personnel will be deployed from January 14 to 18 to ensure safety during the AtiAtihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan. Col. Julius Caesar Domingo, chief of the Public Safety Division of the PNP Directorate for Operations, said the deployment will include police officers, soldiers, Coast Guard personnel, and other force multipliers. Security teams will be positioned at major festival activities, including the Sadsad Panaad contest and the grand procession. “The PNP has put in place a comprehensive security and deployment plan to ensure the safety of devotees, tourists, and participants throughout the celebration,” Domingo said in a press briefing. The Ati-Atihan Festival is an ancient tradition honoring the people of Aklan and the Infant Jesus, Señor Santo Niño, according to the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines. Vince Lopez

CIDG arrests remaining alleged gunmen in Rizal councilor killing THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Wednesday reported the arrest of one of the remaining alleged gunmen in the killing of a councilor from Rizal town, Tuguegarao City. CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said the suspect, a 57-yearold married man, was arrested on January 6 in Barangay San Pedro, Rizal, Kalinga. The suspect is allegedly a member of the “Labang Criminal Group” and was listed as the No. 4 Regional Most Wanted Person in Cagayan Valley. He was arrested by virtue of warrants for two counts of murder. Authorities said the group is allegedly involved in gun-for-hire operations, robbery, extortion, carnapping, and cattle rustling in parts of Cagayan Valley, Kalinga, and Isabela. With the arrest, all five accused in the killing of Councilor Alfredo Alvarez are now in custody, Morico said, commending CIDG units for the coordinated manhunt. Vince Lopez

before Christmas. He earlier said warrants against Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Joel Villanueva, and Jinggoy Estrada, as well as former Senators Bong Revilla and Nancy Binay, could be available by December 15.

NEWS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

BOC intel chief sacked over corruption By Vito Barcelo

UREAU of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has initiated a sweeping internal purge within the agency’s intelligence department following allegations that smuggling operations have once again penetrated the ranks, this time with possible help from within its own enforcement and intelligence units.

NEW YEAR’S DAY RESCUE. As the rest of the country celebrates the New Year, crewmen of the Navy ship BRP Antonio Luna indulge in the rescue of a distressed Filipino fishermen in the high seas off Subic, Zambales. Navy photo

IN BRIEF Hundreds flee homes as rains pound Bicol DSWD looking for more volunteers in FFP dep’t THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) encourages the public to volunteer in the production of family food packs (FFPs) to ensure sufficient food supply for families affected by Mayon Volcano’s heightened restiveness. DSWD assistant secretary Irene Dumlao of the agency’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said the call for volunteers seeks to add manpower at the Luzon Disaster Resource Center in Pasay City, one of DSWD’s major repacking hubs. “We invite our people to spend part of their new year volunteering in our disaster response preparations. Volunteers play a big role in our disaster response. In every family food pack that is formed, there is a family that we immediately help in times of disaster,” Dumlao said. The DSWD’s National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau earlier called for additional volunteers to help in the production of family food packs at the LDRC in Pasay City. Maricel V. Cruz

DILG says no foul play in vice mayor’s death DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla on Wednesday confirmed that the death of Dueñas, Iloilo Vice Mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan was the result of an accidental firearm discharge. Remulla personally went to Iloilo to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation and to curb the spread of misinformation surrounding the incident. He underscored the importance of establishing facts amid circulating speculations and false reports. Remulla categorically dismissed speculations suggesting any political motive, financial difficulties, or mental health issues in connection with Lamasan’s death.

By Rex Espiritu MORE than 100 families, or 320 individuals, were displaced by days of persistent rain induced by a shear line and caused flooding in parts of the Bicol Region, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) . The NDRRMC said intermittent rains on Dec. 30 to Jan. 7 inundated several barangays in Camarines Sur and Catanduanes provinces, with the worst impact recorded in the municipality of Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, where 103 families or 304 persons fled their

homes for safer grounds. The evacuees sought shelter in five evacuation centers, the report stated. In San Andres, Catanduanes, at least three families were dislocated at the height of the heavy rains. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that all victims requiring immediate assistance were provided with food packs and other relief goods. Beyond the residential areas, the shear line also disrupted mobility and daily activities. Four bridges in Catanduanes were declared not passable to all types of vehicles, while four road sections were partly closed to vehicular traffic,

Plant more ‘siling labuyo’ to bring down price—Kiko CITING a P2-billion allotment for high-value crops under the 2026 national budget, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan underscored the need to propagate small and spicy hot chilis or cayenne pepper locally known as siling labuyo whose retail price has skyrocketed to as high as P1,000 a kilo. In a statement, Pangilinan said the runaway price of siling labuyo, a variety of capsicum, was mainly due to “supply constraints during the raining season. “Its basic, when its rainy, supply is down and the price go up,” Pangilinan said. He added that the P2 billion earmarked for high-value crops backs the Department of Agriculture (DA) measures to curb price volatility. Early on, the DA recommended a program to ramp up agricultural production, bolster farms against extreme weather conditions, and generate more predictability to supply and prices of siling labuyo, among others. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. enjoined his men during a recent meeting to establish baseline numbers for national and Metro Manila consumption, current output, and average yield per hectare. For its part, the DA said chili pepper prices routinely spiral after heavy rains and typhoons damaged crops, disrupting the stability of supply and demand. Pangilinan said these interventions include expanding planting areas beyond traditional producing regions such as Bicol, protecting crops from weather disruptions through greenhouses and proper storage facilities, and improving the timing of planting and harvesting.

GETTING READY FOR ASEAN SUMMIT. Association of Southeast Asian Nations 2026 director general Ma. Helen De La Vega presides at a press briefing arranged by the National Organizing Council regarding preparations for the forthcoming ASEAN conference in Manila. Katrina Manubay

AFP chief tells new generals: Be humble, grateful in service

CIDG bags 29 fugitives in first week of 2026 CRIMINAL Investigation and Detection Group director Maj.Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II on Wednesday reported the arrest of 29 wanted fugitives nationwide for various criminal cases. At the onset of the new year, the CIDG rounded up 29 wanted persons and fugitives across the country - 9 in Luzon, eightin Visayas, and 12 in Mindanao for a variety of crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, rap, theft, estafa, robbery, and illegal recruitment. Morico said the arrests underscored their commitment to help all victims attain the justice they deserved. “The CIDG assures the public that the Unit is steadfast in enforcing all the laws; and unrelenting in accounting and capturing all criminals, wanted persons and fugitives across the country- the whole year round,” he added. Vince Lopez

disrupting travel between communities. These included bridge spillways in the towns of San Miguel, Virac, and Viga . Classes were suspended in 20 cities and municipalities across Catanduanes, Albay, and Camarines Sur as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students amid flooding and unsafe road conditions .The Office of Civil Defense in Region V said it continues to coordinate closely with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, while maintaining standby mobility assets, communication equipment, and continuous dissemination of weather advisories issued by the weather bureau. Rex Espiritu

Nepomuceno ordered the preventive relief of Intelligence Officer III Paul Oliver Pacunayen, chief of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Field Station at the Port of Manila, for allegedly allowing illicit shipments to pass through the country’s premier port. The BOC said additional punitive measures, particularly within the intelligence division, were likely as investigators were looking into accountability. “I have no choice but to relieve him,” Nepomuceno said, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations and the need to shield the investigation from internal interference. Pacunayen was identified in a letter sent to President Marcos by concerned Customs officials, employees, and industry stakeholders. The letter alleged a disturbing resurgence of large-scale smuggling at major ports, particularly in Manila, despite supposed intelligence coverage. According to the whistleblowers, several questionable shipments were released despite having been flagged, raising concerns over possible collusion involving intelligence personnel tasked unscrupulous traders. The same letter also tagged CIIS director Thomas Narcise, a former Task Force Aduana operative. Nepomuceno said Narcise’s case is “a different situation” since he was a presidential appointee, adding that any action involving his office would follow established legal and administrative processes.

COURTESY CALL. Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. advises newly promoted star-ranked military officers and graduates of foreign pre-commissioned training course who called on him in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City to ‘lead with humility and serve with gratitude.’ AFP Photo

ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. told newly promoted generals and flag officers to “lead with humility and serve with gratitude” as they assume greater responsibilities in the military hierarchy. The advice came after 37 newly promoted AFP generals and flag officers, along with a newly commissioned officer from a foreign pre-commission training institution, took their oath before President Marcos at Malacañang on January 7. The promotees paid a courtesy call on Brawner at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City where he addressed them and underscored the values that should guide their leadership as senior military officers. Brawner underscored that promotions are not merely recognition of past achieve-

ments but a renewed call to service. “The ranks you now wear are not simply rewards for past achievements, they are responsibilities entrusted to you after years of preparation and sacrifice. You must lead with humility, serve with gratitude, and always remember that success in the profession of arms is never achieved alone,” Brawner said. The highest-ranking officer among those promoted was Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran. Brawner also congratulated 2Lt. Rafael Cecilio Muñoz who took his oath before the Commander-in-Chief after completing his training at the United States Military Academy, and welcomed him to active service in the Philippine Army. Rex Espiritu

OPINION

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Justice Javier’s Bar: Victory for fairness, excellence THE Supreme Court announced Wednesday afternoon that 5,594 candidates passed the 2025 Bar Examinations, which translates to a 48.98 percent passing rate. This means nearly five out of every 10 examinees succeeded, a significant increase from last year’s 37.84 percent. I extend my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to Associate Justice Amy Lazaro Javier for her exemplary stewardship of this year’s bar examinations. Justice Javier, who retires in November, leaves behind a legacy of fairness and accessibility. Under her leadership, 11,425 examinees completed the three-day examinations held in September across 14 testing centers nationwide. This regionalization, combined with digitalized exams, represents the bar at its most equitable and modern. The reduction of number of bar subjects, which reduced the bar exams to a week of testing instead of the previous practice of a month, is also welcome. The 48.98 percent passing rate is exactly what I have long advocated for. A good bar examination should yield passing rates between 40-60 percent, similar to board exams for engineers, doctors, and accountants. This is not about lowering standards; it is about having the right standards. The bar exam should test minimum competence, not world-class expertise. We are certifying that these lawyers can competently advise a client, draft basic pleadings, understand Constitutional rights, and practice ethically. They are not being tested on whether they can argue before the International Court of Justice or publish in law journals immediately upon passing. A passing rate of nearly 50 percent tells us that the examination successfully distinguished between those who possess adequate knowledge to practice law and those who need more preparation. When passing rates drop to 20 percent or 25 percent, we create artificial scarcity that serves no legitimate purpose and deprives the country of needed legal talent. The Philippines, with over 115 million citizens, needs more lawyers and especially lawyers willing to serve in underserved areas, work in public interest law, and defend the marginalized. Artificially restricting the number of lawyers through excessively low passing rates does not improve the profession; it merely limits access to justice for ordinary Filipinos. I must express my continued discomfort with maintaining a top 20 list. The margins separating these ranks are infinitesimal, only three points separate first place from 20th, with gaps of merely 0.01 to 0.05 points between consecutive ranks. The sixth-place tie this year reminds me of my own third-place finish in 1989, which I shared with Rannie Mendoza of San Beda. These razor-thin differences tell us noth-

ing meaningful about legal competence or future success in the profession. I continue to advocate for abolishing the topnotcher list entirely, or at minimum, recognizing all passers who achieve an honor distinction of 85 percent or higher without ranking them as Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen did in 2020-2021 when I was a political law examiner. This would shift focus from individual competition to collective excellence, which would be a far healthier approach for both legal education and the profession.

