Manila Standard - 2026 January 31 - Saturday

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By Katrina Manubay and Othel Campos

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bong-

bong" Marcos Jr. has emphasized strict accountability in government, warning officials against corruption and the submission of false or misleading reports on public projects.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro acknowledged that the administration’s intensified campaign against corruption is drawing attention from investors and the public. Courts have already issued multiple arrest warrants related to corruption cases, though only a limited number of individuals have been

Marcos rejects calls to expel China envoy

By Charles Dantes and Katrina Manubay

PRESIDENT Ferdi-

nand Marcos Jr. has rejected calls from some lawmakers to declare Chinese ambassador Jing Quan and other embassy officials persona non grata after their recent verbal tussle with Filipino officials over the West Philippine Sea issue.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Mr. Marcos’ response was a firm "no" to calls to expel certain Chinese embassy officials.

“The President’s response regarding the call to declare an ambassador persona non grata is no,” the Palace official said.

Despite recent public exchanges on the WPS issue, senior Filipino and Chinese officials held talks Thursday on the sidelines of the Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) on the Declaration on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, marking the resumption of talks after more than a

RESUMPTION. Officials from the Philippines and China held discussions Thursday on the sidelines of the Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) on the Declaration on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, marking the resumption of talks after more than a year-long hiatus. The Philippines was represented, at right, by Leo M. Herrera-Lim, the Undersecretary for Policy at the Department of Foreign Affairs, while China was represented, at left, by Hou Yanqi, the Director-General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. DFA

year-long hiatus. In separate statements, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Manila announced that both countries agreed to continue maintaining communication through diplomatic channels.

“They underscored the importance of sustained diplomatic dialogue and continued cooperation across all sectors,” the DFA said.

“The two sides had a candid and indepth exchange of views on maritime

Tarriela, Padilla back PBBM on China envoy issue

By Ram Superable and Rex Espiritu

SEN. Robin Padilla praised President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Friday for rejecting calls to declare Chinese officials persona non grata after warning that this could lead to a Chinese invasion of the country.

Padilla earlier criticized individuals for provoking China, saying that inflammatory actions could escalate tensions and harm national interests.

In a video posted on social media, the opposition senator was seen at sea with several companions singing patriotic songs, including “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” and the Philippine Navy hymn, while urging the public to watch the footage to compare action with rhetoric.

Padilla argued that reckless moves could give China a pretext to intensify its actions against the

sa isyu ng pang-aabuso sa pondo ng bayan," Castro said. (Investors see how the government, the current administration, is cleaning our country from corruption, specifically the issue of abuse of public funds.)

By Rex Espiritu

By Charles Dantes, Ram Superable, and Maricel V. Cruz

MALACANANG on Friday said it will respect the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision upholding its earlier ruling that the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte was unconstitutional for violating the Constitution’s one-year ban on impeachment proceedings, and maintained that the ruling would not derail the administration’s legislative priorities. Meanwhile, Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Friday said the Supreme Court’s decision affirming the

By Alena Mae S. Flores

By Charles Dantes

MALACAÑANG on Friday said it is still reviewing records amid reports that Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael Lotilla may be on his way out, while assuring the public that no Cabinet-wide reshuffle is underway.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters that the Palace is verifying records following statements raised during a Senate session and will provide updates once details are clarified.

"Hinahanap pa po ngayon at inaupdate po ang mga records dito (They are still searching for it now and updating the records here)," Castro said.

"Mabibigyan ko po kayo ng update kapag po nakapagbigay na po sa akin ng ano mang detalye patungkol dito (I will provide you with an update once someone has given me any details regarding this)," she added.

Castro said the Palace is reviewing records connected to his appointment, noting that this includes reports of a third bypass of his confirmation. She emphasized that any updates would be announced once the review is completed.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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affairs and other issues of mutual interest and agreed to continue to maintain communication through diplomatic channels,” the Chinese Embassy added.

For his part, Senator Robin Padilla said calling for the declaration of certain Chinese embassy officials persona non grata might lead to retaliatory action from Beijing.

“Because of such calls, the Chinese might get truly pissed off and decide to invade us,” Padilla said.

Meanwhile, Senate President Vi-

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“No Cabinet rigodon at this time,” she said. "Titingnan po muna kung ano po ‘yung records sa ngayon. Kapag po napakita na po sa atin at naibigay po sa atin ang update, ibibigay ko po sa inyo agad," Castro told reporters.

(First, we will check what the current records show. Once it is present-

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$91.8 billion—the highest in ASEAN and surpassing other major regional tourism economies such as Indonesia ($71.7 billion), Thailand ($67.3 billion), and Singapore ($54.6 billion).

In terms of employment, the Philippines likewise ranked among ASEAN’s top tourism job generators, with tourism supporting approximately 11.22 million jobs nationwide.

This represents 23 percent of total national employment, one of the highest shares in the region, exceeded only by Cambodia.

In absolute terms, the Philippines has the second-largest tourism workforce in ASEAN, next only to Indonesia, underscoring tourism’s role as a major source of livelihoods for Filipinos.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the data affirm tour-

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unconstitutionality of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte raised questions that demand answers moving forward.

In a related development, Deputy Speaker and Antipolo City Rep. Ronaldo Puno on welcomed the support expressed by Sotto for proposed constitutional amendments, stressing that cooperation between the two chambers was essential for any serious reform effort.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro reiterated the Palace’s position regarding impeachment complaints against the Vice President.

She said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his administration will abide by the high court’s judgment.

"This will not affect the priority bills that the President wants to pass,” she said.

The ruling, handed down Jan. 29, denied with finality the House of Representatives’ motion for reconsideration to reverse the high court’s July 25, 2025 decision. The SC held that the articles of impeachment transmitted to the Senate on Feb. 5, 2025, were barred under Article XI, Section 3, Paragraph 5 of the 1987 Constitution, which prohibits initiating impeachment proceedings against the same official more than once within a year.

When asked whether the Palace was urging the House of Representatives to refile or amend its impeachment rules, Castro said the executive branch would not intervene in what she described as a legislative matter.

“That's the Congress' job,” she said.

On whether the ruling would help ease political tensions surrounding the episode, Castro declined to speculatively frame the court’s judgment as a vindication. She noted that the ruling clarifies constitutional interpretation rather than "cleaning up" any specific issue, and emphasized that accountability should proceed where appropriate.

"If there is accountability, as the President said, if anyone should be held accountable, they should be held accountable,” Castro said. The SC’s decision does not absolve Duterte of the underlying allegations but bars the Senate from trying the case as transmitted. It also effectively resets the clock on the one-year bar, meaning a new impeachment complaint could only be

cente Sotto III said Senator Imee Marcos, a member of the minority, was not being replaced as chairperson of the Upper Chamber’s foreign relations committee because she did not sign a proposed resolution condemning the statements of Chinese Embassy officials.

“There are important treaties and agreements pending in the committee that are of great concern to members of the majority. So, we discussed it and we decided that we should give it to a member of the majority,” Sotto said.

Sotto said Senator Erwin Tulfo has long shown interest in heading

ed to us and we have the update, I will release it to you immediately.)

On reports that several Cabinet members remain in acting capacities, Castro said President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has no plans for a "rigodon" or reshuffle at this time.

She added that the official appointments of acting secretaries will be submitted to the Commission on Appointments (CA) as soon as possible.

"The names of the secretaries will be

ism’s critical contribution to national development under the Marcos administration.

“These figures clearly show that the Philippines ranks among ASEAN’s leading tourism economies,” Frasco said.

“With tourism contributing nearly $92 billion to our economy and supporting over 11 million Filipino jobs according to the WTTC, tourism remains a powerful driver of inclusive growth, job creation, and economic resilience for our country,” she added.

She said the country’s strong performance reflected the DOT’s continued focus on strengthening the tourism value chain, empowering the workforce, and ensuring that tourism growth translates into tangible benefits for communities nationwide.

Tourism accounts for 19.9 percent of the Philippine economy, placing the country among the most tourismsignificant economies in Southeast Asia, both in scale and impact.

filed after the constitutional period expires.

Lawmakers in the House have previously indicated they may pursue alternative paths or wait until the bar period lapses before considering new impeachment measures.

Sotto said the ruling constituted an intrusion into the powers of the legislative branch, arguing that impeachment proceedings fall within the authority of Congress.

“It might really take years, or several retirements, before we can finally move forward and put that back in its proper place in the Constitution," he said.

The Senate chief leaned towards the perspective that the High Court effectively amended the Constitution through its decision.

The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld its earlier ruling that the impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte violated the oneyear constitutional ban on filing such cases.

For Sotto, the decision appeared to make it more difficult to remove impeachable officials in the future.

Despite his criticism, Sotto clarified that his position was not directed at any specific individuals who had been the subject of impeachment complaints, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Duterte.

He also said he could not rule out the possibility that the ruling might have implications for potential impeachment cases involving other officials.

In response to the decision, Sotto said he plans to meet with House Speaker Faustino Dy III next week to discuss possible next steps between the two chambers.

He said Congress may consider amending the Constitution to clarify provisions on impeachment and potentially address economic provisions as well.

"I’m against a constitutional convention and I’m also against a constitutional assembly, but if we’re dealing with things like this, then I’m willing to agree,” he said.

Any significant shift in constitutional interpretation, he said, may take years and could depend on changes in the composition of the Supreme Court.

“That's good news. We really need support from the Senate,” he said.

He said Sotto’s backing was a welcome development, underscoring that Charter change cannot be pursued by the House alone and requires constructive engagement from the Senate.

the committee. Lawmakers earlier floated the idea of declaring certain Chinese Embassy officials persona non grata, a move that the Palace and the DFA said was “an option of last resort” as such a move carries serious diplomatic consequences and should be undertaken only after careful consideration.

In response, the Chinese Embassy said there was no need to pass a Senate resolution since President Marcos can do the “most straightforward approach.”

“In the Philippines, there is but one person who has the authority to

given and submitted to the Commission on Appointments," Castro said.

Castro also addressed questions about the authenticity of government reports submitted to the President. She said consequences depend on whether any inaccuracies were intentional or due to negligence.

"Well, depende po ‘yan, ito ba ay in good faith? Ito ba ay negligence? Ito ba ay sinadya? (Well, that depends; is this in good faith? Is this negligence?

PBBM...

Castro stated that the administration’s efforts would be more effective if it could clearly demonstrate its seriousness in holding those involved accountable.

"Mas maganda po talagang makita ito hindi lamang po ng mga investors kundi mismo ng mga kababayan natin para makapagbigay po sila ng kumpletong tiwala sa ating Pangulo at sa pamahalaan," she said. (It would be better for this to be seen not only by investors, but also by our fellow citizens, so they can give their complete trust to our President and the government.)

Castro also reiterated the warning made by President Marcos against the submission of false or misleading reports on government projects.

"Kapag nagkaroon ng report, ayaw niya po na dahil lang sa magkakaroon ng monitoring every two weeks ay maliin ang report o pa-pogi-in ang report. Ayaw po ng Pangulo ng maling report," Castro said.

(When a report is issued, he does not want the report to have manipulated data just because there will be

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sank on Jan. 26, including 332 passengers and 27 crew members.

PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan earlier said the vessel was not overloaded as he noted that the authorized passenger capacity of the ship was 352, excluding crew members.

The PCG later clarified that 15 passengers listed in the manifest did not board the vessel, reducing the count of those onboard to 344. Based on initial records, 316 were rescued, 18 died, and 10 were reported missing. The missing included eight crew members, the ship captain, and a PCG sea marshal.

However, Cayabyab said the discovery of additional bodies raised serious questions. “Based on our operations yesterday, we were able to recover 11 individuals. This means that from the initial 10 reported missing, the number increased,” she said.

“We are not discounting the possibility of overloading based on the new information we have been receiving,” Cayabyab added.

As of Jan. 30, the PCG confirmed 316 survivors and 29 fatalities. The number of missing remains undetermined due to continuing reports from families claiming their relatives were on board.

“There is a possibility that some individuals boarded who were not included in the passenger manifest. There is also a possibility that some listed in the manifest did not actually board,” Cayabyab said.

“We are validating all information with families. This is in coordination with the shipping company and is part of the ongoing investigation,” she added.

The PCG has deployed a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and 19 technical wreck divers to the area to search for the shipwreck. The ground zero of the search is about 76 meters or 249 feet deep.

“We are using the ROV to determine the depth and locate the sunken vessel. We are also considering the probability that individuals may be trapped inside. We also want to determine the real cause of the sinking,”

ask Ambassador Jing to leave, and that is President Marcos. If he were to receive such notice from President Marcos, he would depart immediately. But he would do so with immense pride and honor, knowing that through his actions, he has fulfilled the firm commitment a Chinese diplomat makes to his country,” Chinese embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng said.

A recent OCTA nationwide survey found 79 percent of respondents identified China as the country’s biggest external threat while 60 percent of Filipino adults believe the Philippines should not trust China. With Ram Superable

Was it intentional?),” she said. So definitely, kapag sinadya ito, may kaakibat na parusa ito – maaari silang matanggal sa kanilang puwesto. Kung negligent naman, ganoon din po (if it was intentional, there are corresponding penalties—they could be removed from their positions. If it was negligence, the same applies)," Castro noted, emphasizing that public officials must perform their duties diligently.

monitoring every two weeks. The President does not want an inaccurate report.)

She noted that the warning was directed at all officials involved in project reporting, emphasizing that closer oversight would prevent past lapses in monitoring.

"Yes, ‘yan po ang gagawin ng Pangulo, at iuutos po ‘yan (that is what the President will do, and that will be an order)," she said, referring to the stricter supervision of government projects.

When asked if other government agencies besides the Department of Public Works and Highways were being targeted for corruption investigations, Castro said no specific agencies had been named, but officials were expected to comply with the law.

"Dapat lamang po sila ay magsumikap at tumupad sa kanilang tungkulin, tuparin ang batas at huwag maging isyu sila … sila mismo ang makasuhan nang dahil sa korapsyon," she added.

(They ought to work hard and fulfill their duties, abide by the law, and not become an issue themselves… they would risk being charged for corruption.)

Cayabyab said. She said a full-blown maritime casualty investigation is underway upon the directive of the Department of Transportation (DOTr). “We will look at all angles on why this incident happened. This includes the ship owner and other agencies that may be involved,” she said.

“In case it is established during the investigation that there was negligence on the part of our personnel, administrative sanctions will definitely be imposed. Our goal is to give justice to the families of those who were lost,” she said.

The PCG also acknowledged the help of local fishermen in finding the missing. “Almost all the bodies recovered yesterday were found by local fishermen and turned over to the PCG,” Cayabyab said.

Meanwhile, the DOTr ordered the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to issue special permits to other shipping lines to service the routes previously operated by Aleson Shipping Lines, the operator of MV Trisha Kirsten 3, after its operations were suspended following the sinking.

The routes covered include Zamboanga City to Isabela City, Siasi, Jolo, and Bongao. Routes from Pulauan to Dapitan City to Dumaguete City and Dumaguete City to Siquijor were also included.

To address the shortage of commercial vessels in the area, the PCG said it has provided free rides to passengers using the BRP Tubbataha which have been sailing from Zamboanga City to Isabela City since Jan. 29. Priority is given to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and children. As of Jan. 30, a total of 175 passengers have availed of the free ride.

Further, Cayabyab said coast guard stations in Zamboanga, Jolo, and Basilan remain open to families seeking information on their missing relatives. However, she noted that coordination issues on matters of insurance claims involving Aleson Shipping Lines should be addressed by the company itself.

“But rest assured, the doors of all coast guard stations are open to receive information from families of the missing,” she said.

