Manila Standard - 2026 May 13 - Wednesday

Bato cites three reasons why he came out from hiding

By Charles Dantes

SENATOR Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Tuesday pointed to three reasons for his return to the Senate, citing the recent leadership change and preparations for a possible conversion of the chamber into an impeachment court.

Senate to allow Bato’s arrest if local court orders Alan

of

ANY

In an interview with TV Patrol, Dela Rosa said the Senate had undergone a change in leadership, which he cited as one of the key factors of him showing up in the upper chamber after being missing in action for the last six months.

“Unang una nagkaroon ng change of

Protect me, Bato appeals to PBBM

Says he’s scared amid ICC arrest order

‘Senate to convene VP Sara trial forthwith’

THE Senate will convene “forthwith” as an impeachment court upon receipt of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte from the House of Repre-

sentatives amid warnings that any delay in the proceedings would be unconstitutional, according to Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano. Meanwhile, a group of law deans and professors decried the attempts of senators to forestall the impeach-

•Law deans, professors decry moves to stall trial

ment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte following a leadership coup against former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III in a 13-9-2 vote. Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima warned the new

By Othel V. Campos

By Ram Superable, Pot Chavez, Charles Dantes and Katrina Manubay

ROTECT me.”

“PSenator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa made this appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after the International Criminal Court confirmed it has issued an arrest warrant against him for crimes against humanity.

“President BBM, I am a Filipino. I am your constituent…I know you have no personal grudge against me. I hope as a Filipino, you will protect me,” said Dela Rosa, who was identified as a co-perpetrator in the ICC case against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“I hope he (President Marcos) won’t send me to The Hague. You can try me in any court here in the Philippines…Mr. President, if I have any accountability, I should be held accountable in a local

court and not in a foreign one,” he added. Dela Rosa, who has been placed under protective custody of the Senate, admitted he was scared of being shipped out to The Hague.

“We are just human,” said the senator, who was tagged by ICC prosecutors as having held a key role in the implementation of Duterte’s war on drugs as former Davao City police chief and eventually as Philippine National Police chief. Legal protections, legal limits Malacañang, for its part, assured Dela Rosa he would receive the legal protections afforded under Philippine law if he is arrested.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro

Palace: No sign of active destab efforts, but urges public vigilance

By Charles Dantes and Rex Espiritu

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday said it has not monitored any active destabilization plot against the Marcos administration, but urged the public to remain vigilant against misinformation and politically motivated narratives.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. also gave assurance there is no monitored any destabilization activities in relation to the impeachment proceedings

against Vice President Sara Duterte. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said authorities have not received any reports of ongoing efforts to destabilize the administration, even as rumors and speculation continue to circulate online.

“As of now, we have not heard of any plan to destabilize the government,” Castro said in a press briefing. She cited that allegations of destabilization attempts were not new and suggested that certain groups were

By Rolando Ng III

House elects

11-member prosecution for VP trial

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday formally elected an 11-member prosecution panel composed of lawmakers, lawyers, and legal experts who will represent the chamber in the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos moved to elect the 11 lawyer-lawmakers as prosecutors in the impeachment trial during the session presided over by Deputy Speaker Ferjenel Biron. Santos’ motion was granted.

The prosecution team includes senior House leaders and veteran legal practitioners from both the majority and minority blocs who will present the Articles of Impeachment and supporting evidence before the Senate during the impeachment trial.

Elected to the House prosecution panel were Reps. Joel Chua, Leila de Lima, Gerville Reyes-Luistro, Terry Ridon, Jose Manuel Diokno, Ysabel Maria Zamora, Lordan Suan, Jonathan Keith Flores, Lorenz Defensor, Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, and Arlene Bag-ao.

pushing their preferred candidates or political interests.

“We already know where those claims are coming from, and we know who they want to place in power,” Castro said.

Castro, however, did not identify any specific individuals or groups allegedly linked to rumors of destabilization.

The palace official called on Filipinos to be cautious and discerning, particularly amid the spread of fake news on social media and other platforms.

“We ask our fellow citizens to remain vigilant and critical, especially when it comes to fake news,” Castro said.

The administration has repeatedly warned about disinformation campaigns online, especially ahead of key political developments and national issues.

The defense chief said there had been no destabilization movements in the ranks of the military.

Teodoro clarified, however, that retired soldiers were beyond the department’s jurisdiction and monitoring.

“As normal citizens, they (retired soldiers) can exercise their right to freedom of speech,” he said.

“Majority and the bulk of retirees who we service do not associate themselves with those who are involved in anti-government activities because the retirees have different preoccupations, and right now, we have to thank them for their unconditional support to the initiatives of the DND on external and internal security,” Teodoro said.

“That is why we are grateful to the retirees,” he added.

Bill filed to expand financing

By Maricel V. Cruz

ABILL has been filed in the House of Representatives establishing the country’s first comprehensive legal framework for consumer-directed financial data sharing aimed at expanding access to formal financing while strengthening safeguards for privacy, consent, and responsible data use.

The measure, filed by Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and TINGOG Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre, was in-

troduced amid the rapid growth of the country’s digital financial ecosystem, where millions of Filipinos now regularly use e-wallets, digital payment systems, online banking platforms, and

provision of RA 9851,” she said.

‘That’s wrong’

other financial technologies for daily transactions, business activities, and financial management.

Recent data showed that digital payments accounted for 57.4 percent of all retail payment transactions in the Philippines in 2024, while an estimated 58 million Filipinos now use e-wallets, the bill’s authors said.

“Despite this growth, many Filipinos continue to face limited access to formal credit or unfavorable lending terms because traditional credit systems still rely heavily on conventional financial records such as bank loans, credit cards, and deposit relationships,” they said.

The lawmakers noted that while financial behavior has rapidly evolved in the digital age, many existing credit evaluation systems have yet to fully reflect these changes. As a result, freelancers, gig workers, small entrepreneurs, and individuals in the informal economy often struggle to access affordable and formal financing despite maintaining active and consistent digital financial records.

Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez said the measure recognizes that the way Filipinos participate in the economy has already changed and that financial systems must also adapt to these realities.

“We need to show the world, including our local law enforcers, that you cannot play around with the Senate as an institution,” Cayetano said.

“All we are asking for regarding Senator Bato is reason and logic. We should set aside emotions, shouldn’t we? We are a nation of laws,” he added.

The International Criminal Court has confirmed issuing an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa, who has been named as co-perpetrator in the crimes against humanity case of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

‘Voluntarily surrender’

While Cayetano moved to place Dela Rosa under Senate protective custody, five senators – Sotto, Panfilo Lacson, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan and Bam Aquino – have filed Resolution No. 395 urging Dela Rosa to “voluntarily surrender.”

In the resolution, the senators noted that the Senate “possesses no constitutional or statutory authority to provide ‘protective custody’ or sanctuary from unlawful arrest, surrender, or judicial processes.”

The minority senators said the Senate

said victims of alleged extrajudicial killings are also seeking government protection, and that all accused individuals would be treated in accordance with the law.

“An accused person like Senator Bato is asking for protection…Even the EJK victims are asking for protection from the government… Everyone will be given protection in accordance with the law,” Castro said.

“If he is arrested, all rights of an accused person will be given to him,” she added.

However, Castro noted there are legal limitations, noting that Republic Act 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity, governs the matter despite the country’s withdrawal from the ICC.

She said under Section 17 of RA 9851, the Philippines may defer to an international tribunal already conducting an investigation.

“We may waive our right and allow the international court to conduct the investigation. And we will only be following the

Vice President Sara Duterte, for her part, questioned efforts to serve the ICC arrest warrant, saying it should have been presented before a Philippine court.

“That’s wrong. Just like what they did to former President Rodrigo Duterte, that was also wrong. Because an arrest warrant from outside the Philippines, not issued by a Philippine court, should be presented in a Philippine court,” the Vice President said.

As this developed, the ICC Office of the Prosecutor welcomed the decision of the Pre-Trial Chamber I to unseal the arrest warrant against Dela Rosa.

“Mr. Dela Rosa’s warrant of arrest is an important step in the Office’s ongoing pursuit of accountability for alleged crimes committed in the context of the so-called ‘war on drugs’ campaign in the Philippines,” the Prosecution said.

The warrant, issued on November 6, 2025, has already been conveyed to the Philippine Center for Transnational Crimes.

“Based on evidence presented, the Chamber found there are reasonable grounds to believe that Mr. Dela Rosa, a former Davao City Police Director and subsequently chief of the Philip-

man said in his letter.

in a public document released on Friday by the ICC.

“Counsel informed Mr. Haynes of pending deadlines, and Mr. Haynes wrote that he will attend the status conference set for 27 May 2026,” Kauf-

leadership ang senado,” he said, with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano assuming

direct flights to major US destinations.

The project forms part of broader US-Philippines cooperation initiatives supporting a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” USTDA deputy director Thomas Hardy said.

has “historically respected judicial and prosecutorial processes involving its own members and former officials” – citing “the voluntary surrender of the later former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, the resort to legal remedies of former Senator Leila de Lima, and the judicial recourse taken by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.”

Trillanes, for his part, criticized the Senate leadership for obstructing the ICC and creating a constitutional crisis.

“I’m just hoping that this leadership change is temporary and that this is replaced at the soonest time possible so the sanity and dignity of the Senate can be restored… they’re creating one constitutional crisis after another just to protect their interests, but that won’t last,” Trillanes said.

“They cannot suddenly say, ‘Based on a Senate resolution, we are now exempt from all crimes.’ That’s absurd, right?

The law must still prevail,” he added.

Extremely urgent supplemental motion

Dela Rosa, who has been holed up at the Senate since Monday, has sought intervention from the Supreme Court through a 28-page “Extremely Urgent Supplemental Manifestation with Motion” to prevent the

Haynes served as counsel to Ugandan Joseph Kony in 2024, leaader of armed group Lord’s Resistance Army, who was served with an ICC warrant for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes.

He also represented Serb General Vinko Pandurevic at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia for his role in the 1995 Srebenica Massacre.

the Senate President post.

(First of all, there was a change of leadership in the Senate.)

He also cited an impending institutional shift as senators prepare for the possibility of the chamber sitting as an

“The high volume of direct international travel between the United States and the Philippines reflects the steadfast friendship of our two countries, and we share a desire to see passenger traffic flourish safely and efficiently,” Hardy said.

Cavitex selected California-based The S-A-P Group, LLC to undertake the study. The firm will provide technical expertise covering air traffic de-

National Bureau of Investigation from returning to the Upper Chamber and implementing the ICC arrest warrant.

Dela Rosa said the NBI attempt to prevent him from attending the Senate session constitutes a “grave intrusion by the Executive into the functioning of a co-equal constitutional branch.”

The senator also filed on Monday a 26-page urgent manifestation to prohibit any possible arrest, detention, or surrender to the ICC without a valid Philippine judicial warrant.

‘Declare Senate resolution null and void’

A senior high school teacher Barry Tayam, however, also filed a petition before the Supreme Court yesterday seeking to declare Senate Resolution No. 44, which provides protection for Dela Rosa, null and void.

In his 17-page petition, Tayam said:

“I seek a judicial declaration on the validity and domestic enforceability of the Warrant of Arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa.”

“In light of the ICC’s official confirmation and the subsequent public dissemination of said warrant by various media out-

pine National Police, is responsible for the crime against humanity of murder through his involvement in a common plan that lasted from approximately 1 November 2011 until 16 March 2019 to kill alleged victims in the Philippines,” the Pre-Trial Chamber I said.

In February, Dela Rosa, fellow Senator Christopher Go and six others were identified as “co-perpetrators” in former president Duterte’s crimes against humanity trial in documents released by ICC prosecutors.

“Duterte and his co-perpetrators shared a common plan or agreement to ‘neutralize’ alleged criminals in the Philippines (including those perceived or alleged to be associated with drug use, sale or production) through violent crimes including murder,” the prosecution document read.

ICC prosecutors have charged Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity, alleging his involvement in at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018 as part of his “war on drugs.” Prosecutors had argued Dela Rosa’s arrest would be “necessary to ensure his appearance before the court,” the newly unsealed warrant showed, noting he had reportedly threatened an investigator and labeled those who cooperated with the ICC as “traitors.” With AFP

Kaufman, in his letter, assured that Duterte’s new counsel will be able to competently represent him at the ICC as he thanked him for the “graceful, supportive, and collegial” exchange.

“I am convinced that Mr. Duterte’s representation will remain assured through Mr. Haynes, who has a wealth of experience at the International Criminal Court,” wrote Kaufman said.

impeachment court on the impeachment case againt Vice President Sara Duterte. “Pangalawa meron kaming impending conversion ng senate into an impeachment court,” he said.

mand forecasts, financial analysis, airport planning and recommendations for advanced aviation security systems.

