Manila Standard - 2026 February 5 - Thursday

SENATE MAJORITY FOILS OPPOSITION ATTEMPT TO UNSEAT

By Ram Superable

SENATE President Tito Sotto said Wednesday that the chamber’s majority yesterday derailed an attempt to change the Senate leadership before it adjourned its session.

Rumors of a leadership shift resurfaced after a leaked partial Blue Ribbon Committee report recommended

charges against Senators Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, and Francis Escudero over a flood control corruption scandal.

Sotto dismissed suggestions that he personally led the blocking of the coup, emphasizing that it was the majority bloc that acted to maintain leadership stability.

The Senate plenary suspended proceedings at 3:51 p.m. and resumed at 5:24 p.m., during which Senator Loren

Legarda presided. Legarda described her role as purely procedural, while Zubiri suggested her presence reflected her potential future as Senate president and emphasized the unity of the majority bloc.

Sotto previously downplayed coup rumors, noting no complaints or dissatisfaction had been raised about his

House junks PBBM ouster tries

By Katrina Manubay and Jimbo Gulle

THE legal team of Vice President Sara Duterte said it is prepared for the possibility of more impeachment complaints being filed yearly against her until the 2028 elections.

By Maricel Cruz and Charles Dantes

THE House of Representatives on Wednesday dismissed two impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with lawmakers voting overwhelmingly to junk the cases for lack of substance after three days of deliberations by the House Committee on Justice.

Malacañang welcomed the committee’s decision to declare both complaints “insufficient in substance,” saying due process was followed. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Mr. Marcos was “pleased” that lawmakers examined the accusations and found them lacking factual and legal basis.

“The President is confident that he did not commit any impeachable of-

Duterte’s team also indicated that an impeachment trial against the Vice President could be the proper venue to disclose information, including matters linked to the identity known as “Mary Grace Piattos.”

By Katrina Manubay

Poa said the defense is closely monitoring how the House of Representatives will act on the complaints but declined to comment further to the radio show.

“We would like to reserve commenting for now, but we are monitoring the developments of the impeachment complaints at the House of Representatives, on how they will act on it,” he said. “We cannot disclose our position now.”

However, Poa agreed that an impeachment trial would be an appropriate venue for the Vice President to explain her office’s use of confidential funds, one of the main grounds cited in the complaints.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s gross satisfaction rating remained relatively unchanged at 39 percent, while his net satisfaction rating saw a slight improvement, rising from -5 in September to -3 in November 2025, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. In this latest survey, 40% of Filipino adults expressed satisfaction with the president’s performance, while 17% reported being undecided, and 43% indicated dissatisfaction. The survey results showed that net satisfaction was highest in Balance Luzon, where it was rated as moderate at +13. This was followed by the Visayas at neutral +2, while Metro Manila rated poorly at -17, and Mindanao recorded a poor rating of -29.

New

and

Circular on the new five-year car registration validity that will officially take effect on Feb. 15. In a statement, Lopez said the move aligns with the extended warranty often provided by car dealerships to new vehicle owners and demonstrates the DOTr’s prioritization of public convenience. “More than that, [dahil sa extension ng valid-

By Rex Espiritu

Tourism

chief orders gutting of her images

TOURISM Secretary Christina Frasco on Wednesday ordered the removal of all Department of Tourism (DOT) materials bearing her image and directed regional offices to stop producing similar materials.

The order came on the heels of allegations raised during a Senate hearing that she was using government-funded tourism campaigns for self-aggrandizement.

Speaking at a media forum, Frasco disclosed that she had instructed DOT regional offices to take down all existing materials featuring her image, even as she denied issuing any directive to post them in the first place.

“I have already issued an order to the DOT to take down any material that may bear my image, and to not produce any material that may bear my image,” Frasco said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.

fense. For now, he is focused on lifting the country’s economy,” Castro said, adding that Marcos’ message was to “move forward.”

Under the Constitution, an impeachment complaint must hurdle the House before it can proceed to a Senate trial, where conviction would result in removal from office and a lifetime ban from public service.

The administration party controls both houses of Congress at present.

House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos declined to comment on the panel’s decision on the complaints against his father, saying he lacked the moral authority to do so.

“Let’s leave it up to the wisdom of the Justice Committee and the other members of the House to comment on that. But as far as I am concerned, I think it’s best for me not to comment,” he told reporters.

Last month, the younger Marcos said he would not participate in the deliberations on the impeachment complaints to preserve the integrity of the House.

The Marcos administration is facing a public firestorm over ghost infrastructure projects to help control floods in the archipelago country, where entire towns were swallowed up in floodwaters last year, as the President denied allegations he swindled taxpayers out of billions of public funds.

The first complaint, filed by lawyer Andre de Jesus, and the second, lodged by the Makabayan bloc led by former Gabriela party-list representative Liza Maza, accused the elder Marcos of constitutional violations.

They included alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects and the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte and his transfer to the International Criminal Court.

In a 42-1 vote, with three abstentions, the justice committee declared the De Jesus complaint insufficient in substance.

SWS noted that compared to September 2025, net satisfaction with President Marcos increased by 10 points in the Visayas, moving from neutral -8 to neutral +2, and by 5 points in Balance Luzon, rising from neutral +8.

However, in Metro Manila, it dropped by 15 points, decreasing from neutral -2 to poor -17, and it remained essentially unchanged in Mindanao, where it was recorded at poor -29.

The survey also indicated that the President’s net satisfaction rating increased by 17 points in rural areas, rising from neutral -8 to neutral +9. Conversely, it fell by 13 points in urban areas, decreasing from neutral -1 to poor -14.

As of November 2025, President Marcos’ net satisfaction was highest among individuals with no formal education or those who completed some elementary education, rated at moderate +19. This was followed by those who finished elementary school or attended some high school, who rated him at moderate +10. Among junior high school graduates, the net satisfaction was neutral at -9, while those who completed senior high school, vocational school, or attended some college, as well as college graduates, both rated him poorly at -14.

The panel likewise dismissed the Makabayan complaint after a motion to declare it sufficient failed, with only seven members voting in favor and 39 against, and no abstentions.

Committee vice chairperson Rep. Ysabel Zamora said the complaints failed to show that the President committed acts that would warrant impeachment.

“It is clear from the complaint that the President did not do any overt act that shows that he directed” alleged corruption schemes, Zamora said during the hearing. “Having an imperfect policy direction is not an impeachable offense.”

Pampanga Rep. Alyssa “Mica” Gonzales echoed the assessment, saying the complaints did not establish Marcos’ personal participation in what was described as a “systematic scheme of corruption.”

“The President’s specific role was never disclosed or included in the allegations,” she said.

Before the vote, Committee Chairperson and Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro urged members to weigh the matter carefully, calling the decision both legal and moral.

“Let us vote not out of convenience. Let us vote with our conscience,” Luistro said, adding that the panel allowed wide-ranging discussions to ensure all views were heard.

Makabayan bloc lawmakers criticized the ruling, with Rep. Sarah Elago calling the dismissal “a clear attempt to block the accountability process.”

“The real reason the majority refuses to let the complaints proceed… is clear: the administration’s allies do not want President Marcos Jr. to explain and answer the serious allegations against him,” she said.

The committee hearing came just two days after a pair of impeachment complaints hit Vice President Sara Duterte, Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter who is widely considered a possible presidential contender in 2028.

The other case against Mr. Marcos thrown out on Wednesday, filed by De Jesus and endorsed by Pusong Pinoy party-list Rep. Jernie Jett Nisay, had cited not only Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest, but unproven allegations of drug abuse

“In the impeachment, if this is the right venue, then we may properly explain to everyone,” he said. “Of course, we want to answer everything and show that there is no basis for the allegations of anomalies against the Vice President.”

In an interview on DZMM Teleradyo late Tuesday, lawyer Michael Poa, Duterte’s legal defense spokesperson, said the public may eventually learn details about Piattos if the impeachment process moves forward.

“Mary Grace Piattos” is a controversial name that appeared as a signatory on acknowledgment receipts for the confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education under Duterte before she resigned from the Cabinet post in June 2024.

“I think—maybe it sounds cliché— but we always say ‘in the appropriate forum,’ right? And this may be that appropriate forum, the impeachment, if things are truly going to come out,” Poa said in Filipino.

He explained that the Duterte camp has so far been constrained by restrictions

by the President.

In the Philippines, any citizen can file an impeachment complaint provided it is endorsed by one of the more than 300 members of Congress.

Dennis Coronacion, chair of the political science department at Manila’s University of Santo Tomas, told Agence France-Presse last month that the complaints had little chance of advancing.

“This ... has a very slim chance of getting the approval of the House Committee on Justice and (even less) so, in the plenary, because the president still enjoys the support of the members of the House of Representatives,” he said. The second complaint was lodged by the Makabayan bloc led by former Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza. Deputy Minority Leader and Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice then moved that the panel find the Makabayan complaint sufficient in substance.

Before the voting, panel chairperson Rep. Gerville Luistro of Batangas impressed upon her panel members the “immense weight of the task (at hand).”

She said such a task calls upon each member to exercise his or her “sound discretion, individual appreciation of the facts, allegations and attachments” of the impeachment petitions.

“Hindi lang ito usapin ng legalidad. Ito ay usapin ding politikal at moral (This is not just a matter of legality. It is also a political and moral issue). Let us vote not out of convenience, let us vote with your conscience,” she said.

“Isipin natin ang kapakanan ng bawat Filipino (Let’s think about the welfare of every Filipino). Let us prove that in this hall, the interest of the Filipino people comes first,” Luistro stressed.

Luistro pointed out that as presiding officer of the three-day hearings, she purposely chose to be liberal “to allow ventilation of all views for a better and wider perspective (of the complaints).”

She added that the deliberations were “extensive and exhaustive.”

PCO’s Castro said the President was “pleased” that members of the House examined the accusations one by one and determined that the complaints lacked factual and legal basis.

on the disclosure of confidential information, warning that premature releases could jeopardize ongoing operations.

“To answer the question directly, confidential activities have restrictions on full disclosure to the public. Why? Because it might jeopardize ongoing operations, among other things. In fact, under Republic Act 3019, the disclosure of confidential information to unauthorized persons is punishable,” Poa said.

When questions about Piattos first surfaced, they believed it was not yet appropriate to release information, the spokesman added.

Piattos – the namesake of a wellknown potato chip brand -- specifically appeared on a receipt for ₱70,000 worth of “medicines” dated December 2022.

In December 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) confirmed that there are no birth, marriage, or death records for anyone named Mary Grace Piattos.

“So, during those times, the feeling was that it was not right because we might jeopardize certain operations. But in an impeachment, if this is indeed the proper venue, then perhaps we can already lay out what really happened— and we have been preparing for that as well,” Poa said.

“Ang Pangulo kumpiyansa na wala siyang ginawang impeachable offense. Sa ngayon tutok po ang Pangulo sa pag-angat ng ekonomiya ng bansa,” Castro said. (The President is confident that he did not commit any impeachable offense. For now, the President is focused on lifting the country’s economy.)

“Kaya sabi po niya (So he said), let’s move forward,” she added.

Castro said Mr. Marcos did not watch the House proceedings as he was attending two engagements at the time, citing that he was briefed afterward on the outcome.

“Natuwa po siya, ang sabi nga po niya ay nasunod ang proseso at ‘yun naman po talaga ang gusto ng Pangulo (He was pleased. He said the process was followed and that is really what the President wants),” Castro said.

She rejected claims by Palace critics that the complaints were dismissed because the President supposedly controls the numbers in the House, saying even lawmakers who are not administration allies acknowledged the weakness of the accusations.

Castro cited statements from constitutional lawyers, including public interest and human rights lawyer Dino de Leon and other legal experts, who said the complaints were “weak” and lacked merit.

Asked why Mr. Marcos did not form a legal defense team, Castro said the President believed he had done nothing wrong and his actions were in accordance with the law, but emphasized that proceedings in the House Committee on Justice are beyond his control.

“Sa kanyang pagkakaalam, kumpiyansa siya na wala siyang ginawang mali at lahat naman po ay naayon sa batas (To his knowledge, he is confident that he did nothing wrong and everything is in accordance with the law),” she said.

“Kung ano man ang mangyayari sa House Committee on Justice, hindi naman po niya alam at hindi naman niya hawak ‘yun (Whatever happens in the House Committee on Justice, he doesn’t know about it and he doesn’t have control over it),” Castro added. With AFP

“Of course, we want to answer all of these issues because that is the only way we can prove that the allegations of corruption against the Vice President are truly baseless,” he added.

Duterte has instructed her legal team to prepare for more impeachment complaints that could be filed against the Vice President before her term ends in 2028, Poa confirmed.

“The filing of new impeachment complaints against the Vice President comes as no surprise,” he said, referring to separate impeachment complaints filed by two groups on Monday.

The complaints were anchored on the Supreme Court’s January 28 resolution affirming its nullification of Duterte’s impeachment in February 2025.

Earlier, two impeachment complaints were filed against Duterte with the Office of the Secretary General of the House of Representatives.

The first complaint was lodged by members of the Makabayan Coalition and was endorsed by the Makabayan bloc in the House.

The second complaint was submitted by civil society and religious groups, endorsed by Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña and ML Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima

ACT-CIS Rep. Edvic Yap resigns

By Maricel V. Cruz

ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Edvic Yap has resigned as member of the House of Representatives, prompting the chamber to remove him from the roll.

This came after Deputy Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon announced in Wednesday’s plenary session of having received a letter from Yap informing the chamber of his resignation.

“Mr. Speaker, for the information of the body, we are in receipt of a letter from Rep. Edvic Yap of the ACTCIS party-list informing the House of Representatives of his resignation as member of the House,” Veloso-Tuazon said.

“Mr. Speaker, in view of the resignation of Rep. Edvic Yap, may we request that the secretary general be directed to drop Rep. Yap from the roll of members of the House of Representatives,” she said. Yap, brother of Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, is among the lawmakers implicated in the flood control scandal.

ity] maiiwasan natin ‘yung mahabang pila sa LTO (Land Transportation Office) sa mga magre-renew na naman, tapos may issue rin ng fixers at corruption (because of the validity extension, we’ll avoid long lines at the LTO, and then there’s the issue of fixers and corruption),” he said.

The policy would also solve the issue of motor vehicle owners failing to renew their vehicles after their third year.

“On the sixth year, kailangan nang i-renew ‘yan (it will need to be renewed) and every year thereafter. Ang rason po dyan, habang tumatagal o tumatanda ang ating sasakyan (The reason for this is when a vehicle gets older), it becomes less reliable because of depreciation or wear and tear,” Lopez said.

He said car registration allows the LTO to conduct a comprehensive roadworthiness check before allowing a vehicle back on the road.

She added that the department would also request local government units to refrain from using her image in tourism-related promotional materials.

Frasco said the move was intended to prevent further controversy and allow the department to focus on more urgent national concerns affecting the tourism industry.

“There are so many other things that we need to consider that are of national importance,” she said.

The Tourism chief reiterated her denial of allegations that she was engaging in self-promotion, saying there had never been an order from her or the DOT directing the use of her image in tourism destinations or promotional campaigns.

