Manila Standard - 2026 March 20 - Friday

MARCOS IN ‘BALANCING ACT’ OVER USE OF FUEL EXCISE TAX POWER

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE Marcos administration’s move to adopt a wait-and-see stance on the issue of excise taxes on petroleum products underscores a delicate balancing act between providing con -

sumer relief and maintaining fiscal stability, experts said. Meanwhile, the Philippine government faces a potential revenue loss of more than P100 billion as lawmakers move to suspend fuel excise taxes to shield consumers

from surging pump prices.

The analysts said excise tax revenues on petroleum

Peso hits record low at P60.10:

Analyst fears oil shortage; gov’t boosts reserve

By Thony Rose Lesaca, Alena Mae Flores, Katrina Manubay

THE Philippine peso plummeted to a new record low of 60.10 against the US dollar Thursday, losing 58 centavos from Wednesday’s close of 59.52 as intensifying external pressures weighed on the domestic market and the government scrambles to shore up supplies amid hostilities in the Middle East.

• 300k barrels arriving next week – DOE

• Coal imports may restart, says PBBM

By Joel E. Zurbano

“We have been monitoring at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at the MMDA Metrobase since 5 a.m. Traffic is normal, and no stranded commuters were monitored during the morning rush hours,” said MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III. PISTON and its allies however declared the strike a success, claiming it paralyzed about 90% of major routes in Metro Manila where strike centers were established. Similar protests and strikes were also held in key provinces and cities in Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Panay, Cebu, and Negros. Meanwhile, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) criticized the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to withdraw the planned fare

during the morning rush.

• No shortage in agri supply until July—DA

Data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed the local currency opened at 59.90 against the greenback and touched an intraday low of 60.40. Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) senior research fellow John Paolo Rivera said escalating oil prices increase the demand for dollars to fund imports while risk-off sentiment continues to bolster the greenback.

ENERGY prices soared and stocks sank Thursday as Iran attacked several Gulf energy facilities and warned of more in retaliation for a strike on one of its key gas fields.

Qatar reported “extensive” damage to the site of the world’s largest liquefied natural

gas facility following Iranian strikes, sparking fears for global energy supplies and fresh threats from United States President Donald Trump against Iran.

Tehran carried out attacks on Qatar’s huge Ras Laffan LNG facility in retaliation for an Israeli

strike Wednesday on Iran’s South Pars gas field, part of the world’s largest natural gas reservoir. Trump warned Iran to stop attacks on Qatar, threatening to “massively blow up the entirety of the

By

THE camp of Vice President Sara Duterte has said she is gearing up to face a full-blown impeachment trial at the Senate. Meanwhile, Michael Poa, one of the Vice President’s legal

counsels, said he has not spoken with the Vice President, but added she might not attend the committee hearings. He told ANC in an interview that they have advised their client to skip the hearings since “there’s nothing to gain” in the proceedings which Luistro called a “mini-trial.”

ON TO BRAZIL. Team Philippines books its ticket yesterday for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil after blanking Uzbekistan, 2-0, at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Gold Coast, Australia. PFF

By Katrina Manubay

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday visited Mariveles, Bataan, to inspect newly installed prefabricated classrooms, highlighting the government’s focus on faster, innovative modular solutions to address the urgent classroom shortage.

By Maricel V. Cruz

financial burden on households.

The visit to Mariveles National High School-Alasasin Annex showcased the Department of Education’s (DepEd) effort to accelerate learning space delivery using modular technology.

The classrooms will immediately serve 1,031 students at the said school, which faces a projected shortage of at least five classrooms due to an expected increase in enrollment.

South Pars Gas Field.”

In a post on social media, he said Washington “knew nothing” about the Israeli attack on South Pars, saying it had “violently lashed out” in “anger.”

He said that “no more attacks will be made by Israel” on South Pars unless Iran continues to attack Qatar, in which case the United States “will massively blow up the entirety” of the gas field.

Brent crude soared past $115 per barrel as Tehran threatened to target regional installations.

Fears over global energy supplies sent European gas prices up more than 30 percent, while Brent crude jumped seven percent.

Qatar called the attack “dangerous and irresponsible,” while the United Arab Emirates offered a rare rebuke, calling it a “dangerous escalation.”

“Targeting energy infrastructure poses a direct threat to global energy security,” the UAE foreign ministry said.

The Iranian strikes on Qatar came as Abu Dhabi shut down operations at a gas facility due to falling debris from missile interceptions, while two oil refineries in Kuwait were struck.

Meanwhile, the UN nuclear watchdog said Iranian authorities had reported a projectile impact at the country’s only operational nuclear power plant but that it caused no damage.

“We warn you once again that you made a big mistake in attacking the energy infrastructure of the Islamic republic,” the Revolutionary Guards said in a statement carried by Iranian media.

“If it is repeated again, further attacks on your energy infrastructure and that of your allies will not stop until it is completely destroyed.”

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on X that the attacks on South Pars “will complicate the situation and could have uncontrollable consequences, the scope of which could engulf the entire world.”

The surge in energy costs has fanned fears of another surge in inflation and raised the possibility of higher interest rates.

After Iran’s attack on its Ras Laffan hub, Qatar ordered Iran’s military and security attaches along with their staff to leave the country.

Elsewhere, Kuwait reported drone attacks on two oil refineries, while Saudi Arabia said it reserved the “right to take military actions” after intercepting drones targeting energy infrastructure in the east.

Meanwhile, Iranian lawmakers have proposed a plan to impose tolls and taxes on ships passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, local media reported on Thursday.

Officials have said shipping conditions through the waterway will not return to those from before the Middle East war began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

“We in parliament are pursuing a plan under which countries will pay tolls and taxes to the Islamic republic if the Strait of Hormuz is used as a secure route for transit, energy and food security,” Tehran lawmaker Somayeh Rafiei was quoted as saying by the ISNA news agency.

“The security of the strait will be established with strength, authority and grandeur by the Islamic Republic of Iran, and countries must pay a tax in return,” she said. Traffic through the vital strait has been brought to a near-standstill since the start of the war.

Iranian forces have attacked multiple vessels, saying they failed to heed “warnings” against transiting the waterway. AFP

For his part, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara mentioned that the initiative provides a practical interim solution while permanent school buildings are being developed.

“Breaching 60 is more of a stress signal from global conditions, especially oil and dollar strength than a breakdown in domestic fundamentals,” he said. “The key question now is persistence whether these pressures remain, the peso could stay near or above this level in the near term.”

An industry source warned that the peso’s depreciation could trigger a “fuel shortage problem,” noting that the Philippines’ oil reserve is expected to last only until the end of April.

The government earlier announced that the PNOC Exploration Corporation will procure 2 million barrels of oil to boost the country’s buffer stock.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin yesterday said an initial 250,000 to 300,000 barrels of diesel will arrive next week to augment supply.

Lawrence Fernandez, Meralco vice president and head of utility economics, said the continued peso depreciation would also put pressure on generation charges. “In the case of Meralco, close to 60 percent of generation costs are dollar denominated,” he said.

Because fuels support more than 70 percent of the country’s power generation, the DOE is monitoring both prices

The President also led the distribution of digital learning devices and the rollout of the “YAKAP at Kalinga Caravan,” providing free medical consultations, laboratory services, medicines, and vision screening for students and school personnel.

“We just made sure that there is YAKAP being done, which we also have to expand — which will be ex -

and supply levels to prevent electricity service disruptions.

In a recent advisory, the department said daily assessments of fuel supply are “extremely necessary.” The agency directed the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp., National Power Corp., generation companies, and off-grid stakeholders to submit a daily operations report on fuel inventory.

The DOE said the reporting requirement is intended to track current and incoming stocks, allowing the agency to mitigate the effects of the Middle East crisis.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. said the depreciation of the peso creates substantial cost pressures for the power sector.

It said that since the primary components of power generation—specifically imported fuel (coal and LNG)—are dollar-denominated, any currency volatility triggers an automatic escalation in generation costs.

“Compounded by rising global fuel prices and electricity costs driven by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, this situation presents a serious challenge for the power sector. For electric cooperatives, this may result in increased financial strain, particularly in areas with low collection efficiency, potentially affecting their cash flow,

panded because not only in DepEd but in all of PhilHealth,” Mr. Marcos told reporters in a mix of English and Filipino.

“If you remember the P60 billion that was transferred from the budget, we returned the P60 billion. So now PhilHealth has an additional P60 billion, so we can expand programs,” he added.

operational stability, and capacity to sustain reliable and affordable electricity service,” it said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday assured the public the government is eyeing to reopen coal importation to ensure a steady power supply, adding that current fuel stocks for power plants remain sufficient.

In an interview with reporters in Bataan, Mr. Marcos said that the government may restart coal imports for power plants.

“We were trying to move away from coal but because of this crisis, we’ll open up again the importation, the buying of coal so that our power supply will be sufficient in all parts of the Philippines,” the President said.

Mr. Marcos said the government is in talks with partner countries that have available supply which the Philippines can procure.

For its part, the Department of Agriculture said there is sufficient supply of agricultural products, at least for the next 90 days.

“I can safely say that until June or July, we will not have a supply issue for almost everything. We have stocks with the National Food Authority – almost 500,000 tons of rice,” Agriculture

Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. said.

He said supply levels for other agricultural products, such as corn and sugar, remain steady.

The measure was principally authored by Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, together with Tingog party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre.

“As fuel prices move, the impact is felt across the delivery of basic utilities... Households experience this not only in transportation, but in the cost of electricity, water, and connectivity,” Acidre said.

Under the proposed measure, reconnection fees for accounts disconnected due to nonpayment will be prohibited, provided that all outstanding balances, including lawful interest or penalties, have been fully paid.

Existing provisions covering fraud, illegal use, and safety-related disconnections will remain in effect.

The bill is expected to be referred to the appropriate House committee for deliberation.

hike for public transport.

According to Renato Reyes, president of BAYAN, the administration’s policies was “piecemeal and stopgap.”

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the TNVS sector also expressed frustration over the reversal. Jun De Leon, president of Laban TNVS, said the fare hike should have been implemented to help drivers and operators cope with rising costs.

He added that the government should instead focus on reducing fuel prices, including the temporary removal of VAT and excise taxes on oil.

The government had earlier proposed a ₱20 increase in the base fare for Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS), but this was later rescinded. Instead, authorities announced a 50% fare discount for passengers of MRT Line 3 and LRT Line 2.

“Before making announcements that raise people’s expectations, they should first clarify that policies are still under

review. This back-and-forth approach affects people’s livelihoods,” De Leon said.Torre added that as of 10 a.m., the agency’s assets and standby vehicles for free rides were not deployed as no stranded passengers were reported.

He and other MMDA officials, led by Deputy Chairman Frisco San Juan Jr., monitored road conditions amid the strike organized by the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON).

Preliminary reports from the MMDA Communications and Command Center showed protest activities in several areas across Metro Manila, including Roxas Boulevard, E. Rodriguez, Welcome Rotunda, Philcoa, Monumento, MCU, near Loyola Cemetery, and along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.

PISTON, along with allied civic organizations, is calling for the abolition of the Value Added Tax (VAT) and excise tax on fuel, which they said could cut diesel prices by about P20 per liter.

The group is also seeking a P5 fare increase to help drivers cope with rising costs.

As a long-term measure, protesters

brackets and fund programs that are for the poorest of the poor,” Ricafort told Manila Standard.

Meanwhile, these revenues also indirectly support infrastructure, healthcare, and other social services.

Rivera said the government’s cautious stance reflects the trade-off between easing the burden on consumers and maintaining fiscal stability.

“Suspending excise taxes would reduce pump prices, but it would also mean foregone revenues that fund subsidies and public spending, potentially widening the deficit. Hence, the preference to monitor global oil trends first and rely on targeted support rather than broad tax suspension,” Rivera said in a Viber message.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort echoed this view, describing the policy stance as a “delicate balancing act” given limited financial resources and existing budget deficits.

“This is a delicate balancing act since most of those who pay [these taxes] are [from] higher income

He said this is the reason why targeted subsidies are instead given to those who are the most affected by the sharp increase in fuel prices, while also mitigating the need for bigger fare hike adjustments in consideration of the general public.

The House of Representatives has passed a bill authorizing President Marcos to suspend or cut collections on petroleum products. Under the 2017 Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, the government imposes a tax of P10 per liter for gasoline, P6 per liter for diesel and P5 per liter for kerosene.

While the measure promises relief for motorists, estimates by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) show that revenue losses could reach P43.3 billion if the suspension lasts three months and P106 billion if extended through September.

The Bureau of Customs reported that fuel excise taxes generated between

are pushing for the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law and greater transparency in the oil industry.

The MMDA said it has prepared augmentation measures to ensure the protest would have minimal impact on commuters.

Buses and other vehicles under the “Libreng Sakay” program remain on standby and ready to be deployed if needed, it added.

In a statement, Piston alleged widespread police harassment at strike centers in Parañaque, Cainta, Pasig, Quezon City, Caloocan, and Manila, including the presence of armed police and surveillance operations.

Despite this, the group said the strike would continue and called on transport workers, commuters, and other sectors to join a planned march to Mendiola.

In Cebu City, transport groups, progressive organizations, and jeepney drivers also joined the nationwide strike, calling for the removal of VAT and excise taxes on fuel to ease the impact of rising fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East. With Rex Espiritu, Rio Araja and Rolando Ng III

P220 billion and P260 billion in 2025, with value-added tax on petroleum products contributing another P160 billion. Fuel tax collections reached a record P373.7 billion in 2022. Economists warned the move could compromise social protection programs funded by these taxes, including cash transfers, infrastructure projects the “Pantawid Pasada” program and PUJ modernization.

Asian Development Bank Southeast Asia lead economist James Villafuerte said targeted subsidies for lower-income households would have a stronger social impact than a blanket tax reduction.

“If you reduce the excise tax, rich people who consume lots of cars would benefit more. Whereas you could have provided, say, income or food subsidy to really the more vulnerable. I think that kind of intervention would be better in terms of the social impact,” Villafuerte said. He added that lower taxes might encourage greater gasoline consumption and reduce incentives to limit pollution.

The Financial Executives Institute

“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.

Duterte’s defense team maintained that their position has not changed, asserting that the complaints against her were “flawed and not based on established facts.”