The study will encourage the use of US-made airport technologies and services, including security screening systems, telecommunications infrastructure, safety equipment and airport construction components.

The proposed airport aligns with the

lets, this petition underscores the urgent need to resolve the jurisdictional conflict and the legal standing of such process within the Philippine territory, particularly in the absence of a clear domestic framework for its execution.”

The warrant, issued on November 6, 2025, has already been conveyed to the Philippine Center for Transnational Crimes.

Not a refuge

As this developed, former Senate President Franklin Drilon said the Upper Chamber should not serve as a refuge for Dela Rosa.

“The protective custody, in my humble opinion, does not apply to this particular case,” Drilon said in a television interview.

He clarified that senators cannot be arrested only if the crime involved carries a penalty of six years or less and if the Senate is actively in session during that time.

In the case of Dela Rosa, Drilon said neither of the two conditions is met.

Drilon added he counted himself lucky he is no longer a member of the Senate, citing the CCTV record showing Dela Rosa running up a stairway to escape supposed NBI agents out to execute the arrest warrant.

“This is an embarrassing situation for the institution,” he said.

For his part, Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre backed separate appeals from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and the Clergy for Good Governance for the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial and avoid any move that could weaken accountability “Forthwith. I also consulted Senator (Vicente) Sotto. He said to give it first to the committee. We will do what has to be done and there won’t be delays,” Cayetano told reporters.

All-member caucus by Wednesday

He expressed hope to hold an all-member caucus by Tuesday or Wednesday, to discuss issues including Duterte’s impeachment trial.

“There won’t be delays. You judge us on our actions. But I don’t know what time it will be received. I don’t know. That’s why I want a majority caucus so that it’s not a decision of only one group,” he said.

According to Senate Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza, the chamber has yet to receive the Impeachment Articles from the House.

“We have to calendar it for the session. If it doesn’t happen today, then tomorrow,” Mendoza said.

(Secondly, we have the impending conversion of the Senate into an impeachment court.)

He also referenced personal criticism regarding his Senate attendance and compensation.

Luzon Economic Corridor initiative, which seeks to improve connectivity and economic resilience in key Philippine growth areas.

Once developed, the Sangley airport is expected to help decongest Ninoy Aquino International Airport. That facility handled around 52 million passengers in 2025 amid rising demand for passenger and cargo traffic in Metro Manila. Senate majority that it has no constitutional option but to convene as an impeachment court once the Articles of Impeachment was transmitted by the House. She said any attempt to block the process could prompt the filing of a petition for mandamus before the Supreme Court.

Arrest warrant ‘alive, enforceable’

NBI Director Melvin Matibag, for his part, said the arrest warrant against Dela Rosa remains alive and enforceable.

“The warrant is still there, it’s alive. There is no TRO (temporary restraining order) or anything,” Matibag said, adding that he has also been coordinating with other government agencies, including the Department of Justice.

The Philippine National Police said its team is ready at any time to execute the arrest warrant when a court order is issued based on the coordination of Interpol and the National Central Bureau in Manila as well as the Philippine Center for Transnational Crimes.

“In the event that a court order is issued based on coordination through the NCB/PCTC and concerned authorities, the PNP will implement the appropriate contingency plans and necessary operational measures in accordance with due process and established protocols,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said.

“The PNP remains guided by existing laws and lawful directives in relation to the reported ICC warrant confirmation,” he added.

Palace: UPLIFT bill may join priority agenda

By Charles Dantes

THE Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council

(LEDAC) is scheduled to convene on May 19, with Malacañang indicating that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s proposed UPLIFT bill could be included among the administration’s priority measures.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Tuesday the proposal had already been discussed previously, although the government is still evaluating whether it would formally become part of the legislative agenda or if alternative measures would be pursued.

“Probably because the UPLIFT Bill was discussed before, so let’s see if it can be included or if there are other alternatives that can be done,” Castro said during a Palace briefing. Castro confirmed that the next LEDAC meeting will be held on May 19.

The UPLIFT initiative is among the government’s measures aimed at addressing the economic impact of ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerns over fuel prices and inflationary pressures that could affect Filipino households and businesses.

During the same briefing, Castro also explained why no UPLIFT meeting was held earlier Tuesday, saying the inter-agency body would now convene every two weeks instead of weekly.

“There will be a meeting every two weeks, so the next UPLIFT meeting is on May 19,” she said.

PH firms eye expanded trade with Paraguay

By Othel V. Campos

BUSINESS groups are looking at expanded trade and investment opportunities with Paraguay, particularly in electronics, business process outsourcing (BPO), agriculture, and renewable energy, following recent high-level engagements between the two countries, according to Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Ferdinand Ferrer.

Speaking on the sidelines of a USsponsored reception for new Luzon Economic Corridor partners on Tuesday, Ferrer said Paraguay’s investment pitch during recent discussions highlighted its low energy costs, businessfriendly environment, and strong renewable energy base.

Paraguay, which reportedly generates nearly all of its electricity from hydropower, offers some of the lowest electricity costs globally and has positioned itself as a competitive hub for energy-intensive industries, Ferrer said, citing discussions during the Philippine engagement with Paraguayan officials.

“They presented how easy it is to set up business there, with very low tax rates and competitive operating costs,” Ferrer said.

Hantavirus-hit ship’s Filipinos quarantine in Netherlands

By Vito Barcelo

THE Filipino seafarers aboard the hantavirus-hit MV Hondius will be repatriated to the Philippines after completing a six-week mandatory quarantine in Netherlands, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

During an online briefing, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said 24 of the 38 Filipino crew members would soon fly to the Netherlands from Tenerife, Spain, where the luxury cruise ship is anchored.

The 24 crew members, composed of hotel staff or stewards, will undergo a 42-day quarantine in the Netherlands.

Four crew members are scheduled to leave first, while the other 20 are expected to depart on Monday.

The remaining 14 Filipino crew members, composed of deck and engine staff, will stay onboard to sail the vessel to Rotterdam before beginning their own quarantine upon arrival.

The DMW chief said all Filipino crew members would eventually be sent home to the Philippines after completing quarantine protocols, adding that the ship owner would shoulder all expenses during the quarantine period.

“Even as they undergo quarantine, they will continue to sustain their families,” Cacdac said, assuring the

crew members they would continue receiving their salaries and contractual benefits while under quarantine.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said all Filipino crew members have so far tested negative for hantavirus.

He added that the incubation period for the virus can last up to 45 days, prompting authorities to require a 42day quarantine period in the Netherlands.

Hantavirus, a disease commonly spread through rodents and rarely through person-to-person contact, was first detected aboard the ship on May 2 after South African health authorities tested a British passenger who had been admitted to intensive care.

Mayor warns illicit tobacco violators

CALOOCAN City Mayor Dale Gon-

zalo Malapitan warned violators of the illicit tobacco ban of hefty fines following the implementation of the city’s Anti-Illicit Tobacco Trade Ordinance.

Under City Ordinance No. 1193, Series of 2026, the manufacture, distribution, and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products that fail to comply with national regulations are now strictly prohibited in the city.

Malapitan said the ordinance specifically targets tobacco products without proper Internal Revenue stamps, without required graphic health warnings, or those being sold below government-mandated pricing.

“By virtue of City Ordinance 1193, Series of 2026, or the Anti-Illicit Tobacco Trade Ordinance of Caloocan

City, the manufacture, distribution, and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products that do not comply with legal regulations are now strictly prohibited in our city,” Malapitan said.

The mayor added that violators may face fines, suspension or revocation of business permits, and possible imprisonment of up to one year.

He also directed the city’s Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) to ensure that all stores and businesses in Caloocan comply with the ordinance’s requirements.

Malapitan said the measure is intended to prevent the proliferation of smuggled and illegal products that may harm public health and undermine legitimate businesses operating in the city.

IN BRIEF

LGUs to require junk shops to verify materials LOCAL government units in Metro Manila are set to implement ordinances requiring junk shop owners and operators to ensure that the materials they purchase and sell are legitimate and not stolen. The initiative seeks to promote lawful commerce and reduce the circulation of stolen goods, strengthening efforts to maintain public order and safety in the National Capital Region.

The issue was discussed during a meeting of the Metro Manila Council and the Regional Development Council held Tuesday at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority headquarters in Pasig City. The MMC is composed of the 17 Metro Manila mayors and serves as the MMDA’s governing and policy-making body. Joel E. Zurbano

Taguig flu vaccination drive targets 120k seniors THE Taguig City government has launched a citywide flu vaccination program targeting up to 120,000 senior citizens.

Mayor Lani Cayetano led the rollout of the program, which is fully funded by the local government. She said the city aims to vaccinate between 115,000 and 120,000 elderly residents to help prevent complications such as pneumonia during flu season.

“This is the first citywide program fully implemented and funded by the local government to vaccinate our senior citizens against the flu,” Cayetano said, noting that flu cases usually rise during June and July.

The city selected Abbott Laboratories’ Influvac Tetra Quadrivalent vaccine, which Cayetano described as a trusted and widely used brand in private clinics and hospitals. She said the City Health Office carefully evaluated the vaccine before approving it for the program. Vince Lopez

LTO flags Ferrari, Aston Martin owners over traffic THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has flagged the owners and drivers of two sports cars—a Ferrari Coupe and an Aston Martin Vantage Coupe—over separate viral traffic violations.

“Law enforcement is not a measure of privilege or status in life. All motorists have a responsibility to be disciplined and responsible in using the road,” LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said. The LTO issued separate show cause orders against the owners and drivers of the

LEC to expand to cover 7 more nations

BAGUIO City—The governments of the Philippines, the United States, and Japan announced here recently the expansion of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) partnership to include Australia, Denmark, France, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

The LEC, formed in April 2024, as the first international cooperation for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) corridor in the Indo-Pacific, meant to enhance connectivity among Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas. Through coordinated investments in transport infrastructure, energy systems, digital connectiv-

IN BRIEF

OCD readies response plan as Kanlaon glows

THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Negros Island Region, through its Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, conducted on Monday a pre-disaster risk assessment–scenario building conference following occurrence of a crater glow at Kanlaon Volcano.

The meeting was convened by the OCD regional director Donato Sermeno III, and attended by representatives of various regional line agencies and local government units.

During the meeting, representatives from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration, PAGASA, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development presented updates and assessments as basis of preparedness measures in the region.

Ma. Antonia Bornas of Phivolcs said the observed “crater glow” or “banaag” may indicate a possible magmatic eruption. Rex Espiritu

‘Drive vs. noisy mufflers may cover entire NCR’

INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla has lauded Valenzuela City for its Safer Cities Initiative and signaled the possible expansion of the city’s anti-open muffler ordinance to cover other parts of Metro Manila to curb excessive traffic noise and strengthen public order. Speaking during a press conference in Valenzuela City on Monday, Remulla said close coordination among local government units, the Philippine National Police, and barangays is key to making communities safer.

“There is nothing that a determined local government, combined with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the barangay system, cannot do if they put their minds to it,” he said.

As part of the city’s Safer Cities campaign, Remulla joined Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian and Land Transportation Office Chief Markus Lakanilao in leading the destruction of 287 confiscated open pipe mufflers that exceeded the city’s 100-decibel noise limit for motorcycles. Vince Lopez

DMW padlocks illegal job placement agency

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has shut down an unlicensed Manila-based which allegedly offered prospective overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) high-paying jobs abroad.

In a statement, the DMW said operatives from the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau, assisted by the Manila Police District and the National Bureau of Investigation, carried out the closure operation against the agency, which had no valid license to recruit workers for overseas deployment.

The DMW said the agency advertised jobs for hotel workers, production operators, packers, and cleaners in Taiwan, Canada, Finland, and New Zealand, offering monthly salaries ranging from P170,000 to P210,000. Applicants were reportedly required to pay up to P260,000 for supposed visa processing and documentation expenses before deployment. Vito Barcelo

ity, and advanced manufacturing supply chains, the LEC was seen to create thousands of highquality jobs while transforming Luzon into a more prosperous and interconnected region.

“The expansion of the LEC partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration among likeminded nations committed to transparency and

steering committee.

“Together, we are building infrastructure that will improve daily life for millions of Filipinos and create new opportunities for businesses, industries, and communities in our partner countries and across the region,” he added.

The LEC partners share a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and pledge to promote fair and transparent economic development. They are committed to contribute through technical assistance, financing, and facilitation of private sector

investments, while actively participating in working groups focused on transport, energy, and digital infrastructure. Australia is mobilizing investment in the LEC through Australia’s Manila Deal Team, reinforced by technical assistance under the partnerships for infrastructure program and a new P1.9-billion (US$32.6-million) collaboration with the Philippines on inclusive economic growth.

