Author: Nouman Ali

Fans of Michael Jackson and moviegoers who grew up with his music may have reason to head back to theaters this week, after the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) approved ‘Michael,’ a biographical film about the life of the King of Pop.

The film, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, received a PG classification. According to the MTRCB, a PG rating means younger viewers may watch with parental guidance. The film traces Jackson’s journey from child star with The Jackson 5 to one of the most recognizable entertainers in modern history.

For many Filipino fans who came of age in the 1980s and 1990s, Jackson’s music formed part of radio playlists, dance contests and pop culture moments. He became known worldwide for albums such as Thriller, Bad and Dangerous, as well as songs like Billie Jean and Beat It.

Also included in this week’s lineup is Decadence, a drama-romance film exclusive to Megaworld Cinemas, which received an R-18 rating for mature themes that may not be suitable for viewers below 18.

At SM Cinemas, Mother Mary, starring Anne Hathaway, was rated R-16. The Board said the psychological thriller may contain themes or scenes not suitable for viewers below 16.

Another R-16 release is Rosemead, a crime-drama thriller exclusive to Robinsons Movieworld, starring Lucy Liu, Lawrence Shou and Orion Lee.

Also screening at Robinsons is Gintama on Theater 2D, an animated feature rated R-13, while the One OK Rock concert film received a PG rating.

Under MTRCB rules, PG means parental guidance is advised. R-13, R-16 and R-18 indicate content that may not be appropriate for younger viewers depending on age classification.

MTRCB Chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto said film classifications remain part of the Board’s campaign for Responsableng Panonood.

‘Our goal is not to limit choices, but to guide viewers. By providing clear classifications, we help families decide what is appropriate, while allowing filmmakers to tell their stories responsibly,’ Chairperson Sotto said.

Sotto further said that parental supervision remains important, especially in today’s digital age where content is more accessible than ever.

‘Responsableng Panonood begins at home. We encourage parents and guardians to use these ratings as a guide, especially now that content is easier to access across many platforms,’ she added. ‘In today’s digital world, content is available anytime and anywhere. That is why parents and guardians play a vital role. We encourage them to use our classifications as a tool for Responsableng Panonood,’ she added.

Total insured deposits in the banking system posted a double-digit growth in 2025, which state-run insurer Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) attributed to expanded protection for depositors.

PDIC data showed insured deposits had climbed to P5.2 trillion last year, an increase of P1.5 trillion, or 40.9 percent, from P3.7 trillion in 2024.

The agency said most of the gain stemmed from the doubling of maximum deposit insurance coverage to P1 million from P500,000 on March 15, 2025. This policy shift accounted for P1.3 trillion, or 86.1 percent, of the rise.

Fully insured accounts increased to 169.2 million at end-2025, up 20.9 percent from 140 million a year earlier, representing 98.8 percent of all deposit accounts nationwide in the Philippines.

Total deposits

Total domestic deposits reached P21.7 trillion at year-end, rising 7.1 percent, or P1.4 trillion.

Individual depositors drove the expansion, contributing P812.1 billion, or 56.4 percent of the increase, followed by private corporations with P334.8 billion, or 23.2 percent.

‘This sharp increase not only reflects sustained public confidence in the banking system but also signals a significantly stronger financial safety net for depositors,’ the PDIC said.

The PDIC has tapped the World Bank to study the possibility of implementing a ‘risk-based’ pricing mechanism for fees that banks pay to insure deposits, in a bid to deter lenders from making risky investment moves.

Premium cost

At present, the PDIC collects a flat annual rate of one-fifth of 1 percent of the total deposit liability of a bank. Lenders pay the state insurer so that depositors can be reimbursed up to a certain amount if a bank is ordered closed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

But the PDIC also has five years from 2022-the year its revised charter took effect-to conduct a study on the need to establish a risk-based assessment system, which could result in higher premiums to be paid by banks that engage in riskier investment activities.

The result of the study will have to be reported to Congress.

BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. earlier said that beefing up the protection for bank deposits would unlikely create a moral hazard, as he stressed the need to make the local deposit insurance system ready for systemic risks.

Since being appointed as Blackwater’s interim coach, Pat Aquino has given Sedrick Barefield all the green light he needed to shine.

On Wednesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, that trust finally paid off with a 126-120 win over San Miguel Beer in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Barefield led all locals in the scoring column with 29 points to help the Bossing improve to a 2-6 card and more importantly, give Aquino his first dub as Blackwater’s tactician.

‘Coach Pat gives me the ultimate confidence but at the same time, he tells me how to be smart or when I need to be doing something better,’ said Barefield, who also had eight assists, seven rebounds and a steal.

‘I wasn’t necessarily shooting the ball well so it means a lot to me that he believed in me.’

Barefield struggled a bit, going 11-for-23 from the field, but import Robert Upshaw III was present to make up for it with a double-double of 35 points and 17 rebounds.

In three games under Aquino’s tutelage, Barefield wreaked havoc on offense with averages of 22.6 points, 4.6 assists and 4.0 rebounds per outing.

‘His message was to believe, be confident and we kept fighting,’ Barefield said.

Aquino looks to see Barefield flourish even more under his system on Friday when the Bossing take on Barangay Ginebra at Araneta Coliseum.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) released funds amounting to at least P92.8 million for a flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan, linked to former Sen. Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. and several others, despite alleged irregularities in billing documents, an official told the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division on Wednesday.

Testifying at the hearing for the malversation case against Revilla and his coaccused, DPWH finance director Genevieve Cuaresma confirmed alleged irregularities in the monthly certificate of payment and Statement of Work Accomplished (Sowa) for the project.

Cuaresma said the documents were not signed by former DPWH assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez and district engineer Henry Alcantara.

Hernandez is among the coaccused in the case, while Alcantara is a state witness.

The lack of signatures, according to Cuaresma, made the documents ‘incomplete, illegal,’ adding that the payments should not have been released as a result.

The Sowa also declared the project ‘95.17 percent’ complete but when Third Division chair Associate Justice Karl Miranda inspected the site last week, there were no visible structures aside from several steel sheet piles.

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) is proposing to significantly ease listing rules for preferred shares offerings, aiming to draw more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into the capital market.

In a consultation paper, the PSE said it plans to slash the minimum public offering size for preferred shares offerings to P100 million from P1 billion, a tenfold reduction meant to ‘democratize access’ to the market.

The exchange said the move would align the requirement with small-cap initial public offering (IPO) thresholds and provide an alternative to crowdfunding, which SMEs often tap for funding.

Alongside this, the PSE is proposing to lower the minimum number of stockholders upon listing to 100 from 1,000, reflecting the smaller offer size.

The exchange also plans to revise public float rules, shifting from a fixed 20 percent minimum to a range of 15 percent to 20 percent, in line with SEC Memorandum Circular No. 11-2026.

In some cases, the PSE may allow a lower public float, but not below 12 percent, based on a company’s market capitalization at listing.

Easier disclosure requirements

To further encourage listings, the PSE is seeking to streamline disclosure requirements for ‘preferred shares-only’ issuers, focusing on information that affects dividend payments.

This will reduce the number of reportable events requiring prompt disclosure to 29 from 42, removing items not tied to an issuer’s ability to pay dividends.

Certain disclosures-such as reports on top shareholders and some corporate changes-will no longer be required, while sector-specific certifications will be added for mining and energy firms.

The PSE is also proposing a modified penalty framework, retaining fines for structured disclosures but simplifying penalties for unstructured violations to a single level.

Higher penalties will apply to violations affecting preferred shareholders’ rights, including dividend declarations, redemption terms and changes in shareholdings of key officers.

The exchange is inviting comments from market participants until May 5, 2026, after which the final rules may be refined from the draft.

Proponents

Investment banker Eduardo Francisco, president of BDO Capital and Investment Corp., earlier urged the PSE to lower the minimum offering size to P500 million, saying listing-even via preferred shares-could help smaller firms build credibility and attract investors.

