Manila Standard - 2026 May 15 - Friday

Dela Rosa flees Senate refuge

Cayetano: Not an escape; Dela Rosa’s wife: ‘Escape’ meant to spare Senate

By Pot Chavez, Charles Dantes, Ram Superable, Maricel Cruz, and Rolando Ng III

THE chief enforcer of the Duterte administration’s deadly drug war has fled the Senate, where he had sought refuge this week to escape arrest for crimes against humanity, Senate President Alan Cayetano said.

"The sergeant at arms has confirmed that Senator Bato is no longer in the building," Cayetano said. He said Dela Rosa left with Senator Robin Padilla, but said he was not sure whether they simply both left the premises at the same time.

‘Not an escape’ Cayetano, who confirmed he gave Dela Rosa a ride to the Senate on Monday, said there was “nothing illegal” in Dela Rosa’s departure from the Upper Chamber, which he said was not an “escape” since there was no standing arrest warrant against the lawmaker from a local court.

But National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag said the Senate must be able to explain how

ICC to release warrant vs. Sen. Bong Go next, says Trillanes

By Pot Chavez

THE International Criminal Court will release an arrest warrant against Senator Bong Go next in the coming months, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said yesterday.

“The other co-perpetrators have no warrants yet. But the one for Bong Go, that is forthcoming, in a few months…The warrant for Senator Bong Go is ripe, so to speak, and next for (former Philippine National Police chief) General (Oscar) Albayalde. But that is still several months away,” Trillanes said in a dzMM interview.

By Vince Lopez and Ram Superable

By Ram Superable

By Rex Espiritu

ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Thursday assured the public that the military “remains professional and disciplined” following a shooting incident at the Senate building.

Meanwhile, members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sinagtala” Class of 1986 issued a manifesto expressing their “firm and unwavering support” for their classmate, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, amid the controversies and le-

gal issues currently surrounding him.

The Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PMAAAI) also called on its members to remain “united, calm, circumspect, and nonpartisan” amid ongoing public debates involving Dela Rosa.

In giving the assurance, Brawner said there was no indication that soldiers were involved in any destabilization effort.

In a message sent to reporters, Brawner said he has instructed soldiers nationwide to stay focused on their duties.

By

Superable

By Ram Superable

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026

Dela...

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Dela Rosa was able to leave while under the protective custody of the Upper Chamber.

"What the Senate said is clear: He is under their protective custody. This means they should answer why this happened. The Senate President and the senators should answer this," Matibag told ABS-CBN News.

A day earlier, gunshots rang out in the Senate during a confrontation that erupted after Dela Rosa had sheltered in the building to avoid an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, in a Bloomberg report, said Dela Rosa "left in the fog of war."

Cayetano said Dela Rosa's wife sent him a message confirming that her husband had left the building: “We would like to thank you and all the other senators for all the support you have done for my husband. At the

ICC... From A1

In February, Dela Rosa, Go, Albayalde and five others were identified as "co-perpetrators" in the crimes against humanity trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte, documents released by ICC prosecutors showed. Other individuals also identified as indirect co-perpetrators were former PNP officials Vicente Danao, Camilo Cascolan, and Isidro Lapeña as well as former National Bureau of Investigation Director Dante Gierran

NBI...

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The retired police major general said in an interview with Bilyonaryo on Thursday that the Senate began receiving reports Wednesday morning regarding a forced NBI operation to arrest Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa.

"Towards the afternoon, we confirmed through our CCTV and through myself when I went down, I saw that the NBI was already present within the Senate premises... we did not receive any coordination from the NBI," he recalled.

The security chief emphasized that the bureau failed to follow standard

Trump,...

From A1

"The two sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy," the White House said.

China is directly affected by the lack of petroleum crossing the Strait of Hormuz. More than half of the crude imported by sea to China comes from the Middle East and mainly transits through the strait, according to maritime analytics firm Kpler.

According to the White House, Xi

Senate...

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same time, I’d also like to ask for forgiveness...It is for this reason I am sure that Ronald made his ‘escape.’ He told me, habang tumatagal kasi siya diyan sa loob as mas madadamay pa kayo.”

He did not say where Dela Rosa had gone and angrily denied accusations that the Senate leadership had helped the lawmaker leave.

"He made this decision on his own," Cayetano said.

‘Very urgent manifestation’

Dela Rosa’s camp went to the Supreme Court again Thursday to reiterate their appeal for a temporary restraining order to prevent the enforcement of the ICC arrest warrant.

The Torreon and Partners law firm also reported the shots fired at the Senate Wednesday evening and filed a Very Urgent Manifestation of Supervening Events with Reiterative Prayer for issuance of TRO, status quo ante order, and/or injunctive reliefs.

“No arrest operation, no political objective, and no foreign or international process can justify placing a

and former justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre.

Go earlier denied the allegations, saying the allegations go beyond his scope of work during the Duterte administration.

“I dispute these allegations, which are entirely unfounded, one-sided, unfair, and bear no relation to the reality of my roles and responsibilities during my service as Special Assistant to the President from June 2016 to October 2018, as well as Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Davao City from 1998 to 2016,” Go said. He said he merely performed

protocols which require prior coordination with his office before conducting operations within Senate grounds.

According to Aplasca, the Government Service Insurance System general manager earlier requested NBI assistance to secure the shared premises, but the situation escalated when armed individuals were spotted near a Senate emergency exit.

"I reported the information to the Senate President and I asked his permission that I would have to go and check if it was really true... we assembled our Quick Reaction Team to include the Marines and the PNP, and we went there to the second-floor emergency exit," he said.

The Sergeant-at-Arms clarified that

expressed an interest in purchasing more American oil to reduce China's dependence on the strait in the future.

Beijing's own readout of the meeting did not mention any such interest.

For its part, the White House statement did not mention any discussions between the two leaders on Taiwan, the self-ruled island claimed by Beijing and a sensitive subject in US-China diplomacy.

Xi earlier warned that "conflict" between China and the United States could break out, should the issue be mishandled, Chinese state media had reported. AFP

immediately and avoids the delays required for new publications.

Once the senators take their oaths as judges on Monday, the court will issue summons to the Vice President, with the trial proper tentatively expected to begin as early as June.

“There will be a motion to convene. I will take my oath first as the presiding officer of the impeachment court, followed by the 23 senators. After that, our job is to issue the summons. Once the response is filed, the process will proceed, and I will brief you more about that process later,” he explained.

The prosecution team from the House of Representatives, meanwhile, has the option to attend Monday's proceedings but is not strictly required for the formal reading of the articles.

Cayetano noted that the chamber will likely shift to a rigorous Monday-toThursday schedule to balance the impeachment trial with urgent legislative work and economic crises.

“I will act in accordance with the rules. There always has to be legal grounds, and I will decide based on truth and evidence,” he said.

Alan:...

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The warnings of a counter-coup follow a rapid reorganization on Monday, May 11, when Cayetano unseated Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III in a 13-10 vote.

Cayetano said he has received reports of invitations for his allies to attend meetings, noting that some of these approaches allegedly included elements of intimidation.

The Senate chief emphasized that while he remains confident in the solidarity of the 13 senators who voted for him, he recognizes the volatile nature of legislative

co-equal branch of government, its Senators, staff, security personnel, members of the media, and guests in danger. The Senate is not a battlefield. It is a constitutional institution,” the law firm said.

“If there is a valid warrant, it should be issued by a Philippine judge. If there is authority to act, it should be disclosed, documented, and subjected to judicial review. There is no lawful shortcut around the Constitution,” it added.

Matibag acknowledged that the high court on Wednesday gave both the government and dela Rosa’s camp 72 hours to respond to Dela Rosa’s previous manifestations.

"This is why we deemed it proper not to act in a way that is not in line with the direction the court might take,” Matibag said in a briefing at the Palace.

De Lima: Hold accomplices accountable

But for Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, the Senate

administrative and clerical work, which were not related to police matters.

“As a companion of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (FPRRD) in public service, from when he was still mayor until I became Special Assistant to the President before being elected Senator, he never gave me any illegal order. Nor would I follow any illegal order from anyone,” Go said.

“The only aim of former President Duterte was to cleanse our country and fight those who spread terror, especially when it comes to

the Marine contingent has long been a standard part of the Senate’s internal security force.

Upon encountering the armed group on the second floor, Senate security identified the men as NBI agents and ordered them to lower their weapons.

Aplasca said the agents ignored the verbal warnings and instead raised their firearms, prompting him to fire a warning shot into a ledge to avoid casualties.

"After the warning shot, we were surprised because they fired back at us. So we withdrew a little bit, and then the exchange of gunfire continued steadily," he said.

Reinforcements from the Philippine National Police arrived during a lull in the shooting to clear the area and re-

Brawner...

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“My instructions to the soldiers nationwide is for everyone to remain calm, disciplined and professional. We should only focus on our jobs and leave politics to the politicians,” Brawner said.

The AFP chief clarified that Marines deployed at the Senate were not involved in the firing incident.

“We talked with their commander. They did not fire because they were there to support. Hence, it was the OSAA that opened fire,” he said, referring to the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.

Brawner explained that the Marines seen inside the Senate building were members of the Marine Security and Escort Group (MSEG) who were tasked with securing government facilities.

“We have a security detachment at the Senate; we also have one at Congress and other offices, DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs). It is their job to secure the facility,” he said.

Brawner also said the setup was similar to the deployment of Marines in key government institutions in the United States.

The AFP chief dismissed concerns that the shooting incident could trigger military unrest or involvement of the military in destabilization efforts.

must explain how Dela Rosa was able to leave despite being placed under socalled protective custody.

“Protective custody is not to cover up or to allow the arrestee to escape. It is clear: There are cowards and accomplices of cowards shirking from accountability,” De Lima said.

ICC-assistant to counsel Kristina Conti, for her part, urged Dela Rosa to surrender and cooperate with law enforcement authorities.

She said the former PNP chief remained unapologetic for the alleged crimes arising from the previous administration’s drug war campaign.

“His actions these past days can be characterized as belligerent, embarrassingly desperate, comically tragic, and clearly for his personal gain,” Conti said in a social media post.

Dela Rosa, the police chief from 2016-2018 during the first two years of former President Rodrigo Duterte's anti-narcotics crackdown that killed thousands, disappeared from public view in November last year.

drugs,” he added. According to the ICC prosecution document, "Duterte and his coperpetrators 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.”

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."

cover a tactical bag left behind by the agents. Police apprehended one individual who returned to the scene for the bag and later admitted to being part of the NBI team.

The individual was not armed at the exact moment of his arrest and is currently being held by authorities. Meanwhile, Aplasca confirmed that dela Rosa was free to leave the building since there was no official order to keep him within Senate premises.

"As far as I know, the Senate offered this (protective custody) so that Dela Rosa could... exercise all his legal and administrative remedies. He is not under arrest by the Senate, so in a sense... he is free to leave," he said.

behind him whom they described as a leader who has consistently carried the values of courage, integrity, loyalty, and service throughout his years in the military, the police service, and public office.

“We know him not only by name, rank, or public office. We know him by the years we spent together under the discipline, hardship, and brotherhood of the Academy,” the manifesto read.

The group also stressed that public service, particularly in matters involving peace and order, requires difficult decisions made under pressure and risk.

They emphasized their belief that any legal process involving dela Rosa must be “fair, lawful, and free from political persecution.”

“As his mistahs, we stand shoulder to shoulder with him — not out of blind loyalty, but out of faith in the man we have known, trained with, served with, and respected,” the statement added.

PMA alumni group urges unity, non-partisanship amid issues involving Sen. dela Rosa

In an official statement, PMAAAI chairman and chief executive Ricardo David Jr. appealed to alumni of the Philippine Military Academy to maintain mutual respect despite possible differences in opinion and duty.

Police... From A1

Nartatez ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Pasay City police to lead the investigation of the shooting incident inside the Senate complex.

At the same time, Nartatez reinforced security protocols and personnel at the Senate following a reported assault on the vehicle of Senator Vicente Sotto III by irate protesters on Wednesday, May 13.

In a related development, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetanodismissed allegations that the shooting incident that shook the Chamber was “fabricated.”

The PNP confirmed the reports of shooting incident and the arrest of a suspect, inside the senate building on Wednesday night.

There were no reported casualties in the shooting and it remained unclear how many suspects were involved in the firing, while authorities said investigation was ongoing.

"He (suspect) was arrested at the area of the incident, on the second floor of the Senate building," PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño told reporters.

Police seized live ammunition from the man, who was being tested for gunshot residue.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla had said Senate security fired "warning shots" at several unknown armed men who were going up the Senate stairway. The gunmen later fired into the air and left, while senators, including Dela Rosa, barricaded themselves inside their offices, Remulla said.

Dela Rosa, known as “Bato," served as PNP chief from 2016 to 2018 during the early stages of Duterte's bloody anti-drug campaign.

The crackdown left thousands dead, many of them suspected drug users and low-level narcotics peddlers, according to human rights groups. Duterte was arrested in March last year, flown to the Netherlands on the same day, and is detained in The Hague awaiting trial for crimes against humanity in connection with his anti-drug war.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said several pieces of spent shells and magazines and personal belongings were recovered from the scene.

“At this time, we cannot yet establish which unit was the official who fired the first shot because as we mentioned, there are 3 institutional units providing security inside the Senate. These are the OSAA (Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA), PSPG (Police Security and Protection Group) and Marines,” he told reporters in a press briefing held at Camp Crame.

A group of 10 involved in incident

He also said that a group of at least 10 individuals is being traced by investigators in connection with an incident in which gunshots were heard at the Senate.

