Manila Standard - 2026 May 26 - Tuesday

Biz groups slam Senate ‘chaos’

By Othel Campos

THE country’s biggest business groups called for a “principled realignment” of the Senate leadership amid what it described as “erosion of confidence” following the recent “drama and chaos” at the Upper Chamber.

Deaths rise to 4, some 17 still missing in mishap

By Vince Lopez, Vito Barcelo and

Ram

Superable

THE death toll in the collapse of a building under construction in Angeles City, Pampanga has increased to four as more bodies were retrieved Monday morning, the Bureau of Fire Protection

(BFP) Central Luzon said.

The BFP said 17 others were still missing.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) thus summoned con-

In separate statements, the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) and the Makati Business Club (MBC) urged senators to uphold institutional integrity and restore public confidence in the Senate as it convenes as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. MBC, which has over 400 members, said the recent “drama and chaos” in

Will you (senators) prioritize long-term democratic stability over short-term political survival? History will judge you by your actions during this critical period.

the Senate had severely damaged the institution’s credibility, adding that the leadership must remain independent as senators undertake one of their most important constitutional responsibilities. “Will you (senators) prioritize longterm democratic stability over shortterm political survival? History will

NBI asks PNP to cancel firearm permits of fugitive Sen. Bato

By Vince Lopez and Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has requested the Philippine Na-

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. named former Senator Francis Tolentino as the new Department of Labor and Employment Secretary, Malacañang announced yesterday.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecre-

tional Police (PNP) to cancel the firearms licenses registered under the name of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. NBI director Melvin Matibag confirmed on Monday that the bureau has sent the formal request letter to the PNP. However, the PNP said it has yet to receive the NBI’s request to revoke Dela Rosa’s gun licenses.

Matibag said earlier that Dela Rosa,

tary Claire Castro confirmed Tolentino’s appointment, replacing Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma. Tolentino took his oath before Mr. Marcos later Monday at Malacañang Palace. Castro said Laguesma’s departure from the Cabinet was related to his

who is currently facing a warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court (ICC), has been presumed to be “armed and dangerous” under existing protocols.

Minority bloc senators hit Imee for ‘propaganda, disinformation’

By Ram Superable and Joel E. Zurbano

TENSIONS ran high anew at the Senate yesterday after senators belonging to the minority bloc denounced a video presentation made by Senator Imee Marcos on alleged Charter change conspiracy as propaganda and disinformation.

Marcos presented the video which accused administration officials and members of Congress of colluding with each other to amend the 1987 Charter through a Constitutional assembly and to lower the required age for president to 35 to allow Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto to make a bid for the top position in 2028. Marcos also mentioned that anoth-

By Charles Dantes

PHDO sought vs. Sen. Marcoleta

By Maricel Cruz

HE Office of the Ombudsman has asked the antigraft court to issue Precautionary Hold Departure Orders (PHDO) against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, former Quezon City Rep. Michael Defensor, and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray.

Fuel

prices

At a press briefing on Monday, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said Marcos and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos will visit Japan from May 26 to 29 at the invitation of the Japanese government.

Ratonel said Mr. Marcos is scheduled to hold a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to discuss cooperation on security, maritime and defense affairs, economic ties, energy resilience and decarbonization, and emerging industries.

“The President wants to work with Japan to further expand the country’s renewable energy sector,” Ratonel said in Filipino, referring to planned discussions on long-term energy security.

She said the leaders are also expected to tackle regional and global issues, including developments in the Indo-Pacific, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the Middle East.

Mr. Marcos and the First Lady will also be received by Japan’s royal couple at the Imperial Palace for a welcome ceremony and state banquet. According to the DFA, both couples will exchange decorations during the visit.

The Philippines and Japan are commemorating the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations this year.

Ratonel said Manila and Tokyo are expected to announce new agreements involving defense, trade and investment, and human resources, although she declined to provide details ahead of the visit’s conclusion.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Ombudsman investigators are expected to appear today before the court to present evidence supporting the request to bar them from leaving the country.

In a privilege speech earlier in the Senate, Marcoleta said the complaint was meant to punish dissent and vowed not to be silenced.

The Ombudsman’s Luzon Field Investigation Bureau (FIB) recommended the fil-

ing of plunder and indirect bribery charges against Marcoleta, Defensor, Espiritu and Viray in connection with the Sen. Marcoleta’s non-disclosure of election contribution amounting to P75 million from Defensor and the two others in the 2022 elections.

The application was raffled off to the Sandiganbayan 7th Division, chaired by Associate Justice Lorifel Pahimna. Rex Espiritu

to rise by P1.96/l today—DOE

THE Department of Energy (DOE) on Monday announced an oil price hike across all products of as much as P1.96 per liter effective 6 a.m. Tuesday due to the continued volatility in world oil prices.

The DOE said diesel prices will increase by P1.96 per liter, gasoline by P1.60 per liter, and kerosene by P1.45 per liter in Metro Manila and highly urbanized areas.

The DOE mandated the price increase adjustments following the declaration of an energy emergency due to the Middle East crisis.

Data showed that for the week of

judge you by your actions during this critical period,” the group said.

MAP, which has over 1,000 members, called on the Senate to consider a “peaceful and principled realignment” of its leadership to ensure impartiality and fairness in the impeachment process.

“In this context, we in the Management Association of the Philippines call on our senators to take every step necessary to restore the credibility of the Senate and strengthen public faith in the impeachment process…We respectfully urge the consideration of a peaceful and principled realignment in Senate leadership that will place the proceedings on the firmest possible

In a letter dated May 15, 2026 addressed to PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. and Batangas City police chief PLTCOL Lira

A. Morello, NGCP reported that the Ilijan-Tayabas 500kV line tripped at approximately 6:30 a.m. on May 13, 2026 after the conductor between Towers 129 and 130 in Barangay Haligue Silangan, Batangas City was severed. The transmission disturbance resulted in the loss of around 1,700 megawatts (MW) of power delivered from generating plants connected to the line. The incident further aggravated the already thin generation reserves in Luzon and the Visayas, which eventually led to the declaration of red and yellow alerts in both grids. Immediately after the incident, NGCP personnel conducted an inspection of the affected facility. Initial findings showed that the damage appeared inconsistent with normal wear and tear or natural causes. The severance reportedly occurred within the conductor span between spacers and exhibited characteristics suggestive of deliberate human intervention. Prior inspections of the line also showed no defect or abnormality that could have caused such damage.

Matibag said there were over 100 firearms of various makes and calibers reportedly registered under Dela Rosa’s name.

“I saw the list. It’s mixed. There are automatic rifles, and there are four sidearms. It’s really mixed, different types. There are high-powered guns. There are shotguns,” he said in Filipino.

“The PNP has not yet received any formal request from the National Bureau of Investigation regarding the revocation of the firearms licenses of Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa,” PNP spokesman Col. Allen Rae Co, told reporters in a text message.

tractors and other responsible parties to formal hearings to explain alleged safety violations and determine accountability in the building’s collapse.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it deployed search and rescue teams, along with emergency personnel, to support ongoing operations at the disaster site.

PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the mobilization of police force and assets to accelerate the rescue of trapped workers, most of whom were construction workers.

“Every second matters in a crisis, and our duty is to act without delay—bring-

er move was to raise the minimum age requirement for the presidency from 45 to 50 years old, which she said would disqualify Vice President Sara Duterte from running in 2028.

The backlash was immediate, with Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri moving to strike the “horrible propaganda video” off the record.

“We’re a circus. I apologize to those who are watching (the Senate proceedings being livestreamed). They think we are a circus,” Zubiri said.

“To gain traction, to gain views and publicity, we’ll destroy our fellow colleagues here,” he lamented.

Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III, who is an uncle of the Pasig City mayor, seconded Zubiri’s motion.

“I really take offense. I take exception… As far as the issue of my involvement in cha-cha is concerned, I vehemently deny it. Definitely, I have nothing to do with that,” Sotto said.

Marcos eventually withdrew the video presentation.

Senator Risa Hontiveros rebuked Marcos for using her privilege speech

ing every available asset to save lives, account for the missing, and support affected families on the ground,” according to the PNP chief.

BFP rescue workers retrieved another victim from the collapsed nine-storey structure in Balibago, Angeles City, bringing the total number of casualties to four,” BFP Central Luzon said. Earlier at 7:20 a.m., a third body was retrieved from the rubble.

Two workers trapped in the wreckage were found alive after the nine-storey structure gave way Sunday, hitting a nearby hotel and killing a Malaysian guest. The duo died however, despite efforts to revive them.

“The first of the two was pulled out alive, but unfortunately, his body gave out and he did not survive. Doctors

May 19 to 25, 2026, diesel sells from P72.20 to P96.60 per liter, gasoline from P71.40 to P108.10 per liter, and kerosene from P109.50 to P150 per liter in the National Capital Region.

Meanwhile, the DOE said the country’s oil inventory stands at 44.82 days as of May 22, 2026.

The bulk of the supply comes from kerosene, which is good for 138.93 days, followed by jet fuel at 66.41 days, fuel oil at 47.17 days, gasoline at 45.87 days, LPG at 41.49 days, and diesel at 41.07 days.

Around 22,000 metric tons of state-procured liquefied petroleum gas from the United States are set to arrive

foundation of impartiality and fairness,” the group said.

“A Senate leadership that is widely regarded as objective and above partisan interest will help safeguard not only the rights of the accused and the integrity of the House prosecutors, but also the legitimacy of the Senate as institution entrusted with constitutional responsibility.”

“At this critical moment, we urge our senators to remain steadfast in their fidelity to the Constitution, uphold the highest standards of institutional integrity, and demonstrate the credible and principled governance that the Filipino people deserve,” MAP added.

MBC also underscored the role of the Senate president in restoring institutional credibility, saying the position serves as the Upper Chamber’s “moral compass, administrative guardian and public face.”

to spew fake news.

“Has politics in the Philippines gone so low that we will throw mud all the way to the floor? We are used to debating, accepting criticism, and answering difficult questions. So, I am not sensitive to criticism. I am used to that. But the video shown is fake news. I cannot let that sit with our colleagues unchallenged,” she said.

“If there is an allegation about Charter Change, present the vote, proposal, or action. Do not, as my colleague has said, end up in conspiracy theories. Dear colleagues, we can argue hard without lowering the dignity of this chamber,” Hontiveros added.

In a separate manifestation, Senator Erwin Tulfo said the Upper Chamber must not tolerate presentation of unparliamentary acts as he seconded the motion to have the video stricken off the Senate records.

Senator Francis Pangilinan added that disinformation and sowing of intrigues has no place in the Senate.

“Fake news has no place in this plenary hall…We should seek the truth from the facts and not from disinformation video propaganda,” he said.

As this developed, Senate President Alan Cayetano expressed confidence the 13-member majority bloc remained “solid”

could not resuscitate him,” regional fire bureau spokeswoman Maria Leah Sajili told Agence France Presse (AFP).

“The other one suffered a cardiac arrest around 3:00 a.m. Doctors could not attend to him as he was still pinned down,” she added.

Seventeen other people, mostly construction workers who were sleeping at the unfinished building, remained missing, Sajili said.

The cause of the collapse is still unknown.

Officials said up to 70 people were employed at the construction site, though most had gone home for the weekend.

Alfredo Albis, 55, told AFP he was asleep at a barracks for workers about five meters (16 feet) from the structure when it gave way.

in Batangas on Saturday as part of the government’s oil buffer in the wake of the Middle East crisis.

Earlier this month, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the government has no plans to order additional fuel, citing sufficient supply and lack of storage facilities.

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

“As of today, we have already bought 150 million liters of diesel,” she said.

“We don’t need to order again because there’s already enough supply and we don’t have a storage facility that can accommodate another million liters.”

“If the public perceives the Senate President as someone who is purely partisan, and does not possess the necessary independence and moral ascendancy that such a position requires, public confidence in the institution is eroded,” MBC said.

Earlier, a former president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) also slammed the sudden change in Senate leadership.

In a pastoral letter, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas described such moves as “obscene.”

“It is unbelievable that men and women called ‘honorable’ could do such a brazen exercise of power,” he said.

“The sudden change in the leadership of the Senate, mandated by law to try the impeachment case, is like graffiti on the wall showing another devious plan to delay the trial. It was not for the country but for somebody,” Villegas added.

amid talks of possible leadership change.

“The 13 members are solid. We will not double-cross each other,” Cayetano said.

Hontiveros admitted the 11-member minority has yet to secure the two more votes needed to seize the Senate leadership from Cayetano.

“We are still at a status quo… Some (members of the majority) have expressed intention (to join us) but as of now, we are still a solid minority of 11. We have yet to get a new number,” she said.

Over the weekend, Senator Panfilo said members of the minority bloc are united in support of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian for Senate president.

Lacson said Gatchalian has so far emerged as a consensus candidate for Senate president, garnering acceptance from both minority and some majority members.

“We know Gatchalian is qualified and can lead the Senate to have a united front against all issues facing it... He is acceptable not only to the minority but to some members of the majority,” he said.

Gatchalian, in an interview with dzMM, expressed willingness to take on the role of Senate president should his colleagues choose to support him.

“I have two cousins who are still trapped there. They were working here to earn for their families and (they) are missing,” he said, adding “there’s a possibility that my relatives are dead.”

Sajili, the fire bureau spokeswoman, said that “rescue in (a) building collapse is very challenging since any sudden shift triggered by the movements of our rescuers can cause areas to move and people under can get crushed.”

Sudden movements “may also bury our responders,” she said, explaining why this phase of the operation had to be done mostly manually.

Rescuers will now use thermal scanners “to check if there are possible signs of life,” she said.

If no more survivors are found, mechanical diggers and other heavy equipment will

“Upon receipt of such a request, we will evaluate and act on the same in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10591 and its revised IRR, swiftly and within the bounds of the law,” he added.

“A firearms license shall be revoked automatically and immediately upon the occurrence of any of the conditions prescribed under the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) 2018 of Republic Act No. 10591,” Co said.

