Manila Standard - 2026 May 5 - Tuesday

6,000

and Camalig.

By Maricel V. Cruz

BICOL Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon on Monday filed House Resolution 980, directing a congressional inquiry into alleged disinformation operations of Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN), while also calling for closer scrutiny of its tax compliance and possible tax evasion. The lawmaker said the resolution directly supports Speaker Faustino Dy III's campaign against fake news, but goes further by targeting the structure,

Tulfo junks coup rumor; Minority seen to oppose VP impeach trial

By Ram Superable

SENATOR Erwin Tulfo yesterday shot down rumors of a potential leadership coup even as members of the Senate minority bloc may oppose the convening of the Upper Chamber into an impeachment court for the potential trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. "If we oppose (the impeachment trial), do not tell us that we are biased. That is the job of the minority. That is the parliamentary procedure that we must follow. That is what democracy says," Senator Robin Padilla said.

House panel approves VP Sara impeachment

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House Committee on Justice, through a unanimous vote of its 55 members, approved yesterday its report and resolution setting the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, clearing the way for a plenary vote likely next week.

By Pot Chavez and Ram Superable

By Ma. Katrina Mikaela Manubay

PHILIPPINE Ambassador to France

Eduardo José de Vega said the Philippine Embassy has no police authority to carry out arrests in France, stressing that diplomatic missions must respect the sovereignty and laws of their host countries.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

In a statement on Monday, de Vega said the embassy should avoid actions that could violate the host nation’s sovereignty.

“Under international law, an embassy is expected to refrain from acting in a way that violates the host nation’s sovereignty,” he said.

De Vega issued the statement following Malacañang confirmed that

According to Rep. Terry Ridon, chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts and a member of the justice panel, Duterte is expected to be impeached next week during the plenary vote.

Ridon said plenary debates will be conducted this week before the vote expected on Monday, May 11.

“We’re expecting the VP to be impeached next week. The 106 votes needed is all but certain,” said Ridon, a lawyer by profession. In an earlier interview, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the Upper Chamber will likely convene as an impeachment court on May 13 if the Articles of Impeachment are transmitted by the House on May 12. “We will convene the following day as an impeachment court…We have to do our job. We have to be impartial. We will act on it forthwith," Sotto said.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said the actual trial may commence by June as the Upper Chamber will still have a pre-trial. The pre-trial will cover the issuance of summonses and replies, as well as the holding of a preliminary conference aimed at establishing stipulations and possibly marking evidence before the actual trial commences, Lacson said.

Defensor, Harold Respicio, Mary Catherine Diaz Binag, Ferdinand Topacio, and Virgilio Garcia asked the High Court to cite Sotto for indirect contempt. They alleged that the Senate President "committed improper conduct within the meaning of Sec. 3, Rule 71 of the Rules of Court" in view of his interviews on the ongoing impeachment case. Topacio explained that Sotto’s public statements exceeded "legitimate commentary", adding that it tends to undermine the

China defends research vessels in WPS

By Rex Espiritu

THE Chinese Embassy in Manila defended the activities of its research vessels in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, saying these comply with international law and are “beyond reproach.”

“The Chinese research vessel Jiageng is proceeding as planned to waters east of the Philippines to conduct scientific research. It is making a normal transit through the Bashi Channel,” said Guo Wei, deputy spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy.

“Meanwhile, three other research

House...

From A1

The Articles of Impeachment accused Duterte of a range of acts, including the misuse and irregular liquidation of confidential funds totaling at least P500 million in the Office of the Vice President and P112.5 million in the Department of Education; amassing unexplained wealth and failing to fully disclose these in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth; bribery and corruption involving officials under her authority; contracting or soliciting acts of violence, including alleged threats against top government officials; and acts of political destabilization and abuse of power.

The committee report cited audit findings from the Commission on Audit, financial data flagged by the Anti-

PH...

From A1 fugitive resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co is currently in France seeking political asylum.

The envoy underscored the importance of addressing public concerns through proper diplomatic channels and established procedures.

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From A1

“Yesterday, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon personally went to Albay to inspect the clearing and flushing operations,” he told Unang Balita.

The Office of Civil Defense has reported that 30,522 families or 102,406 persons across 87 barangays have been affected by Mayon's latest eruption. It said that 1,438 families or 5,440 individuals are now stating in evacuation centers.

DOE...

From A1 the Strait of Hormuz as a breach of the Mideast ceasefire, as President Donald Trump said they would begin escorting ships through the blocked waterway.

Negotiations between Iran and the US have been deadlocked since a ceasefire came into effect on April 8, and Iran's stranglehold on the strategic strait following US-Israeli attacks on Tehran has been a main point of contention.

Trump said Sunday the new maritime operation, which he dubbed "Project Freedom," was a "humanitarian" gesture for crews aboard the many ships swept up in the blockade and which may be running low on food and other crucial supplies.

"We will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait. In all cases, they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation," Trump said in a Truth Social post, noting operations would begin on Monday.

In response, the head of the Iranian parliament's national security commission said: "Any American interference in the new maritime regime of the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the ceasefire."

Garin made the announcement as the country’s fuel inventory remains steady for 53.71 days. This includes gasoline at 52.64 days, diesel at 54.58

vessels are carrying out scientific missions in waters of the South China Sea under Chinese jurisdiction. The navigation and research activities of these vessels comply with international law and practice, including the relevant conventions, and are beyond reproach,” Guo added.

Money Laundering Council, and testimonies from officials and witnesses, including forensic document examiners and government auditors.

For her part, Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima said now that the impeachment case against the Vice President has been condensed into four articles that cover all the grounds raised against her, even one conviction before the Senate is enough to remove her from office and permanently disqualify her from public office.

De Lima, a member of the House justice panel, said: “If it reaches the Senate and a trial is held, and during judgment of the judges of the impeachment court, even if they uphold only one article and convict VP Sara, that should be enough to really convict her and then to remove her from office and to permanently disqualify her to hold further public office.”

“We understand the public’s concern, but we have to do things the right way, through diplomacy,” he added.

Under French law, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said national authorities are responsible for processing asylum applications and determining whether an individual qualifies.

The French Office for the Protec-

While deaths of farm animals and damage to homes and agricultural lands have been reported, the OCD has still to report the extent of the damage.

Ash deposits reached one to two inches thick in parts of Guinobatan, Rosal said.

Authorities have now made the use of face masks mandatory, with the governor urging residents to wear N95 masks due to the hazardous effects of ashfall, especially on children.

No injuries have been reported, as the province had prepared for

days, kerosene at 166.67 days, jet fuel at 71.14 days, fuel oil at 62.69 days, and LPG at 40.46 days.

She said these inventory levels give the DOE enough time to procure more supply if needed.

“Consumption is steady, but it's lower. There's been a decrease in demand, but there is no problem as to the deliveries our oil companies are getting,” she said.

Kerosene, however, will see a rollback of P3.53 per liter, with prices ranging from P124.97 to P146.47 per liter. Garin noted that while international prices have not moved significantly, the depreciation of the peso contributed to the domestic increases.

"Now, it seems like it's steadying at a certain pace, and hopefully, it stays like that," Garin said. "DOE cannot give an assurance that prices will stay here or go down."

Cooking gas, or LPG, will also increase by P1.33 per kilo in May.

This is equivalent to a P13.42 hike per 11-kilogram cylinder, with an estimated dealers’ pickup price between P1,070 and P1,701.

Garin said the country remains open to government-to-government fuel procurement but sees no immediate need.

“As of today, we have already bought 150 million liters of diesel,” she said. “We don't need to order again because there's already enough supply and we don't have a storage facility that can accommodate another million liters.”

She added that the government is

The embassy also said there have been no recent incidents in the South China Sea and accused “proUS anti-China forces” of attempting to fabricate issues and provoke tensions.

“Maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea is the shared aspiration of the peoples of China and regional countries, and it serves the common interests of all parties concerned. Any actions that run counter to this are futile and are bound to fail,” Guo said.

Earlier, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Sunday it detected four Chinese research vessels operating near Philippine waters and has de-

Tulfo...

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ployed assets to drive them away.

The vessels—Xiangyanghong 33, Shi Yan 1, Jia Geng, and Zhuhaiyun—were tracked using Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection (DVD) System. The PCG said they were operating near Palawan, Batanes, and Pangasinan and are equipped for deep-sea exploration, hydro-acoustics, and unmanned drone deployment.

PCG officials said the activities constitute illegal marine scientific research conducted without government consent, in violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In response, the Coast Guard said

Padilla, however, denied any plans to challenge the leadership of Senate President Vicente Sotto III.

Sotto said he is ready to address potential opposition from his colleagues.

"We will be ready for anything. We will be ready for any eventuality,” he said.

"I will really be the catalyst... to bring it to the floor. Let's follow the Constitution, which is to convene once we receive the articles of impeachment. That is part of our job,” Sotto added.

Tulfo, for his part, said Sotto has the confidence of the majority bloc.

"We have a lot of problems. Take fuel, for instance, the prices are just too high. Then there's healthcare. Food is also very expensive. With everything going on... are we really going to prioritize issues like a change of leadership first?" Tulfo said.

"I think they cannot muster enough votes for that (Senate coup)," he added.

While Padilla suggested a collective effort to block the trial, Senator Imee Marcos clarified the minority has not yet reached a formal agreement on such a strategy.

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano a consensus could not be reached yesterday due to the absence of several members.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada voiced his personal opposition to the proceedings: "I would prefer not to. Our country is already in chaos. I’ve said it time and again, I don't want an impeachment.”

tion of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA) has up to six months to decide on an application.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with French Ambassador Marie Fontanel and Czech chargé d’affaires Eva Tenzin, urging European partners to strengthen legal cooperation following Co’s release.

The Department of Foreign Affairs noted that Co’s expired passport

such events.

“Albay is resilient. People know what to do… So far, we have no casualties, even in hospitals. Our residents were prepared,” Rosal said.

However, some livestock died and crops were damaged due to the ashfall.

“At the provincial government, we have reports of six livestock deaths, such as carabaos that were buried due to lava or emissions. PHIVOLCS and our disaster risk reduction and management council should continue monitoring,” he said.

Rosal said there have been 1,238

"timing" future orders to act as a buffer rather than to compete with private oil companies.

Garin backs removal of VAT on electricity

Garin said the DOE supports removing the value-added tax on electricity to lower consumer costs.

“The DOE supports anything that would lower the price of electricity, including revisiting the VAT,” she said, noting that the final decision lies with the Department of Finance.

Regarding the power grid, DOE Undersecretary Mario Marasigan said that while the suspension of trading at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market has been lifted, the department will continue prioritizing fuel conservation.

And despite the high demand of the dry season, he said the forecasted peak for Luzon has not yet been reached.

“We assure that we do not see any problem in terms of supply, but we are monitoring the possibility of increased demand during the summer,” he said.

Positive US-Iran discussions

Trump in his post said he was "fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all."

He made no direct mention of what Tehran described as a 14-point plan "focused on ending the war."

US Central Command said it would use guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft,

it has deployed aircraft and vessels to challenge and drive away the Chinese ships.

Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said: “We will not tolerate any illegal marine scientific research conducted without our government’s consent. We are deploying aircraft and vessels to challenge and drive away these unauthorized vessels to protect Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights.”

The PCG said it continues to closely monitor the movements of the vessels in accordance with Philippine law, international maritime law, and UNCLOS.

SC...

From A1

In its en banc session last April 30, the SC dismissed the petition which sought to compel the Senate to immediately convene as an impeachment court to try the charges against Duterte.

The Supreme Court clarified that “forthwith proceed” in an impeachment trial does not necessarily mean the Senate should act at breakneck speed, but rather within a “reasonable time.”

In a decision written by Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda, the SC dismissed a petition for mandamus filed by lawyer Catalino Aldea Generillo Jr. seeking to legally compel the Senate to immediately convene as an impeachment court to try the Vice President.

may have been used to travel from the Czech Republic into Germany, even though it was no longer valid for international travel at that time.

Co faces charges of graft and malversation related to an allegedly substandard P289 million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, built by Sunwest Corporation, a company owned by his immediate family.

evacuees since January, mostly residents living within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone. The governor also thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Social Welfare and Development for ensuring sufficient food supply for affected residents.

Authorities are now considering expanding the Permanent Danger Zone to seven kilometers around Mayon Volcano, which could affect an additional 10,000 families, Rosal added. With Rex Espiritu

multi-domain unmanned platforms and 15,000 service members in the Hormuz effort.

As of April 29, more than 900 commercial vessels were located in the Gulf, according to maritime intelligence firm AXSMarine.

US news website Axios, citing two sources briefed on the proposal, reported that Iran set "a one-month deadline for negotiations on a deal to reopen the strait," dissolve the US naval blockade and end the war.

Oil prices are currently about 50 percent above pre-conflict levels, largely due to the supply snarls in the strait.

'Suffocating the regime'

The US president, who spent the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, declined on Sunday to specify what could trigger new American military action.

But in his post, he said that "if in any way, this Humanitarian (shipguiding) process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully."

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US naval blockade was only part of a broader economic embargo.

"We are suffocating the regime, and they are not able to pay their soldiers. This is a real economic blockade, and it is in all parts of government," he told Fox News.