—“—

I wish we could find a balance, of transparency without spectacle, celebration without pageantry I also have mixed emotions about the way bar results have become such a public spectacle. Today’s announcement felt like watching a beauty pageant unfold. Nowhere else in the world are bar exam results announced this way, with such fanfare, public drama, and real-time revelation. Part of me finds this troubling. It intensifies the pressure on examinees and their families, and it risks reducing a professional milestone to entertainment. Yet I must acknowledge the other side: this openness makes the law more accessible to ordinary Filipinos. It demystifies the legal profession and allows the public to witness and celebrate the creation of new lawyers. Perhaps in a country where law and justice often feel distant from everyday people, there is value in making this moment public and shared. Still, I wish we could find a balance, of transparency without spectacle, celebration without pageantry. Special congratulations to my former students who passed this year. There were so many of you I lost count. I am immensely proud of each of you. To those who did not pass: Your journey is not over. Many outstanding lawyers did not succeed on their first attempt. One exam result does not define your potential or worth. On a personal note, my son Rafael passed the bar today. We are proud if his achievement and know he will be a people’s lawyer, an advocate for the working class and other basic sectors. Congratulations, Justice Amy. Congratulations, new lawyers. The future of Philippine law is in good hands. Facebook, X, Instagram and Blue Sky: tonylavs Website: tonylavina.com

2026 budget signed, but questions remain LAST Monday, President Marcos Jr. signed into law the P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, but vetoed P92.5 billion in unprogrammed appropriations. As mandated by the Constitution, the education sector received the highest allocation, P1.345 trillion, funding the creation of 32,916 teaching and 32,268 non-teaching plantilla positions in public schools. The budget will also support the construction of 24,964 classrooms nationwide. The healthcare sector received its highest budget ever, P448.125 billion, to fund the Department of Health’s Universal Health Care Fund for Zero Balance Billing, interventions for communicable and non-communicable diseases, and disease surveillance, among others. A total P297.102 billion was allocated to the agriculture sector to ensure food security, modernize supply systems, and support farmers and fisherfolk. The investments will also go toward building farm-to-market roads to lower production costs and empower rural economies. The social services sector received P270.189 billion to improve the quality of life of Filipinos and advance human capital development. The 2026 National Budget also supports the implementation of the updated base pay schedule and increased subsistence allow-

ance of military and uniformed personnel. Apart from this, the government will strengthen the role of local government units through the increased allocations under the Local Government Support Fund that would allow them to address local development needs, support livelihoods, and create safe and resilient communities.

—“—

The pork debate is not just about money; it is also an opportunity for reform that will define the broader trajectory of fiscal governance But while the 2026 National Expenditure Program led to increased allocations for various sectors, budget watchdogs warned of a persistent and deeply rooted problem in Philippine public finance: the endurance of pork barrel politics despite years of reform rhetoric and legal interventions. Budget watchdog Social Watch Philippines expressed profound dismay over President Marcos Jr.’s decision to retain all of the pro-

ManilaStandard

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net

ONLINE

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

What do Filipinos want? Survey says…

HE latest Pulse Asia survey commissioned by Stratbase Group found that Filipinos want government leaders to make food prices affordable, reduce corruption and create more jobs in their communities.

It is a concise but revealing snapshot of public priorities at the close of 2025, and its implications extend well beyond local governance concerns. The findings reflect a hierarchy of needs that is both economic and institutional in nature, underscoring the cumulative pressures felt by Filipino households amid persistent inflation, governance issues, and uneven job creation. First, the prominence of food affordability, cited by 38 percent of respondents, highlights the depth of cost-of-living stress across the country. Food inflation has a disproportionate impact on lower- and middle-income households, where basic commodities account for a large share of monthly spending. That this concern cuts across regions and socioeconomic classes suggests that price pressures are no longer confined to the poorest segments but are now a broadbased national issue. Second, the strong showing of corruption reduction at 31 percent signals sustained public frustration with governance

quality and service delivery. Respondents appear to link corruption not merely to moral failure but to practical consequences—namely, poor or inefficient public services. This reflects a more mature public discourse: Filipinos are increasingly viewing anti-corruption efforts as instrumental to improving daily life.

—“—

Governance will be judged by its impact on the dinner table, the integrity of public service, and the availability of decent work Third, the call for more jobs and livelihood opportunities, cited by 21 percent, reflects continuing anxiety over income security and economic inclusion.

While employment figures may show aggregate recovery, the survey suggests that many communities still feel left out of growth or trapped in low-quality, informal work. Taken together, the three top concerns form a coherent narrative. Affordable food addresses immediate household survival; reduced corruption improves the effectiveness of state intervention; and job creation offers a pathway to sustained economic stability. The fact that these priorities are consistent across regions and classes suggests a rare convergence of public expectations that can serve as a clear policy compass for government leaders. From a political standpoint, the survey poses both a challenge and an opportunity. Leaders who can credibly link anticorruption measures to lower food prices and better job outcomes stand to gain broad-based support. On the other hand, failure to address these interconnected concerns could deepen public cynicism and widen the gap between official narratives of progress and the actual reality on the ground. Ultimately, the survey should be seen not just as a list of demands but also as a warning: governance will be judged by its impact on the dinner table, the integrity of public service, and the availability of decent work.

When allegations are deliberate lies By Jose Antonio Goitia LET us be clear about what is happening. What is being circulated online are false and malicious claims directed at the First Couple—President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. These claims involve drugs, sexual conduct, and the supposed existence of “sensitive” images, including edited or fabricated material falsely attributed to the First Lady. None of this is supported by evidence. There are no records. No forensic findings. No sworn statements. No cases filed before any authority. What exists is an interview-style presentation, followed by repetition across various blogs and social media platforms. I believe that distinction matters. Criticism is anchored on facts and actions. What we are seeing here are accusations floated without proof and amplified for effect. That is not legitimate criticism. It is defamation. An Interview Used to Launder Allegations The allegations were aired through an online interview conducted by vlogger Deen Chase—a format that gave the appearance of dialogue while quietly stripping away verification, challenge, and accountability. Presented this way, untested claims were allowed to pass as conversation and circulate as content. Placing an accusation inside an interview format does not make it credible. It only makes it easier to spread. Nothing in the video is verified. Nothing is authenticated. There is no attempt to submit these claims to institutions capable of testing them. The delivery is casual, almost conversational, as if repetition itself could grammed funds that resemble pork, and which remains vulnerable to patronage politics. “Our main call was to veto problematic budget items mostly found in the programmed funds, where funding is assured in the GAA, making it ripe for corruption and political patronage. Unfortunately, our call was not heeded by the President,” said SWP Co-convenor Dr. Ma. Victoria Raquiza. Other civil society groups had identified “shadow,” “soft” and “hard” pork amounting to more than P633 billion in the 2026 budget. The Roundtable for Inclusive Development and the People’s Budget Coalition claimed that abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund a decade ago did not eliminate pork, but merely transformed its form. They cited the existence of “shadow pork,” amounting to P243 billion in unprogrammed appropriations that sit outside the regular budget framework and can be released with minimal public scrutiny. In theory, unprogrammed funds can provide fiscal flexibility in the event of excess revenues or emergencies. In practice, however, their size and opacity

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

Because the target is a woman, the damage is expected to linger even after the lie collapses. That expectation is part of the tactic. I see this as a gendered form of attack. It relies on shame and insinuation because those wounds are harder to undo, even when the claims are false. No image has been authenticated. No expert has verified anything. The insinuation alone is expected to cause harm. Where Free Speech Ends Public officials are open to scrutiny. They should be.

But inventing crimes and immoral conduct is not protected speech. Publishing such claims online and repeating them without proof exposes those involved to libel and cyber libel, with real criminal and civil consequences. Calling it an “opinion” does not shield the speaker. Calling it an “interview” does not absolve the platform. Reposting it does not erase responsibility. The law looks at harm, not excuses. Free expression is not a license to destroy reputations. The law draws a line, and this crossed it. Those who continue to spread these false claims should be clear about the consequences: the harm is real, and liability follows the damage caused. Evidence or Consequence When proof is absent and repetition continues, the act is no longer accidental. It is intentional, and intent matters. Extraordinary accusations require proof. When none is offered, the responsible course is simple: stop. The internet may feel fast and forgiving, but it is neither. Falsehoods can travel quickly, but accountability follows in time—and when it does, it does not arrive quietly. This is not about silencing voices. It is about insisting on truth, responsibility, and the basic standards that hold a society together. (The writer, a doctorate in philosophy degree holder, serves as Chairman Emeritus of four civic oriented organizations: Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya, People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, and Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement, where he advocates for truth, stability, and the dignity of the Filipino people.)

raise serious red flags. Equally troubling, they said, is the P210 billion identified as “soft pork,” largely consisting of cash assistance, subsidies, and social protection programs. These include medical assistance, emergency aid, employment schemes, and confidential and intelligence funds whose allocations have nearly tripled from Malacañang’s original budget proposal. While social assistance is indispensable in a country with widespread poverty and vulnerability, when the distribution is coursed through politicians rather than governed by clear criteria, assistance becomes a tool of patronage rather than empowerment. At the same time, the watchdogs also lamented the persistence of “hard pork,” estimated at P180 billion, which they said only shows that infrastructure spending remains a prime arena for rent-seeking. Roads, bridges, and flood control projects are inherently attractive to politicians because they are capital-intensive, geographically targeted, and often technically opaque to the

public. The allegation that projects are inserted, overpriced, or reshaped through political discretion echoes past scandals involving the Department of Public Works and Highways. What the discovery of “hard, soft, and shadow pork” in the 2026 budget underscores is the persistence of pork barrel politics in the Philippines. While watchdogs have flagged ₱633 billion as vulnerable to corruption, the real test lies in whether the executive branch will act decisively. This moment is pivotal: it can either entrench patronage politics or catalyze reforms that empower citizens to demand transparency and accountability. While the P6.793-trillion spending plan reflects national priorities, it also reveals whose interests are empowered and whose concerns are ignored. The pork debate is not just about money; it is also an opportunity for reform that will define the broader trajectory of fiscal governance under this administration and determine the future of Philippine democracy. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)ww

substitute for proof. It cannot. This is not a legitimate exercise in public discourse. An interview format does not excuse unproven accusations, and it does not remove accountability. The content was produced for circulation, not for truth. Why the First Lady Was Targeted The focus on alleged sexual behavior and supposed private images aimed at the First Lady is not incidental. It follows a familiar pattern: When facts fail, dignity is attacked. When governance cannot be challenged, humiliation is attempted.

—“—

Falsehoods can travel quickly, but accountability follows in time—and when it does, it does not arrive quietly

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

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

WORLD

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Accused scam boss Chen nabbed in Cambodia, extradited to China IN BRIEF South Korean leader wants to meet Kim SEOUL – South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has portrayed himself and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a pair of affectionate penguins in a social media post urging the despot to meet him. Writing on social media platform X, Lee said on Wednesday he hoped for the day that “the abnormal state of turmoil and hostility on the Korean peninsula will be overcome.” “Go meet, Po Jae Myung and Po Jong Un,” a reference to “Pororo the Little Penguin,” a popular Korean children’s animation featuring penguin characters. One of South Korea’s most successful animated series, the program’s creators outsourced some work in its initial production phase to North Korean studios in the early 2000s. Since then, North Korea has repeatedly declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear state and its relations with the South have fallen to their worst levels in years. Lee’s predecessor, ousted last year for a failed bid to suspend civilian rule, stands accused of having tried to provoke Pyongyang as a pretext for declaring military rule. AFP

PHNOM PENH – Chinese-born tycoon Chen Zhi, indicted by the United States on fraud and money-laundering charges for running a multibillion-dollar cyberscam network from Cambodia, has been arrested there and extradited to China, Phnom Penh said Thursday. Chen allegedly directed operations of forced labor compounds across Cambo-

dia, where trafficked workers were held in prison-like facilities surrounded by high walls and barbed wire, according to US prosecutors. Since the US indictment and sanctions by Washington and London in October, authorities in Europe, the United States and Asia have targeted Chen’s firm, Prince Holding Group, with a frenzy of

asset confiscations. Chen founded Prince Group, a multinational conglomerate that authorities say served as a front for “one of Asia’s largest transnational criminal organizations,” according to the US Justice Department. Cambodian authorities “have arrested three Chinese nationals namely Chen Zhi, Xu Ji Liang, and Shao Ji Hui and ex-

Australia heatwave stokes S risk of ruinous bushfires

YDNEY – Firefighters warned millions of Australians of “catastrophic” bushfire dangers on Thursday as they battled multiple blazes stoked by a heatwave blanketing the country.

