Manila Standard - 2026 March 19 - Thursday

By Joel E. Zurbano

PBBM suspends PUV fare hikes

Transport, labor groups buck move; PISTON

By Katrina Manubay and Alena Mae Flores

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of the scheduled fare increases for public land transportation that were supposed to take effect today, citing the need to ease the burden on commuters amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

In a video statement, Mr. Marcos directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to defer the hikes, while assuring transport workers that government support, including the P5,000 cash aid, would be expedited and expanded.

“Let us postpone that for now because we are in the middle of this

By Katrina Manubay and Maricel V. Cruz

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. said yesterday the government has yet to decide whether to suspend or reduce excise taxes on petroleum products, noting that the situation requires a “very complicated” assessment.

“We will see. Depends on the trends. We have to watch the trends on oil prices. We just have to look. It’s very hard to say because it’s all speculation. We don’t know how long this will last,” the President told reporters after a price check on basic commodities in a San Juan market.

“We don’t know what the effects are. We don’t know what will happen in the Strait of Hormuz. Right now, we are just adjusting to the situation. And when the situation calls for it, then we will see when to exercise that power,” he explained.

situation where we need to continue supporting our commuters, workers, students, and everyone who uses our transport system,” he said. Transport group PISTON and the labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno criticized the President’s directive, saying

By Vito Barcelo

By Maricel V. Cruz and Katrina Manubay

By Maricel V. Cruz

the P1 to P2 fare hike was already insufficient to begin to ease the impact of surging prices of oil, yet it was still withdrawn by the government.

PISTON along with the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan will push through with its two-day strike starting today to call for the scrapping of the value added tax and excise tax on fuel products, the rollback of oil prices to P55 per liter, and a P5 fare hike for all PUVs, and a P1200 wage increase for all workers.

PISTON president Mody Floranda said that since January, drivers and operators have already lost around P390 in daily income due to rising fuel prices.

KMU added: “The plight of workers should not be used to justify this burden on PUV drivers. The call for a fare hike is reasonable at this time when our drivers are barely earning.”

While the fare hike was put on hold, the government has started releasing P5,000 in cash assistance to PUV drivers in Metro Manila under its fuel subsidy program.

Mr. Marcos also ordered a nationwide free ride program and fare discounts on MRT and LRT lines to help reduce daily commuting costs.

He added that toll road discounts would be implemented to ease expenses for motorists.

“Even if there is a major crisis, we hope its impact on our people’s daily work and students’ schooling will be minimal—or not felt at all, if possible,” the President said.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the agency is prioritizing measures to shield both commuters and transport workers from the impact of volatile fuel costs.

“The DOTr and all its attached agencies continue to work to ensure that all possible aid and support is provided immediately to commuters, drivers, and transport operators,” he added.

World oil prices soared anew over the past two days, signaling a potential price hike of P10 per liter for diesel and P6.60 per liter for gasoline next week, industry sources said.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the government is “slowly locking in” oil offers to augment national supply.

“The supply in the country right now is enough until the end of April,” Garin said.

She noted that during normal periods, companies maintain a 15-day stock because holding excessive inventory is costly.

“The government is procuring 1 million to 2 million barrels so we have a buffer,” she added.

The Philippines is currently exploring various supply sources beyond its traditional partners.

“We’re tapping other countries in Asia like Malaysia, Brunei, and India. Other global options include the US, Canada, Russia, or South American countries,” Garin said.

She added that while Russian oil might be cheaper, the logistics present a challenge --- while Asian deliveries can take about a week, the lead time for Russian shipments is significantly longer.

“The program will extend substantial financial assistance to the cream of the crop in senior high school. Hopefully, we can produce the best and the brightest professionals who can be our country’s future leaders among these graduating senior high school graduates,” the House leader said.

Romualdez said he also hopes that program beneficiaries will choose fields of higher education whose graduates are in demand in the country and abroad.

“This will expedite their employment so they can be of help to their families as soon as possible,” Romualdez said.

said about 1,000 OFWs have so far been repatriated through government-arranged chartered flights.

“We have been able to bring home no less than 1,000 OFWs because of the initiative and efforts of the Philippine government to bring them home safely. They were able to return home using chartered flights,” Olalia said in a press conference.

“While commercial flights are available, they are not guaranteed,” he said.

In London, the International Maritime Organization will begin an “extraordinary session” on Wednesday to discuss shipping amid the Middle East war, as fears grow over the fate of thousands of stranded ships and seafarers.

The IMO’s 40-member council could vote Thursday on several proposed resolutions, including one to “establish a safe maritime corridor to allow the safe evacuation of seafarers and ships stranded in the Persian Gulf.”

However, if passed, resolutions remain non-binding.

The meeting—open to all 176 member states as well as dozens of NGOs and maritime industry bodies—comes as Iran’s retaliation to Israeli-US strikes cripples commercial shipping in or near the Strait of Hormuz.

An effective Iranian blockade of the key maritime chokepoint—through which a fifth of global crude and liquefied natural gas normally transits— has dramatically spiked oil prices and spooked markets.

It has also left around 20,000 seafarers stranded on approximately 3,200 vessels west of the strait, according to the IMO.

At least 21 ships have been hit, targeted or reported attacks since the start of the conflict, according to an Agence France Presse (AFP) tally based on data from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the IMO and Iraqi and Iranian authorities.

Olalia noted that some repatriation efforts remain complicated, particularly for Filipinos in countries like Kuwait and Qatar, where airspace restrictions have forced authorities to explore land routes before arranging flights out.

Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Mardomel Celo Melicor said on Tuesday that Qatar will be resuming flights from Doha to Manila starting March 18, saying there will be “10 emergency flights” from Doha to Manila daily.

Olalia said the government provided temporary shelter, hotel accommodation, and financial assistance to displaced Filipinos prior to their return to the Philippines.

Meanwhile, twelve Filipino seafarers aboard a vessel attacked off the waters of Iraq have been confirmed safe, the DMW) said, and gave assurance that more than 7,000 other Filipino crew members operating near the volatile Strait of Hormuz remain unharmed amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. With AFP

is normal,” Mr. Marcos said as he led a joint inspection with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry at the Agora Market in San Juan City.

“Our supply is good in terms of food, rice, and all the basic goods. That’s why we are telling our citizens that hoarding is not necessary because we are not falling short in our food supply… Our vendors are cooperating. They are keeping the prices at normal from what we were, maybe a month ago, they’re the same. So, that’s what we need to maintain,” he said.

The Palace also said declaring a state of emergency may be considered if prices of basic goods soar but clarified Mr. Marcos has not ordered a price freeze.

“It hasn’t been discussed yet, but it could be declared when the situation is right, when we see that they are just abusing,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

During yesterday’s market visit, Mr. Marcos and key officials checked the “timbanagan ng bayan” (public weighing scale), Bantay Presyo (Price Watch) bulletin board, and the market’s fish, meat, fruit, vegetable, and poultry sections to ensure fair pricing and adequate supply.

“While price adjustments are understandable at a time when fuel and transport costs are rising, profiteering and hoarding are not,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

The government has also secured key farm inputs and is extending assistance to farmers to cushion production costs and help prevent spikes in consumer food prices, Tiu Laurel said.

The DA and DTI said they are closely consolidating price data from markets and supply sources nationwide.

Should findings confirm unreasonable increases or abuse in the pricing of basic necessities and prime commodities, the agencies said they are prepared to impose appropriate measures, including price ceilings, in line with existing laws and regulations.

Trade secretary Ma. Cristina Roque earlier held a dialogue with 21 leading manufacturers, who committed to keeping prices of basic goods unchanged for the next 30 to 60 days.

“We commend the proactive commitment of our manufacturers to sustain price stability within a changing cost environment. Through continuous

dialogue and coordination led by our agency, this collective effort reflects a shared responsibility to keep basic goods within reach of Filipino families and uphold fair pricing practices that support their daily needs,” Roque said.

The Philippine National Police, for its part, said it has filed profiteering charges against two gas stations in Nueva Vizcaya and Eastern Samar, where owners allegedly sold fuel above prevailing market prices.

“We already charged two,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said, noting that the cases stemmed from citizen reports through the 911 emergency system.

The Department of Energy has also tapped the PNP to check stations that suddenly closed during price hikes and to ensure proper implementation of increases.

Tuaño said the PNP has recorded 372 gas station closures nationwide.

As this developed, lawmakers on Wednesday proposed measures to address the worsening oil crisis, including the establishment of a national crude oil reserve, a P52.8 billion supplemental budget for fuel subsidies, and the accelerated transition of public transport to electric vehicles.

Senator Francis Escudero introduced Senate Bill No. 1993 seeking to establish a government-owned crude oil storage facility to strengthen the country’s ability to respond to oil crises and ensure fuel security.

The Philippines imports about 90 to 95 percent of its crude oil and refined petroleum requirements, leaving it highly exposed to global supply disruptions and price volatility.

The proposed measure calls for the construction of a crude oil tank farm capable of storing between 90 days’ worth of national consumption, estimated at P30 billion, and up to 180 days, estimated at P60 billion.

It sets an initial funding allocation of P60 billion and designates the Department of Energy, along with the Philippine National Oil Company or its subsidiary, to handle fuel procurement as well as the construction, management, maintenance, and operation of storage facilities and fuel reserves.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, filed Senate Bill No. 1986 seeking a P52.8 billion supplemental budget to expand subsidies for sectors affected by the worsening oil crisis.

Hontiveros said the proposed funding aims to address limited resources for assistance programs as the Middle East

conflict and its economic effects persist.

“The suspension of excise taxes is a good start, but it cannot be the government’s only response. We need a supplemental budget for effective and comprehensive subsidy programs so that drivers and riders can keep operating, farmers and fisherfolk can continue working, and the economy does not grind to a halt,” she said.

The proposed package includes P12 billion for transport subsidies covering public utility drivers, delivery riders, and Transport Network Vehicle Service operators, along with support for the Department of Transportation’s service contracting program.

It also allocates P2.8 billion for agricultural subsidies under the Department of Agriculture to support farmers and fisherfolk facing rising fuel and fertilizer costs.

The bill further earmarks P38 billion for overseas Filipino workers, including P18 billion for repatriation and P20 billion for reintegration and livelihood programs.

Hontiveros said current funding levels remain insufficient, pointing out that only P2.5 billion is available for transport subsidies, P150 million for agricultural support, and P1.76 billion in emergency funds for migrant workers.

“The conflict in the Middle East and the oil crisis will not end tomorrow or next week. We need to be prepared no matter how long the problem lasts,” she said.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian called on the government to accelerate the transition of public utility vehicles to electric vehicles under the PUV modernization program.

While not an immediate solution, he said shifting to electric vehicles would reduce long-term exposure to oil shocks and improve energy security.

“There would be a significant reduction in crude oil demand if the public transportation sector shifts to using electric vehicles,” said Gatchalian, who serves as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Energy.

At the House of Representatives, Labor committee chairman Rep. Jolo Revilla called on the Department of Labor and Employment and private employers to adopt and expand work-from-home (WFH) and flexible work arrangements.

Revilla said DOLE plays a critical role in leading the transition by issuing clear and updated guidelines, ensuring the protection of workers’ rights, and working closely with employers to institutionalize flexible work arrangements across industries.

Earlier, the House of Representatives adopted the Senate version of a proposed law abolishing the excise tax on fuel, following concurrence from its sponsor and authors.

During plenary deliberations presided by Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon province, Deputy Majority Leader Luigi Villafuerte of Camarines Sur said the House Committee on Ways and Means which sponsored House Bill (HB) 8418 agreed to align with Senate Bill (SB) 1982.

“We have been informed that the Committee on Ways and Means, sponsor of House Bill 8418 as well as the authors thereof, is in concurrence with the provisions of Senate Bill No. 1982. In accordance with our rules, I move to adopt Senate Bill no. 1982 as an amendment to House Bill No. 8418,” Villafuerte said.

The approved motion effectively allowed the House to adopt the Senate-approved version, streamlining the legislative process and bringing the measure closer to enactment and signing by the President.

The Senate on Tuesday approved Senate Bill No. 1982 on third and final reading with a unanimous 17-0 vote. The proposed law seeks to abolish the excise tax, a move lawmakers earlier said would provide relief to consumers and address rising costs tied to the levy.

With the House adoption of the Senate version, the measure now moves a step nearer to final approval, pending the completion of the legislative process required for its enactment into law. Last Monday, voting 248 in favor, three against, and no abstentions, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading HB 8418 that would allow the President to temporarily reduce or suspend excise taxes on petroleum products during national or global economic emergencies, providing the government with a faster tool to cushion fuel price shocks that quickly drive up transport fares, food prices, and electricity costs.

House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos said HB 8418, the proposed fuel excise tax suspension and reduction measure, was crafted as a safety valve for moments when global disruptions, including the Middle East conflict, threaten to push pump prices beyond what many families can absorb.

In a statement, defense spokesperson, lawyer Michael Poa emphasized that the recent findings are only preliminary and do not constitute a determination of truth or liability.

“The complaints suffer from a fundamental defect. They are built on conclusions, speculation, and narratives that are not anchored on the ultimate facts required under the Constitution and the rules,” he added.

Senior Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor of Iloilo led the mo-

oan’s bank accounts, insurance policies, and one vehicle, following the discovery of suspicious banking transactions that occurred four days prior to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2025. The Court of Appeals has approved the AMLC’s petition for this freeze order, according to Bilyonaryo.

tion to declare the third complaint filed by Fr. Joel Saballa and others as sufficient in grounds. Deputy Speaker Janette Garin, also of Iloilo, echoed a similar motion for the fourth complaint lodged by lawyer Nathaniel Cabrera. Luistro then marked the end of the committee’s third step in the impeachment process. With both complaints cleared, the panel now proceeds to the hearing proper, where evidence and witnesses will be presented as part of determining probable cause.

