Thursday, March 26, 2026
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Foiled Senate Coup Meant To Save Sara

Tracy Cabrera
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Foiled Senate Coup Meant To Save Sara

THE FOILED BID to dethrone Senator Vicente Sotto III as Senate President would have saved Vice President Sara Duterte from an imminent ouster via impeachment, says former Senator Franklin Drilon.

Drilon made a categorical claim that there won’t be an impeachment trial had the minority succeeded in “installing” Senator Loren Legarda as Sotto’s replacement. According to reports, Legarda agreed Sotto’s offer.

By the majority members’ own admission, Legarda would assume the Senate Presidency before the 2028 election.

According to Drilon, who served as Senate President for an unprecedented four terms, the power struggle at the Senate looks more like a proxy war with no less than Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. calling the shots.

FEARLESS Forecast

“If Tito Sotto is replaced as Senate President and the new Senate President comes from the minority, the Senate trial will not push through. Based on what we’ve seen in the past few months, the impeachment proceedings in the Senate did not continue,” the former Senate President was quoted as saying during a radio interview. 

“That, in my view, is what will happen if Senator Sotto is replaced by somebody from the camp of Duterte which is in the minority,” he added.

“Now, if Tito Sotto remains as Senate President, there’s a chance—assuming the House transmits the complaint to the Senate—that a trial will take place,” Drilon further averred.

NUMBERS MATTER

After the vice president was impeached on a majority vote decision in February last year, the House of Representatives immediately sent the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial. 

However, an overwhelming number of senators voted to archive the impeachment complaint in August after the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional.

Still, Sotto was one of four senators who voted against archiving the complaint, along with Senators Bam Aquino IV, Ana Risa Hontiveros and Francis Pangilinan. 

The remaining nineteen senators voted in favor, including then-Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero, while senator Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson abstained.

PREPARING FOR 2028

Drilon also expressed belief that the ouster moves against Sotto are related to the 2028 elections, predicting that efforts to unseat Sotto would further intensify as the 2028 national elections draw near.

“What do the Duterte-allied senators want? What decision would favor their candidate in 2028? Similarly, on the other side, Sotto and his allies will base their decision on what they perceive as needed for 2028,” Drilon noted. 

Accordingly, most (if not all) of the minority senators are identified with the Vice President and her father — former President Rodrigigo Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague over crimes against humanity related to the blood drug war during his incumbency.

UNMASKING SENATORS

Touted as Duterte allies in the Senate include Senators Ronald Dela Rosa, Robin Padilla, Imee Marcos, Bong Go and Rodante Marcoleta.

Padilla himself has repeatedly stood firm against the efforts to impeach the Vice President, warning it could trigger a change in leadership in the Upper House of Congress. 

In ending Drilon cited that while Sotto claims to still have the support of the majority bloc, the lead over the nine minority senators is miniscule as one of the 15 members of the majority bloc — Pia Cayetano, who happens to be the sister of Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, a Duterte ally. 

“So, assuming Alan is interested in becoming Senate President, Pia would shift to the minority to vote for her brother,” the former Senate President concluded.

DOTr Mulls Runway Upgrade For Airbus

Rose de la Cruz
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DOTr Mulls Runway Upgrade For Airbus

TO BETTER accommodate narrowbody jets like Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, the Department of Transportation will be embarking on a runway upgrade program to bring up to 2,100 meter standard runways except for those with topographical constraints.

Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez said the runway upgrade program is being positioned as a means to ultimately lower air ticket prices as airlines benefit from the scale offered by switching to narrowbodies from the turboprop aircraft that currently serve smaller airports. 

The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines said airports with shorter runways involve higher costs, making service to many domestic destinations challenging.

VISAYAN AIRPORTS

The DOTr has said it is working to expand the runway of Calbayog airport in Samar and is conducting a feasibility study to upgrade Siargao airport.

Together with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the transportation agency likewise hinted at pushing to get key airports night-rated to give passengers the option of more night or early-morning flights, which also have the potential to lower fares. 

Lopez said CAAP and DOTr are also considering the possibility of reducing air travel costs and improving tourism.

Reducing air travel costs to boost tourism involves enhancing airport infrastructure, such as extending runways to 2,100 meters for larger, more efficient aircraft and “night-rating” airports for increased capacity.

CHEAPER AIRFARE 

Governments and airlines are collaborating to lower fares, particularly for top tourist destinations, while addressing high fees. 

Among the key strategies to reduce air travel costs are: infrastructure upgrade (extending runways at regional and provincial airports for larger jets, reducing the cost per seat); night-rated airports for early morning/late night flights, increasing airport capacity; reducing charges like airport fees, gate rentals, landing fees and terminal fees; and encouraging low cost carriers (LCCs) and negotiating with airlines to lower fares on key routes.

IMPROVING TOURISM

Similarly, strategies identified to improve tourism via air travel have been identified:

  • Launching more domestic and international flights, especially to tourist spots like Siargao for increased accessibility
  • Addressing high hotel rates, food costs, and poor connectivity alongside airfares is crucial for a complete tourism experience
  • Using data on booking trends, seasonality, and traveller behavior helps in managing and sustaining route development
  • Identifying high-spending, long-stay tourists and creating specialized, lower-cost packages. 

These initiatives aim to make domestic travel more affordable, countering the trend where regional flights are expensive and boosting overall tourism. 

EMULATING NEIGHBORS

Because of the dismal performance of the tourism sector in the past years compared to winners in the ASEAN and Asian neighbors, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco hinted at pushing for stronger regulation and greater transparency in airline pricing as rising airfares threaten to curb domestic travel despite record-high tourism demand nationwide.

Frasco during a Senate Committee on Tourism hearing last Tuesday urged regulators to keep air travel affordable and accessible to Filipinos. 

Such clear and transparent publication of just and reasonable airfare rates is required by law, she stressed.

CAB GETS THE BLAME

She also pushed for closer scrutiny by the CAB to address growing public concern over escalating ticket prices. She said as holders of public franchises, airlines are bound to balance commercial interests with public service.

She cited Republic Act No. 11682, which places airline operations under government regulation to ensure fair and transparent pricing.

“We are one with the Filipino public in calling for a comprehensive approach towards managing ticket prices, improving infrastructure, and enhancing accessibility overall,” Frasco said.

ECONOMIC BACKBONE

Domestic tourism remains a backbone of the Philippine economy.

More than 134 million local trips were recorded in 2024, valued at over $70 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and marking the highest domestic tourism share in Southeast Asia, reported the Manila Bulletin.

Despite the surge, senators and industry stakeholders warned that persistent accessibility challenges—particularly high airfares—could undermine the sustainability of domestic travel, especially to island and regional destinations.

Senate Committee on Tourism chair Sen. JV Ejercito said expensive airfares often reflect inadequate facilities and neglected infrastructure.

Ejercito called for a long-term development plan to ensure airports, seaports, and transport hubs meet global standards beyond political cycles.

AIRPORT FEES, TAXES

Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) Rep. Jose Enriquez Perez de Tagle cited higher airport fees, taxes, and routing limitations as factors driving up ticket prices.

He added that restricted runway capacity at several domestic airports limits aircraft size and flight frequency.

Destinations such as Siargao, Palawan, and Basco remain largely dependent on turboprop aircraft, which constrains seat supply and pushes fares higher.

MULTI-AGENCY WORK

The DOT continues to coordinate with the CAB, Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), he said.

The effort aims to align regulation, infrastructure development, and consumer protection.

Frasco said the DOT has requested the CAB to present a monthly airline ticket pricing index to enhance transparency. The index could prevent sudden market shocks and allow regulators to explore possible fare ceilings.

“Without strict implementation and without revisiting airline deregulation, it is very difficult for the DOT to manage a matter that is simply not within its mandate,” Frasco said.

MORE INT’L FLIGHTS

Frasco said that in 2025 alone, the DOT supported the launch of 23 new international flights linking major gateways such as Manila, Cebu, Clark, Iloilo, and Kalibo to overseas cities.

She said affordable domestic connectivity is crucial in dispersing tourists nationwide and maximizing the impact of international arrivals.

Sen. Loren Legarda stressed that airfare, infrastructure, and security issues require a whole-of-government approach. She added that the DOT cannot address these challenges on its own.

“They are not the ones who allocate budgets or build airports—this is why we need to support them,” Legarda said, warning that high travel costs and negative perceptions could discourage visits even to the country’s top destinations.

AI Against Automated Cyber Attacks

Rose de la Cruz
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AI Against Automated Cyber Attacks

CROWDSTRIKE, a US cyber defense company, asked Philippine companies to secure systems with the aid of artificial intelligence as online attacks have become increasingly automated, leading to faster breaches. 

“As adversaries weaponize AI to accelerate their attacks and scale their operations, AI-powered defenses help organizations to level the playing field and shift from reactive response to proactive threat disruption,” Fabio Fratucello, field chief technology officer worldwide at CrowdStrike, told Business World in an e-mail.

Companies must use agentic security capabilities that can act across identity, endpoint, and cloud domains in real-time, he said.

“Organizations should consider adopting an agentic security platform that enables security teams to command and orchestrate these capabilities across the security lifecycle, connecting context and data, so agents can reason and act dynamically together in real time, and always under human control.”

Such a mechanism, he added, would allow them to move beyond assisted workflows to autonomous security operations.

Fratucello said attackers have been injecting hidden instructions into generative AI tools to hijack agents, manipulate outcomes, and access sensitive data. 

“The weaponization of AI by adversaries has accelerated attack timelines, with what once took days now taking hours or minutes, collapsing the window for defenders to respond,” Fratucello said.

IDENTITY MONITORING

He also suggested that Philippine companies should also adopt zero-trust security principles and continuous identity monitoring, as more attackers focus on login attempts to kickstart their attacks.

Fratucello stressed the need for authentication measures with phishing-resistant multi-factor solutions. Companies should implement strong access policies, like just-in-time access and eliminating standing privileges.

Employees should also be educated to recognize social engineering, phishing, and voice phishing threats.

