By Rex Espiritu
THE Office of the Ombudsman on Monday confirmed receipt of a Department of Justice (DOJ) resolution recommending the filing of plunder and graft charges against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and former Department of
Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan, among several personalities involved in allegedly anomalous infrastructure projects. According to Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano, the Justice Department asked their office to file the charges
By Ram Superable, Katrina Manubay, Joel Zurbano, Maricel Cruz, Vito Barcelo and Vince Lopez
THE Senate on Monday formally convened as an impeachment court and ordered the issuance of a writ of summons to Vice President Sara Duterte, setting in motion the chamber’s constitutional duty to hear the Articles of Impeachment filed against her.
Clad in traditional Oxford crim son robes, 23 senators – Senator Bato dela Rosa remained absent after fleeing the premises Thursday dawn – took their respective oaths to serve as senator-judges for the dura tion of the upcoming trial.
“The court having been organ ized, and the Articles of Impeach ment having been present-
“That
By Pot Chavez
Jimmy Bondoc said in an interview. Meanwhile, Atty. Israelito Torreon, counsel for Dela Rosa, filed its response yesterday to the comment of the Office of the Solicitor General.
“We leave the outcome to Allah but i
By Charles Dantes
By Ram Superable and Charles Dantes
But even with 11 senators, the minority bloc still lacks two votes to have Cayetano replaced.
In a manifestation on the floor, Zubiri said he wanted to be associated with the minority bloc.
By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was disappointed by recent developments in the Senate surrounding the failed attempt to serve an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela
By Vince Lopez
Rosa, according to Malacañang.
At the same time, the Palace dismissed claims that the Senate was placed under siege during the controversy surrounding the attempted service of an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa, saying the chamber was “never
said
Marcos
ed, let a writ of summons be issued to the Vice President, Sara Zimmerman Duterte,” Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano said.
‘We will comply’ Duterte’s camp said it will file the “appropriate response” amid the order for the issuance of the summons.
“We will comply and file the appropriate response in accordance with the Constitution and applicable rules,” lawyer Michael Poa said. Poa said the defense team would refrain from further comments for now out of respect for the process.
Duterte, the first Philippine official to be impeached for a second time in a row, is accused of graft, corruption, bribery and an alleged assassination threat against former ally President Ferdinand Marcos.
Palace: Hold accountable those who should be held accountable Malacañang, for its part, said it is up to the Senate to conduct a fair impeachment trial against the Vice President even as it emphasized that public officials facing allegations must ultimately be held accountable.
“We know that the impeachment trial is the work and mandate of the Senate. The President does not need to interfere
with the said mandate of the Senate because we have the so-called separation of powers,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.
“What we should always remember, not only the Senate and senators, but we Filipinos ourselves – those who should be held accountable, according to the President, should be held accountable,” she added.
11-member prosecution panel
The 11-member House prosecution panel, with House Committee on Justice chairperson Gerville Luistro as lead public prosecutor, formally entered its appearance before the Senate Impeachment Court.
“The undersigned members of the House of Representatives, duly elected by the House of Representatives as members of the prosecution panel, respectfully enter their appearance as Public Prosecutors,” the panel’s pleading read.
Rounding up the panel as public prosecutors are Reps. Terry Ridon (Bicol Saro party-list), Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez (1-Rider party-list), Ysabel Maria Zamora (San Juan City), Lorenz Defensor (Iloilo 3rd District), Jose Manuel Diokno (Akbayan party-list), Leila de Lima (Mamamayang Liberal party-list), Arlene Bag-ao (Dinagat Islands), Jonathan Keith Flores (Bukidnon 2nd District), Lordan Suan (Cagayan de Oro 1st District), and Joel Chua (Manila 3rd District).
Impeachment trial rules
Cayetano, for his part, directed Duterte to file her answer within a non-extendable period of 10 days from receipt of the summons.
Pursuant to Article VII of the impeachment trial rules, Cayetano also directed Duterte to appear before the Senate session hall “upon notice.”
The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms was ordered to serve the written summons on the Vice President, together with a copy of the Articles of Impeachment.
Cayetano said the prosecution may file its reply within a non-extendable period of five days from receipt of Duterte’s answer.
He also said parties may file pleadings and annexes in person or through electronic mail, while other pleadings, motions and similar papers intended for the consideration of the impeachment court may be filed electronically.
House leaders, Church to senators: Perform duty with dispatch Lawmakers led by impeachment prosecutor and Bicol Saro party-list Terry Ridon welcomed the convening of the Senate as an impeachment court yesterday.
“The House prosecution panel will comply with all orders, directives, and processes of the impeachment court, and we are ready to present the evidence before the impeachment court in the coming days,” Ridon said.
The Makabayan bloc, composed
tion before the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
of Reps. Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers, Sarah Elago of Gabriela and Renee Co of Kabataan said the Senate action “is a necessary constitutional step toward accountability, and we expect the Senate to perform its duty with seriousness and dispatch.”
“We call on Vice President Duterte to promptly submit her answer to the articles of impeachment and to fully recognize the jurisdiction of the Senate impeachment court. There should be no more dilatory tactics, no attempts to evade or question the legitimacy of the process, and no political maneuvers to delay the presentation of evidence and the start of the trial. Let’s get it on,” the lawmakers said.
Catholic bishops and church leaders also called on the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial without delay.
In a statement signed by 165 bishops, priests, and church leaders nationwide, members of Caritas Philippines appealed to senators to fulfill their constitutional duty and convene as an impeachment court without delay.
“We appeal to the Members of the Senate to abide by what the Constitution directs: to proceed with the trial and...adhere to the rule of law and serve the common good in the pursuit of justice and truth,” the statement read.
conducted by the Scene of the Crime Operatives yielded positive results.
“Yes, based on the SOCO results, it tested positive for gunpowder nitrates. That paraffin test checks for the presence of nitrate particles that are commonly associated with gunpowder,” Panaga said.
Despite the positive test result, the police official said authorities are still investigating the involvement of the arrested NBI “volunteer” in the shooting incident.
“That’s what we’re still determining through the investigation that will be conducted today,” Panaga said.
“At this time, we cannot provide conclusive details because the investigation is still ongoing,” she added.
The SPD spokesperson also said the suspect has already undergone inquest proceedings and is facing criminal charges for violations of Republic Act 10591, or the Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition Act, alarm and scandal, tumults and disturbance of public order, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or his agent, and other offenses.
“This driver underwent inquest proceedings last week. Charges filed against him include violations of RA 10591, alarm and scandal, tumults and disturbance of public order, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or his agent, disturbance of proceedings, trespassing, violation of Senate security, and direct assault,” Panaga said.
Ejercito, for his part, was asked by Cayetano whether he would be independent or with the minority, to which the senator replied: “For now, Mr. President, I’ll be with the minority.”
Even as he retained the Senate presidency, Cayetano acknowledged the calls for his ouster.
“If the Lord placed me here for an eight-day mission, I will accept that. But if my mission is to start the impeachment, I will also accept that,” he said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for his part, declined to speculate on another possible leadership change in the Senate.
“We just have to wait and see,” President Marcos said.
Major reshuffle
As this developed, the Senate finalized a major reshuffle yesterday with the appointment of seven new committee heads.
The sweeping changes led to the removal of opposition lawmakers from key committees, including Senator Bam Aquino from basic education, Senator Risa Hontiveros from health, and Senator Francis Pangilinan from agriculture.
Under the new assignments, Senator Loren Legarda will take over the Committee on Basic Education while retaining her leadership of the Committee on Culture and the Arts.
Senator Pia Cayetano secured the leadership of the Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Futures Thinking, while maintaining her chairperson posts for the Ways and Means and the Energy panels.
The Committee on Health and Demography will now be led by Senator Bong Go, who also retained his position as head of the Committee on Sports.
Senator Joel Villanueva was designated to lead the Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education.
The Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation will now be chaired by Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who was also given control of the Committee on Games and Amusement.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta was appointed to oversee the Committee on Public Services.
Senator Robin Padilla assumed leadership of the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, while keeping his post as chairperson of the Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs.
The reorganization also saw the replacement of Mark Llandro Mendoza as Senate Secretary by Jose Luis Montales, who was a former secretary-general of the House when Cayetano was its Speaker.
urge everyone to storm the heavens with prayer that the outcome will be favorable to the Petitioners, specifically to Senator Dela Rosa,” Torreon said in his social media post.
Bondoc, one of Dela Rosa’s legal counsels, added that the government’s denial of the deployment of personnel from the National Bureau of Investigation also raised doubts in the mind of his client.
“Taken together, who would not run from an uncertain group of individuals?” he told ABS-CBN.
The remarks were made following the filing by the OSG of its comment on Saturday seeking the denial of Dela Rosa’s manifestation and mo -
“Indeed, Senator Dela Rosa’s acts demonstrate a clear and deliberate intent to evade arrest and prosecution. By his own conduct, he has placed himself outside the protection of the law and until he submits himself to lawful authorities, he must be deemed a fugitive from justice and should not be allowed to seek any relief from the courts,” the comment read.
For his part, lawyer Israelito Torreon also asserted that Dela Rosa is not a fugitive from justice, noting that such characterization is legally baseless and unfair.
“There is no Philippine court-issued warrant against him, no local criminal case requiring his arrest, and no final judicial directive from any Philippine
President’s decision and pledged support for the incoming DBM chief.
ers described as missteps related to information about fugitive lawmaker Zaldy Co.
Castro also dismissed speculation circulating online and in political circles that former senator Antonio Trillanes IV or former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos could replace Remulla at the DILG.
“There is no such information being given to us yet,” Castro said.
Meanwhile, the President has appointed Kim Robert De Leon as secretary of the Department of Budget and Management, Malacañang announced on Monday.
De Leon is expected to take his oath of office today, according to Castro.
Outgoing acting Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo said he respected the
A career public servant, De Leon has been recognized for his work in fiscal management, organizational reform and digital transformation. He graduated magna cum laude and valedictorian from the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance.
He also topped the 2016 Environmental Planning Licensure Examination and earned master’s degrees in urban and regional planning and public safety administration, both with academic honors.
In 2021, De Leon completed a certificate program in business process management at Queensland University of Technology under the Australia Awards scholarship program.
The appointment comes as the Marcos administration continues to push for reforms in government budgeting,
Cabinet secretaries that there was that disappointment, Castro said.
of serving personal or political interests.
“It is not necessary for everyone to focus on self-enrichment, nor should only a few interests be pursued, rather, we must respond to what the Constitution says and implement what the law dictates,” Castro said when asked about the president’s view on the situation in the Senate.
Pressed by reporters on whether the President was angry or dismayed, Castro said the Mr. Marcos appeared disappointed during a meeting with Cabinet officials after discussing the incident involving dela Rosa’s reported disappearance despite being under Senate protective custody.
“You can see from the President’s expression and how he questioned the
“Not toward the Cabinet secretaries but toward what happened in the Senate,” she added.
The controversy stemmed from the National Bureau of Investigation’s failure to arrest Dela Rosa upon orders of the International Criminal Court (ICC)..
Castro rejected suggestions that the NBI failed in carrying out its duties, saying the agents were blocked from implementing the warrant.
“There was no failure on the part of the NBI agents. They were blocked ,” she said.
When asked whether the NBI should have complied with the Senate’s request to halt or suspend the service of the warrant while Dela Rosa was under the chamber’s protective custody, Castro shifted the focus to the Senate’s actions.
“The question is, was the Senate cor-
court ordering his surrender to the ICC. What is being questioned before the Supreme Court is precisely the legality of enforcing an ICC process inside Philippine territory without Philippine judicial authority,” he said in a social media post.
Torreon refused to disclose the whereabouts of the lawmaker, who was once again absent from the Senate session at the start of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“As to his current location, we cannot comment on such matters, but what we can say is that Senator Dela Rosa has continuously sought relief from the Supreme Court and has not abandoned legal remedies. Invoking the protection of the Constitution cannot be twisted into evidence of guilt or flight,” he added.
spending efficiency, and digitalization across state agencies.
“I serve at the pleasure of the President, and I fully respect the wisdom of his decisions,” Toledo said in a statement.
“As I transition from this role, I extend my wholehearted support to the new DBM Secretary and remain confident in the Department’s continued pursuit of sound, transparent, and people-centered governance,” he added.
Toledo, who has served in government for more than 38 years, will be appointed to the Board of Trustees representing leading organizations or associations of government employees retirees under the Government Service Insurance System.
He said his commitment to public service “remains unchanged” and thanked God for the opportunity to lead the budget department.
rect in interfering with the service of the warrant of arrest?” she said.
Castro also defended the NBI’s response, saying the incident highlighted which institutions respect the law and established processes.
“Here you will see who respects the institution and who does not respect the law,” she pointed out.
During the press briefing, Castro rejected the description used by Senator Imee Marcos, who earlier referred to the incident as a “Senate siege.”
“Senate siege? Was it under attack? It was not, the Senate was not under attack,” Castro said.
She said the government’s position was based on reports from law enforcement agencies and news coverage of the incident.
“You can see that from the news, not only from the statements of the NBI and PNP. It was only the statement made by
over the alleged bid rigging of government projects to get kickbacks.
Other implicated personalities include Bong Dinglasan, Engr. Denryl Caesar Cortuna, Asst. Engr Manny Bulosan, and Engr. Arturo Gonzales Jr.
“The preliminary investigation accumulated exhaustive evidence, including legislative records, Position Description Forms, and sworn transcripts from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings held on November 14, 2025, which detailed illicit maneuvers and alleged 30-percent cuts surrounding regional flood control projects,” Clavano said.
“Following months of evaluation, the submission of counter-affidavits, and extensive evidence-gathering, the DOJ panel concluded that there is an interconnected network of public officers who abused their official designations to manipulate project specifications, clear budgets, and rig public bidding workflows,” he added.
Aside from plunder and graft, the DOJ wants Estrada and the other public officials to face charges of direct bribery and receiving gifts by public officers.
It also recommended the filing of corruption of public officials charges under Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code against complicit private individuals and entities.
The Justice Department’s recommendation will still be evaluated by the Office of the Ombudsman, which has the final say on the prosecution of corrupt public officials.