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Philippines, potentially leading to conflict and destruction.

Meanwhile, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela on Friday backed the president's position and addressed concerns raised by Padilla.

“We may have different perceptions and opinions with regard to the People’s Republic of China, but I respect his opinion,” Tarriela said. “However, standing firm on the West Philippine Sea and exposing Chinese aggression is not an escalation or provocation — it is simply the presentation of facts.”

Tarriela stressed that the government’s public disclosures about incidents in the WPS are intended to inform Filipinos and raise awareness, not to incite conflict.

“For almost two years now, we have been releasing information about what is happening in the West Philippine Sea. There is nothing fabricated. There are media onboard, and there are eyewitness accounts,” he said. He also downplayed fears that transparency could lead to armed conflict, noting that President Marcos Jr. has consistently emphasized diplomacy as the country’s primary tool in resolving disputes.

“For three years, President Marcos has firmly defended our rights in the West Philippine Sea, and we have not reached that point,” Tarriela said. “As the President said, we believe in diplomacy. This is not about provoking anyone, and it should not be interpreted as something that would result in kinetic conflict.”

Tarriela underscored that informing the public is an obligation of the government, especially on matters involving national territory and maritime rights.

“Our duty is to let our fellow Filipinos understand what is happening. Transparency strengthens public awareness and national unity,” he said.

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The Department of Energy (DOE) also expects kerosene prices to increase by approximately P0.45 per liter.

This marks the fourth consecutive week of price hikes across all petroleum products following a U.S. attack on Venezuela earlier this month.

Separately, Regasco announced an increase in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices by P1.50 per kilogram effective Feb. 1, citing a $20 increase in the international contract price.

Jetti Petroleum President Leo Bellas said that in addition to Middle East concerns, rising U.S.-Iran tensions ‘‘including new sanctions on Iran’s “shadow fleet” and visible U.S. force deployment’’ have increased uncertainty regarding Iranian supply and regional stability.

‘‘Also supporting prices is the ongoing outage at Kazakhstan’s biggest oilfield, which continues to physically tighten near-term supply,’’ Bellas said.

He added that a major U.S. winter storm has further curtailed oil and gas production, injecting short-term upside risk into crude markets. Meanwhile, diesel and middle distillate prices are rising due to concerns that a European Union import ban on refined Russian-origin crude could disrupt flows. Bellas noted, however, that healthy regional supply and inventory levels have limited the upside for gasoline prices.

Rodela Romero, director of the DOE Oil Industry Management Bureau, said oil prices rallied this week as traders priced in weather-driven U.S. supply disruptions that shut in as much as 2 million barrels per day. Other factors include the slow recovery of Kazakhstan’s Tengiz field following a power issue, a rising Iran risk premium, and the OPEC+ policy to pause output hikes.

On Jan. 27, oil firms increased the price of diesel by P1.40 per liter, gasoline by P0.40 per liter, and kerosene by P0.80 per liter.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) have not yet decided on a production increase policy; Romero said the organization is set to meet in February. Diesel users have seen consecutive price increases since the start of 2026, with the net increase reaching P3.80 in January alone.

During the same period, gasoline and kerosene prices rose by P1.60 and P2.70, respectively.

ADB to invest $3-billion in tourism related projects

By Katrina Manubay

CEBU CITY — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) plans to invest $3 billion in tourism projects by 2030, adding to more than $4 billion it has already invested in the sector since the early 2000s, ADB East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific Vice President Scott Morris said Thursday.

During his speech at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Conference, Morris emphasized ADB’s commitment to tourism, noting that it serves as a “driver of inclusive growth, job creation, and regional integration across ASEAN.”

“Since the early 2000s, ADB has mobilized over $4 billion in tourismrelated financing across the region. We have combined strategic infrastructure investments with policy reform, capacity building, and private sector mobilization, delivering meas-

‘Very unusual’ earthquake swarm keeps Sultan Kudarat vigilant

By Rex Espiritu and Rio N. Araja

THE Provincial Disaster Risk Re-

duction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Sultan Kudarat said the province remains on alert despite the absence of a tsunami threat, citing the frequent and moderately strong earthquakes it described as “very unusual.”

Lovely Joy Hallegado, chief of the Sultan Kudarat PDRRMO, noted that the province marks the 50th year since the devastating Moro Gulf earthquake on August 17, 1976, which claimed more than 5,000 lives. Currently, more than 12,000 families in the coastal municipalities of Sultan Kudarat are staying in evacuation

centers, open spaces, and high ground after a series of moderately strong earthquakes in the province over the past two weeks.

The municipalities of Palimbang, Lebak, and Kalamansig experienced the strongest shaking and are now under close monitoring by the provincial government, as these areas are located along the coast.

“This is very unusual since, ‘di ba nga po, 1976 pa ‘yung tsunami, and after that, hindi pa ‘to nangyari na ganito, sunod-sunod na may earthquake ((This is very unusual because there was a tsunami in 1976 and this has not happened since—this series of earthquakes). Very, very unusual,” she told ABS-CBN News on Thursday.

urable results in improved connectivity, higher quality tourism offerings, stronger local value chains, and increased resilience of destinations and communities to natural disasters, climate change, and market vulnerabilities,” he said.

Morris added that there is a $3 billion pipeline of new tourism and tourism-enabling investments planned across ASEAN through 2030, highlighting the sector’s ongoing role in supporting development outcomes.

“In this context, ADB has been pleased to support ASEAN member states over the past year in preparing a regional tourism policy framework that advances these shared develop-

ment objectives,” he added.

For her part, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco emphasized the vital role of regional stakeholders in promoting sustainable tourism within ASEAN.

She reiterated the goal of implementing the ASEAN Tourism Sector Plan for 2026-2030, which is expected to be a key outcome of the highlevel meeting, with the Philippines acting as the country coordinator.

The ADB is one of the partners supporting ASEAN’s tourism initiatives.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), which was inaugurated in Malaysia in 1981.

responses and improve coordination during an actual emergency. Yancy Lim

Five named 2025 Glory Awardees

FIVE alumni of the University of the Philippines College of Media and Communication (UP CMC) have been named recipients of the 2025 Glory Awards, which will be presented on February 28 at the college’s annual homecoming at the Commission on Higher Education auditorium in Diliman, Quezon City.

These awardees are veteran journalist Roberto Coloma, digital market research trailblazer Melissa Abad Santos-Baron, community worker and civic leader Elena Buensalido-Mangahas, independent filmmaker Ellen OngkekoMarfil, and business editor-columnist Iris Gonzales.

The ceremony will be co-hosted by alumni Tuesday Vargas, RS Francisco, and Kata Inocencio. It will feature trophies designed by UP professor emeritus and alumni board member Grace Javier Alfonso.

Formally known as the Gawad Gloria Feliciano, the awards ceremony marks its ninth year since it was established in 2017.

The Glory Awards recognize alumni whose achievements in journalism, film, communication research, broadcasting, and allied fields evoke the legacy of Feliciano, the pioneering dean of UP’s mass communication program who led the college from 1965 to 1985.

The upcoming Glory Awards night, presented by San Miguel Corporation, is organized by the UP CMC Alumni Association and coincides with the college’s 60th anniversary.

“Our honorees exemplify excellence and impact in their fields, bringing pride to our alma mater and inspiring the UP CMC community,” alumni association president and PTV-4 general manager Malou Choa-Fagar said.

DISASTER PACT. MMDA officials and Globe Telecom representatives formalize a partnership to enhance disaster readiness in the National Capital Region. The two-year agreement focuses on maintaining critical connectivity and resilient infrastructure.

MMDA, Globe sign disaster pact

By Joel E. Zurbano and Darwin Amojelar

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced a partnership with Globe Telecom, Inc. to improve disaster readiness in the National Capital Region.

This partnership addresses issues highlighted by research regarding a possible magnitude 7.2 earthquake originating from the West Valley Fault, which could affect 40% of the region.

Both parties formalized their agreement, effective from October 15, 2025, to October 14, 2027, strengthening their

House panel OKs stronger anti-VAWC bill

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Gabriela Women’s Party has welcomed the committee-level approval of a substitute bill strengthening Republic Act 9262, or the AntiViolence Against Women and Their Children (Anti-VAWC) Law, calling it a decisive step toward addressing the growing and evolving forms of violence faced by women and children, especially in digital spaces.

The approved substitute bill consolidated key provisions of House Bill 4779, or the Expanded AntiVAWC (EVAWC) Bill, authored by the Gabriela Women’s Party. The bill seeks to recognize and penalize technology-facilitated violence against women and children, including abuse involving artificial intelligence (AI).

Among the major reforms approved by the committee are stricter penalties for offenders, including fines of up to P500,000 and imprisonment; the criminalization of unauthorized sharing of intimate images and the creation of fake accounts used to harass victims; and the formal recognition of online harassment, stalking, hacking, and other forms of digital abuse as acts of violence.

Navy ship

By Rex Espiritu

mutual dedication to disaster preparedness and response in Metro Manila.

“This agreement with Globe Telecom marks a milestone in safeguarding lives by ensuring Metro Manila stays connected in times of crisis. It underscores the power of public‐private partnerships in building resilience, and we invite

other industries to join us in strengthening communities in Metro Manila,” said MMDA chairman Don Artes. “The initiative reflects the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., under Bagong Pilipinas, to strengthen disaster preparedness to build a more resilient and ready nation in the face of climate change-related risks and natural hazards.”

“This milestone agreement with the MMDA underscores our shared commitment to safeguarding lives and keeping communities connected when it matters most, especially in moments when connectivity can mean the difference between safety and peril,” said Carl Cruz, President and CEO of Globe.

“Globe’s investments in resilient infrastructure and disaster recovery go beyond restoring service; they are about strengthening the nation’s capacity to stand united and resilient in times of crisis.”

Globe will activate its Disaster Recovery Plan, fortifying sites, restoring network services, and deploying Network in a Box (NIB) and Cell on Wheels (COW) units to ensure connectivity in critical areas.

The MMDA will facilitate Globe’s rapid deployment by granting access to priority sites, issuing credentials to personnel, and designating secure equipment locations with power and fuel support.

RESPONSIBILITY COMPLIANCE.

DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla (second from left) and Philippine Association for Recycling and Material Sustainability (PARMS) president Jesus Reyes (second from right), joined by former Senator Cynthia Villar (third from left), honor enterprises, waste diverters, and key partners for their outstanding compliance with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law during the 2026 EPR recognition program.

IN BRIEF

38K barangays comply with disclosure policy

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported Thursday that 97.7% or 38,523 barangays nationwide are compliant with the Barangay Full Disclosure Policy (BFDP).

This mark represents the highest compliance rate in Philippine history. Launched in 2019, the BFDP requires local government units (LGUs) to post quarterly financial documents in three visible locations.

These records include budgets, income summaries, procurement plans, and itemized monthly collections to ensure transparency.

At other levels, 79 provinces, 142 cities, and 1,408 municipalities are also fully compliant.

DILG Director Dennis Villaseñor summarized the 2025 accomplishments as “MAKAMASA” and “TAMA,” focusing on clean and honest governance. Vince Lopez

13 high-powered guns seized in Camarines Sur GOVERNMENT troops recovered 13 high-powered firearms during a joint operation in the mountainous area of Barangay Guibahoy, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, on Thursday. The operation was conducted by combined forces of the Philippine Army’s 83rd Infantry Battalion and 2nd Infantry Battalion.

Soldiers discovered 12 M16 rifles, one M60 machine gun, and two anti-personnel mines.

The firearms and explosives were found buried in a thick forest after residents reported seeing suspicious individuals visiting the site. Assorted ammunition and magazines were also recovered from the cache.

Military officials noted that the site is near Sitio Benguet, where troops uncovered a separate weapons cache on December 20 last year. The proximity suggests a recurring use of the area for hiding armaments. Rex Espiritu

BOC nabs passenger with P40m cocaine

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) apprehended a traveler carrying cocaine valued at over P40 million at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Thursday.

The female passenger arrived from Brazil via a connecting flight from Doha.

The illegal drugs were discovered during an X-ray screening that flagged suspicious images in the passenger’s checked baggage. A physical examination confirmed the presence of a white powdery substance valued at P43,444,100.

The passenger is currently undergoing inquest proceedings for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. This follows a similar interception of cocaine hidden in luggage on January 22. Joel E. Zurbano

FDA calls for review of law to help respond to illegal online selling

By Rolando Ng III

THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday called for a review of Republic Act 9711 to help address online cases involving illicit products.

In a radio interview, FDA spokesperson Khay Magundayao said that the agency’s needs must meet the modern scope of

crimes regarding illicit drug sales.

“At the time this became law in 2009, we didn’t have as many innovations. It’s about time, we believe, for us to review and amend Republic Act 9711,” she said over radio DZBB.

According to Magundayao, the agency is closely teaming up with social media firms to help curb the spread of illicit prod-

built for anti-submarine war

THE Philippine Navy (PN) said its newest offshore patrol vessel, the future BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), along with five sister ships to be delivered within the next two to three years, can be optimized for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions.

Navy spokesperson Captain Marissa Martinez said in a Friday interview that the capability is enabled by the vessels’ “mission modules,” which allow them to be configured for various operational roles. ASW is a naval mission where surface combatants are tasked with detecting, tracking, and, if necessary, destroying hostile submarine contacts.

“The mission modules for the OPVs I mentioned include ASW,” she added.

Aside from ASW, other mission modules for the Rajah Sulayman-class include search and rescue, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Depending on the ships’ tasks, these modules can be loaded before leaving port.

Martinez added that the Rajah Sulayman-class OPVs will be very effective for ASW as these ships are equipped with a helideck, unlike older ships of similar design in the PN.

“They can be paired with our ASW helicopters for these missions,” she said.

The PN has two AW-159 “Wildcat” anti-submarine helicopters in service as of this posting. Reports indicate that around four to six more units are to be acquired to equip the two brand-new Miguel Malvar-class guided missile frigates and the Rajah Sulayman OPVs.

ucts on various online selling platforms.

Through its online monitoring team, the FDA has tracked more than 3,000 unregistered products being sold online.

“They need to present a certificate of product registration or a certificate of product notification. That is important because if it is not registered with the FDA, we cannot guarantee that the

product they are selling online is safe,” Magundayao explained.

The FDA faced scrutiny after Senator Raffy Tulfo criticized the agency for its alleged inaction regarding the proliferation of unregulated drugs online. The agency assured that it is doing everything possible to mitigate the spread of illicit products through its field monitoring teams.

OPINION

Saving face

UPON the resumption of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Jan. 19, the former regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways for region IV-B Mimaropa, Gerald Pacanan, caused some stir. Pacanan is one of the public works officials charged by the Office of the Ombudsman with corruption and malversation, and was among the first to go to jail for the flood control mess.

Pacanan showed up in a white hooded jacket and a bright yellow headgear. The hood of the jacket was pulled up and the gear covered most of his face. If he was trying to be inconspicuous, then his attire achieved the complete opposite of what he wanted.

The senators articulated their unease. Committee Chair Senator Panfilo Lacson asked him why he was all covered up –“nakatalukbong.” Pacanan said he had requested to cover himself for his protection and security.

“The main reason Mr. Chair, I am begging the indulgence of the good senators for my protection since the case is still pending before the Sandiganbayan and there’s no judgment over it. I’ll be incriminated with whatever action against me,” he said. Senator Francis Pangilinan said he saw no valid reason for the request. He said he was concerned it would set a bad precedent for future Senate hearings. Eventually the panel rejected the request and asked Pacanan to remove his mask.

