Author: user user

IN the wake of alleged abuse of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) workers during and after the earthquake in Cebu, a senator who belongs to a family that rents out office space to BPOs pushed the passage of a bill that provides stronger protection for workers of those establishments.

Citing the experience of workers in certain BPO companies in Cebu, whose safety was reportedly disregarded by employers during and after the September 30 magnitude 6.9 earthquake, Sen. Camille Villar said the earthquake underscored the urgency of the measure, as she called out Cebu-based firms that forced employees back to work amid the recent disaster.

Cebu-based BPO workers assailed unsafe return-to-work policies, harassment, and threats of job loss for prioritizing their safety as they were forced to report back to work shortly after the killer quake.

‘No worker should ever have to choose between their safety and their job. The welfare of our BPO employees must always come first,’ Villar said, reiterating her call for swift passage of the measure.

Senate Bill 1401, or the ‘BPO Workers’ Welfare and Protection Act,’ seeks to institutionalize comprehensive safeguards for employees in the outsourcing sector. A key provision directs the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) to establish and strictly enforce Occupational Health and Safety Standards (OHSS) for BPO work, aligned with International Labor Organization (ILO) recommendations. These standards must be reviewed annually and applied in all establishments, with compliance subject to regular inspections.

In the case of Cebu, the Dole had penalized one BPO company for breach of safety standards.

Villar said these events emphasize why her measure is crucial: ‘BPO workers are at the frontline of our global service industry. Protecting their welfare means protecting the dignity of Filipino labor and ensuring shared prosperity.’

The bill further requires each company to craft its own Workplace Occupational Health and Safety (WOHS) policy, consistent with national standards but adaptable to local conditions.

SB 1401 mandates employers to review these policies annually with input from a designated Workplace Occupational Health and Safety Officer (Wohso), Enforcement Officers, and other authorized representatives, ensuring that safeguards evolve with emerging risks and workplace realities.

Beyond workplace safety, the proposed measure also prohibits the imposition of excessive company bonds and fees on employees who leave before a set period, and explicitly protects them from discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, or any other status recognized under human rights standards.

With over 2,500 robotic surgeries performed, St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) is establishing itself as a leader in robotic surgery, now expanding its capabilities to handle more complex cases such as kidney transplantation, cardiac surgery, and ureteral reimplantation in a pediatric patient.

SLMC has established a clear legacy of innovation in robotic surgery, beginning in 2010 when it became the first hospital in the Philippines to acquire the Da Vinci Si Robotic Surgery System. The program reached a significant milestone in 2019 by crossing the 1,000 robotic surgery mark. SLMC continued its trailblazing path in 2023 by performing Southeast Asia’s and the Philippines’ First Robotic-Assisted Kidney Transplant, a breakthrough in minimally invasive transplant surgery.

The following year, 2024, saw two major achievements: the hospital was the first in the country to acquire the latest Da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgery System, which it immediately utilized to perform the First Robotic-Assisted Cardiac Surgery in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Most recently, the program exceeded 2,500 total robotic surgeries in 2025, the same year it achieved the First Robotic-Assisted Ureteral Reimplantation in a pediatric patient in the Philippines.

‘We are currently performing procedures in cardiology, kidney transplants, urologic and gynecologic oncology, and groundbreaking oral surgery for ENT. And now we’re doing general surgical procedures for colorectal cancer and are exploring bariatric surgery for morbid obesity,’ said Dr. Dennis P. Serrano, SLMC President and CEO.

‘So I think in the future, wherever you see surgery being done, we will start thinking, how can robotics or how can minimally invasive surgery be applied in that case? And that’s a global effort. It’s a global trend that we’re seeing,’ he continued.

Undisputed leader

SLMC is the undisputed leader in robotic surgery in the Philippines, officially certified by Device Technologies (DTG Medical Inc.) for completing over 2,500 robotic-assisted procedures, the highest volume in the country.

‘In the Philippines, we are the clear leader in this field. I can safely say that. Our volume surpasses that of many hospitals in Southeast Asia, including centers in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. While some centers in Singapore have higher numbers, they also had a significant head start,’ said Dr. Serrano.

‘But I think it’s not just about the numbers. More than the numbers, it’s about the commitment. It’s about the outcomes. It’s about the vision. Why are we doing this? Why are we advancing this? Essentially, to tell the Philippines that you don’t have to go abroad to get expert care,’ he also said.

Milestone celebration

On October 2, 2025, SLMC held a milestone celebration at the Isla Grand Ballroom, EDSA Shangri-La, Mandaluyong City, honoring its robotic doctors, groundbreaking achievements, and patients whose lives were transformed through robotic-assisted care. The program featured the recognition of pioneering and top-performing robotic surgeons, the presentation of trailblazing and groundbreaking procedures, acknowledgment of rising stars from St. Luke’s-Quezon City and moving patient testimonials that highlighted the human impact of advanced surgical innovation.

