Manila Standard - 2026 July 13 - Monday

COAST GUARD SPOKES QUESTIONS CHINA ENVOY’S BATANES VISIT

By Katrina Manubay

13 nations join PH in affirming tribunal’s SCS ruling

By Katrina Manubay and Rex Espiritu

THE Philippines and 13 allied coun-

the Arbitral Ruling is “final and legally binding,” rejecting China’s expansive maritime claims and calling for adherence to international law to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Meanwhile, the Department of Na-

tional Defense (DND) said Philippines has emerged as a global convergence hub for upholding international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

Lacson wants PBBM okay to unseal evidence vs. VP

By Rio Araja, Maricel Cruz, and Ram Superable

HOUSE prosecutors are set to present a second witness from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) when the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte resumes on Monday.

Tehran shuts down Strait of Hormuz anew

By Vito Barcelo

TEHRAN announced it was closing the Strait of Hormuz Sunday and launched missiles and drones at its Gulf neighbors, in retaliation for new US strikes following an attack by Iranian forces on a merchant vessel that was abandoned in flames by its crew. Sirens and explosions were heard in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, Agence France Presse (AFP) journalists and local authorities reported, the latest escalation to undermine an interim agreement between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the Middle East war. Meanwhile, around 2,500 Filipino seafarers remain stranded in the Persian Gulf as renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran have again disrupted commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.

Lawyer Jeremy Lotoc, NBI regional director for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), is expected to testify on the bureau’s investigation into Duterte’s alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady

By Vito Barcelo, Pot Chavez, and Maricel Cruz

THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said it is taking no position for or against Vice Presi-

dent Sara Duterte as her impeachment trial continues, emphasizing that the proceedings highlight the constitutional principle that all public officials are accountable to the people.

Former Supreme Court Associate Jus-

By Jasper Valdez

ANIMAL-welfare advocates convey their message to the children through books that urge them to see animals not as creatures whose needs can be ig nored, but as living things that deserve care, protection and respect.

Launched on July 12 at the Uni versity Hotel in UP Diliman, Quezon City, the books entitled “Desiree Carlos: Ang Journalist na Tagapagligtas ng mga Strays” and “Tahol sa Katahimikan: Mga Tula at Kuwento” were written by Lalaine Manaog-Danao.

Both publications were tied to her broader effort to use story telling as a way to teach children about kindness toward animals.

Manaog-Danao said she chose to focus on children because values are easier to shape early.

tice Adolf Azcuna, meanwhile, clarified that the case involving Duterte’s alleged death threats is far from resolved despite his earlier opinion that the prosecution had established criminal intent. Also, House prosecution spokesper-

son and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the impeachment trial serves the public interest by helping define the standards of conduct expected of the country’s highest officials.

“I focus on children rather than adults because, honestly, children are easier to teach,” she said. “Through book readings and storytelling, we may be able to open their minds and help them develop compassion for animals.”

The first book follows veteran journalist and animal-welfare advocate

Desiree Carlos, whose work includes rescuing and caring for strays through Save Animals of Love and Light Inc., or Save ALL.

For Carlos, the book reflects how her own advocacy changed over time. She recalled that during the Marcos years, her work was linked to press freedom and human rights. She later turned to animal welfare after seeing how few people were helping abandoned and abused animals.

“As I evolved, I came to realize that animal welfare matters, too. If we have human welfare, then we should also have animal welfare, right?” Carlos said. She believes that teaching children to be kind to animals can also shape how they deal with people.

“If children grow up being kind to animals, they will also be kind to the people around them,” she said. “Basically, this is about love, kindness and compassion.”

Manaog-Danao said the book was also meant to show that advocacy is not limited to people with wealth or influence.

“When children, and even adults, read this, I hope they realize that ordinary people can still do good, even if they are not wealthy,” she said.

Her second book, Tahol sa Katahimikan, is a collection of poems and stories drawn from cases of neglect, abandonment and poor treatment of animals.

Manaog-Danao said many of the situations in the book came from things she personally witnessed in communities and during her volunteer work.

For her, rescue alone cannot solve the problem.

“We cannot solve this by rescuing animals one after another. We already have laws, but they are not always enforced,” she said. “Everything really has to start with children.”

The books are expected to become part of storytelling sessions in schools and barangays. Carlos and ManaogDanao are also looking for sponsors who can provide copies directly to children rather than leaving the books only in libraries.

Carlos said the storytelling sessions are intended to help children understand why animals deserve care and encourage them to practice that lesson in everyday life.

“We will hold storytelling sessions so children can understand the message and choose to be kind to animals,” she said.

Quezon City councilor Alfred Vargas, who attended the launch, said the treatment of animals also reflects the values of a community.

“How we treat animals will always be a sign of a good civilization,” he said, adding that care for animals requires both government action and personal responsibility.

San Jose del Monte councilor Rosalyn Cabucob extended the discussion beyond animal welfare, saying compassion should also guide how people treat one another and the environment.

“Compassion should know no boundaries,” she said. “True compassion should not be limited to other people. It should also extend to animals and the environment.”

Sara Duterte’s tax records unless the President provides written authorization.

Lacson also called for measures to speed up the impeachment proceedings, saying both the prosecution and defense should ensure that a full lineup of witnesses is available each hearing day to maximize the Senate’s limited schedule.

Also on Sunday, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian announced that all documents related to the impeachment trial have been made available on the Senate’s official website to promote transparency.

Lotoc to say why and how video was examined

Lotoc is scheduled to take the witness stand after the prosecution’s first witness, NBI Senior Agent John Mark Calilung, authenticated video recordings and other digital evidence related to Duterte’s Nov. 23, 2024 statement that she had contracted a hitman to kill the three officials if she herself were killed.

House prosecutor Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima said Lotoc would explain how and why the NBI examined the authenticated videos and the basis for the bureau’s conclusions.

“Senior Agent Calilung has proven that the video recording is real, authentic. What will happen now, in the case of Atty. Jeremy Lotoc... he will say why and how they examined the evidence, “ De Lima said.

She said Calilung laid the foundation by authenticating the videos, while Lotoc, who headed the team that investigated the alleged threats, is expected to present the

results of the investigation, including the circumstances surrounding the remarks and the basis for referring the case to the Department of Justice.

According to De Lima, the NBI found probable cause at the investigative level for a grave threats case.

“He will both be corroborating as well as adding certain aspects to the testimony of Agent Calilung, especially the investigation itself and the results. What is their basis of the conclusion why they referred it and forwarded it to the Department of Justice, “ she said.

House prosecution spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong likewise said Lotoc would testify on the findings of the NBI investigation.

“Si Mr. Calilung, siya ‘yung nag-authenticate nitong video na ito. Si Atty. Lotoc, siya ang magbibigay sa atin ng resulta kung anuman po ‘yung naging imbestigasyon nila, “ Alonto Adiong said in a radio interview.

(Mr. Calilung was the one who authenticated this video. Atty. Lotoc, meanwhile, will present the results of whatever investigation they conducted.)

He declined to discuss the substance of the testimony before it is presented, citing the sub judice rule. “As long as it has not yet been presented before the court, we cannot discuss the merits of Atty. Lotoc’s testimony,” he said.

Lacson won’t allow SC, tax code violations

Regarding the BIR green box, Lacson said in a statement that he refuses to participate in any action that would violate existing Supreme Court jurisprudence alongside Sections 71 and 270 of the National Internal Revenue Code.

“My position is clear. Without the

Guards fired on a Cyprus-registered container ship they said was sailing an “unauthorized route” through the Strait of Hormuz.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac

confirmed that the Filipino crew members are among nearly 6,000 international seafarers still unable to leave the Gulf because of the deteriorating security situation and the continued threat to commercial vessels navigating the strategic waterway.

The Pentagon said it had struck Iran early Sunday after the Revolutionary

struck Barangay Ngingir on July 10, bringing the death toll there to six.

About 562,000 people nationwide have been affected, while hundreds of travelers remain stranded at ports due to rough seas.

Meanwhile, 10 more people died in a separate landslide in Malapatan, Sarangani,

the claims made by Chinese scholars.

“My question is directed at the Chinese Embassy, since they deny any connection to this. They need to explain. What exactly was the Chinese ambassador’s intention in visiting Batanes?” Tarriela said.

“Was it a goodwill gesture, or was he conducting reconnaissance on an island they are now claiming?” he added.

From June 16 to 18, Quan visited Batanes and met with Governor Ronald Aguto Jr. and Vice Governor Jhong Nanud. According to a Facebook post, the

tion is based on justice and accountability rather than partisan politics.

Church supports constitutional process

Speaking after the CBCP’s 132nd plenary assembly in the Archdiocese of Ozamiz, Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said the Church supports the constitutional process while remaining neutral on the case.

“The impeachment process is important. It should not be viewed as a condemnation of the vice president,” Bagaforo said. “We are not taking a stand for or against her. What we uphold is the Constitution and the rule of law.”

Bagaforo, who chairs the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue, urged lawmakers and the public to respect the legal process and allow constitutional procedures to determine the outcome of the trial.

“Let the rule of law render its own verdict,” he said.

He stressed that the Church’s posi-

“This serves as a reminder that all public officials are accountable,” Bagaforo said. “The trust of the people and the authority entrusted to public servants come with responsibility. Officials must be able to explain their actions and ensure that public service is carried out with integrity.”

Bagaforo said religious leaders have been monitoring developments through the InterReligious Leaders’ Council for National Transformation and appealed for national unity despite political divisions.

“If we want our country to progress and achieve good governance, it is important that we remain united,” he said.

“I hope we do not focus too much on personalities or patronage politics.”

Azcuna: Prosecution has shifted burden of proof

For his part, Azcuna said “it is not yet game over” and maintained that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence of criminal intent through the testimony

written authority of the President, I cannot support the unsealing. I am not favoring the defense. I am invoking the law and that is clear,” he said.

Lacson also declared he will personally vote against any forced opening of the sealed records to ensure he is never blamed for breaking the law.

Addressing questions on whether granting authorization to open the box would signal the President’s political stance on the impeachment, he pointed out that such political implications are not the concern of the Impeachment Court.

“What matters is that there is a law and we must follow it. That’s why we have the Rule of Law,” he said.

The Impeachment Court will hold oral arguments this week regarding requests to subpoena records from the tax agency, the Anti-Money Laundering Council, and various banks.

Lacson previously asserted that handling the income tax return records of the Vice President must rely entirely on lawful procedures and legal precedents.

“Even if we are an Impeachment Court, we cannot be above the law,” he reminded.

Witness must be available, on time

Meanwhile, Lacson said: “Speeding up the trial does not mean compromising the presentation of evidence. It means maximizing the limited time available to us. The Vice President is entitled to a speedy trial, just like any respondent in an ordinary court trial.”

His proposal came after last Wednesday’s hearing ended early because Lotoc had not yet arrived at the Senate chamber. Lacson warned that the trial could extend beyond December if only one witness is heard each week.

earlier said they struck and stopped a vessel ignoring repeated instructions to use an approved shipping corridor, according to state news agency IRNA.

Iranian media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Jask and on Qeshm Island as well as in Khuzestan province, which borders Iraq, with no immediate reports of casualties.

Hours later, air raid sirens sounded over Bahrain, while the United Arab Emirates and Qatar said they intercepted missile attacks.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards had

while two others drowned in Bukidnon. Seven people were also reported injured in Torrijos, Marinduque; Malapatan, Sarangani; Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental; Calanogas, Lanao del Sur; and Baguio City.

Another 12 people remain missing— seven in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, and five in Calanogas, Lanao del Sur.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

delegation also visited the Basco Naidi Organic Farm and Hydroponic Farm, which was donated by the Chinese Embassy, as well as Batanes State College.