“So there is no order to revoke because there has never been such an or-

(WPS) while undermining the Philippines’ position is tantamount to treason.

Tulfo, the new chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, issued the statement following his meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro earlier in the day.

“It’s okay. We keep on saying that (the West Philippine Sea) is ours. That’s true.

We cannot just clam up about it” Tulfo told reporters in a chance interview.

“‘Maybe, we don’t have to make it personal. But still we are going to re-

view that. I will talk with Senators (Risa) Hontiveros at (Francis) Pangilinan regarding that matter. Perhaps, next week, we’ll go down, talk with the national Security Council who sometimes comes out with personal views” Tulfo said in mixed Filipino-English. He said that slowing down did not mean limiting their sentiments, but instead, keeping discussions issue-based.

Tulfo also said the Code of Conduct involved claimants on portions of the disputed South China Sea—Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

He said he also consulted with Lazaro on the possibility of setting up a meeting with Chinese ambassador to

der to put up my image to begin with,” Frasco explained.

The issue surfaced on Tuesday during a Senate Committee on Tourism hearing, when Senator Raffy Tulfo presented slides of magazines and promotional materials that prominently featured Frasco.

Tulfo said government-funded tourism campaigns should highlight destinations rather than government officials.

Frasco debunked the allegation, say-

the Philippines Jing Quan.

The senator said he would push for Filipino fishermen to freely fish in Philippine waters.

“But I believe there is already an ongoing negotiation. But I cannot say what’s going on. However, there’s a continuing dialogue between the Chinese embassy and our Foreign Affairs,” he added. Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the WPS, issued the statement following debates between elected officials on the WPS and “crude” remarks made by the Chinese Embassy in Manila.

“The instability and rising tension of the South China Sea is rooted in the

leadership, but confirmed that the Senate presidency had been informally offered to Legarda by minority members.

Sotto said Legarda declined the offer, reaffirming her disinterest in assuming the Senate presidency at this time.

Meanwhile, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s draft report on the multibillion-peso flood control scam did not advance on Wednesday since it lacked the required number of signatories.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson confirmed that some senators have withheld approval, delaying the report’s release to the plenary. The draft reportedly lists Senators Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, and Joel Villanueva among those facing possible corruption charges. Lacson emphasized that a committee report cannot become official without 11 signatures, and without them it cannot be formally transmitted to the plenary or acted upon.

“I welcome all concurring opinions and dissenting opinions. If they don’t want to sign, so be it,” he said.

Several senators, including Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, JV Ejercito, and Sherwin Gatchalian, withdrew their support to allow further review and verification of the allegations.

Remaining signatories, such as Lacson, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan, and Bam Aquino, maintained that the report mirrors ongoing cases being investigated by the Department of Justice and the Ombudsman.

ing her visibility was a natural result of her work as head of the DOT and not driven by political ambition.

“What is being questioned is why I am very visible. The accusation is that I am very visible because I wish to promote myself. But I may also be visible simply because I am working,” she argued.

She also reiterated that she has no plans to run for any national position and described claims of self-promotion as unfounded.

PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) interest and greed,” Tarriela said.

He noted that the situation in the South China Sea (SCS) and the WPS “will not unfold according to the People’s Republic of China’s propaganda playbook and bullying tactics.”

“Each infringement and provocation by Beijing in the WPS will be exposed to the international community to show how they disrupt the regional stability and blatantly violate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and international law,” Tarriela said.

He assured the public that the government will continue to uphold the country’s sovereign territory.

MMDA to hold Manila flood summit

By Charles Dantes

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)

will convene an Oplan Kontra Baha summit on Thursday to align government agencies, local governments, and private partners on flood mitigation measures, as officials push to reduce flooding in Metro Manila by as much as 60%.

MMDA General Manager Gen.

Torre III said the summit will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Department of Public Works and Highways Central Office in the Port Area, Manila, and will cover enforcement, engineering interventions, and accountability for violations that contribute to flooding.

The meeting will bring together the DPWH, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, San Miguel Corp., the North Luzon Expressway Corp., local government units, and other stakeholders, including private entities involved in dredging and flood control.

Torre said all aspects of flood mitigation will be discussed, including penal provisions and possible interventions against violators identified as contributors to flooding.

He noted that a preliminary coordination meeting was held earlier this week with the DPWH and San Miguel Corp., one of the government’s largest private partners in dredging operations.

Torre said the MMDA will present updates on its comprehensive flood control program, including progress indicators and performance metrics, during the summit.

Agency warns public on AI ‘love scams’

By Charles Dantes

LOVE scams powered by artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming more sophisticated, with criminals using deepfake technology and digital profiling to target victims more precisely, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center said Wednesday.

CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso said scammers now use AI to create convincing fake identities and analyze personal data, allowing them to customize their approach based on a victim’s interests, habits, and vulnerabilities.

He said scammers also use realtime deepfakes, making video calls unreliable as a verification tool because victims may believe they are speaking to a real person.

Paraiso said different types of AIassisted love scams are designed for specific groups.

Men aged 40 and above are often targeted through seductive or escort schemes, while younger users are lured using emotional narratives.

PH, Japan strengthen ties with new MRT-3 loan

By Katrina Manubay

THE Philippines, on Wednesday, secured a fresh ¥21.634 billion, or approximately P8.2 billion, from Japan following the signing and exchange of notes for Phase III of the MRT-3 Rehabilitation Project by Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya.

In her remarks, Lazaro emphasized that Japan’s Official Development Assistance has been a consistent partner in the Philippines’ pursuit of sustainable development. She said the supplemental loan will

restore the MRT-3 to its original, asdesigned condition and translate into safer journeys, shorter travel times, and improved commuter experience for the millions of Filipinos who rely on the rail line daily.

Lazaro added that the ongoing rehabilitation is not merely an infrastructure project but a significant investment in productivity, safety, and quality of life.

Endo assured that Japanese companies will continue to collaborate closely with Philippine partners, highlighting their commitment to technical expertise, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility.

He said the concessional loan agreed

upon will allow the continued rehabilitation and maintenance of the railway and expressed hope that MRT-3 will provide safer, more reliable, and more convenient service.

Endo added that the exchange of notes reflects the trust and cooperation between the Philippines and Japan as both countries move forward together.

The project aims to restore the MRT3 to its original design condition, ensuring high-grade infrastructure performance and enabling future capacity expansion.

Inaugurated in December 1999, MRT-3 serves an average of 400,000 passengers daily, with more than 140 million riders expected in 2025.

IN BRIEF

Embassy in Spain warns Pinoys on red weather alert

THE Philippine Embassy in Spain on Wednesday issued an advisory urging Filipinos to exercise extreme caution after Spain’s meteorological agency raised a red-level weather alert in parts of Andalucía, including Cádiz and Málaga.

The embassy said the forecast includes heavy rainfall, strong winds, possible flooding, and hazardous sea conditions in the affected areas.

Filipino nationals in or traveling to these areas were advised to strictly follow instructions from Spanish authorities and emergency services at all times. Katrina Manubay

Nartatez orders manhunt after GenSan ambush

PHILIPPINE National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday ordered a manhunt against the gunmen behind an ambush in General Santos City that killed two people. The fatalities were identified as Nhiezer Rolliene Jane Aguacito, a nurse and reportedly the wife of the nephew of Malapatan, Sarangani Mayor Salway Sumbo Jr., and tricycle driver Iven Conde.

Nartatez directed Police Regional Office-12 to pursue all suspects and ensure accountability, vowing a thorough investigation into the incident.

Initial police findings showed Aguacito was riding a tricycle driven by Conde when unidentified gunmen opened fire along Aparente and Salvani streets in Barangay City Heights on February 2. Vince Lopez

PBEd urges decisive action on EDCOM2

2026,

MCIA welcomes 1.3m passengers in Jan.

By Minerva Newman

LAPU-LAPU CITY—Mactan-Cebu

International Airport recorded an alltime monthly passenger traffic record of 1.3 million in January 2026, marking a 15% increase compared with the 1.1 million passengers recorded during the same period in 2025.

Athanasios Titonis, chief executive officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp., said the strong start to 2026 reflects growing demand for Cebu as a global destination and a key transit hub. He said domestic passenger traffic rose by 12% from January 2025 levels, while international traffic jumped by 25% year on year.

Titonis attributed the surge to increased tourist arrivals, returning

Filipinos for the Sinulog festival, the opening of new international routes, and the entry of new airline partners. He said MCIA remains committed to maintaining momentum by ensuring efficient and welcoming passenger experience, noting that eight new routes were introduced in 2025.

MCIAA General Manager and CEO Julius Neri Jr. said the figures reflect strong collaboration between government and private sector partners in positioning Cebu as a major gateway to the Philippines. MCIA also received Level 3 of the Airports Council International Customer Experience Accreditation, advancing from Level 2 and signaling progress in actively engaging passengers and improving service quality.

THE Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) on Tuesday voiced full support for the recommendations of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, urging the government to act decisively on proposed reforms. PBEd said the challenges cited in the EDCOM2 report are longstanding and systemic, noting that weaknesses in the education sector had worsened even before the pandemic.

The group warned of a deepening learning crisis marked by declining outcomes, mass promotion, misaligned policies, and weak accountability that undermine education quality and workforce readiness. As Congress reviews the mandates of DepEd, CHED, and TESDA, PBEd stressed the need for genuine system transformation beyond policy changes on paper.

DSWD eyeing partnership with Catholic Church

DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has said he aims to enlist the assistance of the Catholic Church and its parishioners to bring the government’s social welfare programs closer to the people.

Gatchalian made the disclosure in his presentation at the Caritas Philippines’ National Social Action General Assembly (NASAGA) 2026 held Tuesday at The Mother Grace Convention Center in Tagaytay City.

“We want our development programs, our social welfare programs to be accessed by our church-goers. Because the church is also very grassroots. Everywhere, they know their communities, they know their patrons so we will establish and continue to establish linkages where they can refer,” Gatchalian said.

During the forum, Gatchalian said the DSWD was closely working with Caritas Philippines, led by executive director Fr. Carmelo Caluag, to establish a referral system through which parishioners can submit information about community members they deem to be in crisis or in need of immediate assistance.

Caritas Philippines is the social action arm of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

“Caritas is already setting up a focal group from the side of the church that our social workers can talk to. So, directly from the churches into the system of the DSWD. And we welcome that, because it’s faster, more grassroots. I know, at your level you have already filtered, so when it comes to our social workers, we don’t need to check too much. What better referral than those coming from the church,” the DSWD chief pointed out.

Aside from the plan to establish linkages with dioceses, Secretary Gatchalian also highlighted the ongoing partnership of the DSWD with Caritas Philippines in helping the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable groups. Maricel V. Cruz

Group opposes DICT plan on socmed listup

By Rio N. Araja

A HUMAN rights group on Wednes-

day hit the Department of Information Technology and Communications for its proposed social media registration.

The Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) warned about risks to free expression should the DICT approve the issuance of a circular proposing mandatory identity verification for all social media users.

“We were promised safety and accountability under the SIM Act but scams persisted and cybercrime continued unabated. Repeating a policy that has already proven ineffective will not solve online harms,” PAHRA secretary general Edgar Cabalitan said. He cited such suggestion was already rejected in 2022 due to its threats to fundamental rights.

A mandatory social media registration could only discourage people from speaking out, especially journalists and activists, as well as the ordinary users critical of those in power, at a time when civic space is already narrowing.

“This kind of policy does more to silence voices than to solve online abuse,” Cabalitan said.

DSWD expands feeding program for children

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has expanded its Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) to reach more children nationwide, anchored on an increased budget allocation to support wider geographic coverage and a longer feeding period beginning in 2026.

The expansion of the SFP reflects the DSWD’s strengthened commitment to improving the nutritional status of children aged two to five years old enrolled in Child Development Centers (CDCs) and Supervised Neighborhood Playgroups (SNPs), in line with the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028, the DSWD said in a statement on Wednesday. From 2025 to 2026, program coverage increased from 1,583,316 children to 1,899,415 covering 735 to 864 mu-

nicipalities, with the number of covered CDCs rising from 29,094 to 32,230 in priority PPAN areas, it added.

The DSWD also noted that in provinces with high poverty incidence, the number of covered CDCs also increased from 5,284 in 2025 to 7,824 in 2026. The expansion ensures that more undernourished children in geographically and economically vulnerable communities receive regular and additional nutritional support.

Program performance in recent years showed consistently high accomplish-

ment rates. In 2024, the SFP served 99.17 percent of the annual target whereas, in 2025, the program exceeded the annual target by reaching 100.25 percent accomplishment, the department said.

Milk feeding efforts also reached more than 100,000 children annually, underscoring the importance of continued investment and expansion.

DSWD assistant secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao underscored that the increase in funding directly supports the broader scope and longer implementation period of the program.

“The expansion of the Supplementary Feeding Program, particularly the extension to 180 feeding days and the inclusion of more municipalities and child development centers, required a corresponding increase in budget to ensure that services remain adequate, timely, and responsive to the needs of undernourished children,” Dumlao said.

‘Constitution covers BARMM polls’

By Nash B. Maulana

MOVES in the House of Representatives to fix the date of the Parliamentary Elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are facing constitutional issues, according to lawyer-members of the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Parliamentary Naguib Sinarimbo, chairman of the Local Governments Committee of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament, told the House Committee on Muslim Affairs on Tuesday that the legislation by Congress fixing the date of the BARMM elections

“will have to deal with a fix term as provided for both in the Bangsamoro Organic Law and in the Constitution.”

“There are two constitutional issues that we will have to deal with for this legislation. And as earlier outlined, we will

have to deal with a fixed term as provided for both in the Organic Law and in the Constitution. The second is the issue of synchronization as held in the Abas-Kida case, citing the Transitory Provision of the 1987 Constitution,” Sinarimbo told the House committee chaired by Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong. Sinarimbo cited two options by which to address these issues. One is to deal with a contention as to which should be prioritized in terms of addressing the constitutional challenge.

“And I think, (as we heard it from) the suggestion of the Chair of the Commission (on Elections), there is more valid argument to address the issue of a fixed term by desynchronizing it, and in effect, therefore, we are giving preference to a fixed term rather than the constitutional issue of synchronization,” Sinarimbo stressed.

IN BRIEF

Bill aims to mandate free medical checkup

PARAÑAQUE City Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan has filed a bill providing free annual medical checkup for every Filipino nationwide.

Detecting and treating serious health conditions in their early stages through annual medical checkups will ensure better health outcomes and minimize risks of developing life-threatening, financially draining ailments for many Filipinos, Yamsuan said in filing House Bill (HB) 2239 or the proposed Free Annual Medical Checkup Act. The measure aims to give every Filipino wider access to preventive healthcare, which, in the long run, also benefits the government in the form of reduced state-subsidized spending on expensive treatments for severe illnesses such as diabetes, kidney and heart diseases. Maricel V. Cruz

Solon seeks stronger support for piña fiber

FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list Rep. Brian Poe has called for stronger support for the country’ piña fiber industry as he highlighted its “transformation from a niche craft to a globally competitive export sector that celebrates Filipino farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs.” Poe issued the call during a hearing on Wednesday by the House Committee on Agriculture and Food chaired by Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga.

