Japan honors Purisima, Pimentel with ‘Order of the Rising Sun’

The Japanese government has conferred two of its highest honors on former Senate President Koko Pimentel III and former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima for their roles in strengthening ties between Tokyo and Manila.

Pimentel received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, while Purisima was given the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star. The conferments were announced on Thursday, April 29, as part of Japan’s 2026 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya congratulated Pimentel and Purisima on social media. Senate moves, a rare visit

Pimentel, who served as Senate president from 2016 to 2018, was recognized for pushing for the passage of the Japan-Philippines Social Security Agreement in the Senate. This was a pact meant to ease the movement of workers and professionals between the two countries.

He also helped arrange the visit of the president of Japan’s House of Councillors to the Philippines, described by the Japanese embassy as the only such visit by a sitting upper house leader. After former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigned, Pimentel filed a Senate resolution commending Abe’s efforts on Japan-Philippines relations. It passed with every senator signing on as co-sponsor.

Opening the financial gates

Purisima’s recognition from the Japanese government spans two Cabinet stints. As finance secretary from 2010 to 2016, he led the amendment of foreign bank liberalization laws, which cleared the way for Japanese banks to enter the Philippine market.

Earlier, as trade and industry secretary from 2003 to 2005, he secured the foundational agreement for the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) – the Philippines’ first bilateral EPA – which led to the expansion of trade and investment flows between the two economies.

The Order of the Rising Sun is among Japan’s most prestigious national honors. It is awarded to individuals who have made distinguished contributions to the country’s relations with foreign nations. Japan confers decorations on foreign nationals every spring and autumn.

Sunrise Sprint offers gateway to triathlon at 5150 Camiguin

New triathlon hopefuls and adventure seekers will find their perfect entry point into multisport racing at the Sunrise Sprint set on Sunday, May 3, in Camiguin. Designed as a shorter yet equally exhilarating format, the event captures the essence of triathlon without the grueling demands of full-distance training.

Featuring a 750-m open-water swim, 20-km bike ride, and 5-km run, the Sunrise Sprint delivers a compact but dynamic race experience. It serves as an ideal platform for beginners, returning athletes, and even seasoned competitors looking to fine-tune their speed and race strategy.

Despite its shorter distance, the event mirrors the intensity and camaraderie of longer races, offering an Olympic-style course that promises both challenge and excitement. A strong field is expected across multiple age-group categories, highlighting the depth of emerging triathlon talent.

Among the standout competitors in the 15-19 division are Mark Rafanan, Marco Calumpang, John Wilfred Cutab, Clint Dayday, and Ray-Jan Cabingas in the men’s field, along with Zoe Cachola in the women’s division. The 20-24 category features Mario Pinlac III, Benjie Amorato, Jemmuel Ortiz, Jericu Rosal, and Denver Dayonot for the men, while Jessica Lim and Bianca Lim headline the women’s side.

In the 25-29 bracket, Sixto Lalanto, Rey Fausto, and Justine Pabuatan lead the men’s contenders, with Alexa Concon and Aira Cortez competing in the women’s division. Meanwhile, Alex Baldia, Sherwin Wayan, and Jolan Ogremin are expected to set the pace in the 30-34 category. Titles will also be contested in the relay divisions, including men’s, women’s, and mixed events.

More than just a race, the Sunrise Sprint represents an important step in developing the next generation of Filipino triathletes. By providing a welcoming and well-supported environment, it encourages newcomers to embrace an active lifestyle while building confidence to eventually take on longer-distance events.

The inclusive nature of the race allows first-time participants, recreational athletes, and elite competitors to share the same starting line, fostering a strong sense of community and sportsmanship.

With its accessible format and vibrant atmosphere, the Sunrise Sprint stands out as both an introduction to triathlon and a celebration of the sport’s growing community.