In yet more bellicose rhetoric, Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, said Iranian forces would sink US ships. AFP

Reacting to the SC decision, Sotto said the chamber is prepared to convene as an impeachment court on May 13 if the House of Representatives transmits the formal charges by May 12.

"Once we receive it, we will convene the following day as an impeachment court. For me, forthwith (means) the following day," Sotto said.

"We have to do our job. We have to be impartial. We will act on it forthwith," he added.

Ridon...

From A1

operations, and financial accountability of entities engaged in organized disinformation.

He emphasized that the inquiry will not only address misleading content but also the business and financial activities of those behind such operations, including owners, partners, and affiliated entities.

"If these disinformation operations are monetized—and there are strong indications that they are—then the question is simple: are they properly declared, taxed, and regulated... Otherwise, this raises serious concerns of tax evasion," Ridon said.

The resolution cites viral content attributed to PGMN showing a supposed surge in electricity bills, which, upon closer examination, featured different Customer Account Numbers (CANs)—raising serious concerns of deliberate misrepresentation.

"For ordinary Filipino households already burdened by high electricity costs, this is not just irresponsible—it is deceptive... Real issues should not be exploited through fabricated or misleading content," Ridon said.

He emphasized that the inquiry will also determine whether such activities form part of organized and systematic disinformation operations designed to manipulate public perception on critical national issues.

The resolution calls for coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and other relevant agencies to determine possible violations of law, including those relating to disinformation, unlawful business practices, and tax compliance.

"We will not allow legitimate public concerns to be weaponized by disinformation networks... This is about protecting the public—not only from fake news, but from coordinated operations that exploit real issues for influence, profit, or manipulation," Ridon said.

The resolution is expected to be referred to the House Committee on Public Information for appropriate action.

NEWS IN BRIEF

QCPD thwarts tunnel robbery in Novaliches

THE Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Monday reported the successful prevention of an attempted tunnel-based robbery targeting a pawnshop in Barangay Nova Proper, Novaliches, Quezon City.

Based on a report from Novaliches Police Station 4, the incident was discovered after a security guard heard unusual noises coming from a manhole inside the pawnshop premises late on April 22, 2026. The matter was reported to police the following day, prompting an immediate response.

Responding personnel led by station commander Lt. Col. Dave Capurcos uncovered a tunnel allegedly dug by unidentified suspects to gain entry into the establishment.

Various tools were recovered, including a portable grinder, batteries, cutting discs, hydraulic jacks, crowbars, and screwdrivers.

Further investigation showed the tunnel extended toward a nearby establishment, indicating an organized effort. No items were reported stolen as the attempt was discovered early.

Vince Lopez

70-year-old dies after being hit by car in Tondo

A 70-YEAR-OLD woman died after being hit by a car while crossing a street in Tondo, Manila on Monday morning.

The victim, identified as Evelyn, a resident of A. Rivera Street in Tondo, died on the spot.

The Manila Police District Homicide Section said the incident occurred at about 7:50 a.m. along the northbound lane of Jose Abad Santos Avenue corner Bambang Street.

The suspect, a resident of Ermita, Manila, was driving a Mitsubishi L300 van when he struck the victim as she was crossing the road.

The victim was thrown on impact and died instantly. The suspect is now in police custody as charges are being prepared. Itchie G. Cabayan

21 PNP informants receive P4.1m reward

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday handed over more than P4.1 million in monetary rewards to 21 informants.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. led the ceremony at Camp Crame, where informants wore full-face masks to conceal their identities and received cash rewards individually.

Nartatez said the informants helped prevent crimes and protect lives by providing crucial information, highlighting the role of citizens in maintaining peace and order.

PNP Director for Intelligence Maj. Gen. Wilson Joseph Lopez said the rewards came from the agency’s intelligence fund, with allocations approved by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Vince Lopez

FOR ALBAY. Volunteers repack relief goods at the Department of Social Welfare and Development National Resource Operations Center in Pasay City on May 4, for distribution to Albay residents affected by ashfall from Mayon Volcano. Norman Cruz

Marcos touts Calax opening

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday led the opening of a new 4.5-kilometer segment of the CaviteLaguna Expressway, promising significantly reduced travel time and temporary toll-free access for motorists.

Speaking during the inauguration of Subsection 3 at the Governor’s Drive Interchange in Barangay San Francisco, the president said the newly opened stretch is expected to cut travel time from about 30 minutes to as little as five to six minutes.

“The previously half-hour trip will now take just five minutes, or six min-

BATANGAS VISIT. A photo released on May 1 shows Japan’s Special Envoy to the Prime Minister and Supreme Advisor to the Parliamentary Association of Asia Zero Emission Community during a visit to the Batangas LNG Terminal. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

utes, so it’s a big improvement,” President Marcos said.

He added that beyond faster travel, the new segment would help ease traffic congestion in surrounding areas.

The president also highlighted the broader impact of the expressway once fully completed, noting that travel from Silang to

Kawit, previously taking up to two hours, could be reduced to 30 to 45 minutes.

“The previous two hours will now be just half an hour, 45 minutes,” he said.

Mr. Marcos said the improved connectivity would make it more feasible for workers to live in Cavite while working in business districts such as Taguig, underscoring the project’s role in regional development and the decongestion of Metro Manila.

President Marcos announced that the newly opened subsection would be accessible to motorists starting midnight, with toll fees waived for one month to allow the public to experience its benefits.

No major damage after strong earthquake in Eastern Samar

By Joel Zurbano

NO MAJOR damage has been reported following the magnitude 6 earthquake that struck San Julian, Eastern Samar, on Monday afternoon, according to initial reports from local authorities.

Lt. Eduardo Sande, chief of police in San Julian—the quake’s epicenter—said there was no reported damage at the mu-

SINGSON PLEA. Former governor Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson says he was prevented from testifying before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee during its supposed April 14 hearing on alleged anomalies in flood control projects. Rex Espiritu

nicipal hall, although minor cracks were observed at the police station.

“I was inside the municipal hall when the earthquake struck. Everyone immediately evacuated the building. We were able to apply what we learned during earthquake drills,” Sande told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview.

Residents living in concrete houses

remained outdoors for more than an hour after the tremor, he added.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the tectonic earthquake occurred at 2:09 p.m., with its epicenter located 9 kilometers northwest of San Julian at a depth of 10 km.

The tremor was felt at Intensity 5 in Can-avid, Dulag, Alangalang, and Gandara.

Intensity 4 was recorded in Abuyog, Palo, and Carigara, while Intensity 3 was experienced in Naval, Hernani, Ormoc City, Hilongos, Albuera, Baybay, Villaba, and Isabel.

Phivolcs added that ground shaking was also reported in parts of Southern Leyte, Sorsogon, Cebu, Iloilo, Masbate, and Davao Occidental.

By Maricel V. Cruz

President Marcos Jr. on Monday said his administration is overhauling the use of a key national fund for local governments after years of weak utilization and questionable spending, redirecting it toward food aid and targeted community support.

Mr. Marcos said the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) had not been maximized in the past and, in some cases, funds were diverted away from intended purposes.

The president also expressed gratitude to the MVP Group and other stakeholders involved in the project, saying the expressway is expected to deliver faster and more convenient travel for commuters heading to and from Metro Manila.

Senate panel compels Bato to answer rap

By Ram Superable

THE Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges has formally requested a written explanation from Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa regarding an ethics complaint filed against him.

Panel chairperson Sen. JV Ejercito confirmed Monday that the committee is seeking the lawmaker’s response while simultaneously reviewing a proposal to implement a “no work, no pay” policy for members of the upper chamber.

Any final determination regarding the ethics case or changes to the internal rules will ultimately require a decision from the full Senate during a plenary session.

The move follows the prolonged absence of Dela Rosa, who has not attended legislative sessions or made public appearances since November 2025 amid reports of a potential international warrant for his arrest.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III suggested the committee issue a formal communication similar to a show-cause order to compel the senator to explain why he should not face sanctions.

Dy cites LEAD, pushes KALINGA Act

HOUSE Speaker Faustino G. Dy III on Monday

stressed the role of the Legislative Energy Action and Development (LEAD) Joint Committee as the House’s coordinated response to economic pressures brought about by global tensions, as he pushed for the passage of the proposed KALINGA Act of 2026.

Formed to address the ripple effects of rising oil prices, the LEAD Joint Committee brings together key sectors, including energy, agriculture, food, transport, labor, and trade, to craft integrated policy solutions.

“These are not isolated steps—this is the advancement of a solid plan, a clear direction so that we can achieve the goal of an economy that works and provides comfort in the daily lives of Filipi-

nos,” Dy said. The Speaker noted that rising fuel costs directly affect transportation, food prices, and household expenses, with Filipino families bearing the brunt.

“We know that when oil prices go up, fares go up. Labor costs go up, food prices go up, and the first to be hit is the Filipino family,” he added.

As part of this response, Dy said the House is pushing the KALINGA Act of 2026, a comprehensive measure aimed at cushioning the impact of inflation and strengthening economic resilience.

“Therefore, together with Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, we are advancing the KALINGA Act of 2026 as part of a broader effort to strengthen the capabilities of every Filipino, stabilize our economy, and make the government support system more reliable,” the Speaker said.

ROADMAP. Heavy traffic is expected along major thoroughfares in Noveleta, Cavite as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) implements a rerouting while undertaking rehabilitation and maintenance of roads and drainage systems in the town with a view to improving waterflow and preventing flooding. Dennis Abrina

LTFRB sets probe on fuel subsidy

By Rio N. Araja

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has summoned at least 21 transport network companies (TNCs) amid the ongoing investigation into the bloated number of fuel subsidy beneficiaries in the ride-hailing service sector.

LTFRB chairman Vigor Mendoza

II said the issuance of the show cause order to the TNCs was meant to deter-

IN BRIEF

mine the circumstances that led to the discrepancy in the number of TNVS beneficiaries.

SAVING

70 communist rebels sign peace covenant in Bontoc

BONTOC, Mountain Province—At least 70 communist rebels from all over the highland province came down from the hills to sign a peace covenant with the government marking their return to mainstream society and pledge commitment to lasting peace, reconciliation, and economic development.

The single page peace accord stipulated the rebel-returnees vow to renounce their armed struggle and help steer the youth away from the path of dissidence and violence and become instead instruments of change and progress.

Signatories to the peace agreement included officials of the existing three rebel returnee organizations in the province – Chang-as, Balik Loob Organization of Mountain Province (BLOMP), and KKP—Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr., Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity representative Thomas Killip, Richard Chiong of Buklod Kapayapaan, provincial police chief Col. Marcelo Polig, and Lt. Col. Edwin Duclan of the Philippine Army.

The covenant was formalized at the opening of the two-day former rebels’ summit that also led to the formation of the three federations. Dexter A. See

PN sets exams for Naval Officer Candidate Course

THE Navy Personnel Management Center (NMPC) has opened its window to accept applications for the Naval Officer Candidate Course (NOCC) on May 4 to 6, 2026 at NPMC Annex, Bonifacio Naval Station, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Applicants are required to report at 6:30 a.m. for the Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test. Required documents include diploma or certificate of graduation, transcript of records, PSA birth certificate, recent 2x2 photo, and any two valid IDs such as passport, driver’s license, PhilHealth ID, or national ID.

Examinees are instructed to wear a plain white shirt, maong pants, and rubber shoes. Male applicants must have a clean haircut, while female applicants must keep hair tied in a bun. For active Philippine Navy personnel taking the test, the prescribed attire is the uniform of the day. Rex Espiritu

Army chief confers merit medal on wounded soldier

PHILIPPINE Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete has awarded the Military Merit Medal to a soldier wounded during a recent encounter with New People’s Army rebels in Toboso, Negros Occidental.

Nafarrete personally conferred the medal during a hospital visit at Camp Gen. Macario Peralta Jr. in Capiz on May 1.

The soldier sustained gunshot wounds on both arms during the April 19 operation in Salamanca, Toboso which the Army described as intelligence-driven and community-supported.

Nafarrete also assured full support for the soldier’s recovery. Rex Espiritu

“We want to ferret out the truth in relation to this incident. Is there a deliberate attempt to increase the number of beneficiaries on their part, or is this a case of negligence and incompetence to comply with the LTFRB order?” he said.

“This is just a few of the questions that we want to be cleared as we dig deeper into this discrepancy,” he added.

The controversy stemmed from the verification of fuel subsidy beneficiaries whereby LTFRB personnel and other government personnel found that the

number of beneficiaries for TNVS was questionably high.

The LTFRB mandated the respondents to explain in notarized writing why their authority to operate should not be suspended or revoked over discrepancies for onboarding vehicles in their application that do not have authority or permission from the LTFRB, and failure to maintain the original units onboarded in their platform,

A hearing on the issue was set on May 14.

Court allows Sonza to post P10,000-bail

By Pot Chavez

FORMER television host Jay Sonza was set to post bail on Monday in connection with a criminal case over his alleged dissemination of false medical information about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

This was confirmed to the Manila Standard on Sunday by Sonza’s legal counsel Mark Tolentino.

“We confirm that the Court has allowed Mr. Jay Sonza to post bail in the amount of ₱10,000, correcting its earlier order which mistakenly treated the charge of unlawful publication as non-bailable,” he said.

