Held at The Split in BGC, the event served as the culminating activity of the council’s participation in the 2026 Agribusiness Trade Mission, bringing together discussions on product development, retail opportunities, and food service applications centered on blueberries.

Organizers said blueberries continue to gain traction among Filipino consumers, chefs, and manufacturers because of their versatility, flavor profile, and nutritional appeal. The fruit has increasingly appeared in a wide range of applications, from breakfast dishes and pastries to sauces, beverages, and desserts.

During the dinner, guests were served a curated menu featuring blueberry-inspired dishes and drinks intended to demonstrate how the fruit can work across both savory and sweet preparations. The lineup was designed to showcase the ingredient’s flexibility across cuisines and menu styles.

Beyond the culinary component, representatives from the council also discussed developments in the global blueberry industry, including export growth, production trends, and Southeast Asia’s expanding role as a market for USA blueberries. Conversations during the evening also touched on opportunities for collaboration within the Philippine retail, manufacturing, and food service sectors.

“The Philippines continues to be an important and fast-growing market for USA Blueberries,” said Kevin Hamilton, vice president for global communications of the USHBC. “Events like this allow us to connect directly with partners, understand their needs, and explore new opportunities across retail, foodservice, and manufacturing.”

Hamilton added that the organization remains committed to supporting the Philippine market through consistent supply, industry insights, and collaborative programs aimed at long-term growth.

The dinner also served as a networking platform for stakeholders while reinforcing the growing presence of USA blueberries in the local market. According to organizers, the event aimed to position the fruit not only as a consumer product, but also as an ingredient that can bring added value and visual appeal to menus and product lines.

The initiative marks a significant milestone in the company’s broader transformation journey to deliver faster, smarter, and more seamless customer support. PLDT has partnered with global software and technology company Amdocs to develop the AI-powered system that enables real-time ticket diagnostics and resolution, helping to reduce customer wait times while improving the productivity and efficiency of frontline teams. This new platform is expected to save approximately 5,000 hours of customer waiting time per month once all features are enabled across PLDT stores nationwide.

“Customer experience remains at the center of our transformation efforts,” said John Y. Palanca, PLDT senior vice president and head of consumer business. “By equipping our Sales and Service Centers with AI-driven capabilities, we are building a more agile and efficient operation that empowers our teams to serve customers better while supporting the company’s long-term growth.”

The AI-powered platform enables agents to address customer concerns in real time during in-store interactions, reducing dependence on traditional multi-layered backend support processes.

The system also improves operational efficiency by optimizing internal resources while maintaining high service standards across PLDT’s retail network. Through intelligent diagnostics and guided resolution tools, the platform helps streamline workflows, strengthen store operations, and improve issue resolution accuracy. These capabilities help shorten queue times and enhance the overall customer experience.

“Our customers must see and experience the impact of our modernization efforts in every interaction across their journey with us. This rollout is part of our broader push toward cloud-based and AI-enabled operations as we continue to strengthen our ability to deliver more agile, intelligent, and seamless customer experiences,” Palanca added.

Last May 14 at Uptown Parade, BGC, the entire foodie industry flocked together in the middle of the afternoon heat to witness the opening of the Idiot Sandwich pop-up, made famous by the Gordon Ramsay viral moment. Everyone came prepared. All the media guests arrived in summer attire, anticipating the heat. I went to the event clad in white linen shorts, a light ramie dark green shirt, and white tank tops beneath. But I still sweated buckets, though the fun I had during the event made it all worth it. I pitied the people from Megaworld offices who came down from their main office to join the festivities. Some of them went down in full corporate clothes.

The event looked like a beach party, with good music. Spice Girls tracks played repeatedly, a nod to the British founder. Tables were set up along the walkway of Uptown Parade, Idiot Sandwich merchandise was strewn across the pop-up, and there were areas where guests could have their own “you’re an idiot sandwich” moment. Wines, champagne, and nonalcoholic sparklies flowed abundantly.

Of course, the sandwiches were the stars of the show.

The pop-up, mounted by Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill Philippines, is now open to the public until Aug. 16 along Uptown Mall’s outdoor strip in BGC. It marks what organizers describe as the first-ever “Idiot Sandwich” pop-up mounted globally, transforming the celebrity chef’s long-running viral joke into a full street-food experience.

We sampled several items inspired by the “Idiot Sandwich” cookbook and online series. There was the Turkey Breakfast Club, a hefty layered sandwich packed for indulgence, alongside the Classic Ham and Cheese Toastie, my favorite, which had layers of yummy melted cheese, and buttery, comforting flavors. Dessert came in the form of the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Whoopie Pie, a rich, messy creation that fit perfectly with the playful spirit of the brand.

Despite the hot weather, people stayed. That was perhaps the surprising part. Guests went to cocktail stations, cooled themselves with lemonade and chilled wine, and posed for photos around the venue’s deliberately cheeky installations. The atmosphere felt less like a summer block party dropped into the middle of the BGC concrete jungle.

The pop-up will operate daily from 5 p.m. to midnight, allowing diners to experience it in more forgiving evening temperatures. Guests may dine in, order takeout, or book bespoke corporate and group events around the concept.

Still, there was something amusingly appropriate about experiencing the launch while drenched in sweat under the BGC heat. Idiot Sandwich was never meant to be refined dining anyway. It thrives on chaos, humor, excess, and internet absurdity. Somehow, an outdoor sandwich party in the middle of a Manila heat wave captured that spirit perfectly.

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan’s president on Sunday stressed that arms purchases from the United States are “the most important deterrent” of regional conflict and instability, after President Donald Trump called into question continued U.S. support of Taiwan following his visit to China.

U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and security cooperation between the two sides are not only governed by law but also a catalyst for regional peace and stability, President Lai Ching-te said in a statement.

“We thank President Trump for his continued support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait since his first term, including the continuous increase in the scale and amount of arms sales to Taiwan,” he said.

His statement came days after Trump raised doubts over his willingness to continue to sell arms to Taiwan, the island democracy that China claims as its own breakaway province, to be retaken by force if necessary.

The U.S., like all countries that have formal ties with China, doesn’t recognize Taiwan as a country but has been the island’s strongest backer and arms supplier. Washington is bound by its own laws to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself and sees all threats to the island as a matter of grave concern.

Trump rattles Taiwan with ‘bargaining chip’ comment

Trump already approved in December a record-breaking $11 billion arms package to Taiwan including missiles, drones, artillery systems and military software.

In an interview aired Friday on Fox News, just as Trump wrapped up a high-stakes visit to China, he said he has yet to greenlight a new $14 billion arms package to Taiwan and that it “depends on China.”

“It’s a very good negotiating chip for us frankly,” he said.

His comments raised concerns on the island, which the Taiwanese government has sought to disperse, noting that the U.S. official policy on Taiwan has not changed.

“Taiwan will not provoke or escalate conflict, but it will also not relinquish its national sovereignty and dignity, or its democratic and free way of life, under pressure,” Lai said in his statement, calling China “the root cause of undermining regional peace and stability and attempting to change the status quo.”

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Lai's statement, saying “I thought that was a reasonable thing for the leader there to say.” Johnson said on Fox News Sunday, “China cannot just go take over land, and we’re going to stand strong and resolute by that. I know the Congress will.”

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on ABC's “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” on Sunday that the president is “considering how to move forward on” the arms sales to Taiwan, noting previous U.S. presidents had paused sales in the past and Trump will need to weigh many factors. “When the president makes a decision on national security, it’s really based on American security needs first though,” Greer said.

China has framed Taiwan as “the most important issue in China-U.S. relations” during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent talks with Trump.

In one of his strongest statements to date, Xi on Thursday warned Trump of “clashes and even conflicts” if the issue of Taiwan was not handled properly.

China and Taiwan have been governed separately since 1949, when the Communist Party rose to power in Beijing following a civil war. Defeated Nationalist Party forces fled to Taiwan, which later transitioned from martial law to multiparty democracy.

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — A wave of militant attacks on schools in Nigeria over the past week has left more than 80 children missing, local officials and a rights group said Sunday, the latest in school abductions in the West African country where the government is battling an array of jihadi and other armed groups.

The attackers targeted a primary school in the conflict-battered state of Borno, in Nigeria’s northeastern corner, sometime between Wednesday and Thursday. The militants abducted 42 children there, in the Askira Uba and Chibok areas.

Amnesty International said that attack took place in the village of Mussa near Sambisa Forest, a stronghold of militants from Boko Haram and its splinter group, an Islamic State affiliate known as the Islamic State West Africa Province.

Across the country, two secondary schools in the southwestern Oyo state were attacked hours apart on Friday, and at least 40 children were abducted there, according to Amnesty’s Nigeria branch. Such abductions are rare in this particular area.

The rights group warned on Sunday that the threat of abduction is forcing many children out of school, while underage girls are being pulled out of classrooms and forced into marriage by families seeking to protect them from school attacks.

Peter Wabba, a government official from Mussa, said on Sunday that he was told the “exact number” of children abducted in Oyo was 48.

"The government is assuring us that they are doing their possible best to see that these children are rescued but up till now, we are still waiting,” he told The Associated Press.

Amnesty also said that the authorities "never fulfill promises to investigate the incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

“Victims and their families continue to be denied access to justice," it said.

On Saturday, police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka told the AP that three gunmen were detained in connection with the Oyo attack, which took place in the Oriire area, about 220 kilometers (135 miles) from the city of Lagos.

The suspects were identified by the community and arrested, Olayinka said. Police did not say if they were searching for more suspects.

Abductions of schoolchildren are common in Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, especially in the country's north. Last year, two mass abductions from schools rocked the nation, with over 300 children taken in the northern region.

School kidnappings have come to define insecurity in Nigeria, and analysts say it’s often because armed gangs see schools as strategic targets they can exploit to draw more attention.

The latest GDP report is understandably sobering. With the Philippine economy growing by only 2.8 percent in the first quarter of 2026 – the slowest pace since the pandemic — it is easy to focus on uncertainty, rising prices, and weakening consumer confidence.

But moments like this also remind us where the country’s real economic strength lies: in the resilience and determination of ordinary Filipinos.

Behind every GDP figure are millions of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs): market vendors, repair shops, farmers, transport operators, online sellers, neighborhood eateries, and family-run stores that keep communities alive. MSMEs make up the vast majority of businesses in the country and provide livelihoods to millions of Filipinos.

When growth slows, these enterprises are often the first to feel the strain. Higher fuel costs, weaker consumer spending, and tighter cash flow immediately affect their survival. Yet history has also shown that MSMEs are among the quickest sectors to recover and adapt when given the right support.

This is why economic slowdowns should not simply alarm us. They should push us to invest more deeply in inclusive growth.

We need to support MSMEs. Small entrepreneurs need accessible financing, simpler government processes, stronger local supply chains, and sustained support for agriculture and domestic industries. Digitalization also matters, but technology alone is not enough. Entrepreneurs also need training, mentorship, and market access.

Last month, together with Roby Alampay, my co-host on the Ka-Nayon YouTube channel, we featured two inspiring microfinance entrepreneurs whose stories reflect both the hardships and possibilities of doing business in uncertain times.

Preparing for risks

One was Rizalina Tolentino, who built a stable enterprise through discipline, planning, and perseverance. The other was Yolanda Gaceta, who transformed a small upholstery venture into a growing business through adaptability and innovation.

Their stories highlight an important truth: succeeding in business requires more than hard work. Entrepreneurs must also prepare for uncertainty by having a Plan B — and sometimes, even a Plan C. Businesses need safeguards against losses, disruptions, and crises.

Rizalina’s journey began with a modest ₱3,000 loan. She started as a vegetable wholesaler, but shifted to a retail store when health concerns limited her mobility. Through responsible financial management, she gradually expanded her credit line and grew her business, eventually entering construction and real estate.

One major challenge she encountered was supplier dependency. Her hardware business relied heavily on a single supplier, making operations vulnerable to disruptions. To reduce this risk, she secured financing and established her own hollow block manufacturing plant.

The decision gave her greater control over operations and reinforced an important lesson: businesses become more secure when they avoid relying too heavily on one supplier, partner, or source of income.

Rizalina also demonstrated the value of diversification. During the pandemic, her hardware and resort businesses temporarily shut down, but her grocery business continued operating and sustained her family and enterprise. Because her investments were spread across different sectors, she was able to withstand the crisis.

Like many entrepreneurs, she also faced unpaid debts, employee dishonesty, and financial losses. Yet she persisted. Her story shows that risks are unavoidable, but they can be managed through adaptability, planning, and determination.

Adapting to challenges

Yolanda Gaceta’s journey reflects similar lessons in resilience. She started with a small sari-sari store, but a major setback came in 2013 when their home along the highway was demolished. At the same time, unpaid customer debts caused significant losses.

After relocating, Yolanda and her husband, a former jeepney driver, ventured into upholstery with the help of microfinance loans. Initially, they relied on scrap materials, but they later shifted to brand-new raw materials to improve quality and strengthen customer trust.

Their biggest challenge, however, came from extending too much credit. Under an “outright credit” arrangement, vendors only paid after selling the products. The system eventually resulted in nearly ₱200,000 in unpaid accounts.

To protect the business, Yolanda made a difficult but necessary decision: she abandoned the risky credit-based setup and shifted toward direct store sales while embracing online selling. These changes improved cash flow, reduced bad debts, and stabilized operations.

Her message to fellow entrepreneurs was simple but powerful: never give up, and never allow fear to prevail. Risks will always exist in business. The key is to remain prepared and keep moving forward.

Economic slowdowns are temporary. The entrepreneurial spirit of Filipinos is not.

The Philippines has endured global crises, natural disasters, and the pandemic. What carried the country through those difficult years was not statistics alone, but the perseverance of workers, small entrepreneurs, and local communities.

If the government, financial institutions, business groups, and civil society work together to strengthen MSMEs and widen financial inclusion, this period of slower growth can still become an opportunity to build a more resilient and inclusive economy.

Growth matters. But growth that reaches more Filipinos matters even more.

