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‘One article conviction enough to remove VP’

By Maricel Cruz and Joel E. Zurbano

ACONVICTION

on just one Article of Impeachment would be enough to remove Vice President Sara Duterte and impose on her perpetual disqualification from holding

House lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro said senator-judges are expected to vote per article after the presentation of evidence on all four Articles of Impeachment.

The Articles of Impeachment accuse Duterte, the first Philippine official to be impeached for a second time in a row, of graft, corruption, bribery and an alleged assassination threat against former ally President Ferdinand Marcos.

“The voting must happen per article, but the way I see it, the presentation of the four articles will be completed first, and then the senator-judges will be asked to vote individually. For example, the first article is confidential funds, and they will be called one by one to vote, then on the second article,” Luistro said in an interview on dzMM.

‘One is enough’

“A conviction in just one article – that should be enough… If we get 16 votes in one article, that should be enough to convict the impeachable official and to impose upon her the penalty of perpetual disqualification,” she added.

By Joel E. Zurbano

was

By Pot Chavez

THE International Criminal Court (ICC) pre-trial Chamber I has rejected the appeal to reconsider the confirmation of charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a 12-page decision dated May, 2026, the Chamber rejected the de-

By Charles Dantes

fense team’s appeal, saying it does not constitute an appealable issue. An appealable issue as an identifiable subject or topic requiring a decision for its resolution, not merely a question over which there is conflicting opinion and it must emanate from the relevant decision itself

By Vince Lopez, Rolando Ng III, Pot Chavez, Joel Zurbano, and Maricel Cruz

LAW enforcement agencies have launched coordinated nationwide operations to locate and arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa after the Supreme Court denied his request for a temporary restraining order against an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for his arrest, allowing local authorities to enforce it. The government is also seeking an Interpol red notice against Dela Rosa, who has been in hiding for months since the ICC issued the warrant in November 2025 over alleged crimes against humanity tied to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.

By Joel Zurbano

Padilla admits taking Bato out of Senate

By Ram Superable

SENATOR Robinhood Padilla confirmed yesterday that he personally drove Dela Rosa out of the Senate before dawn on May 14, hours after gunfire was reported inside the Senate building on May 13.

Padilla said police and security personnel did not stop them as they left.

“How could we have escaped? There were so many police officers inside and outside the Senate, and there

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Interpol Red Notice

Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesman Polo Martinez said an application for a red notice had been initiated to alert law enforcement agencies abroad.

“As far as I know, there is an application for an Interpol red notice. That is a remedy available to us,” Martinez said. He declined to discuss operational details surrounding efforts to arrest Dela Rosa.

“The procedure to be followed pertains to operational matters that cannot be publicly disclosed so as not to defeat the ultimate objective to bring him to the ICC and exact justice,” Martinez added.

Martinez also said there was no need for a local hold departure order because Dela Rosa does not face charges before Philippine courts. The

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Luistro said a different issue arises if the impeachable official resigns before the conclusion of trial.

She said the resignation would no longer require removal from office, but the Senate trial should still proceed because perpetual disqualification remains a live penalty.

The House approved the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte in a 25725-9 vote and transmitted the case to the Senate, which convened as an impeachment court on May 18.

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so there will be no repeat of what happened last May 13. We should not interfere in determining who is at fault or who should face charges,” he said.

“For me, it’s really awkward for us to be investigating ourselves. We would become a spectacle again if we point fingers at each other, so it’s better to have a focused and positive approach,” the minority senator added. Lacson said he would raise the proposal on Monday when the Senate resumes session and discusses the shooting incident.

The veteran lawmaker, who once served as PNP chief under former president Joseph Estrada, said he wanted to review CCTV footage covering events from May 11, when Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa entered the Senate, until he left before

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meet frequently but never talk about it. Whoever cooked up that tale, we don't know what they are trying to get at," he stressed.

"I don't know where those tales came from. If those spinning those stories have proof, then it's up to them," he added.

Lacson said that as far as the "Mythical 11" - the nickname of the minority bloc - is concerned, its priority is to find ways to restore the Senate's reputation and dignity.

He said that should the minority get the needed numbers to take back leadership of the Senate, it would seek to improve the public perception about the Senate.

"We love the Senate. All of us are united on this - we must resurrect the Senate's image. Forget all other issues regarding leader-

were CCTVs. No one blocked us,” Padilla said.

“According to the Senate President, there was also no local warrant. That’s why we were very relaxed,” he added.

DOJ has instead placed him under an immigration lookout bulletin order.

Tracker Teams

Philippine National Police chief

Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed Friday that tracker teams had been deployed nationwide in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation following the DOJ directive to implement the warrant.

“The PNP operates strictly under the rule of law,” Nartatez said. “I have issued clear instructions to all local and specialized units that any enforcement action concerning Senator Dela Rosa must be executed with absolute transparency, full adherence to police operational procedures, and the utmost respect for human rights.”

He said police units had been ordered to exercise professionalism and maximum tolerance throughout the operation.

“There will be no shortcuts, and every movement will be aligned with existing protocols to protect consti-

‘Senate rules don’t allow remote voting’

As this developed, Senator Ping Lacson on Friday expressed his firm disapproval of the proposal to permit online participation in the impeachment trial of the Vice President, which would have allowed Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa to also cast his vote remotely on motions, including changes in Senate leadership and committee chairmanships.

"Such a move won't succeed. And it might delay us if we have to change the rules of the impeachment court," Lacson said.

"Even the Senate rules do not allow such remote participation. Under the

dawn on May 14.

According to Lacson, the footage could address allegations that previously released videos had been edited and clarify how NBI agents attempted to serve the International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Dela Rosa.

“We will stick to the facts as they happened and unfolded,” Lacson said.

He noted that the NBI assigned only two female agents to serve the warrant on Dela Rosa, allowing the senator to bypass them and enter the session hall on May 11.

“If the NBI had assigned five bigger agents, what happened last May 11 might not have happened,” Lacson said.

He also said any effort to hold Sen. Robinhood Padilla liable for allegedly helping Dela Rosa leave the Senate would have to go through the Senate ethics process.

“A complaint has to be filed, and it has to be sufficient in form and sub-

ship changes for now; our primordial concern is the integrity of the Senate," he said.

Marcos has asserted that specific political factions are seeking to change the Senate leadership due to significant stakes involved, including an alleged initiative to implement constitutional amendments via a Constituent Assembly (ConAss).

This proposal purportedly aims to extend the terms of current officials such as congressmen and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. until 2031 while postponing national elections, allowing only local elections to possibly continue.

The lady senator also averred that another move aimed to raise the minimum age requirement for the presidency from 45 to 50 years old, which she said would disqualify Vice President Sara Duterte.

Padilla said he had planned to go home because his wife was looking for him when Dela Rosa asked to ride with him.

“Senator Bato said, ‘I’ll go with you.’ How could I refuse that? He had no vehicle because Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s car only dropped him off at the Senate,” Padilla said. According to Padilla, Dela Rosa later got off in Makati, where another vehicle picked him up. He said he did not ask where the senator went afterward.

Padilla also objected to the DOJ’s description of Dela Rosa as a fugitive.

tutional rights and maintain public trust,” he added.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said authorities were actively searching for Dela Rosa and would arrest him once located.

“It’s simple, we will enforce the warrant. Once we find him, we will arrest him. But we are searching for him now,” Matibag said.

He stressed that the ICC warrant remains enforceable because no court order bars authorities from carrying it out. He also said Dela Rosa remains in the country.

“The order is to arrest Senator Dela Rosa, so we will do so without delay,” Matibag said earlier. “Fugitive Senator Dela Rosa will be arrested whether he likes it or not because we have to implement the law without fear or favor.”

Matibag also dismissed claims by Dela Rosa’s lawyer that the warrant could be served through legal counsel instead of directly to the senator.

“Unless the lawyer is the one to be

Senate rules, it is allowed only in the event of a force majeure or emergency like COVID. During COVID, we had to resort to remote participation because of the lockdown," he added.

He said there is no decision yet on Senator Rodante Marcoleta's motion to allow online participation in the Senate plenary session and impeachment trial. Upper Chamber’s neutrality will be tested’

For her part, House trial spokesperson and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co said beyond the trial of Duterte, the Senate itself will also be tested on whether it can uphold political neutrality and faithfully carry out its constitu-

stance for the ethics committee to act on it,” Lacson said, adding it would be better if a civilian filed the complaint because a senator who files it would have to inhibit himself or herself from the proceedings.

Lacson also pushed back against accusations by some majority bloc senators that opposition lawmakers may have known in advance about the shooting incident.

In a social media post Thursday, Lacson responded to remarks by Sen. Pia Cayetano, who earlier complained during a plenary session that no colleagues checked on her welfare after the incident.

“Quote of the day: ‘No one even bothered to check on us!’ How can you check on people who were happily eating, drinking coffee, and going on Facebook Live just to accuse the minority bloc of supposedly knowing something about the gunfire at the Senate?” Lacson wrote.

The exchange stemmed from a con-

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and cannot represent an abstract legal question, the ICC Chamber explained.

The defense team raised two issues including adoption of a "flexible approach" to the formulation of the charges, as well as alleged error to articulate a reasoned evidentiary basis for confirming the charges.

For its part, the Chamber asserted that it has clearly set out the basis for the delineation of the charges, contrary to the claims of Duterte's camp.

It also defined a “clear temporal,

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The four were ordered to submit their counter-affidavits in the preliminary investigation being conducted now by the Ombudsman based on the order signed on May 21.

“For me, he is not a fugitive. I cannot accept that we will call him that just because foreigners said so. We must also respect our own processes as a country,” he said. Akbayan party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña said Padilla’s statements could expose him to liability under both international and domestic law.

“The funny thing here is, how can Senator Robin say he didn’t help Senator Bato escape when he admitted he encouraged him to leave the Senate and that the getaway vehicle was his?” Cendaña said.

arrested and is willing to go to jail, that is possible. But no, because the warrant should be served personally. That is under the Rules of Court,” he said.

Nartatez also disclosed that Dela Rosa had inquired during a May 13 meeting at the Senate about the possibility of seeking protective custody from the PNP.

“He asked where he could get custody or something like that, and I immediately replied that the Philippine National Police is safe for him,” Nartatez said.

The police chief clarified that formally seeking protective custody would effectively amount to surrender.

“That’s possible. Seeking protective custody means that one is surrendering,” he said.

Nartatez added that authorities would prefer Dela Rosa to surrender peacefully.

“If by all peaceful means, he will surrender and yield himself, then that would be better,” he said.

tional duty as an impeachment court.

Co said concerns remain over the impartiality of some senator-judges, especially after some of them already publicly expressed positions on the impeachment case even before trial proceedings formally began.

“But despite all that, the hope of the youth is still there that we will see a fair trial,” she said.

“Otherwise, what will also be on trial is the Senate's ability to fulfill its constitutional duty to sit as an impeachment court, to maintain political neutrality as provided by the rules, and to provide due process—the entire gamut of it from start to finish,” she added.

frontation during Wednesday’s plenary session, when Cayetano accused Sen. Risa Hontiveros of trivializing the shooting incident after Hontiveros called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the gunfire. Lacson also rejected insinuations from Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and Sen. Imee Marcos that opposition senators left the Senate early because they anticipated the disturbance.

“It is an unfair and malicious insinuation that we in the minority bloc went home early and left them behind because we knew something would happen. That is quite far from the truth. There is no basis for that because no one knew what would happen that night,” Lacson said. He explained that minority senators left early because the session ended ahead of schedule and a planned meeting involving all senators was later converted into a caucus for majority bloc members only.

geographical and material scope” for each of the three confirmed counts.

Meanwhile, regarding the defense’s contention that the Chamber failed to address a number of its arguments, the Chamber maintained that it is not required to address every argument advanced by the parties and participants.

Last month, the Chamber confirmed that the three counts of murder as a crime against humanity such that the 81-year-old Duterte was committed to trial.

The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) earlier recommended that the trial be set on Nov. 30.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) had earlier investigated Marcoleta for non-disclosure of the donation in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE). But the Comelec later ruled that non-disclosure is no longer considered an election offense under the amended Omnibus Election Code.

Cendaña urged authorities to investigate Padilla for possible violation of Presidential Decree 1829, which penalizes obstruction of justice, including facilitating the escape of a person to prevent arrest. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Nicolas Torre III also said Friday that the agency was prepared to assist in any manhunt operation if directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“When the President gives the order, it’s automatic and we have no choice,” Torre said during a forum in Manila.

Minority bloc eyeing Win as Senate chief

By Joel Zurbano

THE minority bloc in the Senate is open to supporting Sen. Win Gatchalian as their bet for Senate President, according to Sen. Panfilo Lacson. "Kasi ang tingin namin si Sen. Sherwin acceptable dun sa pupwedeng tumawid," he said in an interview with One News yesterday.

He also said that discussions on a possible change in Senate leadership is "in the works."

Senator Erwin Tulfo earlier stated that a potential leadership change is evolving at the Senate.

“It is ongoing. Look at the number, 12-11. It appears tempting. The majority has 12, we are 11 in the minority. If one in the majority crosses party lines, game over,” he said.

The present majority bloc comprises Senators Ronaldo Dela Rosa, Loren Legarda, Pia Cayetano, Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Christopher Lawrence Go, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Joel Villanueva, along with siblings Camille and Mark Villar. The minority bloc consists of Erwin Tulfo and his brother Raffy, along with Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Lito Lapid, Panfilo Lacson, Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan, and Vicente Sotto III. It has expanded to include Senators Joseph Victor Ejercito, and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

signed on May 19, the MAV for pork meat was raised from 54,210 metric tons to 204,210 metric tons for MAV Year 2026.

The order said the continued spread of African swine fever has significantly reduced the country’s swine inventory, resulting in supply shortfalls and elevated pork prices that have contributed to higher food costs for consumers.

The increase will remain in effect for two years, based on the recommendation of the MAV Management Committee, to help ensure the availability and affordability of pork and processed meat products while easing inflationary pressures on basic commodities.

The order was issued pursuant to Republic Act 8178, or the Agricultural Tariffication Act, which allows the President to propose adjustments to the MAV in cases of supply shortages or abnormal price increases.

The proposal is deemed approved if Congress does not act on it within 15 days from receipt, but the order noted that Congress did not act on the administration’s proposal within the prescribed period under the law.

Mr. Marcos said the move is also consistent with Executive Order No. 110 issued earlier this year, which declared a state of national energy emergency and directed a wholeof-government approach to mitigate price increases in essential goods and maintain economic stability.