CLOUD INTRUSIONS

Cloud intrusions, or an attacker’s illegal access to an organization’s cloud computing system, jumped by 136% globally in the first half of 2025 compared to end-2024, according to the 2025 CrowdStrike Threat Hunting Report.

About 40% of these attacks were attributed to China-linked adversaries, and eCrime actors were responsible for 73% of interactive intrusions, it said.

“These threats are proliferating on a global scale, and we expect them to accelerate in 2026,” Fratucello said.

TARGETING BANKS 

Meanwhile, CrowdStrike’s 2025 Asia-Pacific & Japan eCrime Landscape Report showed that an eCrime actor has been targeting Philippine banks and foreign exchange services.

These attackers allegedly “leverage financial transaction-themed phishing lures to deliver remote access tools and commodity malware payloads,” Mr. Fratucello said.

Targeted Tax Perks, Not Loans, Avert Recession

Rose de la Cruz
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Targeted Tax Perks, Not Loans, Avert Recession

THE CONGRESSIONAL Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD), the House’s think tank, recommended that government must boost industrial output through targeted tax incentives, rather than more borrowings, to allow the private sector to drive economic activity and support a slowing economy that show signs of a ‘growth recession’ last year.

It noted that job data pointed to a recession based on an economic indicator that flags a looming slowdown when the three‑month average unemployment rate climbs half-a-percentage point above its past-year low, Business World reported.

“The burgeoning unemployment problem is likely related to the demonstrably hamstrung industrial sector,” the 24-page report, authored by David Joseph Emmanuel Barua Yap, Jr., Ma. Kristina P. Ortiz and Krishna Margaret U. Mirida, said.

ECONOMIC INDICATOR

The think tank said employment data breached the Sahm rule for five months from July to November 2025, while seasonally adjusted job figures from 2023 to 2025 showed the threshold was crossed for nine months from February to October 2025.

The Sahm Rule is an economic indicator for recessions, developed by economist Claudia Sahm. 

It triggers a signal when the three-month moving average of the national unemployment rate rises by 0.5 percentage points or more above its lowest point in the preceding 12 months, indicating a likely recession. 

It’s a timely, data-driven rule used by policymakers to assess economic health in real-time, relying on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.  

GROWTH RECESSION

A growth recession occurs when an economy grows at a rate below its potential, failing to create enough jobs to keep up with labor force growth, leading to rising unemployment despite positive GDP expansion. It is characterized by a weak, sluggish economy that feels like a recession, with GDP growth typically in the 0–2% range rather than an outright contraction. 

Seasonally adjusted job data from 2021 to 2025 showed that the Sahm rule was breached only in November 2025, it added, Business World explained.

“All outcomes indicate substantial labor market stress, with employment contracting by 1.76 million workers on average during Sahm — signal months in which the labor force declined or stagnated, and youth unemployment peaking at 3.2 percentage points year on year,” the CPBRD said.

“Viewed in conjunction with the appreciable slowdown of the Philippine economy in the third quarter, evidence suggests that the Philippines entered a ‘growth recession’ in the latter half of 2025,” it added, referring to the revised 3.9% gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the third quarter.

EMPLOYMENT FACTOR

While a formal recession is defined as two consecutive quarters of contraction, recent economic data have raised concerns over a “growth recession,” where GDP growth remains positive amid rising unemployment and underemployment.

Philippine GDP grew by 4.4% in 2025, slowing from 5.7% in 2024, and below the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s 5.5%-6.5% goal. In the fourth quarter, GDP expanded by a weaker-than-expected 3% in a period usually buoyed by holiday spending.

Unemployment rose to 4.4% year on year in November despite the holiday hiring season, translating to 2.25 million jobless Filipinos, defying the usual trend of job gains during the period.

“The numbers constitute evidence that the Philippines may have been in a recession for most of 2025,” the CPBRD said.

AVERTING RECESSION

The findings underscore mounting pressure on the government to push through reforms aimed at averting a full-blown recession, which may see the country in deep poverty.

To avoid a full-blown recession, policymakers should boost industrial activity by cutting tax and regulatory burdens, while continuing the state’s fiscal consolidation effort, the CPBRD said.

“Given the established linkages across industrial sector performance, quality employment generation, and income generation, the government is enjoined to pursue policies that would unleash the productive potential of Philippine industries,” it said.

JOB MULTIPLIERS

Targeted tax exemptions, such as rebates or cuts for “high employment multiplier” industries like manufacturing, logistics and energy sectors, should be implemented to boost job creation and support the development of a sustainable industrial base, the think tank said.

“The cumulative burden of regulatory compliance costs and taxes spanning multiple agencies constrains firm productivity, expansion and job generation potential,” CPBRD noted.

Policymakers should also improve zoning by clustering industrial sites through a public infrastructure program in the suburbs, while cutting tariffs on goods that could enhance worker and production productivity to help spur economic growth, it added.

The CPBRD said the government should also establish a “robust dialogue mechanism” between the private sector and policymakers to ensure industrial policy remains responsive to evolving business needs.

WAGE SETTING REVIEWS

There should also be a review of the wage-setting mechanism to ensure the current system remains effective and responsive to the job market, it added.

Policymakers should also rein in spending and avoid stimulus programs, the think tank said, warning that such measures could backfire and worsen the country’s debt position.

“Insisting upon yet another expansion in government spending to accommodate a stimulus program would inevitably lead to higher debt servicing requirements, an even larger debt overhang, and a heightened risk of a default,” it said.

RECORD-HIGH DEBT

The Philippines’ outstanding debt climbed to a record-high P17.71 trillion in 2025, exceeding the projected year-end level of P17.36 trillion by 2% and rising by 10.32% from P16.05 trillion a year earlier, bringing the outstanding debts’ share to GDP to 63.2%. up from 60.7%, the treasury bureau said.

This marks the highest annual debt-to-GDP ratio in two decades, surpassing the 65.7% recorded in 2005. 

It also exceeds the 60% threshold that multilateral lenders consider manageable for developing economies, as well as the government’s end-2025 projection of 61.3% under its updated medium-term fiscal framework.

STIMULUS PROGRAM

“At best, a stimulus program would be exchanging one crisis for another,” the CPBRD said. “At worst, it would compound the ongoing economic slowdown with a debt crisis.”

“Instead, the government is advised to aggressively pursue fiscal consolidation, improve public expenditure efficiency, and prioritize investment over consumption,” it added.

Meanwhile, the slowdown in growth could be largely attributed to the Philippines’ inability to attract investments, coupled with government underspending that has weighed on economic growth.

“This reflects deeper structural constraints such as weak private investment, uneven public spending, governance concerns, and external headwinds that have dampened confidence and productivity,” John Paolo R. Rivera, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, told Business World.

“Industry reforms that strengthen ease of doing business, infrastructure delivery, digitalization, and the overall investment climate are therefore critical.”

IBON’S RECOMMENDATION

IBON Foundation Executive Director Jose Enrique “Sonny” A. Africa said policymakers should look beyond tax breaks to spur industrial activity, stressing the need for broad and ambitious reforms to usher in a golden age of industrial development.

“The government really has to have much more ambition and industrial vision for the country,” he said.

“This includes trade protection, regulation of foreign investment to build domestic capacity, promoting indigenous science and technology, strategic coordination of credit and finance, tax and other fiscal incentives, public investment in infrastructure, and expanding mass purchasing power,” he added.

The government should also look at letting local officials handle industrial development policies, Leonardo A. Lanzona, an economics professor at the Ateneo de Manila University, said.

“In this way, the industrial policy will be more in tune with the needs and resources of their communities,” he added.

EMPLOYMENT DROP

Using the Sahm rule, employment declined by an average of around 1.76 million workers on a month-on-month basis during months in 2025 when recession signals were triggered.

The study said the losses reflected weakening employment conditions rather than a surge in new jobseekers, as labor force participation remained broadly stable, easing slightly to 64.03 percent in 2025 from 64.43 percent in 2024.

“Even in the absence of new labor market entrants, employment conditions were deteriorating, pointing to heightened employment volatility and reduced job security among existing workers, dynamics likely amplified by the growing prevalence of gig and platform-based work, which offers flexibility but lacks the stability and protections of traditional employment,” the think tank was quoted by Business Mirror.

STRUCTURAL WEAKNESS

Young workers were among the most affected, with youth unemployment peaking at 3.2 percentage points year-on-year during the period.

The CPBRD said the labor market deterioration coincided with a broader economic slowdown, citing GDP growth of 4 percent in the third quarter of 2025—well below government targets—as consistent with weakening job creation.

The CPBRD pointed to structural weaknesses across key sectors, particularly the industrial sector, which saw the pace of growth slowing at 0.7 percent in the third quarter of 2025.

It said the slowdown limited the economy’s capacity to generate stable, full-time jobs, pushing displaced workers toward a “highly competitive, saturated, and, for many, less pecuniary rewarding services sector.”

However, the think tank found that services growth was insufficient to offset job losses elsewhere, as the sector posted its lowest growth rate in three years at 5.5 percent in the third quarter.

THE NEED TO FOCUS

It added that the elevated input costs, including logistics and energy expenses, compressed profit margins across industries, while mounting policy uncertainty—linked to the corruption scandal—further weighed on business confidence.

The CPBRD urged policymakers to focus on restoring fiscal space, easing regulatory and tax burdens on small and micro businesses, and reinvigorating industrial development to strengthen the economy’s capacity to generate stable employment.

“In lieu of government mandated price controls, reductions in both the compliance costs and tax burdens of private firms can result not just in the creation of significantly more jobs but also appreciably higher wages,” it added.

Much Hope On New Tax Audit Scheme

Rose de la Cruz
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Much Hope On New Tax Audit Scheme

AT LEAST TWO of the country’s largest business organizations have expressed much hope that the new tax audit scheme of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will attract both local and foreign investments and restore the community’s confidence in government’s financial management in terms of transparency and equitable enforcement of tax regulations.