The Sunrise Sprint also complements the larger triathlon calendar, serving as a lead-in to the IRONMAN 5150 Camiguin, also set to fire off Sunday with the premier event gathering over 300 athletes from 13 countries for a standard Olympic-distance race consisting of a 1.5-km swim, 40-km bike, and 10-km run.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Camiguin – known as the ‘Island Born of Fire’ for its remarkable concentration of volcanoes – the race promises a unique and memorable experience. It also forms part of the 5150 Triathlon Islands of the Philippines Series, a four-leg circuit showcasing some of the country’s most scenic race destinations, including Guimaras, Bohol and Samal Island.

The series is part of the Philippine Sports Commission’s broader initiative to position the country as a premier global destination for endurance sports. This effort is supported by the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Council and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority with the PSC Filipino Elite Category a key highlight of the event.

OIL PRICE WATCH as of May 1, 2026

Motorists may soon face another round of fuel price hikes, with the Department of Energy (DOE) signaling a possible increase in pump prices next week.

Industry estimates suggest diesel prices could rise by around P0.20 to P0.40 per liter, while gasoline may also post an increase, reversing recent weeks of rollbacks.

Motorists are advised to monitor official announcements as final price movements may still change depending on global trading in the coming days.

For now, here are the prevailing oil prices monitored and gathered by the INQUIRER team on Labor Day.

Amid challenges, Dy vows to continue pushing for workers’ welfare

House of Representatives Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III has vowed to continue pushing for workers’ welfare, admitting that a lot of challenges and problems in workplaces still plague Filipino laborers.

In his Labor Day message, Dy said that he knows that workers still complain about low salaries and benefits, along with the lack of secure tenure, which is why the House will seek better conditions for laborers.

‘We know that there our workers still face a lot of challenges – from complaints about salaries and benefits up to the security of tenure and good conditions inside workplaces,’ Dy said in Filipino.

‘That’s why we are in the House of Representatives, we will continue to uphold the welfare of Filipino workers. We will continue to push for bills and measures that would strengthen the protection, opportunity, and dignity given to workers,’ he added.

According to Dy, the government should protect workers as it is through their efforts that the nation keeps moving.

‘In celebrating Labor Day, we acknowledge the important role of workers in moving our economy and shaping the country’s future. You are the strength and life of our country – you are the true lifeblood of our nation,’ Dy added.

‘It is through your hard work, efforts, and sacrifice that the country’s industries continue to move forward […] Your hard work keeps our nation moving. It is only right that the government works just as hard to protect your welfare and to support your aspirations.’

Several groups marked Labor Day with protests, reiterating their call for a P1,200 wage hike amid rising prices driven by internal and external shocks.

Friday marks the 124th Labor Day celebration in the Philippines, yet labor groups said workers continue to grapple with the labor crisis, which has been further intensified by the war in the Middle East.

‘Since the conflict in West Asia erupted, the United States and its allies have dragged workers and people in the Philippines and around the world into a quicksand of severe hunger, poverty, and suffering,’ Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) said in a statement.

According to KMU, the Marcos administration has been tight-lipped and against workers – being useless in shielding the people from the impact of the war.

‘The fight must continue for an end to war, the attainment of a living wage of P1,200 nationwide, lowering the prices of goods and removing [value added tax] (VAT) and excise taxes, ensuring regular, decent, and safe jobs, respecting the right to unionize and organize, and putting a stop to the repression of the people,’ the labor group added,’ the labor group added.

In the House, pro-worker bills have been filed but have not yet been addressed.

Last March, Kamanggagawa party-list Rep. Elijah San Fernando questioned the House’s inability to pass the proposed national minimum wage bill before Congress went on a recess, noting that the measure would have helped workers as the economy takes a hit due to the Middle East crisis.

San Fernando said he and over 1,600 workers condemn the ‘dead air’ on House Bill No. 8081 or the proposed National Minimum Wage Act, despite Dy and the House leadership vowing to prioritize this.

Congress adjourned its session last March 19 without tackling the said measure. Session will resume by May 4.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

And instead of addressing the measure, the lawmaker said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. opted to thumb down fare hikes requests from public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators and other reliefs – measures which he said are merely stop-gap initiatives that do not significantly address the lack of purchasing power.