* * *

“Out of difficulties grow miracles.” – Jean de la Bruyere

(Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip is a poverty eradication advocate. He is the founder of the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually-Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), a group of 23 organizations that provide social development services to 8 million economically-disadvantaged Filipinos and insure more than 27 million nationwide.)

Despite their confession of faith and loyalty to Jesus, the disciples will be shocked by his passion. They will all scamper for their own safety. They will be scattered, abandoning Jesus. Jesus says, however, that there is one who is always faithful and true: God. In the Old Testament, the people of Israel witnessed to the faithfulness of God (Ex 34:6-7; Dt 7:9; 32:4; Ps 100). This is due to their covenant with God.

The faithfulness of God to Jesus, however, is based on something that is more profound. The foundation of this faithfulness is the oneness between Jesus, the Son, and God who is his Father. The mission of Jesus is from the Father who sent him, and who accompanies him always (Jn 8:29). It is based on their being “one” (Jn 10:30) which hints also at oneness in the Godhead.

This oneness, however, does not mean that Jesus was spared of the absence of God. He felt it most deeply on the cross, making him cry out in the words of the psalm, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Ps 22:2; cf Mt 27:46; Mk 15:24). Part of Jesus’ suffering was not only physical pain, but also the feeling of the absence of God. Indeed, he took upon himself the torments that we feel as human beings, he was similarly tested in every way, and in the process, became our compassionate High Priest (Heb 4:15).

First Reading • Acts 19:1-8

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior of the country and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They answered him, “We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” He said, “How were you baptized?” They replied, “With the baptism of John.” Paul then said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. Altogether there were about twelve men.

He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly with persuasive arguments about the Kingdom of God.

Responsorial Psalm • Ps 68

“Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.” or “Alleluia.”

Gospel • Jn 16:29-33

The disciples said to Jesus, “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

The events that unfolded inside the Senate last week read like a scene lifted from a political thriller: armed men, raised voices, a sudden burst of gunfire, and a sitting senator slipping out of the building under the cover of confusion. But this was no fiction. It happened in the heart of our legislature — the chamber that prides itself on sobriety, deliberation, and institutional gravitas.

The Bato dela Rosa incident, now dominating Manila media, is more than a dramatic footnote in the news cycle. It is a stress test of our institutions at a moment when political temperatures are already running high. And it forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: when political storms gather, even our most stable institutions can be shaken from within.

A Senate under siege — literally and figuratively

The Senate is no stranger to heated debates. But armed confrontation inside its halls is unprecedented in the post EDSA era. The clash between Senate security and alleged NBI operatives — followed by Senator dela Rosa’s controversial exit — has raised questions that go beyond the personalities involved.

Was the senator escaping? Was he being protected? Was this a security breach or a political maneuver? The narratives differ depending on who is speaking. But the mere fact that such questions are being asked tells us something is deeply amiss.

Institutions derive authority not only from law but from public confidence. When gunfire erupts inside the Senate, confidence is the first casualty.

The impeachment backdrop

This incident did not happen in a vacuum. It comes just days before the Senate convenes as an impeachment court for Vice President Sara Duterte — a political process already charged with emotion, partisanship, and historical weight.

In this context, the Bato incident becomes more than a security issue. It becomes a symbol of the turbulence surrounding the impeachment. It becomes a proxy battle for competing narratives. And it becomes a warning that the coming weeks will test not only political alliances but the very architecture of our democratic system.

The danger of competing realities

One of the most troubling aspects of the incident is the proliferation of conflicting accounts. Some insist the senator “escaped.” Others say he “chose to leave.” Still others frame it as a protective action in light of the ICC warrant.

When institutions cannot present a unified account of events within their own walls, the public is left to navigate a fog of competing realities. And in that fog, trust erodes.

This is not merely a communications problem. It is a governance problem. (totingbunye2000@gmail.com)

On the sidelines of the summit in Cebu, President Marcos convened a trilateral meeting with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia amid renewed tensions along their common border. The discussions resulted in both countries agreeing to sustain dialogue through their foreign ministers, maintain open communication, exercise restraint, and avoid actions that could further escalate hostilities.

This may appear modest when viewed against the backdrop of larger global conflicts. Yet in ASEAN diplomacy, such quiet interventions often matter most. Preventing escalation before violence spirals out of control is one of the highest forms of statesmanship.

The Philippines, as ASEAN chair this year, has demonstrated that leadership in the region is not measured merely by economic size or military capability, but by the ability to build consensus and preserve stability among neighbors with differing interests and historical grievances.

Thailand remains one of mainland Southeast Asia’s economic anchors and a major tourism and manufacturing hub whose stability affects regional trade and supply chains. Cambodia, meanwhile, has emerged as one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies and an increasingly important bridge between continental and maritime Southeast Asia. Both nations are indispensable to ASEAN’s long-term cohesion.

Their willingness to engage in dialogue under Philippine facilitation reflects a continuing faith in ASEAN’s founding principle: that disputes among neighbors must be resolved peacefully, through consultation rather than confrontation.

Equally important is the broader diplomatic context in which this initiative took place. The summit itself unfolded amid rising instability in the Middle East, concerns over maritime security, food and energy disruptions, and uncertainties in global trade. President Marcos repeatedly emphasized ASEAN solidarity, collective resilience, and peaceful coexistence as guiding principles for the region.

There are precedents in Southeast Asian diplomacy that President Marcos may well emulate as his influence in the region begins to be more widely felt.

One was Indonesia’s leadership during the Cambodian peace process in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when Jakarta played a critical convening role that eventually contributed to the Paris Peace Agreements. Another was the persistent shuttle diplomacy undertaken by Singapore’s elder statesman Lee Kuan Yew, whose influence often rested not on public declarations but on quiet persuasion among leaders.

Malaysia, too, helped facilitate peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front over many years — a reminder that patient diplomacy within ASEAN can produce durable outcomes.

The Philippines now appears ready to assume a similar role as bridge-builder and consensus-forger.

This is particularly significant because ASEAN today faces growing pressure from external powers competing for influence in the Indo-Pacific. Internal divisions, if left unmanaged, could weaken the organization precisely when unity is most needed.

By bringing Thailand and Cambodia back to the negotiating table, President Marcos helped reinforce ASEAN’s credibility as a community capable of resolving disputes within its own family.

That alone is an important diplomatic achievement.

If sustained with patience, prudence, and consistency, this quiet peacemaking effort may yet become one of the defining contributions of Philippine leadership in ASEAN’s evolving story. As the world has started to gain cognizance of strategic peace initiatives in the ASEAN and beyond, a scenario in which President Marcos could be nominated and recognized as a Nobel laureate looms in the horizon.

Public safety begins long before a police officer is deployed to the streets. It begins in the institutions that form them, in the values they are taught, and in the kind of leadership they learn to practice. For the Philippine National Police, the Philippine National Police Academy remains a foundation of police service.

I have had the privilege of serving as Chairman of the PNPA Advisory Board under five Superintendents, from PMGEN Noble to the newly installed Director, PBGen Maranan. Through the years, I have observed firsthand the Academy’s transformation into a credible, relevant institution committed to professionalizing the police service. Isolated cases of indiscretion involving cadets may have occurred, but these should not define the PNPA’s overall mission. An institution must be judged not only by the challenges it faces, but by the seriousness with which it corrects and strengthens itself.

Public safety is not secured by police presence alone. It is secured by the quality of leadership behind the uniform, the character of those entrusted with authority, and the confidence of citizens that law enforcers will protect them with competence, restraint, and integrity. When citizens trust the police, they report crimes, cooperate with investigations, support community safety programs, and help maintain peace and order.

That is why the PNPA must be viewed not merely as an educational institution, but as a strategic investment in public safety. Every cadet formed within its grounds represents a future commander, station chief, investigator, community leader, and public servant. The standards set today inside the Academy will eventually be felt in police stations, communities, crisis areas, and places where Filipinos expect protection and justice.

Leadership in the police service cannot be reduced to rank, command authority, or operational success. It must be anchored on moral courage, accountability, discipline, humility, and service. A police officer may know the law, master tactics, and wear the uniform; but without character, judgment, and integrity, authority can be misused, citizens endangered, and the institution weakened.

The message of PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. during the PNPA leadership transition, with the assumption of PBGen Maranan as new Director, must therefore be understood as a call to invest in the organization’s future. His emphasis on forming competent, disciplined, and service-oriented officers supports the broader vision of a “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.” This vision will only become real if the Academy produces officers whose leadership is not only professional, but also deeply ethical.

The Chief PNP’s initiatives may be seen as investments in several essential areas.

First, there is an investment in character formation. The PNPA must continue to build leaders who understand that authority is a public trust. Character development must be integrated into daily cadet life, not treated as a separate subject. Cadets must be trained to make decisions under pressure, to respect human dignity, to accept accountability, and to lead by example. The habits they develop as cadets will influence how they exercise power as officers.

Second, there is an investment in leadership systems. The Leadership Center, leadership training programs, mentorship mechanisms, and leadership tenure reforms should form one coherent ecosystem. These initiatives must not depend solely on personalities or temporary enthusiasm. They must be institutionalized, measured, documented, and sustained. Leadership development must have clear standards, responsible offices, performance indicators, and continuity beyond changes in command.

Third, there is an investment in curriculum reform. As Chairman of the Advisory Board, I recognize the Board’s role in ensuring that PNPA education remains relevant to modern policing. One important initiative discussed in Advisory Board meetings is the continuing review of the curriculum to align Academy instruction with the actual needs of police stations, operational units, and communities. The curriculum must balance academics and tactics while strengthening leadership, good governance, cybercrime, forensic science, communication, ethics, and community-oriented policing.

Fourth, there is an investment in faculty development. No Academy can rise above the quality of those who teach, train, mentor, and model leadership before the cadets. Faculty members and tactical officers are formation leaders. Their conduct becomes part of the hidden curriculum. Cadets learn not only from lectures and manuals, but from the daily example of those assigned to guide them.

Faculty development must therefore be a central reform initiative. Instructors must be trained not only in subject matter expertise, but also in pedagogy, mentoring, ethics, leadership coaching, and outcomes-based education. The Advisory Board’s focus on faculty development supports the need to professionalize the entire learning environment. A stronger faculty means stronger cadets. Stronger cadets mean better officers. Better officers mean safer communities.

Fifth, there is an investment in the professionalization of the PNP officer corps. PNPA graduates occupy a critical place in the leadership pipeline of the Philippine National Police. They are expected to bring discipline, competence, and values-based leadership into the organization. Their role is not only to fill positions, but to raise standards. They must help professionalize the officer corps by showing that leadership is service, command is responsibility, and credibility is earned daily.

The Advisory Board’s role is therefore both supportive and strategic. It connects the Academy with external perspectives, professional standards, governance practices, and reform priorities. Through curriculum review, faculty development, documentation, scorecards, accomplishment tracking, and stakeholder engagement, the Board helps ensure that reforms are practical, measurable, and aligned with the needs of the organization and the public.

The PNPA stands at a decisive moment. The leadership direction set by CPNP Nartatez, the renewed stewardship of the Academy under PBGen Maranan, and the active support of the Advisory Board all point to one essential truth: investing in leadership is investing in public safety.

In the end, the future credibility of the PNP will not be determined by slogans alone. It will be shaped by the kind of leaders the PNPA produces today. If the Academy succeeds in forming officers of character, then the nation gains more than graduates. It gains guardians of peace, instruments of security, and public servants worthy of the trust of the Filipino people.

(Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos served with distinction as a military professional, 42nd Commanding Gen. Philippine Army, 1st Force Commander, UN Multi-National Peacekeeping Force in East Timor, former member, UP Board of Regents and Professorial Lecturer II (part-time), UP-Diliman.)

According to the latest national government disbursement report from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), capital outlays and infrastructure expenditures collapsed 43.5 percent to ₱147.8 billion in January to March from ₱261.8 billion in the same period last year.

The contraction was punctuated by a severe slump in March, when spending plummeted by nearly half to ₱59.1 billion.

The DBM data followed recent gross domestic product (GDP) figures showing that the Philippine economy slowed to a post-pandemic low of 2.8 percent in the first quarter, weighed down by high fuel costs and the lingering fallout from public works anomalies.

Total national government disbursements for the quarter managed a modest 3.2 percent increase to ₱1.49 trillion, driven primarily by non-capital operational costs.

However, the budget department conceded that the lower outturn for infrastructure and other capital expenditures significantly dampened overall fiscal expansion for the period.

The DBM attributed the sharp decline partly to base effects. The first quarter of 2025 saw a massive frontloading of capital outlay projects as agencies rushed disbursements ahead of election-related spending bans.

The current fiscal year has instead been bogged down by the deferred settlement of dues from prior-year obligations and a slower deployment of the newly enacted ₱6.79 trillion national budget.

The deceleration was most pronounced in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the primary driver of state infrastructure.

The agency has been forced to adopt aggressive validation processes for billing claims to ensure project quality and legal compliance. The procedural shift follows a sweeping flood-control corruption scandal that erupted in the second half of 2025, an event that triggered strict fiscal squeeze and eroded both business and consumer sentiment.

Economic managers are projecting a swift turnaround in the second quarter, banking on a seasonal dry-weather construction push. To jumpstart activity, the budget department recently released ₱72.1 billion in fresh allotments to the public works department for capital projects.

An additional ₱17.3 billion was deployed for school building construction, alongside ₱41 billion earmarked for irrigation systems under the National Irrigation Administration.

Infrastructure departments are expected to take advantage of the summer season to expedite construction activities. The government is counting on these strategic fund releases and favorable weather to build spending momentum, aiming to anchor a sustained rebound in the second half of the year to preserve its downscaled annual economic goals.

In a regulatory filing with the Philippine Dealing System Holdings, SMGP said the company allocated ₱14.84 billion from the debt capital raise to meet obligations with contractors, equipment suppliers, and service providers.

The capital injection is part of SMGP’s goal to scale its renewable footprint amid national push to diversify the fossil-fuel-reliant domestic grid.

The independent power producer operates a sprawling nationwide portfolio, including the 345-megawatt San Roque and the 218-megawatt Angat hydropower plants—the latter managed via a joint venture with Korea Water Resources Corp.