She cited the four-day non-consecutive schedule of formal hearings are “predetermined dates” agreed upon by the panel members.

A transaction on June 20, 2025, involved one Maureen Hernando Bonoan purchasing a single manager’s check under a BPI account, which was subsequently deposited into an RCBC account on July 24, 2025. On the same day, a series of trust fund transactions took place, including cash contributions and withdrawals amounting to significant sums in both cash and US dollars.

“These are predetermined dates because we were able to consider those dates only this morning… And that is, of course, on the assumption that the committee will declare sufficiency in ground,” Luistro said in a press conference. “We will definitely schedule further should the same be necessary.”

She also put on record that the panel has received authority from the House plenary to continue its work even during the congressional recess from March 21 to May 3.

“This is the authority that was given by the plenary, the House of Representatives, to the Justice Committee to be able to conduct hearing during our

According to AMLC, there was no clear purpose of investment and it appears that “the transactions were made to create layer for the cash that was introduced into the financial system as investment to make it appear thereafter to have originated from the proceeds of an investment, a typical money laundering scheme.”

In December 2023, Bonoan also processed encashment of ₱5.25 million linked to a loan payment and pre-termination.

break,” Luistro said.

The authorization also covers implementing protective measures for complainants and witnesses, as provided under Section 8 of the Rules of Procedure in impeachment proceedings.

In addition, the committee acknowledged receipt of a March 5 letter from lawyer and Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno requesting the issuance of a subpoena duces tecum for pertinent documents.

The impeachment proceedings now move into a more substantive phase, with the scheduled hearings expected to lay out evidence and testimonies central to the panel’s determination of probable cause.

The AMLC also placed a freeze order on the assets of Bonoan’s daughter, Fatima Dela Cruz, which include six bank accounts and four insurance policies, Bilyonaryo said.

Fatima made substantial cash deposits in her accounts, with the largest one occurring on January 28, 2020, totaling ₱105.56 million and ₱117.923 million, translating to US dollar amounts of $2,075,852.15 and $2,319,020.92, respectively.

Poa noted that the claims appeared to rely on baseless accusations rather than on clearly substantiated allegations. “Ultimately, the process must be governed not by any political agenda, but by the Constitution, the rules, and credible and competent evidence. On that basis, the defense stands on firm ground,” Poa said.

When asked whether the Vice President would appear in person, he said he had not yet discussed the matter with her.

“That said, there is no requirement under the applicable rules for her personal attendance. Any decision in that regard will be made in accordance with her rights and upon the advice of counsel,” he said.

JV says Senate now ready to act on ethics complaints

By Ram Superable

THE Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges is set to begin acting on at least nine ethics complaints filed against several senators after finalizing and adopting its rules, its chair, Senator JV Ejercito, said Wednesday.

Ejercito said the committee will publish its procedures within 24 hours and proceed with sending formal notices to respondents once the rules are made public.

“We will tackle each case one by one. There are now nine cases. The committee will determine if there are grounds or if these comply in form and substance. We will give time to the respondents,” he said.

Respondents will not be summoned during the first hearing, as the panel will first assess whether the complaints have sufficient basis to proceed.

Formal legal notices will then be sent to concerned senators informing them of the complaints, with cases to

be handled on a first-in, first-out basis.

Ejercito declined to reveal the identities of the lawmakers facing complaints, adding that the committee will withhold the names of respondents from public disclosure until a preliminary inquiry determines that a complaint has merit.

Additionally, an ethics complaint filed against Senator Ronald Dela Rosa over his prolonged absence from Senate duties may require amendments to existing Senate rules before it can proceed, according to Ejercito.

The complaint, filed by an anticorruption group, alleges that Dela Rosa’s months-long nonattendance constitutes dereliction of duty, raising concerns over accountability.

For his part, Ejercito said the issue of a “no work, no pay” policy is not currently covered under Senate rules, which could lead to the dismissal of the complaint if no revisions are made.

“We will need to amend it since it is not in our rules,” he said.

PBBM rea irms commitment to protect Filipino journalists

By Katrina Manubay

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting journalists, vowing to strengthen mechanisms that ensure their safety and welfare.

In his keynote address during the oath-taking ceremony of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Board of Trustees and Standards Authority, President Marcos reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting media workers and strengthening democracy.

“As a public servant who faces the

Amid concerns, PCG deploys vessels,

aircraft in disputed area

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed vessels and an aircraft to Bajo de Masinloc following reports of harassment by Chinese forces against Filipino fishermen.

PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, said the deployment, conducted in coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), aims to ensure the safety of local fishermen and provide assistance such as fuel subsidies, ice, and food supplies.

According to reports, fishermen documented dangerous maneuvers by vessels of the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia, including the use of sirens and the deployment of rigid-hull inflatable boats to drive them away from the area.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan also ordered a maritime domain awareness flight over the shoal, which confirmed the presence of multiple Chinese vessels, including five China Coast Guard ships, three vessels from the People’s Liberation Army Navy, and two maritime militia vessels.

The aerial patrol likewise verified the presence of more than 20 Filipino fishing boats operating in the area, as well as Chineseinstalled buoys.

During the mission, the PCG aircraft challenged what it described as the illegal presence of Chinese vessels in Philippine waters. Officials also reported that a People’s Liberation Army Air Force asset challenged the PCG aircraft— marking the first such recorded incident.

media almost daily, I understand the gravity of your job. It is not easy to ask questions, report, and present the truth—especially when there is risk involved,” he said.

“And that is why this administration has made it clear that the safety and welfare of our journalists must be protected at all times,” he added.

President Marcos acknowledged that the Philippines remains one of the most dangerous places for journalists, citing the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, which ranked the country 116th out of 180 countries and territories.

He emphasized the vital role journalists play in informing the public while also recognizing the various risks they face, including safety threats and pressure in performing their duties.

He added that the government will continue to stand by its commitment to protecting journalists’ welfare and will strive to ensure that victims and their loved ones obtain justice.

Additionally, the president urged media organizations to help combat

misinformation and disinformation, partic“In this regard, I also encourage media groups to help our countrymen identify what is true and what is fake news,” President Marcos said.

Recently, the Presidential Communications Office and eight media publications in the Philippines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote transparency, media literacy, fact-based reporting, and responsible information sharing.

In February, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security and the National Bureau of Investigation signed an MOU to reinforce the government’s efforts against violence and threats targeting members of the media.

DMW confirms arrest of Pinoy worker in Saudi Arabia

By Vito Barcelo

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has confirmed the arrest of another overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Saudi Arabia for allegedly

posting videos of airstrikes on social media, as the department renewed warnings to Filipinos abroad against sharing sensitive content online.

DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia said the OFW sought assistance

from Philippine authorities following the arrest, which adds to earlier cases involving three Filipinos detained in the United Arab Emirates for reportedly sharing videos of missile interceptions and attacks.

For his part, Migrant Workers

Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the government is closely monitoring the situation and extending support to those affected, while stressing that Filipinos must comply with the laws of their host countries.

The DMW said legal assistance will be provided to the detained workers, including free representation as they face charges abroad.

Olalia emphasized that while the Philippine government respects the legal processes of foreign jurisdictions, it remains committed to assisting nationals in distress.

At the same time, the agency reiterated its advisory urging Filipinos in the Middle East to refrain from posting or sharing videos of ongoing conflicts, warning that such actions may violate local laws and compromise national security operations.

The advisory covers Filipinos in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where authorities have strict regulations on disseminating sensitive information during security incidents.

IN BRIEF

PDEA arrests vice mayor for drugs, guns

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency arrests an incumbent vice mayor in Camiguin for illegal possession of suspected shabu worth P102,000, along with a firearm and live ammunition.

Along with the Philippine National Police, PDEA-Region 10 operatives enforce a search warrant in Purok 3, Barangay North Poblacion, Guinsiliban on March 17 at about 11:50 p.m. Recovered during the operation are illegal drugs, a 9mm pistol with one magazine, 22 rounds of ammunition, two mobile phones, and drug paraphernalia.

PDEA Region 10 director Alex Tablate identifies the elected official as alias Tata, 66, of Camiguin. The suspect faces charges for violations of Sections 11 and 12, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. PDEA renews its call for public support in the fight against illegal drugs and urges reporting of suspicious activities through its hotlines and official Facebook page. Rio N. Araja

Laguindingan int’l airport boosts tourism

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Laguindingan International Airport (LIA), operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital Laguindingan Airport Corp., strengthens connectivity and positions itself as the region’s primary gateway, supporting tourism growth in Northern Mindanao.

“Air connectivity is a key enabler of tourism growth. By strengthening access to Northern Mindanao, we open the region to more travelers and opportunities while supporting local destinations and communities,” said AIC Airports Head of Strategy and Communications Christine Villanueva.

Villanueva highlights the role of airports in tourism development during the Northern Mindanao Tourism Development Plan writeshop organized by the Department of Tourism Region 10 and the Asian Institute of Management – Dr. Andrew Tan Center for Tourism.

Serving as the region’s main gateway, LIA connects travelers to key attractions, including eco-tourism sites, cultural destinations, and beaches, while providing infrastructure to support domestic and international markets. Minerva Newman

Rep. Suntay attends House ethics meeting

QUEZON City 4th District Rep. Jesus Suntay on Wednesday attends the March 18 meeting of the House committee on ethics over his controversial remarks about actress Anne Curtis. Suntay is expected to explain his side before the committee chaired by 4Ps Party-list Rep. JC Abalos. Earlier, Suntay apologized to Curtis and those he offended, saying the analogy should not have been made and acknowledging the backlash. The controversy stems from the March 3 hearing of the House Committee on Justice on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte. During the hearing, Suntay, while defending the Vice President from allegations that she threatened to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026

Defense chief rules out military coup

IN BRIEF

Suspect in ex-cop’s slay yields to Manila police

POLICE have arrested a suspect in last Monday’s murder of retired police officer George Capistrano who was also a former bodyguard of Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso.

The suspect, identified only as Biboy, surrendered to the Manila Police District and identified his accomplice as Albert.

Biboy, a motorcycle rider, admitted having followed the victim, George Capistrano, who was also riding a motorcycle up to Balut, Tondo, Manila where the former policeman was robbed and gunned down.

After the shooting, the two fled to Pampanga, where they sold the victim’s pricey bracelet for P300,000. Biboy said he received P100,000 from the proceeds. Pot Chavez, Itchie Cabayan

PCG hands out food packs to fisherfolk

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) provided assistance to Zambales fishermen as part of the agency’s initiatives to help coastal communities affected by runaway fuel prices.

The crew of PCG ship BRP Cabra distributed family food packs to 20 fishermen operating near Capon Grande during a routine maritime patrol in the area.

The initiative aims to help ease the financial burden faced by small-scale fisherfolk, particularly amid increasing operational costs that have affected daily fishing activities.

According to the PCG, the activity forms part of their regular patrol operations, which not only focus on maritime security, but also on maintaining a visible and supportive presence among coastal communities. Rex Espiritu

CA okays promotions of 57 military officers

THE bicameral Commission on Appointments has approved the ad interim promotions of 57 senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, thereby strengthening the military’s leadership structure.

The confirmation took place during a session held at the Senate of the Philippines with key appointments across all major service branches.

Among those confirmed was Ronie Petinglay, commander of the Air Force Reserve Command, who was promoted to the rank of major general. The Philippine Army accounted for the largest number of confirmations with 31 officers, including four major generals, eight brigadier generals, and 19 colonels. Rex Espiritu

House launches ‘Alagang Kongreso’ program

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday launched “Alagang Kongreso” program, a three-part institutional care initiative that brings together continuing assistance for retirees, a centralized desk for public requests, and a new executive check-up package for the Congress workforce, with leaders putting particular emphasis on the health benefits being made available across the institution.

House Majority Leader and Ilocos

Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos

said the program gives “practical shape to the idea that public service works best when the people inside an institution, from its retirees to its current workforce, are cared for well.”

“We express our gratitude to Speaker (Faustino) “Bojie” Dy for initiating the three programs, a clear reflection of his concern and compassion for the plight of House personnel and retirees,” Marcos said.

“When access to check-up is easier, the support system for retirees is clearer, and the people approach for help more smoothly, the institution becomes more

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on is setting strict boundaries on how its officers can use artificial intelligence (AI) even as it warns the public to refrain from making deceptive videos that could damage the organization.

PNP chief Gen, Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said deepfakes which falsely depict police personnel are being flagged as direct threats to the organization’s integrity and the public’s trust.

“This threat is very serious because it damages the integrity of our ranks. These deepfakes are designed to look and sound like us to manipulate public opinion. We won’t allow technology to be used as a tool to mock the uniform or deceive the people,” he said.

Nartatez clarified that the use of AI tools is not entirely prohibited for officers, provided it is tightly controlled.

“While we encourage digital transformation, we should be mindful of the use of AI for ‘clout chasing’ contents that could damage the image of the PNP as an organization,” Nartatez said.

Further, he mentioned that PNP Memorandum Circular No. 2024 077 regulates social media content creation by its personnel.

Under the directive, officers in uniform are allowed to produce vlogs only if the content is related to official police activities. Only personnel assigned to police community relations (PCR) offices or units, including those authorized by the Directorate for Police Community Relations (DPCR), are authorized to use police uniforms, equipment, and facilities for content creation.

humane and the service becomes more efficient,” he added. The program was rolled out in three segments, beginning with the launch of Dakilang Yugto for retired Secretariat personnel, followed by the opening of the Suporta sa Bayan Desk at the North Gate Screening Facility, and ending with the formal presentation of the HRep Executive Check-Up Program at the People’s Center Cathedral, where House officials also signed the memorandum circular and the memorandum of agreement with partner hospitals.

