Manila Standard - 2026 May 28 - Thursday

PNP revokes Bato’s gun permits; CIDG: File criminal raps vs. Robin

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippine National PoliceFirearms and Explosives Office yesterday revoked the firearms licenses of Senator Bato Dela Rosa, who is the subject of a manhunt amid an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.

Dela Rosa, who was earlier described by the chief of the National Bureau of Investigation as “armed and dangerous,” has 117 firearms that must be immediately confiscated or deposited to the Supply Accountable Officer of PNP-FEO.

PNP-FEO chief Brig. Gen. Jose Next page

Senate stalemate deepens

ICC postpones setting of trial date after Rody health exam

By Ratziel San Juan and Pot Chavez

THE International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III on Wednesday postponed its decision on the schedule of the trial, including its start date, until medical experts reexamine the former chief executive’s health.

“I’m reluctant at this stage, without further reports and without an assessment made by the experts, to set a Next page

EJK truth body formed, to hold public hearings

By Rex Espiritu

AN independent, civilian-led, truth-seeking body, the EJK Truth Commission, was launched on Wednesday and is dedicated to establishing a credible public record of extrajudicial killings and related abuses in the Philippines. The Commission recognizes that while the violence did not begin in 2016, the scale, persistence, and

CELEBRATION.

A woman walks outside the Golden Mosque as Muslims gather to celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid al -Adha in Quiapo, Manila. AFP

By Joel E. Zurbano, Ram Superable and Rio N. Araja

THERE is no immediate resolution in sight to the Senate impasse over a proposal to allow remote participation and voting, with both the majority and minority blocs taking a hardline stance on their respective positions on the issue with a little over a week to go before Congress adjourns sine die on June 6.

According to Senator Ping Lacson, the only way the impasse can be resolved is by changing the leadership of the Upper Chamber, noting that a “fresh start” was needed.

Senator Francis Pangilinan said the minority bloc will continue to push for Senator Sherwin Gatchalian to become the next Senate President.

“The process of conciliation continues and we really believe Senator Win Gatchalian is an excellent choice…His (Gatchalian) leadership will have stabilized the Senate and his diligence, and he is acceptable to many of our fellow senators. That is what we want to see happen to stabilize the Senate and restore trust,” he added. No backing down But for Senator Imee Marcos, the majority will not back down in its bid to amend the Senate rules

PBBM pushes for strategic partnership ties with Japan

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday pushed for elevating the relations between the Philippines and Japan into a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

The President made the pitch during a meeting of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League in Tokyo. In a related development Mr. Marcos on Wednesday received Japan’s highest state honor from

Emperor Naruhito, highlighting the Philippine leader’s state visit that underscored the deepening strategic and diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Japan. Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary

Claire Castro said the Marcos administration’s efforts to combat corruption and streamline government processes for investors are helping strengthen foreign business confidence in the Philippines. Next page

OMB eyes plunder raps vs. Sen. Chiz

OMBUDSMAN probers recommended filing a plunder complaint against former Senate President Francis “Chiz” for receiving kickbacks from various flood control projects, according to a GMA News report yesterday. The Field Investigation Office of the Ombudsman alleged that Escudero “indirectly received kickbacks of P306 million and P280 million” from his friend, businessman Maynard Ngu. The complaint was based on the

Ang denies Boracay bridge plan shelved

By Jun Aguirre and Rio N. Araja

AKLAN Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores on Wednesday said that San Miguel Corp. has agreed to cancel the P7.78billion bridge project connecting Boracay Island to Malay town in mainland Aklan province.

SMC Chair Ramon Ang, however, denied this in an interview with GMA News.

Miraflores said Ang expressed his willingness to cancel the project during a

regarding online voting.

“We will pursue the proposal to vote on Zoom,” she said. “We are scheduled to have a caucus (today, Thursday), and we will reach a decision by Friday. Let us see if we can come to an agreement soon.”

Marcos also urged the 11-member Senate minority bloc to accept the results of the leadership transition within the chamber, which saw the election of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.

“There should not be any disputes, accusations, or various announcements in the media. Even our press should not be used for announcing trivial matters. The clear point is, if you do not have the

Manalad Jr. said the revocation order “shall be immediately executory.”

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group likewise conducted manhunt operations against Dela Rosa in four locations in Parañaque, Bulacan and Pampanga.

According to CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II, tracker teams from the NBI and PNPCIDG as well as units from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO)

meeting with stakeholders at the Hennan Regency Convention Center in Boracay. Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) temporarily stopped the

votes, then it is best to remain quiet and focus on work,” Marcos said.

Remote voting previously prohibited

For her part, Senator Risa Hontiveros said former senators Leila de Lima and Antonio Trillanes IV had previously been prohibited from participating in sessions via electronic means.

De Lima, who is currently the House Senior Deputy Minority Leader, and Trillanes were both detained in connection with cases filed against them. Both have since been cleared and released.

“The two of them were requested through a resolution by our other senators to participate in sessions or hold committee hearings and vote through electronic means, but they were not allowed. We also had a fellow senator who requested to be online in the ses-

and Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon) were deployed to attempt to serve the arrest warrant on Dela Rosa.

Obstruction of justice raps vs. Padilla

The CIDG also recommended the filing obstruction of justice charges against Senator Robin Padilla and others for their participation in the escape of Dela Rosa from Senate premises early dawn of May 14.

Following a thorough investigation, the CIDG concluded the transport of Dela Rosa was not a mere hitch ride in Padilla’s car, but a “highly coordinated, pre-planned logistical maneuver.”

schedule,” presiding judge Joanna Korner said during the first status conference in the case for crimes against humanity against Duterte.

Earlier in the status conference, Duterte’s defense team said the earliest reasonable date to start his trial would be December 30, under the condition that the prosecution ends its disclosure by the end of September to allow for a three-month gap between then and the start of the trial.

“If the prosecution’s aspirations are to conclude that and its other tasks by the end of September, that would mitigate in favor of a start date in the middle of the Christmas vacation, 30th of December, which would be three months later, which has a certain synergy with the other ball in the air, which is the interpretation, which as it appears won’t be ready until January,” lead defense counsel Peter Haynes said. “So that would all tend to suggest that the start of the trial could not be this year. We will be ready for whenever you want it to start, but our anxiety is that that should not be a date which leaves us with perhaps one or two months after the end of the prosecution’s disclosure,” he added.

However, the prosecution proposed the trial start on November 30, as the defense initially declined to give a specific date until other matters are settled, such as their client’s fitness to participate in the trial.

Senior Trial Lawyer Julian Nicholls said September 30 is the earliest that the defense can conclude its disclosure.

“We’ve taken a hard look at the 11 tasks...that we need to fulfill in a reasonable time before the start of trial. So in picking the September 30 date, that was not random. It was made in the spirit of efficiency and expedition,” Nicholls said.

“We believe that is a date that will not be easy to meet. It will require us to work hard and efficiently... But we really do think we need that time in order to accomplish all those different things, different tasks that we need to do,” he added.

Meanwhile, Office of Public Counsel for Victims principal counsel Paolina Massidda, representing the victims, said they want the trial to start as soon as possible.

Upon consultation with the victims, Massidda said they found November 30 to be a reasonable date to start the trial, but said that January the following year would be too distant.

received the money.

testimonies of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, the report said. In a counter-affidavit, Escudero denied the allegations, stating he did not authorize Ngu to act on his behalf and that the complaint provided no proof he

families,” Aliling said. Aliling said the move also supports efforts to improve the take-up of available housing units, particularly in Metro Manila and other urban centers where there is an oversupply of ready-for-occupancy condominium units. He said the higher loan ceiling, combined with

cutting down of decades-old trees along Quirino Ave. and Roxas Blvd. in Manila amid mounting complaints.

Tree-cutting activities along Quirino Ave. was part of the construction of the 3.9-kilometer Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEx) of SMC linking Skyway Stage 3 to Roxas Blvd.

“We met with Ang in a meeting in their central office last May 13. We presented our objections to the bridge, and we are thankful for Ang hearing our sentiments,” Miraflores said.

sion because he had an injury. That was also not allowed,” Hontiveros said.

In 2024, then senator Bong Revilla Jr. suffered an Achilles tendon injury and sought virtual participation in Senate sessions. Then Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri denied the request out of respect for established rules.

The Senate adjourned early on Tuesday due to a walkout by the minority senators, protesting the majority bloc’s attempt to amend legislative rules.

Their exit resulted in a lack of quorum, leading Senate leaders to suspend proceedings until 5 p.m. on Monday, June 1.

The minority said the amendment was intended to preserve the voting power of fugitive Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and other majority senators who might be unable to physically attend future Senate sessions.

The probe revealed another vehicle was tailing Padilla’s car, serving as a security escort and backup during the escape.

“When individuals actively interfere in the arrest or assist in the evasion of criminal offenders to avoid prosecution, it undermines the justice system and compromises public order,” the CIDG said.

“The PNP-CIDG emphasizes that any act of obstruction of justice will be met with criminal prosecution,” it added.

No special treatment

For his part, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assured the

social targeting of killings in recent years have left thousands of families still seeking truth, justice, and healing.

The Commission will be guided by Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David as adviser. According to the Commission, Cardinal David will serve as an independent moral and institutional guide to help safeguard the integrity, independence, and mission of the Commission in relation to truth-seeking, due process, survivor protection, confidentiality, public trust, and institutional independence.

Former International Criminal Court judge and UP Law dean Atty. Raul Pangalangan, who will serve as commissioner for legal affairs and due process, will help safeguard due process, ethical standards, and the legal integrity of the Truth Commission’s processes and outputs.

“The EJK Truth Commission was created to ensure that the stories of victims, survivors, and families are heard, verified, and preserved. This is not about replacing the courts or assigning guilt. It is about building a credible truth record that can guide accountability, healing, reform, and the prevention of future violence,” Pangalangan said.

Pangalangan also serves as chairman of the Truth Commission. He will be joined by civilian commissioners representing distinct areas of expertise.

These include UP Manila professor Dr. Raquel Fortun, who will serve as commissioner for forensic sciences and independ-

“There is no allegation, let alone proof, that Usec. Bernardo ever confirmed Mr. Ngu’s supposed representations that the funds allegedly delivered to him were intended for me, and whether the said funds indeed redounded to my benefit,” he said.

Escudero also urged the anti-graft body to deny immunity to Bernardo and other involved individuals,

Pag-IBIG Fund’s long-term home financing, can make the purchase of these units more affordable for qualified members.

“This is also our call to developers: let us make the numbers meet. PagIBIG Fund is expanding the financing available to qualified borrowers.

We urge our developer-partners to recalibrate their prices, offer reasonable packages, and help bring their available units within the reach

Accompanying the governor in the closed-door meeting were his father, Aklan 2nd District Rep. Florencio Miraflores, Aklan provincial councilor Reynaldo Quimpo and Aklan 1st District Rep. Jess Marquez..

The SMC submitted an unsolicited project proposal to the Department of Public Works and Highways for the financing, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the 2.5-kilometer bridge including a 1.14-kilometer limited access

Lacson yesterday said the walkout was a “strategic retreat.”

“Senate minority walkout: we demonstrated how to score a victory by retreating. They may have superior numbers but we have the rules on our side,” he said in a social media post.

“When they in the majority play dirty, we in the minority will play it smart,” Lacson added.

‘Tyranny of the majority’

For his part, former Senate President Franklin Drilon warned against what he described as the “tyranny of the majority” in the Upper Chamber.

Drilon expressed concern that the move of the majority bloc was linked to the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

He argued that such changes in the Senate rules could undermine the Upper

public that Dela Rosa will not receive special treatment amid concerns that some officers may go soft on the former police chief.

“The Philippine National Police operate strictly on legal frameworks and our sworn oath to serve and protect, meaning no individual is above the law regardless of rank or title,” Nartatez said.

“We expect all officers to uphold standard operating procedures without fear or favor, and we explicitly appeal to Senator Dela Rosa’s enduring sense of duty as a lifelong law enforcer to cooperate fully with the legal process,” he added.

ent investigation and help advance credible fact-finding standards, forensic review protocols, and evidence protection.

Dr. Al Fuertes will act as commissioner for psychosocial support and trauma healing and will guide trauma-informed practice, survivor protection, psychosocial protocols, and healing and recovery support.

Fr. Daniel Franklin E. Pilario, CM, will serve as commissioner for church and education, truth literacy, and institutional reform, and will help lead truth literacy, prevention strategies, public education, and institutional reform recommendations.

Carlos Conde, who will serve as commissioner for public documentation, transparency, and democratic accountability, will help set standards for public documentation, reporting, accessibility, transparency, and non-partisan public communication. Conde will also serve as executive director of the EJK Truth Commission.

The commissioners will provide civilian leadership and overall direction for the Truth Commission.

They are expected to approve policies and standards, convene and chair National Truth Hearings, adopt findings and reports, authorize referrals and recommendations, and lead public engagement while maintaining the Truth Commission’s independence from government control.

A key component of the Commission’s work will be the conduct of Public Truth Hearings, which may be public, semi-public, closed, anonymized, or representative depending on survivor consent, safety considerations, and risk assessment.

asserting that the former public works official actually bears a heavier legal accountability.

“In February 2024, Usec. Bernardo, together with his driver Francisco A. Dela Fuente allegedly delivered P306 million to Mr. Ngu at his office in Cherry Mobile Building, Manila,” the complaint said.

The GMA report also stated there were two other deliveries in the early 2025—P160 million and P120

of Pag-IBIG Fund members. When housing prices, borrower capacity, and affordable financing meet, more Filipino workers can finally own homes of their own,” Aliling said.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the increase in the loan ceiling reflects PagIBIG Fund’s mandate to serve Filipino workers from all income segments.

connecting Boracay Island and Brgy. Caticlan, Malay. However, the province and various stakeholders have opposed the project, citing concerns about livelihood and environmental degradation, among others. At a forum, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the removal of the trees was “voluntarily stopped.” “We are agreeable to this — to stop it in the meantime. We will study further and see if there are more (trees) for earth-balling,” he added.

Chamber’s credibility and independence. Human rights advocates likewise criticized the Senate majority for supposed “maneuvering” to preserve its political numbers to influence the impeachment trial against Duterte. The Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA), through its secretary general and spokesperson Edgar Cabalitan Jr., said the push of the majority bloc “raises serious questions about democratic accountability, institutional integrity, and the rule of law.”