For one, the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) expects the country to be in a stronger position to attract both local and foreign investment this year because of the  government’s reforms to the audit system.

While the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., the largest and oldest business group, termed the tax audit system as a “game changer.”

In a statement, FINEX said it welcomed the issuance of Revenue Memorandum Order No. 1-2026, which introduced revised policies, controls, and procedures governing tax audits.

“The stated objectives—strengthening audit integrity, preventing misuse of authority, and ensuring due process—address long-standing concerns raised by taxpayers,” the group said.

BIR issued the order to coincide with the resumption of all tax audits and field operations, which were suspended for two months due to potential abuse and irregularities.

FINEX said the changes outlined in the order are a crucial step toward greater transparency and equitable enforcement of tax regulations.

SINGLE INSTANCE AUDIT

The group said one of its most significant reforms is adopting the single-instance audit framework, which prohibits issuing multiple electronic letters of authority (e-LOA) for the same taxpayer and taxable year, the statement said.

By reducing redundant audits, the FINEX said taxpayers can dedicate more time to growing their businesses instead of “constantly monitoring multiple ongoing audit processes.”

Under the RMO, the BIR also rolled out the system-assisted audit selection, which establishes defined criteria and centralized approval process for audit selection, which would address long-standing concerns that audits are concentrated on a limited pool of taxpayers, further ensuring objectivity and integrity in the taxpayer selection process.

FINEX said the government is ushering in a predictable and transparent tax regime through these reforms—a critical driver of investment.

“When tax administration is perceived as arbitrary or negotiable, it raises the cost of doing business and deters long-term capital,” the FINEX explained.

“The reforms introduced by the BIR strengthen investor confidence and help in making the Philippines a more competitive destination for foreign direct investment,” it added.

MORE REFORMS PUSHED

Even then, FINEX said the BIR can still implement additional reforms to address implementation gaps affecting businesses nationwide.

The group said there remains an inconsistency in the application and interpretation of tax rules and memoranda across Revenue District Offices, creating opportunities for irregularities.

“True integrity in tax administration depends on consistent nationwide enforcement, uniform interpretation of tax rules, and accountability at all levels,” it said.

By building a fair and credible tax system, FINEX said the country will attract more investment critical to sustaining inclusive economic growth.

“Both domestic enterprises and foreign investors place a premium on certainty, fairness, and the consistent application of tax laws,” the group said.

LANDMARK CHANGES

The PCCI, in supporting the tax audit reforms, noted that the reforms will help create the stable business environment needed to attract investors.

In a statement, the PCCI said it welcomed the recent issuance of RMO No. 1-2026 and RMC No. 8-2026 as landmark changes to the audit process.

“These landmark issuances lift the suspension on enforcement activities and introduce a modernized audit framework designed to strengthen transparency, predictability, and fairness in tax administration,” the PCCI said.

Under RMC No. 8-2026, the BIR resumed audit and field operations, including electronic letters of authority (e-LOA), mission orders, and tax verification notices, following a two-month suspension.

While suspended, the BIR reviewed audit policies and internal control mechanisms to prevent potential abuse and irregularities.

RMO No. 1-2026 rolled out the BIR’s revised policies, controls, and procedures governing tax audits. Under this order, the BIR is adopting the single-instance audit framework, which PCCI President Ferdinand Ferrer described as “game-changer.”

The single-instance audit framework limits multiple audits for the same taxpayer and year, designed to reduce business disruptions, the BIR explained.

The FINEX has expressed optimism regarding the BIR’s new tax audit reforms, specifically citing the introduction of RMO 1-2026 as a move toward a more predictable, transparent, and fair tax environment

FINEX welcomed the single-instance audit framework, which limits multiple audits for the same taxpayer and year, designed to reduce business disruptions.

However, FINEX warned that uneven enforcement across different Revenue District Offices (RDOs) could still disrupt businesses and harm investor confidence.

The group emphasized the need for consistent, nation-wide, and uniform application of tax rules, along with accountability to prevent irregularities.

FINEX assured it will continue to work closely with the BIR and Department of Finance to monitor the implementation of these new audit procedures. 

The new scheme, which leverages technology and improves audit, follows a period of consultation with business groups like FINEX in refining its audit processes. 

MISSED 2025 TARGET

The BIR missed its 2025 collection target by P127 billion (approximately 3.9 percent short) because of the deliberate suspension of audit activities during a major institutional overhaul amid numerous implementation problems under the old tax audit system.

Among the problems deemed solved by the new BIR leadership includes the following:

  • The proliferation of fraudulent receipts has led to “billions” in lost tax revenues, driving the need for the BIR to re-evaluate its audit strategies
  • Illicit tobacco trade that cost losses in 2023 for the government of an estimated P25.5 billion (US $448.6 million) in tax revenues
  • Audit suspensions arising from mounting complaints regarding irregularities, the BIR suspended audit operations, including the issuance of Letters of Authority (LOA) and Mission Orders (MOs). 

Under the regulations on tax audit, the BIR has fixed such irregularities by removing examiner discretion and imposing a single audit per taxpayer. 

Marcos OKs 5-Year Car Registration Validity

Rose de la Cruz
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Marcos OKs 5-Year Car Registration Validity

PRESIDENT MARCOS has approved the proposal extending car registration, especially for brand new units, from three years to five years in a bid to unclog work load at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) which has been encountering huge backlogs in permits, registrations and licenses — all vital concerns of car owners (new and current).

The LTO is now crafting the guidelines for this but some sectors have expressed apprehension over the deadline set for its implementation. The new scheme’s deadline — February 15.

ONLY FOR NEW CARS

The new guidelines would cover brand-new vehicles whose registrations were processed by authorized dealers upon purchase. These include motorcycles with engine displacements of 200 cc and up.

According to Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, the move will render car ownership “hassle-free,” citing that car manufacturers and distributors who have been offering longer standard warranties as the reason why the DOTr recalibrated its policy.

“Kumbaga nag-level up itong mga casa, magle-level up din tayo sa mga polisiya natin. But more than that, [dahil sa extension ng validity] maiiwasan natin yung mahabang pila sa LTO sa mga magre-renew na naman, tapos may issue rin ng fixers at corruption, at again, [priority natin] ‘yung convenience ng public,” carguide.ph quoted Lopez.

INITIAL REGISTRATION

Lopez clarified that after the five-year validity of the initial registration; renewals will be done annually on the sixth year onwards. Roadworthiness checks are also required from the fourth year onwards, he explained.

The DOTr chief said he would also put undue pressure on car manufacturers, distributors, and dealers to shoulder the new “hassle-free” policy. Lopez called on members of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) to make the policy free for all new cars sold.

“I think 80 to 90 percent ng car dealers, nagbibigay sila ng free registration as come-on. Makikiusap ako sa CAMPI na baka pwede pa rin nilang gawin, free registration pa rin para at least makakatipid ‘yung ating mga kababayan,” he averred.

OPPOSITION RAISED

The Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) is opposed to the DOTr’s proposal saying that it would create more problems than solutions.

AAP President Augustus “Joe” Ferreria said that a long five-year registration could mean more fines accumulated over time making them more costly for vehicle owners since the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) records violations against vehicles, not the individual drivers.

HALF-DAY RENEWAL

Ferreria instead called on the DOTr to improve the LTO’s system wherein it takes “half a day” just to renew a vehicle’s registration.

Car registration in the Philippines, under LTO, is reputed as a time-consuming and often complex process. Despite efforts to digitize through the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS), motorists frequently encounter various hassles. 

Here are the usual hassles in car registration in the Philippines:

1. Lengthy Inspection Processes (PMVIC/PETC) 

  • Mandatory Inspection: Vehicles must pass the Private Motor Vehicle Inspection System (PMVIS) or Private Emission Testing Center (PETC) to get a Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR).
  • Failed Inspections: Older vehicles or those with minor modifications often fail, forcing owners to get repairs and return for re-inspection.
  • PMVIC Issues: Some Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVICs) may have long queues, and their highly automated, strict testing can be a hurdle for older, perfectly functional cars. 

2. Physical and Technical Delays at LTO

  • Long Lines and Crowds: Despite the shift to online, physical presence is often required for inspection or document verification, leading to long waits at LTO branches.
  • Inconsistent “Online” Services: While the LTMS portal exists, not all vehicles are eligible for full online renewal, and technical glitches in the system can hinder the process.
  • Stringent Document Checks: Missing even one document (e.g., original OR/CR, valid ID, insurance) can result in rejection, requiring a return visit. 

3. Delays from Car Dealers

  • Delayed Registration of New Cars: For new cars, dealers often fail to release the Certificate of Registration (CR) and Official Receipt (OR) on time, despite the 3-year registration rule.
  • Unreleased Plates: Similar to the OR/CR, physical license plates are often delayed in the custody of dealers, leading to “No Plate” issues. 

4. Financial and Administrative Hassles

  • Outstanding Violations: Any unpaid traffic violations, even from previous drivers, must be cleared before renewal, which can cause last-minute delays.
  • Complex Transfer of Ownership: If the car is not registered in the current owner’s name, the transfer process involves a notarized Deed of Sale, TIN verification, and a visit to the LTO, which is time-consuming.
  • High Penalties: Failing to renew on time results in hefty penalties (50% of the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge) and potential impoundment if caught driving with expired registration. 

5. Other Common Issues

  • Insurance Mismatches: If the Compulsory Third Party Liability (CTPL) insurance name does not exactly match the OR/CR name, the registration can be delayed or rejected.
  • Errant Fixers: While LTO warns against them, some areas still have “fixers” offering to expedite the process, which can lead to legal issues or scamming.
  • “No Registration, No Travel” Policy: The strict implementation of this rule means any minor delay in the registration process can prevent you from legally driving your car. 

To avoid these, the renewal process must be done early (one month before) and ensure all documents and the vehicle itself are in good condition. 

​Under current regulations, an initial LTO registration valid for three years is processed by the dealer upon purchase. 

This applies to brand-new cars, including those with engine displacements of 200 cc or higher. 