By Rex Espiritu

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto

Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday has ruled out any credible threat from a so-called “third force” allegedly plotting to seize power and establish a civilianmilitary junta.

“There’s none. You know, as responsible citizens, why don’t they execute the proper affidavit and file it with the law enforcement and prosecution officials so it can be investigated properly, If there really is evidence,” Teodoro told reporters.

Talks about the “third force” spread on social media claiming “disturbing and persistent rumors” about an organization planning to seize power and rule the country through a civilian-military junta.

“Allegedly, bombings or assassinations may be staged and later blamed on the opposition or on groups exposing massive corruption to justify such an unconstitutional takeover,” some of the online posts stated. The posts also called on “patriots in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)” to repel such acts.

On Monday night, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military does not “dignify unvalidated social media posts.”

She added that the AFP remains focused on its constitutional mandate and the faithful performance of its duty as protector of the people and the State.

“At a time when our nation must remain united in addressing the possible effects of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, we call on all Filipinos to exercise sobriety, reject disinformation, and refrain from spreading unverified claims that may cause confusion and division,” Padilla said.

She also maintained that the AFP is a professional organization that upholds the Constitution, respects the chain of command, and remains steadfast in its duty to defend Philippine sovereignty, protect the people, and uphold the rule of law.

OPINION

Travel woes

AFTER a series of political articles and amid the deepening conflict in the Middle East which brings to fore how inadequate our government response can possibly be, I will shift my lens to the travel industry. Everybody and his mother seem to find pleasure in blaming Christina Frasco for the failure of the country to keep in step with our Asean neighbors, whose arrival numbers have dramatically recovered from the pandemic slump, while we are stuck in 6.5 million arrivals, a far cry from our 8.2 million pre-Covid visitors.

To be sure, tourism is a multi-faceted concern that should be approached as an all-ofnation effort.

Peace and order is the top issue, and when visitors get mugged, robbed, even cheated by mulcting taxi drivers, expect negative experiences to go around the world’s capitals, friendly smiles of “hospitality” notwithstanding.

Cost is another. When hotels cost an arm and a leg compared to Da Nang, Chiang Mai or Penang, potential travelers will look askance.

Connectivity is another. When a tourist can fly straight to Phuket without having to pass Bangkok, while going to Siargao means having to land first in Manila, then to Cebu or Clark, and pays an atrocious price to fly to the small Sayak airport in that beautiful island caressed by Pacific waves, travelers will think twice. Time is wasted. Cost is prohibitive.

We have so many beautiful but remote islands, but how does one get there? By pump boat that takes hours, after a long filthy bus ride and a rickety tricycle? No way, Jose. Some countries have not elevated tourism into a ministry or department. Some tuck in tourism concerns with their transportation, trade or culture ministries, but they succeed in attracting more tourists than a country which has elevated tourism into a ministry 53 years ago, while most Asean countries have only recently done so.

Frasco to be fair tried her best, but “LOVE the Philippines” was a slogan forced upon her by a palace favorite, since disengaged. The hospitality industry cannot compete with heavily subsidized Vietnam or overly competitive Thailand where hotel rooms cost a fraction of ours, whether high-end or for backpackers.

Our food may be gaining some attention from foodies, but it’s either pretentious fusion cuisine reserved for the uber-wealthy, or street food that, while tasty, looks yucky, served in unsanitary surroundings.

A thousand and one concerns, which requires a whole-of-nation approach, and a government serious at funding infrastructure and connectivity, funding targeted promotional efforts, and removing onerous taxes on everything that has to do with travel.

Christina Frasco is made to look like a

failure, but from an unbiased observer looking at the bigger picture, she should not be the scapegoat for our travel woes.

Now a word of friendly advice to a lady

I have never met: do not accept that sop of a “consuelo de bobo” as presidential adviser for … “nothing.”

Ayaw dawata ana-ang pwesto, lahi baya ka kay ni Larry Gadon. ***

Then there is the Bureau of Immigration under the Department of Justice.

Three Taiwanese employees were treated to a holiday in Coron, Palawan by their boss, a Filipina with Chinese roots who practices her profession in Taipei.

No more visas from MECO or the Philippine consulates, corrupt BID employees found a lucrative racket

Arriving at NAIA last Feb. 28, they went through immigration. One of them got her passport stamped quickly, since the required visa has been waived for 14-day visitors since a few months back.

But the other two had a harrowing experience. The immigration officer “profiled” them, and brought them to a holding room, where they saw several other Chinese-looking passengers huddled, mostly from mainland China.

To cut a long story short, details of which I tried to report to a friend who apparently no longer works for the immigration bureau, the two had to pay 50 thousand pesos each to BID employees to be allowed entry into our “friendly” isles.

Their Filipino host who was waiting interminably outside had to contact someone to “negotiate” and eventually pay the hundred thousand pesos. But that’s not the end of the story.

Their companion who mercifully passed without hassle, and who was waiting at the carousel area for an hour, was spotted by an “alert” immigration employee, and seeing the three now exiting, was dunned another 50 thousand more.

Akala mo makakalusot ka, ha?

Add this everyday happening to the many travel woes experienced by incoming visitors to this benighted country.

No more visas from MECO or the Philippine consulates, corrupt BID employees found a lucrative racket.

The sums may be petty to jaded Filipinos when compared to the billions stolen by our greedy legislators, but it’s harassment such that a visitor will curse --- never again!

The 18 so-called ex-marines

IT IS hard to figure out what to make of the reasons why the 18 purported ex-marines did what they did and whether their expose’ was of their own volition or due to external factors. Their accusations seem to be too convenient because the targets are people who are currently working hard for the impeachment of VP Sara Duterte and her father, FPRRD, like Rep. Leila de Lima and ex-senator Antonio Trillanes.

It is also difficult to connect all the dots in their story. It seems that it is only the camp of VP Sara Duterte who wants to see to it that the expose’ be given serious attention by the PBBM government. But to be fair, it does deserve an impartial investigation.

The first question to ask is why are the 18 so-called ex-marines no longer in the service considering that in the few videos showing them, they are all relatively young and still apparently of military age. Did some of them take optional retirement, been honorably discharged, or were separated from the service for cause? Or were they really former marines? These questions are important because their answers could explain their motivations. Being still young of working age with a family to support but no work is difficult especially in this day and age where everything is so expensive.

The point of Ombudsman Remulla is also well taken. When the 18 so-called ex-marines submitted a joint affidavit of their accusations, did they all do everything together as they stated in their joint affidavit?

For instance, when they delivered all those suitcases containing money to the house of PBBM in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, as they alleged, were they all together?

And were they all also all together when they delivered a paper bag containing money to Rep Leila de Lima when she was not yet elected to the House of Representatives as they also alleged in their statement?

It is important to separate hearsay statement and what is first hand knowledge

As common sense will tell us, it only needs one person to carry a paper bag containing money and not 18 so-called exmarines and if they did deliver all those suitcases full of money to Paoay, what kind of transportation was used?

Another wake-up call for our security sector

THE recent arrest of three Filipino defense personnel accused of spying for China should be another wake-up call for our national security establishment as it exposes the fragility of our institutions at a time when the Philippines is caught in the midst of great power rivalry in the South China Sea.

While those arrested were low level analysts, their alleged betrayal reminds us that espionage today involves quiet infiltration, gradual manipulation, and the exploitation of insiders who think they are passing along “harmless” details.

According to the National Security Council, the suspects provided personnel lists and operational details about resupply missions to contested maritime outposts.

To the untrained eye, such information may seem trivial. Personnel lists reveal command structures and recruitment targets. Resupply schedules allow adversaries to anticipate, disrupt, or pressure Philippine operations.

This is not just about three individuals. It reveals systemic weaknesses in vetting, counterintelligence awareness, and institutional vigilance. If our defense establishment cannot detect such gradual compromises, then the breach is not an anomaly; it is a symptom.

The geopolitical stakes are obvious. China’s expansive claims clash directly with Philippine sovereign rights. Intelli-

gence about our resupply missions is not abstract but a tactical leverage.

—“—

Espionage today involves quiet infiltration, gradual manipulation, and the exploitation of insiders who think they are passing along “harmless” details

It allows Chinese forces to shadow, harass, or pre empt our moves in contested waters. Every leak of information is a chip away at our ability to assert sovereignty. The technological dimension makes the picture even darker. Authorities cited

By Melandrew T. Velasco

ON MARCH 18, we marked what would have been the 98th birthday of President Fidel V. Ramos—a soldier, statesman, reformer, and, for some of us, a mentor whose lessons continue to guide both our professional work and personal journey.

For me, this is not just a commemoration. It is a moment of gratitude.

I had the rare privilege of working closely with FVR over the years—writing, documenting, and helping preserve his legacy through no less than 18 books for him, his family, and the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation.

Those were not just publishing projects. They were windows into the mind of a leader who lived by discipline, clarity, and purpose.

Through those years of collaboration, one thing became unmistakably clear: FVR did not believe in accidental success. He believed in systems, hard work, industry but most of all, he loved our country the most.

One of his most enduring principles was Completed Staff Work (CSW)—a discipline he practiced with almost military precision.

Under CSW, no problem is elevated without corresponding solutions. No recommendation is made without thorough study. It was not enough to identify issues; one had to present executable answers. In today’s climate—where opinions are often louder than preparation—CSW feels like a lost art worth rediscovering.

Closely linked his legacy are invaluable Filipino traits and values namely Caring, Sharing , Daring (CSD). To quote FVR, “Caring, sharing and daring are among the key commitments that have worked us in times of challenge, calamity and crisis in the past. These virtues I manifested in our daily lives and profession, and embedded in our governance will enable the Filipinos to win a better future.”

the use of IMSI catchers or devices that mimic cell towers to intercept communications. Reports of Chinese nationals deploying such equipment near government facilities suggest a hybrid strategy: human intelligence paired with signals intelligence.

This dual approach yields a full spectrum of digital and operational data. What must be done? Stricter background checks, continuous monitoring, and stronger cybersecurity are obvious steps. But the deeper reform lies in culture. Public servants must be trained to recognize the subtle tactics of foreign intelligence. Awareness is the first line of defense. Without it, no amount of technology will save us.

Politically, this episode will fuel public suspicion of Chinese activities. Each revelation of espionage reinforces the perception that the Philippines is not just a claimant in maritime disputes but a frontline state in a larger geopolitical contest. That perception, once hardened, will shape policy and public opinion alike. The arrests prove that our authorities can disrupt espionage networks. But they also prove that such networks exist and pose a big threat to national security. The lesson is clear: national security in today’s world is not only about stateot-the- art military hardware. It is about resilience of institutions, personnel, and public trust.

If we fail to build that resilience, we risk losing more than state secrets but also sovereignty itself.

FVR at 98: Lessons from a life lived in full service

Whether in the military, in Malacañang, or in his post-presidency engagements, FVR understood that no meaningful progress can be achieved in isolation. Nation-building, for him, was always a shared endeavor. UST was not rhetoric; it was operational doctrine.

FVR believed in systems, hard work, industry but most of all, he loved our country the most

FVR said it best about UST: “If things are to be set aright, it can only be through constructive engagement of citizens and leaders that this will happen – by insuring our collective unity of purpose, solidarity in values and team work in nation building (U-S-T). Filipinos should accept that we can fulfill our hopes and win the future – only if we ourselves exert best efforts and sacrifice for them to attain the common good.”

These principles shaped not only his leadership, but also those of us fortunate enough to learn from him.

I recall countless hours reviewing manuscripts, refining narratives, and ensuring that every published work reflected not just the milestones of his life, but the values behind them. He was exacting but never unreasonable. Demanding but always fair. He pushed for excellence especially with his indelible red pen —not for recognition, but for integrity of output. That was FVR’s trademark.

Beyond the titles and achievements, FVR remained deeply human with his funny and corny jokes. On the golf course, he found camaraderie and clarity.

In conversations, he was sharp yet warm.

Even after his presidency, he never stepped away from the national conversation. He put up the Ramos Peaee and Development Foundation (RPDEV). He remained engaged both nationally and itnernationally, offering insights on governance, security, economic reform, and civic responsibility. He understood that leadership does not end with position—it evolves into stewardship. Today, as we face a world filled with uncertainty and rapid change, the FVR model of leadership offers a steady anchor namely: a) Discipline over impulse; b) Preparation over posturing; and, c) Unity over division. At 98, we are not merely remembering a man. We are reaffirming a framework for nation-building and the path to win a better future for the Philippines.

For those of us who had the honor of working with him, his lessons remain deeply embedded—not just in the books we produced, but in the way we approach our own responsibilities.

As I continue my work in environmental advocacy through the Million Trees Foundation, I often find myself returning to his teachings. CSW reminds us to match vision with execution. CSD keeps us grounded as Filipinos. UST calls us to bring people together for a common cause. These are not relics of the past. They are tools for the future. Happy 98th birthday, Mr. President. Thank you for the trust, the mentorship, and the enduring lessons.

Your voice may no longer echo in the halls of power, but it continues to resonate in the work of those you have inspired. And in every challenge we face, we hold on to your quiet but powerful assurance: Kaya Natin Ito!!!

(The writer, president/chief executive officer of Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc. and president/executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., a non-government outfit advocating tree-planting and environmental protection, is the official biographer of President Fidel V. Ramos.) —“—

It is important to separate hearsay statement and what is first hand knowledge.

It is therefore hard just to swallow their story hook, line and sinker without validation as to the veracity and credibility of their narration.

Can we find a credible agency devoid of any bias to conduct an impartial investigation that the public can believe and trust?