Denmark is also contributing to the LEC by revitalizing Philippine shipbuilding, advancing green maritime innovation, and fostering investments, jobs, and sustainable industrial development. Working with government

NPA leader dies in clash with Army in Surigao

By Rex Espiritu

JOINT military forces have neutralized a ranking leader of the communist movement’s Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) during an armed encounter in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur on May 11, the Philippine Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade said. In a statement, the brigade said troops from the 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion and the 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion engaged members of the New People’s Army in Sitio Casting, Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. Killed in the encounter was Edilberto

Daval, also known as “Bong,” “Waco,” and “Bill,” who was identified as the 2nd Deputy Secretary of the NEMRC Executive Committee and Commanding Officer of the Regional Operations Command.

One alleged rebel identified as Jaymark Bada Lamela alias “Miggy” or “Migz,” reportedly a security member of the Regional Operations Command, was also captured during the operation.

Government troops recovered one Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle and one R4 rifle from the encounter site.

The military noted that Daval’s wife, identified as Lucena Candia alias “Louise” or “Madi,” was also previously

House panel passes bill on role of PTCAs in protecting pupils

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives Committee on Welfare of Children has approved a substitute bill seeking to institutionalize and enhance the role of Parent-Teacher and Community Associations (PTCAs) in promoting the welfare and protecting the rights of children in public schools. The measure, principally authored by 26 lawmakers led by Reps. Lani Mercado-Revilla, Bryan Revilla, Ramon Jolo Revilla III, Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, Jude Acidre, Giselle Mary Maceda, and Richelle Singson, consolidated and substituted House Bills. 415, 2972, and 4069. The committee chaired by AKO ILOKANO AKO Party-list Rep. Richelle Singson approved on Monday.

“The bill provides the statutory framework that has long been lacking,” said Singson, noting that the PTCA has existed for decades but only through administrative issuances and not by statutory mandate. She said among the salient features of the bill include the following: 1) the institutionalization of the PTCA in all public child development centers and basic education schools, 2) the establishment of a community representative in the PTCA who will serve in an advisory and resource capacity with no voting rights, 3) the mandating of the PTCA to designate a parent representative to the school child protection committee, elevating an administrative practice to statutory, and 4) the protection of parental freedom of choice in the PTCA as the organization’s membership is voluntary.

killed in a separate encounter on April 17.

“This development marks the continuing collapse of the CTG’s leadership and operational capability in NEMRC,” said Col. Glenn Joy Aynera, acting commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade.

“The neutralization of key CTG personalities disrupts their remaining network and reflects the effectiveness of sustained military operations and strong community support in maintaining peace and security in the region,” he added.

Aynera also urged remaining rebels to surrender and avail themselves of government reintegration programs.

and the private sector, Denmark’s shipbuilding initiative is expected to generate some 10,000 jobs. France, for its part, is strengthening connectivity in the LEC by financing 100 bridges through official development assistance, and industrial capacity building through a foreign direct investment project in the aeronautics sector. Italy, on the other hand, is contributing to the development of quality, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure by increasing its public financial support in order to facilitate private sector investment from Italian companies in the transport, semiconductors, and manufacturing sectors.

Senate panel set to review newly approved treaties

By Ram Superable

THE Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on Monday opened a formal review of newly ratified defense and legal treaties to ensure they uphold national sovereignty and provide mutual benefit.

The panel chaired by Sen. Erwin Tulfo – before the Senate leadership changed hands Monday night, with Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano becoming the new Senate President -- examined the status of Visiting Forces Agreements with Canada and New Zealand, as well as the recently ratified ASEAN Treaty on Extradition.

“By opening our doors to middle powers like Canada and New Zealand, we are building a broader coalition to secure the Indo-Pacific and improve our disaster response. But let me be clear, hosting foreign troops is never just a routine administrative matter. It is a profound issue of sovereignty,” Tulfo said. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ratified the defense agreements with Canada and New Zealand in March and April as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s international security partnerships. During the hearing, the committee reviewed provisions covering criminal jurisdiction, custody arrangements, and environmental liability to ensure the agreements provide genuine reciprocity. Lawmakers also evaluated the ASEAN extradition treaty, which aims to strengthen regional cooperation against cross-border crimes such as human trafficking and cyber fraud.

Sen. Loren Legarda compared the provisions of the new agreements with existing defense treaties involving Australia and Japan.

Legarda also raised questions on how the accords align with existing domestic laws on maritime security and sovereign rights.

OPINION

The price of integrity

THERE are moments in public life when everything becomes clear—not because the noise fades, but because someone refuses to play along.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto’s statement hitting Batangas first district representative Leandro Leviste cuts through the clutter with one simple, uncomfortable truth: integrity has a price, and not everyone is willing to pay it.

In a political environment where transactions are often disguised as “negotiations,” the allegation that hundreds of millions—then billions—were offered in exchange for political advantage is not just shocking.

It is revealing. It exposes a mindset where power is transactional, where loyalty is bought, and where public service is reduced to a marketplace.

Recto’s response was equally revealing. He refused. Twice.

That refusal matters more than the amount offered.

Because in a system where many assume “everyone has a price,” the mere act of saying no becomes an act of defiance. It reasserts a standard that many have quietly abandoned: that public office is not for sale. The deeper issue here is not just alleged bribery. It is the normalization of bribery as a political tool.

When someone can casually propose P400 million, then escalate to P1 billion, it tells us this is not experimentation—it is habit.

It is a worldview where governance is secondary to maneuvering, and elections are games to be rigged, not contests to be earned.

Recto’s framing is telling. He does not merely deny. He contextualizes. He points to a pattern—pressure, escalation, persistence. And in doing so, he shifts the conversation from personalities to principles. What kind of leadership do we tolerate?

Because the truth is, corruption does not thrive because of a few bad actors. It thrives because people begin to accept it as inevitable. Because citizens start to believe that everyone plays the same game. Statements like this disrupt that narrative. They remind us that there are still lines that can be drawn—and held.

It is also significant that Recto chose to speak not just in legal terms, but in moral ones. Words like “insulting,” “infuriating,” and “respect” are not the language of policy—they are the language of values. And perhaps that is what this issue ultimately is: not a legal dispute, but a moral test. Public service, at its core, is a trust. Every peso in the budget, every decision

made, carries the weight of that trust. To attempt to bend that trust through bribery is to betray not just an individual, but the public itself.

Recto’s refusal, therefore, is not just personal. It is institutional. It says: there are still people in government who will not bend. And in a time when cynicism is easy and trust is scarce, that matters more than ever.

How long can the Senate protect Bato from arrest?

It now appears that the Senate minority convinced Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ de la Rosa to surface from hiding and stealthily make his way to the Senate hall mainly to beef up their numbers and launch a coup against Senate President Tito Sotto. What for?

Integrity has a price, and not everyone is willing to pay it

To ensure that they have the numbers to acquit Vice President Sara Duterte from conviction if her impeachment trial runs the full course. Or perhaps even stop it from proceeding at all.

A good move definitely for Alan Peter Cayetano to take over the plum Senate post and dictate the terms of the impeachment trial of the Vice President.

But what the pro-Duterte faction in the Upper House failed to consider in their surreptitious invitation to Bato to boost their numbers was that the former PNP chief was already in the crosshairs of agents of the National Bureau of Investigation and former Sen. Antonio Trillanes who waved a copy of the arrest warrant issued by the ICC as far back as November last year.

What the absentee senator did not know was that the NBI was already waiting for him in the Senate premises ready to pounce on him and bring him to justice.

And television cameras showed Bato running at a fast clip up the Senate stairs and even clumsily falling at one point to desperately escape the clutches of NBI agents already deployed there.

And the question is: How long can new Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and his confederates keep protecting Bato from the long arm of the law and make him accountable for his role as the chief implementor of Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs from 2016 onwards? (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Championing ETEEAP

THERE are many Filipinos who carry wisdom in their hands.

They have built homes, repaired machines, managed teams, cared for patients, served communities, raised families, kept offices running, led barangays, worked overseas, and solved problems every day. They have learned through discipline, sacrifice, responsibility, and years of experience. Yet for many of them, one thing has remained out of reach: a college degree.

This is why the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program, or ETEEAP, matters.

Republic Act 12124, the ETEEAP Act, gives legal recognition to a simple but powerful truth: learning does not happen only inside classrooms. Learning also happens in workplaces, homes, communities, public service, and everyday life. For many working Filipinos, experience has been their classroom. Service has been their training. Responsibility has been their teacher.

For a long time, our education system has often measured learning through the usual path: finish high school, enter college, complete the required years, earn the degree. That path remains important. It forms millions of young Filipinos and prepares them for work, leadership, and citizenship.

But life does not always follow one straight road.

Some Filipinos had to work early. Some had to support their families. Some became parents at a young age. Some left school to care for siblings. Some chose duty over diploma. Some built careers from the ground up, learn-

ing by doing, leading by experience, and growing through years of honest labor.

ETEEAP gives these Filipinos a dignified pathway back to higher education.

It allows qualified working adults to have their prior learning, professional experience, and competencies assessed and recognized by higher education institutions. It does not simply give away degrees. It creates a structured, credible, and standards-based process where experience can be evaluated, validated, and translated into academic recognition.

ETEEAP raises the standard of what higher education can become

That distinction is important.

ETEEAP is not a shortcut. It is a bridge.

It honors experience while protecting quality. It opens access while upholding standards. It gives working Filipinos a chance to complete a degree while recognizing that they have already learned much through life.

For me, the significance of ETEEAP can be understood in three words: it inspires, it includes, and it improves.

First, it inspires.

Many adult learners carry the quiet ache of an unfinished degree. They may have spent years telling themselves that college was already behind them. They may have watched younger colleagues

The low upper chamber

MONDAY, May 11, was certainly not a slow news day for Philippine journalism.

Two hundred fifty-seven members of the House of Representatives voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte. They did so on the strength of the unanimously approved Committee of Justice report that found probable cause for the four articles of impeachment against her.

But even before the House tally was finished, something else – something as big if not bigger – had started happening at the Senate. Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who had not been showing up for work but has been collecting a fat salary for six months, arrived at the premises.

He was fuming, because apparently he had been chased by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation.

The NBI, along with former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, claimed to have in their possession an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. The ICC has tagged Dela Rosa as a conspirator to former President

Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs. Later in the evening, the ICC spokesperson confirmed that the warrant was valid.

Not even a show of decency

Ever the loyal soldier, Dela Rosa loved the Dutertes too much to risk everything, even his liberty, just to be present as he and his colleagues ousted Senate President Vicente Sotto III, and installed the Duterte-friendly Alan Peter Cayetano. This was machinated in all likelihood to ensure that the impeachment trial of the younger Duterte – which had already passed from the House to the Senate – would not see its logical and just end. Over the years we’ve seen much of Bato and his antics, and while

By Jose Antonio Goitia

WHAT the nation witnessed in the Senate this Monday was not a simple change of guards or a routine reorganization of committees. It was a calculated maneuver—a surgical strike designed to dismantle an impeachment court before it could ever be convened.

The timing was far too precise to be dismissed as mere political friction.

For months, the chamber operated under a specific rhythm.

Then, in a single afternoon, a senator who had been absent for months suddenly reappears, four members of the majority cross the aisle, and 13 votes effectively strip Vicente Sotto III of the Senate Presidency to install Alan Peter Cayetano.

We must call this what it is: an act of political preservation.

The Shield of the Status Quo

Before his removal, Sotto had already made his position clear.

He was prepared to fulfill his Constitutional duty and convene the Senate as an impeachment court once the House of Representatives transmitted the articles against Vice President Sara Duterte.

That readiness was his undoing.

The objective was never about “improving legislative efficiency” or “fostering a new direction.”

The objective was to ensure that the impeachment process—the ultimate mechanism of public accountability— would never see the light of day.

By changing the leadership, they didn’t just change a name on a door; they changed the rules of the game to protect a powerful figure from scrutiny.

The Collapse of Principle

The most disappointing aspect of this coup isn’t the power play itself—politics is, after all, a game of numbers. The tragedy lies in the hypocrisy.

move ahead because of credentials. They may have trained people who later rose faster because they had formal qualifications.

ETEEAP tells them that their story can still continue.

Their years of labor count. Their skills matter. Their knowledge has value. Their journey still holds promise. That is deeply powerful, because education should always awaken hope. It should help people look at their own lives and say: there is still another chapter waiting to be written.

Second, ETEEAP includes.

It widens the gates of higher education.

The Filipino learner comes in many forms. Sometimes, the learner is an eighteen-year-old freshman. Sometimes, the learner is a mother in her forties, a father in his fifties, a migrant worker coming home, a local official who has served for years, or an employee who has spent decades building competence without

this latest caper is deplorable as it is pathetic, it would really be going against his nature to behave with more dignity. His comeuppance for his murderous deeds he is accused of, as the main implementor of the war against drugs, is so imminent we can smell it.

But the other senators who ousted Sotto have much to answer for.