Owners must renew the registration annually after this initial period, with schedules determined by the last digit of the license plate number.​

Compromise Deal Foils Senate Coup

Ernesto Reyes
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Compromise Deal Foils Senate Coup

SENATE President Vicente Sotto III is not stepping down — at least for now, after the senate majority struck a “power-sharing” deal with Senator Loren Legarda who is set to take his place “in the future.”

According to insiders, the senate minority group’s plan to boot out Sotto and elect Legarda was already a “done deal” but a long after break during the afternoon session proved more than enough for the majority to sway Legarda to their side.

Legarda sat in a meeting with Sotto and other majority senators. Sen. Francis Pangilinan even posted a photo on Facebook with the caption “Powersharing” with the emoji of the Philippine flag.

Beaming their faces on the photo were Legarda who sat beside Sotto, Pangilinan, Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senators Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian.

When the session resumed, Legarda sat at the rostrum to the shock of everyone expecting her election as Senate President by acclamation already.

Then, Zubiri moved for adjournment, but not before teasing Legarda by calling her “Madam President.”

Only the senators in the photo returned to the session, while the minority was nowhere to be seen.

Following the adjournment, Sotto confirmed talks of the term-sharing agreement — “We plan on placing Sen. Loren (as Senate President) before the 20th Congress ends,” Sotto told reporters.

Sotto however declined to say as to when he would relinquish the senate presidency to Legarda who is poised to become the first female Senate President in the chamber’s 109-year history.

LTFRB Booting Out Road-Unworthy PUVs

Lily Reyes
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LTFRB Booting Out Road-Unworthy PUVs

IN WHAT LOOKS more like an effort to resurrect jeepney phaseout, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) hinted at an imminent crackdown against public utility vehicles deemed “unworthy” on public roads.

In a statement, LTFRB chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II called on transport operators and companies to take the initiative of improving the road worthiness and presentability of their units — or stay off the roads.

By his own admission, Mendoza said that the LTFRB is already on its final stage of finalizing the policy that will prevent the franchise renewal of run-down PUVs, specifically the iconic traditional jeepneys.

“Ensuring that all their PUVs are presentable and in good condition is not only a condition set for the issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience but a way of respecting their passengers,” the LTRFB chief said

“We will not allow Filipino commuters to be disrespected through dilapidated jeepneys and other PUVs. We will be firm on this because what is also at stake here is the safety of commuters,” he added.

Citing personal experience  of riding untidy and dilapidated jeepneys, Mendoza earlier declared an intensified campaign against run-down PUVs which include passenger-hailing jeepneys and other modes of public transportation.

He however clarified that the crackdown won’t commence until after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) approves the proposed policy, even as he claimed that the crackdown isn’t intended for jeepney phase-out but to ensure an improved public transport system.

AI Usage In Southeast Asia Bugged By Inconsistent Output

Marcus Aquino
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AI Usage In Southeast Asia Bugged By Inconsistent Output

“Developers are advancing AI adoption with peer oversight and disciplined practices, but the next step is to pair that momentum with enhanced confidence in its capabilities,” said Idan Zalzberg, Chief Technology Officer at Agoda.

INCONSISTENT OUTPUT REMAINS the primary concern on the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) among developers in Southeast Asia, resulting in AI not getting full confidence on its usage.

This is among the findings of Agoda’s AI Developer Report 2025, which showed that 79 percent of developers citing unreliable results as the biggest barrier to deeper AI integration, outweighing concerns related to access, cost, or tooling. 

“Developers are advancing AI adoption with peer oversight and disciplined practices, but the next step is to pair that momentum with enhanced confidence in its capabilities,” said Idan Zalzberg, Chief Technology Officer at Agoda.

This challenge is most acute in markets such as the Philippines (88 percent) and Thailand (84 percent), where concerns about output reliability are highest. 

Even in more mature AI markets like Singapore (77 percent) and Malaysia (73percent), inconsistent results continue to temper confidence and reinforce the need for human oversight.

QUALITY CONTROL

In response, developers have adapted their workflows to maintain quality. Two-thirds report they always review AI-generated code before merging, and many routinely rework outputs until they meet production standards.

Instead of reducing accountability, the Report finds that AI use has increased the emphasis on review and human oversight. Verification and ownership have become more prominent in daily development work, with engineers retaining responsibility for final outcomes. Confidence, for now, is conditional, built through repetition, testing, and experience rather than assumed by default.

The findings suggest that AI maturity is no longer defined by adoption alone. While productivity gains are tangible, confidence grows only when outputs are consistent and predictable. Teams with strong review habits report higher confidence, while those without structured verification remain more cautious.

The Agoda AI Developer Report 2025 draws on survey responses from developers across Southeast Asia and India and includes insights from regional companies such as Carousell, MoMo, Omise, and SCB 10X. It provides a detailed view of how developers are integrating AI into their workflows, where confidence breaks down, and what it will take to move from widespread use to trusted maturity.

ADOPTION CONTINUES

The report said that developers across Southeast Asia and India are using AI at scale, but confidence in its reliability has yet to fully mature.

While AI has become a regular part of software development workflows, many engineers remain cautious, treating it as an accelerator rather than a dependable substitute for human judgment. AI adoption is now widespread across the region. 

Nearly nine in ten developers say they use AI on a weekly basis, and most report clear productivity gains. However, confidence has not kept pace with usage. 

“The next differentiator will not be who adopts AI first, but who builds a clear framework around it for consistent and productive usage,” said Zalzberg.

A Week After Dinagyang, Digital Shift Still Dancing

Cheryl Luis True
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A Week After Dinagyang, Digital Shift Still Dancing

A WEEK AFTER the drums faded and the streets of Iloilo City returned to their usual rhythm, something from Dinagyang 2026 clearly stayed behind. It wasn’t the confetti or the stage lights. It was the habit.

During the festival, “Hala Bira!” echoed through packed streets. A week later, QR codes are still up, phones are still out, and cashless payments have quietly settled into everyday Ilonggo life. What began as a festival convenience has turned into a lasting shift—and GCash was right at the center of it.

When the Festival Ends but the System Stays

Dinagyang has always been a stress test for small businesses. Long lines, high foot traffic, and the constant juggling of cash. This year, many Iloilo nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises discovered something surprising: going digital didn’t just help them survive the festival—it made business easier even after.

At Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy, an 80-year-old institution, cashless payments didn’t disappear when the crowds did. “It boosted our sales during Dinagyang,” shared third-generation owner Allen Mae Borro Pido, “and we kept it because customers kept using it.” Tradition remained, but the transactions became faster, smoother, and more efficient.

For neighborhood stores like Mini Convinie, the effect was even more visible. Owner Jeni Ann Baran noticed that customers returned—not just to buy snacks, but to pay bills, buy load, and manage daily financial needs. “It’s extra income for us and convenience for them,” she said. A week later, her store continues to function as a small but vital community hub.

Cashless Wasn’t Just for the Crowd

During the festival, GCash’s interactive food crawls and QR-enabled booths made digital payments feel fun and accessible. A week later, those first-time users didn’t revert to old habits. They stayed.

What began as curiosity turned into confidence. Paying without cash no longer felt experimental—it felt normal.

From Dinagyang Energy to Everyday Education

The post-festival impact reached beyond food stalls and stores. GCash’s partnership with Ateneo de Iloilo – Santa Maria Catholic School continued to make waves a week later, as parents began using the app to settle tuition and school fees remotely.

“With GCash now available, payments are more efficient and secure,” said Fr. Arnel Ong, SJ. For families, the benefit was immediate: fewer trips, less stress, more time saved. Dinagyangmay have ended, but convenience stayed in session.

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu, during a courtesy visit with G-Xchange (GCash mobile wallet operator) executives: Ren-Ren Reyes, Chief Executive Officer, Cleo Celeste Santos, Vice President and Head of Public Sector; and Tania Gil Padilla, Vice President for Regional Business Units, emphasizing collaboration to advance cashless payments and NMSME support in Iloilo.

A City Still Moving Forward

A week after Dinagyang, Iloilo City’s leadership echoed the same sentiment. Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu emphasized the city’s move toward cashless transactions in public markets and government payments. “GCash ang pinaka mahapos gamiton,” she shared, reinforcing the city’s commitment to more convenient and accessible payment systems for Ilonggos.

The courtesy visit between GCash executives and the Iloilo City government may have happened during the festival, but its impact is forward-looking—pointing toward stronger public-private collaboration long after the last drumbeat.

The Real Measure of Success

Festivals are temporary by nature. Their true success isn’t measured by crowd size alone, but by what changes after everyone goes home.

A week after Dinagyang 2026, the answer is clear. Small businesses are still scanning. Parents are still paying digitally. Customers are still choosing convenience. And Iloilo, true to its spirit, is still moving—this time, more connected and more prepared.

The drums may be quiet now, but the digital rhythm continues.

Maharlika CEO Earns A Seat In ATI Board

Rose de la Cruz
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Maharlika CEO Earns A Seat In ATI Board

AFTER THE CONSUMMATION of what economic pundits candidly referred to as a “bailout” in the guise of investment, the head of the government agency from where funds were drawn, got himself a seat in the Asian Terminal Inc.

In a news report released by the Philippine News Agency, Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) President and Chief executive Officer Rafael Jose Consing Jr. earned a board seat, which would not only augment his mind-boggling income but add prestige to his image.

MIC, which was created by law and fully-funded by the government through state Bangko Sentral, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), and state-held pension funds, issued a confirmation that Consing was elected by shareholders during the most recent board meeting.

Interestingly, there are existing laws covering “conflict of interest governing government agencies and instrumentalities.”

LOOKING BACK

The PH Insider previously reported Consing’s plan to spend P2.9 to P8 billion to acquire stakes in ATI.  This move, critics said, effectively bails out Emirati-owned DP World and benefitting wealthy stakeholders including Marcos crony, Yosi Tanco, rather than funding new national infrastructure, according to a report of Bilyonaryo.  

MIC’s investment in ATI coincided with its voluntary delisting from the Philippine Stock Exchange, a process that has come under scrutiny for potentially- disadvantaged minority stakeholders. 

