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Makabayan warns Pax Silica’s Subic-Clark plan could hike power costs

The Makabayan bloc on Saturday warned that the proposed energy infrastructure for the United States (US)-backed Pax Silica initiative could further drive up electricity prices and strain the country’s power supply.

In a joint statement, ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, and Kabataan Rep. Renee Louise Co said the planned Economic Security Zone in New Clark City would require about 5 gigawatts of electricity, which they claimed would put additional pressure on the country’s already fragile power grid.

‘With Pax Silica, power rates in the Philippines could become the highest in Southeast Asia and even the whole of Asia permanently. The 5-gigawatt demand will strain our already fragile grid to the breaking point, triggering rolling blackouts across the country and driving electricity prices even higher,’ the lawmakers said.

The statement came days after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed advancing the Pax Silica supply chain alliance and its first Economic Security Zone in Clark.

Energy strategy

The Makaayan bloc said the United States had committed more than $100 million in new foreign assistance for infrastructure supporting the initiative.

However, they questioned the project’s proposed energy strategy, citing plans for an LNG pipeline between Subic and Clark and investments in solar and battery storage facilities.

According to the lawmakers, these would lock the Philippines into dependence on foreign-controlled energy infrastructure while diverting public investments to support what they described as an American-led industrial project.

The bloc also echoed concerns raised by the farmers’ group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, describing Pax Silica as a ‘massive sellout’ of the country’s land, minerals, and sovereignty.

‘This is waste production disguised as so-called development. The government is opening our mountains and ancestral lands to more destructive mining and industries that serve foreigners rather than the Filipino people,’ the group said.

It added that the project’s projected electricity requirement suggests it is intended to host large-scale data centers and advanced manufacturing facilities for American technology corporations and military applications.

‘The energy crisis that will inevitably result from diverting 5 gigawatts to Pax Silica will devastate ordinary Filipinos. Manufacturing will be disrupted. Healthcare facilities will face power shortages. Schools will lack reliable electricity. Households will endure rolling blackouts. Agricultural processing will be hampered. Meanwhile, an American-controlled industrial zone will enjoy uninterrupted, priority access to Philippine electricity,’ the lawmakers said.

The Makabayan bloc called on the Marcos administration to immediately halt Pax Silica and all related infrastructure projects, conduct a comprehensive national energy audit to determine how much electricity the country can sustainably generate and allocate, prioritize electrification of underserved communities, and ensure reliable power for healthcare, education, and small and medium enterprises.

The lawmakers also urged the government to reassert state control and public ownership over critical energy infrastructure and reject arrangements that would lock the country into dependence on foreign-controlled energy infrastructure.

‘No portion of Philippine electricity should be sacrificed to serve American or any foreign interests or military objectives. The Filipino people will not pay the price of energy poverty, higher electricity costs, and diminished economic opportunity while American corporations profit from Philippine resources. This is not development; this is the conversion of the Philippines into a resource extraction zone for American imperialism. We will not allow it,’ the lawmakers said. Government officials have previously said Pax Silica is expected to generate investments, jobs, and economic activity by positioning the Philippines as a key hub in global semiconductor and critical mineral supply chains.

Mindoro consumer group disputes electric coop’s rate cut explanation

The newly formed Mindoro Consumers Coalition (MCC) challenged the Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (ORMECO)’s explanation for the recent P1-per-kilowatt-hour (kWh) rate cut, rejecting its claim that the reduction resulted from cheaper supply from a new independent power producer (IPP).

In a statement issued on Saturday, July 25, the group said the supply contracts covering Lots IV and VII under the 57-megawatt (MW) Competitive Selection Process (CSP) have been operational for a year now without any form of subsidy.

‘Lots IV and VII under the 57 MW from the completed Competitive Selection Process have already been running for a year now without any subsidy up to the present. MCC believes the rate reduction is within the control of ORMECO management, and it is also within their capacity to raise rates again should they choose to,’ the group said.

The coalition also clarified that ORMECO’s statement claiming only two IPPs are operational refers solely to the 57-MW contracted supply and not the full power distributed across the province.

MCC likewise flagged what it described as inconsistencies in the utility’s reporting, questioning the lack of clarity behind the still-high power rates and absence of subsidies.

The group also raised concerns over system loss charges, noting that while ORMECO reports a 10-percent rate to the National Electrification Administration, actual charges reach 17.5 percent.

‘Based on ORMECO’s statements, it remains unclear up to now why electricity rates remain high and why we do not receive any subsidies. And why does ORMECO report to the National Electrification Administration that system loss charges are at 10%, while the actual charge is 17.5%?’ the group asked.