While its legacy footprint is dominated by baseload thermal assets, including the Limay, Malita, and Masinloc coal plants and the Ilijan natural gas and liquefied natural gas complexes in Batangas, the producer is executing a multi-year strategy to balance its capacity mix.

The fundraising update follows a joint petition filed by SMGP and Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) seeking regulatory approval for a four-year supply pact.

Under the agreement, San Miguel’s Sual Power Inc. unit will supply 200 megawatts of baseload capacity to Meralco at a contracted rate of ₱4.1944 per kilowatt-hour.

The power supply agreement is structured to assist Meralco in meeting its mandated Renewable Portfolio Standards, which oblige local distribution utilities to source a minimum percentage of their electricity from eligible renewable generation facilities.

The contract will run through January 2026.

Sual Power emerged as the top contender during a competitive selection process finalized in February, outperforming five rival generation firms. The auction highlighted the conglomerate’s competitive bidding strategy, with another San Miguel affiliate, Mariveles Power Generation Corp., submitting the second-best bid at a tariff of ₱4.3805 per kilowatt-hour.

The commercial partners have urged the Energy Regulatory Commission to grant provisional approval for the supply pact, warning that regulatory delays risk exposing consumer electricity rates to volatile spot-market prices.

After decades of forecasting, energy officials still miss the mark so consistently that it almost feels as if rotational blackouts—or brownouts—have already been built into the system’s expectations. Then, almost on cue, come the yellow and red alert declarations by system operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), followed by the industry’s favorite encore: a noisy blame game while consumers are left sweating in the dark.

From Wednesday to Friday last week, while chaos was unfolding in the Senate, the country’s power grid staged its own national drama that forced Filipinos to endure rotational blackouts lasting up to three sweltering hours in some areas. For context, I prefer to use “blackouts” for consistency with global usage, although Filipinos more commonly refer to these incidents as brownouts.

Historically, summer in the Philippine power sector feels less like a season to be enjoyed and more like a nationwide suspense thriller, because consumers never know when the next blackouts and surging electricity bills will strike. But while Filipinos endured brutal summer heat without electricity, what made the blackouts even more infuriating was the flood of conflicting explanations from the industry and the government—as if coherent thinking and technical expertise were also on outage.

DOE pins blame first, questions later

From the DOE’s standpoint, the response came in a strongly worded directive ordering NGCP to fully disclose the back-to-back tripping of the 500-kV lines linking the massive Ilijan gas plants in Batangas.

According to the energy department, “the alert conditions were triggered by the tripping of the 500kV Ilijan-Dasmarinas transmission lines at approximately 6:00am on May 13, 2026, followed by the subsequent tripping of the 500kV Ilijan-Tayabas transmission lines,” adding that “the combined loss of these facilities resulted in the complete isolation of the Ilijan gas [plant] from the Luzon grid.” That prompted a cascading effect on the Visayas grid as well, since part of its power supply is directly imported from Luzon.

The department also primarily reprimanded NGCP for its “failure to promptly declare and report the Ilijan-Dasmarinas line trip to the relevant regulatory authorities at the time of the incident.” Therefore, it is now demanding the submission of a detailed report covering timelines, affected areas, plant outages, reserve levels, and restoration actions taken, among other details.

Nevertheless, what the DOE seemed to overlook is the critical technical core of the matter: the full sequence of events. A checklist-style report alone cannot reveal the real trigger of a grid failure.

To recall past blackout incidents, while a transmission line trip is often the effect, the cause sometimes stems from prior faults in other chains of the system—whether from power plants, switchyards, or other connection assets. This makes a full reconstruction of events essential to fairly determine what actually failed and who is truly at fault. Doing so will require more than a single account from NGCP; the DOE must also demand a complete causality chain report from the first plant that went offline. That way, the sequence of failures or system faults can be properly traced.

In fact, industry veterans and experts are now asking a pointed question: Does the DOE still have the technical depth to properly investigate and analyze complex faults in the country’s power system?

NGCP’s version of the blackout story

While Energy Secretary Sharon Garin quickly took to social media to fault the grid operator, saying there’s a “lack of supply because there’s a lack of grid,” NGCP itself had been in the media laying out a slightly different account of the situation.

NGCP claimed the tripped transmission line was restored, but Ilijan’s failure to re-synchronize back to the grid kept the system unstable, thus prolonging Luzon’s blackouts all the way to Friday.

Atty. Mutya Alabanza, the company’s spokesperson, narrated that the incident went beyond the Ilijan transmission line tripping. She noted that 31 power plants were on forced outages while others were running below capacity (de-rated).

However, the most striking statement in the narrative given by NGCP was this: several plants were also on "unplanned" maintenance shutdowns. Bluntly, that needs deeper scrutiny. The DOE must determine whether these plants were actually on unscheduled downtimes or merely suffered forced outages and failed to immediately resynchronize after the transmission line breakdown.

Instead of competing and confusing storylines from stakeholders and the government, what’s needed is a single steady hand to bring everyone to the table. The country needs a leader to clearly map out the root cause, the recovery hurdles, and the safeguards needed to prevent a repeat of this consumer-punishing grid disturbance.

It is obvious that leadership rests with the Energy Secretary, yet the real question is whether the DOE will fully uncover responsibility and impose meaningful penalties—especially in a system where consumers endure high bills and blackouts, but repeat offenders or habitually delinquent industry players often walk away unscathed.

Baseload capacity gap: Investment design flaw or policy neglect?

One key point raised by NGCP is the persistent lack of readily dispatchable baseload capacity, which leaves the grid exposed and far too fragile whenever a major plant suddenly goes on a forced outage. Baseload capacity refers to round-the-clock power generation that keeps the grid running continuously—an indispensable foundation for keeping the power system stable and reliable.

The DOE’s current planning direction is heavily tilted toward massive-scale variable or intermittent renewable energy investments, with its main policy engine being a series of green energy auctions (GEAs) across different RE technologies. For years, industry players have been cautioning the DOE about the urgent need for baseload capacity additions, yet current energy planning appears to be giving that concern far less attention than required.

While Secretary Garin is advancing nuclear to eventually replace coal's dominance in the baseload mix, that reality is still 10 to 15 years away. The core issue is simple: you cannot remedy a crisis that started yesterday with a solution that will only arrive a decade from now.

Even under a declared coal moratorium, already-approved coal projects are somehow finding a path to implementation. However, they are facing mounting resistance from environmental advocates and civil society groups, consequently hampering their advancement to the construction phase.

At this stage of grid unreliability, the DOE’s challenge is clear: secure firm baseload capacities and expand energy storage deployments if variable renewables are to be scaled aggressively without destabilizing the power system.

It is fair to note that solar plants helped cushion daytime demand and limit rotational brownouts, but the persistence of nighttime blackouts exposes a deeper gap: the absence of reliable, 24/7 baseload capacity.

The issue circles back to one fundamental question: Has the DOE efficiently planned for the country’s short-, medium-, and long-term energy needs, or is the recurring system instability proof that it has not? Truth be told, this cyclical summer mess points to a system that is clearly underprepared and mismanaged.

For feedback and suggestions, please email at: myrnamvelasco@gmail.com

The Japanese financial institution said that the deepening rift between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte has added a layer of domestic instability just as the economic outlook darkens.

“For the peso, the concern is that political noise may reduce investor confidence just as the BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] faces pressure to remain hawkish despite a weaker growth profile,” the MUFG Bank wrote in a commentary published last May 15..

The political friction, which saw the House of Representatives vote to impeach Duterte for a second time, has shifted to the Senate for an impending trial.

A conviction in the upper chamber would bar the Vice President from seeking future office, carrying immense consequence given her standing as a primary contender for the 2028 presidential race.

According to the lender, mixing the growing political divide with the domestic economy that is already grappling with stagflationary pressure creates an unfavorable environment for the peso.

Last Friday, the peso plunged to its weakest level on record for a second consecutive day at ₱61.721 per dollar, as persistent inflation in the United States (US) fueled expectations that interest rates will remain elevated, dampening appetite for emerging-market assets.

MUFG noted that the “macro backdrop has also deteriorated,” specifically pointing to a sharp spike in consumer prices. April inflation surged to a three-year high of 7.2 percent, driven by massive price movements in food and non-alcoholic beverages, transport, and utilities.

Exacerbating this is the anemic gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first quarter, which slumped to a five-year low of 2.8 percent. This fell far short of the government’s minimum target of five percent.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the first-quarter reading will be “incorporated” into its updated projections, set for release in July.

Last month, the Washington-based multilateral lender slashed its growth forecast for the Philippines to 4.1 percent from the previous 5.6 percent, citing mounting stagflationary pressures caused by the Middle East war.

Both domestic and external concerns have placed the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in a shaky position.

Unlike other regional central banks that may have more room to maneuver, the BSP’s policy credibility is being tested by sticky prices.

“Despite the stagflationary backdrop, the BSP is likely to prioritize containing runaway inflation, implying further rate hikes even at the expense of near-term growth,” MUFG said. From the get-go, stabilizing prices has been the central bank’s main priority.

Under the Japanese lender’s base case scenario, where the dust in the Middle East war settles in May, the BSP could proceed with selective tightening. The key interest rate currently stands at 4.5 percent.

“However, under a more adverse scenario where Brent stays elevated into the third quarter, policy tightening would likely become more widespread across the region,” MUFG said, with the Philippines and India seen pursuing tighter policy moves.

More than a decade after the World Bank approved financing for the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project, the flagship urban transport initiative remains far from achieving its original objectives, with only a short section of the corridor substantially completed before the loan expires in September this year.

In a restructuring paper published last week, the Washington-based multilateral lender laid out in detailed terms what went wrong in the long-delayed Cebu BRT project, which was first approved in September 2014 and was initially envisioned as a modern mass transport backbone for the Queen City of the South.

The World Bank said implementation “faced repeated delays” despite the project becoming effective in December 2014.

According to the restructuring document, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) placed the project “on hold” following the change in government administration—from former president Benigno Aquino III to former president Rodrigo Duterte—in June 2016.

While the government recommitted to the project in 2018, the World Bank said implementation was again delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine restrictions, which limited the deployment of both international and local consultants in the field.

The lender also cited “frequent staff turnover” in the DOTr, delays in filling key positions in the project implementation unit (PIU) and national procurement management office (NPMO), “persistent procurement delays,” and insufficient allocations in the annual national budgets as among the major causes behind the project’s poor implementation record.

The project encountered another major setback during a joint mid-term review in September 2020 involving the World Bank, Agence Française de Développement (AFD)—the other financing institution for Cebu BRT—as well as NPMO and PIU.

That review concluded that the planned 3.8-kilometer (km) dedicated busway from Mambaling to Bulacao in Cebu City would require extensive resettlement and would instead be implemented separately by the Philippine government outside the World Bank-financed project.

This triggered a series of restructurings and deadline extensions.

The project was first restructured in June 2021, extending the loan closing date from June 2021 to June 2023.

However, government approval of the proposed changes remained pending by mid-2023, resulting in two more extensions—to September 2023 and then January 2024.

A fourth restructuring approved in January 2024 further extended the loan closing date by 32 months until Sept. 30, 2026 to allow completion of remaining civil works, traffic management systems, and institutional structures needed for full BRT operations.

But even after the latest extension, the World Bank admitted the project “failed to make progress on the remaining project activities.”

During a July 2025 portfolio review attended by the DOTr, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), and the Department of Finance (DOF), officials under the current Marcos Jr. administration agreed that another extension was “undesirable.”

Instead, the government pursued partial cancellation of the loan to remove project activities unlikely to be completed before the September 2026 deadline.

As reported by Manila Bulletin last week, the World Bank subsequently canceled $59.9 million of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) loan as well as the entire $25-million Clean Technology Fund (CTF) loan effective Jan. 22 this year. IBRD is the World Bank Group’s (WBG) lending arm for developing countries like the Philippines.

Originally, the Cebu BRT project carried total financing of $228.5 million, including a $116-million World Bank loan, a $25-million CTF grant, parallel financing from AFD equivalent to $57.5 million, and $30 million in Philippine government counterpart funding.

Under the restructuring, the World Bank-financed portion was slashed to just $56.1 million from the original $116 million.

The restructuring paper painted a bleak picture of implementation progress over the past 11 years.

The World Bank rated both implementation progress and achievement of the project development objective (PDO) as “unsatisfactory,” citing “long standing gaps in compliance with loan covenants and cumulative implementation delays.”

The lender warned these delays would result in only “modest achievement” of the project’s original goals before loan closure this coming September.

To date, only one section of the BRT corridor has been substantially completed, while major activities—including civil works packages 2 and 3, traffic management systems, establishment of the Cebu BRT management entity, and procurement of a BRT operator—have not even started.

The World Bank said that in the 11 years since the project became effective, only about 29 percent or $40.62 million of total IBRD and CTF loans had been disbursed before the partial loan cancellation earlier this year.

For the AFD loan, only about six percent or three million euros had been disbursed.

The restructuring document also detailed procurement failures that further slowed implementation.

Procurement was likewise rated “unsatisfactory,” with the World Bank saying the procurement process for the area traffic control and intelligent transport system design “has yet to commence,” while bidding documents for the two major civil works packages “have not been issued to date.”

The project also operated for prolonged periods without key personnel required under loan covenants, including a procurement advisor, financial management specialist, and technical support consultant.

According to the report, the financial management specialist position remained vacant from September 2017 to February 2023, and again from February 2024 until November 2025.

Meanwhile, the procurement advisor position was vacant until February 2022 and again from July 2024 to December 2025.

The technical support consultant, which the World Bank described as a loan covenant requirement, was active only from December 2017 to December 2022.

A replacement consultant is expected to be mobilized only by end-May this year—more than three years after the previous contract expired.

Right-of-way (ROW) and resettlement issues likewise slowed implementation.

Out of 891 affected lots and structures, only 52 had been fully compensated while 27 received partial payments. None of the 508 affected businesses had received compensation as of the latest World Bank assessment.

Despite the project’s struggles, the government still intends to begin interim Cebu BRT operations using the existing Cebu interim bus service (CiBUS) route from South Road Properties (SRP) to IT Park, traversing the civil works package 1 corridor.