Citing dramatic production growth yet persistent supply shortages, Poe presented concrete data to illustrate the industry’s untapped potential: “In 2016, the output of Piña nationwide was only 1 metric ton but now, as of 2025, it is 72 metric ton and yet it is still not enough for domestic demand.”

He connected his advocacy to his family’s roots in Lumban, Laguna—the embroidery capital whose artisans depend on piña fiber sourced from Aklan. “Supplies coming from Aklan are inadequate, not because there is lack of interest, but because there is a lack of support,” Poe emphasized, citing supply chain constraints.

Multi-purpose facility rising up in Nagtipunan

CONSTRUCTION of a multipurpose facility is underway at the municipal complex of Nagtipunan, Quirino, seen as another “significant milestone in the town’s development.”

The facility, called Nagtipunan Arena, was designed to provide a “safe, comfortable, and state-ofthe-art venue for residents to gather, play to showcase their talents.”

“This arena is a testament to our collective efforts and commitment to progress,” said Nagtipunan Mayor Noel Lim.

“We are proud to bring this dream to life for our community as it is expected to serve as a premier venue for sports, programs, and large gatherings for Nagtipuneros,” he said.

“Through this project, youth participation in sports will be strengthened, space for government activities will be expanded, and the town will be empowered to host larger events,” the mayor added. Jessica M. Bacud

OPINION

Tailspin

THE full year 2025 GDP growth measured 4.4 percent, short of government targets of a low 5.5 percent and a high 6.5 percent.

The low target could have been sustained by the first half’s election spending, replete with graft-laced projects and ayuda’s galore.

But maelstrom started with “mahiya naman kayo,” unleashing revelation after revelation of gross corruption in public works, forcing the government to come up with reactionary investigations and a virtual shut-out of all public works projects.

The result was a 4 percent GDP growth for the third quarter, a contraction brought about by almost zero infrastructure spending which impacted on unemployment figures until end-year.

Expected holiday spending failed to materialize, which was why last week’s announcement by PSA that GDP growth in the last quarter was a measly 3 percent came as a shocker.

So let us ask: where do we go from here? How will the economy fare in 2026?

Finance secretary Derrick Go tries to reassure the public by saying this performance is not a disaster. If it isn’t, what is a disaster? And he offers no solutions, just hopes for If the last quarter was a measly 3 percent, expect the first quarter of 2026 to register lower growth. My estimate is 2.5 percent at best, likely lower.

The reason is simple: people have little money to spend after the holidays. Don’t take my word for it. Go to the malls and the supermarkets. What drives our GDP growth? In the simplest terms, it has three components: Consumption, Investment and Government spending (C+I+G).

What will make people spend more?

Jobs, better incomes, both of which are not increasing.

Despite efforts to promote the country as an investment haven, to include the president’s many foreign travels where he returns with billions of dollars in pledges, we have the lowest foreign direct investment among Asean countries, Laos, Myanmar and Timor Leste excepted, not to mention Brunei which does not need any.

The Bangko Sentral, for unexplainable reasons, has hired Burson Marsteller, a public relations firm which PGMA used in her time, to paint a better picture of our economy. Good luck to them.

PR works when there is a good product to sell. With all that has been happening in our country, how can the best PR firms sell us?

As for domestic investment, how many are expanding operations? MSME’s are hobbled by a depressed consumer market and inability to source loans, with government itself competing for available monies in order to service a humongous debt. And then there is government spending, which is normally focused on infra-

structure.

The DPWH was unable to bid out projects for 2026 in late 2025, mired as they have been in scandalous corruption unearthed day after day.

Legit private contractors are not eager to participate even if DPWH now opens the bidding process.

Many remain unpaid, and we don’t mean Discaya or Gardiola.

Plus, with the new lowered ceilings on cost estimates and purchase prices of materials, the risks are not worth the meager profits, assuming legislators and DPWH officials stop asking for “tong-pats.”

Let us ask: where do we go from here? How will the economy fare in 2026?

By the second half, the rains and typhoons will come, when construction is at a standstill. So how much will government spending contribute to growth?

Minimal, even if the president says “good contractors” must be paid.

What sectors will produce growth?

Agriculture?

Ask another question.

Manufacturing? Even now manufacturers are hobbled by higher import costs, plus deteriorating peso-dollar exchange, and higher logistics.

Most of what we manufacture rely heavily on imported raw materials and factory supplies.

As we write, the port of Manila is congested, not because business is good, but because of empty containers eating up all the space in the wharves.

Recalibrating the PNP

LAST Monday, during the flag-raising ceremony in Camp Crame, Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. told the assembled officers and rank-and-file that he was saddened by the reported cases of misconduct within the country’s law enforcement apparatus.

While acknowledging improvements in compensation, training, and operational capacity, Nartatez’s remarks underscored one thing: material and professional incentives alone have not eliminated misconduct within police ranks.

The recent cases involving Manila Police District officers accused of robbery and more serious crimes such as kidnapping and carnapping highlight the problem of abuse of authority and criminal activity within the police force.

Nartatez pointed out that the number of erring officers is “small” relative to the PNP’s 230,000-strong membership. That is true.

But we know that policing is a trustbased institution, and even isolated incidents can have serious consequences on public confidence.

Crimes committed by police officers are perceived differently from those committed by ordinary citizens because they involve a betrayal of sworn duty and state authority.

sion, reveals a functioning accountability mechanism.

The arrest of another MPD officer for alleged involvement in kidnapping and carnapping demonstrates that misconduct is not being ignored or quietly settled internally.

Crimes committed by police officers are perceived differently from those committed by ordinary citizens because they involve a betrayal of sworn duty and state authority

cases raises questions about preventive controls, recruitment screening, ethical training, and supervisory effectiveness. It should be emphasized by the PNP leadership to everyone in the institution that the uniform does not confer immunity from accountability.

Rhetoric must be matched by consistent enforcement and visible consequences.

The reported dismissal of 1,120 officers and suspension of 1,425 others in 2025 sends a strong signal that disciplinary mechanisms are being utilized. Still, without transparency on the nature of these cases, their resolution, and whether criminal liability accompanies administrative sanctions, the deterrent effect could be limited.

The broader issue revealed by all this is the vulnerability of policing institutions to corruption and criminal behavior, especially in environments where officers wield discretionary power over civilians.

Higher pay and better equipment may reduce economic pressures but do not automatically resolve ethical questions.

Reform measures, such as instilling professionalism, integrity, and accountability, require sustained leadership, rigorous oversight, and protection for whistleblowers within the police force.

The challenge for the current police leadership is not merely to punish erring officers, but to prevent misconduct through stronger internal discipline, credible oversight, and a clear message that authority exists to serve and protect the public. —“—

For every 6 containers of imports, we only export one equivalent container. So there.

How about that low hanging fruit –tourism?

We have relaxed our entry requirements for China and even Taiwan, where visas for short visits have been waived. Will it work?

Incrementally, perhaps. China has also relaxed visas for other countries, our biggest market included -- South Korea. They are now flocking to Shanghai, Beijing, discovering Xian, besides which, there is also a law of diminishing return visits --- the “sawa” effect.

So that is why this writer thinks our economy is on a tailspin, and government is yet fishing for solutions.

Quizzically, our president called upon the public to come up with suggestions on how to improve both the economy and governance.

If done during the start of his term, when his political capital was high, that would be a good soundbyte. Said these days when political capital is almost gone, it can only be helplessness.

Goons in police uniforms

NOW that the rank problem of PNP Chief Jose M. Nartatez Jr is out of the way, perhaps he will now focus his entire attention to catching criminals especially those men in police uniform who commit unspeakable and violent crimes.

In the last 12 months, we have seen several serious crimes committed by gangs composed of police personnel.

Scalawags in uniform is of course nothing new because we know that rogue policemen in the past have committed crimes.

What is troubling this time is that these crimes were committed by several policemen acting like a gang.

There was that incident wherein two male police personnel raped their policewoman partner inside their police patrol car.

This was followed by another group that gang raped another woman. Still another was a group involved in illegal drug trafficking.

The latest was another group involved in a robbery holdup.

If we continue with these kind of police news, one can just imagine what will happen to the PNP’s reputation.

Fortunately, all of those involved were arrested and now facing various criminal and administrative cases, but these still bring into question what sort of police personnel are out there protecting us.

If we add those involved in kidnapping and car theft or carnapping, then the problem becomes more serious.

In the latest announcement from Camp Crame on Jan. 4, 2026, the PNP was able to resolve 4,203 administrative cases involving 6,527 personnel in 2025.

Of that number 3,124 were dismissed and 3,403 were penalized ranging from demotion to suspension. PNP records also show that of those investigated, 1,101 were officers, while 5,229 were enlisted personnel and the remaining 197 were nonuniformed personnel.

As the old training motto goes, ‘The more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war’

However one looks at this figure, it is staggering to say the least and we are only talking about the cases that were formally investigated.

How about those crimes committed that have never seen the light of day?

One of the positive things about these numbers is that it shows that the PNP leadership is at least serious about ridding the

The recent arrest of six MPD officers for alleged robbery in Makati, followed by administrative complaints filed before the National Police Commis-

These developments suggest that institutional checks such as the PNP Internal Affairs Service and Napolcom are active and responsive. However, the recurring nature of such

Doctors hope UK archive can solve under-50s bowel cancer mystery

LONDON – In a dusty hospital basement on the outskirts of London, over 100 years of medical history lines the shelves, neatly arranged in row after row of cardboard specimen boxes.

Largely forgotten until recently, it is hoped this unique archive will help unravel the mystery of the rising number of younger people getting bowel cancer.

The archive contains tens of thousands of tumor and tissue specimens, some dating back to the early 20th century.

Preserved in formaldehyde and paraffin wax, they come from patients treated at the UK’s national bowel hospital, St Mark’s, in northwest London.

In a study which began in January, researchers are using cutting-edge technology to compare archive tumors from the 1960s with ones from the present day.

Historically, patients treated at the hospital would have had a “very difficult time” with the disease, said Kevin Monahan, a consultant gastroenterologist, who is co-leading the groundbreaking project by St Mark’s and the Institute of Cancer Research, London.

Their recovery -- even after surgery -would have been “far from certain.”

“We want to think about whether we can convert the suffering that they went through decades ago into a new hope for their grandchildren and their great grandchildren and others who might be at risk,” he said.

The growing numbers of younger people being diagnosed with bowel cancer has left doctors worldwide perplexed.

According to Bowel Cancer UK, cases of the disease in people under 50 in Britain have increased by over 50 percent in the past 25 years.

Over 2,600 cases are diagnosed annually out of the nearly 44,000 cases across all age groups.

police force of scalawags and are not stopping in rooting them out of the service.

But a lot more introspection needs to be done to find out why in spite of increasing good take home pay and the security that a career in enforcement provide, many still choose to go wayward.

Perhaps, the PNP leadership should look at the how recruitment is being done together with the kind of training given to police recruits. The reason for this is that these two are the foundational bedrock that determines the quality of those going thru the process.

Recruiting the best and investing in the best training facilities ensures that the core principles and fundamental values of the PNP organization is adhered to throughout their career as law enforcement personnel. Unfortunately, however, not enough is

Research published by Bristol University and others in the British Journal of Surgery in 2020 showed an “exponential increase” over a similar period, with the conclusions supported by findings from both European and American studies.

Gut bacteria hunch

“We can’t time travel back to the 1960s... to see what people were exposed to (but)... in a way we have a record of it... within these boxes,” Monahan said.

If caught early, 90 percent of cases can be successfully treated, according to the National Health Service

The bowel cancer expert and co-study lead, Trevor Graham of the London institute, aims to map how the DNA differs in the 1960s specimens from the ones of the current day.

By sequencing the DNA and using other laboratory techniques that “weren’t possible even five years ago”, they hope to pinpoint what is driving modern-day cases.

The project comes around a decade after the entire archive at St Mark’s was nearly consigned to the hospital incinerator.

But after medics persuaded managers to hold on to it for a little longer, it was saved.

One ledger of yellowing pages vividly evokes the cases of patients from 1919, the year after the end of World War I.

The neatly-typed medical notes are accompanied with hand-drawn specimen

being done in this area where reform is badly needed.

For instance, assignment to training units is frowned upon by many officers and enlisted personnel because it is not where the action is.

They would rather go to field units like city and provincial commands. Also, the way recruitment is done guarantees that the best are not always the ones taken in.

This is because very little effort is done to advertise nationally to attract the best possible recruits to be the best they can be like the US Army recruiting poster. Potential good recruits outside of the PNP community are always the last to know about recruitment vacancies and some of the recruitment malpractices of decades ago like palakasan are still around.

pictures by the doctors.

Changes to diet, lifestyle and environmental pollutants such as microplastics have all been suggested as potential causes of the rise in cases, but definitive proof has been elusive.

Monahan’s own hunch centres on a subtype of the E. coli bacteria in the gut.

“This bacteria may be carcinogenic, and the mark of that carcinogen in DNA has been found in younger people with bowel cancer under 50, four times as commonly as it has been in people with all cancer after the age of 50,” he said.

‘Why me?’

If caught early, 90 percent of cases can be successfully treated, according to the National Health Service.

But Monahan said a bowel cancer diagnosis could be devastating for younger patients still juggling young families and trying to progress in their careers.

“Someone who’s 35... very rarely do they think: ‘Oh, I might have bowel cancer,’” he said. Bowel cancer was previously only rarely seen in patients in their 20s and 30s. Many younger patients wrongly blame themselves, Monahan said.

Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight are important for general health, he stressed, but there are other factors when it comes to bowel cancer.

“Where I see people who are newly diagnosed with bowel cancer at a young age, they say: ‘Why? Why has this happened to me? Because I’m healthy. I eat healthy, I exercise regularly.’

“And I say to them: ‘It’s nothing to do with what you have done.’”

The research project is expected to report its findings in three years. Thanks to the archive, the researchers had a “great legacy”, Monahan added. “We have an opportunity here to use that legacy.” AFP

This is also true when it comes to training. Many of our training facilities consist of barracks where all the recruits are crumped and a classroom for lectures. Nothing much is there.

Recruits are also still cleaning the surroundings of training centers which I first encountered when I just entered the service more than 50 years ago. Furthermore, current class lectures also seem to have been frozen in time because there has been very little change. And with the complexities of modern policing in this day and age, how do we expect our police to be equal to the challenges?

Let’s hope that Gen Nartatez can put more effort into these two problems for as the old training motto goes, “The more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war.”

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Negotiators gather in Abu Dhabi A

200 separatists killed after hits in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s security forces have killed almost 200 separatist insurgents in southwestern Balochistan province since they launched a wave of attacks over the weekend, a security official said Wednesday, taking the overall death toll past 250.

Fighting has continued between government forces and the militants following the coordinated attacks, with sporadic clashes still taking place in some districts after gunmen stormed banks, jails, police stations and military installations.