Members of the media heard directly from two patients about their robotic surgery experiences. According to Anna Tuzon and Mario de Jesus, robotic surgery offers significant benefits over traditional open surgery, primarily due to its minimally invasive nature. Patients experience shorter hospitalization, reduced pain and discomfort, and a much faster recovery and return to normal activities. Furthermore, the procedure involves smaller incisions, leading to minimal scarring, a reduced risk of infection, and reduced blood loss.

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that employs robotic systems to enhance surgical precision. The system features a surgeon-controlled console and a patient-side cart with robotic arms. These arms manipulate instruments and a high-definition 3D camera, granting the surgeon enhanced, three-dimensional visualization.

THE head of the Visayan bloc in the House of Representatives believes that eradicating corruption in the government goes beyond enacting more laws-it requires a moral awakening among Filipinos.

Bacolod Rep. Albee Benitez said on Wednesday that corruption in the country is rooted in a moral crisis, where people’s sense of righteousness has been eroded by the normalization of corrupt practices.

‘Corruption is, ultimately, a moral crisis. To end it, we must rebuild our sense of righteousness-our belief that truth still matters, that decency still counts, and that no one is too small to make a stand,’ the lawmaker said in a statement.

He said that while legislation is important, it is ‘more conscience’ that is truly needed to address systemic corruption.

‘The solution is not just more laws, but more conscience. Moral renewal must begin in homes, schools, and public life. Integrity must be celebrated as much as corruption is condemned. We must make doing the right thing the rule again, not the exception,’ Benitez said.

He described corruption as ‘not just a failure of systems-it is a failure of conscience.’ He lamented that the Filipino people have lost their moral compass, and that once-noble values such as bayanihan, pakikisama, and utang na loob have been twisted into justifications for silence, favoritism, and complicity.

‘Tragically, we now witness it everywhere: bribes treated as ‘normal,’ cheating dismissed as ‘smart,’ and honesty ridiculed as ‘idealistic.’ When corruption becomes a way to survive, righteousness starts to look foolish-and the nation begins to rot from within,’ he added.

The lawmaker also pointed out that the country’s leadership mirrors this moral decay, as those who rise through corrupt systems often weaken the very moral foundations they should be upholding. Institutions such as schools, churches, and courts-once considered moral anchors-are also suffering from a loss of credibility.

Benitez said that the campaign against corruption must not be viewed merely as a political undertaking but as ‘a battle for the Filipino soul.’

A LAWMAKER flagged the over P10-billion ‘overpriced’ farm-to-market road (FMR) projects from 2023 to 2024 amid the increasing public scrutiny over controversial flood control works.

During a Senate hearing on the proposed budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian noted the top 10 ‘extremely overpriced’ FMRs last year, with a project worth P348,432 per meter leading the list.

This figure was 96 percent higher than the P15,000 per meter benchmark by the DA. The agency said 1 kilometer of FMR costs P15 million.

‘This is extremely overpriced [.] It’s an obvious sign of corruption,’ Gatchalian said.

Meanwhile, the senator also noted that the ‘overpriced’ FMR projects in 2023 and 2024 settled at P10.3 billion, which is equivalent to about 689 kilometers. Of this, P4 billion was under fiscal year 2023 for 268 kilometers while P6.3 billion was in 2024 for 420 kilometers.

‘The amount lost to corruption could build a road that starts in Manila all the way to Aparri,’ Gatchalian said.

‘That’s why the DA needs to think carefully because we will not allow this to happen again in 2026,’ he added.

For his part, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the DA did not concur in these FMR projects.

‘Based on the information I got from my undersecretaries earlier, it seems the projects didn’t go through us,’ Laurel told reporters on the sidelines of the Senate hearing.

Despite this, the DA chief said the agency would investigate the ‘overpriced’ projects.

‘I’m asking for a copy then we will do our internal investigation [.] we will also be coordinating with the [Department of Public Works and Highways] DPWH on this,’ Laurel said.

Earlier, Laurel ordered the audit of every FMR project since 2021 amid the ongoing clamor on controversial flood control works.

The DA explained that even though FMR schemes are identified and validated by the agency, these road projects are commissioned, bid out, and constructed by the DPWH.

‘We must make sure they are done properly, that taxpayers’ money was spent to provide farmers with market access and not squandered for farm-to-pocket projects,’ Laurel said.

Given the 61,000 kilometers considered backlog or pending validation as of July, the DA chief called on lawmakers to pass legislation that mandates a priority list for FMR projects. This would move away from the arbitrary selection of where to build those roads, often merely to satisfy parochial concerns.

Laurel also recommended reviewing that priority list every three years to keep it aligned with agricultural needs.

While funding remains a concern, the DA chief proposed redesigning road dimensions, such as narrower roadways of 3 meters instead of 5 meters, with shoulders every 300 meters to facilitate traffic movement. This is expected to cut costs and build more roads faster.

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), led by President and General Manager Wick Veloso, met with the Action and Solidarity for the Empowerment of Teachers (ASSERT) and the Philippine Government Employees Association (PGEA) to address the concerns of members and pensioners. A meeting with the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) will also be scheduled.