Trump invites Colombia president to White House BOGOTA – US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) invited his Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro to the White House, just days after threatening him with military action over alleged drug trafficking. Trump had warned Petro on Jan. 3 to “watch his ass” following US forces’ ousting of leader Nicolas Maduro in neighboring Venezuela. On Wednesday, following the first phone call between the leaders since Trump took office in January, the 79-yearold Republican said he was arranging to meet with Petro “in the near future.” Petro “called to explain the situation of drugs and other disagreements that we have had,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social plaftorm. “I appreciated his call and tone, and look forward to meeting him in the near future” at the White House, he added. US forces attacked Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, bombing military targets during a shock snatch-and-grab raid to remove Maduro from power and assert Washington’s control over the oil-rich South American nation. AFP

Bolsonaro declared healthy after prison fall BRASILIA – Brazil’s far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro was declared healthy on Wednesday (Thursday, Mnila time) after a battery of tests to check him for head injuries following a fall in prison, where he is serving 27 years for leading a failed coup d’etat. The 70-year-old was taken from a federal police detention facility to the DF Star private hospital for a CT scan, MRI and EEG test, according to a Supreme Court authorization seen by AFP. Doctor Brasil Caiado later told reporters the tests revealed a “mild head injury” but “no intracranial injuries, which is positive.” Bolsonaro’s medical team determined that he did not require any further “intervention.” Bolsonaro returned to prison on New Year’s Day after a week in the hospital following surgery for a groin hernia and a procedure to treat recurring hiccups. AFP

Yemen separatist chief fled to UAE, says coalition RIYADH – Yemen’s separatist leader has fled to the United Arab Emirates, the Saudi-led coalition said on Thursday, after an attempt to seize swathes of territory and move towards independence. Aidaros Alzubidi was accused of high treason and removed from Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council on Wednesday, while the coalition bombed his home province after he refused to attend talks in Riyadh. “Reliable intelligence indicates that Aidaros Alzubidi and others have escaped in the dead of night,” a statement from the coalition said, detailing a boatand-plane journey from Aden to Abu Dhabi via Somaliland and Somalia. The leader of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) sailed from Aden to Berbera in Somaliland, a breakaway region in the Horn of Africa, after midnight on Wednesday, the coalition said. He then flew in a Russian-made Ilyushin plane to Mogadishu “under the supervision of UAE officers”, before continuing to a military airport in Abu Dhabi, arriving on Wednesday evening, it added. No immediate comment was available from the UAE foreign ministry. Last month’s STC offensive brought fresh turbulence to fractured Yemen, the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest country, and exposed deep rifts between Gulf allies Saudi Arabia and the UAE. AFP

tradited (them) to the People’s Republic of China,” Cambodia’s interior ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The operation was carried out on Tuesday “within the scope of cooperation in combating transnational crime” and according to a request from Chinese authorities “following several months of joint investigative cooperation,” it said. AFP

CATASTROPHIC BUSHFIRES. This handout photo from the CFA Wandong Fire Brigade posted on their Facebook page taken on Jan. 7, 2026 and released on Jan. 8 shows a bushfire burning near the town of Longwood, northern Victoria. Firefighters warned millions of Australians of ‘catastrophic’ bushfire dangers Thursday as they battled multiple blazes stoked by a heatwave blanketing the country. Australia’s climate has warmed by an average of 1.51C since 1910, researchers have found, fueling increasingly frequent extreme weather patterns over both land and sea.AFP

US says to dictate Caracas decisions, oil sales WASHINGTON, DC – US President Donald Trump’s administration said Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) it will dictate decisions to Venezuela’s interim leaders and control the country’s oil sales “indefinitely” after toppling Nicolas Maduro. Trump’s assertion of US dominance over the oil-rich South American country comes despite its interim leader Delcy Rodriguez saying there is no foreign power governing Caracas. US special forces snatched president Maduro and his wife on Saturday in a lightning raid and whisked them to New

York to face trial on drug charges, underscoring what Trump has called the “Donroe Doctine” of US dominance over its backyard. “We obviously have maximum leverage over the interim authorities in Venezuela right now” following the US operation that captured Maduro on Saturday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told a briefing. “We’re continuing to be in close coordination with the interim authorities, and their decisions are going to continue to be dictated by the United States of America.”

Trump has said that the United States will “run” Venezuela, which has the world’s largest proven oil reserves. But Washington has no boots on the ground, and appears to be relying on a naval blockade and the threat of further force to ensure the cooperation of interim president. Trump’s administration -- which has so far indicated it intends to stick with Rodriguez and sideline opposition figures, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado -- has given few details about its plans. AFP

Temperatures are forecast to soar past 40C in parts of southeast Australia, fueling some of the most dangerous bushfire conditions since the “Black Summer” blazes of 2019-2020. Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan said the fire danger rating in some parts of Victoria state would reach “catastrophic”. “Catastrophic is as bad as it gets,” he told reporters. “It is the most dangerous fire conditions you can expect -- when a fire starts, takes hold and spreads. “The decisions you make will affect your life and the lives of your family.” Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebush said hot and dry winds would fan bushfires that were “unpredictable, uncontrollable, and fast moving”. Acting Victoria state premier Ben Carroll urged people to prepare evacuation plans. “You do not know until you are surrounded by fire how loud it is, how smoky, how stressful,” he told reporters. “It is a scary environment that no one should have to go through.” Firefighters are already trying to contain blazes dotted across the states of Victoria and New South Wales. Millions of people across Australia’s two most populous states have been warned to remain on high alert, including in major cities Sydney and Melbourne. Authorities fear a small number of properties have been destroyed near the rural town of Longwood, about 150 kilometers north of Victoria’s capital Melbourne. Government forecaster Sarah Scully said a band of “extreme” heat had settled across the country. “There’s also dry thunderstorms forecast across Victoria and southern New South Wales,” she said. “Those dry thunderstorms have very little rainfall in them, but they can ignite new fires.” AFP

US immigration officer fatally shoots woman in Minneapolis MIINNEAPOLIS – An immigration officer in Minneapolis shot dead a woman Wednesday (Thursday in Manila), triggering outrage from local leaders even as President Donald Trump claimed the officer acted in self-defense. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey deemed the government’s allegation that the woman was attacking federal agents “bullshit,” and called on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducting a second day of mass raids to leave Minneapolis. Thousands of people gathered for a nighttime vigil at the scene, social media showed, while demonstrators also assembled in Manhattan, an AFP correspondent saw. A widely shared video of the incident shows a Honda SUV apparently blocking unmarked law enforcement vehicles as they attempt to drive down a snowcovered street.

The driver, named by local media as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, attempted to drive off as officers approached and tried to open her door, with one agent firing three times with a handgun as the vehicle pulled away. Trump, who has ordered nationwide anti-immigrant raids, accused the victim of “viciously” trying to run over the agent. “The woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting,” he said on Truth Social, adding the agent “seems to have shot her in self-defense.” ICE’s federal agents have been at the forefront of the Trump administration’s immigrant deportation drive, despite the objections of local officials. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched an aggressive recruitment campaign last summer to add 10,000 additional ICE agents to the existing 6,000-strong contingent. AFP

GRISLY SCENE. People demonstrate against ICE during a vigil honoring a woman who was shot and killed by an immigration officer earlier in the day in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Thursday, Manila time. The shooting triggered outrage from local leaders even as US President Donald Trump claimed the officer acted in self-defense. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey deemed the government’s allegation that the woman was attacking federal agents ‘bullshit,’ and called on Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers conducting a second day of mass raids to leave Minneapolis. AFP

Human Rights Watch warns right to protest ‘under attack’ in UK

‘REPEAL RESTRICTIONS.’ A handout photograph taken and released by the UK Parliament on Jan. 7, 2026 shows Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking during the weekly session of Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons in London. A crime and policing bill currently in parliament would introduce new protest restrictions, including expanding police powers to ban demonstrators from wearing face coverings. AFP

LONDON – Human Rights Watch warned Thursday that the UK has “severely restricted the right to protest” in recent years and was expanding “repressive measures” against peaceful demonstrators. A report titled “’Silencing the Streets’: The Right to Protest Under Attack in the UK,” comes a few weeks after Swedish activist Greta Thunberg was arrested and then released at a London protest in support of the Palestine Action group, banned under UK anti-terror laws. “The UK is now adopting protest-control tactics imposed in countries where democratic safeguards are collapsing,” HRW researcher Lydia Gall said. “The Labor government has taken a deeply alarming direction on protest rights and appears to be determined to suppress these rights further,” the rights organization said in a press release.

According to the HRW research from 2024 and 2025, protesters were “increasingly detained, charged and in some cases sentenced” to multi-year jail terms for non-violent actions including for attending meetings to plan action. The previous Conservative government brought in sweeping changes to protest laws in 2023 to prevent “disruptive” tactics often used by climate protesters, such as slow walking on roads disrupting traffic or attaching themselves to objects and buildings. Some of these actions, the HRW report says, would in the past only have resulted in fines or suspended sentences. “The UK’s anti-protest laws create a chilling effect on the right to peaceful assembly,” the report said, condemning Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labor government for failing to overturn the legislation. AFP

SPORTS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026

Hawks trade Trae Young to Wizards LOS ANGELES—Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young is being traded to the Washington Wizards in a deal that sends CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert in the other direction, ESPN reported on Wednesday. Young, 27, a four-time All-Star, joins Washington near the mid-point of his eighth season with Atlanta. ESPN said Young had been keen to join the Wizards, where he will be reunited with Washington executive Travis Schlenk, who drafted him in 2018. Washington, who are one place off the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 10-26 record, view Young as the centerpiece of their rebuilding project. Young, who has averaged just over 25 points a game through his career, has struggled for form and fitness this season, playing in just 10 games for Atlanta after

suffering knee and thigh injuries. He has not played since suffering a right quadriceps contusion on December 27. AFP

Trae Young

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket during the game against the Utah Jazz at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. AFP

Gilgeous-Alexander stars as Thunder nip Jazz in OT L

OS ANGELES—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rescued the Oklahoma City Thunder with a game-tying buzzer-beater before finishing with 46 points in a 129-125 overtime victory against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. The reigning NBA champions looked to be heading for a third straight loss after the Jazz inched into a 114-112 lead following Lauri Markkanen’s layup with just three seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. But NBA Most Valuable Player Gilgeous-Alexander drained a superb 13-foot jump shot to tie it up at 114114 as the buzzer sounded to send the game into overtime.

Gilgeous-Alexander then took over in the extra period with nine points as the Western Conference leaders returned to winning ways after backto-back defeats. “We just tried to stay in the moment and do whatever it took to get the W,” Gilgeous-Alexander said afterwards. “It’s not always going to be pretty, but we’ve got to play a lot better... we’d rather learn lessons in a win

than in a loss.” Asked about his game-tying buzzerbeater, Gilgeous-Alexander added: “That’s what I practice for. I work out for the moments when the game is at its tightest and you need plays.” Gilgeous-Alexander, who also had six rebounds and six assists, was backed with 23 points from Chet Holmgren, who pulled down 12 rebounds. Oklahoma City improved to 31-7 at the top of the Western Conference. - Spurs down Lakers The San Antonio Spurs took full advantage of the absence of LeBron James to secure a 107-91 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Victor Wembanyama scored 16

points from the bench while Keldon Johnson led the Spurs scorers with 27 points as San Antonio improved to 2611. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with a game-high 38 points. The Denver Nuggets improved to 25-12 after powering past the in-form Boston Celtics on the road. The Celtics went into the game at the TD Garden as one of the form teams of the league after eight wins from their previous nine games saw them move into third place in the Eastern Conference. However Denver, playing without the injured Nikola Jokic, unleashed a barrage of 20 three-pointers to grab an impressive victory.

Glenn on course for Olympic berth PH esports teams KDM, VF lead charge at US Figure Skating tournament as ‘26 Legends Championship kicks off LOS ANGELES—Amber Glenn upstaged world champion Alysa Liu with a record score to take the lead after the women’s short program at the US Figure Skating Championships in St Louis on Wednesday. Glenn, who is bidding to make the US team for next month’s Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics after missing out on Beijing four years ago, produced a near flawless performance to score a national record 83.05 points. The 26-year-old two-time US champion leads world champion Liu, on 81.11, with Isabeau Levito in third. Glenn is now targeting victory when the women return for Friday’s free skate. Glenn said her performance had been inspired by the memory of her grandmother Barbara, who passed away in February last year. “For some reason I just felt my grandma with me today, and that meant a lot,” Glenn said. “I think she

really got me through this.” In the pairs short program, Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov produced a dazzling display to score 75.31 points and take a healthy lead over Audrey Shin and Balazs Nagy on 67.67. While Efimova and Mitrofanov look poised to retain their US crown, the duo are sweating on their eligibility for a place at the Olympics. The Finland-born Efimova, who has also skated for Russia and Germany in the past, married US citizen Mitrofanov two years ago but has not yet received a US passport and as things stand is not eligible to compete at the Olympics. “To be honest, it’s out of our control,” Mitrofanov said on Wednesday. “So for us, we don’t focus on that. We focus on what we can control, which is our skating. And that’s what we’re really proud of today.” The pairs free program is on Friday. AFP