And the answer is that it would probably be hard to find one.

Maybe the ICI could but it is about to be disbanded by the end of this month.

And then there was his lifelong mantra: UST—Unity, Solidarity, Teamwork. He did not just preach it—he lived it.

The Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman may be suspected of being partisan considering that it is under the control of the government.

Perhaps the best that could be considered is a Senate investigation which should be televised live to give the public the chance of judging for themselves the truthfulness of the story of the 18 so-called ex-marines.

But this will prolong the impeachment process of VP Sara because clearly the revelations of the so-called ex-marines were done to counter all the allegations against the VP and to muddle the proceedings.

In moments of reflection, he always returned to service—service to country, service to people, and service beyond self.

A smart move but will probably not delay the ongoing House impeachment proceedings.

All these seem to point to the impeachment proceedings being elevated to The Supreme Court again by the lawyers of the VP.

The strategy seems to delay the proceedings as long as possible until it will be too late because the 2028 national elections will then be upon us.

For the government and its allies, the strategy is to destroy the credibility of the socalled ex-marines and the handlers as early as possible to get the impeachment proceed-

ing going without any further delays. These, when the nation is currently facing a very serious economic disruption resulting from the Middle East war. The stakes are indeed very high in what is going on in the country’s political arena. And this early, 2028 is already being fought in the halls of Congress. If Congress succeeds in impeaching VP Duterte, then the political field in 2028 will be a lot easier to navigate by the government. If not, then we should expect a political fight to the finish. As the Filipino saying goes, matira ang matibay.

Iran holds funeral, vows revenge

TEHRAN – Iran held a funeral Wednesday for its security chief Ali Larijani as it vowed revenge, firing off a wave of missiles at Israel after it killed the powerful figure in an air strike.

A barrage of Iranian missiles killed two people near Israel’s commercial hub Tel Aviv, while Gulf nations intercepted rockets and drones headed for targets including US bases in the region.

In Lebanon, pulled into the Middle East war by Iran-backed Hezbollah, Israel conducted a wave of deadly strikes including in central Beirut, with AFPTV’s live broadcast showing plumes of smoke

rising from one of the targeted areas. According to Iran’s Fars and Tasnim news agencies, funerals for Larijani and another powerful figure killed by Israel, Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the Basij paramilitary force, will take place from 1030 GMT in Tehran. Their deaths were announced Tuesday. Larijani is the most prominent figure of the Islamic republic killed since Israel and

the United States launched their attacks on Iran on February 28, killing supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and igniting a war across the Middle East.

The slain ayatollah’s funeral was due to be held days after he was killed, but that was later postponed indefinitely.

“Iran’s response to the assassination of the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council will be decisive and regrettable,” Iranian army chief Amir Hatami said in a statement.

Besides sending missiles and drones into Israel and Gulf nations, Iran has sought to extract a heavy toll on the global economy, including by driving up the cost of oil by all but closing the Strait of

Hormuz, a crucial waterway for crude. With oil still hovering around $100 a barrel, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Wednesday that the global repercussions of the war “has only just begun and will hit all”.

As part of an effort to reopen Hormuz, where one-fifth of the world’s crude transits, the US military said it brought out some of the heaviest bombs in its arsenal to penetrate adjacent missile sites.

The United States dropped several 5,000-pound (2,250 kg) bombs -- estimated to cost $288,000 each -- on “hardened Iranian missile sites” near the coast that posed a threat to international shipping, Central Command said. AFP

and his companions.’ Israel said on Tuesday it had killed Larijani, Iran’s security chief, and Tehran has since

Colombia, Ecuador leaders clash over bomb dropped

BOGOTA – The leaders of Colombia and Ecuador sparred Tuesday over allegations that the Ecuadoran bombing of suspected criminal hideouts near their shared border had spilled into Colombian territory.

Months of tension between Colombia’s leftist President Gustavo Petro and his right-wing Ecuadoran counterpart, Daniel Noboa, an ally of US President Donald Trump, spiked Monday when Petro alleged that an explosive was dropped from a plane near the border.

Petro posted on X on Tuesday night that “it has been confirmed that the bomb on Colombian territory belongs to the Ecuadorian army,” without giving specifics.

“The investigation continues and there will be a diplomatic protest note,” he wrote.

Earlier on Tuesday, Petro posted a photo of an unexploded “bomb” that he said had fallen on the Colombian-Ecuadoran frontier. He called for a thorough investigation, saying: “It fell 100 meters from the home of a poor family.”

“It’s a bomb that can only be -- I don’t want to say fired, but maybe dropped without intending to fire it -- from a plane,” Petro said during a speech Tuesday, adding that it “was not from a small plane, much less a drone.” Experts said the munition is believed to be a “freefall bomb” that is not guided, falling by the force of gravity.

A Colombian armed forces spokesperson told AFP bomb disposal teams successfully deactivated the device Tuesday night. Local farmers speaking with AFP corroborated Petro’s account. AFP

Cuba vows ‘unbreakable resistance’ vs. US

HAVANA – Cuba’s leader on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) said the US would face “unbreakable resistance” if it tries to take over the impoverished island nation, as communist authorities scrambled to fix a nationwide electricity blackout.

Cuba’s government is under increasingly crushing pressure, with Washington enforcing an oil blockade and openly stating it wants to end the nearly sevendecade-old US standoff with the oneparty communist state. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

said Cuba’s decision announced this week to let exiles invest and own businesses did not go far enough to allow free-market reforms that the Trump administration demands.

“What they announced yesterday is not dramatic enough. It’s not going to fix it. So they’ve got some big decisions to make,” Rubio, a Cuban-American and vociferous critic of the country’s ruling party, told reporters at the White House.

President Donald Trump, who has heaped pressure on Cuba’s communist government, said Monday he would

“take” Cuba, adding: “We’ll be doing something with Cuba very soon.”

But his Cuban counterpart Miguel Diaz-Canel was defiant in the face of Washington’s threats.

“Faced with the worst-case scenario, Cuba has one guarantee: any external aggressor will encounter an unbreakable resistance,” he wrote in a statement on X. Cuba is open to broad talks with Washington and allowing more investment, but it will not discuss changing its political system, an envoy told AFP on Tuesday. AFP

UN maritime body holds emergency talks on Mideast over

seafarers’ fate

session” on Wednesday to discuss shipping amid the Middle East war, as fears grow over the fate of thousands of stranded ships and seafarers. The London-based UN agency -- responsible for regulating international shipping safety -- is set to consider adopting possible resolutions during the two-day gathering at its London headquarters. The IMO’s 40-member council could vote Thursday on several proposed resolutions, including one to “establish a safe maritime corridor to allow the safe evacuation of seafarers and ships stranded in the Persian Gulf”. However, if passed, resolutions remain non-binding. The meeting -- open to all 176 member states as well as dozens of NGOs and maritime industry bodies -- comes as Iran’s retaliation to Israeli-US strikes cripples commercial shipping in or near the Strait of Hormuz. AFP

NGO: ‘Hundreds killed, wounded’ in Kabul drug clinic strike

KABUL – The Norwegian Refugee Council on Wednesday said hundreds of people were killed and wounded in this week’s Pakistani air strike on a Kabul drug treatment clinic, in the first independent confirmation of the heavy toll. Pakistan’s forces struck Kabul and the eastern border province of Nangarhar on Monday, claiming to have hit military installations and “terrorist support infrastructure”.

But the Taliban authorities in the Afghan capital on Tuesday said that around 400 people were killed at a drug rehabilitation center in the capital, with more than 200 wounded.

NRC country director Jacopo Caridi said the NGO had teams on the ground in the immediate aftermath of the strikes to assist in the rescue effort.

“From what we saw and what we discussed with the others involved in the (emergency) response, we can say that there were hundreds of killed and wounded,” he told AFP.

Immediate independent confirmation of exact tolls is difficult in Afghanistan, with attacks often in hard-to-reach places and contradictory information from officials. Pakistan, which accuses Afghanistan of harbouring militants who have attacked its territory, has said Taliban government claims that the clinic was targeted are “entirely baseless”.

Caridi confirmed that the medical facility in Kabul was hit and that one of its buildings was “completely burned and destroyed”.

Rescue teams were still trying to remove bodies from the rubble on Tuesday morning and to find ways of accessing parts of the compound where walls had collapsed, he added. AFP

China blasts ‘colonial’ Australia, New Zealand

SYDNEY – China condemned Australia and New Zealand on Wednesday for “colonial-style arrogance” and poor treatment of Indigenous people after a joint statement by the two nations raised concerns over Beijing’s rights record. In comments sent to AFP, a spokesperson for Beijing’s embassy in New Zealand said the comments by Australia and New Zealand’s defense and foreign ministers were “marked by bias, misinformation, and inexplicable colonial-style arrogance.”

The spokesperson accused the two countries of overlooking the “root cause” of the current war in the Middle East, triggered by joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

And they accused New Zealand and Australia of staying silent on their “own poor records concerning human rights and ethnic minority issues”.

Tuesday’s joint statement, issued after meetings in Canberra, saw ministers from both countries condemn Iran’s “reckless and indiscriminate attacks” on its neighbors. AFP

Woman hospitalized after being startled by robot

HONG KONG – A woman on an evening walk in Macau was briefly hospitalised after a humanoid robot startled her and left her feeling unwell, police told AFP on Wednesday.

Police said they had received a call for assistance for the woman, who “was startled when she suddenly noticed a robot behind her while using her mobile phone”. Video widely shared online showed a woman angrily confronting a robot as it waved its metallic arms at her, while a crowd of curious onlookers gathered around.

“With so many other things to do, why bother me? Are you crazy?” the woman yelled at the unperturbed bot in Cantonese, as she gestured agitatedly towards it. The woman did not suffer injuries and there had been no physical contact with the robot, but she required hospital treatment, police said in a statement. AFP

Sri Lanka asks EV owners: Unplug at night COLOMBO – Sri Lanka has urged electric vehicle owners to stop charging their cars at night, saying the surge in demand is forcing the country to burn more coal and diesel to keep the power grid running. In an address to the nation, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said electric cars were adding an extra 300 megawatts of demand at night, straining the grid. “Electric car owners charge their vehicles when they return from work. This is placing an additional burden on the grid, and we are compelled to operate all our generators to meet this surge,” he said on Tuesday night. Much of the electricity at night is generated by a 900-megawatt coal power station and another 1,000 megawatts from diesel -- a far cry from the clean green image EVs might hope to project. Sri Lanka, still waiting for large scale battery storage, currently has no way to bottle its abundant daytime solar power. AFP

UNIVERSITY

of Santo Tomas showcased a relentless offensive display to hand defending UAAP Collegiate Men’s Baseball champion National University its first loss of Season 88, 5–4, on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The Golden Sox pounded the ball all game, finally converting their efforts into runs in the eighth inning to seize the lead, securing their second win in six games.

Four consecutive hits off NU reliever Hilario Espina III brought in a second run and loaded the bases with Harry Geronimo, Cedrick Marquez, and Tim Caldo on, prompting NU head coach Romar Landicho to bring in national team standout Amiel De Guzman. Undeterred by De Guzman, the Golden Sox continued their attack.

Eljin Mendoza smacked a two-RBI single to deep left field, tying the game, before Sean De Leon delivered the goahead run.

“Tanggalan ko sila ng scholarship eh, ‘pag hindi sila manalo. ‘Yan ang challenge eh -- ‘pag hindi ka manalo, maraming ga-graduate sa high school, tanggal ang allowance niyo,” said head coach Jeff Santiago.

“Joke man ‘yan pero kailangan mo talaga silang takutin. Kaya tingnan mo, lagi ko silang sinisigawan. Pero ganyan talaga ang culture sa UST baseball, medyo brusko. Kailangan mo talaga silang pukpukin. Niremind ko lang rin sila, 3–1 ‘yung last game. Last year natalo natin sila, hindi imposibleng talunin natin uli,”

UST Golden Sox hand Bulldogs 1st setback

the long-time UST mentor added. Despite the loss, the Bulldogs remain atop the standings with a 5–1 record. Mendoza, who replaced Erjohn Gallos, finished with one hit and two RBIs in the eighth, while Marquez contributed three hits in the squad’s total of 13. Irvin Llave earned the win after shutting out NU over the final five innings, allowing just one hit.

The Golden Sox are provisionally in fifth place, trailing the Adamson University Soaring Falcons’ 2–3

Games on Sunday (Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium)

a.m.

UP vs NU

DLSU vs Ateneo

UST vs AdU

– Rule of succession

record. The two teams will meet again to close out the tripleheader on Sunday.

NU controlled the first five innings, taking advantage of UST errors in the second and fifth to build a 4–1 lead.

Julius Cesar Soriano got his first hit in the second inning and scored on an errant play by Charles Chua, who later committed another fielding miscue, allowing Aaron Detoito to score. Still, the Bulldogs managed only five hits in the game—insufficient to challenge the Golden Sox defense. Kevin Maulit contributed the lone NU run with his single.

The defending champions will aim to bounce back against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in Sunday’s opening game at 7 a.m.

San Juan stuns Caloocan; Batangas trounces Mindoro

THE San Juan Knights banked on Gerry Abadiano and Harold Alarcon to complete a come-from-behind 68-66 squeaker over the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo on Tuesday in the knockout semifinals of the 2026 MPBL (Maharlike Pilipinas Basketball League) at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Abadiano scored six, including the deciding 3-point play, and Alarcon added five as the Knights jumped out of a 57-64 hole to repeat over the Batang Kankaloo and arrange a sudden-death with the Abra Solid North Weavers on Thursday at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan.