If just a few people paid attention to Pacanan when he walked in, all of them – those in the Senate and those watching the livestream – were certainly looking at him now. “Maybe he is protecting himself from shame,” Pangilinan said. ***

Embarrassment, not necessarily shame, was the theme of a study conducted by researchers Ping Dong, Xun (Irene) Huang, and Robert Wyer, Jr. as they explored the idea of saving face in their study “The Illusion of Saving Face: How People Symbolically Cope with Embarrassment” published October 2013 in volume 24, Issue 10 of Psychological Science.

Ping was from the University of Toronto, Xun was from Sun Yat-Sen University, and Wyer was from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

In the series of experiments conducted on CHUK students, some participants were asked to recall embarrassing experiences while some were not. In a seemingly unrelated move, they were asked to choose commercial products that covered their faces (sunglasses) or enhanced their appearance (facial creams). Later, they were asked whether they would prefer to mingle with others or keep to themselves.

The researchers found that those who felt embarrassed were motivated to either hide their faces (sunglasses) or restore their positive image (cosmetics). These coping strat-

egies, however, had different consequences. Specifically, symbolically repairing one’s face “eliminates aversive feelings of embarrassment and restores one’s willingness to engage in social activities, symbolically hiding one’s face has little impact,” the study’s abstract said.

It’s a long way from embarrassment to shame, of course. The scenarios contemplated in the Ping study were what 20-yearold students deemed embarrassing for them, such as walking into the wrong public bathroom. On the other hand, the Senate (or, the other Ping’s) hearing was tackling a matter of great national importance: the abuse of taxpayers’ money for personal gain, the compromise of public safety, and the hypocrisy in claiming to be a servant of the people.

Some use objects to obscure their countenance or symbolically repair it. Some do not show their faces at all

We always talk about keeping our names clean and untarnished. But names are read in letters, and people have namesakes. In contrast, our face is a large part of who we are even as it is really our behavior that defines us as a person. Many people capitalize on their faces (especially if their faces are pleasant) to gain some advantage in life: charming and conning people, or getting remembered enough to be elected, for instance.

The prevalence of cameras and the internet is a virtual guarantee that one’s face would be eternally connected to the shameful incident, whatever the outcome. Thus, the natural instinct is to protect one’s face. Of course, this is for the ordinary person who may have realized that what they did was wrong. Medyo nahiya naman sila. Some go on the run because they fear not the loss of face but the loss of privileges and liberties they have been accustomed to before. But there are those who, as part of their campaign to insist on their innocence, continue to inflict their faces upon the people, biding time until the final reckoning. Or at least a change of political climate. There is a reason that there are many face-related idioms out there. Still, I would argue that the most compelling uses are still in Filipino. “Ang kapal ng mukha mo,” is best uttered with gusto, or in dramatic fashion. And this we say to the corrupt: “Ayaw na naming makita ang pagmumukha ninyo.” adellechua@gmail.com

FVR Hall: An enduring tribute

By Melandrew Velasco

THE inauguration of FVR Hall at Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club was more than a ceremonial unveiling last Jan. 26. It was a quiet but powerful civic statement—about memory, leadership, and continuity—led by Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club, the primary rest and recreation site of the AFP, is where soldiers momentarily step away from command rooms and operational briefings to regain balance and perspective.

Naming a hall in this space after Fidel V. Ramos anchors remembrance not in distant monumentality, but in lived experience—where conversations continue and values are quietly transmitted.

In his remarks, Gen. Brawner explained why FVR remains a compass for today’s military leadership. He described Ramos as “a soldier who never stopped serving, and a leader who never stopped teaching—by word, by action, and by example.”

FVR was not merely a former president who once wore the uniform. He was a soldier-statesman—a West Point graduate, a former AFP Chief of Staff, and a commander who understood that discipline and democracy must stand together.

As Gen. Brawner put it, “President Ramos showed us that loyalty to the Constitution is the highest form of loyalty a soldier can give.”

That message resonates deeply at a time when the armed forces navigate complex internal and external challenges.

Naming a hall in this space after Fidel V. Ramos anchors remembrance not in distant monumentality, but in lived experience

Honoring FVR, Gen. Brawner stressed, was not an exercise in nostalgia but a reaffirmation of standards.

“We honor FVR not only for what he achieved,” he said, “but for the values he insisted we must never compromise— professionalism, integrity, and service above self.”

FVR’s long association with Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club was likewise more than recreational.

It spoke of fellowship, humility, and a conscious decision to remain close to the

EDITORIAL

The heavy burden of debt service

DON’T look now, but under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, P950 billion has been set aside for interest payments alone, an amount nearly equivalent to the entire budget of the Department of Education.

When principal amortization of P1.055 trillion is added, total debt service reaches P2.005 trillion. This figure exceeds constitutionally mandated spending on education and even the health budget by more than four times.

In effect, the largest program funded by the state is neither human capital development nor infrastructure, but the servicing of past borrowings.

This underscores a persistent and distressing reality of Philippine public finance: debt service continues to consume the single largest share of government resources, thereby limiting the governments capacity to fund growthenhancing and social development investments.

While public debate often emphasizes agency-level allocations mired in controversy, the far larger burden lies in the automatic appropriation of debt payments, an obligation that rarely invites legislative scrutiny.

The economic implications are pro-

found. One, heavy debt service crowds out productive public expenditure. Investments in education, health care, transport infrastructure, digital connectivity, and agricultural modernization yield high long-term returns by raising productivity and labor quality.

Debt service continues to consume the single largest share of government resources

But when a disproportionate share of revenues is locked into debt repayment, these investments are either deferred, underfunded, or financed through new borrowing. Two, the rigidity of debt service

weakens fiscal flexibility, since interest payments are non-negotiable. In times of economic slowdown, natural disasters, or external shocks, the government’s capacity to stabilize growth and protect employment when it is most needed is undermined.

Three, persistently high debt service signals structural weaknesses to investors. An economy that spends more on servicing debt than on building human capital sends an implicit message about constrained future growth potential. This can dampen investor confidence, raise borrowing costs, and further exacerbate the debt burden. And four, the social consequences directly feed back into economic performance. Underinvestment in education compromises workforce skills; inadequate health spending lowers labor productivity and raises long-term social costs.

The dominance of debt service in the national budget is a serious development constraint. As long as a substantial portion of public resources is devoted to paying for past obligations rather than future capacity, economic development will remain structurally hampered.

Addressing this challenge requires not only prudent borrowing, but a sound strategy to prioritize investments that promote inclusive growth.

Plane spotter turned activist tracking Minneapolis ‘ICE air’ flights

MINNEAPOLIS – The surge of immigration detention flights at Minneapolis-Saint Paul airport spurred plane spotter Nick Benson to shift from tracking rare and unusual aircraft to cataloging the removal of detainees from Minnesota.

Through a telephoto lens fixed to a tripod set up on a frozen, wind-swept corner of an airport carpark, Benson watched shackled detainees being loaded onto a flight chartered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“It’s a charter flight operated by global crossing airlines on behalf of what we would call ‘ICE air,’” he said.

“It’s the network of airplanes and airlines that are moving deportees around in the United States, from cities all across the United States to detention facilities.”

In January so far there have been 39 flights that have taken 2,282 migrants out of Minnesota according to Benson’s count, with multiple daily flights at the height of the Trump administrations surge of immigration arrests in Minnesota this month.

By contrast in Jan. 2025 there was just one such flight a day.

Benson, a jolly, plaid-wearing midwesterner brimming with enthusiasm for planes, said he was spurred to action by what he described as the cruelty of US President Donald Trump’s deportation agenda.

He said he had witnessed elderly detainees who needed assistance climbing the stairs to the aircraft, as well as one individual who was still wearing their Amazon work uniform.

“That doesn’t make any sense,” he said as he tracked the loading of an aircraft with 40 detainees Wednesday.

institution he helped shape.

“Even in retirement,” Gen. Brawner observed, “President Ramos chose to stay close to the soldiers. That, in itself, is a lesson in leadership.”

Speaking on behalf of former First Lady Ming Ramos was lawyer Jelly Ramos Jalasco accompanied by her brother Brian, children of Freddie and Cristy.

It was a delight to witness a gathering of eagles comprising of generals and former FVR boys.

Thanks to my boloy, Mel Bergado and birthday celebrator MGen Jose Magno Jr., for including me among the invitees along with Gen. Rey Velasco, Gen. Sonny Razon, Gen. Art Lomibao, Gen. Jun Esperon, former Secretaries Raffy Alunan, Del Lorenzana, Ben de Leon and Bobby de Ocampo, Santa Clara International Chairman Nic Linao, and many others.

The presence of the AFP’s top brass, former chiefs, senior officers from the Special Forces community, police counterparts, family members, friends, and long-time golfmates reinforced the lesson that “Service does not end when the uniform is folded—it evolves.”

He logs each removal flight, updating a database and sharing his findings with campaign group the 50501 Movement.

“This is the only source of real time information on how many people are actually leaving Minnesota right now,” he said as the state is in the grip of unprecedented sweeps to arrested undocumented people.

Benson said he was spurred to action by what he described as the cruelty of US President Donald Trump’s deportation agenda

Nationwide, ICE operates thousands of such flights a year, both to move detainees around the United States like with Wednesday’s charter, as well as deporting people to other countries -- sometimes nations other than their own.

‘Worst of the worst’?

From Jan. 20 to Dec, 31, 2025, there were 13,446 immigration enforcement flights, of which 2,138 were deportation flights, ICE Flight Monitor reported.

Benson, an aviation data analytics professional, said tracking the flights had been complicated by the Department of Homeland Security, which charters aircraft from private companies, having flight data with-

For me, the occasion stirred deeply personal memories. For nearly two decades, Saturdays often meant going to Camp Aguinaldo sitting down with FVR (after their golf game) —sometimes quietly, sometimes animatedly—working on book projects that sought to capture leadership, nationbuilding, and history told with purpose. He was exacting but generous, always reminding us: “Write it so future generations will understand why it mattered.”

In an age when public memory is short and civic gratitude selective, FVR Hall stands as a corrective measure.

Institutions endure when they remember well—and when today’s leaders deliberately link the present to the best traditions of the past.

A hall may be built of concrete and steel.

But as Gen. Brawner’s words made clear, its true foundation is example.

On that score, FVR Hall stands on solid ground. Ultimately, this hall is not about looking back; it is about setting the bar forward. As Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. steers the

held from the public.

“It’s the same mechanism that, like Taylor Swift and Elon Musk use to maintain privacy. It’s unusual,” he said. Benson, 41, said the vast majority of flights have been destined for El Paso in Texas on the southern border with Mexico. El Paso is home to the vast Camp East Montana detention center, a makeshift tent facility that has been beset by claims of substandard conditions and at least three migrant deaths since it opened in August.

The Department of Homeland Security said only “for operational security, ICE does not release information concerning deportation flight schedules.”

The airport did not respond to a request for comment.

Previously the department at the forefront of executing Trump’s deportation drive has defended the flights as necessary to remove undocumented immigrants guilty of crimes that make them the “worst of the worst.”

Minneapolis airport was the scene of a tense protest last week by religious leaders demonstrating against the operation of ICE flights from the facility, with organizers reporting that around 100 clergy had been arrested.

“ICE has even been arresting airport workers while they are on the job,” said one of those who protested, reverend Mariah Furness Tollgaard of Hamline Church United Methodist.

“What this administration and ICE are doing in Minnesota is not abstract policy -- it is shattering families, traumatizing children, and spreading fear through our neighborhoods.” AFP

AFP through reforms emphasizing readiness, professionalism, and Constitutional fidelity, the legacy of Fidel V. Ramos offers both compass and constraint. The compass points to excellence— modernized capabilities, disciplined ranks, and soldiers grounded in service. The constraint is moral: power must always be bounded by law, loyalty by the Constitution, and command by accountability.

If halls and honors are to mean anything, they must challenge today’s leaders to live up to yesterday’s standards. In that sense, FVR Hall issues a quiet but firm call—to officers and civilians alike—to protect institutions, invest in reforms that outlast personalities, and keep faith with the creed FVR embodied: serve with integrity, lead with humility, and put country first—always. (The writer, president/chief executive officer of Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc. and president/executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., a nongovernment outfit advocating tree-planting and environmental protection, is the official biographer of President Fidel V. Ramos.)

Trump ‘hopes’ action vs. Iran not needed

PARIS– US President Donald Trump has said he hoped to avoid military action against Iran, which has threatened to strike American bases and aircraft carriers in response to any attack.

Trump said he is speaking with Iran and left open the possibility of avoiding a military operation after earlier warning time was “running out” for Tehran as the United States sends a large naval fleet to the region.

When asked if he would have talks with Iran, Trump told reporters: “I have had and I am planning on it.”

“We have a group headed out to a place called Iran, and hopefully we won’t have to use it,” the US president added, while speaking to media at the premiere of a documentary about his wife Melania.

As Brussels and Washington dialled up their rhetoric and Iran issued stark threats this week, UN chief Antonio Guterres has called for nuclear negotiations to “avoid a crisis that could have devastating consequences in the region”.

An Iranian military spokesman warned Tehran’s response to any US action would not be limited -- as it was in June last year when American planes and missiles briefly joined Israel’s short air war against Iran -- but would be a decisive response “delivered instantly.”

Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia told state television US aircraft carriers have “serious vulnerabilities” and that numerous American bases

in the Gulf region are “within the range of our medium-range missiles”.

“If such a miscalculation is made by the Americans, it will certainly not unfold the way Trump imagines -- carrying out a quick operation and then, two hours later, tweeting that the operation is over,” he said.

An official in the Gulf, where states host US military sites, told AFP that fears of a US strike on Iran are “very clear”.

“It would bring the region into chaos, it would hurt the economy not just in the region but in the US and cause oil and gas prices to skyrocket,” the official added.

Qatar’s leader Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian held a call to discuss “efforts being made to de-escalate tensions and establish stability,” the Qatar News Agency reported.

The European Union, meanwhile, piled on the pressure by designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a “terrorist organization” over a deadly crackdown on recent mass protests.

“’Terrorist’ is indeed how you call a regime that crushes its own people’s protests in blood,” said EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, welcoming the “overdue” decision. AFP

Starmer to bolster China ties despite Trump

– Britain’s Prime Minister Keir

BEIJING

Starmer said Friday the UK has a “huge amount to offer” China, after his attempts to forge closer ties prompted warnings from US President Donald Trump.

The first visit to China by a British prime minister in eight years, Starmer’s trip follows in the footsteps of other Western leaders looking to counter an increasingly volatile United States. Leaders from France, Canada and Finland have flocked to Beijing in recent weeks, recoiling from Trump’s bid to seize Greenland and tariff threats against NATO allies.

When asked by reporters about Britain “getting into business” with China, Trump warned it was “very dangerous for them to do that”.

Starmer met top Chinese leaders, including Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on Thursday, with both sides highlighting the need for closer ties.

The British leader told business representatives from the UK and China on Friday morning that both sides had “warmly engaged” and “made some real progress.”

“The UK has got a huge amount to offer,” he said in a short speech at the UK-China Business Forum at the Bank

of China.

The meetings the previous day provided “just the level of engagement that we hoped for”, Starmer said. He signed a series of agreements on Thursday, with Beijing allowing visafree travel for British passport holders visiting China for under 30 days.

Starmer hailed the agreements as “symbolic of what we’re doing with the relationship”.

He will travel to economic powerhouse Shanghai in the afternoon and continue his Asia trip with a brief stop in Japan to meet Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. AFP

WASHINGTON, DC – President Donald Trump on Thursday (Friday, Manila time) said all Canadian-built aircraft would lose their US certification until Canada approves American-made Gulfstream business jets, a stunning move threatening major travel disruptions if enacted. Writing on his Truth Social network, Trump charged that “Canada has wrongfully, illegally, and steadfastly refused” to grant certification to Gulfstream’s newest models -- the 500, 600, 700, and 800.