‘If they are not yet listed, preferred [shares offering] is a safer way to introduce them,’ Francisco said.

He added that once listed, companies would also have an easier path to conduct follow-on offerings, whether of common or preferred shares.

‘At least, they have a seal of good housekeeping,’ he said.

Across industries, logistics is undergoing a fundamental shift. The growing complexity of supply chains, coupled with rising customer expectations for speed and transparency, is pushing companies to rethink how goods move from origin to destination. At the center of this transformation is Artificial Intelligence (AI), enabling businesses to operate with greater precision, efficiency, and foresight.

K-Logistikus

Against this backdrop, K-Logistikus Philippines, a joint venture between Logistikus, Inc. and Asia’s logistics powerhouse KLN, is taking a decisive step forward-placing AI at the core of its modernization strategy. Known for its strengths in integrated logistics, freight forwarding, warehousing, and last-mile delivery, the company continues to evolve alongside the changing demands of the market.

‘Logistics plays a critical role in unlocking business potential. Through K-Logistikus Philippines, we aim to provide solutions that not only move goods efficiently but also help enterprises scale, compete, and succeed,’ said Sulficio O. Tagud, Jr., CEO and President of K-Logistikus Philippines.

For K-Logistikus, AI adoption goes beyond incremental upgrades. The company is building a fully data-driven organization by embedding intelligence across its core business units, including Demand Driven Logistics, Cross-Dock, Integrated Contract Logistics, Domestic Freight, and Point-to-Point (P2P).

This transformation is reshaping day-to-day operations. AI-powered tools are being used to forecast demand, optimize delivery routes, and improve ETA accuracy. In warehouses, intelligent slotting and predictive analytics enhance inventory placement and resource allocation, reducing inefficiencies across the supply chain.

At the systems level, K-Logistikus is integrating AI into its Warehouse Management System (WMS), Transport Management System (TMS), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). These enhancements enable smarter planning, faster decision-making, and greater operational visibility. A centralized data platform with real-time dashboards is also being developed, allowing teams to monitor performance and respond proactively to disruptions.

K-Logistikus

Customer experience is also evolving. AI-driven tracking, automated notifications, and more responsive support are improving transparency and reliability-key factors for businesses operating in time-sensitive industries.

This modernization aligns with KLN’s 2025 global rebrand, which emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. By optimizing routes and improving efficiency, K-Logistikus also supports ESG goals, particularly in reducing fuel consumption and enabling more sustainable logistics practices.

The impact is clear: streamlined operations, lower costs, accessible operations information and improved service delivery. More importantly, K-Logistikus is helping bridge the gap between local logistics needs and global standards, enabling businesses-from retail to FMCG to pharmaceuticals-to operate with more resilient and intelligent supply chains.

K-Logistikus’ transformation reflects a broader industry shift. Logistics is no longer defined solely by physical movement, but by the intelligence that powers it. By embedding AI into its operations, the company is not just modernizing-it is helping shape the future of logistics in the Philippines.

Travelers flying within and out of the Philippines are facing significantly higher airfares for the rest of April after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) approved a Level 19 fuel surcharge, pushing additional charges to as much as P15,397 per ticket.

This new rate brings jet fuel surcharges close to the maximum Level 20 and marks a sharp increase from Level 8 imposed from April 1 to April 15.

Before the Middle East conflict broke out, Level 4 surcharge had applied.

Under Level 19, fuel surcharges for domestic flights now range from P627 to P1,834, up from P253 to P787 earlier in April-equivalent to increases of 147.83 percent and 133.04 percent, respectively.

For international flights, the surcharge rises to at least P2,070.77 and as much as P15,397.15, from P835.05 to P6,208.98 previously, representing a 147.98-percent increase.

CAB issued the advisory on Wednesday, although the new rates had taken effect for tickets issued starting April 16.

‘This interim measure shall be in effect until the current situation stabilizes, or as may be revised or revoked accordingly,’ it said.

These new rates will be applied at a conversion rate of P59.95 per US dollar.