Former DPWH undersecretary Catalina Cabral was dropped from the case. Meanwhile, Public Works officials Roberto Bernardo, Henry Alcantara, and Gerard Opulencia were also excluded from the final criminal information to be filed in court in exchange for testimonies.
Clavano has since said the Office of the Ombudsman will conduct its own independent review and resolution on the merits of the case.
Senator Allan Cayetano,” Castro said.
“So, as far as we are concerned, as far as the government is concerned, the Senate was never under attack.”
The incident stemmed from tensions surrounding the National Bureau of Investigation’s attempt to serve an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa while he was reportedly under Senate protective custody.
During the same briefing, Castro declined to confirm suggestions that the confrontation had been staged, despite claims raised by some officials and commentators.
“I cannot say anything about that. I cannot make a judgment if it is staged, orchestrated, planned,” she said.
However, Castro noted that the public could draw its own conclusions from media reports and accounts of the incident.
“But you can assess that from the reports also made by some journalists, some reporters,” she said.
Awardees named in PH-China promotions
THE Association for PhilippinesChina Understanding (APCU) on Monday announced the winners of the 2026 Awards for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding, with the rites set on June 3 at the The Manila Hotel. At the Pandesal Forum at Kamuning Bakery, APCU chair and president Raul Lambino said former First Lady Imelda Marcos was among past awardees.
This year’s awardees include Rommel Banlaoi, known for his scholarly work on international terrorism, South China Sea disputes, foreign affairs, and geopolitics. Lambino said only three individuals would receive awards from different categories.
The other awardees are businessman and philanthropist Peter Ng, former National Security Adviser Carlita Carlos, and Zhang Zhaodong, who will receive an honorary award for promoting rice propagation technology in the Philippines. Lambino said there was no political affiliation involved in the selection process “as long as you promote Philippines-China understanding.” He added that talks are ongoing between China’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Philippine Department of Agriculture, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, on fisheries development and cooperation agreements. Rio Araja
SC clari es rules on reckless cases
THE Supreme Court of the Philippines on Monday clarified the rules on modifying circumstances applicable in cases of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide involving a motor vehicle. These modifying circumstances are factors that may either lessen or increase penalties imposed on the accused.
In its decision, the SC En Banc upheld the conviction of an accused for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, but reduced the sentence after finding that he voluntarily surrendered to police authorities.
The High Court cited Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code, which defines reckless imprudence as acting without intent to cause harm but still resulting in injury or death due to a clear lack of precaution. It also stressed that motorists are expected to drive at reasonable speeds suited to road and weather conditions, especially near intersections.
The SC clarified that voluntary surrender should be considered a mitigating circumstance that reduces the penalty. It added that while Article 365 generally allows courts to impose penalties without applying the rules on mitigating and aggravating circumstances under Article 64 of the Revised Penal Code, this exemption does not apply when reckless imprudence results in death involving a motor vehicle. Pot Chavez
By Othel V. Campos
THE EU-ASEAN Business Council warned that the Philippines lost an estimated P141 billion in government revenues from the illicit tobacco trade over the past two years, amid a sharp rise in illegal e-vape sales across Southeast Asia.
In a joint report with Euromonitor International released Monday, the group said the Philippines recorded the highest illicit e-vape incidence among assessed ASEAN countries, with 86 percent of e-vapes sold in the country considered illegal.
The report estimated that illicit e-vape sales alone caused government revenue losses of P23 billion between 2024 and 2025 and generated P127 billion in gains for illicit operators. Across the ASEAN-6, the illicit tobacco trade resulted in a total of $13 billion in lost revenues over the same period.
The Philippines tied with Malaysia as the second-highest contributor to revenue losses in the region at $2.5 billion, behind Indonesia’s $5.6 billion.
“The scale of illicit trade across ASEAN is often sorely underestimated and, more worryingly, growing at an alarming pace. If left unchecked, illicit trade could jeopardize ASEAN’s economic future as a global growth engine,” said EU-ABC executive director Chris Humphrey.
The report said illicit cigarette sales in ASEAN grew by 14 percent in 2025, while illicit e-vape sales rose by 24 percent. It projected illicit tobacco incidence across the ASEAN-6 to increase from 24 percent in 2025 to 28 percent by 2028.
The Philippines recorded the highest loss in 2025 at P12.1 billion from illicit vapes and the second-highest loss of P61.6 billion from illicit cigarettes, up 9.8 percent from 2024, according to Euromonitor.
According to the study, illicit cigarettes are largely produced in Indonesia and Cambodia, with additional supply coming from China, while Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam serve as major distribution hubs.
The report identified the Subic Bay Freeport Zone among regional free-trade zones vulnerable to smuggling activities, alongside ports in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
It also flagged online platforms, encrypted messaging applications, and social media marketplaces as key channels facilitating illicit tobacco sales in the region.
“The Philippines is one of the most exposed markets and is a priority containment market for e-vapers and an elevatedrisk market for cigarettes,” said Euromonitor head of consulting for APAC Firdaus Muhammad.
Humphrey said illicit trade weakens government revenues that could otherwise fund infrastructure, healthcare, education, and green investments, while also undermining supply chain integrity and investor confidence.
The council urged ASEAN governments to strengthen regional coordination, improve customs enforcement, adopt digital and artificial intelligence tools for monitoring, and enhance track-and-trace systems to combat illicit trade flows.
By Maricel V. Cruz
THE House of Representatives of the Philippines, led by Speaker Faustino Dy III, on Monday formally honored P-Pop sensation BINI for making history as the first Filipino pop group to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, marking a major breakthrough for Original Pilipino Music and Filipino talent on the global stage. Dy, along with Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos III and Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez, personally welcomed the members of BINI to the House following the chamber’s adoption of Resolution No. 1001 recognizing the group’s international achievement and contribution to promoting Filipino culture worldwide.
The resolution, adopted by the House on May 13, 2026, commended and congratulated BINI for becoming the first Filipino pop group to perform at Coachella, one of the world’s biggest and most influential music festivals.
According to the House, BINI’s success reflects the growing international reach of Filipino artists and serves as “a source of immense national pride.”
“The success of BINI at Coachella 2026 serves as a source of immense national pride, proving that Filipino musicality and artistry can compete and excel at the high-
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Department of Energy assured the public that it expects no red alerts and only a possible yellow alert for the Luzon grid for the rest of the year as the Philippines transitions into the rainy season.
“We are already seeing the change of the season from the hot season transitioning to the rainy season. So we can already feel the May rains. That means there is more water for the hydro plants and it will also signal lower demand,” Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said.
The DOE issued the statement following recent red and yellow alerts last week that affected millions of consumers. The strain on the power grid was caused by multiple plant shutdowns and high demand due to soaring temperatures, aggravated by transmission line trippings that isolated several generating units.
Fuentebella said the power supply forecasts are based on coordination with the generation, transmission, and distribution sectors, as well as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
He added that there would be no red alerts or power outages as long as there are no forced outages and no transmission or distribution infrastructure failures.
Conversely, the Visayas grid continues to face power supply challenges. Fuentebella said six red alerts and seven yellow alerts are expected in the Visayas during evening peak hours.
“But it does not mean that there will be a power interruption because a yellow alert means that our reserves are depleted but there is sufficient supply,” he said.
Veteran jouro, labor organizer Jose
dies at 80
HISTORIC VISIT Department of Foreign A airs (DFA) Secretary Theresa Lazaro arrives in The Hague on Sunday for an o cial visit marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Netherlands, the rst such visit by a Philippine foreign secretary in 33 years.
est levels of the international entertainment industry,” the resolution stated.
The House further recognized BINI’s “significant contribution to the global promotion of Filipino talent and culture,” saying the group’s achievement serves as an inspiration to aspiring Filipino artists and creatives
on May 12.
He was 80.
Cortez is survived by his daughters Kathlene, Joyce, Stella, and Jana; his grandchildren; sister Ched; and several nephews and nieces. His wife, Arlene, passed away six years ago.
Born on May 1, 1946, in Manila, Cortez lived a life defined by conviction, compassion, and purpose. He was widely respected in Philippine journalism and politics, known for his intellect, insight, and principled voice.
As a journalist, political strategist, and consultant, he devoted much of his life to helping shape public discourse and guiding conversations that mattered. He believed deeply in the power of truth, the responsibility of leadership, and the importance of standing for something greater than oneself.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was first and foremost a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He shared a deep and enduring love with his wife, Arlene, who passed away in 2020. Her loss profoundly changed him, yet his love and devotion to her never faded. Those closest to him often saw how much of his heart remained with her, and there is comfort in believing they are now reunited once again.
He will be remembered not only for his sharp mind and remarkable intellect, but also for his kindness, generosity, and readiness to help anyone who came to him in need. Whether through guidance, encouragement, or simply making time for others, he touched many lives in ways both seen and unseen. He carried himself with humility and grace, always willing to share what he knew and offer support whenever it was needed.
A eulogy will be held Monday night, and Cortez’s remains will be cremated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday after the 9 a.m. Mass at the St. Peter Chapels.
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2026
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
Binay rolls out rice, cash aid in Makati
MAKATI Mayor Nancy Binay thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a rice and financial subsidy program in the city, benefiting 13,571 families and 115 presidential scholars.
“People see our city and they see the skyline, the business district, the economy. But behind all of that are thousands of families who wake up every day and work as hard as they can just to get by,” Binay said.
Under the “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program, 13,571 households will receive 10 kilos of rice four times, with distributions every two months. The beneficiaries, primarily working-class families, include senior citizens and middleincome households identified across the city’s participating barangays.
“Knowing that they will have rice on their table, that their children will have support to stay in school, that their barangays will have what they need — that is what good governance looks like when it reaches the people who need it most. We are deeply grateful to the President for this,” Binay said. Joel E. Zurbano
Imus extends four-day workweek until Xmas
IMUS City Mayor Alex Advincula has issued an order extending the fourday compressed workweek setup until Christmas this year due to the prevailing extreme heat and the continued instability in the price of petroleum products.
Under the order, local government offices will remain open Monday to Thursday to continue delivering services to Imuseños.
The directive however, does not cover offices related to health, disaster response, and other essential services that must be sustained for the benefit of the general populace.
The four-day workweek which took effect March 10 was supposed to expire on May 29, on account of skyrocketing oil prices that triggered inflation across the country. Dennis Abrina
Congress allots P186m for medical scholarship
CONGRESS has earmarked P186 million for this year’s implementation of a national scholarship program aimed at helping aspiring doctors who cannot afford the cost of medical course, House of Representatives Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan said on Monday.
“Congress earmarked P186 million for the Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) under the 2026 General Appropriations Law,” Libanan, a 4Ps party-list representative, said in a statement.
“By financially supporting deserving medical students, especially those from underserved communities, we are also helping address the chronic shortage of doctors in far-flung and impoverished areas,” Libanan pointed out.
“We want more Filipino physicians to serve where they are needed most,” he added. Maricel V. Cruz
By Nash Maulana
COTABATO City—Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Hadji Murad Ebrahim has urged his successor to go slow in removing Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal from the regional Cabinet of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Meanwhile, an estimated crowd of 20,000 staged a protest march toward the government building here amid the call for Iqbal’s resignation for alleged mishandling of government funds for BARMM’s Department of Education.
Earlier, BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua wrote Iqbal to resign. Macacua’s letter dated May 11 also imposes on Iqbal a deadline, stating “... resign or be deemed resigned in the close of office hours on Monday, May 18, 2026.”
Iqbal as responded that he would not step down.
Ebrahim said any decision to remove key officials of the MILF from the BARMM Cabinet should not come from Macacua alone.
“It has come to the attention of the MILF Central Committee that you have issued a letter, date May 11, 2026 directing Brother Mohagher Iqbal as Minister of Basic, Higher and Technical Education or be deemed resigned by May 18, 2026,” Ebrahim wrote in a
memorandum to Macacua on Monday, using an MILF central committee stationery.
Ebrahim said “all such decision must be preceded by a mandatory consultation with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as lead organization in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB, and pursuant to Article XIV, Section 2 of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.”
“Please be reminded that as Interim Chief Minister, this decision is not solely yours to make,” Murad said in a memorandum to Macacua, as MILF military chief-of-staff, signed on May 18 as head of the MILF central committee.
Ebrahim said as chief minister Macacaua had the “duty to consult the MILF on major decisions affecting the affairs of the BARMM, especially on policy directions, appointments, transfer or removal of key MILF officials that will directly impact on the implementation of CAB and the overall structure of the Peace Process.”
He added that “Brother Iqbal is not
an ordinary Cabinet Member of the BARMM. He is the Chairman of the MILF Implementing Panel. To remove him as an active Member of the Cabinet will have dire effects on the participation of the MILF in the political track of the transition period.”
The protesters marched to the gates Monday of the regional government here to protest a letter from Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, ostensibly asking Iqbal “to resign or be deemed resigned” as Education minister.
Macacua cited a special report by a team of the Commission on Audit (COA) on alleged discrepancies in procurement bids made by suppliers of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), involving 45 contracts with joint-venture (JV) bidders, for a the total amount of P 2, 247,023,709.80.
By Vito Barcelo
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday urged voters to beat the May 18 deadline for registration for the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), stressing that no extension will be granted beyond 5 p.m. today.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia reminded the public that all
voter registration transactions must be completed within the deadline.
“The deadline is today, Monday. Our reminder to those who have not yet registered: there will be no extension,” Garcia said.
He added that the registration period also covers applications for transfer of registration records, reactivation of deactivated registrations, and correction or updating of voter information.
By Rex Espiritu
THE Philippine Army on Monday has dismissed as “misleading” claims circulating online regarding the April 19 encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental that resulted in the deaths of 19 alleged members of the New People’s Army.
“The Army recognizes the sensitivity of the incident and respects the right of concerned groups and families to seek clarification. However, any fact-finding effort must be anchored on complete, verified and contextualized facts.” Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala told reporters in
Camp Aguinaldo.
The military rejected the findings embodied in a “National Fact-Finding Mission” report, saying operational records and evidence recovered from the encounter site indicated that those involved were not merely researchers or media workers, but were allegedly active combatants fighting alongside Roger Fabillar, whom the Army described as a rebel leader facing multiple arrest warrants.
The Army specifically named RJ Ledesma, Kai Sorem, Alyssa Alano, Lyle Prijoles, Errol Wendel, and Maureen Santuyo, claiming they were
found in the company of armed rebels in an active encampment or were among those who engaged government troops during the encounter.
