Manila Standard - 2026 March 21 - Saturday

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By Vince Lopez and Charles Dantes

Diesel prices may hit P129.40/l

By Alena Mae Flores, Thony Rose Lesaca, Darwin G. Amojelar, Charles Dantes and Rio Araja

CONSUMERS must brace for another substantial increase in fuel prices next week, with diesel expected to rise by as much as P14.50 per liter as the conflict in the Middle East shows no signs of letup.

An industry source said diesel prices could climb to P129.40 per liter, up from the current P114.90.

For the week of March 17 to 23, the total adjustment is projected to range between P14 and P14.50 per liter for diesel.

Gasoline prices are also expected

to see a significant hike of P7 to P7.50 per liter, bringing the cost to nearly P100 per liter, based on Department of Energy data.

The source attributed the spike to "worries of severe tightening of supply due to damage to energy infrastructures in the Middle East as the

• PBBM: Release P21.47b funds to cushion price surge impact

• Toll discounts for PUVs, buses in expressways begin Monday Senators urge gov’t to enforce fiscal discipline, targeted ayuda

US-Israel war with Iran continues to escalate."

Oil companies are expected to stagger the implementation of these latest increases, the source said.

In a related development, the Energy Regulatory Commission warned of higher generation costs due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions.

By Joel E. Zurbano

FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Friday announced the temporary suspension of its Manila flights to key Middle East destinations, including Dubai and Doha, until April 30, 2026. Affected services include PR 658/659 (Manila–Dubai–Manila), PR 684 (Manila–Doha), and PR 685 (Doha–Manila), with an additional cancellation of PR

By Ram Superable

SEVERAL lawmakers on Friday pushed for tighter fiscal discipline and targeted government aid as the Philippines braces for economic fallout from rising global oil prices driven by tensions in the Middle East.

“Government agencies and branches should review their spending and savings plans and ensure that their priorities are aligned with the needs of our citizens,” said Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as he introduced Senate Resolution No. 349.

Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, filed the mea-

sure urging careful fiscal management in implementing the 2026 General Appropriations Act amid global economic uncertainty.

He warned that the Philippines remains highly vulnerable to oil shocks as it imports about 98 percent of its crude supply from the Middle East, making the local economy sensitive to regional instability.

According to the lawmaker, stricter and more specific fiscal measures are needed beyond existing energy conservation directives to mitigate the crisis’ impact on economic growth and government revenues.

By Charles Dantes

685 on May 1.

“We recognize that many travelers on these routes are Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who rely on these flights to travel between their workplaces and families. Philippine Airlines remains committed to supporting Filipino travelers during this period while ensuring that all flights operate under the highest safety standards,” PAL said.

Israel PM: War with Iran ‘could finish sooner’

JERUSALEM -- Israel launched a new wave of strikes on Tehran on Friday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran was being "decimated", and as Gulf nations faced a fresh set of attacks. Meanwhile, crude prices fell more than two percent Friday after Netanyahu said the war with Iran could finish sooner than many feared. Traders also welcomed US President Donald Trump's remarks that Israeli forces would not target any more of Tehran's energy infrastructure. Both main oil contracts sank, though Brent remains at about $105 and West Texas Intermediate about $93.

The Iranian capital, under near daily bombardment since a joint US-Israeli attack started the war on February 28, was hit by strikes the Israeli military said were "targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime".

The bombardment came shortly after Netanyahu said the Middle East war had eradicated the Islamic republic's capacity to enrich uranium or manufacture ballistic missiles as the conflict heads towards a fourth week.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2026

Diesel...

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The regulator directed generation firms to efficiently use contracted capacities under existing power supply agreements to ensure the least-cost delivery of electricity to captive customers, as mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.

To shield consumers from immediate price shocks, the ERC ordered distribution utilities to delay the implementation of any orders or decisions with rate impacts until at least July 2026.

Utilities were also instructed to provide a clear breakdown of generation charges and their sources.

As this developed, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Budget and Management to release P21.47 billion in funds to help ease the impact of soaring fuel prices on Filipino households.

“Every peso we release is meant to ease a burden, sustain a livelihood,

The airline said the precautionary move follows security concerns in parts of the Middle East, as well as operational uncertainties affecting regional airspace and airport operations.

Cargo services on the affected routes are also disrupted, with PAL working with logistics partners to

Marcos...

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amid increasing prices of goods, even as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public of stable food supply and prices in the coming months.

PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force has long been preparing for worst-case scenarios tied to economic pressures from the conflict in the Middle East.

“We believe that the present economic challenge will not spiral out of control in terms of peace and order. That is not in our blood as Filipinos. But the PNP's security plan and personnel training are always geared towards worst-case scenarios,” Nartatez said.

Amid these concerns, Mr. Marcos said the government is working with suppliers and retailers to ensure steady availability of essential goods and manageable prices.

“Simple lang naman, nandito tayo upang tingnan ang supply ng pagkain at ang presyuhan ng Pagkain (It’s simple — we’re here to check the food supply and the prices of food),” the President said during a visit to the distribution center of Century Pacific Food Inc.

He noted the facility represents about 10 percent of the company’s total stock, reflecting broader supply stability across the food sector.

“Ibig sabihin, hindi lamang ang Century kundi ang iba't ibang mga food processors at saka retailers ay maayos naman ang stock natin (This means that not only Century but also other food processors and retailers have adequate stocks),” he said.

Mr. Marcos added that some pri-

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"We are winning and Iran is being decimated," the Israeli premier said at a press conference.

But Iran has kept up retaliatory fire on Israel and Gulf nations, including attacks on oil and gas facilities that have exacerbated concerns of a global energy supply shock.

On Thursday, Brent jumped almost six percent to hit $119 a barrel before falling back to around $109. Gold and silver prices shed more than six percent and 13 percent respectively, as rising inflation fears dampened expectations for near-term interest rate cuts.

Qatar reported "extensive" damage Thursday to the world's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility following Iranian strikes, sparking fears for global energy supplies.

Qatar's energy minister said the damage from the attacks slashed the site's export capacity of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by 17 percent and would take years to repair.

Qatar is one of the world's biggest LNG producers, alongside the United States, Australia and Russia.

Two Kuwaiti oil refineries were also hit, as well as the Saudi oil refinery Samref in the industrial zone of the Red Sea port of Yanbu.

The United States announced the

or keep a service running for our people—especially at a time when global events beyond our control are affecting daily life here at home,” said Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo.

The DBM said P2.49 billion was allocated to the Department of Transportation for the Fuel Subsidy Program as relief to drivers and operators.

A total of P18.65 billion was also released to the Department of Public Works and Highways to help sustain infrastructure projects nationwide.

Meanwhile, an additional P324.36 million was disbursed to DPWH, enabling the agency to settle prior obligations for foreign-assisted infrastructure projects.

“At a time when global headwinds are pushing fuel prices up, it is critical that we step in where it matters most—supporting our drivers, protecting commuters, and ensuring that no Filipino is left to carry these challenges alone,” Toledo added.

As this developed, the DOTr said public utility vehicles (PUVs), pub-

explore alternative routing for essential goods.

“Given the current environment, PAL has determined that temporarily suspending these services is the most prudent course of action while conditions remain fluid. PAL continues to closely monitor developments and coordinate with aviation authorities and relevant stakeholders to determine when normal operations can safely resume,” it added. Earlier, Cathay Pacific also

vate firms have agreed to temporarily hold off on price increases despite economic pressures.

“At bukod pa roon ay sila naman ay pumapayag na… hindi muna tataas ang presyo hanggat kaya nila. Kaya siguro mga isang buwan, ‘yung iba baka dalawang buwan hindi magagalaw ‘yung presyo,” he said.

(And aside from that, they’ve agreed… that they won’t raise prices for as long as they can. So maybe for about a month, and for others maybe even two months, prices will remain unchanged.)

He assured the public there is no need for concern over supply levels.

“Ang supply ay hindi kailangan na mag-alala ang taong-bayan. Ang food supply natin ay sapat kahit na pangmatagalan (There’s no need for the public to worry about the supply. Our food supply is sufficient, even for the long term),” the President said.

The developments come as authorities continue to monitor the impact of global economic pressures on prices, while stepping up both public safety and food security measures.

Meanwhile, Nartatez said police have intensified foot and mobile patrols, particularly in high-risk areas such as markets, transport hubs, and commercial districts, and is using data analytics to identify crime hotspots.

“We have intensified foot and mobile patrols… The PNP is not only reactive, we are preventive,” he added.

The PNP has also increased police visibility in public areas, set up random checkpoints, and deployed mobile patrol units during peak hours, while maintaining coordination with local government units and community leaders.

approval of $16.46 billion in military sales to the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, which have been hit hard by fallout from the Iran war.

Tehran has stepped up attacks on Gulf nations' energy infrastructure in recent days, spooking markets and raising alarm that inflation would surge globally.

Energy markets were left reeling after Iranian missiles hit Qatar's huge Ras Laffan natural gas complex in retaliation for Israel's air raid on the South Pars gas field this week.

Iran responded that it would have "zero restraint" if its energy infrastructure was hit again, having already choked the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial channel for around a fifth of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas during peacetime.

The latest attack on Ras Laffan caused "extensive damage" that Qatar's state energy company said could cost $20 billion a year in lost revenue and take five years to repair.

Fears of energy supply shortages have sent gas prices surging and oil prices sitting around $100 a barrel.

There was slight optimism on Friday as crude prices eased during early Asia trading in response to Netanyahu's remarks suggesting that the war would end earlier than many feared.

But attacks continued in the Gulf, where Iran's Revolutionary Guards said in a statement Friday they had targeted US forces at the UAE's Al-

lic utility buses (PUBs), and freight service vehicles will receive a twomonth reprieve on toll rate increases.

Starting March 23, private tollway concessionaires will implement these discounts across major expressways to help mitigate rising operational costs for the transport and logistics sectors.

The toll rate adjustments will apply to Class 1 Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs)/Jeepneys, Class 2 Public Utility Buses (PUBs) and Class 3 vehicles engaged in freight services, including those involved in logistics and the movement of essential goods.

“We are grateful to San Miguel Corp., Mr. Ramon Ang, and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., Mr. Manny Pangilinan because this is a great help to our PUV drivers, commuters, as well as our consumers and businessmen despite the oil crisis we are facing today,” Lopez said.

The discount will be implemented for an initial period of two months, and may be extended sub -

suspended flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh until end-April due to the escalating situation in the region.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said the suspension has no direct impact on airport operations in the Philippines but advised affected passengers to coordinate with airlines for rebooking or rerouting.

“At present, there is no direct impact on Philippine airport op-

It’s...

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change the grading structure by reducing the current four grading periods to three.

"For implementation...next school year per Sec. Sonny. It’s not a trimester. It’s three-term," Gomez said.

"Trimester implies three different subjects. Three-term is same subjects whole year. Instead of the four grading periods, it's only three," he added.

The Department of Education is

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By region, the highest share of “very happy” respondents was in the Visayas at 40 percent (up from 36 percent), followed by Mindanao at 34 percent (from 35 percent), Balance Luzon at 32 percent (from 27 percent), and Metro Manila at 24 percent.

For those who were “fairly happy,” Metro Manila posted 52 percent (from 51 percent) and Mindanao 49 percent (from 46 percent), while Balance Luzon dropped to 49 percent (from 58 percent). The Visayas remained at 52 percent.

Meanwhile, 15 percent of respondents said they were “not very happy,” similar to 13 percent in March 2025 and 15 percent in December 2024.

Metro Manila had the highest share at 21 percent (from 18 percent), followed by Balance Luzon at 17 percent

Dhafra air base.

Drone attacks sparked a fire at Kuwait's Mina Al-Ahmadi oil refinery, state media reported, adding several refinery units were shut down as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

Many around the region ended the holy month of Ramadan on a bitter note, unsettled by the war and facing rising prices.

"There's nothing to celebrate," said Aziza Ahmad, who has cancelled her family's normal plans for a festive meal and gifts for the children, her small Beirut apartment hosting several displaced relatives.

"Maybe it's different for the rich, but the joy of Eid is missing here... We have no money, and the displaced people can't even go back home," she said.

Iranians were marking the new year spring festival of Nowruz on Friday, as well as the final day of Ramadan, with state media reporting Iran would observe the Eid holiday on Saturday.

Netanyahu, enjoying rising popularity at home from a conflict that has drawn attention away from the Gaza war, said Israel was "winning" against Iran.

"I also see this war ending a lot faster than people think," he said, without providing a specific timeframe.

Netanyahu said Israel saw "cracks" in the Iranian leadership and was trying to exploit them.

"Mojtaba, the replacement ayatollah, has not shown his face," he said,

NEWS

Senators... From A1

ject to review.

With the adjusted toll rates, Class 1 vehicles can save up to P8 per endto-end trip, while Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles may save as much as P47 and P72 per trip, respectively.

Meanwhile, transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) yesterday resumed its transport strike. PISTON, led by its president Modesto Floranda, pushed for lower fuel prices and the abolition of the Oil Deregulation Law.

Members of PISTON gathered in strike centers in Baclaran in Parañaque City, Caloocan City, Pasig City, Marikina City, Malabon City, Welcome Rotunda in Manila, and Cubao in Quezon City.

The P5,000 fuel subsidy for each public utility operator and driver is not enough amid the continued increase in the price of pump products, Floranda said.

“We do not need a short-term solution. We need a long-term solution,” he said.

erations. However, passengers with connecting flights through affected Middle East hubs are strongly advised to coordinate with their respective airlines for possible rebooking, rerouting, and updated travel advisories,” said CAAP chief information officer Eric Apolonio. Apolonio added that the agency is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with international aviation authorities and airline operators to ensure passenger safety.

expected to release detailed guidelines on how the revised academic calendar will be implemented, including adjustments to assessment schedules, class pacing, and reporting periods.

The shift comes after the government’s economic managers approved the new academic structure for rollout in School Year 2026–2027, partly to address recurring class disruptions caused by extreme weather and other climate-related events

Currently, the country’s K-12 system follows four grading periods within a single school year. With Rolando Ng III

(from 13 percent), Mindanao at 12 percent (down from 15 percent), and the Visayas at 8 percent (from 9 percent).

The survey also found 28 percent of respondents were “very satisfied” with their lives, down two points from March 2025. The decline was driven by a 7-point drop in Mindanao and a 2-point decrease in Balance Luzon, while the Visayas and Metro Manila were unchanged.

About 51 percent said they were “fairly satisfied,” within the 49–50 percent range recorded from December 2023 to March 2025.

Meanwhile, 14 percent were “not very satisfied,” with the highest share in Mindanao at 19 percent (from 16 percent), followed by Balance Luzon and Metro Manila at 13 percent each, and the Visayas at 9 percent.

The nationwide face-to-face survey was conducted from November 24 to 30 among 1,200 adults aged 18 and above, with a margin of error of ±3 percentage points.

in a reference to Iran's newly appointed supreme leader, the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the first day of the war.

No timeframe

Trump indicated he did not know in advance about Israel's raid on South Pars, which supplies about 70 percent of Iran's domestic needs.

"We get along great. It's coordinated, but on occasion, he'll do something" that Washington opposes, Trump said.

Netanyahu said Israel acted alone with the strike and it would respect Trump's request to hold off on future attacks on the gas field.

Trump warned that the United States would "blow up" South Pars if Tehran did not stop attacking Qatar but he said there was no current plan to send ground troops into Iran.

Netanyahu indicated that changing the government in Tehran would require "a ground component", without elaborating.

"There are many possibilities for this ground component and I take the liberty of not sharing (those) with you," he said.

As concerns grow over the conflict's economic fallout, President Emmanuel Macron said France planned to talk with permanent members of the UN Security Council about establishing a framework to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz -- but only after fighting had stopped. AFP

Senator Bam Aquino, meanwhile, urged the government to deliver immediate and targeted assistance to micro, small, and medium enterprises and vulnerable segments of the middle class affected by rising costs.