Tennis on the rebound W

HEN I was growing up, tennis was probably one of the bigger sports in the country. Next to basketball, tennis events, especially the Davis Cup ties, were crowd drawers at the Rizal Memorial Sport Complex and at Plaza Dilao where the PCA Open were held. Felix Barrientos, Roland So, Raymond Suarez, Manny Tolentino, Dyan Castillejo, and Rod Rafael were just a few names that were big during the 80s and 90s and every Davis Cup tie held in the country was closely followed. Who could forget Barrientos’ scintillating upset of former world number 5 Kevin Curren of South Africa in 1991? The Filipino ace beat the Australian and Wimbledon finalist, 1-6, 6-1, 7-5, in the Hong Kong Open to register the biggest win of his career and probably the best ever showing of a Filipino tennis player against one of the best in the sport then. After the glorious 80s and early 90s, tennis for some unknown reasons, some say due to politics within the NSA, was relegated to the back burner. There were occasional triumphs of Treat Huey, Nino Alcantara, AJ Lim, Mar-

ian Capadocia, the Patrimonio sisters, and some. What was once a source of medals in the SEA Games became a dry well. Until Alex Eala came along and reignited the country’s long lost love for tennis and longing for its next tennis heroes to carry the flag and country in the limelight. The Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) is hoping the current success of Eala will bring back tennis once more to its glory days and for the sport to regain its popularity especially among the new generation of fans who had no idea that tennis has been a national pastime even before Eala put the Philippines in the tennis world map. In an unexpected but most welcome op-

THE battle for tactical supremacy has officially moved to the regional stage. The CrossFire: Legends Championship (CFLC) 2025–2026 is now in its Southeast Asia phase, where the Philippines’ very own KDM and VF will go head-tohead against the best teams from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. At stake is a massive total prize pool of $70,000 (P3.9 million) and the honor of being crowned the first-ever CrossFire: Legends Southeast Asian Champion. The tournament will culminate in an explosive Grand Finals on February 8, 2026. Following its massive regional launch last December, CrossFire: Legends, the mobile adaptation of the legendary FPS title, has quickly established a highstakes esports ecosystem. The journey began in November 2025 with the CFLC Open Qualifiers. Open to teams from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia, the top four teams from each country advanced to the National Qualifiers, competing along-

side invited professional teams for a total prize pool of $24,600 (P1.4 million). After a grueling National Qualifier round last December 21, which drew over 56,000 concurrent viewers during the livestream, KDM and VF emerged as the top two teams to represent the Philippines on the international stage.

The regional phase continues with the CFLC Group Stages, running from January 7 to February 1, 2026. Other teams advancing from the National Qualifiers are EVOS and PRMX from Indonesia, eArena and FullSense from Thailand, TXD and O2 from Malaysia, and EVO and HF from Vietnam.

portunity, The Designated Kit Man was able to talk with John Rey Tiangco, yup the former tennis player himself, the current chief executive of Navotas and also the secretarygeneral of PHILTA as he shared the latest updates on the biggest tennis event in the country in a long time. Tiangco said they are expecting 40 top caliber players from all over the world to participate in the upcoming Philippine Women’s Open. Set to unfold on January 26 until the 31st at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, the historic event will be the firstever Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 125 tournament in the country. Tiangco admitted that Eala was one of the primary reasons why PHILTA pushed for the hosting of the event. “The reason why there is an interest for the WTA is because of Alex. She is actually the inspiration, whether she can play or not in the Open. Let’s give credit where credit is due,” Tiangco said. He clarified, however, that while Eala was initially given a wild card in the tournament, it is not a guarantee that she can actually compete. He explained that the schedule of the Philippine Women’s Open might be in conflict with Eala’s campaign in this year’s first

Grand Slam event, the Australian Open. “We wish the best for Alex. Of course, we want her to succeed in the Australian Open, that is a bigger tournament for her and either way, if she goes deep in the Australian Open, that will be very good for Philippine tennis,” Tiangco explains. Whether Eala can play or not in her home tournament, Tiangco says she has done a lot in putting tennis once more in the limelight. Moreover, she has inspired the next generation of tennis players eager to follow her many firsts, proving that a Filipino can take the best of what the tennis world could offer and thrive. The need to sustain this momentum is a must for PHILTA. Tiangco admitted opportunities like these are rare and with PHILTA president Eric Olivarez, also a former tennis player and current Paranaque lawmaker, leading the way, local tennis is definitely on its way back to relevance in a country obsessed with basketball and volleyball. “There is a lot of young talents in the country but we have to nurture them like what happened to Alex. She trained abroad. Competed overseas. She has both talent, proper training and very supportive parents. So ‘yun ang gusto nating gawin. Train future tennis players at a young age,” Tiangco said.

He also added that PHILTA’s work has been cut out for them. Aside from nurturing potential players, they need to identify them first. To do this, PHILTA will embark on a long term and an inclusive grassroots program to benefit, too, players who are outside Metro Manila, in the provinces and more. “This program will also prioritize the training of coaches, too. We want a lot of coaches that will push for the sport in more areas in the country. The more people play the sport, the more chances to discover talented players,” Tiangco added. He says there is a lot of work to be done. And words may not mean much for the jaded local tennis fans. He maintains, however, that now is the right time for tennis to bounce back into relevance once more. No shortcuts though. Another trivia, the Navotas mayor is the father of Filipinas U-17 forward Taylor Tiangco. The squad booked a ticket to the 2026 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup in China after sweeping their group fixtures last year. Stay safe. Stay happy peeps! For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

SPORTS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026

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

Rising junior tennis bets in spotlight at PPS-PEPP tilt

POC and PhilCycling president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino and Asian Cycling Confederation head Dato Amarjit Singh Gill lead the inauguration of the Tagaytay City CT Velodrome in June last year. POC Photo

Asian track meet at Tagaytay Velodrome lures 12 countries T

HE 45th Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track Championships is making a historic return to the Philippines after a 31-year absence, with competitions set for March 25 to 31 at the brand-new, UCI-standard Tagaytay City CT Velodrome. “It’s been three decades since the country hosted the Asian track championships—1995 to be exact,” said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president and PhilCycling head Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino. “With at least 12 nations confirming their at-

tendance and more than 200 athletes competing, the POC, PhilCycling, and Tagaytay City will be rolling out the red carpet as we aim for an excellent hosting of the event.” Tagaytay City Mayor Aizack Brent Tolentino guaranteed the city’s full

support for the championships. The week-long event will feature a full calendar of track events for men and women, including sprint, keirin, 1-kilometer time trial, team sprint, individual and team pursuit, points race, scratch, omnium, Madison, and the elimination race. To be held simultaneously in the event fully supported by the Philippine Sports Commission headed by Patrick “Patò” Gregorio are the 14th Asian Para Track Cycling Championships in the 1-km time trial, individual pursuit,

sprint, elimination and scratch races in six events both for men and women. Besides host Philippines, already confirmed for the championare powerhouse Japan, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Chinese-Taipei, Kazahksan, Uzbekistan and Iran. Japan dominated the 2025 championships in Thailand with 16 of the 22 gold medals that were staked, followed by Malaysia with two and South Korea, China, Hong Kong and Uzbekistan with one gold each.

A FESTIVE yet fiercely competitive two-week tournament featuring the country’s top and rising junior players has ushered in the new PPS-PEPP season, igniting another year of provincehopping action designed to discover, develop and prepare future national talents for international competitions. Billed as the Zopiya Morales National Juniors Tennis Championships, the kickoff leg got under way Thursday with boys’ competitions in the 18-, 16-, 14- and 12-and-under divisions, setting the tone for what promises to be another banner year for Philippine junior tennis. Tournament director Bobby Mangunay said the event is being staged over two weeks to accommodate the large number of eager entries, a testament to the sport’s growing popularity at the grassroots level. The girls’ competition will be held from Jan. 15 to 19 at the Zentro clay courts in Apalit, Pampanga. “This is always one of the most exciting stops on the calendar,” said Mangunay. “You can really feel the hunger and excitement of the kids. Everyone wants to start the season strong, gain confidence early and build momentum for the long grind ahead.” Brimming with youthful energy, renewed ambition and a packed competitive calendar, the PPS–PEPP season opens with players driven not only to win, but to belong, to improve and to chase bigger dreams on and off the court – dreams fueled by the global success of Alex Eala, whose rise continues to inspire a new generation. Bannering the Group 2 tournament, presented by Dunlop and sanctioned by Philta, are Troan Vytiaco, Felizardo Lota III, Karl Almiron and Anthony Cosca in the 18-and-U division. Cosca also carries the top seeding in the highly competitive 16-and-U category, which features Vytiaco, Antonio Bengzon and Kenji Kue, ensuring no shortage of high-intensity matchups right from the opening rounds.

Tour chiefs TNT Tropang 5G shoot for 3-0 semis lead vs. Meralco Bolts blasted over ‘insane’ tennis schedule By Peter Atencio

THE TNT Tropang 5G tries to sink the Meralco deeper into a hole in Game 3 of their best-of-seven semifinals series Friday in the

BRISBANE—World number one Aryna Sabalenka accused tennis authorities on Thursday of failing to put player welfare first over what she called an “insane” tennis season. Speaking at the year-opening Brisbane International, the Belarusian said she was prepared to be fined for missing mandatory tournaments in the months ahead. The number of events in the tennis calendar has been a frequent complaint in recent months among the sport’s biggest names. Men’s world number one Carlos Alcaraz is another to have voiced concern about the amount of tennis he plays, although he has also signed up to feature in lucrative exhibition matches. He faces great rival Jannik Sinner in one such event on Saturday in South Korea, barely a week before the Australian Open. “The season is definitely insane, and that’s not good for all of us as you see so many players getting injured and also the balls are quite heavy, so it’s a lot of struggle for all of us,” four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka said. “The rules are quite tricky with mandatory events, but I’m still doing that, I’m skipping a couple of events in order to protect my body because I struggled a lot last season.” She added: “So this season we will try to manage it a little bit better, even though they are going to fine me by the end of the season. “I think they just follow their interests,” she said. “But they’re not focusing on protecting all of us.” There was no immediate response from the WTA Tour. AFP

PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Gametime is 5:15 p.m. Tropang 5G coach Chot Reyes said on Wednesday that his team continued to improve

in the series, now that they have a commanding 2-0 lead over the Bolts following a 109-92 triumph in Game 2, also at the Big Dome. In Game 2, Reyes said their outside shots fell through and their performance was an improvement of what happened in Game 1, when they beat the Bolts, 100-95. “In Game 1, our outside shots were not going in. So I asked the players for a solution. So we kept going inside, and that led to a great numTNT’s Glenn Khobuntin and Poy Erram engage Meralco’s Cliff Hodge in a mad scramble for the ball in Game 2 of their teams’ PBA Philippine Cup semifinal battle.

ber of free throws in Game 1. Tonight, not so much because our three pointers were going in,” said Reyes. TNT needed to come back from 21 points in Game 1, while in Game 2, Reyes’ crew got their strength from 12 three pointers to get their win. This time, Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading led the charge with 26 and 24 points, respectively, even as the Bolts struggled with their three-point shooting, making just one of 14 attempts. Meanwhile, the San Miguel Beermen and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel go separate ways at 7:30 p.m., with their semifinal series tied at 1-1. The Beermen fought to a 93-84 edging of the Gin Kings in Game 2, banking on a balanced offensive effort and strong bench play from Jeron Teng and Don Trollano. While Junemar Fajardo dominated with 21 points and 23 rebounds, Teng came out with 13 points, while Trollano added 12 points and Jericho Cruz provided 11 points.

Sabalenka impresses again in Australian Open warm-up, vows more to come BRISBANE—World number one Aryna Sabalenka said she still had room for improvement after a second dominant win in the Brisbane International on Thursday. Sabalenka was pushed at times by 36-year-old Sorana Cirstea, but was never really troubled by the Romanian as she notched a 6-3, 6-3 win in 70 minutes. The Belarusian will next play either 21-year-old Russian Diana Shnaider or Madison Keys, the American who beat Sabalenka in last year’s Australian Open final. Sabalenka said she aimed to get better as she targets a third Australian Open title in four years when the first Grand Slam of the year begins in Melbourne on January 18.