Poa made the disclosure following an announcement by the House Committee on Justice chaired by Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro that the impeachment complaints were sufficient in grounds even as Duterte’s response failed to directly address the allegations, effectively leaving the accusations unchallenged.

The Justice panel scheduled the impeachment hearings on March 25, April 12, 22 and 29, 2026

Luistro warned the defense team that their absence during the hearings beginning March 25 raises the possibility of the cases being transmitted to the Senate.

“They (Duterte legal team) should anticipate that this impeachment complaint will, indeed, be transmitted to the Senate,” she said.

Luistro also said the committee hearings were meant to give opportunity to both parties—the complainant and the respondent—to present their witnesses and evidence, “so as when we determine the probable cause, the justice members will be guided.”

Under House rules, Luistro, a noted lawyer, said the defense team can cross-examine witnesses, but the “direct examination and the cross-examination must be conducted by the Justice members alone.”

“The participation of the lawyers in the proceeding before the Justice committee is limited to assisting the parties or their clients,” she said.

In a statement, Poa asserted that the recent findings were only preliminary and do not constitute a determination of truth or liability.

of the Philippines (FINEX), however, expressed support for a temporary suspension, saying the fiscal impact must be weighed against the economic damage of inflation. The group suggested a policy framework to adjust taxes when global oil prices exceed 80 dollars per barrel for sustained periods.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the government was monitoring global price movements, particularly Dubai crude, amid the Middle East tensions.

“Our focus is on what we can influence — the reforms we implement, the programs we launch, and the decisions we make domestically,” Go said during the PSEi InvestPH Investors Conference.

To cushion the impact, the government has prepared interventions including expedited fuel subsidies for transport workers, farmers and fisherfolk. Authorities are also coordinating with oil companies to stagger price increases and exploring the acquisition of 2 million barrels of oil via a Philippine National Oil Company subsidiary to strengthen the national buffer stock, said Go.

Alcantara to testify in Co’s malversation at Sandiganbayan

By Maricel V. Cruz

FORMER DPWH-Bulacan 1st Dis-

trict Engineer Henry Alcantara is scheduled to testify before the Sandiganbayan’s Sixth Division next week in the malversation trial involving former congressman Zaldy Co and several former public works officials in Mimaropa over a road dike project in Oriental Mindoro.

Alcantara is set to appear at the anti-graft court on March 24 following the testimony of former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who earlier told the court he received around P100 million in alleged commissions from Co through Alcantara between 2023 and 2025. Bernardo also said that Alcantara told him that the P30 million he allegedly received came from former DPWH-Mimaropa Regional Director Gerald Pacanan, who is also a respondent in the graft case.

Alcantara earlier testified at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, where he acknowledged deeply entrenched corruption in the DPWH involving his “boss,” Bernardo, and several politicians, including Co. Alcantara also revealed during the Senate hearing that Co, who is the cofounder of Sunwest Construction and Development Corp., inserted P35.24 billion worth of projects between 2022 and 2025. He accused him of facilitating billions of pesos’ worth of infrastructure projects in exchange for commissions.

IN BRIEF

Dy backs right to info bill as tool against corruption

HOUSE Speaker Faustino G. Dy III on Thursday welcomed the committee approval of the proposed Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2026, saying the measure would strengthen transparency and help combat corruption.

Dy said institutionalizing public access to government information is key to ensuring accountability.

“When citizens have access to information, they can use it as an effective tool in our fight against corruption. Knowledge is power. When it is within the people’s reach, the government becomes more responsible and careful with every decision it makes,” he said.

He emphasized that transparency is a critical safeguard against abuse of power, noting that access to information enables citizens to scrutinize government actions and hold institutions accountable.

“An informed citizenry leads to better governance,” he added. Maricel V. Cruz

KALAHI-CDD empowers Bohol communities

GUINDULMAN, Bohol—The KALAHI-Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach continues to empower communities here to lead infrastructure development and institutionalize participatory planning in local projects.

Before adopting the CDD approach, many barangays struggled with projects built without deep consultation, often failing to address urgent community needs.

From 2021 to 2024, the town followed a three-phase roadmap under the National CommunityDriven Development Program, aligning plans and eventually transitioning to full local government-led implementation.

Minerva Newman

NBI files charges over fake birth certificates

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed charges against public officials and private individuals linked to a scheme that facilitated the issuance of fraudulent birth certificates.

Investigators found that the main beneficiaries were foreign nationals, mostly of Chinese origin, who used fictitious identities to obtain Filipino civil status and citizenship.

The probe, conducted by the NBI’s Central Mindanao Regional Office with the Philippine Statistics Authority, focused on irregularities in the civil registry offices of Pikit and Aleosan, North Cotabato. Joel E. Zurbano

Philippine firms weigh shorter work weeks amid oil hikes

By Othel V. Campos

PHILIPPINE companies are exploring three- or fourday work weeks to streamline operations amid surging global oil prices and rising costs, according to the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP).

The private sector discussions follow the government’s recent implementation of a four-day work week for certain agencies. These measures reflect a broader effort to maintain business continuity while keeping operational expenses manageable during a period of economic volatility.

MAP president Benedict Lim said

most companies remain in the “early stages of shock” as they monitor energy markets and food prices.

“Energy is something we don’t control. We’re dependent on supply, and that’s the challenge. The private sector and government are working hard to stabilize the situation, especially food prices,” Lim said.

House panel OKs modern registry bill to fix gaps

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House Committee on Population and Family Relations has approved a substitute bill seeking to modernize the country’s civil registry system and address longstanding gaps in birth and death registration affecting millions of Filipinos.

The measure consolidates 29 proposals, including House Bill 5213 principally authored by Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, along with TINGOG Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre.

The bill proposes updates to Republic Act 3753, or the Civil Registry Law enacted in 1930, which governs the registration of vital events such as births, marriages, and deaths.

It introduces reforms to streamline late and delayed registration, strengthen inter-agency data sharing, and support the

digitalization of civil registry processes to improve accessibil ity, particularly in underserved communities.

The proposed reform is part of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Coun cil (LEDAC) priority agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., highlighting the importance of a modern civil registry system in improving governance and public service delivery.

Acidre, the committee’s vice chairperson, said the measure marks a key step toward address ing persistent gaps in civil regis tration.

“For many Filipinos, the chal lenge is not just access to ser vices, but access to recognition,” Acidre said.

He noted that despite improve ments, gaps remain in the timely and universal recording of births and deaths, especially in geo graphically isolated and disad vantaged areas.

Acidre: ‘Stop misleading the public’

TINGOG party-list Rep. Jude Acidre on Thursday called on Navotas

Rep. Toby Tiangco to “stop misleading the public,” as he dismissed allegations that lawmakers were enticed with government aid and project allocations to support the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Rep. Toby Tiangco should stop misleading the public,” Acidre said, stressing that accusations must be backed by proof.

“Serious allegations require serious proof—not hearsay, not secondhand claims, and certainly not gossip dressed up as fact,” he said.

Acidre also rejected Tiangco’s claim that alleged wrongdoing had already been established through the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), citing the commission’s own statement.

“The ICI referral itself, signed by retired Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes, explicitly states: ‘This referral is issued without any finding or conclusion of guilt or liability on the part of Former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez,’” Acidre said.

“That is not interpretation. That is the Commission’s own language,” Acidre said.

“So let us be precise: There is no finding of guilt. There is no conclusion of liability. There is no proof established by the ICI.”

“What exists is a referral for further investigation—nothing more, nothing less,” Acidre added.

Acidre challenged Tiangco to substantiate his claims linking lawmakers’ signatures to programs such as AICS, AKAP, TUPAD, and infrastructure allocations. Maricel V. Cruz

As a short-term response, firms are considering flexible arrangements such as two or three days of workfrom-home. Lim described the shift as a “pre-COVID approach” intended to help staff handle the rising cost of living rather than a health-related necessity. Administrative work can continue seamlessly while employees save on commuting costs, Lim said. He noted that unlike the pandemic, there is no virus keeping people home, so the shift is purely about managing employee lifestyles when commuting becomes too expensive.

However, the MAP president warned that reduced workdays could dampen retail activity. Fewer office

days may translate to lower foot traffic in malls and shopping centers, potentially shifting consumption patterns.

“As long as food prices are managed, we should be okay. But if regular Filipinos can’t afford essentials, that could ripple across the economy,” Lim said. Despite the pressure, companies are adopting a wait-and-see approach. Planning emphasizes organizational resilience, and labor reductions or layoffs are not currently on the table. Lim noted specific triggers that could force further adjustments, pointing out that diesel prices in some areas have already exceeded P100 per liter.

IN BRIEF

PH, US forces reaffirm bilateral defense ties

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) have reaffirmed their long-standing alliance during the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) standing committees’ meeting at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City from March 5 to 6. The meeting brought together military officials from both countries to discuss key security priorities and strengthen coordination amid evolving regional challenges.

AFP Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans Brig. Gen. Paulo Teodoro represented the Philippines while USINDOPACOM South/ Southeast Asia Policy Division chief Col. Andrew Dubois led the US panel. Discussions resulted in a set of recommendations and deliverables, which will be consolidated and further refined ahead of an executive committee meeting scheduled in Hawaii in June 2026. Rex Espiritu Manila gov’t gives away 100 decent housing units

THE city government of Manila raffled on Wednesday 100 housing units for qualified beneficiaries under the in-city vertical housing program.

The activity, led by Manila Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso and Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, selected 100 beneficiaries out of 1,554 verified applicants.

The housing units are located in San Lazaro, Pedro Gil, and San Sebastian Residences.

“We want our people living comfortably, safe. We are restoring the dignity of every family. We will continue as long as we can. Our next projects are Binondominium 3, 4, 5, until all squatters are extracted from the riversides and underneath bridges,” he added. Pot Chavez

BI tech asst assumes post as deputy chief

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has announced that its newly appointed deputy commissioner, Theodore Pascual, has assumed office following his designation by President Marcos on March 5. Pascual’s promotion marked another milestone in his more than 42 years of service at the bureau, specifically on migration and border control operations.

He rose through the ranks and was known as a career officer with extensive experience in both local and international Immigration work. Before his appointment, Pascual served as senior Immigration officer and technical assistant at the Office of the Commissioner. Vito Barcelo

HOW TO PUT OUT BLAZE. A fireman demonstrates how to put out a blaze during a fire prevention seminar organized by the Las Piñas City-based Villar Foundation in conjunction with the current national observance of Fire Prevention Month.

PNP marks 12% decline in crimes, but warns it may go up in summer

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has reported a significant decline in focus crimes nationwide from January 1 to March 12, 2026, but warned of a possible increase in property-related offenses during the Lenten break and summer months.

Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum, PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the police recorded 6,377 focus crime incidents during the period, down by 12.66 percent or 924 cases from 7,301 incidents

logged in the same period last year.

Focus crimes include murder, homicide, rape, physical injury, carnapping of motorcycles and motor vehicles, and theft.

“Meaning, on our focused agenda,

we are on the right direction as far as crime prevention is concerned. Again, I repeat, we are down by 924 incidents or, if we are going to translate it to percentage, we are down by 12.66 percent,” Tuaño said.

Tuaño attributed the decline to intelligence-driven operations and the regular sharing of best practices among Police Regional Offices, particularly in curbing robbery and theft.

“What is important is that the public feels that the Philippine National Police is on the streets for police visibility. Everything we do is intelligence-driven opera-

INFLATION HITS THE HIGHLANDS. Even Benguet province, the country’s reputed vegetable basket, is not spared of rising prices triggered by skyrocketing fuel rates as an offshoot of the escalating Middle East conflict. Dave Leprozo

Suspect in murder of Isabela ex-beauty queen now in custody

By Jessica M. Bacud

ILAGAN City—The police here on Wednesday said they have made some progress in their investigation into the murder of Lullete Jane Ramilo-De Guzman, a teacher and former Miss Philippines Earth 2013 runnerup, who was shot dead on Feb. 13 in San Manuel, Isabela.

A murder case has been filed against an arrested suspect identified as only as JR who is currently undergoing preliminary investiga-

tion, according to the Isabela police provincial office. The police are working closely with the provincial prosecutor to ensure the integrity of evidence and proper documentation.

Meanwhile, a massive manhunt is ongoing against the other suspects.

PNP Cagayan Valley regional director Brig. Gen. Antonio Marallag Jr. gave assurance they are taking everything under their authority to hold the perpetrators accountable. “Justice is not the privilege of a

few, but the right of all,” he stressed. The victim was shot dead while inside her vehicle with her children in Barangay Cabaritan, San Manuel, Isabela.

The murder sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. The PNP said they will leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Local authorities urged anyone with information about the case to come forward and assist in bringing closure to the case.

Gov’t may extend amnesty until 2028

THE government may extend its amnesty program for former rebels until 2028 amid what officials described as a “strong turnout of applicants nationwide.”

National Amnesty Commission (NAC) chairperson lawyer Leah Tanodra-Armamento said a proposal to extend the amnesty period—originally set under Executive Order No. 47—is awaiting approval by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

NAC data showed that more than 16,000 individuals have applied for amnesty, surpassing the initial target of 10,000.

National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) executive director Ernesto Torres Jr. said the figures reflect a growing shift among former members of the Communist Party of the Philip-

pines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front toward peaceful reintegration.

“The numbers speak for themselves. This is not failure—this is a quiet but decisive victory for peace,” Torres said, as he dismissed claims by the communist insurgency movement that the amnesty initiative was an “epic failure.”

The NAC figures showed that 16,003 applications were received as of the deadline, including 13,633 from individuals linked to the CPP-NPA-NDF. If approved, the extension would run until 2028 to ensure continuity of the program without requiring annual congressional concurrence.

Authorities said applications continue to be accepted and are being provisionally processed while awaiting the President’s decision. Rex Espiritu

tions, meaning everything we do is with information that we hold firmly so that our resources, both human and materials, will not be wasted,” he said. Despite the downward trend, the PNP said it is preparing for a possible uptick in crimes against property during the summer season, when more people travel and establishments adjust operations. PNP deputy director for investigation and detection Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. said enhanced police visibility in Metro Manila and across regional offices is being implemented to deter criminal activity.

Wayward truck rams into row of cars; 2 dead

By Rex Espiritu

TWO people were killed and three others injured in a ninevehicle collision along Tagaytay–Santa Rosa Road in Sitio Muzon, Barangay Puting Kahoy, Silang, on Wednesday morning.