Aquino noted that many minimum wage earners and small business owners fall outside traditional aid programs despite facing significant economic strain.

“We will eventually feel the shocks in the markets, grocery stores, gas stations, and small neighborhood shops. This is the really painful part. The government needs to act quickly,” he said. Support could include fuel subsidies, direct cash assistance, and stronger supply chain linkages, including increased government procurement from MSMEs, Aquino explained.

“We have to keep our businesses open. We have to support our transport drivers because if it becomes too expensive to go out, why would we even leave the house?” he said.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, for her part, backed the expansion of emergency cash aid to include more public utility vehicle drivers and transport cooperatives, even those not classified among the poorest sectors.

In a March 19 letter, Hontiveros asked the Department of Budget and Management to clarify how a P30-billion emergency assistance fund under the Department of Social Welfare and Development can be redirected to support transport workers affected by the oil crisis.

“Our drivers are struggling to earn and are already in debt, and the P1 fare hike has been suspended. We should not wait for the entire public transport system to be paralyzed before we act,” she said.

The senator cited initial findings showing drivers are losing more than P1,000 daily per vehicle despite existing fuel subsidies and tax relief measures. Additionally, transport cooperatives are also in need of financial support as rising fuel costs forced them to cut operations and reduce fleet deployment.

“Without a clear mechanism to ensure DSWD support reaches them, we face a distressing paralysis of our public transport system,” she said.

On Wednesday, the Senate adopted a resolution to create an ad hoc committee tasked with addressing the country’s socioeconomic challenges amid the Middle East conflict.

Senate Resolution No. 350, introduced by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, seeks to proactively assess the impact of the conflict and guide the development of a national contingency plan.

“The Senate, in the exercise of its constitutional oversight function, cannot remain passive or rely solely on executive initiative when emerging crises pose significant risks to the lives, livelihoods, and welfare of the Filipino people, and must therefore take proactive steps to ensure that necessary preparations, safeguards, and policy responses are fully examined and pursued,” the resolution read.

The Protect Committee, formally called the Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy, will review the implementation of government contingency plans related to tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Gatchalian will lead the panel, with vice chairs drawn from the committees on Energy, Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, and Tourism.

Membership also includes the three Senate leaders and the chairpersons of all remaining permanent committees to ensure crosssector coordination and oversight. The committee will address issues including energy security, food supply, employment, inflation, and the welfare of Overseas Filipinos affected by the crisis, particularly in the Middle East.

“The creation of an ad hoc committee would therefore enable the Senate to integrate the insights, recommendations, and findings arising from different committee proceedings and ensure that the legislative response to the crisis is unified, strategic, and responsive to the evolving national situation,” it said.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Cebu housing project finally regains power

CEBU City—Residents of a housing project which sits right in the heart of the city finally saw light after more than one year of outage due to unsettled electricity bills.

Grateful for the restoration of their power supply, the unit owners of Cebu Ultima Residences marked the re-energization with a thanksgiving Mass and fellowship party to celebrate their redemption from the Dark Ages that lasted 13 months.

“The lights are finally on, and with it comes hope for better days ahead,” a thankful tenant said.

The Visayan Electric Co. cut off power supply to the Cebu Ultima Residences, located right along busy Osmeña Blvd. near Fuente Osmeña Circle in Cebu City’s business district on account of unpaid bills running to millions of pesos. Minerva Newman

UP still top in EduRank survey here and abroad

THE University of the Philippines (UP) education system asserted anew this year its dominance in the EduRank ratings, with three constituent colleges included in the top 10.

UP Diliman retained the top spot it held year as it placed 312th among the other colleges in the Asian continent.

UP Los Baños and UP Manila came in 5th and 6th place, respectively, in the domestic setting, while increasing their positions in the region from 2025.

Other universities have maintained their slots in the previous year’s rankings, with De La Salle placing for second across the country and 400th in Asia. Rolando Ng III

AFAB joins ceremony for PH flag retirement

THE Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) joined community officials and villagers in a “flag retirement” ceremony in Barangay Alion, Mariveles, Bataan led by barangay captain Al Balan.

The event marked the first organized barangay-level flag disposal in the province, outside the usual venues such as schools and military camps as mandated by Republic Act No. 8491, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

AFAB took part in the solemn observance for the retirement of 22 worn-out Philippine flags that have seen better days in the service for the country

The ceremony followed standard procedures observed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police, as well as the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines. Butch Gunio

PH charges China of ‘provocation’

PHILIPPINES officials on said Friday charged that a Chinese navy ship directed its fire control radar towards one of its Filipino vessels in the disputed South China Sea this month, slamming the act as a “provocative” move.

The Philippine vessel’s specialized radar provided precise targeting coordinates to a ship’s weapons systems.

Chinese and Philippine ships regularly clash in the disputed waters which Beijing claims nearly in its entirety, de-

spite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

The latest alleged incident took place on March 7 near the flashpoint Sabina Shoal, a fish-rich area about 150 kilometers from the Philippine island of Palawan, the Phil-

ippine Navy said in a statement.

The Philippine Navy ship BRP Miguel Malvar was patrolling the area when “a PLA Navy vessel, with bow number 622 ... approached and later directed its fire control radar toward the Philippine Navy ship,” the Philippine Navy added.

“This was an alarming and provocative action that created unnecessary risk and could have led to misinterpretation and misunderstanding at sea,” the statement read.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The two countries traded statements earlier this month claiming sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal, a traditional fishing area for Filipino fishermen now controlled by China.

In October, Manila accused a Chinese ship of deliberately ramming one of its government vessels after first deploying water cannon in the South China Sea’s disputed Spratly islands chain. AFP

REGIONAL RFSCUELYMPICS.

The Cagayan Valley Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council celebrates the remarkable performance of its teams that saw action in the First Northern Luzon Rescuelympics held at Apayao River (Dacao Dam Section), Lower Maton, Pudtol, Apayao on March 16 to 20. The first ever of its kind, rescue teams from the provinces of Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and Isabela vied for honors in the competition.

House panel invites VP Sara to Mar. 25 meeting on impeach raps

THE House Committee on Justice has invited Vice President Sara Duterte to attend its March 25 meeting where lawmakers will tackle the ground rules and initial proceedings on the impeachment complaints against her. In a letter dated March 19, panel chair Rep. Gerville Luistro of Batangas said the meeting will be held at 10 a.m. at the People’s Center Building of the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

BURNING OLD FLAGS WITHOUT DESECRATION.

A worn-out Philppine flag, reputedly the second largest in the country, along with over 20 others which have similarly seen better days, are given an honorably discharge by setting them on fire as a form of official retirement from duty in a solemn ceremony held at Barangay Allon in Mariveles, Bataan. Butch Gunio

Kokoy

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Sandiganbayan has junked a $5.2-million forfeiture case against President Marcos’s uncle, Benjamin Romualdez, his wife Juliette, and their heirs. The anti-graft’s court’s sixth division, in a resolution dated March 19, granted the ad cautelam motion to dismiss filed by the Romualdez heirs in the civil case docketed as SB-25CVL-0001 filed in November 2025. The same suit had already been resolved by Sandiganbayan Fourth Division, and such action was acknowledged by the anti-graft court’s sixth division.

“Regardless of whether the Fourth Division correctly ruled on the matter before it, or whether it had jurisdiction to do so, this Court, being co-equal with the Fourth Division, and without the authority to annul its acts, cannot interfere in the said ruling, respecting the doctrine of non-interference,” the Sandiganbayan said.

The March 25 meeting is expected to set the procedural framework for the impeachment proceedings and formally begin discussions on the complaints.

“In this regard, we respectfully invite you to personally attend the said meeting in your capacity as the respondent in the impeachment complaints filed by Reverend Father Joel Saballa, et al. and lawyer Nathaniel Cabrera,” Luistro wrote.

The agenda includes discussions on impeachment hearing ground rules and the initial hearing on complaints filed by two groups: one led by Rev. Fr. Joel Saballa and others, endorsed by Rep. Leila de Lima; and another by lawyer Nathaniel Cabrera, endorsed by Reps. Bienvenido Abante Jr. and Paolo Ortega V.

The panel said Duterte may coordinate with the committee secretariat to confirm her attendance.

“Thank you and we look forward to your participation in the meeting,” the letter stated. Maricel V. Cruz

The committee will also take up other matters, including motions or requests for subpoenas, the schedule of succeeding hearings, and the identification of resource persons and witnesses for the first full hearing set on April 14, 2026.

The Sixth Division stated that the $5 million in bank deposits covered by the case had already been covered by Fourth Division rulings in October and November 2025.

“Petitioner Republic is effectively asking this Court to interfere in… the Fourth Division’s resolution… [but] the remedy is… a higher court with the authority to nullify” the ruling, it stated.

Stay safe at BTS concert, Pinoys told

By Katrina Manubay

THE Philippine Embassy in South Korea issued a reminder on Thursday for Filipino nationals in the country to exercise caution during large public gatherings associated with the BTS comeback concert set on Saturday, March 21.

In an advisory, the embassy urged the Filipino community to stay alert and heed warnings from local authorities as a snowstorm approaches the country.

“While the event may be viewed via television or online platforms, Filipinos who intend to proceed to the venue are advised to remain alert and avoid being separated from companions, especially minors,” the advisory read.

The embassy also advised them to bring ample

food, drinking water, and necessary first aid medications (such as those for headaches, stomach issues, and allergies).

“Familiarize yourselves with entry and exit routes in the area, and ensure that your mobile phones are fully charged before leaving,” it added. In addition, the embassy provided a list of emergency contact any of these numbers: Embassy ATN Hotline: +82-10-9263-8119, MWO Seoul: +82-10-2179-5536, OWWA Seoul: +8210-6598-9338; local police, 112; and medical Emergencies: 119.

Reports indicated that local police and barricades will be deployed throughout downtown Seoul this weekend in preparation for one of the largest crowds expected for BTS’s comeback concert.

Hasten education spending—Palace

By Rolando Ng III and Charles Dantes

MALACANANG has ordered government agencies to hasten the procurement of education-related needs, including school supplies, facilities, and personnel.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the administration is enforcing strict monitoring of spending under the education budget—amounting to about P1.35 trillion—to ensure timely delivery of projects.

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said he has yet to study proposals to raise teachers’ salaries, citing economic uncertainties linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Angara said while a wage hike would benefit educators, it could strain businesses already facing rising costs.

“ That would be difficult to implement right now because our businesses are struggling. If the prices of goods go up, the income of business owners will shrink,” he told reporters during the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair in Makati.

He added that weaker business activity could also affect tax collection and government funding for key programs.

Still, Angara noted that teachers continue to receive annual pay increases through the existing

IN BRIEF

“step increment” system.

For his part, Recto, citing the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., said: “We need to catch up here, which is why the President’s directive is to monitor this closely and to keep pressing for results.”

He said agencies will be required to submit regular progress reports to address delays, adding that funds allocated for classrooms, teachers, and learning materials must be delivered within the school year.

“This historic high spending should not be squandered to slow procurement. What is in the budget must leapfrog to classrooms,” Recto said.

Among the priority items are textbooks, laptops, and classroom construction, with Recto noting partnerships with local government units to speed up school building projects.

The government has allocated about P1.345 trillion for the education sector in 2026, equivalent to 4.36 percent of GDP, aimed at closing learning gaps and improving education outcomes.

P2.1-m worth of marijuana plants destroyed in Ilocos

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) destroyed P2.1 million worth of marijuana plants this week in the highlands of Sugpon, Ilocos Sur province.

In a statement on Friday, PDEA said 11,600 pieces of fully grown marijuana plants were seized in a 1,700-square-meter land area in Barangay Licungan in Sugpon, Ilocos Sur on March 19.

Authorities said no cultivator was arrested, and the landowner remains unidentified.

“We are hitting the source to starve the drug supply chain,” PDEA Regional Director Julius Paredes said in a statement.

This is now the agency’s third successful operation this month in Sugpon town, where around P5.3 million worth of marijuana plants were destroyed by authorities during their series of operations from March 4 to 6.

The uprooted marijuana plants were immediately burned and destroyed onsite, PDEA said.

Benguet eyes expansion of local dialysis services

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet—The provincial Government of Benguet is expanding dialysis services in district hospitals while strengthening its preventive health campaign as kidney disease cases continue to rise in the province and are increasingly being recorded among younger patients.

In an interview on March 13, 2026, Governor Melchor Daguines Diclas said the province aims to establish dialysis units in all district hospitals to bring treatment closer to patients, particularly those in remote municipalities.

Diclas said the province is prioritizing district hospitals in areas with limited access to dialysis services so that patients will no longer need to converge in La Trinidad and Baguio City for treatment.

He said Benguet General Hospital now has 20 dialysis units after the provincial government installed ten units in 2022 and added another ten in 2025. Dexter A. See

TESDA to assess over 260k senior high grads for free

OVER 260,000 graduating Senior High School students in the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (SHS-TVL) track stand to benefit from TESDA’s free assessment program this year.

With the free assessment, graduating SHS learners will have a chance to earn National Certificates, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to strengthen workforce readiness nationwide.

By obtaining National Certificates, SHS-TVL graduates gain official recognition of their technical competencies, and making the assessments free-of-charge removes a barrier for learners in becoming job-ready, TESDA said.

TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez said the free assessment program, offered by TESDA in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), bridges education and employment—helping ensure that classroom learning translates to workforce aptitude.

MMDA starts talks for Clean Philippines initiative

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has started discussions with local leaders in the National Capital Region for the implementation of the Clean Philippines initiative, which aims to minimize plastic waste and improve solid waste management.

The MMDA Solid Waste Management Office conducted initial consultation meetings with

the Metro Manila mayors, including those from Pateros, Malabon, Navotas, and Parañaque, to reinforce the objectives of the project.

MMDA Chairman Don Artes underscored the importance of these discussions in fostering understanding of the project’s goals and securing local government support for its execution.

The primary aim of Clean Philippines is to enhance waste management and decrease plastic pollution across Metro Manila and nationwide.

The Clean Philippines initiative also aspires to transform energy and environmental waste systems, targeting 35 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

“Effective collaboration among local government units is crucial, starting at the grassroots level within communities and barangays,” Artes said.

SC greenlights AI framework to modernize judiciary

By Pot Chavez

THE Supreme Court has approved a framework governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the judiciary to modernize court operations and improve the administration of justice.

In a resolution, the SC en banc outlined guidelines anchored on three ethical principles:

fairness, accountability, and transparency.

The initiative forms part of the court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027, which aims to build a technology-driven judiciary that is transparent, accountable, and accessible.

A key feature of the framework is the concept of “human-centered augmented intelligence,” underscoring that AI should support,

not replace, human reasoning and judicial decision-making.

The framework also expands its ethical scope to include environmental responsibility and sustainability.

The High Tribunal said AI tools may only be used with authorization from the SC en banc, with mandatory disclosure of their use.

‘Drop in sugar prices due to excess imports’

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE drop in domestic sugar prices was caused by excessive supply due to over-importation and policy decisions and not legislative oversight, Negros Occidental Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez on Friday said.

Benitez issued the statement following posts claiming a congressional hearing triggered the decline in sugar prices.

He branded the allegations “baseless and irresponsible,” noting that the accusations allegedly originated from within the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).

“Rather than answer for the oversupply it authorized, the SRA would rather point the finger at the institution that chose to investigate it,” he said.

The

OPINION

The Sisas

THE first scene shows a woman walking aimlessly on a hill. She does not appear to know where she is. Her haughtiness earns the ire of the American guarding the post; his superiors tell the community to give her shelter. In that reconcentration camp, “community” predominantly means “women.” There are no men except for the occasional son or brother or messenger. They are the widows and orphans of revolutionaries killed by the Americans. Because the woman seems insane, the others start calling her Sisa.

