Category: Business Mirror

Senate President Pro Tempore Senator Win Gatchalian said official Senate journals from 2008 to 2020 conclusively show that the Philippine Senate has long recognized a 12-member quorum.

On May 21, 2008, and February 11, 2009, a quorum on 12 members present was declared based on a 23-man membership count following Senator Alfredo Lim’s resignation after getting elected as Manila Mayor in 2007. On both occasions, Senator Antonio Trillanes was under detention and unable to attend the sessions.

On September 29, 2010, the Senate declared a valid quorum with 12 senators present out of 23 members following Senator Noynoy Aquino’s resignation after winning the presidency. Senator Antonio Trillanes was again unable to attend because he was under detention.

On May 8 and 15, 2012, the Senate declared a quorum and conducted official business with 12 senators present out of 23 members following Aquino’s resignation. On both occasions, several senators were on sick leave, on official missions, or arrived after the roll call.

On May 5, 2015, the Senate adjusted its quorum base to 17 as four senators were abroad, while Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Bong Revilla, and Jinggoy Estrada were in detention. With 12 members present, the presiding officer declared a quorum.

On June 2, 2015, a similar quorum was declared with 12 members present, as Senators Enrile, Revilla, and Estrada were in detention, while others were on official missions, on extended medical leave, or arrived after the roll call.

Lastly, on May 23, 2020, a quorum was again declared with 12 senators present. At that time, Senator Leila De Lima was under detention, while others were unable to physically attend the session.

‘Hindi natin pwedeng baguhin ang kasaysayan. Ang Senate records mismo ang nagpapatunay na hindi na bago ang nangyaring sesyon noong June 3 at ito ay lehitimo [We cannot change history. The Senate records will attest that what happened in the June 3 session is not new, and it is legitimate],’ he emphasized.

THE country’s agricultural trade deficit narrowed sharply to $600.09 million in April as exports surged and overall imports fell, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Data from the PSA showed that the country’s agricultural trade deficit plunged by 34.7 percent to $600.09 million in April, from $919.64 million in the same period last year.

Exports rose by a third or 33.2 percent to $1.029 billion in the reference month, from $772.68 million.

Despite the increase in outbound shipments, import receipts still accounted for the bulk of the farm trade at $1.629 billion, down by 3.7 percent from $1.692 billion in the previous year.

Overall, the country’s total agricultural trade grew by 7.8 percent to $2.658 billion, faster than the 5.2 percent posted in April 2025. However, it is slower than the 11.2 percent growth in March 2026.

Animal, vegetable, or microbial fats and oils and their cleavage products were the top farm export in the reference month, earning $443.57 million or 43.1 percent of total farm export revenues.

This was followed by edible fruit and nuts; preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts, or other parts of plants; and tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes.

Malaysia was still the leading buyer of agricultural products from the Philippines in the Asean region in April, purchasing $70.01 million worth of exports, or 58.4 percent of total farm shipments to Asean member countries.

Among European Union (EU) member countries, the Netherlands also maintained its position as the country’s major trading partner, accounting for $182.21 million or 61.6 percent of shipments to the bloc.

Meanwhile, cereals remained as the country’s leading farm import in April at $321.65 million or 19.7 percent of total agricultural inbound shipments.

The top 10 commodity groups totaled $1.39 billion, down by 1.8 percent from the same month of 2025, based on PSA data.

Among its Asean partners, the Philippines continued to source the majority of farm products from Vietnam, valued at $226.14 million or 34.9 percent of the total shipments from the region.

Senator Mark A. Villar expressed solidarity with the people of Mindanao following the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Southern Philippines.

The senator also extended his sympathies to the families who suffered loss, displacement, and hardship as a result of the devastation brought by the earthquake and its aftermath.

‘Taos-puso po akong nakiramay at nanalangin para sa mga nawalan ng mahal sa buhay, nasugatan, at sa mga pamilyang napilitang lumikas dahil sa sakunang ito. Sa ganitong panahon ng pagsubok, mahalagang maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan na hindi sila nag-iisa at handa nating silang tulungan’ Villar said.

He emphasized that assisting affected communities and addressing their immediate needs remained a priority as relief and assessment efforts continued in the affected areas.