The newly issued order directed the MAV Management Committee to ensure fair allocation of import volumes, including 30,000 metric tons designated for processors and 120,000 metric tons for the Food Terminal Inc. or the KADIWA ng Pangulo Program.

The committee was also instructed to formulate and issue implementing guidelines within 30 days from the effectivity of the order.

“While Respondent Marcoleta’s failure to declare the donations/ contributors from Respondents Defensor, Espiritu, and Viray did not constitute an election offense, his acts … should nevertheless give rise to criminal and administrative liabilities,” the complaint said. Rex Espiritu

DENR says Misamis steel plant persists to be non-compliant

By Rio Araja

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has said that Philippine Sanjia Steel Corp. (PSSC) and its plant in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental remains non compliant with several conditions of its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), based on an inspection conducted on May 17.

According to the DENR, the factory has yet to install a Continuous Emission Monitoring System, complete a required environmental audit, and form and operationalize a multi partite monitoring team — all mandatory ECC conditions.

The agency said the lapses persisted despite earlier enforcement actions and follow up inspections dating back to 2024.

The latest findings added to a series of regulatory interventions, DENR said.

A joint inspection by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Central Office and EMB Region 10 on May 21, 2024 led to a Notice of Violation citing 12 breaches of ECC conditions.

In October 2025, the EMB imposed a ₱450,000 administrative fine, which PSSC paid in December after withdrawing its motion for reconsideration.

PSSC, established in 2018, operates a steel manufacturing and smelting facility within the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate on a 22.56 hectare site near the Tagoloan River.

Its current ECC, issued in March 2022, authorizes a steel mill with a capacity of 600,000 metric tons per year, replacing a 2019 permit for a smaller operation.

The DENR’s disclosure coincided with separate reports from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) on preliminary detections of radioactive isotopes at or near the facility.

Oil prices expected to go up this week

IN BRIEF

PNP hierarchy gets new wave of revamp

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday implemented a fresh round of leadership changes, appointing spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño as the new chief of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas effective May 22. On the other hand, Region 12 police chief Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente was designated head of Directorate for Intelligence based in Camp Crame, Quezon City vice Maj. Gen. Wilson Lopez who was appointed deputy chief for operations. Lopez replaces Lt. Gen. Edgar Allan Okubo who officially retired on Thursday. The revamp also involved Region 2 commander Col. Allen Rae Co as the new PNP spokesman. Vince Lopez

House set to pass 38 bills on gov’t reforms

SPEAKER Faustino Dy III on Friday said the steady approval of priority legislation showed that the House of Representatives remained focused on its constitutional mandate and on measures that directly affect public welfare.

Dy issued the statement after the House approved on second reading 38 bills covering governance reforms, emergency response, energy security, public safety, infrastructure, and local development.

“At the resumption of session, we said that the House must continue to act with purpose, discipline, and resolve. What is important now is that we continue to do the work and mandate entrusted to us by the people,” Dy said. “We will continue to focus on bills that have a direct impact on the lives of Filipinos.”

Among the measures approved was House Bill 8389, the proposed Anti Political Dynasty Act, which seeks to prohibit political dynasties in national and local elective offices. Maricel V. Cruz

Sulu town gains stable peace, security status

THE municipality of Panglima Estino in Sulu was formally declared a rido-free, gun-free, and peace-centered community after achieving a Stable Internal Peace and Security status in a ceremony attended by local officials, security sector representatives, and community stakeholders.

The declaration marked another milestone in Sulu’s continuing peace and development efforts, following similar declarations in other towns across the province.

Gov. Abdusakur Tan II led the ceremony as guest of honor and speaker, alongside local government and military officials.

The Philippine Army said the declaration reflects the collective commitment of the local government, security forces, religious leaders, and residents to sustain peace, resolve clan feuds or “rido,” curb the proliferation of loose firearms, and promote a secure environment for development. Rex Espiritu

Isabela town vice mayor faces sedition charge

By Rolando Ng III

THE Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) on Friday filed criminal complaints against Vice Mayor Harold Respicio of Reina Mercedes, Isabela before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The CICC which operates under the Department of Information and Communications Technology accused Respicio of urging the public through videos posted on his social media page to take up arms against the government

He was charged with inciting to sedition and unlawful means of publication under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of

2012.

CICC executive director Aboy Paraiso said investigators found that Respicio edited and reposted his own videos in a way that amplified calls for the public to rise up against the government.

“The source of the video is from his Facebook page. He spliced his own video so that his message would cut across. He edited his own speech to incite our countrymen,” Paraiso said.

Paraiso said they looked into Respicio’s statements last week as part of the government’s multi-agency campaign against fake news and online content that may pose security risks.

He added that the case against Res-

PTFOMS denounces murder of Bangsamoro-based journo

THE Presidential Task Force on Media Security on Friday condemned the murder of Bangsamoro-based radio broadcaster Nestor Micator on Thursday evening. Micator, anchor and host of D’Empire Radio, was shot while boarding his motorcycle outside the Barangay Hall of Fort Pikit, Cotabato.

The presidential media watchdog looked into his role as a barangay council member in relation to his work on air as a potential motive for the attack.

The PTFOMS viewed the radio anchor’s death as a “serious concern”.

“Acts of violence against journalists undermine not only press freedom, but also the public’s right to information and the democratic space where issues affecting communities are discussed openly,” the agency said in a statement.

PTFOMS gave assurance that it remains in contact with law enforcement agencies investigating the case, adding that they have made the request with urgency.

“We urge investigators to pursue all possible angles and ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice swiftly,” the PTFOMS said. Rolando Ng III

picio, a political ally of the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte, was “strong.”

NBI director Melvin Matibag said the bureau will summon Respicio to allow him to explain his side as part of its investigation. He also said the incident may expose the vice mayor, who is also a lawyer, to administrative sanctions.

“When you look at the elements of the crimes we mentioned, all of them are present. Everything fits. It is also possible that he may face a disbarment case before the Integrated Bar of the Philippines,” Matibag said.

The vice mayor has yet to shed light on the controversy as of posting time.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CONSUMERS can expect another round of oil price hikes this week as global oil prices remain volatile due to the Middle East conflict.

An industry source said that based on the first four days of this week’s Mean of Platts Singapore and foreign exchange averages, the estimated pump price movement for next week is a possible increase of P1 to P1.30 per liter for diesel and P1.20 to P1.50 per liter for gasoline.

The source said diesel prices were supported by higher crude prices and unresolved supply disruptions, as feedstock procurement continues to remain a challenge for Asian refiners.

He said gasoline prices are also higher because global markets remain tight. Supplies from Asia are possibly moving to other regions amid reduced production in Europe, and demand from the United States is accelerating with the onset of the peak summer season.

The source said crude and refined product prices have eased recently due to positive developments in peace talks, with signals that negotiations are in the final stages. Nevertheless, volatility can be expected as uncertainty and tensions in the Middle East linger, he added.

The source explained that further downward pressure on prices comes from the extension of the sanctions waiver on Russian oil. Additionally, movements through the Strait of Hormuz, while still limited, have sparked hopes of normalizing flows.

“Crude oil and refined products were initially higher earlier this week on worries that a major strike on Iran would result in another major escalation in the war, but prices have since eased after the U.S. military strike was called off,” he said.

Labor groups seek P200 wage hike

By Vito Barcelo

VARIOUS labor groups led by Partido Manggagawa on Friday pressed for a P200 increase in the daily minimum wage in Metro Manila, urging the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board to act immediately amid the worsening cost-of-living crisis.

The call was made during a public consultation conducted by the NCR Regional Wage Board on pending wage hike petitions.

PM expressed support for the peti-

IN BRIEF

tion filed by Kapatiran ng mga Unyon at Samahang Manggagawa (Kapatiran), saying the proposed wage adjustment was necessary to restore the lost value of workers’ salaries following continu-

Gov’t expands 4PH social housing program nationwide

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development has intensified the nationwide rollout of the Expanded 4PH with various modalities benefitting thousands of individuals.

In Biñan City, Laguna, 182 member beneficiaries of Dreamland Homeowners Association Inc. in Barangay Tubigan had finally secured land tenure after over three decades of waiting through the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP), a key component of the Expanded 4PH Program being implemented by the Social Housing Finance Corp., on May 20.

On Thursday, in neighboring Cabuyao City, familybeneficiaries of Pasinaya Heights in Barangay Baclaran received their housing units under the Expanded 4PH Program, with the development expected to benefit around 8,000 individuals once fully occupied.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling led both activities alongside SHFC president and chief executive officer Federico Laxa, Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Marilene Acosta, Senior Undersecretary Eduardo Robles Jr., and other DHSUD, SHFC, Pag-IBIG, and local government officials. Rio Araja

PH ships 40 portable generators to Ukraine

THE Philippines sent 40 portable power generators to Ukraine for civilian and humanitarian use, providing backup power for essential infrastructure affected by energy disruptions, according to the Ukrainian Embassy in the Philippines.

In a report by the European External Action Service, the 6 kW units, supplied by the Manila-based company Highball Traders Inc., will be shipped from the Philippines to the Port of Gdansk in Poland.

From there, they will be transported to Ukraine via Poland’s Governmental Strategic Reserves Agency.

The office of Sen. Erwin Tulfo earlier this month met with a Ukrainian delegation to discuss the donation of generator units intended to support schools and healthcare facilities impacted by damage to critical infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict. Katrina Manubay

House panel OKs bill lowering optional retirement age to 56

HOUSE Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio on Friday welcomed the approval of a measure which seeks to lower the optional retirement age (LORA) of government workers—including public school teachers—from 60 to 56 years old.

House Bill 207, which was approved by the House Committee on Government Entreprises, amends Section 13-A of the GSIS Act of 1997.

“The committee approval of HB 207 is an important step toward a more humane retirement policy for teachers and government workers who have devoted their lives to public service,” Tinio said.

“This bill gives them a real choice to retire earlier at 56, after years of exhausting work that takes a toll physically, emotionally, and psychologically,” he added. Maricel Cruz

ous increases in the prices of fuel, food, electricity, and transportation linked to tensions in the Middle East.

“The P200 wage hike is not excessive. It is merely a recovery of the lost value of workers’ wages after successive price increases,” PM chairperson Renato Magtubo said.

“Workers’ livelihoods are under attack, so the wage board’s response should also be swift. If prices rise quickly, wages should likewise increase quickly…What workers are asking for is not charity. They are demanding a living wage guaranteed under the

Constitution — a wage that will give dignity to their lives and their families,” Magtubo added.

PM said the current P695 minimum wage in the National Capital Region is no longer enough to meet the daily needs of a working-class family.

Citing NCR’s consumer price index of 131.2 in April, the group said the real value of the minimum wage had fallen to around P530, equivalent to a daily wage loss of more than P165.

The labor group also noted that a family of five in Metro Manila now needs more than P1,200 a day to live decently.

Aquino bucks plan requiring permits for ads

By Joel Zurbano, Ram Superable and Othel Campos

SENATOR Bam Aquino IV on Thursday opposed a Department of Trade and Industry proposal that would require businesses to secure government permits before publishing advertisements and sales promotions.

Aquino said the measure would impose new burdens on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and online sellers.

The senator urged the DTI to withdraw the proposal and instead strengthen enforcement against fraudulent advertising.

“The DTI should focus on going after deceptive and fraudulent advertisements, instead of creating additional hurdles for legitimate businesses trying to reach their customers,” he said.

Under the draft Department Administrative Order (DAO), businesses would need to file applications at least 30 working days before releasing advertisements—including digital ads, sponsored posts, videos, billboards and promotional campaigns.

The requirement would apply to both traditional and online platforms.

“Our small businesses have not yet recovered from the impact of the oil crisis, and we are planning to impose another burden on them,” Aquino said.

He noted that MSMEs are already struggling with rising operational costs.

Aquino, a known small-business and consumer advocate, authored the Go Negosyo Act during his first term as chair of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

UP MSI launches webpage on West PH Sea biodiversity

WHAT is it like to conduct science in the country’s westernmost inhabited island?

This International Day of Biological Diversity and as the Philippines celebrates Month of the Ocean, the UP Marine Science Institute is launching a new webpage featuring the marine life and research done in the Kalayaan Island Group over the years.

“Pag-asa Island: A Hidden Pearl of Biodiversity” features the highly diverse marine life found in Pag-asa Island. From colorful crabs to life-saving seaweeds, the webpage provides a glimpse of what is found in the Kalayaan Island Group and the West Philippine Sea.

Underwater pictures and specimens photographed in the laboratory are accompanied by short descriptions from the institute’s expert marine biologists. A timeline of the institute’s expeditions to the West Philippine Sea is also included on the webpage, beginning with the first visit to Pag-asa Island in 1993.

Behind the research that explains the richness and importance of our resources in the West Philippine Sea are the people. Personal reflections are shared in Letters to Pag-asa, a series of blog posts by the UP Marine Science Institute’s faculty and research assistants about their experiences with scientific discoveries and the local community on Pag-asa Island.

“These are common experiences when one does fieldwork in remote parts of the country, whether in islands or in mountains,” wrote Dr. Gizelle Batomalaque in “Still in the Philippines, Still at Home.”

“The residents of Pag-asa Island show the

natural tendency of humans to self-organize and make the most out of their situation.”

In launching “Pag-asa Island: A Hidden Pearl of Biodiversity,” the UP Marine Science Institute hopes to bring the Filipino public closer to what the study of life is truly like in

the West Philippine Sea. Future research developments will be added as the work continues. The webpage and the UP Marine Science Institute’s current research into Pag-asa Island are supported by the Canada Fund for Local

Tuguegarao airport rehab done by Dec.

By Joel Zurbano and Darwin Amojelar

THE Department of Transportation on Friday said a better, modernized version of the Tuguegarao Airport will greet passengers and tourists once rehabilitation concludes in December this year.

This is in line with the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to improve regional airports nationwide to encourage tourist arrivals and to develop investments and business in the provinces.

According to Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, the airport rehabilitation seeks to improve regional connectivity in northern Luzon. Lopez on Thursday inspected the airport with Transportation Senior Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Jim Sydiongco, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Raul Del Rosario, and Deputy Director General Danjun Lucas.

OPINION

Disownment should sting

RECENT developments in the upper chamber -- concerning the case of Senator Ronald Dela Rosa at the International Criminal Court and the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte -- have prompted a string of statements from people and organizations close to, or associated with, at least two sitting senators.