“As today is a non-working day and the courts are closed, we will post bail early tomorrow morning (Monday) to secure his immediate release,” Tolentino said.

Sonza was arrested last week by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) based on a warrant issued by a Pasay City court.

He faces a charge of Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Tolentino said the offense is bailable and described the earlier issuance of a non-bailable warrant as legally erroneous.

He also expressed confidence in their defense, calling the case “weak in law, defective in substance, and alarming in its implications.”

“We will confront it head-on— in court and in the court of public opinion—and we are confident that it will ultimately be dismissed for what it truly is: a baseless charge meant to chill dissent,” Tolentino said. Rolando Ng III

Bacoor fishermen resist relocation, reclamation project

By Rex Espiritu

FISHERFOLK and coastal residents staged a protest on Monday against the impending demolition of more than 100 houses in Barangay Talaba II, Bacoor City, Cavite, saying the move would displace families dependent on the sea for livelihood.

The affected community is reportedly within the area covered by a 420-hectare reclamation project of Frabelle Fishing Corp.

“Hindi makatwirang alisin ang mga mangingisda sa baybayin at ilipat sa lugar na malayo sa dagat at walang kabuhayan (It will be an injustice to remove the fishermen and their families and relocate them to an area away from their source of livelihood),” said Arni Villalon of PAMALAKAYA-Bacoor during the protest.

Members of PAMALAKAYA said they received a verbal notice from the local government on April 30 regarding the planned demolition to give way to a reclamation project in Manila Bay.

She deplored that the planned eviction comes amid ongoing economic challenges brought about by inflation.

The group argued that reclamation projects in Manila Bay should remain suspended, citing a moratorium imposed in 2023, and called on authorities to halt any demolition activities.

The affected villagers asserted that the proposed relocation sites offered in Naic are far from fishing grounds, prompting some families to return to Bacoor despite the relocation efforts.

Manila, Ilocos Norte open agri trade link

By Pot Chavez

THE city government of Manila on Monday formally opened a trade link with Ilocos Norte to bring farm products straight to institutional buyers in the metropolis.

Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso, alongside Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc and Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, led the opening of a trade fair showcasing Ilocos Norte’s agricultural products.

“They thought that we’re doing them a favor. No, it’s the other way around. They are doing us a favor by bringing their goods, agricultural products, and all other products from the

and

OPINION

Politics

is boiling while the rice pot is empty

SANTA Banana, it’s not only the summer heat that’s rising these days but also the heat from politics, geopolitics and the heat burning through the pockets of ordinary Filipinos.

This is now the harsh reality. London-based Oxford Economics, through its Alpine Macro arm, has warned investors to avoid Philippine stocks.

My gulay, when foreign analysts start waving the red flag, that is a vote of no confidence. It means concerns over growth, policy direction and stability. To add to that, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects inflation to surge.

That means the price of rice will go up, electricity bills will balloon and transportation fares will rise, eating deeper into the Filipino worker’s daily wage.

All these because globally, tensions remain high. China continues its assertiveness in the West Philippine Sea, while joint military exercises between the Philippines, the United States, and their allies grow larger.

These events shape investor sentiment and economic confidence.

At the same time, energy markets remain unstable.

Conflicts abroad continue to disrupt oil supply, pushing prices upward. Our county is a direct hit because we import almost all our fuel.

At home, it’s politics and more politics.

The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte is gaining momentum, threatening to divide the nation’s leadership at a time when unity is most needed.

Meanwhile, her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, faces an

international legal battle that continues to cast a long shadow over Philippine politics. Our leaders are locked in confrontation.

And when investors see this, they hesitate, pull back and look elsewhere.

When investors stay away, business slows down and jobs become scarce. And when jobs become scarce, it is the Filipino family that tightens its belt - not the politicians.

When investors stay away, business slows down and jobs become scarce

Long story short, everything becomes more difficult.

The ordinary Filipino is not concerned about political maneuvering. He is concerned about survival. He is asking: can I still afford food? Can I still send my children to school? Can I still pay for transportation?

These are their daily realities.

We are facing a perfect storm -- a fragile global economy, rising geopolitical tensions and domestic instability. The warning signals are already there.

Our leaders must put aside their differences and confront the real issues -- prices, jobs, stability. Not tomorrow, not after the next political battle, but now.

While they argue, the rice pot of many Filipinos is slowly running empty.

That, Santa Banana, is the real crisis.

Vote or lose funds?’ Duterte allies question integrity of House

impeachment push

A PHILIPPINE congressman recently made a startling claim: that lawmakers were being quietly warned to support the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte—or risk losing billions in government funds for their districts.

The accusation came from her brother, Paolo Duterte, who said aides linked to House leadership had been calling congressional offices with a blunt message: back the impeachment, or your district’s share of the national budget—the General Appropriations Act, or GAA—could disappear.

House leaders quickly pushed back. Albee Benitez dismissed the claim as absurd, noting that the GAA is a law. Once passed, it cannot simply be erased on a whim. Other lawmakers, like Gerville Luistro and Lordan Suan, said they received no such threats.

On its face, Benitez is right. In a Constitutional sense, funds allocated by Congress cannot be casually withdrawn. The Philippines’ Supreme Court reinforced limits on political control over public funds in cases like Belgica v. Ochoa, which struck down pork-barrel abuses. But law and lived reality often diverge.

In the Philippines, money approved is not always money delivered. Funds must still be released, projects approved, and bureaucracies persuaded to act. And that is where politics enters—not as an open threat, but as a quiet influence.

A road can be delayed. A school can remain unfinished. A social program can stall in paperwork.

But law and lived reality often diverge

No law is broken. Yet the outcome changes.

This is why Paolo Duterte’s claim, while unproven, resonates. It taps into a deeper suspicion: that political loyalty can shape whether public funds actually reach the ground.

The timing matters. The House of Representatives has just moved forward with impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte, citing allegations that include misuse of confidential funds and unexplained wealth.

What might otherwise be a legal process now unfolds in the shadow of a political split between her camp and

Volcanic vigilance

WE WATCH the continuing ashfall from the county’s most active volcano and join authorities in the close, focused monitoring of Mayon’s activity and ashfall.

Heavy ashfall from the 2,462 meter-Mayon in Albay began in mid-afternoon of last weekend, following a “pyroclastic density current” event and a large lava collapse chased by a minor Strombolian eruption which prompted intense ash emissions directly affecting the towns of Camalig and Guinobatan, and Ligao City.

A minor Strombolian eruption is a low-level, relatively mild volcanic explosion characterized by intermittent bursts of incandescent, viscous magma (scoria) shot into the air, generally accompanying long-term effusive lava flow activity.

These outbursts, often called “firework-like” incandescent rooster-tails, typically eject lava, lapilli, and volcanic bombs tens to a few hundred meters above the crater, accumulating to build cinder cones.

We have this feeling of distanced dread, empathy and helplessness in

the face of this natural disaster, and there is this disturbing fear for tens of thousands of residents displaced and are at present in evacuation centers.

—“—

There is this distubing fear for tens of thousands of residents displaced and are at present in evacuation center

High up in our awareness is Mayon’s capability of a major destruction, similar to the 1814 disaster, when the iconic volcano buried nearby towns, particularly Cagsawa, under millions of cubic meters of volcanic material killing up to 2,000 people. The heavy ashfall – raising Alert Level 3 which indicates

continued high unrest – blanketed several barangays, including the towns of Camalig, Guinobatan, and Ligao City, creating dangerous, low-visibility conditions on roads. Mayon’s weekend eruption has affected 30,522 families (over 102,400 persons) across 87 barangays in Albay, many rushed to evacuation centers due to continued Alert Level 3 status.

We know the local government and the national government are coordinating relief response efforts for thousands affected – and glad that no casualties have been reported –which shows the gravity of the situation where local authorities and communities are on high alert for falling rock, ash and potential lava flows. We are glad PHIVOLCS and other agencies are monitoring Mayon’s activity and are in constant surveillance of magmatic unrest, which includes monitoring pyroclastic flows and ash clouds in real-time. These highlight the serious nature of the situation, where local authorities and communities are on high alert for falling rock, ash, and potential lava flows.

Regional war hushes Iraq’s holy cities

NAJAF, Iraq – In Iraq’s holy city of Najaf, the majestic shrine of Imam Ali stands quiet, its vast courtyards no longer echoing with the multilingual whispers of pilgrims from before the Middle East war.

The absence of tourists leaves nearby shopkeepers and hotel owners with little to do, their days dragging on as they hope for the crowds to return and revive their businesses.

“Iranians used to keep us busy, whether the jeweller, the fabric merchant or the taxi driver. Now there are none,” said jewelry shop owner Abdel Rahim Harmoush.

“It used to be hard even to step into the market because of foreigners... Even street vendors drew huge crowds of visitors,” the 71-year-old added.

Millions of Shia Muslims from around the world typically flock to Najaf and fellow holy city Karbala every year.

But the regional war ignited in late February by US-Israeli strikes on Iran has stemmed the usual influx of pilgrims from the Islamic republic, Lebanon, the Gulf states, India, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

Iraq was drawn into the conflict from the onset, with strikes targeting US interests and Tehran-backed armed groups in the country.

People in the holy cities “live on religious tourism”, said Harmoush, who for 38 years has worked in the old market near Najaf’s goldendomed mausoleum.

The shrine is the ornate burial place of Ali -- the Prophet Mohammed’s son-in-law, the fourth Islamic caliph and the first Shia Imam. Harmoush warned of economic

that of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

In such moments, narratives become weapons. For Duterte’s allies, the allegation of coercion reframes the impeachment as something less like accountability and more like political elimination. For House leaders, denying the claim is essential to preserving the legitimacy of the process. Both sides are fighting not just for votes, but for public belief.

And here lies the deeper problem: many Filipinos may not know whether the calls happened—but they find the story believable.

ruin were the crisis to persist: shop owners unable to pay rent and taxes, cab drivers left without passengers and laborers struggling to find work. Hotels closed Hotel owner Abu Ali, 52, was forced to lay off five employees, leaving just one to tend to nearly 70 empty rooms.

“How can I pay salaries if there is no work?” he said.

The regional war ignited in late February by US-Israeli strikes on Iran has stemmed the usual influx of pilgrims

Saeb Abu Ghneim, head of the hotel association in Najaf, told AFP that 80 percent of the city’s 250 hotels had closed, with more than 2,000 employees laid off or on unpaid leave.

He added that most of Najaf’s religious tourism relies on Iranians, followed by Lebanese visitors -- also trapped at home by war -- and other nationalities.

The sector, which already weathered the closure of mosques and shrines in the pandemic, is a rare type of tourism in a country reeling from decades of conflicts.

Religious tourism also constitutes a significant source of revenue for Iraq’s non-oil economy.

Before the war, 28-year-old Moustafa al-Haboubi could barely manage the crowds queuing to exchange for-

That belief is rooted in experience. In a system where politics has long shaped the flow of resources, the idea that districts could be rewarded or punished based on loyalty does not feel far-fetched. It feels familiar. So even if no explicit threat was ever made—even if no one ever said, “Vote this way or lose your funds”—the suspicion alone carries weight. Because power does not always need to announce itself. Sometimes it only needs to be understood. The danger is not just that coer-

eign currency for Iraqi dinars.

He now spends the long hours idly scrolling through his phone or chatting with neighbours.

“We barely receive one or two customers,” he said. “There are no pilgrims now, Iranian or otherwise.”

Even after a fragile ceasefire took effect on April 8 and Iraq’s airspace reopened, little has changed.

Some pilgrims trickle through during the week, while on weekends the area grows somewhat livelier as Iraqis visit the sacred sites.

‘Catastrophe’

The situation is no different in Karbala, which is around 80 kilometer north of Najaf and home to the shrines of the revered grandsons of Prophet Mohammed, Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas.

The main corridor linking the two golden shrines and the surrounding alleyways were once alive with the murmurs of tourists walking to prayers. Today, the visitors are almost exclusively Iraqi.

“The situation is dangerous... a catastrophe,” said Israa al-Nasrawi, head of Karbala’s tourism committee.

She warned that the war had devastated the city’s economy, slashing tourist numbers by around 95 percent and forcing hundreds of hotels to close.

The city’s many pilgrim tour companies sit idle.

Akram Radi, who has worked in the sector for 16 years, said his company once helped up to 1,000 visitors a month but is now operating at only 10 percent of capacity.

“I might have to close and look for another job,” he said. AFP

cion might exist. It is that trust is so fragile that people assume it does. And in a democracy, once citizens begin to believe that public funds are contingent on political obedience, the damage goes beyond any single impeachment. It erodes faith in the idea that government serves the public at all. In the end, the question is no longer simply whether the budget can be removed. Legally, it cannot. The more unsettling question is whether it can be quietly withheld. And that is a question no law, by itself, can fully answer.

TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Bondi Beach shooting probe begins

Nepal PM defends push for squatter deal clearances

KATHMANDU

– Nepal’s newly elected Prime Minister Balendra Shah defended on Monday his push to clear informal settlements from stiff criticism by rights groups, in rare public comments since assuming office. Authorities last month began demolishing informal settlements home to thousands of people on government land in the capital Kathmandu.

Squatters have been living for decades on the banks of the Bagmati river and its tributaries which crisscross the Kathmandu valley. Many lived in flimsy shelters of wood and sheet metal shacks.