‘Habang nagpapatuloy ang mga response at assessment efforts sa mga apektadong lugar, mahalagang maipaabot agad ang kinakailangang tulong sa ating mga kababayan upang makatulong sa kanilang pagbangon,’ he added.

As part of his relief efforts, Senator Villar sent sacks of rice and drinking water for distribution to affected families through the General Santos City Local Government Unit. The senator also assured affected residents that his office remained ready to provide additional assistance as needed.

‘Nais kong tiyakin sa ating mga kababayan sa Mindanao na narito tayo upang tumulong. Patuloy tayong makikipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan at iba pang kinauukulang ahensya upang masuportahan ang relief at recovery efforts sa mga apektadong komunidad,’ he said.

Villar likewise expressed confidence in the resilience and unity of the Filipino people as communities worked toward recovery and rehabilitation.

‘Sa pamamagitan ng bayanihan, malasakit, at pagtutulungan, naniniwala akong makakabangon ang ating mga kababayan mula sa pagsubok na ito. Kasama ninyo kami sa bawat hakbang ng inyong pagbangon,’ Villar concluded.

WE always wondered why Tagbilaran City, the capital City of Bohol-the only Unesco Geopark island in the country-seems deserted by nine in the evening.

That’s about the time the last full show of the movie houses end and it seems people have nowhere to go. No more restaurants, bars, ballroom dance floor or bands playing except for one or two.

It seems the city has lost ‘by default’ to the nearby tourist island of Panglao, where the ‘action’ is: food and entertainment. The province, one of the most preferred tourist destinations, is contemplating building two more bridges from the mainland to Panglao. Sadly, those two can become a one-way affair: people going to Panglao and hardly the other way to the city.

Hopping on a two-hour ferry to nearby Dumaguete City, we were forced to compare the cities, which have almost identical endemic populations of about 140,000.

Dumaguete is a beautiful city for retirement. The air is fresh, helped by giant acacia trees and other fauna that litter the streets-preserved by design by an environmentally-conscious government for decades. It is one of the cities with the coolest temperatures, as a result. Its main thoroughfare is the splendid, long stretch of Rizal Boulevard set against a sparkling crystal-blue seawater. There is a long collage of eateries that operate till late nights and with very reasonable prices compared to Tagbilaran and even Cebu cities.

And there is entertainment.

Most of the leading Manila-based food franchises are there, as well. Sylvanas and sans rival are the city’s staple ‘pasalubongs.’ There must be so much money in circulation in Dumaguete City.

The key element in the city’s progress is the presence of 30 ICT-BPOs, hiring about 15,000 people; their lowest rank and file staff are paid the minimum regional daily wage thrice. Statistics show that ICT-BPO salaries alone contribute P300 million monthly to the city’s business artery or P3.6 billion a year. The city has the infrastructure, digital sophistication, an easier cost of living, and a platoon of competent graduates.

The competent talents are sourced out not only from the campuses of the five other cities in Negros Oriental (Bayawan, Bais, Tanjay, Sibulan and Kanlaon) but the city itself, which has four big universities: Silliman, Negros State University, Saint Paul University, and Foundation University. The city is a virtual ‘University Town.’

In fact, during the day, some 300,000 out-of-town workers and businessmen add to the 140,000 residents of the city, creating a voracious demand for food, goods, and services. The city also benefits from the operational unification via the ‘One Negros’ law, ensuring a bigger infrastructure budget from the national government. It also has its ‘on-island’ source of power through the geothermal source in Valencia, just off the city.

What people also forget is that Negros Oriental itself is a tourist destination, not as well-advertised as neighboring Bohol, but it has its charms.

In 2025, tourism receipts in Negros Oriental registered P13.3 billion in receipts after a tremendous surge in tourist numbers, from 2024’s 528,888 to 2025’s 954,000. This is not counting the 273,000 tourists who use Dumaguete City as a jump-off point to the nearby attractive Siquijor island, now bursting at the seams with resorts and restaurants. Some of them stay for a day or an overnight in the city before going to Siquijor.

There are 13 trips daily to Siquijor (5 Ocean Jet, 5 Montenegro, and 3 StarCraft) from Dumaguete.