“The existence of any single condition is sufficient to warrant revocation, without the need for further proceedings,” Co said.

Meanwhile, lawyer Israelito Torreon, legal counsel for Dela Rosa, said it is wrong to call hit client a fugitive because there are no charges filed in local courts against him. Torreon in an interview with local media on Monday in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte said the senator should not be regarded as a fugitive because he was not being charged locally and was not convicted of any crime by local courts.

health, prompting the President to designate an acting labor secretary.

“Iyon po ay dahil sa kanyang health condition. Kaya po kailangan po na magkaroon at magtalaga ng acting labor secretary,” Castro said. (This is because of his/her health condition. That is why there is a need to have and appoint an acting labor secretary.)

Tolentino previously served as senator from 2019 to 2025 and previously held several government posts, including chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and mayor of Tagaytay City.

Tolention ran and lost in the 2025 Senate elections under the administration’s senatorial slate “Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas” before his appointment to the new post.

Asked whether Laguesma would be appointed to another government post, Castro declined to speculate.

“I cannot preempt the President. If this concerns his health condition, of course, we need to know if his health can still handle it,” the spokesperson said.

In a separate statement, Laguesma confirmed the reason for his replacement, citing the need to focus on his health.

“I have made this necessary call with a systematic transition in process,” Laguesma stated.

“Every decision I have made, every challenge I have faced, and every success we have achieved has been anchored in my deep love for our country and my unwavering belief in the Filipino people,” he added.

be brought in to clear debris and recover bodies, she said, but gave no timeline.

DOLE halted construction in Sept. 2025

According to Sen. Joel Villanueva, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) previously halted construction at the site in September 2025 after inspectors discovered multiple safety infractions. “DOLE halted the work there after discovering OSHS (occupational safety and health standards) violations. We want DOLE to determine if the responses made by the contractor and the building owner to the violations were proper and sufficient, even though there was allegedly no additional inspection at their construction site this year,” Villanueva explained.

TUESDAY,

‘High’ chance of LPA becoming tropical depression

By Rio N. Araja

THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday afternoon reported that the low pressure area (LPA) being monitored outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) now has a “high” chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours. Should it become a tropical cyclone, it would be named “Domeng.”

Designated as “LPA 05e,” the weather disturbance was last located 1,550 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao, based on PAGASA’s 2 p.m. update.

Meanwhile, the trough of the LPA is affecting the eastern section of Mindanao, according to the state weather bureau’s 24-hour public weather forecast issued at 4 p.m. Monday.

The southwesterly windflow is forecast to bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over Zamboanga Peninsula, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Palawan.

The LPA’s trough is likewise expected to bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over the rest of Mindanao.

Palace denies ‘zero budget’ for Davao

IN BRIEF

Mt. Mayon monitored as quakes, emissions rise

THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded increased volcanic earthquakes and higher sulfur dioxide emissions at Mayon Volcano in Albay over the past 24 hours.

In its latest bulletin, Phivolcs logged 45 volcanic quakes, including four volcanic tremor episodes lasting five to 12 minutes, up from 27 recorded in the previous monitoring period.

Sulfur dioxide flux reached 1,216 tons on Sunday, higher than the 988 tons recorded on Saturday. Rockfall events, however, declined to 290 from 341 previously, while no pyroclastic density current signals or “uson” activity were detected.

Lava effusion continued from the summit crater, feeding lava flows along the Basud, Bonga, and Mi-isi gullies. Minor strombolian activity and a fair crater glow visible to the naked eye were also observed.

Phivolcs also reported moderate volcanic plumes drifting southwest, west-northwest, and west-southwest, along with short-term deflation of the edifice and inflation on the northeastern flank. Rio N. Araja

Philippines seeking stronger ties with Africa

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro on Monday reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening ties with African nations, citing shared histories of colonial struggle and support for a rules-based international order.

Lazaro noted that the founding of the Organization of African Unity on May 25, 1963 laid the foundation for Africa’s pursuit of unity, peace, and development.

“The Philippines and Africa share a common history as peoples who navigated the difficult path from colonial rule to independence,” she said, adding that both sides continue to uphold sovereign equality among nations. She also emphasized the Philippines’ shared interests with Africa as partners in the Global South, particularly in ensuring international institutions remain responsive to developing countries. Katrina Manuba

Padilla renews push for ‘Anti-Pabebe’ bill

ROBINHOOD Padilla renewed his push for a measure requiring the teaching of practical life skills, values formation, and environmental awareness to Filipino students from kindergarten to Grade 12.

Known as Senate Bill 1300, or the “AntiPabebe Act of 2025,” the proposal seeks to institutionalize a hands-on curriculum in both public and private schools nationwide.

Padilla said the measure aims to equip young people with practical skills needed to cope with the demands and stresses of daily life in a rapidly changing society.

The bill directs the Department of Education to work with experts in child psychology, environmental science, and other agencies in crafting the instructional framework. Students would undergo practical demonstrations in farming, composting, sewing, cooking, budgeting, carpentry, and recycling activities. Ram Superable

Co urges fact-checking on VP impeachment trial

By Maricel V. Cruz

HOUSE impeachment trial spokesperson Renee Co of Kabataan Partylist has urged Filipinos to actively check facts, report false claims, and protect the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte from disinformation.

“Maybe I want to speak as a representative of the youth. We are concerned about the increasing disinformation seen on social media that is also spreading on the ground in our daily lives,” Co, a House assistant minority leader, said.

She said false information now spreads rapidly across online platforms and even within everyday community spaces.

For Co, public discernment must now become an essential part of civic participation.

The youth lawmaker said the response should involve not only government institutions, but also citizens, schools, communities, media organizations, and other sectors of society.

“That is why we all need to work together to combat disinformation,” she said.

The call came as several claims surrounding the impeachment case against Duterte drew national attention, including claims from Sen. Imee Marcos about a possible Charter change plot supposedly linked to the impeachment trial.

Co warned against allowing false claims to influence decisions in the accountability process.

“We do not want any action taken—not only by the Senate but also by us in the House prosecution panel in the accountability process—to be

One million signatures support universal pension for seniors

By Maricel V. Cruz

MORE than one million signatures calling for the urgent passage of a Universal Social Pension bill for all senior citizens were formally turned over to House leaders on Monday. This came as lawmakers and elderly groups intensified calls for stronger government support for Filipino senior citizens amid rising living and healthcare costs. The ceremonial partial turnover of signatures was led by House Committee on Senior Citizens Chair and United Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Milagros AquinoMagsaysay during the “Milyong Lagda Para sa Matatanda: Universal Social Pension, Ngayon Na” campaign event held at the House of Representatives.

“We are all part of history in the making,” Aquino-Magsaysay said in her speech, describing the campaign as a

based on false information,” she said, while urging the public to question claims, compare sources, and avoid spreading posts, videos, or messages without verification.

The impeachment trial spokesperson said the youth must learn to distinguish between facts and falsehoods.

She said Congress continues to engage young people in schools and communities.

“How can they see for themselves what is disinformation and what is truth?” she said.

This means checking original sources, seeking credible reports, and resisting content intended to confuse public judgment, she added.

“How can we report this, confront others if we hear something that is not true, and help one another so this will not prevail?” she continued.

growing nationwide movement among senior citizens seeking the passage of a long-awaited universal pension measure.

According to Aquino-Magsaysay, the signature campaign was launched on March 18, 2026 and has since mobilized senior citizens’ associations, organizations, and federations across the country in support of the proposed legislation.

“Our ceremonial partial turnover today of the more than one million signatures in support of the bill reflects the strong clamor of the more than 12 million senior citizens all over the country asking the government to give preferential attention to the promotion of their welfare and rights,” she said.

Aquino-Magsaysay stressed that she has been advocating the measure since the 17th Congress, emphasizing that the proposed pension is a recognition of the rights of elderly Filipinos.

By Charles Dantes

M

ALACAÑANG

on Monday denied claims that Davao City received no government budget in the past four years, saying national data show billions of pesos in allocations for infrastructure and social programs.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the allegation made by Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte that Davao City had a “zero budget” from 2023 to 2026 is “not supported by government records.”

Castro cited Department of Budget and Management data showing that Davao City received at least P7.856 billion in national government support and programs from fiscal years 2023 to 2026 as of May 17. Of the total, P7.44 billion came from national government agency-funded projects, including farm-tomarket roads, health facilities, justice and civil defense buildings, professional regulation infrastructure, Department of Public Works and Highways projects, basic education facilities, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 11 learning institute, and the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project. An additional P146.21 million came from local government support fund projects, including financial assistance to local government units, the Barangay Development Program, and the “Green, Green, Green” initiative, Castro said.

She also pointed to flood control spending in Davao City, noting claims involving P51 billion in allocations tied to flood mitigation projects, while questioning why flooding reportedly persists despite the funding. Castro said the “zero budget” claim was false and stressed that Davao City continues to receive government support.

“It is not true that there is no budget or that Davao City has a zero budget,” she said, adding that the city remains among the areas supported by the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The statement came in response to remarks attributed to a lawmaker who also questioned government flood control and infrastructure projects in the city, which Castro described as politically motivated.

OPINION

Regional languages: PH’s cultural lifeline

OFTEN, in academic settings and in informal gatherings like weekend coffee discussions, topics on the need to preserve regional languages are diverted from the steaming political issues.

Invariably, many scholars and linguists are agreed preserving regional languages -- like Ilokano, Ybanag, Ivatan, Pangasinense, Waray, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Bikolnon, Maguindanao, Maranao, Tausug, Yakan and Sinama – is crucial in multiethnic Philippines. The same scholars say preserving regional languages safeguards distinct cultural identities, preserves oral traditions, and honors the wisdom of ancestors, since languages are living repositories of regional histories and viewpoints.

Ignoring them reduces diversity and erases the heritage embedded in local vocabularies and customs, they argue.

In the case of Ilokano, for instance, preservation efforts, in their view must target both daily practice and institutional support. Shooting from the hip, they have identified strategies which include:

• Family Language Transmission: Speaking Ilokano at home is the most effective way to ensure children absorb the language as their mother tongue. Parents can establish specific language habits during meals, family gatherings, and storytelling.

• Formal Education: The Department of Education’s Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) framework is vital. Utilizing Ilokano as a medium of instruction in primary schools helps children learn faster and builds cognitive appreciation for their native language.

• Digital Media and Content Creation: Developing Ilokano language learning apps, producing modern regional music and cinema, and creating social media content make the language accessible and engaging for the youth.

• Community and Local Government Support: Local government units (LGUs) can mandate the publication of Ilokano

textbooks and dictionaries, and host cultural festivals that celebrate the language. The Commission on the Filipino Language (Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino) champions these local histories. Efforts at preserving regional languages is indeed crucial to safeguard distinct cultural identities, ancestral wisdom, and distinct worldviews that would otherwise fade with modernization and globalization.

Scholars agree preserving regional languages reinforces cognitive and cultural diversity, preventing the homogenization of Filipino culture into a monolithic identity

In the case of the Ilokano language – as it must be the template for other regional languages – preserving it will help preserve this cultural lifeline as a living repository of collective history, local ecological knowledge, and traditions. Scholars agree preserving regional languages reinforces cognitive and cultural diversity, preventing the homogenization of Filipino culture into a monolithic identity. We are glad the government has funded institutional research, compiled linguistic maps, and published community dictionaries and anthologies. We know lead agencies drive this effort by digitizing oral traditions, commissioning indigenous ethnographies, and partnering with local governments to codify native mother tongues into written curricula and literary works.

Revolution forbidden: Marcos’ cyber cops vs. lawyer Respicio

LADIES and gentlemen of the rotting cadaver known as Philippine political justice, welcome to the latest episode of The State Versus Words. Today’s matinee features the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) in a choreographed press conference at NBI Pasay — a masterclass in authoritarian performance art.

The target?

A sitting Vice Mayor and lawyer, Jeryll Harold Respicio, accused of the grave crime of posting videos on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok asking his 1.1 million followers whether they were “willing” to start a revolution against a “dysfunctional Constitution” and, more damningly, whether they were “willing to die” for it.

This was never merely a criminal complaint.

This was political street theater staged for an audience of one: every Duterte-aligned voice still breathing.

The explicit narrative: “We do not tolerate such acts… especially from professionals and public officials.”

The implicit narrative: dissent is now cybersedition, and the State’s thought-police wear Meta partnerships like shiny new badges.

The grotesque irony?

A body literally named for cybercrime prevention has mission-crept into the business of policing revolutionary rhetoric — the very language that birthed the 1986 People Power Revolution the Marcos family would rather forget. Every clashing claim drips with tension: a lawyer who says his words were “carefully worded” political speech versus a government that hears only incitement.

A public official invoking popular sovereignty under Article II of the 1987 Constitution versus an administration that treats sovereignty as its personal property. Unresolved beneath the farce: the PCO’s direct involvement in monitoring “unlawful content,” the preemptive Meta-takedown threat, and the casual announcement that an unnamed lawmaker is next. This is not law enforcement. This is a public threat delivered with a smile and a press kit.

The press conference itself was pure choreography.

Crucial stress test

MANY Filipinos are ill at ease as the clock in the Gregorian calendar keeps its knees robust for the tentatively scheduled impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on July 6, only 42 days from today.

This, after the issuance of the writ of summons by the Senate sitting as an impeachment court on May 19, 2026, only eight days after a Senate coup which toppled Senate President Vicente Sotto III and replaced by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

In the meantime, while waiting for the pre-trial proceedings of Vice President Duterte’s impeachment to start, the prosecution panel has been securing its evidence and witnesses, according to House trial spokesperson and Kabataan Rep. Renee Co.

She has stressed that aside from conducting mock trials, the 11-member panel has been pre-marking evidence to establish during the pre-trial proceeding -- including laying down all pieces of evidence against Duterte -- as well as evidence that may surface during the trial proper.

Sara Duterte was given a non-extendible period of 10 days to formally answer the articles of impeachment. Because the original deadline fell on a weekend, her official deadline to file her answer was extended to June 1, 2026.