“We are hereby decertifying their Bombardier Global Expresses, and all Aircraft made in Canada, until such time as Gulfstream, a Great American Company, is fully certified, as it should have been many years ago,” Trump wrote. He additionally threatened a 50 percent tariff on all Canadian aircraft sold to the United States.

It was not immediately clear through what process Trump could unilaterally decertify aircraft or what that decertification would entail.

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration referred questions to the White House, which did not immediately respond to AFP’s requests for comment.

IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED. Two women hug Friday while visiting the makeshift memorial for Alex Pretti, set up in the area where he was recently

and killed by federal

– Donald Trump’s

“border czar” said Thursday (Friday, Manila time) that some federal agents could be withdrawn from Minneapolis, the northern US city that has become the flashpoint for the president’s immigration crackdown.

The Trump administration, facing a public backlash over the shooting deaths of two Americans by federal agents in Minneapolis, also eased immigration operations in the northeastern state of Maine.

Tom Homan vowed at a press conference in Minneapolis to press on with the immigration crackdown in the city, but said more cooperation could lead to a reduction in the number of federal agents there.

“We are not surrendering our mission at all. We’re just doing it smarter,” Homan said. “President Trump wants this fixed. And I’m going to fix it.”

Minneapolis has been gripped by weeks of demonstrations against the roundup of immigrants by masked and heavily armed federal agents.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, speaking to a conference of US mayors in Washington on Thursday, likened it to an “invasion.”

“People’s constitutional rights have been trampled,” he said. “Discrimination takes place only on the basis of ‘Are you Somali?’ ‘Are you Latino?’ or ‘Are you Southeast Asian?’”

“It’s not how we operate in America.”

Trump held a cabinet meeting Thursday, but the Minnesota unrest did not come up while reporters were in the room, and he did not call on Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem when asking some officials to give remarks.

Trump sent Homan to Minnesota to take control of immigration operations there with orders to report directly to him, effectively sidelining Noem.

Homan’s appointment showed the administration was “pivoting,” Cass, a 43-year-old freelance medical professional in Minneapolis who did not wish to provide a surname, told AFP.

“Just because one’s older and bigger doesn’t mean that it’s not as scary. It’s just now we’ve got somebody with better self-regulation.” AFP

Trump says Putin agrees to pause Ukraine strikes amid harsh cold

WASHINGTON, DC – US President Donald Trump said Thursday (Friday, Manila time) that Russia’s Vladimir Putin agreed to a personal request to halt attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, after Moscow’s strikes left millions without heating during an “extreme” cold snap.

Trump’s claim comes as Russian strikes on Ukraine’s power infrastructure have disrupted light, heating and water supplies, with temperatures plummeting and leaving the war-battered country facing a fresh humanitarian crisis.

The Kremlin did not immediately confirm any truce, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Trump and said he was counting on Washington to secure the pause in attacks.

“Because of the cold, extreme cold... I personally asked President Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week during this,” Trump told a cabinet

meeting at the White House.

“They’ve never experienced cold like that. And I personally asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and the various towns for a week. And he agreed to do that, and I have to tell you, it was very nice,” he added.

Ukraine’s state weather agency on Thursday forecast a drastic dip in temperatures to as low as minus 30C in coming days as authorities race to restore services.

Trump, who met Putin in Alaska last year amid great fanfare but without achieving any breakthrough, said he trusted the Russian leader to honor the agreement.

“People said, ‘don’t waste the call. You’re not going to get that.’ And he did it,” said Trump, without specifying when the conversation took place, or when the purported truce would start. AFP

Metropolitan Police told AFP on condition of anonymity.

She declined to give further details of the case, but local media said the victims were a group of five Chinese and Japanese nationals who were trying to place suitcases containing some 420 million yen ($2.7 million) in a vehicle.

It was

early hours of Friday morning at a parking garage at Tokyo’s Haneda airport, local media said. AFP

WASHINGTON, DC – A US government shutdown looked inevitable Thursday (Friday, Manila time) after Senate Democrats blocked a key vote to keep departments funded, escalating a standoff with the White House over President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration crackdown following the fatal shooting of two protesters.

The failed vote stalled a six-bill spending package that would fund more than three-quarters of the federal government, and a partial shutdown is set to begin after midnight Saturday. Senators were expected to hold a second vote on a revised package, but even a successful outcome would still require approval by the House of Representatives, which is not due back from recess until Monday -- more than two days after the Friday night deadline. Under congressional rules, identical bill texts must pass both the House and Senate before they can become law. AFP

DSWD swoops down on illegal Laguna shelter

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to strengthen its regulatory functions by conducting inspections on shelters operating without valid licenses in order to ensure the safety, protection, and welfare of vulnerable individuals.

In the early morning of Thursday, Jan. 29, the DSWD’s Standards Bureau (SB), in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of San Pedro, Laguna, the DSWD’s Field Office’s (FO) 4A - CALABARZON, Landayan barangay officials, and local law enforcement authorities, conducted an operation on the unlicensed shelter owned and managed by vlogger Benjie Perillo, popularly known as BenchTV, located in Barangay Landayan. San Pedro/ Initial investigation by the DSWD-SB showed that BenchTV has been rescuing individuals living on the streets since 2020 and subsequently reuniting some with their families.

During the raid, the DSWD discovered a total of 12 individuals who were staying at the shelter, two of whom are minors.

The group, including two minors, were remanded to the custody of the DSWD for proper disposition. Six will remain under close monitoring of the LGU for immediate reintegration with their respective families.

ASEAN TOURISM MEETING. Philippine Tourism Secretary Cristina Frasco addresses delegates to the 25th meetng of ASEAN tourism ministers held Friday in Cebu City, highlighting The pivotal role of China, Japan, and South Korea in enhancing tourism industry in the region, particularly in employment generation, sustaining enterprises, and the overall economy. Norman Cruz

BOC broadens smuggling probe

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) will investigate several agency officials allegedly involved in the smuggling of cigarettes worth about P1.2 billion that were seized in Batangas City on New Year’s Eve.

The investigation follows the discovery of 14 trailer trucks loaded with smuggled cigarettes at a container yard in Sitio 5, Barangay Balete, Batangas City. The operation was led by the Philip-

pine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG).

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno ordered a broader probe into the reported increase in cigarette smuggling and other illegal activities.

This earlier resulted in the relief of Paul Oliver Pacunayen, Intelligence Officer III and former chief of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Field Station at the Port of Manila.

A Customs employee assigned to the Port of Batangas has been identified as a primary suspect, according to a report. Authorities said the employee could help identify higher-ranking officials who may have authorized the illegal shipment, which did not appear in the BOC’s official systems.

US RECOGNIZES FILIPINO WAR LEGACY. Fortynine Filipino World War II veterans are honored with United States congressional war medals, 44 of them posthumously, during the awarding ceremony Wednesday, Jan. 28, in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, bringing to 1,555 the total number of Filipino war veterans conferred the prestigious award.

PhilSA, BSP accord taps space tech for fiscal analysis

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) have forged a partnership to integrate space science and technology into economic and financial analysis with a view to strengthening the country’s financial resilience amid climate and environmental risks.

The collaboration was formalized through the signing of an agreement on Jan. by PhilSA director general Gay Jane Perez and BSP assistant governor Pia Bernadette Tayag.

Under the agreement, space-derived data and geospatial tools will be used to support the BSP’s core mandates in monetary policy and financial supervision. These technologies are expected to enhance the assessment of climate and environmental risks, evaluate the impact of disasters, and monitor socio-economic conditions that influence financial stability and inflation.

“Climate and environment-related risks increasingly affect economic activity, financial systems, and the welfare of communities. Understanding these risks and responding to them in a timely and informed manner depends on access to

Cebu landfill tragedy victims to get gov’t aid

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), has given assurance on immediate assistance and access to benefits for injured workers and families of those who died in the Binaliw landfill tragedy. Under the ECC’s compensation program, the families of qualified deceased workers will receive death pensions, funeral benefits, and immediate cash assistance.

Injured workers may avail themselves of sickness or disability benefits, including reimbursement of medical expenses. ECC executive director Kaima Via Velasquez said the agency is coordinating with DOLE Central Visayas, the Social Security System (SSS), and employer Prime Waste Solutions Cebu to fast-track the processing of claims.

consistent, objective, and forward-looking information. This is where space science and technology can add value,” Perez said.

As part of the collaboration, PhilSA and BSP will develop data systems and methodologies to integrate geospatial, climate, environmental, and socio-economic information into actionable financial intelligence. Joint research initiatives and capacity-building programs will also be conducted to equip BSP personnel with skills in satellite data use and geospatial analytics for financial risk assessment and policy analysis.

The PNP-HPG earlier disclosed that the husband of this particular Customs employee was the lessee of the container yard where the cigarettes were found. Reports said the husband operates a trucking company that regularly transacts with the BOC, raising concerns that access to Customs operations may have been used to facilitate the smuggling.

The BOC said the scale and value of the shipment suggested possible involvement of senior officials, noting that the cargo was not reflected in official Customs records.

IN BRIEF

PH attends strategic forum on security

THE Department of National Defense (DND) participated in the 14th International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting held in Singapore from Jan. 18 to 20 , reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to multilateral dialogues, international law, and regional security cooperation.

DND Undersecretary Irineo Espino the delegation that took part in discussions among senior defense officials, high-ranking military officers, policy planners, and security experts from the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America.

The Sherpa Meeting served as a platform for candid exchanges on regional and global security developments, emerging defense challenges, and poli cy recommendations.

During the plenary session on “Regional Security Architecture amid Global Instability,” Espino discussed how the Philippines has been observing trends in the threat perceptions among countries, noting heightening strategic competition between major powers as well as increasing challenges to smaller states around the world. Rex Espiritu

Two NPA rebels yield in Libmanan, CamSur

TWO New People’s Army (NPA) guerillas on Wednesday surrendered to government authorities through the efforts of the municipal government of Libmanan, Camarines Sur.

The surrender was facilitated by the Local Peace Engagement Team (LPET) of the local government, with the support of the Army’s 502nd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion and the 502nd) Community Defense Center.

The two former rebels, identified by the aliases “Bruno” and “Lucky,” were persuaded to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law.

Following their surrender, the two were subjected to debriefing and will undergo documentation and processing to enable them to avail of benefits under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. Rex Espiritu

Bill proposes full state support for special kids

A LAWMAKER has filed a proposed “Magna Carta for Children with Disabilities and Their Families” establishing a comprehensive support framework for over 1.4 million Filipinos with disabilities, a significant portion of whom are children requiring early intervention and sustained support.

“The true measure of society is how it protects its most vulnerable. Often, a lifetime of care is needed from the families of children with special needs. So if we can make it easier for the parents and their families, let’s do it),” said Rep. Raymond Adrian Salceda of Albay, author of House Bill 7440. Salceda noted that while existing laws such as Republic Act 7277 (Magna Carta for Persons with Disability) and RA 11650 (Inclusive Education Act) address the rights of persons with disabilities in general, they do not specifically address the unique needs of children with disabilities and the families who serve as their primary caregivers. Maricel V. Cruz

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Shin outlasts Tabuena again, reclaims TCC Invitational title

STA. ROSA, Laguna – Even on a day when nearly everything went wrong, Micah Shin still found a way to prove he remains the man to beat at The Country Club.

Playing through lingering pain from a hip surgery and battling shaky form from the outset, Shin leaned on grit and experience, grinding out clutch pars on the final two holes to fend off Miguel Tabuena by one and capture the TCC Invitational crown here on Friday.

A faltering back nine nearly unraveled what had looked like a comfortable march to victory. Three bogeys over a six-hole stretch from No. 11 turned Shin’s once-commanding lead into another tense duel that echoed their dramatic showdown in 2018.

Back then, Shin also survived a late charge from Tabuena to win by one. Eight years later, history repeated itself – another squandered cushion, another

furious pursuit, and again, Shin standing last.

After rounds of 71, 71 and 72, Shin stumbled to a six-over 76 but still finished atop the leaderboard at 290, twoover for the tournament. The victory earned him the top purse of P2.2 million from the P6.5 million prize fund, nearly doubling his earnings from his breakthrough win eight years ago.

“It feels different, obviously,” Shin said. “But it felt like déjà vu.”

Twice during the final stretch, Tabuena closed within a single shot.

Twice, Shin answered with the calm of a veteran and the resolve of a former champion.

In 2018, Shin nearly gave away a three-shot lead before Tabuena missed a birdie putt that would have forced a playoff. This time, Shin again flirted with disaster but found enough in reserve to frustrate the 2017 champion.

Gymnastics association named NSA of Year for 2nd straight year

FOR the second straight time, the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) is hailed as the National Sports Association (NSA) of the Year.

The distinction will be given out in the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association 2025 Awards Night slated on Feb. 16 at the Diamond Hotel Manila.

Golden Boy Carlos Yulo, the current face of Philippine gymnastics, again stood in the forefront of another banner campaign for the sport

as Filipino bets excel from the world and Asian championships, the junior world championships, all the way to the Southeast Asian Games.

The 25-year-old Yulo spearheaded the national team’s dynamic stint by reasserting his status as one of the best in the world today with another golden performance in the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Leveriza, Manila native snared the gold in vault and bronze in floor exercise during the 53rd edition of the meet, earning him a second straight Athlete of the Year honor which he’ll share with tennis darling Alex Eala during the gala night copresented by the Philippine Sports Commission and ArenaPlus.

Retired police o icer wins first ALTA Golf Cup

GENERAL TRIAS CITY—Retired Manila Police District officer Nelson

Yabut emerged as the Class A Division champion of the inaugural ALTA Golf Cup, held Thursday at the Isao Aoki Course of Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club in Barangay Manggahan.

The 65-year-old Yabut topped the Class A (92-and-below) field after carding a gross 76, built on two birdies and several steady pars. With a six handicap, he finished with a net score of 70 to clinch the title in the tournament, which was also dubbed “Swing for a Cause.” University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD) officials led the awarding ceremonies, headed by Lt. Col. Richard Antonio, president of Perpetual Help Medical Center; UPHSD Las Piñas City campus school director Dr. Arnaldo De Guzman; graduate school dean Dr. Eduardo Zialcita; executive director Dr. Lorelie Siy of the DELTA Executive Academic Audit and Accreditation Center; and alumni affairs head Liwanag Elizares, MBA. The ALTA Golf Cup is a sports development initiative of the UPHSD Las

to Champion for Class C (106-Above) Benjie Munasque. Dennis Abrina

Yulo’s historic double gold act in the Paris Olympics paved way for gymnastics to be named NSA of the Year in last season’s awards proceedings supported by major backers the Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Cignal, Premier Volleyball League, Philippine Basketball Association, Akari, Rain or Shine, Capital1 Solar Energy, and Acrocity.

The GAP is under the leadership of Cynthia Carrion.

Yulo warmed up for the world meet by winning a fourth straight gold in the floor exercise of the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jecheon, South Korea, where he also bagged the bronze in the individual all-around, vault, and parallel bars.

Piñas City campus and forms part of the institution’s

“I congratulate all the winners, participating teams and individuals in this sports project of the University of Perpetual Help Las Piñas, as well as the sponsors who supported this endeavor,” Antonio said during the awarding rites. Jesus Valle finished as first runner-up in Class A with a gross 77, seven handicap and net 70, while Michael Pizarro placed second runner-up after posting a gross 81, 11 handicap and net 70. In Class B (93–105), Allen Aquino claimed the championship with a gross 97, 26 handicap and net 71. Jose Rommel Almero settled for first runner-up honors with a gross 93, 21 handicap and net 72, while Ronnie Henares placed second runner-up with a gross 95, 23 handicap and net 72.