They will live in infamy as socalled public servants who sacrificed the public good for their political survival. Contrary to what the Dutertes have been saying, the impeachment is backed by solid evidence, as we have seen in the Justice Committee proceedings. Anyone would have to be blind or fanatical to not recognize the inherent merit in the proof. Alas, millions seem to applaud – and rabidly so -- those impeachable acts.

The next few days will tell us whether the newly reorganized Senate would at least make a show of decency, or continue to act beyond redemption.

Monday, May 11, was a grim day for Filipinos who had hoped to see even a hint of virtue in their leaders.

The Senate coup was never about leadership

Several of the senators who orchestrated this move have spent years branding themselves as the ultimate defenders of faith, morality, and patriotism. But Monday provided a litmus test for those claims, and many of them failed spectacularly.

You cannot claim to stand for principle only when it is convenient or when it carries no personal cost.

Leadership is tested in the crucible of difficult moments, not in the comfort of backroom deals.

Then there is the matter of Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa.

The most disappointing aspect of this coup isn’t the power play itself... The tragedy lies in the hypocrisy

His sudden reappearance after a prolonged absence to cast a deciding vote is a visual metaphor for the current state of our politics.

People remember the record attached to his name. Under his watch, many ordinary Filipinos were lost to the drug war while the major drug lords remained largely untouched. When a leader disappears while questions of accountability follow him, only to resurface the moment political power needs a shield, the contradiction is impossible to ignore. Is he a hero of the people, or a protector of the powerful?

The Filipino people can see the difference.

The Mirage of ‘Unity’

formal recognition. A truly responsive higher education system must have room for all these journeys. When ETEEAP recognizes learning from work and life, higher education becomes more humane. It becomes more flexible. It becomes more Filipino. Third, ETEEAP improves. It strengthens the connection between education and employment. It helps workers upgrade their qualifications. It allows industries to benefit from a better-credentialed workforce. It encourages institutions to assess competencies with rigor and fairness. It also pushes our higher education system to think more creatively about how learning is measured. In a changing economy, this matters greatly. The future of work will reward skills, adaptability, and lifelong learning. Workers will need to keep growing. In-

The new Senate majority is already calling for “unity.” I reject this framing. Unity is a noble concept, but it loses all meaning when it is used as a silencer to stifle dissent or avoid transparency. Real unity is built on the bedrock of the law and the truth. If “unity” means we must stop questioning those in power, then “unity” is simply another word for the erosion of democracy.

Our institutions must answer first to the Filipino people, not to the survival instincts of a political class or the subtle nudges of foreign influence. A Call to Vigilance I stand firmly with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his efforts to defend our national sovereignty amidst rising regional tensions. However, the President cannot defend the Republic alone. He needs a Senate whose primary loyalty is to the Philippine flag, not to individual political dynasties or outside interests.

The danger of this Senate coup is that it signals a shift toward institutional passivity. This is how democracies weaken— not all at once in a single explosion, but step by step, vote by vote, until the damage becomes irreversible. Do not dismiss Monday’s events as “ordinary political drama.”

This was a test of our institutional integrity.

It is now up to us, the Filipino people, to decide whether we will allow our institutions to be shaped by those seeking protection, or whether we will demand they remain the bastions of the nation.

(The writer, who holds Juris Doctor, PhD dgrees, is the Chairman Emeritus of Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya, People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, and the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement.)

stitutions will need to keep adjusting. Government will need to keep building pathways so Filipinos can move forward at different stages of life. It reminds us that education is not only preparation for life. Education can also recognize what life has already taught. At its heart, ETEEAP is about dignity. It tells the construction worker, the caregiver, the technician, the barangay leader, the office employee, the seafarer, and the overseas Filipino worker: your experience matters. Your learning deserves recognition. Your dream still has a place in this country. That is the promise of ETEEAP. It gives hope.

It opens doors.

It raises the standard of what higher education can become.

And when higher education learns to honor every valid pathway to learning, the whole nation becomes wiser, fairer, and stronger.

Russia, Ukraine resume strikes as truce ends, 1 dead—officials

KYIV—Russia resumed strikes on Ukraine as a three-day truce expired on Tuesday, attacking the capital with drones and killing one person in the eastern region of Dnipropetrovsk, Ukrainian authorities said.

The Russian military meanwhile said it had shot down 27 Ukrainian drones after the ceasefire expired.

US President Donald Trump had announced the truce on Friday, hours before Russia’s World War II victory celebrations, saying he hoped it would mark “the beginning of the end” of the four-year-old conflict. But even before it expired, the two countries had traded accusations of attacks on civilians that violated the truce.

As the ceasefire ended on Tuesday, Kyiv came under drone attacks, according to Ukrainian authorities.

“Enemy UAVs are currently over Kyiv. Please stay safe until the alert is cleared,” the head of the capital’s military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, posted on Telegram.

The alert siren was the first confirmed in the capital since Friday, before the ceasefire came into force.

Kyiv’s regional military administration told residents to remain in shelters and said its air defences could be operating in the area.

Russian strikes in eastern Ukraine killed one person and wounded at least four others, regional military authorities said.

The strikes killed a man and wounded a woman in the area of Synelnykove in the Dnipropetrovsk region, the head of the regional military administration Oleksandr Ganzha posted on Telegram.

He added three others were wounded in strikes elsewhere in Dnipropetrovsk.

On the Russian side, “air defence duty assets intercepted and destroyed 27 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles” over the Belgorod, Voronezh and Rostov regions from midnight to 7:00 am Moscow time, Russia’s defense ministry said in a statement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had said Monday that fighting with Russia was ongoing despite the truce, accusing Moscow of not wanting to end the war started by President Vladimir Putin’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

“Today there was no silence at the front, there was fighting. We have recorded all of this,” Zelenskyy said in his daily address in the final hours of the truce.

Zelensky also said it was “clear that the war in Iran is now drawing the most attention from America”.

Negotiations on the Russia-Ukraine war have so far led nowhere, and have been largely sidelined by the Iran conflict— though Trump’s ceasefire announcement had raised some hope that US-led talks to end Russia’s invasion could be resumed. AFP

Trump shrugs off Taiwan worries ahead of Xi meet

WASHINGTON, DC—

President Donald Trump said Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) he was ready to discuss US arms sales to Taiwan during his visit this week to Beijing, as he suggested his personal chemistry with counterpart Xi Jinping would prevent a Chinese invasion of the island.

The White House said Trump will bring along top US executives including his former nemesis Elon Musk and Apple’s Tim Cook for a trip expected to focus heavily on the US president’s hopes to ramp up trade. China said it hoped to achieve greater stability

between the world’s two largest economies during the visit lasting Wednesday through Friday, the first by a US president since Trump went in 2017.

Asked if the United States should keep selling weapons to Taiwan, a key irritant for Beijing, Trump did not answer directly but said: “I’m going to have that discussion with President Xi.” “President Xi would like us not to, and I’ll have that discussion. That’s one of the many things I’ll be talking about,” he said, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office.

Trump, after referencing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, said of Taiwan, “I don’t think it’ll happen.”

“I think we’ll be fine. I have a very good relationship with President Xi. He knows I don’t want that to happen,” he said.

But Trump also noted that the United States was “very, very far away” compared with China. AFP

Trump warns Mideast truce on ‘life support,’ Iran ready for any attack

WASHINGTON, DC—President Donald Trump warned the ceasefire in the Middle East war was on "life support" Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) after rejecting the latest counteroffer from Iran, which said its military stood ready to respond to any act of aggression.

The president's angry reaction to Iran's position—delivered in response to a US proposal—sent oil prices soaring and dashed hopes that a deal could be quickly negotiated to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping.

After slamming the reply as "TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE," Trump insisted the United States would see a "complete victory" over Iran, adding that the truce which has largely halted fighting in the Gulf for over a month was on its last legs.

"The ceasefire is on massive life support, where the doctor walks in and says, 'Sir, your loved one has approximately a one percent chance of living,'" he told reporters on Monday.

Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who served as chief negotiator in previous talks with Washington, said shortly afterwards that his country was prepared "for any eventuality."

"Our armed forces are ready to respond and to teach a lesson for any aggression," he wrote on X. "A bad strategy and bad decisions always lead to bad results—the world already understands this."

The developments unnerved global

markets already thrown into

by the

and the

and

Warriors, Bolts go for kill vs. separate foes

By Jeremiah Sevilla

ARMED with twice-to-beat advantage, NLEX and Meralco go for the kill against the lower-seeded TNT and Magnolia, respectively, as the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals kick off on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The No. 1 Road Warriors take on the No. 8 Tropang Giga in the curtain-raiser at 5:15 p.m. while the No. 4 Bolts battle the No. 5 Hotshots in the second game at 7:30 p.m. Coach Jong Uichico’s NLEX squad finished atop the 13-team standings after racking up a franchise-record 10 wins against two losses in the elimination round.

The Road Warriors are fresh from a full week of break after taking a 123-112 overtime win against Titan Ultra to close out the eliminations on a four-game winning roll last May 5. Main man Robert Bolick urged his NLEX teammates to avoid complacency going into the playoffs especially after needing to erase a 14-point deficit just to overcome the also-ran Giant Risers in a nonbearing game.

“Sa playoffs, every possession counts. Dapat ready to play kami lahat,” said Bolick,

who is expected to spearhead the offense together with import Cady Lalanne and Schonny Winston. For its part, the defending Commissioner’s Cup champion TNT is looking to repeat its 103-97 victory over NLEX in the elims and force a sudden death on Saturday.

Super import Bol Bol, who paces the league with 38.17 points and 4.3 blocks on top of 14.67 rebounds, will still be at the forefront of the Tropa’s attack. But the Chot Reyesmentored team is hoping to get more production from the locals led by Calvin Oftana. Meanwhile, Meralco and Magnolia face off just a few days after their elimination round clash last Sunday. The Hotshots, led by Clint Chapman, Zavier Lucero, and Mark Barroca, are eyeing to replicate their 93-76 romp over the Bolts as coach LA Tenorio’s men aim to forge a decider.

Record turnout fuels Shopwise Bike Fest

THE Shopwise Bike Fest is gaining momentum as the annual cycling event has already breached the 3,000-participant mark ahead of its May 17 staging at Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite – a milestone that highlights the growing enthusiasm for cycling, wellness and family-oriented outdoor activities.

With registration still ongoing, organizers expect the number to climb even higher in what has become one of the country’s fastestgrowing community cycling events.

The record turnout comes as no surprise to Shopwise and organizer Sunrise Events, Inc., which witnessed overwhelming support during the event’s first two editions. What started as a fitness-driven cycling gathering has now evolved into a broader movement advocating healthy lifestyles, stronger family connections and sustainable mobility.

Registration remains open through the official event website, while updates and announcements are available via Shopwise’s official social media channels.

This year’s bikefest positions cycling as an alternative to sedentary habits and excessive screen time, especially among children. Organizers hope the event encourages families to spend more time outdoors, engaging in meaningful activities that promote physical health, social interaction and emotional well-being.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2026

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

PH’s Esquivel repeats as longboard king in Mexico meet

By Randy M. Caluag

JAY-R Esquivel successfully defended his crown against an international field of elite surfers in the men’s longboard division of the MexiLog Fest 2026 in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México.

Esquivel, who also won the title in the previous edition, leaned on consistency and control throughout the competition, showcasing clean nose rides and fluid transitions to outclass a roster of top longboarders from various countries, according to organizers’ post.

Among those he bested were Jonathan Melendrez, John Van Hoestein, Michael Van Hoestein, Federico Nesti, Jhonny Pitzer, Tommy Coleman, Raymond Sayles, Kevin Skavrna, Jefson Silva, Frederico Carrilho, Ian Gottron, Antonio Dantas, Slater Fleck, Miguel Ferro, and Emanuel Alva.

“I still can’t believe that I won and became the back-to-back champion here,” Esquivel said in a social media post after the event. “There were so many amazing surfers from different parts of the world, so it’s truly an honor to compete and win again at this event.

“Huge thanks to the organizers for inviting me, and to everyone who became part of this unforgettable experience,” he said. “The energy, the people, and the whole event were incredible.”

Yambong lifts Batangas past Paranaque 5

THE Batangas City Tanduay Athletics greeted the second quarter with a 20-point cluster and went on to rout the Paranaque Patriots, 91-53, in the nightcap on Monday in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Ino Comboy presided over that Batangas blitz, firing 11 points on a jumper and three straight triples, followed by Rhinwill Yambing with 5 points as the Athletics pulled away to stay, 41-14, with 3 minutes and 48 seconds left before the half.

Atoning for his goal-tending violation that pushed Cebu past Batangas, 84-83, on April 22, Yambing finished with 25 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals and was chosen the SportsPlus best player over Jhan Nermal, with 16 points and 7 rebounds, and Comboy, with 13 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.