Shah, 36, who was elected in March, said in a post on social media the process was “in accordance with the law”.

He criticised what he called “intentional attempts to create suspicions and spread fear” about the process among residents of informal settlements.

“The government is fully committed to ensuring safe, dignified and permanent housing for every landless citizen,” Shah said.

“No citizen will be allowed to become homeless.”

Balakrishnan Rajagopal, the outgoing UN special rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, said in April that he was “very concerned about the threat of forced eviction looming over several thousands of residents”.

Amnesty International said that forced evictions reflect “a dangerous erosion of lawful governance and signals an increasingly authoritarian approach”.

Shah rejected that, saying that “all the steps taken are not aimed at evicting citizens, but at ensuring the right to housing and finding a permanent solution to the problem”.

About 3,500 houses and structures, home to about 25,000 people, have been demolished, according to Nepal Mahila Ekata Samaj, a network of landless women.

The evictions took place peacefully but under heavy police presence, with residents carrying bags and loading furniture and belongings into small trucks.

“There is a situation of uncertainly right now. The people don’t have a place to stay, nothing to eat and their jobs and schools have been disrupted,” Bhagwati Adhikari of Nepal Mahila Ekata Samaj told AFP. AFP

SThe federal royal commission — the highest level of government inquiry — was called to probe factors leading to the attack by two gunmen on Jewish families near Australia’s best-known beach in December.

“The sharp spike of antisemitism that we have witnessed in Australia has been mirrored in other Western countries and seems clearly linked to events in the Middle East,” inquiry chief Virginia Bell said in opening remarks.

“It’s important that people understand how quickly those events can prompt ugly displays of hostility towards Jewish Australians simply because they are Jews.”

The inquiry has received thousands of submissions about the impact of “one of society’s oldest hatreds,” said the counsel assisting the inquiry, Zelie Hegen.

Sheina Gutnick, whose father Reuven Morrison was killed in the Bondi attack, told the inquiry there had been a shift in antisemitism since 2023, when the Gaza war began.

“Antisemitism was allowed to come into the open,” she said. Her refugee parents had met at Bondi

Beach, a scene of many happy childhood memories for her.

“Now Bondi holds a really, really heavy weight in our community’s heart,” she said.

The inquiry heard from witnesses, some granted pseudonyms because of their fear of reprisals, about the impact of antisemitic chants during a protest against the war in Gaza outside Sydney’s Opera House in October 2023, shortly after the Hamas attack on Israel. Jewish community groups recorded 2,062 antisemitic incidents the following year, and parents feared sending children to Jewish schools. That summer saw a string of arson and grafitti attacks against synagogues and Jewish businesses in Sydney and Melbourne.

A woman who works with a Jewish security group recounted having to escort people to safety from a Melbourne synagogue in November 2023 on the anniversary of the Nazi Kristallnacht pogrom as a “mob”

IN BRIEF 3 die on cruise ship from suspected hantavirus

PRAIA, Cape Verde — Three people have died on a cruise ship in the Atlantic, the WHO said Sunday, one a confirmed case of hantavirus — an illness usually transmitted to humans from rodents.

The outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius, travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde.

“To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases,” the World Health Organization told AFP.

“Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.”

Earlier Sunday, South Africa’s health ministry told AFP there had been an outbreak of a “severe acute respiratory ill-

Christians worried but not surprised by attack on nun

JERUSALEM – Footage of an attack on a Catholic nun in Jerusalem shocked the world when it went viral this week, but for worshippers attending Sunday mass at Saint Stephen’s Basilica, it was just the latest example of mounting religious hostility.

The attack on Tuesday was captured by CCTV and shared widely, showing a Jewish extremist shoving the nun to the ground and leaving, before returning to resume his attack on her, at which point bypassers intervened.

As the congregation poured out of the Sunday service, the story was still on everyone’s lips, as many offered words and tokens of support for the French nun, who was not in attendance.

“She still has pains” but she is “surrounded by support”, said the priest who led the service, Olivier Catel.

When Catel arrived in Jerusalem over a decade ago, such incidents were rare.

Roughly once a year, he said, “when I went out in my habit, people -- usually ultra-orthodox Jews -- would spit behind our back.”

“We never paid attention because they were isolated incidents,” he said. But for the past three or four years, it has become something of a daily occurence. AFP

ness”, which had killed at least two people, with a third in intensive care in Johannesburg.

The patient treated in Johannesburg tested positive for a hantavirus, a family of viruses that can cause hemorrhagic fever, South African spokesperson Foster Mohale said.

In its statement, the WHO said hantavirus infections “are typically linked to environmental exposure (exposure to infected rodents’ urine or feces).

“While rare, hantavirus may spread between people, and can lead to severe respiratory illness and requires careful patient monitoring, support and response.”

The first person on the cruise to develop symptoms was a 70-year-old pas-

senger. He died on board the ship and his body was currently on the island of Saint Helena, a British territory in the South Atlantic, Mohale the South African spokesman said.

His 69-year-old wife also fell ill on board and was evacuated to South Africa, where she died in a Johannesburg hospital, he said, adding that they were not yet able to confirm the victims’ nationalities.

The third case, a 69-year-old Briton, was also evacuated to Johannesburg, where he was being treated in intensive care.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X that the agency was working with the ship’s operators and member states affected. AFP

THE

the

school

is

a

Tehran on May

2026. Iran on April 28 shared a breakdown of the death toll from the deadly strike on the school on the first day of the Middle East war. Seventy-three boys and 47 girls were killed in the Feb. 28 strike in Minab, state broadcaster IRIB and local media reported. The attack happened on the day the United States and Israel launched attacks across Iran. In retaliation, Tehran struck targets in Israel and Gulf nations. AFP

NATO chief says Europeans ‘got message’ from Trump on defense

YEREVAN, Armenia — Europeans have “heard” US President Donald Trump’s message of frustration over the Iran war and are “stepping up”, NATO chief Mark Rutte said on Monday after Washington announced it would withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany.

“European leaders have gotten the message. They heard the message loud and clear,” Rutte said before talks with European leaders in Armenia, acknowledging “disappointment on the US side” faced with European allies’ resistance to joining the war.

“Europeans are stepping up, a bigger role for Europe and a stronger NATO,” Rutte insisted ahead of a European Political Community meeting dominated by the twin security threats posed by the Ukraine and Middle East wars.

“We have seen all these countries now participating with their bilateral agreements making sure that when it comes to basing requests and all the logistical support,” Rutte said.

The Pentagon troop move comes with transatlantic ties badly strained over the Middle East war — although German Chancellor Friedrich Merz insisted Sunday there was “no connection” with his recent spat with Trump over the conflict.

“There has been a talk about withdrawal US troops for a long time from Europe,” she told reporters in Yerevan. “But of course, the timing of this announcement comes as a surprise.”

“I think it shows that we have to really strengthen the European pillar in NATO, and we have to really do more,” Kallas said, while stressing that “American troops are not in Europe only for protecting European interests, but also American interests.”

Europe has been ramping up its defense spending in the face of fears over Trump’s commitment to NATO and Russia’s assault on Ukraine — a push underscored by several leaders in the Armenian capital.

“Europeans are taking their destiny into their own hands, increasing their defense and security spending, and building their own common solutions,” French President Emmanuel Macron said.

“We have to step up our military capabilities to be able to defend and protect ourselves,” EU chief Ursula von der Leyen told reporters.

Japan PM says oil crisis has ‘enormous impact’

CANBERRA – A global oil supply squeeze is inflicting an “enormous impact” on the Asia-Pacific region, Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday.

Speaking in Canberra after talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, she said the two countries would respond urgently to secure stable energy supplies.

Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil normally flows through the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has been throttled by Iran since it was attacked by the United States and Israel.

Eighty percent of that oil is destined for Asia, according to the International Energy Agency.

“The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has been inflicting enormous impact on the Indo-Pacific,” the Japanese leader told journalists.

“We affirmed that Japan and Australia will closely communicate with each other in responding with a sense of urgency.”

The two countries aim to strengthen autonomy and resilience to secure stable supplies of energy, Takaichi said. AFP

Modi faces key test as vote count done

KOLKATA, India – Vote counting in key Indian state elections was underway Monday under tight security, with the focus on West Bengal, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party is hoping for crucial gains.

Elections in five states and territories took place in April and May, and Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling party in the national parliament, is hoping to make inroads into opposition-held states.

In West Bengal, the Hindu-nationalist BJP waged an aggressive bid to dislodge Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the firebrand leader of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), in power in the state of 100 million people since 2011.

Exit polls last week predicted the BJP has a slight edge over TMC, although exit polls have a patchy record in India.

“The entire country has its eyes on this state’s election results,” political analyst Biswanath Chakraborty told AFP, in the main city Kolkata. “The contest can tilt the balance of power.” AFP

Musk vs. OpenAI trial enters second week

OAKLAND – Following high-profile testimony from billionaire Elon Musk last week, one of OpenAI’s co-founders will testify Monday in the California lawsuit brought by the world’s richest man against the creators of ChatGPT.

Musk is seeking to force his rivals in artificial intelligence (AI) development to revert to a non-profit foundation.

Greg Brockman, co-founder and president of OpenAI, will face questioning from Musk’s lawyers on Monday in the Oakland courthouse.

OpenAI CEO and co-founder Sam Altman, who in 10 years has gone from being Musk’s protege to a bitter rival, is not expected to take the stand until the week of May 11.

EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas called the announcement’s “timing” a “surprise”.

US President Donald Trump will loom large over the meeting of the European Political Community (EPC). It takes place in Yerevan, a crossroads between Russia and the Middle East — the two main issues on the agenda. AFP

The outcome of the case could shape the future of OpenAI, the fast-rising generative AI giant now valued at over $850 billion and preparing for an IPO.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, whose company is accused of illegally funding OpenAI’s commercial transformation, may also testify this week. AFP

YDNEY – An inquiry into a shooting that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah festival near Australia’s Bondi Beach heard Monday that Sydney’s Jewish community feared “catastrophe” was coming as antisemitic attacks rose. IN TRUMP’S SHADOW. President Donald Trump, with son Donald Trump Jr., walks across the South Lawn upon returning to the White House from Florida on Monday, Manila time. Moving to diversify away from its southern neighbor, Ottawa has joined the EU’s defense financing scheme -- the first nonEuropean country to do so -- and sought to increase cooperation on trade. AFP

TNT’s Calvin Oftana gets the rebound against a player of Macau during a game in the PBA Season

Magnolia, TNT try to advance

By Jeremiah Sevilla

TNT and Magnolia clash with their postseason chances on the line, while NLEX looks to formalize its hold on the top spot against Titan Ultra in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Tropang 5G (6-4) attempt once again to earn a quarterfinal spot versus fellow playoffseeking Hotshots (5-5) in their pivotal tussle at 7:30 p.m.

Serving as the curtain-raiser is the tiff between the leading Road Warriors (9-2) and the eliminated Giant Risers (2-8) at 5:15 p.m.

TNT failed to secure a seat in the final eight after suffering a heartbreaking 97-100 overtime defeat at the hands of Phoenix on Tyler Tio’s game-winning triple over lanky import Bol Bol last Friday.

The Tropang 5G still has a slim chance to snag a top four spot and a twice-to-beat advantage with a win over the Hotshots. But head coach Chot Reyes has already given up on the incentive after that demoralizing loss to the Fuel Masters.

“Nandoon na ang mindset namin na we have to be ready to beat somebody twice,” said Reyes.

For Magnolia, it’s a virtual do-or-die every game as the team remains in a tight race with TNT, Phoenix, San Miguel, and Terrafirma for the last four quarterfinal slots.

Coach LA Tenorio fully trusts his Hotshots can pull through in their last two elimination games against the giants that are the Bol-led Tropang 5G and the playoffbound Meralco Bolts.

“I’m confident with my team. I believe in my team. As long as we keep on fighting towards the end, we can overcome these big teams,” said Tenorio, whose squad is coming off a 135-98 thrashing of Titan last Wednesday. Meanwhile, NLEX is already assured of at least a top two seed and a twiceto-beat in the quarterfinals. Regardless, the Road Warriors want to keep their momentum going with a victory over the also-ran Giant Risers to wrap up the eliminations.

“Even non-bearing na rin pero still we’d like to come in with a mindset of doing the right things, whether may bearing o wala ‘yung laro. So importante iyon,” said NLEX tactician Jong Uichico.

Eala

climbs 2 notches to world no. 42

By Jeremiah Sevilla

FILIPINA tennis standout Alexandra

Eala moved up to No. 42 in singles, while notching a new career-high doubles ranking of No. 88 in the official Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) standings ahead of her Italian Open 2026 campaign.

The latest WTA rankings were released Monday morning (Manila time) following the conclusion of the Mutua Madrid Open, where Eala competed in both the singles and doubles events.

From world No. 44 in singles last week, Eala rose two spots up to No. 42 with 1,285 points after another secondround finish in Madrid.

The 20-year-old Filipina crushed Russian veteran Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, 6-3, 6-3, for a rousing debut in the Round of 128. However, she bowed to the 19th seed Elise Mertens of Belgium, 2-6, 1-6, in the Round of 64, repeating her result from last year and failing to break past the second round for the third consecutive time in the clay court season.