“The Senate should never be transformed into a political shield for the powerful. When rules are maneuvered primarily to preserve political numbers and block accountability mechanisms, public trust in democratic institutions is severely damaged,” Cabalitan said.

Speaking at the First Members’ Building of Japan’s House of Representatives in Tokyo, Marcos described the move towards a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”as the highest level in the Philippines’ diplomatic framework.

“This step attests to the exceptional level of trust between our two countries and our common resolve to further deepen cooperation in addressing the challenges and the opportunities that await us,” Mr. Marcos said.

The President noted that the Philippines and Japan are commemorating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, which he said reflected decades of “reconciliation, trust, and shared purpose.”

He stressed the importance of trusted partnerships amid rising geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and challenges to the rules-based international order.

Moreover, Mr. Marcos welcomed Japan’s growing role in promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific and cited the importance of maritime security, defense cooperation, and economic resilience.

The Chief Executive highlighted existing agreements such as the Reciprocal Access Agreement and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, as well as Japan’s Official Security Assistance program, which supports the Philippines’ maritime security efforts. He also underscored Japan’s role as one of the Philippines’ top trade and investment partners. He pointed to future cooperation in clean energy, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals.

“At the heart of our partnership are our peoples,” Mr. Marcos said, noting the contributions of Filipinos living in Japan and Japanese businesses operating in the Philippines.

“As we navigate shifting currents, the friendship between the Philippines and Japan continues to evolve and grow stronger,” he added.

Marcos is also scheduled to address a joint session of Japan’s National Diet and meet with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during his visit.

million—both allegedly received by Ngu on Escudero’s behalf.

“The alleged projects from which the kickbacks were sourced are located in Caloocan City, Muntinlupa City, Quezon City, Valenzuela City, Aklan, Albay, Batangas, Bohol, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Subic, and Zambales,” the document read. Rex Espiritu and Ram Superable

Mr. Marcos, accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, met Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for a formal state call, one of the highest ceremonial receptions extended by the Japanese monarchy to foreign leaders.

The Philippine president received the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, Japan’s most prestigious decoration traditionally bestowed on heads of state and distinguished world leaders. The First Lady received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown.

“At Pag-IBIG Fund, our mandate is to serve all Filipino workers. This means serving first-time homebuyers and members who need subsidized support, as well as middle-income and higher-earning members who also need affordable long-term financing to buy homes for their families. Because of our strong financial position, we are able to offer a higher loanable amount while keeping our housing loan rates not only affordable, but among the lowest in the market. With the higher loan ceiling, qualified borrowers now have even better access to home financing payable for up to 30 years, with interest rates that may go as low as 5.75% a year depending on their chosen fixing period. More importantly, this allows us to widen the reach of the Expanded 4PH Program so that more members, across more income segments, can gain access to decent and affordable homes, while eligible socialized housing borrowers continue to benefit from the 3% subsidized rate,” Acosta said.

AFP denies China’s claim of PBBM rift

By Rex Espiritu

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday denied claims circulating on Chinese online platforms alleging a rift between the military and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following the recent Senate shooting incident.

In a statement, AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, retired Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, described the claims as “malicious” and part of an influence operation aimed at creating internal division.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines categorically denies malicious claims circulating on Chinese platforms regarding a supposed rift or ‘severing of ties’ between the military and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. following the Senate shooting incident,” the statement read.

“These narratives are blatant influence operations designed to manufacture internal division where none exists,” he said.

The military also reaffirmed its professionalism and loyalty to the Constitution and the chain of command.

“The AFP remains entirely professional, cohesive, and steadfast in its loyalty to the Constitution,” he added.

The AFP further stressed that it remains united under the leadership of President Marcos as commander in chief.

The military also urged the public to disregard unverified online claims and rely only on official sources of information.

“We urge the public to dismiss these destabilizing foreign narratives and rely only on official, verified information,” he said.

Comelec assures voters’ data remains ‘secure’

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday denied claims circulating on social media that its database was breached and that information belonging to more than 83 million Filipino voters was compromised.

In a statement, the poll body assured the public that all voter data stored within its network and database remains “complete and secure.”

The clarification came after the Comelec Information Technology Department Security Incident Response Team conducted a thorough verification and investigation.

“The circulating posts on social media alleging a data breach in Comelec by stating that 83,910,248 Filipino voters’ information has been compromised are not true,” Comelec said.

It emphasized that no unauthorized access or loss of voter information had been detected following the investigation, reminding the public to remain cautious and discerning when consuming information online, especially regarding election-related concerns.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia has urged Filipinos to rely only on official sources for verified election information, including the commission’s official social media accounts and website.

Marcos, House greet Muslims on Eid’l Adha

By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday joined Muslims in observing Eid’l Adha, emphasizing the values of faith, sacrifice, humility, and compassion as foundations for national unity and social harmony.

In his Eid’l Adha message, Mr. Marcos reflected on the story of Prophet Ibrahim, saying the Islamic feast serves as a reminder of “the power of unwavering faith, complete submission to Allah’s will, and trust in a purpose greater than ourselves.”

“As we reflect on the story of Prophet Ibrahim, this sacred occasion reminds us of the power of unwavering faith, complete submission to Allah’s will, and trust in a purpose greater

than ourselves. It calls us to look beyond our personal desires and to recognize that true fulfillment is found in obedience, humility, and devotion,” the President said.

He also underscored that the message of Eid’l Adha extends beyond religious boundaries, describing sacrifices offered “with sincerity and love” as a source of strength that can help foster justice and understanding in society.

“It teaches us that whatever we surrender for what is just and noble is never lost,” Mr. Marcos said.

“Rather, it is transformed into blessings that enrich our homes, strengthen our communities, and elevate our shared humanity,” he added.

He said selflessness can help “build bridges of understanding, heal divisions, and create a more just society.”

“May this sacred observance in-

spire deeper reflection and renew our commitment to the values that bind us together as one people and one nation,” President Marcos said.

Eid’l Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the most important holidays in Islam and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. In the Philippines, it is observed as a regular national holiday.

Speaker Faustino G. Dy III, meanwhile, led the House of Representatives in greeting Muslim communities on the occasion of Eid’l Adha, while urging all Filipinos to uphold unity, understanding, and compassion despite differences in faith and culture.

“To our Muslim brothers and sisters here in the Philippines and around the world, a peaceful and meaningful celebration of Eid’l Adha,” Dy said in a video message.

DENR prepares against ‘super’ El Niño

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is now preparing measures to mitigate the effects of a “very strong” El Niño episode that could affect the country’s agriculture and water supply.

Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the agency and other concerned government agencies have already coordinated on how they could respond to the looming drought due to a potential super El Niño.

“What we are looking at is a potentially serious water problem in the early part of 2027, so we have roughly six months to identify new water sources,” he noted.

He said the National Water Resources Board, an attached agency of the DENR, is assessing several water allocation policies and reduction measures for domestic and irrigation purposes. Amid the threat of a water shortage, the DENR chief called on local government units, business establishments, and households to adopt rainwater harvesting systems during the rainy season. He also urged the public to conserve water. Meanwhile, two major water concessionaires—Manila Water Co. Inc. and Maynilad Water Services Inc.— have also been preparing measures to address the devastating impact of drought.

IN BRIEF

8 senior PNP officials get new posts in reorg EIGHT senior police officials received new posts after they were reassigned in the latest reorganization of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assigned Directorate for Education and Training deputy director Brig. Gen. Arnold Ibay as National Capital Region Police Office deputy director for administration, replacing Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo, who was reassigned to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU).

PNP Academy deputy director Brig. Gen. Romeo Berango will replace Ibay as DET deputy director, while Directorate for Research and Development executive officer Brig. Gen. Francisco Ebreo was designated to replace Berango as PNPA deputy chief. Vince Lopez PSA warns public against using fake National ID CEBU CITY—The Philippine Statistics Authority in Central Visayas (PSA-7) warned the public against the production, sale, possession, and use of fake National IDs, stressing that the card is an official government-issued identification document under the Philippine Identification System.

PSA-7 officer-in-charge director Wilma Perante said only the PSA is authorized to print and issue National IDs. She said unauthorized printing, preparation, or issuance of National IDs is punishable by imprisonment of three to six years and fines ranging from P1 million to P3 million under Republic Act No. 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act. Minerva Newman UP Tacloban is 9th constituent university

A HOUSE leader on Wednesday welcomed the approval of the elevation of UP Tacloban College as the ninth constituent university of the University of the Philippines System, describing it as a historic milestone for Eastern Visayas and the country’s national university. The approval was granted during the 1409th meeting of the UP Board of Regents at the UP Asian Institute of Tourism in Quezon City. Rep. Jude Acidre, chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and a member of the UP Board of Regents, said the decision recognizes decades of academic excellence, public service, regional leadership, and institutional resilience demonstrated by UP Tacloban.

“This is more than an institutional milestone. It is a recognition of UP Tacloban’s maturity, excellence, resilience, and faithful service to the people of Eastern Visayas,” Acidre said. Maricel V. Cruz

IN BRIEF

SC to introduce Arabic in Shari’ah Bar exams

THE Supreme Court (SC) has introduced regionalized Arabic language for the 2026 Shari’ah Special Bar Examinations (SSBE).

“This innovation reflects a deeper institutional commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. By bringing the examinations closer to the examinees, the Court helps reduce financial burdens, travel difficulties, logistical challenges, and unnecessary stress that many applicants previously experienced,” said SC Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul Inting, chairperson of the 2026 SSBE.

Inting made the disclosure during a welcome breakfast on Sunday, the first of the two-day SSBE. Previously, examinees who chose to take the test in Arabic were assigned only to a limited testing center. Pot Chavez Gibo set to attend 23rd Asia Security Summit

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will attend the 23rd Asia Security Summit of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), known as the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD), to be held in Singapore on May 29-31.

In a statement, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Teodoro will deliver a plenary talk on “Evolving Security Partnerships in a Fragmenting World,” with discussions expected to focus on emerging security dynamics, partnerships and approaches to addressing security challenges.

The DND chief will also participate in high-level engagements and discussions with counterparts and stakeholders on matters of mutual interest and regional security cooperation. Rex Espiritu

‘Chinese rocket debris to fall into PH waters’

THE Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) warned that debris from a Chinese rocket launched Wednesday morning might have already dropped into Philippine waters within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

In an advisory on Tuesday night, PhilSA said the expected debris might fall in expected In an advisory on Tuesday night, PhilSA warned that expected debris may fall in the following drop zones (DZ) DZ 1 is approximately 41 NM away from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and 62 NM away from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan; while DZ 2 is 69 NM away from Santa Ana, Cagayan, and 81 NM away from Camiguin Norte. Both drop zones are within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Drop zones estimated at 41 NM away from Burgos, Ilocos Norte; 62 NM away from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan; 69 NM away from Santa Ana, Cagayan; and 81 NM away from Camiguin Norte. Rex Espiritu

NATIONAL FLAG DAY. It is all systems go for Imus City’s observance of the 128th National Flag Day and Battle of Alapan on May 28, with an oversize Philippine flag to be hoisted at a 110-foot pole serving as the centerpiece of the celebration. Cavite Gov, Francisco Gabriel Remulla will lead the commemoration, along with Senator Joseph Victor ‘JV’ Ejercito, Cavite Rep. Adrian Jay Advincula, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairman Regalado Trota Jose Jr., Imus City Mayor Alex Advincula and Imus City Vice Mayor Homer Saquilayan. Dennis Abrina

Speaker says House stays course on legislation, over 60 bills passed

By Maricel V. Cruz

WITH only a few days left before Congress adjourns next week, Speaker Faustino Dy III on Wednesday said they remained focused on sustaining legislative momentum and passing measures that directly address transparency, child protection, public welfare, digital accountability, and economic development.

During plenary sessions from May 25 to May 26, the House approved 36 bills on third reading while 29 measures were passed on second reading.

Among the measures approved on second reading were five Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority bills, including the proposed Right

to Access Information Act, a measure strengthening the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the proposed Child Online Safety and Protection Act of 2026, the bill converting the National Feeding Program into a broader National Nutrition Program, and the proposed Digital Media Anti-False Information Act.

“As we approach the adjournment of the session, the House is clearly committed to making the most of the remaining time to advance bills that are important to the lives of our countrymen,” Dy said in Filipino.

“We are focused on being produc-

Dy: Over 1.2m PRC clients to benefit from license extension

OVER 1.2 million Filipino professionals are expected to benefit from a House-approved measure extending the validity of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) licenses from three years to five years, said Speaker Faustino Dy III. Dy said House Bill 8876 which amends existing provisions governing the renewal of Professional Identification Cards (PICs) issued by the PRC would help ease the recurring financial and administrative burdens

faced by professionals who must regularly spend time and money renewing their licenses.

“Our professionals are among the most important forces in our society.

They are the teachers, nurses, engineers, accountants, doctors, and other professionals who serve and help run our country every day,” he noted.

“By extending the validity of their PRC licenses from three years to five years, the recurring costs, hassles, and time they spend on the renewal

process will be reduced. This is a practical and humane step to support our workforce,” he pointed out.

Based on PRC data, there are currently 1,259,264 registered professionals in the country, with 1,195,936 or approximately 95 percent already holding valid Professional Identification Cards.

Among the sectors expected to benefit the most from the measure are the following valid license holders: 562,369 professional teachers; 156,023 nurses; 111,692 criminolo -

gists; 49,458 civil engineers; 37,393 medical technologists; 24,700 physicians; 24,066 psychometricians; 22,677 mechanical engineers; 21,110 registered electrical engineers; and 20,529 certified public accountants.

Dy said extending the validity period would also help decongest renewal systems and allow professionals to focus more on their work and continuing professional development instead of frequent compliance requirements. Maricel V. Cruz

Bam cites cash aid for nursing students

By Joel E. Zurbano

SENATOR Paolo Benigno Aquino IV has successfully delivered on his election campaign promise by allocating financial assistance to nursing and allied health sciences students.

The funding aims to support these students with their Related Learning Experience (RLE) expenses, facilitating their practical training and education in the healthcare field.

According to Aquino and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), 19,000 students are set to receive a onetime financial assistance of P25,000.