“One victim has been identified as a motorcycle driver, while the other remains undetermined as to which vehicle he was riding,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Macatangay, chief of the Silang police.

Among the injured was a fiveyear-old girl who was crossing the road on her way to school at the time of the accident.

CCTV footage showed that at around 7:20 a.m., a 10-wheeler truck traveling toward Santa Rosa City, Laguna plowed into a row of vehicles. Eight other vehicles were crashed, including a sports utility van, two other cars, and some motorcycles. After the initial collision, the truck continued for more than a kilometer before stopping in a grassy spot where the driver got off in Barangay Santo Domingo, Santa Rosa City.

Quoting witnesses, police said the driver even lighted a cigarette before casually walking away, then rode in a commuter vehicle. Initial investigation indicated that the truck might have lost its brakes while negotiating a downhill stretch. Witnesses said it was travelling at high speed.

“Even from up there, the driver was already shouting. Then somewhere around this area, it rammed into other vehicles. All hell broke loose,” a witness said. The truck driver has been identified and is currently being tracked down by the police. He would potentially face a string of criminal charges including double homicide through reckless imprudence, multiple physical injuries, and damage to property.

OPINION

Needed: Clear-eyed leadership at DTI

THE current surge in fuel prices across the Philippines is a crisis that demands clear-eyed leadership and systemic solutions.

However, the proposal put forth by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to suspend port fees and control logistical costs appear to be a deeply myopic response, fixated on superficial fixes while failing to confront the fundamental challenge facing the nation.

The DTI proposal appears to be a policy response that addresses downstream price pressures rather than the structural drivers of fuel inflation.

Fuel prices in the Philippines, in fact, are primarily determined by global crude benchmarks, exchange-rate movements, and domestic fuel taxation under the TRAIN law, not by port handling charges.

While suspending port fees may marginally reduce distribution costs, these charges represent only a small fraction of the final pump price. As a result, the measure risks creating the appearance of intervention without producing meaningful relief for consumers, especially during periods of externally driven price spikes.

The primary issue at hand is not a momentary price fluctuation, but the impending lack of fuel supply in the country.

This systemic vulnerability is the true root cause of the crisis.

The significant price increases we are now experiencing are a direct and severe consequence of this inadequate supply, exacerbated by the DTI’s apparent failure to effectively arrest market manipulation in the form of hoarding, profiteering, and panic buying.

A case in point: consumers are seeing profiteering being done in broad daylight.

On Monday, frustrated drivers across the country drove from one gas station to another and lined up for hours only to be told that supplies were gone or stations were closed. As higher prices were announced on Tuesday, the stations resumed regular operations.

Thus, DTI’s push to suspend government shares in port and cargo logistics handling fees and to ask private expressway operators to stop collecting fees for cargo and delivery vehicles transporting basic necessities is a knee-jerk response that only influences a nearly negligible fraction of the cost of goods.

Worse, the proposal might even be construed as an effort of the agency to publicly place the responsibility and accountability on other agencies.

By focusing on measures that are arguably micro-solutions, the DTI avoids a difficult but necessary engagement with the macro-level energy security challenge.

The required shift in strategy is clear: government departments must look in-

ward before prescribing solutions for the public. Since supply is the main and most critical problem, the focus must immediately turn to demand management.

The DTI and its attached agencies must initiate concrete efforts from their own departments to lower fuel consumption, such as by supporting and empowering digital transactions and digital work.

For far too long, consumers have also been lamenting the impact of the valueadded tax (VAT) and excise taxes on basic goods—especially in times of crisis. In the long term,

DTI has given multiple speeches left and right on its commitment towards a more resilient and sustainable future, but it seems the Philippines has yet to walk the talk

DTI’s investments in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) must pay off in decentralizing production and supplies of goods across the country to cushion fuel shocks.

Most importantly, DTI, in partnership with other agencies, must accelerate the electrification of our transport system. More and more electric vehicle (EV) brands from US, Europe, China, and Vietnam are arriving on our shores every day yet our charging infrastructure lags so far behind. With the Philippines chairing ASEAN this year,

DTI has given multiple speeches left and right on its commitment towards a more resilient and sustainable future, but it seems the Philippines has yet to walk the talk.

This proposal is sadly consistent with the tone-deaf statement from DTI last year claiming that a Filipino family could have a “noche buena” meal for just P500 based on the agency’s price guide.

Both remarks show that the agency needs to make more meaningful efforts to understand the situation on the ground and orchestrate wide-reaching reforms.

Our trade agency must study the macrolevel supply problem first before suggesting micro-level price or demand solutions that only provide temporary relief and fail to secure the nation’s energy future.

This is a time for meaningful propeople solutions, not surface-level press soundbites. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

The raising of Lazarus

THE Gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Lent describes Jesus’ raising of his friend Lazarus from the dead. The story hints at his own Resurrection, which we will celebrate at Easter.

Jesus receives news that Lazarus is seriously ill but waits before traveling to Bethany, where Lazarus lived with his sisters Mary and Martha. By the time he arrives, Lazarus has already been buried. Martha expresses her faith, saying that if Jesus had been there, her brother would not have died. Jesus responds with the powerful declaration that he is the resurrection and the life, and that those who believe in him will live even though they die. The story shows the deep emotional side of Jesus. When he sees the sorrow of Mary and the mourners, he is moved with compassion and weeps.

This reveals his humanity and his deep love for his friends. At the tomb, after praying to God, Jesus calls Lazarus to come out.

Miraculously, Lazarus emerges alive, still wrapped in burial cloths. Many who witness this begin to believe.

While people fear physical death and work hard to avoid it, few are equally concerned about the death of the soul caused by sin. Many neglect the effort needed to preserve their spiritual life. This insight is especially meaningful during Lent, a time dedicated to repentance, prayer, and renewal. Like Martha, believers are called to place all their hope in Jesus, who is truly the resurrection and the life. War, violence, vengeance, and hatred

The Mideast crisis and its impact on the PH

THE current tension in the Middle East will impact on the Philippine economy in 2026 in three ways, according to experts: (1) oil prices and inflation; (2) OFW displacement and remittances; and (3) fiscal and growth pressures.

Because the Philippines is heavily dependent on overseas labor income and imported energy, the shock is considered more serious than for many ASEAN economies.

The reality is that remittances remain one of the Philippines’ main economic pillars.

Cash remittances reached $35.6 billion in 2025, or about 7.3 percent of GDP.

Around 16 percent of remittances come from the Middle East, according to corporate and banking estimates.

The escalating conflict could put about $6.5 billion in remittance inflows at risk. There are roughly 2 million Filipinos working in the Middle East, many in vulnerable sectors like domestic work, construction, and caregiving.

This matters a lot for our economy because remittances drive not just household consumption, but also housing demand, retail spending and peso stability.

If even a fraction of OFWs return home, the effect will be felt immediately in domestic demand.

Recent reports show many workers are already in danger zones or unable to

leave conflict areas, yet cannot afford to return home because their families depend on their income.

Observers are saying that a short conflict would have minimal impact, but a long conflict would lead to slower growth, a weaker peso, and lower consumption.

Policymakers must prepare not only for emergency relief but also for structural reforms that would reduce our dependence on overseas labor and imported energy

The Middle East war has disrupted global energy flows, especially through the Strait of Hormuz. About 20 percent of global oil and

By Kelvin Santos

THERE is a recurring pattern in Philippine policymaking: proposals that sound morally compelling but falter under basic economic scrutiny.

The latest example is the push by Kamanggagawa Partylist Rep. Eli San Fernando for a legislated nationwide minimum wage increase of ₱100 to ₱200.

At face value, the proposal is appealing. Filipino workers are grappling with rising living costs and calls for higher wages resonate strongly. But economic policy cannot be reduced to a slogan. A closer look reveals significant gaps in the proposal’s economic grounding.

Ignoring Regional Realities

The Philippines is not a single, uniform labor market but a collection of regional economies with varying wage levels, productivity, and cost structures.

do not only destroy human lives physical-

ly; they also reveal a deeper death — the death of the human spirit.

Spiritual death arises when sin, hatred, and revenge take the place of mercy and justice. We see this with terrible clarity in the war in Iran.

True life, according to the Gospel, is found not in domination or revenge but in mercy and compassion

Since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Feb. 28, missiles have hit schools, hospitals, and residential centers, spreading fear and devastation across the Middle East.

The voice of the Church has responded without hesitation. Pope Leo XIV, in his Sunday blessing on March 15, appealed directly to those responsible: “On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East and all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict.

“Cease fire so that avenues for dialogue may be reopened. Violence can never lead to the justice, stability, and peace that the people are waiting for.”

As early as March 1, he had warned that the world was “faced with the possibility of a tragedy of enormous proportions.”

And in an earlier address, he had laid down a principle that now rings prophetic:

This is why wage-setting is delegated to Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs), which tailor adjustments to local conditions.

A uniform nationwide wage hike effectively discards this system. While a ₱200 increase in Metro Manila may translate to roughly a 30 percent adjustment, the same hike in poorer regions could exceed 50 percent. Imposing such a shock across diverse economies runs counter to established labor economics.

The MSME Constraint

The proposal also overlooks the structure of Philippine businesses. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) make up over 99 percent of firms and employ a large share of workers.

Unlike large corporations, MSMEs operate with limited financial buffers. A ₱200 daily wage increase could add roughly ₱4,000 to ₱4,800 in monthly payroll per worker, excluding mandatory contributions

“War is never holy, only peace is holy, because it is willed by God.”

American cardinals have spoken with equal clarity. Cardinal Robert McElroy of Washington declared that the U.S. decision to go to war against Iran “fails to meet the just war threshold for a morally legitimate war in at least three requirements.” The criterion of just cause was not met, he argued, because the country was not responding to an existing or imminent attack.

Invoking Pope Benedict XVI, he warned: “If preventative war were to be accepted morally, then all limits to the cause for going to war would be put in extreme jeopardy.”

LNG passes through Hormuz, and prices have already surged above $100 per barrel. We import about 90 percent of our oil.

Our government has already responded to the conflict with fuel-saving measures; possible tax suspension on fuel; subsidies for transport and agriculture; and flexible work/shorter work week proposals.

The economic effect of the current Mideast conflict would include higher transport fares, higher food prices, and slower business expansion.

Analysts warn that employment disruption in Gulf economies could affect remittance stability if the conflict drags on. This is particularly risky because the Philippine growth model still relies heavily on overseas labor income.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East also poses financial stability risks for the Philippines. When remittances go down considerably and oil rises at the same time, our imports would cost more dollars, and fewer dollars would come in.

The bottom line is clear.

The Philippines can absorb a brief crisis, but a prolonged Middle East war that forces OFWs home and keeps oil prices high would significantly weaken growth in 2026.

Policymakers must prepare not only for emergency relief but also for structural reforms that would reduce our dependence on overseas labor and imported energy.

The economics Rep. San Fernando forgot to study

such as SSS and PhilHealth. For small firms, these costs accumulate quickly. When labor costs rise faster than productivity, businesses adjust by reducing hiring, cutting hours, or eliminating jobs.

Employment Risks Opposition to a nationwide wage hike is often framed as anti-worker. In reality, the concern is employment.

Public policy should be judged by outcomes, not intent

Estimates suggest that between 105,000 and 300,000 jobs could be at risk under the proposed increase. Each lost job represents a household pushed into uncertainty. Many displaced workers may end up in the informal sector, where wages are lower and protections weaker.

A policy meant to uplift workers should not risk pushing them into more precarious conditions.

Inflationary Pressures

Higher wages also feed into higher prices. Labor costs are embedded across goods and services, and sharp increases are typically passed on to consumers.

Economists estimate that a ₱200 nationwide wage hike could add up to two percentage points to inflation. For low-income households, even modest price increases— particularly in food—can quickly erode any gains from higher wages. The result is a policy that may weaken, rather than strengthen, real purchasing power. Risks to Growth and Investment There are broader macroeconomic implications. Sudden increases in labor costs

Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago condemned the White House’s social media posts splicing war footage with video game imagery. “A real war with real death and real suffering being treated like it’s a video game — it’s sickening,” he wrote. “Hundreds of people are dead, mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, including scores of children who made the fatal mistake of going to school that day.” From the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin declared: “This erosion of international law is truly worrying: justice has given way to force; the force of law has been replaced by the law of force.” These are not merely political state-

can affect investment decisions, especially in labor-intensive sectors.

Investors compare labor costs across regions and countries. A nationwide wage mandate detached from productivity introduces uncertainty and may deter expansion. Some estimates suggest the policy could reduce economic growth by up to 1.6 percentage points. For an economy targeting 6 to 8 percent growth, that is significant. Slower growth means fewer jobs, weaker investment, and reduced momentum. Policy or Politics?

The proposal raises a deeper concern: whether it prioritizes political messaging over economic substance.

Sound economic policy requires rigorous analysis, stakeholder consultation, and a clear understanding of trade-offs. It is unclear whether these were fully considered. Were regional impacts studied? Were MSME constraints evaluated? Were inflation risks realistically assessed? Or was the proposal designed primarily to generate public support?

Workers Deserve Better There is no question that Filipino workers deserve higher wages. But sustainable wage growth cannot be legislated in isolation. It depends on productivity gains, stronger industries, better infrastructure, and sustained investment—reforms that are less visible but far more durable. Public policy should be judged by outcomes, not intent. By that standard, the nationwide wage proposal raises more concerns than confidence. Before legislating sweeping wage increases, policymakers would do well to revisit the economic fundamentals. The real risk is not rejecting the proposal—but passing it and discovering too late that it has made workers worse off.

(The writer is a graduating Economics student at a private university in Pampanga).

ments. They are pastoral ones, rooted in the same Gospel tradition that speaks through today’s reading. War and hatred are not only social problems — they are spiritual crises, revealing a world in need of conversion. True life, according to the Gospel, is found not in domination or revenge but in mercy and compassion.

The story of Lazarus reminds believers that faith in Christ brings the promise of new life. In this season of war, when so many Lazaruses lie entombed in rubble across the Middle East, that promise is not just spiritual comfort — it is a moral summons. Come out. Choose life.

Orban digs in over blocked Kyiv loan

BRUSSELS – A defiant Hungarian leader Viktor Orban vowed Thursday to keep blocking a massive loan for Ukraine despite heavy pressure from EU partners, who were headed into a Brussels summit hoping to unlock the much-needed funding.