Pakistan has been battling a Baloch separatist insurgency for decades, with frequent armed attacks on security forces, foreign nationals and non-local Pakistanis in the mineral-rich province bordering Afghanistan and Iran.

A senior official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP on Wednesday that “197 terrorists have been killed in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations”.

He added that at least 36 civilians and 22 security personnel were killed during the coordinated attacks in restive Balochistan.

The chief minister of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, told a news conference in the provincial capital Quetta on Sunday that all the districts under attack were cleared. AFP

IN BRIEF

Army tribunal to weigh removing Bolsonaro’s rank

BRASILIA – In an unprecedented case for Brazil, a military tribunal announced Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) it would examine whether to strip former president Jair Bolsonaro of his rank, along with several generals who were all convicted with an attempted coup. Bolsonaro, a former army captain, was sentenced by the Supreme Court last Sept. to 27 years in prison after being found guilty of conspiring to cling to power following his defeat by the current leftist president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in the 2022 election.

The president of the Superior Military Court, Maria Elizabeth Rocha, said the tribunal will discuss a request from military prosecutors to declare Bolsonaro and four senior commanders to be unworthy of retaining their ranks and benefits in the armed forces.

Bolsonaro will be judged by a “court of honor” that will consider whether he retains his captain’s rank despite being convicted over the coup plot, she said. AFP

US warships arrive off coast of Haiti

WASHINGTON, DC – US military officials said Tuesday American warships had arrived off the coast of Haiti, as the island country’s leaders cling to power in their ongoing war against violent drug gangs. The USS Stockdale, USCGC Stone and USCGC Diligence entered the Bay of Port-au-Prince to “reflect the United States unwavering commitment to Haiti’s security, stability and a brighter future,” the US embassy in Haiti posted on X. The flotilla was sent “at the direction of the Secretary of War” Pete Hegseth as a part of “Operation Southern Spear,” the statement said, referring to the US military campaign targeting alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific that has killed more than 100 people in boat strikes. After facing years of violence and instability, Haiti is entering a new phase of political turbulence in the days before the official end of the mandate for the country’s Presidential Transitional Council on February 7. AFP

Ex-prince Andrew leaves Windsor home

LONDON – Britain’s former prince Andrew has moved from his luxurious Windsor home to a royal estate in eastern England, the BBC reported Tuesday, as he faces renewed scrutiny over his ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The ex-royal, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has come under renewed pressure to explain his appearances in the US Justice Department’s (DOJ) latest release of documents related to Epstein. Andrew, 65, left Royal Lodge on Monday, according to the BBC. Buckingham Palace declined to confirm the report to AFP. He had been living at the property close to Windsor Castle with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson for the past two decades, according to the broadcaster. AFP

‘PREPARE FOR THE WORST.’ This handout photograph taken and

Tuesday shows rescuers

Move on, says Trump as Epstein files trigger probe

WASHINGTON, DC – US President Donald Trump made a fresh plea Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) for Americans to move on from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, even as it left a prominent British politician facing a criminal probe on the other side of the Atlantic.

Former British ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson resigned from the upper house of parliament amid allegations he passed confidential information to late sex offender Epstein.

The fallout from the latest release of millions of documents linked to Epstein continued in the United States too, where former president Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary will testify in Congress later

this month.

Republican Trump insisted once again that he had been cleared by the newest trove of files as he faced renewed questions at the White House over the disgraced financier.

“Nothing came out about me other than it was a conspiracy against me, literally, by Epstein and other people. But I think it’s time now for the country to maybe get on to something else like health care or something that people care about,” Trump said.

Trump added that it was “not a Republican, it’s a Democrat problem,” in a bid to turn the issue back to the Clintons, and away from the mention in the files

of allies including his Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and billionaire Elon Musk.

“It’s a shame,” he said of the Clintons. Hillary Clinton, the Democratic former US secretary of state who lost to Trump in the 2016 election, and her husband will now testify in a US House investigation into Epstein on February 26 and 27. Neither Trump nor the Clintons have been accused of criminal wrongdoing related to Epstein’s activities.

Trump spent months trying to block the disclosure of files linked to Epstein, before relenting late last year when an initial tranche of files was released. AFP

‘MISCONDUCT IN PUBLIC OFFICE.’ In this file photo on Jan 20, 2025, former US President Bill Clinton (left) and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (right) arrive for the inauguration ceremony where Donald Trump was to be sworn in as the 47th US President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC. Clinton will testify in Congress about sex offender Jefrey Epstein on Feb. 27, while Hillary Clinton will do so the day before, Republican lawmaker James Comer announced Wednesday, Manila time. He said the powerful couple had initially defied subpoenas from a House committee, but ‘once it became clear that the House of Representatives would hold them in contempt, the Clintons completely caved and will appear for transcribed, filmed depositions this month.’ AFP

BU DHABI –Negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the United States were set to gather in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, seeking to advance fraught talks on how to end the four-year war.

Several rounds of diplomacy between the sides have failed to strike a deal on ending Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II, which began when Russia invaded in February 2022.

A massive Russian drone and missile barrage in the run-up to the talks, pounding Ukraine’s energy grid and knocking out power and heating in temperatures far below freezing, threatened to overshadow any chances of progress in the Emirati capital.

“Each such Russian strike confirms that attitudes in Moscow have not changed: they continue to bet on war and the destruction of Ukraine, and they do not take diplomacy seriously,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday.

“The work of our negotiating team will be adjusted accordingly,” he said, without elaborating.

The main sticking point is the longterm fate of territory in eastern Ukraine. Moscow is demanding that Kyiv pull its troops out of swathes of the Donbas, including heavily fortified cities atop vast natural resources, as a precondition of any deal. It also wants international recognition that land seized in the invasion belongs to Russia.

Kyiv has said the conflict should be frozen along the current front line and has rejected a unilateral pull-back of forces.

The talks -- set to last Wednesday and Thursday -- were postponed from last weekend due to what the Kremlin called scheduling issues between the three sides. Ukraine’s delegation will be headed by Security Council chief Rustem Umerov, a shrewd negotiator hailed by colleagues as a worker of diplomatic “wonders”.

Russia’s top negotiator will be its military intelligence director Igor Kostyukov, a career naval officer sanctioned in the West over his role in the Ukraine invasion.

At a previous round of talks in Abu Dhabi last month, the US team was led by President Donald Trump’s ubiquitous envoy Steve Witkoff. AFP

Thousands

for several hundred meters, accompanied by trucks blaring music.

“These people are not American,” said Maduro’s son, Nicolas “Nicolasito” Maduro Guerra, a deputy in Venezuela’s National Assembly.

“We have achieved a profound anti-imperialist consciousness.”

Many protesters waved Venezuelan flags and were dressed in the red colors of the ruling “Chavista” movement named after Maduro’s socialist predecessor, Hugo Chavez. AFP

as democracy dives

Human Rights Watch warns US heading to ‘authoritarianism’

WASHINGTON, DC – Human Rights Watch warned Wednesday President Donald Trump was turning the United States into an authoritarian state as democracy declines globally to its lowest ebb in four decades.

Trump’s return to the White House has intensified a “downward spiral” on human rights that was already under pressure from Russia and China, the New York-based advocacy and research group said in its annual report.

“The rules-based international order is being crushed,” HRW said.

In the United States, the group said, Trump has shown “blatant disregard for human rights and egregious violations.”

In descriptions that would have been unthinkable in the US section of its previous annual reports, the group pointed to the deployment of masked, armed agents -- the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency -- which has carried out “hundreds of unnecessarily violent and abusive raids.”

“The administration’s racial and ethnic scapegoating, domestic deployment of National Guard forces in pretextual power grabs, repeated acts of retaliation against perceived political enemies and former officials now critical of him, as well as attempts to expand the coercive powers of the executive and neuter democratic checks and balances, underpin a decided shift toward authoritarianism in the US,” the report said.

Human Rights Watch repeated its finding that the United States engaged in enforced disappearances -- a crime under international law -- by sending 252 Venezuelan migrants to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. In a recent report, HRW documented allegations by the men, who eventually were allowed into Venezuela, of being tortured including beatings and sexual violence.

Human Rights Watch pointed to metrics by which democracy has declined to

Philippine Golf Championship

lures 4 Order of Merit winners

A STRONG field led by four of the past Order of Merit winners in the last 10 years will vie for the title in the Philippine Golf Championship presented by the Philippine Sports Commission that kick off in the Asian Tour season starting Thursday, February 5, at the East Course of the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City.

American John Catlin claimed the OOM back in 2024, an award given to the player who accumulates the most points in the Asian Tour and in other sanctioned events of the continent’s professional golf tour. That same year, he was also named the Player of the Year in the Asian Tour, which he also won in 2018.

Sihwan Kim, who also represents the US, won the OOM and the Player of the Year title in 2022, while Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand bagged the same hardware during the 2019 Asian Tour season.

The event will also feature former Asian Tour winners Suteepat Prateeptienchai, Poosit Supupramai, Ekpharit Wu, Rattanonn Wannasrichan and Sadom Kaewkanjana of Thailand, Jbe Kruger of South Africa, Hongtaek Kim of Korea and Lee Chieh Po of Chinese Taipei, part of the 144 golfers in the field.

This season-opening event of the Asian Tour offers a total prize purse of US$500,000 together with the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP). This also marked the second straight year that the country will host the first leg of the Asian Tour.

Angelo Que, a former Philippine Open champion, will be one of the 25 local professionals seeing action in the event, and to have the first event of the Asian Tour here tells how much golf has developed in the country.

“It’s good that the first Asian Tour event for two years in a row is here in the Philippines and it goes to show that the Philippines is coming back again in the Asian Tour,” said Que.

Cool Smashers, High Speed Hitters clash

WHILE early attention in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference has gravitated toward Choco Mucho and Cignal as they dispute the early solo lead, the brightest spotlight will shine on the long-awaited debuts of Creamline and PLDT – the final two heavyweights yet to unveil their form this season. And make no mistake: these are no ordinary late entries. Both teams carry championship pedigree, and both arrive armed with rosters rich in talent, depth, experience and a proven habit of winning. That pedigree sets the stage for a blockbuster 630 p.m. showdown at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan, a clash that promises to be a defining early test amid the surge of strong starters such as Cignal, Choco Mucho, Nxled and Capital1 – each fresh off opening-game victories in the season-ending conference organized by Sports Vision.

Fans expect nothing less than another statement performance from Creamline, eager to rebound after a rare titleless campaign last year that followed its historic Grand Slam run. With ace playmaker and Alas Pilipinas stalwart Jia de Guzman back orchestrating the offense, alongside reliable scorers Bernadette Pons and Jema Galanza, coach Sherwin Meneses once again commands a formidable arsenal.

Add to that the firepower of Tots Carlos, the leadership and clutch presence of Alyssa Valdez, the versatility of Michele Gumabao, the net defense of Bea de Leon and Pangs Panaga, steady backup setter Kyle Negrito, and the energy of new libero Jen Nierva, and the Cool Smashers appear primed to reassert their dominance.

“Siyempre sobrang excited, kasi makikita mo talaga ‘yung mga OG ng Creamline nandyan sila. So excited kami, pero lahat ng team ngayon, talagang maraming na-recruit, ‘yung mga Alas bumalik na,” said Meneses.

PFF starts search for new talent as Filipinas gear up for Asian tilt

By Peter Atencio

NEW faces are set to emerge as the Philippine women’s national football team opens a series of intensive training camps this February, with roster spots—including a key vacancy in goal—still up for grabs.

Officials of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) confirmed that selections will be made from the current training pool as the Filipinas fine-tune preparations for the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.

Among the key decisions is identifying who will step in following the retirement of longtime goalkeeper Inna Palacios.

The competition for spots is expected to be fierce, even as veteran shot-stopper Olivia McDaniel is tipped for a return. She will vie for places alongside Nina Andrea Meollo, Kiara Fabiola Fontanilla, Gabrielle Lyn Baker, Leah Parker Bradley, and Isabelle Mapanao.

“This camp is an essential part of ensuring that the Filipinas enter the Asian Cup with the best possible preparation,” said PFF president John Gutierrez.

The February camps are the Filipinas’ final build-up before the continental tournament, which also serves as Asia’s last qualification stage for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Training sessions are currently underway at the SM Mall of Asia Sky Pitch and Rizal Memorial

Stadium from February 1 to 5 and again from February 17 to 22. The team will then hold an extended camp at Balesin Island in Quezon province from February 6 to 15, before traveling to Perth for another training block scheduled from February 24 to 28.

Fresh off their gold-medal triumph at the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, the Filipinas face a daunting Group A assignment. They are bracketed with tournament host and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup semifinalist Australia, 2022 Asian Cup runner-up South Korea, and 2022 Central Asian Women’s Championship runner-up Iran. The Philippines opens its group-stage campaign against Australia on March 1 at Perth Stadium, followed by a showdown with South Korea on March 5 at Gold Coast Stadium. The Filipinas wrap up group play against Iran on March 8, also at Gold Coast Stadium.

Factory worker shines in marathon, earns shot abroad

FACTORY worker Edsel Moral delivered his strongest performance to date on Sunday, dominating the men’s marathon in the Manila leg of the 7-Eleven Run 2026 at the Filinvest Events Grounds in Alabang.

The 29-year-old Sta. Rosa, Laguna native took control of the flat course in the early hours of the morning, crossing the 42-kilometer finish line at dawn in 2 hours, 26 minutes and 46 seconds— nearly nine minutes ahead of runner-up

Jose Fabito Jr.

Moral, a father of two, improved on his previous best and all but secured another opportunity to compete overseas. For the second straight year, his podium finish puts him in line for an international race slot, as organizers reward the top three overall Filipino male and female finishers in the 21K, 32K and 42K categories with berths in foreign marathon competitions.

“Na-maintain ko lang ang pace ko nu’ng start pa lang,” said Moral, who joined Team 7-Eleven Philippines last year. His winning time was a full second faster than his 2:27:31 effort that earned him second

his

Gilbert Laido (right).

place in the same event a year ago. Moral was among the 13 sponsored Filipino runners who competed in the

as the top

of

Amazing Thailand Pattaya Marathon in 2025, where he emerged as the top local finisher with a fourth-place over-

all result and a time of 2:37:44. Fabito settled for second in 2:35:31, while Gilbert Laido completed the men’s marathon podium in third with 2:48:25.

In the women’s 42K race, Maricar Camacho ruled the field with a winning time of 3:09:28, finishing comfortably ahead of Macrose Dichoso and Nhea Ann Barcena.