In a separate Facebook post, Tarriela again questioned whether the ambassador’s visit was merely a goodwill gesture or should be viewed in light of the recent claims by Chinese scholars.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila responded by criticizing Tarriela’s post, saying it included an AI-generated image that misidentified the current Chinese ambassador.

The embassy said the inaccurate image undermined Tarriela’s claims and accused him of fueling unnecessary tensions between the Chinese and Fili-

of an NBI witness and questioning by Senator-Judge Alan Peter Cayetano.

“This of course does not mean the respondent now stands convicted. The prosecution has in my view shifted the burden of the evidence to the defense which can still rebut and correct the drawn conclusion,” Azcuna said in a social media post on Saturday.

“The respondent herself can personally or through counsel prove that she was not serious and/or that her action was justified by a perceived threat against her. This is after all not a criminal case but a case for accountability from the second highest official of the land. She still has to be heard to account for her actuation in question,” he added.

Azcuna remains firm in his personal belief that the prosecution has successfully proven the criminal intent through the NBI witness and upon a question propounded by no less than Senator-Judge Alan Peter Cayetano.

“It is my understanding of case law that how the threat was received by the persons threatened, including naturally

He said Senate impeachment court presiding officer Sen. Francis Escudero has expressed openness to scheduling adjustments.

Lacson also said senator-judges are expected to hold a caucus this week to discuss setting time limits on internal floor deliberations after one exchange during the opening day of the trial lasted more than an hour.

Despite public criticism, Lacson said the impeachment court would remain focused on its constitutional duties.

“You cannot satisfy everybody. There will always be critics and bashers. But we cannot afford to be distracted by minor issues. We have to push through with the trial as we see fit,” he said.

Documents now on Senate website

Also on Sunday, Gatchalian said: “We invite the public to scrutinize, read, and understand the proceedings for themselves. We realize that while we, at the upper chamber, sit as senator-judges, the ultimate judges of this impeachment proceeding are the Filipino people.”

The Senate chief said he had directed the Senate Secretariat to ensure that all evidence and trial documents are uploaded promptly as they are presented before the impeachment court.

By establishing this comprehensive digital archive, Gatchalian said the Senate aims to allow Filipino citizens to verify the evidence first hand rather than relying on unverified information circulating on social media platforms. To support this transparency initiative, the Senate chief directed the Senate Secretariat to allocate sufficient resources to guarantee that all trial documents are uploaded swiftly and efficiently as soon as they are presented in court.

13 nations... From A1

“Following this incident... the Strait of Hormuz will be closed until further notice and until the end of American interventions in this region,” the Guards said.

Although Iran called the strike on the ship “warning shots,” the US military said Tehran “blatantly attacked” a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz. AFP

(NDRRMC) said validation of all reported deaths, injuries, and missing persons is still ongoing.

The weather disturbance has affected 123,000 families, or about 562,000 individuals, nationwide. Of those affected, 4,200 families, or about 16,200 people, are staying in 116 evacuation centers.

Government data also showed that 236 houses were damaged, with 222 sustaining partial damage and 14 totally destroyed.

pino people instead of promoting accurate information.

Earlier, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro downplayed the reports, stressing that the Philippines gives greater weight to official government positions than to the views of academics.

SeaLight earlier reported that about a dozen researchers from leading Chinese universities and research institutes argued during a June 30 symposium in Guangzhou that the Philippines’ sovereignty over Batanes lacks historical and legal basis.

SeaLight Executive Director Raymond Powell said the position has not been officially endorsed by the Chinese government but could serve as a test of Beijing’s legal stance on the issue.

by those mandated to protect them, is one of the ways of judging the intent behind the threat,” he said.

Adiong: Trial defines standards of conduct

Meanwhile, Alonto Adiong said in a radio interview: “It will serve the entire country, it will serve the public interest and no one else.”

He said the proceedings are intended to uphold public accountability and protect the trust vested in elected officials.

“This is for our country because what we are establishing here concerns the conduct of a public officer—the trust reposed in our elected public servants—and the need to safeguard that trust,” he said.

The Senate impeachment court is hearing the House prosecution’s evidence on the article accusing Duterte of making grave threats in connection with her Nov. 23, 2024 statement that she had contracted someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romual-

(UNCLOS) following the historic July 12, 2016 Arbitral Award.

For his part, National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Oban Jr., who also chairs the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), said the landmark decision reaffirmed what international law has long recognized—that maritime rights and entitlements are determined by law, not by power or coercion.

In a joint statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippines, along with Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Romania, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, urged all parties to resolve maritime disputes peacefully in accordance with international law.

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable, and rules-based, anchored in international law, and commemorate the l0th anniversary of the July 12, 2016, Arbitral Tribunal’s landmark and unanimous decision on the South China Sea constituted under Annex VII of UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the joint manifesto read.

The group also upheld the tribunal’s decision, rejecting China’s expansive maritime claims to the disputed waters and stating it has “no legal basis,” including those based on “historic rights.” They further emphasized the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as other internationally lawful uses of the sea, as reflected in UNCLOS.

dez if she herself were killed (see banner story – Editors).

Alonto Adiong said the outcome of the proceedings would help shape the standards Filipinos should expect from future leaders.

“We will not betray the trust given by the people and this will set the tone for who are the worthy leaders in the next elections because Filipinos deserve leaders who are respectful, decent and have a good disposition to do their job of serving every Filipino,” he said.

The Lanao lawmaker also urged the public to focus on the evidence presented before the impeachment court rather than personal attacks against members of the prosecution panel.

“We really need to focus on what is actually happening in the impeachment trial,” he said. “Let’s not make it a physical issue because there is no perfect person.” Alonto Adiong encouraged Filipinos, including those overseas, to closely follow the proceedings.

“Let us be witness to the unfolding of the historic impeachment trial,” he said.

‘Most middle-class Pinoy remain financially anxious’

IN BRIEF

Panel to probe alleged abuse of Sagip Saka law

THE Senate Committee on Agriculture will investigate the alleged exploitation of government-accredited cooperatives under the Sagip Saka Law during a public hearing on July 16.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan said authorities are verifying reports that traders abused the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System by using fake agricultural cooperatives to gain access to direct procurement privileges under the law.

“If these reports are true, this is a serious violation of Republic Act No. 11321 and a great injustice to our farmers and fishermen,” Pangilinan said, adding that the committee is coordinating with the Department of Agriculture and other agencies to identify those responsible.

The inquiry will also examine allegations that imported rice was repackaged and sold as locally harvested rice through transactions authorized under the program. Pangilinan said the hearing aims to strengthen safeguards, hold violators accountable, and protect the law’s intended beneficiaries. Ram Superable

BI arrests 14 Koreans over unauthorized work

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested 14 South Korean nationals allegedly engaged in unauthorized work during an intelligence operation in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the BI Intelligence Division’s Special Response Team conducted the operation after receiving reports that South Koreans were illegally working at a condominium complex in Barangay Pampang. Authorities arrested 13 South Korean men and one South Korean woman who were allegedly operating an illegal backoffice facility. They underwent immigration verification after operatives found indications they were

By Thony Rose Lesaca

NEARLY seven in 10 middle-class Filipinos remain financially anxious, with only 32% considering themselves financially confident, the 2026 Filipino Financial Confidence Report showed.

The report found that rising living costs, healthcare insecurity, and retirement anxiety continue to weigh on middle-class households as they juggle daily expenses and long-term financial goals.

“Because daily bills demand immediate cash, long-term security gets pushed to the bottom of the priority list.

For Generation Y, or the “classic sandwich” generation, it means supporting loved ones without sacrificing their own financial future.

Meanwhile, for Generation Z, or the “fragile independents,” financial confidence means building financial protection and preparedness early so unexpected setbacks do not derail their future.

The Ryojin Nikki diary of Shinichi Komatsu, first published in 1975, is featured in an exhibit running through Aug. 16. According to the Ayala Museum, it invites “audiences to reflect on the complexities of war and its impact on individuals—beyond nationality and era.” During a talk at the Makati museum on Saturday, Shiko Komatsu, 50, said he hopes his grandfather’s diary, which he described as “very special” for having “both words and pictures,” will “help us learn from the past and understand each other more deeply.”

Shinichi Komatsu was in his 30s when he was assigned to the Philippines in March 1944 to provide technical guidance on producing alternative fuel from plants. He was stationed in Negros until the end of the war, when he became a prisoner of war.

The diary contains drawings of food gathered in the jungle, as well as Japanese and American soldiers during and after the conflict, depicting both hardship and acts of kindness.

“I believe this diary will continue to tell the truth about history to us today and to people in the future,” Shiko said. Since its publication, Ryojin Nikki, or Prisoner’s Diary, has been recognized as a valuable account of a noncombatant’s wartime experiences.

Filipino professor Karl Cheng Chua, a specialist in Japanese studies, first referenced the diary in a research paper before working to bring the collection to Manila for exhibition.

“Recalling then-President Elpidio Quirino’s final message when he pardoned Japanese war criminals—that the hatred born from war should not exist in future societies—I thought, why not exhibit Shinichi’s collection?” Cheng Chua said. Kyodo News

‘Do

Barangay hall in Malate catches fire Saturday night

The report also found that financial confidence varies across generations, reflecting their different priorities and challenges.

For Generation X, or “retirement seekers,” financial confidence means having enough savings to weather a health crisis or a longer-than-expected retirement.

The things people want to do, like save money and protect their loved ones, are constantly delayed by the expenses they must pay today,” the report said. About 74% of respondents cited the rising cost of living as a key financial challenge, while 52% were concerned about unexpected medical expenses and 34% worried about having insufficient retirement savings.

“Filipinos have long been known for their resilience and resourcefulness. These qualities help people endure challenges and keep moving forward,” said FWD Philippines president and chief executive officer Soon Liang Lau.

“Financial confidence is knowing that when setbacks happen, you have the preparation and protection in place to recover without losing the progress you’ve worked hard to build. Through the Filipino Financial Confidence Report, we hope to help more Filipinos build that confidence and achieve their goals so they can truly celebrate living,” he said.

By Gabriel Oliva

AN AI-generated image of deceased

Ateneo de Manila University studentathlete Rene Baterbonia that recently circulated on social media falsely presented the basketball player, who died in a tragic drowning incident, as the “new saint of all athletes” and the “patron of athletes who lead with passion and dreams that create a big impact on our unity and eve-

ry family.” Originally uploaded on July 2 by a Facebook page with about 64,000 followers, the “Saint Rene Baterbonia” post had garnered around 38,500 reactions, 3,700 comments, and 7,700 shares as of writing. The image was later reposted in several Facebook groups, including support groups for the late athlete, as well as by various personal accounts and public pages.

Comments on the posts suggested that some users believed Baterbonia was already being considered for, or had entered, the Catholic Church’s canonization process.

Among the comments were:

“Risking his own life despite the danger was a heroic act. No wonder one day we may call him Saint Rene Baterbonia. His story is somewhat like that of Saint Pedro Calungsod.”

By Ma. Katrina Mikaela Manubay

THE Philippine Embassy in Islamabad on Sunday reminded Filipinos in Pakistan to keep their passports in their personal possession at all times, warning that the unauthorized confiscation or withholding of Philippine passports is prohibited under the New Philippine Passport Act.

In an advisory, the embassy urged overseas Filipinos not to surrender their passports to employers, recruiters, lenders, or any private individual except when required by law or by a competent government authority.

“Do not use your passport as collateral or security for loans, debts, employment, accommodation, or any private transaction. Do not allow any person to confiscate, retain, or withhold your passport without lawful authority,” the embassy said.

It also advised Filipinos to immediately report to the Philippine Embassy or the nearest Philippine Honorary Consular Office any instance where their passport has been taken, withheld, or used to restrict their freedom of movement.

The embassy urged affected Filipinos to seek immediate assistance from the embassy or the nearest Philippine honorary consulate.