Eala, meanwhile, made a huge leap from No. 101 to No. 88 with 888 points in doubles, eclipsing her previous career-best of No. 99, thanks to a relatively impressive finish along with partner Zeynep Sonmez of Turkey.

The Eala-Sonmez wildcard duo pulled the rug from under the higherranked Fanny Stollar of Hungary and Chan Hao-ching of Taiwan, 6-2, 6-2, in the Round of 32.

They then fell to the second-seeded and eventual winners Katerina Siniakova of Czech Republic and Taylor Townsend of the USA, 1-6, 5-7, in the Round of 16.

Eala is now eyeing a deeper run in the Italian Open, another WTA 1000 tournament, scheduled from May 5 to 17 in Rome, as she continues her push for a top-32 seed in the clay swing’s Grand Slam event that is the French Open from May 24 to June 7.

PH

national kickboxing tourney starts

By Randy M. Caluag

MORE than 1,000 athletes and coaches from 38 teams across the country take center stage as the 2026 National Kickboxing Championship kicks off on Tuesday at the Tagaytay Combat Sports Center.

The week-long tournament, organized by Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas and co-presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, runs until May 10 and features competitions across multiple age brackets in both ring and mat events. Registration and weigh-in have started on Monday and will continue until Tuesday, with actions going full blast on Wednesday. Participants will compete in low kick and full-contact bouts under ring sport, as well as kick light and point fighting disciplines on the tatami, following rules set by the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations.

National team athletes headline the field, alongside rising prospects and grassroots competitors, in what organizers describe as the biggest edition of the tournament this year. The event is supported by the Tagaytay City government, led by Mayor Aizack Brent Tolentino and backed by the Philippine Olympic Committee headed by president Abraham Tolentino. It also has the backing of kickboxing association officials including president Francis Tolentino.

Korean Min cuts loose for solo victory; Shulchenko keeps lead

By Riera U. Mallari

PAGUDPUD, Ilocos Norte (Powered by PLDT Home)—A decisive surge in the final 30 kilometers turned Stage 6 of the 2026 MPTC Tour of Luzon into a one-man exhibition as Kyeong Ho Min of the Seoul Cycling Team slipped away in the closing kilometers and rode unchallenged to the seaside finish on Monday.

The separation happened on the climb classified for mountain points in Sta. Praxedes, Cagayan, where Min sensed hesitation among the ‘escapees’ and launched clear of a nine-rider move that had earlier threatened to upend the overall standings.

Min’s gamble paid off in the longest ride of the tour, a punishing 230-kilometer route. He reached the line by the municipal hall and plaza by his lonesome in 5:13:12, ending a run of sprint-heavy finales from the previous days.

“It’s so hot today, but it (winning) is so amazing and I’m proud of myself,” said the Seoul, Korea native Min.

In that group were contenders Mervin Corpuz from 7-Eleven Roadbike Philippines and Rench Michael Bondoc of Go for Gold Philippines, along with seven others, who had broken free soon after the flag-off in Tuguegarao.

Behind Min, Ivan Anisimov of LCW UAE Cycle led the chase home for second, with Ronald Oranza of Standard Insurance Cycling Team next across the stripe. Both conceded 1:17 to the stage winner.

The earlier break had once swelled to nearly 10 minutes, a margin that, if preserved, would have vaulted Corpuz into race leadership. But the main field, organized by LCW’s Nikita Shulchenko and Ibrahiem Alrefai, steadily reeled the fugitives back.

As the gap shrank and Corpuz began to labor, Min seized his moment and went alone. Bondoc eventually finished 18th and Corpuz 31st after being absorbed by the peloton. Alrefai (15th) and Shulchenko (16th) arrived together at the same 1:17 deficit. The controlled pursuit preserved Shulchenko’s hold on the yellow jersey at 19:01:14 overall, 49 seconds clear of Alrefai. Further down the standings, Dave Montemayor stayed third despite dropping nine seconds (now +2:13). Antoine Huby advanced to fourth (+2:16), Corpuz remained fifth (+2:17), and Ronnilan Quita climbed to sixth (+2:22). Tyler Hannay moved up to seventh (+2:51), Jericho Lucero rose to eighth (+2:55), Bondoc slipped to ninth (+2:57), and Jexxel Ehd Azur rounded out the top ten at +3:08.

OCZFA U19 sweeps PFF nationals, earns Division 1 promotion

By John Bayarong

UNBEATEN throughout the tournament, the Olongapo City Zambales Football Association (OCZFA) U19 team completed a four-match sweep of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) U19 National Championships to secure promotion to Division 1.

OCZFA, which entered the tournament as the best second-place qualifiers from the regional stage, finished with 12 points to top its group and earned a place among the country’s top youth teams next year. The team scored 14 goals and conceded three for a +11 goal difference.

The tournament featured teams from across the country, with all 41 PFF member associations qualifying through regional tournaments that began last year.

The campaign began with a hard-earned 1–0 win over Davao South RFA, followed by a 9–1 rout of Butuan-Agusan del Norte FA. For their third match, they blanked the Cordillera Region FA, 2-0.

OCZFA capped its historic group stage

campaign with a 2–1 win over Province of Bohol RFA (PGRFA), courtesy of a decisive brace from Kurt Ivan Venturina.

“The win reflects the players’ mentality. They stayed disciplined

and trusted how we wanted to play,” OCZFA U19 coach Willie Mendiola told the Manila Standard.

The result confirmed the team’s promotion to Division 1 of the National Championships, the top tier of the PFF youth structure, where it will face top youth programs including Cebu RFA, Negros Oriental RFA, Iloilo-Guimaras RFA, and the National Capital Region FA. Kristine Cruz-Abergas, mother of U19 team captain Matthew Abergas, said that dedication and hard work made the difference.

“We’ve seen improvements not just in skills but also in belief and maturity both on and off the field,” Abergas said.

Another parent, Maureen Rashid, emphasized the significance of the milestone for the local football community.

“It makes us proud that our kids are representing the city,” said Rashid. “They’ve learned to lead and inspire each other to achieve their goals.”

Olongapo City mayor LenJ Paulino also lauded the team’s achievement.

TRECE MARTIRES—Battling sweltering heat and the punishing layout of Sherwood Hills, a new wave of contenders stepped into the spotlight as Race Manhit and Georgina Handog seized control of their respective divisions, while Tristan Padilla sustained his red-hot form to headline the opening round of the ICTSI Sherwood Hills Junior PGT Championship here on Monday.

Manhit, making a return after skipping two legs following a fourthplace effort at Malarayat, wasted no time reasserting himself in the boys’ 11-14 division. Braving the sweltering conditions, he fired a solid 71 to grab the early lead over Summit Point winner Vito Sarines, who stumbled with a 75. Jose Luis Espinosa turned in a 76, while Baguio leg champion Javie Bautista and Malarayat winner Chan Ahn faltered with 77 and 79, respectively.

“Overall, I’m really happy with how I played. I prepared a lot for this and stayed confident with every shot,” said

lead over Aerin Chan, who highlighted her round with an eagle on the par-4 No. 10 but settled for a 77. Summit Point winner Cailey Gonzales sputtered with a 78 to join Ronee Dungca and Kay Mauricio third heading into the final round. “I played really well today. I made a lot of birdies and my putts were just dropping,” said Handog, 11, from De La Salle-Zobel, who credited her preparation – including two practice rounds – for her sharp short game. Now within reach of victory, Handog, who secured a close joint third-place finish at Mount Malarayat, stays mindful of the mental challenge. “I feel a little pressure, but I think I’ll do well as long as I don’t dwell on it.”

A disqualification, however, overshadowed the boys’ 7-10 division as Asher Abad was ruled out after signing an incorrect scorecard on No. 1, recording a birdie instead of a par. Abad had originally carded a 68, which gave him a two-shot lead over Zach Guico, but concerns arose due to a discrepancy on that hole.

Following a review and interviews, it was confirmed that an error had been made in recording the score, resulting in his disqualification under the rules.

Economists’ growth forecasts

3.0% 5.4%

GDP growth in Q4 of 2025

GDP growth in Q1 of 2025

Economists see subdued first-quarter PH growth

By Thony Rose Lesaca

PHILIPPINE economic growth likely remained subdued in the first quarter of 2026 as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and sluggish public construction spending weighed on domestic activity, analysts said over the weekend.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is scheduled to release the first-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) data on May 7, 2026.

The economy expanded 5.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025 before an infrastructure corruption scandal dampened growth. Expansion slowed to 3.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025, bringing full-year growth to 4.4 percent.

Security Bank chief economist An-

gelo Taningco and Union Bank of the Philippines chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion both forecast GDP growth at 2.9 percent in the first quarter of 2026.

“My GDP forecast is 2.9 percent, a potential slowdown on sluggish household spending given rising inflation and lower consumer confidence; moribund capital formation on lack of construction activity; limited government spending; and wider

trade deficit on bigger imports amid more expensive import costs,” Taningco said.

Asuncion attributed the slowdown to the convergence of external shocks and domestic execution constraints. He said while the economy showed signs of stabilization entering 2026, rising global oil prices offset these gains.

“At the same time, public spending provided limited support to growth in the quarter. While budget allocations remain intact, execution delays—particularly surrounding infrastructure and flood-control projects—kept government spending subdued early in the year, constraining the fiscal impulse,” Asuncion said.

Reyes Tacandong & Co. senior adviser Jonathan Ravelas pegged growth at 3 percent, citing higher energy prices, weak investment sentiment and lingering fiscal issues.

steepest rate since mid-2020. Companies noted that closed trade routes halted shipments and created customer hesitancy. While production levels stagnated at a neutral 50.0 reading, firms faced a rapid acceleration in input price inflation.

Operating expenses rose at the fastest rate since December 2022, led by higher energy and shipping costs. In response, factory gate charges increased at their quickest pace in 41 months as companies passed costs to clients.

“The Filipino manufacturing sector started the second quarter of 2026 with a renewed worsening of operating conditions as the headline index fell below the neutral 50.0 reading for the first time in five months,” S&P Global Market Intelligence economist Maryam Baluch said.

“Demand conditions took a notable hit with April data marking a sharp fall in new orders. Total new sales were also weighed down by a deteriorating export market demand picture,” Baluch said.

partnership project pipeline hit P3.16t in four months

THE Philippine public-private partnership pipeline reached 252 projects valued at P3.16 trillion as of end-April 2026, with the majority of investments focused on railway and land transport sectors.

Data from the PPP Center showed the national government will implement 168 of these

projects worth P3.02 trillion. Local government units will manage the remaining 84 projects valued at P136.26 billion. The railway sector leads the pipeline by value, accounting for P1.97 trillion across 18 projects.

Land transport follows with P274.06 billion for 15 projects, while

Semirara plans to pivot capital to other projects if coal contract renewal fails

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SEMIRARA Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) is prepared to deploy its capital and technical expertise toward other mining assets if the government does not award the company the coal operating contract for the Semirara blocks, executives said Monday.

SMPC president Maria Cristina Gotianun said during the company’s annual stockholders meeting the firm is leveraging 30 years of large-scale mining experience to secure a new contract while remaining open to other opportunities in the sector.

“If you look at SMPC, we’ve been doing this for close to three decades — large-scale, complex mining, growing production and delivering on our commitments,” Gotianun said. “With this expertise, we’re putting

forward a mine plan that keeps production steady, supports energy security and continues delivering for the government,” she said.

The Department of Energy recently launched a competitive bidding round for 10 coal blocks on Semirara Island under the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program.

While the submission and opening of bid documents are currently deferred with no new timeline set, SMPC officials confirmed they are developing a mine plan to compete in the transparent bidding process.

Gotianun said the company remains prudent and has the flexibility to redeploy its people and capital across other sectors where it can create value. She said the group is well-positioned to manage the blocks, citing its history of handling complex conditions like water seepage on the island. 2.9% - 3.5%

property development projects total P221.46 billion. Among implementing agencies, the Department of Transportation holds the largest project value at P2.02 trillion. The Philippine National Railways will undertake projects worth P1.22 trillion. By project volume, the

Philippine Ports Authority leads with 37 projects, followed by the Department of Transportation with 35 and the City Government of Iligan with 14. Geographically, the National Capital Region, Region III and Region I will host the highest value of projects. Thony Rose Lesaca

Cebu chamber launches 2026 business month to drive economic momentum

By Minerva Newman CEBU CITY—

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has launched its flagship Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2026 project, a sixmonth movement designed to mobilize the local business community and secure the region’s future readiness.

The program features a series of high-level summits and forums scheduled to run from May 22 to Nov 25, 2026. CBM 2026 chairman Bryan Yap announced the lineup during a press conference at the Savoy Hotel Pavilion in Lapu-Lapu City, noting that the initiative represents a coordinated effort to strengthen Cebu’s economic position.

“When we say CBM 2026, we are not simply talking about a series of events on a calendar. We are talking

about a movement: an intentional, coordinated, and collective effort to mobilize the full strength of Cebu’s business community toward something far greater than any one of us alone,” Yap said. The 30th anniversary of the event includes a diverse calendar covering investment, technology, and tourism. CCCI president Regan Rex King said the chamber remains an apolitical organization dedicated to promoting Cebu and the Philippines despite external political distractions. King said the program has evolved significantly over three decades, moving from basic industry promotion to addressing complex economic needs. The chamber continues this mission under the slogan “Padayon Cebu,” which King described as a statement of humility and unity.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

P“The PSEi started the week higher after heavy selling pressure last Thursday as bargain hunting emerged across select index names,” said Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp.