The known tour spots in Negros Oriental are: Apo Island, Valencia Casaron Falls, Bais City Majuyod Whit Sand Beaches, Valencia Hot Springs, Twin Lakes Nature Bay, Mount Talmes (trekking), and Mabinay Cave (cave capital of the Philippines). On the other hand, Siquijor has the following tourist magnets: (Falls): Cambuganay, Lagaan and Lugnason; (beaches)-Salagdoon and Palitan; (Marine Sanctuaries)-Tubod, Talapos and Cantabor Cave.

For many years, the city had also benefited from the above-board management of former Mayor E, Remollo, who is one of the founding members of the Mayors for Good Governance.

Dumaguete is a clean city with huge consumer demand and an inexpensive culinary discovery.

YOUR alarm rings late, traffic refuses to move, your inbox grows faster than your patience, and someone asks for one more favor when you already feel stretched thin. Everyday stress rarely arrives as one dramatic event. More often, it appears in small moments that slowly drain your energy and shorten your temper. Emotional regulation is not about pretending that stress does not exist. It is about learning how to respond without allowing stress to control your mood, decisions, or relationships.

Many people believe emotional regulation means staying calm at all times. That idea creates even more pressure. You are human, and difficult emotions are part of daily life. You will feel frustrated, disappointed, anxious, and exhausted from time to time. The goal is not perfection but awareness and recovery. When you understand your emotional patterns, you become less likely to react in ways that create regret later.

One helpful strategy is to pause before responding. Stress often pushes you toward immediate reactions. You may snap at a family member after a difficult meeting or send a harsh message that you later wish you had deleted. A short pause gives your mind an opportunity to catch up with your emotions. Before responding, take one slow breath and ask yourself whether your reaction will improve the situation or worsen it. That brief moment can prevent unnecessary conflict.

Your body also plays a big role in emotional regulation than many people realize. Stress lives not only in your thoughts but also in your muscles, breathing, and sleep habits. When your shoulders tighten and your breathing becomes shallow, your brain interprets those signals as danger. One practical way to break that cycle is through controlled breathing. During a stressful moment, inhale slowly for four counts and exhale for six counts. A longer exhale tells your nervous system that you are safe. You can practice this while waiting in traffic, sitting at your desk, or standing in a grocery line.

Another effective strategy involves naming your emotions clearly. Many people say they feel ‘stressed’ when they actually feel disappointed, embarrassed, overwhelmed, or lonely. Specific language creates clarity. For example, if you recognize that you feel overlooked rather than angry, you may choose a more honest conversation instead of a defensive argument. Emotional awareness often reduces emotional intensity because you understand what truly needs attention.

Daily routines also shape emotional resilience. When stress becomes constant, basic habits are

usually the first to disappear. You may skip meals, sleep less, and spend hours scrolling through upsetting news or social media. Those choices quietly increase emotional exhaustion. Small routines create stability during chaotic periods. Drinking enough water, taking a short walk, or stepping away from a screen for 10 minutes may seem simple, but those actions help your mind recover. Emotional regulation is often built through ordinary habits rather than dramatic breakthroughs.

You can also benefit from adjusting your inner dialogue. During stressful situations, many people become harsher toward themselves than they would ever be toward another person. A single mistake becomes proof of failure. One difficult day becomes evidence that life is falling apart. Instead of asking, ‘Why can I never handle anything properly?’ try asking, ‘What would help me manage this situation better?’ The second question encourages problem-solving rather than self-punishment.

Boundaries are another important form of emotional regulation. Constant availability can leave you emotionally depleted. You do not need to answer every message immediately or accept every request that comes your way. Protecting your time and energy is not selfish. It is necessary. For example, if work messages continue late into the evening, consider setting a specific hour during which you stop checking notifications. That boundary allows your mind an opportunity for rest.

Connection also matters more than many people admit. Stress often convinces you to isolate yourself, especially when you feel emotionally exhausted. Yet a brief conversation with someone trustworthy can provide perspective and comfort. You do not always need advice. Sometimes you simply need someone who listens without judgment. Human connection reminds you that you are not carrying every burden alone.