Under Sections 21 and 22 of Republic Act No. 11983, the unauthorized confiscation or retention of a Philippine passport is punishable by fines or imprisonment, in addition to any liability under local laws.

The embassy emphasized that passports serve as proof of identity and nationality and provide protection abroad, stressing the importance of keeping them secure.

OPINION

Comite de Pakialam

CONGRATULATIONS are in order for Mandaluyong’s Benhur Abalos, who has been appointed Cabinet Secretary, a position abolished in the early part of the PBbM administration.

Since it was abolished as part of the president’s prerogative to reorganize, most especially in his own office, lawyers may say that a new document is needed to resurrect it.

The last CabSec of then President Duterte was a certain Melvin Matibag who was likewise secretary-general of the then ruling party, the PDP, whose COO was no less than Al Cusi, then secretary of the Department of Energy.

The CabSec is responsible for setting the agenda for Cabinet meetings and ensuring that line department secretaries and even Cabinet-level advisers are prepared with their presentations, if any, for the high-level meetings.

In President Estrada’s time, the PMS head, Lenny Vasquez-de Jesus was concurrently the CabSec.

But Undersecretary Claire Castro of the PCO described Benhur Abalos’ role as CabSec differently.

“Instead of a CabSec focused on managing the President’s Cabinet meetings, ang utos ni Presidente kay CabSec Benhur ay siguraduhing nararamdaman at napapakinabangan ng bawa’t Pilipino ang mga serbisyo ng gobyerno,” she said at a press briefing.

As such, Abalos will go around the country, representing PBbM and call on Cabinet members to help address public concerns. Decades ago, town fiestas would have a “comite de festejos,” appointed by the parish priest to oversee the religious and quasireligious events to commemorate its patron saint.

As college students, my “barkada” and I disdained these traditional orgies of excess, subscribing to then Sen. Raul Manglapus’ forlorn crusade to make fiestas more productive events, rather than occasions for even poor townsfolk to pawn their belongings to be able to slaughter a pig and several chickens, buy “recados” and plenty of alcoholic drinks to gorge along with their guests. Thus we coined a term --- “comite de pakialam” to describe the “comite de festejos.”

Just some trivial memories to lighten things up in these days of endless political bickering, as useless to the life of ordinary folk as fiestas and comite’s de pakialam are. Benhur Abalos’ job description, if we are to believe Auntie Kler, is not that of an ordinary CabSec. He is the head of PBbM’s newly-created “comite de pakialam.”

To assist him in the discharge of his duties, he will likely have a number of Usecs and Asecs, bloating the palace bureaucracy more. That’s what the president calls “rightsizing,” one of the promises he made in his first SONA.

When I was Erap’s Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs, concurrent to being general manager of the Philippine Tourism Authority (now TIEZA by virtue of Dick

Gordon’s Tourism Act), I had only one undersecretary.

First it was Ed Serapio, who after a few months, an impressed Erap converted to being his personal lawyer. So I asked Salvador Medialdea to become my single Usec.

He later became Executive Secretary of President Duterte, and lasted for six whole years, all the way to loyally accompanying the former president in the kidnapping caper to Den Haag.

In President Benigno S. Aquino III’s time, the Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs was Ronald Llamas, who had three Usecs, namely: Vince Dizon, now DPWH Secretary, Atty. Barry Gutierrez, and the late Chito Gascon who once headed the Commission on Human Rights.

—“—

Whatever the title

Benhur carries though, his importance in the scheme of things will be measured by the PBbM’s degree of confidence and his proximity to power

PBbM has not named a political adviser with Cabinet rank, and Llamas always brings that point in his interviews, as if to suggest every president needs one.

Looking at Benhur Abalos supposed new role as head of a newly created “comite de pakialam,” per Auntie Kler’s job description, he might have been better appointed PA for Political Affairs, or even Chief of Staff in the presidential office, but likely the latter would not sit well with ES Ralph Recto.

Whatever the title Benhur carries though, his importance in the scheme of things will be measured by the PBbM’s degree of confidence and his proximity to power.

Now experience through several presidencies tells us that power in Malacanang may or may not be solely the president’s to hold or exercise singularly.

Recall that PBbM’s first ES was given an appointment as presidential Chief of Staff after a few months in the office, but the same was revoked by someone who is supposedly the other power in Malacanang.

Still and all, we wish Benhur well in his new role. He is likely to step on several toes within the corridors of power if he gets too serious in the role Auntie Kler ascribes to him.

But being able to move around to represent the president in lieu of or in spite of the prescribed mandates of other line department secretaries would at least give him visibility for another try in his dream to become a member of the “once august” Senate.

Winning the next decade

TEN years after the landmark Arbitral Award, the question confronting the Philippines is no longer whether it was right. The tribunal settled that question on July 12, 2016. The more difficult question is whether the Philippines can preserve, defend, and operationalize what it won.

That challenge was at the heart of the Stratbase Institute’s conference marking the 10th anniversary of the Award. Bringing together Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., diplomats from 28 countries, policy experts, and civil society leaders, the gathering was not merely a memorable commemoration of a legal victory. It was a sober assessment of the work that remains unfinished.

The conference highlighted an important reality. The Philippines no longer needs to prove the legitimacy of its rights in the West Philippine Sea. International law has already settled that issue. The challenge today is building our strategic capability.

Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit captured this challenge in what may be the most important policy recommendation to emerge from the forum.

As negotiations continue on a South China Sea Code of Conduct, he argued that the 2016 Arbitral Award must serve as the legal baseline of any agreement rather than become a subject of negotiation itself.

A Code of Conduct that ignores or di-

lutes the Award would not strengthen peace. It would weaken the very legal foundation upon which regional stability depends.

The point goes beyond diplomacy.

The Award was never intended to become a document preserved in archives and commemorated every July. It was intended to protect sovereign rights, maritime entitlements, and the ability of the future generations of Filipinos to benefit from the resources and opportunities found within its nation’s exclusive economic zone.

The challenge today is building our strategic capability

Yet the past decade has demonstrated that legal victories do not enforce themselves. Secretary Teodoro offered perhaps the clearest explanation of the strategic relevance of the award.

He described it as “not only an award for the Philippines, but an award for the world.”

That observation deserves careful reflection. The Award did more than reject China’s sweeping claims. It reaffirmed the authority of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and demonstrated that even smaller states can seek peaceful rem-

A nominal achievement

EVERY first of July, the World Bank Group’s development data hub, the Development Data Group, classifies countries as low income, lower middle income, upper middle income, or high income according to their Gross National Income per capita.

Last year, the Philippines’ $4,470 GNI per capita consigned it to the lower middle income group, where it had been for decades, even as it was close to the $4,636to-$14,375 range for the next higher category. This year, however, with $4,850, the Philippines breached the threshold and officially joined other upper middle income countries of the world.

“The Philippines achieved its reclassification through broad-based expansion. GDP grew at an average of 5.8% per year over five years, reflecting gains across all major industries, not a single sector boom, but an economy-wide shift,” the World Bank said, emphasizing that the Philippine story was unique – as the stories of Jordan, Micronesia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam were also distinct. These four countries also breached the UMIC threshold this week.

Aside from Vietnam (GNI per capita of $4,970), we join Indonesia ($5,120), Thailand ($7,690), and Malaysia ($12,380) in the upper middle income range.

Among our Southeast Asian peers, the Philippines has a higher GNI per capita than Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, which are all in the lower middle income bracket. Meanwhile, Singapore (GNI per capita of $81,760) and Brunei ($34, 790)

are in the high-income group. Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar remain in the lower middle-income category. The GNI is adjusted to smooth out short-term swings in exchange rates. Other factors include economic and population growth, shifts in national accounts, and revisions to underlying data, according to the World Bank.

Numbers don’t lie, but they can mislead

But many in the Philippines are not impressed by the classification change. The IBON Foundation’s Sonny Afroca cites the increase from 48 percent to 52 percent in the number of families rating themselves poor, from 2022 to 2026, according to the Social Weather Stations. He also said PSA records show manufacturing had fallen to its smallest share in the economy for 76 years, while agriculture has also fallen to its smallest share in history. The $4,850 GNI per capita makes it appear that the average Filipino family

earns around P100,000 a month, when in fact only 5% of Filipino families earn this amount, Africa wrote. He also cited a Philippine Institute of Development Studies paper that said 82 percent of households, with 87 percent of the population, are poor, low income, or lower middleincome at best.

Amid the different framing of the income milestone, we have to agree: reaching upper middle income status by World Bank standards is itself an achievement. Rigorous methods are applied to arrive at such determination, and the numbers say we have nominally achieved the minimum.

But we also have to agree that much remains to be done to achieve equitability in the distribution of wealth. Income groups in the Philippines are so skewed. Systems, environments, and cultures wildly diverge – conditions for the affluent are unrecognizable for those who scrape by for a living.

Now that the Philippine economy has hit UMIC status, something economic managers have long been working toward, it is time to make something else a priority: to ensure that wealth is more evenly distributed, and the poor are given not just doles or donations that could easily be political capital, but genuine opportunities to earn wages with dignity, and achieve economic security for them and their loved ones.

This will be the fruit of long-term effort. Only genuine public servants, those who do not seek immediate gratification in terms of votes in the next elections, will see this objective through and help the country move forward without anyone getting left behind.

Democratic pastors run to reclaim Jesus from Trump’s Republicans

WASHINGTON, DC – A band of white Democratic pastors have a striking message ahead of November’s US midterm elections: Republicans have hijacked Jesus for political gain, and we’re not going to stand for it.

For decades, it’s been a truism that Republicans have cornered the Christian market -- at least when it comes to white voters.

But these ministers are so fed up with President Donald Trump, and particularly his policies against immigrants, that they’re running as Democrats in November to rein him in.

“The Christians we’re hearing in Washington don’t reflect the Jesus of the Gospels,” one of the insurgents, Adam Hamilton, told AFP.

As the head of a 24,000-member Methodist megachurch in a deeply conservative, rural area of Kansas, Hamilton would typically fit the profile of a right-wing Republican Christian.

However, along with support for fiscal responsibility and a strong military, the 62-year-old Hamilton backs legal access to abortion and protecting LGBTQ rights in his campaign for the US Senate.

Citing the “crassness and mean-spiritedness” of Trump’s presidency, he said what’s happening in Washington is “inconsistent with the values that I’ve preached for 36 years.”

“I want to stand up and be heard saying: ‘This is not OK.’” What insults Jesus?

Democrats have a long tradition of clergy in politics, but predominantly among African Americans.

In Congress now, there’s Senator Raphael Warnock, who leads Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr was pastor.

But the last white, Democratic pastor in Congress was Bob Edgar, a Methodist min-

edies through international law when confronted by larger powers.

The significance of the ruling therefore extends far beyond Philippine waters. What is at stake is the credibility of a rules-based order that underpins global trade, maritime security, and economic stability throughout the Indo-Pacific.

But if the first decade was about legal legitimacy, the next decade will be about deterrence.

This was a recurring theme throughout the conference.

Gen. Brawner’s account of standing aboard the BRP Sierra Madre during a besieged resupply mission illustrated the dangerous reality faced by Filipino personnel operating in the West Philippine Sea. Yet his most important point was not about confrontation.

It was about professionalism. The discipline and restraint consistently demonstrated by Filipino troops, even under life threatening pressure, have become a powerful form of deterrence in themselves. They

ister representing Pennsylvania from 1975 to 1987. Now, in these midterms, no fewer than seven white clergy or ministers-in-training representing the Democratic Party are vying for congressional seats.

From Iowa, Texas, Alaska, Arkansas, Kansas and Tennessee, they’re mostly political newcomers. Three of them are women.

But they’re united in aiming to reclaim the Bible from Republicans and using Christian teaching to support more liberal policies on immigrants and the poor.