I purposely did not look up this Sisa – the film starring veteran actor Hilda Koronel and written and directed by Jun Robles Lana -- before going to the cinema. I wanted to be surprised. Mistakenly I expected that this was another portrayal of Jose Rizal’s Sisa in Noli Me Tangere, the woman who went insane looking for her boys. But no – this was altogether different. As the days pass, the women warm up to Sisa. Sisa herself begins to show she can speak (later she shows she could speak Spanish as well). Sisa witnesses how the women were made to serve the Americans in the camp, how the impressionable teenager Nena gets recognized for learning English well but is seduced by a soldier, how Leonor gives her heart to an American officer despite being judged harshly by her neighbors. Nena gets pregnant and her mother Delia, played by Eugene Domingo, confronts the soldier who then shoots the teen dead. Delia could only wail; the women weep with her and then go about living their miserable lives.

But Sisa has a secret: she is, in fact, a spy. She carries a message from the revolutionaries, who are planning to attack the camp. On the big day, however, she realizes that the men have changed their minds; they, led by her brother in law, have capitulated and have struck a deal with the Americans. They come not for battle but for festivities. But Sisa still has a battle in mind – against a rapist among their ranks, and against whom she perceived to be the weakest link in their community. These are heartbreaking, dangerous decisions that she chooses to make, anyway. In the end, in full possession of her faculties, Sisa leads the community in doing what the revolutionaries refused to do.

So, who’s crazy now, huh? I imagine her thinking to herself.

The movie reminded me of the immense power of solidarity among women who are facing similar circumstances. Oppression, and oppressors, come in different shapes and sizes. We would all fare better if we banded together in sharing our frustrations and lifting each other up. Of course,

Koronel’s Sisa was something else. The outsider disrupted the people’s surrender and led them in saying “enough!” when it was time.

**

I saw another Sisa in February, one who was in fact lifted from Rizal’s Noli. In fact, the complete title of the solo performance was “Sisa: Panaghoy ng Pinakamiserableng Babaeng Katha ni Rizal.”

The 45-minute monologue, written by Rowena Festin and Allan Derain, took Sisa to the streets of Metro Manila, to the present day, where she and a handful of other ghost-mothers looking for their children converge in a Balete tree. She speaks of her own anguish as we know it from Noli, but she also alludes to abuses committed by the state and during war.

Until when will we need a red-letter day, or month?

Camille Abaya was powerful as Sisa, shifting in tone from mere storytelling, and then rage, and then humor, and then grief, and just the slightest glimpse of hope. The production, directed by Missy Maramara, was staged by the Ateneo de Manila School of Humanities.

The monologue’s intimacy allowed us to empathize with the state of the frazzled woman, not knowing where to look or whether she would see her sons ever again. Here I imagined the plight of the mothers of those disappeared – one minute they were there, going about their business, and the next they were gone. I looked back to conversations I had last year with two such women, Ma’am Edita Burgos, the mother of Jonas Burgis, disappeared in 2007, and Ma’am Dittz de Jesus, mother of Bazoo de Jesus, disappeared in 2023. What stood out during those conversations was their quiet strength to go from day to day, not knowing if the wait would even come to an end. That, and the kindness they still showed the world despite everything they have been through. Or perhaps it is because of what they have been through. I shudder to imagine how they must feel like they are trapped in a nightmare, one from which they have never truly woken up. For this, they are almost superhuman in my mind.

May our society reach the stage when honoring, celebrating, and thanking women, and giving them their due, become so common that we no longer need a red-letter day -- or month. adellechua@gmail.com

The Lord’s Seven Words

(Last of two parts)

By Armenio Manuel

THE third Word: “Jesus said to His mother: ‘Woman, this is your son.’ Then He said to the disciple: ‘This is your mother.’ (Gospel of John 19:26-27). From the Cross, Jesus provides for his mother, Mary, by entrusting her to the beloved disciple, John, effectively making her the Mother of the Church and all believers. This act fulfills his filial duty, demonstrates love amidst agony, and establishes a new spiritual family based on grace rather than blood, welcoming all to receive her care.

By saying “Woman, this is your son,” Jesus designates Mary as the spiritual mother of all disciples, represented by John. Jesus establishes a new familial bond, where believers are brought together by the cross, finding comfort in Mary’s motherhood. Even in intense pain, Jesus prioritizes his mother’s care, exemplifying self-sacrificial love. Mary, at the foot of the cross, shows unwavering faith and love, standing as a model for all believers.

Theologians say Christians are called to care for their families and to “take Mary into their home,” or into their lives, as John did.

Here, Jesus and Mary are together again. First, at the beginning of His ministry in Cana and, second, at the end of His public ministry at the foot of the Cross. What sorrow must fill Mary’s heart, to see her Son mocked, tortured, and now crucified.

Once again, a sword pierces Mary’s soul, the sword predicted by Simon at the Temple (Luke 2:35) . There are four at the foot of the Cross: Mary his Mother, John, the disciple whom he loved, Mary of Cleopas, His mother’s sister, and Mary Magdalene.

St. Joseph had probably died by the time of the crucifixion, or else He would have been the one to take care of Mary.

How terribly the Virgin Mary suffered to accompany her Son up to the end

Early Christian traditions and the second-century apocryphal Protoevangelium of James held that Joseph was a widower, and his children by His former wife were the “brothers and sisters of Jesus.”

Theologians say Mary knew that when she said “yes” to God and gave birth to his only son her journey would not be easy. They observe that she most certainly suffered a great deal as she watched Him be tortured, mocked and crucified. Again, amid excruciating great physical pain, Jesus is thinking of others and not of Himself when He speaks the Third Word.

Rallying behind PH’s position

WE STAND in solidarity with the Department of National Defense which has rejected statements by China characterizing legal and legitimate Philippine operations near Bajo de Masinloc as “a self-directed farce.”

Such impudent comment, to say the least.

First, where is Bajo de Masinloc?

Also called the Scarborough Shoal, the triangular coral atoll is approximately 120 to 124 nautical miles (roughly 220–230 kilometers) west of Luzon, and sits within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone and is part of the municipality of Masinloc, Zambales.

Bajo de Masinloc is part of the Kalayaan Island Group’s surrounding waters and is approximately 448 to 472 nautical miles from the nearest coast of China (Hainan Province).

We underline the Philippine position, articulated by the Department of National Defense, that Manila’s operations in the waters round Bajo de Masinloc “are lawful, routine, and conducted in the exercise of the country’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction under international law.”

We support and agree with the DND’s statement that “The real farce is the act of calling for peaceful en-

gagement, while the fully armed and heftily funded People’s Liberation Army (Navy) is harassing our fisherfolks who are merely trying to make a living in their traditional fishing grounds.

Ten years ago on July 12, a tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China’s ‘nine-dash line’ claim to historic rights has no legal basis

“It is also not surprising that the government of the People’s Republic of China is assailing the Philippines’

transparency strategy. After all, transparency is abhorred by those who twist the truth and manipulate narratives to legitimize their unlawful acts and baseless claims.

“The PRC’s illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities in the West Philippine Sea are accurately documented and communicated to the public.”

The Philippines has always asserted that it has continuous and uninterrupted sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc, well within the country’s 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf.

Ten years ago on July 12, a tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China’s “nine-dash line” claim to historic rights has no legal basis, invalidating its claims to the shoal.

The tribunal classified the feature as a rock and recognized it as a traditional fishing ground for Filipino fishermen.

We add our voice to the DND’s statement that China is to blame “for the world’s growing awareness of the cognitive illusion that it is trying to create in order to cover up the reputational damage it is inflicting upon itself.”

Trump’s Mideast muddle could play into Xi’s hands at planned summit

BEIJING – China will be in a stronger position to extract concessions from Donald Trump when the US president finally visits Beijing after becoming entangled in his Middle East war, analysts say.

Trump had been due in the Chinese capital at the end of this month for talks with President Xi Jinping, but has delayed his trip by several weeks to deal with the fallout from the war.

His decision last month to join Israel in strikes on Iran has plunged the Middle East into violence, pushed energy prices to yearslong highs and seeded fears of global supply shortages due to Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

With Trump struggling to define how the intervention will end and traditional allies reluctant to back him, the US leader may come to China needing a diplomatic win.

“A show of US force that was meant to intimidate Beijing has instead served to puncture the illusion of US omnipotence,” said Ali Wyne, a senior adviser focusing on USChina ties at the International Crisis Group think tank.

“Unable to reopen the Strait of Hormuz alone, Washington now needs its principal strategic competitor to help it manage a crisis of its own making,” Wyne said.

Trump said on Tuesday he expects to travel to China in “five or six weeks”.

The prospective summit would aim to formalise a truce on tariffs that Trump and Xi shook hands on at a meeting in South Korea in October.

But Trump’s weakened position could help Beijing argue for deeper tariff cuts and limit Washington’s ability to push for change on other trade issues like access to critical minerals.

New leverage

Top Chinese and American trade officials held what they called “constructive” talks in Paris last weekend that were seen as setting the stage for a Xi-Trump summit.

Any chances of major breakthroughs on trade “seem limited”, according to Dan Wang, a director on Eurasia Group’s

He wants His mother to know that she is going to be all right, that she will be taken care of. He tells her that John, the “disciple whom he loved,” is now her son. He then tells John that Mary is now His mother. Consider how desperately Jesus may have wanted to touch His mother, to have her comfort Him one final time.

Bringing John and Mary together was His way of saying goodbye to her, and “I love you.”

But Jesus did not only give His mother to John. He gave her to us as well.

How terribly the Virgin Mary suffered to accompany her Son up to the end.

China team, with bilateral trust low after years of disputes over trade, technology and rights.

New US trade investigations into excess industrial capacity in 60 economies including China have also drawn Beijing’s ire.

The Chinese leader will benefit from more strategic leverage over Trump as the war drags on -- at least in the near term, analysts told AFP.

Beijing has so far ignored Trump’s call for help in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil and gas shipments.

China is believed to be the main buyer of sanctioned Iranian oil, making it Tehran’s ‘main economic lifeline’

Nor has it relaxed its tight control on exports of rare earths, an industry that China dominates and provides certain critical minerals needed in US weaponry. US military demand for certain “heavy” rare earths far exceed commercial needs, Jason Bedford, visiting senior research scholar at the National University of Singapore’s East Asian Institute, told AFP. They are used for equipment including drones, jet fighters, missile guidance systems and radar, said Bedford.

While the size of US military stockpiles is a “closely guarded secret”, he said, “in theory, (China) could certainly disable new weapons production”.

The absence of announcements on Hormuz or rare earths suggests “no concrete results were made during the trade talks” in Paris, said Wang of Eurasia Group. Xi and Trump “have other chances to meet this year”, but “the prospects of getting breakthroughs beyond lower tariffs seem

According to scholars, at the foot of the cross, Mary says silently “Fiat, let it be.” All her life was Fiat: total trust in God’s will – Let it be. What an incredible gift: Jesus gives us His mother. Mary is our mother, who is “better than the best of mothers” (St John Vianney). Mary’s silence contrasts with the noise of the crowd, symbolizing what theologians call her complete, unwavering trust in God, despite seeing her Son die. Her heart is pierced, symbolizing the “sword of sorrow” predicted by Simeon, aligning her suffering with the salvation of souls. Theologians add Mary’s presence at the

limited”, she told AFP. ‘Not reliable’ China could also calibrate its actions to make Trump’s domestic position shakier at a time when a majority of Americans already oppose military action in the Middle East.

Trump and his negotiators “want China to buy US agricultural products, which is important to the midterm elections for the Republicans”, said Wu Xinbo, director of the Center for American Studies at Shanghai’s Fudan University.

“If you cannot stabilise relations with China, you have to face some big challenges,” Wu said.

Any Xi-Trump summit is unlikely to succeed in changing either side’s broader geostrategic aims.

On Thursday, the Trump administration announced that it is considering easing certain sanctions targeting Iranian oil to curb rising prices -- a move experts say could benefit China.

China is believed to be the main buyer of sanctioned Iranian oil, making it Tehran’s “main economic lifeline,” Henry Tugendhat, a China expert at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said at a forum on Wednesday.

Beijing also has “no incentive” to stop selling weapons to Iran as long as the United States continues to provide arms to selfruled Taiwan, Tugendhat said. On the streets of Beijing this week, locals were circumspect about a visit from the US president.

“Trump’s personality is that he changes every day,” a 50-year-old IT worker surnamed Huang told AFP.

“Even if he comes, he may have reached agreements with you, but he will change his mind,” he said.

“He is not reliable.” Still, Trump’s willingness to come to Beijing is a positive sign for 32-year-old finance worker Yang, who said: “I think the United States still hopes to maintain a positive and friendly attitude towards China.” AFP

foot of the cross, often depicted with the letter “M,” represents her profound, inseparable connection to the redemptive work of her Son. Her silent “Fiat” at the cross is the ultimate, quiet declaration that her Son’s mission of salvation is paramount, confirming what theologians say is her complete surrender to the divine will despite overwhelming personal grief.

(The author, active in the Student Catholic Action and the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine in his college years, is a freelance writer who writes orations for necrological services as well as theses and dissertations for graduate students.)

Macron eyes UN action on Hormuz

PARIS – French President Emmanuel Macron said his country planned to talk with permanent members of the UN Security Council about establishing a UN framework -- once the ongoing exchange of fire had ended -- to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

“We have initiated an exploratory process, and we will see in the coming days whether it stands a chance of succeeding,” he told reporters in Brussels following a European summit.

AFP reporters heard several loud blasts over Jerusalem late Thursday night, as Israel’s military said it identified three rounds of missile fire from Iran.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the Magen David Adom emergency services.

EU leaders vowed to “fully mobilize” to prevent “uncontrolled migratory movements” towards the 27-nation bloc, as the Iran war sparked concerns of a repeat of a 2015 migration crisis.

“To avoid a similar situation, the EU is ready to fully mobilize its diplomatic, legal, operational and financial tools to prevent uncontrolled migratory movements to the EU and preserve security in Europe,” the leaders said after talks at a summit in Brussels.

In other related developments, Qatar’s energy minister said attacks on the country’s energy installations would slash its export capacity of liquefied natural gas

(LNG) by 17 percent, and take three to five years to repair.

“We will be compelled to declare force majeure for up to five years on some long-term LNG contracts,” Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi said in a statement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a press conference he saw “this war ending a lot faster than people think.”

“I’m not sure who’s running Iran right now. Mojtaba, the replacement ayatollah, has not shown his face... What we see is that there is a lot of tensions inside the people who are edging for the top.”

“We’re seeing cracks, and we’re trying to propagate them as fast as we can, not only in the top command, we’re seeing cracks in the field.”

Netanyahu said “we are winning and Iran is being decimated,” adding that it was no longer able to enrich uranium or to build ballistic missiles.

He also denied that Israel “dragged” the US into the war, saying “Does anyone really think that someone can tell President Trump what to do?” AFP

Iran fires at Israel after Netanyahu boast

JERUSALEM – Iran launched multiple rounds of missiles towards Israel late Thursday, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the Islamic republic has been “decimated” by war. Israel’s military said it had identified three rounds of missile fire in the hour and a half preceding midnight, and another a few hours later.

AFP reporters heard several loud blasts over Jerusalem as air raid sirens rang out across the city during one of the earlier attacks.

The Magen David Adom emergency services reported no casualties, but police said there was damage in several

US-supported airstrikes leave Ecuador border towns in fear

LAGO AGRIO, Ecuador – A US-backed crackdown on drug cartels along the Ecuador-Colombia border has sparked accusations that security forces bombed farms, burned homes and detained and abused villagers.

Sixty-six-year-old Jose Pena hid in the bushes as two Ecuadoran military helicopters thudded overhead.

Then came the “boom!” -- an explosion he says “shook everything” and pulverized the farm where he worked.