During his 2025 senatorial campaign, Aquino interacted with nursing students from various regions of the country, assuring them that he would tackle their issues regarding the high expenses associated with RLE, which

is akin to on-the-job training (OJT) and is a prerequisite for graduation.

While serving as chairman of the Committee on Basic Education, the senator obtained P500 million in the 2026 national budget to assist in covering the RLE costs for students in allied health sciences.

On Monday, Aquino participated in the launch of CHED’s online portal designed for the submission of applications and supporting documents for the Allied Health Experiential Assistance for Deserving Students (AHEAD) Grant.

Present at the event were CHED chairperson Dr. Shirley Agrupis and CHED Commissioners Dr. Desiderio Apag III, Dr. Ricmar Aquino, Dr. Myrna Mallari, and Dr. Michelle AguilarOng, as 10 nursing students from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina conducted a ceremonial enrollment through the online application portal.

tive and maximizing the remaining session days. While there is time, we continue to do the work and mandate entrusted to us by the Filipino people,” he said. Dy also said the volume of measures moving through the chamber reflects the House’s continuing effort to prioritize legislation that will have a direct and lasting public impact on the lives of millions of Filipinos.

On the proposed Right to Access Information Act, the Speaker said the measure seeks to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust in government.

House ratifies bill amending BCDA charter

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday night approved on second reading a bill seeking to strengthen the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and expand opportunities for housing, jobs and economic growth in key development zones across the country.

House Bill (HB) 9257 amends Republic Act 7227, or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992 by declaring portions of selected BCDA properties as alienable and disposable lands, subject to strict planning and presidential approval requirements.

The measure forms part of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council Common Legislative Agenda (LEDAC-CLA) and aims to promote more inclusive and felt economic growth was approved under the guidance of Speaker Faustino Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos.

During plenary deliberations, Taguig City-Pateros Lone District Rep. Ricardo Cruz Jr., a House Assistant Majority Leader and vice chair of the House Special Committee on Bases Conversion, said the proposal was ultimately about improving the lives of ordinary Filipinos.

“This bill is about creating more opportunities for Filipinos. It is about jobs. It is about decent and comfortable housing. It is about stronger communities and greater economic growth,” Cruz said in his sponsorship speech. Under the bill, 10 percent of the total land area of major BCDA-managed economic zones and reservations would be opened for development. These include the Clark Special Economic Zone, including New Clark City and Clark Freeport Zone; Poro Point

and

OPINION

Confirmed

FUNNY how things unravel from a simple column reveal in the Manila Standard.

After I wrote about “The Plot” on Monday, May 11, I got a call from Sen. Imee Marcos the following day asking who my source was. I refused to reveal the source. Based on that Monday article, Bilyonaryo News Channel called me to ask if I could be interviewed by former PCO Sec. Trixie Angeles and former PGMA deputy spokesperson Relly Fajardo of SPOKES. The interview was on Thursday, May 14. Asked about the identity of my source, I answered that I would reveal the identity only if the Speaker and the Senate President denied my report of that meeting at Solaire casino’s VIP Lounge.

On Friday evening, I was interviewed on the phone by Lourd de Veyra of One News, and again I refused to reveal who the source of my information was.

I had no idea that there was to be a “coup” in the Senate on Monday, nor that Sen. Bato would dramatically re-appear from the cold to vote for the change of leadership.

I get my news from either traditional or social media, and occasional meetings with friends, though I am not professionally engaged to any politician.

I thought the whole issue of the “plot” had been drowned out by the brouhaha over the NBI siege of the Senate and the attendant rants about the Senate’s “loss of dignity” coming from the dispossessed new minority and the “nattering nabobs of elite society”.

About a week later, Rep. Rolando Ledesma Macasaet, one of the 25 who voted against the articles of impeachment in the HoR, called to say that Sen. Imee called him up to ask if he knew anything about the “plot”, and he told her that some other congressmen had been talking about a charter change initiative this year, and confirmed what our source revealed.

On Friday, May 22, Marlon Purificacion called me up and asked if he, Pam Pedroche and Elmer Jugalbot could interview me in their podcast the following day. The same question about my source came up, and I repeated my earlier statements, that if the Speaker and Sen. Sotto denied that fateful meeting, I would be forced to reveal my source.

After all, I did not invent the report about the meeting, and I considered my source highly credible.

In fact, I and two other witnesses to his revelation surmised that it was an intentional leak, and that he deliberately revealed details of that meeting to us because he was not in favor of the “plot” but preferred not to go public as it involved his Senate President.

I purposely omitted one part of the revelation, where Sotto supposedly proposed lowering the age qualification for the presidency to 35 years instead of the present 40 as it would impute personal or family interest.

On Saturday morning, Sen. Imee called

again to ask if she could use excerpts of my interviews for a privilege speech she intended to deliver on Monday, May 25.

Then I asked her why she claimed in an interview that among the planned amendments was to extend the term of the President, like the senators and congressmen.

As I exposed last May 11 in this space, 2028 re-electionists and term-limited senators would be given a 3-year extension, so that by 2031, all 36 or 54 senators would already be elected by region.

More arrest warrants coming from ICC?

MORE personalities may soon face arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court, according to National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag.

officials faced serious prosecution domestically.

Such an immoral proposition to which Sotto should have immediately objected rather than saying he would first “consult” his senators.

Sen. Imee said that another source told her that once the Con Ass was convened, a clamor would be engineered to give the incumbent president a similar three-year term extension.

But of course, I thought, if they could get Congress to change the charter, the plotters could very well extend the president’s term too, and thus deprive Vice Pres. Inday Sara of election in 2028, even if the Senate trial fails to convict her.

As immoral and devious as these were, it would not surprise me that such a plot could be hatched in Malacanang.

But after she delivered her privilege speech, complete with a short video to which the minority vehemently objected and even asked that it be expunged from the record, Senators Sotto and Lacson admitted on the floor that indeed the meeting happened, that Con Ass was discussed with the Speaker, although they maintained, as did the other minority senators, that no caucus or discussions were made by their Group of Eleven on the matter.

My revelations were confirmed by both Sotto and my source, Sen. Ping.

Minority Leader Sotto dismissed the meeting as light banter with the Speaker.

But how can such a transcendental matter like charter change be anything but serious?

In any case, Sen. Imee’s privilege speech and video, no matter how “hurt” some of her colleagues may have been, elicited her intended effect: the entire Senate, both the new majority and the new minority, swore not to countenance this latest attempt to change the charter for their personal benefit.

Lessons

THE actuations of Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in his few days stay at the Senate building before his sudden disappearance is, shall we say, one for the books. It started with his being chased by people up the stairways upon his surprisingly sudden arrival, creating the first of many commotions we saw on TV. Then we saw him in proper attire pointing fingers in the Senate floor on some people in the gallery and angrily pounding a table with his fist as if to emphasize a point. After that, we saw a video of him talking with his colleague senator Bong Go being overcome with emotions and crying. One signal performance of his was when he perhaps finally realized the gravity of his situation and stood at attention and sang his alma mater song then pleading to his fellow PMA graduates and others in uniform like him to support him. He even implored PBBM not to send him to The Hague and allow his trial to be conducted here in his own country because he is a Filipino.

There were of course other things that he did like giving a lot of press interviews justifying his actions by saying he never ordered anybody to kill anyone. In those interviews, he emphasized that throughout his long military and po -

lice service, all he did was to give his best to serve his country.

But as sudden as his appearance was, he was videotaped hurriedly leaving the Senate building in the wee hours of the morning in the company of Senator Robin Padilla and his whereabouts are now unknown.

Such an immoral proposition to which Sotto should have immediately objected rather than saying he would first ‘consult’ his senators —“—

There are a lot of lessons to be learned from what is happening to Bato dela Rosa

Before being thrust into national prominence with his appointment as a one-star police general to become the Chief of the PNP with a four-star rank, bypassing many senior officers and classes, Bato was not well known nationally.

This was perhaps because he spent most of his service in Mindanao. particularly in the Davao region. This also explains why in spite of being a relatively junior one-star police general, he was elevated as Chief, PNP.

Bato was at one time a Chief of Police of the City of Davao where the

“We have information that there are several who would be issued warrants of arrest,” he said, adding they are “ready” to serve possible warrants once they come out.

This statement is significant because it demonstrates the pursuit of accountability for alleged crimes against humanity is no longer confined to symbolic rhetoric or a single high-profile case.

It suggests the machinery of international criminal justice may now be moving deeper into command structures and institutional responsibility.

At the center of this development is the arrest warrant issued by the ICC against former police chief and now Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa over allegations connected to the bloody anti-drug campaign under Rodrigo Duterte.

The report that more warrants may follow fundamentally changes the meaning of the ICC investigation. It transforms it from an isolated legal proceeding into the possible start of a broader accountability process.

For years, one of the main criticisms directed at the Philippine drug war was the perception of near-total impunity.

Thousands of deaths occurred amid allegations of extrajudicial killings, yet very few police officers or

Human rights groups, victims’ families, church organizations, and international observers repeatedly argued that the absence of accountability mechanisms encouraged further abuses.

The pursuit of accountability for alleged crimes against humanity is no longer confined to symbolic rhetoric or a single high-profile case

In that context, the idea that additional individuals, possibly from police, political, or operational circles, could face arrest warrants sends a message that command responsibility may finally be tested. This is crucial in crimes against humanity investigations. International criminal law does not focus only on

By Jose Antonio Goitia

THE Philippine Senate has hit a new low under the leadership of Alan Peter Cayetano—and as someone who has spent decades observing and defending our democratic systems, I refuse to hedge or mince words.

Recent developments point to an institution in visible, painful decline. We have traded the towering statesmanship of Jose “Pepe” Diokno, Raul Roco, Juan Flavier, Miriam Defensor Santiago, and Franklin Drilon for something far less dignified.

The Senate’s role has shifted from producing statesmen to becoming increasingly driven by political survival rather than the public good. You may have disagreed with the giants of the past politically, but they never reduced the Senate into a spectacle.

The Erasure of Accountability

The recent reorganization of the Blue Ribbon Committee is Exhibit A of this decay.

Public concern intensified after Senator Rodante Marcoleta was named Vice Chairman, despite the Ombudsman seeking a hold-departure order against him in connection with complaints involving plunder, bribery, and campaign irregularities.

The man now helping oversee corruption investigations is himself facing serious legal controversies.

For many Filipinos, the Blue Ribbon Committee once symbolized accountability.

FPRRD was a long-term mayor and was not only known to him personally but was comfortable with Bato running the PNP as well.

And as we know, FPRRD appointed many people in other agencies of the government who were also known to him personally. This is not really so unusual because other presidents did the same but FPRRD, however, did this to the extreme. We are all familiar with the phrase kumapit sa pader para umangat sa pwesto which roughly means that when one is in government, it is always better to stick to a powerful person to advance faster.

For Bato, it was his luck that just about when he was peaking in his police career, the mayor that he served as COP became

direct perpetrators. It examines whether there was a widespread or systematic attack against civilians and whether senior officials designed, encouraged, tolerated, or failed to prevent such acts. That is why the possible expansion of warrants is crucial. It suggests investigators may be tracing chains of command rather than treating abuses as isolated incidents committed by rogue officers.

The significance also lies in the public posture of the Philippine government, particularly through the NBI.

Matibag’s declaration that the bureau is prepared to serve warrants “regardless of who he is” is important.

In countries struggling with entrenched political patronage, justice systems are often accused of selectively enforcing the law depending on political influence.

A public commitment to execute warrants even against powerful personalities demonstrates an attempt to restore the principle that no public official is above legal accountability.

Whether all this leads to full justice remains uncertain. International prosecutions are slow, difficult, and politically divisive.

But the mere possibility that highranking figures may be held legally answerable for alleged crimes against humanity already changes the equation.

It tells victims that their claims have not entirely disappeared into history, and warns future leaders that power may no longer guarantee immunity.

The Senate under Cayetano has fallen into institutional decline

Now, I must join the public in asking: how can this body still credibly investigate corruption when some of its own members are facing major legal controversies? Then there is Bato dela Rosa.

The Senate majority’s maneuvering around the International Criminal Court proceedings—which I view as blatant attempts to politically protect a colleague facing international legal scrutiny—demanded a clear institutional response.

The Senate’s role has shifted from producing statesmen to becoming increasingly driven by political survival

The Supreme Court gave one instead.

In a 9-5-1 vote, the high court denied dela Rosa’s TRO request, with Justice Caguioa warning that courts must never become instruments of impunity.

At a time when some politicians were protecting alliances, members of the judiciary were defending the rule of law.

Right on cue, Senator Imee Marcos surfaced claims of a plot to convene a constitutional assembly. I dismiss this narrative entirely as a political distraction that emerged at the exact moment public scrutiny of the Dela Rosa contro -

the president. Consequently, he was appointed as CPNP post haste in 2016. The rest as they say is now history. But the current travails of Bato should be studied thoroughly by all men in uniform most especially the younger generation of officers regardless of service who are climbing up the leadership ladder in order to learn from it. For instance, how far should loyalty go? Should ambition take precedence to doing what is right? As we already know, positions of power can be an intoxicating elixir to many people and it may not be that easy to be so judgmental especially if one is just observing from afar. Ultimately however, it would depend

versy was intensifying. When serious questions are being raised, sudden political conspiracies conveniently appear to redirect public attention. The public is not blind.

A Painful Irony

The irony here is deeply painful for many Filipinos. The House of Representatives—long criticized for political theater—is now increasingly being viewed as the more stable and disciplined chamber. In my view, the Senate’s present leadership bears direct responsibility for the institution’s declining credibility. I want to draw a deliberate contrast here with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has largely kept his focus on governance while these legislative factions continue to engage in public spectacle. While others create distractions and protect political alliances, President Marcos continues addressing the nation’s real problems. Leadership is measured by a willingness to govern, not by political drama. The Bottom Line

My closing assessment is blunt: normalize political opportunism long enough, and institutions gradually stop functioning as institutions at all.

The Filipino people deserve better. They deserve institutions worthy of public trust.