National team standout Richard Salano and Kenyan runner Peris Jekrori captured the men’s and women’s titles in the 32-kilometer division, clocking 1:45:31 and 2:12:26, respectively. Ricky Organisa and Edna Magtubo emerged on top of the 21K races, posting times of 1:01:47 and 1:24:32. “It’s really overwhelming with the number of participants who registered. It was more than what we got last year, around 55,000,” said chief organizer Jose Ang Jr., managing director for eWallet and eCommerce and head of the General Merchandise Division of 7-Eleven Philippines. “I see a lot of smiling faces, and new runners we’ll be able to send out to represent the country.” Peter Atencio

ALVIERA program engages 15,000 sports enthusiasts in Central Luzon

Launched in April with an ambitious target of reaching 10,000 sports enthusiasts, the initiative

past expectations, engaging 15,000 participants, athletes, and

families across Central Luzon and NCR. This milestone solidifies ALVIERA’s position as the region’s ultimate hub for active lifestyles, community connection, and highquality recreation. From racket sports to endurance challenges, the 2025 calendar delivered non-stop excitement across ALVIERA’s premium amenities. The Alviera Country Club—with its tennis, badminton, and multi-sport courts—hosted the season-opening Alviera Racketlon blending racket sports in highenergy showdowns, plus the One Alviera Basketball League fueling local rivalries. Team sports thrived on the expansive Alviera Open Grounds’ football field, powered by partner XMPLR for the Alviera Lighting Frisbee

Championship, Youth Football Cup, and Alviera Football Cup, where frisbee thrills and young talents shone under the stars. Golfers smashed personal bests at the pro-level Driving Range Alviera—complete with instruction and dining—during the Longest Drive Championship, also powered by XMPLR. Road warriors conquered the scenic Alviera Road Network and Trails in the Ride for Solidarity (Onslaught Enduro Series with Ride for Solidarity), Race to Win, Run to Conquer (with Cabalen Basketball Assoc.), and epic Spartan Races: Trailfecta and 2025 APAC Championship (with SPARTAN). Community spirit bridged neighborhoods via the PAMAWD x Smoke10 Fun Run (with Candaba Water District and Smoke 10).

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5,

RIERA

PSC chief Gregorio named 2025 Executive of the Year

Frayna keeps hold on lead at PH Women’s Chess tourney

JANELLE Mae Frayna halved the point with fellow former national champion Jan Jodilyn Fronda on Wednesday to remain unshakeable on top after four rounds of the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championships in Malolos City, Bulacan. The 26-move truce of a Petroff Defense was a much-needed relief for the 29-year-old Army woman from Bicol after plodding and grinding out three straight wins that catapulted her straight to the top. With the recent result, Frayna now has 3.5 points in this 15-round event dubbed “Battle of the Women’s Masters” and backed by host Mayor Christian Natividad and the PSC and closer to her hope of claiming one of the three slots to this September’s World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

For Fronda, she stayed at second with three points alongside another Olympiad regular Bernadette Galas, who drew with Cherry Ann Mejia in 31 moves of an English duel. Mejia stayed in the pack of 2.5-pointers at No. 4 that included reigning national girls juniors titlist Heart Padilla and defending champ Ruelle Canino.

Padilla unleashed a seldom used Rat Defense and pulled off an upset 13-move draw with a fancied Marie Antoinette San Diego while Canino zoomed back to contention with a 38-move win over Queen Pamplona of a Queen’s Indian encounter. It was a second straight win for Canino, who recently sealed a Woman International Master title after her second-place finish in the ASEAN Individual Championship in Ozamis late last year.

PATRICK “Pato” Gregorio will be among the key figures to take center stage at the San Miguel Corporation–Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) 2025 Awards Night on February 16 at the Diamond Hotel Manila.

Gregorio, 58, will receive the Executive of the Year award in recognition of his impactful leadership as chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), an honor conferred by the country’s oldest media organization that annually stages the prestigious sports gala. His citation comes after a strong start in public service, with Gregorio earning praise for the decisive and dynamic work he has delivered in a short span since taking the helm of the PSC.

At the ceremony, Gregorio will share the spotlight with two of the Philippines’ brightest sporting icons. Olympic gymnast Carlos

Yulo and rising tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala are set to be honored as Male and Female Athletes of the Year, respectively.

The special proceedings are co-presented by the PSC and ArenaPlus, with support from major stakeholders including the Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Cignal, Premier Volleyball League, Philippine Basketball Association, Akari, Rain or Shine, Capital1 Solar Energy, and Acrocity.

A former top hotelier and sports executive under the MVP Group, Gregorio made a seamless transition from the corporate sector to public service. Appointed as the country’s sports czar in the second half of 2025, the University of the Philippines alumnus wasted no time in rolling up his sleeves and getting to work.

First order of the day for Gregorio was an across-the-board increase of P5,000 to the monthly allowances of national athletes and coaches.

He also made the novelty move of opening the doors of the track and field ovals at the Rizal Memorial Complex, Philsports, and the Teachers Camp in Baguio to the public in line with the PSC’s program for a healthy citizenry.

Under Gregorio’s leadership, the country also hosted major international tournaments such as the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, the FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, and the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, emphasizing that such global sports events can turn the Philippines into a top tourism destination.

Lee stars as Koreans dominate golf opener

LIPA City, Batangas —Yunseo Lee and Jisun Kang shrugged off strengthening afternoon winds and slick putting surfaces to card flawless rounds in contrasting fashion, spearheading a bristling Korean charge in the opening round of the ICTSI Philippine Ladies Masters 2026 at Summit Point Golf and Country Club here on Wednesday. Both took advantage of early tee times on opposite nines, but it was Lee who delivered the day’s most impressive effort. Battling stiffer gusts on the back nine after an early start at No. 10, the 18-year-old sophomore pro pieced together a brilliant six-underpar 66 to seize the solo lead in the $200,000 event kicking off the Taiwan LPGA Tour.

Lee managed just one birdie at the back, but once she made the turn, she caught fire. She rolled in five birdies on the frontside, highlighted by a four-birdie surge from No. 3 and capped by a commanding finish on the par-5 ninth.

“There was no wind early on, but it picked up and proved strong in the afternoon,” said Lee, who praised the near-perfect conditions despite the growing challenge. “I feel very good playing here. Summit Point is very good.”

Lee is seeking to keep the title in Korean hands following compatriot Kim Kayoung’s victory at The Country Club last year. Kang, meanwhile, posted a solid 67 after starting on No. 1 in the day’s first group. She birdied Nos. 3, 6 and 9 to turn in three-under, then showed composure as conditions toughened, picking up birdies on Nos. 11 and 14 while narrowly missing chances to go even lower. As the wind howled late in the round, another Korean, Jeonghyeon Kang, and Thailand’s Navaporn Soontreeyapas remained unruffled, firing identical five-under cards to forge a three-way tie for second in the 54-hole championship, co-sanctioned by the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, Taiwan LPGA, Korean LPGA and the Asia Golf Leaders Forum, offering a top purse of $30,000.

Aurora Day: A celebration of community, culture, and the ride

BALER, AURORA—From February 13 to 15, 2026, the province of Aurora comes together once again for Aurora Day 2026, a three-day celebration rooted in community, culture, and the shared joy of movement.

Set against the laid-back charm of Baler, this year’s festivities highlight not just sport but the people, places, and values that have long defined Aurora.

A highlight of this year’s celebration is the 17th Aurora Skateboarding Competition, an event that mirrors Baler’s quiet evolution.

Long known as a surfer’s haven, the town has also grown into a meaningful space for skateboarding, thanks in large part to the Baler Skatepark.

The park was a thoughtfully designed space created by a local skater who understood the terrain, the flow, and the community it would serve.

Today, he returns not just as a builder, but as one of the judges—continuing a cycle of giving back that defines the local skate scene.

Here, skateboarding is less about spectacle and more about connection. Competitors trade

encouragement as easily as tricks, locals and visitors share the same sidelines, and skill is matched with respect.

Beyond the skatepark, Aurora Day opens up into

a broader celebration of culture and everyday life. From the coastline to the town center, moments unfold naturally, shared meals, spontaneous conversations, and laughter that stretches from afternoon into evening. Culture here isn’t performed; it’s lived, expressed through movement, creativity, and community.

With the support of the Provincial Government of Aurora, alongside partner brands and community supporters like Bays Inn, Vans Philippines, to name a few, Aurora Day 2026 continues a tradition of celebrating progress without losing its roots. It honours the idea that growth can be grounded, and that tradition and new energy can exist side by side.

And as Aurora Day winds down, the momentum doesn’t stop. Next month, Baler gears up for KookFest, another annual gathering organized by locals and the community, yet another expression of the town’s creative pulse.

Baler isn’t just a place to surf. It isn’t just a place to skate. It’s a place to gather, to move, to try, and to belong. In Baler, movement is a language, and everyone is invited to speak it.

Coach Galedo eyes Masters’ title defense at Asian Road Cycling tilt

By Randy M. Caluag

MULTI-TITLED veteran cyclist Mark Galedo is heading to Saudi Arabia wearing two hats—as national team coach and active competitor—when he races in the Masters 40–44 category of the Asian Road Cycling Championships set from February 6 to 11.

Galedo, who has dominated the Masters division in recent years, is aiming to defend the gold medal he has won in the event over the past two editions of the continental meet. He will also compete in the individual time trial (ITT), where he captured a silver medal last year in Thailand. Galedo and fellow national team member Nash Lim, the Philippines’ bet in the men’s elite ITT and massed start events, departed for Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to allow ample time to familiarize themselves with the race course.

As playing coach, Galedo will also steer the Philippine men’s senior team composed of SEA Games team time trial

bronze medalists Ronald Oranza, Joseph Javiniar, Lim, and promising young rider Jude Francisco. Lim, the reigning Philippine ITT champion, will be the first Filipino to see action when he competes on Friday. Francisco, a standout from Victoria Sports Pro Cycling, will race in the Under-23 road event on February 9.

Lim will later join Oranza of Standard Insurance and Javiniar of Excellent Noodles in the men’s elite road race scheduled on the final day of competition, February 11. Completing the delegation are head coach Reinhard Gorantes, mechanic Gerald Mendoza, and team manager Sunshine Vallejos, who also serves as a director of PhilCycling.

Vallejos told Sports Radio 918 that the team is hopeful of finally snapping the Philippines’ medal drought in elite continental road racing. The country’s last medal at the championships came in 2018, when Luis Krogg claimed silver in the junior road race.

ALI eyes Atrium, FTI Complex lot

By Jenniffer B. Austria

AYALA Land Inc.

(ALI) is eyeing two of the three government properties scheduled for privatization this year as the developer seeks to expand its footprint in Taguig and Makati.

The government is reportedly preparing to bid out an additional portion of the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) Complex in Taguig City, the Mile Long Complex and Atrium in Makati City.

ALI chief finance officer Jose Eduardo Quimpo II said the company would evaluate the FTI property due to its proximity to the 74-hectare Arca South development and the Atrium for its location within the Makati

central business district.

Arca South, which sits on a former portion of the FTI property, features a cancer hospital, residential condominiums and offices.

A shopping mall is scheduled to open at the site soon. However, Quimpo noted that the company is

PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp.

said it earmarked P65 billion for 2026 capital expenditures as it expects sustained growth across its residential, office, hotel and mall businesses.

The P65 billion will be allotted for land acquisition, strategic land banking and the development of existing projects and highvalue investment properties, the company said Wednesday in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

Megaworld president and chief executive Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso said the company sees opportunities ahead in the office, commercial, hospitality and tourism sectors.

“We are continuing our expansion program with renewed optimism as we innovate our township offerings. Our residential business remains a strong growth engine, especially as we introduce more pioneering projects that integrate new technologies such as the use of artificial intelligence into our new developments,” Gutierrez-Alfonso said.

To capture growth outside of Metro Manila, the company will begin land develop-

ment for townships in the provinces, including Ilocandia Coastown in Ilocos Norte, The Upper Central in Cagayan de Oro City and Nascala Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas. The developer also plans to expand its residential, office and retail offerings in Bacolod, Iloilo, Pampanga, Cavite and Palawan.

Megaworld is launching 19 residential projects this year with a total value of P65 billion. These developments are located in Pasig, Taguig, Manila, Ilocos, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Palawan, Iloilo, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.

The company is also accelerating its hospitality expansion with five hotels under construction. These projects include ArcoVia Hotel in Pasig, Savoy Hotel Capital Town in the City of San Fernando, Savoy Hotel Palawan and Paragua Sands in San Vicente and The Kingsford in Bacolod City.

These projects will add nearly 2,000 rooms to the portfolio as Megaworld works toward a target of 9,000 room keys within the next three years. Jenniffer B. Austria

not looking to acquire land for landbanking and intends to prioritize the development of its existing holdings.

Alongside its expansion interests, the property developer plans to refinance nearly P20 billion in maturing debts this year. Quimpo said the company is looking to raise funds through a mix of bonds and bank debt to cover these maturities.

While Quimpo did not specify the total amount to be raised, he cited the possibility of issuing sustainabilitylinked bonds.

“We have raised a billion dollars’ worth of sustainability-linked financing. It is something that we want to sustain,” Quimpo said.

The fund-raising activity will be timed to coincide with specific debt deadlines.

Data from the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. showed that ALI has P8 billion in bonds maturing in March and another P8 billion maturing in May.

Spot power prices fell 18.6% in December

By Alena Mae S. Flores

AVERAGE systemwide electricity charges in the Philippines fell 18.6 percent in January 2026 to P3.56 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as softer demand offset supply constraints in Luzon, the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) said Wednesday.

The decline from December’s P4.38 per kWh represents a P0.81 reduction, providing relief to consumers and cooperatives. While systemwide prices trended downward, the Luzon grid saw a 9-percent increase to P3.25 per kWh on tighter supply margin caused by several plant outages.

IEMOP trading operations vice president Isidro Cacho Jr. said the drop is welcome news for consumers and electric cooperatives, especially in the Visayas and Mindanao, where rates declined by 41 percent and 45 percent, respectively.

Data from IEMOP, which operates the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), showed that systemwide demand declined 7.1 percent to 12,492 megawatts from 13,440 MW between Dec. 26, 2025 and Jan. 25, 2026. Power supply fell 5.3 percent to 19,152 MW from 20,223 MW during the same period.

IEMOP reported forced outages from coal and natural gas units in Luzon reached 4,811 MW, while planned outages across various technologies totaled 2,754.1 MW.

“This tighter supply condition resulted in oil-based and other higher-marginal-cost plants being dispatched more frequently,” IEMOP corporate planning and communications manager Arjon Valencia said. The Visayas grid saw rates drop to P4.24 per kWh from P7.22 per kWh on the back of lower demand and supply.

PH stocks retreat ahead of January inflation data

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PHILIPPINE stocks closed lower Wednesday on last-minute selling ahead of the release of January inflation data.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index traded in the green for most of the day before closing down 29.01 points, or 0.45 percent, to 6,372.95. The broader all-shares index added 6.56 points, or 0.19 percent, to 3,555.00.

The peso depreciated slightly Wednesday to close at 58.97 to the U.S. dollar, down from 58.89 on Tuesday.

Despite healthy value turnover and steady foreign buying, AB Capital Securities said investors turned cautious ahead of Thursday’s inflation report.

Sectors ended mixed. Mining and oil, industrial, and financial indices closed higher by 1.92 percent, 0.91 percent, and 0.28 percent, respectively. On the other hand, property, holding firms, and services

dropped 1.45 percent, 0.84 percent, and 0.74 percent, respectively.

Value turnover reached P6.94 billion.