Opponents like urban planner Felino Palafox Jr. and various business groups questioned why a state sovereign fund is being used to buy into a mature, profitable private utility instead of pioneering greenfield projects.

Though MIC defended the move as “sovereign stewardship” of a strategic port asset, detractors view it as a misuse of public funds to favor politically-connected elites and foreign corporations, Bilyonaryo stated.

The deal, they said, reignited fears of Maharlika Fund’s lack of transparency with observers calling for closer investigation into the valuation of the tender offer and the strategic need for the buyout.

Once ATI is delisted, it will no longer be bound by Philippine Stock Exchange disclosure and governance requirements, making it easier to operate with less sunlight, Bayan said.

ATI SHAREHOLDERS

The biggest shareholders are: DP World Australia (POAL) Pty. Ltd., ATI Holdings, Inc., Pecard Group Holdings Inc., and the Philippine Seaport Inc, with significant stakes from entities like DP World and local groups though recent filings show firms like Thunder Fze and others. MIC plans to acquire a substantial stake of up to 11.2 percent of ATI, as reported in December 2025 for strategic investment.

ATI disclosures show MIC will launch a tender offer for 101.189 million shares, about percent of the company, at P36 per share, or roughly P3.64 billion.

MIC’s target is about 200 million shares, around 11.1 percent, which would take the bill to as much as P8.4 billion, as it joins DP World, Tanco and other major holders in buying out the remaining public float.

“MIC will plunk in P3.6 billion in public funds in a private company in which it will have no controlling stake, no role in operations, nor guaranteed income at a time when the government is cutting back ayuda for the poor, it is giving money to the rich,” Bayan lamented.

PLANNED TRANSITION

PNA’s report, quoting a press release of MIC, said Consing’s assumption to the Board will proceed upon the completion of key transaction and regulatory steps associated with ATI’s planned transition to private ownership. 

These include successful completion of the tender offer for ATI’s public float shares, the completion of ATI’s voluntary delisting from the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), and the approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the amendment of ATI’s articles of incorporation to allow for a ninth board seat.

Consing brings over 20 years of experience in infrastructure finance, capital markets and corporate leadership. 

He has previously held senior executive roles in a major global port operator where he oversaw treasury, funding strategy and investor relations, and now heads MIC’s mandate to deploy long-term capital into high-impact sectors critical to national development, the press release hailed.

LONG-TERM GROWTH

MIC’s participation through the planned tender offer reflects its focus on investing in critical infrastructure that underpins national economic development. Ports play a central role in strengthening trade efficiency, enhancing supply chain resilience and supporting long-term competitiveness.

“One of Maharlika’s key pillars is in transportation and logistics infrastructure,” Consing explained.

“Ports are the economic arteries of our nation. They are the pulse of our trade, moving the goods and ideas that fuel our growth and connecting the lives of every Filipino to the rest of the world,” he added.

ATI serves as a profitable, cash-generative port infrastructure operator with a strong balance sheet and a consistent dividend history. It operates a high-barrier asset that is critical to Philippine logistics and inextricably linked to GDP growth. So why sink in public funds to a profitable company, Bayan earlier lamented.

“This investment allows Maharlika to participate in the modernization of critical logistics infrastructure that directly supports trade, lowers costs for businesses, and improves competitiveness across the Philippine economy,” Consing concluded.

TENDER FRAMEWORK

MIC’s tender offer price of P36 represents a 49 percent premium over ATI’s one-year volume-weighted share price as of December 12, 2025, falling within the valuation range provided in an independent Fairness Opinion by a third-party financial institution, Multinational Investment Bancorporation (MIB) Capital, a Makati-based financial services firm specializing in investment banking, securities underwriting, and advisory services, was supposed to have said.

The tender offer process is intended to provide ATI’s public shareholders with a transparent and regulated opportunity to realize value as the company transitions to a private ownership structure, in accordance with applicable PSE and SEC rules.

To recall, MIC had invested in Asian Terminals, National Grid Corp., Makilala Mining and bailing out foreign interests of the Emirates DP World, a country far wealthier than ours – which are highly-capitalized and better left in the hands and resources of foreign investors, rather than the struggling MIC. 

ATI investment is MIC’s third major investment in two years, after a P4.42 billion bridge loan to Makilala Mining Co. and a P19.7 billion investment in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, both privately-owned.

Its investments in shaky businesses is in exchange for shares of stocks and board seats that would benefit the shareholders of such companies and those of the Maharlika Fund.

NOT FOR THE PEOPLE

“This is not an investment for the people. This is a bailout for private corporations at the expense of taxpayers,” said Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) as it urged Congress and the public to scrutinize MIC’s investment in ATI.

Bayan said the fixed-price tender offer mainly rewards the private owners while shifting risk to the public.

DP World, through its Australian subsidiary, owns about 17.4 percent of ATI. DP World is a Dubai-based global ports and logistics group with about $20 billion in revenue and $49.7 billion in assets in 2024.

Tanco, who owns about 32.3 percent of ATI, is listed among the Filipino billionaires with an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion, buoyed by the surge of online gaming firm DigiPlus, where he serves as chairman. 

Tanco is a campaign backer and close associate of the sitting president and his EDSA building served as Marcos’s campaign headquarters in the 2022 election.

Other major ATI shareholders are Pecard Group Holdings (19%) and ATI Holdings (14.6%).

TROUBLING PATTERN

For critics, the question is simple. If ATI’s biggest owners have the cash and the clout, why is Maharlika being asked to show up with the people’s money.

ATI manages and operates the Manila South Harbor, the Manila Inland Clearance Depot, Port of Batangas, Batangas Supply Base, and Tanza Barge Terminal. It also owns 35.71 percent of South Cotabato Integrated Port Services Inc., which operates the Makar Wharf in General Santos City.

Such a scheme is a “troubling pattern” in the fund’s early deals, according to Bayan — “From being touted as a vehicle for national development, the Maharlika Investment Fund is now exposed as a vehicle for subsidizing privatization, lining private pockets with public funds.” 

ZERO GUARANTEE

Bayan questioned why billions of pesos are being channeled into private deals without clear guarantees of returns, especially as the government trims some social spending and poverty remains a major problem.

MIC responded by saying that the proposed stake in ATI reflects its focus on the “real economy,” noting that the port operator plays a central role in Philippine trade and logistics. 

Of late, Consing said MIC would look at investing in agribusiness firms, especially those into export-oriented products, within the first semester of 2026. Still not even close to the list of sectors requiring urgent financial support from the government. 

Villars’ Fortune On Tailspin

Rose de la Cruz
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Villars’ Fortune On Tailspin

SINCE THE SECURITIES and Exchange Commission formally filed last Friday its criminal complaint against Villar Land Holdings Corp., its board and allied firms with the Department of Justice, the once untouchable political dynasty and Forbes richest man from the Philippines is losing its luster in the stock market, bleeding nearly $1billion from its networth.

The SEC complaint involved insider trading, misleading disclosures and market manipulation. 

The stocks tumbled 25 percent on Monday after trading resumed for a one-hour suspension imposed by the Philippine Stock Exchange, Vn News quoted Forbes.

ON ITS WAY DOWN

Previously ranked as the richest individual by Forbes 2025 the list released last April had a net worth of $17.2 billion, the tycoon is now in fourth place with $3.4 billion as of February 2, 2026, reported Vn News of Vietnam.

Villar’s flagship company is said to have misled investors by declaring total assets of P1.33 trillion (US$22.6-B) in its 2024 financial statement before an external audit was completed, after which the figure was revised to $35.7 billion, Bloomberg reported.

Another family company, Infra Holdings owned by Manuel Paolo carried out trades that created artificial demand that helped support Villar Land shares, Vn News added.

CLEARED SOON?

Villar told Bilyonaryo that he is confident that he, his family and their companies will be fully exonerated from allegations of insider trading and stock price manipulation due to lack of merit  citing decades-long track record of ethical business practices.

The SEC complaint against the Villars and their companies is now being reviewed by DoJ to determine whether a preliminary investigation is warranted.

He said his companies, including Villar Land, have consistently upheld the highest standards of corporate governance and complied with rules enforced by both the SEC and the PSE.

“All our businesses and officers understand that corporate good governance is essential for building trust among investors and fostering sustainable growth. In fact, we welcomed and fully cooperated when the SEC began its fact-finding investigation.”

BUSINESS JOURNEY

The former senate president also reflected on his personal journey, linking his business philosophy to lifelong values. 

“In all my years as an entrepreneur, from the time I helped my mother sell shrimps and fish in Divisoria to leading one of the most successful businesses in the country, I have never engaged in illegal practices designed to defraud customers and investors, or unduly benefit myself or the companies I own,” Villar was quoted by Bilyonaryo.

He vowed to address the allegations in the proper forum, promising full cooperation with any impartial investigation.

“And, finally, I am confident that justice will prevail and I and my family and our companies will be exonerated of all these baseless charges.”

The case has drawn attention to one of the Philippines’ most prominent business families, with analysts noting that the outcome could have broader implications for investor confidence and corporate governance standards in the country.

2025 TOFIL: Honoring Filipino Excellence

Domingo P. Herras
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2025 TOFIL: Honoring Filipino Excellence

AT A TIME when public discourse is often clouded by cynicism and distrust, the annual conferment of The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Awards stands as a quiet but resolute affirmation of what the nation can still aspire to be. 

Established in 1988, TOFIL honors Filipinos aged 41 and above whose lives reflect integrity, selfless service, and professional excellence—values that remain essential to nation-building.

2025 TOFIL AWARDEES

The 2025 TOFIL Awards, formally conferred in January 2026 at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, recognized five distinguished Filipinos whose work has left a lasting imprint across government, public service, academia, civil society, and the private sector. 

More than individual achievement, their collective stories underscore how excellence, when anchored in ethics, strengthens institutions and uplifts communities.

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

From the government sector, Alfredo “Fred” E. Pascual, former Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, was honored for a lifetime devoted to institutional excellence. 