“From our initial report, the individual we had caught was not alone.

Not less than 10 individuals were seen by investigators,” he stressed.

“Investigators are looking into where all these 10 individuals are part of the group or if they’re employees because there were so many people,” he explained.

Tuaño also confirmed the identity of the suspect mentioned by the Southern Police District as Mel Oragon, a driver from the National Bureau of Investigation who was arrested by responding members of the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG).

Oragon was reportedly nabbed while trying to retrieve a tactical bag left in the 2nd floor of the Senate building after the shooting incident.

The PNP Directorate for Intelligence and the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management had been ordered to conduct background checks on Oragon.

Tuaño said that those involved authorities will undergo paraffin test and also look into possible angles like the commotion staged part of diversion tactics.

alliances. “You’re always solid until you’re not, but I believe in the 13 and I believe in our cause. I haven’t talked to everyone yet because they are actually inviting people to a meeting right now,” he said.

The leadership shift was initiated earlier this week when Senator Joel Villanueva moved to declare all positions vacant, leading Senator Imee Marcos to nominate Cayetano for the presidency.

The former Minority Leader secured his victory with the decisive 13th vote provided by Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who returned to the chamber following a months-long absence.

“The armed forces are very professional, so we are not worried that what happened last night could spark something that could destabilize the soldiers,” he said.

Brawner confirmed that the AFP has not raised its alert status following the incident.

The AFP chief said military officials, including Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., coordinated Wednesday night to determine what transpired at the Senate.

He added that while authorities are examining all possible angles, the AFP sees no indication linking the incident to any destabilization plot.

In the statement, Dela Rosa’s classmates said they stand united

“We recognize that among Cavaliers there may be differing views and perspectives on the matter, including those who may stand on different sides of the issue in the performance of their respective duties and convictions,” David said.

“Such differences, however, should never diminish our mutual respect as brothers in the Corps,” he added.

The PMAAAI said it remains guided by the principles of justice, due process, respect for the rule of law, and institutional independence.

David also urged members to uphold the values of “honor, integrity, professionalism, and unity,” while avoiding “divisive rhetoric, personal attacks, and premature judgment.”

“Our brotherhood must remain stronger than our differences,” the statement read.

“What we are looking at is what we are saying, based on our initial investigations, the OSAA people returned fire, which is why we are saying that after the paraffin exams come out today and then the forensics that were done, we will see what firearms will match the said spent shells that were recovered,” he explained.

Senate target of organized assault – Alan During a press briefing, Cayetano asserted that the Senate was the target of an organized assault, expressing frustration over suggestions that the encounter might have been orchestrated. "I don't think there's any question the Senate was under attack. All of you, all of your lives were in danger last night. I know it's your job to ask a question, but are you telling me that when someone fires a warning shot, that isn't being 'under attack'?" Cayetano said. Official reports from the Senate indicate that the Office of the Sergeantat-Arms discharged 27 rounds into the air after issuing verbal warnings to an unidentified group attempting to breach the premises.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Pasig City ferry service

now offers free Wi-Fi

RIDERS of the Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS) can now access free Wi-Fi at ferry stations and aboard select boats under the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s Free Public Internet Access Program.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Romando Artes said internet speeds may reach 40–60 Mbps during off-peak hours but may slow to 10–20 Mbps during peak periods. The service aims to improve connectivity for commuters using the free ferry system.

The Wi-Fi service was formally launched Thursday at the San Joaquin Ferry Station in Pasig by DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, Congressman Roman Romulo, and Artes.

Artes said the project supports efforts to modernize public transport services, adding that the MMDA plans to acquire more electric ferry boats and build additional stations to serve more passengers. Joel E. Zurbano

Panel told to comment on flood control petition

THE Supreme Court has directed the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to comment on a petition seeking the release of the report on the flood control probe.

The order came following recent leadership changes in the Senate, including the removal of former Blue Ribbon chair Sen. Panfilo Lacson and the majority bloc led by former Senate President Vicente Sotto III.

New Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano has yet to announce the new committee chairpersons. Petitioner Marvin Aceron said the report should remain accessible despite changes in Senate leadership.

In a resolution dated April 29, 2026, the High Court ordered respondents to submit their comment within 15 days from notice. It also denied a request for a temporary restraining order to preserve all versions of the draft report. Pot Chavez

New Tuguegarao market opens, vendors relocate TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan

— The new Tuguegarao City Public Market in Don Domingo officially opened on May 8, ending years of vendor displacement.

The P412-million two-storey facility replaces the old public market demolished for redevelopment. It has more than 300 stalls, with 150 occupied on opening day, along with improved ventilation, drainage, parking, and comfort rooms.

The ground floor houses food and wet goods, while the second floor is dedicated to dry goods, ukay-ukay, and general merchandise. Jessica M. Bacud

Rotating power interruptions seen

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CONSUMERS of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) are expected to experience rotational power interruptions lasting up to two hours due to high system demand and insufficient power capacity.

Meralco said it may implement manual load dropping (MLD), or rotational outages, in some areas within its franchise after the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines raised a red alert over the Luzon grid on Thursday for the second consecutive day.

To help manage demand, Meralco said its large-load customers enrolled under the Interruptible Load Program

FREE WI-FI. MMDA chair Don Artes leads the ceremonial launch of the Free Public Internet Access Program at the San Joaquin Pasig River Ferry Station in Pasig City on Thursday in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology. Joining the event are DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, Rep. Roman Romulo, and other MMDA and DICT officials. Manny Palmero

committed to de-load a combined capacity of around 270 megawatts.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and are committed to do our part in managing the system,” the power distributor said, encouraging customers to check its website for the MLD schedule in their respective areas.

NGCP said it may implement MLD in several areas to maintain power sys-

tem integrity. Affected areas include parts of Metro Manila, Albay, Baguio City, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Batangas, Isabela, and Cagayan.

The NGCP raised the red alert status for the Luzon grid until 10 p.m. Thursday, while a yellow alert will remain in effect from 10 p.m. to midnight. Officials said the schedule may still be canceled if actual demand falls below projections.

Data showed 15 power plants have been on forced outage since May, while 14 others are operating at reduced capacity, leaving 4,459 megawatts unavailable to the grid.

The Tayabas-Ilijan and DasmariñasIlijan 500kV lines were restored Wednesday afternoon, while affected plants are awaiting resynchronization

ASEAN decision on Myanmar representation stands, says DFA

By Katrina Manubay

THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) decision on Myanmar’s representation in summit- and foreign minister-level meetings remains in place despite Myanmar’s complaints over its exclusion, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. In a message to the Manila Standard,

DFA-ASEAN spokesperson Dax Imperial confirmed that Myanmar would continue to be barred from representation by its head of state in ASEAN summits unless the bloc changes its decision.

“The Leaders’ decision on Myanmar’s representation in the Summits and Foreign Minister-level meetings stands,” Imperial said. “Until this deci-

sion is changed, Myanmar’s representation in the Summits and other ASEAN meetings will remain as agreed.”

The statement came after Myanmar claimed that “discriminatory measures” by some ASEAN member states continued to exclude its government from equal representation in the bloc following the recent ASEAN Summit.

Since the military coup in 2021 that

ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, ASEAN has excluded Myanmar’s military leadership from high-level meetings.

In a post-summit briefing in Cebu, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said ASEAN members were “frustrated” by the prolonged lack of progress in implementing the bloc’s five-point peace consensus for Myanmar.

with the grid.

Consumers in the Visayas are also facing rotating outages from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. in areas including Cebu, Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, Bohol, Guimaras, and Leyte.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin directed power generation companies to resolve issues and restore affected units immediately.

“The DOE’s top priority is to protect consumers and maintain grid stability,” Garin said. “We have directed all concerned generation companies to expedite the restoration of affected units.”

The Department of Energy also ordered government offices to intensify energy conservation measures and urged households to set air conditioners at 24–25°C and shift the use of heavy appliances to off-peak hours.

House approves bill extending PRC ID validity

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading a measure seeking to extend the validity of Professional Regulation Commission identification cards from three years to five years to ease renewal burdens on millions of Filipino professionals.

Approved through voice voting was House Bill 8876, which seeks to lengthen the validity period of Professional Identification Cards currently renewed every three years, usually during the birth month of the professional.

Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, one of the authors, said the measure would reduce costs and inconvenience for professionals.

“By extending the validity of PRC IDs from three to five years, we will give them more time to focus on their work, livelihood, and service to the people rather than the repeated renewal process,” Romualdez said.

He added that teachers, nurses, engineers, architects, accountants, and other professionals are among the pillars of the economy and deserve a “simpler, faster, and more humane” renewal process.

CHED says it will postpone revised general education curriculum rollout

By Rolando Ng III

THE Commission on Higher Education on Wednesday announced it would postpone the implementation of the revised General Education (GE) curriculum for now.

CHED chairperson Shirley Agrupis said the postponement, discussed with other education agencies, would provide more time to review and study the proposed learning framework.

“We came to a decision that there will be no GE implementation across all programs this

school year,” Agrupis told reporters.

“This is to give us time, especially the technical panel and Department of Education, to analyze and study well,” she added. Agrupis acknowledged the criticisms raised after the draft curriculum was released to the public last week, particularly concerns over the reduction of courses.

“We understand where they are coming from,” she said, adding that there would also be no pilot testing yet for the revised teacher education curriculum.

BUNTIS SUMMIT.

The Makati City government holds its annual Buntis Summit for pregnant women at the Makati Coliseum aiming to promote knowledge on maternal health and childcare, free regular prenatal checkups, newborn early screening, safe childbirth and delivery.  Diana Noche

DSWD assists victims of Mayon

By Maricel V. Cruz

ACTING on the direct orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian visited Albay province on Thursday (May 14) to oversee the distribution of the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) assistance to farmers severely affected by the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano.

“First of all, our President sent me to check on the ongoing efforts to help those who were affected or continuously being affected by Mayon eruption,,”

IN BRIEF

Gatchalian said. The current distribution of ECT specifically targets farmers whose livelihoods were devastated by the ashfall

SC issues landmark decision in Filipino

THE Supreme Court (SC) announced on Thursday the issuance of a landmark decision in Filipino to broaden public to justice.

The ruling affirms the SC’s continuing commitment to make justice more understandable and responsive to the public.

It explained that judicial decisions affect not only the lawyers and judges, but also ordinary citizens and public institutions.

Further, the High Court noted that the use of the Filipino language helps reduce the distance between judicial doctrine and public understanding. Pot Chavez

Worker with marijuana nabbed by NAIA cops

AVIATION police arrested on Wednesday a 28-year-old Filipino worker at the North Gate 101 Security Screening Checkpoint of Ninoy Aquino International Airport - Terminal 3 for alleged possession of marijuana during a routine security check.

The suspect, employed as a station loader with the Integrated Workers Service Cooperative and residing in Muntinlupa City, was flagged when an Aviation Security screener detected a small red pouch concealed in his waist. Manual inspection of the pouch led to the discovery of the marijuana along with improvised drug paraphernalia.

The incident was reported to the Philippine National Police - Aviation Security Group (PNP-Avsegroup) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) K9 Team, which utilized a narcotics detection dog to conduct further inspections. Joel E. Zurbano

DepEd leads Workshop on 3 Romblon dialects

A WORKSHOP on the revision of the orthography of the Asì, Iní, and Onhán dialects was held April 21-23,2026 in Brgy. Lanas, San Jose, Romblon.

The workshop was attended by teacher writers from various towns and islands of the province representing the three dialects. This was done in collaboration with the Department of Education-Romblon led by Dr. Jordan D. Solatorio, IPEd focal person of the province, in collaboration with researchers from the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) Jose Evie Duclay, Rolien Mark Balisi, and Christian Nayles.

The municipal government of San Jose expressed full support for the initiative, recognizing its importance in preserving and promoting local tongues as part of the culture and identity of the community. This was seen as an important step in the development and standardization of indigenous languages in the province of Romblon.

Over the course of the three-day workshop, researchers guided participants in thoroughly identifying the native sounds of their respective dialects and developing orthographic rules suitable for systematic writing. The aim was to ensure clear, consistent, and contextualized guidance for the use of the Asì, Iní, and Onhán languages.

and pyroclastic density current (PDC) incidents last May 2.

Recognizing the prolonged volcanic activity, the DSWD assured the public that the national government is fully equipped and sufficiently funded to sustain a protracted relief operation.

“Again, the instructions of the President are very clear; focus on Mayon because this is an ongoing disaster concern. It does not just pass by. It is a protracted incident hence, response has to be commensurately protracted,” the secretary said.

Gatchalian also cited their ongoing operations in other areas experiencing

continuous calamities.

“Put it this way, the DSWD has had experience with protracted disaster. Mt. Kanlaon is still erupting. We have also have experienced before. In Mindoro, we had a six-month run of oil spill, so DSWD had experienced protracted disaster response that we had to sustain. In Mayon, we also had to sustain the efforts until the farmers, affected families get back on their feet,” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian also met with local executives across the Bicol Region to discuss preemptive measures and the potential shift in the disaster’s terrain recently hit by typhoons.

DSWD calls out care shelter’s misleading info

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has called out social media vlogger Frankie Bugarin, popularly known online as “Daddy Frankie,” over alleged false and misleading claims on the recent pullout and transfer of clients from an unregistered shelter facility in Pangasinan province.

The DSWD, through its Standards Bureau (SB), clarified in a statement that Bugarin has been conducting unauthorized public solicitation and operating as a residential care facility catering to individuals with mental health conditions and the elderly without the required registration, license to operate accreditation, and public solicitation permit from the department.