Alarcon wound up with 23 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals and clinched the SportsPlus best player honors over fellow former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon Abadiano, who finished with 11 points, 8 in the fourth quarter, and 3 rebounds.

It was a brilliant comeback for San Juan, which trailed by as far as 11-

Gwapa

28 and only seized control at 66-65 following Alarcon’s two charities.

Dom Escobar gave Caloocan back the lead with two charities, but Abadiano defied two defenders to drill in the jumper and draw a foul with 13.9 seconds left.

Caloocan had two chances to either tie or reverse the outcome, but Escobar missed on a fallaway and Jielo Razon also muffed a 3-pointer, allowing the Knights to duplicate their 65-59 victory over the Batang Kankaloo in the Group B roundrobin elimination phase.

Michael Calisaan also shone for San Juan with 7 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Caloocan got 10 points each from Jeramer Cabanag and Joco Tayongtong and 9 from Baclaan.

A buzzer-beater triple from way out by Baclaan pushed Caloocan ahead, 25-11, after the first quarter.

Batangas repeated its mastery of Mindoro, 85-74, in the first game to forge a knockout tussle with Group B

topnotcher Quezon Province at 5 p.m. on Thursday.

The Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters clustered 11 points to pull away, 62-46, late in the third quarter and duplicate their 88-58 thrashing of the Mindoro Tamaraws in their first Group A elimination round encounter.

Jhan Nermal presided over Batangas’ offense with 19 points, including 12 in the third, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.

Ino Comboy, a former Tamaraw, supported Nermal with 12 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, and Dawn Ochea with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Mindoro, which led at 26-20, drew 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists from homegrown JC Recto and 13 points, 4 assists, 4 steals and 3 rebounds from RJ Ramirez.

Run powers women forward in IM 70.3 weekend

THE Gwapa Dabawenya Run is set to return as one of the most vibrant highlights of the racing weekend surrounding the IRONMAN 70.3 Davao, serving not only as a lead-in event but as a powerful standalone celebration of women’s strength, confidence and community spirit. With a record field of about 3,000 participants, the event, set Friday (March 20) continues to grow as a major platform for women empowerment, inclusivity and active living. First launched in 2024 with more than 2,000 runners joining, the Gwapa Run was created to celebrate the unique charm, resilience and confidence of Dabawenyas while encouraging women to embrace fitness and wellness through running. With the premier IRONMAN 70.3 Davao drawing 1,000 triathletes, and the Sunrise Spring and IRONKIDS attracting a combined field of more than 600 participants, the turnout easily makes it a record event for the entire weekend. But more than just a race, the Gwapa Run, sponsored by 2GO and presented by Sun Life, highlights the spirit of the modern Dabawenya – strong, confident and community-driven. It provides a welcoming space where women of all backgrounds, ages and fitness levels can take part in a shared experience that

promotes health, positivity and empowerment.

This year’s edition, organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. and the Government of Davao City, features three race categories – 5-km, 10km and 21-km distances – ensuring that participants can choose a challenge that suits their level of fitness and experience. From beginners taking their first steps into running to seasoned athletes looking for a longer test of endurance, the event guarantees that every woman has a place on the starting line. The wide range of race categories reinforces the event’s core thrust of

inclusivity, making the Gwapa Run accessible to women across different age groups while promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. It also reflects the organizers’ goal of building a supportive environment where women can celebrate personal milestones, whether completing their first race or chasing a new personal best. Adding to the festive atmosphere is the scenic race route along the Davao City Coastal Road, one of the city’s newest and most dynamic sporting venues. The course not only offers runners a safe and enjoyable racing environment but also show-

Tennis boom fuels 230-strong junior field in Olivarez Cup

JUNIOR tennis continues to surge in popularity as a strong field of 230 players sets out for the Rep. Eric Olivarez Cup Juniors Age-Group Championships, which begin Thursday (March 19) at the Olivarez Sports Center and Parañaque tennis courts.

Showcasing both top-ranked standouts and promising young talents from Metro Manila and nearby provinces, the five-day, Philta- and UTRsanctioned tournament features full 32-player draws across all eight agegroup categories, highlighting the sport’s growing reach and participation at the grassroots level.

The sustained rise of j unior tennis has been driven not only by inspiring figures like Alex Eala but also by consistent grassroots development efforts led by Palawan Pawnshop. Under the leadership of president/CEO Bobby Castro, the organization continues to expand opportunities for young athletes through an extensive nationwide circuit that includes both junior and Open competitions.

The junior circuit recently concluded a successful five-leg Mindanao swing, with tournaments held in Gen. Santos City, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato, Digos City and Tagum City.

Castro emphasized the program’s long-term vision, saying the initiative goes beyond competition by helping shape the future of young athletes. He noted that the circuit aims to develop talent while instilling values such as discipline, perseverance and sportsmanship – qualities essential both on and off the court.

Competition begins with matches in the boys’ 16- and 18-under and girls’ 12- and 16-under divisions, with games split between two venues to accommodate the large field.

Tamaraws remain unbeaten

cases Davao’s continuing growth as a destination for major sporting events. The Gwapa Run also forms part of a packed weekend of endurance sports that will bring athletes and spectators together in celebration of fitness and competition. Young athletes will take center stage on Saturday for IRONKIDS Davao, which features an aquathlon competition consisting of a swim and run, along with a dedicated kids’ run that introduces children to the excitement of multisport racing. Meanwhile, beginner and experienced triathletes alike will test their limits in the Sunrise Sprint triathlon. Designed as a more accessible format, the race features a 750-m swim, a 20-km bike ride and a 5-km run, offering a shorter yet equally exciting challenge. Both the Sunrise Sprint and the flagship IRONMAN 70.3 Davao will take place on Sunday, creating a thrilling climax to the racing weekend.

FAR Eastern University remained unbeaten through eight matches in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament with a 1925, 25-19, 26-24, 25-11 victory over University of the East on Wednesday morning at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. The Tamaraws dropped the first set but quickly found their rhythm in the next three, fueled by timely contributions from Amet Bituin, Dryx Saavedra, and Charles Absin, keeping them atop the eight-team standings with a perfect 8-0 record.

FEU continued to pull away from the rest of the field, as defending champion National University and University of Santo Tomas remained tied for second and third at 5-2, while Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University were deadlocked for fourth and fifth at 3-4. Up next for the Tamaraws is a Finals rematch against the six-peat-seeking Bulldogs at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the Big Dome.

“Hindi naman sa nagulat, pero expected na rin kasi talagang lalaban si UE. Alam naman natin ‘yung seven teams na yan, wala namang isa diyan na pupunta dito sa UAAP tapos iisipin na hindi sila lalaban,” FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo said.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

By Peter Atencio

ADEFINING moment awaits the Philippines women’s national football team as it shoots for a milestone victory against the Uzbekistan women’s national football team on Thursday in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

The Filipinas are just one win away from securing one of the final two berths to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with four teams still in contention in the play-in stage.

“They have played to the true reflection of the hard work that they have put in over the last couple of years to give ourselves a chance to the World

Mexico ready to host Iran’s World Cup 2026 games

MEXICO CITY—Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday that her country is prepared to host Iran’s first-round matches at the 2026 World Cup if needed due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Iran’s participation at this summer’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico has been in doubt since the war began last month, with President Donald Trump warning that Iranian players’ safety would be at risk if they travelled to the US.

Iran’s football federation has opened talks with FIFA about potentially relocating its matches from the United States, though the global governing body has so far maintained that the tournament’s schedule remains unchanged.

Asked directly if Mexico was open to hosting the matches, and if the decision will purely come down to FIFA logistics, Sheinbaum told a press conference: “Yes.”

“Mexico maintains diplomatic relations with every country in the world, therefore we will wait to see what FIFA decides,” she added.

Iran’s place at the tournament was thrown into question after the US and Israel launched a massive offensive against the Islamic Republic, which responded with waves of missiles and drones targeting Israeli territory and American targets across the Middle East.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino initially said that Trump had given assurances that the Iranian team -scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by Egypt in Seattle -- would still be welcome. But the Republican president then triggered uproar last week after stating that Iran’s football team should not travel to the tournament

and safety”. Iran

Cup,” said coach Mark Torcaso during Wednesday’s pre-match press conference at Cbus Super Stadium.

Kickoff is set at 11 a.m. (Manila time), while Chinese Taipei women’s national football team and the North Korea women’s national football team will dispute the other World Cup slot later in the day.

Backed by the Philippine Football Federation and the Philippine Sports Commission, the Filipinas remain confident despite being relegated to the playins following a 0–7 loss to the Japan women’s national football team in the quarterfinals. Uzbekistan also enters the match reeling from a 0–6 defeat to the South Korea women’s national football team.

Still, both squads have already secured spots in the 2028 Olympic Women’s Football Qualifying Tournament, alongside teams like Australia women’s national football team, China women’s national football team and Japan.

Historically, Uzbekistan holds the edge, having won three of their last four meetings since 1997. Their most recent encounter—a friendly at the Rizal Memorial

Strong finish powers Song to golf lead

LAUREL, Batangas—Lee Song battled harsh afternoon conditions before catching fire down the stretch, delivering a scorching frontside finish to salvage a gritty 73 and wrest a two-stroke lead over Ivan Yabut after 36 holes of the Philippine Golf Tour Qualifying School on Wednesday.

A shaky backside start of 39, marred by a double bogey, had threatened to derail his round. But Song mounted a strong recovery, coming through with three birdies in a four-hole stretch from No. 3. A late bogey on No. 8 at sundown, however, kept him from a more explosive finish in the challenging conditions at Splendido Taal Golf Club. Still, his 34-39 round proved enough to strengthen his hold on the top spot at four-under 140.

“I didn’t start off too well, but I made some birdies on the front nine,” said Song.

After a solid first round, he dropped two shots on No. 13 and was unable to recover, bogeying the next hole. He then settled into a string of pars before finding his touch and range to birdie Nos. 3, 4, and 6. A missed green on the eighth, however, spoiled what could have been a fiery front-nine finish.

“I don’t feel any pressure, but I need to stay focused over the last two days,” he added.

PH eyes win, World Cup seat against Uzbekistan SPORTS

Stadium last October—ended in a 2–2 draw.

“We already did our job here by reaching the quarter-finals but we still have one more goal to achieve. We dream of reaching the World Cup and we hope to do our job there,” said Uzbekistan coach Kotryna Kulbytė.

The Filipinas are expected to field a full-strength lineup, including veteran goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, while Chandler McDaniel is tipped to spearhead the attack.

Uzbekistan, on the other hand, is likely to unleash key players Lyudmilla Karachik, Maftuna Shoyimova and Nilufar Kudratova, who were rested in their previous outing. Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva, who scored twice in their last meeting with the Philippines, remains a major scoring threat.

With everything on the line, the Filipinas now face their moment of truth—one win away from keeping their World Cup dream alive.

Resilient Australia ‘needs to be better’ in finals

PERTH—Australia coach Joe Montemurro praised his team’s resilience after they ground into the Women’s Asian Cup final, but said they know “deep down in their hearts” it was not an ideal performance.

Strikes from star forwards Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord were enough to withstand a physical challenge from defending champions China 2-1 in Perth on Tuesday.

It propelled them into the continental decider on Saturday in Sydney against either Japan or South Korea as they edge closer to their first Asian Cup crown since 2010.

But while the Korean, who turned in a bogey-free 67 Tuesday, rebounded to stay ahead, erstwhile joint leader Yabut endured a frustrating day on the greens, missing several makeable birdie opportunities and limping with a 75 for a 142.

Enrico Gallardo also fumbled with a 73 in the morning session and remained at third with a 141, while Hyun Jun Youn fired the day’s best score of 69 to join Yoshizawa Ichiru, who shot a 71, at fourth at 144.

Montemurro, a former Arsenal, Juventus and Lyon coach, is known as a hard taskmaster and was not entirely happy.

“Our objective of getting to the final is complete, but we know deep down in our hearts that we need to be better, more continuous in terms of the way that we play,” he said.

“But we found something again and we got through.

“It’s a bit of momentum, it’s a bit of belief. Even though we didn’t find the continuity that we wanted with the ball, the patches that we did things right were good.”

Once again, Australia had their most prolific goalscorer Kerr to thank.

The Chelsea striker is still getting back to full fitness after a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a serious knee injury, but was at her brilliant best when it mattered against China.

She fired home from a tight angle for the winner in the 58th minute -- her fourth goal of the tournament -- after Arsenal’s Foord threaded a ball through and she rounded the goalkeeper.

“I always have confidence in my finishing and goal scoring ability, but it takes a lot more than that and I’ve got a great team behind me,” said Kerr.

“I don’t know how I made the 90 minutes, I was so tired,” she added. “I’m just glad we got over the line.” AFP

The 18-year-old Hyun, one of several first-time participants in the Q-School organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., was poised to surge as high as second place if not for a costly mistake on the final hole.

Fueled by a red-hot putter, the Seoul native gunned down five birdies over his first 12 holes, highlighted by a blistering stretch of four birdies from No. 9. But after a string of pars, he faltered on the 18th, dumping his approach into a greenside bunker, where a difficult fried-egg lie forced him to take two shots to escape, resulting in a double bogey. “I lost my focus on the final hole and hit it into the left bunker,” said Hyun who remained firmly in contention for low medal honors.

Eala slides in rankings but stays hopeful ahead of Miami Open

FILIPINAS tennis standout Alex Eala enters the Miami Open facing a dip in the world rankings—but with optimism and a chance to turn things around on one of her most familiar stages.

Eala, who reached a breakthrough run in Miami last year, has slipped to around No. 50 in the live rankings as of Wednesday, a notable drop from her official standing of No. 29. The 20-yearold now faces mounting pressure to defend roughly 390 ranking points to maintain her position in the Women’s Tennis Association standings.