In the discussions, ASSERT raised calls for the review of the minimum pension, burial benefit, and Christmas cash gift for some pensioners. Veloso explained that while GSIS understands these concerns, any benefit adjustment must undergo actuarial study to ensure the long-term stability of the Social Insurance Fund.

He also highlighted GSIS initiatives that make transactions easier for members and pensioners, including the GSIS Touch mobile app for online loan filing and Annual Pensioners’ Information Revalidation (APIR), and housing programs with lease-with-option-to-buy terms.

Both groups welcomed the dialogue. ASSERT President Arlene James Pagaduan expressed optimism that continued consultations will help address teachers’ concerns, while PGEA President Esperanza Ocampo said her group looks forward to sustained partnership with GSIS to advance the welfare of government employees.

NOTHING feels more taxing than paying taxes. Years ago, tax compliance involved filing a leave from work, spending hours in line at a Revenue District Office to process paperwork and wondering where the hard-earned money would eventually go.

Taxes are considered the lifeblood of the government as the money collected by the government funds critical programs and projects, such as infrastructure, education, health and social services that go back to the people.

From a paper-based system to an online or electronic system, the government is banking on digitalization for faster and smoother processes and more efficient use of public funds.

‘100 percent digital by 2028’

FINANCE Secretary Ralph G. Recto told BusinessMirror that digitalization has already transformed how the government facilitates tax administration.

Digitalization has improved the government’s ability to increase its revenue collection, reduce corruption and make processes more transparent, Recto said.

This initiative takes shape while the Department of Finance (DOF) is tasked with revenue generation, resource mobilization and fiscal management.

This year, the DOF must collect P12.72 billion in revenues a day and borrow P4.68 billion to finance the government’s daily expenditures worth P17.40 billion.

By 2026, these figures will rise to P13.65 billion in daily revenues, with an additional P4.51 billion to be borrowed to fund the government’s spending of P18.61 billion a day.

Across the DOF and its attached agencies, digital systems are implemented to reduce friction, increase transparency, deliver faster services, and optimize efficiency.

‘We’re achieving a lot already,’ Recto said, noting that digitalization is a ‘continuing thing’ as technology keeps evolving.

Next year, the DOF, including its attached agencies, is seeking a budget of P6.9 billion for digitalization and modernization initiatives alone to transform their processes and integrate systems.

Recto said the primary tax-collecting agencies, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Customs (BOC), will be receiving the largest share.

‘Hopefully, before the term of the President ends in 2028, we can achieve 100 percent digitalization,’ Recto said.

‘It’s very important and it’s a priority of the President and that’s what we’re doing,’ he added.

BIR’s digitalization roadmap

THE BIR is notorious when it comes to long and tedious processes, and this has fueled frustration among individuals and businesses: part of why the Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Act was passed into law.

The EOPT Act allows most of the tax processes to be done online, with taxpayers filing their returns and paying their taxes either electronically or manually.

Under the law, the BIR is mandated to adopt an integrated digitalization strategy by providing automated end-to-end solutions for the benefit of taxpayers.

Specifically, the BIR must develop an EOPT and Digitalization (DX) Roadmap to ensure ease of compliance with tax laws, rules, and regulations, such as the adoption of simplified tax returns, streamlining of tax processes, reduction of tax or documentary requirements, and digitalization of BIR services.

The DX roadmap aims to make the BIR data-driven, build a digitally empowered workforce, deploy scalable digital infrastructure, and deliver services that enhance taxpayer experience.

Based on the BIR’s latest DX roadmap, the BIR aims to have completed all major digital reforms across the organization, backbone systems, data governance and data management, and taxpayers’ services by end-2027.

The year 2028 is purely for stabilizing, maintaining and sustaining its digital ecosystem.

Key DX projects include the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS) for taxpayer registration, the Electronic One-Time Transaction System (eONETT) for eCARs in property sales and donations, and the Electronic Tax Clearance System (eTCS) for online tax clearance certificates.

Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. told BusinessMirror that while full digital adoption will take time, given varying internal and taxpayer capabilities, the BIR remains guided in its goal of becoming fully digital by 2028.

‘The BIR continues to prioritize platforms that directly impact taxpayer experience and revenue collection efficiency. High importance is placed on initiatives that simplify and streamline core processes, such as registration, filing, and payment,’ Lumagui said.

Taxpayer experience at the core

MODERNIZATION and digitalization within the BIR began before the DX Program.

During Commissioner Liwayway Vinzons-Chato’s term in 1994, the Tax Computerization Project was launched, establishing a modern and computerized Integrated Tax System and Internal Administration System.

It was only in 2019 when the BIR started its digital transformation journey, marking the beginning of planning and strategizing for the DX program, with the implementation of projects starting in 2020 onwards.

According to the BIR, over 90 percent of returns filed each year have been filed through electronic channels since 2020.

Data obtained by BusinessMirror showed that from January to July 2025, 95 percent or 21.91 million out of 23.05 million returns were filed electronically.