Bugarin, together with seven other vloggers, has been reportedly involved in “rescue” activities for children with special needs, elderly and individuals with mental health conditions without the proper authority and safeguards required under existing laws and regulations.

The DSWD-SB operation conducted on May 8 which involved the transfer of three clients, was carried out in coordination with the DSWD Field Office (FO) 1 (Ilocos Region), as well as the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices (MSWDOs) of Malasiqui, Pangasinan and Paniqui, Tarlac.

The rescued individuals were safely transferred to an accredited DSWD Center in Region 1 for temporary shelter and care while completing their admission requirements to another DSWD facility better suited to their needs. Maricel V. Cruz

DENR enhances law enforcement with new guidelines

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Thursday (DENR) has introduced reforms in the enforcement of environmental laws with the adoption of a new national standard for all investigations, apprehensions and case buildups involving environmental crime.

“By standardizing procedures nationwide, we ensure that every enforcement action, whether a forest patrol in the uplands or an antipollution operation in a major city, follows the same legally sound, transparent and accountable process,” DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said.

The document known as the Environment and Natural Resources Law Enforcement Manual of Operations (ELEMO) is now the DENR’s primary standard for everything from preoperation planning and surveillance to arrests, administrative confiscations, evidence handling and prosecution.

DENR officials described the new standard as a cornerstone of the Marcos administration’s broader push to treat environmental crime as a national security and public safety concern, linking illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, destructive mining and pollution to disaster risk, community vulnerability and longterm economic losses.

Cuna said the manual is not merely a technical document but a statement of institutional commitment.

“This is about equipping our frontliners with the tools they need and empowering communities to safeguard their natural resources. Its value will be proven in its continuous application and refinement as new challenges emerge,” he noted. Within the policy framework, the new standard is expected to sharpen the DENR’s ability to respond to violations across all enforcement domains — forestry, biodiversity, mining waste and pollution, land management and easements.

THE Private Sector Advisory Council’s (PSAC) Healthcare Sector welcomed the continuing progress of PhilHealth’s YAKAP program and related healthcare reforms aimed at reducing the financial burden on Filipino families, following its 10th meeting held at Malacañang on Wednesday (May 13).

During the meeting, the body reviewed the gains achieved under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s healthcare agenda, particularly stronger PhilHealth support, faster reimbursements, broader patient coverage, and expanded access to medicines through the YAKAP and GAMOT programs.

OPINION

A question of character

PUBLIC office magnifies everything—decisions, mistakes, and most of all, character. In the end, policies can be debated and programs evaluated, but character reveals itself in moments of pressure. In how a person responds when confronted with limits, with rejection, or with the inability to get what they want.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto’s statement against Rep. Leandro Leviste draws attention to a deeply personal dimension of public life: respect. Not just institutional respect, but familial respect—the kind that reflects upbringing and values long before one enters politics.

The line that resonates most is simple but powerful: one should be wary of a man who disrespects his own mother.

This is not a throwaway remark. In Filipino culture, respect for parents is foundational. It is taught early, reinforced often, and expected universally. It reflects not just manners, but a hierarchy of values—placing dignity, restraint, and empathy above impulse.

When that respect is absent or compromised, it raises questions that go beyond the personal. Because if someone can disregard the most basic relationship in their life, what does that say about how they will treat institutions, colleagues, or the public itself? Recto’s account is not about dramatics. It is about contrast.

On one side, restraint—choosing not to escalate out of consideration for a parent present in an uncomfortable situation. On the other, persistence—continuing a course of action despite visible discomfort and prior refusal. That contrast matters.

Because leadership is not just about capability. It is about judgment. About knowing when to stop, when to respect boundaries, when to recognize that not everything should be pursued simply because it can be. Character is often revealed in what a person refuses to do. And in this case, the refusal came from one side, while persistence came from the other.

That divergence is telling.

In a political climate where narratives shift quickly and attention spans are short, it is tempting to reduce issues to personalities. But this is not about personalities. It is about standards. What kind of behavior do we consider acceptable? What kind of conduct do we excuse? And what kind of character do we reward?

Because ultimately, public office does not change who a person is. It amplifies it.

A question of assertiveness

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has adopted an increasingly assertive posture against China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea.

This is significant because it marks a strategic, political, and psychological shift in Philippine national security policy from accommodation toward active deterrence, alliance-building, and public resistance.

Teodoro’s rhetoric and actions signal that the Marcos Jr. administration has abandoned the softer China policy associated with former president Rodrigo Duterte.

During the latter’s term, the government often muted criticism of Beijing in exchange for hoped-for economic cooperation.

Under Teodoro, the approach has become openly confrontational. He has publicly described China’s intentions as “sinister,” rejected accusations that the Philippines is merely a U.S. proxy, and repeatedly framed Chinese actions as violations of Philippine sovereignty.

The line that resonates most is simple but powerful: one should be wary of a man who disrespects his own mother

This is important because foreign policy messaging shapes deterrence. In territorial disputes, silence or ambiguity can be interpreted as weakness.

Teodoro’s assertiveness communicates that Manila will no longer normalize Chinese coercive tactics such as water-cannon attacks, ramming incidents and interference with Philippine resupply missions.

Teodoro’s posture is closely tied to the Philippines’ deeper military alignment with the United States, Japan, Australia, and other Indo-Pacific partners. The recent Balikatan exercises—the biggest ever—involved over 17,000 troops and included anti-ship missile drills, advanced unmanned systems, and participation by Japan and other allies.

Teodoro has strongly defended these exercises despite Chinese criticism.

This reflects a broader strategic calculation: the Philippines alone lacks the naval and air capabilities to counter China’s vastly superior military power, so it is compensating through alliance networks.

His approach institutionalizes what analysts call our “assertive transparency” strategy.

Instead of concealing maritime confrontations, Manila now publicizes Chinese actions through videos, media briefings, diplomatic protests, and coordinated messaging.

This is important because China’s maritime tactics often fall into “gray-zone” operations, or coercive actions below the threshold of outright war.

By exposing these incidents internationally, the Philippines seeks to generate global diplomatic support, delegitimize Beijing’s expansive claims, and strengthen the 2016 Hague arbitral ruling favoring Manila. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

The Senate fiasco

THE Senate fiasco reveals deep institutional failures. Accountability is the core issue here. Democratic institutions are being tested severely. The stakes for our democracy could not be higher.

The House impeached Sara Duterte for good reason. Impeachment is a constitutional accountability mechanism. It targets alleged misuse of public funds. The flood control scandal fueled widespread public outrage. This is not about political vendetta at all. It is a constitutional attempt at accountability. Even the second-highest official must answer charges. The culture of impunity must finally be dismantled. Over 200 lawmakers supported the impeachment complaint. This signals broad political backing, not spite. Public anger over corruption drove the momentum. Billions were spent, yet flooding continued unabated. Communities kept suffering despite massive fund allocations. Powerful figures appeared insulated from scrutiny. Allegations of corruption and negligence piled up relentlessly. The complaint gained unstoppable and historic momentum.

Surveys confirm strong public support for the trial. An April 2026 OCTA poll showed 69% support. A June 2025 survey showed 78% in favor. This is not merely an elite political maneuver. The public demands transparency and responsible governance. They demand an end to political impunity. These surveys reflect genuine and widespread citizen frustration. Accountability is a broadly shared and urgent public value. The unresolved flood control crisis deepens public distrust. Corruption scandals keep reinforcing perceptions of impunity. Powerful figures appear to be above the law. Accountability mechanisms seem useless against the truly powerful.

Delays in justice erode public trust further. Citizens lose faith in democratic institutions.

The perception of a two-tiered justice system grows. This cannot continue without serious and lasting democratic consequences.

The Senate leadership change was politically motivated. It was not driven by policy disagreements at all. Self-interest and alliancebuilding explain the shift entirely. Stronger democracies simply do not work this way. In strong democracies, leadership shifts reflect ideology. They reflect principled policy disagreements among leaders. In the Philippines, shifting alliances drive everything. Strategic bargaining consistently replaces genuine governance priorities.

The stakes for our democracy could not be higher

Several senators face serious legal exposure now. Go, De la Rosa, Estrada, Villanueva, the Villars, Escudero face scrutiny. They may answer before the Ombudsman or the ICC. The drug war and flood control deeply implicate them.

Thats nearly one third of the Senate that will be in The Hague or in detention soon. I expect this Cayetano majority to last a few weeks. The Sword of Damocles hangs over their heads. Backing Sara offers political protection and survival. She is expected to run for president in 2028. They chose self-preservation over accountability and constitutional duty. Never mind that impeachment is about breaking impunity. Personal survival calculations overrode constitutional duty entirely. This is the tragedy of weak and captured institutions. The Senate leadership change confirms these deep concerns.

The dela Rosa fiasco goes beyond politics

Mayhem and mischief in the Senate

THE chaos that transpired in the Senate premises on the night of May 13 is the end-result of a political gambit by 13 senators who thought they could prevent the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte by simply constituting themselves into the majority in the 24-member Upper Chamber.

But they committed a grave miscalculation by bringing in Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to the equation.

After all, dela Rosa is a former national police chief who had made himself scarce for the last six months after getting wind of information that a warrant for his arrest had already been issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague for crimes against humanity for his direct role in the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs from 2016 to 2019.

By sundown Thursday, former lawmaker and political ally Mike Defensor confirmed that dela Rosa left the Senate premises early Thursday amid tensions following Wednesday night’s shooting incident at the chamber.

But the bigger issue is why the Senate majority would try to coddle someone accused of implementing Rodrigo Duterte’s violent war on drugs and do everything within their power to prevent the former police chief’s arrest and his prosecution and eventual trial by the ICC.

The Senate’s apparent instinct to protect one of its own is deeply disturbing

because it undermines the principle that no public official should be above the law. When senators rush to defend dela Rosa not on the basis of evidence or legal principle, but because of loyalty and political alliance, they risk transforming the

The Senate’s apparent instinct to protect one of its own is deeply disturbing because it undermines the principle that no public official should be above the law

Senate from an independent institution into a sanctuary for impunity. One of the most dangerous consequences of this position is the erosion of

Why

By Jimbo Gulle

(Editor’s Note: In the first half of this piece, the writer makes the case for the passage of Senate Bill 1822, or the proposed National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act, into law. This part highlights the salient points of the bill and argues that autism ultimately is a national development issue.)

THE bill integrates early screening and diagnosis into primary healthcare and maternal-child health systems, which is precisely where intervention should begin.

It mandates stronger referral networks and evidence-based healthcare services nationwide. It requires the government to strengthen the autism workforce through training, certification, and equitable deployment of specialists.

Equally important, it requires the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to provide coverage for ASD-related services, including diagnosis, therapy, and rehabilitation.

That provision alone could substantially alter the financial reality of thousands of Filipino households. Therapy for children with autism can cost families tens of thousands of pesos each month.

For middle-class families, it can mean draining savings and taking on debt. For poor families, it often means receiving no intervention at all.

The bill also addresses education and employment, two areas where Filipinos with ASD continue to face exclusion disguised as inconvenience. Inclusive education remains inconsistent across schools, while workplace accommodations are still treated as optional favors rather than basic obligations.

By establishing clearer pathways for inclusive learning, skills development, and employment support, the measure recognizes that persons with autism are citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to so-

entirely. Thousands died during the brutal drug war. Families still seek justice for those killings. Human rights must remain central to this conversation. Framing this solely as politics ignores reality. It ignores the moral and humanitarian dimensions entirely. Extrajudicial killings demand accountability, not political maneuvering. Democratic societies cannot simply look the other way. The fiasco exposes our institutions’ continuing weakness. Political outcomes follow shifting alliances, not ideology. Personalistic networks dominate instead of strong parties. Duterte- and Marcos-aligned blocs drive all legislative decisions. Loyalty-driven coalitions shape even leadership turnovers. Impeachment risks becoming a mere political instrument. Evidence and

public trust in the government. Ordinary Filipinos are constantly reminded that they must obey the law or face punishment. Yet when powerful political figures are insulated from legal scrutiny, especially over allegations as grave as crimes against humanity, the perception of double standards becomes unavoidable. The Senate’s behavior risks normalizing impunity within Philippine law enforcement. During the previous administration’s war on drugs was repeatedly defended as necessary for peace and order.

However, democratic societies are measured not only by their ability to fight crime, but by whether they do so within the bounds of law and respect for human rights. The Senate is supposed to serve as a check on abuses of executive power and as a forum for sober national reflection. By appearing more concerned with protecting a colleague than defending accountability mechanisms, senators risk diminishing the moral credibility of the chamber itself. At its core, the issue is bigger than ‘Bato’ dela Rosa alone.

It is whether the Philippines remains committed to the fundamental democratic principle that accountability applies equally to all citizens, especially those who wield state power.

A democracy cannot endure if institutions meant to uphold justice instead become instruments for shielding the powerful from it.

autism reform cannot wait anymore

(Last of two

parts)

ciety when given adequate support. Critics will inevitably ask how much implementation will cost. The more appropriate question is how much the country is already losing by doing nothing. Every parent forced to leave the workforce represents lost productivity. Every child denied early intervention represents higher long-term social and healthcare costs. Every adult with autism excluded from employment represents wasted human potential in an economy already struggling with labor participation and skills gaps.

—“—

The Philippines cannot continue pretending that autism is a private family matter. It is a national development issue

The Philippines cannot continue pretending that autism is a private family matter. It is a national development issue. What makes the debate over this bill different is that lawmakers finally began speaking honestly about those realities.