Batangas raised its record to 5-2, trailing Caloocan (6-0), Gensan (60), Quezon Province (3-0), Ilagan Isabela (5-1), San Juan (4-1), and Abra (3-1) in the standings of the two-division, 28-team tournament.

Stage 13 honors went to Min Kyeong Ho

and-back route at the Pangasinan

Prospero

Shulchenko refuses to relax as Tour of Luzon crown nears

By Riera U. Mallari

LINGAYEN (Powered by PLDT Home) – Don’t expect Nikita Shulchenko of the LCW UAE Cycling Team to slow down in the final stage of the 2026 MPTC Tour of Luzon in Baguio, even with the overall title virtually in the bag.

On Wednesday, the Russian machine will ride as if the race is still up for grabs.

“No relaxing,” said Shulchenko when asked what his plan would be in the killer Baguio final stage as he casually rode his stationary practice bike at his team tent after finishing second in the Stage 13 ITT on Tuesday.

Stage honors went to Min Kyeong

Ho of the Seoul Cycling Team, the 2017 Tour of Korea champion, who dominated the 20-kilometer out-andback route at the Pangasinan Baywalk in 25 minutes and 39 seconds. Shulchenko followed 22 seconds later after a controlled but forceful ride over the windy, uneven course as he stretched his cushion over nearest rival Antoine Huby of the 7-Eleven to 3:50 in the general classification, a

margin considered comfortable with only the final stage remaining.

“I tried to win, but it was a horror,” said Shulchenko. “It was a hard race, it was very hot and the road was not good. But I did my best.”

Wednesday’s Stage 14 presents a brutal 181.8-kilometer test from Lingayen to Baguio, highlighted by two intermediate sprints and the dreaded 38.6-kilometer Hors Categorie climb that begins at the Benguet Welcome Arch and snakes through Loakan Road to the finish at John Hay. Huby looms as the most dangerous climber in the field, having already conquered the Bessang Pass in Stage 10 and the Mangatarem summit in Stage 12, terrain similar to what awaits in the finale.

Behind them, the rest of the contenders just chasing positions.

Shulchenko’s teammate Yousef Ibraheim Alrefai sits 5:37 back, while Nash Joshua Lim of MPT Drivehub Cycling Team and 7-Eleven favorite Mervin Corpuz trail by 8:05 and 8:54, respectively. Muhammad Syawal Mazlin of the Malaysian National Team and 7-Eleven’s Ronnilan Quita are 9:26 and 9:46 behind, while Rustom Lim of MPT and Min’s teammate Jung Woo Ho are 12:19 and 13:30 off the lead.

For Min, the time trial victory was redemption after finishing third in a similar effort in Stage 7. “I’m more fresh and I have more confidence and determination this time,” said Min, who vowed to return next year.

FESSAP forms chess team for ASEAN University Games

By Graham C. Lim

FEDERATION of School Sports Association of the Philippines has finalized the chess team that will represent the country in the 22nd ASEAN University Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, following the conclusion of the 5th FESSAP Chess Championship 2026 in Manila.

The tournament, held at the Malayan School of Science, served as the official selection event for the national collegiate delegation set to compete from December 10 to 19.

Emerging from a competitive field in the College Men’s Division, Jerome Angelo Aragones of De La Salle University–Dasmariñas secured the Board 1 spot, while John Red Narito of Polytechnic University of the Philippines earned Board 2. The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA will be represented by two qualifiers, Wenlan Temple at Board 3 and Marc Nemis at Board 4, while Janmyl Dilan Tisado of De La Salle University–Dasmariñas clinched Board 5. These student-athletes will carry the Philippine colors against the region’s top university players in Kuala Lumpur.

FESSAP President Edwin C. Fabro appointed Mary G. Ng as Head of Delegation, with David Ong serving as Deputy Head for the Games.

The staging of the national championship was supported by partners including Philippine Amuse-

The chess winners display their medals while flashing the no. 1 sign.

ment and Gaming Corporation, Philippine Airlines, and LT Group Inc.

FESSAP also credited its management committee, led by Tournament Director Jan Roldan Oriendo, for ensuring the smooth conduct of the event that determined the country’s representatives as preparations now begin for the ASEAN campaign. The successful staging of the FESSAP Chess

Championship was made possible through the cooperation and support of the following partners, namely Mapua University, Technological University of the Philippines, PAGCOR, Philippine Airlines, LT Group Inc., OMNI Electrical & Lighting, Philippine National Bank, Asia Brewery Inc., BESTANK, Healthy Options, KELME, Fronte Motor Parts, TAN YAN KEE Foundation, and HENN Athletic Club.

Herrera sparks Enderun surge, shakes up IIT title race

TAGAYTAY—Enderun Colleges, powered by a bounce-back performance from Kristyanna Herrera, turned the ICTSI Intercollegiate Tournament on its head here on Tuesday, seizing control of the women’s division and shaking up both the individual and team title races after the second round at Tagaytay Midlands and Lucky 9 courses. Herrera delivered a tournamentbest 100 under demanding conditions at the backside of the Midlands course and the tricky Lucky 9 layout, transforming a four-stroke deficit into a five-shot lead in the individual competition. Her steady surge also propelled Enderun to an unexpected four-stroke advantage in the women’s team standings, setting up a tense chase heading into the final 36 holes.

Erstwhile leader Phoebe Bucay of La Salle faltered with a 109 and

slipped to second at 210, five strokes behind Herrera’s 205 aggregate (105100). The La Salle anchor’s stumble opened the door for a dramatic reshuffle atop both leaderboards, tightening what had been a controlled contest into a volatile title battle.

Stacey Chan, also of La Salle, slipped to third at 220 after a 114, while Enderun’s Daine Pillerin and Ateneo’s Tatiana Ong remained tied for fourth at 221 after identical 107s. College of St. Benilde’s Olivia Bermudo dropped to sixth at 224 after a 110. In the team race, Enderun’s threeto-play, two-to-count lineup – despite Danielle Lafuente’s 111 not being included – produced a 426 total after a 207, putting the college in an unfamiliar but increasingly confident position atop the standings. La Salle, despite a 223 and a 430 total, stayed within striking distance in

second, while St. Benilde (226-446) and Mapua (233-462) trailed in third and fourth, respectively.

Herrera cited her strong recovery and late surge to staying relaxed on a day when the Midlands and Lucky 9 winds eased and stayed away for most of the round.

“My game was much better today because I stayed relaxed, although it was still very challenging since it was a lot hotter than yesterday,” said Herrera, who also leaned on solid fairway wood shots and a much-improved short game.

“I was able to control the greens better and, more importantly, I really enjoyed myself out there. I think that helped me play a lot better,” she added.

Despite taking the lead, Herrera admitted she was not entirely satisfied with her round after carding several costly double bogeys.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Business leaders urge stability after Senate shake-up

By Othel V. Campos

BUSINESS leaders called for policy continuity and stronger institutional stability Tuesday following a sudden leadership change in the Senate that has been linked to a political realignment ahead of impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

The Senate installed Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as its new president after a 13-9 vote ousted Senator Vicente Sotto III.

The swift transition, described by observers as a “coup,” was led by shifting alliances within the chamber.

The shake-up occurred as the House of Representatives moved forward with the impeachment of Duterte, setting the stage for a Senate trial that could significantly reshape the political landscape.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president Ferdinand Ferrer told the Energy Summit forum that investors are closely monitoring political stability, particularly as institutional changes coincide with high-stakes governance and economic decisions.

Ferrer said businesses are not reacting to personalities or political alignments but to the predictability of institutions and strict adherence to the rule of law.

“We should follow the law, but we must move faster and return to helping our fellow citizens,” Ferrer said.

He said governance should remain anchored on legal processes while ensuring swift action on economic priorities. Recent Senate developments highlight the importance of credibility and stability, Ferrer said, especially as the Philippines competes with regional peers for foreign direct investment.

Businesses continue to operate cautiously but steadily, maintaining investments while diversifying exposure across sectors amid global uncertainty.

Ferrer said an emerging consensus among business groups is that both chambers of Congress should remain aligned on national priorities such as energy security, infrastructure development and food supply, regardless of internal political shifts.

P20.4 trillion 12% 10.7% Money supply as of end-March 2026

Loans, money supply rose in March

By Thony Rose Lesaca

PHILIPPINE bank lending and money supply grew at a faster pace in March 2026, providing stronger support for business production and household consumption despite global uncertainty in the Middle East.

Outstanding loans from universal and commercial banks rose 10.7 percent year-on-year in March, up from a revised 9.6 percent in February, according to preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). After adjusting for seasonal fluctuations, loans increased 1.7 percent month-on-month. Loans for business activities

expanded 9.7 percent in March compared with 8.6 percent in February. Growth was led by the electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply sector at 26.7 percent, followed by transportation and storage at 19.4 percent. Real estate activities rose 8.8 percent, while wholesale and retail trade and motor vehicle repair grew 9.3 percent.

Consumer loans to residents increased 20.5 percent, a slight cooling from the 20.8 percent seen the previous month. The BSP attributed the minor slowdown to a dip in motor vehicle and salarybased general purpose consumption loans.

Domestic liquidity, or M3, grew 12 percent year-on-year to P20.4 trillion in March, accelerating from a 10.3 percent increase in February. M3 serves as a broad measure of money supply, including currency in circulation and bank deposits.

Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) senior research fellow John Paolo Rivera said the growth suggests that domestic liquidity conditions remained

FAMILIARIZATION

TOUR. The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines hosts the India Mega Familiarization Tour and business-to-business networking sessions from April 7 to 14, 2026, bringing together 30 Indian delegates for an immersive Philippine experience. Delegates explored Pampanga’s culinary gems, Boracay’s stunning beaches, Cebu’s rich heritage sites, Bohol’s island adventures and Manila’s cityscape. The program culminated in a dynamic B2B session in Manila, connecting Indian stakeholders with 54 Philippine sellers, strengthening ties and unlocking new opportunities for collaboration.

DHL opens P685-m Manila gateway to boost trade

DHL Express inaugurated a new P685-million Manila gateway in Parañaque City to accelerate the processing of time-sensitive shipments and strengthen the connectivity of the Philippines to the global marketplace. The new facility represents a major expansion of the ground network of DHL Express in the country and features a more modern footprint than its predecessor.

Designed for high-volume efficiency, the hub has the capacity to process up to 2,400 parcels per hour for imports and 2,000 parcels per hour for exports. This expanded capability is

expected to help maintain service reliability during peak shipping seasons.

The logistics hub handles more than 90 percent of the shipping volume of the country and supports critical industries such as automotive, energy, engineering and manufacturing. In line with the global sustainability commitments of DHL Express, the facility is equipped with 100-percent LED lighting and energy-efficient material handling systems.

“The Philippines is one of the 20 markets we are focusing on, as they present strong potential for growth. The new Manila Gateway reflects our com-

mitment to the market. With improved speed and enhanced infrastructure, we are well-positioned to help connect Philippine businesses to the rest of the world,” DHL Express Philippines managing-director Nigel Lockett said. The investment comes amid continued resilience in global trade as highlighted in the DHL Global Connectedness Report 2026, even as geopolitical and economic uncertainties persist. The report noted that the Philippines remains an active participant in global trade flows, ranking 59th out of 180 economies worldwide.

Othel V. Campos

supportive despite a more challenging macroeconomic environment. He said credit demand was likely led by working capital needs, consumer borrowing and continued business activity.

“[This] may also reflect frontloaded financing as firms and households secured funding before borrowing conditions potentially tightened further amid rising inflation and exchange rate volatility,” said Rivera. Rivera said that credit conditions remain supportive and could help cushion the economy despite slower growth.

“Outlook is for continued expansion but likely at a more measured pace as both banks and borrowers become more choosy,” he said.

Jollibee’s profit tumbled 38.8% in first quarter

By Jenniffer B. Austria

JOLLIBEE Foods Corp. (JFC) said Tuesday its first-quarter net income attributable to equity holders fell 38.8 percent to P1.47 billion from P2.4 billion a year ago, as high commodity and supply chain costs hurt the bottom line. The fast-food giant said consolidated revenues grew 9 percent to P76.5 billion in the January-toMarch period. Systemwide sales rose 10.3 percent behind strong demand in local and international markets. Operating income fell 18.2 percent to P3.9 billion as direct costs increased 11.7 percent due to inflation and supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions.

Despite the pressure on margins, the company said demand for its brands remained resilient. Philippine sales rose 8 percent, led by a 16.1-percent jump in systemwide sales at Mang Inasal and a 7.6-percent increase at its flagship Jollibee brand. International systemwide sales grew 13.5 percent. The group opened 181 new stores in the first quarter, including 149 overseas branches. The expansion brought its global network to 10,421 outlets, with 3,499 in the Philippines and 6,922 abroad. In China, the company continued its shift toward a franchising model as its Yonghe King brand opened 29 stores.