Military officials also cited statements from local government leaders in Toboso who allegedly noted that some individuals killed did not coordinate with local authorities prior to entering the area.
“While we stand ready to use necessary force to defend innocent civilians from any threat, we continue to call on CTG remnants to abandon their futile armed struggle and to choose the path of peace.” Dema-ala added.
“We are reminding our kababayans (countrymen) whether new voters, those who would like to transfer registration, those who want their registration reactivated or those who would have certain details in their registration changed, these can be done only until May 18,” Garcia said.
The poll body also ensured assistance for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, members of indigenous peoples and indigenous cultural communities, as well as other vulnerable sectors seeking to update their records.
The BSKE will elect barangay officials and youth leaders nationwide. Comelec earlier encouraged the public to avoid last-minute registration to prevent overcrowding at local election offices.
By Rex Espiritu
THE Albay provincial government and Department of National Defense on Monday discussed disaster preparedness efforts and relief operations amid the continuing unrest of Mayon Volcano.
Albay Gov. Noel Rosal, who also chairs the Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, met with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and presented the province’s ongoing disaster response initiatives being implemented in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense.
The provincial government said Albay continues to carry out its disaster risk management strategy through
task forces handling warnings, transportation, security, health services, and relief operations for affected residents.
Also discussed during the meeting was the proposed transfer of the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group 5 from the Old Legazpi Airport to the Bicol International Airport as part of plans to redevelop the former airport area.
Teodoro and Rosal tackled the proposal in relation to broader infrastructure development plans in the province.
Rosal thanked the Defense chief for the national government’s support and reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to initiatives aimed at benefiting Albayanos.
“SCHIZOPHRENIA has been described as a chronic mental disorder characterized by inability to distinguish between fantasy and reality, and often accompanied by hallucinations and delusions. It is a medical condition which deprives a person of discernment.”
(People v. XXX, G.R. 273354, Oct. 29, 2025)
The Supreme Court explained in the case of People v. XXX that, “at the time of the incident, XXX’s mental state deprived her of the ability to appreciate the nature and wrongfulness of her act. Thus, she is exempt from criminal liability under Article 12(1) of the Revised Penal Code.” (Op cit.)
Jurisprudence has defined insanity as “‘a manifestation in language or conduct of disease or defect of the brain,… functional or organic, and characterized by perversion, inhibition, or disordered function of the sensory or of the intellective faculties, or by impaired or disordered volition.’” (Op cit.)
“[T]he law presumes all persons to be of sound mind, insanity is the exception rather than the general rule. In claiming insanity, an accused admits the commission of the criminal act but seeks exemption from criminal liability due to lack of voluntariness or intelligence.” (Op cit.)
“Thus, it is incumbent upon the accused to prove insanity by clear and convincing evidence. Considering that insanity refers to an individual’s state of mind, it can only be proven through overt acts. Courts, therefore, can only consider evidence relating to the behavioral patterns of the accused to determine whether they are legally insane.” (Op cit.)
“Since 1950, the Court’s ruling in People v. Formigones had remained relatively undisturbed. It held that insanity as an exempting circumstance should be ‘deprived completely of reason or discernment and freedom of the will at the time of committing the crime.’” (Op cit.)
“The Formigones doctrine was further expounded in People v. Rafanan, Jr. resulting in the formulation of two distinguishable tests (a) the test of cognition [which requires] ‘complete deprivation of intelligence in committing the [criminal] act, ’and (b) the test of volition [which requires] ‘a total deprivation of freedom of the will.’” (Op cit.)
However, in People v. Pana, the Supreme Court set forth new standards in establishing insanity as an exempting circumstance through the three-way test: “first, insanity must be present at the time of the commission of the crime; second, insanity,… must be medically proven; and third, the effect of the insanity is the inability to appreciate the nature and quality or wrongfulness of the act.” (Op cit.)
In the case of People v. XXX, on January 9, 2010 at around 8:30 a.m., Gaviola, who was scavenging at the side of Pasig River, saw XXX allowing her daughter to stand
with her at the side of the bridge. Thereaf-
ter, Gaviola saw XXX, while embracing her daughter, jumped into the river.
“At the time, Moreno was scavenging along Pasig River, near the area of Fort Santiago, on board his styrofoam banca… [He] heard people shouting from the top of Delpan Bridge asking for help.” Seeing XXX drowning, Moreno went to save her and brought her to the “pantalan.”
It was medically proven by the examining psychiatrists that XXX was suffering from schizophrenia at the time of the commission of the crime
The following day, Moreno heard people shouting near his house that a child was found in the river. He saw the lifeless body of the child, who turned out to be XXX’s daughter. In her defense, “XXX denied that she killed her daughter and that she was not herself at the time of the incident.”
“XXX testified that she remembered walking with her daughter but that she could not remember anything after. XXX claimed that she only regained consciousness when she was already floating in the water…, [and] she only found out that her daughter was dead when she was informed of it by her live-in partner…”
“The defense presented Dr. Bravo from the NCMH, who testified that they were directed by the RTC to conduct an examination of accused XXX to determine if she was fit to stand trial.” “Dr. Bravo narrated that, based on the patient’s history,… XXX was found to be suffering from ‘schizophrenia’… [but] was competent to stand the rigors of court trial.” (Op cit.)
After carefully combing through the records and the submission of the parties, and after applying the standards established in Paña, the Supreme Court found XXX exempt from criminal liability. It was medically proven by the examining psychiatrists that XXX was suffering from schizophrenia at the time of the commission of the crime.
Finally, the Supreme Court was “convinced that at the time of the incident, XXX’s mental state deprived her of the ability to appreciate the nature and wrongfulness of her act. Thus, she is exempt from criminal liability under Article 12(1) of the Revised Penal Code.”
A SITTING senator, once the iron-fisted chief of the Philippine National Police, now plays the role of a man on the run.
Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa stands accused by the International Criminal Court of crimes against humanity for his central role in the bloody drug war. Instead of facing the warrant with dignity, he has chosen evasion — slipping out of the Senate under cover of night after a convenient “protective custody” arrangement that existed only in the fertile imagination of its author.
The Office of the Solicitor General has responded with a devastating 83-page legal broadside that should end this farce once and for all. In language both clinical and merciless, the OSG has branded Dela Rosa a fugitive from justice.
His public defiance, his wife’s candid admission that he “escaped,” his counsel’s refusal to disclose his whereabouts — all of it, the government’s chief lawyer argues, slams the courthouse doors shut under the fugitive disentitlement doctrine.
A man cannot mock the judicial process by day and then run to the same courts for protection by night.
This is no mere procedural skirmish. It is a defining test of whether the Philippines still believes that no one — not even a senator with a badge and a body count — stands above the law.
The OSG’s position is not only correct; it is Constitutionally unassailable.
Grounded in Article II, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution, which incorporates generally accepted principles of international law into our domestic order,
the government correctly notes that obligations incurred while we were a party to the Rome Statute do not vanish upon withdrawal.
The killings at issue happened between 2016 and 2019, when the Philippines was fully bound.
Republic Act 9851, our own law on international crimes, further authorizes cooperation with the ICC and makes clear that its warrants do not require a separate Philippine court order for enforcement.
In language both clinical and merciless, the OSG has branded Dela Rosa a fugitive from justice
Dela Rosa’s arguments crumble under scrutiny.
His cry of due process rings hollow for a man who has repeatedly invoked the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction while simultaneously evading it.
His sovereignty defense is a legal relic, long superseded by our own statutes and treaties.
The clean-hands doctrine — that ancient equitable principle requiring those who seek the court’s mercy to approach with clean hands — was made for precisely this moment.
As the Supreme Court held in People v. Mapalao, an accused who flees loses
HINGS are moving at warp speed at the Senate – and millions of Filipinos, angry and never entertained, are keenly watching.
We join Rep. Leila de Lima in her push for an independent body to investigate the explosions at the Senate building on May 13 when authorities attempted to serve an International Criminal Court arrest warrant on Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who surprisingly reappeared two days earlier.
Dela Rosa, absent for six months from Nov 11, 2025, shortly after officials confirmed an ICC warrant had been issued against him during the Duterte administration’s drug war, had a surprise attendance on May 11 which shook the Senate leadership and installed Alan Peter Cayetano, replacing Vicente Sotto III .
De Lima’s push for an independent body, not one created by the Senate, is significant because it directly challenges the Senate to investigate itself.
By demanding a commission of retired judges and former senators, she is highlighting concerns about impartiality, potential cover-ups, and accountability regarding the gunfire incident and Sen. dela Rosa’s predawn escape on May 14 amid what was caught live on video as a chaotic standoff involving arrest attempts at the second floor between Senate security and law enforcement agents.
There is legal muscle in de Lima’s argument that the Senate cannot objectively
investigate the event when its members were directly involved in granting protective custody to Dela Rosa and witnessed the chaos.
De Lima, herself arrested on Feb. 24, 2017 and jailed for 6 years, 8 months, and 21 days (2,454 days) on charges of conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading, was officially cleared of all remaining charges on June 24, 2024.
De Lima’s push for an independent body is significant because it directly challenges the Senate to investigate itself
She was accused by the Duterte administration of allegedly receiving and collecting drug money from convicts at the New Bilibid Prison to fund her senatorial campaign, allegations claimed by de Lima as politically motivated retaliation for her vocal investigations into former President
Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs while still mayor of Davao City. Now a member of the House of Representatives which impeached Vice President Sara Duterte twice – the first on Feb 5, 2025, when 215 lawmakers voted to approve the complaint but voided by the Supreme Court on technicalities, and the second on May 11, when the House voted 257-25 to send the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial.
We agree with her proposal for a neutral body composed of former senators and retired members of the judiciary to guarantee a fair, impartial, and credible inquiry.
De Lima has been critical of the Senate’s internal security protocols during the incident, pointing out the “trigger-happy” handling of the situation and questioning how a subject of “protective custody” –which can be a euphemism for involuntary confinement – was able to leave the premises.
Dela Rosa’s absence notwithstanding, the Senate can enforce evidence and accountability regarding him by pursuing formal investigations, enforcing attendance rules, and clarifying the circumstances surrounding his departure in the dark from the Senate premises. We will see in the next few days how the Senate Ethics Committee will address attendance and decorum and how the Senate will rise to the challenge of impartiality to allow an independent body to proceed with investigation without obstruction.
He said, she said, AI said: Wall Street sex scandal rivets and confounds
WASHINGTON, DC – A Wall Street banker’s explosive sexual harassment lawsuit against a female executive has triggered a torrent of salacious falsehoods muddying the waters -- with AI-created deepfakes and memes fueling the frenzy.
The social media storm erupted soon after the suit -- packed with allegations of sexual abuse, coercion, and racial harassment -was filed last month in a New York court by a former JPMorgan Chase banker identified by US media as 35 year old Chirayu Rana.
Lawyers for the defendant Lorna Hajdini, who remains at the bank, have called the accusations fabricated. JPMorgan Chase has said it investigated the claims and found them meritless.
But even before any legal outcome, the suit’s tawdry claims have become a source of public fascination, spawning a wave of AI-generated clips and sexually suggestive memes -- at a time when high-profile sexual harassment cases against women remain rare.
“This trend hints at how AI is going to increasingly pollute our feeds and pollute public discourse on both important and frivolous topics,” Timothy Caulfield, a misinformation researcher from the University of Alberta in Canada, told AFP.
“This content can be produced incredibly quickly and can be specifically framed to play to our fears, interests, and grievances. In the attention economy, it is all about clicks. Find a trending story and exploit.”
One hyper-realistic AI video circulating on Elon Musk’s platform X purports to show the pair laughing and drinking wine at a restaurant, with a voiceover claiming “they are on a date.”
The video also surfaced on other platforms, including Meta-owned Facebook,
standing to demand relief until he submits to the law’s authority. Dela Rosa’s own conduct has written his disqualification.
Yet the deeper scandal lies not in the Senate corridors but in Malacañang.
This entire embarrassing spectacle exists because President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has chosen spectatorship over leadership.
While a senator plays hide-and-seek with an international arrest warrant, the President remains silent.
The OSG has been forced to become the spine of the state precisely because the man elected to lead it has none.
Marcos allows the Senate to invent Constitutional fictions like “protective custody,” permits immigration lookouts to be issued yet never enforced with real urgency, and watches the drama unfold as if it were mere entertainment rather than a direct challenge to the rule of law.
This is governance by absence — a dangerous vacuum where political calculation has replaced moral courage.
Marcos, ever the careful triangulator, seems content to let the ICC do the heavy lifting against his rivals’ allies while maintaining plausible deniability at home.
The result is a nation held hostage to a
where some posts used it to baselessly claim that the lawsuit was “fake” and the two had been involved in a “consensual relationship.”
‘Real story fakes’
Another AI clip circulating across platforms including Instagram -- dubbed by users as a “Fifty Shades of Gray”-style trailer -- presents a dramatized visual reconstruction of the alleged harassment, racial slurs and threats described in the suit.
And another AI video on X depicts the pair running together through a city engulfed in flames before the female executive shoves him aside in a dramatic scene.
The viral posts reflect how some influencers seek to profit from a disinformation trend researchers call ‘real story fakes’
Many social media users complained that the AI fabrications make it increasingly difficult to distinguish between reality and fiction on tech platforms, many of which have scaled back content moderation.
The viral posts reflect how some influencers seek to profit from a disinformation trend researchers call “real story fakes” -- flooding the internet with sensational AI fabrications about a real story gaining public attention.
“The trend of ‘real story fakes’ has been growing thanks to the proliferation of easy
distracting soap opera of elite impunity
while the poor, who have no Senate chambers to hide in and no lawyers to spin their evasions, continue to bear the real costs of weak leadership.
The Supreme Court now faces a historic choice. It must dismiss Dela Rosa’s petition outright and deny any temporary restraining order. Judicial relief is a privilege, not a sanctuary for fugitives. A senator who escapes custody, conceals his location, and defies lawful process cannot be allowed to weaponize the courts against the very system he scorns. The time for half-measures is over.
The Executive must move decisively to enforce the warrant through proper channels under our laws. The Senate must be reminded, in the bluntest terms, that it is a co-equal branch of government, not a safe house for the accused.