ORMECO General Manager Engr. Humphrey Dolor issued a statement claiming that the P1.06/kWh reduction in the July billing was caused by the operation of new power plants under the 57 MW contracted through the CSP.

The consumer coalition staged a protest rally on Saturday to demand lower electricity rates and urge Congress and concerned agencies to investigate the power contracts entered into by ORMECO and its suppliers, seeking full transparency and accountability.

3 nabbed in Cavite buy-bust; drug den dismantled

Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), in coordination with the police, dismantled an alleged drug den and arrested three suspected drug personalities during a buy-bust operation in Bacoor City, Cavite, on Saturday night, July 25.

In a report released Sunday, PDEA Calabarzon said its operatives, assisted by local police, conducted the anti-drug operation at 7:20 p.m. in Barangay Molino II, leading to the dismantling of the suspected drug den.

Arrested were suspects identified only by their aliases ‘Dante,’ 55; ‘Cedric,’ 19; and ‘Michael,’ 41, all of whom authorities identified as alleged ‘notorious drug personalities’.

The report did not specify which of the arrested suspects maintained the drug den.

According to PDEA, the suspects were allegedly caught using shabu (crystal methamphetamine) inside the drug den during the operation.

Authorities recovered approximately 10 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P68,000, along with assorted drug paraphernalia believed to have been used in illegal drug activities.

The three suspects are now in police custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

Peter Obi: I have what it takes to unite Nigeria

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has dismissed claims that he would divide Nigeria if elected president, insisting that his leadership would foster national unity and heal longstanding divisions across the country.

Speaking during an interview on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, Obi rejected comments by former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff questioning his ability to unite Nigeria, saying his record of humanitarian interventions and inclusive leadership spoke louder than political rhetoric.

‘I will unite Nigeria, and I know what it takes to unite Nigeria,’ the former Anambra State governor declared.

Obi said his commitment to national cohesion had been demonstrated through years of engagement with communities across the country, particularly in northern Nigeria, where he said he had visited states affected by insurgency, flooding and communal crises.

He recalled travelling to Borno State during the early years of the Boko Haram insurgency to condole with Sheriff following the killing of his brother, describing the visit as evidence of his willingness to stand with Nigerians in difficult times.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate also cited visits to internally displaced persons’ camps, donations to victims of disasters and support for education, healthcare and agricultural projects in states including Borno, Katsina, Kebbi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Sokoto and Benue.

According to Obi, he has funded boreholes in several northern communities, supported the Faculty of Agriculture at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto and continued to assist Almajiri schools and a School of Nursing in Bauchi.

He maintained that no contemporary Nigerian politician had travelled as extensively across the country by road, arguing that such interactions had deepened his understanding of the nation’s diverse peoples and challenges.

Obi said an administration under his leadership would focus on healing divisions rooted in Nigeria’s past while building an inclusive future where citizens are judged not by ethnicity or religion but by their shared identity as Nigerians.

‘A Peter Obi presidency will commence the healing and the unity that is required to stabilise and build a better Nigeria,’ he said.

Responding to allegations that he had made anti-North remarks, Obi described the claims as false, noting that many of his closest associates, including his aide-de-camp during his tenure as governor, were northerners and Muslims.

He added that his administration in Anambra sponsored Muslim pilgrims to Hajj annually and that all his cooks throughout his eight years in office were from northern Nigeria.

Obi urged political leaders to shift attention from personality-driven attacks to addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including poverty, insecurity, education and healthcare.

‘I will never divide Nigeria. I will unite Nigeria. I will show love to every part of Nigeria and make sure things are done differently because I’m going to involve everybody,’ he said.

Teen who singer D4vd is accused of killing had abortion year before death

Text messages between singer D4vd and Celeste Rivas Hernandez shown in court Friday indicate she had gotten pregnant at age 13 and had an abortion more than a year before she was killed.

In one exchange in early January 2024, D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, apologizes for ‘putting her through this.’

‘It’s okay,’ she said in a text, ‘neither of us are capable of watching and taking care of the baby. it’s for the best no?’

He later apologizes again before asking if it’s his, and she replies, ‘of course it’s yours.’

The testimony came during a preliminary hearing where a judge will decide if Burke should go on trial in Rivas Hernandez’s killing. Prosecutors are seeking to prove Burke began sexually abusing Rivas Hernandez when she was 13 and he was 18, then stabbed her to death when she threatened to reveal their long sexual history and crater a career that had earned him millions.