Moscow’s closest partner in the bloc, the nationalist prime minister has long resisted helping Kyiv to repel Russia’s invasion, stalling EU aid and repeated rounds of sanctions.

This time around, Orban is holding up a 90-billion-euro ($104 billion) loan as leverage in a feud over damage to a pipeline running through Ukraine -- which has choked the flow of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia.

“The Hungarian position is very simple. We are ready to support Ukraine when we get our oil, which is blocked by them,” Orban said on arriving at the Brussels summit -- which Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy was to address by videolink later in the day.

The EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas warned on arrival it was “really, really time” to show support for Ukraine by unlocking the funding -- which Hungary’s prime minister signed up to in December along with the rest of the bloc.

But Orban appeared determined to play hardball, as he leans into anti-EU and anti-Ukrainian narratives ahead of close-fought national elections on April 12 -- to the exasperation of fellow EU leaders.

“He’s using Ukraine as a weapon in his election campaign, and it’s not good. We had a deal,” said Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

The weeks-long spat has seen landlocked Hungary and Slovakia both accuse Ukraine of stalling on pipeline repairs -- while Zelenskyy has called it “blackmail” to link the issue to support for its war effort.

The European Commission moved this week to unblock the situation by sending a team to help restore oil transit, but Budapest has dismissed the initiative, with Orban describing it as a “fairy tale” Thursday.

“We are waiting for the oil,” Orban told reporters -- calling the matter “existential” for Hungary.

“It’s not a joke, it’s not a political game.” Others disagreed -- suggesting the block was squarely motivated by national politics. Cue a looming showdown and a tricky balancing act for Orban’s EU counterparts.

“It will be complicated before the elections in Hungary; I have the impression that this is part of his election campaign,” said Belgium’s Bart de Wever.

IN BRIEF

rebuffing his call to help reopen the

The first female premier in Japan’s history, conservative Takaichi has had a strong supporter in Trump, who backed her ahead of her recent landslide election victory.

But she now faces a difficult balancing act, after Trump lashed out at Washington’s Asian and European allies for rejecting his demand that they help reopen the key oil waterway that Iran has in effect shut down to retaliate for the US and Israel war campaign.

Yet while wanting to avoid angering Trump, she must also deal with both Japan’s pacifist Constitution, and the fact that Japan’s economy is hurting from a conflict it had no part in.

“In accordance with Japan’s laws, what we can do, we will do; what we cannot do, we will not do. I intend to make that very clear,” Takaichi said in parliament Wednesday. But Trump, 79, has already named Japan as one of the countries that he says have refused to help.

In a social media post on Tuesday, Trump said that “we no longer ‘need,’ or desire, the NATO Countries’ assistance -- WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea.”

Sending its Self-Defense Forces abroad is politically sensitive in officially pacifist Japan, as many voters support the US-imposed, war-renouncing 1947 constitution.

But the world’s number-four economy is the fifth-biggest importer of oil, with 95 percent of it coming from the Middle East and 70 percent passing through the Strait of Hormuz. AFP

BANGKOK – Thailand’s new parliament on Thursday elected Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister, according to an AFP tally of the vote, keeping the conservative in the top office after his party routed its election rivals.

Anutin passed the 250-vote threshold to win the premiership, according to a tally by AFP journalists as the vote continued.

The Southeast Asian nation’s new government will have to handle the fallout from the Middle East war, sluggish economic growth and lingering border tensions with neighbour Cambodia.

“I hope to remain in my position to serve the people for as long as I can,” Anutin told reporters ahead of the parliamentary vote.

“Those who know me understand that whenever there is a problem affecting the public, I will respond immediately to their needs,” he added.

Anutin’s pro-military and pro-monarchy Bhumjaithai party had its best electoral performance ever in February, after two rounds of deadly border clashes with Cambodia last year.

Bhumjaithai promised to build a wall on the Cambodian frontier, keep all border crossings closed and recruit 100,000 volunteer soldiers, winning the most seats of any party and putting Anutin in pole position to head the next government.

The third-placed Pheu Thai party of jailed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra agreed to join Anutin in a coalition alongside 14 smaller parties, and parliament anointed him on Thursday.

The 59-year-old millionaire heir to a family construction fortune -- who championed the decriminalisation of cannabis in Thailand -- was first elected prime minister in September.

He came to office after his predecessor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter, was ousted by court order over an ethics complaint.

In a leaked phone conversation, Paetongtarn referred to former Cambodian leader Hun Sun as “uncle” and called a Thai military commander her “opponent”, triggering public and political outrage. AFP

NARCOTRAFFICKER SLAIN. Police officers patrol the area where a bus was set on fire allegedly by drug traffickers after a police operation in central Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Thursday in which leader of a criminal group Dos Santos had at least eight outstanding arrest warrants for kidnapping, drug trafficking, and homicide, Menezes Nogueira told a press conference.He described Dos Santos as ‘a ruthless and bloodthirsty drug trafficker’ who had 135 criminal charges on record. AFP

8 killed during Rio police operation, including drug kingpin Dos Santos

RIO DE JANEIRO – At least eight people died Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) during a police operation against organized crime in Rio de Janeiro, including one of Brazil’s most-wanted drug lords, authorities said.

Around 150 members of the city’s elite BOPE military police unit, backed by two armored vehicles, deployed in several favelas near the touristy Santa Teresa neighborhood targeting a prominent narcotrafficker.

“A major armed confrontation ensued,” leading to the death of the target, Claudio Augusto dos Santos, 55, identified as a key figure within one of Brazil’s largest criminal groups, Comando Vermelho (Red Command), said military police chief Marcelo Menezes Nogueira.

Dos Santos had at least eight outstanding arrest warrants for kidnapping, drug trafficking, and homicide, Menezes Nogueira told a press conference.

He described Dos Santos as “a ruthless and bloodthirsty drug trafficker” who had 135 crim-

inal charges on record. Police also killed six other suspected criminals. The eighth victim was a local resident who had been taken hostage along with his partner, who survived, Menezes Nogueira said. The fatality came when the hostage takers opened fire at police during talks to free the captives.

Officers also arrested 116 people and seized 21 guns, 105 kilograms of cocaine and 600 kilograms of marijuana, police said in a statement.

In retaliation for the police operation, a bus was set on fire on a major avenue in downtown Rio, and barricades were erected using other vehicles, AFP journalists witnessed.

“They boarded, told me to get the passengers off, and set the bus on fire. It all happened very fast,” the shaken driver, Marcio Souza told AFP, describing the situation as “horrible.” Menezes Nogueira said that Red Command members were behind the actions which caused traffic chaos in the city center. AFP

MOSCOW – Ukrainian drone strikes on Sevastopol in Russian-annexed Crimea killed a man and wounded two other people, the city’s Moscow-installed governor said on Thursday.

Sevastopol, which is the historic home of the Russian navy’s Black Sea fleet, has been heavily targeted by Ukraine throughout the four-year conflict.

“Air defense forces and our Black Sea Fleet have repelled the Ukrainian Armed Forces attack. A total of 27 UAVs were shot down,” Mikhail Razvozhayev posted on Telegram.

“A man who was in a private home in a gardening community during the attack died as a result of the Ukrainian Armed Forces attack on Sevastopol,” he said, adding two other people received moderate injuries.

The governor of the southwestern Russian region of Stavropol, Vladimir Vladimirov, posted on Telegram that air defenses were repelling a drone attack on an industrial zone. AFP

Ukraine drone strikes on Sevastopol kill 1 Abu Dhabi closes gas facility

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi has shut down operations at a gas facility due to falling debris from missile interceptions, the Emirati capital’s media office said on Thursday.

“Abu Dhabi authorities are responding to incidents at the Habshan gas facilities and at the Bab (oil) field caused by falling debris from the successful interception of missiles,” Abu Dhabi’s media office posted on X.

“The gas facilities have been shut down,” it said, adding no injuries had been reported.

The United Arab Emirates’ foreign ministry expressed “strong condemnation” of the attack, which it blamed on Iran.

“These attacks constitute a serious escalation and a violation of the principles of international law,” the ministry said in a statement posted on X. Iran warned on Wednesday that it would destroy Gulf nations’ oil and gas industries, which it considers American interests, if its own energy sector is harmed again following a strike on its South Pars field, the world’s largest gas reserve. AFP

rapid spread.

“We want to know the causes of the disaster and the responsibility (who is to blame). At the very least, we need to know what caused the fire and why it spread so rapidly, becoming completely uncontrollable,” former resident Seneca Lee told reporters outside the court. AFP

SPORTS

Song reclaims 2-shot lead in wild shootoutat PGT School

LAUREL, Batangas—The third round of the Philippine Golf Tour Qualifying School turned into a gripping, day-long duel under punishing heat and swirling winds at Splendido Taal Golf Club on Thursday, as Lee Song, Ivan Yabut and Enrico Gallardo battled as if a championship itself hung in the balance.

With gusts testing every swing and nerves stretched to the limit, the trio traded leads in a relentless back-andforth that saw momentum shift by the hole. It was less a qualifying round and more a war of attrition – where composure proved just as vital as shotmaking.

When the dust finally settled, the Korean wrested back control, Gallardo stood firm under pressure, and Yabut faltered in a wild, nerve-wracking finish. Song fought through a roller-coaster 73 to retain a two-stroke lead at 213, surviving a series of swings that would have unraveled lesser players – and the unforgiving conditions. He came out firing with back-to-back birdies,

stumbled with a bogey, recovered, then stumbled again – his round mirroring the chaos around him.

A costly miscue from a fairway bunker on No. 11 led to a double bogey that briefly cost him the lead, and another error on No. 14 dropped him further back. But when it mattered most, he steadied himself, birdying the 15th as his rivals cracked under pressure to reclaim the top spot – despite a closinghole misccue.

“My first two holes were really the only highlights of my round,” said Song. “After that, it was a struggle. On No. 11, I couldn’t get out of the bunker cleanly – it was too steep – and I even missed a short putt (1 meter) for bogey.”

Yabut looked ready to seize control. After an opening bogey, he bounced back with an eagle on No. 2 and birdies on Nos. 5 and 6 against a bogey on the fourth, showcasing both firepower and resilience. He surged ahead when Song faltered on the back nine, but the lead proved fragile.

Brutal climbs, breakneck sprints mark MPTC Tour

BRUTAL climbs and breakneck sprints characterize the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 edition that returns this summer all of 14 stages traversing 13 provinces and five of the main island’s eight regions with a total pedaling distance of 1,815.80 kilometers.

“It’s a balance of a route for the climbers and sprinters,” said Arrey Perez, Tour of Luzon CEO and Chief Organizer Arrey Perez, as he stressed on the unpredictability of this generation’s Tour of Luzon again presented by MPTC, or the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.

“Teamwork will play a crucial role in the race with the domestiques expected to do a challenging task to bring their respective team’s in the GC [general classification],” Perez added.

Dubbed “A Heritage in Motion” from

last year’s “The Great Revival,” the tour kicks off April 29 at CaSobe in Calatagan for its CALABARZON sojourn and will go north in Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley before heading westward in the Ilocos Region and Cordillera Autonomous Region until the May 13

Stage 14 finale at Scout Hill inside John Hay Hotels in Baguio City.

“Just how tough and challenging is the race in terms of the King of the Mountain classification are the 25 climbs,” Perez said, adding “and the

Sprints, there are 16 in all spread over the 14 stages. The race: Stage 1 CaSoBe (Calatagan) to Tagaytay City (150.10 kms), Stage 2 Clark to New Clark City (43.40 kms, team time trial), Stage 3 New Clark City to Palayan City (140.10 kms), Stage 4 Palayan City to Bayombong (165.80 kms) and Stage 5 Santiago City to Tuguegarao City (130.60 kms). Stage 6 from Tuguegarao City to Pagudpud is the longest at 228.90 kms (road) marked by two KOM points, followed by the first of two individual time trial (ITT) races in Stage 7 Pagudpud circuit (22.90 kms) and a rest day on May 6 (Pagudpud).

The tour resumes May 7 with Stage 8 from Pagudpud to last year’s kickoff in Paoay (157.40 kms), Stage 9 from Laoag City to Candon City (142.60), a brutal climb from Candon City to Bessang Pass in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur for Stage 10 (131.20 kms), Stage 11 from Candon City to San Juan (158.70 kms), Stage 12 from Agoo to Daang Kalikasan in Mangatarem (146.40 kms), Stage 13 ITT along the LingayenBinmaley Baywalk (20.00 kms) and finally the queen stage, the final Stage 14 from Lingayen to John Hay Hotels via Kennon Road.

Lone Filipina on Ladies European Tour: Arevalo carves global path in Women’s Month

IN the high-stakes theater of professional sports, where a single degree of clubface rotation can dictate the trajectory of a career, Abegail “Abby” Arevalo is proving that technical mastery is nothing without psychological armor.

As the nation celebrates International Women’s Month, Arevalo stands as a lighthouse for the modern Filipina athlete, embarking on a landmark 2026 campaign as the sole Philippine representative on the Ladies European Tour. This prestigious circuit, which has recently expanded its global footprint deep into the Asian region, provides a unique stage for a player whose career has been defined by a mental game as sturdy as her drive.

Sportswriting

A PALL of gloom descended on the Philippine sportswriting community with the passing of one of its shining lights.

Arevalo’s ascent to this global platform is rooted in a storied collegiate and national career that

They are baaaaaaaaaaaaack!

and others whose names I forgot to mention. Salamat din pala, Kevin Conejos! The current leadership of the Philippine Football Federation should also take a bow. They, too, deserve the recognition. And they have to thank the Filipinas, again, for lifting the federation for the nth time.

Can’t wait for the PR to come out. And

I’m just being sarcastic, just to be clear.

Which brings us to the next question.

prepared her for the isolation of the international pro ranks. During her tenure at San Jose State University, she became a cornerstone of the Spartans’ success, securing three individual tournament victories and earning All-American honors. This collegiate grit translated seamlessly into international gold when she served as a pivotal member of the Philippine team that clinched the 2019 SEA Games Team Gold Medal. She followed this triumph in 2020 by being crowned the Philippine Ladies Open Champion, winning by a dominant nine strokes—a legacy built upon her first major breakthrough in 2017 when she stunned the field as an eighteen-year-old amateur to win the LPGT Event at Riviera with a dramatic birdie on the final hole. The 2026 season represents a

Can the Philippine Men’s National Football Team continue this football high with a win against Tajikistan 11 days from now?