The World Bank said the trial phase is ongoing and operations are expected to commence before project closure in September.

Still, the lender acknowledged that the contractual and institutional framework needed for full BRT operations had been “delayed substantially and has stalled.”

“Furthermore, at the closing date, BRT infrastructure will be incomplete and full BRT operations will therefore be unable to commence,” the World Bank said.

The restructuring also dramatically lowered project targets.

Average daily passenger ridership targets were slashed to just 3,600 from the original 87,000 target, while dedicated BRT lane targets were reduced to only 2.38 km from 12.16 km.

Projected annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings were likewise reduced to 400 tons from 12,400 tons previously.

The World Bank also dropped several indicators entirely, including the construction of a BRT bus depot and development of a transport database.

Meanwhile, the Cebu BRT project is not the only World Bank-funded undertaking in the Philippines facing implementation bottlenecks tied to procurement and institutional delays.

A separate May 15 implementation status and results report on the Philippines Digital Infrastructure Project, for which the government borrowed $312.47 million from the World Bank back in 2024, showed a still “moderately satisfactory” overall implementation progress even as its overall risk rating was deemed “substantial.”

“Implementation is underway, with initial progress on the launch of key procurement activities, though delays in procurement have slowed overall implementation,” the World Bank said.

This project being implemented by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) aims to “improve climate-resilient, secure, and inclusive broadband connectivity” in the country.

To date, only $1.4 million or merely 0.45 percent of loan proceeds has been disbursed ahead of the financing’s end-2028 closing date.

Cebu BRT, however, stands out for the scale and duration of its implementation setbacks.

What began in 2014 as the Philippines’ first large-scale modern BRT system backed by multilateral financing is now set to close by September with only a small fraction of its original infrastructure completed, sharply reduced targets, and full operations still unable to commence—underscoring how procurement bottlenecks, staffing gaps, ROW issues, and shifting government priorities continue to plague even high-profile foreign-funded infrastructure projects.

MREIT Inc., the real estate investment trust (REIT) of Andrew Tan-led Megaworld Corp., is aiming to grow big enough to join AREIT Inc. in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) benchmark index’s basket of 30 companies within the next two to three years.

During the PSE’s Strength Access and Reach (STAR) Investor Day last week, Megaworld and MREIT Head of Investor Relations Andy de la Cruz Jr. said “the goal is really to be included in the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi), the path toward that is very clear.”

To achieve this, Megaworld will just have to continue infusing more assets into MREIT.

“It’s just following our infusion after infusion. We are hoping, in the next two, maybe three years, our market cap is big enough for us to automatically be included in the index.”

Dela Cruz explained that the firm would have to rank among the top 25 companies in terms of market capitalization to be able to displace another stock from the top 30 index.

“We’re on our way there. We believe we have the assets down the line. Aside from wave-five [asset infusion], we still have waves six, seven, eight, nine, and so on and so on,” he said.

Meanwhile, he noted that investors are still waiting for major developers to finally inject their crown jewel properties into their REITs and, in the case of Megaworld, these consist of its Uptown Bonifacio office properties.

These properties have occupancy levels in the high 90- to 100-percent range, with positive rental reversions and strong lease renewals. Its tenants include JP Morgan, which operates the largest global capability center (GCC) in the Philippines.

“I think having that crown jewel as an anchor from Megaworld also coming into MREIT down the road will help us unlock our value and move our market cap meaningfully higher, aside from those assets being very, very high value, single buildings can be worth ₱10 billion each. So these assets easily can make our way easier towards being included in the PSEi,” said Dela Cruz.

MREIT currently has a portfolio of 647,000 square meters (sqm) of office space following its wave-four infusion. Wave five is targeted for the second half of 2026 and will bring the portfolio to at least 750,000 sqm.

Wave five is expected to include more mall assets as part of its diversification beyond pure office into lifestyle and retail to broaden its income base.

This reduces MREIT’s concentration risk and gives investors exposure to Megaworld’s mall business, which has been posting record-high occupancy of 95 percent and strong annual foot traffic growth.

“Beyond wave five, we remain on track for at least one million sqm of GLA [gross leasable area] by 2027, that is three years ahead of our original plan of reaching one million sqm by 2030,” said Dela Cruz.

Megaworld still has almost one million sqm of stabilized office assets, with about 90,000 sqm more in the pipeline available for future infusions.

For retail, MREIT currently holds just 26,000 sqm, but Megaworld has about 490,000 sqm of mall space with another 160,000 sqm in the pipeline. This is the reservoir for wave five that MREIT will start tapping into.

Meanwhile, MREIT currently has 149 hotel room keys, while Megaworld and its affiliates in Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI) have over 3,600 keys that could also potentially be structured for infusion into MREIT through fixed lease agreements.

CAAP data showed that passenger volume across airports under its helm went down to 25.06 million last year from 29.31 million passengers in 2024.

Driven by the strength of the holiday season, the highest passenger demand for the year was recorded in January with a total of 2.67 million, up 10.8 percent from 2.41 million passengers in the same month of the prior year.

On the other hand, the weakest month was September with 1.65 million passengers, down by nearly 18 percent from the year-low 2.01 million passengers recorded in the same month in 2024.

Aircraft movement in airports managed by the CAAP dropped by nearly 14 percent to 191,746 in 2025 from 221,810 in 2024.

By airport, passenger demand was highest at Davao International Airport with 4.39 million passengers, increasing slightly from the previous year’s 4.34 million passengers.

Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific carried the highest number of passengers at the airport with a combined 2.56 million, followed by 1.07 million carried by PAL Express, a unit of flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL).

Iloilo International Airport placed second with 3.10 million passengers, followed by Bacolod-Silay Airport with 2.08 million, Puerto Princesa International Airport with 2.02 million, and Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban with 1.65 million.

CAAP data excludes figures from airports managed by the private sector, including Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and Clark International Airport.

Based on data submitted by local and foreign airlines, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said total passenger volume in airports across the country reached a record 62.34 million in 2025, up four percent from 59.91 million passengers in 2024.

Last year, international passenger traffic reached 29.1 million while domestic passenger traffic stood at an all-time high of 33.24 million.

For now, it remains to be seen whether demand for air travel will be sustained this year as airlines had no choice but to raise ticket prices due to higher jet fuel costs.

The CAB earlier raised the passenger fuel surcharge that airlines may collect from passengers to Level 19 during the second half of April, adding as much as ₱1,834 for domestic flights and ₱15,397.15 for international flights.

It has since lowered the surcharge to Level 15 for May 16 to 31.

Meanwhile, the CAAP has also reduced the passenger service charge (PSC) at the airports it manages to cushion the impact of costlier fuel on travelers.

PSC, also referred to as terminal fees, are charges imposed on each departing passenger and are already included in the ticket upon booking.

Richard Shin, JFC chief financial and risk officer and Jollibee International chief executive officer, said the company remains confident about its growth trajectory despite persistent inflationary pressures.

Shin also dismissed concerns over the potential fallout from pricing adjustments implemented earlier this quarter.

He noted that the calculated price increases were structured specifically to absorb rising inventory costs without alienating budget-conscious consumers.

“When we did the math and the calculation, we don't need to tip the scale too far in terms of price increase to really be able to absorb that,” Shin said at the Philippine Stock Exchange’s Investor Day.

Thus, Jollibee still expects single-digit growth, or more, in both same-store sales and system-wide sales despite the price increases, while the firm is able to protect its gross profit margins.

In terms of opening new stores, Shin said the group will continue to grow. “Where there's a market and a demand and good RIC (return on invested capital), our cost of borrowing is significantly lower than the return on those. And, with an accelerated franchise opening plan, we continue to push that very hard.”

He cited that, in the US market, demand from franchisees has even been stronger recently despite concern over the impact of rising inflation.

“Yes, we've definitely seen impact, but the impact is very much wanting to open our stores… in April and May, the last few weeks, we're now getting multi-unit franchises of 50 units and above coming to us,” Shin said.

He explained that this is because, after Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane, Jollibee is the number three chicken restaurant in terms of annual unit volume (average daily sales times 365).

“Being number three in that category, in the fastest growing segment, which is chicken, and the cost of beef sort of having its challenges, we're in a very good place with a strong brand and we're only in 15 states in the US. So, I'm super excited about that,” Shin said.

Meanwhile, Jollibee’ Compose Coffee in South Korea is building on average of 30 stores a month, so it will deliver around 360 stores this year and these are all franchised.

For Highlands Coffee in Vietnam, the return on invested capital ranges from 33 percent to 47 percent for a payback period of two to 2.5 years so it continues to open franchised stores with a total of 250 slated to open in 2026.

For the entire Jollibee Group, Shin said “you can see the acceleration, so the ratio of franchise stores to company-owned store opening, it's night and day now in terms of all the new stores opening.”

In the case of Tim Ho Wan, which are all franchises except for Hong Kong, Singapore and China, Shin said there will be some capital investments by the company in the US since it is their number one market.

On the other hand, he said “we'll probably reduce exposure in China for Tim Ho Wan” because Jollibee is focusing more on the growth of Yonghe King which has an entrenched place in the Chinese cuisine space.

With the conclusion of the first-quarter earnings season, the local stock market is seen turning more bearish as investors take profits from recent gains, with sentiment dampened by the weaker peso, local politicking, and the unresolved Middle East conflict.

“The local market has shown positive momentum in the past two weeks amid bargain hunting with support from foreign funds. However, overall trading was tepid, reflecting weak investor confidence amid macroeconomic and political concerns,” said Philstocks Financial Inc. research head Japhet Tantiangco.

Thus, the local market could move with a downward bias on profit-taking this week following the two-week rally. Lingering concerns may also continue to weigh on sentiment.

“The Middle East conflict has been ongoing for more than one and a half months already with no deal in sight. This keeps global oil prices elevated with Brent crude maintaining its ground at the $100-per-barrel level. Fears that the conflict would re-escalate may keep investors on the edge,” Tantiangco noted.

Meanwhile, the peso has slipped back below the ₱61-per-United States (US) dollar level, posing upside risks to the Philippines’ inflation rate. It may also discourage foreigners from investing in the country.

Tantiangco added that “the ongoing political turmoil in the Senate may divert their attention away from mounting economic concerns and this may continue to weigh on market sentiment.”

For online brokerage 2TradeAsia.com, the global macroeconomic landscape has pivoted back to pre-ceasefire conditions as US-Iran tensions escalated toward direct aggression earlier last week.

Domestically, the 31-percent slump in February foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows signals that foreign conviction, for the most part, remains sidelined. This is made worse by stagflation concerns now bleeding into the mainstream, as stagnant growth meets sticky supply-side pressure.

“In this environment, banks are the runaway winners here, uniquely positioned to capture value from a transitioning interest rate climate and accelerating loan growth since March. For now, domestic political maneuvering and index rebalancing cues will likely overshadow corporate earnings, as the market prioritizes capital preservation and yield over speculative growth,” 2TradeAsia.com said.

For stock picks, Abacus Securities Corp. has a BUY rating for Apex Mining Co. Inc. after upgrading its fair value estimate for the stock as the firm announced capital expenditures (capex) to increase plant capacity.

The stock brokerage also has a BUY rating for Monde Nissin Corp., which is seen sustaining its earnings growth despite price increases and as its meat alternative business has turned profitable.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is keeping the same volume of pork imports subject to a lower tariff rate under its revised minimum access volume (MAV) policy as it seeks to restore competitiveness in the market.

“All of our regular MAV quotas will be the same as last year. It’s just the distribution of who those quotas will go to,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told reporters last week.

MAV is a mechanism that allows the entry of imported goods at a lower tariff rate within a specific quota allocation, while shipments outside the quota are levied a higher tariff.

The government earlier set MAV for imported pork at 54,210 metric tons (MT), with tariffs at 15 percent for in-quota imports and 25 percent for out-of-quota shipments.

Under Joint Department Circular (JDC) No. 1, signed last March 28, the DA, along with five other government agencies, canceled all existing MAV allocations to prepare for redistribution this year.

Based on JDC 1, 50 percent of MAV will be allocated to meat importer-processors with verified local processing facilities, while government trading enterprises will receive 20 percent.

This means all other qualified MAV licensees, including local meat importers, will compete for the remaining 30 percent, or around 16,200 MT.

Before this revised policy, the DA said major importers had largely seized control of MAV allocations, giving them a competitive edge over smaller traders.

For one, Tiu Laurel said the DA recently discovered that one MAV holder, which is now under investigation, was using its allocation to distribute import volumes to 18 companies under its umbrella.

“That’s why we revised the rules of MAV. If you have 18 companies that have MAV, that means you control the market,” the DA chief said.

By redistributing MAV allocations, the DA aims to encourage more competition in the market and stabilize retail prices at a time of elevated costs amid the Middle East conflict.

To keep prices manageable, the DA is also looking to implement MAV Plus, which would expand the current MAV.

The DA likewise plans to expand MAV for imported corn, which currently allows the entry of 216,940 MT at a lower five-percent tariff and imposes a 15-percent levy on shipments outside the quota.

Higher tariffs on corn imports have been cited as a major factor behind rising meat prices since the commodity is a crucial ingredient in animal feed. Feed accounts for 50 to 70 percent of production costs for both pork and chicken.

Tiu Laurel said the DA will soon issue MAV Plus for imported corn, while the policy for pork imports remains under consideration.

According to the latest data from the Bureau of the Treasury, total financial assistance to government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) climbed 19 percent to ₱26.8 billion from ₱22.6 billion in the same period last year.

The quarterly surge was propelled by a massive ₱18.2 billion deployment in March alone, which effectively offset the sluggish disbursements in January and February.

Based on Treasury data, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) emerged as a primary driver of growth, receiving ₱3 billion in March. This represents a significant new allocation, as the agency received no subsidy during the first quarter of the previous year.

Similarly,Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) was granted ₱2.5 billion in March under the Murang Kuryente Act, further bolstering the energy sector’s share of state support.

Results were mixed in the agricultural sector, as the government balanced food security needs with fiscal restraint. The National Food Authority (NFA) saw its quarterly support climb 72 percent to ₱3.9 billion from ₱2.3 billion in 2025.