They allege he dismembered the body in his garage, and a police analyst testified in the preliminary hearing that samples pulled from apparent blood stains there matched Rivas Hernandez’s DNA. Her body was discovered in the trunk of a Tesla that had been towed from the Hollywood Hills in September, nearly five months after authorities said she was killed. The Tesla was registered to Burke.

Burke has pleaded not guilty to murder, sexual abuse of a child and mutilation of a body, and his lawyers have said he is innocent.

Prosecution gives evidence of sexual abuse

Prosecutors spent Friday afternoon detailing the nature of the relationship between Burke and Rivas Hernandez. Photos of the two of them kissing and lying in bed were shown in court. The pictures showed that she had ‘David’ tattooed in red ink on a finger – one of two that had been cut off when her body was found.

Then Los Angeles police detective Corey Farrell described one-by-one more than three dozen photos of the two of them that could not be shown in court because they depicted explicit sexual abuse. Rivas Hernandez was 13 and 14 in the photos.

Rivas Hernandez’s mother began crying and her father looked down as the detective began describing the images.

Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman came over to comfort the mother, Mercedes Martinez, and the couple got up and left the courtroom.

The images were recovered from his iPhone that was seized during a search of his home. The text message conversations taken from his iCloud account often discussed contraception and pregnancy, and in early January 2024, they discuss the abortion.

Tension rises between Burke and Rivas Hernandez

In a text conversation months later, she says she regretted that she ‘took a innocent life of a literal baby.’

She asks Burke if anyone knows they have sex, and he replied ‘nope and i want to keep it that way until we married.’

Rivas Hernandez turned 14 in September 2024 and soon after traveled with Burke to London and to Texas to meet his family.

Messages after that show tension growing between them.

In one text in November 2024, she says: ‘i literally had sex with you for almost a year straight.’ He tells her she’s acting like it’s their first breakup when it’s their eighth.

The detective returns to the stand Monday for the fifth and likely final day of the preliminary hearing.

Autopsy doctor details results of exam

Earlier in the day, the doctor who performed the autopsy on Rivas Hernandez gave the difficult details of her death.

Much of what Dr. Grant Ho of the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said on the stand was already known: She had been killed by two sharp force wounds to her upper body.

But the details he shared of what the autopsy showed – and tellingly, what it was unable to determine because of how degraded her body was when it was found – were part of what made Friday’s proceedings perhaps the most difficult so far.

Ho testified that he could not say when the death occurred – one of many challenges brought on by the body’s degradation.

‘It’s extremely difficult to tell,’ Ho said.

He said she had been dead for ‘at least weeks,’ later adding that it also could have been months.

Authorities say Burke sent a car to pick up Rivas Hernandez on April 23, 2025, from her hometown of Lake Elsinore, California, some 80 miles (129 km) outside Los Angeles. They exchanged messages until she arrived at his home, after which her phone went dead.

Her body was found in the front trunk of the Tesla registered to Burke on Sept. 8, 2025 – the day after she would have turned 15.

‘She didn’t make it to her 15th birthday, correct?’ Silverman asked. ‘Correct,’ Ho replied.

Ho said there were many ‘skin defects’ that could have been postmortem, but the two he identified as potential stab wounds had related internal trauma. One wound on the abdomen penetrated her liver. Another, on the left chest, damaged her ribs.

Defense seizes on inconclusive drug test

He testified that toxicology tests, done only on her liver because no blood was available, initially showed positives for benzodiazepines – medications typically used for anxiety – and methamphetamine. He said with further testing the benzodiazepine was negative. The methamphetamine was inconclusive, and as a result Ho said ‘I cannot say that it played any role in the death.’

Burke’s attorney, Marilyn Bednarski, asked if decomposition could affect the accuracy of drug test results, and Ho agreed it could.

‘In the toxicology report there is not enough information to support an overdose death, correct?’ Bednarski asked. Ho said she was correct.

Bednarski asked if it helps in an autopsy examination to talk to the friends and family of the deceased about their life – if they had a mental health issue, were suicidal, were a frequent drug user or were violent.

Ho answered ‘potentially’ to each of those but said there were no such conversations in this case.

Burke’s music career was on the rise

Under the name D4vd (pronounced ‘David’), became an online musical phenomenon as a teen with a blend of indie rock, RandB and lo-fi pop. He had huge followings on TikTok, Soundcloud and Spotify, where his top songs, including his 2022 breakthrough ‘Romantic Homicide,’ have more than a billion plays.

He opened for SZA on tour in 2023 and in 2024 he played the Coachella music festival and released his first full-length album, ‘Withered,’ two days after when authorities say Rivas Hernandez was killed.