“Market sentiment improved as more companies released their firstquarter earnings, providing fresh cues for investors amid cautious trading conditions,” Limlingan added.

Most Asian stocks also ended higher as investors welcomed news that Iran submitted new proposals to end its conflict with the United States and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

However, analysts do not expect the upward trend to be sustained. Investors remain wary of the impact of rising oil prices, increasing inflation, high interest rates, and the weakening peso on the domestic economy.

Except for mining and oil, which slipped 0.11 percent, all sectors ended higher. Services jumped the most, up 4.36 percent, while industrials rose 1.04 percent.

Gainers beat decliners, 102 to 91, while 66 stocks were unchanged. Value turnover was thin at P5.47 billion as investors remained cautious.

The peso closed Monday at 61.565

to the U.S. dollar, down from 61.485 on April 30.

Seoul and Taipei hit record highs

HILIPPINE shares surged Monday as bargain hunting drove investors to snap up oversold stocks. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index jumped 108.52 points, or 1.86 percent, to close at 5,942.16. The broader all shares Index advanced 29.41 points, or 0.89 percent, to end at 3,349.61.

Monday as tech firms led a rally across most Asian markets, tracking a healthy day on Wall Street fueled by more strong earnings.

Investors were also cheered by news that Iran had submitted fresh proposals to end its war with the United States and reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz, though oil price recovered most of Friday’s losses.

While the Middle East crisis continued to rumble along, with the waterway still effectively choked off, dealers turned their focus on the corporate world as they jumped back into the AI trade that has propelled several markets to record highs.

Forecast-beating reports from Apple, Google, Microsoft and Samsung have reawakened interest in the artificial intelligence sector after the market tumult caused by the US-Israeli strikes on Iran at the end of February.

Companies in the S&P 500 are on track to report earnings growth of 27.1 percent, the highest rate in more than four years, according to Factset.

Investors have been playing a waiting game since a US-Iran ceasefire was agreed at the start of April, with just one round of talks taking place that came to nothing. With AFP

(MS-MAY

In view of the gravity of the current situation, the government should consider suspending – not repealing –the excise taxes on fuels.

BARELY six years after the onset of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, another economy-ravaging phenomenon is hurting the lives and livelihood of millions of Filipinos. In the interest of the economic, social and political stability, the Philippine government needed to respond to the situation quickly and effectively. Although, as in the case of the pandemic, blame for the current national economic emergency could not be laid at its door, the government had to take quick remedial action.

One of the policy instruments in the government’s toolkit of economic remedies is fiscal policy. Under normal circumstances fiscal policy is considered to be not the most efficacious instrument for dealing with emergencies because of the long and laborious process of legislative action, but the ongoing emergency required a quick government response. Given that the emergency was the outcome of a supply side issue, whatever remedial actions the government intended to take needed to address the emergency’s immediate impact on incomes and prices.

Accordingly, the government resorted to the two main aspects of fiscal policy, namely, i.e., outright cash assistance and suspension of collection of relevant taxes.

With regard to the cash assistance, the first needed step was to identify the individuals who were entitled to the cash payments.

The epicenter of the emergency being the public transportation sector, the owners of jeepneys and other public land transportation facilities and their drivers have been the highest-priority recipients of the government’s fuel-related cash assistance.

Here, government efficiency and vigilance are of the greatest importance. In a time when ghosts very often are participants in government transactions, the government entities closely involved – the Department of Transportation (DTr) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) – need to compare their lists of publicvehicle owners and drivers with the counterpart lists of public transportation groups like Manibela and Piston. There must be no DTr and LTO equivalent of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) ghosts.

The way things look, the Strait of Hormuz standoff could last for many more months and the governments fuel assistance to the public transportation industry will become very costly to the Treasury. One hopes that the standoff will soon be resolved.

The taxes on imported fuels and the value-added tax (VAT) are a different matter. The public transportation sector has been aggressively advocating for the repeal of these taxes. In partial answer to the demands , the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has suspended collection of the taxes on certain fuels. Because they are regressive—i.e., they impact the poor more than the wealthy—excise taxes are economically and socially more odious than taxes or incomes. People who live in gated subdivisions pay less, proportionately, for a product than people with low incomes. By the same token, wealthy people benefit more, proportionately, from a reduction in excises tax.

Those who vociferously argue for the removal of this or that excise tax should be slow to do so. There are two principal reasons for this. The first is that the government relies heavily on excise taxes—especially VAT—because they are easier to collect than income taxes, being not subject to the corrupt practices of Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) examiners. The second reason is that the government perennially operates on a deficit-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio is ever precarious.

In view of the gravity of the current situation, the government should consider suspending—not repealing—the excise taxes on fuels. But it should not suspend collection of VAT, which is an effective tax collector and is one of the major props of the government’s finances.

(llagasjessa@yahoo.com)

Agri stakeholders warn of food crisis

By Othel V. Campos

PHILIPPINE agriculture stakeholders warned of a looming food crisis as farmers and fisherfolk hesitate to begin the May planting season due to surging fuel prices and insufficient government intervention.

Industry representatives said during a Department of Agriculture public consultation on April 27 that many producers are delaying planting until the government implements an urgent rescue plan. High petroleum prices have raised logistics, input and post-harvest costs to unsustainable levels, creating conditions stakeholders described as worse than those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The next four weeks are critical for farmers deciding on whether to plant or not,” one participant said.

Industry leaders said that while other ASEAN nations have already implemented relief measures, the Philippines remains in the discussion phase. They attributed the delay to weak inter-agency co ordination, a “late reaction” from authorities, and poor enforcement of laws targeting agricultural smug gling and profi teering.

The Philip pine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries hosted the session, which identified a widen ing gap between farmgate and re tail prices. Stake holders also cited rising import de pendence, declin ing export com petitiveness and significant delays in the distribution of subsidies. Production challenges have intensified be cause of high fuel-based input costs and logistics constraints that have limited interisland transport.

Participants also criticized the lack of climate risk in tegration, such as El Niño, into na tional planning.

To prevent the sector from grind ing to a halt, the group called for increased and tar geted funding, streamlined ac cess to assistance, and stronger price controls on fuel and logistics. They recommend ed making food transport toll-free, linking coop eratives directly with consumers, and establish ing “green lanes” for agri-fisheries shipments.

The council plans to consoli date these recom mendations into policy measures aimed at mitigating fuel price impacts.

Department of Agriculture Policy Research Service Official (Name) said the agency is considering a shift from cash subsi dies to fuel and fertilizer vouchers to ensure the as sistance directly lowers production expenses. While the gov ernment evaluates these reforms, stakeholders cited the need for ex panded farmer credit and guar antees to stabilize planting decisions before the May window closes. Failure to ad dress these system ic issues promptly could lead to widespread losses across the farming, fisheries and man ufacturing sectors, they said.

Meralco’s Q1

net income rose 2% to P11.4b

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) reported on Monday a 2-percent rise in first-quarter consolidated core net income to P11.4 billion from P11.2 billion a year earlier, despite a drop in energy sales volumes.

The distribution utility contributed P5.3 billion or 46 percent of the core income. Power generation added P5.1 billion or 45 percent, while retail electricity supply and non-electricity businesses accounted for the remaining 9 percent at P978.4 million.

Consolidated revenues grew 5 percent to P120.779 billion from P114.511 billion. Core reported net income also rose 4 percent to P10.8 billion from P10.4 billion.

Meralco chairman Manuel Pangilinan attributed the performance to strategic initiatives and financial management, even as the company navigated the impact of the Iran war that began on Feb. 28.

“What occupied Meralco the most was the Iran war which broke on February 28, with the serious consequences on our fuel supply chain and on power prices,” Pangilinan said.

“We were fortunate to have certain of our solar facilities starting to supply indigenous and clean energy, in March 2026, at very reasonable prices, and our ability to source contractually committed and reasonably priced coal helped dampen the spike in power prices,” he said.

Consolidated energy sales for the distribution utility fell 2 percent to 12,273 gigawatt hours from 12,493 GWh in 2025.

Meralco attributed the decline to cooler temperatures compared with

the post-El Niño conditions of the previous year.

Residential sales fell 3 percent to 4,111 GWh as average temperatures dropped 1.09 degrees Celsius, reducing demand alongside a rise in rooftop solar installations.

Commercial sales dipped 1 percent to 4,704 GWh due to office vacancies and energy efficiency measures in hotels. Industrial sales saw a slight 1 percent decline to 3,420 GWh, though semiconductor and cement firms remained resilient.

Meralco executive vice-president and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho said the company focused on service reliability and power rates to manage global disruptions.

“Through our disciplined least-cost sourcing strategy, we have been able to cushion the impact of the global disruptions on generation costs, keeping rate increases at a manageable level and way below initial forecasts,” Aperocho said.

The power generation business saw its core income contribution jump 51 percent, fueled by the full-capacity operations of LNGPH in Batangas.

Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen) holds a 40.2-percent stake in the 2,475-megawatt facility.

MGen president and chief executive Emmanuel Rubio said the quarter marked a shift toward delivering tangible impact to the grid.

Megaworld’s first-quarter profit reached P6.2b

By Jenniffer B. Austria

MEGAWORLD Corp. grew its net income by 6 percent in the first quarter of the year to P6.2 billion from P5.8 billion a year ago, supported by steady residential sales and higher leasing revenues. The property developer reported on Monday in a disclosure to the stock exchange that consolidated revenues for the first three months rose to P21.6 billion from P20.9 billion in the previous year.

Megaworld president and chief executive Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso said the results reflect the compounding strength of the company’s recurring income base and financial prudence to

Bank of the Philippines conducts its 13th provincial rollout of the Agrisenso Plus at the Fuerte CamSur Sports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur on April 29, 2026, engaging around 1,200 farmers, fishers and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from across the province and opening wider access to financial and development support services. This continuing rollout supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to boost local agricultural production and help ease the economic impact of the current energy crisis.

maintain a healthy balance sheet amid global geopolitical uncertainties.

Leasing revenues increased 6 percent to P5.6 billion year-on-year, led by the malls business which posted the fastest growth.

Mall revenues climbed 9 percent to P1.8 billion due to sustained consumer spending, tenant expansion and the opening of over 12,000 square meters of new retail space.

Office leasing revenues rose 4 percent to P3.8 billion as business process outsourcing firms and multinational companies continued to take up space.

The company transacted over 95,000 square meters of office space during the quarter, including 28,000

of

for renewal this year.

The hotels and resorts segment saw an 8-percent jump in revenues to P1.5 billion on higher room rates and increased activity in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector.

The firm opened the P1.5-billion Mactan Expo convention facility which can accommodate 3,000 delegates.

Real estate sales remained steady at P13.3 billion as construction progress and revenue recognition continued across residential developments in Metro Manila and provincial markets.

BOI may cut 2026 investment target

THE government may review and lower its investment approval target for 2026 due to persistent economic headwinds, a senior official said. Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary and Board of Investments (BOI) managing-head Ceferino Rodolfo said initial discussions indicate a possible downward revision of the current goal.

“It’s more inclined to be a review downwards,” Rodolfo said in an interview. He said the reassessment reflects global and domestic challenges affecting investor sentiment.

The DTI previously reduced the BOI 2026 investment approval target to around P1 trillion. This is lower than previous goals and follows the agency missing its 2025 target of P1.75 trillion. BOI data showed that approved investments reached P1.56 trillion in 2025. Energy projects accounted for the bulk of those approvals, while manufacturing, transport and information technology also contributed to the pipeline. However, the final figure fell short of the government target because of delays in large-scale projects and tighter global financial conditions. Othel V. Campos

A Brown Co. plans P12-b fund-raising

MINDANAO-BASED property developer A Brown Co. Inc. (ABCI) filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to raise up to P12 billion through a maiden bond shelf offering, the company said Monday. The real estate firm plans to issue P5 billion in fixed-rate bonds for the initial tranche. The first installment includes a base offer of P3 billion and an oversubscription option for another P2 billion. ABCI intends to issue the bonds in two series, with tenors of three years and five years respectively. Philippine Ratings Services Corp. assigned the debt a PRS A+ rating. The company expects to list the bonds on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. PNB Capital and Investment Corp. and Land Bank of the Philippines will serve as the issue managers for the sale. Primarily a developer of residential communities in Northern Mindanao, Caraga and Rizal, ABCI operates across socialized, economic

IN BRIEF

The real estate arm of the Gokongwei Group received the 3G ESG Championship Award (Philippines) and the 3G Excellence in Green Innovation and Solutions Award. The 2026 honors build on a consistent track record that began in 2023 with citations for corporate governance and social responsibility. The company previously won awards for environmental responsibility in 2024 and for ESG performance and corporate social responsibility in 2025.

Organized by UK-based financial intelligence firm Cambridge IFA, the 3G Awards recognize excellence in the government, corporate and social sectors. Cambridge IFA director professor Humayon Dar chairs the program, which evaluates organizations based on a “3G Methodology” focused on transparency, social responsibility, sustainability, impact and innovation.