Dela Rosa’s counsel should face serious ethical scrutiny for facilitating what appears to be evasion while litigating before the very court being evaded.
This case is larger than one man. It is about whether international accountability for the worst crimes can pierce the ar-
to use AI tools for image and video synthesis,” Walter Scheirer of the University of Notre Dame told AFP.
In many cases, such content is created as a way to “make money off of an existing controversy” through engagement and platform monetization policies, he said. Internet trolls’
“This form of disinformation is particularly prevalent in salacious circumstances such as the JP Morgan case, where those involved can be targeted for further humiliation through exaggerated depictions of their alleged sordid actions,” Scheirer added.
The bank itself has also come under attack, with online posts sharing a doctored screenshot purporting to show a news site report that a JPMorgan intern was arrested for masturbating in a hotel hallway. The site reported no such arrest.
Even before allegations are tested in court, the AI-generated visuals have propelled Hajdini from a private citizen to an internet spectacle.
Fabricated images of her in a swimsuit are circulating online, while she has drawn comparisons to a character played by actress Demi Moore in the 1994 film Disclosure. In the film, Moore plays a female boss sexually harassing a male subordinate.
The case illustrates the power of AI technology to damage reputations and shape public opinion long before the facts have emerged.
“The JP Morgan case has drawn enormous interest because of the reversal of stereotypical gender roles, meaning many more people are seeking out information beyond what is coming from official channels,” Scheirer said.
“Content farms and internet trolls are happy to oblige them.” AFP
mor of Philippine political power.
It is about whether the rule of law remains a living principle or merely expensive theater for the powerful. The victims’ families — thousands of them — have waited long enough.
The nation cannot afford another week of this national embarrassment while real problems crush ordinary Filipinos. The law waits for no fugitive, no matter how many stars he once wore on his shoulder.
Justice, however delayed by clever lawyering and political patronage, is patient. But it is also relentless.
The Supreme Court must now prove that in this Republic, the law still bites — even when the accused wears a barong and carries a Senate ID.
Emil P. Jurado is indisposed. He will resume writing his column next week.— The Editor
TUESDAY,
Kim to bolster front-line defense vs. ‘arch enemy’
SEOUL – North Korean leader Kim Jong
Un called on top military officials to bolster front-line units and turn the southern border into an “impregnable fortress”, state media reported Monday.
Kim gave the instruction at a meeting on Sunday where a photo released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) showed him presiding over commanding military officers wearing full dress uniform.
The North Korea leader told the military officials that a “great change” would be made in an effort to deter war and that the commanding officers should raise their “outlook on the arch enemy”, an apparent reference to South Korea.
Kim “set forth plans for ... strengthening the first-line units and other major units in military and technical aspects as an important decision to more thoroughly deter war”, the KCNA report said.
The plans, which experts say appeared informed by developments in Russia’s war with Ukraine, come at a low point in relations with South Korea and Pyongyang unresponsive to Seoul’s repeated offers for dialogue.
The meeting took place the same day the North Korean women’s football team landed in South Korea - the first such visit in eight years, which raised hopes of a slight thaw in frosty ties. Kim also talked about the ruling party’s “policy of territorial defence on strengthening the first-line units in the southern border and turning the border line into an impregnable fortress”, according to KCNA. AFP
Musk’s suit
OAKLAND – Deliberations begin Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) in the blockbuster trial pitting Elon Musk against AI giant OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, whom Musk accuses of abandoning the company’s founding mission.
The three-week trial in Oakland, outside San Francisco, has seen a parade of Silicon Valley titans take the stand, with Musk arguing that OpenAI’s pivot to a profit-driven business betrayed its original nonprofit mandate.
HONG KONG – A Hong Kong court began hearing closing arguments in the case of two democracy activists facing national security charges on Monday, as the trial enters its final stages.
Lee Cheuk-yan, 69, and Chow Hangtung, 41, who organized candlelight vigils to mark Beijing’s deadly crackdown on demonstrators in Tiananmen
Square in 1989, are standing trial for “incitement to subversion”, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail. The trial has been condemned by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch as an attempt at “rewriting history”. Lee and Chow, leaders of the now-de-
funct Hong Kong Alliance, were charged in 2021 and have been behind bars since then. The trial, which began in January, took place over 22 days. Dozens of clips were played in court, showing the defendants speaking at vigils, protests and press interviews over the years.
Hong Kong authorities say that the national security law has no retroactive effect, but it is common for prosecutors to cite pre-2020 material as evidence in such cases.
The Alliance was founded in May 1989 amidst calls in Hong Kong to support the democratic movement led by students and workers in Beijing. AFP
WASHINGTON, DC – President Donald Trump threatened “there won’t be anything left” of Iran if no peace deal is reached, as their truce came under further strain with drone attacks on US allies in the Gulf.
Washington, locked in a war with Iran since US and Israeli forces launched strikes in late February, has struggled to break an impasse in negotiations and end the conflict, which has shaken the Middle East and sent energy prices climbing.
“For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform Sunday. “TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!.” The two sides have been communicating via mediator Pakistan but have failed to reach a lasting agreement amid a shaky temporary truce, which was tested again on Sunday by fresh strikes on Gulf nations.
Saudi Arabia reported intercepting three drones entering the country from Iraqi airspace, while the United Arab Emirates said a drone sparked a fire at its Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, one of three UAVs that entered from the “western border direction”.
UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash appeared to refer to Iran and its regional proxy groups when he condemned the attack, which ignited a fire but caused no injuries or impact on radiation levels.
Pilots parachute to safety in aircraft collision
The world’s richest person is suing OpenAI over its transformation from a scrappy nonprofit into the $850 billion juggernaut behind ChatGPT. If successful, Musk’s lawsuit could deal a lethal blow to OpenAI, which helped trigger the AI revolution with its release of ChatGPT in 2022 and is now one of the world’s most valuable private companies. Musk claims Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman improperly used a $38 million donation he had intended to sustain OpenAI as a research lab devoted to developing AI for the benefit of humanity. AFP LOS ANGELES – Two fighter jets collided midair during a demonstration event in the northwestern state of Idaho on Sunday (Monday, Manila time), with the pilots parachuting to safety from the aircraft, US media reported. A statement posted to the Gunfighter Skies Air Show’s website confirmed “an aircraft incident has occurred at Mountain Home Air Force Base” about “two miles northwest of the base.”
“Emergency responders are on the scene, an investigation is underway and more details will be released as they become available,” the statement said. CBS News local affiliate KOMO reported all four crew members ejected safely from the Navy’s two EA-18 fighter jets. Video shared on social media showed the jets colliding and tumbling through the air before crashing to the ground, causing an explosion and a huge plume of black smoke, as four parachutes drift downwards. AFP
Prisoner’s mom dies after confirming his death
CARACAS – The mother of Venezuelan political prisoner Victor Hugo Quero Navas died Sunday (Monday, Manila time) at age 81, just days after confirming the death of her son in state custody, her relatives told AFP. Carmen Navas had searched tirelessly for her son since his January 2025 arrest, demanding answers from Venezuelan authorities who stonewalled her. Human rights NGOs described his detention as a “forced disappearance.”
Earlier this month, on May 7, prison officials finally revealed that her son had died on July 24. Navas visited her 51-year-old son’s grave and demanded his remains be exhumed for identification. After doing so, she held a small funeral in Caracas.
“May God give me strength,” Navas whispered through sobs at a religious ceremony held Friday, bidding farewell to her son. That was her last public appearance. Her close friend Edilda Zambrano recounted her difficult crusade as she demanded the truth directly from prisons and Venezuela’s institutions. AFP
UNITED NATIONS, New York – The UN General Assembly on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) will weigh a draft resolution underlining states’ obligations to combat climate change, a longawaited move that has been scaled back under pressure from major greenhouse gas emitters. In 2024, the small Pacific island nation of Vanuatu spearheaded the General Assembly’s request for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the responsibility of states to fulfill their climate commitments. The world’s top court last year ruled
that states were obliged to tackle climate change under international law, and failing to do so would pave the way for “reparations” to vulnerable countries.
The decision exceeded climate advocates’ expectations, and Vanuatu in January proposed a new draft resolution to implement the ICJ ruling, which is nonbinding but can be drawn on by courts around the world.
“For Vanuatu and for many climatevulnerable states, this is ultimately about survival, but it is also about something wider: whether multilateralism can still
PARIS – Iran put to death over 2,150 people last year, a “staggering” increase that pushed recorded worldwide executions to their highest level since 1981, Amnesty International said Monday.
Amnesty said it had confirmed the executions of at least 2,707 people globally in 2025. Of these cases, 2,159 were in Iran, a figure more than double that of 2024, Amnesty said.
But the UK-based rights group said that, as in previous years, its total “does not include the thousands of executions” that it believed were carried out in China, the world’s most prolific user of the death penalty, due to “the state secrecy” over data.
Amnesty said the figure of at least 2,707 people executed in 2025 -- including in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Yemen, Singapore and the United States -- represented an increase by
more than two-thirds on the total the previous year.
“This trend was strongest in countries where the authorities have tightened their grip on power by restricting civic space, silencing dissent and displaying disregard for protections established under international human rights law and standards,” it added.
In particular, the “staggering increase in recorded executions in Iran” came as authorities “intensified their use of the death penalty as a tool of political repression and control” in particular after the June 2025 war with Israel.
Amnesty and other rights groups have noted that Iran is stepping up its use of the death penalty again in 2026 after January protests and the war against Israel and the United States, with executions on charges linked to the protests and membership of banned groups. AFP
respond to reality with unity,” said Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s climate minister and a proponent of the cause for several years. But the text was altered significantly after negotiations among states, with climate change taking a back seat to national security or industrial interests in many countries. The resolution welcomes the ICJ opinion “as an authoritative contribution to the clarification of existing international law” and calls on states to “comply with their respective obligations” to protect the global climate. AFP
“The terrorist targeting of the Barakah clean nuclear power plant, whether carried out by the principal perpetrator or through one of its agents, represents a dangerous escalation,” he wrote on X. Iranian-backed armed groups equipped with drones are based in Iraq, while Tehran’s allies in Yemen -- the Houthi rebels -- also possess combatgrade UAVs.
Attacks on the Gulf states, which Tehran says it has targeted for harbouring US military and economic interests, have dramatically reduced since Washington and Tehran agreed to the temporary truce on April 8, but sporadic strikes have continued.
The war has also sparked a blockade of the critical Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20 percent of global oil exports pass in peacetime, with Iran refusing to let ships pass and the US blockading Iran’s ports to stifle its oil exports. AFP
THE HAGUE – A cruise ship that sparked global alarm after a deadly outbreak of hantavirus will end its voyage in Rotterdam on Monday, with its remaining skeleton crew facing weeks of quarantine.
The MV Hondius is expected to dock in the Dutch port between 10am (0800 GMT) and midday (1000 GMT) on Monday, according to officials, before disembarking the 27 remaining people on board: 25 crew and two medical staff. The ship, operated by Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, made headlines after three passengers died from hantavirus -- a rare virus for which no vaccines nor specific treatments exist.
The World Health Organization has scrambled to reassure the world that the outbreak was not a repeat of the Covid pandemic, stressing that contagion was very rare.
“There is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters on May 12. However, the virus has an incubation period of several weeks, meaning more cases from the ship’s occupants could emerge in the future, Tedros warned. Hantavirus has been confirmed in six patients, with one other probable case, according to an AFP tally from official sources. Another patient in Canada has provisionally tested positive but is not exhibiting symptoms and the test remains to be confirmed. After arriving in the Canary Islands on May 10, more than 120 passengers and crew were evacuated from the ship, either to their home countries or to the Netherlands, which has a special responsibility as the ship is Dutch-flagged. AFP
By Randy M. Caluag
FILIPINA
pickleball
standout Macy
Solon-Ybañez shone on the international stage after capturing the gold medal in the 35+ Women’s Singles Open of the recent PPA Asia 500 Kuala Lumpur Open in Malaysia.
doubles event of the same tournament.
Agra and Solon-Ybañez displayed poise and composure in the 19+ women’s doubles division, battling through a stacked field before settling for a runner-up finish after a tightly contested finals match. Their podium finish came a day after a tough semifinal loss in the 35+ category, despite earlier defeating the eventual gold medalists during the group stage.
Refusing to be discouraged, the Filipina duo regrouped and returned to the court with renewed determination, showcasing strong chemistry and control as they strung together back-to-back victories en route to the finals.
We gave it everything we had,” Agra said after the match. “There were so many learnings during this tournament,
MCDONALD’S Philippines supported the 2026 Tour of Luzon as official meal provider, fuelling the country’s biggest cycling event with over 8,000 meals across its 14-stage race as part of its continued commitment to active mobility.
On April 26, McDonald’s hosted a Tour of Luzon kickoff activity dubbed “The Heritage Ride,” an invitational biking event which gathered together officials from McDonald’s Philippines and the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, as well as other partners and supporters.
The McDonald’s-fueled Heritage Ride kicked off at CaSoBē in Calatagan, with a feed zone and stop at the McDonald’s store in Balayan. The Heritage Ride covered a total of 60.4 kilometers.
“Active mobility is an important part of McDonald’s Philippines’ commitment to sustainability, under our Green and Good program,” said Margot Torres, McDonald’s Managing Director. “Through our support for the prestigious Tour of Luzon, we also hope to shine a light on the benefits of cycling as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective mode of transport, which is especially useful during these challenging times.” Under the McDonald’s Green and Good program, a growing number of stores now have features that help reduce environmental impact while also promoting sustainable practices. Green and Good flagship stores have outdoor Bike & Dine features, which are bike-friendly stations where riders can rest, securely park their bikes, and access repair kits while they enjoy their McDo favorites.
CAVINTI, Laguna—Sean Ramos returns to familiar ground this week carrying both confidence and unfinished business as he spices up a stellar field in the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship, which gets underway Tuesday (May 19) at the Caliraya Springs Golf and Country Club here.
Fresh from a near-breakthrough on the Asian Development Tour in Malaysia, where he lost in a three-man playoff in Selangor two weeks ago, Ramos hopes to ride that momentum into what could be a long-awaited second Philippine Golf Tour title.
“Definitely, I’m very hungry for a win after coming off a good week at ADT in Malaysia,” said Ramos. “I’m always thankful when I’m home and get to play the local tour.”