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, once a University Student Councilor from UP Diliman, made unprecedented history decades after graduating with a BA in Political Science. The former student leader was able to unite two rival political organizations in calling him out for his actions in the past two weeks.

SAMASA and Nagkaisang Tugon – have jointly demanded Cayetano’s resignation, saying that his actions show a “grave failure of leadership, judgment, and institutional responsibility.”

“Under his watch, the Senate transformed itself from a constitutional institution into a stage for political theater, confusion, and brinkmanship,” the statement read.

“A situation that should have been handled with sobriety, clarity, and respect for legal processes instead escalated into chaos, conflicting statements, armed tension, warning shots, and the eventual disappearance of the very person supposedly under Senate ‘protective custody.’”

Days later, 14 individual members of Ateneo Law Class of 1997 also issued a statement describing the crisis that took place at the Senate. “Regrettably, at the helm of this crisis is a member of [the class]. We therefore appeal to our batchmate...to remember what we were taught in the Ateneo and to adhere to our oath as lawyers and officers of the court.”

His peers asked Cayetano four specific things: to keep only to facts when making pronouncements, to acknowledge that the Senate does not have the power of the sword and must yield to law enforcement, to recognize the limited applicability of parliamentary immunity against arrest as no extending to those with over six years of penalties, and to honor the constitutional provision that the Ombudsman can suspend any public official and request the Senate for assistance and information.

Meanwhile, Senate President Protempore Loren Legarda’s portrait was taken down from the Wall of Empowered Women of her high school, Assumption San Lorenzo.

“While her past contributions are acknowledged, her recent political actions no longer reflect the values that Assumption upholds,” the Assumption Student Council said in a statement.

The council called upon Legarda to “reflect on the principles she once upheld as a student and as a public figure...she is encouraged to clarify her actions, correct her course, and demonstrate renewed commitment to accountability and justice.”

Once regarded by the school as an alumna of distinction, Legarda is being challenged to “prove that such trust was not misplaced.”

Legarda’s student organization during her undergraduate years, the UP Broadcasting Association, meanwhile said that her actions and her support for Cayetano’s leadership “now stand in contradiction with the principles of accountability, public service, and democratic responsibility that UP students are taught to uphold.”

“We challenge Sen. Legarda to reflect on the values she once claimed to stand for and

to ensure that the Senate does not become a sanctuary for impunity nor a bargaining table for political dynasties seeking to preserve power. The Filipino people deserve institutions that act independently and officials willing to place democratic duty above political accommodation,” it added.

Two other organizations lent their voices to remind Legarda of who she once was.

TOWNS Foundation, which awarded her as one of The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service in 1995, said it viewed developments with concern and profound disappointment. Legarda’s decision, it said, sends a painful message that political convenience may prevail over constitutional duty.

—“—

That is, if one is still human enough to feel

“TOWNS women are expected to stand firm in moments precisely like this,” the statement read. “We therefore urge Senator Legarda to reflect deeply on whether her recent actions honor the values for which she was recognized as a TOWNS awardee.”

Finally, 10 artists and 14 poets from Kislap Diwa, which held activities under the patronage of Legarda, lamented that she had presented herself as a defender of culture and the creative life. “Many of us believed her,” they said. “But her recent actions have put this belief in serious doubt.”

“We therefore dissociate ourselves from [Legarda]...We will not accept further invitations to appear, read, or be honored in any capacity associated with her office.”

They added: “This severance is offered without theatrics.”

[Then again, being disowned is nothing new for Senator Legarda. In 2022, no less than her own son Lorenzo (not the congressman, Leandro) Leviste wrote an open letter decrying his mother’s endorsement of fascists during that year’s elections. “I am in utter grief,” said Lorenzo.] We Filipinos care much about how we are perceived by others. This is magnified when it’s not just “others” but people who are close to us, or whom we hold in high regard. I wonder how Senators Legarda and Cayetano now feel, if it has even crossed their minds to actually stop and reflect on their recent actions and decisions. Or whether they could still remember who they used to be, before they became famous, at a time when they were only driven by their idealism and love for country.

I don’t believe any young politician begins a career aiming to be a sellout, or to be politically spineless, or to be so consumed by personal interest to the detriment of principle. Let this be instructive for many young public servants out there. Perhaps the system has a way of morphing even the most idealistic into the kind of people they used to deride. May their daily actions be guided by fear not to be consumed by the system, and by the hope that they would at least know that they have crossed over, and feel bad or ashamed of their behavior. And then they could still change course.

The ultimate tragedy would be if they can no longer be bothered to reflect on their actions. The consummation of corruption would be failing to see, failing to feel. adellechua@gmail.com

The impeachment trial of the Vice President

(Last of two parts)

THE President’s role is historically significant. In the Corona trial, President Benigno Aquino III actively lobbied senators, and his influence was widely credited with securing the 20–3 conviction. The ouster through Quo Warranto of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno similarly had the clear backing of President Rodrigo Duterte. In the present case, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s posture toward the proceedings — and how much political capital he is willing to spend — could prove equally decisive. Senators are not immune to executive pressure, and presidential signals have historically shaped how impeachment votes fall. There is no fixed constitutional or procedural deadline for completing the trial. Depending on motions, evidence, and witnesses, proceedings could span several weeks to

several months.

The Estrada trial lasted approximately five weeks before collapsing in January 2001 amid the EDSA II protests.

The Corona trial ran four and a half months, ending in a 20–3 conviction on May 29, 2012.

Now that the trial has formally begun, any resignation by Vice President Duterte would have no legal effect on the proceedings. Resignation does not divest the impeachment court of jurisdiction once a trial is underway.

Disqualification from public office remains an imposable penalty even against officials who have already resigned — the Senate may still bar her from holding any future government position.

Conviction does not shield her from criminal liability either; she may still be prosecuted under ordinary law. If acquitted, she

TExtreme caution

HE Philippines must be highly concerned about rising heat indices, which frequently hit “danger” levels (42°C to 51°C), the extreme heat posing life-threatening risks like heatstroke, scarcity in water supplies and food security threatened.

The Department of Health is closely monitoring these spikes due to rising number of heat-related illnesses, aware that prolonged exposure often leads to heat exhaustion and imminent heatstroke.

Other sectors affected are livelihood and agriculture, where high temperatures and drought conditions (often exacerbated by recurring El Niño phases) drastically reduce crop yields and disrupt fisheries, threatening both the economy and the food supply.

At the same time, we see some infrastructure strain, where increased demand for cooling puts immense pressure on local power grids and water resources.

The national capital region, where 13 million people live, is heavily impacted by rising heat, consistently experiences “danger” level heat indices (ranging from 42°C to 45°C, frequently exacerbated, according to meteorologists, by the urban heat island effect caused by concrete structures and lack of trees

Other regions across the Philippines –Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley, South-

ern Tagalog, Visayas and Mindanao –are also experiencing extreme heat. This extreme heat causes rapid dehydration, dangerous heat exhaustion, and life-threatening heat stroke.

—“—

This extreme heat causes rapid dehydration, dangerous heat exhaustion, and lifethreatening heat stroke

PAGASA, the state weather bureau, has identified these areas:

• Central Luzon: Especially San Ildefonso, Bulacan, and portions of Zambales and Tarlac, which have repeatedly logged heat indices in the 43°C to 45°C range.

• Cagayan Valley: Areas like Aparri

By Herman Tiu Laurel

IN MARCH 2023 when China’s President Xi Jinping visited Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, the former told Putin as he bade farwell “Right now there are changes – the likes of which we haven’t seen for 100 years – and we are the ones driving these changes together ...”

Prophetic words indeed for today we are actually seeing the World sail away from the US-centric unipolar world to the multipolar world with China and Russia at the helms.

On May 19, 2026 Putin arrived in Beijing for his 25th visit to China and met with Xi, just five days after the departure of US President Trump from a four-day visit. Highlighting the contrast between the truly collaborative and the merely performative meeting, Xi and Putin issued a joint statement that condemned US foreign policy as “irresponsible” and “a drift back to the law of the jungle,” while Trump brought home no joint statement and only his own list of what he claims China agreed to buy.

Xi and Putin agreed to continue the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, and strengthening of political mutual trust, strategic coordination and practical cooperation between the two countries.

Twenty cooperation documents were signed in economy and trade, education, science and technology. For the Global Majority countries like the Philippines, the most meaningful result is the joint statement advocating the multipolar world and new type of international relations.

China and Russia are made for each other’s welfare and growth, Russia as sup-

continues in office.

The Sara Duterte impeachment trial is not merely a legal proceeding — it is a reckoning with the architecture of impunity that has defined Philippine political life for generations.

—“—

Conviction does not shield her from criminal liability either; she may still be prosecuted under ordinary law. If acquitted, she continues in office

For decades, public officials have operated with the reasonable expectation that wealth accumulated in office, funds misused with bureaucratic cover, and threats made from positions of power would go

and Tuguegarao routinely hit the 42°C to 45°C \mark.

• Southern Tagalog: Cavite (specifically Sangley Point) and Batangas consistently hit some of the absolute highest heat indices in the country, at times reaching 42°C to 46°C.

• Visayas: Coastal and low-lying provinces regularly experience dangerlevel heat, notably in Iloilo, Palawan, and Capiz.

• Mindanao: Provinces including Agusan del Norte, Surigao, and Zamboanga City often experience “danger” to “extreme danger” levels of heat. But good things PAGASA regularly issues daily Heat Index Advisories to warn local government units and citizens of hazard levels.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also set up the Task Force El Niño, an inter-agency task force to implement localized mitigation and rehabilitation plans, heavily focusing on water preservation, food security, and power stability. At the same time, the government is aggressively pushing the localization of the National Adaptation Plan 2023–2050, which mandates local governments to build infrastructure resilience, protect outdoor workers, and expand shaded, green urban spaces. In areas reaching dangerous heat thresholds, LGUs, the DOH, and UNICEF advise communities to stay indoors during peak hours, adjust work and class schedules, and provide Public Health Advisories for managing heat stress.

Xi-Putin: Bringing changes for 100 years

plier of fuel, fertilizer and raw minerals, and China supplies the most affordable manufactured goods for the Russian consumers – and they are immediate neighbors making the exchange and transportation at the least cost.

Both are major nuclear weapons states whose total nuclear missiles outnumber all that the US and its allies can muster, and both have a peaceful vision for mankind –the multipolar, post-Western Global Order.

—“—

Twenty cooperation documents were signed in economy and trade, education, science and technology

The symbiosis goes beyond economic to geopolitical security, and since the two countries resolved their border and ideological differences decades ago, their shared vision of the multipolar world brings balance to global geopolitics.

China has a better stated vision for the humanity – the Community of Shared Future for Mankind.

The partnership’s recent triumphs, Russia’s imminent victory in Ukraine over the US and NATO and China’s defeat of two US trade and tariff wars, have brought the vision closer to reality.

The close partnership between Putin and Xi has been slowly but decisively been bringing global geopolitics closer to a truly balanced new world order.

unpunished, insulated by political alliances, delayed prosecutions, and institutions too weak or too compromised to act.

This trial places that expectation under direct challenge. If the Senate convicts — on evidence that the prosecution describes as substantial and documentary — it will have demonstrated that accountability is not merely a campaign promise but an enforceable constitutional reality.

That signal, sent from the highest deliberative body in the land to every official at every level of government, would represent a civic achievement of the first order.

Conversely, an acquittal driven not by the evidence but by political calculation would confirm what many Filipinos already fear: that the rules apply only to the powerless, and that institutional reform is a performance staged for international observers and election cycles.

There is also a generational dimension to what unfolds in the Senate chamber. The youth who powered the reformist wave in recent elections — who voted in record numbers, who organized online and on the ground, who rejected dynastic politics with

It has pushed US hegemony back into its Western Hemisphere at this time – as Iran with support from Russia and China drive the US out of all US military presence in West Asia (Middle East) and Russia and China respectively drive out the US from the European continent and Asia. This development gives the middlepower countries more room for maneuver for their own welfare.

The Philippines, a middle power country, has long been a client state under the US hegemony and continues to be so under the Marcos Jr. presidency. The new geopolitical balance of power opens up the potential for breaking free and refocusing with the Russia-China multipolar vision. The recent fuel, energy and fertilizer crises inflicted on the Philippines by the Hormuz Straits constriction exposed the total inutility of the US to the Philippines in times of need while Russia and China supplied the petroleum products the country desperately needed.

The new multipolar world order strengthened even more by the latest Xi-Putin talks has created the atmosphere in Philippine diplomacy to embolden over a dozen Filipino ex-ambassadors to issue a white paper calling for the adoption of “non-aligned, independent foreign policy” and saying, “The Philippines is a nation of followers and there is the danger we will unwittingly play the role of a US surrogate.” If the Philippines achieves that then it will be a change of a hundred years of colonialism and neocolonialism of a hundred years. (The writer, a broadcast journalist, supports Philippines-China understanding, and organized the Philippine BRICS Strategic Studies think tank dedicated to promoting global multi-polarity.)

unusual coherence — are watching this trial with a clarity of expectation that older Filipinos, scarred by cycles of disappointment, may struggle to share.

For them, the impeachment is not background noise; it is a test of whether the democratic institutions they were told to trust are, in fact, trustworthy. A Senate that follows the evidence, conducts itself with dignity, and votes its conscience — regardless of the political winds from Malacañang — would do more to consolidate democratic culture in this country than any single piece of legislation.

The opposite outcome risks something more corrosive than mere cynicism: it risks confirming to a politically awakened generation that engagement is futile, that the game is fixed, and that the energy they invested in democratic participation was, in the end, wasted.

The Philippines has been at crossroads before. What makes this moment different is that the crossroads is visible, the stakes are legible, and the audience is the country’s future. Facebook: tonylavs Website: tonylavina.com

SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2026 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

US pins hopes on mediator Pakistan

TEHRAN – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced hope of progress on ending the war with Iran, as he looked to Pakistani mediators to help advance efforts to strike an agreement.

HELSINGBORD, Sweden – NATO’s European members will look to sound out US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on troop cuts by Washington Friday, as they seek to smooth over President Donald Trump’s ire ahead of a July summit.

The meeting of alliance foreign ministers in the Swedish city of Helsingborg comes after the US leader lashed out at Europe over its response to his war on Iran -- and threatened he could consider quitting NATO.

The 77-year-old alliance was rattled this month when Washington abruptly announced it was withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany after a spat between Trump and Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

While the Trump administration had long warned it would pull out forces from Europe to focus on other threats, a lack of coordination has heightened concern over Washington’s reliability in the face of a menacing Russia.