Runsewe lauds NANTA for honouring ANJET, Meke’s role in tourism development

Former Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Segun Runsewe, has commended the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), for recognising the contributions of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) and veteran travel writer, Mr. Frank Meke, to Nigeria’s tourism growth.

In a statement, Runsewe also congratulated NANTA on its 50th anniversary, acknowledging the association’s role in advancing tourism in Nigeria.

‘I am very happy that a body like NANTA understands the role travel journalists play in developing and marketing a country as a destination,’ Runsewe said.

‘I have been part of the industry for many years, and I know the key role journalism plays in shaping perception and creating necessary awareness for sector growth.

‘Travel journalists craft narratives that inspire interest in a destination. Their work helps grow the local economy and boost businesses.’

He noted that ANJET has been ‘dogged and resolute’ in pursuing the growth of Nigerian tourism. ‘That understanding shaped my positive partnership with them while in office, and Nigeria was better for it. Together we positively put the country on the world tourism map. I am glad NANTA understands this and has honoured them,’ he said.

Runsewe singled out Frank Meke, Managing Director of Cre8tive Naija Media Group, for special praise. ‘For more than three decades, Meke has been at the forefront of tourism reporting in Nigeria. His reports and informed commentaries have deepened understanding of tourism and helped shape policies and key government positions in the industry.’

‘Guided by knowledge and experience, Meke has been consistent in his tourism writing and advocacy. I congratulate him for this recognition and urge him to keep up the good work,’ he added.

Aeroport boss congratulates newly elected NANTA leaders, calls for greater service

THE Group Managing Director of Aeroport Aviation College and the organiser of the first travelprenuer conference( (Travconexpo), Dr. Oludayo Taiwo Gideon, widely known as GidiBoss, has congratulated the newly elected members of the National Executive Council.

He viewed their election as a call to greater responsibility and service to both the association and the industry at large.

‘I congratulate the newly elected leaders and wish them wisdom, strength, and success as they embark on the journey of leading NANTA into its next phase,’ he stated.

Dr Gideon also praised the outgoing leadership for their significant contributions and dedication to the growth and stability of the association over the years.

Reflecting on the AGM, he emphasised that, beyond the formal sessions, the interactions among members reinforced the importance of collaboration, unity, and shared purpose within the association.

As a member of the Local Organising Committee, he actively helped coordinate delegates and support key aspects of the event, contributing significantly to its overall success.

According to him, celebrating NANTA at 50 is not just about reminiscing on the past, but also a renewed call to strengthen the association’s voice, enhance its visibility, and maintain its relevance in a dynamic global travel environment.

Gideon reaffirmed his commitment to the ongoing growth and advancement of NANTA and the broader travel industry, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in building a stronger and more impactful association.

INEC Restores Mark, Aregbesola’s Names On Its Portal

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reinstated the names of former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola on its official portal as recognised leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The development signals a major shift in the protracted leadership crisis rocking the party.

Also listed on the commission’s portal are Dr Mani Ibrahim Ahmed as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Prof Oserheimhen Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.

The update, which appeared on INEC’s website on Thursday, effectively restores Mark as National Chairman and Aregbesola as National Secretary, weeks after the commission withheld recognition of any faction amid escalating legal disputes.

The development follows the judgment of the Supreme Court, which voided an earlier order that had frozen the party’s leadership structure and created a vacuum within the ADC.

INEC had, in the heat of the crisis, declined to recognise both camps laying claim to the party’s leadership, citing subsisting court orders and the need to maintain neutrality pending judicial clarification.

‘We will be guided strictly by the law and valid court pronouncements in determining recognised leadership of political parties,’ the commission had said at the time, a stance that effectively left the ADC without an officially acknowledged national leadership on its records.

The controversy stemmed from a bitter internal struggle that pitched the Mark-led faction against a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala.