Benjie Munasque ruled Class C (106 and above) after recording a gross 106, 29 handicap and net 77. Paolo Antonio Luna finished first runner-up with a gross 108, 31 handicap and net 77, while Mike Llanio took second runner-up with a gross 106, 28 handicap and net 78. Dennis Abrina

Eala expected to draw Filipino crowd support in Abu Dhabi

By Peter Atencio

ALEXANDRA Eala is set to feel the familiar warmth of Filipino support once more as she heads to the WTA 500 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, a stop made even more special by the presence of a large Filipino community in the UAE capital.

Filipino fans have been a constant presence in Eala’s matches, most recently at the Philippine Women’s Open WTA 125, where they packed the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center and rallied behind her during a highly anticipated clash with Colombia’s Camila Osorio on Wednesday night.

The matchup, dubbed a battle between former US Open junior girls’ champions, drew

loud and sustained support for the Filipina even in defeat.

“It’s nice to feel their support, especially during a loss, during tough moments of a match,” Eala said after her setback. “It (they) cushioned the blow. And I think that happens when you’re playing in front of a crowd that’s passionate and supporting.”

Eala, the 2022 US Open junior champion, reflected on the atmosphere after Osorio—who won the same junior title in 2019—prevailed and advanced to the semifinals despite being less known for her results on hard courts. With the score locked at 4-all in a tense ninth game, the cheers for Eala only grew louder, something Osorio herself noticed and appreciated.

“I love it. I love the energy. Even if it wasn’t for me,” said Osorio, a three-time

WTA champion who is used to strong home-crowd backing in Colombia. That same energy is expected to follow Eala to Abu Dhabi, where tournament organizers have awarded her a main-draw wildcard for the prestigious WTA 500 event. Also receiving wildcards are American Ashlyn Krueger, a finalist in 2025, Turkish standout Zeynep Sönmez, Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, breakout Canadian Victoria Mboko, and Denmark’s Clara Tauson. The Abu Dhabi Open field is led by world No. 5 Elena Rybakina and defending champion Belinda Bencic, who boasts an unbeaten record at the tournament. For Eala, however, the familiar cheers of Filipino fans abroad could once again make the difference as she takes on the next challenge of her season.

Highrisers reload, face Super Spikers as PVL tilt kicks o

FOUR teams launch their respective campaigns today (Saturday) as the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference kicks off at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan, setting the tone for what promises to be a compelling season-ender.

The spotlight at 4 p.m. shines on Galeries Tower, whose revamped lineup will be tested immediately against a proven and intact Cignal squad equally eager to start strong.

The Highrisers enter the conference with an almost entirely new look, unveiling 14 fresh faces and a new coach in Clarence Esteban, tasked with steering the team toward redemption after a winless stint in the 2025 Reinforced Conference. Esteban brings a mix of youthful energy and seasoned leadership, hoping to ignite a turnaround and prove that Galeries Tower can finally challenge the league’s established contenders.

Standing in their way are the Super Spikers, the third-ranked team the Highrisers stunned in the qualifying round of the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference en route to the quarterfinals.

Despite the overhaul, Esteban will lean on veteran Aiza Pontillas, alongside holdovers Julia Coronel of Alas Pilipinas and last year’s second overall rookie pick Jean Asis, to provide. Completing the new-look Highrisers are Erika Raagas, Jules Samonte, Gayle Pascual, BLove Barbon, Cams Victoria, Shola Alvarez, Lycha Ebon, Julia Angeles, Dolly Verzosa, Erika Deloria, Sharya Ancheta, Venice Puzon and Maji Mangulabnan.

SUGAR POLICIES.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto (center) meets with Senator Francis Pangilinan to align steps to address sugar industry concerns. Pangilinan cited challenges confronting farmers, mill workers and consumers and outlined key policy recommendations to stabilize the sector. Recto assured the senator that the sugar industry is one of the priorities of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and that the concerns raised would be reviewed and elevated to the appropriate offices for policy consideration.

25 bps

Projected rate cut in February

4.5% Below 1.5%

BSP overnight borrowing rate

Projected real policy rate in February

ASEAN adopts 5-year tourism plan to drive regional growth

By Othel V. Campos

SOUTHEAST Asian nations formally adopted a new five-year tourism blueprint on Thursday to strengthen regional cooperation and accelerate transformation following the pandemic.

Launched in Cebu during the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan (ATSP) 2026–2030 succeeds the previous 10year strategy.

The Philippines acted as the lead country coordinator for the plan, which was developed in partnership with the Asian Development Bank and the ASEAN Secretariat.

“The ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan will serve as the framework for sustainable tourism development across the region from 2026 to 2030,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

The plan outlines a shared vision for an inclusive industry anchored on 6 key areas including resilient tourism, workforce empowerment, seamless travel, digital integration, market diversification and sustainability.

Frasco said the initiative aims to market the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as a unified destination while improving regional accessibility. A primary focus of the discussions involves enhancing air and sea connectivity, specifically through expanded route networks and cruise tourism.

The strategy also seeks to address the environmental and social impacts of travel. Officials intend to use digitalization and diversification to curb overtourism and protect natural assets by promoting lesser-known destinations, community-based tourism and indigenous heritage.

BSP rate cut more likely after growth eased in 2025

Sentral ng Pilipinas in February.

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is now more likely to cut interest rate by another 25 basis points on Feb. 19, 2026 after the gross domestic product (GDP) missed the government’s target in 2025, growing by 4.4 percent, according to US bank Citi.

The Philippine economy slowed more sharply than anticipated in the final quarter of 2025 as a slump in public investment and a cooling of private consumption dragged growth to a post-pandemic low of 3.0 percent, it said.

The fourth-quarter performance missed both the 3.4 percent forecast from Citi and the 3.7 percent market consensus, falling from a revised 3.9 percent in the third quarter. The slowdown was largely attributed to spending bottlenecks following corruption scandals in September, which heavily impacted the construction sector and government outlays.

“The sharp fourth-quarter growth slowdown increases our conviction for a 25-bps-rate cut in the Feb. 19 meeting. A terminal rate of 4.25 percent in February remains our base case, bringing real policy rates slightly below 1.5 percent. With regard to the risk scenario, an additional cut in April cannot be ruled out, in our view, especially if GDP growth further decelerates in first quarter, contrary to our recovery forecast,” Citi said.

Citi economists said in a report that the growth figures increase conviction for a 25-basis-point policy rate cut by the Bangko

Department of Finance Secretary Frederick Go expressed optimism that the Philippines could meet its 5-percent growth target this year, noting that the country’s long-term fundamentals remain intact despite recent headwinds.

years—PEZA

UK investments in economic zones reached P229b in 30

CUMULATIVE investments from British companies in Philippine economic zones reached P229 billion between 1995 and 2025, making the United Kingdom the fourth-largest investor nationality for the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

The agency said Thursday that 75 British locator companies operate across its nationwide economic zones. These investments have generated more than 82,000 jobs and about $1.4 billion in exports across sectors including technology, energy, healthcare, shared services and advanced manufacturing.

“The growing presence of UK companies in our ecozones reflects strong confidence in the Philippines’ policy stability, transparent governance, and improving ease of doing business,” PEZA director-general Tereso Panga said in an economic forum hosted by

AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the department is tightening oversight of its farm-tomarket road (FMR) projects to ensure public funds improve market access for farmers and fisherfolk while reducing production costs.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) chief said the return of the road program to his agency signals a renewed commitment to transparency and accountability. “Farm-to-market road implementa-

the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines on Thursday.

Panga said this momentum remains steady despite global trade uncertainties stemming from supply-chain realignments and geopolitical tensions.

The agency is now targeting P300 billion in total approved investments for 2026. PEZA officials said they are prioritizing sectors that align with British industrial strengths, such as semiconductors, electronics, pharmaceuticals, aviation, green industries and smart electric vehicle manufacturing.

Several high-profile British firms have already expanded their Philippine footprints, transitioning from basic operations into regional service hubs or higher-value activities. These include HSBC, QBE, Dyson, AstraZeneca, B/E Aerospace, Telus, Cirtek and ANDA Power. Othel V. Campos

tion was returned to the Department of Agriculture not because we are perfect, but because we are determined to be transparent, with everyone’s help and cooperation,” he said.

The department was allotted a P33 billion budget this year to construct more than 2,300 kilometers of roads, an initiative expected to restore public trust in rural infrastructure development.

Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) has been designated to lead the nationwide implementation. Tiu Laurel said pooling responsibilities under the bureau will ensure consistent engineering standards in agricultural heartlands where road quality directly impacts farm incomes and logistics efficiency.

To support the oversight effort, the department launched FMR Watch, a public transparency and monitoring portal managed by the BAFE Information Systems and Digitalization Division.

The platform allows stakeholders to track projects from proposal to completion by integrating budget data, construction milestones, geotagged photos and citizen feedback. FMR Watch has already tracked 4,810 projects initiated between 2021 and 2025, representing a combined investment of P76.52 billion. The projects cover nearly 2,400 kilometers of roads nationwide, with 3,135 projects already completed.

Othel

V. Campos

DOTr rejects carpool’s access to EDSA Busway

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Transportation

(DOTr) has rejected a proposal from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to allow carpooling on the EDSA Busway, citing the need to prioritize mass transit efficiency over private vehicles.

“The busway was designed primarily to move more people—not more cars— by providing fast and uninterrupted service to buses carrying up to 300,000 passengers daily,” Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said.

“Any

tions and defeat the very purpose for which the busway was created,” he said. While Lopez acknowledged the efforts of MMDA general-manager

Local

stocks rebound on rate cut hopes, bargain hunting

By Jenniffer B. Austria

LOCAL stocks rebounded Friday as investors engaged in bargain hunting following a steep decline in the previous session, fueled by expectations of further monetary easing.

The Philippine peso also strengthened Friday, closing at 58.86 against the U.S. dollar, up from Thursday’s finish of 58.945.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index jumped 105.61 points, or 1.7 percent, to close at 6,328.97. The broader all shares index also gained, rising 35.20 points, or 0.99 percent, to finish at 3,583.23.

“The local market bounced back as investors hunted for bargains with hopes pinned on another possible rate cut by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas,” said Japhet Tantiangco, research head at Philstocks Financial Inc. Tantiangco noted that investors are viewing a potential BSP rate cut as a necessary catalyst following dismal fourth-quarter gross domestic product data.

The financial sector led the rally, surging 4.23 percent, followed by the services sector, which advanced 1.42 percent. Only the mining and oil index ended in the red, declining 1.03 percent. Despite the index gain, market breadth remained negative as decliners outnumbered gainers, 108 to 90, while 65 stocks were unchanged. Value turnover was robust at P13.5 billion.

Foreign investors turned net buyers, with inflows totaling P41 million.

Bank of the Philippine Islands was the day’s top index gainer, jumping 9.73 percent to P124. Ayala Corp. was the main index laggard, dropping 3.8 percent to P506.

Asian stocks took a hit on Friday amid fresh worries over vast investments in artificial intelligence, gold and silver tumbled after hitting multiple record highs, and oil retreated on hopes for an easing of US-Iran tensions. With AFP

Toyota Motor PH achieves record production in 2025

By Othel V. Campos

TOYOTA Motor Philippines (TMP) recorded its highest production output on record in 2025 with total vehicle manufacturing reaching 63,803 units, a 6-percent increase from the 60,191 units it produced in 2024.

The carmaker attributed the milestone to a strengthened local supply chain and rising demand for both traditional and electrified vehicles in the domestic market.

“Our completely knocked-down production reached 63,803 units

last year, 6 percent higher than our 2024 level, marking our highest production volume in history,” said TMP senior vice president for marketing Sherwin Chua Lim in a briefing Thursday. The gains were supported by P17

billion in local sourcing, while Toyota suppliers exported $1.39 billion worth of auto parts, representing about 30 percent of the total Philippine auto parts exports for the year.

The company and its luxury brand, Lexus, sold a combined 229,447 units in 2025 to capture a 46-percent market share in the Philippines.

Lexus maintained a dominant position in the luxury segment with over 50-percent market share, fueled by a lineup where electrified vehicles accounted for 91 percent of its 1,852 units sold.

Demand for electrified models across both brands rose 40 percent

from the previous year to reach 19,500 units. These models represented 9 percent of total sales, bringing Toyota’s cumulative electrified vehicle sales in the country to 44,200 units since 2009.

The Vios remained the top-selling model with 27,811 units sold, followed by the Avanza at 24,704 units and the Hilux at 22,735 units. The locally-produced Tamaraw also contributed 17,524 units to the total. Beyond standard passenger cars, TMP expanded its local production to include specialized conversions for ambulances, cargo configurations and telecommunications vans.

Manila Water adds 19,000 connections, expands East Zone network

MANILA Water Co. expanded its service network in 2025, installing 19,421 new service connections through November and bringing its total reach to more than 1.2 million customers since 1997.

To support the growth, the utility expanded its water supply network by 92.59 kilometers during the 11-month period. This brings the company’s total pipeline length to

5,656.23 kilometers.

Manila Water stated that the expanded infrastructure, coupled with non-revenue water (NRW) levels averaging below 15 percent, allows the utility to deliver consistent, 24-hour service. NRW refers to water lost through system leaks and illegal connections; maintaining low levels is considered critical for supply reliability and operational efficiency.

“Maintaining low non-revenue water levels and investing in a strong pipeline

network enable continuous water availability while supporting the growing needs of our communities,” said Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water corporate communications director. The company currently serves more than 7.8 million customers in the East Zone, covering parts of Metro Manila and Rizal province. Manila Water said it plans to continue investing in infrastructure and innovative technologies to further improve operational efficiency and meet long-term water requirements. Othel V. Campos

PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. are scaling up the eBizNovation Community Adoption Program this year to provide supported small businesses with community-based learning and personalized onboarding for e-commerce. The program combines digital modules with cybersecurity initiatives to foster secure and resilient business environments for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

JTI recognized as No. 1 Employer in PH for 2026

JTI Philippines has been ranked the No. 1 Top Employer in the country for 2026 by the Top Employers Institute, the company announced Friday.

The recognition marks the fifth consecutive year JTI Philippines has appeared on the list. To achieve certification, the company underwent a rigorous audit of its human resources practices, securing 100 percent ratings in nearly every category, including business and people strategy, work environment, onboarding, and ethics.

“Now that we are named No. 1 Top Employer, we have demonstrated that we continue to improve our work environment and that we truly champion our employees’ wellbeing and development,” said Ari Wisnubroto, JTI Philippines people and culture director.

The global authority on people practices highlighted JTI’s progressive policies, such as its family leave program. The policy provides new parents with 20 weeks of fully paid leave regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or how they become parents.

Wisnubroto also credited the company’s flexible work arrangements and focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion for its success. He noted that these standards have helped JTI become the fastest-growing tobacco company in the Philippines.

Globally, JTI was certified as a Top Employer for the 12th consecutive year, earning recognition in 60 countries. JTI Philippines is one of 14 national branches to reach the No. 1 spot this year.

PhilHealth warns public against fraudulent websites

STATE-RUN Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has issued an urgent warning to members regarding a rise in unauthorized websites mimicking the agency’s official portals to steal sensitive information.

PhilHealth president and chief executive Edwin Mercado noted that several suspicious sites were imitating the PhilHealth interface to deceive users.

Mercado urged the public to remain vigilant and utilize only legitimate platforms for registration and member services.