Sen. Joel Villanueva, one of the bill’s coauthors and co-sponsors, spoke not only as a legislator but as a father of a child with special needs. He described the sacrifices his family endured navigating systems that were never designed for children like his son. That testimony mattered because it reflected what countless Filipino parents already know: the country’s autism crisis is not theoretical. It unfolds every day in homes where mothers leave careers permanently, fathers

constitutional duty take a back seat. The Senate is structurally part of the problem. It is time to abolish the Senate entirely. A party-based parliamentary system is the answer. Parties, not personalities, must drive governance forward. Accountability must be structural, not merely personal. In a parliamentary system, parties are truly accountable. Legislators answer to constituents and their parties. Government rises or falls on its legislative program. Overnight alliance shifts become structurally impossible to execute.

Charter change has long been weaponized by the powerful. That troubling history demands extreme caution from all of us. But structural reform remains genuinely necessary regardless of that history. Any charter change must strengthen, not circumvent, ac-

work multiple jobs to pay therapy bills, and children wait months or years for services that should have been accessible from the start.

For too long, government response to autism has relied on symbolic gestures rather than structural reform. Awareness campaigns are easier than building specialist networks. Public statements are cheaper than funding intervention programs. Sympathy costs less than policy.

But families cannot pay therapy bills with awareness slogans.

The National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act is not perfect. No law is. Its success will depend heavily on implementation, funding consistency, and agency coordination.

But it represents a long-overdue recognition that autism policy cannot remain fragmented, underfunded, and optional. More importantly, it acknowledges something the Philippine government has avoided confronting for years: when the state fails to build systems for autism care and inclusion, the costs do not disappear. They are merely transferred to families until those families collapse under the weight.

The Senate has already acted. The House of Representatives and the executive branch should move with equal urgency.

The country can no longer afford to treat autism as someone else’s private burden. The bill should become law as soon as possible, not as an act of charity, but as an overdue investment in millions of Filipino lives and in the future productivity, dignity, and stability of the nation itself.

(Jimbo Owen Gulle is the former News Editor of Manila Standard, where he started his journalistic career as a sportswriter over three decades ago. He continues to contribute articles to the Standard and other publications while working as a freelance editor and media consultant.)

countability. A unicameral parliament with strong parties is the goal. Ideologically coherent parties must fully replace personality politics. This is the structural reform the moment urgently demands. This is the change that will actually and finally matter. Encouraging signs are nonetheless emerging all around us. Nontraditional candidates won significant races in the midterms. Public support for Sara’s impeachment remains strong and overwhelming. Something is genuinely shifting in Philippine political culture.

This shift may yet produce deeper structural change. Institutions must serve the public, not politicians. Self-preservation cannot remain the governing political logic. The time for real, lasting, and meaningful reform is now.

Heavy Russian strikes on Kyiv kill 1, hurt 31 as Moscow ramps up attacks

KYIV – Large-scale Russian strikes on Kyiv killed one person and wounded at least 31 others, city authorities said on Thursday, as Moscow ramped up attacks on Ukraine following a short-lived ceasefire. AFP journalists in the capital heard air raid sirens wailing before a series of loud explosions that lasted throughout the

night, spurring residents of the capital to seek shelter in metro stations.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia had launched more than 670 at-

corporations subject to the Commission's jurisdiction is hereby suspended, until further order, on a prospective basis from the date of effectivity of this Circular.

SECTION 2. COVERAGE AND UNIFORM APPLICATION.

This suspension applies uniformly to all domestic corporations (stock, non-stock, and one person corporations) and all stock and non-stock foreign corporations subject to MC 062024, without distinction as to capitalization, retained earnings, or the number of prior offenses.

SECTION 3. PROSPECTIVE APPLICATION; NO RETROACTIVE EFFECT.

The suspension shall take effect prospectively from the date of effectivity of this Circular. For corporations with pending applications for monitoring as of such date, the Monthly Penalty shall no longer be imposed. For corporations that have received a final assessment but have not yet settled payment thereof, the Company Registration and Monitoring Department {CRMD) and the Extension Offices (EOs) shall coordinate the issuance of updated monitoring assessments removing the per month of delay penalty component therefrom.

The suspension shall not, however, be construed to extinguish, waive, or reduce any Monthly Penalty already assessed and settled prior to the effectivity of this Circular. Assessments fully paid prior to effectivity shall be deemed final and shall not be subject to refund or credit by reason of this suspension.

SECTION 4. BASE FINE REMAINS IMPOSABLE.

This suspension is directed solely at the per month of delay penalty component of MC 062024. The base fine for late and non-filing under MC 06-2024 shall continue to apply in accordance with the existing penalty schedule prescribed therein.

SECTION 5. FILING OBLIGATION UNAFFECTED.

The suspension of the Monthly Penalty shall not suspend, defer, or qualify the obligation of all covered corporations to file their AFS and GIS within the periods prescribed under the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines and the Commission's issuances. All corporations remain under a continuing duty to comply with reportorial requirements in accordance with existing rules.

SECTION 6. DURATION.

This suspension shall be in force from the date of effectivity of this Circular until 31 December 2026. Upon expiration of this period, the per month of delay penalty under MC 06-2024 shall automatically become imposable again without need of further issuance or notice, and the Commission shall resume the imposition and enforcement thereof in accordance with the

in MC 06-2024.

Lebanon, Israel to hold talks as truce nears end

WASHINGTON, DC –Lebanon and Israel are to hold new peace talks in Washington starting Thursday (Friday, Manila time), as their latest ceasefire -- considered to still be in place despite hundreds of deaths in Israeli strikes -- nears its end

The two countries last met on April 23 at the White House, where US President Donald Trump announced a three-week ceasefire extension and voiced optimism for a historic agreement.

Trump at the time made the bold prediction that within the latest ceasefire period, he would welcome Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to Washington for a historic first summit between the countries. The summit did not happen, with Aoun saying a security deal needed to be in place and Israeli attacks needed to end before such a landmark symbolic meeting.

The ceasefire had been extended through Sunday. Since it first went into effect on April 17, Israeli strikes have killed more than 400 people, according to an AFP tally based on figures from Lebanese authorities.

Israel has vowed to keep pursuing attacks against Hezbollah, the Shia armed group and political movement backed by Iran’s ruling clerics, despite the ceasefire.

Hezbollah began a campaign of firing into Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, at the start of the US-Israeli war on February 28.

“Anyone who threatens the State of Israel will die because of his actions,” Netanyahu said last week after an Israeli strike in the heart of Beirut killed a senior Hezbollah commander.

A Lebanese official told AFP that the country would seek “the consolidation of the ceasefire” during the talks in Washington.

“The first thing is to put an end to the death and destruction,” the official told AFP on custom of anonymity. Iran has demanded a lasting ceasefire in Lebanon before any agreement to end the wider war, as it frustrates Trump by refusing his appeals for an accord on his terms.

More than 2,800 people have died since Israel launched the strikes in early March, including at least 200 children, according to Lebanese authorities. AFP

India

siderable flux” with conflict driving economic uncertainty and energy insecurity.

War in Iran and the related fuel crisis are dominating discussions in the two-day gathering.

India, which holds the BRICS chair this year, was hosting the foreign ministers from the expanded bloc, which now includes Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -countries at odds over the conflict launched by the United States and Israel on Feb. 28.

“We meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations,” India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said, in his opening speech, before closed meetings began.

Among the foreign ministers attending were Iran’s Abbas Araghchi and Russia’s Sergei Lavrov.

“Ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties, and challenges in trade, technology, and climate are shaping the global landscape,” Jaishankar added.

“There is a growing expectation, particularly from emerging markets and developing countries, that BRICS will play a constructive and stabilizing role.”

Disruptions around Gulf shipping routes and the Strait of Hormuz continue to drive volatility in oil and gas markets, increasing pressure on energy-importing economies, including India.

“Development issues remain central,” Jaishankar added. “Many countries continue to face challenges on energy, food, fertilizer and health security, as well as also access to finance.” AFP

La Salle dominates women’s

IIT; Granada retains golf title

TAGAYTAY—La Salle asserted its dominance in the women’s division with a commanding sweep of both individual and team honors, but College of St. Benilde’s Sean Granada made sure the Green Archers would not have it all, pulling away late to retain the men’s crown in the ICTSI Intercollegiate Tournament at the Midlands and Lucky 9 courses here Thursday.

Phoebe Bucay completed La Salle’s romp in the women’s play by overcoming final-round pressure and surviving a difficult closing stretch to card a 110 and secure a three-stroke victory over teammate Stacey Chan for the individual title. But just as La Salle appeared headed for a clean sweep, Granada spoiled the script.

Locked in a tense duel early with La Salle’s Gabriel Canlas, the St. Benilde standout steadied himself down the stretch while his rival faltered, turning a close contest into a decisive six-shot victory with a 74 and a 296 to successfully defend the men’s championship he won in a playoff at Summit Point last year.

“This is my first IIT tournament and it’s very competitive. I was nervous and really pressured from the start,” said Bucay, a Business Analytics freshman.

Golf Foundation. After leading the opening round and briefly surrendering the top spot to Enderun’s Kristyanna Herrera in the second round, Bucay regained control with a gutsy third-round effort and never relinquished it.

Bracing for a final-round challenge from both Herrera and Chan, Bucay minimized costly mistakes over the demanding Midlands backside and Lucky 9 layout, where one bad hole can quickly derail a round.

Herrera failed to replicate her secondround surge, leaving Chan as Bucay’s chief challenger. Chan tried to mount a late charge with identical 52s for a 104, but Bucay’s sizeable cushion proved enough.

Eala, Mboko to team up at French Open

By Jeremiah Sevilla

THE Philippines’ Alexandra Eala is set to team up with fellow rising tennis star Victoria Mboko of Canada in the doubles event of the 2026 French Open in Paris later this month. Eala, 20, and Mboko, 19, are listed in the stacked doubles competition of Roland Garros scheduled on May 24 to June 7, with their seeding yet to be determined.

The Eala-Mboko duo will join a star-studded field featuring reigning champions Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani of Italy, current top players Katerina Siniakova of Czech Republic and Taylor Townsend of the USA, Elise Mertens of Belgium and Shuai Zhang of China, among others.

Eala currently holds a career-high No. 88 in doubles while Mboko is ranked No. 133 as they head into the clay season’s Grand Slam tournament.

This will mark the first time that Eala and Mboko will be playing on the same side of the court after clashing twice in two previous singles events.

Eala took down Mboko, 6-1, 7-6, in the semifinals of the US Open 2022 girls tourney and eventually seized the historic crown to become the first Filipino tennis player to win a Grand Slam juniors’ title.

Mboko settled the score when they jumped to the pros with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory in their thrilling second-round showdown in the Hong Kong Tennis Open 2025, which the Canadian ultimately won.

Both Eala and Mboko will also compete in the main draw of the French Open singles tilt.

The Filipina standout will take her act first in the qualifying draw of the Strasbourg Open set on May 17 to 23 as she wraps up her preparations for Roland Garros.

The 19-year-old rookie campaigner showed composure beyond her years throughout the four-day tournament organized by ICTSI and the Philippine

Despite struggling home with a backside 60 in her highest round of the tournament, Bucay finished with a 72-hole aggregate of 423 to clinch the crown by three strokes over Chan, who pooled a 426. Herrera also shot a 110 to take bronze with a 428.

Pink Phony Club

UNLIKE that lawmaker, the designated kit man will not sing, simply because if I knew how to sing, I probably wouldn’t be doing this right now.

wish they are more proactive in making sure local talent is developed,” she said.

Eala, ranked No. 42 in singles, is coming off an impressive third-round finish in the Italian Open, where she beat No. 45 Magdalena Frech of Poland, 6-0, 3-6, 6-4, and No. 33 Wang Xinyu of China, 6-4, 6-3, before losing to No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, 4-6, 3-6.

That Italian Open run saw the Pinay lefty break past the second round for the first time in the clay swing following early exits in the Linz Open in Austria, Stuttgart Open in Germany, and Madrid Open in Spain.

ment but for the good of the mental health of fans.

Rather than sing, I would rather ask whatever happened to the supposed domestic football league for women? It was announced before that the league will start in February. Then it was moved to April. Now the latest update is it will finally push through in July.

This is quite disappointing considering what women’s football, specifically the Filipinas, has done for the country. And yet after the

press releases have served their purpose, nothing much has been heard on this.

“Heartbreaking after everything women’s football has done and achieved even in recent history,” a local women’s football icon said to The Designated Kit Man.

In case you are living under a rock for the last few months, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team has punched in their ticket in the next FIFA Women’s World Cup. But since then, nada.

Just recently, the Philippine Football Federation has announced two friendlies for the Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT). The tuneups are against Guam and Myanmar in the June FIFA Window as the team, formerly known as the Azkals, prepare for the forthcoming Hyundai Cup. Currently ranked 135th in the FIFA pecking order, the PMNFT will face ranked 201st Guam on June 3 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium (RMS).

Some fans, however, are asking: honestly, what can we learn from a tune-up against Guam? Some even suggested that a tune-up against Manila Digger, the current leaders in the domestic league, is more beneficial for the team.

Kaya nga tayo fans, eh. Just heard that two more employees of a sporting association were slapped with contrasting penalties.

before a major event. The SO apparently had to attend to a medical involving a loved one, but instead of feeling empathy and taking the high moral ground, the demigods have decided to punish him instead.

The plot twist is that the SO is supposed to participate in an international event, assuring at least good pay when he completes the engagement and more importantly, the financial payout that his family needs. But some powerful people asked him to take care of a local event instead of doing the foreign gig.