Earlier this week, the PFF released the 23-man lineup that will be flying to Dushanbe for the all-important game against the Tajiks in the Asian Cup qualifiers. On paper, the team is strong and has a good chance of taking the full three points against the host. Equally intriguing will be the presence of Raphael Obermair, the Paderborn O7 winger. Much hype and ink have been spent on Obermair ever since I can remember. The long wait is apparently over for Obermair to play for us. I even coined a term for him and other high-profile players, who are taking their sweet time before actually agreeing and literally showing up wearing the country’s colors. Nevertheless, The Designated Kit Man is very happy to see two familiar names on the list. I have known Patrick Deyto and Daisuke Sato since their Global FC days. I practically saw them grow up on and off the football pitch. They were youngsters then, now they are the more senior players, the OGs, in the current squad littered by young but hungry players.

For Deyto, being called back to the

high-octane tour of the world’s most challenging courses, requiring a masterclass in both versatility and endurance. Arevalo’s upcoming May schedule begins at the Amundi German Masters at the Green Eagle Golf Courses from May 14 to 17, followed immediately by the historic Lalla Meryem Cup at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Morocco from May 21 to 23. She will conclude this intense three-country swing in France at the iconic Evian Resort for the Jabra Ladies Open from May 28 to 30. Despite the heavy demands of these international commitments, she remains deeply connected to her roots and has confirmed a return to local soil later this year for key appearances in the Philippine Golf Tour, ensuring her professional journey continues to inspire the growing golf community at home.

national team is both vindication and redemption. Vindication because of the long work, the steadfast determination and the sacrifices he went through after suffering an injury while, ironically, playing for the national team. Redemption, because he has another opportunity to play for the flag and country.

“I’m looking forward to being back with the team. I’m equally excited to see my old teammates and of course, playing with the new ones that I haven’t played or trained with,” Deyto said Deyto admits he knows what is at stake in the game against Tajikistan. More than the qualification to the tournament proper, Deyto says the result will impact the team’s future in the next few years. The game at the Hissar Central Stadium on the 31st means a lot to him too personally.

“During my rehabilitation, I just wanted to get better. I just wanted to be able to do the simple things before. Just like walking or running properly without pain. After a few months, I focused on my rhythm and performances before finally returning to the game,” he explained. But for the moment, he is relishing the fact that after more than a year of sacrifices and buckets of sweat and tears, he will get another opportunity to change

Juanito “Lito” Tacujan, sports editor excellence, wordsmith, leader, father, mentor, friend, died of cardiac arrest Wednesday at the age of 79 in Canlubang, Laguna. He was survived by wife Catalina, children Jose Maria Tacujan , Juan Luis Tacujan, Maria Kristina T. Ayala and Michael Roy Ayala, Karina Michaela T. Angeles and Chippy Angeles and Samuel Julian Tacujan and grand children Miguel Anton T. Ayala Natalie Isobel F. Tacujan Miko Joaquin T. Ayala and Audrina Hope T. Angeles. His remains lie in state at Peace Chapel of Heaven’s Memorial Gardens in Binan. Internment is on March 24 with viewing set for March 20 to 23. Tacujan oversaw the sports section of The Philippine STAR for 32 years, stamping his imprint as the paper covered some of the greatest events in sports from 1986 to 2018 in style and in a language that’s both creative and informative.

He also served as president of the Philippine Sportswriters Association, sharing his leadership and expertise to colleagues, including young, aspiring sports scribe.

A graduate of University of Santo Tomas, Tacujan was among the first recipients of the UST AB Gantimpala Awards in 2010, feted among the outstanding alumni of the Faculty of Arts and Letters (Philo and Letters during his college years).

In 2019, Tacujan was honored by the PSA with the Lifetime Achievement Award for sports journalism.

the way he exited the pitch the last time around he manned the space between the posts for the national team. Deyto suffered a leg injury against Indonesia during the group stage of the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup last December 2024. He says his family was the main reason why he never lost the faith. “Tasha was there to help me everyday especially when I can’t even walk.” Beating Tajikistan on its home turf might seem a big order for the team. Despite this, Deyto remains optimistic. “We are in the best position or the best situation to succeed. Personally for me, there is no pressure. I’m just happy to be back and I want to contribute in any way I can,” he added. According to sources, most of the players called for national team duties will fly to Turkey from March 20-22. The team will have a camp starting on the 25th before flying to Dushanbe on either the 28th or the 29th. The whole team is expected to be present on the 30th or a day before the match against Tajikistan. Stay safe. Stay happy peeps! For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_ cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

Eala battles Siegemund in Round of 64

RISING Filipina tennis star Alexandra Eala faces a stern test of experience and variety when she opens her Miami Open campaign against Germany’s Laura Siegemund in the Round of 64, with the match scheduled on Thursday evening or Friday morning. (Philippine time.

Eala, seeded 31st in the tournament, enters the prestigious hardcourt event riding on a wave of confidence following a strong showing at Indian Wells, where she reached the Last 16 in her main draw debut. The 20-yearold left-hander has steadily built her reputation on the WTA Tour, recently climbing to a career-high world ranking of No. 29.

However, a drop in the live rankings to around No. 50 underscores the fine margins at the elite level, as points from her breakthrough semifinal run in last year’s Miami Open have now expired. That performance had marked Eala’s arrival as one of the sport’s most promising young talents, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Standing in her way is the vastly experienced Siegemund, who earned her spot in the second round after dispatching Croatia’s Petra Marcinko, 6-4, 6-4, in the opening round. At 38, the German remains a dangerous opponent, combining tactical intelligence with a disruptive playing style that has troubled even top-ranked players.

A former world No. 27 in singles, Siegemund has carved out an even more decorated career in doubles, capturing Grand Slam titles at the US Open in 2016 and 2020, and the French Open in 2024. Her all-court craft — highlighted by slices, drop shots, net approaches and well-timed lobs — makes her a difficult matchup, particularly for aggressive baseliners.

Jr Lady Altas rip Lady Pirates, return to finals

THE University of Perpetual Help Junior Lady Altas punched their ticket back to the finals after a dominant straight-sets win over Lyceum of the Philippines University–General Trias Junior Lady Pirates, 25-14, 25-18, 25-16, in the Final Four of the NCAA Season 101 Volleyball Fiesta on Thursday at the Arellano Gym. Sherrie Rose Acosta delivered a game-high 17 points to lead the squad of coach Sandy Rieta back to the championship round.

Elizha Sildo added 10 points, while Joycelle Casil and Isabel Baser chipped in six and five points, respectively.

Setter Jaja Monte orchestrated the offense with 10 excellent sets and three digs, while libero Janine Espiritu anchored the defense with nine digs and six receptions.

“Maganda ang nilaro ng mga bata, nandoon ‘yung composure nila at determination to win. We are hoping na makuha namin this season kasi natalo kami sa finals ng Arellano last year,” said Rieta.

Aleah Alipan paced Lyceum-GenTri with 12 points.

The Junior Lady Altas, champions in Season 99, are now one step closer to reclaiming the crown after falling short against the Arellano Baby Lady Chiefs in last year’s finals. Dennis Abrina

Filipinas stun Uzbeks, punch ticket to Women’s World Cup

By Peter Atencio

GOLD COAST — The Philippines women’s national football team delivered a dream performance, booking a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after a convincing 2–0 Asian Cup victory over the Uzbekistan women’s national football team on a rainsoaked Thursday at Cbus Super Stadium.

The Filipinas struck quickly after halftime, with rookie Jael Guy orchestrating both goals through pinpoint crosses that set up veteran finishers Angela Beard and Jaclyn Sawicki. Beard, a Fil-Australian standout, opened the scoring in the 47th minute, converting a long cross from Guy to give

PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio

the Philippines the breakthrough. Just five minutes later, Guy delivered another precise ball from the left flank, this time finding Sawicki, who made no mistake to double the lead in the 52nd minute.

Coach Mark Torcaso praised his squad’s composure and belief.

“We were confident in the players

that any game we play here is going to be a challenging one. We told the girls that we’re still in it—they just need to enjoy the game,” said Torcaso.

The coach also highlighted the impact of 18-year-old Guy, a Germanborn Filipina midfielder playing for Brown University.

“To have future stars perform on the world stage and deliver in big games is a testament to her and her family,” he added.

The breakthrough came after a series of near misses in the first half, with Uzbekistan goalkeeper Maftuna Jonimqulova denying attempts from Beard and Sofia Wunsch.

The victory marks the Philippines’ second appearance on football’s biggest

stage, following their historic debut in 2023. Veterans such as Beard, Sawicki, Halli Long, Olivia McDaniel, Chandler McDaniel, Katrina Guillou, Malea Cesar, Jessika Cowart, Carleigh Frilles and Isabella Pasion will now return to the global stage.

The milestone win also snapped Uzbekistan’s edge in their head-to-head history, where the White Wolves had won three of their previous four meetings. With the triumph, the Filipinas join fellow Asian qualifiers such as Japan women’s national football team, Australia women’s national football team, China women’s national football team, Chinese Taipei women’s national football team and South Korea women’s national football team in the World Cup.

PSC spurs sports tourism growth in Davao, Iloilo, Cebu

WHEN Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio embarked on a whirlwind journey across Davao, Iloilo, and Cebu, it wasn’t just a barnstorming tour of facilities and forums, it was a voyage into the heart of Philippine sports tourism.

Each stop revealed how local passion, cultural heritage, and institutional collaboration are transforming cities into destinations where athletic dreams and tourism converge.

In Davao City, the soon-to-rise UP Mindanao Aquatics Center gleams as a symbol of promise.

With its final roofing and furnishings underway, the facility is poised to become a regional hub for swimming, drawing athletes and visitors alike in a collaborative effort among the PSC, UP and DPWH.

“With the strong support of

our partner universities in Mindanao, we are discovering more young athletes who thrive in premium training environments,’’ said Gregorio, standing alongside Chancellor Lyre Murao and university officials.

``These institutions provide the ideal setting for new talent to flourish, ensuring that the next generation of champions emerges from the region’s rich pool of potential,” added Gregorio. Beyond aquatics, Davao pulsed with energy as the National Open for Sambo unfolded at Sta. Ana National High School. International experts from Malaysia and Indonesia led clinics and workshops, while world-ranked athletes Sydney Sy Tancontian and Chino Sy Tancontian inspired young sambo grapplers.

Supported by Gregorio, City Sports Development OIC Michael Aportade-

ra, principal Welito Rosal, and Pilipinas Sambo Federation Inc. president Paolo Tancontian, the three-day event is proof that the martial art’s rise can ignite community pride and attract global attention.

``When it is your passion, when it is the sport that you love, it deserves all the support and assistance the PSC can provide,’’ said Gregorio, pledging continued backing for sambo’s grassroots programs and international ambitions.

Iloilo City, long celebrated as a football stronghold, emerged as a sports tourism powerhouse during the Visayas Sports Summit.

With Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. and more than 175 sports and tourism professionals all over Visayas in attendance, discussions spanned coaching academies, sports science, and athlete welfare.

IRONKIDS breaks ground with neurodivergent athletes

THE RLC Residences’ IRONKIDS Davao, staged as a duathlon race, is shaping up to be a major highlight in the development of Philippine triathlon, drawing a record 450 participants eager to compete and showcase their skills. Set on Saturday, March 21, at the Bago Aplaya Esplanade along Davao City Coastal Road, the event serves as the junior counterpart of an international triathlon series, bringing together children aged 6 to 15. More than just a competition, IRONKIDS offers a vibrant and welcoming environment for both newcomers and experienced young triathletes, blending sport with fun and camaraderie.

Serving as a prelude to the IRONMAN 70.3 Davao on Sunday, the race adopts a two-discipline format featuring swim and run segments to encourage broader participation, with this year’s field nearly doubling compared to the 2024 edition. This format ensures a spirited yet friendly competition across four individual age-group categories, along with two relay divisions designed to promote teamwork and accessibility.

A major highlight of this year’s event is its strong push for inclusivity, led by Sunrise Events, Inc., the host city, and RLC Residences, as nine neurodivergent athletes take part –marking a breakthrough moment for the race.

Their participation underscores a significant step forward, demonstrating that young athletes on the autism spectrum can compete alongside their peers in a supportive and empowering environment.

The neurodivergent participants, guided by their respective coaches, are Palmer Taray and Shiela Capin (Kirt

DOE opens 2026 coal bidding round with Semirara at stake

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SEVERAL major energy and mining firms joined a pre-bid conference on Thursday for the 2026 Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program (PCECP) as the government seeks new operators for coal blocks in Antique, Cagayan and Isabela.

The Department of Energy (DOE) is offering three pre-determined areas (PDAs) comprising 18 coal blocks across 18,000 hectares. The auction includes the coal-rich Semirara Island in Antique province, which accounts for the bulk of the country’s domestic coal production.

Attendees of the conference included current contract holder Semirara Mining and Power Corp. and San Miguel Corp. units Sual Power Inc. and San Miguel Global Power.

Other interested parties included GNPower Ltd. Co., Vintage-21 Coal Mining Corp., Trans Pacific Energy Resources Inc., Delta Earthmoving Inc., DESCO Inc. and PNOC-Exploration Corp. Legal firms DAT Law Offices and TSR Law were also present. The bidding round covers areas with expiring or expired coal operating contracts (COCs). In Semirara Island, 10 coal blocks spanning 10,000 hectares are held by Semirara Mining

and Power Corp. under COC No. 5, which is set to expire in July 2027.

The DOE is also offering three blocks in Cagayan and five blocks in Isabela where previous contracts expired in 2024 and 2022, respectively.

“The government’s role is to ensure that any activity involving our energy resources is undertaken transparently, competitively, and with full accountability,” DOE Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said.

Sales said proponents should demonstrate sound technical capability and strong financial capacity while prioritizing safety and environmental protection.

shared commitment to environmental protection, climate resilience, and economic growth.

Business groups back SEC term limits for broker directors

By Jenniffer B. Austria

FIVE major Philippine business groups on Thursday expressed support for the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) proposal to impose term limits on broker directors of securities exchanges, citing the need to bolster governance and investor confidence.