OAU Students’ Union concludes election, elects Ikuuboy as President

The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Students’ Union on Thursday, July 23, 2026, concluded its Central Executive Council election with Kujembola Olalekan (IkuuBoy) emerging as the president-elect.

According to the institution’s magazine, The Awo Times, the Students’ Union Independent Electoral Commission (SUIEC) declared IkuuBoy President-elect following conclusion of the election.

The news medium quoted a statement released on Friday by the Commission as saying only results validated and submitted by designated Electoral Officers across all faculty polling units were admitted for collation, adding that the final figures accurately reflected the votes cast by students.

It further maintained that the released figures are the only official and recognised election results, describing any contrary results or claims in circulation as false.

‘According to the official results announced by the Commission, IkuuBoy polled 9,112 votes to defeat Lateef Akeem Omotayo (Emmanuel), who secured 4,846 votes, while Fatokun Matthew Babafemi (Iseoluwa) who announced his withdrawal from the presidential race on the eve of the election, received 28 votes.

‘For the office of Vice President, Oluwagbemiro Elizabeth (Liz) was declared elected with 9,838 votes, defeating Ayansola Eniola Abimbola (Eniola), who polled 4,511 votes,’ The Awo Times reports.

Other candidates declared elected by the Commission include:

Secretary General: Arogundade Abduroheem (Arogs) with 8,543 votes; Assistant Secretary General: Akande Faith Oluwafunmilayo with 7,643 votes; Public Relations Officer: Oluwagbami Isaac (Zikkish) with 9,967 votes, and Director of Socials and Culture: Adeola Afolabi Enoch (FolaCandy) who polled 8,792 votes.

Others were Director of Sports: Oladosu Miracle Okikijesu (BIG POPE) with 8,853 votes; Financial Secretary: Olaniyan Olawale Stephen (Hon. Ola) with 10,645 votes, and Welfare Officer Afolabi Opeyemi Mubarak (Opeyemi) who won with 7,101 votes.

According to the report, the Commission expressed appreciation to all aspirants, Electoral Officers, security personnel, observers, members of the campus press, and the Great Ife student community for their cooperation throughout the electoral process.

It also congratulated the newly elected officers, urging them to serve with integrity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare and progress of the Students’ Union.

However, the election was reportedly marked by a number of incidents that drew attention during the voting process. The Awo Times reported several confrontations between party agents and electoral security personnel at different faculty polling locations.

Also, there were reports of journalists being harassed while carrying out their duties. In some faculties, members of the campus press were allegedly chased out of polling units during the vote-counting process, limiting independent media observation of the collation exercise.

The concerns also affected election coverage. Amid reports of harassment and restrictions on press activities, the Association of Campus Journalists (ACJOAU), Obafemi Awolowo University, reportedly withdrew from its live election coverage before the conclusion of the electoral process.

DOJ recommends cyberlibel raps vs Baligod, 18 witnesses

Prosecutors of the Department of Justice (DOJ) have recommended the filing of cyber libel charges against lawyer Levito Baligod and his 18 witnesses who claim to be former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.

In a resolution dated July 13, the DOJ also approved the filing of perjury charges against Baligod’s witnesses-Belnard Tube, Rosebert Waupan, Benny Bulotante, Johnny Buduan, Rodante Orbillo, Reyneboy Julian, Christopher Esquivel, George Villalon Jr., Romeo Bobares, Gil Navidad Jr., Anselmo Taberdo, Joely Cadiao, Rommel Galapon, Cecilio Larroder Jr., Bernard Gumban, Crisanie Dado, Fidel Corpuz and Walter Manalansan.

But it spared Baligod from the same charge for ‘lack of prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction.’

‘The malice element of both offenses charged pertains to the declarants’ reckless disregard … and not whether the statement was actually true or false,’ DOJ prosecutors said in their 17-page findings.

The prosecutors further noted that the resolution should not be taken as a determination of the truthfulness or falsity of the respondents’ statements in their joint affidavit, which was submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman on Feb. 26.

Allegations filed

The findings stemmed from the charges filed in March by retired Philippine Army general and former National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, after the respondents alleged that he received a paper bag with a large amount of cash following a meeting with former Speaker Martin Romualdez and Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima.

The allegations were made in the witnesses’ first public appearance at a press conference in San Juan City on Feb. 24.

The joint affidavit sought to recommend the filing of graft and corruption charges against the concerned officials for allegedly receiving kickbacks from flood control projects to help finance the investigation of the International Criminal Court into the drug war on the watch of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Año, one of the officials named in the affidavit, called the allegations ‘malicious imputations’ that were ‘bereft of truth.’