We echo Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong’s belief the impeachment trial of VP Duterte will serve as a crucial test of the country’s democratic institutions and Constitutional accountability mechanisms amid mounting political tensions surrounding the proceedings.

We have seen how the House showed that public institutions can continue to earn public confidence through steady work, principled leadership and legislation responsive to the needs of ordinary Filipinos even as Senator Panfilo Lacson’s recent remarks reflected the growing public attention on government institutions.

—“—

The outcome of the trial will signal whether impeachment is a viable instrument for justice...or patronage politics will allow powerful figures to evade accountability

This critical stress test for Philippine democratic institutions correctly symbolizes both a push for Constitutional accountability and, as political scene observers say, the persistent vulnerability of the political system to factionalism and dynastic power struggles. The trial, watched keenly by Filipinos

at home and even those working abroad, assesses whether the country’s Constitutional mechanisms can enforce accountability on elite political dynasties without succumbing to intense partisan polarization and political pressure.

The impeachment proceedings test Philippine democracy and institutional integrity across a few distinct dimensions:

We will see in the next few weeks whether the House of Representatives and the Senate can function as objective arbiters of the law, whether this coordinate branch of government can operate independently of executive influence and partisan loyalty.

Many have suggested the thought that the proceedings will test whether high-ranking public officials—particularly those supported by name and firmly established political dynasties like the Dutertes—can be held to the same legal and ethical standards as ordinary citizens.

Other political science and legal observers have raised the idea the intense public and political division surrounding the trial measures whether the government can navigate an explosive political clash – involving allegations of corruption and threats to national leadership – without triggering systemic instability or widespread democratic backsliding.

Some legal experts and civil society advocates have underscored this trial goes far beyond a single political career.

The outcome of the trial will signal to the Filipino public whether impeachment is a viable instrument for justice and Constitutional checks and balances, or patronage politics will allow powerful figures to evade accountability.

Tasting Myanmar’s coastal cuisine, pushed to the brink by war

YANGON – War has besieged diets in western Myanmar, but chefs smuggle out flavours of local cuisine: delicate noodles and briny broth from a region where conflict blights harvests.

“Seeing my customers enjoy the food until the plate is empty brings me so much joy that nothing else can compare,” said Yee Yee Kyaw, who evacuated her restaurant business from Rakhine state to Yangon in 2024.

“Watching from the kitchen, I’ve even felt it wouldn’t even matter if they left without paying,” the 27-year-old told AFP.

In Myanmar’s civil war, triggered by a 2021 military coup, Rakhine has become a locus of particular suffering.

May Pu Chay raved about her local gastronomy laced with pungent fish paste and mashed chilli.

“Rakhine food is the best. I would like it to spread,” said the 51-year-old. “I want everyone to taste Rakhine food.”

Her enthusiasm is dulled only by the realities of hardship in Rakhine -- when supplies from her kitchen garden aren’t sufficient.

khine made the shop a loss-making enterprise for the first year.

“We tried not to change the taste we had back in Sittwe, but being in a new place, everything is different,” she said, recounting the trials of finding ingredients in Yangon markets 500 kilometres (310 miles) from home.

“We are trying hard to preserve the original flavours,” Yee Yee Kyaw said.

This was less a legal filing than a loyalty test administered via press release.

Framing a sitting Vice Mayor as a “cyberseditious ringleader” is deliciously absurd.

Here is a man whose alleged crime is asking rhetorical questions on social media while a government that once fled to Hawaii in the face of actual revolution now trembles at viral videos.

The CICC’s sudden expertise in “crimes against public order” committed online reveals the mission creep: from hacking and fraud to political thought-policing.

May the legal philistines who orchestrated this farce be remembered as the clowns they are

And the PCO’s partnership?

That is not coordination — that is the Executive weaponizing a communications office to police criticism of the Executive.

The tension is exquisite: a “cybercrime” body enforcing colonial-era sedition statutes against modern political speech, all while claiming to protect “responsible use of social media.”

The State’s strongest argument is straightforward and statutory.

Under Article 142 of Act No. 3815, the Revised Penal Code (inciting to sedition), Respicio allegedly made speeches and writings “tending” to incite others to commit sedition as defined in Article 139.

He allegedly went further with Article 138 (inciting to rebellion) by polling an audience on willingness to revolt and die, and Article 154 (unlawful utterances) by publishing content that could encourage disobedience. Republic Act No. 10175 (RA10175), the Cybercrime Prevention Act, Section 6 aggravates everything: because it was done through information and communications technology with massive reach, the penalty is one degree higher.

The prosecution can fairly argue this crosses from abstract advocacy into active incitement.

The audience responded “oo” on camera.

A lawyer and public official should know better.

Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso of the CICC personally delivered the complaint to NBI Director Melvin Matibag while the PCO hovered in the background like a political handler. The staging screamed: this is coordinated state power. The audience? Not the courts — the public, the opposition, and especially the Duterte camp.

The dangerous tendency doctrine — still

Bordering Bangladesh and hemmed by mountains and the Bay of Bengal, it has been captured almost completely by ethnic minority rebels, but still sees fierce fighting and has been blockaded by the military along its border.

More than one-third of households in the state suffer food insecurity, and the cost of an average grocery basket has spiked 31 percent due to the Middle East war, according to the United Nations’ World Food Program.

Paddy agriculture has withered and fishing along the plentiful coastline has been curbed by amphibious warfare.

Rice noodles and conger eel are principal ingredients of Rakhine’s specialty noodle dish, “mont di”, which Yee Yee Kyaw serves in abundance, swirled together in an umami concoction of tamarind, garlic and chilli.

But back in Rakhine -- which the WFP has called “the most acute hotspot for hunger in Myanmar” -- traditional cooking is secondary to the scramble for daily sustenance.

In Rakhine’s Mrauk-U town, housewife

embedded in the Revised Penal Code — only requires a tendency toward evil results, not imminence.

Professionals are held to higher standards under the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA), and Canon II demands they uphold the profession’s dignity. The State has a legitimate police-power interest in public order. But behold as the prosecution’s entire case spectacularly implodes beneath its own Constitutional contradictions.

The controlling doctrine is not the colonial ghost of “dangerous tendency.”

It is the clear and present danger test articulated in Gonzales v. COMELEC (1969) and refined in Chavez v. Gonzales (2008): speech may only be punished when the danger of substantive evil is clear and present. Diocese of Bacolod v. COMELEC (2015) confirms that content-based restrictions like this trigger strict scrutiny.

Respicio’s statements are classic political hyperbole — rhetorical questions about constitutional dysfunction grounded in the people’s sovereignty under Article II of the Constitution. No evidence of actual mobilization, arms, or imminent uprising has been presented. The CICC’s claimed Meta-takedown authority is straight-up constitutional vandalism. Disini v. Secretary of Justice (2014) struck down Section 19 of RA 10175 precisely because warrantless government-ordered block-

More than one-third of households in the state suffer food insecurity

“We have to struggle hard,” she said. “If there’s nothing to cook, we don’t cook. If there is, then we do.” Hunger for home In Yangon, however, Yee Yee Kyaw dispenses about 200 bowls of mont di daily -- either as a dry salad with peppery fish soup on the side, or altogether in a steaming conglomeration.

Shutting her two restaurants in coastal Sittwe has allowed her to continue cooking in the Rakhine tradition, from a single 34-seat eatery inside a former beauty spa in Myanmar’s largest city.

Spice levels range from a tickle on the tongue to a slap in the face, and a serving costs up to 3,500 kyat ($0.84) depending on your choice of protein: fried beans, pork or fish cake. Reaching for the authentic flavours of Ra-

ing of content violates free speech and due process. Any partnership that allows the CICC to bypass judicial warrant is Disini on steroids — prior restraint by another name. The PCO’s involvement taints the entire proceeding as political persecution. Threatening disbarment at a press conference before any finding of guilt weaponizes the CPRA as intimidation. Let us speak plainly: the PCO-CICC-NBI agreement to monitor online speech is a structural assault on Article III, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution. The preemptive disbarment threats and the announced promise of future prosecutions against unnamed lawmakers are not isolated incidents — they are a deliberate strategy to silence Duterte-aligned criticism ahead of 2028.

This is the Marcos administration’s playbook: weaponize RA 10175’s penalty enhancement not against actual cybercrime but against political speech. The pattern is unmistakable — sedition charges against Poquiz, Barzaga, and now Respicio. All share one trait: opposition to the administration.

The Philippines sits on the CIVICUS Monitor’s “Repressed” rating and 114th in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index precisely because of this garbage. When the PCO sits as cocensor of citizen speech, democracy does not merely stumble — it is kneecapped in broad daylight.

She has now established a reputation for hand-crafted vermicelli -- extruding the rice noodles through a giant wooden hand pump directly into water kept on a roiling boil. Rakhine’s conflict and humanitarian crisis have left nearly half a million people internally displaced, according to UN statistics. Many have come to the commercial hub Yangon, with visits back home nearly impossible.

“I believe that eating our noodles helps ease homesickness,” said Yee Yee Kyaw, estimating the majority of her customers hail from Rakhine.

Elsewhere in the city, chef Ni Ni Aung presides over a clamouring canteen also shifted from Rakhine two years ago, serving steamed banana dessert, stingray salad and a snail medley.

Her most popular dish caters to the tastes of the Yangon-bred — a crowd-pleasing vat of fatty pork cuts lurking under a sheen of amber spiced oil.

But it is the Rakhine dishes that pique her pride.

“Local cuisine is a heritage we must continue to preserve,” said the 46-year-old, who prefers cooking for others to eating.

“I am proud to be able to bring the flavours of Rakhine all the way to Yangon.” AFP

Citizen Barok’s verdict is merciless, uncompromising, and final. This filing is the textbook definition of malicious harassment, retaliation, and political persecution. It must be dismissed immediately. I demand the Supreme Court stand ready with writs of Amparo, Prohibition, or certiorari to check executive lawlessness. The dangerous tendency doctrine is a colonial relic; the clear and present danger test must reign supreme, as Chavez, Gonzales, and Diocese of Bacolod demand. I demand the Department of Justice exercise genuine prosecutorial independence and kill this case at preliminary investigation.

I demand substantive reform: repeal or narrowly construe RA 10175’s penalty enhancement when applied to protected speech. End the CICC’s mission creep into political policing.

Sever the PCO from any “monitoring agreement” that smells of censorship. The rule of law is not a suggestion. It is the only thing standing between us and the abyss where every critical question becomes “incitement.” The people are sovereign.

Asking whether revolution is the answer to a dysfunctional constitution is not sedition — it is the democratic tradition that once sent a different Marcos family packing. May the rule of law rise. And may the legal philistines who orchestrated this farce be remembered as the clowns they are.

LOS ANGELES – Authorities in Cali-

fornia on Sunday (Monday, Manila time)

said they discovered a crack in a damaged tank of toxic chemicals, potentially relieving pressure as the threat of an explosion has forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate.

About 40,000 residents were ordered to leave their homes in the Garden Grove area of Orange County, southeast of Los Angeles, on Friday after the tank began to leak, sending fumes over a heavily populated area about five miles from Disneyland.

On Saturday night, firefighters approached the tank to gather information and saw a “potential crack in the tank, which could potentially be relieving some of the pressure in there,” TJ McGovern, interim fire chief for the Orange County Fire Authority, said in a video post on X.

“This operation that we did gave us positive intel to make educated decisions today in the positive light,” he said, adding that experts are carefully studying the information collected. “We’re not there yet, but this was a step in a right direction.”

There was no indication as to what caused the leak, which was initially reported on Thursday, and McGovern did not comment on whether the crack was linked to the leak.

The tank contains 7,000 gallons (26,000 liters) of methyl methacrylate, a volatile and flammable liquid used to make plastics. AFP

IN BRIEF

Pope to release AI manifesto

VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to release Monday his longawaited manifesto on artificial intelligence (AI), a bid to address ethical and social challenges as the technology rapidly develops worldwide.

The US pope will attend the presentation of the “Magnifica Humanitas” (Magnificent Humanity) encyclical at the Vatican in person -- a first for the Catholic Church. He will be joined not only by officials from the Holy See but experts including the co-founder of the American startup Anthropic, a key player in the booming AI landscape. Anthropic is in a legal battle with the US military after refusing to change its internal policy prohibiting the use of its Claude model for lethal autonomous warfare or mass surveillance.

Leo has denounced the race for AI in the military field, saying that “delegating decisions concerning the life and death of human beings to machines” is a “destructive spiral”.

Since his election a year ago as the Church’s first US pope, he has repeatedly warned of the dangers of AI, including “the gradual replacement of reality by its simulation.” AFP

Inmates alleging torture take over prison

BARINAS, Venezuela – Hundreds of inmates took control of a prison in western Venezuela on Sunday, claiming they were tortured and demanding its director be fired. Large columns of smoke from burning mattresses and sheets rose from the prison in the city of Barinas as inmates gathered on the roof, chanting, “No more torture! No more torture!” an AFP reporter observed. They hung banners with messages like “SOS” and “They are torturing us.” Officers armed with shields surrounded the Barinas Judicial Detention Center, located about 500 kilometers from Caracas. Dozens of family members waited anxiously nearby. Yelitza Arrollo told AFP that she has not heard from her son, an inmate at the detention center, since May 8. AFP

US says Iran agreement still possible

WASHINGTON, DC – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal to end the war with Iran could materialize on Monday, as President Donald Trump tempered expectations.

The United States and Iran have ob-

served a ceasefire since April 8 while mediators push for a negotiated settlement, although Iran has imposed controls on Gulf shipping and the US has blockaded Iran’s ports.

“We thought we might have some news last night, maybe today, I wouldn’t read too much into it,” Rubio said in New Delhi, referring to the potential agreement.

“We have what I think is a pretty solid thing on the table in terms of their ability to open up the straits, get the straits open,”

the lowest number in at least 25 years, the institute said in a report.