Known for principled leadership in both the public and private spheres, Pascual exemplifies governance rooted in competence, transparency, and long-term national interest.

In public service, Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito was recognized for sustaining a legacy of service that began long before his election to national office. A former TOYM awardee, Ejercito’s continued commitment to legislation and advocacy reflects how public trust is earned through consistency, not rhetoric.

ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY

The academic community was represented by Dr. Maria Minerva Calimag, a respected medical educator whose contributions helped shape professional standards in Philippine medicine. 

Her work reminds us that nation-building begins in classrooms and training halls, where future generations are formed not only in skill but in ethical responsibility.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

From civil society, Dr. Neil Aldrin Mallari was honored for his advocacy in evidence-based conservation and environmental stewardship. 

His work highlights a vital truth of modern nationhood: that protecting biodiversity and natural resources is inseparable from protecting the future of the Filipino people.

DISASTER RESILIENCY

Completing the roster is Rene “Butch” Meily, recognized in the private sector for his leadership in disaster resilience as President of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation. 

Through collaboration between business, government, and communities, Meily has shown how the private sector can play a decisive role in safeguarding lives and livelihoods.

SUSTAINED IMPACT

What distinguishes TOFIL from other honors is its emphasis on sustained impact rather than momentary success. The award celebrates careers that have strengthened institutions, expanded opportunities, and quietly improved lives—often beyond the glare of publicity. 

Since its founding, TOFIL has honored professionals whose influence is felt in hospitals, laboratories, boardrooms, classrooms, and disaster zones—spaces where real nation-building takes place.

In a society where reports of corruption and abuse of power often dominate headlines, the recognition of TOFIL awardees becomes more than ceremonial. It is restorative. 

It reminds Filipinos, especially the youth, that excellence need not come at the expense of integrity—and that success grounded in service remains possible.

By highlighting exemplary Filipinos across diverse fields, TOFIL helps recalibrate the nation’s moral compass. It reframes the national narrative, shifting focus from failures to quiet victories achieved through vocation, discipline, and commitment to the common good.

UNWAVERING DEDICATION

The 2025 TOFIL awardees share a common thread: an unwavering dedication to service beyond self. Their achievements are not merely personal milestones, but enduring contributions to national development. 

In honoring them, the nation affirms that integrity, excellence, and selfless service are not relics of the past, but living values embodied by Filipinos who continue to light the way forward.

Camiguin: Water Lovers’ Paradise 

Domingo P. Herras
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Camiguin: Water Lovers’ Paradise 

THE UNIQUE AND MOST alluring beauty of the Camiguin Island in the Philippines has been spotlighted as one of the New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2026, recognized for its breathtaking natural attractions and rising global appeal. 

The volcanic island, which has no traffic lights but plenty of lush mountain peaks, black-sand beaches, and towering coconut palms, is a paradise for water lovers with white sandbars, hot and cold springs, waterfalls for bathing, neon clams, and abundant sea turtles. 

Recent improvements—like the widening of the scenic 40-mile road and the opening of the island’s first beach boardwalk in Mambajao—are enhancing its visitor experience. The island also offers rich local culture and heritage, including a sunken cemetery, eco-farm tours, a lanzones fall festival, and new sports tourism events like a triathlon.

Camiguin ranked number 37 on the list of 52 must-see global destinations for 2026. 

Other notable spots featured include Revolutionary America, Warsaw, (Poland), Bangkok, Osa Peninsula (Costa Rica), Bandhavgarh  (India), Dallas, Route 66 connecting Chicago and Los Angeles, Saba in the Caribbean, Poblenou in Barcelona, Vietnam, Melbourne (Australia), and Big Sur (California, among others worth adding to your travel radar in 2026.

BEST ECO-TOURISM HUB

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) views Camiguin as a prime example of “limitless adventure” and sustainable island management. 

Their narrative focuses on the island’s evolution into a world-class eco-tourism hub through strategic infrastructure and community-led initiatives:

  • Isle Visit Campaign — A play on the phrase “I’ll visit,” this campaign emphasizes the island’s readiness for global travelers with modern upgrades like the widening of the 40-mile circumferential road and the opening of the first beach boardwalk in Mambajao.
  • Island Born of Fire — The DOT highlights the unique volcanic geography—seven volcanoes within a tiny province—which has gifted the island with rare natural contrasts like the Ardent Hot Springs and Sto. Niño Cold Springs.

SMART ISLAND VISION  

Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo have touted the island’s digital transformation, including an E-ticketing system for sites like Mantigue Island and QR-coded entry systems to manage tourist flow sustainably.

The DOT is promoting the island’s burgeoning Dive Tourism (mapping new sites and adding a hyperbaric chamber) and Sports Tourism, specifically the upcoming Ironman 5150 Camiguin in May 2026.

Citing the latest New York Times perspective, Camiguin Island as viewed by writers and editors based on. tourist and traveler’s paradise lovers as “The Water Lover’s Paradise”Ranking Camiguin at No. 37 on its 52 Places to Go in 2026 list, the NYT frames the island as an idyllic, low-impact escape that retains its charm while modernizing.

SIMPLY BREATHTAKING

The New York Times highlighting their story — emphasizes the island’s tranquility, describing it as a volcanic sanctuary “without a single traffic light,” filled with lush peaks and towering coconut palms.

They specifically label it a “water lover’s paradise,” calling out the “treasure-chest-size” neon clams and the abundance of sea turtles around its pristine white-sandbar islets.

The NYT story touches on the island’s unique “fall festival” for the “sweet Lanzones” fruit and its haunting historical landmarks like the Sunken Cemetery.

ALTERNATIVE DESTINATION

While mentioning the improved roads and the new boardwalk, the NYT positions Camiguin as an “off-the-beaten-path” alternative to more commercialized Southeast Asian hubs like Bangkok or Vietnam.

In the Global Exclusivity the only Philippine entry on the NYT 2026 list. Camaguin Island comprises a diversity of volcanoes. Home to more volcanoes (7) than municipalities (5).

Recently Camiguin was recognized by the DOTfor its outstanding eco-leadership for having the Best Eco-Tourism Destination (Mantigue Island). Specifically timed road completions of its Infrastructures for 2026, and new visitor centers designed for the 2026 travel surge.

“Just Email Me”: The Instant Turn-Off

Vivien Mangalindan
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“Just Email Me”: The Instant Turn-Off

YOU FINALLY CARVE out time for a call. Not a task. Not a transaction. A real conversation. You’re ready to hear a voice, catch the rhythm, feel the exchange. And then it hits: “Just email me.” Ugh.

The Back Story 

It’s not because email is bad—but because something quietly disappears in that moment. The chance to connect. The chance to know the person behind the words.

And suddenly, what felt promising feels… flat. 

  • That’s the moment interest drops 

Where Connection Disappears

Email is neat. Organized. Predictable. It behaves. It stays in its lane.

Conversation doesn’t.

  • A call brings tone, pauses, laughter, hesitation—those tiny signals that tell you who someone actually is. 

You don’t just hear what they say; you hear how they say it. That’s where understanding lives.

Email strips all of that away. 

  • What’s left is information without texture. 

Clear, maybe—but lifeless.

The Time Myth

People love to say email is faster. But faster than what?

One message turns into a thread. A thread turns into follow-ups. Clarifications creep in. 

  • Tone gets misread. 
  • Meaning gets diluted.

Meanwhile, a short call could’ve settled everything before the coffee cooled.

Conversation doesn’t waste time—it compresses it.

  • It moves straight to clarity instead of circling around it.

The Silent Signal

When someone steers everything toward email, it can feel like a quiet step back. Not rude. Not wrong. Just… distant.

Sometimes it signals comfort with control. 

  • Sometimes it’s avoidance of real-time thinking. 

Sometimes it’s simply preference.

But preference still communicates something.

  • If someone avoids conversation when things are simple, it’s fair to wonder how connection will feel when things get real.

Knowing Someone 

Knowing someone isn’t about perfectly crafted sentences. It’s about presence.

  • How they listen.
  • How they respond without a draft.
  • How they handle a pause.
  • How they show curiosity—or don’t.

Those details don’t show up in email. They live in conversation, timing, and interaction. 

When Email Starts to Feel Like a Wall

For people who value conversation, endless emailing feels like tapping on glass. You can see the other person, but you can’t reach them.

  • It’s slow.
  • It’s dull.
  • And eventually, it drains the energy right out of the exchange.

You’re left asking yourself:

  • Are we connecting—or just exchanging text?

That answer matters.

Sparking Friendship

You meet a new person, Alex, at a social event.

  • Before: You try to connect, but Alex keeps answers short or pushes email instead. The conversation falls flat.
  • After: You ask, pause, and listen. Alex opens up, laughs, and the conversation flows.

Tip: Don’t rush. Be curious. 

The Pitch That Connects

You’re pitching your product to client Maria over email.

  • Before: You send long messages, but Maria goes quiet. You’re left guessing.
  • After: You hop on a short call, listen, adjust, and she engages—questions, interest, momentum.

Tip: Live conversation shows real priorities. Email explains; a call connects.

Team Flow 

Your team, led by Jordan, is planning a new project.

  • Before: Emails and chats blur details. Messages get misread. The discussion drags.
  • After: A short live check-in brings clarity, alignment, and energy. 

Tip: Presence beats instructions. Minutes of conversation save hours of confusion. 

Tips And Techniques 

If you want real connection, you’re not asking for too much.

  • You’re asking for presence.

Next time you hear “just email me,” pause and think:

  • Is this about convenience… or avoidance?

Sometimes, it tells you everything you need to know.

Because knowing the difference can save you time, energy, and a whole lot of Ugh.

Remember: Call. A conversation beats a thread every time.

PALACE-BACKED IMPEACHMENT?

Ernesto Reyes
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PALACE-BACKED IMPEACHMENT?

THE SITTING PRESIDENT has all the reason to relax, unmindful of the first impeachment complaint filed against him at the House of Representatives — at least for the next twelve months.