Subsequent court actions triggered conflicting orders and forced INEC to suspend recognition of any leadership pending judicial clarification

At one stage, conflicting orders from lower courts and a ‘status quo’ directive issued by the Court of Appeal compounded the uncertainty, prompting INEC to suspend recognition altogether to avoid contempt.

The apex court, however, set aside the appellate court’s status quo order, describing it as unwarranted after the substantive matter had been struck out, and ruled that such interim directives could not subsist in a vacuum.

With the Supreme Court declining to make a conclusive pronouncement on the substantive leadership dispute and instead returning the matter to the Federal High Court, the ADC crisis remains unresolved, despite the latest administrative recognition.

Reacting to the judgment, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar welcomed the Supreme Court’s affirmation of David Mark’s leadership of the African Democratic Congress but cautioned against complacency, saying the broader political struggle remains unresolved.

Police tracing for woman shot by guard near Speaker Among’s home

The police are hunting for a female driver who was shot and injured by a police guard after she allegedly refused to heed instructions to stop near the Speaker of Parliament’s residence in Kampala City yesterday.

After the shooting, an unidentified woman driving a Toyota Harrier was evacuated from the vehicle she was driving, and taken to an unidentified medical facility.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Ms Racheal Kawala, said they are looking for the female driver to interview her and also establish the extent of the injuries.

‘We have picked interest in the incident and investigations are ongoing. We are tracing for the victim,’ Ms. Kawala said yesterday.

It is alleged that at around midday, the female driver was instructed to stop to allow the convoy of the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, to pass, at Mackinnon Road in Kampala City, but she continued to drive prompting the police guard to shoot at her.

Ms. Kawala said they would talk to both the shooter and the victim to understand the situation before apportioning blame.

With the increase in Ugandans given armed guards, the number of incidents of shootings or altercations by escorts and members of the public have increased.

The place of the shooting is just a kilometre away from where another shooting happened in December 2024.

A 32-year-old truck driver, Julius Ssemwaka, was shot dead by Police Constable Charles Bahati after a road rage incident after the victim allegedly couldn’t reverse his vehicle to allow a convoy of a judicial officer to pass at a junction near Sheraton Hotel in Kampala City.

The suspected shooter, who was attached to the VIPPU and guarding a judicial officer, fled and has since gone into hiding.

Police said PC Bahati is a wanted person.

Another incident happened on March 24, 2019, when Corporal David Ssali suspected Ronald Ssebulime, 40, a biker, of trailing the then State Minister of ICT, Ms. Idah Nantaba, in Kayunga District. Cpl Ssali arrested Ssebulime and handcuffed him before shooting him dead.

Cpl Ssali was later arrested and sentenced to 20 years in jail.

In 2016, the police guard on the convoy of the then Chief Justice Bart Katureebe shot Shaban Oyela, whom they alleged was holding an iron bar and came close to the vehicle their principal was in at Bugolobi, Kampala City. Oyela was injured and died the next day at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

Another incident happened in 2024 when the police detained a motorist after he was arrested for allegedly attempting to force his way into State Lodge Nakasero in Kampala.

Shafik Bwanika was arrested on charges of attempted breach of security at one of the gates of President Museveni’s home by a car that reportedly wanted to forcefully gain access to the premises at around 2pm on April 30, 2024, according to Special Forces Command (SFC).

‘SFC soldiers on guard thwarted the breach after the car registration number UBE 434T and driven by Mr. Shafik Bwanika came at breakneck speed ignoring all security protocols that were severally signalled to them. In a bid to stop the speeding car, warning shots were fired but to no avail. The guards then targeted the car tyres which eventually got flattened and slowed down the car,’ the SFC spokesperson Maj. Jimmy Omara told journalists at the time.

It is not you. It is your location

Dear Diary,

Kampala is flirting, suffering, and checking pump prices at the same time.You meet someone. Not even ‘the love of your life’, let’s not get carried away. Just a man you like. The conversation flows. He is funny. He listens. You start to think, ah, maybe God has remembered me in this economy.

Then the question comes. ‘So, where do you stay?’