Up 436% from prewar levels

This adjustment comes as global jet fuel prices remain high, reaching $184.63 per barrel as of April 17, from $99.40 per barrel prior to the Iran conflict, based on data from the International Air Transport Association.

Compared with prewar levels, Philippine jet fuel surcharges have now increased by 436 percent.

In March, carriers were unable to immediately reflect the price surge, as surcharges had already been set at Level 4 before hostilities escalated. At that level, domestic charges ranged from P117 to P342, while international surcharges were between P385.70 and P2,867.82.

Level 20 remains the highest allowable tier under CAB rules, with domestic surcharges ranging from P661 to P1,993 and international charges from P2,183.11 to P16,232.44.

On top of base airfare

Under CAB Resolution No. 25, Series of 2022, fuel surcharges are optional and charged on top of the base airfare. These may be removed if the one-month average price of jet fuel falls below P21 per liter.

In a statement, AirAsia Philippines said the increase reflects mounting cost pressures on carriers amid the ongoing conflict.

‘With the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, our operational cost base has significantly exceeded initial forecasts-global jet fuel prices have surged to more than double 2025 levels,’ the airline said.

‘Ibigay ang hilig ng walang ligalig.’ (Give the desire without trouble.)

This was the response of Palace Press Officer Claire Castro to questions on why the Office of the President (OP) approved Vice President Sara Duterte’s request for a 22-day overseas travel.

At a briefing on Thursday, Castro also refuted claims that the OP intentionally granted Duterte’s request a day before her departure, which Duterte said was a last-minute decision.

The request was made on April 14, and according to Castro, it usually takes five business days to process. This is the same process followed for other officials who request travel authority.

Duterte on Thursday said she will soon file a new travel request and asked for its prompt issuance to allow sufficient time for travel preparations.

‘The vice president, based on records, receives her travel authority documents a day before her intended trip. So, she was not denied. There is also no record showing that when she requested a vacation or a personal trip for an extended period, she was ever refused. Therefore, to say that this was a last-minute resolution or decision is not accurate. This is because this is what usually happens-the travel authority is normally given to her a day before,’ Castro explained in Filipino.

‘Why did the vice president change her mind? What made her change her mind is the 6.7 billion question,’ she added.

Castro was referring to the alleged amount of suspicious transactions that flowed through the bank accounts of Duterte and her husband, Mans Carpio, from 2006 to 2025, as flagged by the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

During the briefing, Castro also dismissed Duterte’s request for confidentiality regarding her approved travel authority, citing security concerns.

‘She is a public servant; she is not a private individual. She cannot hide things she wants to conceal. There are matters that the public needs to know because she is a public servant,’ Castro said in Filipino.

‘For example, amid the crisis in the Middle East and the billions-worth of issues currently involving the vice president and her husband, if you were asked, if you were the vice president, would it be appropriate to go on vacation? If what she wants is to take a vacation and go on a world tour to pursue her personal interests, considering that she does not have an ILBO (Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order) and there is also no precautionary hold departure order in place,’ she added.

When asked for a message to Duterte regarding her continued absence from congressional hearings on the impeachment complaints against her, Castro said there was no need for one.

‘She is already an adult. Second, she is the vice president and a public servant. She says she promotes accountability and transparency, so she should know what she needs to do and how to explain it to the public. Therefore, she does not need any message from the Palace,’ she said in Filipino.

Impeachment proceedings against Duterte continued on Wednesday. The House justice committee reviewed financial documents, including her statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth, tax filings, and business records, to examine allegations that she amassed wealth beyond her declared income.

She is also accused of misusing hundreds of millions of pesos in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education when she was its secretary.

Globe Telecom Inc. bought back $426.42 million worth of its dollar-denominated perpetual capital securities following its tender offer, which formed part of its liability management program.

In a disclosure on Thursday, the Ayala-backed telco said the accepted tenders represented majority of the $600 million senior perpetual capital securities issued in 2021.

After the offer expired on April 22, about $173.58 million in principal amount of the securities would remain outstanding, Globe said.