One of the goals in Helsingborg “is to see whether we’ve turned the page or not ahead of the Ankara summit,” a European diplomat said. Judging by Rubio’s comments as he set off for the talks -- denouncing NATO for failing to weigh in behind Trump on Iran -- the answer appears far from clear.

The US president is “not asking them to send their fighter jets in. But they refuse to do anything,” the US top diplomat told reporters. “We were very upset about that.” AFP

IN BRIEF

SpaceX postpones Starship launch

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – Elon Musk’s SpaceX postponed the highly anticipated launch of its upgraded Starship megarocket, calling off Thursday’s (Firday, Manila time) test after multiple countdown stopsand-starts.

The company is now eyeing Friday for another take-off attempt of the third generation of its mammoth rocket, company spokesperson Dan Huot said on the launch livestream.

The trial mission comes amid high stakes for the space company eyeing a blockbuster initial public offering. After several rounds of stopping and starting the countdown clock, Huot said engineers would not be able to work through last-minute glitches in time to lift off Thursday.

Musk quickly posted on X that “the hydraulic pin holding the tower arm in place did not retract.”

“If that can be fixed tonight,” the company will make another attempt at 5:30 pm local time (2230 GMT) on Friday, the tech titan added. AFP

Venezuela approves US flyover drill

CARACAS – Venezuela said Thursday (Friday, Manila time) it had authorized the United States to perform a flyover of Caracas as part of an embassy evacuation drill -- a highly symbolic move four months after US airstrikes on the city.

“At the request of the Embassy of the United States of America, the authorities have authorized an evacuation drill to be held on Saturday, May 23, in preparation for potential medical emergencies or catastrophic events,” Foreign Minister Yvan Gil announced.

“As part of the drill, two aircraft will conduct controlled flyovers of the city of Caracas and will land at the facilities of the Embassy of the United States of America,” he added in a statement on state television. US forces typically use helicopters for evacuations. AFP

Previous comments by President Donald Trump had suggested weeks of stop-start negotiations to strike a permanent end to the war were teetering on the “borderline” between a deal and renewed attacks.

“I believe the Pakistanis will be traveling to Tehran today. So hopefully that’ll advance this further,” Rubio told reporters.

A ceasefire on April 8 halted the war launched weeks earlier by the United

Thursday, calling on Israel to respect its obligations. Major gaps remain between Israel’s commitments and the reality facing Palestinians, representatives for Oxfam, Save the Children and Refugees International told reporters at UN headquarters in New York.

“Israel continues to deny most experienced aid groups from bringing in essential supplies, like pipes to fix water systems, shelters, materials and medical supplies at the levels needed,” Oxfam America President Abby Maxman said.

“This is despite promises of reconstruction, economic development, and longterm prosperity,” she said.

Violence has also continued unabated, with relentless Israeli strikes, according to Teresa Soldner, an American surgeon who recently returned from Gaza. AFP

States and Israel, but negotiation efforts, including historic face to face talks hosted in Islamabad have so far failed to yield a lasting agreement.

Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, who is widely considered close to Pakistan’s powerful army chief Asim Munir, visited Iran for the second time in a week on Wednesday.

Iranian media, including the ISNA news agency, had reported based on unnamed sources that Munir could himself

visit Tehran as early as Thursday, but there was no comment from Pakistan authorities about any travel plan for the army chief. Beijing did however, announce that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will travel on Saturday to China, which has also been involved in mediation efforts to end the war. Though open warfare and strikes across the Gulf have reduced, the impasse continues to weigh on the world economy.

In April, Pakistan hosted the only direct negotiations, which Munir helped mediate, between US and Iranian officials to take place since February 28, when the war began. But the talks ultimately failed, with

First Gaza flotilla activists arrive in Turkey

JERUSALEM – Israel said Friday it had deported all the foreign activists seized by its forces from a Gaza-bound flotilla, as the first group arrived in Turkey following global outcry over their treatment in custody. Hundreds of activists from countries around the world were placed in detention in Israel after they were intercepted at sea Monday while making the latest in a string of attempts to break the blockade of the Palestinian territory.

Turkish foreign ministry sources said 422 activists, including 85 Turkish na-

tionals, were flown from southern Israel on three planes chartered by Ankara .

Those deportation flights were confirmed by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which said several other activists had been deported to their home countries directly.

A first group of arrivals were seen inside the VIP terminal at Istanbul airport, as a crowd of supporters carrying Palestinian flags gathered to welcome them, an AFP correspondent said.

Israeli forces “attacked us. Each of us was beaten, women and men... It’s what

Rubio warns Cuba after US indicts former president Raul Castro

MIAMI – Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Cuba on Thursday (Friday, Manila time) that the United States was laser-focused on changing the communist system, after the island was stunned by a US indictment of its former president Raul Castro.

The US military announced that the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and its escort warships had entered the Caribbean, although President Donald Trump, asked if the deployment was meant to intimidate Cuba, said, “No, not at all.”

Rubio, a Cuban American and vociferous opponent of Havana’s government, described the island 90 miles (145 kilometers) from the US shore as a “failed state” as it suffers a major economic crisis.

“Their economic system doesn’t work. It’s broken, and you can’t fix it with the current political system that’s in place,”

Rubio told reporters in Miami.

“What they’ve gotten used to all these years is just buying time and waiting us out.

“They’re not going to be able to wait us out or buy time. We’re very serious. We’re very focused.”

Rubio said that the US preference was “always a diplomatic solution” but warned that Trump had other options at his disposal.

He also said Cuba had tentatively accepted an offer by the United States of $100 million in aid in return for reforms.

But he said it was unclear if the United States would accept Cuba’s terms, as Washington insists on circumventing the military-backed conglomerate GAESA, that dominates the island’s economy. Earlier this month, Washington imposed sanctions on GAESA. AFP

Tehran accusing Washington of making “excessive demands”. Since then, the two sides have exchanged multiple proposals, with the threat of renewed conflict looming all along. “It’s right on the borderline, believe me,” Trump told reporters Wednesday. “If we don’t get the right answers, it goes very quickly. We’re all ready to go.” He said a deal could come “very quickly” or “in a few days”, but warned Tehran would have to provide “100 percent good answers”.

Rubio also criticized NATO allies for their refusal to help in the war against Iran.

“He’s not asking them to commit troops. He’s not asking them to send their fighter jets in. But they refuse to do anything,” he said. AFP

in

farm

TEGUCIGALPA – At least 19 people were killed at a palm plantation in northern Honduras, authorities said Thursday (Friday, Manila time), as the Central American nation prepares for a resurgent wave of anti-gang militarization.

The killings took place the previous night in Rigores, in the restive Bajo Aguan region, where rival gangs have fought over control of palm plantations and drug trafficking routes.

The attack comes shortly after the national legislature approved a series of reforms to confront criminal violence in Honduras, where the homicide rate is 24 killings for every 100,000 inhabitants. The new measures authorize the military to participate in public security tasks and create a new anti-organized crime unit. It also opens the possibility of categorizing gangs and drug cartels as terrorist groups.

Honduras’s new conservative president, Nasry Asfura, has vowed to work with US President Donald Trump in his initiative to crack down on organized crime in Latin America.

In a separate incident on Thursday, near the border with Guatemala, four officers and a civilian died after a shootout broke out when an elite anti-gang squad attempted to enter a home belonging to supposed narcotraffickers.

Palestinians experience all the time,” said Turkish national Bulal Kitay, after he got off the plane.

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir sparked widespread condemnation and a diplomatic backlash Wednesday by posting a video showing the detained activists with their hands tied and foreheads on the ground.

Israel’s foreign ministry spokesman, Oren Marmorstein, said Thursday that “all foreign activists from the PR flotilla have been deported from Israel. AFP

The bodies of the agents had yet to be recovered and the toll could likely rise, a police official told local reporters.

The farmers killed in the Aguan valley were employed by an armed group that controlled the plantation, a local rural group leader told AFP by phone.

The leader, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said local residents heard widespread gunfire.

Frequent threats from armed groups mean “one sleeps with one eye open and another closed,” the person said. A local news outlet shared a video showing at least nine bloodied bodies scattered through the vast palm plantations. AFP

With record-low

The result: parched soil and vegetation -- ideal conditions for wildfires. Twenty-seven minutes after Graves’s visit, an ambulance arrived to pick up Jordan Wyatt and Jennifer Shook, who were portraying injured victims. A short distance away, firefighters hosed water onto an imaginary blaze. Shook, who uses a wheelchair and works for an organization supporting people with disabilities, volunteered for the mock rescue after her mother last summer was unable to access updates from authorities as a wind-whipped wildfire quickly cut off roads near her home.

of

“Watching her stress level and knowing that we have other people with disabilities that would need to be evacuated, I wanted to participate,” she said. AFP

B.League to hold preseason Manila games in September

By Peter Atencio

ATIE-UP is in the works between Japan’s B.League and local organizers in the Philippines to bring international games to the country late this year.

B.League officials said this after revealing that they will hold preseason games in Manila in September.

“We are really excited. The B.League is shifting its direction. Starting next year, we will have games here in Manila,” said B.League CEO Nao Okamoto during a presentation on Thursday at the Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong.

Local officials, led by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas spokesman Ryan Gregorio and Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Willie Marcial, welcomed the development following a meeting with Okamoto. Gregorio said the possibility of having B.League games in the country is generating a lot of interest.

“It’s generating a lot of interest and enthusiasm. We have been watching the B.League through the platforms of Cignal. But it’s different when you watch Filipino players playing together with Japanese players and their international players,” said Gregorio.

In September, there will be two preseason games between the Gunma Crane Thunders and Levanga Hokkaido. This will feature Filipino cager Dwight Ramos playing for Hokkaido against

Edu’s Gunma Crane Thunders on Sept. 9 and Sept. 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“What’s important is that this is a bridge for the Philippines and Japan, in terms of good relationships and friendships,” said Marcial.

Domestic futsal fever ignited as Futsaliga caps 1st season

THE inaugural season of PFF Futsaliga, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), concluded in spectacular fashion at the Philsports Arena as grassroots futsal in the Philippines reached unprecedented heights following the nation’s successful hosting of the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025.

With final matchday crowd of 1,154 spectators that packed the House of Futsal’s galleries, millions reached online, and plans already underway to expand the competition nationwide, PFF Futsaliga established itself as one of the Philippine Football Federation’s (PFF) most important legacy and grassroots development initiatives in partnership with PSC.

PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez hailed the success of the inaugural tournament and emphasized that the emergence of a nationwide futsal culture was among the Federation’s biggest achievements.

“The success of the inaugural PFF Futsaliga proves that futsal has truly captured the imagination of Filipinos after the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup. What we witnessed over the last three

months was the birth of a nationwide futsal movement powered by young players, schools, clubs, communities, families, and supporters who embraced the game with incredible passion,” said Gutierrez.

“We are deeply grateful to the Philippine Sports Commission, especially

Chairman Pato Gregorio, for believing in this vision and transforming the Philsports Arena into the country’s House of Futsal. This is only the beginning. With regional Futsaliga plans now emerging in Visayas and Mindanao, and with pathways toward semi-professional and pro-

Destiny calls as Alintozon chases UFC dream

By Nissi Icasiano

FOR most fighters clawing through the unforgiving trenches of mixed martial arts (MMA), opportunity often arrives wrapped in uncertainty.

For Filipino prospect Kimbert Alintozon, however, the path toward the biggest stage in the sport feels written long before the cage door closes.

If there is one word that best captures his inclusion in Road To UFC Season 5, it is destiny.

Only months ago, the 27-year-old native of Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental was far removed from the spotlight now fixed firmly upon him.

Today, Alintozon finds himself carrying the momentum of one of the most promising careers in Philippine MMA, armed with a 7-3 professional record and a staggering 86-percent finishing rate highlighted by three knockouts and three submissions.

“The Hunter” burst into broader consciousness in October 2024 after detonating a devastating left hook to knock out Estrada Donga-as in 19 seconds under the Zeus Fight League (ZFL) banner.

The chilling sequence, which left the Team Lakay member twitching unconscious on the canvas, instantly reverberated throughout the regional MMA circuit.

According to a reliable source, the emphatic finish placed Alintozon firmly on the radar of Road To UFC matchmakers.

The tournament, designed as the UFC’s premier developmental platform in the Asia-Pacific region, offers competitors direct passage to MMA’s ultimate proving ground.

Athletes must survive an unforgiving eight-man bracket and emerge victorious in three consecutive bouts to secure a coveted UFC contract.

Everything initially appeared to be unfolding perfectly for the Alpha One representative.

By July 2025, he had earned a shot at the vacant ZFL flyweight championship against fellow up-and-coming talent Jake Bron.

The matchup evolved into a brutal showcase of grit and versatility. Alintozon uncorked thunderous combinations on the feet, chained together takedowns, and threatened relentlessly on the ground. Yet Bron refused to yield, matching his ferocity at every exchange.

As the punishment accumulated and both of Alintozon’s eyes swelled dramatically from the relentless warfare, his corner made the difficult decision to stop the contest in the fifth round.

The defeat stung deeply.

“It was painful because I felt I was still capable of giving more,” Alintozon said.

“But setbacks are part of this journey. I told myself that night that this experience would sharpen me, not break me.

Sometimes you need to lose something important to understand what you are truly fighting for.”

What appeared to be a derailment soon transformed into a vital turning point.

This past March, Alintozon accepted a dangerous assignment against hometown favorite Trọng Vinh Mùi in Vietnam.

Competing at bantamweight, the Filipino showcased a revitalized form, overwhelming Mùi with a wrestling-centric offense and punishing ground-and-

pound that forced the Vietnamese to quit on his stool before the third round.

The victory restored more than his standing. It restored his confidence.

“That win felt like I could finally breathe again,” Alintozon shared. “After everything that happened, I needed to remind myself who I was inside the cage. It gave me peace knowing that I was still moving forward.”

Originally, Alintozon was scheduled to return to flyweight against veteran Dave Bangguigui at ZFL’s anniversary event in Las Piñas on May 29.

Then came the phone call that changed everything.

In the midst of training camp, Road

To UFC officials contacted him with an offer to replace injured fighter Matty Iann in the opening round of the bantamweight tournament, which will be held at the Galaxy Arena in Macau, China, on May 28.

Alintozon never hesitated.

“I did not think twice,” he stated.

