Category: Business Mirror

A total of 5,986 indigent senior citizens from different villages in Surigao City received their third-quarter social pension during the two days of distribution activities spearheaded by the DSWD-13 and the city government.

A total of P17.9 million in social pension were released during the September 24 and 25 payout, implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Caraga Region (DSWD-13) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

Elderly beneficiaries received P3,000 each, covering the months of July to September.

‘The welfare of our senior citizens, especially the indigents, is among the top priorities of the city administration,’ the Public Information Office said in a statement Friday.

The city government also thanked the DSWD-13 for its collaboration in ensuring the timely release of the stipends.

Michele, 24, who accompanied her 74-year-old grandmother to the payout, said the family is thankful for the continuing support.

‘The P3,000 stipend is already allocated for her medicines, especially for her maintenance for hypertension, diabetes and vitamins,’ she said.

FOR the past three years I’ve been waking up to my dad’s Spotify playlist, which he blasts daily from our JBL PartyBox 310. It’s become our little way of getting back at the neighbors who run a repair shop and keep their noise going almost 24/7, not to mention their questionable taste in music. A bad playlist is painful enough-but blast it on terrible tinny speakers at max volume, and it becomes absolute torture.

At least when The Carpenters, Air Supply, David Pomeranz, or Kenny Rogers play through the JBL PartyBox 310, they sound like they’re performing live-and still alive-in our living room. I even picked up a JBL PartyBox 120 for my room, mainly because they released a white version that fit perfectly into my setup’s aesthetic. No explanation needed there.

This year though, I added the JBL PartyBox 520 to my collection. With me living solo for the next few years, I’ll be needing a loud companion, and this seemed like the right one to carry me through my specially made ‘senti’ playlist.

GETTING THE PARTYBOX STARTED

SINCE the first PartyBox hit the market around 2019, JBL has been setting the tone-literally-for backyard barbecues, basement jams, and impromptu karaoke nights. The formula has always been clear: take a powerful sound system, give it personality with built-in lights, add wireless connectivity, and wrap it in a rugged, portable shell. Throw in a set of wheels, and you’ve got something that doesn’t just sit in the corner-it takes over the room.

Despite the flood of fakes and copycats on the market, when you see the word PartyBox, you know JBL isn’t building speakers for background music.

These speakers are designed to be the centerpiece, booming sound and flashing lights until an ordinary gathering feels like a mini-festival. The JBL PartyBox 520 carries all of that DNA but refines it in ways that make it feel like the most well-rounded entry in the lineup.

Sitting neatly between the lighter PartyBox Stage 120 and 320 and the heavyweights like the PartyBox 710 and PartyBox Ultimate, it strikes the balance many have been waiting for. It’s still portable enough to move around, powerful enough to thrive outdoors, and packed with the modern connections today’s listeners expect. In many ways, it feels like JBL’s most balanced PartyBox yet.

DESIGN BUILT FOR MOVEMENT

THE JBL PartyBox 520 is not shy about its size. At 25.5 kilos-or 56 pounds-it’s hefty and chunky, but JBL makes the weight manageable with a telescopic handle and a pair of rugged wheels. You won’t be carrying it up stairs with ease, but rolling it around feels as natural as towing luggage.

The design remains familiar: a tall, tower-style body with a sturdy grille that hides two 7.5-inch woofers and a pair of tweeters. Behind that grille, LEDs pulse and shift in sync with the music. Six lighting presets are built in, ranging from Rock to Chill, but the customization goes deeper through the JBL PartyBox app. And for those moments when you don’t need a disco in your living room, the lights can be switched off entirely with a single button.

Durability is always a concern with gear designed for outdoor use, and JBL covers that base with an IPX4 splash-resistant rating. A little rain or a tipped drink won’t be enough to shut the party down.

EASY CONTROLS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

PART of the PartyBox appeal has always been its approachable controls, and the JBL PartyBox 520 keeps that spirit intact while polishing the experience. The top panel is laid out with two large knobs for lighting and volume, while smaller buttons handle playback, pairing, and the ever-popular Bass Boost.

Bass Boost, by the way, comes in two distinct flavors: deep and punchy. The difference is subtle but effective, letting you lean into chest-thumping lows for EDM tracks or sharpen the kicks for rock and acoustic sessions. It’s these small touches that make the Partybox 520 more adaptable to different moods and genres.