Ecuador’s interior minister told AFP the March 6 strike was months in the making, and it targeted a camp run by Border Commandos guerrillas.

The group is among several fighting for smuggling routes linking the coca fields of southern Colombia to pubs and clubs in the United States and Europe.

In the last few years, an alphabet soup of cartels and other criminal enterprises have transformed Ecuador into a major cocaine transhipment point, turning it from one of the safest countries in Latin America into among its most deadly.

Despite the government’s insistence its targets were part of an illicit and murderous network, residents tell a different story. AFP

locations.

Israeli media said shrapnel hit the northern city of Haifa and an educational institution in its suburbs, causing damage but no casualties.

Earlier on Thursday, media reports said an oil refinery in Haifa had been hit.

In a press conference on Thursday evening, Netanyahu said Israel and the United States were “winning” the war that began when the allies launched strikes on Iran.

“We are taking action to destroy the industries that make it possible to build missiles. Iran no longer has the capacity to enrich uranium and manufacture bal-

listic missiles,” the veteran Israeli leader said.

“We are winning and Iran is being decimated.”

Nearly three weeks into the Middle East war launched by Israel and the United States, Netanyahu said the Islamic republic no longer has the capacity to enrich uranium or manufacture ballistic missiles.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, during a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, renewed his call meanwhile for a truce between Israel and Iran ally Hezbollah and the opening of negotiations. AFP

‘Blackmail’:

– Sri Lanka refused permission to the United States to station two of its warplanes at a civilian airport in the island’s south in early March, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said on Friday. The request was turned down to maintain Sri Lanka’s neutrality and ensure its territory was not used for any military purpose that could help or hinder either side, he told parliament.

The Indian Ocean nation was drawn into the consequences of the war when US forces torpedoed an Iranian frigate off its coast in March.

“They wanted to bring two warplanes armed with eight anti-ship missiles from a base in Djibouti to Mattala International Airport from March 4 to 8, and we said ‘no’,” Dissanayake said. He said the United States made the request on February 26. Iran made a similar request on the same day for three of its warships, returning from India after a naval exercise, to make a port call.

“We were still considering the Iranian request to bring the three ships to Colombo from March 9 to 13. Had we said ‘yes’ to Iran, we would have had to say ‘yes’ to the US too,” he said.

“But we didn’t. We are steadfastly maintaining our position of neutrality,” he added, drawing applause from the 225-member legislature.

The US torpedoed one of the Iranian ships, IRIS Dena, just off the island’s southern coast on March 4, killing at least 84 sailors. Sri Lanka’s navy rescued 32 survivors.

A second Iranian ship, IRIS Bushehr, was allowed to enter Sri Lankan waters the following day amid fears for the safety of its 219 crew, who have since taken shelter in Colombo.

Sri Lanka maintains close ties with both the United States, the island’s main export market, and Iran, the main buyer of Sri Lankan tea.

Meanwhile, Drone attacks hit Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi oil refinery, causing several fires but no casualties, state media said, citing the national oil company.

EU leaders round on Orban for stalling Kyiv loan

BRUSSELS – Outraged EU leaders rounded on Viktor Orban after the Hungarian nationalist refused to lift his veto on funds for Ukraine’s war effort at a Thursday summit, accusing him of a “gross act of disloyalty” tantamount to “blackmail.”

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

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

“No oil = no money,” the Hungarian leader posted on X after the talks, refusing to budge despite concerted pressure

from fellow leaders and a video address from Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky pleading for the funds’ release. Leaders lined up after the summit to condemn Hungary’s U-turn -- with France’s President Emmanuel Macron calling it “unprecedented” and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz slamming “a gross act of disloyalty.”

“I am firmly convinced that it will leave deep marks,” Merz told a press conference in the early hours of Friday. Orban had made it clear he planned to play hardball, as he leans into anti-EU and anti-Ukrainian narratives ahead of close-fought national elections on April 12.

“I held my ground and we are exactly where we were this morning: if there is oil, there will be money,” Orban said afterwards. AFP

King Crunchers’ bench shines in volley sweep

3

EVEN with its second unit taking center stage, Criss Cross showed it has far more than just a starting six, overwhelming VNS Always Bright Laticrete, 25-17, 25-14, 25-12, to stay on track for an elimination-round sweep in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Friday at the Filoil Centre.

What was expected to be a routine outing instead turned into a clear showcase of the King Crunchers’ depth, as the reserves stepped in and delivered a dominant 61-minute victory. With the result, Criss Cross notched its ninth straight win and moved one victory away from completing a perfect elimination round.

Given extended minutes, the bench responded with confidence and cohesion, proving the system runs just as efficiently regardless of personnel.

Jaron Requinton led the charge with 16 points, while Nico Almendras backed him up with 10 points and seven excellent receptions in a wellrounded performance.

Setter Eco Adajar orchestrated the offense with precision, tallying 18 excellent sets, while Lucca Mamone maximized his court time with eight points highlighted by three blocks. Pemie Bagalay also made his presence felt with six points, six receptions and three digs in limited action.

Head coach Tai Bundit rotated all 14 players, yet the level of play never dipped – underscoring the team’s preparation and depth. Criss Cross dictated the tempo from the opening serve and never allowed VNS to find any rhythm.

“As second stringers, sobrang saya namin kasi binigyan kami ni coach ng chance na makapaglaro the whole game,” said Requinton. “Masaya kami na nakasupport din ang teammates namin.”

Criss Cross guns for a sweep against 3B next Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila, aiming to enter the semis with momentum and confidence.

In the Final Four of the tournament, organized by Sports Vision and backed by Alpha Insurance, Black Mamba, Premiere EMS, and ArenaPlus, all teams will start from scratch, with records reset to 0-0.

CJ Segui paced VNS with six points and 11 receptions, while Winfred Santos, Jun Edang, and Terrence Marticion chipped in five points each. Still winless in eight matches, the Griffins will try to break through against Savouge at the Paco Arena on Tuesday.

IRONMAN

James ties record for most regular-season NBA games

MIAMI—LeBron James tied the NBA record for most regular-season games played in style with a triple-double in the Lakers’ win at Miami on Thursday.

James took to the court for his 1,611th regular-season game, equaling Hall of Famer Robert Parish’s record that had stood since 1997.

“Availability, I’ve always wanted to be available to my teammates,” James said.

“It’s a mental toll, trying to play a lot and being out there... I just give a lot of praise to the man above and (it’s about) just loving the game and appreciating the game.”

The 41-year-old notched the 124th triple-double of his career with 19 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, helping the Lakers beat the Heat 134-126 for an eighth straight victory.

Playing an unprecedented 23rd season, James already holds a host of NBA records, including points scored, field goals made and field goals attempted.

His latest milestone came in a return to Miami, where he played for four seasons and won the first two of his four NBA titles.

James was coming off a 30-point performance on spectacular 13-of-14 shooting in the Lakers’ win at Houston on Wednesday.

After a quick turnaround that saw the Lakers arrive in Miami at 4:00 am on Thursday James was listed as “questionable” in early injury reports before he was confirmed as available.

He shrugged off fatigue to make his first seven shots from the field -- not missing one until the fourth quarter.

James said the entire team was feeling the strain of the overnight travel.

“I still wanted to come in and see how the body felt after some of the routine things that I do and the treatment things that I do.

“Decided give it a go,” added James, whose first chance to break Parish’s record is on Saturday when the Lakers play the Orlando Magic. AFP

70.3 Davao qualifiers eye world stage in Nice

THE return of the IRONMAN 70.3

Davao marks more than just the revival of a premier endurance race –it opens a rare and prestigious pathway for Filipino athletes to compete on the global stage at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France.

After a one-year hiatus, the highly anticipated race culminates on Sunday (March 22), offering 50 coveted qualifying slots for the Sept. 12-13, 2026 championship. For many local triathletes, this represents a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to test themselves against the world’s best and experience the prestige, intensity and thrill of racing in one of triathlon’s most iconic venues.

Slots will be distributed evenly, with 25 allocated to men and 25 to women across age-group divisions. Automatic entries will be awarded to top finishers, followed by the traditional “roll down” ceremony, where remaining slots are passed on – keeping dreams alive for those who may not initially make the cut but remain within reach of global competition.

as a symbol of excellence, tradition, and elite racing.

Lady Spikers try to maintain unbeaten slate

Saturday

DE LA SALLE stakes its unbeaten record against an Adamson University side that pushed the league leaders to the limit in the first round today (Saturday) in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Lady Spikers went perfect in the first round but were tested by the Lady Falcons in a 19-25, 25-20, 25-21, 13-25, 15-5 victory last March 11.

“During our match, siguro talagang galing sila sa maganda na panalo, so high morale sila. And then, talagang maganda naman ‘yung linaro nila nung game nila against UST. Then pagdating sa amin, medyo slow start kami,” La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus said.

“Siguro, dumating lang ‘yung point na napagod sila nu’ng third set at fourth set tsaka fifth set.

‘Yon lang siguro naging advantage namin at nakapag-focus kami pagdating ng fifth set. Laking factor na malaki na ‘yung lamang namin before kami makareach ng 15 points. ‘Yon siguro ‘yung naging factor dahil maaga kaming nakalayo sa kanila sa fifth set,” the 12time UAAP champion added. The Lady Spikers are hoping for a stronger showing this time to extend their perfect run to eight matches in the 3 p.m. clash. Adamson, at 4-3, posted its finest first-round showing since Season 87 (2023), the year the San Marcelinobased program placed third. Coach JP Yude is aware that his team needs to double its effort as the race to the Final Four intensifies.

“Okay, so siguro for us, we do our part na trabahoin talaga namin every time. So I know na it’s a very crucial game pagdating na sa second round kasi wala nang bawi, wala nang susunod na round,” Yude said.

“Pero siyempre, we do our best; we go back sa training namin. Kung ano pa ‘yung mga losses, ano pa ‘yung mga kulangan namin, we work on it. Okay, so that na pagdating sa second round, we are ready and we are ready to get the win every time,” he added.

Nice, long celebrated as a historic hub of triathlon since 1982, has built a formidable reputation in endurance sport. Having hosted multiple world championship events, including the 2019 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship and recent full-distance IRONMAN titles, it continues to stand

Qualifiers will be treated to a spectacular race environment unlike any other. From swimming in the turquoise waters of the Côte d’Azur, to cycling through the scenic climbs of the Alpes-Maritimes, and running along the famed Promenade des Anglais, the championship offers not just competition – but a truly unforgettable global experience that many Filipino athletes can only dream of. Back in Davao, more than a thousand triathletes from over 30 countries are set to compete in the grueling 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike, and 21-km run. Sponsored by BYD and presented by Aboitiz, the race also highlights the Open Championship and the Bagong Bayani Category, where members of the national team will showcase their talent in their side of the competition, while honoring individuals whose resilience, dedication, and service embody the true spirit of IRONMAN. Participants from across the globe, including Australia, the United States, Japan, Germany, and Great Britain, will challenge a strong field of Filipino contenders. With a newly modified bike route adding complexity, athletes must carefully balance speed, strategy and endurance while battling Davao’s demanding tropical conditions.

Canlas leaves UE, brings expertise, family to Australia to coach Tizona Fencing Club

WHEN the UAAP Fencing Championships concluded last Monday at the Makati Coliseum, the University of the East once again claimed three gold trophies, asserting its dominance in a sport the program helped build from scratch.

While UE did not sweep the event for the second consecutive season, the Red Warriors remain the benchmark in UAAP fencing—a legacy shaped almost entirely by one man: Amatov Canlas.

Nearly two decades since UE stormed the fencing scene, the men’s squad extended its reign to 12 straight titles, the women’s team secured its 16th championship, the girls’ team’s dynasty was trimmed to 11, and the boys’ unit stretched its league-leading streak to 14. All of this is a testament to Canlas’s vision and relentless dedication.

Monday, however, marked Canlas’s last day—at least for now—as head coach and program head of UE Fencing. Emotions ran high as he reflected on the journey.

“Sabi ko lang na ituloy nila ‘yung dynasty na sinimulan namin dahil hindi lang naman basta-basta ‘to eh. We started from nothing, malalim ‘yung ugat nung UE. Hindi ito basta-basta champion lang, talagang from sa ‘kin pa, hanggang sa ngayon, sa present, eh talagang natuloy ‘yung pagiging dynasty namin,” said the former Red Warrior standout. For Canlas, the legacy extends beyond titles. He hopes the culture he built—discipline, respect, and dedication—continues to thrive even after his departure.

Canlas has nurtured these athletes from a very young age, some from as early as eight years old, guiding them

not just toward championships, but toward national and Olympic aspirations.

“Kita mo naman ‘tong mga ‘to; hindi ko lang naman tinuruan ‘to noong high school. Eight years old pa lang hawak ko na ‘yan. Talagang tinrain ko na ‘yan, at goal ko talaga is national team. Ang goal ko talaga ay makarating sa Olympics. Yan ang mindset ng mga players ko, especially ‘pag foil. Kaya kung makita mo buong-buo talaga sila,” he said. Education has always been equally important to Canlas. He emphasizes discipline both on and off the piste, ensuring that talent is matched by responsibility. Canlas will be taking his expertise and family to Australia, leaving behind a dynasty and a thriving support system. His decision, however, is rooted in family priorities rather than personal ambition.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2026

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

Eala outlasts Siegemund, sets showdown with Swiatek slayer

By Peter Atencio

ALEXANDRA

Eala opened her 2026 Miami Open campaign in dramatic fashion, outlasting Germany’s Laura Siegemund in a grueling three-hour, 20-minute duel to secure a 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-3 victory early Friday at Hard Rock Stadium.

The hard-fought win sends the world No. 29 into the third round, where she is now set to face Poland’s Magda Linette— not world No. 2 Iga Swiatek as initially expected.

Linette stunned the tournament on Thursday night, rallying from a set down to eliminate former champion Swiatek, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, in a two-hour, 10-minute upset. With that result, Linette became only the second player—after Eala—to defeat Swiatek in a WTA 1000 event.

Eala’s opening match was a true test of endurance and composure. Despite taking an early 3-0 lead in the first set, she eventually dropped it in a tight tiebreak. The Filipina responded strongly in the second set, breaking Siegemund twice after gaining momentum midway through to force a decider.

Tensions flared during the match, with both players repeatedly voicing concerns to the chair umpire over delays between points. The exchanges added to the already

intense atmosphere of the contest.

In the final set, Eala asserted control, racing to a 4-1 lead behind strong baseline play and timely service breaks before closing out the match. She finished with an impressive 53 points won on her first serve, underlining her efficiency in key moments.

“It really was close. It was de-

manding, physically and mentally,”

Eala said after what stands as the longest match of her WTA career. She credited her improved conditioning for pulling through: “That was one of my goals last year… to improve physically. And here I am, fresh as a flower.”

Meanwhile, Linette showed resilience in her upset of Swiatek. After

Guy’s breakout performance draws raves from coach Torcaso

MIDFIELDER Jael Guy turned a lifelong dream into reality, delivering a breakout performance that propelled the Philippine women’s football team back to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

On Thursday, Guy provided the crucial assists that set up second-half goals by Angela Beard and Jaclyn Sawicki, lifting the Filipinas to a 2-0 win over Uzbekistan in the play-in round of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup at Cbus Super Stadium.

The victory sealed the Philippines’ second straight appearance on football’s biggest stage—an achievement Guy once thought was out of reach.

“As someone who is younger in the team, this is something I’ve been thinking about since I was a little kid,” she said. “Going to the World Cup always felt almost unreachable until it actually happened.”

A rising talent, Guy—who plays collegiate football for Brown Bears—has quickly made her mark since stepping up from the youth ranks. The German-born Filipino previously represented the country in the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2024 before earning her senior team call-up.

Since her debut last December, the 5-foot-9 midfielder has already contributed to key milestones, including the Filipinas’ historic gold medal run in the

Abra, Quezon gun for MPBL Preseason title

ABRA Solid North and Quezon Province survived separate opponents on Thursday to forge a title clash for the 2026 MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Preseason Invitational at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna.