“I think there is always room to improve, and I’m definitely not at my peak,” Sabalenka said. “Of course I prefer to win every match 6-0, 6-0, like everyone probably prefers, but at the end of the day you only get better when someone pushes you and you have to deal with moments under pressure.” Sabalenka said tournaments such as Brisbane, which features seven of the top 10 women, were perfect preparation for a Grand Slam. “I think by bringing and having seven top players in the draw, it definitely helps to prepare better for the Australian Open,” she said. “I think it’s important to have quality matches before heading to the big event, just so you’re preparing yourself men-

tally for fights, for battles. “And playing against top players is definitely a huge help heading into the Grand Slam tournament.” Another of the top names is former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, who also reached the quarter-finals with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Spain’s Paula Badosa. World number five Rybakina took control at 3-3 in the first set, winning nine of the next 11 games to seal victory. “It’s always a tough battle against Paula, she has great shots, plays really fast and has a great serve,” Kazakhstan’s Rybakina said. “I have a lot of things to work on for my next match but hopefully it’s going to be better.” AFP

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts after winning her women’s singles match against Sorana Cirstea of Romania at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane. AFP

BUSINESS SAFE CARD. Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chairman and chief executive Richard Gordon holds the PRC’s ‘Safe Card’ during a press conference on Jan. 7, 2026 at their main office in Mandaluyong City. The card holder will be entitled for a free Ambulance, free 1 blood bag, P300,000 accidental death disablement and dismemberment. P300,000 unprovoked murder and assault, P10,000 accident-related medical reimbursement, P5,000 accident-related burial assistance and P200 daily hospital allowance (maximum of 60 days) for annual registration fee of P1,200. Joseph Muego

FRIDAY, JANAURY 9, 2026

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

Gross international reserves fell to $110.87b in December $110.87 billion GIR as of December 2025

$111.25 billion GIR as of November 2025

$18.58 billion Gold holdings of BSP

WHAT’S INSIDE?

By Thony Rose Lesaca

HE Philippines’ gross international reserves (GIR) edged lower to $110.87 billion in December 2025 following a decline in foreign investments, according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data released Wednesday. The latest GIR level represents a slight decrease from $111.25 billion in November. Despite the dip, the BSP said the reserves provide an external liquidity buffer equivalent to 7.4 months of imports of goods, service payments and primary income. Under global conventions, reserves are considered adequate if they cover at least three months of imports. The current level is also about four times the country’s short-term external debt based on residual maturity. Preliminary BSP data showed that foreign investments slumped 1.1 percent to $87.01 billion from $87.98 billion in November. This was partially offset by a 3.06-percent increase in gold holdings, which rose from $18.03 billion to $18.58

Meralco forecasts slight increase in January power rates on weak peso By Alena Mae S. Flores

SEC approves LUECO’s direct public offer

DA expects rice prices to be stable

DOE to auction 105-MW RE projects

billion by the end of December. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the monthly decrease was largely due to the $966 million decline in foreign investments. He said the drop was tempered by the continued month-on-month increase in gold holdings, which reached a new record high of $18.577 billion as world gold prices gained 1.9 percent in December. Foreign exchange holdings rose to $647.2 million in December from $612.8 million in the previous month. Meanwhile, the reserve position in the International Monetary Fund dropped 0.14 percent to $727.3 million from $728.3 million in November. Special drawing rights remained steady at $3.91 billion.

MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) forecasts a slight increase in electricity rates for January bills due to a weaker peso and a new government-mandated charge, the utility said Thursday. While final billings from power suppliers are still being processed, initial indications show minimal movement in electricity rates this month, Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said. He noted that upward pressure on the generation charge stems primarily from the weakening of the peso against the US dollar, as a significant portion of power supply costs are dollar-denominated. The peso closed at a new record low of 59.355 against the US dollar Wednesday. Meralco said these costs would be offset by lower prices at the Wholesale

Electricity Spot Market during the December supply month. The Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines reported that the Luzon grid experienced a supply increase and a demand decrease, resulting in a lower average price of P2.98 per kilowatt-hour last month compared with P3.52 per kWh in November. Luzon supply increased 2.6 percent to 14,422 MW, while demand softened 2.9 percent to 9,324 MW. Another factor affecting January rates is the collection of the Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All) as approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission. The GEA-All is a charge applied to all on-grid end-users to fund the differential amount needed to pay eligible renewable energy plants.

DOTr opens bidding for P895-m upgrade of 3 regional airports By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) is seeking bidders for P895 million worth of upgrades and repairs across three regional airports to enhance the aviation infrastructure of the country. The agency is bidding out a P264.61million contract for the Virac Airport Development Project. The scope of work for the facility includes building area development, construction of a control tower, power house, cistern tank and pump house. It also involves a runway extension, turning pad and perimeter fence. DOTr officials are also inviting

bidders for the P455.89-million Tacloban Airport Development Project. The contract involves the construction and improvement of both landside and airside facilities. A third project up for bid is the P174.59-million Camiguin Airport Development Project. This covers critical runway centerline slope profile corrections for the regional hub. The DOTr said the bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens or sole proprietorships, cooperatives and partnerships or organizations with at least 60-percent interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

BUSINESS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

PH stocks rise amid rate cut hopes, stronger peso vs. dollar By Jenniffer B. Austria PHILIPPINE stocks ended higher Thursday on an improving economic outlook. The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index closed at 6,320.67, up 28.58 points, or 0.45 percent, while the broader all-shares index ended at 3,607.65, higher by 13.46 points, or 0.37 percent. “The local market rose as investors resumed their bargain hunting with hopes pinned on another possible rate cut by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas,” Philstocks Financial Inc. research head Japhet Tantiangco said. The strengthening of the peso against the dollar also helped boost investor sentiment. The peso closed at 59.17 against the U.S. dollar Thursday, compared with the previous day’s close of 59.355. Subindices ended mixed. Services rose the most, up 2.96 percent, followed by holding firms and property, which advanced 0.30 percent and 0.28 percent, respectively. On the other hand, mining and oil dropped 1.24 percent, while financials and industrials went down 1.15 percent and 0.39 percent, respectively. Trading weakened, with value turnover at P5.79 billion. Foreign investors remained net buyers, with inflows of P56.25 million. Alliance Global Group Inc. was the day’s top index leader, increasing 4.86 percent to P8.20, while BDO Unibank Inc. was at the bottom, declining 4.76 percent to P136.20. Asian equity markets mostly fell Thursday as the rally that has characterized the start of the year paused with investors looking ahead to the release of key US jobs data this week.

HOSPITALITY TRAINING. Newport World Resorts’ education arm Academy for Leisure and Tourism (ALT) partners with the Department of Education

(DepEd) for Enhanced Work Immersion Program. The integrated resort signed the accession agreement for DepEd’s program, formally joining a national pilot initiative, in partnership with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) and the Private Sector Jobs and Skills Corporation (PCORP). The agreement positions ALT as an industry partner in providing world-class hospitality training for senior high school students.

SEC approves LUECO’s direct IPO By Jenniffer B. Austria

HE Securities and Exchange Commission has approved the direct public offering of La Union Electric Co. Inc. (LUECO).

Under the offer, LUECO will sell up to 352,950 common shares priced at P772 per share. The company expects to raise net proceeds of about P251.4 million to fund capital expenditures, finance business expansion, and upgrade facilities and equipment. Unlike an initial public offering, where a company offers shares to the general public, a DPO is a

process in which a company raises capital by selling shares directly to employees, customers, suppliers, or individuals. The SEC said LUECO will be the second company to successfully register under the streamlined guidelines on Securing and Expanding Capital for PowerGen Operators and Wholesale Electricity and Retail Services, or SEC POWERS.

Based on the latest timetable submitted to the SEC, the DPO will run from Jan. 12 to 16, with shares to be issued no later than Feb. 6. The offering is being made in compliance with Section 43 of Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act. The law requires generation companies to offer and sell at least 15 percent of their common shares to the public. Penta Capital & Investment Corp. was tapped as the sole underwriter for the offering. LUECO’s franchise area covers San Fernando City and the municipalities of Bauang and San Juan in La Union. Its distribution system consists of two substations—the Bauang Substation

and the Poro Substation—with rated capacities of 20 megavolt amperes (MVA) and 67.5 MVA, respectively, as of the end of 2024. The SEC has been encouraging energy companies to raise funds through the capital markets. It previously streamlined its approval process for power generation and distribution companies seeking to offer shares to the public. Several energy firms, particularly those in renewable energy, have listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange. These include NexGen Energy Corp., Alternergy Holdings Corp., Citicore Renewable Energy Corp., Repower Energy Development Corp., and Raslag Corp.

SEC warns public against Exness, HF Markets for illegal solicitation By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission has warned the public against investing in Exness Global Limited (Exness Global-Trading App) and HF Markets (HFM) for the illegal solicitation of investments. In separate advisories, the SEC said both entities operate platforms that allow users to trade unregistered investment products without being registered as corporations in the Philippines. Neither firm has secured the required license or authority to sell or offer securities in the country. According to the SEC, Exness Global operates a platform giving users access to financial markets such as foreign exchange, cryptocurrency, stocks, and commodities,

primarily through contracts for difference (CFD). Similarly, the commission said HF Markets allows the public to trade CFDs on forex, commodities, bonds, metals, energies, shares, and indices. Both platforms allow Filipinos to create user accounts to trade these unregistered products. While the operators appear to be registered brokers or dealers in other jurisdictions, the SEC explained that the Securities Regulation Code requires prior registration before securities and investment products can be offered to the public in the Philippines. The SEC also warned that salesmen, brokers, dealers, promoters, recruiters, influencers, and other enablers of these platforms may be held criminally liable. Penalties include a maximum fine of P5 million, imprisonment of up to 21 years, or both.

NEW YEAR PARTY. Sheraton Manila Bay rang in the New Year with style, rhythm, and unforgettable energy at its New Year’s Eve Countdown Party, “Move to the Beat of 2026!”, held at the 7th floor Grand Ballroom on Dec. 31. The event brought together hotel guests, partners, and Manila’s social set for a night of music, movement, and celebration in the heart of the city.

Mitsubishi Motors PH achieves 100% plastic offsetting By Othel V. Campos MITSUBISHI Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) was recognized for achieving 100 percent plastic offsetting at the PCX Pulse Event, marking a new milestone in the company’s sustainability efforts. The recognition followed MMPC’s partnership with Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX) Markets, a

plastic responsibility platform. Through the partnership, the company offset all plastic it introduced into the market via verified recovery and recycling initiatives. PCX founder and executive chair Nanette Medved-Po said the awardees demonstrated that corporate accountability can help address plastic pollution. She noted that committing to the

verified recovery of 100 percent of a company’s plastic footprint creates lasting benefits for both communities and the environment. Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Raphael Lotilla commended the 16 companies recognized, saying they went beyond compliance by fully recovering their plastic footprint and setting an example of environmental stewardship.

MMPC vice president for safety, health and environment Marfel Ancheta said the recognition reflects the company’s responsibility for the plastic it produces. He noted that plastic credits represent measurable actions that support recycling systems and environmental protection, adding that MMPC remains committed to driving sustainability alongside mobility.

CMIC suspends Supercity Realty trading amid 3,700% price surge By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Capital Markets Integrity Corp. (CMIC), the market regulation arm of the Philippine Stock Exchange, suspended trading of dormant listed firm Supercity Realty Development Corp. (SRDC) after it failed to provide clarification on a recent surge in its stock price. Over the past 10 trading days, SRDC’s share price surged more than 3,700 percent, rising to P45.95 from P1.20. In a notice dated Jan. 8, CMIC said its surveillance department formally required SRDC on Jan. 7 to submit a written state-

ment confirming or denying any undisclosed material information regarding the sustained upward trajectory of its share price. As of the posting of the notice, the company had not complied with the directive. CMIC cited provisions under Article XI of its rules, which allow the regulator to restrict, halt, or suspend trading in cases of unusual activity or potential irregularities. The rules grant CMIC, with the approval of the PSE president, the power to issue such orders when price or volume benchmarks are breached or when deemed necessary under the circumstances. “In view of the foregoing and pursuant

to the CMIC Rules, the trading of SRDC shares shall be suspended effective 9 a.m. today, Jan. 8, 2026, pending the company’s compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements,” CMIC said. CMIC serves as the independent watchdog of the PSE. The exchange said it would inform trading participants and the investing public of further developments. SRDC was incorporated on June 9, 2000, to engage in construction and related services. In 2008, the company decided to wind down its construction business to refocus on real estate development. To date, however, the company has not started any real estate projects.

BUSINESS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026

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

DA expects stable rice prices By Othel V. Campos

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) said Thursday domestic rice prices remain stable and are unlikely to spike as import shipments resume and local supply levels stay sufficient. DA assistant secretary Arnel De Mesa told a media briefing that prices for both local and imported grains have shown minimal movement. The stability is supported by strong local production and higher inventory levels reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority. Regular-milled local rice is priced at about P40 per kilogram, while well-milled local rice averages P45

per kg. Imported regular-milled rice is selling for about P42 per kg. and well-milled imported rice ranges from P46 to P47 per kg. The agency expects price stability to be sustained if domestic production reaches the projected 20.3 million metric tons this year. The target is backed by increased allocations under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, which includes P30 billion for the Rice Competi-

tiveness Enhancement Fund and additional funding for national rice programs. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government is considering raising the maximum suggested retail price of imported rice to P45 per kg from P43. The potential adjustment follows global price pressures, a weak peso and a 20-percent tariff set to take effect Jan. 16. Rice importation resumed effective Jan. 1 after a temporary ban was imposed in September 2025. Bureau of Plant Industry data showed total rice imports reached 3.37 million metric tons in 2025, down from 4.81 million metric tons in 2024. Officials project 2026 imports will reach between 3.6 million and 3.8 million metric tons.