—“—

These ministers are so fed up with President Donald Trump, and particularly his policies against immigrants, that they’re running as Democrats in November to rein him in

Perhaps the most prominent is James Talarico, a 37-year-old Presbyterian seminarian running for a Senate seat in Texas.

In a staunchly conservative, Republicanled state, his Scripture-laden speeches have helped him make deep inroads.

“You want to know what insults Jesus? Kicking the sick off health care while cutting the taxes of billionaires,” Talarico said in one speech.

Religious Democrat? It’s OK

One reason Republicans have dominated the white Christian electorate is that Democrats have gradually shifted from being

show that the Philippines can defend its rights firmly while remaining committed to peace and stability. The diplomatic community echoed the same message in different ways. Australia emphasized that disputes should be resolved through law rather than coercion. Canada stressed that international law must be reinforced through diplomacy, cooperation, and strong institutions.

France argued that legal principles must be backed by practical capability. Germany called for deterrence through unity. Japan highlighted the importance of building enduring defense and maritime enforcement capabilities.

Expressed by the voices of like-minded states, the conclusion was remarkably consistent: law remains indispensable, yet law alone is insufficient.

Rights require the capability to defend them. Rules require institutions willing to uphold them. Principles require partnerships capable of sustaining them. This is where the conversation must now

identified as the party of the working class to a secular elite where religion can be unfashionable.

Indira Duggirala, co-chair of the Democratic National Committee’s Interfaith Council, acknowledged that there has been a “vacuum in that religious space in Democratic politics.”

The emergence of these faith-oriented candidates — which she said happened organically — “is not an unwelcome change.”

“It’s OK to be a Democrat and be religious,” she told AFP, while emphasizing that government must be secular. For many Democrats, as well as many Christians, Trump’s MAGA movement and the rise of Christian nationalism have been alarming.

There’s been particular revulsion at the way Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth holds Pentagon prayer meetings and uses stridently religious language to justify the US war against Iran.

“Christian nationalism is one of the biggest threats to democracy in the United States,” said Robb Ryerse, an evangelical pastor who is vying for a congressional seat in Arkansas, another predominantly red state.

But Ryerse, 51, and others in the Democratic Christian pushback say they are ready to right wrongs.

“We need people of faith to stand up and say the United States has a separation of church and state,” Ryerse said, describing one aspect of his mission as helping to “clean up the mess” made by fellow white Christians on the right.

If he wins, Hamilton would be the first Kansas Democrat elected to the US Senate since 1932 — and he says he’s ready to make that history.

“It’s time,” he said. “I think we’re going to do it. There are a lot of people out there who are saying we need change.” AFP

move.

Defence Secretary Teodoro offered another concept that deserves wider attention. On matters involving sovereignty and national security, he argued that the country should aspire not merely through consensus but through convergence.

Consensus can be elusive in a democracy.

Convergence is different. It means recognizing that certain national interests must transcend partisan politics.

The defense of Philippine sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea should be one of them. The first decade after the Arbitral Award proved that the law could prevail over powerful aggression. The next decade will determine whether that victory can be translated into stronger deterrence, deeper partnerships, greater resilience, and tangible benefits for future generations of Filipinos. Winning the case was historic. Holding what we won is now the greater test.

2 killed, 4 hurt in Toronto

shooting

TORONTO – Two people were killed and at least four others seriously wounded in a shooting at a salsa festival on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) that drew thousands of people in Toronto, Canadian police said.

Investigators said “there was an exchange of gunfire between two individuals, and two firearms were recovered.”

They emphasized the danger the apparent settling of scores could have posed to the more than 13,000 people attending the Latin music festival.

“Two males have been pronounced dead” and “another four individuals have been transported to local hospitals with serious injuries,” Toronto’s deputy police chief, Frank Barredo, said.

Police had initially referred to an “active shooter,” but “that does not appear to be the case,” Barredo said.

Asked about the perpetrators, he did “not rule out” that more people could have been involved than the two mentioned.

“There have been no arrests at this time,” Barredo said.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on X that he was “horrified by the shooting that has killed two people at the

“My prayers are with the families grieving their loved ones,” he said. Carney also expressed his thanks “to the police officers and other first responders whose courage and fast action prevented further tragedy.”

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said she was “deeply disturbed and angry about this reckless and irresponsible act of violence right in the middle of a festival attended by families, children, seniors.”

Jason Ferda, who was attending the festival, told AFP he initially thought it was “fireworks.”

“I was scared, I left,” he said.

Another witness told local broadcaster CTV News that a state of panic washed over the crowd.

“Suddenly, everybody was running towards the stage, and everyone was like what’s going on and the police came and they stopped the music,” the bystander said.

“Everything happened so fast.”

The incident follows another shooting in Montreal late last month in which two people, including a police officer, were killed by an assailant who was then shot dead by law enforcement.

A school shooting in the small western mining town of Tumbler Ridge killed eight people in February, including the shooter’s mother and half-brother, and wounded 27 before she took her own life. AFP

Typhoon Bavi makes landfall in China, downgraded to severe tropical storm

BEIJING – Typhoon Bavi was downgraded to a severe tropical storm Sunday after making landfall in eastern China, where authorities had evacuated nearly two million people in its path. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Before reaching China, the storm lashed northern Taiwan and Japan’s remote southwestern islands, toppling trees and leaving tens of thousands without power. Extreme weather already wreaked havoc on southern and central China in the past week, with storms leaving at least 39 dead and causing dozens of rivers to overflow and a reservoir to burst.

Bavi first made landfall at around 11:20 pm Saturday (1520 GMT) in Zhejiang

province, packing winds of 144 kilometres (90 miles) an hour, the state Xinhua news agency said, quoting the provincial meteorological observatory.

“The core impact zone experienced fierce winds and heavy rain, with rapid runoff forming on the ground and roadside trees being uprooted,” national TV station CCTV reported as Bavi struck the city of Yuhuan. At around 5:00 am on Sunday its intensity weakened to severe tropical storm levels, the China Weather Administration reported.

The eye of the storm was near the major commercial hub of Yiwu and is now expected to head northwest, it added, warning of force 11 winds of around 108 kilometres per hour. AFP

BEDAR, Spain – Firefighters battling a wildfire in southern Spain that killed 12 people started to contain the blaze on Saturday as the hardest-hit village remained deserted, with charred vegetation and blackened homes a grim reminder of the inferno that sent terrified people fleeing from their homes.

Around 500 firefighters backed by over 20 water-dropping aircraft were battling the blaze which erupted Thursday in the Gallardos area of the southern region of Andalusia, home to many foreign residents.

Calmer winds and higher air humidity levels allowed firefighters to directly attack the flames for the first time, officials said.

“The fire has not spread at all today,” Justice Minister Felix Bolanos said at the end of the day after travelling to the area, adding that the burned area remained unchanged at 6,600 hectares.

“We have taken advantage of a window of opportunity, with favourable weather conditions in terms of wind and humidity today, to intensify our efforts,” he said, expressing hope the blaze could be brought under control in the coming hours.

Officials said the 12 people who died in the fast-moving fire had been trapped in vehicles and as they tried to flee on foot.

The majority were foreigners although their identities have not yet been released. AFP

South Korea issues first emergency heatwave warning

SEOUL – South Korea issued its firstever emergency heatwave alert on Sunday under a new warning system launched this year, advising people to halt outdoor activities and keep cool. The new warning system was introduced to better deal with a rising number of heatwaves in South Korea, which have become longer and more intense, officials said.

An emergency alert is issued when areas experiencing a heatwave are

IN BRIEF

said Saturday (Sunday, Manila time). National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez -- the brother of interim leader Delcy Rodriguez -- put the toll at 4,333, up from 4,118 on Friday. On June 24, the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes hit Caracas

said. Venezuelan and foreign volunteers are providing medical care in tents set up in open areas and distributing food. Rodriguez did not say how many people were still unaccounted for, but the United Nations has estimated that 50,000 people are still missing. AFP

WASHINGTON, DC – Prominent US Senator Lindsey Graham, a key ally of President Donald Trump, died on Saturday aged 71 following a “brief and sudden illness,” his office said.

“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness,” the Republican senator from South Carolina’s office said in a statement on his official X account.

“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.” Graham was first elected to the US House of Representatives in 1994, before being elected to the Senate in 2002. He was later re-elected to the Senate in 2008, 2014 and 2020 and most recently served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster described Graham as “irreplaceable” in a post on X. AFP

PH, Saudi Arabia join hands vs. trafficking

IN BRIEF

Buy-busts net two drug suspects in MIMAROPA

TWO suspected drug pushers were captured during buy-bust operations staged separately in Oriental Mindoro and Romblon provinces.

The first operation was conducted Friday in Sitio Baroc, Barangay Sta. Brigida, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro by local police and operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

At about the same time, another suspect was apprehended in a buy-bust entrapment in Barangay Gabawan, Odiongan, Romblon set up by a combined team of police and PDEA agents.

MIMAROPA police director Brig. Gen. Christopher Dela Cruz cited the success of both operations, saying the accomplishments demonstrated the region’s unwavering commitment to protecting communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs. Vince Lopez

DAR-Bataan teaches farmers to be traders

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Bataan ramped up its support for farmers as 30 members of the Pagkakaisa ng Samahang Magsasaka ng Anahao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association Inc. graduated from the Farm Business School (FBS) of the agency.

DAR provincial official Benedick De Mesa said the Farm Business School was designed to transform farmers into profitable, market-oriented entrepreneurs by teaching them to treat farming as a business concern rather than simply a means of agricultural production.

“We do not just give CLOAs (certificate of land ownership awards). We teach farmers to become businessmen,” De Mesa said during the event. The Farm Business School consisted of two phases covering 17 learning sessions. Using a hands-on, “learning-by-doing” approach, participants received practical training in farm planning, financial and cost analysis, marketing strategies, and record-keeping to help improve productivity and increase farm income. Butch Gunio

Taguig finances medical courses of 30 scholars

THE Taguig local government on Sunday announced that it is funding the first batch of 30 scholars who are all aspiring to be become doctors under its “INvesting in the Value of Education through Stewardship for Taguigeños (INVEST) Scholarship Program for Medicine

In a statement, Taguig Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano said these scholars will be receiving full scholarships that cover their tuition and miscellaneous fees, plus P15,000 monthly allowance throughout their stay in medical school. These inaugural scholars are to be known as the Batch “Tanglaw” derived from the Filipino word for “beacon,” symbolizing the city’s hope that they will inspire future INVEST scholars and become guiding lights in the communities they will serve as physicians in the future. Vince Lopez

Cops probe viral video showing armed kids

By Vince Lopez

THE Caloocan City police on Sunday revealed that it has launched an intensive inquiry into the unsettling viral video and photos of minors armed with knives and guns.

In an exclusive phone call, the Caloocan City Police Station Tactical Operations Center disclosed that parents of the affected minors have been contacted by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and Caloocan City police.

The parents were apprised about

the behavior of their children, particularly on online posts showing them armed with bladed weapons and firearms.

Police also said the local barangays have summoned the concerned parents, adding that the childen have not come home.

During the call, Manila Standard sought for a comment regarding one of the videos showing the alleged minors bullying another minor in a restaurant.

Police explained that the confrontation at the diner seemed to involve extortion or blackmail, with

Cops hit by Kanlaon maze told to avoid health

By Vince Lopez

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Sunday instructed all police units in areas affected by volcanic haze from Mt. Kanlaon to strengthen health protection measures while maintaining public safety and security operations.

Nartatez directed all police regional and provincial offices in the affected areas to strictly implement health and safety protocols for personnel exposed to volcanic haze.

He also ordered police commanders to conduct daily health monitoring of officers deployed in affected areas and immediately refer those showing respiratory symptoms or other health concerns for medical evaluation.