Meanwhile, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), which historically takes up the largest share of state support, recorded a 13.8 percent decline in its quarterly total, falling to ₱6.9 billion from ₱8 billion last year.

This contraction follows a more than three-fifths plunge in January, reflecting sustained pressure to modernize farm infrastructure through more efficient spending.

Other GOCCs saw their collective support increase by 26.9 percent to ₱11.8 billion. This was bolstered by a heavy March release for the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) at ₱2.1 billion and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), which saw its support jump by four-fifths to ₱1.8 billion from ₱975 million a year ago.

Additionally, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PRRI) saw a nearly fourfold increase in its quarterly subsidy, rising to ₱950 million from ₱238 million.

Among financial institutions, Small Business Corp. (SBC) remained the sole recipient of state funds in this category. Its funding nearly doubled to ₱375 million from ₱189 million in the first quarter of 2025, to bolster credit access for micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Funding for specialized health centers remained a priority but showed varying trends. The Philippine Heart Center saw its allocation rise by a tenth to ₱606 million. Conversely, the National Kidney & Transplant Institute (NKTI) saw its quarterly support drop by a third to ₱378 million from ₱564 million.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is studying the potential imposition of a suggested retail price (SRP) on locally produced regular and well-milled rice to temper price swings across the country driven by ongoing inflationary pressures.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the planned SRP will not be implemented nationwide and will instead be localized per region to better reflect prevailing market conditions.

“We’re just finalizing the figures and we are consulting with the different regions because it would depend on each region,” the DA chief said in a chance interview last week.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that prices of a kilogram of well-milled rice averaged ₱58.33 nationwide during the first week of May, up 15.8 percent from ₱50.37 per kilo in the same period last year.

Regular milled rice, meanwhile, rose by 18 percent to ₱51.59 per kilo from the average of ₱43.64 a year ago.

In Metro Manila, prices of well-milled rice increased by 10.5 percent year-on-year to ₱54.12 per kilo, while the regular milled variety climbed by 12.6 percent to ₱46.63.

As a result, Tiu Laurel said the DA is leaning toward imposing an SRP of ₱53 per kilo for both well-milled and regular milled rice in the capital region.

He added that regions with higher prevailing prices would likely have correspondingly higher SRPs.

PSA data showed that Region 11, or Davao Region, recorded the highest rice prices in the country as of May, with well-milled increasing by 14.6 percent year-on-year to ₱62.45 per kilo and regular milled surging by nearly 30 percent to ₱56.04.

Rice, which accounts for roughly nine percent of the consumer basket used to measure inflation, has continued to post price increases in recent weeks amid supply disruptions and higher costs triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.

Headline inflation accelerated to 7.2 percent in April, its highest level in three years, while rice inflation quickened to 13.7 percent, PSA data showed.

Unlike the recently implemented price cap for imported rice, Tiu Laurel said the upcoming local rice SRP would be non-binding and would only serve as a “guide [for] our consumers on what the price should be.”

Tiu Laurel recently said he may also recommend a price cap on locally produced rice, but this would no longer push through in favor of the SRP mechanism.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order (EO) No. 118 last week imposing a price ceiling of ₱50 per kilo on five-percent broken imported rice to curb rising costs and prevent market abuse.

Under EO 118, the DA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) were tasked with ensuring the strict and uniform enforcement of the price ceiling in markets nationwide, including monitoring and investigating unjustified price movements.

The price cap will remain in place for 30 days unless earlier lifted by the President upon recommendation of the interagency National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC).

Tiu Laurel, an NPCC member, said he expects the measure to be extended for up to two more months as prices remain elevated.

“Even if it’s over, the effects of the crisis are not limited to 30 days. It might be affecting us to the end of the year. So, there is a good chance that the price cap may be extended for another month or two,” he said.

Tokyo-listed Universal Entertainment Corp. (UEC), the parent company of TRLEI, said the Philippine gaming market is facing intensifying competition, and the impact of geopolitical tension in the Middle East is anticipated to persist beyond the second quarter.

To accommodate guests who find it difficult to visit Okada Manila in person due to factors such as soaring fuel costs, the resort will continue to focus on online gaming services for the Philippine market, including “OKADA PLAY.”

“We position ‘OKADA PLAY’ as a service designed to carve out a niche in the highly competitive Philippine online gaming market as a leading challenger, offering a high-quality digital experience that sets itself apart from competitors and aligns with the premium standards of the ‘OKADA MANILA’ brand,” UEC said.

Okada Manila had earlier partnered with PhilWeb Corporation to provide a seamless and engaging user experience for its growing base of digital gamers.

Okada Manila intends to continue to focus on introducing new gaming products, driving innovation in the market, and enhancing its loyalty program.

“We are committed to providing consistently fresh and exciting experiences that elevate the gaming industry, while striving to offer our customers even more dynamic and engaging services,” UEC said.

For onsite gaming, UEC notes that the Philippine gaming market continues to face structural headwinds, and competition with other companies to acquire customers in both the VIP and mass markets is intensifying.

“Against this backdrop, Okada Manila, operated by the group, achieved results that exceeded those of the previous quarter, despite falling short of the same period of fiscal year 2025, by implementing measures such as revamping our loyalty program,” the firm said.

In regulatory filings denominated in Japanese Yen, the firm said the integrated resort posted a 92.8 percent plunge in operating profit to ₱8.9 million in the first quarter of 2026.

Net sales was lower by 16 percent at about ₱6 billion while EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) dropped 55.7 percebnt to ₱792 million in the first quarter of 2026.

“The gaming market in Entertainment City, Manila, Philippines, remains in a period of adjustment; furthermore, due to the impact of the situation in the Middle East, the market as a whole continues to contract,” the company said.

Additionally, against the backdrop of structural changes in the VIP market, intense competition among companies to acquire mass-market customers continues, and customer acquisition costs are rising.

Although Okada Manila’s VIP turnover exceeded the same period last year, VIP revenue fell short of the prior-year figure due to a decline in the win rate.

Furthermore, while both turnover and revenue from table games and gaming machines were lower than in the same period last year, the resort was able to maintain an operating profit.

This was achieved by reducing selling, general, and administrative expenses through the optimization of fixed costs resulting from a review of its cost structure, as well as a decrease in depreciation expenses following the revaluation of assets in the previous fiscal year.

“We will continue to work on improving profitability by curbing unnecessary expenses and restructuring our services,” the company said.

Philippine banks’ bad loan ratio improved to 3.29 percent as of end-March, marking a three-month low as lending growth accelerated at a faster pace than the increase in soured loans.

The latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data showed that the banking industry’s gross non-performing loan (NPL) ratio narrowed in March from 3.33 percent in February and 3.31 percent in January.

March’s bad loan ratio was the lowest since the 3.07 percent recorded in December 2025. Bad loans last March likewise stood below the 2025 peak of 3.5 percent reached in August.

At end-March, the value of gross NPLs increased by approximately 2.7 percent to ₱568.6 billion from ₱553.7 billion last February. Year-on-year, soured loans grew by 10.2 percent from ₱516.1 billion in March 2025.

Loans are classified as non-performing if they remain unpaid for at least 90 days past the due date, representing a credit risk as the likelihood of repayment diminishes.

At the end of the first quarter, the Philippine banking system’s total loan book swelled by nearly four percent to ₱17.26 trillion from ₱16.6 trillion in February. Compared with the same period in 2025, the total loan portfolio grew by more than 10 percent from ₱15.63 trillion.

Past-due loans rose by 2.9 percent to ₱736.2 billion in March from ₱715.7 billion last February. They also increased by 13.9 percent from the ₱646.4 billion recorded in March last year.

Despite the increase in volume, the past-due ratio improved to 4.26 percent at the end of the first quarter, down from 4.31 percent in February and 4.28 percent last January. This ratio was higher than the 4.14 percent seen in March 2025.

Past-due loans refer to accounts where the borrower has failed to pay the principal, interest, or any other amount due on the scheduled date.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said the lower bad loan ratio may have been largely driven by faster loan growth, which expanded the base compared with the slower increase in NPLs.

Banks, he said, have also become more cautious in managing credit risk and have tightened lending standards amid geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the broader Middle East region as a precautionary measure.

“Faster growth in bank loans could be attributed to some frontloading of borrowing requirements as part of hedging requirements in terms of purchases and investments before inflation and lending rates go up further due to the Middle East war,” Ricafort added.

For the months ahead, however, Ricafort said the Philippine economy could moderate due to the ongoing war, which has increased pressure on prices and economic activity—“all of which could reduce the ability to pay for some borrowers and lead to higher NPLs and NPL ratios.”

Global debt watcher S&P Global Ratings likewise said earlier that domestic banks could face a potential surge in soured loans as tensions in the Middle East threaten to disrupt the domestic economy.

The local bourse said net income rose to ₱381.71 million in January to March 2026 from ₱254.67 million in the same period a year earlier, despite broader market volatility that eventually cooled market rally.

“The market’s positive momentum may have been short-lived but the bullish stance during the first two months of the year helped lift our first quarter numbers,” Ramon S. Monzon, PSE president and chief executive officer said.

Operating revenues at the exchange climbed 18.5 percent to ₱746.81 million from ₱645.49 million. The revenue expansion was anchored by the 15.7 percent increase in trading-related fees and a 24.8 percent jump in service fees.

Both the PSE and the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. recorded brisk trading volumes during the quarter. Depository securities fees also contributed to the growth, rising 5.9 percent.

Other income grew by 30.2 percent to ₱41.97 million from ₱32.23 million, boosted by foreign exchange gains and an improvement in the fair value of the exchange's financial assets.

Meanwhile, total expenses and costs declined 1.3 percent to ₱334.79 million from ₱339.14 million, demonstrating the bourse’s ability to rein in overhead costs even as transaction volumes expanded.

The PSE is pushing ahead with modernization plans and new financial products to insulate its earnings against future market downturns and shifting macroeconomic conditions.

“Despite the persistent global and domestic headwinds, we remain committed to our strategic roadmap and continue to pursue product, technology, and sustainability initiatives that will reinforce the Exchange’s long-term resilience and competitiveness,” Monzon said.

The exchange's upcoming product pipeline includes Global Philippine Depositary Receipts, derivatives, structured warrants, and rule enhancements for exchange-traded funds.

The bourse is also planning initial listings through preferred shares offerings and expanded securities borrowing and lending.

To support these initiatives, the PSE is developing a new trading engine, an updated order management system, and an overhauled disclosure platform. (James A. Loyola)

The first operation took place last Wednesday afternoon, May 13, when Navy personnel observed a suspicious vessel loaded with cargo.‎

‎Navy personnel boarded the vessel for verification and found a total of 2,519 cases of cases of foreign cigarettes which lacked documentation.

‎‎An inventory conducted the following day revealed that the cargo amounted to an estimated market value of P317,352,637 which included the P1.2-million vessel.

‎The boat captain and 13 crew members were said to be from Maluso, Basilan province.‎

‎Less than 48 hours later, another suspicious vessel, the JTK Express, was intercepted by a Navy vessel southeast of Matanal Point, Hadji Mohammad Ajul in Basilan.

Navy personnel found 1,400 master cases of undocumented cigarettes amounting to P208,947,243.

‎The boat was enroute to Pagadian City from Tawi-Tawi when it was intercepted.‎

‎The two vessels were escorted to the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Bagong Calarian, Zamboanga City.

‎A total of 3,916 master cases of smuggled cigarettes with a combined estimated value of P526,299,880 were recovered.‎

A total of 21 persons were apprehended and  facing charges for violating Republic Act 12022, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

‎Confiscated items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs at Port of Zamboanga.

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Manila 3rd district Rep. Joel Chua wants to give Senator Alan Peter Cayetano an opportunity to do the right thing and not derail the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

This, as Cayetano--the Senate President coming into Monday's plenary session--is perceived to be pro-Duterte.

Chua, a member of the 11-strong House prosecution panel, said in a DZBB radio interview Sunday, May 17 that he expects the Senate to remain impartial and avoid politics when it comes to exacting accountability from the impeachment respondent.

“Inaasahan po natin na hindi magbabago ang kanilang pagtingin at hindi nito maaapektuhan ang proseso dahil unang-una po, ito ay kanilang constitutional mandate,” Chua said.

(We expect that their perspective will not change and that this will not affect the process because, first of all, this is their constitutional mandate.)

“Inaasahan naman din po natin na ang ating bagong Senate president bilang isang abogado ay mataas ang kanyang paggalang sa ating Konstitusyon. Siguro bigyan muna natin ng benefit of the doubt ang ating bagong halal na Senate president,” he added of his fellow lawyer.

(We also expect that our new Senate president, being a lawyer, will have a high regard for our Constitution. Perhaps we should first give the benefit of the doubt to our newly elected Senate president.)

To his credit, it was Cayetano who announced last week that the Senate would convene as an impeachment court at 3 p.m. Monday, May 18. This was after the upper chamber received the voluminous impeachment documents--including the articles of impeachment against Duterte--from the House of Representatives.

But convening is different from starting the actual trial--something that has been pointed out by congressmen.

Thirteen senators elected Cayetano as Senate president on May 11, effectively unseating Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and forming a new majority bloc largely composed of known Duterte allies.

The leadership change has since fueled public concern over the likelihood of Vice President Duterte’s conviction, considering that a two-thirds vote, or 16 of the 24 senator-judges, is constitutionally required to remove her from office and permanently disqualify her from holding public office.

When asked whether the prosecution panel now faces greater difficulty in securing the votes needed for conviction, Chua noted that previous impeachment trials also began without a clear majority favoring conviction.

If anything, senator-judges can be swayed by the strength of the case during the actual trial.

"Ang pagkakaalam ko po noong panahon ni [Supreme Court] Chief Justice [Renato] Corona, nagsimula po sila na pipito lamang ang senador na sang-ayon dito. Pero nung nagkabotohan na, nung naipresenta na lahat ng ebidensya, umabot na siya ng 20,” recalled the Manila solon.

(As far as I know, during Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona’s time, they started with only seven senators in favor. But when the voting came, after all the evidence was presented, it reached 20.)

Chua said the public--especially the media--play a very big role in monitoring the developments of the impeachment trial.