“Through energy-efficient spaces and sustainable property management, Robinsons Land is redefining the standard for responsible urban development,” the award organizers said. The double win highlights RLC’s efforts to integrate sustainability into the planning, construction and operation of its developments. These ESG initiatives focus on creating value for stakeholders while supporting economic opportunities and sustainable

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

The Department of Environment and Natural

Mangroves restored in Zambales protected area

By Rick P. Quiambao

IBA, Zambales—Efforts to restore coastal ecosystems made progress as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local stakeholders conducted a series of mangrove rehabilitation activities in Barangay South Poblacion.

The initiative was undertaken within the Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape (MOBPLS) in the province.

It supports national efforts to protect coastal communities and sustain marine resources.

Spanning more than 7,500 hectares, the MOBPLS is a protected area known for its rich coastal and marine biodiversity. It includes 86 hectares of mangrove forests, 800 hectares of seagrass beds, and 1,500 hectares of coral reef systems that support local fisheries and help protect shoreline communities.

The rehabilitation activity aimed to strengthen coastal protection and

Globe boosts sustainability efforts to fight energy crisis

AS GLOBAL pressures on fuel supply, energy costs and availability continue, Globe Telecom Inc. is strengthening its resilience measures to keep its network running while supporting employees not just as drivers of business continuity, but as key stakeholders in the company’s progress.

These efforts reflect Globe’s focus on keeping both its operations stable and its people supported, helping Filipinos stay connected and confident in navigating everyday challenges.

At the core of this response is a unified approach that brings together support for customers, employees, partners and communities, integrating business continuity, network resilience and people-focused programs to help Globe move forward despite external pressures.

“Resilience is not just about keeping the network running. It is about making sure our people can keep going,” said Renato “Ato” Manuel Jiao, Globe Chief Human Resource officer.

He stressed that as the company responds to challenges such as fuel volatility, equal attention is given to how these impact employees, with support systems continuously strengthened so they can adapt and move forward with confidence.

This, he added, is part of how Globe sustains its culture as a great place to work.

The people-centered approach complements Globe’s operational readiness, with fuel continuity plans securing up to six days of supply for critical facilities.

It is also expanding energy efficiency efforts and increasing renewable energy use, now powering around 30 percent of its network, helping manage fuel volatility while ensuring reliable service.

For employees, these developments translate into everyday considerations. Rising fuel costs have made flexible work arrangements more relevant, prompting Globe to shift from three to two onsite days for eligible roles and introduce more flexible hours.

enhance marine biodiversity through the restoration of degraded mangrove areas.

It also highlighted the role of mangroves in stabilizing shorelines and providing habitat for marine species.

DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office

Masinloc head Donaver Guevarra reported that over 9,000 mangrove propagules were planted across an estimated one-hectare area.

Species used included Rhizophora apiculata and Rhizophora stylosa, selected for their suitability to the site’s zoning, soil type and environmental conditions.

Support for the activity came from the barangays of South Poblacion, Mother Rita Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Taltal National High School and the DENR Protected Area Management Office, underscoring strong collaboration among government, community and institutional partners in environmental conservation.

“We are pleased to see the active participation of the community and our partners in this mangrove rehabilitation effort. Initiatives like this are crucial in restoring our coastal ecosystems and ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from the protection and resources that mangroves provide,” Guevarra said.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo stressed the importance of sustained environmental action.

“Mangrove rehabilitation is a key component of our strategy to protect coastal communities from climate-related risks while preserving biodiversity. Through continued collaboration with local stakeholders, we can strengthen our programs and achieve lasting environmental gains,” Pablo said.

He added that sustained partnerships and active community involvement remain essential in maintaining mangrove rehabilitation efforts and ensuring the long-term protection of coastal and marine ecosystems. PIA

Extreme heat also affecting urban wildlife

URBAN wildlife, including birds, are also being impacted by extreme heat now sweeping the country.

The development follows the warning of the Climate Change Commission (CCC), which cautioned that densely populated urban centers are the most vulnearble to extreme heat that poses serious health risks.

As cities across the country continue to experience soaring temperatures and dangerous heat index levels, a new initiative offers a simple yet impactful way to help protect urban wildlife–starting with birds.

In densely populated areas like Metro Manila, where green spaces and natural water sources are limited, dehydration has become a growing threat to bird populations.

Prolonged dry spells and intense heat waves have made it increasingly difficult for them to survive in city environments.

“Drops of Life,” an urban cli -

mate solution, introduces an easy-to-install water feeder that captures condensation from air conditioners and delivers it to accessible drinking points for birds and small animals.

Instead of going to waste, the steady drip from AC units–common in Filipino homes, offices, cafés and schools–can now serve a life-saving purpose.

The idea behind Drops of Life is simple: if a building has air conditioning, it already has a potential water source. ‘

By installing a low-cost feeder, households and establishments can help preserve biodiversity without using additional water–an especially important consideration given water conservation concerns in many parts of the Philippines.

Athens gov’t hopes eco moorings will protect vital seagrass colonies

PORTO RAFTI, Greece—At the popular yachting harbor of Porto Rafti near Athens, a project is underway to protect a vulnerable seagrass species vital to the health of the Mediterranean.

Damaged for decades by anchors scraping the seabed, new eco-mooring are designed to be less harmful to the posidonia plants.

Diver Makis Sotiropoulos used a special drill to bore three meters into the seabed before installing the ecological anchorage with its two symmetrical fins.

“We pull upwards to lock it in place before attaching a chain and a marker buoy,” he told AFP.

The buoy then enables a vessel to moor “in complete safety,” he said.

The project is run by the Greek ministry of merchant marine, which aims to extend it across the country’s 13,000 kilometers (8,000 miles) of coast, 70 percent of which is covered by Posidonia seagrass meadows.

“When we establish a nationwide network of mooring buoys, then those with boats will be able

to tie up safely, quickly and efficiently and at the same time the seabed will not be damaged,” ministry secretary general Evangelos Kyriazopoulos told AFP. The ribbon-like plants have been classified as a “priority habitat” by the European Union for various marine species.

“Posidonia is among our best allies in the fight against climate change and deserves our full attention,” said Maria Salomidi, a researcher at the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (HCMR).

The seagrass meadows “capture and store carbon beneath their rhizomes (root stems), produce oxygen, filter and purify the water, and support biodiversity,” she said.

Severe damage

A large number of Posidonia root stems are torn out when anchors are raised.

“Very often I have observed anchors lying on posidonia meadows,” said Rouli Prinianaki, a diver and member of the NGO Aegean Rebreath, which is part of the campaign.

The Greek state organization for environment and climate change (OFYPEKA) has termed anchoring “one of the most significant threats” to the plants.

Around 40 ecological moorings have been installed in Greece in recent years, mostly in marine parks of the Ionian Sea and near the island of Alonissos.

Fifteen eco moorings have been installed in Alonissos “but they are not enough for the thousands of boats in summer,” said Spyridon Iosifidis, a fish specialist at the OFYPEKA directorate for the Sporades island group.

Need for legislation

Experts say Greece must speed up and broaden the installation of ecological moorings for pleasure boats that flock to its bays in summer.

Athens “needs to legislate to protect seagrass meadows and allow them to regenerate” following the example of the Balearic Islands in Spain and the French Mediterranean coast, said WWF Greece biologist Vangelis Paravas. AFP

Five ways you can help protect coral reefs on your next holiday

First of 2 parts

Every year, millions of people flock to the world’s coral reefs to marvel at the diversity of marine life they support.

But scuba and snorkelling trips can put pressure on reefs, compounding the threats they face from climate change, pollution and unsustainable use.

In fact, warm water corals are under so much pressure, they could disappear by the end of this century.

“Coral reefs are in peril,” says Sinikinesh Beyene Jimma, the head of the Marine and Coastal Ecosystems Unit of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). “It is important for tourists to do everything they can to minimize their impact on these magnificent–and fragile–ecosystems.”

Through a series of small grants programs, UNEP works with hotels, dive outfits, snorkel operators, community organizations and governments to protect marine ecosystems, including coral reefs.

As part of the push, UNEP and partners have developed a series of practical recommendations–many very simple–that reef-lovers can take to safeguard these undersea cities.

Patronize businesses where conservation is a

Across the globe, more hotels and reef-related businesses are recognizing that protecting corals is central to their future. Many support reef restoration, partner with marine protected areas, or back local groups that patrol coastal ecosystems.

Some, like those that belong to the UNEPsupported Reefs of Hope, are even growing hearty strains of corals capable of surviving in a warming ocean. As a visitor, choose resorts or dive operations that engage in this type of conservation or restoration work. This will help keep coral nurseries running, rangers on the water, and coastal communities employed in conservation,

not just hospitality.

If you’re travelling to the Caribbean, this guide outlines what you should be looking for in hotels and tour operators. Get involved in coral restoration

Some resorts, like those in Fiji and Samoa, offer guided visits to coral nurseries or simple adopt-a-coral schemes, where your fee helps maintain restoration sites and support local reef teams.

Guests can snorkel over nurseries, help with basic coral gardening tasks or symbolically adopt a coral to fund long-term work. For visitors, this is a chance to see hope beneath the surface. For businesses that rely on corals, it is proof that tourism can help finance nature-positive solutions. Dive and snorkel with operators that follow Green Fins standards

Everyday choices by dive and snorkel centers–from where boats are moored to how waste is managed–can either damage reefs or protect them. A single boat anchor, for example, can crush decades of coral growth in seconds.

That’s why UNEP and The Reef-World Foundation, a conservation group, created Green Fins in 2004. It is the only internationally recognized environmental standard for marine tourism. Members follow a code of conduct that includes avoiding contact with coral, using mooring buoys instead of anchoring and giving wildlife space. (To be continued) UNEP News

TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Shticks

Joseph Peter Gonzales

ASHOWBIZ

Alden Richards scrubs in for new TV role

FTER the strong run of Pulang Araw , Alden Richards is preparing for a shift in tone with a new television project, Code Gray , a medical action-drama that he says brings him into unfamiliar territory.

“It’s something new for me. I haven’t done something like this before where the plot revolves around the medical profession. This early, I’m thrilled and can’t wait to start taping,” Richards said.

The show will be directed by LA Madrilejos and Mark dela Cruz and features young and seasoned actors like Christopher de Leon, Romnick Sarmenta, Andrea Torres, Christian Bautista, Faith da Silva, Joross Gamboa, Kristoffer Martin, Shuvee Etrata, Allan Ansay, and Jon Lucas Richards said working with De Leon ticks off a long-standing item on his bucket list

“He’s one of the actors I really look up to. I can say that this is my dreamcome-true for this year. I’m very vocal about the actors I idolize and want to share the screen with. Finally, here in

Code Gray, I’ll get to work with him.”

Before filming begins, Richards is completing several commitments, including the film Love Siargao with Nadine Lustre and his ongoing stint in the television program Stars on the Floor. He also said he is considering another directorial project.

* * *

The Multi-Media Press Society of the Philippines, Inc. (MMPRESS) recently held its oath-taking ceremony before Mayor Vico Sotto in Pasig City, formalizing a new set of officers as the group continues its transition from its previous identity as the Entertainment Press Society of the Philippines, Inc. (ENPRESS).

Composed of entertainment writers across print and digital platforms, the group said the rebranding responds to shifts in media consumption and

the growing role of online platforms in coverage. It added that it will continue to recognize work in film and television while expanding into advocacy in education, health, sports, and the environment.

The organization said it aims to strengthen the role of entertainment writers.

“Writers should take pride in their role, uphold strong principles, and

‘Prada’ rules runway and box office with sequel debut

THE Devil Wears Prada

2 debuted atop the North American box office this weekend, industry estimates showed Sunday, 20 years after the hit original took audiences inside the cutthroat world of haute couture.

The sequel sees Anne Hathaway’s character return to work under tyrannical editor Miranda Priestly, portrayed again by Meryl Streep, as their fashion magazine faces an existential crisis. Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt also return as leads, while a host of A-list additions and celebrity cameos round out the star-studded cast.

Released by 20th Century Fox, with returning director David Frankel, the film took in $77 million in the U.S. and Canadian market, according to Exhibitor Relations.

Last week’s box office winner Michael, the biopic about late superstar Michael Jackson, fell to second place but still took in $54 million, according to Exhibitor Relations.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and distributed by Lionsgate, the film chronicles the legendary artist’s rise from a child star to one of the world’s most famous pop icons, with Jaafar Jackson, the pop star’s nephew, in the starring role. Following a $97 million debut last weekend in North

America, the movie has taken in over $423 million at the global box office.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie came in third with $12.1 million, taking its cumulative domestic haul to over $400 million.

The animated sequel from Universal and Illumination Studios has earned nearly $900 million at the global box office, Exhibitor Relations reported. Fourth place went to Amazon MGM’s hit sci-fi adventure comedy Project Hail Mary, with another $8.6 million.

The film, starring Ryan Gosling as a teacher-turned-astronaut who must save Earth from a dimming sun, has earned over $625 million worldwide in an extended theatrical run.

In fifth place, with $6.4 million, was indie horror film Hokum, a low-budget Irish production. Directed by Damian McCarthy and starring Adam Scott (Severance), the film follows an author who travels to a mysterious hotel in rural Ireland.