AI threatens PH entry-level jobs—experts

ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is disrupting traditional career pathways and reducing demand for routine work in the Philippines, exposing significant gaps in the country’s readiness to handle the transition, researchers and experts said in a recent webinar. While the technology boosts productivity, speakers at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) event warned that schools and government agencies are not adapting fast enough to protect workers from job displacement and widening inequality. Georgetown University in Qatar Professor Alexis Antoniades said the labor market is changing in three

fundamental ways: growing skills mismatches, declining demand for routine tasks and disruptions to the professional “pipeline.”

Drawing from an analysis of 1.5 billion job vacancies in the United States and China, Antoniades noted that occupations are converging around digital competencies like programming and data analysis.

“Soft skills are becoming more important... But skill-based training is not necessarily the one we teach students at the university,” Antoniades said, adding that companies are shifting toward skills-based recruitment over degree-based hiring.

BUSINESS

PH eyes key role in global critical minerals supply

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines is positioning itself as a key supplier in the global critical minerals value chain as Southeast Asia steps up efforts to attract investment into strategic mineral development amid rising demand from energy transitions and emerging technologies.

At a regional forum recently held in Turkey, policymakers and industry leaders from Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia, alongside the Asian Development Bank, discussed how resource-rich economies can strengthen institutional capacity, improve project bankability, and advance responsible mining while maintaining efficient permitting processes.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2026

PSEi slides as US-Iran peace hopes dim, peso dips to 61.48

By Jenniffer B. Austria

LOCAL shares declined Tuesday as investors lost hope for a possible peace deal between the United States and Iran.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) ended at 5,971.98, down 14.87 points or 0.25 percent, while the broader all shares index closed at 3,376.99, down 11.44 points or 0.34 percent.

“The local market declined amid waning hopes toward a peace deal between the US and Iran. This comes after US rejection of the latter’s counterproposal followed by President Donald Trump’s statements saying that their ceasefire with Iran is weakening,” Philstocks Financial Inc. said.

As a result, global crude prices rose while the peso returned to

the P61 level. The peso slipped to 61.48 to the US dollar on Tuesday from 61.15 on Monday.

Value turnover reached P6.33 billion. Foreign investors were net sellers with outflows at P107.55 million.

Sectors were mixed. Mining and oil rose 2.09 percent, while financials and services advanced by 0.68 percent and 0.24 percent, respectively. On the other hand, industrials declined by 1.55 percent, followed by property and holding firms, which fell by 1.39 percent and 0.10 percent, respectively.

Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. was the day’s top index gainer, up 3.63 percent to P29.95. Conversely, Jollibee Foods Corp. was the main index laggard, dropping 10.67 percent to P144 after the company reported a 39 percent decline in first-quarter net income.

NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

To All Stockholders:

Please be informed that the Board of Directors of Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI or the Company) approved the postponement of the Company’s 2026 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting, set on 16 June 2026, to 3 July 2026 at 2pm, to provide the Company sufficient time to fully comply with various regulatory requirements and to complete the preparations for the ASM, including the addition of new items on proposed amendments to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, which will be disclosed in due course upon Board approval. The Information Statement for the meeting will be provided in due course to stockholders in accordance with rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Makati City, 08 May 2026.

Manila Standard TODAY

ASIAN TERMINALS, INC.

By:

(Sgd.) RODOLFO G. CORVITE, JR. Corporate Secretary

METRO PACIFIC INVESTMENTS CORPORATION

METRO PACIFIC INVESTMENTS CORPORATION

NOTICE OF ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

NOTICE OF ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

NICKEL ASIA CORPORATION

Notice of Annual General Meeting of

Stockholders

TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS:

Please be informed that the Annual General Meeting of the Stockholders of NICKEL ASIA CORPORATION (the “Company”) will be held via remote communication on Friday, 5 June 2026 at 10:00 A.M. and will be presided at the Company’s principal office address at the 28th Floor, NAC Tower, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila (the “2026 AGM” or the “Meeting”). The order of business thereat will be as follows:

Please be advised that the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of METRO PACIFIC INVESTMENTS CORPORATION (the “Company”) for the year 2026 will be held virtually on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 10:00 am through a link that will be provided by the Company.

Please be advised that the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of METRO PACIFIC INVESTMENTS CORPORATION (the “Company”) for the year 2026 will be held virtually on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11:00 am through a link that will be provided by the Company.

1. Call to Order

2. Proof of required notice of the meeting

3. Certification of quorum

Shareholders who wish to attend the meeting must inform the Company’s Corporate Secretary by email to corsec@mpic.com.ph no later than May 25, 2026.

Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said the country is addressing long-standing barriers through policy reforms that now position critical minerals as a strategic priority. These include the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, which provides clearer rules on revenue sharing and valuation, as well as reforms aimed at cutting permitting timelines from up to 11 years to around 11 months through digitalization.

Shareholders who wish to attend the meeting must inform the Company’s Corporate Secretary by email to corsec@mpic.com.ph no later than May 25, 2026.

The following shall be the agenda of the meeting:

The following shall be the agenda of the meeting:

I.Call to Order

I. Call to Order

II.Certification of Notice and Quorum

II. Certification of Notice and Quorum

4. Reading and approval of the Minutes of the 9 June 2025 Annual General Meeting of Stockholders

5. Presentation of Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2025 and action thereon

6. Ratification and approval of the acts of the Board of Directors and Executive Officers during the year 2025

7. Appointment of independent auditors

III. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 30, 2025

III.Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 30, 2025

IV. Report of Management

IV.Report of Management

V.Approval of the 2025 Audited Financial Statements

V. Approval of the 2025 Audited Financial Statements

VI.Ratification of the Acts of the Board of Directors and Management

VI. Ratification of the Acts of the Board of Directors and Management

VII.Election of Directors

VII. Election of Directors

VIII.Appointment of External Auditor of the Company for the year 2026

VIII. Appointment of External Auditor of the Company for the year 2026

IX.Other business that may properly be brought before the meeting

IX. Other business that may properly be brought before the meeting

He noted that previous restrictions — including a moratorium on new mining agreements and a ban on open-pit mining — had slowed sector growth but have since been resolved, resulting in a more stable and sustainability-focused regulatory framework. Rodolfo added that the Philippines’ mineral resources remain largely untapped, making them increasingly relevant to global supply chains for energy transition technologies and artificial intelligence applications. However, he stressed the need for fair pricing and stronger value-sharing with host communities.

X. Adjournment

X.Adjournment

8. Election of directors, including independent directors

9. Other matters

10. Adjournment

For the explanation of each agenda item, please refer to the Company’s Information Statement posted on the Company’s website (https://nickelasia.com/) and on the PSE Edge.

Stockholders of record at the close of business on 13 March 2026 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, this year’s Meeting. Shareholders may only participate via remote communication.

The Company has fixed the close of business on April 29, 2026, as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting.

The Company has fixed the close of business on April 29, 2026, as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting.

Duly accomplished proxies shall be submitted on or before May 25, 2026 to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 9th Floor, Tower 1, Rockwell Business Center, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City and/or by email to corsec@mpic.com.ph. Validation of proxies is set on May 26, 2026.

Duly accomplished proxies shall be submitted on or before May 25, 2026 to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 9th Floor, Tower 1, Rockwell Business Center, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City and/or by email to corsec@mpic.com.ph. Validation of proxies is set on May 26, 2026.

To register, certificated stockholders who will attend the Meeting should send a scanned copy of one (1) valid government identification card (ID) to nikl-asm2026@nickelasia.com. Indirect shareholders should send scanned copies of their broker’s certification and one (1) valid ID to nikl-asm2026@nickelasia.com. Deadline for registration is on 26 May 2026.

Shareholders shall vote electronically subject to validation procedures.

Shareholders shall vote electronically subject to validation procedures.

The rules and procedures participating in the meeting will be uploaded in the Company’s website.

The rules and procedures participating in the meeting will be uploaded in the Company’s website.

The Philippines has welcomed support from multilateral institutions such as the ADB for early-stage exploration, project preparation, mineral mapping, and innovative financing mechanisms to help unlock investment across the value chain.

The Philippines is currently the world’s largest exporter of nickel ore and concentrate, supplying over a quarter of global output, with more than 98% of shipments going to China and smaller volumes to Japan.

The Company’s Audited Financial Statements for the year 2025, the minutes of the 2025 shareholders’ meeting and other relevant information will be posted on the Company’s website (www.mpic.com.ph).

Very truly yours,

The Company is not soliciting proxies. Should you be unable to attend the meeting, you can nevertheless be represented and vote at the AGM by submitting a proxy by email to nikl-asm2026@nickelasia.com, or by sending a physical copy to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at the Company’s principal address at 28th Floor, NAC Tower, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila. The deadline for submission of proxies is on 26 May 2026.

Inquiries and/or comments limited to the items in the Agenda of the Meeting may be sent to nikl-asm2026@nickelasia.com on or before 26 May 2026. Inquiries and/or comments received after the deadline, or those unrelated to the items in the Agenda of the Meeting, shall be referred to the Corporation’s proper officer for the appropriate response.

Electronic copies of the Information Statement, Management Report, SEC Forms 17-A and 17-Q, and other pertinent documents, are available on the Company’s website (https:// nickelasia.com/) and on the PSE Edge.

By Othel V. Campos

TPH bans Greek livestock exports

HE Department of Agriculture said Tuesday it imposed a temporary ban on the importation of live animals and animal products from Greece following confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the European nation.

Department of Agriculture

Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed Department Circular No. 20 to order the immediate prohibition of FMD-susceptible animals and their

by-products.

The move seeks to protect the local livestock industry after Greece reported cases of the disease in domestic sheep in Lesvos on April 6.

“This circular is a critical and proactive step to shield our country from the potentially devastating effects of foot-and-mouth disease. By enforcing a temporary ban and tightening import controls, we aim to protect the health of our livestock, ensure food security and preserve the stability of our agricultural economy,” Tiu Laurel said.

The directive suspends the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for affected commodities.

It also mandates stricter inspections at all ports of entry to prevent the virus

SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT. Finance Secretary Frederick Go delivers the keynote address at the ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit 2026 on May 7, 2026 in Mactan, Cebu, reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to fiscal discipline, open markets and stronger EU-ASEAN ties. Organized by the EU-ASEAN Business Council and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, at the sidelines of official ASEAN meetings, the summit serves as a premier regional platform for advancing Southeast Asia’s green and inclusive transition—as the Philippines chairs ASEAN for 2026.

Shell Pilipinas: Price caps contradict oil deregulation law

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SHELL Pilipinas Corp. president and chief executive Lorelie Quiambao Osial said Tuesday the government’s decision to cap fuel price adjustments contradicts the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act, even as the company acknowledges the need to protect consumers from high costs driven by Middle East volatility. Speaking at the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting, Quiam-

bao Osial said the firm understands concerns regarding temporary state intervention under a declared energy emergency but warned of its impact on investor sentiment.

“We fully recognize the seriousness of the current situation and the need to protect consumers during such times, during periods of heightened volatility. At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that sustained price controls can be at odds with the principles of a deregulated market, which

ACEN’s first-quarter profit jumped 50% to P2.9b on one-off transactions

ACEN Corp. said Tuesday it posted a 50-percent increase in consolidated net income to P2.9 billion in the first quarter of 2026, boosted by nonrecurring transactions and expanded renewable energy output.

The Ayala group’s energy platform disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange that total attributable renewable energy output rose 32 percent to 2,230 gigawatt-hours.

The growth reflects contributions from international assets started in 2025 and the restoration of wind farms in Ilocos Norte.

Despite the jump in bottom-line, ACEN’s core net income fell 27 percent to P1.4 billion when excluding P1.5 billion in net positive one-off items.

The company said higher depreciation and net financing costs offset the recovery in renewable energy production.

“While the first quarter of 2026 carried several one-time transactions, their net effect — together with the continued expansion of our renewables generation base — further strengthens our financial foundation,”

ACEN Group chief finance officer and chief strategy officer Jonathan Back said.

The company reported a P1.75 billion recovery from a claim involving a Manila Electric Co. contract and a P1.4-billion gain from consolidating a joint venture in India. Those gains were tempered by a P1.2-billion provision for Vietnam investments amid tariff discussions with EVN.

ACEN president and chief executive Eric Francia said the current geopolitical crisis reinforces the link between energy security and the renewables transition. Francia said capital program remains intact to ensure long-term returns. Alena Mae S. Flores

from entering the country.

The ban covers live swine, bovines, untreated milk and skeletal muscle meat. However, certain processed goods classified as safe commodities under international standards may still enter the country under strict conditions.