"Kasi po ito lamang ang paraan para makakuha po tayo ng hustisya na patas (Because this is the only way we can achieve fair justice)," he said.

The send-off ceremony for the student-athletes, coaches, trainers, and chaperones was held at the Bacolod City Government Center on Friday, May 15.

Mayor Greg Gasataya and Dennis Develos, Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd)-Bacolod, have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) stating that the city government will cover the expenses of the delegation, including transportation allowance, accommodation, specialized sports shoes, and uniforms.

One hundred-eighty eight athletes, coaches, assistant coaches, chaperones, and trainers will receive P4,000 playing allowance, P6,000 food allowance, and P9,000 training allowance.

“We consider this an investment in the future of our youth,” Gasataya said in a statement, expressing hope that the next Olympian will come from the "City of Smiles."

Develos said the city's strong support is expected to further motivate the athletes to perform well and aim for more gold medals in the national competition.

More than 600 student-athletes from the Negros Island Region (NIR) are competing in the Palaro.

Designed as an educational adventure for families and students, the park uses life-sized mechanical dinosaurs, sensor-activated movements, and realistic sound effects to recreate the ancient Mesozoic era.

The park has a forest trail setting to enhance the jungle environment.

Key features and sub-attractions include the Dino Trail and T-Rex Encounter, a walking path featuring approximately 30 life-sized animatronic dinosaur species such as Tyrannosaurus Rex, Spinosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Triceratops that move and roar as visitors approach, Jurassic Jungle Safari Ridem, a guided jeep ride through a simulated jungle where mechanical dinosaurs actively chase and interact with the vehicle, and Dino World of Fun, a live, interactive entertainment show featuring costumed "dancing" dinosaurs.

Dinosaurs Island offers several other interactive features, cinematic experiences, and guest amenities designed to complete the theme park experience.

It also has 7D and 9D Super Screen Theaters which are immersive multi-dimensional simulator rides featuring motion seats, environmental effects, and 3D graphics simulating action-packed prehistoric or fantasy scenarios.

Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said the operation stemmed from a report received by the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) regarding the unloading of boxes of cigarettes from a 10-wheel closed van suspected to be transporting illicit tobacco products.

Authorities discovered that the confiscated cigarettes had unauthorized tax seals and lacked the mandatory graphic health warning labels required under Republic Act No. 10643 or the Graphic Health Warning Law, in violation of Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, as well as pertinent provisions under Republic Act No. 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act.

Recovered were 700 master cases of cigarettes bearing the Bosqu Brand, a 10-wheel closed van, a motorized banca, two cellular phones, a white Ford Explorer, and a white Mitsubishi L300.

The master cases of cigarettes were taken to the RID for proper custody and safekeeping while the banca was turned over to the Maritime Special Operations Unit for appropriate disposition.

The suspects were brought to Basay Municipal Police Station for documentation and filing of appropriate charges.

Police recently discovered an illegal cigarette factory in Bago City, Negros Occidental and disposed of smuggled cigarettes in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. 

The Chief Minister called for Iqbal’s resignation in a letter dated May 11 due to multiple findings from the Commission on Audit involving procurement transactions and disbursements under the education ministry.

Macacua told Iqbal to resign or be deemed resigned if he does not submit his resignation letter when office hours close on Monday, May 18.

He said public trust in the Bangsamoro government has been “seriously eroded” by the controversy.

Macacua said audit observations pointed to serious deficiencies and possible violations of procurement regulations allegedly involving billions of pesos in government funds.

He cited alleged failures to impose liquidated damages on delayed projects, questions on the eligibility of joint venture arrangements, and the late posting of required performance securities by certain contractors involved in procurement activities.

Macacua said that 73 disbursement vouchers amounting to billions of pesos were reportedly processed and fully paid despite the absence of several mandatory procurement documents required under government auditing and procurement regulations.

Macacua warned that the initial notices of disallowance issued by COA may only be the beginning, noting that more notices of disallowance could still follow as state auditors continue their review of the transactions.

Yatar replaced Police Col. Restituto P. Lacano Jr.

Police Regional Office-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV led the turnover of command ceremony at the BCPO headquarters.

Lacano thanked the PRO-13 and the city government for their support during his tenure.

“This occasion is not merely ceremonial, it symbolizes continuity of leadership, stability of command, and the unwavering commitment of the Philippine National Police to ensure that the safety and security of the people remain protected despite transitions in leadership,” Magistrado said.

“I remain fully confident that BCPO will continue moving forward with strength, professionalism, operational excellence, and integrity under its new leadership,” he said. “May this occasion open new opportunities for all of us to further strengthen our resolve to serve and protect the people with integrity, accountability, and excellence.”

In a decision written by Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda, the SC denied the petition filed by former Bayan Muna Party-List congressmen Neri Colmenares and Carlos Isagani Zarate against Digitel Mobile Philippines, Globe Telecommunications, Inc., and Smart Communications, Inc., and the NTC.

Also denied was the petition filed by the NTC against the three telecommunications companies.

Court records show that on Oct. 24, 2011, the NTC issued Memorandum Circular No. 02-10-2011 on Interconnection Charge for Short Messaging Service (SMS). The circular aims to reduce communications costs, maintain and foster fair competition in the telecommunications industry, and make SMS, known as text message, more affordable to the public.

Interconnection pertains to "the linkage, by wire, radio, satellite, or other means, of two or more existing telecommunications carriers or operators with one another for the purpose of allowing or enabling the subscribers of one carrier or operator to access or reach the subscribers of the other carriers or operators."

In its circular, the NTC – noting that the SMS retail price consists of the cost of the network sending the text, plus the cost of the network receiving the text, plus the cost of the interconnection facilities – directed the lowering of the interconnection charge for SMS between two separate networks or "off-net SMS" from P0.35 to not more than P0.15 per SMS.

With the effectivity of the circular on Dec. 1, 2011, the three telecom firms amended their interconnection agreements to reduce the interconnection charge from P0.35 to P0.15.

However, on Dec. 12, 2011, Froilan Jamias, head of the One-Stop Public Assistance Center (QSPAC) of the NTC, filed a complaint-affidavit and alleged that from Dec. 5 to 9, 2011, he received complaints from several SMS subscribers to the effect that the three telecom firms are still charging P1 for every SMS sent to a subscriber of a different SMS provider despite the issuance of the Interconnection Circular.

Administrative cases were filed against Digitel/Sun Cellular, Globe and Smart.

The NTC directed the three firms to explain their failure to lower their regular SMS rates by at least P0.20 as a necessary consequence of the lowering of the interconnection charge from P0.35 to P0.15 in line with the Interconnection Circular.

On Nov. 20, 2012, the NTC issued three separate decisions and ruled against the three telecom firms which were ordered to reduce their SMS retail price to other networks from P1 to not more than P0.80; refund subscribers of the excess charge of P0.20 per off-net SMS from the effectivity of the circular until fully settled; and pay a fine at the rate of P200 per day from Dec. 1, 2011 until the date of compliance.

The commission ruled that the purpose of the Interconnection Circular is to reduce the SMS interconnection rate for the benefit of the public, and the primary objective was for the three telecom firms to pass on their savings from the reduced interconnection charges to their subscribers through lower SMS rates.

It pointed out that with the reduction of the interconnection charge from P0.35 to P0.15, the basic SMS charge should be reduced because the interconnection charge is a component of the SMS retail price.

With the denial of their motions for reconsideration, the three firms elevated their cases to the CA.

On Oct. 3, 2024, Bayan Muna filed its motion for intervention and petition-in-intervention. The CA consolidated the cases.

In its June 27, 2026 decision, the CA nullified the NTC rulings and enjoined the commission from implementing them.

The CA held that the NTC’s order to reduce the SMS retail rate was done without due process of law, and that the reduction of interconnection charges under the Interconnection Circular does not result in the lowering of the SMS retail rate.

It also ruled that the NTC's rate-fixing power is not absolute, and the commission may also not exercise its residual powers relative to value-added service in the absence of exempting circumstances.

Both the NTC, through the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), and Bayan Muna elevated the case to the SC.

In resolving the issue, the SC said that the NTC’s Interconnection Circular only directs the reduction of the interconnection charge for off-net SMS from P0.35 to P0.15, and the corresponding amendment of the interconnection agreements.

It also said that the circular has been complied with by the parties.

However, the SC pointed out that “it is also clear that there is no directive or requirement in the circular about the reduction of the SMS retail rates.”

It said that another basic rule of statutory construction is that ''a meaning that does not appear nor is intended or reflected in the very language of the statute cannot be placed therein by construction."

Thus, the SC stressed that “there is no merit in the NTC's argument that the Interconnection Circular ‘does not only direct the reduction of the interconnection rates, but also the reduction of the SMS retail rates.’"

“The NTC cannot construe or interpret the circular as directing the reduction of the SMS retail rates when the very language of the circular does not state or reflect such directive,” it said.

It added that the NTC cannot also rely on the Interconnection Circular's "whereas" clauses, which argues that "the reduction of the interconnection charges should bring forth the intended reduction of SMS rates to the benefit of the general public."

The SC ruled: “Clearly, the Interconnection Circular does not order or direct the reduction of the SMS retail rates. The Court cannot judicially supply such omission in the circular even if it was the intention of the NTC. The Court is not authorized to insert into the circular what should have been in it, or to supply what the NTC would have supplied if its attention had been called to the omission.”

“Considering all the foregoing, it is clear that the NTC cannot order the reduction of the SMS retail rates based on the Interconnection Circular as it does not direct such reduction. Neither can the NTC order the reduction of the SMS retail rates pursuant to its residual powers under Section 17 of Republic Act No. 7925 in view of the absence of the required conditions for the exercise of such powers,” it said.

Thus, the three telecom firms cannot be held liable or be penalized for violation of the circular when they did not reduce their SMS retail rates despite the issuance of the Interconnection Circular, the SC also ruled.

The dispositive portion of the SC’s decision: “Accordingly, the Petitions for Review on Certiorari filed by petitioners Bayan Muna Party-List Representatives Neri Colmenares and Carlos Isagani Zarate, and the National Telecon11nunications Commission are denied. The June 27, 2016 Decision and the July 25, 2017 Resolution of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. S.P. Nos. 135400, 135440, and 135449 are affirmed.”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A drone strike targeted the United Arab Emirates' Barakah nuclear power plant Sunday, setting an electrical generator ablaze on its perimeter and again straining the shaky ceasefire in the Iran war.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, which caused no radiological release nor injuries, authorities in the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi, said. However, suspicion immediately fell on Iran, which has been increasingly threatening the UAE over recent days as the country hosted Israeli Iron Dome missile defenses and troops during the war.

The attack comes as Iran still has a chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway where a fifth of the world's oil and natural gas passed through before the war, disrupting global energy supplies. Meanwhile, America continues to block Iranian ports in response as negotiations to solidify the ceasefire have failed to advance.

U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested hostilities could resume, and Iranian state television has repeatedly aired segments with anchors holding Kalashnikov-style rifles in an effort to prepare the public for war. Meanwhile, fire exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon have been rising in recent days as well, threatening a separate ceasefire there.

Barakah plant provides a fifth of UAE's energy

The $20 billion Barakah nuclear power plant was built by the UAE with the help of South Korea and went online in 2020. It's the first and only nuclear power plant on the Arabian Peninsula and can provide a quarter of all the energy needs in the UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms. It's also the first commercial nuclear power plant in the Arab world.

The UAE's nuclear regulator said the fire didn't impact the plant safety. "All units are operating as normal," the organization wrote on X.

The UAE statement didn't blame any party for the attack. The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sunday's strike marked the first time the four-reactor Barakah plant has been targeted in the Iran war. The plant sits in the far western deserts of Abu Dhabi, near the border with Saudi Arabia. The UAE signed a strict deal with the U.S. over the power plant, known as a "123 agreement," in which it agreed to give up domestic uranium enrichment and reprocessing of spent fuel to halt any proliferation fears. Its uranium comes from abroad.

Nuclear power plants increasingly targeted in war

Nuclear power plants increasingly have found themselves targeted in wars in recent years, first during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. During the Iran war, Tehran repeatedly claimed its Bushehr nuclear power plant came under attack, though there was no direct damage to its Russian-run reactor nor any radiological release.

There have been several instances of attacks around the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf countries over the past several weeks. Talks between Iran and the U.S. are at a standstill as the shaky ceasefire threatens to collapse and tip the Middle East back into open warfare, prolonging the worldwide energy crisis sparked by the conflict.

On Iranian state TV, presenters on at least two channels appeared armed during live programs.

In one program, Hossein Hosseini received basic firearms training from a member of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, whose face was covered with a mask. After being shown how to prepare the weapon, Hosseini mimed firing a shot at the flag of the UAE.

On another channel, female presenter Mobina Nasiri said a weapon had been sent to her from a gathering in Tehran's Vanak Square so she could appear armed on camera. She said: "From this platform, I declare that I am ready to sacrifice my life for this country."

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Health authorities say there is a new Ebola outbreak in the Central African country of Congo, with more than 300 suspected cases and at least 88 deaths. Cases have also been reported in neighboring Uganda.

The outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization on Sunday.

The severe disease that is often fatal was first identified in 1976 after two outbreaks in quick succession in what is now South Sudan and Congo, according to the WHO.

All the major Ebola outbreaks have been in sub-Saharan Africa, where the viruses that cause it are native. The worst have been in West and Central Africa.

Ebola disease is caused by different viruses

Ebola disease is caused by a group of viruses. Three of them are known to cause large outbreaks: Ebola virus, Sudan virus and Bundibugyo virus, the WHO says. The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, which is rare and has been responsible for only two previously reported outbreaks.

A family of fruit bats is believed to be the natural hosts of the viruses that cause Ebola, and other animals like apes and monkeys can also be infected, according to the WHO.

People can be infected by these animals, and the viruses can spread from person to person through contact with the body fluids like the blood, feces or vomit of an infected person, or surfaces that have been contaminated by body fluids.

Symptoms appear from two days to three weeks after exposure, though they usually emerge within about a week, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Illnesses begin with flu-like symptoms, including fever, aches, fatigue and sore throat. Later, patients can experience gastrointestinal problems, rashes, seizures and bleeding.