The statement was signed by the Institute of Corporate Directors, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Management Association of the Philippines, Capital Markets Development Foundation Inc. and Investment House Association of the Philippines.

The organizations said in a joint statement the move would help reinforce board independence, curb conflicts of interest and enhance the credibility of the country’s capital markets. The groups said that introducing reasonable tenure limits represents a constructive step toward reducing potential risks and improving the securities exchange system.

The statement noted that securities exchanges perform critical oversight functions as self-regulatory organizations under the Securities Regulation Code. Because these entities supervise brokers and monitor trading, the groups noted that their governance is

a matter of public interest.

According to the business groups, the SEC holds broad authority to regulate exchange governance frameworks. They described term limits as a “prudent” measure to address concerns such as undue influence and regulatory capture.

“Term limits do not diminish shareholder choice—they activate it. They ensure that the right to vote is exercised on a continuing basis, with stockholders periodically selecting from among other qualified brokers to bring fresh perspectives and renewed accountability to the board,” the statement read.

WALK. Best Buddies Philippines Foundation Inc. will host its first-ever Friendship Walk in Metro Manila on March 22, 2026, at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater in Taguig City.

PH creative economy grew 6.9% in 2025

THE Philippine creative economy expanded by 6.9 percent in 2025 to P2.12 trillion and accounted for 7.6 percent of the gross domestic product, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Thursday.

The sector grew from P1.98 trillion in 2024, led by the symbols and images category. The industry segment contributed P670.15 billion, representing 31.6 percent of the total gross value added within the creative economy.

Digital interactive goods and services followed with a 19.7-percent share, while advertising, research and development and other artistic services accounted for 15.9 percent.

Despite the growth in value, employment within creative industries saw a slight decline of 0.4 percent. Total workers in the sector fell to 8.71 million in 2025 from 8.74 million the previous year. Creative jobs represented 17.8 percent of total employment in the Philippines.

Traditional cultural expression activities maintained the largest workforce within the sector, holding a 33-percent share of creative employment.

Symbols and images followed at 27.1 percent, while advertising, research and development and other artistic services employed 23.7 percent of the creative workforce.

6.9% P2.12 trillion 8.71 million

Trade figures for the year showed exports of creative goods reached P320.06 billion, while creative service exports totaled P426.99 billion.

Imports remained higher for goods at P711.48 billion, compared with P138 billion for creative services. Creative collective consumption also saw an uptick, rising 2 percent to P16.49 billion from P16.17 billion in 2024.

The creative economy is defined by the government to include audio and audiovisual media, digital interactive services, advertising, media publishing, music, arts, entertainment, visual arts, traditional cultural expressions and heritage sites such as museums and galleries.

FILINVEST Development Corp. (FDC) posted a record net income of P15 billion in 2025, up 24 percent from P12.1 billion the previous year, the company said in a stock exchange disclosure Thursday.

The diversified conglomerate saw consolidated revenues rise to P120.6 billion from P113.4 billion in 2024. Growth was led by robust performances in its banking, real estate and power subsidiaries.

FDC president and chief executive Rhoda Huang said the record results underscore the company’s ability to adapt to changing environments and capitalize on opportunities as it marked its 70th anniversary. Banking and financial services remained the largest earnings driver, contributing P7 billion or 40 percent of the total. The power and property segments each contributed P4.9 billion, representing 28 percent of total earnings apiece. Other businesses accounted for the remaining 4 percent. The company’s banking arm, EastWest Bank, reported its own record net income of P9.2 billion, up 21 percent.

growth was led by an expansion in consumer loans and deposits. The bank’s net interest income rose 21 percent to P40.6 billion, while non-interest income grew 16 percent to P10.4 billion, resulting in a return on equity of 11.9 percent. Power unit FDC Utilities Inc. contributed P4.9 billion to the group, a 14-percent increase. While revenues fell 27 percent due to lower coal pass-through rates and reduced spot market activity, lower operating expenses helped offset the decline. The real estate segment, which includes Filinvest Land Inc., Filinvest Alabang Inc. and Filinvest REIT Corp. saw net income rise 21 percent to P4.6 billion. The growth was attributed to higher residential project completions and improved revenues from malls and rentals. Filinvest Hospitality Corp. added P264 million to the group’s bottom line. The

BUSINESS

Basic signs contracts for Negros solar project

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Basic Energy Cadiz 1 Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Basic Energy Corp. (BEC), has signed engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) agreements for its 43-megawatt ground-mounted solar project in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange, BEC said the contracts were signed between project owner BE Cadiz 1, offshore supplier Raynergy Engineering Co. Ltd., and onshore contractor TBEA Subic Inc.

BEC was granted a certificate of authority as the exclusive solar energy developer of the project, which

it will assign to BE Cadiz 1 as the designated special purpose vehicle.

The project recently received a certificate of award from the Department of Energy following BEC’s successful bid in the Green Energy Auction 4 (GEA 4). The company said the award secures a vital role for the project in meeting the renewable energy

targets of the Philippines and provides a guaranteed framework for future power generation.

The finalization of the EPC agreements serves as the primary catalyst for the next phase of development. With partners officially on board, early works are expected to begin at the site as soon as possible.

The company said the execution of these agreements keeps the project on track for its target completion by the end of 2026.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

“The signing today signifies a major move forward in making the Cadiz solar project a success,” said Oscar de Venecia Jr., chairman of BE Cadiz 1. “Basic Energy Cadiz 1 Corp. has full faith and confidence in our selected EPC partners. With our successful GEA 4 bid in place, and as we move into the early works phase, we are fully committed to ensuring this 43-MW project contributes to the national grid on schedule.”

The solar farm is a key component of the corporation’s strategy to expand its renewable energy footprint and support the transition to clean power in the Visayas region.

FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor

ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

MREIT absorbs P16.2-b assets

By Jenniffer B. Austria

MREIT Inc,, the real estate investment trust arm of Megaworld Corp, said it received approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission for a P16.2-billion asset acquisition that expands its office portfolio.

The transaction involves nine office buildings located within the McKinley Hill township in Metro Manila, covering a combined gross leasable area of approximately 165,500 square meters. Megaworld confirmed in a stock exchange disclosure on Thursday that the approval arrived ahead of schedule, allowing the assets

to contribute income retroactively from Jan. 1.

The deal, which marks the company’s fourth wave of acquisitions, increases MREIT’s total portfolio by 34 percent to 647,000 square meters. The company stated the move aligns with its strategy to become the largest office REIT in

Southeast Asia.

“This approval marks another important milestone in MREIT’s growth journey,” MREIT chairman Kevin Tan said.

“Wave 4 represents a key step in scaling the platform while maintaining our focus on disciplined and accretive expansion,” he said.

The newly acquired properties maintained a 97-percent occupancy rate as of the end of 2025. MREIT said

more than 80 percent of the tenants are multinational firms operating as global capability centers.

The company is already preparing for a fifth wave of acquisitions later this year, which is expected to include retail assets to diversify its property mix. The next phase is projected to bring the company’s total scale to 750,000 square meters as it pursues a target of 1 million square meters by 2027.

“Subject to due diligence, valuation, and regulatory approvals, this next wave of acquisitions is expected to further expand the company’s portfolio and broaden its asset mix beyond offices,” MREIT said.

PhilWeb, Okada launch online gaming platform

GAMING technology provider

PhilWeb Corp. has teamed up with Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc., the operator of Okada Manila, to launch a new online gaming platform branded as OKADA PLAY.

Under the partnership agreement, PhilWeb will provide a full online gaming platform solution, including gaming content, technology, customer support and marketing services for OKADA PLAY. The partnership marks Okada Manila’s expansion into the digital gaming space as it seeks to grow beyond its physical resort operations.

Holdings Inc.; and Warren Chase Uy, chief information officer of Bounty Fresh Group.

Renewable energy transition inevitable; Muntinlupa water crisis is getting worse

THE conflict in Iran and other parts of the Middle East proves that the shift to renewable energy is a sound economic judgment. Such transition is not only environment friendly―it also reduces our dependence on fossil fuel from volatile regions and secures the country’s energy supply.

The Philippines by far is on track to achieve its renewable energy transition targets outlined in the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) 2023–2050. Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin is also confident that Filipino workers affected by the shift from fossil fuels will not be left behind.

The PEP aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the power generation mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040, and exceed those levels through 2050.

The plan supports energy security, market reforms, grid modernization and the incorporation of emerging technologies, such as offshore wind and, where appropriate, nuclear energy, to complement renewables and conventional capacity.

The Philippines remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, especially coal and oil, exposing the country to volatile global markets and geopolitical tensions.

The Philippines in 2024 imported US$2.01-billion worth of petroleum gas, the 30th largest importer (out of 223) in the world, mainly sourced from China, Australia, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Brunei Darussalam.

However, rising fuel costs and supply disruptions linked to global conflicts and market fluctuations continue to influence domestic electricity prices, underscoring the urgency of expanding indigenous renewable resources.

The Philippines’ energy demand is projected to rise significantly, driven by economic growth, population expansion and rapid urbanization.

To offset energy inflation, recent projections indicate that expanding the renewable energy base in the country could pull down electricity prices.

A 2018 Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) study showed that greater adoption of renewable energy sources in the Philippines could translate into a 30-percent discount in electricity prices. Meanwhile, the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) in 2025 projected that increased adoption of renewable energy in the Philippines could cut the average annual spot power prices by as much as 24 percent by 2029.

The DOE is doing its part to achieve the country’s energy transition goals. It successfully secured ₱1.46 trillion in renewable energy investments through the Board of Investments (BOI) and strategic private sector participation.

These investments are projected to generate more than 119,000 jobs, reinforcing the role of renewable energy as an environmental solution and a driver of employment and regional development as well.

The DOE’s Green Energy Auction Plan (GEAP) expansion that aims to add an additional 25 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2035 is also fueling more investments.

To reiterate, the renewable energy transition is not simply an environmental agenda. It is a strategic economic imperative shaped by energy security risks, evolving global markets and rising domestic demand.

Lame Maynilad excuse

The picture that reality paints about water supply in Muntinlupa inside the concession area of Maynilad Water

—“—

… renewable energy sources in the Philippines could translate into a 30-percent discount in electricity prices.

Services Inc. is one of stark contrast.

Residents agonize over the utter absence of water in their taps, grappling for answers that Maynilad fails to provide. Yet, Maynilad reported a consolidated net income of ₱15.2 billion in 2025, up 19 percent from ₱12.8 billion in 2024. The households covered by Maynilad’s West Zone in the Greater Metro Manila area should be enjoying the best of water supply given this healthy profit profile.

But Maynilad’s water customers are far from pleased with the utility’s service. The city of Muntinlupa, for one, is at the receiving end of a bad service.

Mayor Rufino (Ruffy) Biazon had to call a town hall meeting to summon Maynilad officials and personnel to explain the infamous service.

Maynilad officials admitted before Muntinlupa leaders and residents that they were unable to supply clean water to the city as its mandate required―24/7 without interruption―because of what the weather had done to Laguna Lake, the concessionaire’s main source of water for the city and elsewhere.

As a result, water is being rationed in the taps and on the streets. Households get water only eight hours a day at most. Some await deliveries of water in Maynilad tankers.

Muntinlupa’s ordeal has become unbearable. A resident needs to go to work early morning but water is unavailable to clean himself or herself.

Work schedules of residents don’t match with those of water availability. The residents are the ones adjusting to the situation, not the concessionaire that was supposed to deliver water round-the-clock.

Alfred John Gallego, head of Maynilad’s MuntinlupaLas Piñas Business Area, lays the blame on Laguna Lake and the weather.

“We can see that wind conditions have not been favorable to us though we know it’s seasonal,” Gallego said at the same meeting.

He said the Maynilad treatment plant that the concessionaire uses to convert lake water into potable supply cannot meet the challenge.

“We need to protect our plant to prevent a surge of water that is not according to design,” he said.

Maynilad has other shortcomings. Existing pipes are insufficient to carry additional water volume. Angat Dam, the main water source for Maynilad, is prone to the effects of El Niño, or prolonged dry spell. Laguna Lake, already suffering from a variety of environmental challenges, is Maynilad’s choice of source of water.

Experts had projected the lake would be able to supply water for only at least four more years. The worse is yet to come for Muntinlupa residents.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

OKADA PLAY is expected to compete in the Philippine online gaming market by offering a premium digital experience aligned with the Okada brand. The tie-up comes as the local gaming industry continues to shift toward digital platforms, blending traditional casino operations with online services.

PhilWeb president Brian Ng said the deal highlights the company’s push to support industry players with scalable gaming platforms.

“This partnership reflects our continued commitment to providing best-in-class gaming solutions to industry leaders. By working with Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment, Inc., we are enabling the extension of a globally recognized luxury gaming brand into the online space through a robust and scalable platform,” Ng said.

Okada Manila president and chief operating officer Nobuki Sato said the initiative will help broaden its reach to new player segments while strengthening its digital presence. The launch will also support the resort’s ongoing digital transformation, allowing it to tap new revenue streams and boost customer engagement. Jenniffer B. Austria

IN BRIEF

Maxim offers fuel vouchers

MAXIM Rides & Food Delivery is rolling out fuel vouchers to driver-partners nationwide to help offset rising fuel costs. The initiative targets driver-partners who complete a high number of orders.

Selected participants receive a monthly voucher to fill a full tank at no cost, which the company said is intended to ease the financial burden of operating vehicles while serving delivery and ride-hailing customers. Maxim Rides & Food Delivery head Andres Morales Jr. said the company understands that rising fuel costs can significantly impact daily operations.

“Through this initiative, we aim to provide relief while acknowledging their dedication and the essential role they play in serving our customers,” Morales said.

The company is also offering additional incentives to active driver-partners who participate in socially beneficial activities. These initiatives include blood donation drives and street cleaning campaigns. Under this program, the company waives its commission for a week for participating drivers. Othel V. Campos

PLDT reaffirms service stability

PLDT Inc. has assured its PLDT Home, PLDT Enterprise, Smart and TNT customers of secure and reliable digital services as geopolitical tensions escalate in the Middle East. The telecommunications company said it is proactively safeguarding its network infrastructure and service delivery while prioritizing employee well-being. The company has implemented comprehensive business continuity protocols to maintain organizational resilience and protect critical business functions.

PLDT Group chief operating officer Menardo Jimenez said the company aims to ease customer concerns regarding the impact of the ongoing conflict on connectivity.