The Abra Weavers got two free throws each from Encho Serrano and Mike Ayonayon in the dying seconds to beat the San Juan Knights, 76-72, while the Quezon Huskers silenced the Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters in the last 2 minutes to prevail, 76-69, in the first game.

being dominated in the opening set, she turned the match around with a crucial break in the second and maintained her edge in the third, overcoming 30 unforced errors and firing four aces. With both players riding momentum, Eala and Linette now head into a highly anticipated round-of-32 showdown in Miami.

Abra, the reigning MPBL national champion, and Quezon, the back-toback South Division king, will dispute the crown at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga. In the 2025 MPBL National Finals, Abra swept Quezon, 3-0.

Serrano posted 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists to clinch the SportsPlus best player honors over Dave Idefonso, who notched 16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Raven Gonzales also delivered in the Weavers’ ninth straight win in the twogroup, 18-team event with 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks, and so did Tucker Molina with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists.

Southeast Asian Games, where she calmly converted in crucial penalty situations.

Head coach Mark Torcaso lauded Guy’s impact but emphasized the depth of emerging talent within the squad.

“She’s not the only one,” Torcaso said. “There are many players coming through our system who are going to be successful at the national level. I’m extremely proud to work with them and support their development.”

The Philippine Football Federation credited the team’s return to the World Cup to years of steady growth, resilience, and unity forged through both triumphs and setbacks.

PFF president John Gutierrez highlighted the blend of experience and youth that fueled the campaign.

“We’re very proud of our Filipinas for earning our country’s place back in the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” Gutierrez said. “This is a special achievement for a team that has grown together, with veterans and young players alike rising to the challenge. Philippine women’s football is here to compete and shine on the world stage.”

pressure, wins Q-School thriller

LAUREL, Batangas – Bobe Salahog displayed composure far beyond his 20 years, surviving a nerve-wracking, wind-lashed finish to snatch low medal honors in the Philippine Golf Tour Qualifying School at Splendido Taal Golf Club here Friday. In a gripping duel in the last three holes, Salahog held firm with clutch pars as the wind howled across the course, then watched rival Lee Song unravel under pressure. Song, tied late and still in contention, faltered with a costly bogey on the 16th and a double bogey on the last – a dramatic swing that handed the title to the Bacolod-born standout. “Pinaka-exciting ‘yung last three holes. Pero nag-bogey at na-double si Lee,” said Salahog. He fired a second straight 70 and finished at three-under 285 – a remarkable feat on

one of the country’s toughest courses and in punishing conditions that tested even the most seasoned campaigners.

Despite bogeys on Nos. 12 and 14, Salahog dug deep when it mattered most, stringing together four gutsy pars to close out his round. His steady hand in the face of swirling winds and mounting pressure ultimately proved decisive.

Song fought back hard, matching Salahog shot for shot through much of the round. But a bogey on No. 16 opened the door, and the Korean’s collapse on the 18th – marred by a mishit off the tee and a missed short putt – sealed his fate as he slipped to a 74 for fourth at 287.

Ryoto Furuya mounted a late charge with back-to-back birdies from No. 15 to force a three-way tie at one point, but a closing bogey left him tied for second with Charles Lee at

286 after identical 70s.

For Salahog, the victory was both validation and a glimpse of what lies ahead.

“In-expect ko din naman manalo after three rounds. Sabi ko, basta mag-focus at stick lang sa routine, may chance,” he said. And he proved exactly that.

Two shots behind entering the final round, Salahog came out blazing, carding a blistering 33 on the front nine. He eagled No. 2 and birdied Nos. 4, 6 and 7 in a fearless charge, showing both firepower and maturity. Though a double bogey on No. 9 threatened to stall his momentum, he regathered himself and stayed locked in.

The back nine, however, turned into a survival test.

“Sobrang hirap sa last nine holes. Malakas ang hangin pero maganda naman ang laro, nakakuha ng good breaks,” he said.

San Juan threatened at 72-74, following four straight points by Michael Calisaan and an inside incursion by Patrick Sleat against Ayonayon’s two charities, but couldn’t sustain its run as Orlan Wamar turned the ball over and missed on a drive.

Sleat finished with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, followed by Calissan and Harold Alarcon with 13 points each.

Trailing, 68-69, the Huskers rode on Cedric Manzano’s back-to-back baskets and Jolo Manansala and Cyrus Tabi’s two points each in the homestretch, to foil the Rum Masters, whose guns misfired when it mattered.

AKARI and Farm Fresh brace for a high-stakes showdown Saturday at the FilOil Centre, with one of the last two berths in the Premier Volleyball

firmly in contention. A three- or four-set victory – worth three points – could propel them past the Chargers in the standings should multiple teams end up tied at 5-4, including the Nxled Chameleons.

P165.4 billion 0.36% 23.9%

Budget surplus in January

Revenue growth in January

Budget surplus hit P165b in January as spending sank

THE national government (NG) started 2026 with a budget surplus of P165.4 billion in January 2016, more than double the P68.4 billion recorded in the same month last year on double-digit expensiture decline, data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed.

The fiscal performance was led by steady revenue growth and a significant reduction in government spending compared to the previous year.

Total revenues for the month reached P468.9 billion, up 0.36 percent from P467.1 billion in January 2025.

Tax collections remained the primary engine of growth, accounting for 94.45 percent of the total.

Decline in expenditures

BIR surpassed target, collected over P530b in first two months

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) surpassed its collection target for the first two months of 2026, generating P530.055 billion in net revenue through intensified tax administration and enforcement.

The agency said Friday the figure exceeded its internal goal of P527.775 billion by P2.280 billion, net of tax refunds. The collections went up 2.97 percent from P514.748 billion recorded in the same period in 2025.

“The bureau’s early 2026 performance shows a 2.97 percent yearover-year increase in net collections, reflecting steady improvements from intensified tax administration, stronger enforcement efforts and ongoing measures to boost taxpayer compliance nationwide,” the agency said in a statement. The BIR reported that the P15.307 billion year-on-year growth remains on track despite global economic headwinds. Officials said they remain committed to sustaining revenue growth to meet full-year targets while maintaining a balanced approach to taxpayer rights.

“The bureau continues to pursue its mandate through a balanced and people-centered approach—raising the revenues needed to support national development while protecting taxpayers’ rights and strengthening stakeholder trust and confidence,” the agency said.

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collections rose 1.01 percent to P358.7

billion, supported by digitalization and intensified tax administration.

Bureau of Customs (BOC) revenue grew 2.13 percent to P80.9 billion, bolstered by sustained enforcement against smuggling and strengthened compliance measures.

Income from other sources fell 12.08 percent to P26.0 billion, following a moderation in BTr income and lower shares from Malampaya proceeds.

Government expenditures dropped 23.9 percent to P303.5 billion from

P398.8 billion a year ago.

The Treasury attributed the decline to the rescheduling of transfers to local government units (LGUs) and a high base effect.

Last year’s spending was notably higher due to the settlement of accounts payables and the frontloading of projects ahead of the election ban.

Primary expenditures—spending net of interest payments—fell 40.32 percent to P175.7 billion.

However, interest payments rose 22.39 percent to P127.8 billion due to additional debt servicing requirements and coupon payment timing.

Excluding interest payments, the NG recorded a primary surplus of P293.2 billion, a 69.67-percent jump from the P172.8 billion surplus posted in January 2025.

By Othel V. Campos

THE continued depreciation of the Philippine peso is presenting mixed prospects for local manufacturers by offering export gains while simultaneously raising cost pressures for import-dependent firms, the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) said. FPI chairman Elizabeth Lee said a weaker currency can benefit exporters by increasing the peso value of foreign-denominated revenues. However, she said this advantage is partly offset for manufacturers that rely heavily on imported raw materials and inputs, as costs rise alongside

THE Philippines recorded a $2.28-billion balance of payments (BOP) deficit in February 2026, as capital outflows outweighed inflows, reversing a surplus from a year ago, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data showed.

The latest figure is a sharp turnaround from the $3.09-billion surplus seen in February 2025 and is wider than the $373-million deficit posted in January. The cumulative position in the first two months of 2026 reached $2.65-billion deficit.

UnionBank of the Philippines chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion said the wider gap reflected heavier capital and financial account outflows and the absence of one-off foreign currency

the currency’s decline.

“While some exporters may benefit, reliance on imported inputs limits the upside. At the same time, sustained cost pressures on import-dependent sectors could weigh on consumption and investment, albeit temporarily,” Lee said.

For companies serving the domestic market, the impact is more immediate. Higher prices for imported fuel and materials are pushing up production costs, creating pressure that may eventually be passed on to consumers.

“Higher input costs are likely to feed into consumer prices over time, shaping inflation trends and weighing on household purchasing power,” Lee said.

inflows from the government and the central bank seen last year.

“This was compounded by seasonally strong import payments and profit remittances early in the year, rather than a deterioration in the country’s external fundamentals,” Asuncion said.

Reyes Tacandong & Co. senior adviser Jonathan Ravelas attributed the deeper deficit to rising import costs and cautious investor sentiment.

“The February BOP deficit was largely driven by higher import costs—especially oil—combined with softer capital inflows as investors stayed cautious. A weaker peso added to the pressure by making imports more expensive,” Ravelas said. Thony Rose Lesaca

HOUSING FAIR. More than 20,000 housing units produced by about 40 private developers are showcased for the working class during the Housing Fair 2026 Central Luzon organized by Pag IBIG Fund in San Fernando City, Pampanga. Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, along with Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda and Pag IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta, leads the opening of the two-day housing fair at the LausGroup Event Center.

She said that small and mediumsized enterprises are particularly vulnerable due to a limited capacity to absorb or manage currency volatility. At the macroeconomic level, Lee described the situation as a balancing act and noted that the outlook will largely depend on external factors, particularly geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and their effect on global oil prices and shipping costs. She said that mitigating measures are being implemented, including calibrated monetary policy to help anchor inflation expectations as well as initiatives to strengthen energy security and diversify supply sources.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

sion

has granted distribution utilities the right of first refusal (ROFR) over renewable energy capacity generated within their franchise areas to help them meet annual Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) requirements. The directive is part of the amended guidelines for the procurement, execution and evaluation of power supply agreements (PSAs) between distribution utilities and power generators serving the captive market. To ensure transparency, the ERC mandated that all utilities must publish their RPS compliance status for the previous year and their latest compliance plans on their websites by Jan. 15 of each year. These postings notify developers of the host utility’s ROFR before any offers are submitted elsewhere. Under the new rules, renewable energy developers should first offer available capacity from existing, expanded or new plants to their host distribution utility.

The host utility has a period of three months to exercise its ROFR after receiving a written notice from the developer. If the utility declines the offer or the three-month period expires, the developer may then offer the capacity to other offtakers, provided the rate and contract terms remain the same.

MARCH 21,

Century Pacific taps suppliers to combat price pressures

By Othel V. Campos

CENTURY Pacific Food Inc. has about 45 days’ worth of inventory across its supply chain, the company said Friday during a visit by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to its facility in Calamba.

The company reinforced measures to sustain operations amid rising global uncertainties as Marcos toured the distribution center. The President was briefed on supply conditions and efforts by food manufacturers to keep prices stable despite the impact of geopolitical tensions on fuel and raw material costs.

Gregory Banzon, company executive vice president and chief operating officer, said the firm maintains inventory across multiple levels to provide a buffer against potential disruptions.

“We have about two to three weeks in supermarkets, around 1.2 to 1.5 months in our warehouses, and roughly one month in raw materials. Put together, that’s about 45 days on average,” Banzon said.

The company is facing rising fuel costs, which account for 3 percent to 4 percent of its distribution expenses, amid volatility linked to ongoing conflicts abroad.

To cushion operations, Century Pacific has expanded its sourcing network globally, activating suppliers in Asia, Europe, the United States and Oceania to ensure steady access to raw materials.

“We’ve increased the number of suppliers we deal with globally so we can secure materials at the right price and at the right time,” Banzon said, noting that diversification allows the firm to offset price pressures in certain regions.

Suppliers of key inputs such as tin cans, meat, fish and dairy products have begun seeking price increases. However, the company said it is leveraging long-term partnerships and scale to negotiate and delay cost adjustments.

Century Pacific is also tightening operational efficiencies, including reducing discretionary spending such as advertising, to help keep prices stable without compromising quality or quantity.

ERC approves P33b in NGCP projects for Luzon, Visayas

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Regulatory Commission has approved the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ application for P33 billion worth of power plant connection projects in Luzon and Visayas.

After deliberating and evaluating the evidence, the ERC authorized the NGCP to implement the capital expenditure projects. The commission stated the move ensures “continuous, safe, reliable and efficient service,” as

mandated by regulatory powers.

The projects remain subject to optimization based on actual use and verified expenses. These will be audited through invoices and supporting documents during the reset process

for the relevant regulatory period.

In its application, the NGCP said the projects aim to systematically expand and rehabilitate the transmission system. This will accommodate incoming generation plants and subtransmission facilities of distribution utilities at various substations.

The approved scope includes Luzon Connection Requirements for Power Plants Project 1, which connects incoming generation plants, and Project 2, which involves installing power circuit breakers. Project 3 focuses on integrating new generating

facilities and directly connected customers into the Luzon grid. In the Visayas, Connection Requirements Projects 1 and 2 will link power plants to the grid through the installation of associated equipment.

The regulator directed the NGCP to complete Luzon Connection 1 by Feb. 29, 2028, and Luzon Connection 3 by March 31, 2028. Other deadlines include Visayas Connection 1 on Oct. 31, 2028; Visayas Connection 2 on Feb. 29, 2029; and Luzon Connection 2 on Dec. 31, 2030.

AFFORDABLE MEDICINES. (From left) Martin Mendones, Generika Drugstore chief finance

inDrive launches P2.7-m fuel voucher program to support drivers

By Darwin G. Amojelar

GLOBAL ride-hailing platform

inDrive has rolled out a P2.7 million fuel voucher program for its active drivers to alleviate the pressure of rising operating costs straining driver earnings.

The initiative serves as a private sector complement to the government’s P5,000 fuel subsidy for transport workers. Under national government directives, that program includes transport network vehicle

service (TNVS) drivers, motorcycle taxis and other public utility vehicle operators as beneficiaries of financial relief to offset soaring pump prices. inDrive is also expanding fuel partnerships to provide cost-saving solutions. The platform is renewing its partnership with SeaOil, allowing drivers to access discounts through the Price LOCQ app at participating stations nationwide. Additional perks include the SeaOil VIP Rides digital loyalty card and a points-based rewards system for fuel and vehicle needs.

26 champions of water stewardship honored

TWENTY-FOUR individuals and organizations driving water conservation and sustainable management were recognized at the World Water Day Philippines Awards at the Diamond Hotel. Two additional honorees received the Woman in Water Leadership Award.

The annual awards, organized by Maynilad Water Services Inc. in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the National Water Resources Board, highlight initiatives that safeguard the country’s water resources.

In line with the 2026 World Water Day theme, “Water and Gender,” women leaders were a focal point of the ceremony. Among the honorees was the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina–Donsol, Sorsogon, which transforms plastic waste into marketable products.

Individual honors for outstanding women leaders were given to Liza Silerio, Jessica Salas and Eileen Dela Vega. The Woman in

Water Leadership Award was conferred on Jacqueline Caancan and Alma Abrasaldo.

Other recognized entities included Greencycle Innovative Solutions Inc. for its plastic waste recovery program in Laguna de Bay, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office for dredging operations at the Napindan Channel. Community-based initiatives in the Ipo and Kaliwa watersheds were honored for managing localized water and sanitation systems. In the private sector, Okada Manila was cited for wastewater reclamation, while Boracay Tubi System Inc. was recognized for leak detection technology. Academic and institutional honors went to the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Maria Montessori Foundation Inc. and the University of San Carlos Water Resources Center Foundation Inc.