The average fatality rate for Ebola is around 50%, according to the WHO, with rates varying from 25% to 90% in previous outbreaks.

There are approved vaccines and treatments only for the Ebola virus.

2013-2016: The worst outbreak on record

An outbreak a decade ago across several countries in West Africa is the worst on record.

There were more than 28,000 cases and more than 11,000 deaths as the highly contagious disease spread widely in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone and spilled over into nearby nations. A small number of cases were also reported in the United States, the U.K., Italy and Spain linked to travelers from Africa or health workers returning home after helping with the outbreak.

The epidemic linked to the Ebola virus type was believed to have started in southeastern Guinea when a child — "patient zero" — came into contact with infected fruit bats, according to researchers.

2018-2020: Congo and Uganda

The second-biggest outbreak in history occurred soon after in Congo's North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri provinces, with some cases in neighboring Uganda. The latest outbreak announced Friday is also in Ituri, on the border with Uganda.

The outbreak eight years ago had more than 3,400 reported cases and more than 2,200 deaths with a fatality rate of 66%, according to the CDC.

Like the 2013-2016 outbreak, it was also caused by the Ebola virus.

Congo has had more than a dozen significant previous outbreaks, including one as recent as late 2025.

2007-2008: Uganda

An outbreak of Ebola disease in 2007 in western Uganda on the border with Congo was the first reported occurrence of the Bundibugyo strain.

There were 131 reported cases and 42 deaths, according to the U.S. CDC, which said that the fatality rate for the Bundibugyo strain appeared to be lower than the others. However, there is still no specific treatment or vaccine for the Bundibugyo virus.

Uganda has also had several Ebola outbreaks.

1976: The first known outbreaks

The first known outbreak of Ebola occurred 50 years ago in towns in what was then Sudan and now part of South Sudan. Scientists believe it originated in a cotton factory where workers had contact with bats in warehouses, though the source has not been confirmed. It was caused by what later became known as the Sudan virus.

At least 151 people died and 284 cases were reported, many after sick people were taken to hospitals and spread the disease to health workers and others while it was still unknown, according to later studies.

An outbreak months later in northern Congo — which was then called Zaire — had 280 deaths and an extremely high fatality rate and first led scientists to identify the Ebola virus. That outbreak started in a remote village near the Ebola River, which the disease was named after.

The first known Ebola infection outside Africa occurred the same year when a British laboratory technician accidentally pricked himself with a needle while studying samples. He recovered.

Very few cases have been recorded outside Africa since Ebola was identified.

Under the leadership of District Director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio, the district implemented measures aimed at improving internal support systems while reinforcing its role in community policing.

During the week, the QCPD Medical and Dental Unit served 309 beneficiaries, including police personnel, dependents, civilians, and persons under police custody.

Services included medical consultations, treatment, dental care, chest X-ray examinations, and regular health monitoring of detainees.

The unit also conducted pre-medical evaluations for personnel scheduled to undergo the Physical Fitness Test for June and deployed a medical team to support operations under Ligtas SUMVAC 2026 along C.P. Garcia Avenue in Diliman.

In recognition of service and performance, the QCPD awarded 680 personnel and issued a total of 10,512 commendations, citing dedication, discipline, and commitment to public service.

Community engagement remained a key focus, with 218 activities conducted across various barangays in Quezon City to strengthen cooperation between police and residents in maintaining peace and order.

To support operational readiness, the district also facilitated the repair and maintenance of 22 service vehicles, improving the mobility and response capabilities of its units.

Meanwhile, the QCPD Damayan Program extended P70,000 in burial, medical, and calamity assistance to five personnel, providing support during times of need.

“These accomplishments reflect the QCPD’s commitment not only to maintaining peace and order but also to ensuring the welfare, readiness, and morale of our personnel while strengthening our partnership with the community,” Silvio said.

In a statement, DOH assured the public that the Philippines remains free of the Bundibugyo virus and that health authorities are on alert amid global monitoring efforts.

“We have been notified through the International Health Regulations (IHR) channels, and are in active coordination with the WHO,” said DOH Undersecretary and spokesperson Albert Domingo.

DOH noted that while Ebola outbreaks have historically occurred mostly in Western and Central Africa, previous Ebola-related incidents recorded in the Philippines in 1989, 1996, and 2008 involved the Reston virus strain, which does not cause illness in humans.

The health department also recalled the 2014 West Africa Ebola epidemic, considered the largest in history, which recorded nearly 29,000 cases and a fatality rate of around 40 percent linked to the Zaire strain of the virus.

During that outbreak, Filipino United Nations peacekeepers returning from Liberia underwent a 21-day quarantine under the DOH Bureau of Quarantine.

“The virus did not spread and no one died of it in the Philippines,” the DOH said.

The WHO over the weekend declared the Bundibugyo outbreak a PHEIC, although WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus clarified that the situation does not meet the criteria for a “pandemic emergency” under the International Health Regulations.

Tedros warned that the outbreak response is being complicated by “ongoing insecurity, humanitarian crisis, high population mobility, the urban or semi-urban nature of the current hotspot and the large network of informal healthcare facilities.”

He also emphasized the need for “international coordination and cooperation to understand the extent of the outbreak, to coordinate surveillance, prevention and response efforts, to scale up and strengthen operations and ensure ability to implement control measures.”

Domingo said WHO guidance for countries such as the Philippines, which has no recorded Bundibugyo cases and shares no land borders with affected nations, is focused on ensuring the public receives accurate and reliable information about the outbreak and preventive measures.

“The DOH is always ready and on alert,” he said.

Francis Erl Jud Abundo and Kathleya Elaine Bustamante saved the day for hometown bets with a gold each, capping a prolific outing for country at the close of the Karate One-Youth League presented by the Philippine Sports Commission at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Sunday, May 17.

A day before celebrating his 13th birthday, the diminutive Abundo was like a  whirling dervish in overwhelming Brunei's  Azlee Khairi bin Wan Zuraimi 7-0 to rule the under-14 male kumite -40-kilogram class in the meet sanctioned by the World Karate Federation and organized by the Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation, Inc.

After three fruitless days of hostilities, Bustamante actually  finally scored the golden breakthrough  that the Filipinos desperately needed in building an early 2-0 lead then held off Australian Ana Jovic 6-2 in clinching the under-14 kumite female -47kg class.

Dean Caleb Montalbo and Alexa Rae Vallesteros added a silver each in settling for runner-up honors in the under-14 male and female divisions of kata of the meet also backed by the SM Group of Companies, Lanson's Place and Milo.

Displaying a lot of verve and dynamism in his routine, Montalbo narrowly lost 2-3  to Saudi's Moayad Alqahtani while Vallesteros was no match for the poise and precision of Japanese Kyoka Okamoto, who took the mint with a 5-0 win.

Ashana Geanne Sabote delivered the country's first medal, a bronze, nipping Niela Aieza Albano 2-1 in the repechage round in the  kumite female -42kg class,  then Kaylani Vergara outplayed Serbia's Andrea Nikolic 4-1 for the second  bronze.

Overall, the Philippines garnered two golds, two silvers and two bronze medals to wrap its fruitful campaign in the tournament also backed by Citadines Bay City Manila that drew nearly 800 karatekas from 58 countries.

"Akala ko magiging close fight siya dahil finals," Abundo, a Grade 7 student at the Agustinian Abbey School of Las Pinas, said.

"Triny ko po mag-attack pero hindi siya nag-counter kaya't sinabaya ako ng sipa at suntok, at hayun nanalo ako," added the karateka, who began at the ripe of age of five but stopped for two years due to the  pandemic, calmly.

He road to the gold was made easier after upending WKF-1's Nikita Komarov 7-3 i the semifinals by consistently connecting with body blows.

On the other hand, Bustamante was teary-eyed over her victory, declaring "this victory feels so good because this I have never had this before. This was a totally a surprise for me.

"I am very happy that I reached my best to reach this."

A Grade 7 student at the Notre Dame University in General Santo City, Bustamante said she hoped to continue her success in the Palarong Pambansa opening on May 24 in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur where karate will be a demonstration sport.

The screening is in collaboration with the Department of Health under the “Workplace Mentoring Session for Cervical Cancer Screening Implementation.” It will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Barangay San Antonio Multipurpose Hall.

Free services available during the activity include cervical cancer screening, breast cancer screening, counseling services, and patient navigation services for women aged 35 to 60.

The city government encouraged female residents to participate and take advantage of the free services, noting that early screening remains a vital step in saving lives and ensuring long-term wellness.

It added that the screening is on a first-come, first-served basis, with around 130 clients to be accommodated and no requirements needed.

A fisherman, Edward Diaz, posted a video on social media showing assorted dead fish on Friday, May 15.

Municipal agriculturist Franco Bondeci said that BFAR will collect samples to determine what caused the incident.

People were reminded not to consume or sell these fish while test results have not been released.

Police Col. Romulo Albacea, Quezon Police Provincial Office (QPPO) director, said that Joven, 52, turned over the contraband weighing 6.5 kilograms recovered last February on Saturday, May 16.

The Quezon Provincial Forensic Unit will conduct further examination on the recovered substance.

Albacea urged the people to continue supporting the campaign against illegal drugs.

Calling it a "blatant disrespect" to journalists who risk their lives daily for meager benefits and no safety guarantees, Senator Erwin Tulfo on Sunday, May 17 renewed his push for the passage of the Media Workers’ Magna Carta in light of the recent shooting incident at the Senate.

The broadcaster-turned-lawmaker pointed to the ordeal experienced by reporters covering the Senate on May 13, the evening when violence broke out within the premises.

“The journalists play a crucial role in revealing the truth about what happened during the shootout. Who did fire first?” Tulfo said in a radio interview.

“The authorities present at the scene should have allowed the reporters, cameramen, to cover the premises,” he stressed.

The video footage taken by the media personnel would then serve as proof if the security, the law enforcement, really followed the protocol.

“At the same time, it is also to protect them because when so-called perpetrators find out that there’s media presence, they will think twice before firing their guns,” he added.

Tulfo also noted that the media personnel caught in the crossfire primarily cover the Senate beat and are not trained for police or combat reporting.

“For instance, the Senate media are not accustomed to these kinds of shootouts. Certainly, it traumatized them—we even heard some reporters crying while doing their live commentary. That’s how endangered they were at the moment,” he further said.

Tulfo said the incident is a reminder of the urgency of passing Senate Bill No. 249, or the “Magna Carta for Workers in the Media and News Industry Act,” one of his top 20 priority measures.

He said the bill seeks to standardize minimum compensation, overtime and night shift differential pay, security of tenure, hazard allowance, and insurance benefits, among others for media workers.

The measure, he said, not only seeks to improve journalists’ economic well-being, but also affirms their dignity and rights as they stand on the frontlines to hold the line for press freedom.

“The May 13 incident in the Senate which threatened the safety of Filipino reporters is only one of the daily struggles they face. Let us give them the compensation and support that they are entitled to,” he emphasized.

ROME (AP) — The researchers in Ireland looked at their computer screen, marveling at a medieval book tracked down in a Roman library. They flipped through its digitized pages and found their sought-after treasure: the oldest surviving English poem.

“We were extremely surprised. We were speechless. We couldn’t believe our eyes when we first saw that,” Elisabetta Magnanti, a visiting research fellow at Trinity College Dublin's school of English, told The Associated Press.

What's more, she said, the poem was within the main body of Latin text: "It was extraordinary.”

Composed in Old English by a Northumbrian agricultural worker in the 7th century, "Caedmon’s Hymn" appears within some copies of the “Ecclesiastical History of the English People,” written in Latin by a monk and saint known as the Venerable Bede. His history is one of the most widely reproduced texts from the Middle Ages, with almost 200 manuscripts, according to Magnanti's colleague Mark Faulkner, an associate professor of medieval literature at Trinity.

He considers Caedmon’s poem to be the start of English literature.

The manuscript he and Magnanti found is one of the oldest, dating from the 9th century. Two earlier copies contain the poem in Old English, but as afterthoughts — translated from Latin and scrawled into the margin by later scribes or appended but not within the text's main body, according to the researchers.

The discovery sheds light on the English language's wide diffusion, long before what was previously understood, Faulkner said in Rome, where the duo had traveled to view the text in person for the first time.

“Prior to the discovery of the Rome manuscript, the earliest one was from the early 12th century. So this is three centuries earlier than that. And so it attests to the importance that was already being attached to the English in the early 9th century,” Faulkner said.

And it's something of a miracle they uncovered it at all.

The book had a long and twisted provenance

Caedmon is said to have composed the poem while working at Whitby Abbey in North Yorkshire, after guests at a feast began reciting poems, Faulkner said.

“Embarrassed that he didn’t know anything suitable, Caedmon left the feast and went to bed," he said. "A figure then appeared to him in his dreams telling him to sing about creation, which Caedmon miraculously did, producing the nine-line hymn."

Some 1,400 years later, this copy of his poem resurfaced in Rome’s main public library — but not before crossing the Atlantic Ocean at least twice and changing hands even more times.

Monks transcribed this copy of Bede's history in the scriptorium of the Benedictine abbey of Nonantola, one of the most important transcription centers during the Middle Ages, located near modern-day Modena in northern Italy, according to Valentina Longo, curator of medieval and modern manuscripts at Rome's National Central Library.

In the 17th century, as the abbey's importance declined, its vast collection of manuscripts was shifted to another abbey in Rome, then moved to the Vatican and finally on to a small church.

Along the way, some of the texts went missing, only to emerge in the early 19th century in the possession of famous international collectors, Longo said.

This copy of Bede's history went to renowned English antiquarian Thomas Phillipps. He fell on hard times, selling off bits and pieces of his collection, and Swiss bibliophile Martin Bodmer secured the book. From there, somehow, it arrived in New York City, in the trove of Austrian-born rare bookseller H.P. Kraus during the 20th century.

Italy's culture ministry was scouring the world for the Nonantola abbey's missing manuscripts, snapping them up in auctions and from collectors around the world. It bought the copy of Bede's history from Kraus in 1972, Longo said, and since then the illustrious text has remained in Rome's library — but received scant notice.