“We would like to ease the worries of our customers about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and how it may affect our services. Rest assured that we will continue to proactively safeguard our network infrastructure and service delivery capabilities, while upholding the well-being of our people. At a time when staying connected is crucial, you can count on us at PLDT Group to keep you, your families and your businesses online,” Jimenez said. Darwin G. Amojelar

Globe expands Tarlac coverage

GLOBE Telecom Inc. is accelerating network upgrades across Tarlac province

this year to address rising demand for faster and more reliable connectivity. The Ayala-led telecommunications company said it is deploying additional LTE and 5G sites to deliver more consistent mobile experiences throughout the region. The expansion improves coverage and capacity in 18 municipalities, including Tarlac City, Capas, Concepcion, Gerona, Victoria, Paniqui, Mayantoc, San Jose, Moncada, Santa Ignacia, La Paz, Camiling, Bamban, San Clemente, Pura, San Manuel, Ramos and Anao. Residents in these areas can now access smoother browsing, clearer voice calls and quicker data transfers for professional and personal use.

Globe head of service planning and engineering Joel Agustin cited the importance of the upgrades for the province’s growth.

“Tarlac blends cultural heritage with modern business and lifestyle opportunities, and Globe is committed to providing seamless connectivity for everyone, whether at work, in school, or exploring the province’s tourism destinations,” Agustin said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Tourism leaders back Frasco’s new role

TOURISM stakeholders gathered for an intimate tribute to celebrate the leadership of outgoing Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco as she transitions to her new position as presidential adviser for sustainable and resilient communities.

The send-off was attended by partners from the airline, hotel, travel, gastronomy, sports and medical sectors, alongside regional directors of the Department of Tourism. Attendees underscored their gratitude for Frasco’s collaborative and action-oriented leadership during her tenure.

Since her appointment in 2022, the former three-term mayor of Liloan, Cebu, steered the industry through postpandemic recovery by anchoring her approach on public-private partnerships and local government coordination. Industry leaders credited her with reshaping the sector into one that is more inclusive and community-centered.

International School of Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines chairman and president Mina Gabor, herself a former tourism secretary, highlighted Frasco’s ability to translate ideas into results.

“When you say something to her, she implements it. She looks at it, reads it and implements. Passion without implementation is nothing,” Gabor said, noting Frasco’s openness to stakeholder input.

“We want you to succeed, because you have the heart and the intelligence and knowledge to put this tourism department where it should be,” she said.

First PH landport drives investment, urban growth

WITH 179,000 daily passengers and a rapidly evolving skyline, the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) has transcended its role as a mere transit stop.

Today, the country’s first “landport” serves as the primary engine for investment and urban renewal in the south, proving that the solution to Metro Manila’s gridlock lies in building workplaces exactly where the buses stop.

PITX chief operating officer Mohit Malhi positioned the terminal as a surgical solution to EDSA’s chronic congestion. By acting as a synchronized gateway, PITX filters thousands of provincial and city vehicles before they saturate the

capital’s main arteries.

“Traditionally, office spaces were created as destinations that required further travel after reaching a transport hub. But given current market realities, we are rethinking the workplace,” Malhi said.

“By integrating professional office spaces directly into the terminal, PITX eliminates the need for secondary commutes into the heart of the city, keeping thousands of commuters off interior roads while providing a seamless ‘transit-to-desk’

experience,” he added.

The terminal’s presence has fundamentally shifted the economic landscape of the city. Parañaque

City Tourism Head Cisette Ricardo reaffirmed this shift, noting that PITX has become a powerful magnet for new investment.

“PITX has become a magnet for new investment. We are witnessing a surge in developer interest, with more commercial establishments and mixed-use projects rising specifically due to the terminal’s strategic placement and massive daily foot

NLEX earns DENR recognition for excellence in environmental stewardship

NLEX Corporation was recently honored by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources –Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) as a Gawad Kabalikat sa Kapaligiran Awardee.

The prestigious recognition cites the company’s outstanding contributions to environmental protection and its steadfast commitment to corporate sustainability.

“Beyond proud and grateful, we see this award as a platform to influence other organizations to join our mission in protecting the environment and ensuring a greener future for the next generation,” Luis S. Reñon, president and general manager of NLEX said.

Over the years, NLEX Corporation has implemented innovative sustainability initiatives to address complex environmental challenges. These include Road to Less Waste, a program educating host communities on recycling and proper waste management; the construction of rainwater harvesting systems to optimize water recy-

cling and efficiency; and the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into its fleet to further reduce its operational carbon footprint.

NLEX also actively supports the government-led “Oplan Kontra Baha” program, a nationwide flood mitigation initiative aimed at cleaning waterways and reducing flood risks in host local government units (LGUs).

Through close collaboration with national agencies and LGUs, NLEX provides resources and operational support to strengthen environmental

resilience across all impacted areas.

These initiatives represent just a portion of NLEX’s comprehensive sustainability programs, reflecting the company’s continued commitment to integrating environmentally responsible practices into its operations while building stronger, more resilient communities.

NLEX is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).

shifting its focus toward moving people rather than cars, and PITX serves as the gold standard for efficient mobility.”

The “transit-centric” model is already looking toward the horizon. Jaime Raphael Feliciano, Megawide Chief Business Development Officer and PITX President, revealed plans to replicate this success in Carmona, Baguio, and Lipa.

Local businesses are already reaping the benefits of this ecosystem.

traffic,” she said. Johnlu Koa, president of The French Baker said the massive daily passenger flow offers unlimited brand exposure, allowing retailers to thrive outside traditional shopping malls.

Kevin Jara, Director for Office Services of Colliers: said office demand is increasingly centering around transport-connected hubs, making TODs the most resilient assets in the real estate market.”

Meanwhile, DOTr Director for Road and Infrastructure Joshua Rodriguez said the government is

Giovanni Tuapin, President of Internship Crew, shared that PITX was the strategic choice for their operations: “When we were planning where to locate our operations, we wanted a place that would provide not only the right position for the business but also a better experience for our employees. As our company continues to grow, we felt that PITX offered the right environment and accessibility for our team.”

As PITX continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to how integrated mobility can drive commercial activity, job creation and a more livable urban future.

Darwin G. Amojelar

THOUSANDS of tricycle drivers across Metro Manila expressed their gratitude after receiving P5,000 in cash relief assistance amid the continued increase in crude oil prices due to the unrest in the Middle East.

The distribution follows a direct order from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to provide immediate support to public transport workers, who are among the most heavily impacted by fluctuating fuel prices. The financial aid was facilitated through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and

AirAsia RedRun returns to connect Asia through sport, exploration

AIRASIA RedRun returns for 2026 with an ambitious sevencity circuit across its signature regional network. Spanning key destinations in ASEAN and North Asia, the series reaffirms AirAsia’s commitment to promoting active lifestyles and purposeful travel— connecting communities through sport while unlocking new regional adventures. Since its debut in 2025, RedRun has evolved beyond a brand initiative into a regional movement. Fueled by AirAsia’s dynamic DNA, the series transcends borders and turns major destinations into finish lines worth flying for.

“RedRun represents what AirAsia stands for. We built our network across more than 150 destinations to link Asia together and RedRun is what happens when bold ambitions meet real connections. We’re bringing people together through a shared passion for sport, turning every destination into a reason to fly. For us, this is not just a run, it’s an opportunity to explore,” Amanda Woo, chief commercial officer of AirAsia X said. In 2026, the series will roll out across seven cities throughout the year which include Da Nang, Bali, Kota Kinabalu, Cebu, Phuket, Surabaya and Taipei - transforming major destinations into high-energy race weekends that combine fitness, travel and exploration.

Three cities have officially confirmed their race dates and are now open for

registration, with additional locations to be announced progressively.

Leveraging AirAsia’s broader travel ecosystem, participants will also be able to enjoy special promotions on flights, hotels and other travel add-ons designed to support racers and enhance their race weekend experience in each destination.

The first three open-for-sale cities leading the 2026 series with Super Early Bird price are Da Nang, Vietnam (26 April 2026), priced from as low as VND268,000; Bali, Indonesia (10 May 2026), priced from as low as IDR200,000. Book now until 9 May 2026, on first-come-first-serve basis and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia (28 June 2026), priced from as low as MYR59. Book now until 27 June 2026, on firstcome-first-serve basis.

Development (DSWD). Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez confirmed that this relief will soon be extended to other public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers across the region.

Furthermore, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is preparing to distribute a separate fuel subsidy to PUV drivers and operators once the funds are released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

“You can be sure that our beloved President, the national government, and your local government will not abandon you. We will do everything to alleviate your poverty, your problems due to the fuel crisis,” Lopez said during the first payout made in San Juan City yesterday, March 17. As beneficiary tricycle drivers, Hilario and Avelino said that the cash relief assistance is a great help because their income has decreased due to the high cost of crude oil.

“It is also for fuel and to help with hunger, a relief while the war abroad is not over,” said Hilario. “For our family expenses, because I also have a child who is studying, so this will help. Thank you President Marcos for supporting the drivers, this is a big deal,” Avelino said.

FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

By Nickie Wang

SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena witnessed history as the SexBomb Girls returned to the stage for a much-anticipated reunion, drawing more than 60,000 fans over a four-day soldout concert series—the first of its kind for the venue.

What began as a single show on Dec. 6, 2025, with over 12,000 attendees under a standard stage setup, quickly transformed into a landmark series. Strong demand prompted the addition of three more performances from Feb. 6 to 8, completing a streak that underscored the group’s enduring appeal.

Prior to this, the record for consecutive sold-out shows by a Filipino artist at MOA Arena was held by Gary Valenciano, whose 2024 Pure Energy concert ran for three nights. Internationally, American pop-rock band LANY holds the overall benchmark with a five-night sell-out for its A November to Remember tour in 2022.

“These milestones reflect the strong connection between artists and Filipino audiences,” said Arnel Gonzales , vice president and general manager of SM MOA Arena. “Our country’s passion for music, performances, sports, and shared experiences is what continues to fill MOA Arena.”

For the February performances of the Get, Get, Aw! series, MOA Arena deployed a full 360-degree stage—a technically complex

SHOWBIZ

Jeric Gonzales shares lessons on life and love

ATHE late American film star Val Kilmer could soon be “acting” on the big screen again after allowing a director to use AI tools to produce his likeness for an upcoming film, media reports said Wednesday.

Coerte Voorhees had tapped Kilmer, who died of pneumonia last year after years of battling throat cancer, for “As Deep as the Grave,” about the pioneering archaeologist Ann Morris, a codiscoverer of the Anasazi civilization.

Kilmer was to play a Catholic priest named Fintan.

“He was the actor I wanted to play this role,” Voorhees told industry magazine

Variety . “It drew on his Native American

“Yes, I saw the posts online. I’m really proud of her,” Jeric told Manila Standard Entertainment, alluding to the viral posts comparing Rabiya to Linda Walker, the smart and resourceful fictional character from a popular Chinese drama.

The former couple, who remain friends, continue to keep in touch.

“Yes, we still talk and celebrate each other’s achievements,” Jeric added. “We stay in touch as friends and continue to support one another.”

Very Wang Nickie Wang

setup rarely used.

“The stage configuration had to be recalibrated to improve sightlines across all seating levels while ensuring strict safety and operational standards. Enhanced LED visuals, staging, lighting, and sound design delivered a seamless, secure, and elevated concert experience for all attendees,” Gonzales explained.

With roughly 17,000 fans per night, the configuration allowed audiences to experience the show from every angle. At peak moments, the Arena shifted from performance space to collective celebration, as fans across generations sang and danced in unison.

The production featured collaborations with iconic OPM figures like Apo Hiking Society , Gary Valenciano , Gloc-9 , and Regine Velasquez , alongside contemporary acts such as P-pop group BINI . The lineup highlighted the group’s cross-generational impact and cemented MOA Arena as a stage for culturally significant performances.

Generation X and Millennial fans, many of whom grew up with the group’s early 2000s hits, formed a substantial portion of the audience—proof of the commercial and emotional power of nostalgia when executed at scale.

The four-day reunion not only added to MOA Arena’s record of high-attendance events but also reaffirmed the SexBomb Girls’ status as a defining force in Filipino pop culture, reminding everyone why the Arena remains the country’s premier destination for major live entertainment.

and her grandson. No matter how close you are to God, there are things you cannot immediately understand. Only He knows. It’s about accepting your fate and believing in Him. This isn’t the end.”

The 33-year-old actor is busy promoting his latest film, Graduation Day, which opened in cinemas nationwide. The philosophical drama explores the relationship between Simon (played by Jeric/Aidan Veneracion) and his grandmother, Lola Nelia (Elizabeth Oropesa), as they tackle trials and tribulations together.

“Simon is hope,” Jeric said. “After all the struggles, after all the journey, and everything that happens to his family, he still represents hope.”

The premiere took place on March 12 at Trinoma, Quezon City. Jeric

heritage and his ties to and love of the Southwest.”

He said Kilmer signed on to the project but later became too ill to begin filming. “I was looking at a call sheet the other day, and we had him ready to shoot,” Voorhees said. “He was just going through a really, really tough time medically, and he couldn’t do it.”

He said Kilmer’s family had provided video images of Kilmer, who was known for keeping a vast archive of footage from various moments of his life, that would be used to build the AI actor. The project will likely get a wary welcome from many in Hollywood,

shared his thoughts on the deeper lessons of the film.

“It’s sad, right? But this movie is about realizing that life isn’t really in our hands, it’s up to God. Whatever happens, whatever we achieve in life, we’ll never really know why things turn out the way they do. The silver lining is that after every ending, there’s a new beginning. There’s always hope.” Elizabeth emphasized the film’s central theme of love and faith.

“It’s a love story between a grandmother

where actors, writers, and others are worried that AI could replace an array of jobs. AI was already used with Kilmer so he could again play one of his most iconic roles, the cocky pilot Iceman, in the 2022 sequel to the era-defining 1980s hit Kilmer, who played in big-budget successes and indie films throughout his career, was one of the late actors praised during the In Memoriam segment of the Oscars ceremony on Sunday.