To further support earnings, inDrive is launching incentive programs designed to boost daily income. This includes “Purple Zones” — areas with high booking demand where drivers benefit from a reduced commission rate of 1 percent, allowing them to retain more earnings per trip.

Bookings outside these zones retain a 10 percent commission, which the company says is among the lowest in the industry.

These initiatives are complemented by programs that reward driver

activity and trip completion. The platform also continues to fully shoulder the mandated 20 percent discount for senior citizens, people with disabilities and students, ensuring those benefits do not impact driver income.

“We understand how difficult the impact of the continued increase in fuel prices is on our partner drivers — especially since every trip is their source of livelihood,” said Sofia Guinto, inDrive Philippines country manager.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Securities and Exchange Commission has revoked the incorporation papers and lending license of Gul-Zara Lending Investor Corp. for its failure to comply with reportorial requirements.

The SEC Financing and Lending Companies Department, in a March 17 order, canceled the corporate registration and certificate of authority of Gul-Zara Lending. The regulator cited continuous violations of the Lending Company Regulation Act of 2007 and its implementing rules.

The commission also ordered GulZara Lending chairman and president Jennifer Sulit and board members

Rachiel Medina, Edna Bubay Ocampo, Gulzara Singh and Geja Singh to each pay an administrative fine of P100,000. The case stemmed from showcause letters issued in January after the company failed to submit several required documents. SEC investigators found that Gul-Zara Lending had failed to pay annual fees since its incorporation in 2009. The company also filed general information sheets and annual financial statements late and failed to submit required lending and interim financial statements for various years. Gul-Zara Lending further violated SEC circulars by failing to disclose its official contact details and the online lending platforms it operates, the commission said.

BUSINESS PEZA, MECO energize substation to power Mactan Economic Zone

THE Mactan Economic Zone is accelerating its sustainability drive with the launch of a mobile substation and a series of green initiatives to support clean, reliable and efficient industrial operations.

Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Tereso Panga led the energization ceremony at the MEZ on March 9. He was joined by officials from the Mactan Electric Co. Inc. and other stakeholders.

The newly energized 3-20 MVA, 13.8 kV mobile substation replaces transformers that served the zone for more than four decades. The upgrade is part of a broader sustainability agenda to ensure MEZ locators have access to resilient energy infrastructure.

Panga highlighted the zone’s green initiatives, including a thermal oxidation facility for hazardous waste treatment, advanced Danish wastewater treatment technology and the proposed Microbridge Solar Project to supply lo-

cators with renewable energy.

“These projects demonstrate PEZA’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth and to strengthening MEZ as a competitive, future-ready economic hub,” Panga said.

The ceremony underscored the synergy between technological modernization and sustainable practices, symbolizing the zone’s shift toward environmentally responsible energy solutions. The event also celebrated women in leadership as part of National Women’s Month.

MECO president Douglas Luym emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering reliable electricity to support business growth.

The MEZ is emerging as a model for sustainable industrial zones, combining infrastructure, renewable energy and environmental stewardship to meet the evolving needs of its locators. Othel V. Campos

Tiu-Laurel warns against lies, ‘fabrications’

By Othel V. Campos

AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Friday that the cyber libel case he filed against lawyer Levito Baligod and former Rep. Rizaldy Co should serve as a warning against unfounded accusations targeting the Department of Agriculture.

Tiu Laurel said while public scrutiny remains vital, allegations must be based on verifiable facts. Claims that undermine institutions and mislead the public cannot go unchecked and may warrant legal action, he said.

RoRo network boosts port business but drains nearby towns

IMPROVED transport connectivity through the Philippines’ Roll-on/ Roll-off (RoRo) network stimulates business in port municipalities while causing nearby towns to lose income as economic activity concentrates in transport hubs, a state-funded study has found.

The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) research, titled “Can Transport Infrastructure Reduce Inequality in Archipelagic Economies?

Evidence from the Philippine Roll-on/ Roll-off Network,” revealed that municipalities near RoRo ports experience a 6.5-percent decline in income after nearby ports become operational.

PIDS senior research fellow Kris Francisco and former PIDS senior research specialist Kimberly Librero examined municipal data from 2000 to 2020 to track the impact of the network.

The study suggests that firms and consumers shift toward areas with direct transport access, effectively reshaping where economic activity takes place.

While municipalities hosting RoRo ports benefit from stronger commercial activity, these gains do not translate into broader income growth for the region.

Business tax revenues in port areas increase by about 17 percent on average following integration into the network, reflecting higher levels of enterprise activity and investment.

“In the case of RoRo ports, improved connectivity appears to create favorable conditions for business development and commercial activity,” the authors noted.

REBALANCING water use across the global food system is the key to meeting future food demand sustainably and could generate 245 million long-term jobs, largely in SubSaharan Africa, according to a World Bank Group report launched Friday.

The report, “Nourish and Flourish: Water Solutions to Feed 10 Billion People on a Livable Planet,” notes that current agricultural water management practices can only sustainably support food production for less than half the global population. By 2050, the global population is expected to reach 10 billion. Addressing both the overuse that depletes water in stressed regions and the underuse in water-abundant areas will be essential to meet that demand. The World Bank introduced a new framework linking water availability

“This is also a reminder to everybody: Tell the truth,” Tiu Laurel said.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. said Friday that Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. can still seek a temporary restraining order to maintain its franchise through 2028 for mainland areas and 2033 for the Island Garden City of Samal.

PHILRECA, in a statement, expressed support for NORDECO and more than 200,000 member-consumerowners in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro in a legal battle to uphold “community-backed and service-oriented power distribution.”

The association said NORDECO’s ongoing dispute with Davao Light and Power Co. goes beyond power distribution.

“Beyond wires and poles, the electric cooperative model is a testament of community-based, people-driven

with food production and trade. By categorizing countries based on water stress and food trade status, the framework identifies where expanding rainfed agriculture can increase production, where irrigation investments can unlock growth, and where trade offers a more sustainable path than local production.

“The way we manage water for food will have profound implications for jobs, livelihoods, and economic growth. By making smarter choices about where crops are grown, how water is allocated, and how trade supports food security, we can strengthen resilience, expand opportunity, and safeguard the resources which we all rely on,” World Bank Group managing-director and chief knowledge officer Paschal Donohoe said.

initiatives to energize households, boost the economy and ensure a brighter future,” the group said.

PHILRECA said electricity is a public service that must be owned by the Filipino people. It noted that all electric cooperatives operate as regulated entities under the law, with direct supervision from the Department of Energy, the Energy Regulatory Commission and the National Electrification Administration.

Serving for more than four decades, NORDECO remains a steadfast partner of the national government for total electrification, PHILRECA said.

Furthermore, the association urged local government units to champion the interests of their people by enriching the sense of cooperativism and recognizing the significance of electric cooperatives in driving rural development.

“If you plan to malign us in the DA, make sure there is at least some basis in fact — not pure fabrication.” He added that he does not consider himself litigious.

The agriculture secretary cited recent allegations from a farmers’ group involving efforts by Food Terminal Inc. and Planters Products Inc. to provide affordable alternatives to imported rice. He called the claims inaccurate and said the department is considering legal remedies to set the record straight.

“They issued a public statement based on unverified information but refused to affix their signature. That raises serious questions about accountability,” he said.

The DA has increased efforts to stabilize rice prices by mobilizing state-linked firms to offer lower-cost options. The move is part of a push to cushion consumers from price volatility amid inflation driven by higher oil prices.

The agency’s stance marks a more assertive approach against misinformation as it works to preserve public trust amid concerns over food costs and supply.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

LandBank’s digital deals hit P4.4t

NTA urges local crackdown on illicit cigarettes

By Othel V. Campos

THE National Tobacco Administration (NTA) has urged local government units to intensify efforts against cigarette smuggling as the illegal trade drains billions in government revenue and threatens the livelihoods of millions in the tobacco sector.

The call for cooperation follows a string of nationwide seizures, including a March 17 interception of P6.46 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes hidden inside a cement mixer truck at a checkpoint in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte. The NTA asked local leaders to monitor and report illicit sales as part of a broader crackdown on the underground market.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) estimates annual tax losses from smuggled and untaxed cigarettes range from P40 billion to P52 billion. Beyond fiscal losses, the illegal trade endangers 2.2 million farmers, workers and their families who depend on the legitimate industry, the NTA said.

NTA administrator Belinda Sanchez said smuggling undermines public health, national security and agricultural income. She said illicit sticks sell for as low as P2 to P4, lower than the P8 average for legitimate brands.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said operations are being intensified alongside the Bureau of Customs, NTA and BIR to dismantle smuggling networks. These operations target land and sea routes as well as the financiers behind largescale syndicates.

In the final quarter of 2025, the PNP Highway Patrol Group seized nearly P3 billion worth of suspected contraband. Under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act of 2024, or Republic Act 12022, largescale smuggling is classified as economic sabotage, punishable by life imprisonment and fines up to 5 times the value of the seized goods.

PUBLIC trust in digital banking continued to strengthen in 2025 as Land Bank of the Philippines recorded a 27-percent rise in the usage of its digital platforms.

The bank said it processed 800.26 million digital transactions worth P4.41 trillion, up 30 percent from 2024.

“Inclusive and sustainable banking is anchored on public trust. When systems are accessible, inclusion becomes scalable and national development accelerates. At LandBank, we remain steadfast in bringing financial access closer to Filipinos — from countryside to countrywide,” said LandBank president and chief executive Lynette Ortiz.

The bank’s mobile banking app re-

mains the cornerstone of its retail digital adoption, adding nearly 1 million new users over the past two years to reach a 2.40 million-strong user base by the end of 2025.

This surge translated to 714.39 million transactions worth P618.82 billion, posting year-on-year increases of 26 percent in volume and 37 percent in value.

Digital adoption also accelerated among corporate and government clients. The corporate internet banking platform, weAccess, processed

51.13 million transactions amounting to P1.84 trillion, up 66 percent in volume and 35 percent in value yearon-year. Government disbursements through the Electronic Modified Disbursement System facility facilitated P1.55 trillion across 5.27 million disbursements, reflecting 28 percent growth in both volume and value. The bank’s web-based payment channel, Link.BizPortal, recorded 8.75 million transactions worth P16.13 billion, with increases of 22 percent in volume and 33 percent in value.

Complementing this, the Cash Lite Campus initiative has benefited more than 12,500 students and personnel by embedding digital payment ecosystems within universities.

“As a student, LandBank’s CashLite helps me track my personal and school related expenses. Especially that I am living alone, it helps me balance my money and manage it properly,” said State University of Northern Negros student Joy Ann Makiling. Through the LANDBANKasama Partners agent banking network, 3.10 million transactions worth P16.00 billion were facilitated in geographically isolated areas.

The bulk credit system processed P74.96 billion while the remittance system facilitated P80.34 billion, an 18 percent increase. Digital tax payments through the e-Tax Payment System enabled P177.25 billion in collections, reflecting 13 percent growth.

PH property market prepares for strategic shift, as new corridors

THE Philippine real estate market is preparing for a strategic shift in 2026 as major infrastructure projects and landmark international trade deals offset global economic headwinds, according to the latest Southeast Asia Outlook report from Cushman & Wakefield.

While traditional business districts like Makati, Bonifacio Global City and Ortigas remain central to growth, investment is flowing into non-tradi-

IN BRIEF

AIC airports expand retail, dining options

ABOITIZ InfraCapital Inc. is expanding its food, beverage and retail offerings at Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental and Bohol-Panglao International Airport in Bohol to enhance passenger experience and increase commercial value. The infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group began the initiative late last year as part of a broader strategy to optimize terminal environments. The expansion includes targeted refurbishments of dining zones and retail areas to create more accessible spaces for travelers at both gateways.

Aboitiz InfraCapital vice-president and head of airports Rafael Aboitiz said enhancing the commercial ecosystem is a vital component of the travel experience.

“By optimizing commercial layouts and partnering with both established and emerging brands, we aim to create vibrant terminal environments that serve passengers while supporting local businesses,” Aboitiz said. At Laguindingan International Airport, which ranks as the seventh-busiest airport in the country and the second-busiest in Mindanao, a refreshed commercial mix has introduced several new brands. Passengers can now access outlets including Bo’s Coffee, Dunkin’, Leylam, Totsy’s, Hey Missy, Potato Corner, Famous Belgian Waffles and Island Taste by Tomarong Cashew Nuts.

Bosch marks 100 years in PH

BOSCH Philippines is marking its 100th year in the country with the launch of “Hands That Build a Nation,” a centennial video tribute to the workers, builders and service professionals whose efforts drive the nation’s daily progress. The tribute, released as part of a broader centennial campaign, highlights the concept of bayanihan or collective progress. The video focuses on the individuals Bosch supports through its technology, including those in trades, home management and industrial sectors.

The company’s history in the Philippines began in 1926 with its first product sale in

Cebu. Since then, the firm has expanded from its automotive origins into a diversified portfolio that includes mobility, power tools, home appliances, building technologies and software-enabled services.

Bosch operates across several Philippine economic sectors. In the mobility sector, the company provides automotive servicing support for electric and hybrid systems. Its construction division provides power tools and on-site training for contractors, while its digital operations teams support global business automation from Philippine hubs.

“For 100 years, Bosch has supported the people and industries behind everyday progress in the Philippines,” Bosch Philippines managing-director Celeste Cervania said.

FedEx named top importer at Clark

FEDERAL Express Corp. was recognized as the 2025 Top Importer for the Port of Clark by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

The distinction marks the first time the express transportation firm has received the top honor at this port, following an evaluation of its revenue contributions and adherence to national trade regulations.

The BOC cited the company for its disciplined operational processes and collaboration with regulatory authorities.

The award highlights the company’s role in facilitating trade within the Clark Freeport Zone, a key economic hub in the Philippines.

“This recognition underscores the vital role FedEx plays in enabling trade, supporting our customers, and contributing to the continued growth of the Clark Freeport Zone and the broader Philippine economy,” FedEx Philippines managingdirector Maribeth Espinosa said.

“It also reaffirms our unwavering commitment to compliance, which is fundamental to how we operate,” said Espinosa.

The evaluation process conducted by the BOC focused on transparent customs procedures and consistent compliance with the country’s import laws. While specific revenue figures were not disclosed in the announcement, the agency said the company’s high volume of shipments significantly boosted the port’s total collections.

tional corridors.

Development is accelerating in areas such as Valenzuela and Bulacanfacing borders, alongside older towns in Taguig and Parañaque near Laguna de Bay. The expansion is heavily supported by the North South Commuter Railway Project, slated for partial operations in 2028, and the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan.

The report highlights a significant boost from the PH-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Thje landmark trade deal provides the

Philippines access to $2.3 trillion in sovereign wealth funds, which experts expect will be deployed into industrial parks, mixed-use developments, and large-scale infrastructure. Despite high vacancy rates, the office sector showed resilience in 2025. Demand was led by the IT-BPM sector, but the industry continues to navigate potential shifts in US outsourcing policies and the rise of hybrid work models.

Tenants are increasingly seeking high-end Prime and Grade A build-

Regulators, executives to discuss sustainability reporting in EJAP forum

THE Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) will hold its inaugural sustainability forum on March 23 at the SEC E-Center, focusing on how mandatory reporting is reshaping the local capital market.

The event, titled “From Disclosure to Decision: How Sustainability is Changing the Philippine Capital Market,” aims to address the transition from voluntary reporting to investorgrade data that influences governance and access to capital.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairman Francis Lim and Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) executive vice-president and chief operating officer Roel Refran will deliver keynote addresses. The officials are expected to outline regulatory expectations and the impact of disclosure quality on market valuations.

“The rules around sustainability disclosures in the Philippines are changing fast,” EJAP president John Ted Cordero said.