“If things continue in this way, we could see a dramatic weakening of multilateral conflict management and the nearcomplete sidelining of institutions like the United Nations, due to a perfect storm of funding, political and geopolitical factors,” Jair van der Lijn, director of SIPRI’s peace operations and conflict management program, said in a statement.

“The result is likely to be more conflicts, and these conflicts are likely to have even graver impacts on civilians as states abandon long-established norms.” AFP

he told reporters in the Indian capital,

where he has been on an official visit. Iran warned Monday that, while some progress had been made, it was not yet close to striking a deal with the United States to end the Middle East war, after a weekend of mixed messages from Washington and Tehran. Rubio’s remarks come after Trump said Sunday that he had told his negotiators not to “rush” the deal, while both Washington and Tehran signaled progress towards an agreement.

“I have informed my representatives not to rush into a deal in that time is on our side,” a Truth Social posted to the US president’s official account said Sunday.

“The Blockade will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified and signed.”

In a separate post to Trump’s Truth Social it read that the deal “has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the various other Countries.”

Iran’s Tasnim news agency said Sunday its information was that key clauses of a possible agreement remained “unresolved at this time,” including the issue of frozen Iranian assets.

The war, which erupted after the Unit-

Israeli withdrawal

BEIRUT – Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Monday said Israel’s withdrawal from the country’s south was a “non-negotiable” demand that authorities would pursue through negotiations, days ahead of a new round of talks in Washington.

In a statement commemorating Israel’s previous withdrawal from south Lebanon in 2000 after some two decades of occupation, Aoun said that “this year, the anniversary of the liberation comes as Lebanon is weighed down by a painful reality.”

“Israeli attacks have not stopped and our dear southern villages are still suffer-

‘non-negotiable’

ing under a renewed occupation,” he said.

Israeli troops who invaded Lebanon during the latest war with Hezbollah began on March 2 are operating inside a self-declared “yellow line” running around 10 kilometers deep inside Lebanese territory.

Israel’s military has also been conducting heavy strikes well beyond that area despite a ceasefire supposed to be in force since April 17.

“Lebanon will not accept this reality,” Aoun said.

“The path to a full Israeli withdrawal will remain an uncompromised, constant

China launches crewed space flight as part of Moon ambitions

BEIJING – China launched its crewed Shenzhou-23 spacecraft and eased it into a successful docking with a space station early Monday as part of Beijing’s ambitions to send humans to the Moon by 2030, state media said. During this mission, a Chinese astronaut is scheduled to spend a full year in orbit on the Tiangong space station, a crucial first in the Chinese lunar landing program.

The Long March 2-F rocket blasted off in a cloud of flames and smoke on time at 11:08 pm (1508 GMT) Sunday night from the Jiuquan launch center in China’s northwestern Gobi Desert, video from state broadcaster CCTV showed.

The spacecraft separated from the rocket around 10 minutes later and entered orbit, the Chinese Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said on social media.

“The astronauts are in good condition, and the launch has been a complete success,” it added.

The craft docked successfully with the Tiangong space station after a flight of about 3.5 hours, the state news agency Xinhua reported, quoting CMSA.

The mission marks the first spaceflight by an astronaut from Hong Kong: 43-year-old Li Jiaying (Lai Ka-ying in Cantonese), who previously worked for the Hong Kong police.

The two other crew members are 39-year-old space engineer Zhu Yangzhu and 39-year-old Zhang Zhiyuan, a former air force pilot, who is traveling into space for the first time.

Cheering crowds waved Chinese flags at a farewell ceremony ahead of the launch, while a band played and the three astronauts saluted on stage.

— Lebanon

national demand that the Lebanese state works to achieve through the option of negotiations,” he added. Lebanon and Israel began landmark US-brokered talks last month and are preparing for a fourth round in early June, preceded by a meeting between military delegations at the Pentagon on May 29.

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Sunday reiterated his opposition to the direct talks with Israel and his group’s refusal to disarm, as it keeps up attacks on Israeli targets in south Lebanon and across the border. AFP

ed States and Israel attacked the Islamic republic on February 28 and saw Iran respond with missile and drone attacks across the region, has caused fluctuations in the market.

But the hint of

NEW DELHI – India’s ruling Hindunationalist party has ordered detention centers for undocumented Bangladeshis and Rohingyas in West Bengal state, sparking fear among minorities that it could lead to arbitrary expulsions.

The directive comes just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won power in the eastern state for the first time since the country’s independence in 1947.

The order calls on local authorities to set up “holding centres” for “apprehended foreigners” awaiting deportation, as part of a broader crackdown on illegal migration.

The government has defended its “detect, delete, deport” principle, saying those targeted are migrants staying illegally in the country.

“Illegal migration has security and socio-economic ramifications which are often well beyond law enforcement” read the order, issued last week.

The decision has fuelled anxiety among West Bengal’s roughly 35 million Muslims, many of whom share linguistic and cultural ties with neighboring Bangladesh.

Critics say the measure reflects the government’s long-standing hardline stance on immigration, with top BJP members referring to Bangladeshi migrants as “termites” and “infiltrators” in the past.

The party has pursued similar policies in the neighboring state of Assam, where it has overseen sweeping identification drives and largescale detentions.

Rights activists say hundreds have been deported to Bangladesh from Assam without due legal process, often based on ethnic profiling.

Pilgrims kick off hajj as war’s trajectory hangs in the balance

from abroad to participate in this year’s hajj than in 2025. But, amid the spiritual euphoria experienced by the pilgrims in the days ahead of the hajj, authorities in the kingdom signalled their readiness.

A video posted on social media by the Saudi defense ministry showed advanced

Group eyes fast rollout of D2C satellite tech

A CONSUMER advocacy group calls for the accelerated rollout of direct-tocell (D2C) satellite technology, saying the technology could help rapidly close connectivity gaps in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) where millions of Filipinos remain digitally disconnected.

CitizenWatch Philippines said the technology offers a faster and more practical solution for underserved communities as the country continues expanding traditional telecommunications infrastructure such as cell towers and fiber optic networks.

Both Globe Telecom and Smart Communications are already testing D2C satellite technology in the country.

CitizenWatch noted that Globe’s partnership with Starlink is reportedly in advanced stages, with commercial rollout potentially starting as early as June this year, signaling that satellite-to-mobile connectivity may soon become more widely available in underserved areas.

“Building connectivity infrastructure across an archipelagic country like the Philippines takes time, especially in remote islands and mountainous areas,” said CitizenWatch lead convenor Orlando Oxales.

“D2C satellite technology can significantly accelerate connectivity in areas beyond the reach of traditional cell sites by enabling ordinary mobile phones to connect directly to satellite networks,” he said.

The group also noted that the quality and reliability of D2C satellite services will depend heavily on the scale of satellite deployment, particularly the number of low-earth orbit satellites available to support connectivity demand and network capacity.

IN BRIEF

Mass promotion covers 1,559 Caraga teachers

A TOTAL of 1,559 teachers and principals in the Caraga region received promotions on Sunday under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Career Progression (ECP) system, including educators who have served for more than three decades. During a mass oathtaking in Agusan del Sur, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr.

limited, many excellent teachers remained in the same position. This is one of the reasons why we introduced the Expanded Career Progression or ECP System. Under this system, the path for advancement of our teachers is now clearer,” Lagdameo said in Filipino. Katrina Manubay

Manila, Moscow deepen bilateral collaboration

THE city government of Manila and the government of Moscow on Monday signed a new cooperation program to promote tourism, trade, culture, education, and urban development.

Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso said the deal would directly benefit Manilans as it creates concrete pathways for its people.

“This Cooperation Program creates concrete pathways in tourism, culture, education, and trade that will directly benefit our residents—more opportunities to learn, to work, to grow, and to connect with the world. This is also an open invitation: please come invest, come visit, come build something with us,” he said. In 2023, the two cities first signed an agreement, making Moscow the first Russian region to partner with the capital city. Pot Chavez

Comelec okays over 600 overseas absentee votes

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved 632 applications for overseas absentee voting filed through the mobile registration desk set up at the Commission on Filipinos Overseas in Pasay City. The applications were processed at the CFO main office and were vetted by the Comelec’s Resident Election Registrations Board. Approved registrants will be added to the National Registry of Overseas Voters and will be eligible to cast their ballots for president, vice president, senators, and party-list representatives in the upcoming national elections.

Ian Michael Geonanga, director of the Comelec Office for Overseas Voting, formalized the announcement in a letter addressed to CFO chairman Secretary Dante Ang II. Vito Barcelo

SPORTS INCENTIVES.

The government will grant incentives to medalists in the Palarong Pambansa and Para Games in recognition of the pro ciency, dedication, and sacri ce exhibited by young Filipino athletes. This was announced by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr. in a message he read for President Marcos during the opening of the national games in Agusan del Sur.

Over 10,000 Pinoys dislocated by Middle East crisis repatriated

By Vito Barcelo

THE Philippine government has safely repatriated more than 10,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), dependents, and stranded Filipinos affected by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, as part of a continuing whole-of-government response to ensure their safety and welfare.

As of May 24, 2026, a total of 10,129 Filipinos have returned safely to the country through the coordinated efforts of the Department of Migrant

Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippine Embassies, and the

Philippine Consulate General.

DMW Secretary Leo Hans Cacdac said that of the total number of repatriates, 7,988 are OFWs, 1,779 are dependents, and 362 are stranded Filipinos. The government has also extended financial assistance and immediate aid to 34,188 OFWs and other affected Filipinos, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure a swift, orderly, and compassionate response for Filipinos overseas.

Meanwhile, the DMW and OWWA continue to provide onsite assistance services, including food, transporta-

It’s no longer quiet at the Oslob, Cebu waterfront

By Minerva Newman

OSLOB, Cebu—Mainit Port in this southern town reopened on May 22 after 15 years of inactivity, marked by the launch of a new maritime route linking Oslob, Larena in Siquijor, and Dumaguete City.

The new sealane is expected to strengthen Cebu’s maritime network by providing southern Cebu towns with faster access to inter-island trade and tourism routes while improving sea connectivity across Central Visayas.

The Oslob-Siquijor-Dumaguete route is serviced by Super Shuttle Ferry boats operated by the Asian Maritime Transport Corp. (AMTC).

“While the route is presently on dry run or soft launch, we’re also opening the passenger terminal at Mainit Port, Oslob to provide greater convenience to the riding public by establishing a direct and efficient maritime link from the southern part of Cebu to the neighboring islands of Siquijor and Dumaguete,” said Paolo Rodriguez, AMTC chief operations officer.

Rodriguez, who is also president of Super Shuttle Ferry and a key figure in the Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association (PCSA), has pushed for stronger collaboration between government and operators to address gaps in southern Cebu routes.

“We envision Southern Cebu not merely as a stop along the way, but as

a destination and gateway that seamlessly connects travelers to Siquijor and Dumaguete while showcasing the beauty and tourism potential of Cebu’s southern corridor,” Rodriguez said. He added that AMTC plans to establish solar-powered EV charging stations at Oslob Port, integrate transport links with Ceres buses for easier travel from Cebu City to Siquijor via Oslob, and de-

ploy more boats on the Panglao, BoholOslob route to help complete the Central Visayas trade and tourism corridor. Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, in her message during the port inauguration, said the reopening of Oslob Port would shorten travel time for passengers and cargo moving between mainland Cebu, Negros Oriental, and the southern Visayas corridor.

tion, shelter, and medical support for affected Filipinos in the region. Government records showed that a total of 70,148 onsite services have already been delivered for OFWs and their families, including 23,345 food assistance services, 7,697 transport assistance services, 2,491 shelter assistance services, and 2,427 medical assistance services.

Cacdac said repatriation efforts remain ongoing, alongside strengthened welfare and reintegration programs to help returning OFWs recover and rebuild their lives upon their return to the Philippines.

DENR says no tree can be cut down without ‘legal basis’

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Monday assured the public that no tree removal is authorized without a strict legal basis, environmental safeguards, and long-term rehabilitation requirements.

“DENR understands the public’s concern about tree-cutting activities, including recent discussions on the Quirino Avenue situation and the Berong Nickel Project in Palawan,” the DENR said in a statement.

For the Berong Nickel Project, the DENR said a total of 26,617 trees were authorized for cutting, while 43,743 saplings were approved for earth-balling and transplanting.

“Importantly, the cutting of trees in Berong will not occur in one instance. It will be implemented in phases, and each phase will proceed simultaneously with the planting of replacement trees to ensure continuous ecological recovery,” the agency said.

The DENR also said the project carries one of the country’s highest mitigation standards, including a mandatory replacement ratio of 100 indigenous seedlings for every tree authorized for cutting, equivalent to an estimated minimum of 2,661,700 seedlings.

The replacement trees must include indigenous and mangrove species such as pagatpat, api-api, and other DENRapproved native species suited to the area’s rehabilitation needs.

Beyond planting, the project proponent is required to maintain all planted seedlings for at least three years to ensure survival and successful establishment, and to continue long-term protection and stewardship of rehabilitated areas. The company is also required to engage local communities and families in planting, maintenance, and protection activities, subject to DENR validation before any payment is released to ensure transparency, quality of work, and community benefit.

Fish vendor’s daughter wins Palaro’s 1st gold

By Jeremiah Sevilla

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur—Chrishia Mae Tajarros blazed through the track with only herself as her fiercest rival.

The pride of Eastern Visayas reasserted her dominance in the 3,000-meter run secondary girls’ event to defend her crown and snare the first gold medal in the Palarong Pambansa 2026 on Monday at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Gov. D.O. Plaza Memorial Sports Complex here.

Tajarros led the 23-athlete race from the first few laps and never looked back, crossing the finish line in 10 minutes and 4.76 seconds to replicate her feat of emerging as the first Palaro champion in the 2025 edition in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Suiting up for her third stint in the annual meet, the incoming Grade 10 student of Tanauan National High School came close to shattering the re-

cord of 10:03.4 set by Davao Region’s Mea Gey Niñura in 2016. Her performance was nonetheless way faster than her 10:18.6 showing in the Laoag iteration last year.