Meanwhile, Tiu Laurel announced the rollout of “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” in Pangasinan province. The flagship program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. provides rice at P20 per kg. to senior citizens, indigents, farmers, fishers and minimum-wage earners. The program’s initial phase targets up to 15 million families nationwide, representing roughly 60 million people. Funding for the expansion is estimated at P14 billion, which includes P4 billion carried over from 2025. This is separate from a P9 billion allocation for National Food Authority palay procurement. The NFA holds 451,886 metric tons in inventory, enough to feed the country for nearly 12 days.

PLDT steps up infra investments to drive AI adoption By Darwin G. Amojelar PLDT Inc. said Thursday it is accelerating investments in infrastructure and human capital this year to build an AIready Philippines and drive inclusive digital growth across all sectors. The company said its significant investments in AI infrastructure include the nation’s largest integrated fixed and wireless networks and VITRO Sta. Rosa (VSR), the country’s first hyperscale data center built specifically for AI workloads. Located in the tech corridor of Laguna, VSR is developed by PLDT data center arm VITRO Inc. The facility hosts Pilipinas AI, the first sovereign AI solutions stack in the Philippines, which allows local enterprises to utilize AI without building or managing their own infrastructure. As a homegrown solution, Pilipinas AI ensures that data remains locally hosted, enabling private and public sectors to access world-class AI capabilities while keeping workloads secure within Philippine borders. PLDT Enterprise business group senior vice president and head Blums Pineda said the company is developing a range of AI use cases for industries such as banking, finance services, insurance, business process outsourcing, healthcare, government and utilities. These use cases aim to optimize processes, increase productivity and enhance customer experience. Pineda said that with an AI-ready ecosystem and investments in infrastructure and people, the PLDT Group is ready to help more Filipino communities, businesses and enterprises harness the benefits of AI to boost productivity, competitiveness and innovation. PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. are also leading a multi-sectoral thrust to unlock AI potential for government, schools, non-government organizations, micro, medium and small enterprises, media groups and communitybased organizations.

Asian AI leader Trusting Social teams up with cybersecurity firm eMudhra to launch the Philippines’ first end-to-end digital onboarding and signing platform, integrating their technologies to create a seamless, paperless experience. Signing the agreement are Trusting Social Philippines chief executive Johnny Escaler and eMudhra country manager Rajat Gurnani.

Trusting Social, eMudhra launch digital platform By Darwin G. Amojelar ASIAN artificial intelligence leader Trusting Social and cybersecurity company eMudhra have teamed up to launch the first end-to-end digital onboarding and signing platform in the Philippines. The collaboration integrates the technologies of both companies to create a seamless, paperless experience for financial transactions. The partnership eliminates the “hybrid” hurdle where identity is verified online but contracts still require physical signatures. This is achieved by merging the TrustVision electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) system from Trusting Social with the emSigner platform from eMudhra. Trusting Social Philippines chief executive Johnny Escaler said the Filipino consumer market has fully pivoted away from hybrid, half-digital processes. Escaler noted that consumers demand fully remote access without compromising on security. By combining specialized AI intelligence in risk and identity with globally trusted digital signing infrastructure, the companies enable financial partners to accelerate growth on a foundation of absolute trust. Escaler added that the integration ensures every financial transaction is both secure and instantaneous. The technology is built on a robust Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) framework provided by eMudhra. Unlike simple electronic signatures, these PKI-based signatures ensure document authenticity and integrity. Every contract is time-stamped and sealed, which makes any unauthorized modification immediately detectable. This level of security is vital for lenders requiring Post-Dated Checks (PDCs) for repayment. The secure digital signature captured during the application provides an immutable reference for future signature verification on the PDCs. Rajat Gurnani, country-manager of eMudhra Philippines, said every Filipino citizen can now expect a fully digital process. Gurnani said this replaces the old method of filling out a digital form and then physically visiting a branch and standing in queues to complete an application.

DOE to auction over 105 MW of renewable energy projects in fifth round By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Department of Energy (DOE) said it has issued the terms of reference and notice of bidding for the fifth round of its open and competitive selection process (OCSP 5) to develop more than 105 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity. The agency said it identified specific hydropower, geothermal and wind energy resources with sufficient technical data that are viable for promotion and further development in line with government efforts to advance sustainable energy. The department offered seven predetermined hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 37.40 MW. These include the 8.5-MW Amtuagan project, 8.3-MW Pacu-an project, 6.7-MW Guinoba-an No. 1 project, 6-MW Pinacanauan River project, 3-MW Bacolan project, 2.9-MW Guinoba-an No. 2 project and 2-MW Guiamon San Ramon project. Investors were also invited to bid for two geothermal projects totaling 68 MW, specifically the 48-MW Natib and 25-MW Southern Leyte projects. Two wind power projects in Cabusao and San Isidro were also included in the auction, but their potential capacities have yet to be identified. Under the rules of OCSP 5, applicants should submit their renewable energy applications within 90 calendar days from the date of the first publication of the notice of bidding.

Remitly, Coins.ph remittance solution REMITLY and Coins.ph announced a strategic collaboration to launch a stablecoin-powered remittance solution to provide near-instant and low-cost money transfers to the Philippines. The partnership allows Remitly to process funds from more than 170 countries through the regulated local infrastructure of Coins.ph. The system converts fiat currency, such as US or Canadian dollars, into stablecoins to facilitate near-real-time settlement and reduce latency for recipients. The initiative targets a significant market, as approximately 4 million overseas Filipino workers reside in the United States and Canada. These two nations account for 45 percent of total remittances sent back to the Philippines. Coins.ph chief executive Wei Zhou said stablecoins are evolving into essential global infrastructure. He noted that the partnership aims to democratize finance and provide overseas Filipinos with greater financial resilience by reducing costs. Remitly vice-president of business development Gene Nigro said the integration of stablecoin technology with the company’s global network supports its mission to transform lives through trusted financial services.

DA set to launch transparency portal THE Department of Agriculture (DA) will launch a transparency portal in February to track P76.52 billion in rural infrastructure projects, signaling a shift toward greater accountability as the agency takes full control of the nation’s farm-to-market road network. The digital platform, named FMR Watch, will provide public access to data on about 4,800 projects implemented between 2021 and 2025, as well as a P33-billion pipeline of projects slated for 2026.

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines concludes the Philippine Business Mission (PBM) to Korea 2025, generating P522.29 million in sales leads. The multi-city roadshow featured destination briefings, product updates and business-to-business meetings from Nov. 17 to 21 across Busan, Daejeon and Seoul. Shown is the Philippine delegation in Busan, led tourism attache Erwin Balane and Micka Anjella Calzado, acting head of TPB Philippines international promotions department-North Asia division.

IN BRIEF Managed by the DA Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE), the portal follows the 2026 General Appropriations Act which designated the bureau as the lead implementing office for these roads nationwide. DA Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering assistant secretary Cristy Cecilia Polido said the website, accessible at fmr.bafe.gov.ph, reflects the department’s readiness to manage the infrastructure and invites citizen participation. Othel V. Campos

APECO seeks US investments THE Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is intensifying its investment promotion in the United States, with planned missions to Washington, D.C. and the West Coast to secure film, defense and logistics projects. APECO president and chief executive Gil Taway said domestic and overseas activities have received full support, enabling the agency to proceed with targeted foreign missions starting March 2026. The itinerary includes visits to Washington, D.C. and major film studios in Burbank, California, to attract media production locators to the Aurora province. The push for media infrastructure mirrors large-scale developments such as a P2 billion film studio project in Bulacan and similar investments in Houston, Texas, Taway said. The upcoming trip builds on 2024 discussions held in Texas and Virginia that are now materializing into concrete prospects. Taway noted that Anglicotech is close to realization, while Pacific Impact is also nearing entry into the zone.Othel V. Campos

PH tourism mission to South Korea generates P522.29m in sales leads By Othel V. Campos THE Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines said it generated P522.29 million in estimated sales leads following the Philippine Business Mission to South Korea. The multi-city roadshow ran from Nov. 17 to 21 through Busan, Daejeon and Seoul. The mission focused on destination briefings and business-to-business meetings to strengthen ties with the country’s top source of international visitors. TPB chief operating officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles said the agency is committed to a long-term effort to strengthen the tourism partnership with South Korea and foster deeper connections through travel and shared experiences. The delegation included 40 seller companies from Philippine hotels, resorts, tour operators, and airlines. These representatives engaged

with 204 Korean travel agents and corporate buyers, facilitating 792 business meetings across the three cities. TPB North Asia acting division head Anjella Calzado said during the Busan and Daejeon stops that the mission reaffirms a commitment to expand market reach and deliver concrete actions by elevating the experience of Korean visitors. Calzado said the agency is prioritizing connectivity, safety and immersive travel. Officials from the Department of Tourism in Korea, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines provided updates on tourism products and new route developments to improve travel options between the two nations. South Korea has remained the primary inbound tourism market for the Philippines since 2012. In 2024, arrivals from South Korea reached 1.76 million.

TRANSPORT PH workforce powers aviation industry

HILE aircraft often capture the spotlight in aviation, the true engine of the industry is the people on the ground. For Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP), isn’t just about fleet maintenance— it’s about the thousands of Filipino professionals who have built their lives within its hangars.

Since opening in 2000, LTP has provided thousands of Filipinos with the chance to build lasting careers in aviation. Today, more than 3,200 people work at the company, and remarkably, 221 of them have

been there since the very first day. Some have risen into leadership, showing how a job that began on the hangar floor can become a lifelong profession. These journeys are personified by

Santa Fadul

leaders like Rovic Salonga, who rose from the first apprentice batch to Shift Manager, and Santa Fadul, whose 13year tenure across Engineering and Marketing highlights the company’s commitment to internal mobility. By bridging the gap between the classroom and the hangar through robust apprenticeship programs and leadership training, LTP ensures that for its team, ambition always has a runway. The growth of people like Salonga and Fadul did not happen by chance. LTP has made training the foundation of its operations. Its apprenticeship programs take graduates straight from classrooms into the hangars, bridging the gap between theory and the demands of live aircraft. Partnerships with aviation schools across the country ensure a steady flow of young talent, while continuous in-house training keeps employees ahead of fast-changing aircraft technologies. Various internal leadership training programs help employees step grow professionally within the organization by sharpening skills in communication and team management. Many of LTP’s managers point to being adequately supported in their journey, especially as they transition from being technical specialists to people leaders. Equally important is the company culture. LTP blends German discipline with Filipino warmth, creating an environment where high standards and genuine care coexist. Employees point to benefits such as ample leaves, medical assistance, and family-friendly policies as reasons they have stayed for the long haul. In some hangars, parents and children now work side by side, a reminder that careers here often become family legacies. That culture is also changing the face of aviation. More than 300 women now work at LTP, with over 260 in technical roles and 50 in leadership. Some lead entire bays and divisions, managing large teams in one of the most demanding industries in the world. Their presence signals how much the doors have opened for Filipinas who once saw aviation as out of reach—and proof of this is the extent to which the company supports them. Fadul, currently a Senior Key Account Manager in the company, was adequately immersed in Systems, Avionics, and Structures, including training programs at the Airbus facility

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com Darwin G. Amojelar, Issue Editor

Rovic Salonga

in Toulouse, enabling her to progress to senior engineering roles in the company. After shifting to Marketing & Sales, she also broadened both expertise and networks through conference and programs in Bulgaria, Hungary, and Germany. All these has helped form a leader capable in both the technical and commercial sides of the MRO industry. The skills developed inside these hangars have built a reputation that extends far beyond the Philippines. LTP services aircraft from some of the world’s leading airlines. Each arrival in Manila represents global confidence in Filipino mechanics and engineers. For many employees, this is the most meaningful part of their work. Aircraft they once admired from a distance now arrive in Manila to be maintained under their care. What once felt out of reach has become part of their everyday responsibility. “It’s a point of pride that the world’s most advanced aircraft come to Manila to be serviced by Filipino hands,” Salonga said. “The fact that I started here as an apprentice and now help lead those efforts makes the

journey even more meaningful,” he added. After 25 years, LTP is more than a maintenance provider. It has become a place where careers are built, families are sustained, and futures are reshaped. From apprentices who found their footing to managers who now lead entire bays, its legacy is written in people who prove that world-class aviation talent does not have to leave home to make an impact. “Lufthansa Technik Philippines prepares its people for the future of aviation by equipping them to operate in an industry that is becoming more digital, efficient, and sustainability driven,” Fadul said. “By fostering a culture that values adaptability, learning from failure, awareness, and long-term thinking, the company ensures its people are ready to analyze issues openly, learn from setbacks, and continuously improve processes,” she added. For the next generation of Filipinos who walk into its hangars, that legacy stands as both an invitation and a promise of an opportunity to build a career that can take flight, in Manila and beyond. Darwin G. Amojelar

DOTr warns against fraudulent calls THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has warned the public and its partner agencies against individuals falsely claiming to be DOTr officials and making unau-

thorized calls. Based on reports received, the fraudulent caller with the mobile number +639675241412 is posing as DOTr Undersecretary Ramon

Reyes and calling Regional Directors of the Land Transportation Office to ask for their online banking details. The DOTr emphasizes that its officials, including undersecretaries, as well as its employees, will never ask for personal or online banking information under any circumstances. The public is also reminded not to disclose any sensitive information over the phone. All communications from the DOTr and its officials come from the agency’s verified channels. The public is urged to remain vigilant and immediately report similar incidents to our commuter hotline at 09209643687.