“This forum will examine how regulators and markets are enforcing this discipline, and how companies are responding in practice,” said Cordero.

A panel discussion will follow to examine how banks and investors value sustainability performance.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) assistant governor Pia Bernadette Roman Tayag and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) chief sustainability officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla will join Lim and Refran for the talk. Cordero said the forum is designed to surface rules and real-world implementation challenges rather than corporate messaging.

ings, maintaining stable rents in the premium segment as part of a broader “flight to quality.”

The industrial and logistics sector remains the market’s strongest performer. Structural shifts, including rapid digitalization and the ecommerce boom, have fueled intense demand for data centers, cold storage and last-mile delivery hubs. In a notable 2025 transaction, Equinix completed the acquisition of three Manila-based data centers from Total Information Management.

SECURITY Bank Corp. ranked 1st overall among domestic banks and 1st for trade finance products in the Philippines in the client-led Euromoney Trade Finance Survey 2026. The survey serves as a primary industry benchmark by using direct feedback from trade finance users to evaluate banks on product capability, service quality and relationship strength.

Security Bank achieved high marks across core solutions such as letters of credit, trade loans, structured trade financing, guarantees, foreign exchange services and documentary collections.

Survey respondents identified competitive pricing and strong customer service as primary advantages of the lender. The bank also received high ratings for its relationship management and service delivery.

Wholesale banking segment head and Security Bank executive vice president John Cary Ong said the recognition reflects the trust clients place in the bank to support trade flows and working capital needs.

“As global trade becomes more complex and supply chains evolve, we remain focused on delivering solutions that help clients manage risk, optimize working capital and keep goods and capital moving across markets with confidence,” Ong said. The bank is expanding its transaction banking and trade finance capabilities to support corporations, importers and exporters involved in regional and global trade.

The ranking comes as an increasing number of Philippine companies seek reliable partners to manage crossborder trade and capital requirements.

TECH

Designed for style: HONOR X8d arrives in PH for only

LEADING global

AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines today lifted the curtain on the new HONOR X8d, the latest addition to its acclaimed X Series line-up. Crafted to deliver an optimal experience to users, the HONOR X8d is priced at P15,999.

The new stylish smartphone integrates ultra-slim design, a robust 7000mAh battery, and stunning AI experience, representing HONOR’s dedication to provide well-rounded smartphones cater to the needs of consumers who desire a sleek, intelligent, and durable mobile device.

“The HONOR X8d is designed for today’s generation—where style is a statement and value matters. We’re proud to offer a smartphone that delivers both, making premium aesthetics and reliable performance more accessible than ever,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

Ultra-Slim Design with Class-Leading Battery Life

Introducing a 7.5mm ultra-thin and lightweight design, the HONOR X8d strikes a perfect balance between a smooth feel and elegant appearance. With advanced excimer technology and micro-nano textures, the body is extremely glossy and eye-catching, while the exquisite metal barrel adds extra embellishment to the back cover.

SAMSUNG Electronics announced that it ranks as the world’s No.1 TV brand for the 20th consecutive year — marking two decades as the global leader in the television industry.

Samsung had held the top position in the global TV market since 2006, and according to market research firm Omdia, the company recorded a 29.1% share of the global TV market in 2025. This achievement reinforces Samsung’s leadership across premium, ultra-large and next-generation display technologies. Samsung led the premium segment priced over $2,500 with a 54.3% market share, driven by Neo QLED, OLED and lifestyle TVs. It also maintained its lead in the segment over $1,500, holding a 52.2% market share.

“When consumers choose a TV, they’re choosing a brand they can trust for years to come,” said SW Yong, President and Head of the Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Our 20-year leadership in the global TV market reflects that trust — built on decades of engineering excellence and premium innovation.” 20 Years of Industry-Defining Innovation

Since first reaching the No.1 position in 2006 with its design-led Bordeaux

Powered by a large 7000mAh battery, the HONOR X8d provides price-level biggest 52 hours battery life verified by TÜV Rheinland and 6 years of endurance. The test data shows that the device can stand up to 31 hours of video playback on a single charge. With multi-point temperature monitoring, the battery shows great performance in temperatures from -20°C to 45°C, which allows it to work perfectly in various harsh condition. Additionally, the 45W wired HONOR SuperCharge can rapidly revive the battery for extended usage. Fabulous AI Button for Brand-New AI Experience

Featuring a brilliant Instant AI Button, the HONOR X8d offers brand-new AI interaction through this subtle design. This physical

side button enables users to quickly launch clean up and speed up commands and frequently used apps with a single press, providing much convenience in daily lives. Meanwhile, with a long press, users can activate more AI features such as Circle-toSearch, AI Subtitles, AI Writing, and Blur Private Info, delivering personalized and seamless user experience.

Powered by the latest MagicOS 10 based on Android 16, the HONOR X8d carries various other intelligence features including Magic Capsule, Magic Portal, AI Memories, AI Settings Agent, and Google Gemini Assistant, making it the best partner for both work and life.

Exceptional Durability with Comprehensive Protection Despite its extremely slim and

TV, Samsung has consistently innovated to reshape the television industry; 2009: The company accelerated the global transition to LED TVs, setting new standards for slimmer, more energyefficient displays; 2011: The introduction of Smart TVs further transformed televisions into connected entertainment platforms, expanding their role beyond traditional viewing; 2015: The Serif reimagined how TVs integrate into living spaces by introducing a designfocused TV that positioned the screen

THE country’s cybersecurity landscape took center stage with the official launch of I AM SECURE 2026, a premier industry platform now in its ninth year, calling for a unified national response to increasingly intelligent and sophisticated cyber threats.

Anchored on the theme “Soaring High: Future Ready in the Age of Intelligent Threats,” the initiative brings together key leaders from government, enterprise, and the technology sector to strengthen cyber resilience and accelerate digital transformation across industries.

Launched during a press conference at Omniverse Museum in Makati, the program builds on a legacy that began in 2018 as a Filipino-led cybersecurity movement.

Over the years, it has evolved into one of the country’s most influential cybersecurity platforms, convening thousands of professionals from more than 600 companies across 20 industries, alongside global solution providers and thought leaders.

Key cyber defense Government and law enforcement officials emphasized the urgency of a coordinated, whole-of-nation approach to cybersecurity as threats grow more complex.

Among those present were Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda, Robert Paguia of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, Colonel Roland Ong of the Philippine Army Reserve Command, Police Brigadier General Wilson C. Asueta of the Philippine National Police Anti-

as a statement piece within the home; 2017: The company launched The Frame, pioneering the Art TV category by transforming the television into a customizable digital art canvas; 2017: In premium picture quality, Samsung continued to set industry benchmarks with the introduction of QLED TVs powered by quantum dot technology; 2018: 8K TVs delivered over 33 million pixels — four times the resolution of 4K; 2020: Samsung introduced MICRO LED technology, advancing self-

lightweight body design, the HONOR X8d still showcases all-around drop resistance with SGS Premium Performance Certification of Drop & Crush Resistance, which ensures it can withstand drops from heights of up to 2 meters. Boasted with IP65 Water Resistance, the HONOR X8d can easily handle complex water environments including rinsing, splashing, and even high-pressure water guns. This device has been tested to function after being submerged in water for up to 1 minute at a depth of 0.5 meters, making it a dependable companion in various settings and situations. Additionally, with Wet-Hand Touch Enhancement, users can still have smooth experience even with wet or greasy fingers.

emissive display innovation and setting new standards for brightness, contrast and color accuracy in ultra-large screens; Through continuous advancements in picture quality, smart functionality and display innovation, Samsung has played a defining role in establishing today’s premium TV standards. Strengthening Leadership in Premium and Next-Generation TVs

Building on its legacy of innovation, Samsung continues to evolve its premium TV portfolio with expanded Micro RGB models, advancing its next-generation display technologies and reinforcing leadership in highperformance screens. The company also continues to enhance its OLED and Neo QLED lineups, delivering premium picture quality, ultra-large screen options and differentiated display performance.

Samsung is expanding its Mini LED offerings as well, bringing enhanced brightness, contrast and precision control to a wider range of screen sizes and price tiers to extend advanced display performance across its lineup. At the same time, continued investment in AI-powered TVs integrates advanced processors and intelligent features that optimize picture, sound and personalization in real time.

Cybercrime Group, and Police Colonel Jay Guillermo of the Cyber Response Unit.

Officials underscored the importance of strengthening cyber defense capabilities, enhancing data protection, and building resilient digital infrastructure, while highlighting the role of collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Industry leaders echoed the call for deeper collaboration as cyber risks evolve alongside rapid digitalization.

“Cybersecurity today is a shared responsibility across all sectors. Strengthening collaboration is key to ensuring that we are prepared to address increasingly intelligent threats,” said Chito Jacinto, president of the Information Security Officers Group (ISOG).

Jacinto likened today’s digital ecosystem to an “omniverse,” where interconnected systems create both opportunities and vulnerabilities, requiring a unified defense strategy.

ISOG Vice President Alvin Punsalan emphasized the need to expand cybersecurity awareness and capabilities across industries, stressing the importance of workforce upskilling and proactive security strategies.

Economic impact and programs

Xiameer Valdeavilla, CEO of XMS and partner of I AM SECURE, highlighted the initiative’s broader economic significance.

“I AM SECURE 2026 is a platform for collaboration and innovation that enables organizations to become futureready,” Valdeavilla said. “It also strengthens the Philippines’ position as a hub for high-value MICE engagements within the growing cybersecurity market.”

rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

rieramallari@yahoo.com

AI-Powered Smartphone

Photography Experience

Packed with a stunning 108MP Ultra-Clear AI Camera, the HONOR X8d captures images with exceptional details and enhanced brightness, offering users both daylight precision and nocturnal refinement. With 3x Lossless Zoom, users can create stunning shots with diverse focal lengths, effortlessly creating different street vibes. With HONOR Connection, the HONOR X8d breaks the long-standing “dropbarrier” between different systems, enabling the device to share moving photo to iOS seamlessly. Additionally, the HONOR X8d integrates AI photography features like AI Eraser, AI Upscale, AI Cutout and AI Outpainting, which enable users to freely customize their image, streamlining photo editing on smartphones.

Enhanced Hardware for Superior Experience

The HONOR X8d features a 6.77inch OLED Display, which supports 1.07 billion colors, a high refresh rate of 120Hz, and peak HDR brightness of 3000nits, delivering vibrant hues and incredibly fluid interface with exceptionally sharp and clear viewing experience. The device also boasts 6 eye-care technologies, including 3840Hz PWM Risk-free Dimming, Circadian Night Display, Dynamic Dimming, Comfortable Dim-light Adjustment, Low Blue Light and E-Book Mode. Powered by the Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2, the HONOR X8d offers users a new level of system smoothness and higher graphical performance. This power efficiency is complemented by HONOR’s innovative RAM Turbo Technology, which effectively provides a 16GB RAM equivalent experience (8GB physical + 8GB virtual). It ensures smooth performance even after extended use, allowing users to multitask and switch between apps effortlessly. Additionally, the HONOR X8d comes equipped with 512GB large internal storage at most, providing ample space for years of precious memories.

FOR many Filipinos, the days leading up to payday can feel like a balancing act. Bills, groceries, transportation, and unexpected expenses don’t wait for the 15th or 30th. Yet, despite these challenges, Filipinos have developed creative and practical ways to stretch their budget until the next salary

Shokz OpenFit Pro: 1st open-ear headphones with noise reduction

SHOKZ on Thursday today officially announced the Philippine launch of the OpenFit Pro, its most advanced open-ear headphones to date and the first in its lineup to feature Open-Ear Noise Reduction.

Designed to meet the evolving needs of modern listeners, the OpenFit Pro delivers a powerful and immersive audio experience while maintaining the brand’s signature open-ear comfort, awareness, and safety.

“OpenFit Pro was created after we listened closely to our users’ growing demand for clearer, louder audio in noisy environments, along with richer bass and more detailed sound,” the company said in a statement.

Next-Level Sound Performance

At the heart of the OpenFit Pro is Shokz’s latest innovation, the SuperBoost™ ultra-large driver, a synchronized dual-diaphragm system engineered to produce richer detail, smoother highs, and deeper lows with minimal distortion.

The 11 × 20 mm driver delivers performance comparable to a 16.7 mm round speaker, offering a wider frequency range and more natural sound reproduction. Optimized for Dolby Atmos, the device also features headtracking technology for a more immersive, cinema-like listening experience.

First-Ever Open-Ear

Noise Reduction

Breaking new ground, OpenFit Pro introduces Shokz Open-Ear Noise Reduction—allowing users to enjoy clearer audio even in noisy environments while retaining the benefits of open-ear listening. The system uses a triple-microphone array combined with an advanced ear-

LAZADA marks its 14th year in the Philippines with a nationwide celebration recognizing more than a decade of enabling digital commerce, empowering brands and sellers, and connecting millions of Filipino consumers to trusted products.

Over the years, Lazada has evolved into a preferred growth partner for both global and local brands, providing the infrastructure, tools, and reach needed to succeed in an increasingly digital retail landscape. The Birthday campaign underscores Lazada’s leadership across three pillars: value, variety, and trust — delivering competitive pricing, an unmatched assortment of premium products, and a reliable shopping experience.

Central to this is LazMall, Lazada’s curated marketplace of official brands and authorized sellers, which continues to serve as a mark of authenticity and quality for Filipino shoppers.

As part of the celebration, shoppers can enjoy:

● LazFlash Deals with up to 90% off

● Up to ₱2,000 in Lazada vouchers

● Exclusive offers from global brands and LazMall partners

● Deals across beauty, electronics, fashion, home, and everyday essentials

● Access to 5,000 new arrivals from global brands such as d’Alba, RedChef,

THE James Dyson Award is now open for 2026 entries, inviting the next generation of Filipino innovators to submit inventions tackling real-world challenges.

The global design engineering competition is open to all eligible university students and recent graduates.

Shortlisted entries will be reviewed by national judging panels of design and engineering experts, including Dyson engineers. National winners will receive ₱398,280 and a chance to progress to the international stage.

Sir James Dyson will select global winners to receive ₱2,390,230 and a platform to take their inventions to the next level.

The Award gives winners media exposure, international recognition, and the momentum for these young inventors to accelerate their ideas to commercialization.

Sir James Dyson, Founder of Dyson, said: “I established the James Dyson Award to encourage young ‘doers’ in life who are focused on solving the problems they see in

adaptive algorithm to predict ambient noise and generate reverse sound waves that effectively cancel it. Users can also switch seamlessly between focused listening and natural awareness modes.

Comfort Meets Precision Design

Built for all-day wear, the OpenFit Pro features Ultra-Soft Silicone™

2.0, a skin-friendly material that provides a gentle, secure fit. Its ultrathin nickel-titanium alloy ear hook flexes naturally to adapt to different ear shapes, ensuring stability even during intense activities.

The earbuds also boast a sleek, ultraslim unibody crafted from premium aluminum alloy through a nine-stage precision molding process, combining durability with a refined, lightweight design.

Smart Features for Everyday Use

The OpenFit Pro is packed with intelligent features, including:

- AI-powered call clarity, reducing up to 99.4% of background noise

- Up to 50 hours of total battery life with the charging case

- Quick charge capability, delivering 4 hours of playback in just 10 minutes

- Qi wireless charging support

Noise Reduction allows users to enjoy clearer audio even in noisy environments while retaining the benefits of

listening.

- Multipoint pairing and Bluetooth® 6.1 connectivity

- IP55 sweat and rain resistance

- Smart wear detection using hybrid optical and capacitive sensors Through the Shokz App, users can customize noise reduction levels, toggle Dolby Atmos, adjust EQ settings, and personalize controls.

Redefining Open-Ear Listening With the launch of OpenFit Pro, Shokz continues to push the boundaries of open-ear audio technology— combining immersive sound, advanced noise reduction, and all-day comfort into a single device. The OpenFit Pro retails at P14,990 at selected Power Mac Centers.