Market breadth was positive, with 104

CUSTOMERS of Maynilad Water Services Inc. are probably the most patient in the world. Water disruption has become their normal and there seems to be no end in sight for the bad services that Maynilad provides.

But Maynilad lately is trying to repair its bad image. It pledged a P30 billion investment program centered on water production, wastewater projects and non revenue water (NRW) reduction.

N. MALLILLIN

The crown jewel in that program, the P10.5 billion Caloocan–Malabon–Navotas (Maypajo) reclamation facility, promises to treat up to 205 million liters per day and ultimately benefit some 1.2 million consumers.

Yet, Maynilad customers across the west zone service area continue to suffer from frequent interruptions, low and unreliable pressure and prolonged outages.

Maynilad reported a year-on-year reduction in NRW from 39.3 percent to 32.8 percent, or roughly 231 million liters per day recovered. It boasted that it reclaimed over 400 million liters per day for potable reuse. It also posted a 9.5-percent revenue increase (P27.7 billion) in the third quarter of 2025.

But did the recovered and reclaimed water actually improve household supply, pressure, continuity and predictability at the tap?

Without transparent and independently verifiable allocation data, consumers cannot say if the reclamation, for one, is easing their conditions. Not to mention the human cost of interruptions taking place in the West zone area.

advancers versus 94 decliners, while 77 stocks were unchanged. Foreign investors were net buyers, with inflows at P279.6 million.

Despite the market’s current sideways trading, Philstocks Financial Inc. expects the PSEi to climb to the 7,100 level in 2026 as stronger corporate fundamentals revive the market. “As we move into 2026, strong corporate fundamentals are creating market opportunities. However, revived confidence in the local economy is deemed needed to bring vigor into the local bourse,” Philstocks said.

Philstocks projected that earnings for index members will grow by an average of 15 percent. It noted that lower interest rates are expected to lift property demand, support bank lending, and boost consumer spending, while nickel miners are positioned to benefit from stronger global demand.

Philstocks’ stock picks for the year include Ayala Land, BDO Unibank, Bank of the Philippine Islands, GT Capital Holdings, Megaworld, and Universal Robina Corp.

milestones so regulators and consumers can track progress toward long term reliability.

For consumers, the bottom line is simple―reliability at the tap.

Steadying the ship

Political noise is a normal occurrence anywhere in the world. It’s a reflection of a vibrant democracy.

Some people, though, equate the uproar to a political change or a revamp in the Cabinet. But governance is not a theater where roles can be reassigned that fast. What President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. needs most is not disruption, but stability.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the position of Executive Secretary.

Interruptions mainly occur overnight from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and last five to 12 hours, or half-a-day. Such disruptions have become too common for millions of

Maynilad customers... continue to suffer frequent interruptions...

Customers had to queue for water deliveries, spend hours of their sleeping time filling their drums, consume more time to have their clothes washed in commercial laundry outlets, or dig into their pockets for extra money to buy bottled water.

When water outages routinely occur overnight, they interfere with basic household activities and exacerbate inequities―the poorest households are least able to absorb the added costs and logistical burdens. Despite the poor water services in the area, the West Zone concessionaire has recorded a revenue growth of 9.5 percent, amounting to P27.7 billion.

Maynilad, however, must be made to account for every improvement in the service it provides. Each major investment―from Maypajo to pipeline upgrades and NRW programs―should be tied to explicit, time bound household level improvements in pressure and continuity.

Key performance indicators must be measurable (e.g., reduction in unplanned outage hours per 1,000 customers; percentage of households achieving minimum pressure 24/7) and published against milestones. Without such yardsticks, investment numbers are just aspirational.

Stakeholders also need to know how much reclaimed water is returned to residential supply, what quality safeguards exist, and when households will see the Maynilad should publish a time

bound diversification plan, such as interconnections, bulk supply agreements, with interim targets and budgeted

President Marcos has already appointed three Executive Secretaries in his first three years in office. That alone should give him pause.

The Executive Secretary is not a ceremonial role―he is the Little President, the nerve center of Malacañang― coordinating policy, managing the bureaucracy and ensuring that presidential decisions are executed properly and in concert with the directives of the President. What the President needs at this position is a steady hand.

Retaining Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, thus, makes sense. An experienced executive in the Palace is the prudent choice.

Recto brings something his immediate predecessors did not―deep political experience.

He is not learning governance on the job. He has, for decades, served as a congressman and a senator. He understands how legislation moves, how coalitions are built, how political institutions behave under stress.

More importantly, he knows how Congress thinks―not as an outsider looking in, but as someone who has been inside the arena. That perspective matters, especially for an administration that must still pass key reforms and manage complex relationships across government.

Recto operates at the intersection of policy, politics and process. That is precisely what the job demands. His position is not just about efficiency; it is about judgment―knowing when to push, when to pause and when to unite competing interests behind a single presidential direction.

Retaining Recto is not about resisting reform. It is about recognizing that, in this moment, the administration’s strength will come from exuding steadiness to show strength.

President Marcos does not need another adjustment period in Malacañang’s most critical office. He needs continuity, institutional memory and a political operator who understands what the position entails. Its a no-frills job and Recto serves the purpose.

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DOT chief urges airfare review to boost local travel

By Othel V. Campos

DEPARTMENT of Tourism Secretary

Christina Garcia Frasco called for a review of airline regulations and greater price transparency on Tuesday to address rising domestic airfares that threaten to dampen the country’s tourism growth.

Speaking at a Senate Committee on Tourism hearing, Frasco said airlines holding public franchises under Republic Act 11682 have obligations to serve the public interest beyond generating profit.

Domestic travel serves as the backbone of the local industry, with more than 134 million local trips in 2024 generating over P4 trillion ($70 billion), a figure that has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

“The DOT proposes clear and transparent publication of just and reasonable rates under close Civil Aeronautics Board scrutiny. This can help allay public concerns on rising costs,” Frasco said.

The department has requested a monthly airline ticket pricing index to improve transparency and is exploring the implementation of price ceilings.

Frasco said revisiting deregulation and implementing oversight is crucial because the tourism department lacks the mandate to manage fares, budgets, or airport security independently.

Senate Committee on Tourism member JV Ejercito said high fares often reflect limited infrastructure rather than just

carrier pricing strategies. He cited short runways, a lack of night-rating capabilities, and insufficient airport capacity as factors “resulting to high airfare costs for Filipino travelers.”

Air Carriers Association of the Philippines vice-president Jose Enriquez Perez de Tagle supported this view, explaining that small runways limit the types of aircraft and frequency of flights to popular destinations.

Locations such as Siargao, Palawan and Basco rely on smaller turboprop planes, which can drive up operating costs per passenger.

To resolve these issues, the DOT said it is coordinating with the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Competition Commission to align infrastructure development with consumer protection.

Beyond pricing, Senator Erwin Tulfo raised security concerns regarding South Korean tourists. While acknowledging that peace and order fall outside the tourism department’s direct mandate, he said safety remains critical to attracting international visitors.

DA seeks lower Japan tariffs, improved trade of PH bananas

AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. pressed for lower tariffs on Philippine bananas and raised concerns over market access for other fruit exports during a ministerial visit to Japan from Jan. 26-29.

In meetings with Japan’s new agriculture minister and officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Tiu Laurel underscored the importance of improving trade conditions for Philippine bananas, one of the country’s top agricultural exports to Japan. The talks come as Manila prepares for accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The secretary also flagged challenges faced by other Philippine fruit exports, including the need to expand market access for pomelos and streamline regulatory protocols for mangoes and papayas. He stressed that easing trade barriers would help sustain the competitiveness of Philippine tropical fruits in the Japanese market, which remains a primary export destination.

To strengthen two-way agricultural trade, Tiu Laurel also sought expedited entry for Japanese grapes into the Philippine market.

The Philippines proposed expanding its existing memorandum of cooperation with Japan to cover fisheries. Japan is set to host the second Philippines-Japan Joint Committee on Agriculture meeting in June 2026.

Tiu Laurel expressed optimism that the amended agreement could be signed this year, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between the two countries.

During the visit, Japan reiterated support for Philippine food security initiatives, including grant aid for a rice processing system at the National Food Authority facility in Cauayan City, Isabela. The project is expected to reduce post-harvest losses and improve rice quality.

Tiu Laurel also requested JICA assistance for several agriculture projects, including integrated food logistics hubs, commodity distribution studies, fisheries modernization, rehabilitation of Magat Dam, and expansion of the Market-Driven Vegetable Value Chain project. Othel V. Campos

Taiwan’s ASE plans major expansion in Cavite

By Othel V. Campos

SEMICONDUCTOR firm ASE

Co. Ltd.–Philippine Branch (ASE PH) plans to expand its manufacturing operations at the Gateway Business Park–Special Economic Zone in Cavite, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said. The expansion involves a 26,000-square-meter increase in manufacturing space designed to boost production capacity, increase exports and introduce advanced semiconductor technologies.

ASE PH, which began operations in 1994 as Cypress Semiconductor Philippines, said the move reflects the sustained confidence of its Taiwanbased parent group in the Philippines as a competitive manufacturing hub. The project is expected to create additional jobs and strengthen local supply chain linkages. ASE PH currently employs 825 workers and utilizes advanced Autoline-enabled platforms capable of a 24-hour turnaround time. These systems are supported by inhouse reliability testing and failure analysis to ensure product validation

IN BRIEF

BSP: Melting, damaging coins punishable by law

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) issued an advisory Wednesday, reminding the public that melting and damaging Philippine coins, as well as commemorative coins, is punishable by law under Presidential Decree No. 247.

The decree prohibits individuals from “defacing, mutilating, tearing, or partially burning or destroying” any BSP-issued currency.

Individuals found guilty of these acts could be imprisoned for up to five years and fined with an amount not exceeding P20,000, it said.

The BSP said that coins are intended as payment for daily transactions, while commemorative coins are issued to highlight the significance of Filipino culture.

“The BSP urges the public to help safeguard the integrity of the Philippine currency by using coins responsibly and only for their intended purpose,” it said. Thony Rose Lesaca

GCash expands digital payment tools in Cebu GCASH , the leading finance super app in the Philippines, said it deployed a suite of digital financial tools and on-ground activations during the 2026 Sinulog Festival to bolster local entrepreneurship and streamline commerce for small-scale merchants.

The initiative focused on transitioning nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (NMSMEs) from traditional cash-based retail to digital-first operations during one of the country’s most crowded cultural events.

The company established experience hubs and mobile “PisoCarts” along parade routes, allowing festival-goers to purchase essential items for P1 via QR code payments. These activations were designed to demonstrate the speed of cashless transactions to both consumers and vendors, reducing wait times and increasing turnover during peak festival hours.

GCash regional business unit vice president Tania Gil Padilla said the company aims to make the festival experience as seamless as it is vibrant.

“Through initiatives like our PisoTreats and cashless QR payments, we are weaving financial technology into the very fabric of the festival. We are proud to support Cebu’s nano, micro, small and medium enterprises as they transition from traditional retail to a digital-first future and a trusted financial hub in their communities,” Padilla said.

Education body warns of ‘proficiency collapse’

NEARLY one in two Filipino learners cannot read at grade level by Grade 3 and mastery of subjects drops to nearly zero by high school graduation, according to a final report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) released on Jan. 26, 2026.

The report, titled “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reforms,” describes a “proficiency collapse” in the national education system. Data showed that while 30.5 percent of Grade 3 students meet proficiency standards, the figure plummet to 0.4 percent by Grade 12. The findings were supported by more than 40 studies from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

To address the crisis, the commission proposed the National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan) 2026–2035. The 10-year roadmap seeks to coordinate policies and funding across the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. The research highlighted several systemic “pressure points,” including a 23.6-percent stunting rate among children and a significant loss of instructional time.

and rapid fault isolation.

ASE PH managing director Tony Arellano said the company would match its physical expansion with investments in human capital through the ASE Institute. The platform provides entry-level and engineering programs to maintain a pipeline of skilled talent for the growing facility.

The expansion also incorporates sustainability measures such as water conservation, the adoption of green energy, and the localization of supplies to ensure environmentally resilient growth.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

lobe Telecom Inc. on Wednesday reported a 4-percent decline in its 2025 net income as elevated depreciation and interest expenses weighed on the company despite achieving record-high service revenues.

The Ayala-led telecommunications provider posted a net income of P23.3 billion last year, down from P24.3 billion in 2024. Core net income, which excludes non-recurring items such as asset sales and foreign exchange movements, fell to P20.9 billion from P21.5 billion in the previous year.

Despite the bottom-line dip, consolidated gross service revenues reached a record P165.1 billion in 2025, surpassing the previous peak set in 2024.

Fourth-quarter revenues also hit a record P43.4 billion, a 5-percent increase from the third quarter, led by higher mobile data usage and broadband demand.

Globe Telecom president and chief executive Carl Raymond Cruz said the results reflected a resilient year for the company.

“Coming off a record 2024, we gathered momentum in the last three

TP EXPANSION. TP in the Philippines (formerly Teleperformance), a leader in digital business services, announces the launch of TP Davao Uprise, its second site in Davao City and fourth across Mindanao, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to regional growth, talent development and inclusive job creation in the Philippines. Located at The Uprise at Felcris Centrale Mall, the new site serves global and domestic markets and is scalable for expansion as needed.

quarters following a soft start and delivered a record performance in 2025, reaffirming the strength and adaptability of our core business. The sustained pace across mobile, broadband and corporate data, coupled with disciplined cost management, enabled us to achieve positive free cash flow while continuing to invest in network quality and customer experience,” Cruz said.

The mobile business segment posted all-time high revenues of P116.9 billion, up from P116.7 billion in 2024. The company’s mobile subscriber base grew 8 percent to 65.8 million users by the end of 2025. Home broadband revenues rose 1 percent to P24 billion as the growth of fiber services offset the decline in legacy fixed wireless offerings. Corporate data revenues also reached a record P20.7 billion, representing a 1 percent increase from the previous year.

Holcim invests P358m in facility to cut emissions

HOLCIM Philippines said Wednesday it completed a P358-million investment in a new alternative fuel feeding system at its La Union plant to expand capacity and advance its decarbonization roadmap.

The project is designed to support lower-carbon operations by increasing the use of alternative fuels and reducing reliance on imported coal. It said this promotes circular economy practices through waste co-processing, allowing the facility to replace traditional energy sources with more sustainable options.

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on Wednesday expressed support for the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as it resumes field audits under a modernized framework designed to improve transparency and predictability in the tax system.

The business group welcomed Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 8-2026, which restarts audit and field enforcement activities including electronic letters of authority, mission orders and tax verification notices.

The PCCI said a more significant reform is found under Revenue Memorandum Order (RMO) No. 1-2026, which introduces a modernized audit framework with new taxpayer safeguards.

PCCI president Perry Ferrer said the single instance audit framework, which limits audits to 1 letter of au-

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SN ABOITIZ Power said Wednesday it is constructing two new battery energy storage system projects in Benguet totaling 80 megawatts after reaching financial close on Feb. 3, 2026. SNAP, a joint venture between Aboitiz Renewables Inc. and Norway’s Scatec ASA, will co-locate the systems with its existing hydro facilities.