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

on the individual concern to decide whether to go all in or let his morals be the guide in a corrupt work environment. In such a culture, one must simply try to be good. If that is hard to follow, then be careful but if even that is too difficult, then be wise. There are a lot of lessons to be learned from what is happening to Bato dela Rosa. One is that power, privilege, wealth and public attention are just fleeting moments in life and will eventually all amount to nothing if it will result in spending the remaining years of one’s life behind bars instead of being with family. As the Good Book teaches us,” For what shall it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

China warns Quad ministers against provoking conflict

BEIJING—China warned on Wednesday that countries “forming cliques” and provoking conflict were “unpopular,” after ministers from the United States, India, Japan and Australia raised concerns over stability in the East and South China Seas.

In clear but unstated references to China, foreign ministers from the socalled Quad grouping had criticised “dangerous maneuvers by military aircraft” and “ramming and blocking actions in the South China Sea”, as they met in New Delhi on Tuesday. The ministers reiterated opposition to “destabilizing or unilateral actions” that threaten stability in the region, in a joint statement following talks. China, which views the Quad grouping with suspicion, rejected those concerns on Wednesday, warn-

IN BRIEF

Tibet-in-exile gov’t leader sworn in DHARAMSALA, India—Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama prayed as the leader of the elected goverment of Tibetans in exile was sworn in for a second term on Wednesday.

The India-based Central Tibetan Administration—condemned by China as “nothing but a separatist political group” —is a key institution for the exiles, especially after the Dalai Lama handed over political power in 2011. Elections took place in February and April in 27 countries—but not China.

The government’s “sikyong”, or leader, Penpa Tsering, was elected for a second term, after taking 61 percent in the preliminary round—a high enough threshold to win outright.

Tsering said Wednesday that he did not seek full independence for Tibet, but rather backed the Dalai Lama’s long-standing “Middle Way” policy seeking autonomy and a “resolution to the Sino-Tibet conflict through non-violence, dialogue and mutual benefit”. Groups of traditional dancers performed, as crowds including red robed monks and nuns watched the ceremony in India’s northern hilltown of Dharamshala.

“We ... urge all Tibetans to remember our shared identity as political exiles, set aside differences, foster unity, and fulfil our individual responsibilities towards the common cause of Tibet,” Tsering said after took the oath of office in front of justice officials, and watched by the Dalai Lama. AFP

Cairo’s new monorail glides above aging buses

CAIRO—Cairo’s new monorail slices across the city skyline, running above the familiar chaos of blaring horns and aging buses’ exhaust fumes that mark rush hour below. The $4.5 billion monorail, opened this month, is among Egypt’s most prominent new transport projects, part of a debt-funded infrastructure drive criticized for sapping state finances while bringing limited benefits to most of the country’s 109 million people.

“It feels like you’re

ing against interference in its maritime affairs.

“At present, the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea remains overall stable,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a news briefing.

“Relevant countries should stop interfering in maritime issues around China and genuinely respect regional countries’ efforts to safeguarding peace and stability,” she said.

“Forming cliques, creating tension and provoking conflict are unpopular.”

Beijing claims swathes of the strategic East and South China Seas, and has frequent disputes with the Philippines, Japan and others in the hotly contested waterways, which serve as vital shipping routes. AFP

NoKor tests new multi-purpose missile launch system—KCNA

SEOUL, South Korea—North Korea said Wednesday it had tested a new lightweight multipurpose missile launching system and a multiple tactical cruise missile weapon system the previous day.

The tests, previously reported by South Korea’s military, were overseen by the North’s leader, Kim Jong Un, the state-run Korean Central News Agency said.

South Korea said on Tuesday the North fired several projectiles, including a ballistic missile, off its west coast, the latest in a flurry of tests this year. Seoul said the missiles flew about 80 kilometres (50 miles).

Analysts have said that by conducting a series of missile tests in recent months, Pyongyang may be trying to take advantage of eroding international norms to cement its nuclear status.

Tuesday’s launch “analyzed and estimated the power of special mission warhead of tactical ballistic missile, the reliability of 240mm controlled artillery rocket with expanded firing range which employed an ultra-precision autonomous navigation system,” KCNA said in an English dispatch.

North Korean leader Kim noted that the “major weapon systems are a clear signal of upgrading of our military force and an event of showing great technical progress”, KCNA quoted him as saying.

“It is essential condition for our army’s operations to have such destructive power as enough to make

TEHRAN—Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on Wednesday said a return to war with the United States was unlikely, while warning that the Islamic republic stood ready against any attack.

The statement came a day after Iran accused the US of breaching the ceasefire in place since April, and warned it was ready to retaliate after the most serious strikes since the truce took effect.

In Lebanon, where violence has far from ceased despite a truce in Israel’s war with Hezbollah, Israeli strikes killed 31 people on Tuesday, four of them children, according to the Lebanese health ministry.

The Middle East war erupted in late February with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, spreading swiftly across multiple fronts and engulfing the region while throwing global energy markets into chaos.

“The possibility of war is low because of the enemy’s weakness, the armed forces are lying in wait with full magazines,” said Mohammad Akbarzadeh, deputy political chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, was quoted by Tasnim news agency as saying.

“Do not doubt that we will turn the area from Chabahar to Mahshahr into a graveyard for aggressors,” he said,

SEOUL—A Chinese dissident who has long been a thorn in Beijing’s side has escaped from China to South Korea on a rubber boat, his lawyer confirmed on Wednesday.

Dong Guangping, a former policeman who was imprisoned for his activism, was found by South Korean authorities on Monday night drifting off the country’s west coast on a 3.3-metre rubber boat with a 9.9-horsepower engine, according to police. He was taken to shore for questioning on suspicion of violating immigration laws.

The man’s lawyer, Kim Joo-kwang, confirmed his identity to AFP. He

any encountering force impossible to survive theoretically, apart from fortune,” he added, according to the report.

Satisfied with the test results, he said “important ultra-high defense science and technologies were introduced into the practical weapon tests.”

One photo released by KCNA shows a missile blasting off from a mobile launcher, with a bright exhaust flame and a cloud of smoke billowing around the vehicle.

Another photo shows Kim standing next to a mobile launcher flanked by military officials. North Korea is subject to multiple United Nations sanctions banning its nuclear weapons development and use of ballistic missile technology, restrictions it has repeatedly flouted. AFP

Israel says new Hamas chief killed in strike

JERUSALEM—Israel said on

Wednesday it had killed the new head of Hamas’s armed wing in Gaza, Mohammed Odeh, in a strike the day before, after killing his predecessor in a similar attack this month.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the “commander of the armed wing of the Hamas terrorist organisation in Gaza was eliminated yesterday and sent to meet his associates in the depths of hell”.

Hamas has not yet commented.

“In the Prime Minister’s name and in my own, congratulations to the IDF and the Shin Bet on the brilliant execution,” Katz said in a post on X.

“We committed ourselves to eliminating everyone who led the October 7 massacre, and that is what we will do: they are all marked for death, wherever they may be.”

naming places at each end of Iran’s lengthy southern coast. Iran and the US have for weeks been engaged in a war of words as they negotiate a deal with mediation efforts led by Pakistan. With no clear winner in the war, neither side appears ready to compromise on the key sticking points in negotiations, which include the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme. Iran blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that is vital to global energy flows, in retaliation for the war, while the US responded with a counterblockade of Iranian ports. AFP

declined to say from where Dong launched his boat. Dong, 68, is known for his opposition to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and his advocacy for political reform and human rights. He was dismissed from his work as a policeman after signing a petition a decade after Beijing’s 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, according to US-based advocacy group Human Rights in China. He later spent about three years in prison from 2001 for “inciting subversion of state power”, UN experts said, and was detained again in 2014 over Tiananmen-related activities. AFP THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026

After announcing the strike on Tuesday, Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a joint statement that Odeh had “served as head of Hamas intelligence during the October 7 massacre and was appointed approximately one week ago as successor to Ezzedine al-Haddad”. Haddad was killed by an Israeli strike on May 15.

“Odeh was responsible for the murder, abduction and injury of numerous Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers,” Katz and Netanyahu said.

In the aftermath of Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, Netanyahu pledged to target and eliminate the leaders behind it.

The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Israel’s retaliatory response in Gaza has killed at least 72,803 people, according to the territory’s health ministry, which operates under Hamas authority.

Israel has previously killed Hamas’s former political chief Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, its Gaza chief who was widely regarded as the mastermind of the Oct. 7 attack.

It also killed Mohammed Deif, the longtime commander of Hamas’s armed wing, known as the Ezzedine AlQassam Brigades, as well as Mohammed Sinwar, who succeeded his brother Yahya Sinwar, as Gaza chief Israeli strikes have also targeted Hamas operatives in Lebanon and senior Iranbacked Hezbollah commanders allied with the group, including former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. AFP

Boston’s Mazzulla is NBA Coach of the Year

LOS ANGELES—Boston Celtics head

coach Joe Mazzulla was named the NBA’s coach of the year on Tuesday after leading the team to a fourth straight 50-win season despite a depleted roster.

Mazzulla, 37, who coached the Celtics to a record 18th NBA championship 2024, is the first Boston coach to earn the accolade since Bill Fitch in 1980.

The Celtics, who were eliminated by Philadelphia in the opening round of the playoffs, entered this season without injured star Jayson Tatum.

But they finished with a 56-26 record to take second place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Mazzulla dedicated the honor to the Celtics’ entire backroom staff.

“Thank you to our players who compete and give it everything they have each night,” Mazzulla said in a statement.

“I am grateful for every member of the Celtics organization whose dedication impacts winning every day.

“This award belongs to our staff, who are there for the guys every day. Their relentless work ethic improves our team daily. This award should be named Staff of the Year.”

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens paid tribute to Mazzulla’s team-building in the absence of Tatum, who only returned to the team in March following an Achilles injury last year. AFP

Sinner, Sabalenka cruise in French Open 1st round

PARIS—Jannik Sinner powered into the second round of the French Open on Tuesday as his fellow world number one Aryna Sabalenka also made a winning start at Roland Garros.

Sinner needed just over two hours to beat French wildcard Clement Tabur 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 to extend his winning streak to 30 matches.

After taking all three clay-court Masters 1000 events in the run-up to Roland Garros, the 24-year-old Italian appears to have cracked the code to victory on the red dirt.

Without double-reigning champion and world number two Carlos Alcaraz in the draw, top seed Sinner is considered the runaway favourite to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires for the first time come the men’s final on June 7 and complete his career Grand Slam.

“Pressure is always going to be there,” Sinner told reporters.

“It’s normal. So I try to take it in a very natural way. I know what kind of player I am. Then, you know, if you don’t feel the pressure, it means you don’t care.

“I do care a lot about what I’m trying to achieve on a tennis court.”

He showed why he is the man to beat in the French capital with a punishing display against the world number 171, hititng 40 winners to just 21 unforced errors.

Sinner will meet Argentinian Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round.

Belarusian Sabalenka hurried through a 6-4, 6-2 win against Spanish world number 50 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro first on centre court as temperatures continued to soar through the first

week of the tournament.

The only real blip for Sabalenka as she returned to winning ways on clay after a surprise early exit from the Italian Open was her failure to serve out the match on Court Philippe Chatrier.

But the four-time major winner broke in the next game to book her spot in the second round against France’s Elsa Jacquemot.

“I’d say that for me always not easy, the first rounds,” Sabalenka said. “And then, as I get further in the tournament, as I get more comfortable, my level becomes better.”

Following a wet and cold Italian Open earlier in May and similar conditions during the practice week at Roland Garros, the big-hitting 28-yearold said the scorching conditions played somewhat in her favour.

“I’d say that it was a bit warm,” she joked. AFP

Filipino triathletes seek world tilt berths in IM 70.3 Subic

A GOLDEN ticket to the pinnacle of global multisport racing is on the line as the country’s triathlon capital prepares for a historic double-header spectacle. Marking its historic 10th staging, the Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay on June 7 is doing far more than celebrating a decade of endurance excellence – it is opening a highly coveted pathway for Filipino athletes to leap onto the world stage at the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France. Organized by Sunrise Events, Inc., the premier middle-distance race has already drawn a stellar international field representing at least 45 countries, with more expected to register before the starting gun fires. While the international elite will fiercely contest the overall titles, the local spotlight will shine on the passionate community of Filipino age-groupers. For these hometown endurance athletes, the race represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – a chance to claim one of 45 coveted qualifying slots for the world championship on Sept. 12–13, 2026 in the breathtaking coastal city of Nice. To ensure fair opportunity, the slots will be distributed evenly across the male and female age-group divisions. Automatic entries will be awarded to top division finishers, followed by the highly anticipated roll-down ceremony – a tension-filled tradition where unclaimed slots slide down the rankings,

keeping the world championship dream alive for those who finished just within striking distance.

For those who secure their ticket, an unforgettable global experience awaits. Nice has been a legendary sanctuary for triathlon since 1982, having famously hosted the 2019 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship. Filipino qualifiers will transition from the familiar waters of Subic to swimming in the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea along the Côte d’Azur, cycling through the grueling, majestic alpine climbs of the Alpes-Maritimes and running down the historic, world-famous Promenade des Anglais toward a legendary finish line.

The June 7 blockbuster is doubled in intensity as thousands of hardcore competitors simultaneously take on the ultimate test of human endurance – the full-distance Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, this monster race features a punishing 3.8km swim, 180km bike and a full 42.2km marathon run. Title sponsor Century Tuna anchors the weekend with its unwavering commitment to both marquee events, cementing Subic Bay’s status as a world-class racing destination. Registration is still ongoing. For details, visit the official event pages at www.ironman.com/im703-subic-bay-philippines or sunrisesprint.com.

Beyond the grueling main events, organizers have lined up a high-octane, weekendlong festival that ensures everyone from absolute beginners to the youngest athletes can join the action.

The energy builds early with a series of vibrant side events. On June 5, the Sun Life Underpants Run will usher in the weekend’s festivities, combining fitness, fun and charity in a dash of pure, high-spirited energy.

The RLC Residences IRONKIDS Triathlon and Kids’ Run will be held on June 6, featuring the future stars of the sport while giving the youth their own chance to taste the thrill of crossing a world-class finish line. Also on tap is the Birch Tree Adult Boost Sunrise Sprint, comprising a 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run. This short-course format serves as an accessible route for returning athletes or a lightning-fast platform for speed specialists.

The new Super Sprint also makes its debut with a beginner-friendly 400m swim, 10km bike, and 2.5km run, offering the perfect introductory gateway for those looking to experience the magic of multisport for the very first time.