“Confident lang po ako na kaya ko ‘to, and nag-training ako nang halos isang taon para dito,” said the Batang Pinoy 2025 champion in General Santos City, who credited her coaches at the Leyte Sports Academy for fineturning her strides on the oval.

“Malaking improvement po ‘yong nakuha ko ngayon kasi pinaghandaan po namin ‘to,” added the 14-year-old trackster, a proud daughter of fish vendor and housewife in Tanauan, Leyte. While it seemed like her EVRAA

unleashed a burst of speed to easily break

free when the bell rang for the final lap.

“During naglalaro po ako, hindi po ako tumitingin sa likod ko,” Tajarros said after beating Lumacang (10:16.24) and Davao Region’s Charlen Cos (10:17.20).

The second straight victory of Tajarros in the 66th edition of the grassroots sports competition supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and organized by the Department of Education (DepEd) just got sweeter as gold medalists are sure to receive P5,000 in cash incentive under the PSC program following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

With the help of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the PSC has earmarked a total of P10 million in bonuses for medalists, with silver winners taking home P3,000 and bronze finishers getting P2,000.

“These incentives will likewise help motivate our young student-athletes to strive harder and train more diligently. Tulong upang maabot ang kanilang pangarap,” said PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio.

FESSAP sends 2 athletes to Asian University Badminton Championship

By Graham C. Lim

THE Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP), the country’s sole university sports federation recognized by the Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF) and the International University Sports Federation (FISU), proudly announces the participation of two Filipino athletes in the Asian University Badminton Championship, to be held in Taipei City from June 8 to 15, 2026. Representing the Philippines in the competition are Thomas Neo Gatdula and John Benedict Oliveros, both standout athletes from DLSU-D. Their nomination was facilitated by the FESSAP Badminton Club, reflecting the federation’s commitment to identifying and supporting promising university athletes across the nation.

The FESSAP Board has designated Katelyn Chen as the Head of Delegation, with support from Gerry Sergio, Athletic Director of De La Salle University–Dasmariñas (DLSU-D), and Cecille Sarmiento, FESSAP Board Secretary.

Ramos

By Peter Atencio

FILIPINO fans will get to appreciate a different style of basketball in September, when the Japan B.League holds two preseason games in Manila.

Levanga Hokkaido’s Filipino import Dwight Ramos said this, with his team set to face the Gunma Crane Thunders on Sept. 9 and 10 at the Mall of Asia.

“I think it’s very exciting and it’s gonna be a pretty big game for the B.League and also because the Filipinos love basketball. It’s a chance to experience two teams that you probably can’t really watch unless it’s on the screen. But now you get to see it in person,” said Ramos during a visit at the SM Megamall over the weekend.

Action in Japan’s B.League is seen with a high-intensity pace, elite perimeter shooting, structured team-

Cordillera bets dominate Asian MMA tourney

By Randy M. Caluag

PHILIPPINE fighters Jean Claude Saclag and Gina Iniong-Araos won gold medals at the 4th Asian Mixed Martial Arts Championship held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, securing automatic qualification for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The performance reestablished the Philippines’ regional standing in the sport, driven by the two veteran competitors from the country’s Cordillera region.

Saclag won the Men’s Traditional MMA -65kg division title after a first-round technical knockout victory over Kazakhstan’s Chingiz Zussupov in the final.

The Team Lakay fighter, nicknamed “The Dynamite,” advanced through the tournament with a unanimous decision victory over Uzbekistan’s Mirjamol Mirsaidov in the quarterfinals, followed by a majority decision win against Saudi Arabia’s Saud Almolhem in the semifinals.

In the final, Saclag overwhelmed Zussupov early to force the stoppage before the end of the opening round.

In the women’s events, IniongAraos won the -54kg Modern MMA division gold medal. She defeated Japan’s Tomoe Katayama in the final, neutralizing her opponent to secure the second gold medal for the Philippine delegation.

Both fighters will now advance to represent the Philippines at the Asian Games.

Singh, Lim rip foes in Palawan Open kicko

The program and duration of the championship were finalized by the AUSF Executive Committee, in coordination with the Organizing Committee. The tournament will run for five days, featuring individual and mixed team events for both men and women.

first execution, and full-court defensive pressure On the other hand, Philippine basketball is described as fastpaced, highly physical, and guardcentric, that features a “run-andgun” approach.

“I’m excited the B.League will get to create the nice experience that we have in Japan, how they are going to bring that over to the Philippines. So I’m very excited to see how it goes,” said the 27-year-old Ramos.

“They’re going to see how passionate Filipinos are about the game. Japanese fans are not yelling in the crowd, but, you know, the Filipinos are definitely doing that,” added Ramos. The staging of the B.League games in Manila will have support of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Philippine Basketball Association and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

The coming pre-season is events

FESSAP President Edwin C. Fabro extends his heartfelt support to the Philippine delegation, emphasizing the significance of this participation not only for the athletes but for the entire university sports community in the country.

“Our athletes carry with them the spirit of determination, discipline, and dignity that define Filipino student-athletes. Their participation in the Asian University Badminton Championship is a testament to the growing strength of university sports in the Philippines,” said Fabro.

He added: “FESSAP remains steadfast in its mission to open international pathways for our youth, believing that every opportunity to compete abroad is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to inspire.”

FESSAP also expressed gratitude to its member institutions, corporate partners with the Philippine Airlines, PAGCOR, LT GROUP INC., HENN Athletic Club, and various supporters who continue to uplift the federation’s programs and help strengthen the Philippines’ presence in the Asian university sports arena.

THE top guns of the Palawan Open 2026 unleashed an overwhelming display of power and resolve during Sunday’s kickoff, dismantling their unfancied rivals to signal a ruthless start to the blue-ribbon event at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center. Bannering the heavy-handed onslaught was top seed Digvijay Pratap Singh of India, who barely worked up a sweat in dispatching local challenger Ethan Cablitas with a solid 6-0, 6-0 shutout. The ATP-ranked star advanced effortlessly to the second round against Jeremiah Latorre, who moved on following a 7-5, 1-0 (ret.) victory over Kian Sanchez. Matching Singh’s clinical precision in the lower half of the 64-player draw, No. 2 seed Alberto “AJ” Lim Jr. likewise served notice of his title aspirations. The local favorite dominated Adrian Cagitlan with his own commanding shutout victory. Third-ranked Eric Jed Olivarez, coming off a stellar quarterfinal run in China, dropped only two games in a 6-1, 6-1 dismantling of Raphael Villanueva. Meanwhile, fourth seed Christopher Papa of the US effortlessly advanced to the next round via a walkover win over Isaac Lim.

The foreign contingent continued to flash their supreme form and elite pedigree, looming as dangerous spoilers capable of spoiling the local aces’ championship ambitions. Fifthseeded Aggarwal Parth of India left Joshua Ferrer clueless in another 6-0, 6-0 shutout, banking on a steady baseline game that typifies the formidable international threat.

Prolonged Middle East war risks choking PH growth, FSCC warns

2.8% 10.7% 12%

By Thony Rose Lesaca

GDP growth in first quarter Bank lending growth in March

Money supply growth in March

transport sector. Discussions centered on the SBCorp E-Transport Loan Program and potential collaboration opportunities between DTI and Angkas to assist riders and drivers in transitioning to EV units.

By Othel V. Cmapos

DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said the government is preparing to expand its P2-billion e-transport loan program as strong demand from small transport operators could soon deplete the initial funding.

APROLONGED war in the Middle East could weaken market sentiment, tighten financial conditions and drag down overall economic growth, the Financial Stability Coordination Council warned.

The council flagged several risks to the Philippine financial system during its quarterly meeting at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas head office on May 20, 2026, citing vulnerabilities in corporate and household debt alongside geopolitical uncertainties.

Higher energy costs and tighter financing conditions could increase debt-servicing burdens and compress corporate margins, which could eventually hurt bank asset quality, the council said. It specifically highlighted exposures to energy- and in-

terest-rate-sensitive sectors as areas to watch.

The council also warned that rising bond yields could lead to valuation losses on the securities holdings of banks, potentially affecting their capital buffers if market pressures persist.

“Geopolitical risks remain a key source of uncertainty. We are watching global developments closely to spot and address potential systemic risks,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor and Financial Stability Co-

ordination Council chairman Eli Remolona Jr. said.

“We see pockets of vulnerability in energy- and interest-rate-sensitive sectors and in valuation pressures from higher bond yields,” said Remolona.

Borrowing costs and debt levels continue to grow for both households and corporations, prompting the council to closely monitor the capacity of borrowers to repay their loans.

Despite these growing pressures, the council noted that the domestic financial system remains resilient.

“Nonetheless, the financial system remains on solid footing. Banks have adequate capital and liquidity buffers to absorb shocks and keep lending to households and firms,” Remolona said.

To mitigate potential shocks, the BSP said the council is strengthening its oversight of non-bank financial institutions.

Social Security System and Pag-IBIG Fund to secure additional financing support and sustain the initiative aimed at accelerating the shift to electric vehicles.

The DTI chief said the program, launched on April 8, has gained strong interest from transport groups and individual operators.

1-year grace period on both principal and interest payments.

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) cited the importance of submitting credible and transparent sustainability disclosures among corporations to boost investor confidence and ensure business continuity during the ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit 2026 held in Cebu. The summit convened government and private sector stakeholders ahead of the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit to advance cross-sectoral collaboration on sustainability, trade resilience and regional economic integration amid increasing global uncertainty.

Organized by the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) in partnership with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), the event drew regional policymakers, business leaders, sustainability advocates and international organizations to focus on strengthening sustainability governance, economic resilience and credible environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting across ASEAN.

SEC sustainability committee chair and commissioner Javey Paul Francisco participated in the Industry Exchange Panel titled “ESG Commitments and Credible Reporting: Strengthening Transparency and Trust in ASEAN.”

Francisco said sustainability disclosure is no longer a peripheral reporting exercise but an increasingly material component of market integrity, investor confidence and long-term corporate resilience.

The agency, through its financing arm SB Corp., is in talks with Philippine Guarantee Corp., the

“The

The initiative caters primarily to small operators and individual riders who often lack access to traditional financing.

SEC urges transparent ESG reporting to boost trust Casino Plus secures P1-b surety bond to protect player funds Gov’t seeks to expand P2-b e-transport fund as demand surges

“We can all work together through a whole-of-government approach on this. We need to be creative in trying to find ways to make the shift easy for them,” Roque said on the sidelines of an event awarding loans to 10 transport cooperatives.

IN BRIEF

OSEC to achieve the target COD and avoid adverse consequences to OSPP,” the company said in its submission.

The project, located in the municipality of Paoay in Ilocos Norte province, plans an interim connection via a bus-in layout to the 230-kilovolt Laoag-San Esteban transmission line operated by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.

Opus Solar will build a 230-kilovolt, 4-circuit interim transmission line near the site of the proposed NGCP Pinili substation. The company will transfer from the interim connection to its final configuration once NGCP completes the Pinili substation.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Advanced analyzer to curb rice fraud

THE Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) acquired a rice quality analyzer to strengthen government enforcement of national rice standards and develop technical benchmarks that could eventually distinguish locally produced rice from imported varieties.

Bureau of Plant Industry director Gerald Glenn Panganiban said in a report to Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. that the acquisition supports the implementation of Republic Act No. 12078, or the amended Agricultural Tariffication Law. The agency will deploy the advanced testing equipment through its Plant Product Safety Services Division.

The newly-implemented law allows the agency to enhance its grain analysis capability through advanced testing equipment. Department of Agriculture officials said the analyzer evaluates several distinct quality parameters.

These include grain size, the percentage of broken grains, the milling degree or bran retention rate, the average length-width ratio, the mixing rate and the chalkiness rate. It also measures the wax white rate, the heavy chalkiness rate, the chalkiness degree, the embryo retention rate, the yellow rice rate, the dark yellow rate and the spot rate.

“The primary objective of this capability is to support the assessment of rice compliance with the applicable Philippine National Standards. The generated data will also serve as technical reference in determining rice quality classification and in identifying possible indicators that may distinguish local from imported rice, subject to validation and correlation with established reference data,” Panganiban said. Othel V. Campos

needed to enable

Under the program, qualified operators may borrow up to P3 million for a maximum of 2 electric vehicle units. The facility features a

Roque said operators could cut operating expenses by 33 percent to as much as 80 percent through lower fuel and maintenance costs while also helping reduce pollution.

To boost adoption, DTI has coordinated with motorcycle ridehailing platform Angkas to encourage its riders to avail themselves of the financing facility.

appointment comes at an important time for the institution as it continues to modernize operations and expand services for government workers and retirees nationwide.

Experts push for better targeting of electricity subsidies as costs rise

PHILIPPINE electricity subsidies should be better targeted to ensure financial sustainability and prevent leakage to wealthier households, according to experts from a state-run think tank and the government.

The country’s major power subsidy programs face mounting fiscal and implementation challenges despite their critical role in promoting energy access, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) senior research fellow Kris Francisco said in a recent webinar.

“We treat electricity as a basic need,” Francisco said, noting that subsidy programs help households participate more productively in the economy and support broader development goals.

Expenditures for the Universal Charge for Missionary Electrification (UCME), which supports power

access in off-grid and remote areas, have surged. The costs rose from P7.05 billion in 2020 to a projected P28.6 billion in 2024.

Earlier consumption-based arrangements allowed more than 60 percent of households in many regions to qualify for lifeline rate benefits, raising concerns that the aid was not reaching those who needed it most.

Francisco said relying solely on electricity consumption as a proxy for poverty fails to identify poor households accurately.

“Lower consumption does not necessarily mean that a household is poorer,” Francisco said.

“Consumption thresholds alone are not enough to identify poor households and should be complemented with household welfare data,” Francisco

He said investors are demanding more consistent, comparable and decision-useful sustainability information as climate-related and governance risks increasingly influence capital allocation and business strategy.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CASINO Plus, a regulated gaming platform licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., said it secured a P1-billion PhilFirst Surety Bond to protect player funds and uphold its financial obligations.