Meanwhile, 85 percent or P1.32 trillion out of the P1.56 trillion of BIR’s revenue collection as of end-July were from ePayments.

Business processes in the BIR-from registration, filing, payment, and enforcement-already have online facilities to reduce manual transactions, avoid errors, and cut processing time.

By digitalizing BIR processes, Lumagui said this fosters voluntary compliance among taxpayers since convenience is provided through online access.

‘Digitalization puts BIR in a better position to leverage data for decision-making, enforcement and fraud detection, taxpayer support, and possible improvements to existing policies,’ Lumagui said.

BOC: Full integration by 2027

THE BOC, responsible for collecting customs duties and taxes, is also on a clear trajectory towards full digitalization.

The BOC seeks to minimize human intervention in critical processes, such as importer assessments and payment processing, through digitalization and the use of standardized tools.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno told BusinessMirror that the BOC is targeting the full integration of all customs systems by 2027.

‘We are directed by the President to modernize the processes of the BOC, and digitalization is at the center of this transformation,’ Nepomuceno said.

According to Customs Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla, the BOC is not yet fully digitalized despite its 96.99 percent digitalization rate.

‘We are digitalized but not yet integrated,’ Maronilla told BusinessMirror, and explained that while the Customs Processing System (CPS) accepts online submissions, it is not yet linked directly to the Electronic-to-Mobile (E2M) Customs System, which processes customs transactions.

Maronilla said this fragmentation still requires Customs officers to manually cross-check between systems and scanned documents, such as certificates, packing lists, and waybills.

In addition, payments of duties and taxes can only be made after a final assessment, which delays collections and leaves room for disputes or enforcement issues, Maronilla said.

With automation, the system can already issue an initial assessment based on declared values, so importers can pay promptly, and any discrepancies can be settled within a day or two.

This shift will not only accelerate government revenues but also give the DOF and the Development Budget Coordination Committee more accurate data on import values and volumes, Maronilla added.

With the BOC digitalizing 161 out of the 166 customs procedures, Maronilla said the full integration of systems can be achieved.

‘We already have the platforms for integration and the vital services that we need are already integrated there,’ Maronilla added.

Digitalization as an anti-corruption tool

CORRUPTION has been a long-standing problem in the BOC, with the agency often tagged as ‘most corrupt.’

By digitalizing its services and processes, Maronilla said the BOC will put an end to this debate.

The BOC believes that digitalization will solve the problem of corruption within the agency, but they will never be sure unless they do it, Maronilla added.

‘I believe that if discretion is removed through full digitalization, then corruption is minimized. Discretion breeds corruption, so if we can’t eliminate it, we can at least reduce it to the barest minimum,’ Maronilla said.

‘That is why digitalization is not only about fast-tracking processes or modernizing the bureau-it is also our most logical path as an anti-corruption tool,’ he added.

Stuck in the system

DESPITE the achievements in digitalizing tax administration, challenges persist within the collecting agencies.

According to Senen Quizon, tax principal at Deloitte Philippines, taxpayers face system downtimes during peak filing and lack immediate access to support for common problems such as login issues, tax filing errors, and payment issues.

Quizon told BusinessMirror that delays in releasing revised tax forms due to new legislation add to the burden, as well as the posting of advisories and workaround procedures.

Compliance through the submission of attachments is likewise available on the online portal, he added.

For the BIR, Lumagui said hurdles include resistance to change from both taxpayers and internal stakeholders, as well as outdated and fragmented data.

To address these bottlenecks, the BIR is investing in capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and modern solutions such as cloud technology and APIs, while also tapping external expertise and solution providers.

Limited internet access in remote areas is another challenge, prompting BIR to upgrade its IT infrastructure in its regional offices and set up eLounges where taxpayers can use computers for free to access online services.

‘BIR is committed to inclusive digitalization, ensuring no one is left behind,’ Lumagui said.

On cybersecurity threats, Lumagui said the bureau is strengthening safeguards through regular vulnerability assessments, policy updates, and procurement of security tools.

Apart from these, the lack of funding and personnel are among the persistent problems in the BIR, according to BIR Planning and Management Service Assistant Commissioner Beverly S. Milo.

Over at the BOC, Nepomuceno said the solution is for the bureau to be fully digitalized and its entire range of procedures automated-from filing, assessment, payment, release, and accreditation process.

Analytics and artificial intelligence must also be applied, he added. However, the problem lies in the timetable for implementing these solutions.

‘We want this done immediately, but procurement processes take time. What I can guarantee is that our acquisition will be highly competitive and transparent,’ Nepomuceno said.

As a whole, the Philippines is ‘lagging’ in tax administration digitalization, compared to other ASEAN countries, according to Quizon.

The rollout of some key digital initiatives of the BIR has been delayed by funding constraints and a lack of infrastructure.

Still, Quizon said these emerging technologies are crucial in modernizing the country’s tax collection system, particularly in system integration, tax compliance data utilization, and transaction transparency enhancement.