“This was the kind of chance every fighter waits for, and I knew I could not let it pass again. I am also very thankful to Zeus [Fight League] for under-

BATANG Ginebra outlasted Batang Meralco in the duel of unbeaten squads, 89-79, and emerged as the top seed in the centerpiece 15U division of the Batang PBA on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. The Batang Gin Kings played catch-up for three quarters before erupting for 32 points in the fourth to finish the four-team elimination with a 3-0 mark.

Joakim Emmanuel Se scored 20 points, including 12 in the final quarter, as the Gin Kings head into the knockout semifinals with a much needed momentum.

Batang Converge and the Batang Pureblends were playing as of press time to determine the third or fourth seeds. Meralco is secured at No. 2 going into the Final Four set Tuesday at the Victoria Sports Club in Quezon City.

Mark Vincent Patungan tallied 23 points while Mihangel Philrick Morre and Ethan Ray De Guzman added 13 points apiece for the Batang Bolts.

The Scores: First Game (15U) Ginebra 89 - Se 20, Demate 16, Saluquen 16, Aldania 13, Valeza 8, Gumatay 6, Basinillo 4, Patag Enrique Leandro. 4, Senesan 2, Patag Rafael Enrico. 0, Robles 0, Garcia 0, Ocampo 0, Solidum 0. Meralco 79 - Patungan 23, De Guzman13, Morre 13, Sta. Ana 7, De Vera 6, Morales 5, Evangelio 4, Castaloni 4, Yao 2, Zamora 2,

fessional futsal already being developed, the future of Philippine futsal has never looked brighter.”

PSC Chair Patrick Gregorio, who personally watched the finals, lauded Futsaliga for “meeting the highest international standard.”

“The success of the recently concluded PFF Futsaliga is a clear continuation of the momentum generated by the historic staging of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025. That tournament proved that the Philippines is fully capable of hosting world-class sporting events that meet the highest international standards set by FIFA. More importantly, it accelerated the transfer of knowledge in event governance, technical operations, and sports management, giving Filipino professionals and institutions invaluable experience that will strengthen our capability to organize future global competitions with confidence and excellence. The Futsaliga is part of that growing legacy, a platform where the lessons learned from the World Cup are translated into sustainable grassroots and elite-level development for Philippine futsal,” Gregorio said.

standing the situation and supporting me in pursuing this dream.”

The sequence of events only deepened his belief that this moment was always meant to happen.

“With everything that happened in my career, I truly believe this is destiny,” Alintozon asserted. “There were highs and painful lows, but somehow, they all led me here. I feel this opportunity was meant for me.”

Still, sentiment alone will not carry him through the tournament.

An acid test awaits in the quarterfinals of Road To UFC Season 5 as Alintozon squares off against dangerous Nepalese standout Rabindra Dhant in a threeround bantamweight clash.

Dhant enters with a formidable 9-1 slate and experience competing under globally respected organizations such as BRAVE Combat Federation and ONE Championship’s ONE Friday Fights series.

Like Alintozon, Dhant possesses finishing instincts, boasting seven knockout wins alongside one submission triumph.

Yet rather than intimidation, the challenge fuels Alintozon’s excitement.

“This has always been my mindset since I started fighting,” he mentioned. “I never chose opponents. If you want to become the best, you have to face the best. That is the only way you discover how far you can really go.”

For Alintozon, simply reaching Road To UFC already validates years of sacrifice, hardship, and perseverance. But validation is no longer enough.

Now, the dream has evolved into something tangible.

“I think every MMA fighter dreams of becoming a UFC athlete. Now, I finally have the chance to fight for that dream with my own hands. I am ready for whatever comes next,” he declared.

British summits Mt. Everest for record 20th time

KATHMANDU—British climber

Kenton Cool reached the top of Mount Everest for the 20th time Friday, extending his own record for the most ascents of the world’s highest peak by a non-Nepali.

More than 600 climbers have reached the peak since the spring season summits kicked off this month, taking advantage of a brief spell of good weather and typically calmer winds.

“It was reported that he summited Mt Everest today early morning,” Khim Lal Gautam, a government official at the base camp, told AFP.

Mountain guide Cool, 52, first climbed Everest in 2004 and has since had an expedition almost every year, taking clients up the 8,849-metre (29,032-foot) peak. His 15th summit in 2021 tied him with American Dave Hahn for the most ascents by a non-Nepali climber, and his effort the following year gave him a solo title.

Cool was once told he would not be able to walk unaided again after a rockclimbing accident in 1996 that broke both his heel bones.

He told AFP in a 2022 interview after his 16th ascent that his Everest record was “not that amazing” in the context of achievements by Nepali climbers.

At least seven Nepali climbers have more than 20 summits under their belt.

“I’m really surprised by the interest... considering that so many of the Sherpas have so many more ascents,” he said then.

Nepali climber Kami Rita Sherpa, 56, dubbed the “Everest Man”, broke his own world record with a 32nd summit of Everest on Sunday.

Lhakpa Sherpa, 52, also broke her own women’s record with her 11th summit the same day.

Nepal has issued a record 492 permits to mountaineers this season and a city of tents hosting foreign climbers and support staff has been set up at the foot of Everest. AFP

their

for

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ends of the court for the first time in the Round of 128 at Roland Garros on Sunday. ASB Classic

Eala takes on friend Jovic in French Open 1st round

By Jeremiah Sevilla

World No. 38 Eala and No. 17 Jo-

vic will set aside their friendship for a while when they step on the opposing ends of the court for the first time in the Round of 128 at Roland Garros on Sunday. The former doubles’ duo were pit-

ted against each other following the tournament draw on Thursday night, Manila time. Eala, 20, and Jovic, 18, teamed up earlier this year in the ASB Classic where they stunned veteran pair Venus Williams of the USA and Elina

CAVINTI, Laguna—The ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship promised a blockbuster finale, but absolutely no one could have scripted the cinematic chaos that unfolded on the leaderboard. In a bizarre twist of fate, undisputed leader Keanu Jahns saw his title defense evaporate in a single, agonizing hole. The Fil-German suffered a monumental, nightmare collapse on the par-5 No. 4 of the Caliraya Springs Golf Club, holing out with a catastrophic 11. In the blink of an eye, the defending champion was dethroned, throwing the tournament into absolute anarchy and opening the door for at least six players to make a legitimate run at the title. But while the rest of the field scrambled in the sudden power vacuum, Angelo Que showed the poise of a seasoned assassin. Where others saw chaos, the reigning Order of Merit champion saw opportunity. Cool under fire, Que ignited a blistering back-nine assault. After lurking just off the pace in a leaderboard scramble that felt like musical chairs, he finally made his definitive move –in a fashion only a player of his caliber could deliver.

He opened the back side with a sen-

PH boxers Vicera, Pasuit win golds in Belgrade tilt

By Randy M. Caluag

Svitolina of Ukraine, 7-6, 6-1, in the first round.

They reached the semifinals of the WTA 250 tourney in Auckland, New Zealand after enjoying a walkover against Czech Republic’s Jesika Maleckova and Mexico’s Renata Zarazua before falling to the Chinese tandem of Xu Yifan and Yang Zhaoxuan 5-7, 3-6.

Eala and Jovic reunited for the WTA 1000 Indian Wells Open but suffered a first-round exit against USA’s Hailey Baptiste and Austria’s Jelena Ostapenko, 2-6, 2-6.

The two are also close friends

off the court, with Jovic posting on Instagram photos with Eala from their tour around Rome after wrapping up their respective campaigns in the Italian Open last week. Come the clay court’s Grand Slam event in Paris, however, Eala and Jovic will duke it out in a highly anticipated singles’ showdown between two rising stars.

Eala, who secured a second main draw appearance in the French Open, will also see action in the doubles’ competition with 19-year-old No. 9 Victoria Mboko of Canada.

Valdez won’t get tired playing for PH team

By Peter Atencio

VOLLEYBALL star Alyssa Valdez hopes to make an impact following her return to practice with the young members of the Alas Pilipinas national women’s volleyball pool.

The 31-year-old Valdez acknowledged that she is now one of the senior members of the squad, which recently underwent a makeover.

“I will never get tired of representing the country. Hopefully makatulong tayo in our own little way,” said the 5’9” Valdez, known as “The Phenom” and the “Face of Philippine Volleyball.

Valdez, who is back after three years, said this about her return to national squad duties following Wednesday’s thanksgiving with Allianz PNB Life at their head office at the One Ayala Tower 2 in Makati City.

She currently serves as the multi-titled team captain for the Creamline Cool Smashers in the Premier Volleyball League, where they recently won the 2026 All Filipino

sational birdie-par-eagle-birdie blitz to surge two strokes ahead of Tony Lascuña, who was playing a group behind. But the leaderboard flipped just as quickly. Lascuña answered with his own back-to-back birdie run from No. 13 to catch Que, then grabbed a one-shot lead when Que took a costly bogey on the par-5 16th for the second consecutive day.

Yet, the former three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner refused to crack. Closing out in style, Que rolled in a clutch 10-foot birdie putt on the tricky 72nd hole for a 66. Suddenly, he was back on top of the leaderboard at 18-under 270 after Lascuña flubbed a short three-footer for par on the No. 17 – a nightmarish error mirroring the one that stalled his charge on the ninth.

When Lascuña failed to convert his birdie try on the 18th to force a playoff and settled for a 69 and a 271, Que officially crowned himself the new Caliraya Springs champion, claiming the hotly-disputed crown and banking the top purse of P450,000.

It was a fittingly dramatic end to a week battled out in the sun, rain and wind, capping a finale replete with suspense, twists, and turns in what may well be the most unpredictable finish in Philippine Golf Tour history.

“I wasn’t pressured at all when I fell

Conference crown.

“Huli akong naglaro nu’ng 2023. Napakasaya to be surrounded with young and talented girls,” said Valdez, who plays an outside hitter.

Team Alas is currently undergoing a major transition, after several key players decided to pass up a recent call-up.

This includes national team captain Jia De Guzman, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Maddie Madayag, and Fifi Sharma, who declined invitations to return.

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation has expanded the national team to a pool to 24 players.

This includes mix of 12 professionals, nine stars from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and three standouts from National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Valdez owns over 48 individual honors, 17 MVP awards, and 12 local club championships.

Angelo Que holds his championship trophy. (Manny

behind by one and needed a birdie on the last hole to give myself a chance,” said Que, leaning on the vast experience and numerous championship runs that have defined his illustrious career. “I just played the last hole the way it should be played.” Still, the tension lingered until the very last roll of the ball. Desperate to redeem himself from his earlier putting missteps, Lascuña gave himself a 15-foot birdie opportunity on the 18th to force a playoff. But the ball

agonizingly missed the cup, leaving Lascuña contorted in frustration, a heart-breaking end to a ₱2.5 million tournament he had controlled over the first two days. Guido van der Valk carded a 68 to claim third place at 272, while Sean Ramos rallied with a 67 to snatch fourth at 273. Close behind was Zanieboy Gialon, who posted a 274 after a 72 – the razor-thin, one-stroke margins underscoring just how tight and unpredictable the finale proved to be.

rope’s most prestigious amateur boxing competitions, regularly featuring toptier talent from across the world.

CET1 as leasable buffer

China-led AIIB plans to fund more PH projects

By Thony Rose Lesaca

TMinimum CET1 requirement

15.06%

CET1 ratio as of end-2025

BSP requires new capital buffers to shield banks

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will require lenders to set aside releasable capital during periods of strong credit growth to support lending in times of financial stress, the regulator said on Friday.

Under the newly approved positive neutral countercyclical capital buffer (PN-CCyB), BSP Circular No. 1235 reallocates part of the existing Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital of banks into a releasable buffer. CET1 capital represents the core funds banks maintain to cushion against financial risks.

The new rule applies to universal and commercial banks and their subsidiaries, as well as quasi-banks and digital banks.

“The reform will strengthen the country’s financial stability as it enables banks to set aside capital that can be released in bad times to keep credit flowing to households and firms,” BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said in a statement. With the implementation of the PN-CCyB, 1.5 percent of CET1 will be designated as a releasable buffer. This adjustment leaves a minimum CET1 requirement of 4.5 percent from at least 6 percent of risk-weighted assets. Meanwhile, all other capital requirements such as the minimum Tier 1 ratio and the Capital Adequacy Ratio will remain unchanged.

The BSP said the amendment to the Risk-Based Capital Adequacy Framework is timely amid heightened global risks and rising geopolitical uncertainties.

HE Philippine government and the Chinaled Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank are exploring partnerships to enhance digitalization and reduce energy costs to improve the ease of doing business and support economic growth, the Department of Finance said Friday.

The infrastructure push targets red tape and high power prices, which Department of Finance Secretary Frederick Go identified as major hurdles to investment and public service delivery during a meeting with bank officials.

“Two of the major issues in the ease of doing business are red tape and

high energy costs. If there’s a way for us to work on these, then we can significantly enhance public service delivery and improve our investment environment which will help us grow the economy,” Go said. Go urged long-term solutions to make electricity more affordable and reliable for households and investors.

The finance department said the bank’s expertise in solar, wind and hydro projects could help the country transition to sustainable energy sources and lower long-term power costs.

AIIB president Zou Jiayi reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Philippine development priorities through financing and technical assistance.

“We are here to listen and understand how we can support your priorities for the Philippines,” Zou said during her first visit to the country.

The bank expressed additional interest in backing water management, governance and other critical infrastructure initiatives, noting that it can provide non-sovereign financing to support private sector projects.

SM Group hiked renewable energy mix to 31% in 2025

By Jenniffer B. Austria and Alena Mae S. Flores

SM INVESTMENTS Corp. increased its renewable energy sourcing to 31 percent of its total electricity consumption in 2025 from 27 percent a year ago, the conglomerate said Friday.

The shift to cleaner energy across its businesses allowed SM Investments to consume about 730 million kilowatthours of renewable power.

The transition helped the group avoid about 370,644 metric tons of carbon emissions, which the company said is equivalent to removing nearly 297,000 electric-powered passenger vehicles from the road for one year.

“For us, investing in renewable energy is both a sustainability and business decision,” SM Investments president and chief executive Frederic DyBuncio said.

“It helps us manage long-term energy costs, improve operational efficiency and build more resilient businesses to help us better serve our customers, tenants, communities and other stakeholders,” he said.