DPWH sets new schedule for EDSA rehabilitation works THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that the rehabilitation of EDSA will continue , following the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expedite the repair of the highway to make it safer for motorists, commuters, and pedestrians.

LRTA records over 560K beneficiaries during 12-day Christmas free ride program THE Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) recorded a total of 565,887 passengers who benefited from the 12-day Christmas Free Ride program on LRT-2, reflecting strong commuter participation and support for the government’s holiday initiative. The free ride program, implemented from December 14 to 25, catered to various sectors of society, including senior citizens, students, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families, teachers and health care workers, persons with disabilities (PWDs), government employees, female passengers, families, members of the LGBTQIA and solo parents, private sector employees and kasambahay, uniformed personnel, and free ride for all. The highest single-day free ride turnout was recorded on Christmas Day, December 25, for Free Ride For All, followed by December 18,

for PWDs and male passengers, and December 20 for female passengers. LRTA underscored that the holiday free ride initiative highlights the government’s initiative to provide accessible, affordable, and inclusive public transportation during the holiday season. “The 12 Days of Christmas Free Ride is part of our continued efforts to support commuters and give back to the riding public during the holidays,” LRTA Administrator Hernando Cabrera said. LRTA continues to strengthen its efforts to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient rail services, aimed at improving the commuting experience of LRT-2 passengers. Meanwhile, more than 62,000 passengers benefited from the LRT-2 Pamilya Pass 1+3 Program in December 2025, with a total of 62,780 passengers recorded based on the number of coupons issued throughout the month.

Strong participation was observed in all covered Sundays, reflecting the continued public interest in the program. The Pamilya Pass 1+3 Program allows one paying adult to bring up to three family members or companions

for free every Sunday on LRT-2. LRTA said it continues to roll out passenger-centered initiatives that promote affordable travel, strengthen family bonding, and encourage more commuters to use public transportation.

Here is the new schedule of repair works on EDSA: - 10:00pm to 4:00am (Monday to Friday) - Asphalt Overlaying - 10:00pm to 4:00am (Friday to Monday) - Asphalt Overlaying and Concrete Reblocking Here are the parts of EDSA (intermittent road sections) that will be repaired from January 6, 2026 to January 11, 2026. ASPLAHT OVERLAY: NORTHBOUND January 6 - 11, 2026: Magallanes hanggang Ayala Underpass (from 2nd lane to 5th lane, including application of 2nd layer asphalt) ROTOMILLING WORKS: SOUTHBOUND January 6, 2026: Scout Mariano hanggang Aurora Boulevard (2nd lane to 4th lane) January 8-10, 2026: Vanguard Academy hanggang Kalayaan Flyover (2nd lane to 4th lane) NORTHBOUND January 7, 2026: Aurora Boulevard to Apelo Cruz (3rd lane to 5th lane) CONCERTE REBLOCKING WORKS: NORTHBOUND January 9 – 12, 2026: Roxas Boulevard hanggang Taft Avenue (3rd lane) “All motorists are advised to use alternative routes. The agency will also provide an updated schedule of repair works every week,” DPWH said.

SHOWBIZ

C2 FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026

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

and bring a fresh perspective to the role,” he explained. Angela studied the original film to understand her character deeply and develop a Filipino interpretation. “It was exciting to adapt the role in a way that resonates with our audience, while staying true to the heart of the story,” she said. In the story, Sara (Angela Muji) is a young woman whose family moves to a peaceful countryside home due to her illness. There, they meet a mysterious boy (Rabin Angeles) living in their barn, guided by animal instincts and communicating through gestures and expressions. Sara’s mother takes Boy in, and as Sara teaches him to eat, read, and behave like a human, a special bond flourishes.

Rabin Angeles transforms into a feral man in his new film under Viva

Screen’s newest love team takes on ferocious romance Boy (Rabin Angeles) begins adjusting to the human world as Sara (Angela Muji) patiently guides him

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

ABIN Angeles and Angela Muji are a natural pair for the screen. Cameras adore them, and their growing fan base eagerly follows every update about this rising onscreen couple, especially their undeniable chemistry. But what do Rabin and Angela admire most about each other as actors? At the press conference for Viva Film’s first major release of 2026, the Philippine adaptation of the 2012 South Korean hit A Werewolf Boy, the lead stars shared the traits they admire after months of working closely together. Angela spoke about the unique challenge of Rabin’s role, which requires no speaking lines. “Rabin’s part is special because he expresses everything through his eyes. Working with him was easy and inspiring,” she said. She also praised his dedication: “He handles demanding scenes with full commitment, even eating raw camote as part of his role. I admire how he fully embraces his character and enjoys every moment of performing.” Rabin, in turn, lauded Angela’s focus and professionalism. “During taping, she remains fully immersed in her character. Her dedication makes collaboration seamless,” he expressed. To create their own interpretations of beloved characters originally played by Song Joong-ki and Park Bo-young, the duo took different approaches. Rabin explored various wolf-themed books, series, and movies, shaping his version of Boy but he intentionally didn’t watch the original movie. “I wanted to give my own take on the werewolf boy

Rabin Angeles (left) and Angela Muji as Boy and Sara in ‘A Werewolf Boy,’ Viva Films’ Filipino adaptation of the South Korean romantic fantasy

Rabin Angeles (left) and Angela Muji answer questions from the media at the press conference for their new Viva film

Boy’s protective nature brings challenges when Juancho, Sara’s suitor, grows curious about him. As Boy’s origins become clear, Sara faces a life-changing decision to care for him, one that deepens their connection. Award-winning director Crisanto Aquino (My Future You, Instant Daddy), who guided the pair in Seducing Drake Palma, brings a fresh, emotional perspective to this adaptation. Supporting the duo is a talented ensemble led by award-winning Lorna Tolentino, with Albie Casiño, Candy Pangilinan, Yayo Aguila, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Annika Co, Rose Van Ginkel, Angel Raymundo, Raffy Tejada, Onyl Torres, Boaz Mariano, Francis Mata, Simon Ibarra, Omar Flores, Ruslan Jacob, Luna Amor Buniag, Lui Manansala, and Kanye Avendaño contributing to the story. A Werewolf Boy opens in cinemas nationwide on Jan. 14

‘One Battle After Another’ leads SAG’s Actor Awards nominations with seven PAUL Thomas Anderson’s politically charged One Battle After Another on Wednesday set a record for nominations for the Screen Actors Guild’s influential Actor Awards with seven, staking its claim to Oscars frontrunner status. Ryan Coogler’s runaway hit period horror film Sinners came in second with five nominations, setting the stage for a two-horse race to the Academy Awards in March. One Battle After Another, which centers on an aging revolutionary (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his teenage daughter (Chase Infiniti), is a rollicking ride featuring violent leftist radicals, immigration raids, and white supremacists. The film received a nomination for best ensemble, SAG’s equivalent of best picture, competing against Sinners, Frankenstein, Hamnet, and Marty Supreme. One Battle also earned nods for best male actor (DiCaprio), best female actor (Infiniti), best supporting actors (Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro), best supporting actress (Teyana Taylor), and best stunt ensemble. Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as twins in 1930s segregated Mississippi, facing a sinister force. It also earned nominations for best actor (Jordan), best supporting actor

(Miles Caton), best supporting actress (Wunmi Mosaku), and best stunt ensemble. One Battle recently bested Sinners at the Critics Choice Awards, winning best picture and director, while the two split best screenplay honors. “One Battle After Another is the Oscars frontrunner, setting an all-time nomination record, but Sinners is tied for second-most noms,” Variety’s Clayton Davis told AFP, comparing the race to 2017’s La La Land vs. Moonlight. The SAG Awards, voted on by actors, are seen as key Oscar indicators. They were rebranded as the Actor Awards in November. Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme) and Jessie Buckley (Hamnet) also solidified their Oscar campaigns with best actor and actress nominations. Davis called the best actor race “tight” among Chalamet, DiCaprio, and Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), while best actress honors are “firmly Jessie Buckley’s to lose.” NonEnglish films like Norway’s Sentimental Value and Brazil’s The Secret Agent were notably absent. On TV, The Studio leads with five nominations. The SAG Awards will take place March 1 in Los Angeles and stream live on Netflix. AFP

The Sexbomb Girls pose with fans at a packed reunion concert, following the announcement of a fourth ‘rAWnd’ show at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Feb. 7

Sexbomb Girls announces 4th ‘rAWnd’ of reunion concert By Angelica Villanueva THE Sexbomb Girls announced an additional show after tickets for the supposed final show sold out in just an hour. On Thursday, Jan. 8, group leader Rochelle Pangilinan shared the poster for their fourth concert show, happening on Feb. 7 at SM Mall of Asia Arena. “Sigaw ng mga pinalaki ng Sexbomb... ONE MORE rAWnd!!! Madali kaming kausap, eto na....rAWNd 4!” she wrote. The announcement came after Rochelle previously posted a promotional image for the third reunion concert, with the words “The Finale” crossed out.

Director Paul Thomas Anderson (right) confers with Leonardo DiCaprio on set of ‘One Battle After Another’

The third reunion concert is on Feb. 6 at the same venue. The show was initially billed as the final chapter of the Sexbomb Girls’ comeback, following two sold-out reunion concerts held last December. Due to strong demand, the February show will feature a 360-degree stage, allowing fans seated around the arena to experience the performances more closely. The SM Mall of Asia Arena also served as the venue for the group’s second reunion concert. Formed in the late 1990s, the Sexbomb Girls rose to fame through their appearances in Eat Bulaga! as mainstay dancers.