With world championship dreams on the line, a full-distance milestone celebration, and a packed schedule of festive side events, this upcoming race week guarantees a true celebration of the triathlon lifestyle.

Vis-Min standouts brace for fierce JPGT Bacolod showdown

THE final two legs of the Junior PGT Visayas-Mindanao Series promise to be a gripping test of nerve, resolve and purpose. As top contenders look to cement their slots in the Grand Finals, a hungry pack of hopefuls is launching last-ditch campaigns to sneak into the team via the backdoor.

The regional series now moves to the Visayas for its conclusion. The tight and unforgiving Bacolod Golf and Country Club in Murcia will host the first stop on June 3-5, before action shifts to the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Bacolod City on June 8-10. These final two legs of the six-stage regional series are expected to produce the fiercest battles yet across all age-group categorie. Every shot, every putt and every finish will carry immense weight in these two Bacolod tournaments. At stake is not just individual glory, but a spot on the South team, which is gearing up to

battle the North side in the Ryder-style grand finals from Aug. 17-20 at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro. Having lost the inaugural North vs. South duel at The Country Club last year, the Southerners are fueled by a no-nonsense determination to exact payback on home turf. To build the strongest possible squad, the selection process is strict – only a player’s best three results across six tournaments, (with a minimum of three participations) will count toward the final rankings. With slots in the Top 4 in each category still up for grabs, the fight for ranking points is wide open. In the girls’ 7-10 category, Vanya Go

leads the pack with 39 points, followed by Soleil Molde (30). While Akeisha Yocte (23) and Zoey Mascariñas (22) currently hold the remaining qualifying a logjam threatens to end the standings. Camila Alvarez, Maxine Cabang, and Faith Frayco sit dangerously close with 14 points each, while Jayenne Mesina (12), Ana Marie Aguilar (10), Adrielle Avila (10), and Jia Ho (10) could all crash the Top 4 party with a sweep of the Bacolod legs.

In the 11-14 division, Brittany Tamayo (40), Rafella Batican (34), Marqaela Dy (30) and Zuri Bagaloyos (24) currently hold the inside track. However, Isabella Espina is breathing down their necks with 22 points, while Eliana Dumalaog and Kimberly Barroquillo

are lurking just behind with 20 points, ready to strike. In the premier 15-18 class, Tashanah Balangauan paces the field with 30 points, closely pursued Precious Zaragosa and Zero Plete, who are tied at 27. Apple Gothiong currently holds the final spot with 24 points, but Lois Laine Go (20) and Mikela Guillermo (18) are charging hard to reclaim their ground. While two dominant forces in the boys’ division have already punched their tickets to the Finals, the races behind them are absolute dogfights.

Three-leg winner Ethan Lago has secured his place in the 7-10 division finals with 45 points. Looking to join him are Lucas Revilleza and Stephen Clementer, who are in second and third with 36 and 25 points, respectively. Darren Ong currently holds fourth place with 20 points, but Marlou Langamin (16) and Thomas Ngo (14) are trailing close behind.

Scribes name Tubu as Most Valuable Player

WHILE others took turns owning the spotlight in different conferences, Trisha Tubu owned the entire season—leading Farm Fresh’s rise from a rebuilding side searching for identity to a team that could finally stand toe-to-toe with the league’s established contenders.

And for authoring one of the most dominant individual performances in recent memory, her season-long brilliance earned her the Season Most Valuable Player honor at the 2nd Pilipinas Live PVL Press Corps Awards Night set on May 30 at Novotel Manila Araneta City in Cubao, Quezon City.

The 25-year-old opposite spiker led the MVP race with a commanding weighted score of 171.868, based on a breakdown of 50 percent statistics, 30 percent media votes, and 20 percent team votes. Tubu averaged 108.868 statistical points— No. 1 among MVP candidates—across the PVL On Tour, Invitationals, and All-Filipino Conference, along with 50.4 media votes and 25.2 team votes to secure the highest individual honor in the annual awards night supported by Immuni+ and Rebisco.

Former Cignal standout Erika Santos, now with Capital1, who won the Conference MVP award in the PVL On Tour, finished second in the standings with 157.98 total points, built on 93.48 average statistical points, 59.6 media votes, and 19.8 team votes.

Nxled’s Brooke Van Sickle, last year’s Season MVP and Reinforced Conference MVP, came in third with 155.229 total points, despite a strong bid highlighted by 83.429 average statistical points, the highest media votes at 64.8, and 23.2 team votes.

Vanie Gandler, also a former Cignal standout now with Capital1, placed fourth in the overall rankings with 152.634 total points. The All-Filipino Conference MVP posted the lowest average statistical points at 79.434 due to her absence in the PVL On Tour and the early part of the Reinforced Conference, but still collected 55.2 media votes and the highest team votes with 31.8.

It was a tight race behind her, but Tubu emerged as the clear MVP winner at the top of a tightly contested field.

And her season was defined not just by dominance, but by consistency from start to finish, a standard she maintained across all three conferences as she claimed the Best Opposite Spiker award in each one.

Even amid roster changes and coaching shifts, Tubu remained the one constant for the Foxies—providing stability, production, and leadership as the team navigated its early years in the league. Through their first two seasons in the league organized by Sports Vision, Farm Fresh managed only one playoff appearance across six conferences, a stretch marked by growing pains and constant adjustments.

But with Tubu as the stabilizing force, the Foxies steadily built toward a breakthrough.

Diaz skipping Asiad, Olympics to focus on training young bets

By Jeremiah Sevilla

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan Del Sur—Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz is not keen on competing in the Asian Games 2026 and Los Angeles Olympics 2028 for now, eyeing to focus on promoting the sport of weightlifting in the country.

Diaz bared her plans of possibly skipping the two international tournaments as she aims to further raise awareness on weightlifting following its debut as a regular sport in the Palarong Pambansa 2026 here.

“Sa ngayon po, iba ang focus ko, which is to spread the sport. Nagte-training nang konti pero may ibang gusto ring gawin,” said Diaz, who is serving as the tournament director in the 66th edition of the annual school games.

Batangas five extends MPBL winning streak

THE Batangas City Tanduay Athletics dominated the boards and dumped the Bacolod Masskaras, 111-78, on Tuesday to sustain their climb in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the One Arena Cainta in Rizal Province.

Powered by John Ambulodto and Abdul Sawat, the Athletics outrebounded the Masskaras, 64-28, exploiting this to score more points in the paint, 72-42, and second chances, 36-8, that paved the way for their fifth straight win in the round-robin elimination phase of the two-division, 28team tournament.

Following its wire-to-wire victory, Batangas climbed to 7-2, trailing Caloocan and Gensan, both 9-0, Quezon Province (6-0), San Juan and Abra, both 6-1, and Pasig (5-1) and catching up with Cebu in the overall race for playoff spots.

Ambulodto posted 12 points, 15 rebounds and 3 assists to clinch the SportsPlus best player honors over Dawn Ochea, who tallied 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

“Sa ngayon, hindi para sa’kin ang LA Olympics. Iba ang priority,” added the country’s first Olympic gold winner from the Tokyo Summer Games. With competitions set aside for now, Diaz is glad to see her dream of witnessing her sport officially included in Palaro a year after it served as a demonstration event in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.

“Siyempre sobrang saya and excited na makita ang mga atleta na naglalaro

dito, and makita kung gaano sila kasaya na regular sport na ang weightlifting. Excited din na kung gaano karami ang interesado sa weightlifting,” she said.

A total of 160 athletes from various regions are vying for the 20 gold medals at stake--10 each in secondary boys and girls categories.

Diaz’s fellow Zamboanga Pen insula pride Adrian Bucol (48kg boys) and CALABARZON’s Stephanie Mandigma (40kg girls) emerged as the first weightlifting champions in the 66th edition of Palarong Pambansa. With weightlifting now a regular contest in Palaro, Diaz is hoping it could pave the way for the sport to be integrat ed into collegiate

leagues and allow high school studentathletes to earn scholarship.

“After nila dito sa Palarong Pambansa, ga-graduate na sila, so what’s next? Kaya ako parang hindi kumpleto ang sistema, parang kailangan may scholarship sila sa college para continuous sila nagte-training then may scholarship sila,” said Diaz.

“Mas maigi kasi tuloy-tuloy silang magte-training hanggang sa makapagtapos sila.

‘Yon sana ang sistema for the sport, na hindi lang sa high school, sana may college din. Sana ma-include din sa UAAP, NCAA, at ibang college competitions.”

TNT’s Roger Pogoy, shown here trying to score against a Meralco double-team, is elected as the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of May 20 to 24.

TNT’s Pogoy voted PBA Best Player of the Week

RR POGOY did not let the adversity of losing Bol Bol to an injury affect him or TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. And even if he struggled offensively, Pogoy came through with a winning three-point shot that enabled the Tropang 5G to go up 2-1 over the Meralco Bolts despite an all-Filipino lineup.

“Sobrang sama ng shooting ko tapos yung pumasok pa yung pangpanalo kaya sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam,” Pogoy said after finishing with nine points on 3-of-12 shooting in TNT’s 77-75 victory in Game 3. His heroics played a huge role in being selected as the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of May 20 to 24.

That stretch actually saw Pogoy register 19.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.3 assists as TNT moved two wins shy of advancing to the Finals for the fifth straight conference. TNT’s locals were put into a challengjng role after Bol suffered an Achilles injury in the Tropang 5G’s Game 2 loss and being forced to play all-Filipino in Game 3 when emergency replacement Malick Diouf couldn’t secure necessary documents in time.

“Sobrang proud ako sa team namin kasi wala kaming import, lumaban pa din kami,” said Pogoy as TNT looks to put Meralco in a deeper hole with new reinforcement Chris McCullough.

Pogoy was chosen by Press Corps members covering the PBA beat for the weekly citation over the Barangay Ginebra duo of Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos.

Lopez leads PH with silver finish in SEA Judo

By Randy M. Caluag

MA. JEANALANE Lopez spearheaded Team Philippines’ strong showing in the senior division of the 2026 Southeast Asian Judo Championships, capturing a silver medal to highlight the country’s latest podium finishes.

Lopez delivered a determined campaign in the women’s 44kg category, battling through a tough field before settling for silver against some of Southeast Asia’s top lightweight judokas.

The Philippine squad backed up her performance with a string of bronze medals. Daryl John Mercado placed third in the men’s -60kg class, while Randy Ferrera Jr. secured bronze in the -73kg division. Rhyan Zarchie Garay added another podium finish in the men’s -100kg bracket, contributing to

the team’s growing medal haul.

More bronze medals came from the women’s side, with Khrizzie Pabulayan finishing third in the -63kg category and Alyzza Nichole Dela Cruz doing the same in the -70kg class, highlighting the depth of the national team across multiple weight divisions. The annual Southeast Asian Judo Championships features the region’s top practitioners and serves as a key platform for athletes aiming to qualify for higher-level competitions, including continental tournaments and Olympic events.

Philippine judo officials praised the team’s effort, citing their discipline and resilience against traditional regional powerhouses such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, as the country continues to build momentum in the sport.

Bohol trackster caps Palaro journey with 2 record feats

By Jeremiah Sevilla

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan Del Sur -- Central Visayas’ track star Jhul Ian

Cañalita fittingly capped off his Palarong Pambansa journey with two record-setting performances.

Cañalita shattered his own 3,000-meter steeplechase secondary boys’ record in the Palaro 2026 as he crossed the finish line in nine minutes and 11.40 seconds on Wednesday at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Gov. D.O. Plaza Memorial Sports Complex here.

The 17-year-old athletic stalwart from Garcia Hernandez, Bohol broke away early from his 23 competitors en route to zooming past the previous mark of 9:23.89 he logged in Laoag, Ilocos Norte last year.

Before that, Cañalita also etched a new record in the 5,000-meter run, clocking 15:15.22 to eclipse his 15:16.31 performance in the previous edition of the annual school games supported by the

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and organized by the Department of Education (DepEd) with the aid of the Agusan Del Sur LGU.

“Masaya po ako kasi last year ko na tapos na-depensahan ko ‘yong main events ko. Masarap sa pakiramdam, worth it po talaga lahat ng training namin,” the Tabuan National High School standout said, noting that they train twice a day regardless of the weather conditions.

“Rain or shine ang training namin. Hard work talaga, discipline, pati tiwala sa sarili at sa coach ang nagdala sa’kin,” added Cañalita, who is also a record holder in the Asean School Games’ 3,000m run.

With his Palaro stint coming to a close, the Boholanon now sets his sights on the National Open and PATAFA Weekly Relay Series as he weighs several offers from various UAAP schools while finishing his high school studies. Records also continued to fall over

by

1,200 MW

Planned nuclear capacity by 2032

2,400 MW 4,800 MW

Planned nuclear capacity by 2035

Planned nuclear capacity by 2040

GDP growth seen soft on oil shock, infra scandal —UA&P

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) will likely face soft growth until infrastructure spending resumes later in 2026, weighed down by an unresolved flood control scandal and a Middle East-driven oil shock, University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) economists said in a report. In their May 2026 Market Call, the economists said that infrastructure corruption, elevated oil prices and prolonged Middle East tensions are challenging the near-term outlook for economic growth, inflation and the peso.

“Weak [gross domestic product] growth and faster inflation will weigh on the economy in [the first half] amid the unresolved flood control scandal and high oil prices from the Middle East conflict,” the economists said.

GDP growth slowed to a five-year low of 2.8 percent in the first quarter of 2026 due to the compounded effects of last year’s graft scandal, budget delays and higher global oil prices.

Meanwhile, rising food and transport costs pushed inflation to a threeyear high of 7.2 percent in April.

The UA&P economists said secondround effects from the oil shock could further accelerate price pressures, though they expect inflation will stay below double-digit levels.

DOE, AboitizPower eye nuclear power site study

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy, state-owned National Power Corp. and Aboitiz Power Corp. plan to sign an agreement to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on potential nuclear power plant sites across the country, including the idled Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in Central Luzon.

Energy Department director Patrick Aquino said AboitizPower, one of the country’s largest power producers, proposed the memorandum of understanding to the agency and the National Power Corp. last year. The initiative aligns with the government’s push to integrate nuclear power into the national energy

mix to lower electricity rates.