‘These constraints can eventually be addressed once the government rolls out full digitalization for tax compliance processes, which will focus on digital transformation and include modernization of systems and addressing of operational gaps,’ Quizon said.

So where do taxes go?

AMID these challenges hounding the government’s shift to digitalization to modernize revenue collection, Quizon said a fully realized digital tax administration in the Philippines is attainable.

However, this hinges on the government’s capacity to fund infrastructure that will house the needed technologies to advance the system and build the tax ecosystem, he added.

The BIR said it plans to develop a centralized digital platform that will serve as a one-stop hub for taxpayers to manage all their tax-related transactions.

Lumagui said the platform will feature personalized dashboards, allowing users to easily access and monitor their registration details, compliance status, and other relevant tax information.

Over the next five to 10 years, Quizon said the government could further leverage digital technologies to enhance operational efficiency and improve taxpayer service.

‘Digitalization is poised to significantly reshape taxpayer compliance and government revenue collection in the Philippines,’ Quizon said.

While the BIR utilizes data mainly for analysis and directional insights, Quizon said the goal is to build a fully integrated tax ecosystem, with e-invoicing at its core to ensure the seamless flow of transaction data to tax authorities.

Artificial intelligence is also expected to play a major role in analyzing vast data to boost compliance and strengthen enforcement, Quizon added.

Book Nook, SM Cares’ flagship program that promotes literacy and community engagement, recently hosted another heartwarming storytelling and book donation event at SM North EDSA, The Annex Level 4 Atrium.

The session featured Mika Salamanca, Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition Big Winner, whose presence quickly drew excitement among children and families.

With Mika’s passion for books backing the most recent leg of the initiative, Book Nook continues to inspire a similar kind of love for reading, giving children a welcoming space to explore literature, spark their imagination, and nurture creativity. Each child participant received a personal copy of Mika’s book, while an additional copy was donated to Book Nook to ensure more children can read and enjoy her story during future visits.

‘Winning Pinoy Big Brother made me feel that I could take on many new paths, but I chose to start with books because I truly believe in the power of storytelling. Stories can inspire, shape young minds, and spark dreams-and if I can play even a small role in that journey for children, then I know I’m making the right choice,’ said Mika Salamanca.

During the session, children eagerly listened to stories brought to life and joined in activities that made reading fun and interactive. Beyond the entertainment, the book donation initiative ensured that more young learners would have access to books, helping develop reading as a habit that extends beyond the walls of the mall.

Parents and participants shared how Book Nook has become a place where children not only read but also discover new ways of learning and bonding.

‘As both a parent and an educator, I’m grateful for programs like Book Nook because they create a safe, nurturing space where kids can explore the wonder of reading. Seeing our children light up with excitement as they read books and listen to stories today was a beautiful reminder of how reading can inspire dreams and shape their future, shared Dr. Leah Joyce C. Quilang, Kasarinlan High School teacher and WEngaged PH Youth Org founder.

Book Nook’s ongoing mission is to serve as a community hub-one where children of all ages can discover the joy of books and where reading becomes a bridge to imagination, growth, and lifelong learning.

‘Mika’s energy and love for sharing stories made this event memorable for the children, and you can really see that what makes Book Nook special is how it continues to bring families together around books,’ said Shereen Sy, Pioneer of Book Nook for SM Supermalls.

This initiative is part of SM Cares’ broader efforts to create spaces that support literacy, education, and community development, alongside other programs that advocate for children and youth. With Book Nook, SM Cares cements its belief that every child deserves the chance to explore worlds and ideas through reading.

Interested organizations or schools are very welcome to partner with Book Nook. For more information on upcoming Book Nook activities or to explore partnership opportunities, visit your nearest Book Nook corner at SM malls or email smcares@smsupermalls.com.

Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls-one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers with 88 malls in the Philippines-marks four decades of growing with Filipinos and becoming a trusted space where diverse lifestyles and generations connect, while continuously evolving to redefine the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of retail and urban life with inclusive and meaningful experiences.

THE Department of Energy (DOE) is expecting new power projects, with a combined capacity of 1,200 megawatts (MW), that will come on line up to the first quarter of 2026.

‘We are expecting some other projects that may be commissioned by the first quarter of 2026.In fact, after our meeting yesterday, this expectation for the first quarter of 2026 has already increased. The identified capacity is up to around 1,200 megawatts,’ DOE Undersecretary Mario Marasigan said during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy on Wednesday.

For the remaining months of the year, the agency is expecting the commercial operations of 11 renewable energy (RE) power projects and one battery energy storage system (BESS). He did not identify the project proponents but these are developers of solar, geothermal, hydro, and biomass energy technologies.

In the first quarter of next year, Marasigan said more solar projects are expected to be switched on.

‘The expected projects to be operational by first quarter of 2026 will increase with an aggregate capacity of about 1,200 MW,’ Marasigan said when sought for clarification.