There will also be days during which your emotions feel heavier than usual despite your best efforts. During those moments, give yourself permission to slow down instead of criticizing yourself for struggling. Emotional regulation does not mean suppressing emotions until they disappear. It means responding to yourself with patience while choosing actions that support your wellbeing.

Life will continue to bring deadlines, disappointments, and unexpected frustrations. Stress cannot always be avoided, but your response can be strengthened. Every calm breath, thoughtful pause, healthy boundary, and honest conversation help you build emotional steadiness over time. Progress may feel gradual, but small consistent choices often create the greatest emotional change. When everyday stress no longer controls your reactions, you create more space for clarity, connection, and peace within your daily life.

Petron Corp. is proposing to expand the capacity of its storage tanks in Limay, Bataan to accommodate the increasing demand for jet fuel.

In a filing, Petron said it wants to increase the fuel storage capacity from 20,746 kilo liters (KL) to 32,785 KL. The Petron Limay Terminal is situated within the Petron Bataan Refinery complex.

‘The demand for jet fuel in the service area of the Limay Terminal has significantly increased in recent years. As a result, the current fuel inventory can now support operations for only about 3.4 days, which is considered below the preferred level for maintaining a stable and uninterrupted fuel supply.

Because the terminal serves as a key distribution hub for jet fuel supplied to other terminals and airports, maintaining adequate storage capacity is essential to prevent fuel shortages that could disrupt aviation operations and related economic activities,’ Petron said.

As such, the oil firm has proposed the installation of additional fuel storage tanks to allow the terminal to maintain a more reliable fuel reserve, thereby ensuring continuous availability of jet fuel even during periods of high demand or possible supply delivery delays.

The proposed tanks will also serve as ‘swing’ tanks to temporarily hold fuel while existing tanks are undergoing out-of-service inspection, scheduled maintenance, or emergency repairs. Petron said this operational flexibility is important for maintaining safety standards while avoiding interruptions in fuel distribution.

Also, Petron wants to put up a new above-ground storage tank for coconut methyl ester (CME). This component of the project supports the compliance with the Department of Energy (DOE) mandate requiring biodiesel blending, currently set at 3 percent CME in diesel fuel under the National Biofuels Program.

By increasing CME storage capacity, the terminal will be better able to maintain a consistent supply of biodiesel for blending, ensuring regulatory compliance while supporting the government’s goal of promoting renewable energy use, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and energy security.

Petron’s proposals are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2028.

YOUR alarm rings late, traffic refuses to move, your inbox grows faster than your patience, and someone asks for one more favor when you already feel stretched thin. Everyday stress rarely arrives as one dramatic event. More often, it appears in small moments that slowly drain your energy and shorten your temper. Emotional regulation is not about pretending that stress does not exist. It is about learning how to respond without allowing stress to control your mood, decisions, or relationships.

Many people believe emotional regulation means staying calm at all times. That idea creates even more pressure. You are human, and difficult emotions are part of daily life. You will feel frustrated, disappointed, anxious, and exhausted from time to time. The goal is not perfection but awareness and recovery. When you understand your emotional patterns, you become less likely to react in ways that create regret later.

One helpful strategy is to pause before responding. Stress often pushes you toward immediate reactions. You may snap at a family member after a difficult meeting or send a harsh message that you later wish you had deleted. A short pause gives your mind an opportunity to catch up with your emotions. Before responding, take one slow breath and ask yourself whether your reaction will improve the situation or worsen it. That brief moment can prevent unnecessary conflict.

Your body also plays a big role in emotional regulation than many people realize. Stress lives not only in your thoughts but also in your muscles, breathing, and sleep habits. When your shoulders tighten and your breathing becomes shallow, your brain interprets those signals as danger. One practical way to break that cycle is through controlled breathing. During a stressful moment, inhale slowly for four counts and exhale for six counts. A longer exhale tells your nervous system that you are safe. You can practice this while waiting in traffic, sitting at your desk, or standing in a grocery line.

Another effective strategy involves naming your emotions clearly. Many people say they feel ‘stressed’ when they actually feel disappointed, embarrassed, overwhelmed, or lonely. Specific language creates clarity. For example, if you recognize that you feel overlooked rather than angry, you may choose a more honest conversation instead of a defensive argument. Emotional awareness often reduces emotional intensity because you understand what truly needs attention.