The platform implemented the guarantee as economic pressures force Filipino households to be more intentional with their discretionary spending.

“We understand that Filipinos are being more careful about where their money goes,” Casino Plus chief executive Evan Spytma said.

“Our P1-billion Surety Bond is proof that we take player protection seriously. It reflects our commitment to operating with financial discipline, transparency, and accountability,” said Spytma.

The company said it prioritizes longterm player confidence over short-term promotional activities. The platform combines regulator compliance, financial safeguards, know-your-customer security protocols and customer support infrastructure to maintain a secure gaming environment.

Platform executives said that while entertainment remains a personal choice, operators must deliver it responsibly with transparent processes and immediate access to legitimate winnings.

The gaming platform operates across a broad demographic in the Philippines, where economic conditions frequently impact entertainment spending. The operator said it continues to update its infrastructure and expand its player support systems.

“At Casino Plus, we built our platform on a simple but powerful truth: entertainment should light up a moment, not consume a life,” Spytma said.

“We remind our players that control isn’t a restriction — it’s a form of respect for your time, the people who count on you, and the life that extends far beyond any screen. Control is as important as enjoying the moment,” he said.

TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026

PH shares reclaim 6,000 level as oil prices slide, peso rises

LOCAL shares bounced back to the 6,000 level Monday following a steep decline in global fuel prices on hopes that a deal between the United States and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz will be finalized.

The peso also closed stronger Monday at 61.47 to the US dollar, up from 61.69 on Friday.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index closed at 6,009.38, up 47.98 points, or 0.81 percent. The broader all shares index ended at 3,371.88, up 15.05 points, or 0.45 percent.

“The Philippine market ended higher following the sharp decline in crude prices amid renewed optimism over the US and Iran peace talks,” said Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp.

Global oil prices fell below $100 a barrel on news of the potential deal between the US and Iran.

Limlingan said the strengthening of the peso against the dollar also helped improve sentiment toward equities and boosted investor confidence.

“Gains were driven by selective buying as investors welcomed easing inflationary and geopolitical concerns,” Limlingan added.

Only the industrial sector ended in the red, down 0.25 percent. Financials jumped the most, rising 1.21 percent, while holding firms rose 0.96 percent.

Services, mining and oil, and property advanced 0.76 percent, 0.68 percent and 0.29 percent, respectively.

Trading remained thin, however, with value turnover at P3.25 billion.

Jenniffer

B. Austria

Filinvest Land cut unsold inventory by P4.1b in Q1

By Jenniffer B. Austria

FILINVEST Land Inc. (FLI) reduced its unsold residential inventory by P4.1 billion in the first quarter, as strong ready-for-occupancy (RFO) sales helped strengthen the property developer’s balance sheet amid a more selective market.

The company posted record RFO sales of P1.7 billion in the first quarter, which resulted in a decline in inventory and supported efforts to improve capital efficiency and boost liquidity, according to a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday.

The strategy of moving existing inventory allowed the company to maximize cash flow while reducing holding costs tied to unsold units, FLI said.

“Our priority has been to ensure that every peso of capital is working toward growth,” Filinvest Land president and chief executive Tristan Las Marias said.

“By successfully moving P4.1 billion in inventory this quarter, we have strengthened our balance sheet. This disciplined execution allows us to pursue new high-

value opportunities with absolute confidence,” Las Marias said. FLI said the stronger balance sheet and improved liquidity position would give it more flexibility to pursue expansion opportunities while maintaining financial discipline.

The company reported a net income of P904 million in the first quarter of the year, nearly steady from the same period last year. Consolidated revenues jumped 4.5 percent to P6.31 billion, driven by a rise in real estate revenues to P3.92 billion.

March reservation sales reached P2.7 billion, a 62 percent increase year-on-year. This growth was distributed across key regional hubs in Mindanao, Central Luzon and the National Capital Region, validating FLI’s focus on RFO inventory to meet immediate buyer demand.

Leasing revenues went up 17 percent to P744 million as mall occupancy reached 80 percent. Office leasing generated P1.26 billion in revenue, supported by a perfect 100-percent renewal rate for all firstquarter lease expiries.

First Gen shareholder demands transparency

FIRST Gen Corp. minority shareholder Joseph Alvin Tan has asked the company’s board to disclose alleged “poison pill” provisions in its multi-billion-peso energy deals.

In a letter addressed to the First Gen board, Tan raised concerns that change-of-managementcontrol clauses in agreements serve as a mechanism to entrench the current chief executive officer and strip away fundamental investor rights.

“The potential for a cross-default of this scale, triggered by a routine governance decision, represents an extraordinary and, in our view, wholly disproportionate constraint on the rights of shareholders,” Tan said.

He said the asset purchase agreements grant the buyer an option to claw back equity stakes at a 25 percent discount if First Gen chief executive Federico Lopez is removed or replaced. Tan estimated the financial exposure from the clause at up to P24 billion.

Tan also pointed to a P25 billion standby letter of credit facility with a major bank. The agreement classifies replacing the chief executive as an event of default, which would allow the lender to demand immediate repayment of all outstanding debt across the wider Lopez group.

Tan asked the board to verify whether these terms were shared with directors prior to approval, whether the board fulfilled its fiduciary duties of care and diligence, and if the agreements underwent an independent review for related-party characteristics.

If acquitted, can Sara Duterte win the 2028 election?

ALL the deplorable and unethical things that have happened in and around Congress, in the last two years, with regard to the Vice-President of the Philippines have been parts of a grand central strategy. The derailment of the 19th Congress effort to impeach and try Sara Duterte, the recent dethronement of Senate president Vicente Sotto III - a staunch advocate of an early Senate trial - and related Congressional maneuvers are parts of an overarching strategy to prevent the impeachment and trial of the Vice-President and to keep her eligible to run for the presidency in the May 2025 election.

The assumption underlying this strategy is that if she is eligible to be a candidate in the 2028 presidential election, Sara Duterte will surely emerge victorious. The Dutertistas believe that the only thing standing in the way of the Vice-President’s ascension to the presidency in 2028 is a Senate verdict of conviction.

Is this assumption - that an acquitted Sara Duterte will be the sure winner in the 2028 Presidential election - tenable? It is tenable only if the Congress, acting in conformity with the Constitution, presents a weak and vulnerable case against the Vice-President.

That is not the case. Congress has a formidable case against Sara Duterte. The five-part Articles of Impeachment constitute a fearsome indictment of the Vice-President. Each of the Articles is supported by strong, well-documented evidence. Indeed, each of the Articles could be used by the Senators-judges, acting judiciously, to return a verdict of guilty against Sara Duterte.

The Dutertistas believe that the only thing standing in the way of the vice-president’s ascension to the presidency in 2028 is a Senate verdict of conviction.

Opinion is divided as to which of the five Articles of Impeachment is the strongest indictment against the Vice President.

Some say that the P6.7 billion worth of discrepancies in the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) of Sara Duterte and her husband Manases Carpio, if not satisfactorily explained, is sufficient to support a judgment of conviction by the Senators-judges. To say that the Carpio couple and their lawyers will have a difficult time explaining P6.7 billion worth of SALN discrepancies is to grossly understate the matter.

Others say that Sara Duterte’s alleged wanton misuse of the confidential funds of her offices - the Office of the Vice-President and the Department of Education - is the most damaging item in Congress’s arsenal of charges against the Vice-President Prosecution witness. Ramil Madriaga has forcefully testified that he distributed P125 million worth of confidential funds in a single day among questionable recipients. It will be interesting to see whether Sara Duterte’s lawyers can discredit Mr. Madriaga’s testimony and how they go about it.

Still others say that the most damaging charge against the nation’s No. 2 official is her “No Joke, no joke” disclosure that she has contracted a hit man to assassinate the nation’s Chief Executive. To plot against the life of the President of the Philippines - whether on a conditional basis or not - is an act with great negative implications for political stability in a democratic society and is sufficient to support a verdict of convection.

The formulators and implementors of the Dutertista strategy on behalf of the Vice-President need to be reminded that she has to undergo two trials before she can get to Malacanang: trial by the impeachment court and trial by the court of public opinion.

The evidence against Sara Duterte is very strong and the entire case against her is overwhelming. She will be facing the Senate in 2026 and the national electorate in 2028 with a lot of heavy baggage. Given the quality of today’s Senate, it is conceivable that Sara Duterte will be acquitted - although the ‘numbers’ may change once the Senators-judges are confronted with the evidence of her wrongdoings - in 2028 she will be tried, at the ballot box, by millions of Filipinos who are poor and are sick and tired of corruption, abuse of office and non-accountability

Back to the title of this column. If acquitted, by the Senate, can Sara Duterte win the 2028 election? Highly unlikely.

(llagasjessa@yaho.com)

Strong traffic lifts toll road firm’s income

By Darwin G. Amojelar

COMMUNITY FUND. Quezon Wind Energy Corp., a subsidiary of Vena Energy, turns over a check to its host community, the Dumagat/ Remontado Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of General Nakar, Quezon. The event demonstrated Vena Energy’s continuous efforts in supporting its host communities beyond respecting their rights and heritage. The turnover formalizes the Quezon IPs’ receipt of their community funds under the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process, through the Pigtaanan ne Dumagat – Remontado de General Nakar, Quezon (PDRGNQ), the implementing IP prganization.

Sea fare subsidy to shield 10m passengers

THE Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) said Monday it launched a sea fare subsidy program to benefit 10 million passengers and shield commuters from fluctuating fuel prices driven by global energy disruptions.

The initiative, named the Lakbay Alalay ng Gobyerno Program, aims to ease the financial burden on maritime commuters while sustaining the business operations of domestic ship and boat operators.

The regulator formalized the subsidy-based initiative through an agency advisory under the government’s Service Contracting Program to cover approved fare increases across several key domestic routes.

MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan said the program is deeply anchored on compassion for commuters affected by rising costs.

“MARINA understands the heavy weight the energy crisis has placed on citizens,” Malaluan said, adding that the LAYAG Program ensures passenger travel will remain uninterrupted and affordable because the government is actively stepping in to provide a helping hand.

Under the initiative, the government will provide direct fare subsidies to 33 participating operators to cover approved fare increases for 93 passenger vessels.

The program covers 11 high-traffic and essential routes, including round-trip voyages between Batangas and Puerto Galera, Batangas

and Calapan, Jordan Wharf in Guimaras and Parola Wharf in Iloilo City, and Buenavista Wharf in Guimaras and Parola Wharf in Iloilo City.

The program also spans routes connecting Sta. Rosa on Olango Island to Angasil in Lapu-Lapu City, Liloan in Santander to Sibulan in Negros Oriental, Zamboanga City to Basilan, and Sta. Cruz on Talicud Island to Poblacion Kaputian.

Coverage extends to round trips between Surigao City and San Jose in the Province of Dinagat Islands, Socorro and Hayanggabon in Surigao del Norte, and Socorro and Dapa in Surigao del Norte.

The government will compute the fare subsidy mechanism based on actual passenger volume per trip alongside approved fare differentials under current agency regulations. This setup ensures that passengers continue to pay only their pre-increase base fares while operators receive compensation through targeted government funding.

Darwin G. Amojelar

NLEX Corp. said Monday its net income rose 8 percent in the first quarter of 2026 on robust traffic volume, the implementation of catchup and add-on toll rate adjustments and effective cost management.

The company said it posted a net profit of P3.84 billion in the January to March period, up from P3.55 billion in the same period last year. Toll revenues in the first quarter reached P8.02 billion, up 15 percent from P6.98 billion posted in the first quarter of 2025.

Company officials attributed the revenue growth to higher traffic volume and the impact of toll rate adjustments implemented in January 2026.

Average daily traffic for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) reached 361,665 vehicle entries, higher than 2025 figures by 2 percent. Average daily traffic for the SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) reached 83,930

Operating revenues came mainly from

at NLEX, SCTEX and the NLEX Connector. The company also generated other income from fees collected from toll service facilities located along NLEX and rental income from advertising structures.

The company’s total cost of services amounted to P2.77 billion in the first quarter, up 19 percent from P2.32 billion in the same period last year.

The NLEX spans about 105 kilometers, or 598 lanekilometers, serving as the primary infrastructure backbone connecting Metro Manila to Central and Northern Luzon. NLEX Corp. also operates the SCTEX, a 94-kilometer fourlane divided highway traversing the provinces of Bataan, Pampanga and Tarlac.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING OF THE PHILODRILL CORPORATION

TO ALL STOCKHOLDERS:

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (“Meeting” or “ASM”) of The Philodrill Corporation (the “Company”) will be held on June 17, 2026 (Wednesday) at 2:30 pm. The Meeting will be conducted virtually and attendance at the meeting will be via remote communication only.

The Agenda for the Meeting shall be as follows:

1. Call to Order and Proof of Notice of the Meeting.

2. Certification of Quorum.

3. Approval of the Minutes of the June 18, 2025 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

STI Education Systems Holdings Inc.

said Monday it posted a 22.2-percent drop in quarterly net income, led by a shift in how it recognizes tuition revenues.

Net income for the January-toMarch quarter fell to P549.4 million from P706.6 million in the same period last year. Revenues dropped 9 percent to P1.37 billion from P1.51 billion a year earlier. Under a revised accounting approach introduced for the 20252026 school year, STI Education Services Group and STI West Negros University now recognize tuition and school fee revenues based on the actual number of school days per quarter rather than monthly.

The company said the drop reflects timing differences rather than a fundamental business slowdown.

“Our performance reflects the resilience of our core education business and the continued strength of tertiary enrollment across the network. While the timing of revenue recognition affected quarterly comparisons, our full-year results remain stable and aligned with management expectations,” STI Education Systems Holdings Inc. said in a statement to the stock exchange.

For the nine-month period, net income remained stable at P1.63 billion compared to P1.62 billion a year earlier, supported by steady tertiary enrollment and campus expansion. Gross revenues for the nine months rose 2 percent to P4.20 billion.