Shipments already in transit before the circular took effect may enter if the animals were slaughtered or the products were processed on or before

February 28. These shipments must still comply with existing import guidelines or face confiscation under prevailing regulations.

The Department of Agriculture said it will review the restrictions regularly based on global disease developments.

The agency said it remains vigilant in monitoring the situation to protect an industry that contributes significantly to the national economy.

IN BRIEF

relies on competition, transparency and policy predictability to attract long-term investments,” Quiambao Osial said. She said that a framework enabling moderated competitive price movements is more effective than administrative controls for balancing consumer protection with the need to preserve investor confidence in essential infrastructure. Markets function best when pricing signals reflect underlying costs and risks, she added.

AFFORDABLE FINANCING. Land Bank of the Philippines expands access to affordable financing in Tarlac province by delivering targeted support to farmers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to boost productivity, stabilize incomes and strengthen the local economy. Through the Sulong MSME Fair and the 14th regional rollout of the Agrisenso Plus Lending Program on May 7 and 8, 2026 respectively, LandBank linked Tarlaqueños to financing solutions that address concrete needs—from farm production and value chain activities to small business expansion.

offer

By Jenniffer B. Austria

ROBINSONS Retail Holdings Inc.’s stockholders approved the company’s plan to voluntarily delist from the Philippine Stock Exchange on Tuesday, clearing the way for major shareholders to launch a tender offer at P48.30 per share.

Investors representing 82.82 percent of total outstanding shares voted in favor of the proposal during the annual stockholders’ meeting.

The result exceeded the two-thirds approval threshold required under exchange rules. Only 1.97 percent of shareholders voted against the delisting, while less than 0.01 percent abstained and 15.21 percent did not cast votes.

The delisting depends on JE Holdings Inc. and other proponents successfully acquiring at least 95 percent of the company’s total issued and

outstanding shares through the tender offer. The transaction also requires clearance from the Philippine Competition Commission and must meet the compliance standards of both the exchange and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Robinsons Retail president and chief executive Stanley Co said the company is pursuing the move because its market valuation failed to reflect its intrinsic value.

“We also acknowledge that despite sound fundamentals and long-term prospects, our stock price has remained undervalued, influenced by current market and macroeconomic conditions,” Co said.

Co said the tender offer gives shareholders a “meaningful exit opportunity” at a 32.23 percent premium to the stock’s one-year volume weighted average price as of March 26, 2026.

PRIME Infrastructure Capital Inc.’s subsidiary Prime CoreGen plans to participate in upcoming government auctions for mid-merit natural gas capacity to bolster grid stability as the Philippines integrates more renewable energy.

Prime CoreGen president Jose Victor Emmanuel De Dios lauded the Department of Energy (DOE) for the initiative, noting that gas technology is essential for the country’s power generation sector.

The DOE announced in March that competitive auctions are necessary to secure additional capacity based on supply-demand projections and reliability requirements in the Visayas, Mindanao, and off-grid regions.

“I think it’s a very appropriate and relevant initiative by the DOE to address grid stability in the face of increasing variable RE in the country,” De Dios said.

The auctions aim to address a gap in the current energy mix where natural gas capacity is insufficient to handle mid-merit demands. The shortage often forces coal-fired plants to operate beyond their technical limits to manage daily load changes, which increases the risk of outages. In the Visayas and Mindanao, the lack of gas-fired power leaves the system dependent on coal and oil-based generation.

De Dios described gas technology as flexible, noting it can adjust quickly when renewable sources diminish.

“In fact, the Department of Energy is scheduling a mid-merit auction to ensure, over the longer term horizon, that there is a fuel, there is a generation that will bridge your declining or diminishing coal-fired generation and your increasing variable renewable energy generation. Something in the middle. So it’s not merely a transition,” De Dios said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Young dancers chase their shot on the national stage

By Alicia Angelica Villanueva

FROM Lucban to the national stage, members of Siklab Sanggalaw Dance Troupe arrived in San Juan carrying more than choreography and matching outfits.

For the dancers from Quezon Province, joining the recently concluded 2026 Philippine Hip Hop Dance Championship was already a victory shaped by long travel hours, months of preparation, and the shared dream of being part of the country’s growing hip-hop dance scene.

Held from May 8 to 10 at the FilOil Centre Arena, the competition gathered more than a thousand dancers and 157 crews from across the Philippines in divisions ranging from Junior to Megacrew. Organized by Hip Hop International Philippines, the event serves as the country’s qualifier for the World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Phoenix, Arizona later this year.

This year’s competition crowned FEMME MNL as Megacrew champion, while A-KIDZ topped both the Junior and JV Megacrew divisions. Sayawatha Dance Troupe won the Varsity division, UNRVLD ruled the Minicrew category, and NDDU Generals emerged victorious in the Adult division. The top crews from each category earned the chance to represent the Philippines at the world championships in the United States.

Siklab Sanggalaw competed in the Megacrew division, where powerhouse teams from Metro Manila and other regions battled for a finals spot. The Lucbanbased crew did not advance to the final round, but for members John Kerby Quisao, Jethro Araza, and Kevin Arena, simply stepping onto the HHI stage marked a milestone for their still-young group.

“Isang malaking achievement po siya na makasali,” Quisao said, adding that representing Siklab carried pride not only for the crew but for Quezon’s dance community.

The dancers left Quezon before sunrise to make it to Manila in time for rehearsals and blocking sessions. Their journey reflected the reality faced by many provincial crews trying to enter large national competitions—limited funding, school responsibilities, and the constant balancing act between passion and practicality.

Quisao said much of his expenses came from rakets and dance gigs before his family eventually began supporting his competitive dance journey.

“Nakita rin po nila na nahihirapan din

Fitness as a mindset, not just a workout

By Lyschelle Joy Armijo

FOR many people, hearing the word “gym” immediately brings thoughts of toned bodies, muscle pain after intense workouts, and long hours of exercise to achieve an ideal physique.

While fitness centers are often associated with physical transformation, Fitpad Fitness is proving that fitness goes beyond appearance.

More than building muscles, the gym is focused on promoting a healthier lifestyle and creating a supportive community for its members, especially within the community of Tanza.

Inside the gym, members are not only encouraged to work on their physical strength but also to develop discipline, confidence, and healthy habits that can last for years. According to Coach Sam Patricio, a personal trainer at Fitpad Fitness, their mission is centered on sustainability and overall wellness rather than quick results.

“Here sa Fitpad, ang talagang pinopromote namin sa members ay long-term lifestyle change, hindi lang mga crash dieting at shortcuts when it comes sa fitness. Ang mga pinopromote namin ay sustainable habits para ma-promote yung overall health and fitness ng mga members namin,” Patricio shared.

This mindset has inspired many members to start their own fitness journeys, not just for aesthetics, but for personal growth and better health. For Eunice Ann Alesin, who has been going to the gym for six months, fitness became more than a routine—it became a motivation to take better care of herself and her family.

“My goal is to move, to have physical activity. This isn’t just for myself, but syempre para sa anak ko. I want to take care of him pa,” she said. Meanwhile, another member, Eric De Guzman, shared how fitness positively affected his mental well-being and daily life after five months of consistent training.

“Discipline yung isa sa mga benefit sakin ng fitness, and being calm. With better mental health, calmer ka and mas focus sa work because you are looking forward sa progress,” De Guzman explained.

As more Filipinos become conscious of their health and wellness, gyms like Fitpad Fitness continue to show that fitness is not only about achieving a certain body type. It is also about building a strong and healthy community where people motivate one another to become better physically, mentally, and emotionally.

ako sa pag-abot ng pangarap ko,” he said.

For Araza, joining the competition was something he quietly pursued on his own. His family only found out after he had already traveled to Manila.

Paipon-ipon ko lang po talaga siya,” he said.

The three dancers are among many young Filipinos finding community through hip-hop dance, which has steadily grown beyond school programs and mall competitions into a nationwide movement. In provinces like Quezon, crews now train for months to compete on stages once dominated mostly by Manila-based groups.

Hip Hop International Philippines

By Sasha Uy

CREATING communities where families can live safely, grow sustainably, and access better opportunities remains at the heart of Grand Monaco Land’s vision as the company continues to strengthen its presence in the Philippine real estate industry. More than developing residential and

describes itself as a platform meant to help dancers turn passion into profession through competitions, workshops, and training programs.

For Siklab Sanggalaw, the competition also became proof that dancers from smaller towns can stand beside established crews from bigger cities.

“Nakakakaba po, pero dedication and passion pa rin po,” Araza said.

While trophies and international slots remained out of reach this year, the experience offered something equally important for the young dancers and that is visibility, connection, and a sense that the Philippine hip-hop community continues to grow far beyond the capital.

We Hope Medical Group expands free cancer care to Pasig

FOR many Filipino families, cancer treatment often comes with not only physical and emotional challenges, but also overwhelming financial burden. In Pasig City, however, a new healthcare initiative is bringing hope closer to home.

We Hope Medical Group recently opened the Pasig AAA Chemotherapy Center, a modern treatment facility that offers free chemotherapy services to qualified patients. Designed to provide accessible and compassionate cancer care, the center stands as a meaningful addition to the city’s growing community healthcare efforts.

The newly inaugurated facility features comfortable chemotherapy recliners, spacious treatment areas, updated medical equipment, and laboratory facilities aimed at creating a safer and more convenient experience for patients undergoing treatment. Beyond its modern interiors, the center’s mission is rooted in making quality healthcare accessible to individuals who may otherwise struggle to afford life-saving procedures.

During the blessing and opening ceremony, healthcare professionals and guests gathered to celebrate what many described as a major step forward in community-centered healthcare. Officials from We Hope Medical Group emphasized their commitment to ensuring that patients receive proper medical attention without the heavy financial strain commonly associated with cancer treatment.

“Great opening and looking forward for us to be able to treat a lot of patients,” said John Paul Aclan, chairman of We Hope Medical Group, during the inauguration.

The Pasig AAA Chemotherapy Center is expected to serve not only residents of Pasig but also nearby communities seeking affordable and reliable oncology care. By combining modern facilities with free treatment services, the initiative hopes to ease the burden carried by countless Filipino families battling cancer.

hospitality properties, Grand Monaco Land has consistently focused on building communities designed to improve the quality of life of Filipinos—providing accessible housing, promoting local economic growth, and creating spaces that encourage connection and long-term development. This commitment to communitycentered development was recently high-

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

SHOWBIZ and business circles are buzzing after a report from Bilyonaryo claimed that the canceled wedding plans between Bea Alonzo and Vincent Co were driven by factors beyond a prenuptial agreement.

In the report, an unnamed insider alleged that tensions escalated due to the influence of people close to the actress, specifically Shirley Kuan and Alan German. The source claimed some members of her circle were concerned that marriage and starting a family could shift her priorities and affect her career trajectory.

The 38-year-old actress left Star Magic in November 2020 after nearly two decades and has since worked with her own management team in steering her career outside her former network. Kuan and German have since played key roles in shaping her post-Star Magic projects and direction.

The Bilyonaryo report added that both Co and Alonzo were reportedly willing to proceed with the wedding, but friction allegedly arose from the continued involvement of handlers and advisers in key decisions. It claimed that some within the actress’ camp viewed the possibility of her stepping back from show business as a financial and professional risk.

The report also noted that Alonzo is preparing for a television comeback after nearly a year away from the spotlight, coinciding with renewed public discussion of the canceled wedding plans.

On Co’s side, the report said his camp was surprised by the focus on the prenuptial agreement, noting that such arrangements are common among prominent business families. It added that the core issue may have extended beyond legal and financial matters to the influence of people surrounding the relationship.

ABS-CBN has launched a new weekly digital podcast featuring celebrities speaking candidly about pop culture, Filipino life, and industry issues.

Hot Takes streams every Thursday at 9:00 a.m. on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel and Facebook page.\

The show is hosted by PUSH editor-inchief Gary Ann Lastrilla and Krish Ramos , head of digital social media for publishing. The two lead conversations with guests who share personal views and experiences tied to entertainment industry norms and social topics.

Early episodes have gained traction online, with interviews featuring former Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11 housemates JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith , as well as singer-actress Kai Montinola , each drawing more than one million views.

In one episode, Ibarra and Smith discussed reality television experiences, while Montinola weighed in on local love team culture. Actress Sofia Andres also shared her views on attempts to pit women against each other in the industry, while Kapamilya star Charlie Dizon addressed double standards faced by female celebrities.

Content creator Daniel Laudit , also known as Mentor Daniel, discussed influencers speaking publicly on social issues.

Upcoming guests include Jake Cuenca , matchmaker Coach Vee and influencer JinHo

Dina Bonnevie revisits idea of Maricel Soriano, Snooky Serna reunion

SEASONED actress Dina Bonnevie remains open to a reunion project with fellow “‘80s It Girls” Maricel Soriano and Snooky Serna . She said discussions for a possible collaboration have been ongoing for some time, though scheduling conflicts and their individual showbiz commitments have delayed progress.