The talented shotmaker first broke through on the PGT by capturing the inaugural Lakewood Championship in 2024 over veterans Tony Lascuña and Reymon Jaraula. Since then, Ramos has remained one of the Tour’s most consistent performers, balancing campaigns on the Asian Tour and ADT while regularly contending locally.
Now back at Caliraya, where he tied for seventh last year, Ramos believes the challenging layout could reward disciplined play and smart decisionmaking as much as power.
“I’m very excited to be back at Caliraya. It’s a good course and an event I look forward to every year,” he said.
Still, Ramos is keeping expectations in check despite his solid form.
“Same preparations with all my events. I have been working with my coaches to get my game in the right direction for this year,” he said. “I always try to play with no expectations, so I’m just hoping to put myself in contention and take it from there.”
But Ramos faces a loaded field in the P2.5million championship, the second stop of this season’s 10-leg circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
Defending champion Keanu Jahns is back to anchor the title defense, while reigning Order of Merit winner Angelo Que, multi-titled Clyde Mondilla, Guido van der Valk, Jhonnel Ababa, Rupert Zaragosa, Jaraula and Lascuña are all expected to contend in what shapes up as another wide-open battle.
Rising stars Carl Corpus and Aidric Chan are likewise tipped to challenge, adding youthful firepower to an already deep cast.
The tournament resumes the Tour after a two-month break following the Lakewood Championship in Cabanatuan City last March, a pause that appears to have only heightened the players’ hunger heading into the rest of the season.
Adding to the challenge is the Caliraya Springs course itself, long regarded as one of the circuit’s most unpredictable tests. While power can provide a distinct advantage, accuracy, patience, course management and composure under pressure remain equally vital to contend on its demanding layout.
That volatile mix could set the stage for a dramatic finish.
AS the University of Santo Tomas formally closed its hosting of UAAP Season 88 on Friday evening, Far Eastern University immediately turned its attention toward preparations for UAAP Season 89.
During the closing ceremony, UST Season 88 chairman Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D. officially handed the UAAP flag to incoming season host and Season 89 chairman Juan Miguel R. Montinola of FEU. Shortly after the turnover, FEU unveiled a teaser video offering a glimpse of what to expect next season.
The video concluded with appearances from renowned personalities Aristotle “Gloc-9” Pollisco and Jose Marie “Vice Ganda” Viceral, signaling the university’s intention to deliver a season centered on culture, entertainment, and community.
“As our president said, what UST did this year was amazing, spectacular. In terms of the opening and closing, it’s something we’ve never seen before. So we’ll try to live up to that,” said incoming UAAP president Mark Molina.
“We’ll hopefully, in our own way, do something that the UAAP and FEU community will be very proud of. Preparations are already underway. We’re opening on September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena, and we’re already preparing for that.”
FEU also revealed the theme for Season 89: “For Everyone, UAAP.” According to Molina, the theme aims to highlight that the league goes far beyond the athletes and the competition itself, recognizing the larger community that helps shape the UAAP experience.
“Our theme is ‘For Everyone, UAAP.’ When you look at past seasons, everything is centered on the athletes, the sport, the performances, and the competition. But the UAAP is beyond that,” Molina explained.
“The UAAP is not just about the athletes. Most of you are not athletes who played in the UAAP, but you’re so invested in the league. There are also so many people in the community — teachers, drivers who bring the teams to the games, ball boys, students, classmates, and fans. We want to highlight their contribution to the UAAP as well.”
LOS ANGELES (AFP) -- Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai GilgeousAlexander was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for a second straight season on Sunday, the NBA confirmed.
Gilgeous-Alexander was officially named as the winner of the award in a televised announcement, hours after news of his victory leaked out by broadcaster ESPN.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who is also the reigning NBA Finals MVP after leading the Thunder to the title last year, credited his Oklahoma City team-mates for helping lift him to the accolade ahead of San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and Denver’s Nikola Jokic.
“Hard work obviously, not being satisfied, but the other guys in the room really having my back, nightin, night-out,” Gilgeous-Alexander told Amazon Prime when asked for the secret to his repeat success.
“It’s a long season, full of ups and downs, injuries, things like that. So those guys, just tying their boots up and going to war every night for me and with me -- I wouldn’t have won 64 games without them.
“We have so much fun together. The NBA at times can seem like a business and a job, but these guys really make it seem just like fun, and what it was like when I played basketball at just a young age. I think that’s why myself and the rest of the guys have had success.”
Gilgeous-Alexander received 83 first-choice votes for MVP in the ballot of roughly 100 journalists and broadcasters who cover the NBA in North America, earning a final tally of 939 points.
Jokic was second in the voting with 10 first-choice votes, while Wembanyama earned five first-choice votes to finish third.
Canadian star Gilgeous-Alexander, 27, joins an elite club of only 14 NBA players who have won back-to-back MVP honors. AFP
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2026
winning the French Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Championship title
By Jeremiah Sevilla
OLYMPIC double gold medalist Carlos Yulo added another feather to his cap as he helped Olympique d’Antibes Juan les Pins (OAJLP) Gymnastique capture the French Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Championship title in Amiens, France over the weekend.
Yulo and his OAJLP squad dethroned defending champion ASVG Vallauris in the Top 12 Final.
The 26-year-old Filipino gymnastics star posted an impressive 15.050 in his forte floor exercise and 14.250 in the parallel bars, wherein he pulled off a new dismount.
“So proud of what we all did last night! Everyone gave their all and it really showed on the competition floor. A lot of stressful moments and pressure behind this win, which makes it even more special,” Yulo said through his social media accounts.
“Really grateful for this team and everything we experienced together,” added the Paris Olympics floor exercise and vault gold winner. Prior to the final, Yulo scored 14.833 points in the floor exercise and 14.700 in the vault to anchor Antibes’ 44-29 win over Societe Municipale de Bourges (SMB) Gymnastique in the semifinal round last month. Yulo is expected to defend his floor exercise title in the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships next month in China He is also anticipated to banner the Philippines in the Asian Games 2026 slated September in Japan before competing in the FIG World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in October in the Netherlands.
THE Philippine Sport Commission’s innovative national golf grassroots development program, dubbed “Fairway to the Future,” is now in full swing.
A well-attended press conference followed by an 18-hole tournament featuring promising Filipino jungolfers and the people and prestigious golf clubs behind the program got the ball rolling on Monday at Club Intramuros in Manila.
“This program will prove that golf is for everyone. No barriers. Walang hadlang,” said PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio, who is spearheading the nationwide program along with the National Golf Association of the Philippines headed by Al Panlilio.
Gregorio said the new approach is aimed at making the sport more inclusive than ever and accessible to underprivileged youth, including those in public schools, out-of-school youth, and the children of caddies or the maintenance workers of golf courses nationwide.
Gregorio stressed that the program, which the PSC has drawn up to cover other sports outside of golf, is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to “Let the kids play” and at the same time boost sports tourism in the country. “That is why we call it ‘Fairway to the Future.’ It should serve as a pathway for children who want to play golf but do not have the means. We believe that there’s talent outside of the exclusive courses. Hindi lang pang mayaman ang golf. Golf is for everyone,” he said.
Gregorio announced that immedi-
ately heeding the call was The International Series and Bingo Plus, which will donate 100 dozen golf balls and 100 junior golf sets on behalf of the Bingo Plus Philippine Open scheduled in November.
“We will collaborate with you on your National Grassroots Golf Program. It would be our privilege to be part of this historic initiative. We congratulate Chairman Patrick Gregorio and the PSC for their vision and contribution to nation building through sports,” said Bingo Plus in a statement.
In addition, Bingo Plus announced that for the duration of the Philippine Open, sports enthusiasts 18 years and below will have free entry during the tournament.
“It is our endeavor to support the great nation of the Philippines in their sustained effort to become a powerhouse and to partner with them as the wonderful and hardworking athletes chase Olympic glory,” added the statement.
THE Ladies Philippine Golf Tour resumes Tuesday (May 19) with the staging of the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship, featuring a loaded cast of leg winners, seasoned campaigners and rising stars all eager to make an early statement. Bannering the field are Yvon Bisera and Mafy Singson, both returning in top form after sharpening their games overseas during the LPGT break.
Bisera heads to Caliraya brimming with confidence following her victory at the Lakewood Championship in Cabanatuan last March, where she edged Sarah Ababa and LK Go in a playoff. Armed with a steady all-around game and proven composure under pressure, she looms as one of the strongest contenders for backto-back victories. Singson, meanwhile, returns
battle-tested after campaigns on the China and Thailand tours, experiences she believes have elevated both her confidence and consistency.
“I’m looking forward to playing at Caliraya again. I always enjoy playing the course,” said Singson, who tied for seventh here last year.
The young Filipina star said she hardly stepped away from competition during the LPGT break.
“I’ve been playing tournaments in China and Thailand and it’s always fun to be back on the local tour,” she said.
“I’ve been practicing pretty much every day as usual and I’ve been staying more consistent with my fitness and recovery. I’m ready to play and just hoping everything comes together,” added Singson.
Already a winner on the LPGT after edging Bisera in sudden death
at Eagle Ridge and capturing the Match Play Championship at The Country Club last year, Singson appears primed for another strong title run in the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. The tournament could have gained even more intrigue with the return of Pauline del Rosario, but the Epson Tour campaigner withdrew at the last minute from the P1 million championship to prepare for her breakthrough stint in the LPGA’s premier major championship. Del Rosario, whose campaign is supported by ICTSI, recently secured one of the final two berths in the US Women’s Open set June 4-7 at Riviera Golf Club in Pacific Palisades, California, surviving a grueling 36-hole sectional qualifier at Cross Timbers Golf Course in Azle, Texas.
NEWTOWN SQUARE—Aaron Rai won his first major title on Sunday by capturing the PGA Championship, making birdies on four of the last eight holes to become the first Englishman to win the event in 107 years. Rai sealed a tense back-nine shootout with a spectacular 68-foot birdie putt on the par-three 17th, firing his career-low major round with a five-under-par 65 to finish 72 holes on nine-under 271 at formidable Aronimink.
“Very surreal,” said Rai, who has fought a neck injury this year. “It has been a frustrating season so to be standing here is outside my modest imagination.”
He defeated two-time major winner Jon Rahm of Spain and American Alex Smalley by three strokes with American Justin Thomas, Germany’s Matti Schmid and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg sharing fourth on 275.
The 31-year-old from Wombourne in central England took home a $3.69 million top prize from a record purse of $20.5 million and the Wanamaker Trophy after a dramatic final day.
Rai became only the second English player to win the PGA after Jim Barnes captured the first two titles in 1916 and 1919.
“Extremely proud,” Rai said.
“There’s a lot of incredible and historic English players over those hundred years who have gone on to achieve incredible things and had phenomenal careers.
“To be the person that’s the first one to have won it in a long time from England is an amazing thing and something to be extremely proud of.”
Never better than 19th in 12 prior major starts, Rai won his third DP World Tour title last November in Abu Dhabi and his only PGA Tour title in 2024 at Greensboro.
Cautious finale
Playing cautiously in windy weather on Aronimink’s sloped greens, the world’s top golfers battled the course and each other in a fight that turned as Rai surged into the lead.
Rai answered a bogey at eight with a 40-foot eagle putt at the parfive ninth, then sank birdie putts from four feet at 11 and seven feet at 13, becoming the week’s first to reach seven-under.
Schmid, seeking his first PGA Tour title in his fifth major start and first PGA Championship, sank a birdie putt from just inside nine feet at 13 to pull within one of the lead.
Rai responded by reaching the green in two at the par-five 16th to set up a tap-in birdie. AFP
livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/ PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and aired on a delayed basis over Sports Radio 918. It is also shared on its official Facebook page DZSR Sports Radio 918 khz.
P3.76 billion
Cost of Astra solar project
P20.5 billion
Cost of Opus solar project
P240 billion
Total investments of Vena Group
By Othel V. Campos
THE Board of Investments (BOI) is advancing renewable energy development in Northern Luzon with the rollout of two Green Lane-certified solar projects of Vena Energy Group in Ilocos Norte worth a combined P24.3 billion.
The projects include the 74.089-megawatt Astra Solar Energy Corp. project in Currimao valued at P3.76 billion and the 416.025-megawatt Opus Solar Energy Corp. project in Paoay worth P20.541 billion. Through its One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments, the BOI coordinated with project proponents and government agencies to fasttrack permits and resolve processing bottlenecks under the Green Lane for Strategic Investments.
As of April 30, 2026, Vena Energy Group had secured 15 Green Lanecertified projects with a combined investment value exceeding P240 billion, supporting the expansion of the country’s renewable energy capacity and infrastructure development agenda.
“These projects reflect the BOI’s continued efforts to translate approved investments into operational projects by accelerating coordination, improving regulatory responsiveness, and supporting investors from pre-de-
velopment to implementation,” BOI Investment Assistance Center executive-director Bobby Fondevilla said.
The Opus Solar Energy Corp. project, an affiliate of Vena Energy, recently broke ground on its 416.025-megawatt facility in Paoay. The project spans about 190 hectares across Barangays Bacsil and Mumulaan and is expected to become one of the country’s largest utility-scale solar facilities.
Once operational, the Opus Solar project is projected to supply clean energy equivalent to the annual electricity needs of around 445,000 households and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 444,400 metric tons annually.
The smaller Astra Solar project, located in Barangay Paguludan-Salindeg, Currimao, covers around 52 hectares and adds to the expanding renewable energy portfolio of Ilocos Norte.
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Board of Investments (BOI) are exploring potential Israeli participation in the 4,000-acre PH-US Economic Security Zone in Clark.
The site is envisioned as the first AI-native industrial acceleration hub under the Pax Silica Initiative. Philippine officials visited Israel to advance trade and technology cooperation. The delegation sought insights into Israeli initiatives under Pax Silica, particularly its collaboration with the United States on microchip production, advanced computing and AI development.
BOI managing-head and DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said both sides explored potential cooperation in critical minerals, including possible calls for proposals, industry webinars and pilot projects in the Philippines involving Israeli startups.
The Philippine team also discussed possible collaboration with semiconductor and microchip design companies Tower Semiconductor, Next Silicon and Ci Semi. The talks focused specifically on production and supply chain integration involving Philippine semiconductor manufacturers.