The projects include a 40-megawatt BESS at the Binga Hydroelectric Power Plant and another 40-megawatt BESS at the Ambuklao Hydroelectric Power Plant. Both are designed to

thority per taxpayer per year, streamlines the process and reduces disruption to business operations.

“This policy consolidates all internal revenue tax types, including VAT, into a single authority and improves efficiency through the automatic consolidation of multiple eLAs into one LOA,” Ferrer said.

The group also supported the shift toward risk-based and data-driven audit selection. The reform rationalizes enforcement authority by abolishing various task forces and closing VAT audit sections and large taxpayers VAT audit units, effectively returning assessment functions to regular BIR offices.

PCCI director for taxation Alfredo Yao said the reforms reinforce fairness and accountability by strengthening transparency in taxpayer interactions and removing redundant audit units. Othel V. Campos

provide ancillary services to the Luzon grid through the reserves market. The new capacity expands the company’s storage portfolio, which includes a 24-megawatt BESS at the Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant that has provided ancillary services since 2024.

SNAP also expects to begin commercial operations of two other projects this year, specifically 40 megawatts at Binga and 16 megawatts at Magat. Once completed, the total BESS capacity in operation and under construction for SNAP will reach 160 megawatts. The company said in a statement

The investment includes a modern feeding system, covered storage and upgraded conveying infrastructure. These improvements are expected to raise alternative fuel use and reduce carbon emissions by about 12 percent per ton of cementitious material produced, aligning with the Holcim Group’s commitment to reach Net Zero by 2050.

“This investment reflects our commitment to decarbonizing our operations while ensuring we remain ready to serve the market as demand recovers. By integrating more alternative fuels and modernizing our facilities, we are strengthening supply reliability and supporting more sustainable construction in the country,” Holcim Philippines president and chief executive Nicolas George said.

The company also carried out maintenance and reliability initiatives across its plants in 2025 to ensure operational readiness for 2026 and beyond.

These efforts are intended to strengthen the long-term viability of the La Union facility while supporting local jobs and a stable cement supply for the regional and national markets, it said.

Othel V.

that battery energy storage plays a critical role in supporting grid stability, providing fast-response services that help manage real-time frequency fluctuations and enabling the integration of variable renewable energy sources. SNAP said that as the Philippines scales up renewable energy under its transition goals, the need for flexible and reliable ancillary services will grow. Through continued investments in hydro and battery storage, Aboitiz Renewables and SNAP said they are advancing a resilient portfolio that supports long-term energy security.

Chinese Embassy honors 27 groups for boosting ties

By Michael Wong Ho

THE Chinese Embassy held its “Friends of the Chinese Embassy” Awarding Ceremony 2025 at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati on Jan. 30, 2026, honoring 27 FilipinoChinese associations and individuals for their contributions to bolstering China–Philippines ties.

Recipients included the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Associations of the Philippines Foundation (FFCAP) chairman Zhao Qi Ping and Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Victor Lim, who received awards such as the Outstanding Contribution Award and the People-to-People Friendship Award.

Ambassador Jing Quan reviewed his main initiatives during his first two months in office, outlining six priority areas.

One is to restart the roadmap for dialogue and consultation, which was stopped for more than a year. The Philippines and China are negotiating to resume regular consultation mechanisms ranging from director-general to ministerial levels. Recently, both sides successfully held their first resumed dialogue.

On the South China Sea, the ambassador cited the need to maintain the status quo and avoid conflict, aiming to keep maritime conditions calm and peaceful.

He said that, before a Code of Conduct (COC) is agreed, both sides can pursue pragmatic cooperation such as maritime search-and-rescue and environmental protection, citing recent instances in which the Chinese Coast Guard assisted in rescuing Filipino fishermen.

PH reaffirms economic partnership with Guangxi

DLSU Englicom celebrates Lunar New Year

DE LA Salle University’s Filipino-Chinese student organization Englicom celebrated the 2026 Chinese New Year with a weeklong program from Feb. 2 to 6 featuring traditional performances, cultural exhibits, games, food stalls and live entertainment.

A mass and dragon and lion dances were held during the opening ceremony. University officials, the Englicom chairman and other leaders joined in

a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Thousands of faculty members and students attended. Throughout the week, participants explored Chinese cultural displays, took part in interactive games and enjoyed stage performances and a variety of food offerings.

Englicom holds its Chinese New Year celebration annually to promote the Filipino-Chinese community and traditional Chinese culture.

It is open to all students of the De La Salle Manila chapter, including international students, allowing them to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship.

Englicom is the campus’s leading Filipino-Chinese social welfare organization which has more than 1,500 members across colleges and draws on 61 years of experience organizing cultural and community activities. Michael Wong Ho

Hong Kong’s Tam

Jai MiXian opens first branch in Taguig

KNOWN as the “Hong Kong national canteen,” TamJai MiXian has opened its first branch at G/F BGC Corporate Center 2, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Founded in 1996, many Hong Kongers have enjoyed mixian since their student days and continue to eat it as office workers.

Tam Jai MiXian specializes in Yunnan-style rice noodles paired with a rich, complex broth. The brand is popular in Hong Kong and has expanded into mainland China, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia and Australia.

TamJai MiXian’s hallmark is its highly flexible ordering system.

Using smooth, chewy Yunnan rice noodles, customers can choose soups with spiciness levels from 1 to 10. For those who prefer not to test their spice tolerance, the restaurant offers signature dishes, a variety of hotpot ingredients including different meats, vegetables and tofu and rice set meals for customers who cannot eat spicy food.

Michael Wong Ho

TAPh champions unity, youth development

THE Taiwanese Association of the Philippines (TAPh) marked its 20th anniversary on Feb. 1, 2026 at Gloria Maris Shark’s Fin Restaurant Greenhills in San Juan City, highlighting the expanding ties between Taiwan and the Philippines.

More than 300 people participated in the event, which celebrated two decades of community service, unity and civic engagement. Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Minister Chia-ching Hsu led a Taiwanese delegation to join local residents for the commemoration.

The gathering featured several senior Taiwanese officials, including Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Wen-chieh Liang, legislators Chu-yin Lin and Jie Huang, New Taipei City Councilor Wei-shan Dai and Taichung City Councilor Chihchang Shih.

TAPh president Tomas Pai paid tribute to the association’s founding

leaders and past officers while reiterating the group’s commitment to unity, expanded community services and youth development.

“The association remains committed to sustaining the community’s future in the Philippines,” Pai said, citing the importance of passing traditions to the next generation.

Speaking for founding president Shih-ying Hsieh, Jack Hsieh reflected on the early years of the organization and urged younger members to continue traditions of solidarity, mutual support and social responsibility.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Representative Wallace Chow cited growing momentum in bilateral relations, noting increased cooperation in trade, agriculture, investment and people-to-people exchanges. He described the association as both a community hub and a platform for grassroots diplomacy. Julie Ann Lope

By Julie Ann Lope

THE Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou, led by Consul-General Iric Cruz Arribas reaffirmed its commitment to deepen economic ties with Guangxi during the 2026 Spring Tea Gathering and Guangxi Economic Fresh Briefing held on January 22.

Hosted by the Department of Commerce of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Nanning under the theme “Gallant Steeds Gather, A New Chapter.”, the event aimed for expanded trade, investment and business collaboration.

Consular corps from Nanning and Guangzhou, ASEAN chambers of commerce, business representatives and representatives of ASEAN member states participated in the event.

Guangxi officials outlined the region’s 2026 economic priorities and opportunities for enhanced cooperation with ASEAN, emphasizing areas opened by regional frameworks such as RCEP and the upgraded China-ASEAN Free Trade Arrangement (CAFTA 3.0). Arribas emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to strengthen economic collaboration with Guangxi.

He spotlighted the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship and its designation as Country of Honor at the China–ASEAN Expo 2026. He also noted that the Philippines’ 14-day visa-free entry policy for Chinese nationals intend to facilitate business and people-to-people exchanges.

McLeod steers stronger UK–PH commercial ties

WHEN Sarah McLeod first set foot in the Philippines in 1997, she saw opportunity; 28 years later she leads it.

As the chairwoman of the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) and managing director of Q2 HR Solutions, McLeod is steering efforts to deepen trade links, attract UK investors and turn the Philippines into a strategic partner for long-term growth in Asia.

Practical local knowledge is central to her pitch.

McLeod says that British companies succeed here when they partner with firms that understand local laws, processes and networksand tell the unvarnished truth.

For her, BCCP’s value goes beyond the events that they organize for its members.

“A chamber’s real value isn’t the events totally, it’s the trust, insights, and collective voice it creates.”

With 300 members across diverse industries, the chamber’s job is to listen, integrate member needs, and translate connections into follow-up action that helps firms scale up in the market.

She envisions the Chamber growing to provide greater support for companies.

McLeod views the Philippines not just as a market but as a strategic partner for UK businesses not just within the country but as part of ASEAN and broader Asia.

She highlights opportunities in education, green energy and solar power, infrastructure, hospitality, and BPOs.

With the Philippines serving as ASEAN Chair for 2026 under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the country will pursue stronger regional, economic and security ties through roughly 650 meetings.

McLeod views it as a chance to position and leverage the Philippines as a global player.

She believes the British Embassy’s support, the “ease of doing business”, and the high regard for British quality brands help maintain strong bilateral trade relations.

“One of the beauties of doing business here in the Philippines is that you can start small then expand,” she says.

When asked how Filipino-Chinese enterprises, which dominate many industries, can play a role in UK–Philippines trade, McLeod said they can be powerful partners.

“They have deep local networks with a global mindset- global ambition with local execution,” she says.

Practical initiatives such as business-matching events and targeted networking can help translate

strengths into deeper bilateral commercial links.

As the first woman to chair BCCP, McLeod is candid about the barriers many women face.

According to her, women are not always good at going for what they want.

Her advice: “Be bold- start conversations with management, articulate your aspirations, and get involved in committees to build visibility and experience,” she said.

She is also planning a youth leadership program that would mentor, coach, and give younger professionals a platform to learn, have a voice and opportunities to contribute.

“The Philippines is a young country. Young leaders need encouragement and a push in the right direction,” she says.

When asked about her leadership style, she says: “Wherever you work around the world, one size fits all doesn’t work anymore.”

“Travelling around the Philippines has given me broader insight into what the country is really like-many of our employees are not from the cities, so you must get out and see.” McLeod says.

“Listen before you speak. Encourage team discussions to find practical solutions, and lead with consistency and authenticity.” she says.

As leadership comes with intense demands, McLeod stresses the importance of decompressing and taking care of oneself.

“Take time for yourself. It’s okay to be selfish for your own self. I love diving: when I’m under the sea I can focus on myself and not everything outside it- a very decompressing moment,” she says. Julie Ann Lope

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA,

JASPER VALDEZ,

Writer

Writer

By Jasper Valdez

PAGEANTRY, according to Miss Globe 2025 Chayathanus “Cheraim” Saradatta, is built on years of practice, discipline, and preparation—long before anyone steps onstage.

The work behind the crown

Miss Globe 2025 Cheraim Saradatta on what makes a queen

Speaking during her official welcoming on Jan. 26 at World Kitchens in Gateway Mall 2, Cheraim framed the crown as the visible result of work that is mostly unseen.

“Being a queen doesn’t happen overnight. It happens through years of practice, dedication, and constantly working on yourself,” she said, addressing what aspiring queens often overlook when they focus only on competition night.

“You really have to always manage your time and be ready for anything, because you never know what situation you will face,” she said. In her view, readiness is not only about rehearsing answers

SHOWBIZ

even outside pageants. “You always have to be your best version, because you never know—maybe the judge is hiding somewhere, maybe the opportunity is already there,” she said.

The point, as she explained it, is to treat ordinary moments as if they count—because habits show, whether or not a camera is pointed at you.

Cheraim’s visit also highlighted the working side of a titleholder’s year, including travel, public appearances, and representing an organization’s values in various countries.

“I would not be able to travel around the world, meet different cultures, and meet different people if not for the Miss Globe title,” she said, describing how the role opens doors and the responsibilities that come with it.

The Manila stop coincided with a partnership update between Binibining Pilipinas and the Miss Globe Organization, with both sides noting the collaboration will be strengthened for the next three years.

Binibining Pilipinas Jr. Executive Committee member Pia Ojeda said the partnership reflects values that go beyond appearance.

On ‘Sinners’ deserving record Oscar nods

THE Ryan Coogler-directed movie Sinners broke the record for most Oscar nominations when it netted 16 nods on the day this year’s nominees were announced.

It’s something worth celebrating, as the record it beat had stood since 1950, when All About Eve bagged 14. Two other films, Titanic and La La Land, tied the record in 1997 and 2016, respectively. Just having Titanic in the conversation makes the achievement of Coogler, the film’s star Michael B. Jordan, and everyone who worked on it a major feat worth talking about. La La Land was likewise a cinematic work

16 times out of 24 categories, begs the question: did it truly deserve that many nominations and the title of the most nominated film in Oscar history?

a period film fantasy horror, could surpass the 11 Oscar wins set by Titanic, Ben-Hur, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Objectively, this film deserved to break the 14-nomination record that had stood for 76 years. In my personal opinion, though, it’s a bit overkill that a vampire thriller—arguably a dressed-to-the-hilt version of From Dusk Till Dawn ended up rewriting history.

or perfecting a walk. It is about handling days that do not go according to plan—schedules shifting, travel demands, and the pressure of being “on” in public. That mindset, she added, applies

“Today is really a celebration of not only beauty but also the intelligence and compassion that our girls have,” Ojeda said. Vice President of the Miss Globe Organization Frenki Bozo said the partnership with Binibining Pilipinas will continue to grow from here on out.

“Unofficially, I think this [partnership] will last a lifetime,” he said.

When Titanic was overtaken at the box office by the also James Camerondirected Avatar, I felt bad for cinema history. I never watched the original Avatar a second time, while I’ve seen Titanic eight times on the big screen as a young man. I was nearly in tears after each viewing.

There are factors that may have contributed. The movie’s director had already carved a high reputation as a filmmaker, with his work embraced by both filmgoers and critics. He is behind the fame of Black Panther and engineered the ingenious twist legacy by casting his favorite collaborator—yes, that’s Michael B.—to portray the titular , which earned Sylvester an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor playing Rocky

Jordan also starred in Coogler’s directorial debut Fruitvale Station in which he played Oscar Grant, a real person killed on New Year’s Day 2009 in Oakland, California, whose death was significant to the Black Lives Matter movement. In other words, Coogler and Jordan are a one-two punch for the Black community—or, as I put it, the “colored ones” of film received nominations in the big categories: Director, Lead Actor, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Original Screenplay, and, as expected, Best Picture. It also earned several technical nominations, including Sound, Editing, and Production Design.

It’s somewhat easy to see why those with the power to nominate were captivated by the film. Sinners is a visual spectacle, properly acted, with snappy singing and dancing, and powered by strong social commentary. Traditionally, the Academy favors such elements as a nod to classic Hollywood. The movie, which cost $90 million to make, grossed nearly $370 million, making it a box office success. It also consistently ranked high among Best Picture contenders.