The team will tangle with 158th ranked Myanmar on June 9, still at RMS, to complete its fixtures in the three nation mini-tournament.

“Happy for futsal and now that there is futsaliga, but sana women’s league din,” the veteran of many national teams said.

Just like ordinary fans, the football icon is also hoping that preparations will be scheduled for the Filipinas as soon as possible because there is no learning curve in the World Cup.

“I hope more attention is being put on women’s football as well and I

These friendlies are the firsts for the PMNFT in recent years. It was just unfortunate that no tuneup game was made before our last game in the Asian Cup Qualifiers. It could have made a difference but then again. Just hoping that we make a good run in the Hyundai Cup, not just to atone for the Asian Cup Qualifiers disappoint-

The first one (FO) was given the boot after being accused of allegedly spreading a controversial video. A source claims he was abruptly given his walking papers without even getting the side of the FO. The latest whisper I heard from Mount C is that FO will contest his dismissal before the labor department. I’m just hoping that he will do so. You see there were so many before him but after the initial rage subsided, nothing came out at least in the proper forum. In most cases, the banished employees were too scared to file a case.

The second one (SO) is being suspended for allegedly failing to show

The same people were the ones who slapped him with the sanctions after he chose family over the event. At the end of the day, we are accountable for all our actions. Some people can make mountains of excuses to justify or to reason out what they have done with the opportunities and chances given to them. A few would even flaunt their entitlement, but even if they escape or make mockery of the laws of men, there is always karma. And karma is the ultimate bitch.

Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!

Gregorio sees ToL as pathway to Tour de France for Filipinos

BAGUIO CITY —

The ultimate goal is clear—send a Filipino cyclist to the Tour de France.

For Patrick Gregorio, chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, that dream is the very reason the MPTC Tour of Luzon (ToL) was revived , and why it continues to grow in scale and stature.

“One day in the near future, we will see a Filipino in the Tour de France,” Gregorio said at the end of the 14-stage, 1,800-kilometer race that concluded for the second straight year in Baguio City. “It’s not impossible. We just need to focus our resources, focus on training, and prepare them properly.”

A talent search on two wheels

Beyond awarding champions and stage winners, Gregorio emphasized that the Tour’s deeper purpose is talent discovery and national team development.

He revealed that he has been asking around about the country’s most promising riders, with names like Joshua Nash Lim, the Tour’s best-placed Filipino rider from MPT Drive Hub, surfacing in conversations as potential prospects. Growing bigger, not just longer While the 2026 edition stretched from Calatagan, Batangas to Baguio City, Gregorio said expansion plans are already being discussed, not necessarily by adding more stages, but by making the race “bigger.”

He floated the possibility of starting future editions outside Luzon, even in the Visayas, while retaining the race’s historic identity.

“Like the Tour de France, which sometimes starts in another country, maybe one day we can start in the Visayas , but it’s still the Tour of Luzon,” he said. “If we want to develop cycling all over the country, we should look at that possibility.”

He added that discussions with organizers and cycling stakeholders are expected in the coming months to explore new routes and destinations for the 2027 edition, confirmed to be held during the

closing ceremonies late Wednesday.

Foreign riders raising the level

A significant factor in the race’s rising competitiveness is the growing presence of international teams.

Gregorio confirmed that more foreign squads have expressed interest in joining future editions. While participation has been managed to maintain balance, he believes international exposure is vital to Filipino riders’ growth.

“I asked our local cyclists what they feel when world-class riders

NavoKicks: Empowering youth through sports development

By Butch Gunio

THE spirit of sportsmanship and youth empowerment comes alive in Navotas City through NavoKicks, a dynamic initiative of AboitizPower – Therma Mobile Inc. in partnership with the City Youth Development Office and the Local Government of Navotas City under the leadership of John Rey Tiangco.

The program is a five-day camp scheduled from May 12 to 16, 2026.

In collaboration with Lobos Football Club, the program provides football training, mentorship, and essential equip-

are here,” he said. “They like it. As athletes, you want to beat the best. That’s how you improve.”

He noted that even officials from the Union Cycliste Internationale are beginning to monitor the Philippine race, signalling that the Tour of Luzon is gaining global attention.

A race that inspires dreams

What moved Gregorio most, however, were the children lining the race routes and finish areas — some arriving as early as 9 a.m., already wearing helmets and cycling kits.

ment to children aged 6–15, creating a safe and inspiring environment for learning, growth, and discipline.

Aligned with the city’s summer campaign featuring simultaneous sports camps for the youth, NavoKicks promotes physical wellness, teamwork, and positive values while guiding children toward productive opportunities through sports.

Organizers also thanked the UP Fighting Maroons men’s football team, headed by Coach Paolo Clarino, for generously sharing their time, passion, and skills with the local football team.

“They’re cheering,” he said. “That’s the start of their dreams. They’re waiting for the pro cyclists to cross the line, and they’re imagining themselves there one day.”

For Gregorio, that image captures the true essence of the Tour of Luzon both as a competition and a platform for inspiration.

“Tour of Luzon is here to stay,” he declared. “It’s a heritage in motion. And the dream is clear, one day, we will see a Filipino at the Tour de France.”

Capital1 boosts stock, lands Gandler, Santos in blockbuster move

IN one of the biggest offseason moves, the Capital1 Solar Spikers officially welcomed 2026 PVL AllFilipino Conference Most Valuable Player Vanie Gandler and 2025 PVL On Tour MVP Erika Santos — two of the league’s biggest stars today – to their family. Fresh off one of the strongest seasons of her career, Gandler captured her first PVL All-Filipino Conference MVP award after finishing with 209 total points, including 182 attack points, while also ranking among the conference leaders in spiking, serving, and receiving.

Capital1 co-team owner Milka Romero hopes that Gandler’s leadership and offensive firepower can impact the team this upcoming season.

“We are grateful for this milestone. Welcoming experienced veterans is what we need to put an exclamation point to what the team is, which is to win, and hopefully, get a championship along the line,” said Romero after officially welcoming the two celebrated stars along with Jaja Maraguinot in a press confer-

ence on Thursday at Game Ville in Mandaluyong. Opposite hitter Santos also proved to be one of the league’s most reliable offensive weapons. After winning the 2025 PVL On Tour MVP award, Santos carried her strong form into the

2026 All-Filipino Conference where she finished with 139 total points and top in spiking efficiency. Known for her explosive attacks and ability to deliver in crucial moments, Santos adds composure and veteran presence to the Capital1 lineup.

The duo now joins reigning 2026 PVL Rookie of the Year and Best Outside Hitter Bella Belen to form what could become one of the PVL’s most explosive and highpowered offensive cores entering the new season.

Milka and Mandy Romero continue to make bold moves in building a roster capable of competing at the PVL.

“We never expected to get two of the top players in the PVL. Sobrang malaking bagay nito for Capital1, and we truly believe this trio — Gandler, Santos, and Belen — can make a major impact for the team and for our fans,” said Milka Romero.

Mandy Romero added, “We are very excited to watch Gandler and Santos play for Capital1. We hope fans continue to grow with us and be part of this journey.”

From being one of the PVL’s newest teams to now assembling a roster headlined by league MVPs and rising superstars, the Capital1 Solar Spikers are quickly emerging as one of the most exciting teams to watch in the PVL.

Ramos bags snatch bronze in Asian meet

By Randy M. Caluag

ROSE Jean Ramos powered her way to a bronze medal in the snatch event of the women’s 48kg division, placing the Philippines on the medal table at the AWF Asian Weightlifting Championships.

The 20-year-old lifter from Zamboanga City displayed poise on the international stage, completing a steady progression in the snatch to secure her lone medal in one of Asia’s most competitive weightlifting tournaments.

Ramos opened her campaign with a successful 77-kilogram lift, setting the tone for a composed performance. She followed it up with a clean 79kg attempt before capping her series with an impressive 81kg lift on her final try—enough to earn a spot on the podium in the snatch category.

Despite her strong showing, Ramos fell just short of adding more medals as she placed fourth in both the clean-and-jerk and overall standings. She lifted 95kg in the clean-and-jerk for a combined total of 176kg, missing the overall bronze by a single kilogram.

The final podium spot in the total lifts went to India’s Komal Kohar, who thrilled the home crowd with a 177kg aggregate.

Chinese Taipei dominated the division, with Huang Yi Chen ruling the field with a commanding 193kg total, while compatriot Fang Wan Ling secured the silver medal with 192kg.

By Jeremiah Sevilla

Ginebra and Rain or

aim to take care of business when they battle separate lower-seeded foes in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals on Friday at the Ynares Center Antipolo. Wearing a twice-to-beat armor, the No. 2 Gin Kings clash against the No. 7 Phoenix Fuel Masters at 7 p.m. while the No. 3 Elasto Painters face the No. 6 San Miguel Beermen at 5:15 p.m.

Ginebra is looking to book a return trip to the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals with its resident import Justin Brownlee, who helped the team conquer the conference twice.

The Kings only need to score a repeat of their 109-96 victory over the Fuel Masters during their elimination round encounter to barge into the final four for the eighth conference in a row. Veteran coach Tim Cone, however, knows that it will not be an easy task against the Charles Tiu-mentored squad that called up former Best Import Johnathan Williams III as a late replacement.

billion

PSA: First-quarter investment approvals fell 31% to P125.95b

By Othel V. Campos and Thony Rose Lesaca

INVESTMENT approvals fell 30.8 percent in the first quarter of 2026 to P125.95 billion from P181.97 billion recorded in the same period last year, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed on Thursday.

The decline came despite a significant surge in commitments from foreign firms, which grew by more than 50 percent year-on-year.

Filipino investors accounted for P83.31 billion or 66.1 percent of the total approved investments during the January-to-March period.

The electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply sector remained

ECONOMIC CORRIDOR.

Department of Finance

Undersecretary

Steering Committee Meeting. The committee reviewed substantial progress across key priority sectors, including energy, transport and logistics, digital connectivity and advanced manufacturing and aligned on priorities for the next phase of the initiative. Together with valued partner countries that have joined the initiative, the Philippines, US and Japan reaffirmed their shared commitment to accelerate progress and broaden the corridor’s strategic impact.

the primary driver of investment, securing P29.58 billion or 23.5 percent of the total. Accommodation and food services followed with P24.03 billion, while the manufacturing sector drew P21.89 billion.

Total foreign investments jumped 52.3 percent to P42.64 billion from P27.99 billion in the first quarter of 2025.

South Korea emerged as the top source of foreign capital, pledging P25.37 billion or 59.5 percent of total foreign interest. Singapore and China followed with P3.18 billion and P2.54 billion, respectively.

The expected employment from investsment projects plummeted. The approved investments are projected to generate 21,623 jobs, a 31.9-percent decrease from the 31,758 positions anticipated in the first quarter of 2025. Projects involving foreign interest are expected to provide 13,108 of those new jobs.

Among the 15 investment promotion agencies, seven reported foreign approvals, including the Board of Investments and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

Gov’t reviews Mindanao rail project, seeks new funding source

By Othel V. Campos

THE government is reviewing the Mindanao Railway Project as it searches for new funding and updates feasibility studies for the long-delayed rail system, a transport official said Thursday.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for railways

Timothy John Batan said the agency formed a joint working group with

the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to advance discussions on the initiative.

“We established a joint working group together with MinDA. One of the projects that we are looking at is the Mindanao Railway,” Batan said.

The project stalled after its previous funding source withdrew, forcing the government to explore alternative financing. Batan noted that while the

IN BRIEF

Mendoza attributed the growth to intensified tax campaigns conducted by the National Office, Revenue Regions and the Large Taxpayer Service. He said these efforts encouraged early and voluntary compliance among citizens.

“Even with the extension of the Annual Income Tax Return filing deadline, the BIR sustained solid collection performance in April, reflecting the impact of higher taxpayer confidence, better digital services and continuing reforms under the BIR DARES reform agenda,” Mendoza said.

Total gross collections in the first four months of 2026 reached P1.155 trillion, or P9.631 billion higher than the government’s goal for the period. It also marked a 3.58-percent increase compared to the same timeframe in 2025.

Thony Rose Lesaca

Converge ICT’s subscribers

hit 3m

FIBER internet provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. reported on Thursday a steady net income of P3.02 billion in the first quarter of 2026, a marginal increase from the P3.01 billion earned during the same period in 2025. Consolidated revenues grew 3.7 percent to P11.2 billion from P10.8 billion in the previous year. The company maintained growth despite global tensions, managing the operational impacts of the ongoing Middle East crisis.

The residential business grew to P9.2 billion during the three-month period, with total subscribers reaching 3,089,144 at the end of March.

2025. The performance remained strong despite an extension for the 2025 Annual Income Tax Returns (AITR) filing deadline, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered to allow taxpayers more time to submit documents without incurring penalties. BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin

“We celebrate this milestone of breaching the three million subscriber mark with our customers. This demonstrates our commitment to provide world-class connectivity to the broadest number of our people, especially those in the unserved and underserved communities,” Converge chief executive and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy said.

Total enterprise revenues grew 16 percent to P2 billion from P1.7 billion in the same period in 2025. The small and medium enterprise subsegment emerged with strong double digit revenue growth of 17 percent amid an expansion in its customer base. Darwin G. Amojelar

government had a previous funder, that arrangement did not continue, and officials are now looking for a different partner.

The government is considering a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement or potential support from multilateral institutions like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Batan said the project is unlikely to break ground in 2026 because the government should first revise an existing study completed in 2018. The update will reflect current economic conditions, cost estimates and ridership projections.