Total student enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year reached 132,941, down from 139,155 in the previous year. Programs regulated by the Commission on Higher Education accounted for 77 percent of that total.

The company attributed a decline in basic education enrollment to earlier class openings in public schools, which impacted private school intake.

CREDIT FACILITY. Officials of Cathay United Bank and First Circle sign a P300-million credit facility to reinforce growing support for sustainable and inclusive SME financing in the Philippines. The credit facility, finalized in April 2026, marks First Circle’s first financing partnership with a Taiwanese bank. The transaction aligns with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, encouraging financial institutions to integrate sustainable finance principles and responsible lending into their operations to support financial inclusion.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy commended energy officials and power companies on Monday for quickly restoring electricity across the Palawan grid following a systemwide blackout earlier this month.

The outage occurred at 9:22 a.m. after a corroded section of the Irawan-Aborlan 69-kilovolt transmission line failed at Sitio Tacduan, Barangay Inagawan in Puerto Princesa City, according to an initial assessment by the state-run National Power Corp. (NPC).

The line segment had already been scheduled for replacement under a maintenance program but failed prior to rehabilitation.

The incident cut power to areas stretching from Bataraza in the south to Taytay in the north, affecting tens of thousands of consumers on the island province.

Technical personnel from the NPC, National Transmission Corp. (TransCo), National Electrification Administration (NEA) and Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO) achieved full restoration at 10:06 p.m. on the same day through alternative supply configurations, switching operations and grid stabilization measures.

As part of the recovery, engineers successfully conducted blackstart operations—the process of restarting a power station without relying on an external transmission network—from the DMCI Expansion Man 2 Power Plant, which belongs to DMCI Power Corp., to re-energize the grid backbone.

Power returned gradually to Brooke’s Point, Narra, Roxas and Puerto Princesa City throughout the day, while substations in Taytay and Lucbuan were energized later in the afternoon.

4. President’s Report on the Company’s Exploration and Production activities for the past year.

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

6. Ratification and Approval of all previous acts and resolutions of the Board of Directors, Management, and all Committees.

7. Appointment of Independent Auditor

8. Election of Directors.

9. Other Matters.

10. Adjournment.

Only stockholders of record at the close of business hours on March 18, 2026 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at this meeting.

In accordance with the Company’s Amended By-Laws, stockholders may attend and participate in the meeting by remote communication or by voting through the Chairman of the meeting, as proxy. Stockholders who intend to attend by remote communication are required to accomplish the Registration Form1 and submit it together with the required documents to 2026asm@philodrill com on or before June 10, 2026. The link through which the Meeting may be accessed shall be sent to the email address of the registered stockholder. Stockholders may vote electronically in absentia, subject to validation procedures. The procedures for participating in the meeting through remote communication and for casting of votes in absentia are set forth in the Guidelines on Participation by Remote Communication and discussed in the Information Statement (SEC Form 20-IS).

If you are unable to join the virtual meeting but wish to vote on items in the agenda, you may appoint the Chairman as your proxy with specific voting instructions which will be duly counted. Duly accomplished Proxies shall be submitted by email to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 2026asm@philodrill com for inspection, validation, and recording at least seven (7) days before the opening of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting, no later than June 10, 2026 The Proxy Validation Committee will inspect, examine, and validate the sufficiency of the proxy forms received. We enclose a sample Registration/Proxy form for your convenience.

By registering to participate in the virtual meeting a stockholder or a proxy or representative of the stockholder agrees for the Company and its service providers to process their sensitive personal information necessary to verify their identity and authority. A stockholder who fails to comply with the registration requirement will not be able to participate in the virtual stockholders meeting.

Stockholders (or their proxies) whose registration are validated can: (a) view the webcast of the meeting, (b) vote on the agenda items using the online ballot that will be sent to them; and (c) send their questions, comments, or motions on the agenda items during the Meeting by email to 2026asm@philodrill com. Stockholders who will participate the Meeting are encouraged to send their questions, comments and motions before the meeting. Relevant questions on the agenda items will be read by the Moderator and will be answered by concerned Officers during the meeting.

The Definitive Information Statement (“IS”), Management Report, Audited Financial Statements, Interim Quarterly Report as of March 31, 2026, and other documents related to the ASM, including the Guidelines on Participation by Remote Communication may be accessed through any of the following operations:

1. Go to the Philodrill Corporation website via this link: https://philodrill com/

2. Go to the PSE EDGE portal via https://edge.pse com.ph/ or;

3. Request for a copy by sending an email to stocks@philodrill com

For ASM-related queries, you may send an email to stocks@philodrill com; info@ philodrill com or contact the Office of the Corporate Secretary at +632 8631-8151. For account updating or concerns regarding your shareholdings, please contact our Transfer Agent, Stock Transfer Service, Inc. (STSI), at telephone no. +632 5310-1343 or via email directly to Mr. Richard Regala at rdregala@stocktransfer.com.ph

Very truly yours, (SGD.) ADRIAN

&

Environment plan key to water security amid lower dam levels

THE Climate Change Commission (CCC) stressed the importance of Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs) in water security amid the declining water levels in several dams due to prolonged dry conditions and high heat indices.
 
The major dams in Luzon have recorded lower water elevations based on recent monitoring by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The low water levels reinforced the CCC’s warning that climate risks are no longer distant projections, but realities already affecting communities and critical resources across the country.

Angat Dam in Bulacan, which is the primary water source for Metro Manila, fell to 177.41 meters on May 19 from its normal water level of 210 meters. Ambuklao, La Mesa, San Roque, Pantabangan Ipo and Magat dams have also recorded lower water levels.

The CCC said water stress and prolonged dry periods are among the climaterelated hazards that local government units (LGUs) must anticipate and address through science-based, forward-looking planning, particularly through the formulation and implementation of LCCAPs.

“For a water-stressed, disaster-prone country, climate change is not simply an ecosystem issue with economic consequences. It is an existential issue for our economy, for our communities, and for our families,” said CCC vice chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje.

Under the Climate Change Act, LCCAPs serve as the primary mechanism for mainstreaming climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction into local development planning.CCC News

Potable water finally reaches Kalinga tribe

TINGLAYAN, Kalinga―In Barangay Butbut, the physical landscape is as challenging as it is beautiful. Access to water has long meant distance, effort and daily sacrifice.

Families have endured long walks to far-off sources to secure a basic need that should be within reach. This scarcity has shaped routines, strained households and limited opportunities for daily living, turning a simple survival need into a grueling communal labor.

“When water systems work, progress flows,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, under whose directive the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region (DENRCAR) provided the community with Level II Water Works Project (Spring Development).

The project, funded under the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) established by President Marcos through Executive Order No. 22, comes at a critical moment after the latter underscored water as a vital resource that sustains health, lives and economic activities.

The Butbut Tribe is one of the many ethnolinguistic groups within the Kalinga province, primarily inhabiting the rugged, mountainous terrain of Tinglayan.

Known for their fierce independence and rich warrior history, they are also the keepers of ancient traditions that have survived centuries of colonial influence.

The P2-million project, which will serve 147 households, includes a 31.394-cubic meter intake tank, filtration tank and main tank. The amount covers the installation of pipelines and fittings, hauling of materials and other external works. DENR News

of

Local governments asked to tap funds to address climate threats

THE Climate change Commission (CCC) has asked local government units (LGUs) to submit their climate adaptation plans to avail of funding and reduce disaster risks in their areas.

The CCC said LGUs can send in applications for the People’s Survival Fund (PSF), a funding mechanism that supports climate adaptation initiatives to strengthen resilience in vulnerable communities.

Established under Republic Act 10174, the PSF receives at least P1 billion annually from the national budget through the General Appropriations Act.

The fund may also be supplemented by grants, donations and contributions from development partners and the private sector.

The PSF is a dedicated national financing mechanism that supports adaptation projects beyond the regular budget capacities of LGUs, enabling them to address climate risks through targeted and responsive interventions. It provides

funding for initiatives that respond to the impacts of climate change, including extreme rainfall, flooding, drought and sea level rise.

The call was made after the Department of Finance (DOF), chair of the PSF Secretariat, announced that concept notes will be accepted until May 29, 2026. LGUs with limited capacity may submit a brief summary of the proposed project, which may earn an invitation to submit a full proposal or a non-selection letter from the PSF Board.

The CCC stressed the importance of maximizing available climate finance mechanisms to enable locally driven, science-based and

Key officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Cordillera Administrative Region, led by Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Benjamin Ventura (second from left), formally turn over a new spring development project to Barangay Butbut, Tinglayan, Kalinga. The project will provide a sustainable and reliable source of clean water for the community, improving health and daily life for residents of Barangay Butbut.

‘Every bird counts’: How people can help protect migratory birds

CATHERINE Quayle: Skyscrapers are dangerous because their bright lights attract birds, drawing them into areas like downtown Manhattan during migration, where glass surfaces reflect nearby trees. The combination of light and glass is highly hazardous.

But homes can be just as risky. Reflections, especially near feeders or trees, often lead to collisions. Homes actually cause the majority of collisions, they’re just less noticeable because it’s one or two birds at a time, whereas in downtown Manhattan you might find a hundred.

Migratory birds are especially at risk because they arrive at night, tired, disoriented, and in unfamiliar territory.

UN News: What can we do on a daily basis to contribute to bird conservation?

Catherine Quayle: You can keep your outdoor lights off at night so the skies stay darker and birds aren’t attracted to the light. In a smaller community, people turning out their lights makes a big difference.

One of the best things you can do is plant native species in your garden. Do a little research on what species are native to your area and devote some of your outdoor space to native species to attract insects and birds.

UN News: Do you have a memorable rescue story that really stuck with you?

Catherine Quayle: When I visit a nearby park to watch birds, I pass several buildings where window collisions are common. During migration season, I check for injured birds.

On one trip, I spotted a bird in the road beneath a glass skybridge–structures like these are especially dangerous because birds don’t expect them and often collide with the windows.

I ran down the hill and scooped the bird up; seconds later, a car drove over the spot where it had been. The bird was a scarlet tanager in beautiful yellow plumage. It was later rehabilitated and released, and it would certainly have been hit if I hadn’t picked it up.

UN News: For people who may not think of themselves as bird people, what’s one small thing they can do?

Catherine Quayle: Start by noticing the birds around you, what you see and hear when you go outside. As you pay attention, your curiosity will grow. You might pick up binoculars or join a bird walk.

During migration, many free bird walks are offered in local parks, often led by experts, and they’re really fun. The first time I walked into Central Park with a pair of binoculars many years ago and started looking at all the birds I hadn’t noticed before, it blew my mind. I was so excited and couldn’t get enough of it. I’ve been doing it ever since, and that was 25 years ago. UN News

community-centered solutions that directly benefit at-risk populations.

The PSF is governed by a multisectoral board chaired by the DOF, with the CCC as part of the board providing technical guidance and support to project proponents throughout the application process.

“The People’s Survival Fund is a critical tool to translate climate policies into concrete action on the ground. We encourage our local governments and partners to develop proposals that respond to their specific climate risks and protect their communities,” said Robert E. A. Borje, vice chairperson and executive director of the CCC. CCC News, PNA

DILG joins transition to circular economy

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) joined the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and partner agencies in advancing the country’s shift toward a circular economy.

The agencies made the pitch during the High-Level Interagency Roundtable on the National Circular Economy Framework (NCEF) held in Metro Manila recently.

DILG Assistant Secretary Lilian M. De Leon reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening local governance and improving basic service delivery through sustainable and environment-responsive policies at the local level.

De Leon said the DILG would maximize local mandates, performance systems and monitoring mechanisms to help ensure that circular economy principles are integrated into local governance, especially in improving waste management and promoting resource efficiency across local government units (LGUs).

The roundtable gathered key national government leaders, including DENR Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) Secretary and Director General Jose Francisco B. Benitez.

The initiative forms part of the DENR-led program supported by the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership under the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative.

The DILG reaffirmed its support for stronger inter-agency collaboration to translate national environmental policies into concrete and sustainable action at the community level, recognizing LGUs as key drivers in building cleaner, smarter and more resilient communities. PIA

Georgia NATIONAL DAY

BY DAWN on May 26, the city of Tbilisi is already stirring with anticipation.

National flags hang from balconies and government buildings, their white fields and crimson crosses bright against the soft light of the morning sky.

Along the city’s broad avenues, workers prepare stages for concerts while soldiers in ceremonial uniforms gather quietly before the crowds arrive. Cafés begin to fill with families, students, veterans, and tourists, all moving toward the heart of the capital where Georgia will once again celebrate its most symbolic national occasion.

Georgia National Day is more than a patriotic celebration marked by fireworks and military parades. It is a day layered with memory, identity, and historical meaning. Every year, the country pauses to commemorate the Declaration of Independence of Georgia, when Georgia established its first democratic republic after the collapse of the Russian Empire. Though the republic lasted only a short time before Soviet occupation in 1921, the ideals connected to that moment survived decades of political repression and eventually re-emerged with the restoration of independence in 1991.

Today, National Day serves as a bridge between Georgia’s turbulent past and its uncertain but ambitious future.

Georgia National Day: Honoring the past, shaping the future MOMENTUM WHERE IT MATTERS

As the celebrations unfold in Tbilisi, the city transforms into a living portrait of Georgian identity. Military aircraft cut through the sky above Rustaveli Avenue while crowds gather below to watch processions of soldiers, musicians, and folk dancers move through the capital. Traditional songs echo across public squares, their haunting harmonies carrying centuries of cultural memory. Nearby, young people wave flags and record the celebrations on their phones, blending historical ritual with the immediacy of the digital age.

The contrast feels distinctly Georgian—ancient traditions existing comfortably beside modern aspirations.

For generations, Georgia’s identity has been shaped by survival. Situated between Europe and Asia, the country has long stood at the crossroads of empires and competing political influences. Persian, Ottoman, and Russian powers each left their mark on Georgian history, yet the country preserved its language, faith, and cultural traditions through centuries of external pressure.