To address infrastructure security, Rodolfo met with cybersecurity firms Dream Security and Binary Networks. The officials discussed how AI-powered cyber solutions can strengthen the security and resilience of Philippine industries, particularly telecommunications and government agencies.
Rodolfo also engaged stakeholders in Israel’s blue economy sector, which leverages technology and innovation in maritime industries such as fisheries, shipping and port logistics.
Othel V. Campos
falls short of rice purchase target as private traders drive up prices
PRIVATE traders’ aggressive buying following a four-month rice import ban and expectations of a strong El Niño later this year pushed palay prices higher, limiting the National Food Authority’s (NFA) procurement despite higher government buying prices for farmers.
From January to the first week of May, the NFA said it purchased only 13,127 metric tons (MT), or 262,540 bags of palay. The amount is equivalent to just 4.2 percent of its 313,315-metricton procurement target for the period.
NFA administrator Larry Lacson said private traders outpaced the agency’s buying operations in the early months of the year as farmgate prices surged to more than triple the P8-per-kilogram level recorded before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. imposed the import ban in September.
Lacson said the agency does not view the situation negatively, noting that farmers benefited from stronger palay prices.
He said the higher market prices
disbursed bulk of 2026 budget, left eight-month balance of P1.26t
By Thony Rose Lesaca
THE government has P1.269 trillion of the 2026 national budget left to disburse in the remaining eight months of the year after completing major allotment releases in April, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) data showed.
The government released P5.523 trillion of the P6.793-trillion national budget as of end-April. This represented 81.3 percent of the total allotments issued for the year.
A total of P3.271 trillion came from the 2026 General Appropriations Act. Government agencies and departments received the bulk of this amount at
SLEEP STUDY. The Medical Services of America (Philippines) Inc. (MSA-PH) marks a significant expansion of its diagnostic capabilities with the launch of its first sleep study service, which it established through a strategic partnership with Our Lady of the Pillar Medical Center (OLPMC) of Imus, Cavite. Shown are OLPMC and MSA-PH officials during the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the start of a collaborative effort, prioritizing respiratory and sleep health services of the hospital in Imus, Cavite. They include (from left) Dr. Gima Aniceto, OLPMC president; Renato Ramirez, OLPMC vice president for health specialized services; Noli Lagasca, MSA-PH vice president for hospital operations; and Hermie Lim, MSAPH vice president for sales and business development.
P2.894 trillion, which leaves P782.66 billion yet to be released.
The Department of Education received the largest share of budget releases in the first four months at P815.05 billion.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government followed with P298.60 billion, the Department of National Defense received P290.79 billion and the Department of Social Welfare and Development obtained P266.89 billion.
Special purpose fund releases reached P376.63 billion during the period. These funds provided budgetary support for government-owned corporations and local government units.
also allowed the NFA to conserve funds, giving it more flexibility to ramp up purchases as the harvest season winds down ahead of the main procurement period later this year.
Since April, however, the NFA has aggressively stepped up palay buying following a slowdown in traders’ buying prices. From April to the first week of May alone, the agency procured 11,301 metric tons.
Lacson said around 15 percent of expected dry-season production remains un-
harvested, with the NFA maximizing purchases to support farmers and strengthen national rice reserves. The agency said it continues to prioritize farmers listed under the Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA) to ensure targeted procurement.
He also urged RSBSA-registered farmers to sell to the NFA to support the government’s “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program aimed at providing affordable rice to consumers.
Othel V. Campos
By Darwin G. Amojelar
NORTHPORT, the country’s largest domestic cargo terminal, said it is on track to complete its three-year structural upgrade program by 2027, the company said on Monday. The current scope of works remains on schedule for completion by the end of June 2026. Overall project timelines align with the approved threeyear program to
TUESDAY,
By Thony Rose Lesaca and Jenniffer B. Austria
TDr. Robert Ang (left), serving as the study principal investigator, performs a Institute. Source: ForSight Robotics
HE Philippine peso slipped to a fresh record low Monday, closing at 61.75 against the US dollar, down 2.9 centavos from its previous finish of 61.721 on Friday.
A HISTORIC milestone in ophthalmology was reached as surgeons successfully completed the world’s first fully robot-assisted cataract surgery on a human patient. The procedure positions the Philippines and the Asian Eye Institute as leaders in the future of global eye care.
Data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed the local currency opened at 61.69 per dollar and touched an intraday low of 61.75 before settling at its weakest level for a third straight trading session.
A trader attributed the continued depreciation to the peso trading more on sentiment than valuation.
The surgery utilized the Jasper Platform, a proprietary system developed by ForSight Robotics. ForSight Robotics lead surgeon Dr. Alexey Rapoport performed the procedure, while Asian Eye Institute head of cornea and refractive surgery Dr. Robert Edward Ang served as the principal investigator.
“The dollar remains broadly strong, but today’s move also reflects demand for safety, higher oil-related dollar demand and a market that is becoming more sensitive to domestic uncertainty,” the trader said. “At these levels, positioning and momentum also matter, which can exaggerate moves in thin liquidity.”
The trader said the bias for a weaker peso remains in the near term, noting that the 62-per-dollar level is now psychologically within reach, though sharp swings in both directions are also likely.
“This technological breakthrough presents a shift in how we think about performing eye surgery,” Ang said.
Meanwhile, Philippine shares extended their decline Monday amid thin trading and a lack of positive catalysts to push the market higher.
“Robotic-assisted systems like the Jasper Platform have the potential to improve surgical precision, reduce variability and ultimately make high-quality cataract surgery more accessible to patients who need it most,” he said.
The Philippine Stock Exchange index fell 35.25 points, or 0.59 percent, to close at 5,941.52, while the broader all shares index declined by 17.28 points, or 0.5 percent, to 3,354.13.
The study reinforces the Asian Eye Institute’s role as a primary center for clinical research in Asia. Over the last
Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said investors were disappointed by the lack of a major policy breakthrough during the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. With AFP
The Chief Executive’s job is to execute the laws
25 years, the femtosecond and retinal disease Asian Eye Nañagas said bringing global clinical research care evolves. Ang said medical demand procedures can to eye care remains The institute laser treatments, retinal macular Ang is a General Hospital Medical School. Power List 100
AS THIS stage in the life of their country—two years before a scheduled presidential election—thoughtful Filipinos should be starting to experience feelings of excitement and elation over the prospect of a positive change in the nation’s leadership. This is not the case this time, and as the fourth year of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term draws to a close, the nation’s mood is an admixture of melancholy, malaise and anxiety.
IN THE immediate aftermath of the unexplained flight of Sen. Ronaldo de la Rosa from the Senate’s premises, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did something extraordinary and incomprehensible. He appeared in a video in which he went to great lengths to establish (1) that he had given no instruction to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police (PNP) or any other law enforcement agency to serve the International Criminal Case (ICC) warrant of arrest against Sen. De la Rosa and (2) that the senator was under no immediate threat of arrest by the Marcos administration.
It is easy to understand why thoughtful Filipinos are feeling that way about the prospects of this country’s economy in 2028. All that one has to do is (1) look at the state of the Philippine economy and (2) consider the individuals who are likely to make a run for the Presidency of this country two years hence.
The Philippine economy is not in the best of shapes. Even before last year’s unfolding of the worst corruption drama in the history of the Philippine government, Philippine economic growth had been exhibiting sign of slowing down. Annual 6-percent-and above- gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates were becoming harder to achieve. And the long-touted sound macro-economic fundamentals’ were beginning to be subjected to pressure. This is particularly true of the debt-toGDP ratio and the deficit-to-GDP ratio.
As a result of the non-arrest of the PNP-chief-turned-politician, a number of consequential things happened. First, a change in the presidency of the Senate was able to take place, with proDuterte Alan Peter Cayetano replacing Tito Sotto, (2) Sen. De la Rosa was able to display his antics on the Senate floor, including pleading for the sympathy of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) alumni, and (3) a plan was implemented for Sen. De la Rosa’s exit from the Senate’s premises. Now the ICC-accused Senator has again disappeared and is currently nowhere to be found.
election. The nation’s No. is facing impeachment by of Representatives, and it that the Articles of Impeachment find their way to the Senate, hears impeachment cases. contain charges of such seriousness they raise the question of her be a candidate for the highest the land. That Sara Duterte acquitted by the Senate—and win the Presidency—is a thought most Filipinos consider unexciting prospect but a sleeplessnessinducing possibility. But if convicts her, Sara Duterte will Presidential contention in 2028.
—“— He had plenty of legal authority - constitutional and legislativeon his side.
The Philippine economy is not in best of shapes.
All of that would not have happened if Chief Executive, had not deferred to the Senate - admittedly a branch of government co-equal to the Executive Department - and, instead, had performed his duty as the nation’s Chief Law Enforcer. There would have been no change of Senate leadership, there would have been no De la Rosa performance on the Senate floor, the ICC warrant of arrest would have been properly served and the Senator would now be in the Executive Department’s custody.
The other individuals who a moist eye on the presidency legislators—either are themselves legal challenges or are clearly for the immense responsibilities Presidency.
Philippines agriculture, especially the rice industry, needs a large infusion of efficiency. Not nearly enough foreign direct investment (FDI) has been flowing into this country. Philippine external trade has been perennially in deficit. This country’s educational system continues to get low rating from the international educational achievement rating systems. And the rest of the nation’s social services (healthcare, housing, classroom etc.) remain underfunded and inadequate.
It was not because of an absence or inadequacy of Executive Department authority that President Marcos ordered the law enforcement agencies to desist from serving the ICC warrant of arrest on Sen. De la Rosa. He had plenty of legal authorityconstitutional and legislative - on his side.
For one, the protective custody - whatever that means in Constitutional terms - cannot apply to sitting Senators accused of crimes for which the penalty is in excess of six (6) years. The crimes against humanity, including murder, with which ICC has charged Sen. De la Rosa all carry penalties exceeding six years. Accordingly, the NBI and other law enforcement agencies could properly have served the ICC warrant of arrest as soon as the Senate ceased to be in session.
The Filipino people find solace in the hope that one of the likely candidates for President in the 2028 election will bring Philippine society—in particular the Philippine economy—out of darkness and stagnation and into rectitude and progress. And what does the menu of likely 2028 Presidential candidates look like?
Thus far only Vice-President Sara Duterte has publicly declared an intention to run for President in the 2028
For another, Republic Act No. 9851 states with abundant clarity, that the State of which an accused person is a citizen may hand over, or surrender, that citizen to an international tribunal that issued a warrant of arrest against him. There is no question that the ICC is an international tribunal - an entity that the Philippines government happily chose to join in preDuterte days - and the warrant of arrest against Sen. De la Rosa has been shown to be a valid order. No need for an extradition request from the ICC is needed because the The Hague-based court is not a State.
The character blemishes professional unpreparedness undeclared aspirants are that are making the 2028 prospects unexciting for most From the 2028 presidential they want an individual who will be untainted, knowledgeable and hardworking—in that think that the declared and presidential aspirants represents of the same. That’s why excited. But there are two years 2028 election. The situation in the meantime. An individual or a woman – could come along display a potential to steer in a serious, focused and zero-tolerancefor-corruption direction. Until that man or woman comes the Filipino people will be about the Philippine prospects in 2028.
(llagasjessa@yahoo.com)
Correctly, the Marcos administration is awaiting the Supreme Court decision on Sen. De la Rosa’s petition for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the enforcement of the ICC warrant of arrest. The point, however, is that before the filing of the TRO petition the Executive Department already had sufficient legal basis for meting out to Sen. De la Rosa the treatment that it meted out to the senator’s co-conspirator, former President Rodrigo Duterte, on March 13, 2025.
You are this country’s Chief Executive, President Marcos. In the coming days please act like a Chief Executive.
(llagasjessa@yahoo.com)
TRANSPORT PROJECTS. Reputable and major international companies participate in the joint market sounding activity
By Darwin G. Amojelar
PLDT Inc. chief operating officer and head of network Menardo Jimenez said Monday the company is unfazed by the entry of satellite connectivity providers into the Philippine market this year, noting that it is open to competition and remains confident in its network leadership position.
Jimenez underscored the longstanding approach of PLDT to competition, which is to respond decisively while continuing to strengthen the capabilities of the company.
“We don’t know exactly who is coming in or what specific services they intend to offer, but as with any potential entrant, we take competition seriously,” Jimenez said.
“Our job is to compete and to win. Historically, it is easier to compete with new entrants than with players that already have established scale. Our strategy is to be proactive from day one,” he said.
Noting that initial information indicated that these firms are direct-tocell satellite providers, Jimenez also offered a measured view of the current state of the technology based on existing market tests and user experience.
“At this particular point in time, we’re not as scared of direct-to-cell technology,” he said, adding that the customer experience still leaves much to be desired.
“Basic services such as SMS can take as long as four minutes to send
following their appearance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April. Darwin G. Amojelar
the challenges we are currently facing,” MORE Power president and chief executive Roel Castro said. Alena Mae S. Flores Refined sugar output rises 7%, creates surplus
THE Philippines’ refined sugar production increased 7.06 percent to 11.09 million 50-kilogram bags as of May 3, 2026 from 10.36 million bags a year ago, data from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) showed, leading to a growing supply surplus in the domestic market.
The rise in output occurred even as demand for locally produced refined sugar declined 11.96 percent and carry-over import inventories jumped 68 percent. Local refineries sought to raise capacity utilization to process raw sugar and meet market demand. SRA records showed local refineries can produce up to 19 million bags, or about 950,000 metric tons annually, which is equivalent to around 92 percent of total refinery capacity under favorable market conditions. Despite higher production, demand for locally produced refined sugar weakened as withdrawals of imported refined sugar continued to rise. SRA data showed withdrawals of imported refined sugar increased by 1.04 million bags, or about 25 percent, from the same period last year.
Philippine Sugar Millers Association (PSMA) deputy director for programs Oscar Cortes said the domestic market should prioritize locally produced sugar, especially amid the current excess supply.
“While our refineries have improved production volumes this season, there has been no corresponding increase in market uptake for local refined sugar. Meanwhile, withdrawals of imported refined sugar continue to rise,” Cortes said. Othel V. Campos
A NEW digital platform is helping Filipino consumers maintain their dining and lifestyle habits amid a sharp increase in the cost of living by offering nationwide buy-one-get-one deals.