The project is intended to be the first railway system in Mindanao that aims to improve connectivity and support economic activity across major cities and provinces.

the

quickly alleviate the flood-annual

and motorists. This follows the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to make sure that the drainage improvement along Taft Avenue will be finished before the rainy season approaches.

Stocks climb above 6,000, peso falls to 61.64 a dollar amid political noise

By Jenniffer B. Austria and Thony Rose Lesaca

PHILIPPINE stocks rose above the 6,000 level on Thursday on bargainhunting, but the peso closed at a new record low as political tension intensified with the start of the Vice President’s impeachment trial in the Senate. The peso slipped to 61.64 against the US dollar on Thursday, weakening further from the previous record low of 61.567 on April 29. It lost 26 centavos from its previous close of 61.38 on Wednesday. Data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed the peso opened at 61.35 against the greenback and hit an intraday low of 61.66.

Lopez majority withdraws bid to oust CEO

THE Lopez Inc.’s board majority on Thursday withdrew a Feb. 27 resolution that removed Federico “Piki” Lopez as president and chief executive to end a public legal battle through a potential family compromise.

The 71-percent majority said in a statement this creates a window for discussions among family members while the case remains before the Court of Appeals to lift an existing injunction.

The board described the withdrawal as an opportunity for the family to reconsider adversarial positions and find options that cause the least injury to the group and the investing public.

“Harm has been done to everybody. Reputational damage is there. Our family has been in a fishbowl with everybody looking in. Agreements have been signed with undeserved financial penalties especially for the investing public,” the majority statement said.

The majority said it is open to a ceasefire provided there is a reasonable expectation of a fair compromise and access to information. However, the group noted it is prepared to ramp up efforts to protect its legal and pecuniary interests if no agreement is reached.

The board previously fired Lopez in a 5-2 vote under by-laws allowing the removal of officers with or without cause. The majority cited a loss of trust and confidence after Lopez, acting through First Gen, allegedly entered into P125 billion in deals without majority authority. The majority also claimed to have discovered self-serving “poison pills” within those deals. These provisions would reportedly penalize the Lopez group and First Gen shareholders by up to P24 billion and trigger cross-default loan provisions if Lopez lost his position.

PLD PLDT t T to gain full o c conontrtrol of R ol of Radius adius in P2.94-b deal P2.94-b

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PLDT Inc. said Thursday it is acquiring a 65.1-percent stake in Radius Telecoms Inc. from Paragon Vertical Corp. for P2.94 billion to take full control of the fiber provider. The transaction involves the purchase of 4.65 million common shares at P632.53 per share. PLDT, which holds a 34.9-percent stake in Radius, will settle the deal in cash. The company will pay 60 percent upon closing and the remaining 40 percent within 10 months. Once the deal is finalized, Radius will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of PLDT.

The acquisition allows PLDT to integrate Radius’ fiber facilities which serve enterprise buildings, residential multi-dwelling units, and villages. While Radius holds a congressional franchise for domestic and international services, the deal still requires regulatory approvals from the Philippine Competition Commission and the National Telecommunications Commission.

A trader said the peso is no longer just reacting to a strong dollar and high US rates. “Today’s move suggests markets are also pricing in a higher political and uncertainty premium, especially as the peso underperformed regional peers,” a trader told reporters.

The trader said volatility remains elevated in the near-term, noting that a test of 62 per dollar level is possible if risk sentiment further deteriorates. However, the trader said that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas still has enough credibility and reserves to prevent disorderly swings. Meanwhile, the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index gained 68.25 points, or 1.15 percent, to close at 6,015.03.

PLDTsaid the acquisition is not expected to have an adverse effect on its business, financialconditionor operations. PLDT reported a slight decline in first-quarter net income for 2026 to P8.86 billion from P9.02 billion in the same period last year on rising operational expenses. Despite the dip in net profit, PLDT’s core income rose 2 percent to P9.09

BUSINESS

Costa Rica reviews ICTSI’s appeal over tender exclusion

By Darwin G. Amojelar

The Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic of Costa Rica has admitted an appeal filed May 12 by International Container Terminal Services Inc. over its disqualification from a bidding process the company describes as “irregular.”

The appeal challenges ICTSI’s exclusion from the tender for the Puerto Caldera port terminal, citing procedural inconsistencies. The comptroller’s office, known as the CGR, granted a non-extendable fiveday hearing period for the government and the winning bidder to respond to the allegations.

“We welcome the CGR’s decision as a first step toward correcting a process plagued by irregularities and lack of transparency,” said Bart Wiersum, ICTSI director of business development for the Americas.

On Feb. 18, the Costa Rican Pacific Ports Institute (INCOP) excluded ICTSI, stating the company exceeded the maximum debt-toequity ratio established in the tender. ICTSI noted that the same entity had confirmed its compliance just one week prior.

According to the appeal, this caused ICTSI’s indicator to shift from a compliant 1.33 to a non-compliant 2.16, despite the financial data remaining unchanged.

The appeal also cites allegations from former Congressman Eli Feinzaig, who claimed more than 60 percent of the Sunset Consortium’s financial information is illegible in the case file, preventing independent verification of its compliance.

ICTSI’s exclusion left the Sunset Consortium—comprising APM Terminals B.V. and HGT Inversiones Costa Rica S.A.—as the sole participant. The consortium was ultimately awarded the contract.

ICTSI alleges the evaluation committee modified the methodology for calculating the debt-to-equity ratio without technical justification.

Vivant’s first-quarter core net income fell 2% to P313m

VIVANT Corp. reported consolidated core net income of P313 million in the first quarter of 2026, a 2 percent decline from the previous year. Accounting for non-core items— including net losses from unplanned downtime at a subsidiary’s generating unit and foreign exchange gains—net income attributable to parent company equity holders stood at P267 million, down 6 percent year over year.

“The P313 million core income was supported by the steady contribution of our distribution utility business, reliable performance of our on-grid generation assets, improving results from our retail electricity arm, and the positive contribution of our growing water business,” Vivant chief executive Arlo Sarmiento said. Sarmiento added that energy initiatives in the small power utilities group and on-grid renewable energy segments continue to progress. The company’s retail electricity unit, Corenergy, also secured new customers and expanded its footprint in the contestable market.

Vivant’s consolidated revenues reached P2.6 billion, a 9 percent increase from 2025. The growth was driven by higher power sales and finance income from concessions held by Isla Mactan Cordova Corp. and the Puerto Princesa Wastewater Reclamation and Learning Center.

“Amid uncertainties in the current environment, especially considering the ongoing Middle East conflict, sound fiscal management will be key for our business sustainability,” said Minuel Carmela Franco, Vivant Group chief finance officer and chief risk officer.

Power sales revenues rose 4 percent, bolstered by increased participation in the electricity spot market and higher volumes from a short-term supply agreement. However, operating expenses grew 12 percent to P400 million, attributed to increased headcount, professional fees for business development, and higher depreciation costs. Alena Mae S. Flores

Independent port engineering experts also identified safety concerns, claiming the new dock configuration fails to meet international regulations for simultaneous vessel operations. The experts also alleged that weather and wave conditions would make dock availability times significantly lower than what Sunset indicated, potentially compromising service levels.

Filinvest’s first-quarter income rose 8% on real estate and banking gains

By Jenniffer B. Austria

FILINVEST Development Corp.

said Thursday its attributable net income grew 8 percent to P3.9 billion in the first quarter of 2026, as gains in real estate and banking offset a decline in its power business.

The Gotianun-led conglomerate reported a 5 percent increase in consolidated revenues to P30.8 billion compared to the same period in 2025. The company attributed the growth to the resilience of its property and hospitality segments despite high inflation.

FDC president and chief executive Rhoda Huang described the results as mixed.

“Real estate and hospitality showed resilience against macroeconomic pressure while for others, profits were flat or experienced decreases versus a year ago,” Huang said.

The property group, which includes real estate and hospitality, contributed

P1.6 billion or 36 percent of the total net income. Banking followed with P1.4 billion or 32 percent, while the power and sugar units accounted for 21 percent and 11 percent, respectively.

EastWest Bank, the company’s banking unit, reported a 20 percent surge in net interest income to P11.1 billion. FDC attributed this growth to higher loan volumes and lower funding costs.

The property business—comprising Filinvest Land Inc., Filinvest Alabang Inc. and Filinvest REIT Corp.— saw revenues rise 16 percent to P7.9 billion. Residential sales climbed 28 percent, fueled by demand for readyfor-occupancy units and faster project completion. Higher foot traffic also led to modest gains in mall and rental revenues. Filinvest Hospitality Corp. maintained steady revenues through higher room rates and improved food and beverage sales.

PUREGOLD Price Club Inc. opened its 2026 Tindahan Ni

Aling Puring sari-sari store convention Thursday, gathering a record number of brand partners to support Filipino microentrepreneurs facing rising commodity prices.

The three-day event at the World Trade Center features more than 150 brands. The large turnout provides micro, small and medium enterprises direct access to discounted food, hygiene and household items.

“This year, the Aling Puring convention is the best opportunity to show our support to MSMEs in the biggest way possible,” Puregold president Vincent Co said. “By bringing in over 150 partners, we’ll be able to provide them the necessary inventory of both staple and emerging brands so that business and earnings continue.”

The convention offers attendees exclusive P88 bundle packs of household essentials, 25-kilogram sacks of rice for P999 and increased cashback rewards for transactions made through the P-wallet system to help store owners stretch their capital.

The event also includes expert-led business seminars, networking sessions and live performances. The convention runs through May 16.

“At Puregold, we are not just selling products; we are partners of the Filipino entrepreneur,” Co said. “This convention is a testament to our promise that as long as there is an Aling Puring standing strong, Puregold will be there to provide them the best price, quality products and reliable, affordable supply.”

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE natural gas power plants of Prime CoreGen, a unit of Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc., were actively dispatched Wednesday to carry the load of unavailable facilities during the first red alert of 2026 in the Philippines.

The Department of Energy said Prime CoreGen natural gas plants ran at high capacity following the issuance of red alert notices by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), which led to rotating brownouts in some areas yesterday.

“PrimeCoreGen / First Gen natural gas plants were actively dispatched during the period. Sta. Rita and Ilijan units exhibited sustained high utilization, EERI units showed stable midto-high loading, San Gabriel operated at moderate levels, and Avion units remained at relatively low but consistent output levels,” Department of Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said.

The red alert was triggered by outages affecting several power plants, resulting in the unavailability of nearly 4,000 megawatts.

Prime CoreGen operates First Gen natural gas plants including the 1,000 MW Sta. Rita, 450 MW San Gabriel and 97 MW Avion after Prime Infrastructure acquired a majority stake in the facilities in 2025.

During the period, NGCP said the Luzon grid ran at an available capacity of 14,153 megawatts (MW) against a peak demand of 13,558 MW, resulting in an operating reserve margin of 595 MW. Aside from the unavailability of 48 power plants due to forced outages, 738.8 MW of capacity was also unavailable to the grid due to plants operating at “derated” levels.

Multi-sectoral efforts put out Navotas Landfill fire

THE month-long fire at the Navotas Landfill, which previously threatened public health with toxic emissions, has been successfully extinguished through a massive collaborative effort between the government and the private sector, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr)

During a recent inspection of the site, Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez hailed the success as a prime example of a “whole-of-government approach,” noting that coordination between national and local units made the solution possible.

The inspection team included key officials such as DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco, MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III, and San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Chairman Ramon Ang.

To further expedite the firefighting efforts, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) sent soil and debris from the ongoing Metro Manila Subway Project to cover the burning landfill and prevent the decline in air quality in Metro Manila.

DOTr warns public against scammers

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has issued a public warning regarding individuals impersonating agency officials to conduct unauthorized phone calls and solicit money. Recent reports identify a fraudulent caller using the mobile number 09694302055, who is posing as DOTr Assistant Secretary Manuel Cabochan III. The agency clarifies that its officials and employees do not engage in such activities and that all official business is strictly conducted through verified channels.

The DOTr is currently working with the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to investigate the matter.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious encounters to the commuter hotline at 09209643687.

Airfares to drop starting May 16

quickly put out this huge fire that happened. And you can see it now, it’s clear, there’s no smoke. Before, we couldn’t see Obando, now we can see Valenzuela.

That’s why we’re all grateful. On behalf of the President, we just want to thank everybody,” Dizon said.

Lopez also cited the great help from the private sector, including the SMC, to quickly extinguish the fire.

“The government alone cannot do this, without the help of the private sector. If you notice the SMC and Mr. [Ramon] Ang, he really did all the volunteerism and initiatives for this. As our President said, if we work together, we can fix this problem,” Lopez said.

DPWH Secretary Dizon agrees. “The President said that everyone helped each other, so that we could

The DENR will continue to monitor the condition of the landfill and the air quality in the area to ensure that residents in Navotas and nearby areas are safe so that they can return to their normal lives.

“We’ll continue to monitor the landfill because the rehabilitation needs to be continued. And the air quality we’ll continue to monitor. For the last week, the readings have been good until Obando,” Cuna said.

Ambassador Endo Kazuya said that Japan’s sending of the technical and relief team is proof of the strong friendship between the Philippines and Japan, especially when it comes to projects that will improve the lives of Filipinos.

“I am very happy to hear that the technical assistance provided by Japan—the relief team and experts have been very useful. We are with you. Japan hopes to remain a valuable partner to stand by the Philippines,” said Ambassador Endo Kazuya.

The private sector is also fully supporting by providing free diesel, free 5,000 tons of bunkering per barge, and heavy equipment for immediate firefighting.