“The safety of our personnel is our priority. I have directed all police commanders in affected areas to ensure that officers assigned to outdoor duties are provided with appropriate protective equipment, including N95 masks whenever necessary,” Nartatez said.

Pharmacies in Cebu City have been scrambling to replenish N95 mask supplies after panic buying followed the

one party threatening to post the video unless the adversary pays up.

When asked if the minors may be considered as armed and dangerous, the police said that they are seeking the intervention of the parents to avoid any untoward incident in the course of the police investigation.

“The Caloocan City Police Station (CCPS) immediately conducted coordination and intervention upon learning of a viral video circulating on social media involving several minors,” the police said in a statement.

moderate explosive eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on July 9.

The Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas warned that volcanic haze and ashfall could affect air quality in parts of Cebu, prompting local authorities to advise residents to wear wellfitted N95 or KN95 masks, limit outdoor exposure, monitor official advisories, and avoid spreading misinformation.

“They should also minimize unnecessary exposure to volcanic haze, and strictly follow the health advisories issued by the Department of Health, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geological and Astronomical Service Administration, and local authorities while continuing to provide uninterrupted public service,” Nartatez said.

The PNP chief reminded all personnel to protect themselves while remaining ready to respond to the needs of affected communities.

“I thank our police officers for their unwavering dedication to protecting our communities. While carrying out your mission, never compromise your own safety. Wear the proper protective gear and remain vigilant,” Nartatez said.

By Vito Barcelo

THE Philippines and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have strengthened cooperation in combating human trafficking through a knowledge-sharing program focused on border protection, victim identification, and law enforcement coordination.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) hosted a high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia’s National Committee on Combating Human Trafficking (NCCHT) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, where Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado presented the country’s airport interdiction procedures, antitrafficking strategies, and inter-agency referral mechanisms.

The Saudi delegation, composed of officials from the kingdom’s justice, law enforcement, foreign affairs, labor, health, education, and human rights agencies, also observed the operations of the BI and the NAIA Task Force Against Trafficking (NAIATFAT) at the country’s main international gateway.

The engagement is part of a five-day knowledge exchange organized under a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) project aimed at strengthening national capacities and enhancing international cooperation to prevent, suppress, and prosecute trafficking in persons.

“Our experience has shown that combating human trafficking requires strong borders, effective intelligence, and close collaboration among government agencies and international partners,” Viado said.

“The BI is honored to share the Philippine model with our counterparts from Saudi Arabia as we continue working together to dismantle trafficking networks and protect vulnerable migrants,” he added.

During the program, BI officials showcased frontline immigration inspection procedures, airport interdiction protocols, and coordination with NAIATFAT in identifying, intercepting, and referring potential trafficking victims while ensuring the smooth movement of legitimate travelers.

The Bureau said the engagement is expected to further enhance cooperation between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia in border management, victim protection, law enforcement, and other anti-human trafficking initiatives.

NHA turns over 366 new homes to ‘Yolanda’ victims in Samar

By Rio N. Araja

hazardous designated no-build zones. NHA Region 8 manager Clemente Dayot represented general manager Joeben Tai in the turnover ceremony. The project implemented under the Yolanda Permanent Housing Program (YPHP) aims to provide families with permanent and high-quality housing to support their long-term recovery.

Each unit is a bungalow house with a floor area ranging from 26 to 28.4

square meters covering a living area, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom, as well as connections for electricity, water, drainage and sewerage systems. On November 8, 2013, “Yolanda” struck and flattened parts of Eastern Visayas, including Tacloban City, Leyte.

The NHA is expected to turn over more housing units through a deed of donation and acceptance and the a memorandum of agreement between the NHA and the local overnment of Villareal, represented by Mayor Marilou Latorre . Dayot expressed gratitude to the agency’s stakeholders, acknowledging the the importance of responsible homeownership and maintaining the good condition of the housing units.

P461.8 billion

124 14,415 Investment pledges in 1st half Investment projects approved

Jobs expected from projects

BOI: 6-month investments jumped 21% to P461.84b

By Jennifer B. Austria

INVESTMENTS approved by the Board of Investments (BOI) reached P461.84 billion in the first six months of 2026, up 21 percent from P382.24 billion in the same period last year, led by energy sector projects, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said over the weekend.

The BOI approved 124 projects from January to June that are expected to generate 14,415 direct jobs, the department said. Energy projects, including renewable energy, accounted for the largest share of approved investments at P343.47 billion, or 74.25 percent of the total.

Other approved investments were in real estate activities (P36.55 billion), air and water transport (P36.25 billion), mining and quarry-

ing (P14.64 billion), hotel, tourism and accommodation projects (P7.58 billion) and manufacturing (P7.22 billion).

DTI Secretary and BOI chairman Cristina Roque attributed the increase in investment approvals to continued investor confidence in the Philippines and the government’s economic reform agenda.

“The strong growth in DTI-BOIapproved investments reflects investors’ confidence in the Philippines

and in the Marcos Jr. administration’s reform policies. We are making it easier to invest, expand, and do business in the country,” Roque said in a statement. She said the government’s focus is now on converting approved investments into operational projects that create jobs and strengthen domestic industries. Domestic investments accounted for P447.32 billion of total approvals in the six-month period, up 41 percent from a year ago.

The Cordillera Administrative Region posted the highest amount of approved investments at P150.40 billion, followed by the Ilocos Region with P144.13 billion. The National Capital Region received P48.78 billion, while Central Luzon, Caraga and Central Visayas secured P33.55 billion, P16.93 billion and P13.97 billion, respectively.

Passengers

Chua

decisions. “At 2GO,

customers remain at the center of every business decision we make. We continuously look for ways to make travel more convenient and accessible,” Chua said.

POWERING LEGACIES: Electricity as an important foundation of a business

BUSINESSES are built with an end in mind. Although its legacy does not announce itself at the moment it is built, it reveals itself over time through choices and sustained consistency, which are eventually entrusted to whoever comes next.

Those choices are usually the visible, controllable ones: product, service, location, marketing, talent, and management. But one of the most overlooked factors in building any enterprise is also among the most foundational: the electric power that keeps everything running.

Think about the businesses that hold the Philippines together on any given day, some of which are supermarkets, manufacturers, telecommunication towers, water utilities, and cold storage facilities. None of them announce their dependence on electricity and yet, without reliable and dependable power, none of them function, and none of them endure.

Power is the architecture beneath everything else and the organizations that get it right tend to be the ones that last.

Always-on Innovation AdventEnergy, the retail electricity supply arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), has spent over a decade building relationships with companies that understand this side of the business, guided by its Alwayson Innovation philosophy.

“At AdventEnergy, we do not just supply electricity or provide integrated energy solutions,”

said AboitizPower Head of Revenue Operations and AdventEnergy President James Yu. “We understand the importance of strengthening the base of business continuity and the legacy that our customers are building.”

Powering more than 1,000 facilities nationwide, AdventEnergy has been at the forefront of the competitive retail electricity market — a reform introduced through the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001 that enables eligible customers to choose their electricity supplier based on their monthly kilowatt demand. Beginning June 26, 2026, the eligibility threshold for Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) was lowered from 500 kilowatts to just 100. But understanding this freedom of choice is only the first step. AdventEnergy has always acknowledged that every business consumes power differently, and solutions must be customized around their purpose and operational needs. A legacy, like a load profile, is never one-size-fits-all.

Powering legacies across industries

Whenever you pick up your phone and connect to DITO Telecommunity’s 5G network – which serves more than 15 million subscribers – you are tapping into the promise of a reliable service.

Through AdventEnergy, 1,642 cell towers across Luzon now run on dependable energy for a combined demand of 13.8 megawatts (MW) powering the network end-to-end.

“Our partnership with AdventEnergy goes beyond a conven -

DITO

Telecommunity utilizes the Retail Aggregation Program to power 1,642 of its cell towers in the Greater Manila, South Luzon, and North Luzon areas.

tional energy supply agreement. It is an investment that will help keep millions of Filipinos connected, informed, and empowered,” DITO Telecommunity President and Chief Executive Officer Eric R. Alberto said.

At the same time, whenever someone from Metro Manila’s East Zone or Rizal Province turns on their tap, the water that flows through is, in part, made possible by the same type of partnership. Through AdventEnergy, Manila Water’s facilities in the aforementioned areas are powered with 100% renewable energy, leading to clean water being delivered through clean energy.

In choosing clean, reliable energy, Manila Water is not just managing operational costs, it is also making a statement about the kind

of institution it intends to remain, long into the future.

“We take pride in this partnership. It truly makes a difference in the lives of our customers knowing that a water utility can work with a partner like AdventEnergy to deliver sustainable solutions that we have worked so hard to pursue,” said Roberto R. Locsin, Manila Water President and Chief Executive Officer.

Elsewhere in the Philippines, AdventEnergy also supplies Cebu Water, Tagum Water, Calbayog Water, Laguna Water, Estate Water, LARC Water, Boracay Water, and South Luzon Water.

Another example are cold chain facilities, which support the food supply chain by preventing postharvest spoilage and extending the shelf life of perishable goods, ensuring that safe food is served on your table. Without dependable power, a single power interruption can mean the difference between product quality or food loss.

Located in a one-hectare facility in Davao City, AdventEnergy recently secured an 896-kilowatt (kW) retail electricity supply contract with Viking Cold Storage Inc.

“Entering the retail electricity market gives us the confidence that our facility will have the reliable, competitive energy it needs to deliver for our clients,” Viking Cold Storage President Jimmy Ngo said.

The cold storage operators who invest in tailored solutions for dependable power today are building the infrastructure that helps prevent food waste and supports stable supply in the years to come. Every kilowatt secured is a step toward a

facility that does not break when it is needed most.

Aside from this growing portfolio of customers, AdventEnergy also powers businesses with deeply local roots, including the L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod with 673kW of energy supply; Discovery Primea Hotel in Makati at 1.3MW; and two Skyrise Realty & Development Corporation buildings in Cebu at 732 kW and 585 kW respectively.

Each deal supports the continued expansion of RCOA, following its implementation in 2013 in Luzon and the Visayas and in 2024 in Mindanao.

Legacy-building—wider than ever

These stories span industries, geographies, and scales. But they all share a common trend: mak -

ing deliberate decisions early and securing power that could carry a business forward. Now, that decision is within the reach of smaller and medium-sized enterprises.

The Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) decision to lower the contestability threshold of RCOA from 500 kW to 100 kW brings an estimated 11,988 additional potential end-users into the market. This means more hospitals, regional malls, condominiums, manufacturers, educational institutions, and even aggregated households are now eligible to choose their own power supplier for the first time.

With an expanded market, more organizations now have the privilege to choose and control the type of enterprise they want to build. Moreover, as participants in the energy transition, they not only help power jobs and the economy, they also contribute to sustainability and keeping the future bright for the next generation.

Choosing an energy supply is not just a matter of utility, it is one of the most significant decisions a business makes. It quietly determines how far operations can scale, how long a brand can endure, and how legacy-builders separate themselves from the rest.

PH approves 12 rail projects worth $30b

By Darwin G. Amojelar

The Philippine government has approved 12 major rail projects worth more than $30 billion since 2012, marking a turnaround after decades of slow progress in the sector, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said over the weekend.

Undersecretary for railways Timothy John Batan said seven of the 12 approved projects are under construction, one has been completed and six are expected to become operational within the next seven years.

The projects include the LRT

Line 2 East Extension, LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension, MRT 7, North South Commuter Rail Project (NSCR), LRT2 West Extension, NSCR North Extension, NSCR South Extension, Metro Manila Subway Project, Mindanao Rail Project Segment 1, South Long

Haul project and MRT4.