Wholly-owned subsidiary Philippine Geothermal Production Company leads the conglomerate’s renewable energy strategy. The unit operates the MakBan and Tiwi geothermal steam fields in Batangas, Laguna and Albay, which supply geothermal steam capable of generating up to 400 megawatts of

DHSUD, Pag-IBIG turn over socialized condo units

It said the banking system is wellpositioned to adopt the measure, noting the industry maintained a CET1 ratio of 15.06 percent as of end-December 2025. Thony Rose Lesaca

HOUSING officials inspected a pioneering condominium development and handed keys to new homeowners in Cabuyao, Laguna, highlighting a state-backed program that lowers monthly amortizations for low-income workers. Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta led the site inspection and ceremonial turnover at Pasinaya Heights under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program (Expanded 4PH). The 2.5-hectare socialized condominium development consists

of four seven-story residential towers with more than 2,700 housing units.

The property features a swimming pool, covered basketball court, playground, day care center, health care center and open spaces for residents.

Nearly 300 Pag-IBIG Fund members have already purchased units in Pasinaya Heights through the state fund’s affordable home financing program.

“President Marcos has been clear in his directive: decent and affordable housing must be brought closer to Filipino families, especially workers who need government support the most,” Aliling said. 1.5% 4.5%

renewable power.

Philippine Geothermal Production Company is also developing six more geothermal sites in Luzon that could add another 400 megawatts of renewable energy capacity.

The company said the Mak-Ban and Tiwi steam fields alone could generate enough geothermal energy to power up to 1 million households annually.

“Reliable and affordable energy is important not only for businesses but also for communities and the broader economy,” DyBuncio said.

“We believe renewable energy, particularly geothermal, can help strengthen long-term energy security while supporting economic growth,” he said.

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it further reduced the cost of corporate document requests by 25 percent as part of efforts to improve access to corporate data and ease the cost of doing business. The regulator issued Memorandum Circular No. 18, Series of 2026, which will lower rates for physical, authenticated and digital copies of corporate documents starting June 1, 2026. This follows a 50-percent cut implemented in 2025.

“The SEC remains committed to lowering the cost of government services and making corporate information more accessible through digitalization and efficient regulation,” SEC chairman Francisco Lim said.

“This additional 25 percent reduction builds on the 50 percent cut we implemented in 2025 as part of our continuing effort to ease the burden on stakeholders and improve the ease of doing business,” he said. Under the revised rates, physical and authenticated copies of corporate filings such as articles of incorporation, bylaws, general information sheets, board resolutions and secretary’s certificates will cost P750 each,

LUXURY CRUISE. The luxury expedition cruise ship SH Minerva, with 53 foreign tourists onboard, sail across some of the Philippines’ most scenic and remote island destinations from May 9 to 20, 2026, offering a glimpse into the country’s natural gems. As part of its “Philippines to Japan Cultural Discovery Cruise” itinerary, the Swan Hellenic-operated vessel journeyed through the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, Salomague Harbor in Ilocos Sur, and as far as Batanes and Sabtang Island, giving passengers a snapshot of the vibrant culture and landscapes in the country. PIA

ACEN to power 1,450 7-Eleven stores with RE

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ACEN RES, the retail electricity arm of the Ayala group, will supply 100 percent renewable energy to power more than 1,450 7-Eleven stores in the Philippines. The stores are operated by exclusive licensor Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC) across Metro Manila and the provinces of Batangas, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Cavite, and Nueva Ecija.

The partnership is enabled through the government’s Retail Aggregation Program (RAP), which allows electricity consumers to aggregate or cluster their demand to access the retail electricity supply.

“We want to make the shift to renewable energy simple and accessible for businesses,” ACEN Corp. president Eric Francia said. “Having 7-Eleven Philippines join the RAP marks an important milestone in advanc-

Three small mining groups get P32.54m from ISRI program

By Dexter A. See ITOGON,

Benguet—Three small-scale mining groups from this mineral-rich town recently received more than P32.54 million as their accumulated share from Itogon Suyoc Resources Inc. (ISRI) under the company’s pioneering “big brother, small brother” (BBSB) program last year.

Under the scheme, ISRI, acting as the big brother, partners with associations of small-scale miners who work on narrow veins within the company’s tenement. ISRI trains the small-scale miners to en sure compliance with basic safety, health and environmental standards at the mine site. The BBSB groups specialize in ex tracting narrow veins with a cut-off grade of 3.50 grams per tonne.

The program has grown significantly since its launch in 2021 with a single part ner association. By 2025, it expanded to in clude three groups: the Balingway-Sangilo Small Scale Miners Association (BSSS MA), the Demang Livelihood Associa tion (DLA) and the Simpa-Tipong Small Scale Miners Association (SITISSMA).

BSSSMA is based in Barangay Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet, and has six leaders.

DLA is composed of small-scale min ers from Sitio Dalicno, Barangay Ampu cao, Itogon, Benguet, and has 10 leaders. SITISSMA includes small-scale miners from Sitio Simpa and Tipong, Barangay Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet, with an initial leadership of three members.

In 2025, the participating associations collectively contributed 12 percent of to tal mine production, equivalent to 19,677 tonnes of ore at an average grade of 6.51 grams per tonne.

ing the country’s transition to a more sustainable and energy-secure future.”

Through the RAP, businesses with multiple sites, such as 7-Eleven Philippines, can directly negotiate supply arrangements with licensed retail electricity suppliers like ACEN RES and transition more efficiently to renewable energy.

With this partnership, 7-Eleven Philippines becomes the largest retail network in the country to participate in the program, with more stores expected to transition to renewable energy as the company expands nationwide.

“Our collaboration with ACEN RES is a cornerstone of Philippine Seven Corp.’s growth and sustainability strategy,” said Jose Victor Paterno, chairman of PSC. “Recent global energy disruptions have highlighted the vulnerability of local businesses; by shifting to indigenous renewable sources, we are effectively shielding our operations from market volatility. Beyond resilience, we are aligning ourselves with an increasingly eco-conscious consumer base. This transition doesn’t just green our power—it invites our customers to join us on a meaningful journey toward a sustainable future.”

ACEN RES sources its supply from ACEN’s portfolio of solar, wind and geothermal plants across the Philippines.

The company currently has more than 7 gigawatts of attributable renewable energy capacity spanning projects in operation, under construction and with signed agreements in the Philippines and select key international markets.

Based on the latest report from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on the competitive retail electricity market, ACEN RES remains the country’s leading provider of renewable energy supply to businesses.

NOTICE OF THE Y2026 ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

DEAR STOCKHOLDERS:

We would like to inform you that the annual stockholders meeting of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center- Legazpi, Inc. (“ACELEGAZPI”) will be held on July 9, 2026 at 8:00 a.m., via Zoom Webinar instead of.June 7, 2025. We shall be sending the Agenda in another Notice, pursuant to the Bylaws of the Corporation.

In line with the election of the members of the Board of Directors, you may submit your nominations on or before May 31, 2026) together with the curriculum vitae of the nominees, to the undersigned, at 4th Floor, ACE-Legazpi, Daraga-Legazpi Diversion Road, Bogtong, Legazpi City.

You may contact the undersigned via email at acemclegazpi@gmail.com at mobile number: 09753729932/09257800974 if you have inquiries/concerns regarding the meeting

SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

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

Singapore tech firm investing P10b

212 malls saved over 51,000 mWh in new campaign

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy said 212 malls nationwide saved more than 51,000 megawatt-hours of electricity, equivalent to around P614 million in savings at P12 per kilowatt-hour since March.

The DOE and SM Supermalls launched a nationwide weekly energy-saving initiative on Thursday to strengthen energy security and reduce pressure on the power grid.

The Oras Natin sa Efficiency (ONE) campaign encourages citizens to switch off nonessential lights and appliances every Saturday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. It aims to turn energy efficiency into a national habit following recent data showing that 212 malls across the country saved more than 51,000 megawatthours of electricity. It featured the symbolic lighting of the iconic SM Mall of Asia Globe over Manila Bay.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin and SM Supermalls executives led the launch alongside several public figures, including actor Enzo Pineda, volleyball star and youth ambassador Bella Belen, volleyball star and lifestyle influencer Pauline Gaston, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee and Miss Grand International Philippines 2016 Nicole Cordoves.

Energy officials said the potential for household-level savings is significant. If every Philippine household participates each Saturday, the country could achieve an estimated 6.56 gigawatts in annual savings, which is enough to power 32,783 homes for a month.

“Energy security is not achieved by government alone. It is built daily by millions of Filipinos making responsible choices in their homes, communities and businesses,” Garin said.

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Science Park of the Philippines Inc. are expanding an industrial estate in Batangas province to host a P10-billion investment from Singapore-based Total Advanced Future Technology Pte. Ltd. (TAFT).

TAFT, a manufacturer of high-tech, climate-resilient housing solutions for the Japanese market, will serve as the anchor locator for the expanded Light Industry and Science Park IV. The company is investing P3.6 billion for the first tranche of the project. The investment is expected to generate around 3,000 direct jobs

and about P7.29 billion in export revenues.

PEZA director-general Tereso Panga led a site visit ahead of an upcoming investment mission to Japan, underscoring the collaboration to attract strategic foreign direct investments.

Science Park of the Philippines Inc. is positioning the Batangas estate

as a premier destination for exportoriented firms.

The Batangas area and the wider CALABARZON region remain attractive investment locations, bolstered by the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative that aims to develop a more connected industrial network across Luzon.

Investment interest toward Luzon is driven by developments such as the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan and growing activity in the Clark Special Economic Zone under the “Pax Silica” initiative.

Capitalizing on its earlier developments, Science Park of the Philippines Inc. said its industrial estates remain well-positioned to accommodate export-oriented firms

seeking established infrastructure, connectivity and logistics support systems.

Science Park of the Philippines Inc. is also set to develop and register another industrial estate in New Clark City in partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

PEZA and Science Park of the Philippines Inc. will embark on a two-week investment roadshow in Japan from May 30 to June 11, 2026. The mission will cover Fukuoka, Hamamatsu, Yokohama, Gunma, Nagano and Tokyo to promote the country as a competitive destination for advanced manufacturing and innovation-led industries.

THREE government agencies signed a joint memorandum circular on Wednesday to build a coordinated nationwide framework to strengthen agricultural cooperatives and improve state support for farmers and fisherfolk.

The agreement, signed May 20 at the Department of Agriculture central office, aligns national agencies, local government units and development partners toward common goals of food

IN BRIEF

GoTyme to expand employee share program ahead of IPO

GOTYME Bank plans to expand its employee share ownership program to cover more than 90 percent of its workforce ahead of a planned initial public offering, the digital lender said in a statement.

The extended program will give roughly 2,000 employees a direct ownership stake in the company’s growth. Broad-based share ownership programs remain rare in the Philippines, where companies usually reserve stock incentives for senior executives. The digital bank, which is a joint venture between the Gokongwei Group and South Africa’s Tyme Group, previously reported plans to go public in three to fourn years. GoTyme Bank believes extending ownership to more employees, including frontline customer service staff, will improve accountability, execution and customer experience.

“Ownership changes how people operate. When our team members think like owners, they move faster, go the extra mile for customers, and are more protective of the GoTyme brand,” GoTyme Bank Philippines chief executive Nate Clarke said.

“We believe this move will help accelerate our goal of building the largess and most loved bank in the Philippines. When we achieve that goal, our people will rightfully share in the financial upside,” Clarke said. Jenniffer B. Austria

Ticketmaster enters PH, teams up with SM

US-BASED ticket sales and distribution firm Ticketmaster is entering the Philippine market through a partnership with integrated property developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. to launch a new ticketing platform called SM Ticketmaster.

The joint venture will take over services offered through SM Tickets and support ticketing operations for SM-owned venues as well as third-party event organizers and promoters.

The partnership combines Ticketmaster’s global ticketing technology and fraud prevention systems with SMPH’s local operating experience amid growing demand for concerts, sports events and other live entertainment in the Philippines.

SMPH president Jeffrey Lim said Friday that the partnership aims to make the ticketbuying experience more reliable, secure and convenient for customers.

“Through this partnership, we are combining Ticketmaster’s global ticketing technology with our local operating expertise to support the next phase of live entertainment in the Philippines,” Lim said. Jenniffer B. Austria

Upper Wawa Dam wins global water project award

MANILA Water Company Inc.’s Upper Wawa Dam won Water Project of the Year at the 2026 Global Water Awards in Madrid, Spain. The project, which represents the largest water supply development in the Philippines in 50 years, was recognized at the industry event held alongside the 2026 Global Water Summit. Organized by industry publisher Global Water Intelligence, the awards reward achievements in water, wastewater, technology, and desalination.

The Upper Wawa Dam delivers 710 million liters per day of raw water to Manila Water’s East Zone concession. The project aims to reduce Metro Manila’s

security, rural enterprise development and inclusive countryside growth.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary for legal and legislative affairs Romeo Benitez, representing Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, and Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Undersecretary Alexander Raquepo signed the agreement.

“This memorandum is more than a policy document - it is a concrete whole-of-government commitment to

empower our farmers and fisherfolk through stronger and more sustainable cooperatives,” Tiu Laurel said.

Under the circular, the three agencies will harmonize policies, streamline programs and strengthen coordination in delivering support services to agricultural cooperatives across the country.

The new framework seeks to reduce duplication of government interventions and institutionalize a unified, datadriven system for cooperative development, monitoring and validation.

Officials said the policy reinforces

RAZON FOUNDATIONS. Corporate foundations across the Razon Group join forces to drive sustainable and inclusive development, strengthening synergy across their programs and initiatives. Signing the memorandum of understanding for the formation of the Razon Group of Foundations on May 22, 2026 at the La Mesa Ecopark are (from left) Manila Water Foundation executive director Reginald Andal, Malampaya Foundation Inc. executive director Karen Agabin, Prime Infra Foundation chief financial officer Sandy Alipio, Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. president Donato Almeda, MWF board member Arnold Mortera, ICTSI Foundation executive director Filipina Laurena and Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. executive director Kyle Cielo.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) said Friday it will launch a complimentary parking service at Legarda Station on Monday to encourage vehicle owners to use public transportation amid rising oil prices.

The free parking will be available for LRT-2 passengers daily from 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. This follows the launch of the LRTA’s first complimentary parking program at Santolan Station on April 21.

To use the service, passengers should get a parking stub from LRTA security personnel at the parking area and have it validated at the Passenger Assistance Office upon arrival at their destination

station.

Drivers should present the validated stub to security personnel when exiting and are reminded to park only in designated spaces, keep vehicles locked and avoid leaving valuables inside.