That resilience remains central to the meaning of National Day.

The celebration is filled with reminders that Georgia’s independence was neither permanent nor guaranteed. Public memorials honor those who fought for sovereignty, while official ceremonies emphasize national unity and democratic statehood. The memory of Soviet occupation under the Soviet Union still lingers within public consciousness, particularly among older generations who experienced censorship, political control, and the struggle for restored

independence firsthand. Yet National Day is not defined only by remembrance. It is equally shaped by aspiration.

Modern Georgia continues to negotiate its political identity in a rapidly changing world. The country’s growing relationship with the European Union is often reflected in the symbolism surrounding May 26 celebrations, where European flags sometimes appear alongside Georgian ones in public spaces. The holiday has increasingly become associated with democratic values, civic participation, and the idea of Georgia as a modern European state. At the same time, unresolved territorial conflicts involving Abkhazia and South Ossetia continue to shape the nation’s political atmosphere. These conflicts serve as reminders that questions of sovereignty and territorial integrity remain deeply emotional issues within Georgian society. National Day therefore carries a dual emotional weight: celebration of independence and reflection on challenges that remain unresolved.

Culture occupies the emotional center of the holiday.

Throughout the day, public performances showcase the artistic traditions that have helped preserve Georgian identity for centuries. Folk dancers dressed in elaborate regional costumes move with precision and intensity, performing routines rooted in stories of courtship, warfare, and honor. Polyphonic singing—one of Georgia’s most recognized cultural traditions—rises above the crowds with its layered harmonies, creating an atmosphere both solemn and celebratory.

Food also becomes part of the national ritual.

Families gather around long tables filled with traditional dishes, turning private homes and public spaces alike into places of communal connection. In these moments, National Day becomes less about politics and more about continuity—the passing of traditions, memories, and identity from one generation to the next.

Religion remains closely woven into the occasion as well. The Georgian Orthodox Church plays a visible role in many commemorative events, reinforcing the historical connection between faith and national survival. Church ceremonies and blessings honor those who defended the country’s independence, while also emphasizing the spiritual traditions that endured during periods of foreign domination.

For younger Georgians, however, National Day increasingly reflects a broader civic consciousness. Schools and universities organize programs on democratic history, citizenship, and constitutional development. Social media platforms fill with historical photographs, patriotic imagery, and

discussions about Georgia’s future. The meaning of patriotism is gradually expanding beyond military symbolism to include activism, education, journalism, and democratic participation. This generational shift reflects a society still defining itself three decades after regaining independence. As evening settles over Tbilisi, the celebrations reach their emotional peak. Fireworks illuminate the skyline above the old city while crowds linger in public squares long after official ceremonies conclude. The music grows louder, conversations continue late into the night, and the capital seems suspended between memory and possibility. Georgia National Day endures because it is not simply about a historical date. It is about the enduring idea of Georgia itself — a nation shaped by struggle, sustained by culture, and continually redefining what independence means in the modern world.

TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

GARY Valenciano is adding a new chapter to a career that has stretched across more than four decades, turning his focus to podcasting with a format built on conversation and shared life stories.

The OPM icon, known as “Mr. Pure Energy,” has launched

Conversations with Gary V

Unshaken With Gary V, a weekly podcast streaming every Monday at noon on platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and YouTube.

Speaking with Manila Standard Entertainment during an intimate junket, Valenciano said he avoided watching similar shows or interviews before starting the project so he could shape his own voice and approach.

“I didn’t want to be influenced by how others do it,” he said. “I wanted it to be my own voice, my own way of asking questions.”

The format places him in

BINI powers global fan campaign with classic hit

P-POP sensation BINI leads a new digital campaign from ABS-CBN aimed at Filipinos worldwide, with a heartwarming rendition of “Dahil Sa ’Yo” as the project’s central theme.

The campaign, titled “Together Forever,” features a music video showing behind-the-scenes moments from the recording session of members Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna and Sheena

The song acts as the campaign’s official anthem, underscoring shared stories and experiences among Filipinos across different countries through entertainment and digital platforms.

ABS-CBN said the initiative strengthens its effort to expand global reach through digital content and streaming services.

The campaign highlights platforms such as Kapamilya Online Live and iWant, which provide 24/7 streaming and on-demand access to its programs.

The “Dahil Sa ’Yo” music video is available on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel, which the company said is among the most subscribed media and entertainment channels in Southeast Asia.

unscripted conversations with guests, guided by questions meant to connect with everyday listeners. He said the experience uncovered a more naturally expressive side of him.

“Andaldal ko pala,” he said in jest.

“I have a guide to follow, but the way it’s been written, it makes me want to engage. It doesn’t feel like work at all.”

He added that each conversation brings unexpected discoveries, too.

“You learn so much from your guests. Even in one interview, you walk away changed in some way,”

the 61-year-old OPM legend said, pointing to his conversation with Martin Nievera as especially meaningful. “That interview was very special. That’s all I can say.”

Built around stories of struggle, recovery, and resilience, the podcast features guests from entertainment, sports, and public life sharing personal turning points and lessons learned. Valenciano said he wants the tone to remain grounded and approachable, rather than preachy.

“I don’t want this to be preachy. I want people to feel like they’re sitting down with a friend who

understands what it’s like to struggle and still keep believing,” he said. Guests lined up for the first season include

The podcast is part of a broader slate of projects tied to Valenciano’s long-running career, following the “Hataw Na! Gary V Invitational Golf Tournament” and serving as another milestone ahead of a planned concert series in mid-2026.

DISNEY’S Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu saw the much-adored Baby Yoda and his adoptive guardian sweep the North American box office with an estimated $102 million take through Monday, industry estimates showed. The film is a jump to the big screen for the hit streaming series and the first Star Wars film to be released in theaters since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker. It

GMA

bags two bronze medals, seven finalist nods in New York fest

GMA Network earned two Bronze Medals and seven Finalist Certificates at the 2026 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards, strengthening its international recognition in documentary and feature film categories.

The network’s GMA Public Affairs won a Bronze Medal for the documentary Broken Roads, Broken Promises under the Documentary: Human Concerns category. The entry, led by actor Dingdong Dantes, examined alleged corruption tied to flood control project anomalies in the Philippines.

Another Bronze Medal was awarded to “Golden Tree” from The Atom Araullo Specials under the Environment & Ecology category. The documentary explored the illegal trade of

agarwood, a highly valued natural resource.

GMA Public Affairs also collected six Finalist Certificates across several programs, including “Baby Makers,” “Stolen Coastline,” “Unbound,” “Asia’s Scam Cities,” “Embalmer on Wheels,” and “Garbage Drivers,” which tackled topics ranging from social issues and health to environmental concerns and community stories.

The network’s feature film Green Bones, produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs in co-production with Brightburn Entertainment, also received a Finalist Certificate in the Feature Films category. The film starred Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid and was directed by Zig Dulay, with writing by National Artist Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza

Singapore’s street food staples reach Filipino diners

THE smell of spices, coconut, and herbs fills the table as each dish arrives. At Tiong Bahru Singapore Flavours, Singapore’s well-loved street food is served to Filipino diners in simple, comforting ways.

Tiong Bahru Singapore Flavours is introducing Filipino diners to a broader taste of Singaporean cuisine through a menu built around classic dishes that reflect the country’s multicultural food heritage.

While Hainanese chicken rice remains a popular entry point for many first-time diners, Singapore’s culinary identity draws from Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences that go beyond a single dish.

The restaurant positions itself

By Angelica Villanueva

QUEZON City’s everyday routines are getting a refresh as Ayala Malls updates TriNoma with new dining options, improved communal spaces, and expanded retail offerings designed to make visits more comfortable and convenient.

The mall’s latest changes include redesigned social areas, greener outdoor spaces, and an expanded mix of cafés and restaurants. At the Mindanao Lobby, now repositioned as a social hub, visitors can find H Proper Coffee Roasters, Little Flour, Pizza Sisters, and Burnt Bean, with upcoming openings including Key Coffee, Chili’s, and Cibo.

“What’s important now is how these changes are reflected in the way people experience the space,” said Paul Birkett, chief operating officer of Ayala Malls. “TriNoma has always been a place where people come together, and these updates build on that.”

He added that the focus is on making the mall easier to navigate

around the idea of “Taste Singapore, One Dish at a Time,” featuring both familiar favorites and lesser-known specialties.

Among its offerings is laksa, a noodle soup served in a coconutbased broth with spices and seafood flavors, topped with prawns and fish cake.

Another staple is bak kut teh, a pork rib soup simmered with herbs and spices and known for its peppery broth.

The menu also includes fish curry, prepared with fresh fish in a spiced curry sauce with savory and mildly tangy notes influenced by Singapore’s diverse food traditions.

Dessert options include chendol, made with shaved ice, coconut milk,

and pandan jelly, and ice kachang, a shaved ice dessert topped with syrup and sweet ingredients. Both are available at selected branches in Metro Manila, including Robinsons Antipolo, Greenhills San Juan, TriNoma, U.P. Town Center Katipunan, Landmark by the Bay, and Leviste Makati.

The restaurant said its offerings are inspired by Singapore’s food culture and aimed at giving diners a closer look at its everyday cuisine.

As interest in international flavors grows among Filipino consumers, Tiong Bahru Singapore Flavours said it aims to bring Singaporean dishes closer to local communities through a mix of traditional recipes and familiar comfort foods.

TriNoma reimagined

Retail hub refreshes with new dining, greener public spaces

DAVOS, the all-day dining restaurant of Fairfield by Mar-

riott Cebu Mactan, was officially opened on April 15 and features a menu centered on Filipino coastal cuisine and international dishes just minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

The restaurant’s name comes from the Cebuano word “dabos,” meaning abundance, reflecting its focus on Cebu’s marine heritage and local flavors.

Led by executive chef Marcel Ramos, Davos presents what he describes as “Coastal Filipino” cuisine inspired by Cebu’s well-known sinuglaw.

“My philosophy centers on what I call Coastal Filipino,” Ramos said. “Dishes that I create reflect vibrant regional flavors expressed through thoughtful technique and a balanced interplay of savory, acidic, and umami notes.” The menu includes Shrimp Inasal, Crispy Pork Belly, Soy Glazed Grilled Chicken, Beef and Mash, and Ube Burnt Cheesecake. Davos is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Petals in motion

Studio Haydee Garcia presents luxury ready-to-wear collection ‘Petals & Poetry’

By Nickie Wang

OVER the weekend at The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in McKinley Hill in Taguig, Studio

Haydee Garcia unveiled its first luxury ready-to-wear collection, “Petals & Poetry.”

The collection, more than a decade in the making, serves as Haydee Garcia’s love letter to clients and supporters who have embraced her floral-inspired creations over the years.

Known for her bridal and couture work, Garcia has now expanded into luxury ready-to-wear with a runway presentation. The show featured 28 looks built around soft silhouettes, romantic textures, and structured details, designed for a more everyday luxury wardrobe.

“Petals & Poetry” presents feminine silhouettes, muted tones, and layered textures. Materials include duchess silk, gazar, jacquard, brocade, and crystal embellishments with gold-plated accents.

“We called it ‘Petals & Poetry’ first because I was fascinated with flowers, and flowers and petals have always been part of my work. For poetry, we wanted to create a feeling when people see the collection, like how the fabric flows and complements the models,” Garcia told Manila Standard Life. “The collection is very feminine and very chic, and every piece has a story.”

“Some of our fabrics were locally sourced, so it goes deeper than presenting a collection because it also supports local businesses,”

Summer collection

SET along the bright, open coast of the Athenian Riviera, COS introduces a summer collection that brings soft, easy clothing and clean shapes together in a calm, modern style.

The brand unveils its summer collection, presenting a modern wardrobe shaped by the spirit of the Riviera. Refined silhouettes and softly tailored forms are crafted from fluid fabrics and light textures, designed to move seamlessly between destinations and occasions.

The campaign features models Mica Argañaraz, Luíza Perote, Leonard Kipker, and Gaye Serigne, captured by photographer Mark Kean along the Athenian Riviera. Bathed in warm, natural light, the imagery reflects the collection’s relaxed yet elevated mood.

A clean, pared-back color palette defines the season, anchored in monochrome dressing. Soft whites and cream tones are enriched with texture through pleats, broderie anglaise, and scalloped details. Shades of blue, dusky pink, clay, terracotta, and khaki add subtle color accents. For womenswear, wardrobe staples are reworked into relaxed, travel-ready pieces. Matching sets, dresses, shorts, and trousers are made from silk, linen, and satin, with details such as bouclé fringe and sheer panels that add depth and movement. Menswear focuses on relaxed tailoring and light fabrics, with unstructured shirts, trousers, and coor-

she went on.

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray closed the runway presentation, while socialite Small Laude was among the guests seated in the front row.

“She embodies elegance, grace, and empowerment,” Garcia said of Gray. “Tapping her as the muse sends a strong message about looking feminine and feeling empowered at the same time.”

The intimate show drew guests from fashion, media, and creative circles. It also served as a preview for the brand’s upcoming standalone boutique at Proscenium in Rockwell, Makati City.`

The new space is meant to extend the label’s atelier experience into a retail setting, where both couture and readyto-wear pieces are made available.

“We wanted to create a space where women can feel beautiful, confident,

PERFECT MUSE.

and celebrated through fashion,” Garcia said. “It’s never just about making gowns. It’s about creating pieces that hold memories and emotions.”

Garcia said the move into ready-towear came after years of building a bespoke practice.

“Fashion has always been personal to me,” she said. “Every gown tells a different story.”

She added that opening a standalone studio and expanding into ready-towear marked a turning point, shifting the brand toward a more accessible but still detailed design direction. Garcia described the collection as modern and romantic, designed to feel wearable while remaining elevated.

The brand said its target wearer is confident in femininity, drawn to craftsmanship and detail, and balanced between classic style and selfexpression.

captures Riviera ease with light fabrics and modern shapes