Awaiting her in the second round is seasoned German veteran Laura Siegemund, a former training partner during the Indian Wells tournament. Siegemund, currently ranked No. 53, booked the matchup after a straight-sets victory over Petra Marcinko, 6-4, 6-4.

Despite the rankings slide, Eala remains in a strong position to reclaim lost ground. A deep run in Miami would not only help her defend crucial points but also potentially spark a climb back up the standings.

The stakes are high across the field, with several top players also defending significant points under the WTA’s rolling 52-week ranking system. Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka leads the list with 3,000 points at risk, while Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, and Jasmine Paolini are also among those bracing for potential ranking shifts.

With players required to count their 18 best tournament results over the past year, failure to match or exceed previous performances could result in further drops—setting the stage for a major shakeup once the Miami Open concludes.

Peter Atencio

PSE expects mega IPO to proceed this year despite uncertainties

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Philippine Stock Exchange expects “mega” initial public offerings (IPO) to proceed this year despite global uncertainties, maintaining its P170billion capital raising target as large listings remain in the pipeline.

PSE president and chief executive Ramon

said the exchange is keeping its goal as follow-on offer-

P170 billion

Capital raising target for 2026

P26.2 billion

Net inflows in first two months

6,611

PSE index peak in February

ings, preferred shares and real estate investment trust (REIT) listings bolster the outlook.

“We are expecting a big REIT offering,” Monzon said, but he did not identify the specific company.

“I’m still firm with my P170 billion target capital raising,” he said.

Market speculation suggests telecommunications giant PLDT Inc. is considering an REIT offering for its data center business, while e-wallet provider GCash is reportedly planning an IPO in the second half of the year.

The local bourse had been on a recovery path prior to Middle East tensions,

with the benchmark index rising 9.2 percent in the first two months of the year. By Feb. 27, the index closed at 6,611, which Monzon noted was just 1.6 percent shy of entering bull market territory. Foreign fund flows also showed signs of rebounding. Net outflows of P51.2 billion in 2025 reversed into net inflows of P26.2 billion during the same period. However, Monzon said developments on Feb. 28 disrupted this upward momentum, highlighting persistent external risks.

Economists urge uniform 5% corn import tariff to cut meat prices

THE Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) is calling for a uniform 5-percent tariff on corn imports to lower meat prices and improve protein access for Filipino families. FEF president and Management Association of the Philippines trustee Calixto Chikiamco made the call during a membership meeting on Wednesday, highlighting alarming nutrition gaps in the country.

He said corn accounts for 50 to 55 percent of feed costs and up to 70 per-

cent of production expenses for pork and chicken.

“A uniform 5 percent tariff on corn imports will make protein sources more affordable, reduce malnutrition, and enable pork farmers to move into higher-value agribusiness activities. It will also address inefficiencies in import administration, reduce corruption, and streamline allocations,” Chikiamco said.

The Philippines imposes a 5-percent in-quota tariff on corn and a 15 percent

IN BRIEF

GCash launches int’l money transfer service

GCASH, the leading finance app in the Philippines, has launched an international transfer service allowing users to send money directly from their digital wallets to overseas bank accounts, cards and e-wallets.

The service is currently available in 16 countries, including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore, India, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman. The company said it plans to expand the service to more regions in the near future. The

The initiative aims to reduce the time and cost associated with sending educational support, allowances and business payments to suppliers.

“GCash International Transfers reflects our commitment to extending financial inclusion beyond Philippine borders,” GCash International general manager Arjun Varma said. Darwin G. Amojelar PH

The total figure grew from P33.86 trillion in the same month a year ago. The growth was largely supported by local banks, which saw their resources increase 7.72 percent to P30.10 trillion during the period.

Among the banking subsectors, universal and commercial banks reported a 6.75 percent rise in resources

to P27.90 trillion. Digital banks recorded the fastest growth rate at 39.76 percent to P174.7 billion, while thrift banks grew 26.3 percent to P1.46 trillion. Rural and cooperative banks posted a 7.19 percent increase to P565 billion.

Non-bank financial institutions maintained a total resource balance of P6.23 trillion as of end-September 2025. This reflected a 5.25 percent increase from the P5.92 trillion recorded in the previous year. Thony Rose Lesaca

BKS Green completes Isabela solar plant

BKS Green Energy Corp. (BKSGEC) switched on its 40-megawatt direct current (MWDC) Limbauan Solar Power Plant (LSPP) on March 16, 2026, adding to the renewable energy capacity of Isabela province.

BKSGEC is a subsidiary of the Yuchengco-led Rizal Green Energy Corp. (RGEC), which operates as a joint venture between PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC) and Japan’s Taisei Corp.

The facility arrives amid heightened concerns over global energy stability. PetroGreen Energy president and chief executive Francisco Delfin Jr. said the Middle East conflict highlights the absolute necessity of securing the country’s energy supply and reducing dependence on imported energy sources.

He said the switch-on of the solar power facility, among the first utilityscale solar plants in Isabela province, is very timely.

The project aligns with a broader strategy by the Yuchengco Group of Companies to integrate more renewable and indigenous energy into the national grid. Delfin said the project testifies to the group’s drive to add more renewable, clean and indigenous energy supply to the country’s grid to power the economy and strengthen local communities.

Department of Energy director Marissa Cerezo attended the ceremony, emphasizing that renewable energy development is a national priority. Alena Mae S. Flores

out-quota tariff for imports exceeding the minimum access volume.

According to the foundation, meat prices in the Philippines rose 79 percent from January 2020 to June 2025, significantly outpacing the 24-percent increase in the overall price index. In 2021, Filipinos paid more than double for chicken compared to Thailand and about 44 percent more than those in Vietnam.

High food costs have contributed to significant health issues. Among

Filipino children under 5, 23.6 percent are stunted and 5.6 percent are wasting. Among adolescents, 20.7 percent are stunted and 11.5 percent are wasted.

Citing a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, Chikiamco said the proposed tariff change could increase pork production by 2.6 percent and chicken by 2.2 percent. Retail meat prices could drop by 1.7 percent as a result.

Othel V. Campos

REAL

The two agencies vowed to coordinate government efforts against malpractices targeting unsuspecting buyers.

PH seeks fertilizer deals with China, Russia to ensure supply as costs spike

THE Philippines has begun securing fertilizer supplies from global producers including China and Russia to ensure steady deliveries as oil-driven price increases threaten farm output, Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

Global market pressures intensify following oil price surges linked to recent strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for crude and petroleum products, have driven up the cost of petroleum-based fertilizers.

Tiu Laurel said the Chinese ambassador pledged agricultural cooperation during a meeting on Tuesday. The department has also engaged In-

dia and will hold talks with Belarus to secure future supply.

Fertilizer prices have already risen, with urea potentially reaching $800 per metric ton if tensions in the Middle East escalate further, Tiu Laurel said.

While the Department of Agriculture has secured more than 80 percent of the country’s fertilizer requirements through September, delivery risks are increasing as prices climb. “Suppliers that fail to meet their obligations face permanent blacklisting,” Tiu Laurel said. China has offered to share farming techniques that lower fertilizer use without affecting yields, a move the secretary described as “food diplomacy.” Othel V. Campos

By Othel V. Campos

improved supply supported the February rebound.

Electrified vehicle (xEV) sales emerged as a bright spot, rising 66.9 percent year-to-date to 5,701 units. This segment now represents 8.2 percent of total industry sales, nearly double the 4.45 percent share recorded a year earlier.

Hybrid electric vehicles led the category with 4,551 units, while plug-in hybrids surged over 1,000 percent to 556 units and battery electric vehicles rose 77.3 percent to 594 units.

Atienza said the ongoing Middle East conflict is affecting motorists’ choices, but manufacturers are offering more energy-efficient and electrified options.

MEGAWIDE Construction Corp. saw its order book grow 15 percent to P50 billion in 2025, providing the listed builder with revenue visibility over the medium term.

The healthy pipeline signals continued strength in its construction segment, which has historically been the group’s primary revenue driver, the company said Wednesday in a disclosure to the stock exchange. Residential projects accounted for the largest share at 35 percent, followed by office and commercial developments at 28 percent. Projects under the government’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program comprised 23 percent, while infrastructure accounted for 15 percent.

“We are back to our comfortable level of around P50 billion, which will give us more revenue visibility over the medium term,” Megawide chairman and chief executive Edgar Saavedra said.

Saavedra said the rising contribution of the 4PH initiative is expected to provide a “solid and sustainable pipeline” as the company targets building more than 100,000 socialized housing units over the next five to seven years.

Nearly half of the P23.4 billion worth of new contracts secured in 2025 came from 4PH-related developments. These include Avesta, JAB and Jenara Residences in Cavite totaling P10.7 billion. Other new projects added to the order book include P11 billion in developments from Megaworld Corp., Uptown Modern and One Portwood.

SM Prime to open 90th mall in Zamboanga

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SM Prime Holdings Inc. is set to open SM City Zamboanga on Friday, marking the company’s 90th mall in the Philippines and its eighth in Mindanao as the developer accelerates expansion in regional growth centers.

The four-level mall adds more than 42,000 square meters of gross leasable space to the city. Located along Mayor Vitaliano Agan Avenue in Barangay Camino Nuevo, the project builds on the momentum of SM City Mindpro, which opened in 2020. SM Prime officials said the development aims to capture rising economic activity in a market they describe as strong and growing.

“Zamboanga is a strong and growing market,” SM

Prime president Jeffrey Lim said. “This expansion allows us to broaden our footprint and respond to rising economic activity in the area.”

Lim said the project is expected to generate employment, support local enterprises and help drive domestic tourism in the region.

The development introduces several technical firsts for the city, including the tallest scenic elevator in Mindanao equipped with LED displays and a corner outdoor LED wall capable of 3D content. In line with regional sustainability efforts, the mall features the city’s first electric vehicle charging station, solar panels, a “Trash to Cash” recycling program and an e-waste collection facility.

Major tenants anchoring the site include The SM Store, Adidas, Fully Booked and J.CO Donuts & Coffee.

To serve the local community, the design includes a Muslim prayer room alongside an indoor garden with a skylight ceiling, an aviary-themed park, an upgraded Cyberzone and three digital cinemas featuring two Director’s Club theaters. The mall is about 10 minutes from Zamboanga International Airport and five minutes from the city seaport.

PSEi gains for second day on easing oil prices

THE Philippine Stock Exchange index rose for a second straight day Wednesday as easing global oil prices provided a lift to regional markets and Wall Street.

It sits within a few kilometers of City Hall and the downtown area.

SM Prime also plans to launch new malls in General Trias, Cavite; Tagum, Davao del Norte; and Santa Rosa, Laguna, this year.

The 30-company PSEi gained 29.44 points, or 0.49 percent, to close at 6,055.45, while the broader all shares index advanced 13.81 points, or 0.41 percent, to 3,363.56.

The peso also strengthened Wednesday, closing at 59.52 to the U.S. dollar from 59.8 on Tuesday.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.

chief economist Michael Ricafort said the local barometer tracked lower global crude prices after U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated the need for international cooperation to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

Investors also welcomed the Philippine government’s move to suspend or cut fuel excise taxes and import 2 million barrels of oil to bolster domestic supply. Trading remained tepid, however, with net value turnover at P5.2 billion, reflecting investor caution amid

lingering risks. Foreigners remained net sellers, with net outflows reaching P664.05 million. Property issues led the sectors, rising 1.74 percent, while financials lost the most, dropping 0.38 percent. Gainers outnumbered losers, 113 to 81. DigiPlus Interactive Corp. was the day’s index leader, surging 4.51 percent to P18.08. BDO Unibank Inc., on the other hand, was the main laggard, declining 2.21 percent to P119.30. Jenniffer B. Austria

Rockwell Land raises P10b via bond offering

By Darwin G. Amojelar

was considered a landmark in the city’s hospitality landscape before its closure.

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has signed an agreement with Keyland Corporation, Philippine Realty and Holdings Corporation and Greenhills Properties Inc. to relaunch the InterContinental brand in Manila.

Manila Standard TODAY

Scheduled to open in 2032, the 212-key hotel marks the brand’s return to the Philippine capital following a hiatus of more than 15 years.

The property will be located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), a 240-hectare business district developed on a former military base that now serves as the primary modern commercial hub of Metro Manila.

The move signals IHG’s expansion into the local luxury tourism and business travel sectors. The original InterContinental Manila operated for 46 years starting in 1969 and

Position title – Mandarin Customer Service

Description:

“The InterContinental brand has a storied history in Manila, having first opened in the city in 1969 and for 46 years it was a symbol of luxury and a hotel icon,” IHG Hotels & Resorts South East Asia and Korea managing director Vivek Bhalla said.

Bhalla said reintroducing the brand is a milestone that fits the city’s increasing demand for luxury travel and reinforces the company’s commitment to expanding its lifestyle presence across the region.

Keyland president Jose Ma. Montinola said the partnership represents an exciting chapter for the company as it expands into the hospitality sector.

Keyland has previously focused on residential and commercial developments in Makati, Alabang, Las Piñas and Ortigas.

responsible for resolving issues, answering questions, processing orders, and ensuring a high  level of customer satisfaction and with constant communication with the senior professionals in  China, Taiwan and other Mandarin speaking counterpart and clients. Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): -College or University Graduate -Bilingual in Mandarin and English -Customer Service Related Experience Company/ Employer PH GLOBAL JET EXPRESS INC. 20TH & 21ST Floors Ecoprime  32nd street Corner 9th Avenue

“We are immensely proud to build on the brand’s storied legacy in Manila and to play an integral role in its return to the capital, delivering a stand-out hotel that honors its past while setting a new benchmark for luxury stays in the city,” Montinola said.