Department of Transportation

Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the program goes beyond providing free parking because it is also designed to ease traffic congestion, help vehicle owners save on fuel and reduce overall transportation costs and travel time for daily commuters.

“This free parking fee is a big help because our passengers will really save money instead of consuming gasoline or diesel, and their journey to their destination will also be faster,” Lopez said.

BUDGET CHIEF.

Department of Budget and Management (DBM)

Secretary Kim Robert De Leon issues a strong call for transparency and accountability during the ‘OBS 2025 Results Forum: Advancing Budget Transparency, Participation, and Accountability in the Philippines’ on May 20, 2026 at the DBM Central Office as part of #OpenGovWeek2026. De Leon says the Open Budget Survey is not merely about international rankings or compliance, but about restoring public trust and ensuring that government resources genuinely translate

the role of agricultural cooperatives as engines of local economic growth by helping farmers and fisherfolk consolidate resources, improve productivity, expand market access and develop resilient community enterprises.

“By aligning the efforts of national agencies and local governments, we can build a more responsive and efficient support system that contributes meaningfully to food security and national development,” Tiu Laurel said.

V. Campos

company is constructing the Tagbaros Drain and Ventilation Tunnel.

“Once completed, this tunnel will provide access to deeper ore blocks while improving water and ventilation systems, thereby enhancing the working environment and safety of our miners as we work in the lower levels where higher-grade deposits are expected to be located,” Sarmiento said.

JBL celebrates 80 years with audio innovations

FOR 80 years, JBL has shaped how people experience sound, from concert halls and cinemas to personal playlists and gaming setups. As it celebrates its 80th anniversary, the brand continues to evolve alongside modern lifestyles.

On May 15, 2026, JBL Philippines unveiled its latest lineup at Clark Marriott Hotel in Pampanga, introducing products designed for entertainment, content creation, gaming, and portable listening.

Leading the launch are JBL’s new EasySing products, bringing karaoke into a more portable and spontaneous era. The pocket-sized JBL EasySing Mic Mini Duo and EasySing Mic Mini transform compatible JBL speakers and PartyBox models into instant karaoke systems through real-time AI Vocal Removal, allowing users to reduce or fully remove vocals from streaming tracks. Built for singing, livestreaming, and content creation, the lightweight microphones offer Voice Boost, reverb, AI noise suppression, and up to six hours of playtime.

For larger sing-alongs, the new JBL EasySing Mics bring AI-powered vocal removal to compatible PartyBox speakers, with wireless connectivity, vocal tuning, and up to 10 hours of playtime.

JBL also expanded its PartyBox lineup with the PartyBox Encore 2 Plus, PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus, and PartyBox 130, all featuring JBL Pro Sound, karaoke-ready controls, dynamic lighting, and portable designs for parties and live entertainment. The portable speaker range also grows with the JBL Go 5 and JBL

Boost, SmartEQ, ambient lighting, built-in powerbank support, and up to 28 hours of playtime.

On the personal audio side, JBL introduced refreshed Live Series headphones and earbuds. The Live 680NC and Live 780NC combine redesigned styling with JBL Signature Sound, Hi-Res Audio, Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0, Spatial Sound, and up to 80 hours of battery life. The Live 4 earbuds, available in Buds, Beam, and Flex styles, add improved noise cancellation, AI-enhanced calling, Smart Charging Case™ controls, and enhanced sound quality.

JBL likewise expanded its Tune Series with the Tune 530BT, 730BT, 680NC, and 780NC, offering JBL Pure Bass Sound, Bluetooth® 6.0, lightweight comfort, and battery life reaching 76 hours.

Gaming also remained a focus with new Quantum Series headsets — the Quantum 250, 650, and flagship 950 — featuring spatial audio, low-latency connectivity, QuantumENGINE customization, and modular replaceable components designed for long-term use and competitive play.

The celebration continued on May 16 with the JBL Audio Playground at Clark Global City, featuring a community fun run, flash sales, a Mobile Legends tournament using Quantum 650 headsets, DJ and dance workshops, skate showcases, and performances by Ben&Ben, HORI7ON, Dionela, Al James, and G22. Through new products and live experiences, JBL’s 80th anniversary highlights not only its legacy in sound, but also its vision for the future of audio. Pricing and availability BL announced that several of its newest audio products are now available in the market, including the JBL Easysing

ALL it takes for the summer barkada trip to make it out of the group chat—turning “G?” into an excited “YES!”—is for someone to place that booking. In the same vein, all it takes is a flight delay or lost luggage for the excitement to dry up, ruining what would have been an epic getaway.

Given that not everything goes as planned during a trip, encountering a travel setback should be expected. Kaya this summer, mas panalo ang barkadang covered and protected with GInsure Travel Insurance from GCash.

The ultimate travel buddy essential for every friend group ensures a worry-free trip that’s well worth the wait. It helps barkadas stay emergency-ready and protected together, turning travel protection as a vital part of every checklist. This comes from GInsure’s understanding that Filipino travelers today are much more intentional with their finances, especially during their pinagipunang barkada trips. That is why it provides affordable and accessible

protection for as low as ₱299, easily available on GCash. Signing up for GInsure Travel Insurance takes just five minutes, and can be availed up to two hours before a flight, or kahit nasa airport ka na.

With GInsure Travel Insurance, barkadas can enjoy protection from medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and, of course, flight delays. The wide-ranging coverage includes up to ₱500,000 Emergency Medical Assistance, Emergency Travel Assistance, ₱50,000 Travel Inconvenience Benefit, ₱1M Personal Liability Benefit, and ₱1M Personal Accident coverage. Starting at just ₱299, it’s also perfect for overseas trips.

To get started, simply open GCash and go to GInsure Marketplace, select “I am Traveling with a Group,” add details, confirm, pay, and you’re all set. In just a few taps, travelers can secure the peace of mind they need so the whole barkada can focus less on worries and more on making the most of every moment together.

By Nico Echavarria, Country Head, Vertiv Philippines

ACROSS Southeast Asia, artificial intelligence is no longer being treated as a software shift alone. It is increasingly becoming an infrastructure challenge that is reshaping how enterprises, governments, and digital ecosystems plan for compute, power, and resilience.

This shift reflects insights from the Vertiv Frontiers Report, which highlights how AI-driven workloads are accelerating the need to rethink data center design as an integrated system of compute, power, and cooling.

The acceleration of AI workloads, particularly those driven by largescale models and real-time inference applications, is placing significant and growing pressure on digital infrastructure. Increasingly, AI readiness is no longer a question of digital capability alone, but of whether underlying systems can sustain the compute, power, and cooling intensity of modern AI workloads. Yet many organizations continue to approach this shift through incremental upgrades rather than system-level redesign. Vertiv’s approach integrates power, cooling, and management systems to support this holistic infrastructure redesign.

TCL Partners with Abenson to unleash

THERE is no better way to spend a summer day than experiencing the perfect harmony of music and innovation. TCL, a global leader in smart technology, joined forces with Abenson, the Philippines’ no. 1 appliance store, for the highly anticipated staging of the TCL Cooltura Summer Fest at the Market! Market! Activity Center.

striking

A regional shift toward infrastructure-led digital growth

In Southeast Asia, this transformation is unfolding unevenly but rapidly.

Markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia are seeing substantial

a pose at the vibrant photobooth, testing their speed at the high-stakes Icy Reflex game, and stepping inside the Cool Savings Blast booth to grab flying ‘AC bills.’

It was the perfect, high-energy activation that turned a standard product showcase into an unforgettable experience.

Next up: The Main Event As the program officially started, guests found their perfect viewing spots facing the main stage. Drawn in by the mounting excitement, the audience was completely captivated, all hyped up and ready for the spectacular showcase ahead.

Kicking off the festivities, TCL Philippines Director of Sales Cyd Montebon took the stage, welcoming guests with an energetic opening address that set a vibrant tone for the rest of the event.

“We are very excited to celebrate the third year of CoolFest with everyone. At TCL, we believe that technology should be more than just a collection of features; it should be a movement that shapes how we live. This milestone and our continued growth would not have been possible without the support of our consumers and the continued trust of our partners. We’re

growth in hyperscale investments as global providers seek capacity, land, and energy availability. At the same time, data sovereignty requirements are reinforcing the need for in-country infrastructure, particularly for workloads that demand low latency, security, and regulatory compliance.

The Philippines is increasingly part of this regional shift. While still at an earlier stage of hyperscale maturity, recent developments point to accelerating infrastructure buildout. The Department of Information and Communications Technology has set out ambitions to scale national data center capacity and position the country as a regional convener for digital economy collaboration.

At the enterprise level, momentum is also building. Infrastructure investments by local players, including new data center developments supporting both private sector workloads and government applications, reflect a growing recognition that domestic capacity is becoming strategically important. Some facilities are already supporting critical workloads across banking, logistics, and public sector continuity, while industry leaders continue to call for policy frameworks that can attract global hyperscale operators.

grateful to Abenson for their steadfast partnership over the last three years.

SINGAPORE—2C2P by Antom, Southeast Asia’s leading full-suite payments platform, released the latest study conducted by market intelligence firm IDC, revealing that the Southeast Asia e-commerce market is on a strong upward trajectory and is projected to become the second fastest-growing e-commerce market in the world with a 13.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2029, behind only India. Digital payments continue to dominate e-commerce growth

The independent study commissioned by 2C2P and Antom, “How Southeast Asia Buys and Pays 2026: Unlocking SMEs’ Potential”, shows that SEA’s e-commerce market is projected to increase by 85.4% to hit US$289.8 billion by 2029.

Digital payments are projected to account for 97% of total ecommerce transactions by 2029, up from 89% in 2024. The strongest growth is expected in domestic payments (real-time payments and local bank-based payment schemes) and mobile wallets, particularly in markets such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Southeast Asia’s digital payments growth across the e-commerce market from 2024 to 2029 is projected across multiple options, including:

N EW YORK—

Spotify is teaming up with Universal Music Group to let users create AIpowered remixes and covers of songs by artists on the label -- for an extra fee on top of a standard subscription.

The new feature, announced Thursday, will only apply to artists who have given their consent, and both the original performer and songwriter will receive a share of any revenue generated.

“For the first time, fans will be able to legally create covers and remixes from participating artists and songwriters’ catalogs, with both the original artist and the songwriter sharing in the value created,” said Charlie Hellman, Spotify’s head of music, speaking at the company’s investor day.

Until now, Spotify had banned AIgenerated music derived from a specific artist’s work without their express authorization, though it does allow AI music to be uploaded more broadly, including content associated with artists whose image and identity were generated using artificial intelligence.

The deal puts Spotify in direct competition with Suno and Udio, the two dominant AI music apps on the market, both of which have been posting strong growth.

After initially allowing users to create AI music without agreements in place with artists or labels, both startups have shifted course in recent months.

Udio has signed deals with Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, which also reached an agreement with Suno.

UMG and Sony are nonetheless still in litigation with Suno, with proceedings ongoing before a US federal court in Massachusetts.

Spotify, Universal strike deal for fan AI remixes

they already earn on Spotify.” Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge called the initiative “firmly artist-centric, rooted in responsible AI,” saying it would “drive growth for the entire ecosystem.”

they go on general sale. The new service called “Reserved” is launching in the United States this summer before expanding to other markets.

Spotify said the initiative would help route tickets to genuine fans rather than scalper bots, which have long frustrated both concertgoers and artists. AFP SEA’s e-commerce will be world’s 2nd-fastest growing market by 2029

● 104% increase in domestic payments (i.e., real-time payment and local bank-based payment schemes) is expected to increase to US$92.0b in 2029 from US$45.1b in 2024. Domestic payments will then be the largest contributor to Southeast Asia’s digital payments sector in 2029, accounting for approximately 32% of the sector, replacing cards.

● 107% boost in mobile wallets with a projection of US$79.0b in 2029 from US$38.2b in 2024. Mobile wallets will account for 27% of the ecommerce market in 2029, up from 24% in 2024.

● 174% growth for Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), which is expected to record US$18.9b in 2029, from US$6.9b in 2024

With 56% of the region still uncarded, according to the World Bank, these digital payment solutions address structural gaps such as low card penetration, large unbanked populations, and limited access to traditional banking infrastructure. SMEs expected to contribute 58% of SEA’s e-commerce by 2029 This latest edition includes a new study on SMEs, a cornerstone of the region’s economic growth and increasingly active in digital commerce, but remains underrepresented in payments and e-commerce analysis. This study surveyed 600 SME respondents across six Southeast Asia markets— Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam— examining business priorities, payment adoption, and readiness for emerging payment trends.

Hellman said the feature would give artists and songwriters “a brand new source of income on top of what

SAPPHIRE

Also announced at the investor day, Spotify said it would give paying subscribers early access to concert tickets for their favorite artists before

Subscribers will be selected based on listening data -- including how often they stream a given artist, the range of tracks they play from that artist’s catalog and whether they have

‘26: How AWS helps SAP customers move faster, build more

FOR C-suite leaders running SAP, the question has shifted. It’s no longer whether to move to the cloud — it’s how fast they can get there, and what their organizations can build once they do. The challenge is that SAP transformations are among the most complex programs an enterprise undertakes, touching finance, supply chain, manufacturing, and customer operations simultaneously.

And while AI is at the top of every boardroom agenda, most organizations can’t unlock its full potential until their SAP data is in the cloud — where they can actually build something with it.

That’s the opportunity AWS is focused on. Thousands of organizations run SAP on AWS today, and over half have deployed SAP Cloud ERP. AWS has been recognized by ISG as a leader in SAP HANA Infrastructure Services for five consecutive years and now offers a 99.95% SLA for RISE with SAP workloads on AWS.

At SAPPHIRE 2026, we announced new capabilities that make it faster to get to the cloud, easier to unlock

value from SAP data with AI, and clearer examples of how customers are already turning that combination into real business results.

Faster, Simpler Migrations

AWS and SAP are expanding their collaboration to make cloud migrations faster, automating critical migration steps by integrating new orchestration capabilities directly into the RISE with SAP System Transition Workbench. This marks one of the first instances that an SAP migration tool will directly orchestrate a cloud provider’s native services for data transfer. By leveraging secure, standardized transfer acceleration, this joint work provides a high-performance automated option for specific

file-based migration scenarios, complementing the growing portfolio of existing SAP migration approaches supported by the RISE with SAP System Transition Workbench. These platform-level advances are already being amplified by partners. Accenture, for example, built an agent-driven delivery platform on Amazon Bedrock that embeds purpose-built AI agents directly into delivery workflows — automating issue triage, integration mapping, and data migration validation, with early results showing faster issue resolution.