“We all helped each other to solve this problem because it is a serious calamity, right? You noticed how quickly the problem was solved because we all helped each other,” said SMC chairman Ramon Ang. Darwin G. Amojelar

LRMC taps Mister Loo to upgrade LRT-1 restrooms

LIGHT Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), the private operator of LRT-1, has partnered with Mister Loo Philippines to upgrade passenger restrooms across its network.

The collaboration aims to modernize facilities, ensuring a cleaner and more comfortable experience for commuters.

The partnership will pilot at LRT-1 EDSA and Fernando Poe Jr. stations, where existing restrooms at each station will undergo a complete renovation and upgrade by Mister Loo. To provide passengers with more options, the use of some of the renovated restrooms will remain free of charge, while the others will be converted into a premium facility accessible for a fee. This premium option will offer enhanced features, ensuring that commuters have a choice between quality essential facilities and a more premium experience.

By offering both upgraded free facilities and a premium paid option, LRMC ensures that passengers have a choice that best suits their needs.

The official Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony was attended by key executives from both organizations, including LRMC president and chief executive officer Enrico R. Benipayo, chief finance officer Franz C. Sia, and business development head Allan

Rei Hernandez. Representing Mister Loo were founder and chief executive officer Andreas Wanner, senior business development manager Cristina Bolcan, and project manager architect Jude Gador.

“This initiative is part of LRMC’s dedication to improving the customer experience on LRT-1, one station at a time,” Enrico R. Benipayo, LRMC

president and chief executive. “We want to provide our commuters with convenience and comfort that goes beyond the train ride itself. Clean and functional restrooms are essential to that mission,” he added. The renovation and construction are expected to begin soon, with the full rollout at the pilot stations targeted for the third quarter of 2026.

AirAsia Philippines takes Ube to the skies

AIRASIA’S in-flight catering arm, Santan, has refreshed its menu for the second quarter of 2026, headlined by the “Ube craze” and a diverse selection of ASEAN-inspired flavors. Leading the new drink lineup is the Ube Coconut milk drink, a sugar-free, creamy blend inspired by the iconic Filipino root crop. Joining it is the Buko Pandan Milk drink, a liquid take on the classic Filipino dessert featuring the nostalgic flavors of jelly and shredded coconut. Santan’s second quarter menu introduces more

ASEAN flavors, featuring Thailand’s Thai Basil Chicken, an authentic thai rice dish with stir-fried spiced chicken and fresh basil leaves to give it that signature robust flavor. Filipino comfort food remains at the heart of the menu, with guest favorites such as JT’s Manukan Chicken Inasal and Beef Tapa with Scrambled Eggs, alongside regional staples including Malaysia’s Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak and Uncle Chin’s Chicken Rice, giving guests a broader selection of familiar Southeast Asian dishes.

AIRFARES are expected to drop from May 16 to 31, 2026, as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) approved a lower fuel surcharge following a decline in global jet fuel prices.

In an advisory, CAB said that the passenger and cargo fuel surcharge for both domestic and international flights will drop to Level 16 for the period May 15 to 31 from Level 18 for the period May 1 to 15. Under Level 15 the fuel surcharge for domestic flights ranges from P491 and P1436, depending on the distance, while for international flights, the fuel surcharge may range from P1621.42 and P12, 056.

The CAB said for the cargo fuel surcharge, airlines are allowed to charge P2.52 to P7.38 per kilogram for domestic flights under Level 15 and P8.34 to P61.98 per kg. for international flights.

The agency is implementing a 15-day price monitoring and implementation cycle for passenger and cargo fuel surcharges on both domestic and international flights. This interim measure replaces the standard one-month cycle and temporarily suspends specific provisions of CAB Resolution No. 25 (2022).

According to the CAB, the move aims to mitigate the impact of surging fuel prices on the riding public and airline operations.

The CAB said the interim measure shall be in effect until the current situation stabilizes or as may be revised or revoked accordingly.

“Airlines wishing to impose or collect fuel surcharge must file its application with CAB on or before the effectivity period, with fuel surcharge rates not exceeding the above-stated level,” the CAB said.

Airline fuel surcharge is an optional fee, imposed and collected by airlines to recover fuel costs and stem losses caused by upward spikes in fuel cost.

According to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Jet Fuel Price Monitor, global jet fuel prices averaged $162.89 per barrel as of May 8, 2026. While this represents a 13.5 percent decrease from the previous month.

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

WHAT defines the Filipino? To many, it is a blend of resilience in the face of adversity, ingenious resourcefulness, warmth, and the unwavering spirit of bayanihan—that communal unity that transforms a group of individuals into a family. Yet, beyond these core values lies a deeper narrative.

The history of the Philippines is a vibrant tapestry of traditions, culture, and artifacts. These “roots” do more than just record the past; they instill a sense of pride and honor in those who continue to uphold them today.

A Legacy Institutionalized

In a dedicated effort to safeguard this legacy for the next generation, Presidential Proclamation No. 439 institutionalized the celebration of National Heritage Month. Observed every May, this month-long event fosters awareness, reverence, and a

Echoes of the Past, Visions of the Future: Celebrating National Heritage Month in the Philippines

profound love for the nation’s cultural soul.

The Filipino word for heritage is pamana—a term that encompasses the cultural, historical, and social legacies we inherit from our ancestors, cherish in the present, and are duty-bound to preserve for the future. While physical landmarks and artifacts serve as tangible anchors to our history, National Heritage Month also shines a vital spotlight on “intangible” heritage. This includes oral traditions, performing arts, social rituals, and traditional craftsmanship—treasures that cannot be touched but are deeply felt.

“Our heritage is not just a memory of the past. It is the living narrative of who we are as Filipinos,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shared in a recent message.

“It is found in our languages, music, customs, and in the quiet resolve with which we endure and rise.”

Preserving the Past for a Brighter Future

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) stands at the heart of these celebrations. As the lead agency, the NCCA breathes life into the country’s history through curated experiences and visionary programs.

This year’s theme, “Roots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future,” challenges Filipinos to honor their history while simultaneously building a collaborative future. The festivities commenced on May 10 in Angono, Rizal—the “Art Capital of the Philippines”—with a vibrant parade featuring the iconic

Higantes and a symbolic torch-lighting ceremony.

Key initiatives held nationwide include:

Educational Outreach: Seminars and forums on indigenous crafts and nation-building through history.

Technical Workshops: Training in basic archiving, digitization, and capacity-building for art preservation.

Heritage Tours: Immersive journeys through the National Museum of the Philippines and its provincial branches.

Cultural Spotlights: Celebrations of indigenous communities who remain the active guardians of ancient tales and craftsmanship.

The Digital Vanguard:

The Role of the Youth

While visiting a heritage site is a vital first step, the ultimate goal is the sustainable preservation of our pamana. In this endeavor, the youth occupy a pivotal position. As digital natives, they act as the bridge between ancient history and a tech-driven future.

In an era of rapid globalization, the youth can “rebrand” heritage. By utilizing social media, mobile apps, and virtual reality, they can make cultural legacy accessible and “cool” for their peers. Imagine virtual tours of the Rice Terraces or interactive apps that teach the Baybayin script—these are the innovative methods that keep a culture from becoming a museum piece.

To truly empower this generation, they must be given the financial and organizational support to lead their own initiatives. By involving young people in the decision-making processes of cultural preservation, we move from simply teaching them history to making them accountable for its survival.

A Portal to Identity

Every May serves as a powerful reminder that we are the products of those who came before us. National Heritage Month is more than a series of events; it is a portal to the past that provides a solid foundation for the Filipino identity. Through these continuous efforts, the echoes of our ancestors will continue to resonate in the visions of our future.

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Cebu’s hit ‘Hook Up The

Musical’

CEBU’S theater scene is bringing back one of its most talked-about original productions, with Hook Up The Musical set for a one-night restaging on June 13 at Sky Hall Seaside Cebu.

The musical, written and directed by Jude Gitamondoc, first drew attention for its frank portrayal of queer relationships, online dating culture, and HIV awareness. Its return comes with a larger production and a renewed focus on conversations surrounding identity and digital intimacy.

Gitamondoc said the restaging aims to widen the reach of the show’s message at a time when online connections have become central to many people’s lives.

most,” he said.

Set against the backdrop of dating apps and anonymous encounters, the musical follows Tim, also known as #TimidTim, whose outlook changes after meeting a user named #IAmAnonymous, a person living with HIV.

The production also presents a series of monologues and vignettes that examine the realities faced by members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines, including stigma, safe sex, and social pressure.

SHOWBIZ

gets major restaging The musical blends pop-driven songs with humor and emotional drama, reflecting the tone of modern digital relationships while tackling themes that are rarely explored openly on the local stage. Kadasig Entertainment Production will

“This isn’t just about making the show bigger— it’s about reaching the people who need this message

Returning to the cast are Shim Dagatan and Paul Pablo, alternating in the role of #TimidTim, along with Jan Echavarria and Grant Bacaltos as #IAmAnonymous.

VMX takes the action route with ‘Pasakalye’

By Jasper Valdez

VMX has built much of its recall on daring titles, but Pasakalye enters the platform from a different lane. The film leans on action, conflict, and intensity rather than the eroticism many viewers may expect. For its cast, that shift is part of what makes the project stand out.

Directed by Roman Perez Jr. Marco Gumabao, Andrew Muhlach, Denise Esteban, Angelica Hart, film follows childhood friends whose bond is tested when they find themselves caught on different sides of a dangerous world.

For Marco, who returns to VMX after several years, the project stood out because it was not built around the kind of sensual material often attached to the platform.

“It’s very different because this is really my first time doing a full action film. So, this is a full actionpacked movie,” Marco said during the film’s media conference on May 6.

Denise Esteban steps into action for the first time in VMX’s new film

Andrew Muhlach uses Pasakalye to show a different side of himself, balancing comic energy with the film’s heavier action beats

to offer more than one kind of content.

“It’s not all about sexy content. We can also deliver action-packed and good-quality films,” Marco said. “For me, it’s a very, very good move for VMX to add more variety for our viewers.”

That shift was also noticed by Denise, who said the film may help viewers see the platform in a different light.

“Maybe this is also a way to say that VMX is somehow rebranding, to show that when people say VMX, it’s not only about what they usually think of as sex scenes,” she said.

Andrew also treated Pasakalye as a chance to show a different side of himself onscreen. He said he studied the script and wanted his character’s look to feel distinct.

“I studied the script. I even suggested to Direk Roman that my look should really be different,” Andrew said. “I’m also a bit of a comic character here, but I really wanted viewers to see something different when they watch Pasakalye .”

That effort carried over to the action scenes, where Andrew and Marco had to learn the rhythm of a sport they were not fully used to onscreen. Andrew said they had to practice for the bike sequences after learning that the BMX bikes used in the film had no brakes.

“We found out that BMX bikes don’t have brakes. We used to ride bikes before, but those were road bikes, and they had brakes. With BMX, your brake is your foot,” he said.

Denise said the film also gave her a chance to try action for the first time.

Shakira, and BTS will headline a Super Bowl-style half-time show at the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, FIFA Chris Martin is curating the show, which is a first for a football World Cup final but has raised concerns about how long half-time will be.

The biggest-ever World Cup, with 48 teams, kicks off on June 11 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced in March last year that there would be “the first-ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final.”

He did not say at the time who would be performing or how long the show would last.

“This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world,” he said on Instagram.

The move mirrors the show held during the final of the 2024 Copa America in Miami, when Colombian star Shakira performed at halftime at the Hard Rock Stadium. There was also a half-time show at last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final, also at MetLife Stadium, which stretched the break in excess of the regulation 15 minutes.

Infantino added that FIFA also planned to “take over” New York’s Times Square on the final weekend of the World Cup.

The half-time extravaganza will support FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative working to raise $100 million for children worldwide during the World Cup.

Shakira last week teased the new official song for the World Cup, releasing a brief video of the track filmed at Brazil’s iconic Maracana Stadium.

The singer—who also created the 2010 World Cup anthem “Waka Waka”— announced the song, titled “Dai Dai” in a post on her Instagram account.

In the 67-second video, Shakira appears on the pitch at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, where she performed in a free concert at the city’s Copacabana Beach before two million people.

Holding the “Trionda,” the official match ball of the 2026 World Cup, Shakira performed excerpts of the song in English, joined by dancers dressed in the colors of teams including the United States and Colombia.

The song was produced with Nigerian artist Burna Boy and is set for official release on Thursday. The clip, also shared by the FIFA World Cup account, ends with the message: “We’re ready!” Shakira has a long association with the World Cup, performing at the 2006 and 2014 World Cup finals in addition to producing “Waka Waka” for the 2010 AFP

the film. The story itself can already capture people’s interest without any showing of skin,” he said. The actor said Pasakalye reflects VMX’s effort

“It’s also my first time doing this kind of action movie,” she said. “I really liked the story because it was different from the projects I’ve done before, especially since it involved bikes.” Pasakalye is now streaming on VMX.

SHOWBIZ

Miss Universe Philippines names six new international queens

AFTER a week of thorough deliberation, the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) organization crowned six of the Top 7 finalists of Miss Universe Philippines 2026 with their respective titles for international pageants deemed best suited for them during the coronation ball held at the City of Dreams Manila on Roxas Blvd., Parañaque, on Sunday.

Leading the new set of queens is Miss Supranational Philippines 2026 Allyson Hetland, a 24-year-old Filipino-American registered nurse raised in Angeles City, Pampanga. The statuesque model succeeded Katrina Llegado and will compete in Miss Supranational 2027 in Poland.