Philippine Realty and Holdings Corporation, which develops upscale residential and commercial projects in Ortigas and BGC, joins Greenhills Properties Inc as partners in the development.

were listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. on Wednesday, marking the company’s first foray into the local bond market since 2013. Rockwell Land said the offer attracted a diversified mix of retail and institutional investors, signaling confidence in its long-term prospects.

“We were pleasantly surprised by the reception,” Rockwell Land chairman Nestor Padilla said. Proceeds from the bond sale will fund capital expenditures, including land development and construction costs for ongoing projects. These include horizontal residential developments and key ventures such as Rockwell Center Bacolod, Power Plant Mall Angeles, Rockwell at IPI Center in Cebu, and Aruga Mactan Hotel. Jenniffer B. Austria

Business forum spurs China–PH investment

By Julie Ann Lope

THE FEDERATION

OF FILIPINOCHINESE Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) and the Dezhou City Foreign Affairs Office held a joint investment promotion event on March 11, 2026 to deepen economic cooperation and honor a historical connection spanning 6 centuries.

The “China (Dezhou)-Philippines Investment and Trade Promotion Event” took place at the Federation Building in Manila. The gathering focused on expanding bilateral trade while commemorating the legacy of the Sulu king, who died in Dezhou during a diplomatic mission to China in the 15th century.

FFCCCII president Victor Lim highlighted these historical ties during the ceremony, noting that the Sulu king fell ill in Dezhou while returning from Beijing 600 years ago. Ming

Dynasty Emperor Chengzu arranged a grand funeral and a tomb for the king in northern Dezhou.

The king’s descendants and entourage eventually settled near the cemetery and adopted Chinese surnames such as Wen and An. Lim described the tomb as a lasting symbol of friendship that Filipino officials and citizens have continued to honor for 600 years.

Dezhou City Foreign Affairs Office director Zhang Fangduan

invited Filipino Chinese entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities in the city, which she described as a strategic gateway linking Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province.

“Zhang extended a sincere invitation to Filipino Chinese entrepreneurs to visit Dezhou, explore business opportunities, and invest in the city, and encouraged them to visit the Sulu king’s tomb, a testament to the enduring ties between China and the Philippines,” the office said.

During the event, FFCCCII vice president Anthony Chan introduced the organization’s key projects. About 17 companies from Dezhou also presented investment opportunities to the attendees.

The event concluded with the unveiling of a new Philippine office for the Shandong Grad Group. The ceremony was led by Lim, Fangduan and Shandong Grad Group general manager Wang Zhijun.

Friendship group pushes for healthy bilateral relations

CHINESE AMBASSADOR JING QUAN met with leaders of the Filipino Chinese Friendshi p Association on March 12, 2026 to discuss efforts to stabilize relations and strengthen people-to-people ties between the Philippines and China.

During the meeting held at his residence, Jing presented attendees with copies of “Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, Volume Five.” He described the embassy as both a bridge for promoting friendship and a bulwark for defending national dignity and interests.

The ambassador said the embassy is actively pushing for the resumption of political dialogue, working to maintain stability at sea, and promoting economic, cultural and law-enforcement cooperation. He noted that the embassy will continue to rebut falsehoods and smears against China. Jing said China will adhere to the principle of reciprocity, “matching action with action, dialogue with dialogue, and cooperation with cooperation.” Working alongside the Filipino Chinese community, he said the embassy aims to return bilateral relations to a healthy and stable track.

Filipino Chinese Friendship Association president Danny See affirmed that the association will continue to uphold patriotic and hometown traditions. See said the group will act as a civic bridge to strengthen mutual understanding and affinity between the peoples of both countries to promote the stable development of bilateral ties.

The meeting was also attended by former Senator Nikki Coseteng and Philippines-China Studies Center at Diliman College director Rommel Banlaoi. Michael Wong Ho

Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan and Filipino Chinese Friendship Association president Danny See meet to discuss stabilizing Philippines-China relations and increasing economic and cultural cooperation.

Lioc Kui Foundation marks 96th anniversary

By Michael Wong Ho

THE PHILIPPINE LIOC KUI Foundation (Federation of Six Chinese Surnames Associations) celebrated its 96th anniversary and held an officers’ induction ceremony on March 3, 2026 at East Ocean Palace Restaurant in Paranaque City. Hong Pei Li was elected the foundation’s new chairman. In his speech, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Victor Lim underscored the importance of kinship in Chinese tradition. He said kinship- rooted in blood relations, filial piety and family reputation, helps preserve family structure and transmit cultural values from one generation to the next.

Lim expressed hope that the Lioc Kui Foundation will work closely with FFCCCII to promote unity within the Filipino-Chinese community and strengthen its engagement with broader society. Hong pledged his support to community causes by donating P100,000 to FFCCCII’s “Save Lost Filipino Chinese Students Project.”

PH, Hunan promote deeper economic ties

By Michael Wong Ho

PHILIPPINE AND CHINESE officials met in Hunan Province on March 12, 2026 to explore expanded economic cooperation and investment in green energy, electric vehicles and agricultural productivity.

Hunan Provincial Foreign Affairs Office director General Guo Ning met with Philippine Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas to outline the province’s modernized industrial system. Guo said Hunan has been actively responding to Philippine development needs by deepening practical exchanges. She urged both sides to use the meeting to improve infrastructure links, build a joint food security system and expand cultural and tourism exchanges.

The meeting coincided with two major trade events, the China-Philippines Enterprise Matching Conference on March 11 and the Hunan (Changsha)-Philippines Economic and Trade Cooperation Matching Conference

Group launches barrio schools TikTok contest

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) launched a nationwide TikTok video competition to showcase stories of how its long-running Barrio Schools program has provided safe learning spaces and shaped the lives of Filipino students.

The contest, titled “A Classroom For Every Dream: How FFCCCII Barrio Schools Have Improved Lives,” aims to highlight the impact of the private sector school building initiative.

FFCCCII president Victor Lim said during a March 9 media forum at Kamuning Bakery Cafe that the competition is a modern platform to

economic

on March 12. During these sessions, Arribas focused on potential partnerships in green energy and agricultural mechanization intended to raise Philippine productivity.

“We hope that these discussions will lead to concrete outcomes, whether in trade, investment, or joint ventures,” Arribas said.

As part of the visit, Arribas toured Yuan Longping HighTech Agriculture Co., Ltd., a long-standing partner in hybrid rice research. The company has played a role in strengthening Philippine rice self-sufficiency and food security.

Bilateral trade between the Philippines and Hunan reached $751.86 million in 2025, representing about 1 percent of the total trade between the Philippines and China.

To further these ties, Guo invited Philippine businesses and sister cities to attend the 2026 Hunan International Friendship Cities Economic and Cultural Cooperation Dialogue Conference.

bridge the organization’s history and philanthropy with the creativity of digital storytellers.

“The competition seeks to raise awareness about the decadespanning project and to show how the school buildings have become symbols of hope and progress in rural communities,” Lim said. The initiative, known as

Operation: Barrio Schools, has reached a milestone of 6,500 buildings donated and constructed across the Philippines since 1961. FFCCCII vice president and Youth Integration Committee adviser Reynold Dy noted the project is the largest and longest-running program of its kind in the country.

Julie Ann Lope

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

By Angelica Villanueva

AMERICAN pop-rock band LANY is set to return to the Philippines in November for a series of concerts.

On March 17, local promoter Live Nation Philippines announced that the shows are part of the band’s Soft world tour, which includes stops across Asia and Australia.

LANY will perform on Nov. 6 at SM Seaside Arena in Cebu, followed by a Nov. 8 concert at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. The group will conclude its Philippine run on Nov. 14 at the Crocodile Park Concert Grounds in Davao.

Formed in 2015, LANY has built a strong following in the Philippines, where it regularly stages concerts as part of its global tours.

The band last performed in the country in October 2024 at the Philippine Arena as part of the Asian leg of its A Beautiful Blur world tour. It also held three shows at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino during the same visit.

THE number of people in the United States tuning in live to watch the Oscars dropped by nine percent from last year, viewing figures released Tuesday showed.

Around 17.9 million people saw the political thriller One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, take home the top prize at Hollywood’s premier awards gala on Sunday. That included people watching on the ABC broadcast network and streamer Hulu, both of which are owned by Disney.

The 98th Academy Awards was hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien and featured musical segments that paid tribute to the Netflix phenomenon K-Pop Demon Hunters and box-office hit Sinners, Ryan Coogler’s vampire meditation on race relations in America.

Michael B. Jordan, who played twin brothers Smoke and Stack in Sinners , took home the best actor Oscar after a tight race in which Timothee Chalamet had been expected to triumph for his unlikeable ping pong player in Marty Supreme.

The show also included a lengthy “In Memoriam” segment, paying tribute to actor Robert Redford, which included a rare stage performance from Barbra Streisand

The Academy Awards broadcast, which once routinely drew audiences of 40 million, saw its viewership plummet to 10.4 million in the pandemic-strangled year of 2021.

Since then, it had been gradually recovering viewership until this year. In 2025, when Sean Baker Anora was named Best Picture, the broadcast reached a wider audience thanks to streaming services, which brought the event to mobile phones and computers.

This year’s decline aligns with trends seen in other awards season events, such as the Golden Globes and the Grammys, both of which experienced similar drops in viewership.

Sunday’s telecast also faced competition from sports with the World Baseball Classic semi-finals, in which the United States defeated the Dominican Republic.

The Oscars, which close out Hollywood’s awards season, will be broadcast exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029. AFP

SHOWBIZ

Seasoned musician finds new ‘destination’ with band Route xYz

By Angelica Villanueva

MORE than two decades after helping shape some of the most recognizable songs in Filipino alternative rock, Lemuel Belaro is beginning a new chapter, this time with a different band and a renewed focus on the music itself.

The songwriter behind hits like “Magbalik,” “Pansamantala,” and “Stars,” first popularized by Callalily, has introduced a new trio called Route xYz, which debuted its first single, “Madama,” on digital streaming platforms on Feb. 20. The group marked the release with a live single launch on March 12 at The 70’s Bistro.

For its drummer, Lemuel, the project represents a return to what he calls the “destination” that first led him to music. The band’s name itself draws from his earlier album Destination XYZ, which inspired the idea of finding one’s way back to the essence of creating songs.

“Why not go back to the right destination, which is the music itself? No negativity, no distractions, just creating songs that can inspire people,” said Lemuel.

Route xYz brings together artists from different backgrounds and generations. Lemuel handles songwriting and creative direction, while rising vocalist Ivo Gatela delivers the emotional core of the band’s performances. On guitars is Hiro Ozaki, a musician from Nagoya, Japan, who has built an online following by reimagining Filipino songs through J-rock arrangements.

“Magbalik,” which the drummer originally wrote. The guitarist had previously studied in the Philippines, and the collaboration eventually grew into a cross-cultural musical partnership. “I enjoy the experience. I just love music,” Ozaki said of performing with the band in the Philippines. The band’s debut track, “Madama,” blends orchestral textures with rock instrumentation, creating what the band describes as a cinematic pop-rock sound. The song explores emotional distance, a kind of love that exists but cannot fully be expressed.

For Ivo, the single also carries a deeply personal connection. During the music launch, the singer shared that the song’s emotional weight reminded him of growing up with a father working overseas, often missing milestones such as birthdays and graduations.

“Sobrang grateful po talaga and thankful kay Sir Lem. Kasi out of nowhere po talaga. Guide singer lang talaga ako nung una, pang-rehearsal lang. Tapos noong una tinawagan ako ni Sir Lem, parang hindi ko alam kung maniniwala ako o hindi,” said Ivo.

Lemuel said the band’s goal is not to chase hit songs but to tell honest stories through music. Hindi kayo gumagawa ng music para lang mag-hit. Kuwento niyo lang yung buhay niyo,” he stated.

By Jasper Valdez

AT CLUBHOUSE at the Palace in Bonifacio Global City last March 6, the soundtrack of the early 2000s returned in full force. The venue was transformed into a neon-lit time capsule, where familiar melodies from Disney Channel favorites drifted across the room as guests arrived in outfits inspired by characters that once filled television screens after school.

The gathering, officially called Disney+ PH Throwback Night, brought together a community of fans eager to revisit the Disney Channel titles that defined their youth.

The evening leaned heavily into a lineup of these familiar favorites—from High School Musical and Hannah Montana to

Camp Rock, Phineas and Ferb, The Princess Diaries, and Lizzie McGuire—many of which have now found a permanent home on the Disney+ streaming catalog.

The activities put guests’ memories of the era to the ultimate test. Attendees were grouped into teams for a high-stakes lyric challenge, where they had to complete the lines of well-known Disney hits.

What began as a competitive game quickly dissolved into a room-wide sing-along during the bridge of anthems like “Breaking Free” and “The Best of Both Worlds,” proving that these lyrics remain deeply embedded in the pop culture DNA of the “Disney generation.”

The competitive energy peaked during the “Emoji Mystery” segment, a visual trivia challenge where participants raced to identify classic titles from strings of digital symbols.

Top-performing fans walked away with exclusive Disney+ Philippines merchandise, including limited-edition tote bags and premium subscription vouchers.

The night was a testament to how deeply those shows and films remain embedded in Filipinos’ pop culture memory. Even years after their original release, the songs, characters, and stories from the Disney Channel era continue to resonate with the audiences who grew up with them.

Quezon City Council to probe bullying of students with disabilities

Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas calls for stronger safeguards and accountability following reports of bullying involving students with disabilities

By Nickie Wang

QUEZON City Councilor Alfred Vargas called for a review of the city’s Anti-Bullying Ordinance on Tuesday, following a surge in reports of bullying targeting students with disabilities.