The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the country’s inflation rate increased to 8.5 percent in April 2026 from 4.2 percent in March 2026. This economic shift has forced everyday consumers to stretch their budgets, often treating dining out and weekend cafe visits as unaffordable luxuries.
BuyBuddy launched as the first buy-one-get-one subscription app for dining and lifestyle in the Philippines to address these modern budget constraints. For a monthly subscription fee of P299, users unlock exclusive vouchers across a curated roster of food merchants, receiving two items for the price of one during their dining experiences.
The platform also aims to support the local business ecosystem. Micro, small and medium enterprises face shrinking profit margins as production costs balloon, making it difficult to attract new patrons and maintain foot traffic in a competitive market.
BuyBuddy operates as a risk-free customer-acquisition tool for these local businesses by charging merchants zero setup fees and zero ad spend. The structure allows partner merchants to attract new visitors and increase daily foot traffic without the hefty advertising expenses or steep commission fees required by traditional marketing platforms.
“BuyBuddy was built to solve the consumer budget and business growth gap,” BuyBuddy founder and chief executive Raquel Decena said.
and another four minutes to receive-
-if you’re lucky. Data heavy applications like video streaming are not practical today through direct-to-cell technology. That said, these technologies will likely improve over time,” he said.
Jimenez said that PLDT is not dismissing satellite connectivity, noting that it can play a complementary role, particularly in niche or backup use cases.
“Satellite services can be useful, especially as redundancy in hard-toreach areas,” Jimenez said.
“But for everyday connectivity, customers expect fast, reliable, and seamless service,” he said.
He also pointed to the extensive reach of the mobile and fixed networks of PLDT and Smart.
By Jenniffer B. Austria
OCKWELL Land Corp. said Monday its firstquarter net income jumped 67 percent to P1.29 billion from P773 million in the same period last year, led its recent acquisition of Alabang Town Center.
The real estate arm of the Lopez group grew its revenues by 45 percent year-on-year to P6.46 billion from P4.46 billion in the first quarter of the previous year. Residential development generated 75 percent of the total revenue, while commercial development contributed 25 percent, excluding joint venture shares. Residential sales revenues climbed to P4.85 billion, boosted by real estate sales and project accomplishments from Edades West and Cabo San Diego. Commercial revenues surged 55 percent to P1.60 billion, as the company started recognizing Alabang Commercial Center (ACC).
In December, Rockwell acquired a 74.8-percent controlling stake in ACC, which owns and operates Alabang Town Center (ATC), for P21.6 billion. Within the commercial portfolio, retail operations brought in
P1.14 billion, a 74-percent increase from last year that resulted from higher occupancy levels, improved average rental rates and the integration of the Alabang assets.
The property firm spent P3.2 billion in capital expenditures in the first quarter, using the bulk of the funds for land acquisition and development costs for ongoing projects.
In March, Rockwell raised P10 billion from the issuance of fixed-rate bonds to fund capital expenditures and project developments, including Rockwell Center Bacolod, Power Plant Mall in Angeles City, Pampanga and Aruga Hotel in Mactan, Cebu.
“As real estate industry shows signs of resilience in spite of the times, it remains focused on strengthening its developments across key cities and emerging growth areas nationwide,” Rockwell Land said.
Alsons
By Alena Mae S. Flores
ALSONS Power said Monday it is transforming its 55-megawatt diesel power plant in Alabel, Sarangani into a 98.7-megawatt alternating current solar power facility to advance its renewable energy initiatives.
The development of the Southern Philippines Power Corp. facility will be executed in two phases beginning in the second quarter of 2026.
Once completed, the solar facility is expected to generate enough electric
ity to power nearly 104,000 homes, providing a boost for communities in Mindanao and a step forward in the country’s renewable energy journey.
“We are excited to begin the transition of our fossil fuel assets into renewable energy facilities,” Alsons Power chief executive Antonio Miguel Alcantara said.
“This marks more than the start of a major project. It is a decisive step toward a more diversified energy portfolio and a more energy-secure future,” he said.
The engineering, procurement and construction contract for Phase 1 of the project, which covers 45 megawatts alternating current, went to Sinohydro Corp. Ltd. and POW
will
Philippines Corp.
PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) and Qatar Airways are expanding their strategic partnership, enhancing codeshare connectivity and linking their loyalty programs to allow passengers to earn and redeem miles across both networks.
Starting June 1, 2026, PAL will place its “PR” code on Qatar Airways flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao to Doha and beyond. The agreement connects travelers to more than 20 major European cities, including Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt via Hamad International Airport. In turn, Qatar Airways will place its “QR” code on PAL domestic flights. The reciprocal arrangement allows international travelers arriving in Manila and Cebu to access local leisure destinations, including Caticlan and Puerto Princesa.
The partnership also integrates Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club and PAL’s Mabuhay Miles. Privilege Club members can now collect and spend Avios on PAL routes across Australasia, Southeast Asia, the United States, and domestic destinations. Meanwhile, Mabuhay Miles members can collect and spend miles across Qatar Airways’ global network, which includes destinations in Africa and Europe. The agreement marks Privilege Club’s 26th airline partnership and expands its footprint in Southeast Asia. Members can use Avios for travel rewards including flights, upgrades, direct bookings with Qatar Executive, and lifestyle packages. Mabuhay Miles members can similarly redeem rewards across travel, retail, and dining partners. Darwin G. Amojelar
ROME―The growing use of recycled plastic in food packaging and other food contact materials offers clear environmental benefits but also raises crucial chemical safety concerns that underscore the need for discussion on globally harmonized standards.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) issued the warning in a new report last week amid a steady rise in the global food packaging market―estimated at $505.27 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $815.51 billion by 2030.
The report is titled Food safety implications of recycled plastics and alternative food contact materials, Snacks, ready made meals, fast food, confectionery and bottled beverages illustrate how shifting consumption patterns and lifestyle changes are fueling demand for food packaging.
Food contact materials (FCMs) play an important role in reducing food loss and waste by extending shelf life and protecting food quality, thereby helping to lower production costs, improve agrifood systems efficiency, support food security and nutrition, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
However, the widespread use of plastic-based FCMs with
long environmental half-lives is contributing to a global plastic waste epidemic, prompting a gradual shift to recycled plastics.
While less than 10 percent of plastic waste generated globally has been recycled so far, this share is expected to grow for sustainability reasons, raising important food chemical safety questions. The report argues that environmental
‘Every bird counts’: How people can help protect migratory birds
By Jing Zhang
First of 2 Parts
DID you know that millions of birds may be migrating silently overhead right now as you read this–and you don’t even need to leave the house to see them?
Ahead of World Migratory Bird Day last May 9, UN News spoke to Catherine Quayle, Communications Director at the Wild Bird Fund in New York.
This year’s theme, Every Bird Counts, Your Observations Matter, highlights the urgent need to protect migratory birds and the ecosystems they depend on.
UN News: For people in cities, it can feel like wildlife is far away–how are migratory birds still part of our daily lives?
Catherine Quayle: If you live anywhere with trees and a bit of green, even in the middle of Manhattan, you can hear birds when you wake up. Their songs change over the year. You don’t even need to leave home to witness the ecological diversity outside your window.
Birds also often migrate at night. In the evening, you might see gulls or herons migrating to roost. Look up early in the morning or in the evening, and you’ll see birds without leaving home.
UN News: New York City sits on the Atlantic Flyway; basically a bird
highway. How many birds pass over our heads during peak migration?
Catherine Quayle: BirdCast, a tool from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, uses weather radar to track bird migration, showing how many are flying and when.
On peak nights, a few billion birds may be in the air over the US at once. Over New York City, as many as a million can pass in a single night, but most people are unaware because it happens at night.
UN News: What are some of the challenges birds face when they migrate?
Catherine Quayle: One of the biggest challenges is habitat loss. Birds migrate to find specific food available at certain times of year. For generations, they have learned where to go, for example, Central America in winter.
But if that habitat has been taken down, built over, paved, or logged, many more birds will not survive when they arrive at their wintering or breeding grounds.
The other major threat in New York City is window collisions. This is likely much worse than 50 years ago because modern architecture is very glass-centric. Highly glazed surfaces and all-glass windows are very popular, and that is just very dangerous for birds.
UN News: Are there certain types of buildings or locations more dangerous for birds? (To be continued) UN News
MinDa pushes plan to reduce environment, flooding risks
By Harlem Jude Ferolino
GENERAL SANTOS CITY―The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is bent on pushing for a comprehensive master plan for the Mindanao River Basins.
It urged concerned national agencies, local government units and other stakeholders to support the revitalization of the Mindanao River Basin and Management Council (MRBMC). MinDA, which serves as secretariat, said working together was crucial to restart the MRBMC, a body responsible for managing issues and overseeing the implementation of the plan to protect at-risk communities, improve disaster readiness and support lasting peace and development in Mindanao.
The initiative also supports the Philippines’ broader commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable development under the country’s 2026 ASEAN chairmanship, especially in advancing climate resilience, food security, environmental protection and inclusive growth across Southeast Asia.
objectives must be pursued in parallel with health concerns stemming from potential chemical contamination and migration from FCMs into food.
“We want to recycle more plastic, but we also want to make sure that by solving one problem we don’t create new problems. Food safety must be a central consideration in the transition towards more sustainable agrifood systems and food consumption patterns,” said Corinna Hawkes, Director of the Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division at FAO.
During the MRBMC meeting held at the Greenleaf Hotel in General Santos City on May 12, MinDA chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno stressed the urgent need for collaboration among national government agencies, stakeholders and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The meeting has sought to address the issues of flooding and environmental risks impacting major river systems in Mindanao.
The timely evaluation of food safety issues is critical to enabling recycled and alternative FCMs to reach their full potential while protecting consumer health and ensuring fair trade. FAO News
He cited the importance of regularly convening the MRBMC, as he called on all agencies to unite in support of the council, particularly in addressing budgetary and logistical concerns. PIA
Mapua outlines blueprint for a resilient PH energy future
A MAPUA University educator said the trigger for country’s present energy woes was the Middle East conflict, but that the root cause was structural in nature.
Professor Aldrin Calderon, dean of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Energy Engineering at Mapua University said over-reliance on a narrow, import-dependent fuel mix, and insufficient diversification over decades was the real culprit.
“The immediate trigger was the conflict-induced disruption of global oil supply, but the root cause is structural: over-reliance on import dependent fuel mix and insufficient diversification,” Calderon said.
Ninety-eight percent of the country’s energy supply are imported and mostly sourced from the Middle East, thus exposing the Philippines to significant risks from geopolitical disruptions.
Likewise, the long-standing challenges include limited domestic energy supply buffers, a power sector still dominated by imported coal, oil and gas, and slow transition to resilient, diversified, and renewable energy systems.
Other indicators of the structural failure were the underdeveloped domestic renewable and storage sector, grid constraints that hinder the seamless integration of renewable energy and delayed infrastructure modernization,
By Owen Cammayo
which slowed the electric vehicle (EV) roadmap. However, the educator said the administration’s wholeof-government response through the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) framework prioritized fuel subsidies, buffer stock procurement, conservation mandates and fast-tracked imports. He suggests how various sectors could soften the impact by shifting to energy-efficient retrofits and installing rooftop solar power systems, as well as streamline logistics and fleet utilization.
Households could switch to energy-saving appliances or shift their energy usage to non-peak hours to support demand-side management. They may opt for public transportation and join decentralized energy solutions. At the same time, the public sector can accelerate approvals for renewables through its web-based Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) system, strengthen energy efficiency enforcement in offices and de-risk storage and micro-grid investments.
Calderon said Mapua’s Energy Engineering (EE) classes have already embedded such scenarios into capstone projects, laboratory work and applied research so students can model and propose solutions that are immediately and realistically implementable.
through periods of disruption.
WHAT makes today’s geopolitical tensions significant is not only the uncertainty they create, but how they are reshaping the meaning of sustainability itself.
For years, sustainability was largely framed around environmental targets and long-term climate goals. Today, a more immediate reality is emerging. Sustainability is increasingly being understood through the lens of resilience, because resilience is ultimately part of being sustainable.
The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has once again exposed how vulnerable the global economy remains to external shocks. Rising oil prices, strained supply chains and renewed inflation concerns are reminders that geopolitical events can quickly affect domestic economies.
For countries like the Philippines, the impact is tangible. Higher fuel costs ripple through transportation, manufacturing, food prices and
household spending. What begins as a distant conflict soon becomes part of everyday economic life.
This changing environment is reshaping how organizations approach sustainability.
Increasingly, sustainability is no longer viewed solely as environmental stewardship. It is becoming closely tied to preparedness ― how institutions strengthen operational continuity, diversify resources, improve efficiency, and reduce exposure to external risks.
This shift is particularly visible in energy. Across industries, investments in renewable energy are increasingly driven not only by climate commitments, but by the need for greater stability and long-term resilience. The same thinking now extends to logistics, infrastructure, digital systems and supply chains. Efficiency alone is no longer enough. Organizations are recognizing that long-term sustainability also depends on the ability to adapt, absorb shocks and continue operating
Across the Philippines, investments in renewable energy, infrastructure resilience, regional expansion and supply chain strengthening are increasingly being viewed not simply as growth initiatives, but as measures that support long-term economic continuity and stability.
The lesson from today’s geopolitical tensions is therefore not only about energy security or inflationary pressure.
It is about the growing realization that sustainability and resilience are deeply interconnected.
In an era defined by disruption, organizations are being challenged not only to grow, but to endure. And increasingly, the institutions best positioned for long-term success may be those that understand sustainability not as a parallel agenda to business strategy, but as part of its foundation.
(Owen Cammayo is the vice president and head of communications, SM Investments Corp.)
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, JASPER VALDEZ,
‘Michael’ moonwalks back to top of box office
MICHAEL , the biopic about late music superstar Michael Jackson, returned to the top spot at the North American box office, showing strong staying power with audiences, industry estimates showed Sunday.
The film, which chronicles the legendary artist’s rise from child star to one of the world’s most famous pop icons, took in $26.1 million in its fourth week of release, Exhibitor Relations reported.