Enter Magnanti, who had spent over four years studying Bede’s history and was compiling a catalog of extant copies.

“I knew that the book was listed in the library’s catalog, so I was almost certain that the book was, in fact, still here," she said. “I realized that, because of the very complex history of this book, no big scholar had really looked at it. So it had been virtually unstudied."

She emailed the library, which confirmed the book was in its stacks. Three months later, she received digital images of the entire manuscript.

The text of the poem (translated from old English)

Now we must praise the guardian of the heavenly kingdom,

the might of the creator and his intention,

the work of the father of glory, in that he of each wonder,

eternal lord, established the beginning.

He first created the earth for men,

heaven as a roof, the holy creator,

then the middle earth, the guardian of mankind,

the eternal lord, afterwards created

for men on earth, the almighty lord.

The library is making more rare books available

The library has digitized the entire Nonantolan collection and it is freely accessible through the website, Longo said.

It's part of a massive project by the library to make thousands of rare books and manuscripts available to researchers around the world, according to Andrea Cappa, the library's head of manuscripts and the rare books reading room.

“The discovery made by the experts of Trinity College is just one starting point, a single manuscript that might pave the way for countless other discoveries, in countless other fields, through international cooperation like this,” Cappa said.

Wagyu, a premium Japanese beef known for its tenderness, flavor, and high marbling, is the focus of the “1-M Wagyu Crusade,” an agricultural campaign aimed at expanding local cattle production.

Former Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol presented the initiative before cattle industry stakeholders during the Davao Wagyu and Sorghum Forum on Friday, May 15.

Piñol emphasized that this is a sustainable approach to addressing the country’s rising food demand through integrated farming and livestock production.

He said beef production offers several advantages over pork and poultry, citing lower biosecurity risks, reduced dependence on commercial feeds, and greater protection from the effects of import competition.

The program will begin with 1,200 breeder cattle at Great Arch Farm and aims to expand the population to one million Wagyu cattle by 2027. The long-term target is to reach 10 million heads by 2037.

According to Piñol, the initiative follows a three-pronged strategy that includes cultivating sorghum and soybeans for quality feed production, processing feeds such as grains, silage, and full-fat soy, and expanding livestock production for poultry, aquaculture, and high-value cattle such as Wagyu.

He added that campaign projections estimate that forage harvesting could generate about P31 billion in annual income for farmers, while silage processing may create around 250,000 rural jobs.

"The initiative also projects P400 billion in annual earnings from producing 200 million kilos of Wagyu beef," Piñol said.

Piñol said Wagyu cattle provide higher returns compared with conventional cattle while requiring similar levels of labor and resources.

He added that the breed offers strong export potential and could provide higher-quality meat for local consumers.

Piñol said increasing Wagyu production could help transform the Philippines into a major global supplier of premium beef while creating economic opportunities for rural communities.

"The initiative also aims to reduce the country’s dependence on imported meat products, stabilize domestic food supply, and help Filipino farmers enter higher-value livestock markets," he said.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that as of 2025, the country’s cattle inventory stood at around 2.6 million heads.

Statistics said about 82 to 83 percent of the total was raised by smallholder or backyard farmers, while the remaining livestock came from semi-commercial and commercial farms.

“Attention, lalo na sa mga taga-Centennial 2 Pinagbuhatan: Wala pong programa ang Pasig City Hall tungkol sa cryptocurrency o crypto wallet (Attention, especially to residents of Centennial 2, Pinagbuhatan: The Pasig City Hall has no program on cryptocurrency or crypto wallets),” Sotto said.

“Meron daw pong pumwesto dun kanina, kinukuha ang personal details at mabibigay daw ng crypto coins. May nagpakilala bilang staff ng LGU (There were reports that individuals were present in the area earlier, collecting personal details and promising crypto coins. They allegedly posed as LGU staff),” the mayor added.

He urged the public that if they do not fully understand something, or if a company is not established or lacks proper documents, they should not participate, invest, or provide any personal information.

Sotto said scammers will not run out of ideas, noting that there are various kinds of schemes that people can carry out, including online fraud, cryptocurrency-related schemes, pyramid schemes, and many others.

“Hindi sila mauubusan ng ideya. Pero wala silang maloloko kung hindi tayo magbibigay ng pera o impormasyon natin sa kanila (They will not run out of ideas, but they will not be able to deceive anyone if we do not give them money or our personal information),” he emphasized.

The mayor also advised the public to report any information regarding these individuals to the Pasig City Public Information Office or the nearest police stations.

Nartatez said they already launched separate verification measures to determine whether or not any unauthorized police assistance took place as claimed by some groups and personalities.

“Let me be absolutely clear: the Philippine National Police does not operate on blind because the integrity of our institution is at stake,” said Nartatez.

Reports have been circulating on social media that a police car escorted a black sports utility vehicle (SUV) allegedly driven by Sen. Robin Padilla, with Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on board.

The incident was claimed to be the end goal of what critics and netizens claimed to be a staged gunfire incident at the Senate.

Pasay City Police chief, Police Colonel Joselito de Sesto earlier confirmed he was inside the white police vehicle seen in a viral video leaving the Senate at around 3 a.m. on May 14 alongside a black van that exited the Senate compound in Pasay City.

However, he denied providing any escort or logistical support to the black van, which was suspected of carrying Dela Rosa, who had been holding out under protective custody within the Senate premises before his departure.

Nartatez said investigators have been instructed to secure deployment logs, dispatch records, mobility records, duty rosters, and available body camera footage from units assigned around the Senate complex and nearby areas on May 14.

“While we have received the initial clarification from the Pasay City Police Chief, I have already directed concerned investigative units to conduct an independent review of the logbooks, CCTV feeds, and radio dispatches from that morning,” said Nartatez.

“If the investigation reveals that there was any unauthorized coordination, false reporting, or logistical support given to evade legal processes, those involved will face the full brunt of administrative and criminal sanctions,” he added.

Nartatez also denied any authorization from Camp Crame for covert assistance or special movement operations, addressing allegations that national police leadership may have known about Dela Rosa’s supposed departure plans.

“Our deployment in the area was strictly confined to public safety, crowd control, and managing the perimeter following the highly volatile shooting incident that occurred hours prior. The PNP remains a highly professional, apolitical organization loyal to the Constitution and the rule of law,” Nartatez said.

“We do not participate in clandestine escorts or partisan maneuvers. If any individual unit or officer acted outside of our official mandates to facilitate a departure under the guise of regular deployment, they did so entirely on their own accord,” he added.

The Senate complex had remained under heavy security following the volatile situation that drew police presence from Pasay City Police and the National Capital Region Police Office.

Senator Erwin Tulfo said he has no knowledge whether there are really fresh efforts to oust the new Senate leader, saying he only heard about it from recent news reports of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano saying members of the minority are actively moving to effect another coup.

“Ngayon, wala akong idea kuna may kudeta ba. Nababasa ko lang sinasabi ni Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano na may ilang majority na nakausap ng ilang minority (I have no idea if there would really be a coup. I only read it reports quoting Sen. Alan Cayetano saying there are some members of the majority being wooed by the minority),” Tulfo said in a DZBB interview.

Nevertheless, Tulfo said he has no reason to join calls for Cayetano to resign, saying the man should be given a chance to prove himself.

“Ngayon ko pa lang makakasama si Sen. Alan Cayetano. In fairness, hindi ko pa nakakasama yan sa Congress or sa Senate. Tapos tatlong araw pa lang siya nagiging SP, wala pa talagang nagagawa. Unfair naman yun sabihin na palitan na si Sen. Alan Cayetano. (This is the first time I will work with Sen. Cayetano. In fairness, I haven’t encountered him in Congress or in Senate. And it’s only been three days since he became Senate president. So he has not done anything. It’s unfair to call for Cayetano to be replaced). So I guess I’ll just keep to my self yung observations ko,” Tulfo said.

“Pero kung ako talaga tatanungin, siguro bigyan muna natin ng pagkakataon na makita natin kung talagang bagay siya dyan or karapat-dapat siya dyan (Maybe we should just give him the chance to prove if he is really worthy to stay on),” he pointed out.

Neither, Sen. Raffy Tulfo is aware of any possible Senate leadership change, he said.

“Walang nagpapa-pirma sa akin (No one is asking me to sign anything). I can speak for myself. Wala akong pinipirmahan. Baka mamayang gabi. I don’t know. Or bukas ng umaga (I haven’t signed anything. Maybe tonight, I don’t know. Or tomorrow morning),” he reiterated.

Brig. Gen. Jason Jumawan, commander of 302nd Infantry Brigade (IBde), identified the slain rebels as Rolando Dantes, Jobert Casipong, Gilbert Tingson, Alex Languita, and Vince Francis Dingding.

Jumawan said that Dantes was an alleged notorious hitman and commander of the dismantled South West Front (SWF-D) reportedly responsible for the liquidation of civilians in Cauayan, Kabankalan City, and Sipalay City in Negros Occidental.

He added that Dantes, based on police records, had multiple arrest warrants for murder and multiple murder.

Jumawan said that Dantes was behind the killing of a barangay official in Cauayan and an elderly woman in Kabankalan City last year.

He said that Dingding was an alleged political instructor of the group.

Jumawan said the bodies of the slain rebels have yet to be claimed by their families.

Aside from the five fatalities, Jumawan said that another rebel was severely wounded and recuperating in a hospital. Jumawan said he identified some of the fatalities.

Jumawan said the wounded rebel was administered first aid by troops and transported to a hospital.

The encounter occurred in Barangay Poblacion, Cauayan at 5 p.m. while troopers were pursuing remnants of the SWF from the initial firefight that transpired at 5:30 a.m. in Barangay Abaca.

Jumawan said the late afternoon firefight lasted for about 30 minutes and despite being told to surrender, the communist rebels allegedly continued firing at soldiers.

“It is unfortunate that fellow Filipinos have died, but our mission is to protect the communities from the threat,” he added.

Jumawan said the incident showed the dwindling support of the people to the NPA since they reported their presence in the area. “They are tired to be scared,” he added.

He said the incident will weaken the group and urged remaining communist rebels to surrender.

“It’s okay to protest, to make their issues known, but don’t carry firearms and use it against the government and the people. Mali po iyon (that is wrong),” Jumawan said.

Meanwhile, the series of clashes displaced 64 families or 168 individuals in Barangays Abaca and Poblacion.

Jumawan said the local government has extended assistance to affected families who underwent stress debriefing and awareness campaign.

He said that some families returned home on Sunday, May 17, after these areas were cleared by authorities.

Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento confirmed the release of the funds on Sunday, May 17, stressing that the initiative aims to sustain peace gains in conflict-vulnerable communities by providing seed capital for enterprise development.

"The OPAPRU was able to deliver its socio-economic commitments under our Transformation Program framework in key provinces in Mindanao, specifically in Region 12, as several former rebel people’s organizations received seed capital as livelihood assistance," Sarmiento said.

The OPAPRU and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office in Soccsksargen (DSWD-12) distributed the funds during the second week of May as they partnered with local provincial government units to award checks and certificates of accreditation to qualified PAMANA Livelihood Program Associations (PLPAs).

According to Sarmiento, the P11.7 million fund benefits 39 organizations across South Cotabato, Sarangani, Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat. These groups comprise former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Sarmiento said the OPAPRU profiled and validated the associations before the release of the money. The funding for the projects came from the OPAPRU’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program National Project Management Office while the agency's CPP-NPA-NDF Peace Process Office endorsed the list of eligible beneficiaries.

"This livelihood assistance presents a very good opportunity to strengthen and sustain peace gains in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas, and support the successful transformation of former rebels into their communities in Region 12," Sarmiento noted.

Aid for ex-rebels

According to OPAPRU, the enterprise types vary by province based on local economic needs.

For example, Cotabato Province focuses on agricultural supplies, rice retailing, mini-groceries, and frozen meat production while Sarangani implements projects ranging from goat raising and general merchandise to rice wholesale operations.

Meanwhile, South Cotabato beneficiaries chose swine fattening, rice retailing, and agri-vet stores; and Sultan Kudarat recorded the highest number of projects as its communities established coffee processing plants, chair-and-table rentals, and mixed agri-commercial enterprises in municipalities like Kalamansig, Palimbang, Lebak, Esperanza, and Columbio.

The OPAPRU said that the monitoring duties now fall on LCT-FISU Mindanao and DSWD 12 as they were tasked to track the exact economic progress of the 39 initial FR-led POs that received P300,000 each.

Lawyer Elisa Evangelista-Lapina, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Executive Director for Local Conflict Transformation, leads the tracking initiative.

“By shifting from an ‘input-based’ model to one that measures the actual growth of human capital within these 39 FR-led associations, the government is building the resilience of communities against conflict and the recovery efforts of the communist group,” Evangelista said.

Early program implementations include the Tamayao Kasbakas PAMANA Livelihood Program Association in Sarangani and the MIPAFA in Cotabato. These groups utilized their PAMANA and Peace and Development – Buong Bansa Mapayapa (PDBBM) allocations to build portable gasoline stations, general stores, and shared farming facilities.

Peace strategy

Sarmiento explained that the strategy operates without a formal national peace agreement with the CPP-NPA-NDF. The Transformation Program fills this gap by utilizing Conflict-Sensitive and Peace-Promoting (CSSP) approaches, which addresses grassroots issues through four pillars: Security, Confidence Building, Healing and Reconciliation, and Socio-Economic Intervention.

"This localized strategy ensures that the transition from conflict to civilian life is not merely a surrender, but a holistic evolution supported by the provincial government to address the root causes of insurgency at the grassroots level," Sarmiento said.

The security pillar ensures physical protection; confidence-building restores trust in the state; healing and reconciliation repair community relationships; and socio-economic intervention delivers livelihood stability.

Sarmiento stressed that these pillars rely on a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach.

"Under the guidance of President Marcos, Jr., our goal is not merely putting an end to armed conflict but the cultivation of a lasting, positive peace. By bringing the government closer to the people through the Transformation Program, we are proving that good things happen to those who walk the path of peace," the peace adviser said.