Vargas coordinated with the Quezon City Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) to investigate allegations of physical and verbal abuse in local schools, including a reported case of a 15-year-old student with a seizure disorder who allegedly took his own life after enduring relentless bullying. CCTV footage reportedly showed the victim being assaulted inside a school restroom while other students watched.

“ Layunin po nating marinig ang lahat ng mga stakeholders , mapanagot

ang sinumang dapat mapanagot na may sala o may pagpapabaya na dahilan ng malungkot na pangyayaring ito All sides should be heard. Only the truth shall be pursued,” Vargas said in a privilege speech before the City Council, which voted to launch a formal investigation.

Vargas stressed that schools must be safe spaces for all students, including those with disabilities, and called for stricter penalties for those who target vulnerable students. He said bullying occurs in both public and private institutions and requires stronger local government intervention.

Hindi po pwedeng idahilan ang pagkakaroon ng ‘batang isip .’ This is a matter of life and death. Kaya naman nananawagan po ako sa ating lahat ,” he added.

Vargas also emphasized the role of parents and school administrators in reporting and preventing bullying, particularly in cases involving students with special needs. He called on the public to break the culture of silence surrounding bullying.

Nananawagan po ako sa ating lahat na maging mas mapagmalasakit sa ating kapwa . Spread kindness. At siyempre, maging mapagmatyag at maagap sa pag-report sa mga insidente ng pang-aabuso at pambubully. Wala pong pamilya ang dapat makaranas ng ganitong pighati dahil sa bullying,” he said.

By working with PDAO, Vargas aims to establish specialized reporting channels and ensure that schools enforce stricter protections for students with disabilities.

Microinsurance offers safety net for Filipino families

By Angelica Villanueva

EVERY year, thousands of fires break out across the Philippines, often caused by ordinary household activities such as faulty electrical wiring, unattended appliances, or cooking with open flames.

In Metro Manila alone, the Bureau of Fire Protection reported 3,565 fire incidents, underscoring how quickly ordinary routines can turn into devastating emergencies. In response, Palawan ProtekTODO, the microinsurance arm of the Palawan Group of Companies, is urging Filipino families to adopt a more comprehensive approach to fire safety, combining prevention, awareness, and financial support to help households recover after a disaster.

In observance of Fire Prevention Month this March, the company highlighted its newest microinsurance product, ProtekTODO Fire 99, designed to provide immediate financial

assistance to families affected by residential fires. For P99, the policy offers up to P30,000 in fire cash assistance and an accidental death benefit of up to P10,000. While modest compared with traditional insurance policies, the coverage is meant to help families manage the immediate financial strain that follows a disaster.

Lisa Castro-Sabado, chief business development officer of the Palawan Group, said the initiative reflects the company’s effort to make insurance more accessible to ordinary Filipinos.

“In our country, the Philippines, we continue to face a sad reality. Despite being a country that values family safety and resilience, our

its ProtekTODO Fire 99 offering

SHOWERING a new partner with gifts, constant texts, and declarations of instant love may seem romantic, but it could be a warning sign of manipulation, experts say.

Dr. Carmina Charmaine G. Bernardo, MD of Makati Medical Center, cautions that such behavior may indicate “love bombing,” a tactic used to gain emotional control rather than genuine affection.

“Love bombing involves showering a potential love interest with presents, romantic gestures, flattering words, and undivided attention—acts guaranteed to sweep you off your feet,” Dr. Bernardo said. “The goal isn’t love per se, but to have control over you so that you develop an emotional attachment.”

Whether aware or not, love bombers often act out of narcissism and insecurity, sometimes stemming from past traumas.

“As arrogant or entitled as they appear, love bombers are very insecure. They have a fear of being undesired,” she added.

Love bombers may withdraw affection suddenly, making their partners blame themselves, or make them feel guilty when taking personal time. Gaslighting—twisting conversations to make someone

question their sanity—is common.

In extreme cases, love bombers may resort to physical abuse, then beg for forgiveness and promise to change, only to repeat the cycle.

So how can someone distinguish love bombing from genuine affection? Bernardo said observation is key.

“Everybody goes all out at the ‘getting to know you’ stage of dating. But being in a good relationship feels light yet secure, happy, trusting, and respectful,” Dr. Bernardo advised individuals to prioritize self-love and maintain independence.

“Before you love someone else, you have to love yourself first and more,” she said.

Dr. Bernardo added that couples should spend time apart to preserve personal identity. Even in a fresh romance, people should maintain friendships, attend family meals, and engage in social activities beyond their partner.

Dr. Bernardo advised maintaining personal hobbies and interests and speaking up in a relationship. A loving partner should respect your needs for time alone, different activities, or a slower pace.

Finally, Dr. Bernardo underscored the importance of having a fulfilling

insurance penetration remains very low—just actually 1.8 percent as of midyear last year, according to the Insurance Commission,” CastroSabado said.

According to her, many Filipinos still view insurance as complicated or expensive, leaving households financially vulnerable when unexpected events occur.

“We believe that protection should not be a luxury and should not be scary. It should be simple, affordable, accessible. Instead, it should be simple, affordable, accessible, and, in our term, ‘walang kuskus balungos’ to every Filipino,” she continued.

“It is a symbol of our commitment to providing practical and affordable fire protection. It is designed especially for ordinary households and small business owners who need dependable coverage without

complicated processes or high costs,” Castro-Sabado added.

Fire safety advocates say prevention remains the most effective way to reduce incidents. Gladwin Abram So, fire marshal of the Association of Volunteer Fire Chiefs and Firefighters of the Philippines Inc., said many structural fires are linked to preventable causes such as overloaded electrical outlets, faulty wiring, and unattended appliances.

“People first need to be aware of how fires start,” So said, noting that small habits at home can significantly lower risks.

Simple precautions—checking electrical connections, avoiding substandard chargers, and unplugging appliances when not in use—can help prevent accidents before they escalate into emergencies, he added. Regular drills and preparedness plans

and

also help families respond more effectively during fires.

Still, organizers acknowledged that even careful households can face unforeseen disasters. During the briefing, a ProtekTODO claimant shared how financial assistance from the program helped her family begin rebuilding after a fire destroyed their home in Addition Hills, Mandaluyong.

For Castro-Sabado, initiatives like ProtekTODO Fire 99 aim to provide families with at least a measure of support during one of life’s most difficult moments.

“A fire can change everything a family has worked for in an instant. With ProtekTODO Fire 99, families can access affordable and reliable support that helps them recover from the immediate aftermath, rebuild their homes, and restore their daily lives,” she stated.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Why better sleep starts with small changes

By Angelica Villanueva

SLEEP is often the first thing people give up when schedules get busy. But according to Dr. Jimmy Chang, president of the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine, that trade-off comes at a cost.

Held on March 13 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, the event marked the launch of “The 8 Hour Movement,” a campaign hosted by leading mattress band Uratex, encourages Filipinos to prioritize sleep not just in hours, but in quality and environment.

Speaking in line with World Sleep Day, Chang stressed that sleep is not just about rest—it directly affects how people function day to day. This year’s theme, “Sleep Well, Live Better,” reflects what he sees in practice: when sleep suffers, so does overall health.

According to Dr. Chang, good sleep comes down to three basics: timing, amount, and quality. Adults are advised to get seven to nine hours each night, with eight hours as a practical target. But he noted that duration alone is not enough.

“Even if you get eight hours of sleep, but your sleep is low quality, then waking up is still not good,” he said.

One of the most common issues is going against the body’s natural rhythm. The body clock, or circadian rhythm, signals when to sleep and wake through hormones like melatonin, which typically rises at night and drops in the morning. Disrupting this cycle—whether through shift work or irregular schedules—can lead to long-term effects.

Chang mentioned that not getting enough sleep has been connected to feelings of anxiety, depression, and heart-related issues like high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. In some cases, he added, it may even increase the risk of certain cancers.

Beyond long-term health, the immediate risks are just as serious.

“If you do not get enough sleep, your sleep debt accumulates. You might fall asleep in situations when you are not supposed to be sleeping, like when you’re driving,” Chang shared.

To improve sleep, he recommends starting with simple, consistent habits. One of the most effective is setting a fixed wakeup time. While it can be difficult to control when you fall asleep, waking up at the same hour daily helps regulate the body clock.

He also suggested keeping naps to 20 minutes, steering clear of caffeine at least six hours before going to sleep, and establishing a calming routine before bed. Additionally, only going to bed when feeling sleepy, instead of trying to force sleep, can help lessen the anxiety linked to bedtime.

Equally important is the sleep environment. Bedrooms should be quiet, dark, and comfortable, with minimal distractions. Activities like watching shows or working in bed can weaken the brain’s association between the bed and rest.

“Sleep is not something you actively do. It’s something that will come to you when you relax your mind,” he explained.

For those trying to improve their sleep, Chang said the key is prioritizing it the same way people would any other part of their routine. Small adjustments, done consistently, can lead to better rest and better days.

No shortcut to having good skin Dermatologist’s

reminder that consistency still matters

By Nickie Wang

SOCIAL media feeds are filled with skincare routines promising an overnight glow. A quick scroll through TikTok or Instagram reveals countless tips, miracle serums, and dramatic before-and-after photos suggesting that clear skin can happen almost instantly.

Dermatologist Kei George Rebolledo, better known to patients as Dr. Kei, offers a different message. Good skin, he says, takes time.

Dr. Kei founded Kutis by Kei, a dermatology clinic that has grown steadily over the past few years. What started during the pandemic has expanded into multiple branches in Parañaque and Mandaluyong, with additional locations in Quezon City and Makati. Alongside the clinics, he launched a skincare line, KBK Skin: Straightforward Skincare, which focuses on simple formulations with proven ingredients.

The steady expansion mirrors the philosophy he applies to dermatology: progress built on routine and discipline rather than dramatic fixes.

“Sun protection is number one,” Dr. Kei said in an interview with Manila Standard Life. “The sun can really damage your skin. It breaks down collagen prematurely, which leads to early aging.”

His advice begins with a simple habit. Avoid prolonged sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when ultraviolet rays are strongest. If outdoor activities are unavoidable, early morning around 8:00 a.m. or late afternoon near 5:00 p.m. are safer windows.

Sunscreen, he says, should be treated like a daily essential.

“I always tell my patients it’s just as important as brushing your teeth. If you brush your teeth every day, you should also apply sunscreen every day,” he said, adding that reapplication during the day is ideal.

Apart from religiously applying sunscreen, the basics remain central to skin health: adequate sleep, hydration, avoiding smoking or vaping, and using ingredients such as retinoids and vitamin C.

Hydration, he explained, plays a visible role in how skin appears. Well-hydrated skin tends to look smoother and fuller, while dryness can make the skin appear dull and aged.

Patience, however, remains the most difficult lesson for many patients.

“Because of all the advancements in skincare, there’s this expectation of instant results,” Dr. Kei noted. “Some people think after one procedure or one week, clear skin na agad

But that’s not how it works.”

Acne treatments, he explained, often require around three months before meaningful improvement appears.

“There’s no shortcut,” he added.

The same principle has shaped how he built his practice.

Dr. Kei opened his first clinic during the pandemic. Demand came quickly, and he recalls needing only around six patients a day when the practice began. The greater challenge came with running a business.

“As a doctor, you’re not just treating patients, you also become an administrator and a business owner,” he pointed out.

Delegation and management became new territory. Permits, staffing, and operational decisions required skills far removed from medical training.

Today the expanding clinic network relies on a support system that assists him with operations, finance, and human resources. Meanwhile, growth has brought its own complications,

of

to

particularly regulatory processes and the administrative side of expansion. Even so, Dr. Kei continues a personal tradition of opening a new branch each year.

Consistency, he believes, works in business much like it does in skincare. Social media has also become part of his practice. Through educational videos on TikTok, he explains common skin conditions and treatment options, helping introduce his clinic to a wider audience.

The online presence also raises ethical questions. As a member of the Philippine Dermatological Society, Dr. Kei follows strict standards on advertising and professional conduct. Dermatologists have traditionally kept a low profile, focusing on clinical work rather than self-promotion.

His approach centers on transparency. Content aims to educate, using proper medical terminology and clear explanations. Brand mentions can be sensitive, though he believes naming trusted brands can guide patients toward safer options, especially when imitation products circulate in the market. He also avoids paid endorsements to maintain credibility.

Patient expectations shaped by online information can sometimes create challenges. Some arrive convinced about certain treatments based on what they have read or watched online.

“I appreciate when patients research their concerns, but I often need to clarify which treatments are medically appropriate,” he said.

Difficult encounters happen, including impatient or demanding patients. Still, the most rewarding moments come when patients trust the process, follow treatment plans, and return months later with visible improvements.

Celebrating Filipinas driving change

THERMAGE is putting women in the spotlight with the launch of its first Lift Awards, celebrating Filipinas making a mark across industries and communities.

Coinciding with 20 years of global innovation in non-invasive skin tightening, the Lift Awards, short for “Leading Inspirations, Forging Triumphs,” will recognize ten exceptional women whose leadership and achievements have driven positive change. Nominees come from fields including social work, performing arts, journalism, and science.

Awardees were chosen based on transformational leadership, educational excellence, community

impact, a unique personal story, and alignment with Thermage’s values, highlighting women who lead with purpose and define success on their own terms.

The ceremony is set for March 21 at the Garden Pavilion, Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City. The selection committee included Alistair McKeon of Solta Medical, Thermage Philippines brand ambassador Lara QuigamanAlcaraz, and UN Women National Goodwill ambassador Karen Davila Updates and nomination details are available on Thermage Philippines’ Instagram and Facebook pages, @ thermage.ph.

whose work creates meaningful impact across sectors