Speaking during an intimate junket last week, the 64-year-old actress described the idea of a reunion as something that has been in circulation for years.

“Actually, it was supposed to happen earlier,” she recalled, referring to initial plans for a project involving the three actresses. She noted that commitments, including her work in GMA’s Abot Kamay Na Pangarap, affected earlier efforts to move forward.

“I was supposed to be only a guest in Abot Kamay.., but I suddenly became a regular… so it ran for two years,” Bonnevie explained and cited contractual obligations as another factor.

“I did not want to be sued for breach of contract,” she said in jest.

Despite the delays, Bonnevie still believes that interest in a reunion remains strong among their circles, including family members, talent managers, and movie producers.

“We all want to do it,” she shared and added that future discussions could explore film concepts focused on motherhood and

relationships.

SHOWBIZ

Very Wang Nickie Wang

“We could tackle different kinds of mothers,” she noted, suggesting storylines involving varying types of maternal figures and family dynamics, as well as possible themes involving different kinds of spouses. “Pwede ding iba’t ibang asawa. Asawang mukhang pera, asawang mapagmahal, asawang puro trabaho.”

Meanwhile, Bonnevie is currently seen in Love Is Never Gone, her homecoming project with ABS-CBN. In the series, which streams on Prime Video, she plays Katarina Verona, a character whose storyline connects with all the other characters, including the role played by Fyang Smith

Also during the intimate junket, the multi-

awarded actress shared how fond she has become of Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 winner.

“I really love Fyang. I even call her ‘my little shrimpy’ because she loves shrimp. When she guested at HOD [House of D], she even asked me to cook buttered shrimp. And every time Direk feeds everyone on set during taping, she can finish several servings of shrimp.”

“She’s like a baby girl to me. She’s very playful. She keeps teasing me.”

The actress also shared that the young star initially felt intimidated by her due to warnings from production staff that she was strict with latecomers on set.

“When she became my roommate, she was really scared. She was like, ‘Oh my God, of all people, why is it her? Why Miss D?’” Bonnevie recalled.

“So after her makeup, she would just stay quiet. She only became comfortable when I reached out and asked how she became an artista. Then I learned she was a PBB winner, so I ended up asking her a lot of questions.”

By Jasper Valdez

SEXY actress AJ Raval revealed she has started turning down sexy projects, saying motherhood and her relationship with Aljur Abrenica have changed the way she approaches her career.

During her guest appearance on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda , AJ opened up about stepping away from daring roles that once defined much of her screen image.

“ Siyempre may mga anak na din po ako, ilan na po sila. Ayoko na pong gumawa ng ganun ,” AJ said.

The actress shared that while Aljur supports whatever decision she makes, she also chooses to consider his feelings when accepting projects.

“ Si Aljur

kung ano ang gusto ko. Pero as a partner, rerespetuhin ko si Aljur na magdedesisyon ako kung ano ang hindi ko dapat gawin ,” she explained. AJ also admitted she now looks back differently on some of her previous projects, though she considers them learning experiences rather than regrets. “ Ang maganda po roon, marami akong natutunan. Nagawa ko na po ito, hindi na siya gagawin ng mga anak ko ,” she added. The actress said she now hopes to focus on drama projects after discovering a different side of herself while working on Magpakailanman.

AJ, known for starring in several VMX films, has recently returned to television after taking time away to focus on her

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

‘Check-In’ stars, director want viewers to see story beyond sexy scenes

By Jasper Valdez

VMX films are often introduced to audiences through their daring scenes, but the team behind Check-In wants the conversation to go further than that. For its cast and director, the film’s adult image is only one part of a project shaped by story, performance, and creative freedom.

Check-In, a VMX original film, follows two motel receptionists whose lives are disrupted by a mysterious regular guest. The movie stars Aliya Raymundo, Anya Austria, Victor Relosa, and Chester Grecia

Director Christopher Navabos said that while Check-In carries VMX’s daring tone, the film also allowed them to talk about respect, boundaries, and material that may not easily fit mainstream storytelling.

“To learn how to respect where you stand and understand your boundaries, I think that is what our film is trying to point out,” Navabos told Manila Standard Entertainment at the film’s press conference. “We

are given the freedom to express something that we are not able to do in the mainstream.”

For Aliya, VMX actors should not be judged only by the mature nature of their projects.

“As a VMX artist, doing sexy scenes is not the only thing we do. We also show what we are capable of,” she said.

She added that the work requires a level of commitment that may not be obvious to viewers who judge the films only by their adult image.

“I know not everyone can do what we do. And another thing, this is not just about being naked. We are also telling a deeper story,” Aliya said.

The actress also said Check-In touches on situations that happen outside the screen.

“These things also happen in real life, like in my movie Palakol. Even with Check-In, there are really people who do this in real life,” she said.

Chester echoed the same point, saying he hopes viewers pay attention to the story and the characters, not only the film’s sexy sequences.

“I want the viewers and subscribers to appreciate the message of this film,” he said. “As VMX artists, we do not just take our clothes off.

We can also deliver a good storyline and strong characters.”

Victor, meanwhile, pointed to the production side of the film, from how scenes were prepared, shot, lit, and performed.

“I look more at the creative side, how the production brought out its creative ideas, how the scenes were shot, how they were lit, and how the actors prepared,” he said.

For Navabos, that process is part of what VMX allows filmmakers and actors to do.

“Here in VMX, we are given the freedom to bring a different flavor to the film,” he said.

Check-In is now available for streaming on the VMX app.

THE New York Times ’ hit game “Wordle” is set to become a television show, the American newspaper announced on Monday.

“Wordle” gives players six chances to guess a random five-letter word, using green, yellow, and gray tiles to help them solve the puzzle.

The game show version, which will air on NBC next year, will see teams of players go head-to-head to win cash prizes.

It will be hosted by NBC news anchor Savannah Guthrie , who has recently been through a very public family tragedy, following the abduction of her elderly mother at the end of January.

“Wordle” was launched by software engineer Josh Wardle in 2021 and quickly grew in popularity.

It was acquired by the Times in January 2022 and is now played daily by millions of people worldwide.

“Wordle is so beloved by so many that we thought it was an interesting, creative opportunity to think about how it might work in a game show,” said Caitlin Roper, executive editorial director of film and TV at the Times

The Times ’ CEO Meredith Kopit Levien added that the move “reflects our broader approach of creating experiences people return to and share every day.”

The game show will be co-produced by the Times , NBC host Jimmy Fallon ’s company Electric Hot Dog, and Universal Television Alternative Studio.

The newspaper has previously coproduced television shows, including The Weekly and Modern Love Games with similar rules have previously featured on television shows, including Lingo , which first

C4 LIFE

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

By Nickie Wang

FILIPINIANA once belonged mostly to weddings, state functions, and school celebrations. It came with stiff sleeves, delicate fabrics, and the quiet pressure of formality. Many admired it, but few imagined wearing it on an ordinary day.

Pearls, shell accents, and handcrafted jewelry form part of the accessories featured in Kultura’s curated Filipiniana-inspired collection

That image continues to change as younger designers reinterpret traditional Filipino clothing for a generation that moves between heritage and everyday style.

At Kultura, “The New Filipiniana” pop-up at the SM Store, Ground Level, South Wing of SM Mall of Asia, shows how traditional silhouettes

Filipiniana as modern language of style

and indigenous textiles are being reshaped into clothing that feels less ceremonial and more personal.

The showcase gathers contemporary Filipino labels that rework familiar elements such as terno sleeves, embroidered pañuelos, and handwoven piña fabrics into pieces designed for modern wardrobes. Filipiniana takes shape as clothing that can move through daily life.

That shift opens a new reading of Filipiniana—a woven top paired with denim. Traditional embroidery

Advanced scapes painting at Sunshine Place

SUNSHINE Place is opening a foursession Watercolor Masterclass Series titled Advanced Scapes Painting, with Jen Consumido as instructor. The workshop will run every Wednesday from today until June 3, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is open to both beginners and experienced watercolorists. The masterclass offers a structured approach to painting scapes— including landscapes, seascapes, and waterscapes—with participants working on a single artwork throughout the course. They will be guided through key techniques as they develop a subject of their choice. In the first session, participants will work on paper preparation and foundational planning, including thumbnail sketches from photo references to establish composition. A tonal study will follow to define light, shadow, and depth, leading to a final drawing on prepared watercolor paper.

The second session will focus on the painting process, including sequencing from background to middle ground and establishing color relationships. The third session will continue the work with guided feedback to refine the piece. By the fourth session, participants are expected to complete their artwork, focusing on final details, cohesion, and finishing touches.

The workshop is designed for those looking to build or strengthen their watercolor practice while completing a finished scape painting under guidance.

For inquiries and registration, contact mobile (0917) 515-5656 or email hello@sunshineplaceph.com. More information is available at www.sunshineplaceph.com, Sunshine Place on Facebook at @ SunshinePlace56Jupiter, Instagram @sunshineplaceph, and YouTube Sunshine Place: Senior Recreation Center.

appears on relaxed silhouettes. Pearl accessories sit alongside minimalist styling.

The pop-up also gives visitors a closer look at the craftsmanship behind the pieces. Through a Textile Touch Display, guests can examine the textures and fabrics used in featured garments and handcrafted bags. A Charms Bar offers

The showcase features contemporary Filipino labels that incorporate traditional elements into modern pieces, highlighting the craftsmanship behind the designs

customized bracelets, earrings, and necklaces that complement Filipiniana-inspired outfits.

Among the participating brands are Alixia Marie, Allena, Ananas, Azucar, Bandiola, Bidi Bidi, Binhi, Binibini Marikit, Boho Manila, Hacienda Mar, Mayumi, Nazrea Pearls, Pamanna Jewellery, and Studio MG88.

When design reshapes broken spaces into hope

INTERIOR design students from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde refurbished recreational and livelihood spaces at Bahay Pag-asa in Cavite City, aiming to support healing, creativity, and daily well-being for youth residents.

The project focused on the Bahay Pag-Asa Dasmariñas facility, established in 2009 to provide protection, guidance, and rehabilitation for children in conflict with the law. Located inside the 27-hectare campus of De La Salle University Dasmariñas, the center houses boys ages 15 to 18 undergoing rehabilitation and reintegration programs.

As part of a service-learning initiative, Benilde Interior Design students upgraded the 25-square-meter Bakery Kitchen and the 38-squaremeter Recreational Hall. The work was carried out under the supervision of Interior Design Program chairperson IDr. Katherine Anne Correa and industry mentors IDr. Karol Ann Antonio, IDr. Hannah Kirsten Dumlao, and IDr. Patrick Roy Javier

The student-led project, called SIGLA from the Filipino word for vigor, centered on the idea of purposeful energy in spaces designed for growth and recovery.

“By infusing liveliness into every experience, the concept turns growth into a dynamic, engaging journey rather than a passive process,” the group said in a project statement. It added that the design represents

The team drew from the backgrounds and lived experiences of the residents, incorporating layered textures, bold contrasts, dynamic lines and raw yet intentional elements in the design.

“These influences gave the space character and edge,” the students said. “It reinforced the idea change does not require forgetting where one came from.”

The design concept used the keyword hulma, or mold, framing the rehabilitation spaces as areas for transformation where residents can develop skills with guidance and support.

The students worked on the project for four months, handling research, fundraising, construction, and finishing work.

The renovated spaces feature an industrial Bauhaus-inspired design with exposed structures, clean lines, and functional forms. Natural wood and softer textures were added to introduce warmth.

Color and lighting were guided by psychological design principles, with cool tones such as blue and green used to promote a calmer environment compared with typical institutional settings.

In the Bakery Kitchen, where residents prepare items such as pan de sal, the layout was redesigned for a safer and more efficient workflow, including partitions and task-focused pendant lighting.

The Recreational Hall, which

The showcase presents Filipiniana as a living language of style, shaped by designers who carry tradition into new contexts while keeping cultural craft at the center of design. The collection is available until May 24 at the SM Store, Ground Level, South Wing, SM Mall of Asia.

The vibrant yet grounded aesthetic aims to invite connection and curiosity for authenticity, reframing Bahay Pag-asa as a place of possibility rather than confinement to support airflow while separating activity zones. Flush-mounted lighting was installed for even illumination, along with layered lighting systems to support different uses of the space.

Acoustic panels were also installed in the Recreational Hall to improve sound quality and reduce echo during music and speech activities.

“When their recordings sound professional, it validates their effort and talent,” the students said, adding that improved acoustics also help create a safer space for selfexpression.

The project team said the improvements aim to reduce a clinical atmosphere and create a more supportive environment for rehabilitation and learning. More information about the project is available at tinyurl.com/ SIGLA2026.