All 12 projects are designed as fully electric railway systems, Batan said, aligning with the government’s push for cleaner and more sustainable transportation.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

The NSCR, the largest of the projects, is expected to carry about 800,000 passengers daily once fully operational. The Metro Manila Subway, the country’s first underground railway, is projected to serve more than 500,000 passengers a day.

The DOTr has awarded 57 rail contracts to more than 40 companies from around the world over the past decade, with an average contract value of about $400 million, Batan said.

The government received 166 bids from 137 companies across 15 countries, he said, reflecting growing confidence among international contractors and investors.

The DOTr said it is working closely with multilateral institutions such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, as well as bilateral partners including the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), to ensure projects meet international standards for bankability, risk management and sustainability.

MRT-7, one of the government’s flagship rail developments, is now 87-percent complete and is targeted to begin operations in the first half of next year.

The 24-kilometer elevated railway will connect Metro Manila with rapidly growing communities in the north through intermodal stations designed to encourage seamless transfers between trains and other public transportation.

The Metro Manila Subway, a 33-kilometer underground railway with 17 stations, will become the country’s first subway system and is expected to accommodate more than 500,000 daily passengers once fully operational.

IN BRIEF

Busy sked awaits as Eala receives hero’s welcome

By Jeremiah Sevilla

FILIPINA tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala received a warm hero’s welcome upon her arrival in Manila on Sunday after her historic campaign in the Wimbledon Championships 2026.

Leading the festive reception at the NAIA Terminal 3 were Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, and Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) secretary general John Rey Tiangco.

Banda Kawayan Pilipinas provided the celebratory atmosphere as fans and aspiring athletes gathered to welcome the 21-year-old tennis sensation back home.

“Is this really all for me?” said a surprised Eala, who took the time to sign autographs and interact with supporters who waited for her arrival.

Eala returned to the country after rewriting Philippine tennis history at Wimbledon. She became the first Filipino to earn a seeded spot in a Grand Slam singles draw, the first to win a Wimbledon singles match, and the first to reach both the third and fourth rounds of a Grand Slam in the Open Era.

The world No. 32 pulled off the biggest victory of her young career by ousting reigning champion and world No. 3 Iga Swiatek of Poland, 7-6 (11-9), 6-2, in the third round on Centre Court before exiting in the Round of 16 following a tough three-set loss to Italy’s No. 17 Jasmine Paolini.

Her breakthrough Wimbledon run fittingly capped an impressive grass-court season that saw her win her second WTA 125 title and reach the semifinals of the Berlin Tennis Open, where she stunned world No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan and world No. 8 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine.

Eala will fulfill several sponsor commitments during her stay in the Philippines, including a press conference hosted by BPI on Tuesday and a fan meet organized by another major backer in Globe Telecom on Wednesday at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City.

Following her brief homecoming, Eala will start her US Open buildup in the WTA 500 Mubadala DC Open scheduled July 27 to August 2 followed by the WTA 1000 National Bank Open in Toronto, Canada slated on August 2 to 13.

Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games: Where athletes grow

THE Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games (SEAPYG) was officially launched in elaborate day-long activities last Saturday—a fitting ceremony for a first-of-its-kind multi-sport competition that benefits not only the country’s young athletes, but also those of the region and Asia as well.

“Where do our [young] athletes go to grow?”

Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, SEAPYG’s founding president, said during the launch at the Solaire Resort in Paranaque City. “Between the playgrounds where dreams are born and the grand arenas of the Asian Youth Games and Youth Olympic Games lies a gap our region needs to bridge.”

Tolentino added: “The SEA Plus Youth Games is our answer—built by Southeast Asia and open to the wider Asian family, it is dedicated entirely to athletes 16 years old and younger who represent the future of the Olympic Movement.”

Tolentino welcomed top National Olympic Committee and embassy officials from 15 nations in the launch of the inaugural SEAPYG the country is hosting in Manila, Pasig City, Tagaytay City and Subic from December 2 to 14, 2027.

Athletes from 28 countries—11 in Southeast Asia and 17 from the rest of the continent—will compete in 23 sports spread out over the four clusters, according to Ramon “Tats” Suzara, president and CEO of the Local Organizing Committee. “With 23 sports and four clusters, we will be able

to be at par with international standards in different sports,” said Suzara, noting the other main goal of hosting is to utilize the sports facilities of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

“This is one of the strong agreements with President Bambol and [PSC] chairman [Patrick] Pató Gregorio,” he added.

The day started with the games’ first Executive Council Meeting and the delegates’ tour of the facilities at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and at the SMXCITE, or the SMX Center for International Trade and Exhibitions.

Fil-Am Johnson bags 400-m silver in China meet

By Jeremiah Sevilla

A DAY after setting a new national record, Naomi Kaylia Johnson continued her stellar debut for the Philippine national team, bagging the silver medal in the women’s 400-meter race of the 1st Asian U23 Athletics Championships on Saturday night at the Sport Development Center Stadium in Ordos, China.

The Fil-Am middle-distance runner clocked 52.34 seconds in the eight-strong final, just .24 of a second shy of the national mark she etched during the qualifying heats, pending ratification from the Philippine Athletics, Inc. (PATAFA).

Uzbekistan’s Jonbibi Mukhova nabbed the gold medal in 51.19s while Sri Lanka’s Jithma Wijethunga took the bronze in 53.10s.

Suiting up in her first tournament for the national squad after switching federations from the USA to the Philippines last June 16, Johnson quickly made a name for herself in the heats after surging past the previous national record of 53.72s set

by Angel Watson at the Duke Invitational on April 13, 2024.

The 21-year-old promising trackster secured her second medal after snaring the bronze with Hussein Loraña, Lea Ordinario, Jazzpeer Arcenal in the 4x400m mixed relay with a time of 3:25.28 during the opener on Thursday.

SEA Games gold winner Loraña also seized a silver mint as he tallied a personal best of 1:47.65 in the men’s 800m last Friday night.

Meanwhile, National Open champions Mariel Abuan and Arcenal finished sixth in the women’s high jump and men’s 400m hurdles, respectively.

Abuan registered a season-best jump of 1.75m while Arcenal tallied 51.38s in his first individual event on the international stage.

SEA Games campaigner Edna Magtubo (women’s 10,000m) and the Philippine men’s 4x400m team were still aiming to add to the country’s medal haul in the inaugural Asian U23 athletics tilt at press time.

Burgos, Ramos rule Elite as Santiagos shine at 5150 Bohol

PANGLAO, Bohol—Erika Burgos and Dayshaun Ramos reaffirmed their status as the country’s top Olympic-distance triathletes by ruling the Filipino Elite division, while Ines Santiago and Mervin Santiago emerged as the overall champions in the landmark 10th Sun Life 5150 Bohol Triathlon here on Sunday. Burgos followed up her inaugural 5150 Guimaras triumph with another commanding victory in 2:28:33 over the 1.5-km swim, 40-km bike and 10km run course, while Ramos unleashed a strong finishing run to hold off older brother Joshua Ramos and claim the men’s Elite crown in 2:09:58. Joshua settled for second in 2:12:45, followed by Earl James Ting (2:17:42) and Sebastian Cabusas (2:23:59). While the Elite champions delivered as expected, Ines Santiago emerged as the overall champion in the women’s division, adding another major title to an already decorated résumé that in-

cludes three consecutive Reyna Bulakna Awards as the fastest Filipina at the Kona Ironman World Championships. She clocked 2:33:58 to beat Nicole Andaya (2:35:35) and Natasha DoromalLim (2:40:45), while also topping the women’s 45-49 category.

Mervin Santiago (not related to Ines) edged Jeffrey Tagalog in a dramatic finish to secure the overall men’s championship in 2:14:27, just seven seconds ahead of Paguray (2:14:34). Kristiane Lim placed third in 2:16:50. Despite her convincing victory, Burgos said the race was anything but easy. Calm waters greeted competitors during the swim before scorching heat punished athletes on the run, while a loose timing chip repeatedly forced her to stop and readjust.

“I’m happy with my performance even though I’m in my offseason,” said the national team standout from Tanauan, Batangas in Filipino. “I’ve only been do-

ing maintenance training, so I’m satisfied that I was still able to race well.”

She admitted the run proved the tough est challenge as temperatures soared.

“It suddenly became very hot. I was actually expecting rain because it had been raining for several days before the race,” she said. “My tim ing chip also kept rotating, so I had to stop several times to fix it. But overall, I’m satisfied with the re sult, especially considering the kind of preparation I had.”

An Ironman All-World Athlete and one of the country’s premier age-group triathletes, Ines Santiago relied on experience, patience and composure to outlast a strong local and international field representing at least 23 countries. Her victory in the milestone staging of the Sun Life 5150 Bohol Triathlon further cemented her standing among the Phil ippines’ elite age-group competitors.

GUEST team Perfect Set Dream Makers seek a strong introduction in a busy 2026 Shakey’s Juniors National Invitationals Monday playdate at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan.

The California-based Dream Makers debut with back-to-back games against One La Salle and University of Santo Tomas, respectively, as thrilling high school volleyball action resumes after a one-day break.

Arellano University High School and Pusong Azul open hostilities in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R and B Milk Tea at 11 a.m.

But all eyes will be on the visiting stateside squad, composed mostly of Filipino-Americans.

“We’re looking forward to just getting the girls’ exposure in a new country, letting them play a different type of team, playing just a different level of volleyball,” Dream Makers assistant coach Mackenzie Dorney said.

“I think that having that experience will be super beneficial for them in the future, and even going to a new place or just playing different types of teams that play a different style of volleyball,” she added.

Perfect Set clashes against One La Salle, which is coming off a 21-25, 26-28, defeat at the hands of Bacolodbased St. John’s Institute, to set its campaign in motion.

The Dream Makers will then test their mettle against the reigning Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (SGVIL) Rising Stars Cup Division 1 champion Junior Tigresses, who are seeking a second straight win after dominating the Lady Braves last Saturday, in the nightcap.

Meanwhile, Arellano University shoots for back-to-back wins after taming Guam-based Pacific Volleyball Academy, Inc., 25-14, 25-21, in its second game in the opener.

OF EMERGENCY

NUEVA VIZCAYA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE (NUVELCO) AND SUAL POWER INC. (SPI), WITH MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION, ERC CASE NO. 2026-069 RC

NUEVA VIZCAYA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE (NUVELCO) AND SUAL POWER INC. (SPI), Applicants.

NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

Notice is hereby given that on 11 May 2026, Nueva Vizcaya Electric Cooperative (NUVELCO) and Sual Power Inc. (SPI) filed a Joint Application dated 24 October 2025, seeking the CommissionÕs approval of their Emergency Power Supply Agreement (EPSA), with prayer for confidential treatment of information.

The docketed copy of the Joint Application, excluding its annexes, is attached as Annex ÒAÓ of the Notice of Virtual Hearing

The Commission has set the instant Joint Application for hearing, pursuant to the pertinent rules of the Commission, as follows: ERC CASE NO. 2026-069 RC NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING PAGE 2 OF 4

Date and Time Platform Activity 18 August 2026 (Tuesday) at nine oÕclock in the morning (9:00 A.M.) Microsoft Teams Determination of compliance with jurisdictional requirements and Expository Presentation 25 August 2026 (Tuesday) at nine oÕclock in the morning (9:00 A.M.)

Accordingly, Applicants are hereby directed to mirror the virtual hearings, to be hosted by the Commission, at NUVELCOÕs principal office at Brgy. Gabut, Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya as the designated venue for the conduct thereof and ensure that the same is open to the public. Moreover, Applicants shall guarantee that, during the conduct of the expository presentation, the participation of the public shall not be impaired.

Any interested stakeholder may submit its comments and/or clarifications at least one (1) calendar day prior to the scheduled initial virtual hearing, via e-mail at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph. The Commission shall give priority to the stakeholders who have duly submitted their respective comments and/or clarifications, to discuss the same and propound questions during the course of the expository presentation.