Mimaropa cops boost security for Sona 2026

The Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) Mimaropa has intensified security preparations ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 27.

In a statement released Sunday, the police unit said it continues to strengthen the preparedness, discipline, and operational readiness of its personnel to ensure a safe, orderly, and peaceful environment during the annual address.

The battalion conducted formation and readiness activities involving its personnel as part of security measures for the Sona, according to photos released by the RMFB Mimaropa.

Force Commander Col. Edwin Gutang said the unit remains committed to its mandate of protecting the public and supporting law enforcement operations during the national event.

‘As we prepare for Sona 2026, we continue to strengthen the readiness and discipline of our personnel to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and safe environment for everyone. RMFB Mimaropa remains steadfast in its duty and committed to serving the Filipino people,’ Gutang said.

The RMFB Mimaropa is part of the Philippine National Police units mobilized to augment security operations in support of the nationwide deployment for the President’s Sona, one of the country’s most significant annual political events.

Police authorities have also been conducting inspections, personnel briefings, and operational readiness checks to ensure adequate security coverage and rapid response capability before, during, and after the President’s address

Quezon City to implement traffic re-routing plan for SONA

The Quezon City government has advised motorists to take alternate routes due to possible heavy traffic along Commonwealth Avenue and other roads around Batasang Pambansa during the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos on Monday.

‘A zipper lane will be implemented from Elliptical Road/Philcoa to Sandiganbayan, as well as another zipper lane from Doña Carmen to IBP-Litex, to give priority to the vehicles of government officials and guests traveling to the Batasang Pambansa complex,’ the city government said in an advisory.

Two separate programs are expected to be held along the northbound lane of Commonwealth. Civil society organizations and progressive groups were allowed to hold a program near St. Peter church, while pro-administration groups will have their stage set up near Sandiganbayan.

Quezon City has suspended classes in all levels and will implement a liquor ban on Monday.

City hall said local government personnel would work with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Philippine National Police, Quezon City Police District, Presidential Security Group, Bureau of Fire Protection and other agencies to ensure peace, order and security during the SONA.

Growing old and bold: Redefining aging

Retirement is often seen as life’s final act-a season of slowing down, stepping aside and quietly watching the world move on. Today, many are rewriting that script.

Across the Philippines, it is not unusual to see retirees managing online businesses, becoming first-time content creators, taking up a sport, pursuing higher education, or enrolling in classes simply for the joy of learning something new. They are challenging outdated stereotypes and redefining what it means to grow older by discovering new passions, traveling to dream destinations, mentoring younger generations and proving that life after 60 can still be rewarding.

After 40 years in the corporate world, I retired and embarked on a writing career, rediscovering a passion I had long set aside as my professional life progressed.

A close friend from college, now 62, enjoys resistance training and dancing while serving regularly in church and working as a wellness and fitness coach. She believes that having a strong and healthy body helps her enjoy life and stay strong enough to say ‘yes’ to life’s opportunities. She is not alone. Several retired colleagues have started small food businesses or joined the academe as teachers. Even my husband has found joy, better fitness and new friendships through regular pickleball matches.

Ironically, many seniors share that they have never felt more like themselves. Even with less energy and a few aching joints, they enjoy a freedom that often eluded them during their busy years of building careers and raising families.

Aging gracefully doesn’t begin at 60-it begins at 25 or 35. Every healthy meal, every walk taken instead of skipped, every peso saved and each investment made quietly shape the quality of life in the years ahead. These are gifts our younger selves can give our future selves.

None of this suggests that aging is free from challenges. Health concerns, losing loved ones and financial uncertainties are real. Yet many seniors discover that while they cannot control circumstances, they can choose how to respond to them.

Beyond physical and financial preparation lies another dimension that often grows richer with age: our spiritual life. Many discover that with fewer professional demands, they finally have more time to pray, reflect, worship, and deepen their relationship with God. In doing so, they become more intentional about strengthening family ties, extending forgiveness and investing in relationships that truly matter.

Today’s older adults continue to defy outdated stereotypes. Rather than fading into the background, many are embracing technology, launching second careers and continuing to make meaningful contributions to their families and communities. Such lives remind us that purpose has no expiration date.

Rather than fearing the passing of time, prepare for senior life with intention by cultivating healthy habits, practicing wise financial planning, nurturing meaningful relationships, and strengthening a faith that anchors us through life’s highs and lows.

After all, aging is not about counting the years. It’s about creating memories, living with purpose and making each year count. Embracing this new chapter myself, I’ve come to see retirement not as an ending, but as a renewal. My journey has taught me that even as I strive to heal from an illness, growing old is inevitable-but growing bolder is a choice.