Settlement of the accepted securities is expected by April 24.

This buyback comes as the company moves closer to redeeming the remaining balance of equity instruments, which carry an initial distribution rate of 4.2 percent.

Cebu’s island of Mactan has welcomed a new hotel development with the opening of Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan, located within the newly launched Mahi Center in Lapu-Lapu City.

appleone group

The property expands Marriott International’s presence on the island, complementing existing developments such as Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, also developed by AppleOne Group. Positioned a short drive from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the hotel offers convenient access for both business and leisure travelers visiting the Visayas.

Positioned within Mactan’s economic zone

appleone group

Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan is located in Barangay Ibo, Lapu-Lapu City, within the Mactan Economic Zone, placing it near key commercial and industrial hubs.

The hotel forms part of Mahi Center, a mixed-use development by AppleOne Group that integrates retail spaces, offices, and the nine-storey hotel. This setup allows guests access to dining, workspaces, and services within a single complex.

‘With Mahi Center taking shape, we knew the success of this ecosystem would be driven by the strength of our partnerships. The question was who we could trust to welcome the world to it-and the answer was Marriott International,’ said Samantha Manigsaca, Director and Vice President for Hospitality at AppleOne Group.

‘What drew AppleOne to Marriott was the recognition that we share the same values-a strong commitment to people, quality, and building something that earns trust over time. The partnership is grounded in that shared foundation,’ she added.

‘As Lapu-Lapu City continues to welcome more travelers, investors, and events, there is a growing need for hospitality experiences that reflect the ambition of the destination.’

appleone group

The development is also positioned as a PEZA-accredited mixed-use hub, integrating business, retail, and hospitality components within one site, as outlined in the launch of Mahi Center as a PEZA-accredited lifestyle and business hub.

appleone group

Its location also provides proximity to the Mactan Export Processing Zone, while remaining accessible to leisure destinations such as beaches, dive sites, and cultural landmarks across the island.

Guest rooms designed for work and rest

The hotel features 196 guest rooms across three categories: Standard Twin, Standard Queen, and Deluxe Queen.

appleone group

Room layouts are designed to accommodate both business and leisure stays, with designated areas for work, rest, and storage. The interiors draw from Fairfield’s brand concept, which emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and comfort.

‘The Fairfield brand is widely recognized around the world and is rooted in Marriott International’s history, which will mark its 100th year in 2027. It reflects values of simplicity, balance, and comfort-qualities we believe are well suited for both business and leisure travelers in Mactan, Cebu,’ said Bruce Winton, Area General Manager, Philippines at Marriott International.

Facilities for meetings and events

Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan includes more than 250 square meters of meeting and event space, which can be configured into smaller venues for different group sizes.

These spaces are equipped with audiovisual capabilities and supported by on-site coordination teams for corporate meetings, training sessions, and social events. Catering services are available, with customizable menu options depending on event requirements.

Dining concept inspired by local flavors

The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, DAVOS, is set to open this month. The restaurant’s name draws from the Cebuano word ‘dabos,’ referring to abundance.

Led by Executive Chef Marcel Ramos, the menu follows a ‘Coastal Filipino’ approach, incorporating regional ingredients and flavors into contemporary dishes. The restaurant highlights seafood and locally sourced produce, reflecting Mactan’s coastal setting.

Supporting tourism and local employment

The development reflects continued investment in Cebu’s tourism and business sectors, particularly in Lapu-Lapu City.

Through its operations, the hotel contributes to local employment across hospitality and support services, while also engaging suppliers within the region. Developments such as Mahi Center highlight how integrated spaces are being positioned to support both tourism and business activity.

As Cebu continues to expand its Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, additional accommodation and event infrastructure help support demand from both local and international markets.

A new addition to Mactan’s hospitality landscape

Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan adds to the range of accommodations available on the island, offering a location that connects business districts, transport access, and leisure destinations.

Integrated within Mahi Center, the property provides a centralized base for travelers visiting Cebu for work or leisure.

More information is available through the Marriott Bonvoy website and mobile app.