The agency identified several red flags for spotting scams, specifically noting that the only official website is www.philhealth.gov.ph.

Officials said users should be wary of addresses ending in .com or .net because official Philippine government websites typically end in .gov.ph. Fraudulent sites often feature lowquality or outdated logos and may request suspicious information.

PhilHealth said it would never ask for donations, direct bank transfers, or sensitive login credentials outside of its secured Member Portal. It said it takes the security of member data seriously and encouraged users to report suspicious links to official channels immediately. The agency said 100 percent of its digital transactions should be verified through the official government domain to prevent identity theft and financial loss.

China-PH rift threatens solar goals DBP

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SOLAR energy developers are warning that strained diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China could derail national decarbonization goals and threaten the livelihoods of thousands of workers.

In an appeal to national leaders dated Jan. 29, the Philippine Solar & Storage Energy Alliance (PSSEA) stated that recent friction between the Chinese Embassy and Philippine officials has caused “serious concern” within the industry. The alliance said the intense exchange of words has created jitters that threaten trade relations between Chinese and Filipino businesses.

The group, which represents nearly 100 companies including microinstallers and utility-scale developers, emphasized that China is the primary source of solar modules, mounting structures, inverters, and batteries.

PSSEA described this supply chain as the “lifeline” of the solar business, noting that any disruption would

delay construction and harm fiscal revenues.

“It is important for the Philippine solar industry to maintain the flow of goods and services from China,” the alliance said. The group added that technicians and engineers have expressed fear over the repercussions a cessation of diplomatic relations might bring to their families.

Since 2012, PSSEA members have built nearly 3,000 megawatts of utility-scale power plants to help meet Paris Agreement targets for 2030 and 2040. The group also recently committed to accelerating rooftop solar projects to help avert a projected electricity shortfall in the Visayas and

Mindanao by 2027. The industry’s economic footprint is significant. Department of Energy data shows solar provided employment to approximately 203,000 people from 2009 to 2022. The sector is expected to generate at least 10,000 new jobs annually leading up to 2030.

PSSEA chairperson Tetchi Capellan and president Ping Mendoza appealed to national leaders to seek a “better diplomatic path” to resolve differences with Beijing. While expressing trust in policymakers, the alliance asked leaders to consider the negative impact a strained relationship would have on the families and jobs dependent on the industry.

market revamp

STATE-OWNED

Development

Bank of the Philippines (DBP) said it is ready to team up with the Baguio City local government to fund the redevelopment of its 110-year-old public market after a private firm withdrew from a public-private partnership deal.

DBP president and chief executive Michael de Jesus said the bank could provide the financing required to construct a multi-story complex to replace the current structure, which dates back to 1913.

VALERO Grand Suites by SwissBelhotel has transitioned its electricity supply to renewable energy through a partnership with First Gen Corp., making the 271room upscale hotel one of the first in the Makati central business district to adopt clean power under a government program.

The agreement, signed late last year, sources electricity for the hotel from a geothermal power plant in Bicol region. The plant is operated by Energy Development Corp., a subsidiary of First Gen and the largest vertically integrated geothermal company in the world.

The shift allows the hotel to reduce its carbon footprint and align with global sustainability standards while maintaining its operations in the heart of the Philippines’ financial hub. The move was made possible through the Green Energy Option Program, a government initiative that allows consumers with an average peak demand of at least 100 kilowatts to choose their own renewable energy suppliers.

By utilizing this program, Valero Grand Suites aims to decrease its reliance on traditional fossil fuels and meet the growing demand from travelers for eco-friendly accommodations.

Swiss-Belhotel International executives said the strategic direction for the Makati property involves pursuing programs that contribute to national efforts for greener energy consumption.

The partnership reinforces the hotel’s commitment to responsible tourism without compromising service excellence.

First Gen remains the largest renewable energy producer in the Philippines, operating a portfolio of geothermal, hydro, solar and wind resources with a total capacity of 1,700 megawatts.

The company also maintains a 40-percent interest in four gasfired power plants with a total capacity of 2,017 megawatts to support national energy security.

THE Energy Regulatory Commission on Friday issued a resolution expanding electricity assistance for marginalized and low-income households by establishing a uniform national lifeline subsidy.

Under Resolution No. 02, Series of 2026, the commission set a uniform subsidy rate of P0.01 per kilowatt-hour to be collected from all other electricity end-users. These funds will be pooled into a National Lifeline Subsidy Fund, administered

by the state-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), to provide discounts for qualified beneficiaries.

The resolution mandates a 100 percent discount on electricity bills for qualified marginalized consumers who use 50 kWh or less per month. For distribution utilities with existing approved thresholds above 50 kWh, current discount structures for higher consumption levels will remain in place until

further notice from the commission. The discount covers several bill components, including generation, transmission, system loss, distribution, supply, and metering, as well as applicable value-added tax.

The ERC stated that shifting from utility-specific rates to a national framework addresses disparities in subsidy levels and broadens the program’s reach. The new mechanism is designed to be revenue-neutral; collections are treated as pass-

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported Friday that the Philippines has surpassed its mandated plastic waste recovery targets, with the national diversion rate reaching nearly 56 percent in 2025.

During the 2026 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Recognition Program held Jan. 30, the DENR highlighted that the 55.98 percent recovery performance significantly exceeded the 40 percent target mandated by Republic Act 11898. The event, held alongside the 25th anniversary of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, focused on the current state of producer compliance and the operationalization of the circular economy.

DENR Secretary Raphael P.M.

“DBP is keen to support the redevelopment of the Baguio City public market and is prepared to finance the project,” de Jesus said.

“As a development bank, we actively pursue local government initiatives that spur economic growth, modernize public infrastructure, and provide meaningful support to MSMEs,” he said.

The bank is positioning itself as a primary alternative to private entities after a prospective developer pulled its proposal following opposition from local stakeholders.

The redevelopment aims to optimize the economic value of the city’s public assets and boost the local economy.

The project may be facilitated through the bank’s Assistance for Economic and Social Development (ASENSO) Program for LGUs.

The program provides credit assistance to all levels of local government to accelerate socioeconomic development.

As of Nov. 30, 2025, the bank has approved more than P165 billion in credit assistance to various local government units for projects involving education, public health and disaster mitigation.

through charges and do not form part of a utility’s revenue. The creation of the centrally administered fund under PSALM is intended to strengthen accountability through reporting and audit requirements. The ERC noted the move aligns with state policies under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act and supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 2025 directive to increase access for marginalized consumers. Alena Mae S. Flores

Lotilla said the program reflects how policy is translating into measurable change, noting that the EPR Law is now reshaping how the country manages waste. The framework links local governmentled waste segregation with producer accountability for the post-consumer phase of packaging.

Data from 2025 showed balanced recovery across material types, as recovery rates reached 56.33 percent for flexible plastics and 55.60 percent for rigid plastics through recycling, upcycling, and co-processing. By late 2025, the National Ecology Center had registered 1,017 entities, including obliged enterprises and Producer Responsibility Organizations, across 201 EPR programs.

A REGIONAL trial court has convicted the top officers of Decarich Supertrade Inc. for tax violations linked to a “ghost corporation” scheme involving the issuance of fraudulent receipts, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said Friday. It said that in a decision promulgated Jan. 21, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 100 found Decarich Supertrade Inc. president Fernando Bitoon Lawas and treasurer Adeline Manggas Cañas guilty of failing to supply correct information in the company’s value-added tax (VAT) return for the first quarter of 2021.

The court sentenced the pair to up to three years in prison and ordered them to pay a total fine of P120,000.

The conviction is part of a broader government crackdown on ghost corporations that use fictitious transactions to help clients dodge tax liabilities, the BIR said.

Investigators discovered that while Decarich was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, it maintained no physical presence at its registered address. Barangay officials and building administrators confirmed the company never conducted business at the site.

The court ruled that providing a non-existent address to the BIR constitutes a legal violation and noted that a company without a physical office could not have legitimately engaged in the millions of pesos in sales it reported.

The prosecution proved that the corporate records were fabricated to create an illusion of business activity, the BIR said. According to the ruling, the accused willfully misrepresented facts to prejudice the government’s right to collect taxes.

The court found that Decarich declared millions of pesos in sales to various buyers that never occurred to conceal anomalous transactions for its clients.

The BIR said it has intensified its pursuit of similar entities, noting that such schemes rely on inconsistencies in data to reduce tax dues.

Unicapital sees faster 2026 growth

UNICAPITAL Securities Inc. said Friday it expects the Philippine economy to expand at a faster pace in 2026 following a sluggish 4.4-percent performance last year, citing a projected recovery in public infrastructure spending and attractive stock market valuations.

“For 2026, we project GDP growth of 5.2 percent, within the government’s 5 percent to 6 percent target, assuming timely execution of public projects and clearer signals of governance and policy support,” Unicapital Economics Research said in its latest report.

The brokerage firm said while nearterm growth remains constrained by

Anvil Awards Gabi ng Parangal at Solaire Resort North in the sustainability communication category for its 2024 integrated report. The report, titled “Transformative Actions,” details the company’s formal integration of environmental, social and governance principles into its core operations since 2021. The document illustrates how the mining firm embeds sustainability into its business strategy, risk management and long-term value creation. Nickel Asia Corp. senior vice president for sustainability, risk, external affairs and communications Jose Bayani Baylon said

weak investment, a sustained rebound in public infrastructure could stabilize the economy and provide a modest upside in the coming quarters.

The Philippine stock market is also expected to recover as the brokerage believes current prices already reflect the recent economic slowdown.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) is currently trading at

9.7 times price-to-earnings, which is nearly 40 percent below its 10-year historical average, it said.

Unicapital Securities analysts said this presents a strategic opportunity for investors to capitalize on deep valuation discounts.

They noted that a combination of accommodative monetary policy and stable inflation should support a market re-rating, particularly for infrastructure-linked and rate-sensitive sectors like utilities and real estate investment trusts.

The 2026 outlook follows a disappointing 2025 where GDP growth of 4.4 percent fell short of the government target of 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent. The slowdown was exacerbated

by a 3.0 percent expansion in the fourth quarter of 2025, down from 3.9 percent in the previous quarter. A primary drag on the 2025 performance was a sharp pullback in public construction, which plummeted 42 percent in the fourth quarter and 18 percent for the full year. Thje decline was linked to a corruption probe into flood-control projects and weatherrelated disruptions in the agriculture sector.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the slump in construction shaved 1.1 percentage points off the total GDP growth. Officials said the economy could have expanded by 5.5 percent if construction activity had simply remained flat.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

UNITED Arab Emirates-based premium supermarket chain Spinneys will open 12 stores across Metro Manila over the next four years through a partnership with the retail arm of Ayala Corp. ACX Holdings Corp. and Spinneys formed a joint venture in September to introduce the brand to the Philippines, targeting a growing segment of affluent consumers seeking interna

the recognition affirms the company’s commitment to prioritizing people and creating value through transparent practices. Baylon said the company views sustainability as being on equal footing with financial performance.

The 2024 report focuses on the contributions of company leaders, technical experts and community partners. According to the company, these transformative actions serve as catalysts for lasting change and shifts in perspectives and systems rather than just incremental efforts.

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines organizes the Anvil Awards, which is considered the highest recognition for public relations in the country.

AXA tool targets gap in PH mental health

ABOUT 65 percent of Filipinos report a high awareness of mental health issues, but only about a third know what actions to take when facing psychological challenges, according to the 2025 AXA Mind Health Study.

The research reveals a significant disconnect in the Philippines, which ranks among the highest globally for awareness but struggles with a lack of practical response strategies. The gap leaves many individuals vulnerable to worsening conditions and long-term emotional distress.

Mind You head of research and development Paula Ferrer Cheng said awareness without action leaves people stuck. She said that education should accompany awareness efforts to ensure early warning signs do not escalate into long-term distress.

The study found that individuals who are well-informed about specific signs and available support systems report significantly better mental well-being outcomes than those who are not. To address this, AXA Philippines has launched a free and anonymous Mind Health Self-Check tool to provide users with an accessible overview of their emotional state.

The digital tool evaluates three areas including current state of mind, skills and beliefs, and lifestyle. Users receive a Mind Health Index score ranging from 0 to 100 based on AXA’s proprietary methodology. AXA Philippines chief executive Ayman Kandil said real progress happens when people know they can take action with the right support.

tional grocery experiences.

The first two locations are scheduled to open by the fourth quarter of 2026 at Ayala Malls U.P. Town Center in Quezon City and San Antonio Plaza Arcade in Makati City.

“Spinneys is a valuable addition to the Philippine grocery landscape,” said Mariana Zobel de Ayala, managing director of Ayala Corp. and head of leasing and hospitality at Ayala Land.

“Premium grocery retail today is about more than what’s on the shelves

– it’s about curation, service, and the joy of discovery. The entry of Spinneys brings a new dimension to grocery shopping, expanding the range of choices available locally and further enriching our dynamic retail landscape,” said Zobel de Ayala.

She said that premium retail involves more than just shelf stock, emphasizing the “joy of discovery” for shoppers.

The expansion reflects a shift in Filipino consumer preferences toward high-end retail models found abroad.

most dynamic business districts. The new office continues AIA Philippines’ operations in Binondo, widely recognized as the world’s oldest Chinatown and a major commercial hub home to thousands of small- and medium-sized enterprises and family-owned businesses.

Ayala Malls chief operating officer Paul Birkett said the company aims to bring a “globally best-in-class model” to the Philippines that remains grounded in local tastes.

Spinneys plans to leverage its existing Gulf Cooperation Council operations to supply the Philippine stores with imported goods and private label products.

The stores will feature contemporary layouts and specialty selections, alongside in-store education regarding food and nutrition.

By

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said Friday it launched a new framework to regulate cybersecurity and data protection assessments for government agencies and critical infrastructure.

The DICT Trusted Assessment Providers (DTAP) framework, formalized through Department Circular No. HRA-001, establishes a national benchmark for the accreditation of entities conducting Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) and Information Security Management System (ISMS) assessments.

This aligns with Outcome 3.4 of the National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028 to ensure that only vetted

providers help organizations identify risks and protect sensitive data.

DICT officials said the framework is essential to maintaining public trust and sound governance in the digital ecosystem.

DICT special assistant to the secretary for cybersecurity Julius Gorospe said DTAP ensures that services for government agencies and critical information infrastructures (CIIs) are delivered only by competent and technically capable providers.

“The accreditation of Trusted Assessment Providers under DTAP is a key step in strengthening the country’s cybersecurity and data protection posture,” Gorospe said. He said that setting clear standards allows organizations to take informed actions to secure their systems.

pharmaceutical sales rose 10.4 percent. Total costs and expenses amounted to P18.70 billion, up 6.1 percent from the prior year. Pryce said that LPG costs and operating expenses remained contained while industrial gas costs rose in line with volume growth. Financial performance was bolstered by a slight decline in finance costs and a 9.1-percent drop in income tax expense, which improved net margins.

Earnings per share rose to P2.133 from P1.6449. The company said it remains focused on scaling its industrial gas footprint and sustaining operational efficiency. Pryce said it is in the preliminary stages of constructing an air separation plant in Davao, with completion expected by the first quarter of 2027.

TECH

PARIS—Artificial intelligence helps doctors spot more cases of breast cancer when reading routine scans, a world-first trial found Friday.

The results suggest countries should roll out programmes taking advantage of AI’s scanning power to ease the workload of short-staffed radiologists, the Swedish lead researchers said. Well before the release of ChatGPT in 2022 raised global awareness about AI, scientists had been testing out the technology’s capacity to read medical scans.