SHOWBIZ

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026

Touchbass

Yugel Losorata

Spotify’s

billion-stream club

Miss Intercontinental Philippines 2025 Christina Vanhefflin prepares to represent the country at the Miss Intercontinental 2025 pageant in Egypt

Classic hits that survived the test of time

LASSIC hits on the Spotify Billions Club playlist are the true winners in the test of quality and endurance. Before an old song can hit such a milestone, it must have been discovered by a significant number of young listeners, since this age group makes up the bulk of regular music streamers. Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release, surpassing two billion streams on Spotify

Unlike, say, The Weeknd or Ed Sheeran, the artists behind these hits released their music ages ago, at a time when many digital-native listeners weren’t even born or were mere toddlers. Let’s limit our scope to bands from past eras—technically outdated acts that set the stage for today’s diverse music scene. It takes a special kind of charm for a song from yesteryear to reach a billion streams, partly because the style of writing, arranging, and performing records then was significantly different. Take “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles. With 1,741,508,818 streams (as of this writing), it’s the only track in the club credited to arguably the greatest band of all time. Surprisingly, it was neither composed nor lead-sung by the Lennon-McCartney songwriting juggernaut, but by George Harrison, the “Quiet One.” Its melodic appeal, simple lyrics, and catchiness have fascinated listeners across generations. With that in mind, here are other notable groups from past music scenes along with their billion-stream songs, mostly signature hits. Often, their next most-streamed track can be surprising. It’s remarkable that a few of them have multiple songs in the elite club, while even acts like The Beach Boys, The Who, Duran Duran, and Depeche Mode don’t have a single entry. 1. Queen (“Bohemian Rhapsody” – 3,021,773,373 streams)

A no-brainer: rock opera at its best. But “Don’t Stop Me Now,” at 2.5B, is a bit puzzling—why it surpassed tracks like “We Will Rock You” and “Another One Bites the Dust,” which are also in the club, is interesting. Other Queen classics in the club include “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Somebody to Love,” “Killer Queen,” and their collaboration with David Bowie, “Under Pressure.” 2. ABBA (“Dancing Queen” – 1,868,338,544 streams) Another signature piece. Their next billion-stream song, “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight),” hits 1.1B streams, notable for its remarkable riff and playful title. 3. Led Zeppelin (Stairway to Heaven – 1,741,508,818 streams) Expected for an epic song with “a lady we all know who shines white light and wants to show.” The runner-up, Immigrant Song, trails with 942M streams. 4. Eagles (“Hotel California” – 2,080,295,479 streams) Of course, Don Felder and Joe Walsh go ballistic for over two minutes after the nightman’s threat. “Take It Easy,” however, still needs six-figure streams to reach a billion. 5. Guns N’ Roses (“Sweet Child O’ Mine” – 2,544,683,598 streams) Slash’s definitive guitar work. “Welcome to the Jungle” leads the runnersup, not “Paradise City” (1.3B) nor “November Rain” (1.2B). Four songs in the club isn’t bad for Axl Rose and the gang. 6. Nirvana (“Smells Like Teen Spirit” – 2,712,275,045 streams) This song represents the rebel youth of the ‘90s. Kurt Cobain might have been surprised that their other billionstream hit is Heart-Shaped Box (1.8B). 7. Bon Jovi (“Livin’ on a Prayer” – 2,121,008,480 streams)\ ‘90s super rock ballad “Bed of Roses” has yet to reach 500M streams. “You Give Love a Bad Name” has 1.4B, while “It’s My Life” (1.1B) is probably the only billion-stream hit released in the 21st century by a relatively middle-aged band. 8. Metallica (“Enter Sandman” – 1,952,780,321 streams) It’s the opener to its loaded Black Album. Power ballad “Nothing Else Matters” has 1.5B streams. 9. The Police (“Every Breath You Take” – 3,172,002,580 streams) You can understand why Sting’s bandmates sued him regarding royalties for this song. 10. Rolling Stones (“Paint It Black” – 1,608,350,789 streams) Some might be surprised as “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is often cited as the band’s signature work. It currently has 900M streams. Other classic songs from iconic bands worth mentioning in the billion-stream club include Fleetwood Mac (“Dreams”), The Cure (“Boys Don’t Cry”), Pink Floyd (“Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2”), Hall & Oates (“Maneater”), Toto (“Africa”), Journey (“Don’t Stop Believin’”), Wham! (“Last Christmas”), and Eurythmics (“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”).

‘Every Breath You Take’ remains one of Spotify’s most-streamed classic songs with over three billion plays

Pageant Concept Eton Concepcion

First PH bet to vie for international pageant crown in 2026 CHRISTINA Vanhefflin breaks the ice for Filipinas competing on the global stage this year as she vies against 60 women from all over the world at Miss Intercontinental 2025, which finally pushes through after its postponement last year. The pageant will be held at the Luxury V Resort on the Red Sea in Sahl Hasheesh, Egypt, on Jan. 29. The 20-year-old Vanhefflin, of German descent from Babatngon, Leyte, has a strong resemblance to Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. She is a freshman student in Psychology at the Asian Development Foundation College and has professional experience as a news anchor with the regional Central Luzon Television (CLTV36) network. Vanhefflin was Miss Leyte Liberation 2024, second runner-up in Mutya ng Buahanan 2025, and first runner-up in Mutya han Samar 2025 before winning Miss Intercontinental Philippines 2025 during the finals of the 57th Mutya ng Pilipinas 2025. Vanhefflin succeeded Alyssa Redondo, who finished as second runner-up in Miss Intercontinental 2024 and is sitting as one of the judges in this 53rd edition of the pageant. The Philippines has so far won twice, with Karen Gallman in 2018 and Cinderella Obeñita in 2021. “As I prepare to raise our flag in Egypt on January 29, I hope you’ll join me once again, one heart, one voice, one Philippines,” Vanhefflin said on Facebook. Meanwhile, Miss Supraglobal Philippines Chelsea Joy Arciaga, a top 15 finalist and Miss Popular Vote winner in Miss Grand Philippines 2025, will represent the country at the 3rd Miss Supraglobal 2025, to be held in New Delhi, India, on Jan. 30.

30-year-old Tamagotchi is winning over Gen Z JAPAN’S Tamagotchi toys, a 1990s playground craze, continue to charm retroloving Gen Z and nostalgic parents. More than 100 million pocket-sized virtual pets have been sold worldwide, maker Bandai Namco says. The company marks the Tamagotchi’s evolution—from black-and-white pixelated characters to color screens and Wi-Fi— at a 30th anniversary exhibition opening Wednesday in Tokyo. Swinging from keychains, the Tamagotchi—whose name combines the Japanese words for “egg” and “watch”—has become a popular fashion accessory among young people. Merchandise sales, excluding video games, have increased roughly sevenfold since 2019. Visitors enter the exhibition through a giant white egg to explore displays and a history

room featuring dozens of Tamagotchi models. Rafaela Miranda Freire, 15, visiting Harajuku with her mother, said she didn’t own a Tamagotchi but liked the concept. “It’s nostalgic and cute… It’s good. You just get off the phone and appreciate the small things in life,” she said. Harajuku shopper Yumeho Akita, 25, recalled raising her Tamagotchi carefully as a child. Some parents are introducing the toys to their children. U.S. screenwriter Justin Piasecki, visiting Japan, said his daughters, 4 and 6, have already mastered the digital pets. Last year, British retailer Hamleys ranked Tamagotchi among the top 100 toys of all time, alongside Lego and the Rubik’s Cube. Bandai Namco says nearly half of all Tamagotchi sales were in Japan, 33 percent in the Americas, and 2 percent in other AsiaPacific countries. AFP

Classic Tamagotchi virtual pets are becoming both a collectible and fashion accessory among Gen Z

LIFE

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026

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

McDonald’s encourages children to experience both receiving and giving through a holiday campaign built around Happy Foundation scholars MealsSM and shared moments continue their journey beyond graduation, carrying forward a commitment to service, leadership, and community involvement

NOW & NEXT By Nickie Wang

OR scholars under the SM Foundation, graduation signals a transition and the start of wider responsibilities, with many alumni continuing their ties to the program through work, service, and community involvement.

SM scholaralumna Danzel Bacaycay (leftmost) enters the Philippine Air Force Officer Candidate School and becomes a 2nd Lieutenant in 2013

The SM Foundation, the social good arm of the SM Group, sustains engagement with its scholars beyond college through alumni activities, job fairs, mentoring initiatives, and regional assemblies under its Education Program. These efforts help build a network of graduates who contribute to their families, professions, and communities. Peter Paul Alcober is one of the alumni shaped by the program. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Saint Paul School of Professional Studies in 2019 and now works as a finance business partner at a multinational company in the National Capital Region. “The years following my undergraduate studies have been a period of continuous growth, discovery, and professional development,” Alcober said. He shared that after graduation, he took on roles that strengthened his financial and analytical skills. Alongside his career, Alcober pursued graduate studies and is nearing completion of his MBA. He described the period as demanding and credited discipline and time management for helping him grow in confidence and perspective. Giving back to his family remains central to his life, Alcober said. He also stays active in the SM scholar community by attending activities and mentoring younger professionals.

“Whenever there are events, gatherings, or outreach programs, I do my best to attend,” he said. “Staying involved allows me to reconnect, give back, and continue supporting the Foundation’s initiatives.” Another alumna, Danzel Bacaycay, graduated with a degree in Accountancy from Asia Pacific College in 2011. After gaining experience in finance, she entered the Philippine Air Force Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 2013. Bacaycay has since served in finance and leadership roles across several Philippine Air Force units and currently works as chief of the Command Information and Historical Office of the Air Mobility Command. She is also a third-year law student. “Thirteen years into my service, I still carry the discipline, perseverance, and humility instilled in me by my parents, my faith, and the SM Foundation,” Bacaycay said. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led the Philippine Air Force Quarantine Response Team in Mandaue

EVERY time the Bar exam results come out, I find myself so invested in seeing the raw reactions from successful bar passers whenever they see their names on the list. Just like me, the spotlight online and on traditional media finds the same faces— those who passed, those who made it, and those whose names will soon bear the title “Attorney” before them. But somewhere beyond the praises and loud cheers are quieter stories, ones that do not come with family-made tarpaulins. The stories belong to people like Therese Valera, who did not make it this year. She said in an interview with GMA Public Affairs, “Nevertheless, I’m still grateful. Our journey wasn’t a joke. Your result never discounts the effort that you put in.” The silent stories also include Divine Grace Pineda’s. She is a three-time bar taker and finally passed on the third try. “On my first try, I was pregnant with my first child. I received the bad news of failing the Bar when she was just nine days old. It was

Where scholars go after graduation

SM scholar-alumnus Peter Paul Alcober pursues graduate studies and nears completion of his MBA

City, supporting public health and humanitarian efforts. “Giving back is a way of life,” she said. She added that she stays connected with the SM Foundation through updates, alumni activities, and opportunities to share her journey. Both Alcober and Bacaycay remain active within the SM scholar network, maintaining ties with fellow graduates and responding when invited to share their experiences. “Once an SM Scholar, always an SM Scholar,” Bacaycay said. “It is a lifelong badge of gratitude, resilience, and purpose.”

Bacaycay speaks to current SM scholars during a general assembly in Cebu

How failing is a form of winning needs more than courage. It starts with kindness to yourself. We must communicate with ourselves the way we would to someone who is tired but still battling it out. Second is grit, defined by Angela Duckworth as sustained passion and perseverance toward long-term goals. Grit is not loud. It does not announce itself on social media. It looks like registering again when no one expects you to. It looks like choosing effort over ego, patience over pride. so hard for me, but you really have Third is post-traumatic growth, a concept supported by decades to pick yourself up and try again,” she of research showing that individuals can experience psychological told GMA News. growth after repeated setbacks. Failure reshapes values. It deepens She shared how she kept the faith and empathy. It teaches humility. The man who failed the Bar 11 times did believed that God had a bigger plan. Like her, not walk away empty-handed because he walked away transformed. 59-year-old Eduardo Regio also had a Fourth is meaning-making. Viktor taste of failing the Bar—not once, not Frankl’s work reminds us that suffering twice, not even three times. becomes bearable when it has meaning. The former public servant first took the Failure asks a quiet question: “Why does Bar in 1993 and fell short of the passing this still matter to you?” If the answer Kate Adajar grade ten times. Finally, this year, after remains, then the journey, however putting in all the work for review and delayed, remains valid. For Eduardo, the lifting up his goal to God, Eduardo finally bar passer after 11 attempts, he wanted to passed the Bar on his eleventh try. serve as an inspiration to his children. He told reporters, “As long as Eleven attempts. Eleven moments of hope. Eleven encounters with you are alive, there is hope.” failure. That leads me, finally, to the concept of hope theory, developed In a culture obsessed with success, the family man could have by Charles Snyder. Hope is not blind optimism. It is the belief easily dropped the dream on the third attempt. Failure has long been that there are pathways to move forward, even if these are longer or treated like a personal flaw instead of a human experience. We were unconventional. Hope is strategic. It adapts. It begins again. influenced to hide it, save face, or bury it under insincere optimism. As a new year begins, let this be your permission or sign to begin But failure, when we allow ourselves to sit with it, can be deeply again. Whether you failed the Bar, a regular Math exam, a long-term life-changing. It can be a gift. It strips us of performance and leaves relationship, or yourself, always remember that your worth is not reduced us face-to-face with our core, who we truly are when the world is not by one result. The bravest stories are not always about passing on the first giving us the validation we are seeking. try. Sometimes, they are about standing up for the eleventh. Positive psychology research reminds us that failure is not the Some people arrive quickly. Others take the long way around. But opposite of flourishing. It is often part of the pathway to it. as they always say, “The long way around is still a way home.” The first concept is self-compassion. Research by Kristin Neff Congratulations to all the bar passers and topnotchers. To those shows that people who practice self-compassion recover from failure who did not make the cut, your story has yet to unfold. Begin again. more effectively than those who rely on harsh self-criticism. For For your random thoughts, email the author at randomrepublika@ someone who has failed publicly and repeatedly, beginning again gmail.com. Eduardo Regio, a former public servant, passed the Bar on his eleventh attempt after failing ten times since 1993

Random Talk

Some aspiring lawyers celebrate long-awaited victories after multiple attempts at passing the Bar (AI-generated image)