Chances are Sinners, classified as

Now Sinners is in a position to surpass Titanic for Oscar wins, since 12 victories out of 16 nominations is not impossible. Kudos to the high quality of Coogler’s work.

Another factor is that this year is not generally perceived as highly competitive film-wise. It’s not like 1994, when Jurassic Park, Pulp Fiction Shawshank Redemption The Lion King, and Forrest Gump were all simultaneously in theaters.

Records are meant to be broken. Kids in the future might live in a world where one movie claims the most Oscar nominations and wins— and it’s not Citizen Kane

That’s worth pointing out. The film, historically considered the greatest ever made, went home with just one Oscar out of nine nominations.

But while Citizen Kane was ahead of its time, you can’t say that about Sinners. The performances in this potential Best Picture are strong but not on the level of Daniel Day-Lewis in There Will Be Blood or Javier Bardem in No Country for Old Men

Again, consider Titanic, whose behindthe-scenes story was itself newsworthy. Cameron may not have been the nicest person on set, but his work on the unsinkable story made filmmaking cinematic in itself. Titanic’s triumph was Hollywood’s first-class party.

Titanic beautifully presented a romanticized, headline-grabbing story worth seeing repeatedly until you realize it’s better to leave the doomed souls to history and simply learn from past mistakes. It made me a Titanic buff.

Sinners is, yes, a great film. But not many of its scenes will linger in the mind as long. Still, if it wins at least 12 Oscars, I’ll be happy for Ryan and Michael.

KRIS Bernal has finally explained why fans never got the onscreen happily-everafter they’d dreamed of with Aljur Abrenica.

In a recent TV guesting, the actress shared that while they always put on a sweet front for their supporters, backstage life told a very different story.

“Whenever we faced the crowd, we had to appear that we’re okay, like in mall shows. And if someone asked if we were an item, we’d just look at each other, which was sweet for the fans,” she admitted.

But off-camera, sparks weren’t flying in a romantic way. “In fact, we’d fight backstage. That was the situation then. We just put on a show in front of our supporters!”

So what went wrong?

“Honestly, we didn’t really jive,” Kris said. She also confirmed that Aljur had tried to court her for about three months, as they were often together on projects.

“We realized early on that it wouldn’t work. We just didn’t see eye-to-eye.”

One of the sticking points, she revealed, was their communication styles.

“Aljur prefers calling over texting. And you know how loquacious he is!

That’s why I didn’t want to call him. But now, I understand him better. I even invite him to vlog, and I’ll call him!”

The actress, now back on GMA’s Afternoon Prime lineup, is thrilled to take on a villainous role in House of Lies

“For the longest time, I was always the lead who gets oppressed. Now, I’m the bad girl. It’s exciting!” She’s especially loving the layers her character Thea brings. “She doesn’t hurt others just for the sake of it. She has her own story and many

lies in her life.” And working opposite Beauty Gonzalez? A dream come true.

“When they offered me this project, I immediately said yes!”

There’s one part Kris still finds challenging—love scenes. “I’m not comfortable kissing someone I’m not close to. Maybe when I was single it was fine, but now I have my family. I always consider what my husband Perry Choi would say. I won’t even let him watch the scenes,” she confessed.

Despite the nerves, she’s proud of the role. “It’s very challenging, but that’s why I love it,” Kris added.

* * * MEANWHILE, Rayver Cruz is dancing his way into a new role—this time as a judge. The Kapuso heartthrob will join Marian Rivera and Coach Jay for the second season of Stars on the Floor

“I’m thrilled! Dancing is my passion, and it’s one of my strengths as an artist. It even became my passport to where I am now,” he said during a TV interview.

Interestingly, this marks his first time judging a dance competition. “I can’t wait to show what I know and give my honest feedback,” Rayver added, clearly excited for the new challenge.

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Seasoned queens set sights on Miss Universe PH crown

By Angelica Villanueva

THE roster for Miss Universe Philippines 2026 is shaping up to feature several familiar faces, as pageant veterans confirm their return to competitive pageantry ahead of the upcoming season.

Bella Ysmael, who is reentering the beauty pageant stage after a six-year break. Ysmael last competed nationally in 2020 as Parañaque’s representative in the inaugural Miss Universe Philippines pageant, where she finished first Rabiya Mateo

Marita Zobel and niece of Miss Universe 1973 , Ysmael said accepting the Taguig title felt like “the easiest yes,” citing timing and personal growth. She described her return as that of a more evolved version of herself, moving beyond the image she carried during her earlier pageant run.

Cebu is also sending two seasoned contenders back into competition. Nicole , Miss International 2023 third runner-up, was appointed Miss Universe

Apriel Smith received the Miss Universe

Their appointments were announced Feb. 1 during a ceremony at Nustar Resort and Casino. Organizers opted not to hold a local pageant this year, choosing instead to focus their resources on relief and medical missions following recent earthquakes and typhoons that affected the island.

Borromeo previously represented the Philippines at Miss International after winning a Binibining Pilipinas title, while Smith has competed in Binibining Pilipinas, Binibining Cebu, and the 2020 Miss Universe Philippines pageant, where she placed in the Top 16.

Western Visayas adds to the veteran presence with Zestah Espinosa, who was crowned Miss Iloilo 2026. Espinosa previously competed in Miss Pearl of the Orient and dominated her local pageant with Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown awards. Organizers are expected to announce which national competition she will enter in the coming days.

Another pageant veteran confirmed to return to the competitive stage is beauty queen and GMA Sparkle artist Roxie Baeyens, who will represent the city of Baguio. Baeyens previously represented the Philippines at Miss Earth 2020, where she was crowned Miss Earth–Water.

“The 61st Second: Pushing Past Possibilities,” was held on Jan. 28 and honored public relations programs from across the country. Under the Public Relations Programs–Employee Engagement category, MakatiMed received a Silver Anvil for its Gabay 2.0 Mental Health and Wellness Program. The institutionalized initiative provides ongoing mental health support for hospital employees through psychological consultations, mindful interventions, and psychosocial support training. MakatiMed also earned a Silver Anvil under Marketing and Brand Communication for its QR Code Scheduling: Digital Innovation for Patient Convenience Program. The mobile-accessible system streamlines outpatient procedure

bookings and has posted steady adoption, with an average conversion rate of 83 percent, supporting the hospital’s digital efforts focused on patient access. Completing the wins was the Red Light Project, which received a Silver Anvil under Advocacy, Public Awareness, and CauseRelated Programs. Led by the Hematology Section and the Hospital Blood Transfusion Committee, the initiative uses red lights atop the MakatiMed building to signal critically low blood supply levels and encourage timely blood donations. The recognitions highlight MakatiMed’s initiatives aimed at employee well-being, patient convenience, and public awareness programs with community impact.

A GROWING number of consumers are looking for simple ways to live more sustainably in 2026. From personal care to household essentials, small daily choices—like using refill packs or products made with eco-friendly materials—can reduce environmental impact without sacrificing convenience or quality.

Watsons Philippines is encouraging consumers to make more sustainable choices in their daily routines through its Sustainable Choices program, which highlights products and instore initiatives designed to reduce environmental impact. As more shoppers look for practical ways to live more responsibly in 2026, the retailer is promoting small changes, from personal care to household essentials, that can be easily incorporated into everyday life. The program focuses on affordable options that balance self-care, convenience, and environmental responsibility.

Central to the initiative are refill packs, which allow customers to reuse original containers while reducing plastic waste. Watsons also operates in-store refill stations at select branches, including SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia, Pacita Complex, and selected stores in Bonifacio Global City. The refill options are positioned as both environmentally friendly and cost-effective for frequently used products.

Sustainable Choices is guided by four pillars. Refill and Reuse promotes refill packs and refill stations to cut down on single-use plastics. Clean Beauty features products made with ingredients aimed at reducing environmental impact through more responsible formulations and packaging. Better Ingredients supports responsible sourcing and reduced use of virgin plastic in non-formulated products. Better Packaging emphasizes recycled materials, sustainably managed paper, and designs that limit plastic waste. Watsons has also expanded sustainability practices across its stores. Most branches now use paper bags as part of a shift away from plastic, and customers are encouraged to bring reusable bags. Selected locations offer Recycle for Rewards bins, where customers can return empty personal care containers in exchange for discounts.

Danilo Chiong, managing director of Watsons Philippines, said sustainability does not have to be complicated or inaccessible. He noted that the program is designed to help customers make greener choices through everyday products and store experiences. Sustainable Choices products are available in more than 1,200 Watsons stores nationwide and through the Watsons App, which can be downloaded on the App Store and Google Play.

TOY Kingdom has launched its first exclusive K-pop hub, K-POP FESTA by TK, at SM Mall of Asia. The pop-up store opened on Jan. 21 and will run through Feb. 8.

Located on Level 3 of the North Entertainment Mall, the temporary store will offer merchandise and collectibles from more than 25 popular K-pop acts, including BTS, BLACKPINK, Seventeen, Stray Kids, NewJeans, IVE, Le Sserafim, Aespa, TXT, Enhypen, NCT, ZeroBaseOne, P1Harmony, Oneus, Riize, Ateez, and 2AM

The pop-up is designed for fans of all ages and levels of fandom. Organizers encouraged visitors to come early to secure limited-stock items.

The pop-up will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Fans can follow @ KpopFestabyTK on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates and real-time stock information.

K-POP FESTA by TK shelves feature collectibles and merchandise from popular K-pop acts

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

By Nickie Wang

AS THE wellness industry grows more crowded and competitive, credibility has become a defining factor separating established brands from short-lived trends, according to Rey Panaligan Jr., chairman, president, and CEO of EM-CORE.

Speaking with Manila Standard Life Panaligan emphasized that credibility begins with product quality and accountability,

elements he stresses cannot be replicated through marketing alone.

“The foundation has always been simple, high-quality products and responsible business practices,” Panaligan noted. “That responsibility extends to our people, our partners, and our distributors.”

EM-CORE’s approach underscores why credibility remains critical in an industry often challenged by exaggerated claims and inconsistent standards. For more than a decade, the company has partnered with Compact Pharmaceuticals Corp., a manufacturer with over 50 years of

Why credibility matters in crowded wellness market

experience, to produce its flagship supplement, 24 Alkaline-C. The product is pharmaceutical-grade, formulated with ingredients sourced from DSM Switzerland, and listed in MIMS, a widely used medical reference.

Longevity itself, Panaligan underscored, serves as a credibility marker in wellness.

Beyond formulation, EMCORE reinforces trust through independent recognition. The brand has been awarded Superbrands since 2018 and has maintained its MIMS listing since 2021, distinctions that point to consistency rather than short-term success.

Credibility, Panaligan reiterated, also extends to how opportunities are presented to distributors. Through its M-Force network, EM-CORE prioritizes realistic, performancebased outcomes instead of inflated promises.

“We focus on what is real and factual,” he explained.

“Sustainability comes from transparency.”

That principle also shapes EMCORE’s business infrastructure. The company is set to launch a proprietary e-commerce platform this Chinese New Year, integrated with a trusted financial institution—an arrangement Panaligan described as an industry first in direct selling.

“This partnership raises the standard for how the industry operates,” he explained.

In a market where wellness products and income opportunities often blur ethical lines, Panaligan maintained that credibility is ultimately measured by trust earned over time.

When asked to identify EM-CORE’s most significant milestones over 11 years, he pointed to one recurring metric.

“The trust of our distributors,” Panaligan said, “and the consistent recognition the company has received.”

DEWBERRY, a fragrance that gained cult status in the 1990s, has returned to The Body Shop, reviving a scent many associate with the decade.

First introduced more than three decades ago, Dewberry became one of the brand’s most recognizable fragrances. Its return follows sustained demand from customers who have long asked for its comeback. The relaunched collection keeps the original scent profile while updating the formulas and textures to suit current preferences.

The fragrance opens with juicy dewberry blended with green leaves and a hint of eucalyptus, giving it a bright and refreshing start. Floral notes of jasmine, freesia and white lily emerge at the center, adding a soft and clean character. The scent finishes with cedarwood and musk, creating a warm base that lingers.

The Body Shop describes the relaunched Dewberry as playful yet polished, combining nostalgia with a more contemporary feel. The collection is now available at all The Body Shop stores nationwide.

The Body Shop was founded in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick in Littlehampton, England. The brand became known for its stance on corporate social activism and its advocacy for ethical business practices. Today, it continues to promote its core values, including opposition to animal testing, support for fair trade communities, self-esteem advocacy, human rights protection and environmental sustainability.

By Nickie Wang

FOR 45 years, Svenson has stood as The Hairloss Authority in the country, setting the standard for evidence-based care and proven results in hair and scalp health.

Svenson’s NexoHair Exosomes treatment uses exosomes to boost hair growth, stimulate follicle formation, and revitalize the scalp

In an industry filled with trends and quick fixes, Svenson continues to take a grounded, scientific approach rooted in medical expertise, clear information, and a deep understanding of the personal nature of hair loss and scalp care. From Svenson’s branches in Alabang, BGC, Binondo, Cebu, Makati, San Fernando, and West Ave, the brand has recently further expanded with the opening of its Angeles, Lipa, and Greenhills locations. Each new center reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and precision. Svenson’s specialists provide not only treatments but also knowledge, helping clients understand the real causes of hair loss and the options available to address it effectively.

Further strengthening its legacy of innovation, Svenson continues to take the fight for every strand to the next level with NexoHair Exosomes, a breakthrough treatment that has redefined hair restoration. Harnessing the regenerative power of exosomes, NexoHair helps boost hair growth, stimulate new follicle formation, and

revitalize the scalp for healthier, fuller hair. Harnessing the power of Exosomes

At the heart of NexoHair lies the power of exosomes, microscopic vesicles naturally produced by cells, which have garnered attention in the scientific community for their remarkable repair and regenerative properties. These nanoparticles act as messengers, signaling cells to regenerate hair follicles, strengthen hair structure, reduce scalp inflammation, and create an optimal environment for healthy growth.

Carrying essential growth factors, proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, exosomes influence cellular behavior and promote renewal at the source.

This breakthrough opens new possibilities even for individuals experiencing advanced thinning or balding. NexoHair offers

a non-surgical, virtually painless treatment with no blood extraction or downtime required. It is suitable for those with conditions such as androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and alopecia areata. Notably, it has also shown promising results for advanced stages of androgenetic alopecia, providing renewed hope for those who previously believed their hair loss was beyond recovery.

Svenson’s work extends beyond science. The brand recognizes that hair loss is deeply personal, an experience that affects confidence and self-image. Svenson approaches every client with empathy and honesty, offering realistic paths forward that restore not only hair but also assurance and trust.

As Svenson continues to evolve and expand, it stays true to its founding principles while looking ahead to its 45th anniversary and beyond. Svenson remains unwavering in its mission to help people move forward with clarity, confidence, and care. Start fighting for every strand with Svenson. Book a consultation through www.svenson.com.ph or call 8892-HAIR (4247). For updates, follow @ svensonphl on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.