This comes as doubt shrouds the manner in which the first “verified impeachment complaint” was haphazardly transmitted to the Office of the House Speaker for “appropriate action,” with the second impeachment complaint facing uncertainty. The so-called Makabayan bloc is behind the second complaint.

Interestingly, the group behind the third impeachment complaint have decided to call off their plan, citing what they claimed as a premeditated plan primarily designed to appease the public while ensuring President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stays in power until his term expires in 2028.

Previously, the Office of the House Secretary General declined to “officially receive” the impeachment complaints filed by the Makabayan bloc and that of a group closely affiliated with Vice President Sara Duterte.

The reason — lawyer Cheloy Garafil wasn’t available. Garafil is the House Secretary-General.

“Former congressman Mike Defensor said pursuing a separate impeachment complaint against Marcos Jr. at the House of Representatives is useless, even as he suggested that the process has already been preempted with the “first impeachment complaint” already referred to the Speaker’s Office.”

THE FIRST COMPLAINT

The first verified impeachment complaint was filed by lawyer Andre de Jesus — and endorsed by PusongPinoy Partylist Representative Jett Nisay.

Upon receipt of any impeachment complaint, the Office of the Secretary General recorded and forwarded to the proper office — an initial step “meant to preserve order and due process.

Under existing rules, the House Speaker has 10 days from receipt to include the verified impeachment complaint in the Order of Business of the lower chamber. It shall be referred to the House Committee on Justice within three session days after.

The lawyer-complainant accused Marcos of graft and corruption, culpable violation of the Constitution, and betrayal of public trust.

However, the Makabayan bloc finds the first complaint as “weak” for which the group attempted to file a second impeachment complaint. Garafil’s subordinates however declined to “officially receive” the second complaint amid the “office chief’s absence.” 

SUCCESSFUL SECOND BID

Four days after its failed bid, the Makabayan bloc successfully filed its impeachment complaint against the President — but the future of the petition remains uncertain.

ACT Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio said Garafil received the complaint, but would not make any promise to immediately refer the complaint to the Speaker’s office.

“She said that according to tradition, no same-day referral of the complaint to the Speaker’s office has happened before,” Tinio said of what Garafil told them.


Under existing rules, “a verified complaint for impeachment by a member of the House or by any citizen upon a resolution of endorsement by any member thereof shall be filed with the office of the Secretary General and immediately referred to the Speaker.”


With the “first verified complaint” already sent to the Speaker’s desk, there’s a slim chance for the Makabayan-sponsored impeachment complaint to reach the plenary which would refer “it” to the justice committee.

UNTIL NEXT YEAR

Under the 1987 Constitution, only one impeachment proceeding would be allowed to take place against an impeachable official per year.


It is for the same reason that the people behind the “third impeachment complaint” decided not to push through with their plan — to oust the President through constitutional means.

Former congressman Mike Defensor said pursuing a separate impeachment complaint against Marcos Jr. at the House of Representatives is useless, even as he suggested that the process has already been preempted with the “first impeachment complaint” already referred to the Speaker’s Office.

According to Defensor, their group’s effort to file an impeachment complaint was deliberately blocked to make way for the “first impeachment complaint,” which he claimed was deliberately made too weak to stand.

Defensor expressed belief that what they actually have is more than enough to unseat the President — “but people will have to wait longer.”

The grounds for impeachment under the “third impeachment complaint” include:

• Unprogrammed allocations 

• Diversion of PhilHealth funds amounting to P60 billion

• Inclusion of P107 billion from the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC)

• Diversion of funds away from major infrastructure projects, including the Metro Manila Subway. 

88% Of Grade 6 Finishers Struggle With Reading

Rose de la Cruz
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88% Of Grade 6 Finishers Struggle With Reading

BY THE END of Grade 3, the national goal is that students can read and would not fall behind in later school stages, but as the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) report released on January 26 showed, the percentage of struggling readers entering Grade 7 is at 88 percent.

The chronic literacy crisis demands urgent solutions as recent data show that nearly nine in 10  students entering Grade 7 are not “grade-level ready” in terms of reading, reported Rappler.

EDCOM 2 said that 40% to 52% of all junior high school students “are at least two grade levels down in reading.” The commission’s findings were based on data from assessments conducted by the Department of Education (DepEd).

“Despite high school attendance and near universal early childhood participation, the system continues to struggle with ensuring that years of schooling translate into actual mastery of basic literacy,” EDCOM 2 said.

K TO 12

In the Philippines’ K to 12 system, kindergarten to Grade 3 comprise Key Stage 1, that focuses on foundational skills. The national goal is for children to be literate by the end of Grade 3, to ensure that they do not fall behind in later stages of schooling.

But as the DepEd’s Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment showed 48.76% or nearly half of students from Grades 1 to 3 are not yet reading at their respective grade levels at the end of school year 2024-2025.

FROM EARLY CHILDHOOD TO ADULTHOOD

Many could also carry the burden of illiteracy into adulthood. 

The Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) showed that nearly 30% of Filipinos aged 10 to 64 are functionally illiterate, or have difficulty with comprehension.

“Being functionally illiterate means struggling to follow written instructions, compute basic expenses, read medication labels, or complete forms required for employment or public services. These deficits translate directly into diminished agency and limited participation in civic and economic life,” EDCOM 2 said.

Rappler in its May 2025 story mentioned that EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee had written that the literacy crisis “is a challenge to our national survival.”

“It is deeply related to malnutrition, impacts opportunity and productivity, and perpetuates cycles of poverty,” Yee wrote.

Apparently, the challenge has also existed for at least a century. Yee pointed out in the latest EDCOM 2 report that 100 years ago, a government assessment already showed poor literacy among Filipino students, Rappler added.

‘Teachers are often required to provide the same data multiple times to various DepEd offices, even though the information has already been submitted,’ says EDCOM 2

“The 1925 Monroe Survey warned that only 40% of Grade 4 children could read at the expected level, and pointed to weak teacher preparation, an overcrowded curriculum, and the persistent disadvantage of rural communities,” Yee said.

This was followed by similar assessments in 1960 that “uncovered deep inequities,” and in 1991, when EDCOM 2’s predecessor EDCOM 1 “declared the system ‘in a state of crisis.’”

10-YEAR ROADMAP

As part of its Final Report, EDCOM 2 presented the National Education Plan (NatPlan), a 10-year roadmap for 2026 to 2035 that seeks to address the problems that have long plagued the sector.

The NatPlan identifies the functional literacy of early learners as one of the key priority areas, and provides the following recommendations to develop this in particular:

• “Address classroom backlog and congestion in schools”

• “Revise procurement guidelines and DepEd policies to ensure complete and timely delivery of textbooks”

• Provide internet access and digital resources

• “End ‘mass promotion’ in schools” or the practice of letting learners advance to the next level despite low mastery; fully implement the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program

• “Reduce administrative burden on teachers”

EDCOM 2 did note that the ARAL Program, established through Republic Act No. 12028 in October 2024, has had “early wins” in providing free tutorials and resources to struggling K to 10 learners.

At Malanday Elementary School in Marikina City, for instance, students from Grades 1 to 3 categorized as “Developing, Transitioning, and Grade-Level Ready” jumped from 57.26% at the start of school year 2025-2026 to 94.03% by the middle of the school year, the report said.

Under the NatPlan, EDCOM 2 hopes to increase the percentage of Key Stage 1 learners reading at grade level from less than 50% to 75% by 2028, 90% by 2031, and 95% by 2035.

It is also targeting grade-ready Grade 10 students who were assessed in Filipino to increase from 42.1% to 57% by 2028, 72% by 2031, and 87% by 2035. For those who were assessed in English, the goal is to bring up the figure from 18.1% to 33% by 2028, 48% by 2031, and 63% by 2035. 

Chinese Narrative A Blatant Twist Of WPS Truth — Tarriela

Tracy Cabrera
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Chinese Narrative A Blatant Twist Of WPS Truth — Tarriela

IN THE CURRENT escalation of Chinese tirades against Filipino authorities, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Commodore Jay Tarriela, condemned “Filipino trolls.”

These trolls appear to be echoing China’s narrative that the Philippine government is the one causing problems of harassment in parts of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) claimed by Beijing as part of its territory. 

Tarriela lamented that, indeed, there are Filipino trolls — some well-known social media influences and other under the pay followers of identified pro-China politicians who are currently being used as puppets in amplifying the China’s side of the story instead of the truth. 

“Ang ikinalulungkot ko, may mga (. . .) Pilipino, who are fanatics ng kilala naman nating (mga) politikong sinusuportahan nila,” the PCG commandant enthused. 

ARE THEY FILIPINOS?

“Pilipino ba kayo?. While the Chinese government is exerting all possibilities para mapigilan ang ating transparency efforts, mayroon pa ring mga Pilipino na sumasawsaw at nakikisali sa usaping ito at hindi pumapanig sa atin, sa Pilipinas,” he added.

Tarriela tagged China’s claim that PCG vessels pushed away a Chinese Coast Guard while it rescued the crew of the fishing boat M/V Devon Bay near Scarborough Shoal. 

The troll accounts, he said, are either made by foreigners or Filipinos being paid to besmirch the PCG’s efforts to defend the country’s territories, particularly the exclusive economic zones where local fishermen harvest their source of livelihood. 

Last week, the Chinese Embassy in Manila called out the PCG for posting images on social media “attacking and smearing Chinese leaders.”

In reply, however, Tarriela stood firm on his stance opposing China’s aggression in the WPS, saying that there’s no need for him to apologize to the Chinese government. 

“Para sa akin, they are just overreacting. Making use of the caricature that (we) posted as a basis for them to stop transparency for good,” the PCG official opined. 

GET OUT OF PH!!!

Meanwhile, Senator Erwin Tulfo and cause-oriented groups denounced the Chinese Embassy’s accusation against Tarriela with the senator citing that the Chinese can leave the country if they “do not like how democracy works in the Philippines.”