Rounding out the top 10 were Animal Farm ($3.4 million), Lee Cronin’s The Mummy ($2.23 million), Deep Water ($2.15 million), That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ($1 million), and The Drama ($900,000). AFP

use their voice to elevate the industry. We’re here to spark meaningful conversations, address key issues, and take a stand when it counts,” the group said.

Elected officers include Rose Garcia-Fabregas as president, Allan Diones as vice president, and Joseph Peter R. Gonzales as secretary, along with other board members and regular members from the entertainment

‘A

TV5’s primetime series A Secret in Prague has gained strong traction across television, streaming, and digital platforms following its premiere this week.

The pilot episode logged more than 290,000 views on YouTube, while the show ranked No. 1 among TV series on Netflix Philippines for two consecutive days, according to data cited by the network.

Online, viewers praised the series’ production quality, with comments highlighting its cinematic visuals and the romantic setting of Prague.

The pairing of Enrique Gil and Andrea Brillantes also drew positive reactions, with viewers describing their on-screen chemistry as fresh.

The series follows a mix of romance and suspense, as audiences track unfolding mysteries set against an international backdrop.

A Secret in Prague airs weeknights at 8:00 p.m. on TV5’s TodoMax Primetime.

‘House of the Dragon’ season three set for June 22 debut

SEASON three of the HBO original drama series House of the Dragon will debut June 22 on HBO Max, with new episodes released weekly until the finale on Aug. 10. The eight-episode season continues the story of House Targaryen, set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, and is based on George R.R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood Ryan Condal returns as co-creator, showrunner, and executive producer, alongside co-creator and executive producer George R.R. Martin. Executive producers also include Sara Hess, Melissa Bernstein, Kevin de la Noy, Vince Gerardis, David Hancock, and Philippa Goslett The new season features a return-

ing ensemble cast that includes Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Steve Toussaint, Rhys Ifans, Fabien Frankel, Ewan Mitchell, Tom GlynnCarney, Sonoya Mizuno, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Phia Saban, Jefferson Hall, and Matthew Needham Also returning are James Norton, Tom Bennett, Kieran Bew, Kurt Egyiawan, Freddie Fox, Clinton Liberty,

Joshua Garcia, Ivana Alawi heat up Morocco-set romance thriller

Very Wang Nickie Wang

JOSHUA Garcia, Ivana Alawi heat up Morocco-set

romance thriller

Joshua Garcia and Ivana Alawi team up for the first time in the romancesuspense drama Love is Never Gone, the first Filipino TV series shot in Morocco.

Set against the sun-soaked and shadowed streets of the “Western Kingdom,” the series promises a good mix of romance, betrayal, and highstakes drama in a story that shifts from passion to pain.

In the first episode alone, the chemistry between Joshua’s Teo Crisanto and Ivana’s Yana Kassir is immediate and intense. Their kissing scene drew cheers during a blue carpet premiere held on April 28. The scene was accompanied by Angeline Quinto’s “Hindi Mawawala,” a perfect song to describe Ivana’s seductive yet complicated character who sets the story in motion.

Ivana said the project had long been a dream role for her.

Grabe talaga ang pagmamahal na binigay namin dito,” she said.

Joshua was quick to return the praise. “Saka ang galing mo dito,” he said.

Ivana laughed it off. “Hindi! Kasi magaling si Joshua, nahahawa lang ako nang very light.”

Directors Manny Palo and Jojo Saguin said the on-screen chemistry between the two leads was undeniable, something the audience at the premiere responded to with loud reactions during the intimate scenes.

After the screening, the cast faced the media in a press conference moderated by MJ Felipe

Joshua said the televised cut is only a glimpse of what viewers will see on streaming.

“ Ang ganda! Pero kung ano yung napanood niyo, naka-fast cut ‘yon. So kapag napanood natin sa Prime, mas kumpleto. Mas ramdam natin yung bawat eksena ,” he said.

Ivana echoed the sentiment, saying the first episode already feels cinematic.

Parang pelikula. First episode pa lang, talagang parang movie na siya

Full of action,” she said.

Joshua added that the opening sequence alone makes an impact.

“Pasabog ‘yon,” he said.

Ivana, in her trademark unfiltered style, joked about being too invested in the scene.

Hindi kami makahinga. Pinigilan

ko yung ihi ko from start to end kasi ayokong umalis ,” she said, drawing laughter from the room.

When asked to rate their kissing scene, Ivana gave Joshua a “10,” teasing him in front of the press.

“ Grabe siya! Ang laki ng bibig niya !” she said, laughing, before adding, Magaling, magaling siya .” Joshua, meanwhile, gave Ivana a 9. May room for improvement, ” he said, prompting Ivana to quickly respond, “ Ay! Sige, sige, Direk, may isa pa !” Beyond the romance, “Love is Never Gone” leans heavily into suspense and emotional twists.

In the story Joshua plays Teo,

Philippines claims top spot in 2026 World’s 50 Best Beaches list

By Jasper Valdez

THE Philippines has once again captured global attention after topping the 2026 World’s 50 Best Beaches list, with Entalula Beach in El Nido, Palawan, taking the No. 1 spot.

The secluded paradise climbed from No. 2 last year, further cementing the country’s reputation as a tropical destination travelers dream about.

Accessible only by boat, Entalula Beach was praised for its powdery white sand, towering limestone cliffs, and crystal-clear waters.

World’s 50 Best Beaches described the island as “one of the most visually striking settings in the region and the world.”

The site also highlighted the beach’s quieter atmosphere compared to nearby tourist spots.

“The water is exceptionally clear, with calm conditions that make it easy to swim and simply take it all in,” it said.

Another Philippine destination, Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte, also landed on the prestigious list, placing 25th overall. Known for its long white sandbar and turquoise waters, Kalanggaman was recognized for offering “stunning ocean views in every direction.”

According to World’s 50 Best Beaches, the annual rankings are based on nominations from thousands of travel professionals, with selections reviewed alongside its “beach ambassadors.”

Beaches are evaluated based on several factors, including scenery, wildlife, seclusion, and water conditions.

The 2026 list also features beaches from Greece, Australia, Fiji, the Maldives, Thailand, and French Polynesia.

a hardworking mechanic and breadwinner who leaves for Morocco as an OFW. There, he meets Yana, who steals his wallet and passport, setting off a chain of events that ties them together in unexpected ways.

Teo later learns Yana is supporting her mother’s cancer treatment, played by Irma Adlawan, adding emotional complexity to her actions. What begins as conflict slowly turns into connection.

But betrayal follows. Teo ends up imprisoned after believing Yana framed him. Years later, back in Manila, he encounters her again, now living under a new identity as Gem Verona, the wife of

Ace Verona, played by Jameson Blake Jameson said working with Ivana again felt different this time. “The first time we worked together, we were like siblings or friends. This time, lovers. It was a challenge. We had to break the ice,” he said.

The series also features Jane Oineza, Michael De Mesa, Dina Bonnevie, Epy Quizon, JM Ibarra, JC Alcantara, Rans Rifol, Kiko Matos, Argel Saycon, Heart Ramos, Alex Medina, Benj Manalo, Carlo San Juan, and special appearances from Ara Mina.

Produced by Dreamscape Entertainment, the series premieres on Prime Video on May 8.

Maria Paz Alberto joins PATA International Executive Board

THE Philippine travel and tourism industry is celebrating the election of Maria Paz Alberto , chairperson of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Philippines Chapter, to the Executive Board of PATA International.

Industry leaders said the development gives the Philippines representation in one of the world’s major travel organizations and a platform to help shape regional tourism policies.

Local stakeholders also see her appointment as an opportunity to advance Philippine tourism interests at the global level.

Alberto, who also serves as president of the Philippine IATA Agents Travel Association (PIATA), has spent more than four decades in the travel sector. Her career spans 41 years, during which she has advocated for the professionalization and

competitiveness of travel agents and led initiatives aimed at strengthening the local tourism industry.

She is also the head of Ark Travel Express, a Philippine-based agency operating in the international travel market.

Her election follows a strong year for PATA Philippines, which was named “Best Chapter” in 2025. The recognition cited the chapter’s performance in membership engagement, sustainable tourism programs, and destination promotion.

By joining the PATA International Executive Board, Alberto is expected to contribute to discussions on regional travel development, international cooperation, and sustainable tourism growth across the Asia-Pacific.

“This is a big victory for the Philippines, bringing our nation to the world,” Alberto said.

TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Iloilo crowds race for prizes and live beats

By Nickie Wang

ILOILO Sunset Boulevard

came alive on April 25 with runners pushing through each station of Puregold’s Hakot Relay 2026, collecting grocery items along the way and crossing into a finish area filled with music and celebration.

After its 2025 debut, the retail chain launched this year’s series in Iloilo, the first of three nationwide stops. Participants came from across the Visayas, including Bacolod, Cebu, Antique, and other areas in Panay, making the event a regional draw.

The format does not follow the usual relay race. At a time when fuel costs and prices of basic goods continue to climb, participants received grocery items at the course’s “hakot” stations, giving the activity a practical payoff alongside the competition.

Skusta Clee and Flow

G performed on site, which shifted parts of the venue into a concert-like atmosphere between

N O W & N E X T

relay waves.

Puregold president Vincent Co said the program aims to link shared experiences with direct benefits for households.

“We want to create experiences that bring people together while also delivering real value to our communities…The Hakot Relay is one way we’re able to connect with Filipinos

giving them something they can both enjoy and take home,” Co said.

Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad said Iloilo serves as the starting point of a wider rollout across regions this year.

“We’re happy to introduce the Hakot Relay to more regions… Seeing that kind of response here in Iloilo makes this leg more fulfilling for us,” she said.

The program featured relay segments, loot stations, and on-ground activations across multiple waves. Participants finished the course with medals, grocery bags, and event merchandise, while select segments included surprise item drops along the route.

The concept pairs a competitive relay format with consumer rewards and remains a key experiential campaign for Puregold.

Organizers said the Iloilo leg followed a structured schedule to manage participant flow across the course.

The 2026 series continues with upcoming stops in South Luzon and Metro Manila as Puregold expands the event to more communities nationwide. Updates remain available through the Puregold Channel on YouTube and its official social media accounts.

New Bahay Bulilit facility boosts early childhood care in Manila

MCDONALD'S Philippines and Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines

(RMHC) Philippines officially turned over the 56th Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Learning Center to the City of Manila earlier in April.

In a ceremonial event held at the McDonald’s United Nations–Del Pilar store, McDonald’s officials handed over the key to the latest Bahay Bulilit Learning Center to Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso, as well as other city officials. Located in Boystown Manila, this Bahay Bulilit is also the second such facility in the city, following the one in Quirino.

As the newest Bahay Bulilit Learning Center in the country, Bahay Bulilit Boystown actively supports the early childhood care and development needs of young learners in the community. The nationwide network of 56 Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers serves over 5,000 preschoolers every year.

“Today marks an important milestone for us with our Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit efforts in Manila. We remain committed to working alongside partners to support workers, families, and communities in meaningful ways,” said Margot Torres, McDonald’s Philippines managing director.

“The opening of the second Bahay Bulilit in Manila is also an expression of our continuing partnership with the city, not only through business, but also through programs that address community needs, such as education and employment, among others,” the executive added.

Joining Mayor Domagoso at the event were

Manila Vice Mayor Angela Lei Ilagan AtienzaValdepeñas, City Administrator Eduardo Quintos XIV, and Manila Department of Social Welfare head Jay R. dela Fuente. Also present at the turnover were top McDonald’s officials, including Torres; Ben Marasigan, vice president for Human Capital Group; Maricar Angeles, RMHC executive director; and Howard Lance Uyking, corporate communications director.

In the same event, Mayor Domagoso provided rice assistance for McDonald’s crew members, including senior citizens who are part of the

company’s inclusive hiring program, M for All. The Biyayang Bigas Para sa Maynila rice distribution was part of the city’s social relief measures, in partnership with the Office of the President under the 2026 Local Government Support Fund.

Since 2019, McDonald’s has been working closely with the City of Manila to provide economic opportunities for senior citizens. At present, as many as 51 senior citizens are actively working in 26 company-owned and franchise stores in Manila.

Rajo plays with memory and color in bold collection ‘Child’s Play’

FILIPINO fashion house Rajo, led by designer Rajo Laurel, presented its Spring-Summer 2026 collection “Child’s Play,” a line inspired by childhood memory, color, and imagination.

The collection centers on the idea of childhood as a period shaped by instinctive responses to color and emotion, rather than trends or rules. Laurel cited inspiration from designer Nina Tolstrup and her Bethnal Green Mews House project, which explores color through both structure and play.

Rojo used muted tones such as neutrals, earth shades, and pastels with brighter accents, including electric blue and saturated primary colors. The brand said the palette appears in layers and details that reveal themselves through movement and closer viewing.

Laurel said the collection draws from how early experiences shape emotional memory.

“There is a certain honesty in how children engage with the world,” he said. “They respond to color without hesitation or judgment.”

The collection features structured but fluid silhouettes designed to allow movement. Fabrics were selected for how they interact with color under different light conditions.

Rajo said the line aims to encourage slower engagement with clothing, with emphasis on observation and detail rather than immediate visual impact.

The brand also opened a new boutique at SM Aura Premier on April 6, which it said reflects the same design approach as the collection, with an “Child’s Play” is available at Rajo stores and online through