Next is Miss Cosmo Philippines 2026 Ysabella Ysmael, the 29-yearold niece of Miss Universe 1973

Margie Moran, who succeeded Miss Cosmo 2025 first runner-up Chelsea Fernandez. A ballet dancer and psychology graduate from De La Salle University, she teaches ballet at Milota Ballet, which she cofounded.

Crowned Miss Eco International Philippines 2027 is Jenrose Javier old Filipino-Pakistani tourism student from Sultan Kudarat, who succeeded Gabriella Carballo Named Miss Charm Philippines

2026 is Apriel Smith, a 29-yearold Fil-American model from Cebu City, who graduated with a degree in Tourism Management and worked as an OFW. She succeeded Cyrille Payumo

Crowned the first Miss Worldwide Philippines

2026 is Nicolle Borromeo, 25, a singer and Interior Design

student from Cebu. She previously won Bb. Pilipinas-International and placed third runner-up in Miss International 2023. She will again represent the country in the inaugural Miss Worldwide 2027.

Miss Tourism World Philippines 2026 is Marian Arellano, a 22-year-old native of Pura, Tarlac, and a Business Administration graduate.

A pair of teen titles were awarded to two Top 30 candidates: Miss Eco Teen International 2026 Trexy Paris Roxas, a 19-year-old medical technology student from Iligan City; and Miss Teen Universe Catherine , an 18-year-old Filipino-British senior high school student, who was born

Sitti revisits bossa nova milestone as ‘Para Sa Akin’ turns 20

SINGER Sitti returns to one of her signature bossa nova recordings as she marks 20 years of “Para Sa Akin” with a one-night concert on May 17 at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre.

First recorded in 2005, “Para Sa Akin” has remained part of everyday Filipino listening, often associated with weddings, late-night drives, cafés, and personal milestones. Two decades after its release on the album “Café Bossa,” the track continues to attract new listeners and has accumulated nearly 60 million streams on Spotify.

Sitti said the song has taken on a life of its own beyond her original recording. “It’s not really my song anymore,” she says. “It belongs to everyone who played it during the hardest or happiest parts of their lives.”

Fans have described the track as a personal marker of memory and discovery, with some crediting it for introducing them to bossa nova and others linking it to specific periods in their lives.

The anniversary will be celebrated through Sittiscape: The City of Bossa, a concert conceptualized and creatively directed by Liza Diño, with stage direction by Ice Seguerra, musical direction by Bobby Velasco, and choreography by Dan Cabrera

The production features guest performers Gary Valenciano, RJ Jacinto, Ice Seguerra, Ebe Dancel, Nyoy Volante, Richard Poon, Princess Velasco, Jason Dhakal, and Ryan Cayabyab

The show will revisit “Para Sa Akin” through multiple arrangements, including a reinterpretation inspired by Jason Dhakal’s 2023 version. The concert will also include a suite built around the song and a finale featuring a samba number involving the audience.

Streaming data cited by the production show “Para Sa Akin” has reached 59,647,110 Spotify streams, while Sitti’s catalog has surpassed 80 million streams across platforms.

and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, with roots in Catbalogan, Samar.

NEWLY crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Beatrice MillanWindorski was warmly cheered when she faced the media during her victory press conference held at the City of Dreams Manila, which preceded the coronation ball event. She took the occasion to celebrate Mother’s Day with her mother, who came to witness the event.

MUP executive vice president Voltaire Tayag welcomed the newly crowned queen on stage, where she looked stunning in an elegant aqua blue Filipiniana dress with floral embellishments.

“It’s still really surreal being able to call myself Miss Universe Philippines 2026, and to have the opportunity

THE other day, I was taken on a nostalgic trip when I had to respond to a couple of emails and came across old photos of mine from when I worked as a music journalist in the Philippines.

First, I needed to acknowledge an invitation from PARI (Philippine Association of the Record Industry) to join the Awit Voting Community. That they included me in a list of music professionals—recording artists, record label executives, and composers—felt good. Some of these people are household names, or if I may say so, figures I looked up to in terms of music-making.

Twice, I had been invited to serve as a judge to determine the recipients of the Awit Awards, essentially the Philippines’ equivalent of the Grammys. It’s a morale boost and, at the same time, a responsibility I wanted to embrace with open arms.

Of course, I would love to be part of such a community. Being a music critic myself, I have come to love scrutinizing other people’s music with the main goal of pinpointing good work to help keep the progression of the music scene.

Second, it was time to vote for the next batch of the Board of Trustees to serve FILSCAP (Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers), of which I have been a longtime member.

My mentality when it comes to placing a colleague in such a position is the same as when I vote during national elections. I prefer new faces with clear, promising platforms to socalled traditional politicians banking on popularity and experience. Give others a chance. Besides, famous musicians may be too busy to hear members’ grievances or see much deeper into the situation of musical artists. They have gigs. The deserving, nameless, and maybe struggling have time and would be eager to prove their worth.

to disseminate my message and advocacies has been really the privilege of a lifetime,” MillanWindorski said when asked how life had been for her since her victory.

“For me, it’s really pragmatism because my Lola and my mom sacrificed a lot to move to the US. It was a shock to them when I decided to do the reverse migration. Could I provide for myself, could I forge a career for myself so far away from the life that I’ve always known?” MillanWindorski answered when asked what Ilocano trait best described her.

“I’m career-driven, and I always live with pragmatism. When I got a call from MUP, I made the decision to take that leap of faith because I was lucky to have a team that truly believed in me and supported me, and I promised to bring that pragmatism

with me to the crown,” she added.

“The biggest privilege of this platform is that you really have the opportunity to push for change, and through this media, I’ve been able to communicate to the entire Philippines and the entire universe that I intend to use this platform as a public servant to promote the rights and dignity of our overseas Filipino workers and to push for the SOGIE Bill and ensure that our trans brothers and sisters have proper documentation and also to protect our environment,” she said about going around different media outlets as Miss MUP 2026. Millan-Windorski added that she will continue working with the team that helped transform her into the woman people see today as she prepares for the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico.

The author keeps music close, balancing industry work, memories of his journalism days, and new songs recorded across two countries

Keeping the memories or music playing

to me. It’s a lost era of my personal run, which emphasized the poignancy of seeing them.

And third, I decided to scroll over and look at past photos of me, my family, and my friends. These pictures are not too old, but given that the world significantly changed right after the COVID-19 pandemic and that I already relocated thousands of miles away, the images, all taken before the global crisis, look distant

A photo with the friendly Richard Poon made me recall the guy’s meticulous treatment of music arrangements, while a shot with Glaiza De Castro brought me back to our relaxed conversation during a press conference for a project where she was the main player. My stay here in the US, for the better, pushes me to keep myself doing special things that one labeled an “extraordinary alien” should do. The writing and the music will always be there as I navigate another land with a different atmosphere and vibe. Thanks to digital technology, I still get to do the stuff I am most passionate about. I am recording original music with the help of Forgiven Music Studio in Quezon City, whose

owner and musically gifted record producer, Mark Anthony Zoleta, is a close friend with high regard for my songwriting. He and his talented guitarist son, Christian David, along with a brilliant instrumentalist named Psalm, are pouring their energy into recording backing tracks based on my rough demos. Then I would go to this Los Angeles County studio manned by my new music collaborator, Dylan Galvan, to lay down my vocals.

I’ll be releasing more of my originals soon under the mononym Yugel, which you may identify as a recording group. We’ve completed around five tracks, with two of the songs already mixed and being readied for upload.

Whether as a music judge, a singing author, or a professional songwriter exercising his power to vote for people who should uplift the causes of tunesmiths in the Philippines, I have to keep the music playing. No time to ask how. Just do what’s possible. In music, you are only allowed to do quick pauses to stress a point.

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA,

Writer

JASPER VALDEZ,

Writer

Alyssa Segura shares how the people who helped shape her upbringing as the campaign recognizes the women who stand alongside mothers through everyday moments

By Nickie Wang

IN Filipino families, raising a child is rarely the work of one person alone. Parents may have the primary responsibility, but care often extends to grandparents, aunts, teachers, and caregivers who step in consistently through the years.

In the new Mother’s Day campaign from McDonald’s Philippines, attention turns to a familiar truth in many Filipino households: motherhood is often shared, shaped not only by parents but also by a wider circle of women who help raise a child. The campaign’s documentary follows Alyssa Segura, who looks back on the women who helped shape her life alongside her mother. In the film, she invites her grandmother, aunts, teachers, and yaya for a simple tribute at McDonald’s, thanking them for the part they played in her upbringing.

The story focuses on everyday acts of care like showing up, offering guidance, and staying present during difficult and important moments.

“Hinding magiging ganito si Alyssa kung wala yung tulong ng mga taong nasa paligid ko… Ako

po ay nagpapasalamat

sa inyo,” Alyssa’s mother, Maricel, says in the documentary, acknowledging the people who helped raise her daughter.

Alyssa also delivers her message through sign language, thanking the women who became part of her life and expressing gratitude to her mother for introducing her to “the most beautiful people.”

The film arrives at a time when many Filipino households continue to rely on shared caregiving arrangements. In extended families, especially, responsibilities are often spread among relatives and trusted caregivers, creating support systems that children grow up leaning on long before they fully understand them.

Rather than centering solely on motherhood in the traditional sense, the campaign widens the

Losing someone who ‘matters’

Random Talk Kate Adajar

AFEW days ago, I received an e-mail about the passing of Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky, a professor, author, speaker, consultant, and an important figure in positive psychology whose work transformed the way many people understand human well-being.

In 2022, I had the privilege of listening to him as a guest lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania Master of Applied Positive Psychology program, and his words made a life-changing impact.

While many scholars speak about happiness, resilience, or achievement, Prilleltensky focused on something both simple yet profound. He spoke about mattering. His research gave language to a deep human need that so many people feel but struggle to define — the need to know that we are valued and that we add value to the world around us.

According to Prilleltensky, mattering is built on two essential experiences. The first is feeling valued — being seen, appreciated, respected, and cared for by others. The second

The

A village of love

unsung women behind every child’s story

The fast-food chain trains the spotlight on often-unseen support system behind every child’s journey through a Mother’s Day campaign centered on shared caregiving conversation to include the people who help make parenting possible.

“At McDonald’s Philippines, we honor everyone who is a part of this village,” says Ada Almendras-Lazaro, chief marketing officer of McDonald’s Philippines. “This Mother’s Day,

meaningful to family, community, work, or society.

In his view, true well-being cannot exist without both. A person may receive praise and recognition yet still feel empty if they are not able to contribute in meaningful ways. Likewise, someone who constantly gives but never feels acknowledged may slowly feel invisible. Mattering is the balance between receiving affirmation and making a difference.

What made Prilleltensky’s work

we look forward to celebrating these women through shared meals and meaningful moments in our store.”

The documentary is available on McDonald’s Philippines’ social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

people feel connected rather than forgotten. His work challenged the idea that mental health is purely individual. Instead, he argued that societies also have a responsibility to create environments where people feel they belong and where their contributions matter. I am reminded of this when dealing with friends, family, and even colleagues at work.

so powerful was its relevance to everyday life. In a world obsessed with productivity, status, and performance, his research reminded people that human flourishing is deeply relational. People thrive when they know they count. Children flourish when they feel heard at home and in school. Employees become more engaged when they know their contributions are valued. Communities grow healthier when

Five decades of quiet revolution in menswear

Ellis is marking its 50th year in 2026, highlighting its role in shaping modern American menswear with a focus on relaxed tailoring, comfort, and practical design.

For me, the concept of mattering, aside from being a really useful academic theory, became a lens through which I understood relationships, purpose, and even personal struggles. I still remember how Prilleltensky spoke with warmth and humility despite his stature

in the field. He even accepted my Facebook request! He did not present himself as someone above others, but as someone genuinely interested in human dignity. That combination of intellectual brilliance and compassion made his message even more convincing. He helped many people realize that the smallest acts of recognition— like listening attentively, expressing gratitude, and encouraging someone’s contribution—can greatly shape a person’s sense of worth. Isaac Prilleltensky was not only a brilliant thinker but also a deeply humble human being. His brilliance and humility remain sources of inspiration for me. More than anything, he made me understand what it means to matter. Even in his death, he made me immerse myself in the shared pain of losing someone who mattered not only to the Penn MAPP and positive psychology community, but also to people all over the world whose lives he touched through his work. For your random thoughts, e-mail the author at randomrepublika@ gmail.com.

Founded in 1976 by designer Perry Ellis, the label helped reshape men’s fashion by moving away from rigid silhouettes toward softer construction and more versatile sportswear.

Ellis received eight Coty Awards and four Council of Fashion Designers of America awards during his career. In 1986, the CFDA established the Perry Ellis Award for Emerging Talent to honor his impact on future designers.

As it reaches the milestone, the brand is positioning itself around contemporary dressing needs, focusing on adaptable pieces suited for work, travel, and social settings. Its direction continues to emphasize clothing designed for everyday movement and ease.

The anniversary is also anchored by the Spring 2026 campaign titled “The Tastemaker’s Canvas,” shot on Fire Island. The campaign presents tailoring in a fluid context and blurs traditional distinctions in menswear categories. In the Philippines, Perry Ellis is distributed by Anthem, which brought the brand into the market in 2006 through SM Megamall. It has since expanded to locations including One Bonifacio High Street, Opus Mall, Glorietta 4, SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, TriNoma, Festival Mall, Robinsons Place Manila, and Robinsons Magnolia, among others. The brand is also available online through Anthem’s website and