Lazada PH turns 14: Celebrating trust, value, and strength in growth of digital commerce

Giordano, Momcozy, and more. Further reinforcing Lazada’s role as a growth partner, over 30 brands are joining the major consumer event on Sunday, March 22, showcasing strong participation from leading names across categories including Optimum Nutrition, Unilab, Xiaomi, Breville, Bevi, Iwata and Camou.

the world, not grandstanding about them. It has been inspiring to see so many brilliant ideas from young design engineers, many of whom have gone on to build businesses and take their problem-solving ideas to people and markets all over the world. I look forward to judging this year’s submissions.”

In 2025, the James Dyson Award marked its 20th year and received more than 2,100 inventions from young engineers worldwide, spanning solutions from health screening and household waste to disaster relief.

Past Filipino winners

Over the years, the Award has recognized Filipino national winners who have developed solutions that create meaningful change to the lives of many Filipinos in communities and classrooms.

In 2023, Make-Roscope addressed a common barrier in Filipino classrooms: the lack of accessible science equipment for hands-on learning.

Invented by Jeremy De Leon, the device turns a smartphone or tablet

Alongside the campaign, Lazada will host the Lazada Run Wellness Fest, a community run and wellness street festival designed to bring together shoppers, fitness enthusiasts, content creators, and brand partners in a unique lifestyle experience.

Expected to gather more than 1,000

participants, including run clubs, KOLs, media, and partner brands, the event will feature interactive brand activations, wellness activities, giveaways, and entertainment.

“Our 14th anniversary is more than a birthday milestone, it’s a celebration of the enduring trust that Filipino consumers and brands have placed in Lazada over the years. The sustained growth of our buyer community and the expanding network of brand partners are a testament of Lazada’s role as a trusted, integral part of everyday life for millions of Filipinos,” said Carlos Barrera, CEO of Lazada Philippines.

“As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering real value, authentic product choices, and seamless, reliable experiences. We will continue to innovate and empower the digital commerce ecosystem, helping both consumers and businesses thrive in an increasingly digital economy.”

Download the Lazada app to enjoy the Birthday Sale with exclusive deals, vouchers, and brand offers.

into a powerful microscope, giving students a simple, intuitive way to explore the microscopic world.

iProov study: Deepfakes shatter online confidence

A NEW consumer study released today by iProov, the world’s leading provider of science-based biometric identity verification solutions, warns that deepfakes have triggered The Great Trust Recession, where digital authenticity has been undermined, and skepticism has reached unprecedented levels.

The research, which surveyed 2,000 individuals across the UK and the US in Q1 2026, shows that AI-generated impersonation is increasingly seen as a real-world threat undermining confidence in what people see online. Nearly half of respondents (48%) say they now question the authenticity of “almost everything” they encounter online, signaling a profound shift in consumer confidence. Consequently, establishing genuine human presence in digital ecosystems is now essential to thwart fraud, misinformation, reputational harm, and institutional distrust, and to regain certainty about what — or who — can be believed.

The breakdown in confidence is already evolving into commercial pressure: three-quarters (74%) of consumers say they would switch banks if a competitor offered guaranteed protection against deepfakeenabled fraud. This highlights how consumer allegiance is being impacted, with many willing to endure the inconvenience of switching banks to gain stronger safeguards against AI-driven impersonation. Younger adults are leading this shift: 41% of those aged 25 to 34 say they would switch immediately, compared with just 14% of those aged 65 and older, showing that even the most digital native generations are raising expectations for stronger safeguards.

At the same time, expectations of accountability are rising sharply. More than half of respondents (52%) believe banks should be legally liable for losses caused by deepfake-enabled fraud, reflecting growing demand for institutional responsibility in the AI era.

A Government Trust Gap is Emerging

The study also highlights evolving expectations around digital public services. While the availability of online government platforms has grown, many consumers say stronger identity protections would increase their confidence. More than half (55%) report they would be more likely to use government services online if a secure biometric login were available. When given a choice, respondents also show openness to digital-first options: 43% say they would prefer a secure face scan via a mobile app, compared with 30% who would choose an in-person appointment.

the University of the Philippines Diliman, to address the unpredictable and labor-intensive process of producing salt. The salt farming unit uses sun-driven evaporation in a compact, controlled setup to help small-scale salt farmers produce higher-quality, more consistent flaky salt, improving efficiency and livelihoods in coastal areas.

“The James Dyson Award opened opportunities that helped Make-Roscope move beyond a prototype and be used in real classrooms by students in the Philippines and beyond,” Jeremy said.

SolAsin, the Philippines’ 2025 National Winner, was developed by John Carlo Reyes, a graduate of

Since winning, Jeremy has grown the project into his own brand, JereMAKE, with Make-Roscope reaching thousands of users and distributing over 12,000 units. The brand has also built partnerships with more than 70 schools and universities, impacting students across the country, and is expanding globally beyond the Philippines.

“I saw the James Dyson Award as a great platform to showcase my work. Maybe it could inspire others to design with and for communities. That possibility alone made it all worthwhile for me,” John Carlo said. How to enter Entries can now be submitted via the James Dyson Award website, with the deadline set for midnight on 15th July 2026. University students and recent graduates of design and engineering subjects are eligible to apply.

The best entries tackle a clear global problem, demonstrate a thoughtful design process, and showcase originality and technical feasibility.

SHOWBIZ

BTS released a new album on Friday centered on its Korean identity, as anticipation built for a major comeback concert in Seoul expected to draw about 260,000 fans.

The show, happening today, March 21, at Gwanghwamun Square near Gyeongbokgung Palace, marks the group’s first performance in nearly four years after all seven members completed compulsory military service and comes ahead of an 82-date world tour.

“We gave deep thought to our identity—and how best to express ourselves authentically— across the entirety of our music and performances,” member Jimin, 30, said. “As an extension of that process, we also revisited the significance of our background as a group comprised entirely of Korean members.”

The 14-track album, titled Arirang , takes its name from a traditional folk song about longing and separation, often considered South Korea’s unofficial national anthem. Beginning with “Body to Body” and ending with “Into the Sun,” the record is accompanied by an animated trailer referencing Korean students whose rendition of the song was recorded in Washington in 1896 by US anthropologist Alice Fletcher

The clip shows the students traveling to the United States before cutting to BTS at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the concert backdrop.

Excitement has surged across Seoul,

New BTS album drops ahead of mega comeback

with hotels fully booked and thousands of international fans arriving. Streets have been lined with “Welcome BTS & ARMY” banners, while pop-up stores and shops sell themed

merchandise.

Filipino fans Mara Cristia Yao and

Rodessa Ericka Bonon said they traveled to Seoul despite failing to secure tickets.

“We are just going to come to this area anyway. We are figuring out where to position ourselves tomorrow,” Yao said.

BTS, widely seen as a leading force in the global rise of Korean culture alongside works such as Parasite and Squid Game , recorded parts of the album in Los Angeles. Yale sociology professor Grace Kao said that while the album includes Western collaborations, its title underscores the group’s identity.

“They are looking towards the future but reminding the fans and themselves of their history,” she said.

The members, now aged 28 to 33, recently completed military service, with four stationed near the inter-Korean border.

The concert will unfold under tight security at the historic Gwanghwamun Square, an area that has hosted major political protests in recent years. It will also be streamed globally on Netflix to around 190 countries.

newest bet Apphle Celso

By Nickie Wang

FORMER housemates of PBB

Celebrity Collab 2.0 made their first public appearance on March 18 at the Star Magic Spotlight press conference, sharing how the reality show shaped their careers and personal growth.

For more than 20 years, Bahay ni Kuya has served as a launchpad for emerging personalities, giving audiences a glimpse into the lives of aspiring Kapamilya artists. The latest edition continued that tradition, offering a platform for housemates to reveal their authentic selves.

Reich Alim expressed gratitude for the opportunities that came her way during and after her stay in the house.

“Thank you so much for opening doors that I never thought that I would go through this early in my life. Maraming maraming salamat po talaga sa opportunity you gave me even inside the house,” she said.

Eliza Borromeo, on the other hand, shared that the experience became a journey of self-discovery.

“There were so many times inside the house when I felt discouraged, but Kuya never failed to remind me that I

needed to trust myself. That is what I carried with me even after leaving the house,” she shared.

Carmelle Collado’s lively energy lit up the presscon. “I think I’m able to maintain this energy because I really missed the people...During my stay in Kuya’s house, I really looked for the shouting and the greetings from people,” she said.

After PBB, Carmelle launched her first solo single, a revival of the classic OPM ballad “Stay,” and is set to join the North American leg of Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino’s Love, KimPau world tour this March and April. She said she looks forward to connecting with Filipino fans abroad. Meanwhile, former housemates

Ińigo Jose, Rave Victoria, and Fred Moser shared an interest in pursuing leading-man roles.

Ińigo said, “Of course, I want to explore a role in a romantic comedy...I’m just excited for what’s to come.” Rave added, “When it comes to projects, I think I want to become a leading man and also take on heavy drama.”

Fred echoed Ińigo, saying, “I really want to be a leading man, of course, and a romantic comedy, because that is the genre I’m most looking forward to.”

By Nickie Wang

MODEL and sexy star Apphle Celso talks about her career path with a clear vision of what she wants, the roles she’d like to portray, and the image she wants to be known for. She wants to play characters that are bold, disruptive, and unapologetically fierce.

“I really want to be a kontrabida ,” she told Manila Standard Entertainment , as if making a mission statement. “I don’t want to be the pitiful lead. Even when I was younger, when I started with Viva in 2016, I already knew—I wanted to be the one who oppresses, the antagonist.”

Her latest project, Scorpio Nights 4 , places her squarely in that space. The film, directed by Bobby Bonifacio Jr. , is the newest installment in a long-running Filipino erotic

franchise. It premieres March 31 on VMX.

In the movie, Apphle plays Nila, a woman whose presence shifts the dynamics inside a cramped Manila home where secrets move faster than the characters can contain them. The story follows a young man who discovers a hidden vantage point into the lives of those around him, only to find himself pulled into a web of desire, betrayal, and consequence. Apple explained that she didn’t do the role just to be provocative, she did it because she felt safe, respected, and confident in the people she was working with.

“I didn’t have any problem with the script,” she said. “As long as I’m comfortable, I go for it. If there comes a point where I’m not comfortable, that’s when I’ll speak up. But so far, the treatment has been good, and my coartists have been okay.”

When asked why audiences should catch her latest film, Apphle emphasized its unpredictability.

“You should watch it because the story is fresh and intriguing,” she said of the fourth installment in the iconic franchise. “There’s a plot twist—even I was surprised when I read the script. It’s definitely not the ending you’d expect. Expect the unexpected.”

SPARKLE artist and Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab 2.0

Kapuso Big Winner Caprice Cayetano spent Thursday morning spreading joy to the children of Little Ark Foundation, showing that her victory is also about giving back. Caprice joined the pediatric patients in bracelet-making activities and even danced along to popular TikTok trends, sharing laughter and cheer throughout the day. She also treated the kids to lunch, courtesy of her recent endorsement with Wendy’s, adding an extra touch to her visit.

In interviews, Caprice said she chose Little Ark Foundation to help children experience the joys of a normal childhood.

“Little Ark po yung napili ko dahil minsan lang po maging bata and I want these kids to feel what it’s like to be normal, to experience joy and to receive the treatment that they need,” she said.

Talking about her own journey

MARCH 21, 2026 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

THERE are store openings, and then there are homecomings. Last March 9, I found myself walking into the latter as Massimo Dutti celebrated the grand reopening of its flagship store at the SM Mall of Asia.

Quiet luxury returns to MOA with stylish reopening

The store was filled with some of Manila’s most fashionable—people whose Instagram feeds set trends and whose weekend plans shape the city’s social scene. It quickly became clear that this was more than a store reopening; it was a gathering for those who appreciate the subtleties of quiet luxury.

For the uninitiated, Massimo Dutti occupies a unique space in the Filipino wardrobe. It is the label you wear when you want to feel like you’ve just stepped off a flight from Barcelona, even if you’re just heading to a client meeting in Makati. It’s the brand that understands the Filipino appreciation for quality—for linen that breathes in our humidity, for leather that ages gracefully, and for tailoring that flatters without trying too hard.

The crowd that evening was a testament to that enduring love affair: a mix of sharp-dressed young professionals, content creators with a penchant for neutrals, and longtime loyalists who remember when the brand first arrived on our shores.

The new MOA store, however, is a game-changer. As we moved through the space, it felt less like a retail outlet and more like a gallery dedicated to the art of dressing well.

The design is airy and intentional, with soft, warm lighting that makes the fabrics look almost tactile. You could see the appreciation in the eyes of the attendees as they ran their fingers over the new season’s knitwear or paused to admire the precise drape of a wool-blend coat. There were knowing glances exchanged over the color

palette—those signature Massimo Dutti tones of camel, navy, charcoal, and the occasional pop of burnt sienna that somehow feels both timeless and current.

Conversations hummed around the womenswear section, where the collection leaned into fluid silhouettes and structured tailoring. The Manileña, after all, has a sharp eye for versatility; she wants a piece that can go from the office to a dinner in BGC without missing a beat. Over in menswear, the scene was equally engaged. The modern Filipino gentleman was there, scrutinizing the cut of a blazer and the weight of a linen shirt, understanding that true style lies in the details. What struck me most, however, was the sense of community. Fashion in Manila is often a solitary pursuit, but here, it felt shared. We weren’t just shopping; we were curating. We were discussing, suggesting, and appreciating. It was a reminder that style is not just about the clothes you wear, but about the world you build around them.

Massimo Dutti has given Manila a new space to find its footing in refined, European simplicity. And judging by the crowd of fashion lovers who showed up to welcome it back, we are more than ready to step inside.

By Nickie Wang

SPATIO is celebrating individuality this month with its “Made For You” campaign, built around a philosophy of personal style, creative customization, and sustainable fashion.

Home to more than 300 Filipino designers and makers, the lifestyle concept store continues to champion local talent while giving shoppers the tools to make fashion their own.

At the heart of the campaign is a collaboration with sustainable brand Revibe Culture. Together with other Filipino brands featured in the store, Spatio offers in-store experiences where guests can personalize pieces and see how thoughtful design transforms everyday items into something uniquely theirs.

“Made For You is about making fashion meaningful through personal choice,” said a Spatio spokesperson.

“From customized accessories to curated pieces that reflect your personality, it’s all about style that tells your story.”

Revibe Culture takes center stage on the second-floor activity area, demonstrating its approach to sustainable fashion through

customization. Guests can see how garments are reimagined and transformed into what the brand calls “Art You Can Wear,” turning timeless fabrics into one-of-a-kind pieces.

The experience continues on the third floor at the Escolta area, where shoppers can explore a range of interactive stations. Studio MG.88 offers charms and trinkets, while Style Isle and Casa Inez let guests mix and match bags and accessories.

Jewelry brand Alchemista provides custom engraving on brooches and necklaces, and Piesa offers a jewelrymaking activity inspired by halo-halo.

Viajecito allows visitors to combine bags and straps, and Vesti and Boop MNL invite guests to personalize bags and even scarves for pets. Founders are on hand to share insights on craftsmanship and design.

Exclusive promotions add extra incentive for shoppers. From March 13 to 31, BPI credit card users who spend a minimum of P10,000 receive a P1,000 Spatio gift certificate for their next purchase.

GoTyme Bank cardholders spending P3,000 or more get a free umbrella or tote bag. Go Rewards members enjoy perks including gifts, coffee rewards, and discounts of up to 50 percent on select brands, with Black tier members qualifying for a curated top spender package valued at over P25,000.

Spatio continues to support Filipino designers across fashion, accessories, home, and lifestyle categories, offering a platform for local creatives