Moreover, all persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission via e-mail at docket@erc.ph, and copy furnishing the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph, a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) calendar days prior to the date of the initial virtual hearing. The verified Petition to Intervene must follow the requirements under Rule 9 of the ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case, and state the following:

1) The petitionerÕs name, mailing address, and e-mail address;

2) The nature of petitionerÕs interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

Pre-Trial Conference and Presentation of Evidence ERC CASE NO. 2026-069 RC NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING PAGE 3 OF 4

3) A statement of the relief desired.

Likewise, all other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file through e-mail at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph, their Opposition or Comment thereon at least five (5) calendar days prior to the initial virtual hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following:

ERC CASE NO. 2026-069 RC NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING PAGE 4 OF 4

1) The name, mailing address, and e-mail address of the person;

2) A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and

3) The grounds relied upon.

FOR AND BY AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION:

All interested parties filing their Petition to Intervene, Opposition or Comment are required to submit the hard copies thereof through personal service, registered mail, or ordinary mail/private courier, within five (5) working days from the date that the same were electronically submitted, as reflected in the acknowledgement receipt e-mail sent by the Commission.

LS: MCHB / RCD

ATTY. MARIA CORAZON C. GINES Director III, Legal Service

Finally, all interested persons may be allowed to join the scheduled virtual hearings by providing the Commission, through legal.virtualhearings@erc.ph their respective e-mail addresses, indicating therein the case number of the instant Application The Commission will send the access link/s to the aforementioned hearing platform within five (5) working days prior to the scheduled hearings.

The Notice of Virtual Hearing issued herein supersedes the previously issued Notice of Virtual Hearing promulgated on 21 May 2026.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson and Chairperson FRANCIS SATURNINO C. JUAN and the Honorable Commissioners FLORESINDA G. BALDO-DIGAL, MARKO ROMEO L. FUENTES, AMANTE A. LIBERATO and PARIS G. REAL, Energy Regulatory Commission, in Pasig City.

ERC CASE NO. 2026-069 RC NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING PAGE 4 OF 4 FOR AND BY AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION:

ATTY. MARIA CORAZON C. GINES* Director III, Legal Service

LS: MCHB / RCD

Ongpin Tower brings modern Chinatown living

WHAT does it mean to live in the heart of Manila’s oldest Chinatown today?

For Ongpin Tower, the answer goes beyond architecture and amenities.

It is about preserving the soul of Binondo while shaping a residential address that reflects the district’s evolving identity.

The 52-storey residential development by Keen & Worth Property Developers Inc. embodies what it calls “Modern Chinatown Living”—a lifestyle anchored on heritage, refinement and meaningful connections.

For Kimberly Klaire Wong, chief operating officer of Keen & Worth Property Developers Inc., the project’s identity begins with its name.

“We didn’t want to create another typical development because it’s in Ongpin,” Wong said.

“We wanted the address to be the identity of the project itself because Binondo is very iconic. Everybody knows Binondo and the rich culture and heritage that it has,” she said.

She said the decision to name the project Ongpin Tower came from the desire to celebrate the district itself rather than create a separate brand.

“We really wanted to respect the heritage of Binondo while also pushing it to become a luxury development and elevating the standard of living in Binondo,” she added.

Binondo’s legacy

Modern Chinatown living Wong describes Modern Chinatown Living as an approach that balances tradition with the needs of today’s families.

“It’s really about respecting the heritage of Chinatown,” she said.

“But at the end of the day, today’s families are already very different. We really have to create modern comforts and living standards for them,” she said.

That philosophy guided the the planning of the development.From the

SAN VICENTE. Property giant Megaworld has officially started the construction of the 313-room Paragua Sands Hotel, one of its two hotels being built inside the 462-hectare Paragua Coastown township in San Vicente, Palawan. The 10-story new hotel will offer a variety of room layouts, including Presidential Suites, along with a host of premium amenities set against the backdrop of lush mountains and the famous Long Beach of San Vicente, the longest stretch of white sand beach in the Philippines and the second longest in Southeast Asia. Paragua Sands Hotel joins the 306-room Savoy Hotel Palawan, bringing Megaworld’s total room inventory in Paragua Coastown to more than 600 rooms, making it the biggest hotel operator in the area. Leading the groundbreaking ceremony were Darwin Villestas, head of sales and marketing, Megaworld Palawan (3rd from right) and Manuel Mendoza, chairman, Monocrete Construction Philippines (3rd from left). Present also are (from left) Monocrete representatives Christopher Reeve Fajardo, project manager, and Christopher Guerzon, project director; and Megaworld officers Christopher Dagdagan, area head of Construction Management, and Joseph Manaligod, project head for Paragua Coastown

Cebu

SM PRIME Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is expanding Cebu’s position as a major destination for entertainment, tourism and business with the development of SM Seaside Cebu Arena, a world-class venue designed for concerts, sports events, corporate gatherings and large-scale entertainment productions.

architecture and landscaped spaces to the floor plans and amenities, every component was planned for families while drawing inspiration from Binondo’s character.

“For Ongpin Tower, every detail— from how architect Miguel did the design, from the landscapes—really pays homage to the heritage, while making sure it’s family-sized spaces, well-thought-out floor plans, and spacious amenities,” Wong said. “These are the things that I think make Ongpin Tower different.”

entertainment to the Visayas

The tower’s architecture by MOT Architectural Designs incorporates subtle Chinese influences through a contemporary high-rise design.

Located along one of the district’s most recognizable thoroughfares, Ongpin Tower places residents close to churches, schools, commercial establishments, restaurants and cultural landmarks that have long defined life in Manila’s Chinatown. Construction is being undertaken by Ironcon Builders & Development Corporation, with turnover targeted for the second quarter of 2027.

For Wong, the project is ultimately about creating a landmark that is inseparable from the district it calls home.

“When you think of Ongpin, it’s Ongpin Tower.” Jenniffer B. Austria

ROBINSONS Land Corp. (RLC) continues to grow its presence in the country’s flexible workspace sector with the opening of work.able Iloilo, the largest coworking and flexible office space in Western Visayas.

Located on the 10th floor of Cybergate Iloilo Tower 3 in Pavia, the new facility responds to the changing needs of businesses, startups, entrepreneurs, freelancers and professionals seeking workspaces that combine accessi bility, flexibility and thoughtfully de signed work environments.

Positioned beside Robinsons Pavia Mall and a major transport terminal, work.able Iloilo gives members convenient access to transportation, dining, retail establish ments and everyday services.

with more than 420 workstations, boardrooms, meeting rooms, focus pods, phone booths, a common pantry and a town hall that can accommodate up to 90 people in

Elton John Peralta, senior director and head of work.able, said the new facility was designed to support the different ways people work today.

“work.able Iloilo was designed to make work feel easier, more flexible, and more connected,” Peralta said. “Whether someone needs a quiet desk, a meeting room, a private office, or a place to build ideas, the space gives users the freedom to choose how they want to work.” The project offers plug-and-play coworking seats, 25 private offices

MONDAY, JULY 13, 2026 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA,

JASPER VALDEZ,

Writer

Writer

BEA Binene is returning to romance with Wilbert Ross in Love U Lots, but the new Viva One series gives her more to do than the usual push-and-pull of a screen pairing.

In the series, Bea plays Ysa, a character with seven personalities. The role required her to move from one persona to another, making the project one of her more physically and emotionally demanding assignments so far.

“I had to prepare because in every take, when there are different personas or personalities, there could be six switches, five switches, three switches,” Bea said during the series’ media conference. “You need endurance in every scene because so much is happening.”

The actress said the production team worked to make each personality distinct. Director Victor Villanueva helped guide the scenes, while the creative team also consulted an expert because the story touches on dissociative identity disorder (DID).

“Yes, I read articles about it,” Bea said. “Our creative team also had a doctor consulted by Viva. The doctor really guided us, even with the scripting.”

Bea Binene switches things up in ‘Love U Lots’

BTS agency denies copyright claim over hit song ‘Swim’

By Angelica Villanueva

K-POP powerhouse BTS’s agency has denied allegations that the group’s hit single “Swim” infringed on the copyright of an unreleased song by three American songwriters following the filing of a lawsuit in Californi

On Friday, July 10, Big Hit Music released a statement rejecting the claims made by songwriters Steve Cooper, Jon Sandler, and Greylyn Johnson, who filed a copyright infringement suit before the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

“‘Swim’ is an independent creation. The allegations in the lawsuit are unilateral and unsubstantiated. We will respond firmly through the appropriate legal process,” the statement read.

According to reports, the plaintiffs claim they completed a demo of a song also titled

“Swim” in March 2025 and shared it with music industry contacts. They allege the recording eventually reached the writers behind BTS’ version.

The lawsuit names Hybe, Hybe America, Big Hit Music, and several co-writers of the track as defendants. BTS members are not named in the complaint.

The plaintiffs are seeking damages, a halt to the song’s commercial exploitation, or, alternatively, recognition as co-writers entitled to copyright royalties.

“Swim” is the lead single from BTS’ fifth comeback album, Arirang, which recently won Best Song of the Summer at the American Music Awards.

The group is currently on the European leg of its Arirang world tour and is scheduled to perform in the Philippines for a three-day run on March 13, 14, and 16, 2027, at the Philippine Sports Stadium.

SEVERAL major music industry organizations on Friday unveiled a labeling system for content created with generative artificial intelligence that they would like to see widely adopted.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced the voluntary labels alongside six other groups including the Grammys.

“Fans want to know whether and how generative AI has been used,” the chief executives of IFPI and RIAA said in a prepared statement.

“These labels will provide an immediately understandable and easily scalable approach to transparency.”

They unveiled two labels. The first would indicate music that is primarily “AI-”generated”— cases where artificial intelligence “was used to generate the entirety or the primary portion of the creative elements of the recording.”

This includes tracks generated “entirely” from AI prompts, as well as lead vocals and “key” instrumental tracks that are AI-generated, according to the statement.

The second label applies to “AI-assisted” music recordings, which are still “created substantially by humans and expresses human creativity” but contain “some expressive elements” that were generated with AI.

However, humans must perform the lead vocals and primary instrumental tracks. This voluntary labeling system is designed for “broad, global adoption,” including on streaming services.

Music streaming site Deezer systematically flags tracks generated with AI, which the company recently said appear in close to half of new uploads. In June, it launched an “AI music detector” which it said is 99.8 percent accurate.

She added that the consultation helped the team avoid careless treatment of the topic.

“Even if it’s a fictional world, of course, we still want it to feel realistic,” she said. “It’s a very sensitive topic. I hope this series can also become a way for viewers, casual audiences, and everyone to be more aware and more informed.”

Victor said the challenge of Love U Lots is finding the balance between a romcom and a subject that should not be treated as a joke.

“It leans more toward romcom. It has quirkiness,” he said. “But at the same time, I’m not shying away from the discourse on DID.”

He said the series deals with a delicate matter while still keeping the fun expected from a romantic comedy.

“It deals with a serious issue, but I’m not making fun of it or making light of it,” Victor said. “It still has to be properly contextualized within the story.”

For the director, Bea’s role becomes a showcase of range. She has to carry the changes in tone, mood, and behavior while keeping the character grounded.

“It’s a showcase of Bea’s range,” Victor said.

Wilbert, meanwhile, plays Estong, a character he described as playful and “down bad” when it comes to love. The actor said the project also marks his return to full comedy after doing several horror projects.

“It’s been a long time since I last did comedy, full comedy,” Wilbert said. GSOT only had light comedy. Here, it’s really full comedy.”

Love U Lots also reunites Bea and Wilbert after Golden Scenery of Tomorrow. Bea said their previous work helped them become more comfortable with each other on set.