Daily routines also shape emotional resilience. When stress becomes constant, basic habits are

usually the first to disappear. You may skip meals, sleep less, and spend hours scrolling through upsetting news or social media. Those choices quietly increase emotional exhaustion. Small routines create stability during chaotic periods. Drinking enough water, taking a short walk, or stepping away from a screen for 10 minutes may seem simple, but those actions help your mind recover. Emotional regulation is often built through ordinary habits rather than dramatic breakthroughs.

You can also benefit from adjusting your inner dialogue. During stressful situations, many people become harsher toward themselves than they would ever be toward another person. A single mistake becomes proof of failure. One difficult day becomes evidence that life is falling apart. Instead of asking, ‘Why can I never handle anything properly?’ try asking, ‘What would help me manage this situation better?’ The second question encourages problem-solving rather than self-punishment.

Boundaries are another important form of emotional regulation. Constant availability can leave you emotionally depleted. You do not need to answer every message immediately or accept every request that comes your way. Protecting your time and energy is not selfish. It is necessary. For example, if work messages continue late into the evening, consider setting a specific hour during which you stop checking notifications. That boundary allows your mind an opportunity for rest.

Connection also matters more than many people admit. Stress often convinces you to isolate yourself, especially when you feel emotionally exhausted. Yet a brief conversation with someone trustworthy can provide perspective and comfort. You do not always need advice. Sometimes you simply need someone who listens without judgment. Human connection reminds you that you are not carrying every burden alone.

There will also be days during which your emotions feel heavier than usual despite your best efforts. During those moments, give yourself permission to slow down instead of criticizing yourself for struggling. Emotional regulation does not mean suppressing emotions until they disappear. It means responding to yourself with patience while choosing actions that support your wellbeing.

Life will continue to bring deadlines, disappointments, and unexpected frustrations. Stress cannot always be avoided, but your response can be strengthened. Every calm breath, thoughtful pause, healthy boundary, and honest conversation help you build emotional steadiness over time. Progress may feel gradual, but small consistent choices often create the greatest emotional change. When everyday stress no longer controls your reactions, you create more space for clarity, connection, and peace within your daily life.

Senator Mark A. Villar expressed solidarity with the people of Mindanao following the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Southern Philippines.

The senator also extended his sympathies to the families who suffered loss, displacement, and hardship as a result of the devastation brought by the earthquake and its aftermath.

‘Taos-puso po akong nakiramay at nanalangin para sa mga nawalan ng mahal sa buhay, nasugatan, at sa mga pamilyang napilitang lumikas dahil sa sakunang ito. Sa ganitong panahon ng pagsubok, mahalagang maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan na hindi sila nag-iisa at handa nating silang tulungan’ Villar said.

He emphasized that assisting affected communities and addressing their immediate needs remained a priority as relief and assessment efforts continued in the affected areas.

‘Habang nagpapatuloy ang mga response at assessment efforts sa mga apektadong lugar, mahalagang maipaabot agad ang kinakailangang tulong sa ating mga kababayan upang makatulong sa kanilang pagbangon,’ he added.

As part of his relief efforts, Senator Villar sent sacks of rice and drinking water for distribution to affected families through the General Santos City Local Government Unit. The senator also assured affected residents that his office remained ready to provide additional assistance as needed.

‘Nais kong tiyakin sa ating mga kababayan sa Mindanao na narito tayo upang tumulong. Patuloy tayong makikipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan at iba pang kinauukulang ahensya upang masuportahan ang relief at recovery efforts sa mga apektadong komunidad,’ he said.

Villar likewise expressed confidence in the resilience and unity of the Filipino people as communities worked toward recovery and rehabilitation.

‘Sa pamamagitan ng bayanihan, malasakit, at pagtutulungan, naniniwala akong makakabangon ang ating mga kababayan mula sa pagsubok na ito. Kasama ninyo kami sa bawat hakbang ng inyong pagbangon,’ Villar concluded.

Land and human rights are spotlighted in ST (Southern Tagalog) to SF (San Francisco), a free screening of documentaries, short-form works, and music videos, part of MCADxMoving Image, a program of the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).