The cast of Graduation Day also includes Simon Ibarra, Rico Barrera, Angellie Sanoy, Isha Irish Jacob, Pantene Palanca, Daniela Carolino, Krisha Francisco, Mygz Molino, Rodel Fernando, Rosswil Hilario, and Teddy “Nonoy” Sommerfield

The film was written and directed by Dante Balboa for Bentria Productions, led by Benjamin Austria

Like his character Simon, Jeric has faced challenges in his own life and education. He admitted that at his lowest points, he often questioned God.

“There are times when all of us struggle in life. At those moments, we wonder, ‘Why is this happening? Why is He doing this?’ We don’t know the answers—only He does. But the important thing is that after questioning, we still maintain faith and keep praying, just like Simon.”

Jeric, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate, said earning a diploma was a personal milestone.

“I worked hard for it. Studying and budgeting wasn’t easy. I can relate to Simon, everything in nursing school is expensive. But this is my proud moment, I finished my degree.”

SHOWBIZ

Labubu

AFTER flying off the toy shelves, China’s snaggle-toothed Labubu dolls will soon come alive on the big screen, with maker Pop Mart announcing a collaboration with Sony Pictures.

The movie, which is still in early development, will feature the fanged plushie monsters in a “live-action and CGI hybrid”, Beijing-based Pop Mart said on Thursday.

Created in 2015 by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, Labubus sparked a craze nine years later, with the “uglycute” charms adorning the handbags of celebrities such as Rihanna and Dua Lipa and sparking massive queues forming at Pop Mart stores around the world.

and content

Reymond Delos Reyes sees artificial intelligence not just as a supporting tool but as the future of storytelling. He believes that as digital platforms change how people watch content, new technologies can create opportunities for filmmakers, creators, and entrepreneurs to share their stories.

AI films bring Filipino entrepreneur stories to screen

That vision took shape as he led the premiere of a series of AI-powered film and content projects designed to spotlight Filipino entrepreneurs.

Held at TNC Group Events Place, the launch introduced RDR Films and RDR Stories, new initiatives developed by RDR Business Solutions Inc. that combine digital technology with narrative filmmaking.

The event gathered entrepreneurs, content creators, and members of the media to witness what he described as one of the first large-scale demonstrations of AI-assisted filmmaking by a Filipino team.

RDR Films focuses on cinematic storytelling, while RDR Stories highlights the personal journeys of entrepreneurs and business owners whose experiences are meant to inspire viewers.

“Ang pinaka-expertise talaga namin ay storytelling Kapag nag-prompt kami sa artificial intelligence, talagang almost accurate na mapapanood ninyo na parang totoo na siya,” he said.

Delos Reyes added the projects grew out of his long-running podcast, “RDR Talks,” which features conversations with entrepreneurs about business, mindset, and personal growth.

Ang RDR talks po, or definitely the RDR business solutions is known to change lives of those Filipino entrepreneurs and business owners. But more than that, mas na-appreciate po namin ‘yung mga taong nanonood po sa amin. It’s because the business owners, they have the means to get up,” he said.

The collectable dolls, which typically sell for around $40, are released in limited quantities and sold in “blind boxes,” meaning buyers do not know the exact model they will receive.

Some of the less common Labubu figures can fetch thousands of dollars.

Pop Mart sold more than 100 million Labubu dolls worldwide last year, with Chinese officials hailing the toothy characters’ popularity as evidence of China’s growing cultural and soft power.

They have become furry ambassadors for a “cool” China, even in places such as Europe and North America, where public opinion towards Beijing has not always been positive.

The new film project, unveiled by

TWENTY dashing candidates from across the country and international Filipino communities were presented to the press, kicking off the 4th Mister Pilipinas Worldwide (MPW) pageant, held recently at the Grand Bar & Lounge, Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.

MPW, now an independent organization, is under a new managing team headed by Mister Global 2024 Daumier “Dom” Corilla as president, with Mister Supranational 2025 4th runner-up Kenneth Cabungcal and Manhunt International 2022 1st runner-up Joshua De Sequera as vice presidents. MPW was previously managed by Empire Philippines, holder of the Miss Universe Philippines franchise.

Corilla, who was Continental Mr. World Philippines America 2019 and Manhunt International Philippines 2019 before winning Mister Global 2024, is a graduate of Aviation Administration from Santa Monica College in California, USA. He brings his extensive experience in modeling and pageantry to his new role as MPW head.

The premiere also included a short film based on Delos Reyes’ own life story, tracing his early struggles and his rise as an online entrepreneur and motivational speaker. According to the RDR team, his digital platforms have since drawn millions and, in some cases, billions of views across social media.

Much of the film showcased was created using artificial intelligence tools. Delos Reyes said that in one scene, only a brief segment involved live-action footage, while most of the visuals were generated through AI.

The technology, he said, allows filmmakers to create scenes that would normally require far larger production budgets. At the same time, Delos Reyes acknowledged that the rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, including entertainment, not replacing them.

“Many jobs may change because of artificial intelligence. But people won’t disappear from the industry. They will simply adapt and move into different roles,” he added.

Beyond filmmaking, the event also introduced Kontrabida Talks, a new podcast hosted by actress Jean Garcia. Known for her iconic villain roles in Philippine television, Garcia will interview fellow actors who built careers playing antagonists, offering audiences a different look at the personalities behind their on-screen characters.

For Delos Reyes and his team, these new projects are designed to connect with a broad audience, including aspiring entrepreneurs, young professionals, and overseas Filipino workers who want to come home and start businesses. As artificial intelligence continues to transform creative industries around the world, Delos Reyes said the goal is to use the technology not only for entertainment but also to tell stories that inspire Filipinos to explore new opportunities.

“This is just the beginning. We want to show that technology can be used to create stories that motivate people and change lives,” he stated.

Lung and director Paul King ( Wonka and Paddington ) in Paris on Thursday, will seek to capitalize on the dolls’ viral fame by bringing “Labubu’s whimsical world to the big screen,” Pop Mart said.

King will share scriptwriting duties with Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson

“The collaboration between Pop Mart and Sony Pictures marks a significant milestone,” Pop Mart said, which promises “a unique cinematic experience with creative storytelling, artistic vision, and enduring global appeal.”

The company now has more than 600 stores in over 30 countries and regions.

A release date for the film has not yet been announced. AFP

“We’re introducing a more modern approach, better training, a stronger digital presence, and a stage experience that feels fresh and worldclass. We want the candidates to feel that MPW isn’t just a pageant but a full journey that helps them grow in every aspect,” Corilla said.

*

* * MUPH 2026 semi-finalists to be chosen by fan votes

MISS Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2026 is raising the bar with the launch of its first-ever daily free fan voting experience through Maya, the official voting partner of MUPH 2026. The organization is expanding fan participation in its 2026 edition through a verified digital voting system powered by Maya, allowing Filipinos to help shape the competition from the preliminaries to coronation night. The platform enables fans to vote daily for their preferred delegates, with public votes carrying measurable weight in the final results while maintaining transparency and accountability.

According to a press release from the MUPH organization, the initiative allows Filipinos to take a more active role in selecting the semifinalists. Votes submitted through the Maya app will be integrated into the overall selection process alongside expert evaluations, influencing the announcement of the semifinalists.

Fans can now download the Maya app and cast free votes every day, purchase additional votes to support their favorite queen, and judge live during the MUPH 2026 Coronation Night

The 20 candidates vying for the titles of Mister Supranational Philippines, Mister International Philippines, Mister Global Philippines, and Manhunt International Philippines are Aian Abad Santos Pampanga), Red Arceo City—Filipino Society of the United Kingdom), (Batangas), Gene Cabezudo (Bicol—Filipino Society of West Asia), Wayne Alba (Calamba, Laguna—Filipino Society of Italy), Gian Guidicelli (Cebu City), Cas Villones (Laguna), Yasser Rodriguez (Mabalacat, Pampanga), John Bonifacio (Macabebe, Pampanga), Godfrey Murillo (Malolos, Bulacan), Jason Lopez (Mandaluyong—Filipino Society of Australia), Felipe Marasigan (Manila—Filipino Society of California), Rod Soriano (Pangasinan), MJ Ordillano (Parañaque), Enzo Bonoan (Quezon City), Brylle Villena (Quezon Province), Jessie Guinto (San Jose del Monte, Bulacan), Ronald Boorman (Southern Leyte—Filipino Society of Canada), Zach Russell (Taguig— Filipino Society of Montana), and JP Gundayao (Tarlac Province).

FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

N O W & N E X T

By Angelica Villanueva

RAMON Santiago has been collecting meteorites for nearly a decade, turning a fascination with astronomy into a growing business and a unique way to share the wonders of space. Since acquiring his first specimens in 2018, Santiago’s personal collection has grown to more than 50 rocks, including rare lunar and Martian meteorites.

Last weekend, he brought a selection of his collection to the summer edition of Minted MNL Summer Show at The Westin Manila, introducing the numismatic community to meteorites and other space collectibles.

Ramon, who runs Dipper Co., said sharing his collection is as important as owning it.

“Seeing and holding my meteorite for the first time felt surreal. I couldn’t believe it. ‘Is this really from space? Is it true that I’m holding something from a place very few people have been to?’ Not every day do you get to see or touch a rock that came from space. That’s when my love for astronomy really grew,” Ramon told Manila Standard Life

Partnering with Francis Botona of Professor Stone, Ramon displayed meteorites alongside fossils and other unusual specimens, offering attendees a different perspective on collecting beyond coins and paper money.

The summer show brought together collectors, historians, and enthusiasts to explore coins, paper currency, bullion, and other historical artifacts. This year’s theme, “Where Stories Bloom,” emphasizes that every collectible

carries a story, whether it reflects a nation’s history, an artist’s work, or a family’s memory.

“For us, coins and banknotes serve as historical records. They reflect economics, politics, art, and identity across generations,” said Sigrid Carandang, founder of Minted MNL. Carandang added that the event also encourages beginners to

Where stories bloom

Minted MNL Summer Show celebrates community of collectors

Viral and vulnerable: The story behind the story

THE woman in the viral Coldplay kiss cam clip finally breaks her silence I have to admit, I was one of those people. Last year, when the Coldplay kiss cam clip started circulating online, I watched it like everyone else. I replayed it, zoomed in, and passed judgment in my head.

It’s easy to get swept up in moments like that involving a clip, a reaction, or a narrative that feels complete enough to comment on. And before you know it, you’ve already decided what happened. That moment, two people caught on camera during a Coldplay concert, obviously rattled and trying to hide, became a global sensation. Even the band’s lead vocalist, Chris Martin, had side comments from the stage that added to the intrigue. The internet did the rest. Within hours, executives Kristin Cabot and Andy Byron (her boss) became a “scandal.” Like many others, I reacted to what I thought I saw. In her first and, she said, last on-camera interview with highly respected talk show host Oprah Winfrey, Cabot revealed a more complicated reality than the one that spread online.

Cabot, while taking accountability, shared that she had already been separated from her husband and was in the middle of a divorce. Byron, she said, had told her weeks earlier that he was in a similar situation. What unfolded between them was not the illicit affair many assumed, but the beginning of something new, something that had only just turned physical.

As she shared with Winfrey, the moment caught on camera was the first time they had physically touched. As a female audience member told Cabot post-interview, “The problem is, you both look like you had been busted… it’s because both of you looked, ‘Oh my God, we’ve been caught.’” As Winfrey shared, the viral moment had been

explore the hobby, noting that even modest pieces can spark curiosity and passion.

One of the major highlights of the show was the public release of a special ASEAN commemorative coin, which attracted long lines of visitors eager to add the historic piece to their collections. In addition to coins, the presence of meteorites and fossils gave attendees a look at science, history, and natural heritage, showing that collecting can go beyond traditional

viewed around 300 billion times.

But what followed says more about us than it does about the main characters in this story.

In a matter of hours, the moment was clipped, reposted, memed, and discussed across platforms. In this digital landscape, these moments generate traffic, draw attention, and profit from monetization. What we didn’t realize—a woman’s pain paid for the cost. Cabot described the aftermath. There was relentless online harassment, her phone number and address were leaked, and she received hundreds to thousands of calls and even death threats. She said she and her children could no longer go out in public without being stared at or judged.

“At the center of the trauma for me is how women have treated me,” Cabot said. It was observed that most of the hate messages came

numismatics.

Ramon said the experience of presenting his collection to a largely coin-focused audience was rewarding.

“It was one of our first major events together with Francis. We planted a new type of collectible in the community, and we believe it will bloom in time,” he shared. The Minted MNL summer show ran from March 14 to 15, with a year-end edition scheduled for November.

Byron are no longer in communication and are no longer a couple. While she chose not to speak on his behalf, she acknowledged there had been “misrepresentation or dishonesty” on his part, without elaborating.

In contrast, she expressed appreciation for her husband, who, despite their ongoing divorce, supported her and immediately issued a statement clarifying that they had already been separated. It was a moment that might have been a less chaotic scenario had Byron also issued a public statement. But instead, his silence left space for more speculation and, sadly, fake news.

“Me, sitting here, I was getting chills from you speaking,” another female audience member told Cabot. “Seeing it on social media, people making their own narratives. After hearing your story, we empathize with you.” That shift—from judgment to empathy—only happened after listening. And that, perhaps, is the lesson.

There are always two or multiple sides to a story. There are contexts and details that don’t fit into a quick and viral clip. And getting those details requires some things we don’t always practice online. These are patience, due diligence, discernment, and the willingness to pause before reacting. The phrase “Think before you click” has been around for so long (it was printed on a poster in my sixth-grade classroom in 1997!), and we need to revisit it.

from women. “It was really scary to come here and sit in the center of a room full of primarily women. This is really, really terrifying,” she told Winfrey. And yet, even in that fear, she found something else. “I do feel a lot of warmth in the room,” Cabot said before thanking the live audience for their openness and warmth. It was her daughter who encouraged Cabot to go to the interview. She related, “My

Cabot confirmed that she and Andy

Cabot’s experience also unearths a harder truth. While she was dealing with the fallout, others were benefiting from it. Her pain, in many ways, was monetized, and it became part of algorithms. I think about how easily I joined that first wave of reactions and how different it feels now, knowing there was more to the story. Before we click, comment, or decide that we understand what’s happening in someone else’s life, there is value in pausing. Behind every viral moment is a human. Sometimes, that person is carrying far more than we could ever see or hear in just a few seconds of a viral video. And what if, one day, that person becomes you?

For your random thoughts, email the author at randomrepublika@gmail.com.