“We’re more comfortable with each other now, with work, with scenes, with everything,” she said. “We already know what makes each other comfortable or uncomfortable.”

But unlike their previous project, Bea noted that Love U Lots is an original series, which brings a different kind of pressure.

“GSOT was an adaptation, so the viewers and supporters already had an idea of where the story would go. It already had a structure, a skeleton,” she said. “This one is an original series, an original concept.”

The series streams on Viva One beginning July 24.

Earlier this year, an Apple Music executive told Billboard that more than one third of new uploads were entirely created with AI.

The Digital Media Association, a trade group representing streaming companies including Apple Music, Amazon, and Spotify, said it was following the labeling announcement closely and looks forward to receiving more detailed and accurate AI metadata as a way to “strengthen our ability to give fans the transparency they deserve.”

“DIMA has long advocated for the creators, owners, and distributors of music to provide accurate and timely metadata on all music released and distributed to streaming services,” the association’s CEO Graham Davies said in a statement.

In April, Spotify launched a “Verified by Spotify” label to signal that users can “trust the authenticity” of an artist, and last year the company announced new efforts to support AI disclosure and combat impersonation.

Spotify declined to comment on Friday. Apple Music and the Digital Media Association did not respond to requests for comment. AFP

SHOWBIZ & LIFE

GSM Bar Academy trains Filipino bartenders for careers at home and abroad

A BARTENDING training program

established through a partnership between Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has produced graduates who have gone on to work in hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, and bars in the Philippines and overseas.

The GSM Bar Academy, located at the TESDA Women’s Center in Taguig City, was established in 2014 to mark the 180th anniversary of GSMI’s flagship Ginebra San Miguel brand. Since then, it has provided hands-on training to scholars preparing for careers in the hospitality and food and beverage industries.

The academy features a professional bar laboratory, a flair-tending gym, and a fully equipped training bar. Its three-month TESDA program covers bartending techniques, beverage preparation, customer service, workplace professionalism, and responsible alcohol service. Graduates earn the TESDA Bartending National Certificate II (NC-

By Nickie Wang

FOR many Filipinos

living abroad, seeing artists from home is a chance to reconnect with the music, culture, and stories they grew up with. In 2026, Sparkle GMA Artist Center will once again bring that experience to Filipino communities in Canada and Australia through the expanded Sparkle World Tour

The tour opens Aug. 15 to 16 at the Taste of Manila festival in Toronto, where Miguel Tanfelix, Jillian Ward, Shuvee Etrata, Rochelle Pangilinan, Paul Salas, Jessica Villarubin, and Beki Velo will perform during the two-day event.

Sparkle will then head to Calgary for Fiesta Filipino 2026 from Sept. 4 to 7 at Eau Claire Plaza. Pangilinan, Salas and Etrata are scheduled to perform at one of Canada’s largest Filipino cultural festivals.

The tour concludes in Australia in November with comedian and actress Ai-Ai delas Alas headlining the Tanging Ina Mo Tour. The tour will stop in Sydney on Nov. 20, Canberra on Nov. 21, Brisbane on Nov. 27, and Melbourne on Nov. 28.

Sparkle said the international tour aims to bring Filipino entertainment closer to overseas Filipinos while promoting local talent and strengthening cultural ties with Filipino communities abroad.

The Sparkle World Tour is presented by Sparkle GMA Artist Center in partnership with Taste of Manila, Fiesta Filipino, StarShine Entertainment Production, and GMA Pinoy TV.

MELCO Resorts (Philippines) Foundation Corp. (MRP Foundation), the corporate social responsibility arm of City of Dreams Manila, has funded the P20-million rehabilitation of Sunshine Park, restoring one of Baguio City’s longtime public spaces.

City officials and representatives of the foundation formally turned over the upgraded park during an inauguration ceremony in late May led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and MRP Foundation vice president Armin Antonio B. Raquel Santos Students from the University of the Cordilleras performed during the event.

The rehabilitation preserved key features of the park, including its stage, ramp and drop-off area, while adding upgraded walkways, outdoor fitness equipment, picnic tables, improved landscaping, and other amenities. A new public art installa-

II). During GSMI’s recent World Gin Day celebration, several academy alumni returned to assist in a micro-credential bartending program and shared how the training helped launch their careers.

Ann Rose Tapar, who completed the NC-II program in March 2025, said the academy enabled her to work at leading bars in Bonifacio Global City.

“The training gave me the skills, confidence, and discipline,” Tapar said.

“More importantly, it helped me uplift my life and showed me that with the right training and determination, bigger opportunities are possible.”

JP Peñaflor, a 2022 graduate, said the program helped him become head bartender and mixologist before joining a five-star hotel bar in Bonifacio Global City. He also won GSMI’s 2024 World Gin Day cocktail mixing competition.

Cherry Galit, who left school to support her family, said the academy’s Technopreneur track helped her launch a mobile bar business that now serves

major clients and employs fellow graduates.

Angela Felarca, a former finance professional, said the academy led her to a new career as the first female bartender at a mobile bar company specializing in upscale events.

In 2025, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the academy and

described it as a national model for public-private partnership in technicalvocational education.

Academy trainer Shella Bawar was recently recognized for achieving one of the highest graduate employment rates among programs under the TESDA Women’s Center.

“The recognition is an affirmation that

we are producing job-ready professionals equipped with the skills demanded by the industry,” Bawar said. GSMI said the academy continues to equip scholars with industry-ready skills that lead to employment, entrepreneurship, and long-term careers in the hospitality sector.

‘Sparkle World Tour’ takes Filipino talent to Canada, Australia

City of Dreams Manila foundation funds P20-m rehabilitation of Baguio’s Sunshine Park

tion, Language of Photography, by Baguio artist Clinton Aniversario was also unveiled.

The project, funded through an MRP Foundation donation, broke ground in March 2025 and was implemented by the Baguio City government under its Adopt-a-Park Program.

“Our support for the rehabilitation of Sunshine Park reflects MRP Foundation’s commitment to creating lasting value through public spaces that strengthen communities and enhance quality of life,” said Clarence Chung, president of MRP Founda-

tion and chairman and president of Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corp. Located beside the University of the Philippines Baguio campus and near the University of the Cordilleras, Sunshine Park serves as a gathering place for students, residents, workers, and visitors.

Magalong said the redevelopment was shaped by years of observing how residents use the park and through consultations with stakeholders, educational institutions, artists, and community groups. He added that the project forms part of the city’s broader sustainability efforts, including the planned rehabilitation of the nearby Tree Park.

Baguio City Environment and Parks Management Office head Attorney Rhenan Diwas said the redesign was guided by the concept of “education beyond walls,” allowing the park to continue supporting learning, cultural activities, and community events.

The Sunshine Park project is part of MRP Foundation’s broader initiatives in environmental stewardship, education, culture and health in partnership with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) and local governments.

Earlier this year, the foundation funded the P50-million

By Jasper Valdez

IN Coron, the first part of a trip is often about getting settled: arriving from the airport, checking in, and knowing where the next boat ride begins. For travelers moving between transfers, tours, and island stops, the choice of where to stay can shape how easy the rest of the trip feels.

Under Sunlight Hotels and Resorts, that experience is divided between two properties. Sunlight Hotel Coron keeps guests close to Coron

The two sides of staying in Coron LIFE

The Standard Room has a simple, cozy, and rustic feel, while the broader room lineup gives guests options depending on how much space they need. After the town stay, SETIR takes guests away from the schedules and constant stir of Coron proper and into a resort setup designed for slower days, with more time to explore, rest, and take everything in. Set on 18 hectares of lush land surrounded by open water in Culion, SETIR is built for guests who want the resort itself to be the destination. Its Amihan and Habagat sections help show the size of the property, making it feel like a full island resort rather than a single

beachfront hotel.

Instead of treating the room as only a place to return to at night, SETIR makes the accommodations part of the island experience. Cluster Villas offer a closer island setting, while premium options such as Sirakan and Salepan add features such as glass-bottom floors, outdoor areas, private plunge pools, roof decks, and direct access to ocean views.

Guests can spend the day snorkeling, kayaking, taking glass-bottom boat rides, visiting the spa, using the gym, arranging private meals, or booking yacht experiences without leaving the island. The difference also shows in the way each property handles dining.

Invigorating brush strokes in Angono

A COUPLE of weeks ago, we at the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) decided to host a cultural tour for our foreign retirees and chose Angono, Rizal, the Art Capital of the Philippines, as our destination. Not too many foreigners know of the cultural importance of this place. In fact, I, myself, had only heard of its name, but I never had the opportunity to visit and marvel at its art treasure trove. Angono is a first-class municipality along the scenic lakeside of Rizal province, known for its vibrant culture and the creativity of its people. It is home to several generations of renowned artists, thus offering a rich blend of tasteful heritage, local traditions, and a warm community spirit. Every nook and cranny of the town reflects not just a deep appreciation for art but also an enviable array of culinary treasures. With these in mind, my PRA team crafted an afternoon tour itinerary, which we tagged as “Brush Strokes,” that would immerse our foreign retirees in Angono’s treasure trove of artistic and culinary masterpieces. The activity was meant to show them the enthralling artistic gems from a “road less travelled,” as far as these foreigners are concerned. This tour was also a part of our “We C.A.R.E. Program” to make our foreign retirees feel wanted and cared for, as they became busy enjoying the many activities we have lined up in the program. CARE is actually

an acronym for “Creating Amazing Retirement Experience,” which our foreign retirees certainly appreciate.

Our first stop was the Angono Petroglyphs, the oldest known prehistoric rock carvings in the country, believed to date back thousands of years. Carved into a limestone wall, these ancient figures offer a rare glimpse into the country’s earliest artistic expressions and the age-old tale of storytelling through visual art. This treasured cultural landmark is a powerful symbol of the town’s creative roots and probably explains its preponderance of creative artists through several generations.

To give our retirees a taste of the town’s culinary delights, we proceeded to the Balaw Balaw Specialty Restaurant, the town’s beloved dining institution where art, flavor, and local culture come together. Known for its eclectic atmosphere, the restaurant doubles as an art gallery showcasing works by local artists. On the second and mezzanine floors are valuable antique pieces and expensive artworks collected by its owner for

guests to marvel at. The restaurant gained fame for its unique and adventurous menu, meaning they serve exotic dishes not typically found in mainstream Filipino cuisine. In fact, during our visit, aside from the usual Filipino buffet mainstays, dishes of “Uok” and “Camaru” were also made available to our group. The former are the larvae of coconut beetles found in decaying coconut tree trunks, surprising adventurous customers with their rich, creamy, and buttery flavor. The latter are mole crickets found in rice fields, cleaned and sautéed with spices. You can imagine the faces of our foreign retirees upon seeing these on the buffet. But hats off to some of them who decided to taste them. As for me, balut is as far as I go. The highlight of this afternoon tour was the immersive painting session, allowing the participants to take advantage of the town’s artistic heritage and environment. We brought the group to Perlie’s Garden, which has a relaxed and cool ambiance, giving them the inspiration to create their own artistic masterpieces reflecting their personal stories, emotions, and aspirations. We gave them all the art paraphernalia they needed to complete their artworks. After about an hour, we asked each one to show everyone their art pieces and share whatever it was that inspired them to create them. It was very interesting to see everybody

At Sunlight Hotel Coron, Café Azalea gives guests an easy in-house option for local and international dishes. At SETIR, the experience expands through 11 dining concepts, from Japanese dining at Hikari and Filipino flavors at Mangrove to poolside meals, hotpot, Korean barbecue, café stops, evening drinks, and private dinners on the beach. In the end, the two properties work because their roles are clear. Sunlight Hotel Coron is built for access and convenience, while SETIR is built for privacy, leisure, and a fuller resort stay. So whether guests need convenience, quiet, or a little of both, the two properties make room for different ways of doing Coron.