“You have no right to censure our officials for their statements about you taking away our territory—territory that has been proven to be ours,” Tulfo pointed out.

“If you want respect from Filipinos, then respect our Constitution. Respect our officials. Respect our freedom of speech. And respect the simple truth that this is not your country.”

Civic groups Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI) and Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement (FDNY) led by civic leader Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia likewise lambasted the Chinese Embassy deputy spokesperson Guo Wei for alleging that Tarriela has been making fallacious remarks on the South China Sea issue.

Goitia underscored that defending the West Philippine Sea is a legal and national imperative which is now being undermined sadly by misinterpretations from Chinese authorities supported by some Filipinos. 

He zeroed in on the account of a respected online columnist who reflected Beijing’s position that the term “West Philippine Sea” lacks legal weight and that the country’s EEZ is open and China’s actions are justified by duty and the arbitral ruling is not binding as the previous administration of the late President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III erred in seeking arbitration.

Ph Brewing Tourism As New Coffee Frontier

Domingo P. Herras
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Ph Brewing Tourism As New Coffee Frontier

ACROSS THE WINDING highways of Sultan Kudarat, a new aroma rises above the mist of the highlands—one that carries not only the bold scent of Robusta beans, but also the hopes of farming communities and the unfolding story of a province ready to take its place on the world coffee map.

Once recognized quietly for its fertile hills, Sultan Kudarat is now emerging as the brewing tourism frontier of the Philippines. In November 2025, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 12 launched its first-ever coffee circuit: the Kape Mo’To Tour, an immersive farm-to-cup adventure designed to position the province as a global coffee destination and strengthen its community-anchored industry.

Ultimately, the Kape Mo’To Tour stands as more than a route.
It is a narrative—of tradition and innovation, of farmers and dreamers, of landscapes shaped by passion.
In every cup brewed along this journey lies a bold promise…”

READY FOR THE WORLD STAGE

Coffee experts and manufacturers worldwide have long acknowledged the high quality of Philippine beans. In recent years, the country’s specialty coffee—particularly from Sultan Kudarat, Benguet, and the Cordillera highlands—has earned Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards at the Paris-based AVPA International Coffee Competition, including wins in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Philippine beans also shone in the Global Coffee Championship in Korea, where Arabica and Libericavarieties brought home multiple medals. 

Meanwhile, several Filipino cafés earned coveted spots in the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops at the 2025 Coffee Fest Madrid.

Still, while the Philippines remains a small player in terms of global volume, these achievements underscore a vital truth: our strength lies in quality, not quantity. And no place demonstrates this more clearly than Sultan Kudarat. 

‘KAPE MO ’TO’ EXPERIENCE

More than a travel circuit, the Kape Mo’To tour reveals the soul of the province through coffee. It invites visitors to step into farms, meet growers, understand processing methods, and savor the unique Robusta profiles that thrive in the region’s rich soil.

The tour covers Senator Ninoy Aquino (SNA), Bagumbayan, Esperanza, Isulan, and Tacurong City. Among its most compelling stops are:

• Denz Farm and Tinalon Farmers Association, where farmers demonstrate sustainable cultivation.

• Kape Dulangan Coffee Processing Factory, showcasing community-based roasting and grading.

• Charmich Street Café, The Laundry Café, Otso Café Bar, Whisk Café, and other homegrown cafés highlighting local Robusta blends.

• The SKSU Coffee Cupping Laboratory, where guests learn coffee evaluation and proper brewing techniques.

By integrating motorcycle tourism—thus the name Kape Mo’To—the tour taps into an adventurous market eager to explore landscapes, culture, and stories behind every cup.

HERITAGE CROP AND COMMUNITY LIFELINE

For Sultan Kudarat, coffee is more than an agricultural product. It is a heritage crop passed through generations—an economic lifeline for thousands of families. In 2023, the province accounted for 35% of the country’s entire coffee production, with nearly 19 million trees planted across more than 20,000 hectares.

This solid production base supports the province’s identity, making it uniquely positioned to lead Philippine coffee tourism. As one café operator shared, “The tour elevates homegrown coffee and strengthens community ties.”

Farmers echo this sentiment. For them, welcoming visitors means not only additional income but also dignity and pride.

PREPARING FOR TOURISM GROWTH

To ensure readiness, DOT XII conducted site audits, farm assessments, and training activities leading up to the launch. The Philippine Farmsthetics Training equipped farmers and café owners with skills needed to enhance guest experience—showcasing farms not just as production areas but as educational and cultural spaces.

An Accreditation Roadshow further guided stakeholders on safety standards, service quality, and tourism best practices. Sultan Kudarat delegates also joined a Davao Coffee Tour Immersion, learning from successful operations in Toril, Bansalan, and Ma-a.

Assistant Regional Director Engr. Armin Hauteaexplained, “Experiential farm visits deepen appreciation for local agriculture and bring additional income to rural communities.”

NEW CHAPTER FOR SOX TOURISM

DOT XII Regional Director Nelia Arina described Kape Mo’To as the beginning of more mature and diversified coffee tourism circuits in the SOCCSKSARGEN region. With every stop—whether a hillside farm, a community café, or a roasting facility—the tour showcases not only the richness of Sultan Kudarat’s brew but also the resilience and stories of its people.

Ultimately, the Kape Mo’To Tour stands as more than a route.

It is a narrative—of tradition and innovation, of farmers and dreamers, of landscapes shaped by passion.

In every cup brewed along this journey lies a bold promise:
Sultan Kudarat is ready to claim its place as the Philippines’ global coffee frontier.

Solar Electrification: Let Barangays Lead

Lily Reyes
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Solar Electrification: Let Barangays Lead

WITH ELECTRICITY COSTS among the highest in Southeast Asia, the government is duty-bound to find cheaper but sustainable power sources to light up communities, and run businesses.

In a study released by People of Asia for Climate Solutions, the group cited an abundant energy source in the Philippines — the sun.

However, PACS hinted at the need for the tens of thousands of local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines to take the lead in achieving energy independence.

NOT JUST SHIELDS

According to Jasmine May Sabado in her capacity as PACS Energy Campaigner, the use of roofs should not be limited to shielding people from heat and rains.

“We are blessed with some of the world’s brightest sunlight and richest solar potentials, and yet we are plagued with the least affordable electricity and the most frequent blackouts in Southeast Asia,” said Sabado. 

“The solution is right above our heads, and the catalysts are our barangay captains,” she added.

Case studies in the municipality of Rizal in Nueva Ecija showed that solarizing public buildings delivers both immediate relief and long-term financial gains for LGUs. 

PUBLIC ROOFTOPS

Using Barangay Bicos as an example, a P 200,000 budget can install an 11-kW system which can generate around1650 kWh in a month. Under the Net Metering Program (NMP), this can save more than P 12,000 per month for the barangay, with a payback period of only 15 to 20 months. 

While NMP works within a barangay’s specific budget, the Expanded Roof-Mounted Solar Program (ERSP) maximizes the full potential of usable public rooftops. 

Should there be sufficient funding, Barangay Bicos could fully tap its 1,520 square meters of usable rooftop space to install a 336.24 kW rooftop PV system, complemented by 168.12 kW of energy storage, forming a “community microgrid.” 

This setup would enable it to generate more than 50,000 kWh per month, enough to power over 255 households based on the average monthly consumption of 200 kWh. 

VIABLE FUND SOURCE

Despite a higher upfront investment under ERSP, with an initial total cost of P 10 million, Barangay Bicos could still break even in about three years, while selling stable solar electricity to barangay households at a much lower price than distribution utilities.

In both models, LGUs gain access to stable, affordable power and generate long-term savings that can be redirected to essential services such as education, healthcare, and disaster risk management. “This proves that rooftop solar is not only technically feasible, but financially smart and socially beneficial,” said Sabado. 

Local governments are signaling readiness. Barangay LGUs in Rizal, Nueva Ecija have expressed willingness to pilot rooftop solar under their climate and energy strategies, and other LGUs are beginning to explore similar steps. 

For many, the question is no longer “if,” but “when.”

REDIRECTING SAVINGS

An ecstatic Bicos barangay chairman Victor Dela Cruz highlighted how barangays can lead meaningful, local action that creates real impact for their constituents.

“Every peso we save from electricity is a peso we can redirect to other urgent needs like health, safety, education,” Dela Cruz said. 

“For small LGUs, solar isn’t just an environmental decision. It’s a financial strategy. Instead of watching our budget disappear into power bills, we want to invest in our people,” he added.

In localities outside Metro Manila, power utility distribution isn’t just scarce. It is also deemed “expensive” because of the extreme disparity in the implementation of wage rates.

FOR CLEAN ENERGY

Researchers stress that the NMP model is readily implementable, offering LGUs a practical way to unlock gigawatts of clean energy while shielding communities from volatile coal, gas, and diesel markets. 

But they also note that the ERSP pathway, though requiring stronger policy and financing mechanisms, represents the ideal scenario, enabling LGUs to maximize rooftop potential and deliver benefits at a much larger scale. 

Such a vision aligns with national priorities to expand solar access to millions of households and illustrates how LGU-led action can help deliver on that goal.

The report urges the national government to accelerate support by streamlining permits, expanding financing, and ensuring grid readiness. Without decisive action, the country risks losing billions in potential savings and the chance for a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

ANGONO AS TEMPLATE?

As early as 2022, the lakeshore municipality of Angono in the province of Rizal has invested in renewable energy in the form of solar panels installed at the roof of the town hall.

According to Alan Bitong Maniaol, in his capacity as local government administrator, the installed panels serve as an alternative source of energy for the municipal hall.

Under its original plan, the municipal government intended to install a total of 150 panels that could provide 6,607 kilowatts in a month in an earnest bid to “save the local government a lot of money.” By his own admission, the municipality has been paying “40 percent less than the usual.”

Prior to the installation of the solar panels, the municipal government is paying a little less than P200,000 monthly on average.

Aside from being cost-efficient, Angono Mayor Gerardo Calderon hinted at the urgent need to make Angono more environment friendly.

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