The new SAP Seamless Private Connectivity offering, using AWS Resource Gateway, built on Amazon VPC Lattice completely abstracts the

saved songs to their library. They will have around 24 hours to purchase up to two tickets through a partner ticketing platform, the company said.

network layer. Customers can now connect their existing infrastructure to their SAP RISE landscape in days, not weeks. This eliminates IP address conflicts, removes the need for network redesigns or complex workarounds, and allows customers to retain full control over their own network design. This enterprisegrade, secure private connectivity model allows SAP to provision customer environments faster, significantly accelerating onboarding and time to value. At the developer level, code modernization remains one of the largest tasks in a typical SAP migration — and it’s where AI is making some of the most immediate impact. AWS and SAP will enable AWS AI coding assistants, including Kiro, to act as an orchestration layer, leveraging SAP ABAP Model Context Protocol (MCP) tools and skills to perform domain-specific tasks, empowering developers to build and modernize applications faster, using AI within their familiar workflows.

SAP and AWS also plan to make additional SAP Business Data Cloud, GROW, and SAP Business Technology Platform capabilities available in more AWS Regions, giving customers in regulated industries and latency-sensitive operations can run SAP closer to where their business operates.

Xiaomi launches REDMI A7 Pro in Philippines

XIAOMI has officially introduced the REDMI A7 Pro in the Philippines, marking the first Pro model in the REDMI A Series lineup.

Built for users looking for reliable everyday performance at an accessible price point, the device features a large 6.9-inch display with up to 120Hz refresh rate, a massive 6000mAh battery designed for extended daily use, and Xiaomi HyperOS 3 for a smoother and more optimized experience.

Designed to support all-day connectivity, streaming, and casual gaming, the REDMI A7 Pro combines practical features with dependable performance, making it a strong option for users upgrading to a more capable everyday smartphone

Featuring an enlarged 6.9” display, REDMI A7 Pro delivers an enhanced viewing experience, whether scrolling through social media, watching videos, or browsing content. With a peak brightness of up to 800nits and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, the device ensures clear visuals even in bright outdoor conditions and seamless operation for smooth interaction. With Wet Touch Technology 2.0, REDMI A7 Pro maintains precise and responsive control even when fingers are damp, oily, or soapy. Paired with triple TÜV Rheinland eye-comfort certifications and DC dimming, the display ensures comfortable and immersive viewing throughout the day.

Complementing its immersive display, REDMI A7 Pro packs a massive 6000mAh battery,

delivering a worry-free experience with over two days of usage on a single charge. It powers up to 49 hours of calls, 35 hours of video playback, or 77 hours of music — making it the perfect companion for long trips, binge-watching sessions, and nonstop playlists. Built for long-term durability, the device features a 1000-cycle long-life battery that retains over 80% of its capacity after 1,000 charges, ensuring consistent, dependable power over time. On the performance side, REDMI A7 Pro is powered by a robust octa-core processor and UFS 2.2 high-speed storage, delivering smooth, efficient handling of everyday tasks. With support for up to 8GB RAM expansion, the device further enhances responsiveness, ensuring reliable performance when it matters most.

Moreover, REDMI A7 Pro marks the first time Xiaomi HyperOS debuts on the REDMI A Series, introducing the latest Xiaomi HyperOS 3. With this upgrade, users benefit from intelligent, realtime assistance and intuitive search interactions via Google Gemini and Circle to Search with Google. Xiaomi HyperIsland makes multitasking smoother and more efficient, while Xiaomi Interconnectivity enables seamless collaboration across Xiaomi devices, bringing greater flexibility and convenience to everyday use.

On the imaging side, REDMI A7 Pro features a versatile camera experience with a 13 MP AI dual camera and an enlarged sensor that increases

light intake by 13% for brighter, clearer shots. With HDR+, it captures vivid, well-balanced photos across a variety of lighting conditions. The 8MP front camera, with built-in beauty features, delivers natural-looking selfies, while night mode on both front and rear cameras ensures detailed, low-light shots — ideal for evening hangouts and city lights. For creative editing, REDMI A7 Pro introduces AI Sky, which effortlessly enhances skies in your images regardless of weather conditions. Meanwhile, Document Mode turns the camera into a portable scanner, allowing for easy digitization of receipts, notes, or documents on the go. Sporting a slim 8.15mm body for comfortable grip, REDMI A7 Pro features a sophisticated prismatic lens ring and four nature-inspired color options: Black, Mist Blue, Palm Green, and Sunset Orange. Designed for everyday practicality, it also features a range of versatile features, including 200% volume boost, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, side fingerprint unlock, and NFC, delivering enhanced convenience for daily use. Price and Availability The REDMI A7 Pro is available in Black, Mist Blue, and Palm Green color options, with two stor-

SHOWBIZ

Mutya Orquia headlines new financial literacy series for students

MUTYA Orquia is set to star in new episodes of the educational series Estudyantipid, which aims to teach Filipino students practical lessons on saving, budgeting, and avoiding scams.

The episodes are part of a partnership between Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. and BPI Foundation, Inc. under the FinEd (Financial Education) Unboxed initiative.

Designed for high school learners, the new Estudyantipid episodes will focus on responsible money management, smart spending habits, fraud and scam awareness in digital

By Jasper Valdez

Vspaces, and decision-making through student-friendly storytelling.

The project also includes the rollout of Knowledge Channel TV (KCTV) learning packages to selected schools nationwide, expanding access to educational and financial literacy content, particularly in underserved communities.

Starting July, the initiative will be implemented in selected schools in Iloilo and Rizal, as well as pilot areas in Mindanao, including Sarangani or South Cotabato and Zamboanga or Basilan, which are still under consideration.

MX’s upcoming film Scandal Queen looks at how private moments can be turned into public spectacle, examining a dark trade built on hidden recordings, sextortion, and explicit videos circulated online.

The film arrives months after a string of alleged private videos involving male actors circulated online — shared, sold, and consumed on social media and messaging platforms.

Directed by Topel Lee Scandal Queen follows a syndicate that targets male celebrities, with Nico Locco playing Alex, an actor whose story closely reflects his own controversy.

‘Scandal Queen’ looks into trade behind viral scandals

“It’s actually a trueto-life story. The movie is highly based on that controversy,” Nico said during the film’s press conference. “It’s very similar. I wouldn’t say it’s exactly the same, but of course, there are similarities.” For Nico, the film became a way to show not only the public scandal, but also the system around it. “This movie illustrates the backstories of the girl, the syndicate, and my backstory,” he told Manila Standard Entertainment.

‘Vibe’ extends fan voting cycle to every two weeks

MUSICAL and variety program Vibe is extending its fan voting cycle to every two weeks, giving supporters more time to campaign for their favorite Original Pilipino Music artists and songs.

He said he also worked with Lee to make parts of the film closer to what he

Nico Locco says the film draws from his own controversy as it tackles sextortion and the online trade of private videos

remembered from the incident, including the behavior of the woman involved in the scene.

“I wanted it to be accurate,” Nico said. “Director Pel knew about the scandal videos and the current issue, but I knew more. So I gave him some contributions and recommendations to make the scenes more accurate.”

Nico said the issue became personal even before the video surfaced, recalling a time when he was threatened by unknown callers who allegedly asked him for large amounts of money.

“Before the video came out, many people were calling me, saying, ‘You need to pay this amount, and if you do, we won’t release the video,’” he said. Rhian Rivera plays Cathy, one of the women involved in the operation. Unlike Karen Lopez’s character, who is pushed by debt, Rhian said Cathy knowingly joins the scheme for money.

“In my case, she really does it on purpose because she wants to earn money,” Rhian said. “She doesn’t care about the people she victimizes. That’s my character in the story.”

Dimple Rubia, meanwhile, plays a woman abused by the syndicate boss who later finds the courage to go to the police. For her, the film also speaks to women who are trapped, threatened, or afraid to ask for help.

“I hope all women won’t be afraid to fight for their rights when something wrong is being done to them,” Dimple said. “There will be people who will help them. Maybe they just need a friend they can talk to, someone who can help them.”

Nico said he hopes viewers see the story as a warning, especially in an industry where trust can be used against someone.

“Don’t trust people so easily. Be more careful,” he said. “Especially in showbiz, people can have ulterior motives.”

Scandal Queen premieres June 5 exclusively on VMX.

The music program said the longer voting period aims to allow fandoms to build wider support and increase artists’ chances of entering the “Main Vibe Countdown” and the “Uprising Universe.”

Through its “Main Vibe,” “Uprising,” and “OG” segments, the show continues to focus on Filipino music by allowing viewers to directly influence which artists are featured on the program. Vibe has featured performances from emerging and established acts, including Eliza Maturan, Hey June!, Earl Agustin, The Juans, ALAMAT, G22, Rob Deniel, and HORI7ON It has also showcased veteran performers such as Mike Hanopol, Lolita Carbon, Rey Valera, APO Hiking Society, Kuh Ledesma, Florante, Dulce, Jessica Sanchez, and Morissette Fans can continue voting through the show’s official platforms. Vibe airs weeknights at 11:00 p.m. and Sundays at 6:15 p.m. on Vibe via OnePH, Kapatid Channel, and TV5.

Anna Ramsey, Joao Constancia, and Dylan Menor join ‘Vibe’ as the program gives fans a longer window to rally behind their favorite OPM acts

By Angelica Villanueva

SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

IThere’s something sacred about that first bite shared with someone new—the quiet hesitation before flavors unfold and the unspoken understanding that this moment matters. And there’s something even more tender about that last glass of wine, when the plates have been pushed aside, when the conversation sheds its small talk and turns real.

Yes, getting to these tables takes effort. You might find yourself on a plane, then a boat, then a winding road through the jungle. You might cross time zones and lose sleep. But here’s the thing I keep coming back to: the journey to the table only deepens what happens at it.

After traveling across Vietnam to reach JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, sailing into the Maldives at The St. Regis Vommuli, or stepping aboard Luminara for a voyage through Japan, that first bite tastes different. It carries the weight of arrival. It tastes like having truly earned the pause.

Across the table: How a shared meal becomes life’s quietest adventure

HAVE been thinking a lot about what actually makes a trip memorable. Not the souvenirs or flight upgrades—but the moments that stick to you like good sauce. More often than not, those moments happen across a table.

Because sometimes, the most meaningful distance isn’t the one you avoid. It’s the one you choose to travel, fully awake, with an empty stomach and an open heart. Also, you can pull up a chair on the other side of the world, look someone in the eye, and let the meal do what meals have always done: remind us that we cross oceans not to escape but to connect. That’s exactly why I’m genuinely excited that Marriott International’s Luxury Dining Series is back for its third edition. This year’s theme, Across the Table, feels less like a marketing line and more like a mission statement. It’s about slowing down.

Angeles

Passing dishes. Letting chefs step out of the kitchen to tell stories rather than lecture. The whole thing is designed to feel alive and unguarded—which, in a world of tasting menus that sometimes feel like science experiments, is a breath of fresh air. But here is where my enthusiasm turns into full-on anticipation: the 2026 lineup of locations

ENCHANTED Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, celebrates motherhood and family bonding at Forever Enchanted Mother’s Day: A Month-Long Summer Celebration on all weekends of May. In line with this quarter’s Forever Enchanted Summer campaign, the Lagunabased theme park pays an enchanting tribute to the remarkable women who bring magic into every home with treats, giveaways, themed entertainment, and other experiences around the park — all included with EK’s regular day passes.

The festivities officially kicked off on May 10 at Eldar’s Theater, which featured complimentary pampering services such as basic haircut, facial cleansing, and massage therapy, paired with goodies and essentials exclusively for moms.

and

is stunning. We are talking about JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay in Vietnam, where the sea practically touches your plate. Naka Island in Phuket—secluded, spiritual, impossibly serene. The overwater dream that is

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.

Then Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Ubud, where Bali’s soul infuses every ingredient. The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, for those who believe beauty lives in silence and seasonal cuisine. And for the adventurous soul? A journey across Japan aboard Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht. Yes,

Throughout the month, the whole family is in for a royal feast with EK’s Filipinothemed Forever Enchanted Mother’s Day Food Bundle at Amazon Grill and LaunchTime restaurants. In addition, everyone can gift a piece of magic while enjoying enchanting savings on selected EK merchandise with 10 percent off. All of these Mother’s Day offerings and other surprises will be waiting for parkgoers alongside EK’s iconic rides and attractions, as the park opens Fridays to Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Schedules are subject to change without prior notice. For more information and updates on this and EK’s other events and offerings, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media accounts @ enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and TikTok and @ek_philippines for Instagram. Dee-tails Ardee de los

a luxury yacht. Through Japan. With this dining series on board. I am not calm about this. What makes my heart beat faster is that these aren’t just dinners you book separately. Exclusive stay packages are available only in conjunction with the series. That means you don’t just show up for a meal and leave. You slow down. You stay. You wake up in the same place where, the night before, you broke bread with strangers who now feel like old friends. Every experience is designed to celebrate not just what is served but what is shared—generosity, curiosity, and the joy of being present. From softly lit dining rooms to a yacht cutting through Japanese waters, the settings invite culture, creativity, and human connection to converge.

I don’t know about you, but I am tired of rushing through trips. I want the meal that lingers. The conversation that wanders. The memory that arrives is not from a passport stamp but from a seat taken across from someone wonderful. This is that journey. And I can’t wait to take my place at the table.

Enchanted Kingdom honors moms with month-long festivities

and sang along to the energetic performances of EK’s very own P-Pop girl group at their seasonal musical show, SMS Summer Blast. Adding a heartfelt touch to the celebration, the theme park set up its Letters to Mom dedication wall, allowing guests to share messages of love and appreciation for their mothers.

Lastly, the maternal figures among the EK Storyverse characters—Faerie Queen and Aruga—along with Eldar the Wizard, made a special appearance in front of Eldar’s Theater, where they warmly welcomed and interacted with park guests.

The month-long Mother’s Day celebration continues as EK announces some of its upcoming seasonal shows, deals, and experiences for the remaining weekends of May.

On top of the various pop-up booths featured each week, SMS Summer Blast will keep the energy and radiance alive as the show runs Fridays through Sundays at 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at Eldar’s Theater.

Visiting moms can enjoy heartfelt

serenades from Fridays to Sundays by EK’s all-male vocal group, Kingsmen, while the award-winning musical group La Salle Green Hills’ Kundirana performed their special Mother’s Day tribute on May 17.