“Given the direction of DOE to support nuclear, we saw value in their having an MOU. It is not an exclusive MOU,” Aquino said, noting that AboitizPower is interested in nuclear energy “when the conditions of their investment decision matrix are met.”

The DOE said it remains open to signing similar agreements with other interested parties. While AboitizPower evaluates nuclear technology alongside other energy sources, the company is moving cautiously due to strict regulations.

“They are treading carefully,” Aquino said.

The joint assessment will evaluate site suitability, safety, security, regulatory readiness and infrastructure requirements based on International Atomic Energy Agency standards.

The project supports the country’s Nuclear Energy Plan and Roadmap, which targets the introduction of safe and sustainable nuclear power starting in 2032.

New Zealand, Aussie firms eye PH expansion

By Othel V. Campos

SEVERAL Australian and New Zealand companies are exploring expansion and investment opportunities in the Philippines following a business mission led by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the agency said. The investment meetings, held on the sidelines of the Digital Health Festival 2026 in Melbourne, Australia, generated strong interest from firms in artificial intelligence, outsourcing, manufacturing, renewable energy, food production and aviation technology.

Appen Butler Hill Pty Ltd., an artificial intelligence training support services company, plans to create more than 1,100 additional jobs in the Philippines to meet rising demand. The company employs more than 2,500 workers in the country.

THE Philippines expanded its direct air links with China this month as three new routes connecting Manila to Hangzhou, Changsha and Chongqing began operations, boosting tourism and business travel between the two countries.

The new routes aim to accelerate recovery in the Chinese market and unlock greater tourism growth opportunities, Department of Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said.

“Under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we are accelerating the restoration of air connectiv-

ity from China because we recognize that this market remains one of the Philippines’ biggest opportunities for tourism growth. Visitor arrivals from China have already posted the strongest growth among our major source markets this year, supported by expanded direct services and measures that have made travel more accessible,” Angara-Mathay said.

While visitor arrivals from China continue to post strong growth, seat capacity from the market has only recovered to about half of pre-pandemic

RETURNING overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are bringing decades of Middle Eastern steel industry experience back home to build the first steel sections mill in the Philippines, manufacturer SteelAsia said.

The repatriated workers, many of whom previously worked in facilities across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and other Middle Eastern countries, form part of the workforce constructing the SteelAsia steel sections mill in Lemery, Batangas. The facility will produce structural steel products currently fully imported, including I-beams, H-sections, channel steel and angle bars. Operations are expected to begin later this year.

2019 levels, Angara-Mathay said. China’s XiamenAir launched its inaugural Hangzhou–Manila service on May 20, offering four weekly flights every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday until Oct. 31, 2026. The new route eliminates the need for travelers from Hangzhou to transit through other Chinese cities before flying to Manila. The inaugural Hangzhou–Manila flight arrived with 76 passengers, while the outbound Manila–Hangzhou service departed with 122 passengers. Othel V. Campos

The Lemery plant anchors a broader push by SteelAsia to develop the first integrated steel industry in the country. The company already produces reinforced steel bars locally to reduce dependence on imports. Among the employees across the four mills of SteelAsia are 106 repatriated Filipino workers. Many of these individuals lost their overseas jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic due to lockdowns and economic disruptions. While some initially considered retirement after returning to the Philippines, the opportunity to work in a local steel mill encouraged them to rejoin the industry. Othel V. Campos

Outsourcing firm Cloudstaff Pty Ltd., which operates locally as CS Global, also signaled continued expansion. The company employs more than 7,500 workers across several sites registered with PEZA and the Board of Investments. Information technology, software development and accounting support provider A.S. White is considering expanding to new wave cities across the country. The company projects an annual growth of more than 300 new jobs in the coming years.

Other companies that met with the Philippine delegation include AMSL Aero, a developer of hydrogen-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft; Haute Kitchens, which is evaluating the country as a possible manufacturing site; and New Zealand-based WaHiki, which is exploring partnerships for its coconut-based food products.

PEZA organized the investment mission alongside the Department of Trade and Industry–Export Marketing Bureau, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center Sydney, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines and the Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines. PEZA director-general Tereso Panga said the mission aimed to position the Philippines as a strategic investment destination for Australian and New Zealand companies seeking scalable and service-oriented operations in the region.

BUSINESS

NLEX Corp. to complete Segment 8.2 by Q3

By Darwin G. Amojelar

NLEX Corp. expects to complete construction on the new 2-kilometer

Section 1A of Segment 8.2, stretching from Mindanao Avenue to Quirino Highway, by the third quarter of 2026.

NLEX partnered with China Road and Bridge Corp. for the civil works of Section 1A, a project carrying an overall cost of P2.2 billion.

Once operational, the all-weather elevated expressway will connect the Mindanao Toll Plaza directly to Quirino Highway. By flying over local intersections and bypassing the Tullahan River, the new roadway will allow motorists to completely avoid heavy bottleneck points along Mindanao Avenue.

The elevated link will be open 24/7 to all vehicle classes. It is projected to serve approximately 11,000 vehicles daily, significantly easing gridlock on major Novaliches thoroughfares.

Section 1A is the initial phase of the larger 11.3-kilometer NLEXC5 Northlink (Segment 8.2) project. The complete alignment will

eventually extend all the way from Mindanao Avenue to C5/C.P. Garcia Avenue near Katipunan Avenue, providing a crucial, highspeed link between northern and southern Luzon via the eastern corridor of Metro Manila.

NLEX earlier reported a net income of P3.84 billion in the Jan uary-to-March period, up 8 percent from P3.55 billion in the same period last year.

For the first quarter, toll revenues reached P8.02 billion, up 15 percent from the P6.98 billion posted during the first quarter of 2025 because of higher traffic volume and the impact of toll rate adjustments implemented in January 2026.

The average daily traffic for NLEX reached 361,665 vehicle en tries, 2 percent higher than 2025 figures, while average daily traf fic on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway reached 83,930 vehicle entries, or 2 percent higher than the same period last year.

In addition, NLEX Connector traffic reached 22,146 daily entries for the first quarter of 2026, a 7 percent increase over 2025 figures.

NLEX currently spans about 105 kilometers — or 598 lane-kilo meters — serving as the primary infrastructure backbone connect ing Metro Manila to central and northern Luzon.

The company also operates SCTEX, a 94-kilometer, four-lane divided highway traversing the provinces of Bataan, Pampanga and Tarlac.

Maharlika Fund zeroing in on costly

power

subsidies

—“—

PURSUING national development goals is as general as it can get.

Maharlika Wealth Fund is aiming at the objective with the hope of creating jobs and spurring investments, reducing prices and the cost of living, and bringing about an inclusive economy.

Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC), which runs the Philippines’ first sovereign wealth fund, has targeted the prohibitive cost of power, one of the highest in Asia, as one that can meet its development objectives.

Slashing the rates through the elimination of heavy power subsidies will certainly make the Philippines competitive enough to attract foreign investments.

As one of its initial steps, MIC signed an agreement with National Power Corp., National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) and the National Electrification Administration to modernize the Mindoro Power Grid to end blackouts in the island and cut national power subsidies.

Power rates in Mindoro island, because of inefficient plants, are costly. Reducing these rates will lower power subsidies that are borne by consumers elsewhere in the Philippines, including those in Metro Manila.

The joint Mindoro initiative aims to fix structural weaknesses in the Mindoro Small Grid, which currently operates on a single-loop 69-kilovolt network that leaves the island vulnerable to frequent, island-wide blackouts.

Under the framework, MIC will serve as a strategic investor to finance and execute the modernization.

MIC plans to transform the island’s fragile power system into a resilient, sectionalized network that features modern grid monitoring technologies and improved line accessibility.

Beyond stabilizing local power, the project seeks to lower national electricity costs by reducing the country’s heavy power subsidies.

Mindoro draws a significant share of the Universal Charge for Missionary Electrification, a subsidy funded by electricity consumers nationwide.

“By reducing system losses and advancing the Mindoro Small Grid toward commercial viability, the project aims to lower overall government subsidy requirements, ultimately reducing electricity costs for consumers nationwide,” MIC said.

The power outage is not limited to Mindoro. Business leaders in Cebu province have warned that thin electricity supplies and high energy costs are threatening economic productivity and discouraging foreign investment.

The Visayas grid was placed under a yellow alert on Thursday last week, marking the ninth time this month that high demand has strained the region’s limited power reserves.

MIC, as its charter allows, may be asked again to step into Cebu’s electricity woes.

Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry immediate past president and trustee Mark Anthony Ynoc has urged the government to make adequate power supply a national priority.

“We have been deeply concerned about the recurring yellow

Slashing the rates through the elimination of ... subsidies will certainly make the Philippines competitive...

alerts in the Visayas grid for quite some time now,” Ynoc said.

“These incidents reflect the need for stronger long-term energy planning, more aggressive investment in power generation, and improvements in transmission infrastructure. Reliable and affordable power is critical to sustaining economic growth and business confidence in the region,” he said.

Ynoc says electricity bills represent a massive burden for local industry, with some factories spending as much as 40 percent of their operating costs on power alone.

“Higher power rates and recurring outages significantly affect productivity, increase the cost of consumer goods, disrupt operations, and may even damage sensitive equipment and manufacturing facilities,” Ynoc said.

“These challenges ultimately weaken the competitiveness of businesses in Cebu and the Visayas,” he said.

He added global investors prioritize stable, competitively priced power when choosing locations.

“Recurring grid alerts and high energy costs could discourage investments in high-value industries such as data centers, electric vehicle assembly and semiconductor manufacturing,” Ynoc said.

“Unfortunately, this places Cebu and the Philippines at a disadvantage compared to our neighboring Asian economies that already offer more reliable and lower-cost energy infrastructure. Strengthening our energy security must therefore become a national priority to remain competitive in attracting future investments,” the businessman added.

Ynoc’s complaints perfectly fit MIC’s objectives. MIC president and chief executive Rafael Consing Jr. earlier said the institution would invest to clear up chokepoints that are impeding economic growth.

And as MIC chief legal officer Paul Salanga aptly said, the Philippines

“cannot maintain a first-world reputation on third-world power infrastructure.”

Unfair power subsidies must also go. They penalize the general electricity customers and hike the cost of goods and services.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

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

CYBERSECURITY MEETING. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)Cybersecurity Bureau participates in the second-quarter meeting of the cybersecurity groups under the Energy Sector Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework on May 21,

aimed at strengthening the nation’s cyber resilience.

NGCP calls for holistic energy development plan

By Alena Mae S. Flores

NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) president Anthony Almeda on Tuesday called for a holistic, industry-wide long-term development plan to address recurring red and yellow alerts in the country’s power grid.

Testifying before the House of Representatives, Almeda said the energy plan should emphasize three critical issues including the sufficiency of non-intermittent baseload supply, an energy mix with geographically spread-out plants using varying technologies and resource adequacy-

based planning. The grid alerts issued between May 13 and May 15 resulted from a series of unfortunate events, including the forced shutdown or derating of 31 power plants, Almeda said.

He said the Luzon grid recorded its highest peak demand for 2026 at 14,268 megawatts during this period, while the Visayas grid was already on yellow alert due to unplanned generation shutdowns.

Almeda denied allegations that his company failed to submit reports to regulators, explaining that officials sent text messages and emails to the

IN BRIEF

BlockShoals teams up with Binance

BLOCKSHOALS Technologies Inc. announced a partnership with cryptocurrency exchange Binance to provide regulated digital asset services in the Philippines under a Securities and Exchange Commission sandbox framework.

The Philippine-incorporated fintech company will operate as a crypto asset intermediary under the SEC Strategic Sandbox (StratBox) framework. The announcement follows a notice to proceed from the regulator on April 14, 2026, after an in-principle approval in late 2025. Under the arrangement, Filipino users will access Binance products through BlockShoals, which handles local regulatory compliance and operations. Binance will provide the backend technology infrastructure and strategic support. The company will start a 90-day integration phase with its partner virtual asset service provider before starting user onboarding. Legal and advisory firm Arden Consult will guide the testing phase.

“This partnership is an opportunity to demonstrate that global digital asset platforms and local regulatory frameworks can work together constructively,” BlockShoals Technologies said in a statement.

“As a Philippine-incorporated company operating under the direct supervision of the SEC, we are focused on building a secure and locally accountable platform for Filipino users,” it said.

Shakey’s Pizza tempers expansion

RESTAURANT operator Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. is slowing down store expansion and tightening spending controls this year due to weakening consumer demand and rising costs linked to conflict in the Middle East.

Shakey’s Pizza president and chief executive Vicente Gregorio said the company will adopt a more cautious approach to capital spending in an uncertain operating environment, though it will continue to expand its network at a slower pace.

“We are conserving cash. Considering these extraordinary times, we are investing

continuously to expand our network, albeit more moderately,” Gregorio said during a recent investors briefing. Gregorio said future store openings will focus on accretive stores with higher hurdle rates, adding that the group will also rationalize its store network.

The company, which operates brands including Shakey’s, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken and Potato Corner, said that early secondquarter indicators pointed to softer consumer spending as inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions persisted. The group expects same-store sales growth to remain muted in the coming quarters, particularly for its casual dining business which has higher average customer spending. Jenniffer B. Austria Traders vow to purchase local tobacco leaves

THE National Tobacco Administration (NTA) said it has secured a commitment from trading companies to purchase all flue-cured Virginia tobacco leaves produced this season in the Ilocos Region and Abra province, following negotiations to prevent a market collapse.

NTA administrator and chief executive Belinda Sanchez said tobacco traders committed to buying all locally produced tobacco at reasonable prices based on approved floor prices.

The regulatory body initiated discussions with tobacco traders and cigarette manufacturers in March to address a potential “stopbuying” scenario triggered by an oversupply of locally grown tobacco leaves.

Production is projected to exceed demand by 5 million kilograms this season, or about 27 percent higher than the 18.05-million-kilogram purchase commitment originally made by trading companies and cigarette manufacturers for the 2026 trading season.

Local government units encouraged noncontracted tobacco farmers to expand the cultivation of traditional Virginia tobacco varieties after experiencing strong demand over the past two trading seasons, inadvertently causing the current glut.