But the new study published in The Lancet medical journal marks the first completed randomised controlled trial -- the gold standard for this kind of research -- looking at AI-supported breast cancer screening.

The trial involved more than 100,000 women who received routine breast cancer scans across Sweden in 2021 and 2022.

They were randomly sorted into two groups. In one, a single radiologist was assisted by an AI system to check the scans. The other followed the standard European method, which requires two radiologists to read the scans.

Nine percent more cancer cases were spotted in the AI group compared to the control group.

Over the following two years, those in the AI group also had a 12 percent lower rate of being diagnosed with cancer between routine scans, which are known as interval cancers and can be particularly dangerous.

The improvement was consistent across different ages and levels of breast density, which can be risk factors. The rate of false positives was similar in both groups.

Senior study author Kristina Lang of Sweden’s Lund University said that “widely rolling out AI-supported mammography in breast cancer screening programmes could help reduce workload pressures amongst

AI helps doctors spot breast cancer in scans

radiologists, as well as helping to detect more cancers at an early stage”.

But this must be done “cautiously” and with “continuous monitoring”, she said in a statement.

‘The radiologist’s eye’

Jean-Philippe Masson, head of the French National Federation of Radiologists, told AFP that “the radiologist’s eye and experience must

AGAINST the backdrop of a rapidly evolving global trade environment, GoComet hosted Manila Horizon 2026, bringing together senior supply chain leaders from large enterprises like Jollibee, IMI, Century Pacific Foods, and more to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping enterprise logistics in the Philippines.

Held at Sheraton Manila Bay, the forum focused on the shift from traditional visibility toward intelligenceled supply chains — where data, automation, and human judgment converge to build resilience, agility, and long-term operational strength.

From Visibility to Intelligence

With the Philippines acting as both a consumptiondriven market and a strategic import hub, local supply chains are exposed to fluctuating port conditions, fragmented logistics networks, and global shocks that ripple quickly into domestic operations.

Industry leaders noted that while basic tracking has become table stakes, organizations are now prioritizing systems that can interpret live data, flag risks early, and support faster decision-making — especially across inbound freight and cross-border trade.

“Visibility tells you where things are. Intelligence tells you what to do next,” said Chitransh Sahai, Cofounder & CEO of GoComet. “AI helps supply chains move from reacting late to planning early, which is where real resilience is built.” AI as an Enabler for Human-Led Decisions Sahai emphasized that AI’s growing role in supply

AS the new year begins, so does the drive to focus better, move smarter, and eliminate the noise that gets in the way of everyday goals. For young professionals, modern creatives, and mobile gamers constantly on the move, sound isn’t just in the background; it’s a tool for productivity, expression, and connection.

HUAWEI has started the year strong with the upcoming release of the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i, the strongest ANC earbuds under P5,000. This powerful device sets in mid-range wireless audio, offering advanced noise cancellation, immersive audio, and pro-level call clarity in one sleek, modern package.

Tune Out Distractions, Tune Into What Matters

HUAWEI introduces the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i, engineered to help modern urban users stay immersed wherever the day takes them—from crowded commutes and busy cafés to shared workspaces and even gaming sessions at home. At its core is Intelligent Dynamic ANC 4.0 that delivers an average full-band noise reduction depth of 28 dB, with a maximum noise cancellation capability of up to 55 dB. By focusing on average full-band performance rather than isolated frequency peaks, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i ensures a more natural and consistent noise reduction experience that aligns with how the human ear actually perceives sound. This advanced system is powered by an ultra-large

THE new year brings a new set of travel goals, from flying out for Lunar New Year for an auspicious celebration, going to an underrated island this summer, making the most of August’s two long weekends, or chasing snow on the other side of the globe. For many, however, traveling comes with worrying about the same old hypothetical scenarios that are also valid concerns, including flight delays to lost baggage. They overprepare and, in turn, are labeled as “OA.” But let’s be clear, stigmatizing “OA” travelers is so 2025. This year, traveling is all about being ready, not only in terms of packing the freshest fits and knowing the hottest go-to spots you see on TikTok. It extends to securing a reliable travel insurance partner, wherein you get financial protection and more when things go wrong before and during your trips. When it comes to reliability with wide-ranging coverage and fast and easy application, there’s GInsure

correct the AI’s diagnosis”.

Sometimes the “AI tool will have seen a change in breast tissue that is not actually cancer,” he added.

The use of AI by radiologists is still in its “infancy” in France because these systems are expensive -- and prone to overdiagnosis, Masson warned.

Stephen Duffy, emeritus professor of cancer screening at Queen Mary

chains is about strengthening human judgment. By automating monitoring, exception detection, and data consolidation, intelligent systems are freeing teams to focus on strategy, supplier collaboration, and scenario planning.

This approach is gaining traction among Philippines enterprises seeking to modernize operations without adding complexity or operational overhead.

“Technology only creates impact when it fits naturally into how teams work,” added Sahai.

“The goal isn’t more dashboards — it’s fewer surprises.”

Growing Momentum in the Philippines

The discussions also reflected the broader momentum of AI-driven supply chain platforms in the country. GoComet has been present in the Philippines since August 2021, recording approximately 2.5x annual growth in the region since launch. Today, the Philippines accounts for nearly 20% of GoComet’s total Southeast Asia customer portfolio, underscoring the country’s growing role as a hub for supply chain innovation in the region.

Industry leaders noted that this growth mirrors a wider trend: Philippine enterprises are increasingly viewing

University of London who was not involved in the study, said it provided further evidence that AI-assisted cancer screening is safe. But he warned that the “reduction in interval cancers following screening in the AI group is not significant”.

He urged another follow-up of the trial’s participants to see if the control group “catches up”. AFP

supply chain intelligence as a strategic capability — not just an operational tool.

Toward a More Resilient Ecosystem

At Manila Horizon, Chitransh unveiled the next phase of supply chain intelligence — a progression from automated workflows to autonomous logistics operations.

Sahai showcased how GoComet’s AI Centre brings together multiple intelligent systems that continuously observe operations, reason over real-world context, and assist teams across planning, execution, and risk management. The AI agents act as personal digital assistants embedded into daily work.

Key capabilities highlighted included:

we list down how Type G travelers turn every “baka” or “kaba” into assurance and confidence with GInsure, making it a certified travel essential.

Wide-ranging coverage. With GInsure Travel, you’re covered for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and of course—flight delays. That means you’re safe from travel hiccups.

● Incident Lens, which connects live port, weather, and geopolitical signals directly to shipments for early disruption detection.

● Viera, a conversational AI that enables teams to query logistics data in natural language and receive instant insights.

Together, these systems convert millions of data points across shipments, documents, and communications into prioritized, explainable actions — helping enterprises improve productivity by up to 2x, reduce freight costs by up to 30%, increase inventory turnover by 17%, and drive stronger CSAT and NPS outcomes.

Whether you’re going on a spontaneous solo trip or exploring a new city, GInsure lets you travel with peace of mind—knowing support is always within reach. GInsure’s Coverage includes up to ₱500,000 Emergency Medical Assistance and Emergency Travel Assistance, along with ₱50,000 Travel Inconvenience Benefit, ₱1M Personal Liability Benefit, and ₱1M Personal Accident coverage. The best part? GInsure’s standard travel protect starts at just ₱299for international travels and ₱103 for domestic trips.

8 mm² rear vent and super-sized air guide cavity, designed to absorb and slow down external noise more effectively. This gives faster and more accurate noise detection and immediate cancellation, with a 50% faster ANC response time of under 0.5 seconds, allowing users to step into their own quiet zone without delay. For the first time, HUAWEI introduces an extra small ear tip size, along with standard sizes small, medium, and large, offering a more secure and comfortable fit for users with smaller ears . A New Dimension of Immersive Sound Beyond silence, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i transforms how users experience audio. Equipped with a newly added Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), the earbuds support Unlimited Spatial

Audio with six-axis sensor and head tracking, creating a dynamic 3D soundstage that adapts naturally as they move. Unlike traditional spatial audio systems, this feature works independently of device type or content source, guaranteeing an immersive experience across both iOS and Android platforms.

An 11 mm quad-magnet dynamic driver paired with Hi-Res Audio certification complements all this. It produces punchy bass, bright yet delicate treble, and a balanced sound signature suited for music, gaming, videos, and calls alike. Whether locking into a playlist, a meeting, or a game, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i keeps every detail clear and engaging.

Clear Conversations, Seamless Control

Built for an always-connected lifestyle, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i ensures voices stay front and center, even in the most challenging environments. Its advanced six-microphone system, with three microphones in each earbud, can suppress up to 90 dB of ambient noise in environments with crowded streets and cafes. Combined with a bone-conduction microphone, Voice Pickup Unit (VPU), and AI call noise reduction, it ensures stable and clear calls in bustling offices, public transport, or windy outdoor settings. Adding to its intuitive design, head motionbased controls allow users to answer or reject calls with a simple nod or shake, ideal for moments when hands are full or multitasking is essential. Touch and swipe controls further enhance ease of use, keeping interactions effortless and fluid throughout the day.

Designed for Comfort, Built for Everyday Movement Comfort is central to the HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i experience. Each earbud is lightweight and ergonomically shaped with an improved arcshaped stem for better grip and stability. The ultra-large vent design minimizes ear pressure during extended wear, while the introduction of a newly added XS ear tip size ensures a secure and comfortable fit for users with smaller ears.

Converge to student-gamers: Build your future through tech

CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc. continues to sustain support for young Philippine gamers, particularly ‘model students’ in their own right, as it organized a recognition session recently and gave them the opportunity to gain meaningful insight from the CEO and Co-Founder of the company himself, Dennis Anthony Uy.

Ten exceptional student-gamers from Metro and Mega Manila gathered in the Converge Global Headquarters for an exclusive meet and greet with Uy himself. These ten youngsters were chosen through the Converge program called the FiberX Student League Ambassadors that was conducted throughout 2025.

“We laid the foundations for this ecosystem as far back as 2021, through sponsoring games first such as Dota 2 and PUBG Mobile, and then launching a product catering to gamers : the Converge GameChanger. To further strengthen support, last year, we were able to reach out to universities - as many as 60 schools - and mounted 13 roadshows. From

ambassadors, shared how he, in his youth also engaged in buying and selling games such as the likes of PacMan and Atari on analog consoles, and saw how gaming evolved to online and eventually mobile-capable games such as the ones developed by Tencent. Going beyond gaming, Uy sees the technology-enabled horizon as full of opportunities for digital natives, saying:

and

the ten student ambassadors of the FiberX Student League, emphasizing that Filipino talent is needed in the country.

as many as 100 student-gamers, we chose ten who have shown strength academically, in leadership, and of course those who are deep into their digital lifestyle. They are called

SOPHOS, a global leader of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, recently identified a malvertising campaign distributing an infostealer dubbed TamperedChef – believed to be part of a wider campaign known as EvilAI.

Previous coverage of this campaign suggests it began on June 26, 2025, with many of the associated websites being registered or first identified on that date. The sites were promoting a trojanized PDF editing application called AppSuite PDF Editor via Google Ads. This application appeared legitimate to users, but silently deployed an infostealer upon installation, targeting Windows devices.

Through telemetry analysis and threat hunting, Sophos MDR confirmed that over 100 customer systems were affected before our detection and response efforts began.

According to Sophos telemetry, the majority of victims affected by this campaign are in Germany (~15%), the United Kingdom (~14%), and France (~9%). Although the data highlights a significant concentration in Germany and the

UK, it likely reflects the campaign’s widespread global reach, rather than any deliberate targeting of specific regions; we identified 19 countries affected in total.

Victims of this campaign span a variety of industries, particularly those where operations rely heavily on specialized technical equipment – possibly because users in those industries frequently search online for product manuals, a behavior that the TamperedChef campaign exploits to distribute malicious software.

Further investigation revealed that this large, multi-layered distribution network featured multiple advanced tactics, including a delayed activation/dormancy period, decoy software, staged payload delivery, staged

HONOR X9d 5G smashes 1st-day

LEADING global AI smart devices

provider HONOR Philippines had a fantastic start to the year with the launch of its newest smartphone, the HONOR X9d 5G. The brand kicked things off on January 1 with its viral drop tests, followed by the star-studded HONOR X9d 5G vs. Tesla Cybertruck experiential event, culminating in its grand launch at the Grand Hyatt.

On January 24, the HONOR X9d 5G officially hit stores nationwide with a record-breaking first-day sales performance, posting a 160% increase compared to its predecessor, the HONOR X9c 5G.

“On behalf of HONOR Philippines, I thank our loyal HONOR fans, partners, and media friends for the overwhelming support for the HONOR X9d 5G. This success would not have been possible without your trust and belief in us. We are truly grateful, and we promise to continue bringing you tougher, smarter, and more exciting innovations,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

Celebrating HONOR X9d 5G

Positioned as the most durable smartphone in the market, the latest HONOR X9d 5G showcases all-around drop, water, and dust resistance, ensuring it can withstand drops from heights of up to 2.5 meters onto cer-

A record-shattering day for HONOR tain surfaces. Reinforced by HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology, Non-Newtonian fluid, and new ultratough deep-tempered glass, the device is safeguarded against 10 more types of stone-ground impact and even air-gun shooting.

On January 24, a grand fan fest was held at SM Megamall Fashion Hall, bringing together OPM icons Sponge Cola, HORI7ON, Fitterkarma, Shanne Dandan, Figvres, and Pommelo. To the delight of pre-order buyers, HONOR gave away exclusive collaboration shirts with Linya-Linya, along with other exciting prizes throughout the day. HONOR X9d 5G is now available nationwide!

‘ambassadors’ because they are now the ambassadors for the gaming and esports lifestyle in their schools and carry a vital role of working with us and the community to uncover the

real needs of gamers and the youth”, said Orange Ramirez, Vice President and Head of Brand and Marketing, during the event. Uy, in a session with the ten student

“With our digital infrastructure in place, we have enabled and continue to enable Filipinos to build their careers and livelihoods. Many young people have become content creators and have built their careers on Tiktok and other platforms. Philippine gamers can now compete globally and if you’re particularly innovative, you can launch your own start-up with the right digital tools. If you’re entrepreneurial, you can launch your own online business and having brick and mortar space is now entirely optional.”

“The future for the Philippines is bright because of you, our youth. The talent is incredible, you just need the right ecosystem to tap into your potential. For us at Converge, we can mentor you with our experts, bridge you with global tech companies, and give you the tools to create digital solutions that answer real problems,” ended Uy.

In 2025, Converge, in collaboration with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) staged a competitive hackathon, called ‘Byte Forward’. This ran alongside PCCI’s regional business conferences held throughout 2025 in North Luzon, Visayas, National Capital Region, Mindanao, and South Luzon. In this nationwide hackathon, Converge and Rev21 engaged universities to tap their tech-savvy and digital-forward students for a competition that aimed to solve SMEs’ pain points using technology. The winning solutions targeted specific problems of SMEs ranging from inventory management to supply chain issues.

payload delivery, abuse of code-signing certificates, and efforts to evade endpoint protection mechanisms.

According to other researchers, the campaign appears to still be active, with new components still being uncovered and supporting infrastructure continuing to operate (although the domains we observed in our investigations now seem to be inactive).

Conclusions and recommendations

The threat actors behind the TamperedChef campaign crafted convincing malicious applications, leveraged targeted advertising to achieve large-scale distribution, and secured code-signing certificates. The consequences are severe; users who have installed AppSuite PDF Editor should consider any credentials stored in their browsers to be compromised.

Threat actors are well aware that malvertising can be a fruitful and effective infection vector. It’s very possible that the adversaries behind TamperedChef, and others, will cook from a similar recipe in the future.