These new power projects are part of the committed capacity cited during the 2025 state of the nation address. Back then, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said over 12,000 MW of new capacity are expected to come on line in the next few years. ‘In response to the directive of the President, we immediately convened our committees through a special order wherein concerned units and staff and personnel were assigned to monitor keenly, outside of the regular monitoring, some projects that are committed up to 2028, while we focus on projects that may be completed by 2026,’ Marasigan said.

Some of these committed projects were already operational as of October 3. Based on data presented to the committee, there are seven power projects, with a combined capacity of 923.58 MW, and five battery energy storage system (BESS) with 130MW capacity, that are already up and running.

‘We have monitored 900 megawatt capacity already in place and operational,’ the DOE official added.

Committed projects are those that are in the pipeline since these already underwent financial closing and contracted engineering procurement and consultancy services.

The DOE said project proponents normally encounter delays in the execution of their committed projects because of the lack of interconnection and transmission facilities, among others. Marasigan said the agency is in constant communication with other relevant agencies and the private sector to address these challenges.

‘We are also continuously coordinating the monitoring of these projects with the project developers themselves, just like what we did yesterday afternoon.

If we have concerns with the Department of Agrarian Reform or the Department of Agriculture regarding the right of way, we immediately coordinate with them.

Also, the DOE monitoring team continuously conducts actual inspection of these projects to ensure that it is not just on paper that is being validated, but also in the actual inspection of these projects,’ Marasigan said.

Clarification on EVs

Meanwhile, the agency clarified a recent advisory from the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) concerning electric vehicles (EVs).

Based on the advisory, EV owners are being required to secure a certification from the DOE as a prerequisite for the number coding exemption implemented along EDSA and other major thoroughfares in Metro Manila.

Section 25(a)(2) of Republic Act No. 11697, also known as the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), provides an exemption from the mandatory unified vehicular volume reduction program or number coding implemented by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and other relevant agencies. This exemption is valid for eight years from the Act’s implementation and applies to all EVs.

To support the implementation of non-fiscal incentives under EVIDA, including the number coding exemption, the DOE issued Department Circular No. DC2023-05-0012, as amended by DC2025-09-0015, known as the Electric Vehicle Recognition Guidelines.

The DOE circular establishes the process for recognizing and classifying EVs, such as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs). The DOE maintains a list of recognized EV models on the EV Industry Portal.

Therefore, there is no need to secure a certification from the DOE since the agency has already recognized which EV models are covered by its guidelines.

‘The DOE remains committed to the effective and harmonized implementation of the EVIDA Law and continues to collaborate with partner agencies, including the LTO, MMDA, PNP-HPG, DILG, and LGUs, to promote the country’s transition toward sustainable and low-emission mobility,’ it said.

IN human life, two decades signify physical maturity and a sense of independence while forming connections and future-driven decisions. For BusinessMirror, 20 years represent establishing itself as the country’s premier business paper, honoring the fundamentals of ethical journalism and empowering readers to stay informed with accurate news.

This year, BusinessMirror takes one step back to review the past and a leap forward to the future with the theme, ‘From Headlines to Human Stories, the Journey Continues.’

In this issue, we present the major shifts and disruptions in various sectors of the country through the years and their impact on people’s lives.

The years 2005 to 2025 were indeed a true test of the courage of Filipinos and their will for survival: From the superstorms, political crisis, COVID-19, digital disruptions, and reckoning with Artificial Intelligence.

For this edition, the team of reporters-under the guidance of editors, led by Associate Editor Jennifer A. Ng- has gathered data and interviewed experts and leaders in their respective fields to provide readers with lessons from the past and what the future holds for the industries.

The world is warming up sooner than we can imagine, according to Bless Aubrey Ogerio in ‘Experiencing Extremes: Pag-asa maps a climate growing harder to read’; the green light is on for sustainable energy, but not without its own challenges, writes Lenie Lectura in ‘Reforms spur competition in PHL energy sector.’

Meanwhile, the country’s transport system is on a perpetual catch-up, reports Lorenz S. Marasigan in ‘Pinoys still wait for the ride that catches up with their neighbors.’ Zoning laws pose a problem for the poultry sector, reports Ada Pelonia in ‘PHL poultry raisers undaunted by bird flu scare.’

Improving human capital infrastructure is the deeper challenge in the outsourcing industry, as explained in Justine Xyrah Garcia’s ‘Night owls in a sunrise industry: The hidden costs of the business processing outsourcing boom’ and a new digital welfare system could help our migrant workers safe explains Samuel P. Medenilla in ‘New policy reforms will give Filipino domestic workers the professional edge and benefits.’

In the ambitious world of telecoms, Lorenz S. Marasigan reports, ‘Follow the money, or join the dead. PHL, tech companies evolve at a dizzying pace.’ More Filipinos are getting hooked on online gambling, writes Reine Juvierre Alberto in ‘Govt’s unfinished gamble: Ban or regulate? Give up revenue or lose your people?’ and e-governance is key, according to Alberto in ‘Breaking the paper trail: Digitalization boosts revenue, cuts graft, ensures transparency.’