And just like that, the vibes shift. Because what do you mean you are in Sonde? What do you mean I am in Kyanja? What in the distance are you living in this petrol economy?

Now we are no longer flirting. We are doing transport planning.

Because dating in Kampala today is not about feelings. It is about distance, traffic, and whether this connection can survive Shell prices. You are not catching feelings. You are calculating. ‘Is he worth the drive?’ ‘Is this love, or is this 60K in fuel?’

And suddenly, effort looks different. ‘I miss you’ is cute. ‘Let me come see you’ is commitment. ‘Let me fill the tank’ is true love. Fuel has become a love language. If he wanted to, he would, but does he have fuel?

And the men, oh they have adapted. Everyone now lives ‘just nearby.’

‘Baby, I am close.’ Sir, define close. Because Kampala ‘close’ is a lie we tell ourselves to feel better. It is not backed by distance, time, or economic reality. Last time I checked, ‘close’ still involves traffic, boda negotiations, and a small loan from your savings. And somehow, you are the one being told to come through. ‘Just pass by.’ Pass by with what exactly? Faith? Because my tank is on E and my patience is on reserve.

We are all outside pretending this is sustainable.

Soft life told us to date, to enjoy, to sit in soft lighting and sip something expensive while laughing like life is not hard. But the economy said, ‘Choose wisely.’ Because I am not even going to talk about how fuel has started affecting what we pick on the menu. Whisky now has a fuel hike.

You sit there looking at the menu like you are reviewing a national budget. Prices are up. Your spirit is down. You start asking yourself serious questions. ‘Do I really want this cocktail?’ ‘Or should I drink water and preserve my future?’

Meanwhile the man is looking at the woman across smiling, relaxed, ordering confidently, like fuel has not personally attacked his finances.

And he is thinking, what are you doing? What in the Moet on ice are you ordering? I drove here for you. Now I am paying three sets of fuel, the one in my car… in yours and now the one in your glass. Omuntu agenze where?

Even heartbreak has become expensive. Imagine travelling across Kampala, using your last fuel, just to sit there and be disappointed. No personality. No depth. No pork ribs. You go back home, calculate your losses, and realise this was not a date. This was a financial decision you made under emotional influence.

Kampala is tired. The girls are tired. The men are negotiating. The situationships are now geographically restricted. Long distance relationships have entered the chat, and by long distance I mean Ntinda to Bugolobi. Anything beyond that? You people are committed. God bless you.

And yet… we are still outside. Still flirting. Still hoping. Still saying ‘let’s meet’ like we do not know what it costs. Because the truth is, we still want love. We just need it to make sense.

We want effort that considers traffic. Romance that respects fuel prices. Softness that does not require a full tank every time. Because in this Kampala, my dear, love is not just emotional. It is logistical.

And at this point, if he cannot cross Kampala for you: financially, physically, and spiritually? That is not your man. That is your pen pal.

Colombo Kickerz Girls’ Under-14 off to Malaysia

Colombo Kickerz Football Academy is set to create history as their Girls Under-14 team left to Malaysia in order to compete in the prestigious KL Cup 2026, marking the academy’s first-ever all-girls international football campaign.

They will take part in the tournament on 2 and 3 May in Kuala Lumpur, where they will face strong international opposition and gain valuable overseas exposure. This milestone reflects Colombo Kickerz’s growing commitment to developing girls’ football and expanding opportunities for young female players to compete at a higher level.

Having already built a strong reputation through previous KL Cup appearances, the academy continues to focus on nurturing talent and providing players with competitive international experience. The Under-14 girls have undergone intensive training sessions, with coaches placing strong emphasis on technical skills, teamwork, discipline, and match preparedness ahead of the tournament.

The KL Cup is known for its highly competitive environment and diverse participation, making it an ideal platform for the girls to test themselves and showcase their abilities on a bigger stage. This historic participation is not only a proud moment for Colombo Kickerz but also a major step forward for girls’ football in Sri Lanka, inspiring the next generation to dream bigger and aim for international success. (SJ)