Coming in three exciting colors, Reddish Brown, Midnight Black, and Sunrise Gold, HONOR X9d 5G if

priced at P18,999 with FREE HONOR Gift Box and Jisulife Life Fan5. Head to any HONOR Experience or Partner Store, or shop online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_X9d_PR), Shopee (https://bit. ly/Shop_X9d_Media), or TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/ TikTok_X9d_Media). With Home Credit, you can get the HONOR X9d 5G for as low as P24 per day with an additional P1,000 discount, payable for up to 18 months. The promo runs until February 15, 2026. Apply here: https://bit.ly/HomeCredit_X9d_FB. For more exciting announcements, visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/ HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal.

Vertiv SmartRun launched

VERTIV (NYSE: VRT), a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, today announced the global launch of Vertiv™ SmartRun, a modular prefabricated overhead infrastructure system designed to integrate power distribution busbar, liquid cooling piping network, hotaisle containment, and network infrastructure into a single, scalable solution to support an accelerated data center fit-out.

This all-in-one solution reduces complexity and accelerates deployment times of cloud and AI training applications for greenfield and retrofit colocation and hyperscale data centers.

Deploying Vertiv SmartRun delivers significant advantages in scalability and efficiency, providing an end-to-end partnership in customer solutions while offering adaptable configurations to meet various design requirements.

and enables rapid

for high-density computing environments.

With prefabricated assembly, plugand-play design, and a simplified one-lift installation process, Vertiv SmartRun can deploy up to 85% faster on-site than traditional stickbuild methods, enabling datacenter installations greater than 1MW per day with just a single crew. The pre-designed system reduces labor needs for engineering review and installation of busway, piping, network cabling, and hot-aisle containment systems, offering a streamlined approach to integrating overhead infrastructure.

The system also addresses the whitespace challenges of incorporating new heat removal technologies into AI data centers by integrating a secondary fluid network (SFN) into the Vertiv SmartRun design. Prefabricated stainless steel piping systems mitigate the complexities of design, fabrication, and startup, providing a single source for end-to-end data center liquid cooling support.

SHOWBIZ

Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga face off at Grammys

Bad Bunny brings ‘Debi Tirar Mas Fotos’ into the top-category conversation as he continues his world tour heading into the awards weekend

SUPERSTARS Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, and Lady

Gaga are poised to make history Sunday in Los Angeles at the 68th Grammy Awards, which honor the year’s best in music.

All three are vying for Album of the Year for the first time, the ceremony’s top prize.

Lamar leads the field with nine nominations, the most of any artist this year, including Record and Song of the Year. The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper won five Grammys last year and has 22 overall. He is nominated for his album

GNX, which includes the single “Luther” featuring SZA Lady Gaga and Bad Bunny are also nominated in the three major categories.

Gaga, who has 14 Grammys, could complete a top-award sweep with a win. She is nominated for Mayhem, her latest studio album, and is set to perform during the ceremony. Bad Bunny, meanwhile, enters the night with six nominations. He is currently on a world tour for Debi Tirar Mas Fotos and will headline the Super Bowl halftime show a week after the Grammys. His 2022 album Un verano sin ti became the first Spanishlanguage release nominated for Album of the Year.

Also competing for the top album prize are Sabrina Carpenter, Leon Thomas, Tyler, the Creator, hiphop duo Clipse, and Justin Bieber, who earned his first nomination in four years.

Musicologist Lauron Kehrer said Bad Bunny’s latest album stood out for its range and themes, citing its nods to decolonization and Puerto Rican musical traditions.

Lady Gaga’s Mayhem marks her return to pop-heavy material, blending theatrical flair with darker tones. She previously won Record and Song of the Year for “Shallow” from A Star Is Born

This year’s Song of the Year race includes Carpenter’s “Manchild” and “Golden” from the animated hit KPop Demon Hunters, which many industry watchers see as a favorite.

Nominees for best new artist include Alex Warren, Katseye, Olivia Dean, Addison Rae, The Marías, sombr, Lola Young, and Thomas, who previously won a Grammy

Davao’s Kyle Raphael creates music that reaches beyond his hometown

as a producer. Kehrer said the growing presence of rap, reggaeton and K-pop in major categories reflects changes within the Recording

Very Wang Nickie Wang

KYLE Raphael has been writing songs for other artists for years, but there’s a special fulfillment when he gets to sing his own. This soft-spoken singer-songwriter from Davao keeps his feet firmly on the ground, even as his music finds a rapidly growing audience.

At a solo press conference at the Viva office on Jan. 28, Kyle arrived shy and reserved, taking time to warm up. Asked if he already sees himself as another pride of Davao, he replied, “That’s the goal, but I don’t think I’m already that big to be considered one.” He added that he hopes to make more music and hits so he can someday be called a true hometown pride.

Kyle officially had his main-character moment in 2025. His breakout track, “LibuLibong Buwan (Uuwian),” went viral on Spotify Philippines, peaking at #5 on the Viral Charts playlist and landing him on the Top Artists Chart. The song, which entered the daily Spotify Viral Chart at #28, brought him to the attention of listeners who gravitate toward emotionally honest OPM.

His follow-up single, “kung para sa’yo,” continues to showcase his signature serenade energy.

“‘kung para sa’yo’ is about loving someone fully, even when you’re not sure it will be enough,” Kyle explained. “Kayang ibigay, kahit hindi na sapat. Kung para sa’yo, gagawin ko.”

By Angelica Villanueva

Known for soft vocals, poetic songwriting, and songs that feel like late-night thoughts turned into music, Kyle is steadily carving out his space among OPM’s new generation of voices.

He credited Viva Music Group for helping him reach this point. “Kayo ‘yung una na nagtiwala sa’kin when I was just starting out,” he said. “You allowed me to make music for years and reminded me my time would come. Now I’m starting to believe that will happen.”

He added, “Viva has a very talented roster of artists. I’m so happy OPM is in such a great place where artists like me can release music, people will listen, and we can contribute to its history.”

Kyle also expressed gratitude to his fans. “To my supporters, I just want to say thank you for your patience and your understanding. I know I’m not as visible in the music scene as other artists, but I read your messages, your comments, and your inquiries asking about my shows and gigs. Hopefully in the future, magkita-kita tayo and makabawi ako sa inyo.”

Kyle’s hard work and patient approach to his career will culminate in a milestone performance: his first solo show at Viva Cafe on Fe. 7.

KAPUSO Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) remained the Philippines’ most-watched television program in 2025, continuing its two-decade tradition of delivering stories that connect with viewers.

Nielsen TV Audience Measurement data showed KMJS recorded a combined GMA and GTV people rating of 12.8 percent nationwide and 14.4 percent in urban areas from January to December, maintaining its position as the top program for the second consecutive year. The Sunday night news magazine strengthened its focus on investigative reporting, tackling community issues, corruption, and public service stories. Despite the trend of audiences favoring lighter entertainment, viewers tuned in consistently, driving strong ratings and engagement on digital platforms.

KMJS expanded its online reach in 2025, recording 4.7 billion views across Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, and building a social media following of over 45 million. Its most-watched segment, the 16-part Katakot takot na Kurakot series on alleged corruption and anomalous government projects, drew more than 90 million views online.

Jessica Soho, marking her 40th year in broadcasting, led major field reports, including coverage of earthquakes in Cebu and Davao, typhoon devastation, mining conflicts in Rizal and Palawan, and shoreline erosion in Zambales. Extended interviews from the investigative series were adapted into the KMJS Podcast, where longform conversations drew strong listener engagement.

“So many thanks to our loyal viewers and followers,” Soho said. “2025 was KMJS’ 20th and most challenging year. We would not have made it without your support.”

Soho’s influence extended beyond television. She spoke at academic and leadership events such as the National Schools Press Conference, the Global Youth Summit, and served as commencement speaker at the University of the Philippines Diliman. She was also recognized in 2025 and 2026 by PeopleAsia Tatler Asia and inducted into the Rolling Stone Hall of Fame.

“Stories have the power to inspire, change lives, and shine a light on issues our people need to know,” Soho added.

KMJS airs Sundays at 8:20 p.m. on GMA 7, with full episodes and extended interviews available on its Facebook page and GMA Public Affairs YouTube

P-POP group SB19 released Simula At Wakas: Kickoff Concert Album, giving fans access to the live recordings from the opening shows of its world tour.

On Friday, Jan. 30, the five-member act invited listeners to relive the start of the tour.

“Experience the Simula at Wakas World Tour Kickoff all over again and listen to the live concert recording of where it all began,” SB19 said.

The Simula at Wakas: Kickoff Concert was staged over two nights in May 2025 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, marking the launch of the group’s global tour. The shows featured performances of songs from its third EP, Simula at Wakas, as well as fan favorites from earlier releases.

SB19 later brought the tour to 19 cities worldwide, promoting the EP that completes its trilogy following Pagsibol and Pagtatag. The trilogy chronicles the group’s growth and evolving sound since its debut.

The release of the concert album comes ahead of another major event for the group.

SB19 is set to hold Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Finale on April 18 at the SMDC Festival Grounds, closing the chapter on their EP trilogy with a large-scale live show.

Simula At Wakas: Kickoff Concert Album is now available on streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026

C4 LIFE

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

DISCOVERY Samal immediately strikes me as an exciting new destination for 2026. As Mindanao’s first luxury convention resort, its six hectares of beachfront, spacious villas, and world-class amenities perfectly blend international luxury with authentic Filipino hospitality, promising an unforgettable getaway.

A strong leader can mark a new chapter for a resort. A general manager keeps operations running smoothly, improves guest experiences, and brings fresh energy to the team. Discovery Hospitality announces a key leadership appointment for its flagship resort in Mindanao.

Discovery Hospitality has appointed Jonathan Michael Bartlett as the new general manager of the acclaimed Discovery Samal resort, effective Jan. 17, 2026. Bartlett, a hotelier with a distinguished international career, takes the helm from Stanley Lau, who successfully guided the resort from its celebrated opening in July 2023.

Since opening, Discovery Samal has stood out as Mindanao’s first luxury convention resort, with six hectares of beachfront, luxury villas, curated dining, and the region’s largest ballroom for up to 1,000 guests.

Bartlett joins to build on this success, bringing experience from JW Marriott Savannah, Ace Hotel Palm Springs, and Mountain Modern Hotel. His expertise in 5-star service and operations supports Discovery Hospitality’s goal of delivering world-class standards with Filipino warmth.

“I’m excited to join Discovery Samal at this moment,” Jonathan Bartlett shared. “The resort is set to showcase the best of Mindanao. My goal is to enhance service, create memorable stays, and highlight both international luxury and Filipino hospitality.”

The sentiment was echoed by Discovery Hospitality’s leadership, highlighting the strategic importance of the appointment. Jose Parreño Jr., chief operating officer of Discovery Hospitality and president of Discovery World Corporation, stated, “Discovery Hospitality has always been proud to champion Filipino hospitality.”

“At the same time, we recognize the value of global perspectives in raising the bar. Jonathan’s appointment reflects our ambition to make Discovery Samal not just a destination in Mindanao, but a benchmark for luxury resorts in Southeast Asia,” Parreño added.

This leadership transition marks a deliberate step in solidifying Discovery Samal’s status as a premier venue for both discerning leisure travelers and large-scale international events, promising a new chapter of elevated excellence and refined guest experiences.

The resort offers 153 villas and suites, distinctive dining concepts, and the largest convention center in the region, with capacity for up to 1,000 guests. Managed by Discovery Hospitality, Discovery Samal blends world-class standards with authentic Filipino warmth, positioning itself as both a premier leisure destination and a hub for corporate events in Southeast Asia.

P

By Nickie Wang

THE past year tested many entrepreneurs, and Anna Magkawas counted herself among them. The founder and CEO of Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group described 2025 as a period that pushed business owners to slow down, reassess priorities, and face difficult realities head-on.

“People really held on to their money,” Magkawas shared in an interview with Manila Standard Life during her company’s thanksgiving party. “You could feel that consumers were being more careful. Even I felt it as a consumer. You really think twice before spending.”

That shift in behavior rippled across industries, including beauty and wellness. The slowdown became a turning point for Magkawas, prompting her to look closely at how the business was operating beyond sales and visibility.

Much of the year was spent strengthening internal systems and putting structure in place. Legal matters, documentation, and long-term planning took priority as the company worked toward becoming more sustainable and investment-ready.

“We started professionalizing everything,” she explained. “You have to prepare the business as if someone might want to come in tomorrow. Everything has to be in order.”

Lessons from a tough year

Entrepreneur

Expense management also became a key focus. Some marketing efforts were scaled back, including large outdoor placements, as the company redirected resources toward its core community. Attention shifted to users, distributors, and long-time supporters who had helped build the brand from the ground up.

“That was intentional,” Magkawas shared. “We wanted to focus on the people who already believe in what we’re doing.”

The mindset moving into 2026 is noticeably lighter. Optimism has replaced uncertainty, grounded in clearer direction and more disciplined planning. New offerings under Luxe Skin are lined up, while the brand continues to strengthen its presence in the wellness space. Retail partnerships continue to grow, with Luxe products now available in major chains nationwide and more expansions underway.

“This has always been about building something that lasts,” she explained, alluding to her long-term vision. “Something I can eventually pass on to my children.”

The challenges of 2025 also brought valuable lessons. Consistency stood out as one of the most important.

Running a business, she pointed out, requires showing up daily, even when motivation runs low.

“People think being an entrepreneur means you control your time,” she shared. “But in reality, you’re always thinking about the business. You wake up thinking about it. You go to sleep thinking about it.”

Listening became another crucial takeaway. Growth, she noted, comes from being open to others and recognizing when someone else has better insight.

“We don’t do everything alone,” she added. “We listen to people who know more than us in certain areas. That’s important.”

Equally important was protecting one’s mindset. Being surrounded by the right people helped keep perspective during difficult moments.

“If you’re surrounded by negativity, that’s what you absorb,” she said. “You need people who inspire you and push you forward.”

The principle guiding her into 2026 remains simple. Consistency, patience, and purpose shape how she moves forward. Business grows through steady effort, discipline, and confidence in what is being built.

ENCHANTED Kingdom and two other Philippine companies were among the recipients of top honors at the ASEAN Tourism Association’s 2026 awards, recognizing excellence in tourism across Southeast Asia.

The country’s largest theme park was named Best ASEAN New Tourism Attraction for its flying theater, AGILA

The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY , during the 35th ASEANTA Excellence Awards held Tuesday at JPark Island Resort and Waterpark in Mactan, Cebu.

The award was received by Enchanted Kingdom chairman and president Cesar Mario O. Mamon and chief operating officer Cynthia R. Mamon

The ceremony formed part of the 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum, which honors initiatives that promote innovation and sustainable tourism in the region.

“We are deeply honored to represent Filipino excellence in tourism and entertainment on this platform,” Cynthia Mamon said. “This recognition strengthens our commitment to offering experiences that support sustainable tourism.”

Introduced in 2016, AGILA The

EKsperience: SARIBUHAY is the country’s first flying theater and is part of the park’s education program. The attraction highlights Philippine landscapes and biodiversity and was relaunched in October as part of Enchanted Kingdom’s 30th anniversary celebration.

The updated experience features enhanced visuals and an expanded narrative that includes underwater

the Best ASEAN Travel Article award, while SMX Convention Center was named Best ASEAN Convention Centre. Shroff Travel was represented by chief executive officer Arjun Shroff , while SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. senior vice president for operations Walid Wafik accepted the award on behalf of SMX Convention Center.

Enchanted Kingdom is open from Wednesdays to Sundays, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with schedules subject to change. Further information on AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY and other park attractions is available through the park’s official website and social media platforms.