Will economic reforms be the Change’s legacy? Inquires Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz in ‘Rewriting the rules of business: The push to amend the Philippines’ economic laws in the 20th Congress.’ And Philippine diplomacy has always been a balancing act, surmises Malou Talosig-Bartolome in ‘Two decades at sea, at the bargaining table, and in the courts.’

IN the last 20 years, Philippine foreign policy has been a balancing act-sometimes bold, often reactive, always shaped by the push and pull of domestic politics, economic imperatives, and shifting global tides. From the courtroom victory in The Hague to the diplomatic fallout of the drug war, from Chinese-funded infrastructure to mini-lateral security drills, the country’s external engagements have mirrored its internal contradictions-and the world’s convulsions.

But the stakes have grown sharper. As the rivalry between China and the United States intensifies, the Philippines finds itself caught in the middle-geographically, economically, and strategically. Its location at the crossroads of the South China Sea and the Pacific makes it a critical node in regional security, trade routes, and military logistics. The proximity to Taiwan, just 400 kilometers north of Luzon, adds another layer of urgency. In any future flashpoint, the Philippines is not just a bystander-it’s a frontline state.

Presidents set the tone, but the world sets the tempo

FOREIGN policy in Manila has long been presidential. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo leaned on Washington for counterterrorism and economic stability, especially in the wake of 9/11. The Philippines was among the first in Southeast Asia to support the US-led ‘War on Terror,’ hosting joint military exercises and intelligence exchanges. Benigno Aquino III took a legalist route, filing the landmark arbitration case against China. Rodrigo Duterte pivoted hard-at least rhetorically-toward Beijing and Moscow, while Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has since tried to recalibrate, restoring predictability with traditional allies while keeping China close for trade and investment.

Each shift came with costs. Projects were renegotiated. Defense postures were reworded. Diplomats had to explain sudden turns in tone. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) often found itself playing catch-up, adjusting to the president’s voice rather than steering a long-term strategy.

Dr. Jay Batongbacal, director of the UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, calls this the ‘sakit talaga ng foreign policy natin.’ He explains: ‘It depends on the President. He is considered the sole architect of Philippine foreign policy. It means foreign policy is prone to the personality and personal preferences of the President. There is very little by way of legislation, practice, or custom that moderates the wild swings.’

The Hague ruling: A legal win, but not a strategic shield

IN 2016, the Philippines won big. The Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidated China’s sweeping ‘nine-dash line’ claims, affirming Manila’s maritime entitlements under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It was a textbook victory for rules-based diplomacy.

But the sea didn’t calm. Chinese coast guard ships continued to harass Filipino fishers. Swarms of militia vessels lingered near contested shoals. The legal win gave the Philippines moral and diplomatic leverage-but without sustained maritime presence, it couldn’t deter gray-zone tactics. Surveillance, patrols, and logistics became the new battlegrounds.

Batongbacal warns against viewing the Marcos recalibration as a radical shift. ‘UNCLOS has always been part of our foreign policy. We’ve always valued our seas. We’ve taken actions to exercise our rights. During the previous administration, it swung wildly to the other way. So pagbalik sa dati [when we try to restore the balance], the other side says we’re being provocative-which isn’t true when you look at it from a longer timeframe.’

Infrastructure diplomacy: Fast money, slow scrutiny

UNDER Duterte, Chinese loans and turnkey projects flooded in-bridges, roads, dams, and railways. The Build, Build, Build program became a showcase of Beijing’s economic clout. But speed came at a price. Some deals lacked transparency. Others triggered environmental and fiscal concerns. Audit reports and Senate hearings exposed gaps in procurement and accountability.

Miriam College President and former DFA Undersecretary Laura del Rosario recalls that this pattern began under Arroyo. ‘There was a shift to the economic aspect, leaning more toward China. That’s why she had plenty of projects-including the Northrail system and ZTE National Broadband Network that were later aborted. The policy wasn’t institutional. It was personality-led, dictated by close aides who had dinner with the Chinese ambassador.’

Del Rosario adds that Aquino’s rejection of China-funded projects wasn’t ideological-it was corrective. ‘He knew people made money from them. When he erased those projects for economic reasons, Scarborough Shoal happened.’

She’s referring to the 2012 standoff, when Chinese and Philippine vessels faced off over the disputed shoal. After weeks of tension, the United States brokered a deal for both sides to withdraw. The Philippines complied. China did not. Manila effectively lost control of the shoal-a turning point that hardened Aquino’s stance and transformed what began as an anti-corruption purge into a full-blown foreign policy shift. ‘So what started as an anti-China project initiative,’ Del Rosario explains, ‘naging anti-China policy because of Scarborough Shoal. Nagkatugma lang ‘yun.’

Defense upgrades: Hardware without staying power

IN recent years, the Armed Forces of the Philippines ramped up its modernization drive-acquiring new ships, aircraft, surveillance radars, and BrahMos supersonic missiles from India. Japan donated patrol vessels. The United States resumed large-scale joint exercises and loaned HIMARS missile systems. Australia, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, and Japan joined maritime drills, signaling growing regional support for Philippine deterrence efforts.