“The tobacco supply was short in the last two years, resulting in strong demand and unexpectedly high prices. However, this trading season, prices declined due to overproduction, consistent with the law of supply and demand,” NTA deputy administrator for operations Nestor Casela said. Othel V. Campos

PH urges APEC members to keep markets open

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines urged Asia-Pacific economies to keep markets open, remove unnecessary trade barriers and strengthen supply chain resilience as global disruptions strain shipping routes, raise costs, and affect logistics workers.

Department of Trade and Industry

Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said regional economic integration should remain practical, predictable and responsive to businesses, workers and consumers. Roque delivered the statement at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting.

Department of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission on the tripping of two transmission facilities.

National Grid Corp. of the Philippines is permitted to use informal writing, text messages and telephone notifications to specified recipients pending the submission of formal reports, particularly the significant incident report, Almeda said.

“To peg the May 13 to 15 grid alerts as caused only by the transmission outage is not only misleading, but will not permit energy industry players and responsible government agencies to formulate relevant and lasting solutions, as key parts of the problem are conveniently ignored,” Almeda said.

“APEC’s comparative advantage is our ability to build trust through practical convergence—not by forcing uniformity, but by reducing friction where it matters most for businesses, workers, and consumers,” Roque said. The Philippines pushed for interoperable rules, transparent procedures, and capacity-building to enable broader participation in regional initiatives. Officials cited the need for resilient supply chains and cautioned against unnecessary nontariff barriers.

Roque also highlighted the human impact of trade disruptions, citing cross-border logistics workers and Filipino seafarers. The seafarers form a major part of the global maritime

ABOITIZ SCHOLARS. Aboitiz Foundation impact lead for jobs JR Roque (right) meets with officials of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region XI and Ring Circle, a Davao-based business process outsourcing firm, to discuss support for around 500 AIDA Plus scholars. One of the Aboitiz Foundation’s flagship programs, Elevate AIDA, is evolving into a new phase with the launch of AIDA Plus, an expanded skills-to-employment platform designed to connect more Filipinos to opportunities in the digital economy.

ERC, DOE inspect Visayas power plants after red, yellow grid alerts

ENERGY regulators conducted spot inspections on power plants in Cebu and Iloilo City following red and yellow grid alerts and rotational power cuts across the Visayas region.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the Department of Energy (DOE) visited Therma Visayas Inc. (TVI) in Toledo City, Cebu on May 20 and Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC) Unit 3 in La Paz, Iloilo City on May 21. The inspections followed a series of power grid alerts that began May 12 after both facilities went offline unexpectedly.

The unscheduled shutdown of TVI Units 1 and 2 and PEDC Unit 3 stripped major capacity from the Visayas grid.

The supply shortfall forced the grid operator to implement manual load dropping, or rotational blackouts, to maintain power system integrity and prevent a total grid collapse. Recur-

By Jenniffer B. Austria

ETON Properties Philippines Inc. said it more than tripled its net income in 2025 to P758.4 million as the property developer benefited from stronger residential sales, recurring leasing income and tighter operational discipline.

The real estate arm of LT Group Inc. said net income surged 256 percent from P212.8 million a year earlier. Revenues rose 4 percent to P3.30 billion from P3.19 billion in 2024. Higher residential sales, stable leasing revenues, joint venture marketing fees and compensation related to right-of-way acquisitions by a local government unit drove the growth.

ring yellow alerts continued in the subsequent days because the affected units and other crippled generating facilities remained offline.

Authorities also launched the site visits to pinpoint the causes of the outages, check the operational status of the units and verify that the generation companies are safely and quickly restoring the facilities. The ERC and DOE also evaluated whether the plants complied with operational and reliability standards.

“Spot inspections underscore the commitment of the agency and DOE to protect consumers, promote accountability among regulated entities, and support measures that will help restore system reliability in the Visayas,” the ERC said. The on-site inspections allowed regulators to interview plant officials and technical personnel directly while gathering data for deeper regulatory assessments. Alena Mae S. Flores

“Our focus in 2025 was to strengthen the operating foundations of the business and improve execution across the organization,” Eton president and chief executive Kyle Ellis Tan said. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) climbed 43 percent to P1.80 billion from P1.3 billion previously. Total

workforce and remain vital to international supply chains.

“Trust also includes addressing the crisis’ human impact on the people, especially those involved in physically moving trade,” Roque said. The Philippines said it will continue to advocate for a rules-based multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization. Manila urged economies to implement outcomes from the 14th Ministerial Conference of the WTO, advance reforms, and sustain progress on e-commerce, fisheries subsidies and agriculture.

The country also called for stronger cooperation on digital trade, artificial intelligence, and green investment as drivers of inclusive growth. Roque said the Philippines is advancing its digital economy through the Internet Transactions Act. The government also supports startups through the AI & Startup Center and provides AI literacy programs for micro, small, and medium enterprises through Negosyo Centers.

Gov’t budget utilization rate drops to 91.3%

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE government’s budget utilization rate slipped to 91.3 percent as of April 2026 from 92 percent a year ago, leaving P154.92 billion in unused cash allocations for the four-month period, Department of Budget and Management data showed.

The DBM said in its latest Notice of Cash Allocations utilization report that government agencies used P1.63 trillion out of the P1.78 trillion cash allocations released as of end-April 2026. Line departments accounted for the bulk of the spending at P980.53 billion. The amount translates to about 86.5 percent of the P1.13 trillion cash allocations allotted to various departments.

Department of Foreign Affairs officials recorded the highest budget use rate at 99.3 percent. The agency spent P6.38 billion out of the P6.42 billion cash allocation it received during the period. Office of the Vice-President officials followed with a 98.7 percent utilization rate.

Department of Energy officials also recorded 98.7 percent, followed by Department of Migrant Workers officials at 98.5 percent, Commission on Human Rights officials at 98.3 percent, Department of Tourism officials at 96.5 percent and Department of the Interior and Local Government officials at 96.5 percent.

The DBM also reported that budgetary support to government-owned and controlled corporations recorded a 99.2-percent utilization rate at P153.79 billion. Allocations to local government units posted a 99.8-percent budget use rate at P490.82 billion.

lion and P88.7 million, respectively. The hospitality arm of the company, The Mini Suites, generated P171.6 million in revenues last year. As part of its sustainability efforts, Eton shifted eight residential, office and commercial properties to 100-percent renewable geothermal energy, helping reduce annual carbon emissions by over 21,000 metric tons.

Boots Rodrigo’s memoir blends art and service

By Michael Wong Ho

POLITICAL and entertainment

leaders converged at the 87-year-old Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City on May 23, 2026 to launch the memoir of multi-awarded actress and cultural icon Boots Anson Roa Rodrigo.

The book, titled “Grateful,” debuted during the cafe’s monthly “Pan de Panitikan” (Bread of Literature) event, blending literary tradition with public service as guests paid tribute to Rodrigo’s 60-year career in film and her philanthropy.

Proceeds from the memoir will benefit the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (MOWELFUND), an organization that provides economic and medical assistance to marginalized film industry workers. The launch program featured speeches honoring Rodrigo’s integrity, generosity and contributions to Philippine arts and civic life.

Attendees included Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Senator JV Ejercito, former Senator Nikki Coseteng, Rep. Bong Suntay, actress and political activist Bibeth Orteza and Kamuning Bakery Cafe owner and event moderator Wilson Lee Flores.

Chinese bus maker eyes PH green transport expansion

KING Long United Automotive Industrial Co., Ltd. board chairman Hou Chenlei visited the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) on May 12, 2026 to discuss expanding the company’s footprint in the Philippine greentransportation sector.

The visit comes amid accelerating public-

San Fernando chamber, school board induct new officers

By Michael Wong Ho

THE San Fernando Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce

Inc. and the San Fernando Sin Seng School Board of Trustees jointly held an induction ceremony for the chamber’s 58th-59th officers and the 2026-2028 school board on May 17, 2026 at the Kingsborough International Convention Center.

San Fernando Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Wu Yong Xiang took office during the event, where he donated P100,000 to the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) for its “Lost Filipino Chinese Students Allowance” project. FFCCCII president Victor Lim and other community leaders attended the ceremony to support the new leadership. In his speech, Lim described San

Fernando as the capital of Pampanga province and a political, economic and cultural center for the Central Luzon region.

He highlighted the city’s reputation as the “Philippine Christmas Capital,” famous for its exquisitely crafted lanterns, and said San Fernando is rapidly developing into an important conference and exhibition hub.

Lim lauded the San Fernando Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce for its contributions to the city’s development across multiple sectors and urged chamber leaders to expand charitable projects to support nation-building amid current national challenges.

He also encouraged Sin Seng School officials to vigorously promote traditional Chinese culture and contribute to mainstream society.

By Julie Ann Lope

vehicle modernization initiatives by the Philippine government, which include a mandatory phaseout of old jeepneys and minibuses alongside incentives for green-energy vehicles.

FFCCCII president Victor Lim forecasted strong sales for new-energy vehicles in 2026, particularly for commercial fleets, noting that improved infrastructure will sustain growth in the coming years.

Lim lauded Xiamen-headquartered King Long as the first Chinese bus manufacturer to go public and a leading independent brand in advanced newenergy and autonomous-driving technologies.

He noted the company’s growing global reputation, calling it a “Made in China” flagship

in the bus manufacturing industry. King Long entered the Philippine market in 2000, and its first buses began local operations in 2003. By 2025, operators widely deployed King Long buses across the Philippines for city public transportation, tourism, school fleets and longdistance routes between Metro Manila and the provinces.

Hou said the company focuses on research, manufacture and marketing across multiple

FFCCCII, Valenzuela chamber provide free health services

By Julie Ann Lope

A joint initiative by two major business groups provided free medical treatment, dental work and reading glasses to 980 residents in Valenzuela City during a weekend community outreach project.

The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc.’s (FFCCCII) social responsibility committee conducted the charity mission on the morning of May 17 at the invitation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Valenzuela Inc.

Chamber president Xu Tian En and local representatives accompanied the medical team.

FFCCCII vice-president William Castro also distributed Gibi sports shoes, manufactured by his footwear company, to patients during the health drive.

Organizers said the mission highlights the continuing partnership between the FFCCCII and the Valenzuela Chamber to deliver critical health and social services to local communities.

A volunteer medical team consisting of five doctors and 10 dentists treated 700 patients, performed 80 dental extractions and distributed 200 pairs of reading glasses at the chamber office.

Ph targets tech-savvy Chinese travelers to boost tourism ties

By Julie Ann Lope

THE Philippines is shifting its tourism strategies to target a new wave of younger, digitally connected Chinese travelers as Manila intensifies efforts to deepen travel exchanges with Beijing.

The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou joined the Philippine Travel Industry Business Mission to China 2026 on May 15, 2026 at the Jumeirah Hotel in Guangzhou, marking the final leg of a multi-city promotional tour across China.

The initiative brought together Philippine tourism stakeholders, including travel agencies, hotels, airlines and tourism promotion organizations, to network and match businesses with Chinese tour operators.

Philippine Consulate General Consul General Iric Arribas said outbound travelers from South China are increasingly young professionals, entrepreneurs, families and free independent travelers (FITs) who are digitally connected, discerning and experience-driven.

“We must understand the type of traveler emerging from South China today. These travelers are not

simply looking for cheap travel. They are looking for convenience, quality, safety, and meaningful experiences, and the Philippines is well-positioned to meet these expectations,” Arribas said during his opening remarks.

On the sidelines of the networking event, Arribas met with Philippine Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Sharlene Zabala -Batin to map out specific promotional campaigns.

Arribas said the Philippines must tailor its marketing strategies to the growing FIT segment by utilizing Chinese digital platforms and targeted campaigns.

The aviation and hospitality sectors are banking on this strategic pivot to recover and expand market share. While regional travel costs fluctuate, industry representatives note that curated luxury and eco-tourism packages, which often range from P50,000 to P150,000, are seeing higher inquiry rates from tech-savvy consumers.

Industry analysts estimate that independent travelers now make up more than 60 percent of outbound traffic from China’s southern tech hubs, a major shift from the traditional group tours that previously dominated the market.

SHOWBIZ

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Ogie Alcasid finds legacy in fatherhood

By Jasper Valdez

AFTER nearly four decades in showbiz, Ogie Alcasid knows that applause can fade and names can eventually be forgotten. For him, the legacy that matters most is not measured by hit songs or career highs but by how his children will remember him.

The singer-songwriter opened up about fatherhood during the May 21 press conference for Daddyokie: A Father’s Day Concert, his two-night show happening on June 19 and 20 at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati City.

“To be honest, I don’t think we will always be remembered. After some years, people will forget us,” Ogie said. “But for me, what’s important is that my children remember me as a good dad.” He added, “If my children say, ‘Dad was a great dad. Dad was the best. He was friendly. He was loving,’ that’s

enough for me. If I have to be remembered as a good father, okay na ako.”

The concert is built around the idea of giving fathers a night to relax, sing, and enjoy familiar songs.

Ogie said the show will not be centered on his own hits. Instead, it will include songs many fathers grew up singing in karaoke or during gatherings in the ’80s and ’90s.

“My songs will only be a small part of the show. It’s really a repertoire of the songs we daddies grew up with,” he said.

He described Daddyokie as

Viral ‘Linda Walker’ star Zhang Yingfei comes to Manila for education drive

CHINESE actress Zhang Yingfei, who plays the viral microdrama character “Linda Walker,” is set to visit the Philippines from June 8 to 11 to support an education advocacy campaign led by a Filipino Chinese business group. Zhang, 22, rose to online fame through the vertical drama The Heiress Who Won with Brains, where her character “Linda Walker” gained a strong following among Filipino viewers through AI-dubbed clips shared on TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and other short-video platforms.

Her visit coincides with the opening of classes on June 8 and will support the “Education for a Better Future” advocacy and related educational programs of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).

Organizers said the campaign aims to highlight education, discipline, perseverance, and hope among Filipino youth, while also promoting cultural exchange and friendship between Filipinos and Chinese communities.

The micro-drama series has drawn wide attention in the Philippines, with its storyline of a young woman overcoming poverty through intelligence, hard work, and education resonating with students and online audiences. The character has also been widely discussed by Filipino celebrities and content creators, helping fuel its popularity.

and ’90s,

a show where fathers can join in rather than simply watch from their seats.

“It’s a chance for the daddies to jam with me,” Ogie said. “I noticed that my audience wants to laugh, sing along, and interact.”