The Lionsgate movie, which stars Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s nephew, in his first acting role, has been criticized for not including material on sexual abuse allegations. Fans, however, have still flocked to hear the King of Pop’s iconic hits. Overall, Michael has raked in $703.8 million globally. Holding its position at No. 2 was The Devil Wears Prada, which earned $18 million in US and Canadian theaters. The Disney/20th Century sequel to the 2006 hit about the cutthroat world of high fashion stars Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, and has grossed
FILIPINO-AMERICAN karting champion Arion Crosby is steering into unfamiliar territory. The 17-year-old racer, already known for his success on the karting circuit, is now setting his sights on a parallel track: acting and entertainment, while keeping his motorsports ambitions firmly intact.
Crosby is being managed by Neil de Guia, the talent manager who previously introduced actor Jake Cuenca to the industry. De Guia sees familiar potential in the young athlete.
“When I first saw him, he very much reminded me of the young Jake Cuenca, same height, same build, also a mestizo,” de Guia said during a recent media junket introducing the newcomer. “We’ve been convincing him to try showbiz for years now, and then I guess he listened to his mom and agreed.”
During the junket, the showbiz newbie maintained that he is not abandoning racing, instead, he’s just expanding his horizons during the off-season.
“I actually don’t know much about show business, particularly local show business,” he said in an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment “Since it is off-season and it will be a while before my next competition, I will give the same drive, passion, and discipline to showbiz. I do believe I will be able to manage my time.”
Crosby said he looks up to actor James Reid while also drawing parallels with the career path of Mateo Guidicelli, who also transitioned between sports and entertainment.
“Not following in his footsteps specifically, but we
Vice Ganda remains focused on ‘It’s Showtime,’ future projects
have the same path, and I look up to him. His career inspires me and it influenced my decision,” he went on. He admits, however, that the entertainment world is still largely unfamiliar to him.
“I actually don’t know much about show business, particularly local show business,” he said. “But I’ve done workshops when I was younger and a photoshoot internationally.”
His early plans are careful. Instead of going straight into acting, Crosby wants to start with modeling and keep training. He also wants to explore music, saying he is open to a softer style.
“I can sing. I like R&B,” he said succinctly.
Despite his new pursuits, Crosby remains firmly grounded in racing, where he has already built a strong reputation. He is a multiple-time winner in the Rotax Max Challenge Philippine Series and has been competing since the age of five.
“The sport can teach valuable lessons about discipline and focus to young people,” he said. “It’s helped me develop a sense of caution and focus, which is important not only on the track but also in life. It also teaches me how to manage my time between studying and training.”
Crosby has long been inspired by Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and continues to chase a dream that remains firmly parked on the horizon: becoming the first Filipino driver in Formula One.
“I’m aiming to be the first Filipino to reach Formula 1,” he asserted.
ASKED what he sees about himself if he ever decides to retire, Vice Ganda is quick to answer without hesitation.
“That’s something I haven’t entertained in my mind yet,” he says. “For one, I’m still enjoying what I do. I can still handle everything. Although there are times when I also get tired. But mentally, I still like it!”
The idea of slowing down is not something he is considering for now, especially with how much he still enjoys his work.
“I’m so obsessed with doing what I do now. I’m so obsessed with ‘It’s Showtime.’ I’m so excited to do movies every year. I still want to do concerts. And more importantly, my audience still loves me. So, retirement at this point is impossible to happen.”
“I don’t want to limit myself. I can still see myself doing a lot of things. I believe that I still have undiscovered potential. You see, you grow older, right? There are things that you can’t do anymore unlike in your younger days,” he adds.
about $175.9 million domestically.
Debuting in third place was the horror film Obsession from Focus Features, which earned $16.1 million. The lowbudget film stars Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette as a man who makes a sinister bargain to win the affection of a woman he admires and must face the consequences.
Mortal Kombat II, a Warner Bros. sequel based on the popular martial arts video game, dropped to fourth place with $13.4 million.
The Sheep Detectives, a familyfriendly mystery film from Amazon MGM, finished fifth with $9.3 million.
The film stars Hugh Jackman as a shepherd who reads mysteries to his flock in an English village. When he is found dead, the sheep, voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Patrick Stewart, band together to solve the crime.
Rounding out the top 10 were
Gun: 40th Anniversary ($3.1 million), In the Grey ($3 million), and Is God Is ($2.2 million). AFP
“But sometimes, you’ll get surprised to learn that there are things you haven’t done in the past which you discovered you can do now. You’ll realize you like it actually. So, all of us have a lot of unrealized potentials that, if we discover and unleash, will make life sweeter—and you won’t mind aging every year.”
Vice shared a more personal realization after turning 50, noting that age has brought physical changes, including no longer being able to wear heels as before. He said this comes with natural limitations but does not see them as something negative.
He expressed gratitude for his life, saying he feels blessed and content as he and Ion Perez, along with their mothers, remain healthy.
On political talks, he dismissed the idea, saying he has no plans to enter politics despite receiving offers.
“They’re just wasting their time. Actually, I have lots of offers, but no. It’s not my take,” he said.
* * *
In a recent television interview, Jennylyn Mercado was asked about whether she feels pressure to have another child before turning 40.
“Well, actually, my husband Dennis (Trillo) and I still have a frozen embryo in Texas. So, if ever we decide to have another baby, it’s just there,” she said.
For now, the couple is focused on their family life.
“We’re still enjoying Dylan. Our focus is on her since her brothers Jazz and Calix are older now and are soon to enter their teens.”
The frozen embryo she refers to was originally intended for a planned surrogacy arrangement in 2021, though she later became pregnant naturally.
“The embryo is still okay. It can be implanted if we ever already want to have another child. It’s just frozen, but anytime that we want, it’s ready. It can be a surrogate again, depending on if I can still handle it,” Jennylyn said.
By Nickie Wang
SCHOOL corridors have long functioned as runways, where notebooks and sneakers share equal billing and personal style starts to take shape. From crisp uniforms styled with subtle twists to casual days that invite experimentation, fashion in school has become a daily language of self-expression. It is where identity is tested in real time.
Penshoppe is reframing back-toschool dressing this season with a new campaign that treats style as a personal code instead of a rulebook. The brand’s “Style Codes” campaign positions fashion as a form of self-expression, anchored on the idea: “Wear it your way.”
Instead of fixed looks, it encourages mixing, matching, and reinterpretation based on mood, identity, and everyday life.
Rolled out in monthly drops from May to July, the collection highlights youth archetypes: “The Rebels” in May, “Preppy Athletes” in June, and “Girl/ Boy Next Door” in July. Each drop offers pieces that move across prep, sporty, casual, and edgy aesthetics, with tops starting at P499 and bottoms starting at P899. The campaign features a roster of Club Penshoppe personalities, each representing a different “style code.”
Among them is Mika Salamanca, who joins the lineup following her win in Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition alongside Brent Manalo
Her addition completes the group, reinforcing the campaign’s message that individuality can exist within a collective. Since leaving the Big Brother house, members of the group have each built distinct identities across fashion, content, and culture.
“Style today is less about fitting in and more about choosing what resonates,” said Brandon Liu, vice president for
Penshoppe. “With Style Codes, we’re giving this generation the freedom to define their own language of style.”
The campaign is shot in a raw, editorial style, moving between polished and undone visuals.
Rolling out across digital, social, and out-of-home platforms, “Style Codes” extends beyond product marketing into lifestyle positioning, reinforcing Penshoppe’s focus on youth-driven culture.
The collection is available in Penshoppe stores nationwide, through its mobile app and online.
By Angelica Villanueva
AS BIG retail brands expand outside city centers, they are opening new stores as part of a larger plan to build closer connections with local communities.
For Uniqlo Philippines, its newest branch is designed to make daily necessities more accessible to residents while highlighting local partnerships. The global clothing brand launched its latest store at SM City Marilao on May 15, continuing its expansion throughout the country. The new store allows people in Bulacan to more easily find the brand’s LifeWear clothing for men, women, and children, which focuses on comfort, practicality, and everyday wear.
But the opening extends beyond clothing racks and retail space.
To mark the launch, Uniqlo partnered with local organizations and enterprises that highlight both community livelihood and education initiatives. From May 15 to 17, the first 100 customers daily received a custom Puni basket handcrafted by Punique, a social enterprise that supports women through puni weaving as an additional source of livelihood. Each
include a motorized boat, school supplies, and pre-loved clothing. The initiative aims to help address access challenges faced by students in the community.
The opening of the store also features a week-long promotional deal on a selection of items for men, women, and children. These items include AIRism essentials, linen clothing, jeans, shorts, and casual wear, available until May 21.
Shoppers visiting during opening week can also take advantage of limited offers running until May 21. Featured items include AIRism shirts starting at P390, linen and cotton pieces from P590, Geared Shorts at P990, Slim Straight Jeans at P1,490, and selected casual wear for women and children at reduced prices.
Uniqlo said the Marilao branch reflects its larger goal of expanding into key locations nationwide while making LifeWear products more accessible to Filipino families and neighboring communities.
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2026
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
By Nickie Wang
AT THE Philippine launch of IQOS
ILUMA i Electric Purple, everything felt instantly recognizable in an emotional way, even if it was new. The space felt modern and futuristic, but also soft and nostalgic at the same time. This mix reminds me of the song “Together in Electric Dreams,” which has a similar feeling of a hightech world that still feels human and sentimental.
The 1984 track imagines technology as a bridge for connection and longing. Standing inside the neon-lit Gallio Events Hall during IQOS’ latest unveiling, that song surfaced instantly in my thoughts.
The venue resembled a retro-futurist film set. Purple and teal lights washed over the room while digital visuals flickered across metallic surfaces. After the new devices were unveiled, guests moved through five themed rooms inspired by destinations tied to the brand’s “Electric Dreams” campaign. Each space recreated a distinct atmosphere—from desert stillness to underground concerts—which fused travel fantasy with immersive installation art.
“Our next chapter for the IQOS brand is here, and we’re excited to share it with you tonight,” said Henry Yap IQOS brand manager, during the me-
dia launch at Nobu Manila on May 15.
“Introducing IQOS ILUMA in Electric Purple. More than just a new color, Electric Purple represents the energy of curiosity—the drive to keep moving forward and explore what’s next.”
“The spirit of curiosity has always been at the core of everything IQOS stands for,” he added.
The new colorway arrives in three versions: IQOS ILUMA Prime, IQOS ILUMA, and IQOS ILUMA One. All keep the same pricing as the existing lineup, wrapped in a deep metallic purple finish that feels both nostalgic and futuristic at once—like an object imagined decades ago about the future people once dreamed of.
That retro-future tension defined the
evening. Echoes of the synth-heavy 1980s appeared everywhere: neon hues, chrome accents, glowing corridors, electronic soundscapes. At the same time, the campaign embraced modern ideas of experience-driven branding. IQOS presented movement, travel, atmosphere, and the feeling of stepping into another world.
The centerpiece of the launch was “Electric Dreams,” a series of rafflebased experiences for IQOS users. The destinations had a cinematic quality in their staging. Winners could ride on a float during a massive street music festival in Switzerland, race electric go-karts along Lisbon Harbor at night in Portugal, attend a concert deep inside Slovenia’s Posto-
jna Cave, experience a desert performance beneath the stars in Morocco, or sit inside an immersive orchestral performance in South Korea.
“Electric Dreams is a series of five once-in-a-lifetime experiences across music, art, and motion,” Yap said during the presentation. “These are not just events or giveaways. They are immersive experiences designed to reward the people who choose IQOS.”
The campaign’s language centered on curiosity, discovery, and immersion.
Zhenya Ivanov, president of PMFTC Inc., described curiosity as “the inner powerhouse” that continues to drive innovation for the brand and its smokefree products.
Lifestyle launches today often extend
far past the product itself. Companies build emotional worlds around what they sell, and IQOS surrounded its new device with the aesthetics of travel, music, nightlife, and exclusivity. The product became a passport, a fashion piece, and an invitation into a curated experience economy.
“Today’s launch of the Electric Purple IQOS ILUMA i and the Electric Dreams campaign is a signal of how seriously we take our consumers in the Philippines,” said Vicknatheeban Tharmalingam, director of smoke-free products of PMFTC.
“The growth of IQOS is a result of sustained investment in science, product development, retail experience, and consumer trust,” he added.
MODERN Filipino mothers are turning home-based side hustles into full-fledged enterprises, building income streams and new opportunities for their families with the help of digital tools and online communities.
Across the country, more mothers are taking on “mompreneur” roles, launching businesses from home while balancing childcare and household responsibilities. Many started with small ideas such as homemade food products, thrift reselling, custom crafts, and digital services, which later grew into steady sources of income.
The shift has been supported by communities such as Madiskarte Moms PH, a network that brings together mothers engaged in online and home-based businesses.
For many, the push into entrepreneurship came during periods of financial uncertainty, including job loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as survival-driven efforts gradually developed into structured businesses that now support households and local communities.
Ayn Stephanie Buyco Angeles, founder of the Marikina-based bespoke footwear brand HERS by Godfather, said she started her busi-
ness after leaving corporate work to care for her infant.
“I had just resigned from my corporate job, and I had an 8-month-old baby to take care of,” she said. “It was challenging at first because running a business means thinking about marketing strategies, finances, and product development 24/7, on top of my responsibilities as a mom.”
Another mompreneur, May Martin-Pimentel, founder of consultation platform Momsatwork, said her business began after she and her husband lost their jobs abroad and returned to the Philippines.
“My husband and I got laid off in Dubai, so we decided to return to the Philippines to start anew,” she said. “I wanted other moms who had the same struggles as me to find a support system. I wanted to build an empowering and educational platform for moms like me.”
Both said community support and digital access helped them stabilize and scale their ventures.
Connectivity
PLDT Home said its broadband services have enabled many small businesses to operate online and reach customers beyond their local areas, including overseas markets.
Joelle Dianne Vinegas, founder of Golden Pots Agriculture, said that joining the Madiskarte Moms PH community helped her regain her direction and confidence.
“More than entrepreneurial success, Madiskarte Moms PH renewed my purpose and confidence,” she said. “Motherhood does not mean the end of personal goals. It should fuel you to aspire higher.”
Organizers noted that the growth of home-based businesses among mothers shows how internet access and online communities are changing how Filipino households earn and manage money. As more mothers move into online entrepreneurship, they are combining caregiving with running businesses through digital platforms.