Experts cautioned, however, that hardware alone doesn’t guarantee readiness. Without long-term sustainment funding, spare parts, and trained personnel, these assets risk becoming static displays. Maritime domain awareness improved on paper, but patrol days remained limited. Coast guard deployments were sporadic, often constrained by fuel budgets and crew availability. Intelligence and deterrence still leaned heavily on allied support. For now, Philippine presence at sea remains more symbolic than strategic.

Pandemic diplomacy and the OFW imperative

COVID-19 turned vaccine procurement into a diplomatic race. Manila negotiated with China, Russia, the US, and COVAX. Consular teams scrambled to repatriate stranded overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Evacuations from Israel, Libya, and Gaza reminded the DFA that labor diplomacy isn’t just about contracts-it’s about crisis response.

Remittances kept the economy afloat. Protecting OFWs became a non-negotiable foreign-policy priority. Bilateral labor agreements, host-country protections, and digital consular services became central to Manila’s diplomatic toolkit.

The ICC withdrawal: A reputational wound that lingers

IN 2019, the Philippines formally withdrew from the Rome Statute, following the International Criminal Court’s preliminary examination into Duterte’s drug war. The move drew global criticism. Human rights groups called it a retreat from accountability. European partners expressed concern. Training programs and aid became more conditional.

Under Marcos Jr., the government has shown signs of improving its human rights record. But rejoining the ICC remains off the table. The reputational damage hasn’t fully healed. Manila’s moral authority in multilateral forums remains dented.

Global flashpoints, local recalibrations

THE world didn’t wait for Manila to catch up. After 9/11, the Philippines quickly aligned with the United States in counterterror operations-hosting Balikatan exercises, expanding intelligence cooperation, and receiving military aid. That alignment reaffirmed Manila’s strategic value in the Indo-Pacific, but also tethered its security posture to Washington’s global priorities.

Two decades later, the Ukraine-Russia war in 2022 forced another reckoning. The Philippines joined international calls to uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemning the invasion in line with its own maritime claims. But the war also exposed economic vulnerabilities: fuel prices surged, supply chains buckled, and inflation rippled through Filipino households. Global conflict had once again reached local dinner tables.

Then came Israel-Gaza. In 2023, the Philippines abstained from a United Nations resolution calling for a humanitarian truce. Critics argued that Manila’s longstanding support for Israel came at the expense of its credibility on human rights. The abstention reflected a delicate calculus: protect OFWs in Israel, preserve defense ties, and avoid alienating Western allies. After Filipino hostages in Gaza and seafarers in Yemen were released, the government shifted-voting in favor of several UN General Assembly resolutions supporting Palestinian rights. But it stopped short of labeling Israel’s operations as ‘genocide,’ a move seen as calibrated restraint.

The swing revealed the limits of Manila’s moral diplomacy. In a world of hard choices, values often yield to vulnerability. And for a country caught between strategic alliances and economic dependencies, neutrality is rarely neutral.

Minilateralism over multilateral drift

Frustrated by Asean’s glacial pace in negotiating a binding Code of Conduct for the South China Sea, the Philippines began pivoting toward smaller, faster-moving coalitions. Trilateral dialogues with Japan and the United States yielded more tangible results. Joint patrols, status of forces agreements with Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, logistics and access arrangements with Washington, and real-time intelligence sharing proved far more practical than waiting for regional consensus.

Del Rosario sees the shift as symptomatic of deeper contradictions. ‘Thailand leaned toward China quietly for economic reasons,’ she notes. ‘But the Philippines became schizophrenic-economic China, political America. Namamangka sa dalawang ilog.’ Unlike Malaysia or Vietnam, she adds, the Philippines lacks the economic leverage to hedge confidently. ‘That’s why we need to lean more on Japan and Australia. They offer strategic depth without the baggage.’

What’s next: From improvisation to institution

AFTER two decades of tactical wins and strategic gaps, the Philippines stands at a crossroads. Will it continue to improvise-reacting to crises, presidential preferences, and geopolitical shocks-or will it finally build the institutional backbone needed for long-term strategy?

The options are clear. A Strategic Foreign Policy Council could anchor decisions beyond political cycles. A public register of foreign-funded projects would restore transparency and public trust. A sustainment guarantee for defense assets would ensure that modernization isn’t just procurement, but persistence.

Miriam College President and former DFA Undersecretary Laura Del Rosario believes the Department of Foreign Affairs must evolve. ‘Foreign affairs and defense are now intertwined,’ she says. ‘We need thought leaders who understand both. The National Security Council should play a bigger role in shaping foreign policy-not just reacting to it.’

The bottom line

PHILIPPINE foreign policy has weathered legal battles, maritime standoffs, reputational blows, and shifting alliances. It has won in court, lost control of shoals, and stumbled through global crises. The next chapter will depend not on improvisation, but on institution-on whether Manila can turn episodic diplomacy into sustained strategy. Because in the Indo-Pacific, where great power rivalry meets local vulnerability, improvisation is no longer enough.