The event looks at culture, society and politics through the media of the moving image-from hybrid documentaries and video essays to narrative experiments, filmed performances, and archival audiovisions.

Meticulously selected by Con Cabrera, a visual artist and independent curator, the lineup gathers works from multimedia collective and organization Southern Tagalog Exposure from Laguna, Philippines, and housing advocates People Power Media from California, USA.

The roster includes documentations of narratives on displacement, oppression, and state violence which are resisted by various manifestations of activism.

The lineup is headlined by 43, a short docu on health workers who were arrested and accused of being members of the New People’s Army during their medical training in Morong, Rizal; and WWIII, an animated music video of a song by Dong Abay, renowned Filipino singer-songwriter, which communicates the collective consciousness of those who question the unjust war perpetrated by those in power.

Likewise included in the series is Red Saga. Produced by Mowelfund Film Institute (MFI), it is a vivid landscape of metaphors on contemporary Philippine politics and a poetic take on the peasant struggle and the protracted people’s war in the Philippine countryside. Oyayi sa Kanlungan ng Digma depicts how militarization drove the Mangyans, Dumagats, and peasants from their homes.

Sa Amin: Our Place narrates the untold story of Filipino activists, artists, and intergenerational families in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood in their fight against displacement caused by urban renewal, real estate speculation, and tech booms. Rights is a one-hour pioneering compilation of independently produced human rights-themed short films and public service announcements (PSAs) which exposes the incessant human rights hostilities in the Philippines and serves as an open and continuing call for filmmakers to participate in the growing movement to defend and uphold human rights.

ST (Southern Tagalog) to SF (San Francisco) is free and open to the public. It will run from June 17 to June 19, 2026, from 12 noon to 2 pm.

A talkback with the former members of ST Exposure will be held on June 17. It will be moderated by Mary Ann Pernia, MCAD Learning and Special Projects head.

It will be held at the M302 Case Room of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Taft Campus in Malate, Manila.

Joyce Tan, a Wais Home Credit customer since 2020, bought her iPhone 13 in 2021 with the added peace of mind of HOME CREDIT PROTECT. A Gen Z professional living independently in Taguig, Joyce balanced her work, rent, bills, and daily expenses while finding practical ways to manage lifestyle purchases with Home Credit products and services. This one move of buying her phone with Home Credit Protect, unexpectedly guarded her from an unforeseen medical emergency that surfaced in her life with sudden changes in her blood pressure, eventually needing her to be hospitalized for Stage 2 hypertension.

‘Noong bumili ako ng iPhone 13, in-offer sa akin ‘yong Home Credit Protect. Nung na-explain sa akin kung ano yung benefits nya, hindi talaga ako nagdalawang- isip kumuha.’

Amid rising financial pressures from hospital bills, medication, rent, utilities, and other daily expenses, the Home Credit Protect coverage linked to her iPhone 13 gave Joyce the much-needed relief, enabling her to take care of other expenses better. After submitting the necessary documents, she was able to access product benefits, including waived installments for two months.

‘Nabawasan talaga ‘yong stress ko pagdating monthly payments ko kay Home Credit. Syempre ayokong mag-miss ng payment kasi may penalties yun. Hindi ko talaga in-expect na ‘yong phone na binili ko would eventually help me during my health emergency. Dahil sa Home Credit Protect, nagkaroon ako ng peace of mind at mas nakapag-focus ako sa pagpapagaling ko.’ Joyce said

A reliable, caring lifestyle partner  Joyce is just one example of how Home Credit Philippines has supported over 13 million Filipinos through products and services designed to help make everyday life easier and more manageable since last 13 years.

‘Behind Home Credit’s 13 million customers are millions of unique journeys, all driven by the goal of building a better and more secure future. Joyce’s story shows how simple decisions today can make a meaningful difference in unexpected moments. Through products and services designed around our customers’ evolving needs, we remain committed to supporting Filipinos in both everyday purchases and life’s important moments,’ said Jana Pechouckova, Senior Executive Vice President of Home Credit Philippines. 

Watch Joyce’s Kwentong HC here and discover how making wais moves today can help bring peace of mind for tomorrow.