The viral ‘Linda Walker’ star is set to visit Manila as part of an education campaign for Filipino students

During her visit, Zhang is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Manila Mayor Isko Moreno at City Hall on June 8 at 9:00 a.m., followed by a tour of Intramuros and Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, as part of efforts to promote Philippine tourism.

On June 9, she will take part in an outreach program at Quezon City High School, where she is expected to be joined by Education Secretary Sonny Angara Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, and FFCCCII officials led by president Victor Lim Zhang and FFCCCII representatives will distribute school supplies and basic goods to students and deliver messages encouraging youth to pursue education and perseverance.

FFCCCII said Zhang’s visit reflects its broader civic and educational initiatives, including school-building projects under “Operation Barrio Schools,” disaster relief, medical missions, and support for volunteer fire brigades.

Organizers said the popularity of the “Linda Walker” story highlights values such as education, integrity, and resilience, noting that the character has become a symbol of aspiration for many young Filipinos.

While the concert carries a light and playful setup, Ogie said its idea came from something more personal. He described fatherhood as the most difficult role he continues to take on.

“Being a dad is the hardest thing I do, honestly,” he said.

For Ogie, parenting changes as children grow older. He said the way he relates to his children now depends on where they are in life, from marriage and adulthood to school milestones.

What remains constant, he said, is the effort to stay present.

He recalled flying to Australia when his daughter Leila turned 18, even when work required him to return shortly after.

“Your child only turns 18 once. These are milestones in life, so I had to be there,” he said.

He said the same applies to his son Nate, who is about to graduate.

“It’s more important for me to be present as a dad,” Ogie said. “What is the legacy of a parent? Is it your talent? Your dreams? It’s really your children.”

That idea also connects to how he remembers his own father, Herminio Alcasid Sr., who died during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ogie said his father quietly supported his music career, even when he had once hoped his son would become a lawyer or businessman.

“Very quietly, he showed me his support. Maybe he saw something in me,” he said.

Ogie said his father’s favorite song, “My Way,” remains tied to his memory. It is also one of the songs he associates with him as Daddyokie approaches Father’s Day weekend.

For Ogie, the concert may be playful in form, but the idea behind it is clear. Fathers deserve to be celebrated, too.

“The concept here is that it’s a day for all the daddies to be celebrated and, at the same time, to relax,” he said. “We deserve this day.”

GMA News has climbed to No. 3 worldwide and ranked No. 1 in the Philippines in the News and Politics category of the Tubular Leadership Worldwide Rankings for April 2026, according to digital analytics firm Tubular Labs.

The network rose sharply from No. 40 in March to No. 3 in April, driven by strong video performance across its digital platforms. It recorded 3.6 billion video views, including 2.9 billion from Instagram, 569 million from Facebook, and 119 million from YouTube.

GMA News now sits alongside global news organizations Fox News at No. 1 with 6.7 billion views and NDTV India at No. 2 with 4 billion views, ahead of outlets including Al Jazeera, CNN, and BBC News, based on the rankings.

The broadcaster said its digital performance was boosted by livestream coverage of major news events, including congressional hearings on the fuel energy crisis amid US-Iran tensions, impeachment proceedings involving Vice President Sara Duterte , and international coverage such as the Artemis II Moon mission.

GMA News has also expanded its digital-first strategy, producing real-time reports, explainers such as “Explainers by GMA News” and “What We Know So Far,” as well as short-form packages and quote cards designed for online audiences. It also produces user-generated content under “YouScoop+” and formats daily news summaries through “News: Pinned.”

LIFE & SHOW

By Angelica Villanueva

CONVERSATIONS

about diabetes often begin after complications appear, when kidney problems surface, blood pressure rises, or symptoms become harder to ignore.

Health advocates and doctors say that remains one of the challenges in the Philippines, where misinformation and delayed diagnosis continue to affect how many Filipinos deal with metabolic diseases.

Zuellig Pharma and Philippine Diabetes Support (PDS) recently formed a partnership aimed at bringing obesity and diabetes education closer to communities.

Diabetes support group brings patient voices into health advocacy

Formalized through a memorandum of agreement signed in Manila, the initiative expands a broader coalition of medical groups and organizations focused on obesity and diabetes awareness. It also shifts part of the discussion from clinics and medical societies to patient communities, where people often look for practical advice, shared experiences, and support.

For PDS president Arch. Cynthia Duntz, patient groups help connect medical guidance with the realities of daily life.

“Cooperation among stakeholders is important—pharma, medical groups, doctors, staff, and patients. That’s where you learn what works, what doesn’t, and what patients can realistically follow,” Duntz told Manila Standard Life

Founded as a support community on Facebook in 2017, Philippine Diabetes Support has grown into an online network with more than

39,000 members. Duntz said the organization does not charge membership fees and focuses on advice, experience sharing, and helping members find support.

“We’re free. We don’t have membership fees. Our advocacy is simply to help and advise, mostly through moral support and experience sharing,” she added.

Duntz said the group also serves as a bridge between patients and health professionals. Some endocrinologists and dietitians, she said, help answer concerns indirectly or ask to be connected with members who need guidance.

The need remains widespread. Duntz estimated that around four million Filipinos have diagnosed diabetes, with a similar number possibly undiagnosed.

“Many people only find out they have diabetes when their kidneys are already damaged,” she said.

Dr. Elaine Cunanan, president of the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (PCEDM), said obesity and diabetes are often viewed too narrowly, with many people focusing on appearance instead of health risks.

“When people hear obesity, they think it’s only about becoming slimmer or looking better. But we should be concerned because it may lead to other health risks,” Cunanan said.

She added that even modest weight reduction can help people living with diabetes and related conditions.

“Even a five to seven percent weight loss can improve blood sugar and lessen the need for additional medicines,” she said.

Cunanan also warned the public against buying weight-loss drugs from unverified sellers online.

“There are real medicines available, but these are regulated. People should only get them through prescriptions from licensed doctors and reputable pharmacies,” she said.

For Duntz, early testing remains better than discovering the disease only after complications appear.

MAKATI Medical Center (MakatiMed) has completed a landmark multi-facility, multi-organ harvest, a development it said strengthens the country’s transplant program and expands access to life-saving procedures.

The procedure took place in April 2026 and involved the retrieval of five organs—the liver, lungs, kidneys, heart, and corneas—from a patient who died due to acute brain hemorrhage. The hospital said it is the first five-organ retrieval in the Philippines, surpassing a previous three-organ harvest in 2025.

The operation was carried out through coordination among MakatiMed’s physicians, surgeons, nurses and operating room staff, together with specialists from the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine Heart Center, Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines, and Lung Center of the Philippines. It was conducted under the Human Organ Preservation Effort program, in partnership with NKTI.

MakatiMed staff also held an “Honor Walk,” lining hospital corridors in silence as the donor was brought to the operating room in tribute.

MakatiMed interim co-president and CEO and medical director Saturnino P. Javier said the hospital extended gratitude to the donor and family and recognition to the medical teams involved in the procedure.

“As we congratulate and thank our medical and nursing teams who worked tirelessly for hours on this milestone endeavor, we enjoin the MakatiMed community to pray for the eternal repose of the soul of MakatiMed’s first multi-organ donor and extend our profound gratitude to the family,” Javier said.

“Be more afraid of complications. If you’re diagnosed early, at least you know what to do,” she said.

Smokey Mountain bandmates honor Freddie Aguilar on first death anniversary

SINGER Geneva Cruz and singer-entrepreneur James Coronel visited the Manila Islamic Cemetery on Wednesday to mark the first death anniversary of OPM icon Freddie Aguilar, who died on May 27, 2025.

Aguilar was best known for “Anak,” a global hit about parental love, rebellion, regret, and redemption. The song was released in more than 50 countries and translated into 29 languages, becoming one of the best-selling Philippine music records of all time.

His other works, including “Katarungan,” “Magdalena,” “Mindanao” and “Bulag, Pipi at Bingi,” often carried social themes. His rendition of “Bayan Ko” is widely regarded as an unofficial second national anthem.

Geneva Cruz said Aguilar’s music continued to move her.

“Freddie Aguilar’s music resonates deeply. I get emotional singing his songs,” she said. She recalled meeting the late musician at award shows in the 1990s while promoting “Anak Ng Pasig,” and said they had remained in contact over the years.

“I’ve seen him at awards nights back in the ‘90s when I was promoting ‘Anak Ng Pasig,’ and he was promoting ‘Pagbabalik Ng Himig.’ I also talked to him on Messenger about music, being an artist, and even politics,” she said

Coronel, on the oether hand, said Aguilar had been an influence on OPM artists who wrote socially relevant music.

“Ka Freddie was, and shall forever be, a source of inspiration for OPM artists to create and record socially relevant songs for global release,” he said, quoting Aguilar as saying Filipino artists should not feel ashamed if they are more recognized abroad than in their home country.

Coronel said he and Aguilar had long private conversations about music, including discussions held after performances and at their homes.

He said Aguilar served as a mentor, particularly in personal decisionmaking and cultural understanding.

“Ka Freddie was a mentor to me. He taught me how to trust my heart, not my head,” Coronel said, adding that Aguilar also shared insights about Islam during the last decade of his life.

Aguilar’s music, along with socially conscious works by groups such as Smokey Mountain, was often cited for addressing poverty, injustice, and other social issues.

Cruz said their songs aimed to give voice to marginalized communities.

“Yes, because our songs are relatable and give a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves,” she said.

Coronel said socially relevant songs tended to resonate more with mass audiences than with the affluent.

“Our songs resonated globally, but locally, our socially relevant songs were popular only with the poor masses, not the rich,” he said.

said Aguilar’s legacy could be preserved by reintroducing his music to younger listeners. Coronel said artists should continue creating music rooted in Filipino social realities.

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Emergency responders receive stress management support

PLDT and Smart Communications, in partnership with the Philippine Mental Health Association, held a stress management workshop for emergency responders of the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Quezon City Citizens Services Department.

The program is part of PLDT and Smart’s #KonektedForResilience initiative on disaster preparedness and community resilience.

The workshop focused on burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and emotional strain in emergency work and introduced coping strategies to support mental and emotional well-being in highpressure situations.

QC DRRMO head Bianca Perez-Diamante said responders regularly face distressing situations that take a toll on their mental health.

“This workshop is important because it reminds them that they are human too,” she said.

Quezon City Citizens Services Department official Estelita Mañalac said the session reinforced the importance of self-care in public service.

Another participant, Jeramen Devisfruto of Team Delta Emergency Medical Services, said mental stability directly affects performance in emergencies.

PLDT and Smart also introduced the Smart Retailer program, which offers participants an additional income stream through prepaid load and digital services.

PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Engagement head Stephanie V. Orlino said the initiative highlights the importance of supporting frontliners’ well-being.

The program aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on health, sustainable cities, and partnerships.

By Nickie Wang

IN response to a growing client base, Dr. Kei

George Rebolledo, founder of Kutis by Kei (KBK), opened a new and larger clinic along Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong. The move, according to the board-certified skin expert, strengthens the brand’s commitment to accessible and elevated skincare services.

Located on the 2nd Floor of Zitan Building, Shaw Boulevard corner Sto. Cristo Street, the new branch spans 150 sq. m. and features seven treatment rooms and cubicles, allowing it to accommodate a higher volume of clients each day.

“We saw a consistent increase in demand, especially in this area,” Dr. Kei says. “We had a smaller clinic in the same location, but it became clear that we needed a bigger space to accommodate more clients.”

The decision to remain in the same area was strategic. The location sits close to office districts and commercial centers, offering strong accessibility for working professionals and walk-in clients.

“This area attracts a steady flow of people. Its proximity to offices and malls allows clients to fit treatments into their daily routines,” he explains.

The new clinic carries the full range of KBK’s flagship services, aligned with its branches in Quezon City, Makati, and Parañaque, maintaining a consistent standard of care across locations.

Regarding the intended atmosphere, Dr. Kei described comfort and professionalism as the defining tone of the space, envisioned as the immediate client experience upon entering the clinic.

“We want clients to feel at ease the moment they walk in. The space should convey relaxation and trust in the quality of care we provide,” he says.

The Mandaluyong branch marks an evolution of the KBK experience, featuring a larger layout and expanded treatment capacity, allowing more

By Nickie Wang

BEAUTY clinics have long sold the promise of transformation, but the newest treatments are increasingly focused on something subtler: restoration.

Betting on lif ted, natural-looking beauty with Pia Wurtzbach

At Belo Medical Group, that idea comes to life with Belo

Genesis Lift. This doctor-designed treatment pairs Belo Liftera Prima, a contour-focused lifting procedure, with the Belo Beauty Cocktail, a blend of rejuvenating skin actives that improve elasticity and hydration.

The treatment was recently introduced at Belo Nexa, where actress and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach fronted the campaign.

Stress and fatigue often show first on the face, through softer contours, tired-looking skin, and reduced elasticity. Belo Genesis Lift positions itself as a treatment that addresses both facial structure and skin quality in a single session.

“We always innovate with our patients in mind,” said Gina Lorenzana, CEO of Belo Medical Group. “How can we deliver an even better combination than our last? How can we improve on our signature lifting treatment?”

The procedure combines lifting technology with regenerative skin treatment, designed to work across multiple layers of the skin. Sessions typically last between 60 and 90 minutes and involve minimal downtime, according to the clinic.

The treatment reflects a growing demand for cosmetic procedures that promise gradual, natural-looking results rather than dramatic changes.

For Pia Wurtzbach, whose public image has evolved from child actress and breadwinner to Miss Universe titleholder and global fashion personality, the campaign also aligns with her long-running association with the Belo brand.

“I am very happy that I was the one chosen for this campaign,” Wurtzbach said during the media launch on

April 29. “It’s true that you see the effects immediately on the day, but it also gets better as the days and weeks go by.” The actress and beauty queen said the timing of the treatment coincided with her recent public appearances and events.

“ Sobrang sumakto yung timing sa akin because it really settled in just in time for my events. I felt really confident,” she said.

Laughing, she added: “It is true that only Belo touches my skin.”

Beyond celebrity endorsements and glossy campaigns, treatments like Belo Genesis Lift point to how aesthetic medicine continues to evolve in the Philippines—no longer framed simply around beauty, but around maintenance, confidence, and the desire to look rested in a culture increasingly shaped by constant visibility, both online and off.