The PartyBox 520 also shines when it comes to microphones. A dedicated control cluster allows you to adjust mic volume, bass, treble, and echo-essentially turning the speaker into a mini mixing board for karaoke, speeches, or even jamming with an instrument. Add in three programmable DJ effect buttons, and the unit encourages more than just passive listening-it invites you to perform, play, and interact with the music.

CONNECTIVITY: AURACAST READY

THE JBL PartyBox 520 takes the basics like Bluetooth and aux-in, and upgrades them with a set of features that feel truly future-proof.

Instead of simple quarter-inch inputs, JBL equips the PartyBox 520 with dual XLR/quarter-inch combo jacks, opening the door to more professional and flexible setups. This means you can plug in a guitar, a microphone, or even a small DJ console without hassle. The dated USB-A port from earlier models is gone, replaced with a USB-C port that not only charges your device but also supports high-quality audio playback directly.

Then there’s Bluetooth 5.4 with Auracast, the newest wireless standard that allows a single PartyBox to broadcast to multiple devices simultaneously. Traditional Bluetooth was always one-to-one; now you can essentially run a network of JBL PartyBoxes, all synced up and pushing the same sound across a larger space. It’s a massive step forward for wireless audio sharing.

SERIOUS POWER AND BATTERY LIFE

PORTABILITY isn’t just about wheels. It’s about whether the speaker can keep the music alive off the grid. JBL rates the PartyBox 520 at up to 15 hours of playback under moderate use. That’s a little less than the Stage 320’s 18 hours, but the trade-off is logical-400 watts of power draws more energy.

The real advantage is the swappable battery system. Instead of being tied to a single rechargeable pack, you can keep a spare on hand, ready to swap in if the music starts to fade. Charging a pack takes about three hours, and a 10-minute quick charge is enough to add roughly two more hours of playtime. For camping trips, road parties, or any situation where power outlets aren’t guaranteed, this flexibility is exactly what keeps the party going.

On paper, the JBL PartyBox 520 brings 400 watts RMS output, a frequency range of 40 Hz to 20 kHz, and that dual woofer-tweeter setup. In practice, it’s a speaker built for the outdoors and can fill large spaces with authority. Indoors, it might need a bit of fine-tuning, but that’s where the app comes in handy.

JBL adds AI Sound Boost, a feature that analyzes audio signals in real time to minimize distortion and push more volume out of the system without breaking up. Paired with the app’s 7-band EQ, the PartyBox 520 gives you plenty of control to shape the sound. From dance tracks that demand low-end punch, to rock anthems that rely on strong mids, to vocal-driven sets where clarity is everything, the Partybox 520 has the range to handle it all. And if one unit isn’t enough, you can pair two for true stereo or link multiple JBL speakers together for wider coverage.

Beyond tweaking the EQ and lighting, the app unlocks DJ pads, lets you play with sound effects, and manages speaker connections. It’s also where firmware updates are delivered, ensuring the unit stays fresh with new features and improvements over time.

THE AUV OF PARTY SPEAKERS

TO see where the JBL PartyBox 520 belongs, you have to look at the rest of the lineup. If the Stage 120 is the compact option, the 320 is the everyday sedan, and the PartyBox 710 is the full-sized SUV built for sheer power.

The JBL PartyBox 520 sits squarely in the middle-not too small, not overblown, but calibrated to deliver power, portability, and the right mix of modern features, like your trusted AUV.

It isn’t the flashiest or the biggest of the PartyBox line, but personally I think it is the one that makes the most sense. With enough muscle to power an outdoor crowd, the flexibility of swappable batteries and pro-level inputs, plus the convenience of a design you can still wheel around, the JBL PartyBox 520 feels less like a compromise and more like the model that gets the balance right. The JBL Partybox 520 is priced at ?42,999 but is currently on a discounted price of ?36,549 at several retailers.

ON September 26 and 27, the Embassy of the United States’ Regional English Language Office (RELO) hosted a two-day intensive training in Mactan, Cebu that equipped 48 educators from various regions with innovative strategies for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in their classrooms.

American English Language fellows Laura Roach, Maryann Miller, and Michael Schapiro facilitated the professional development session. According to the embassy, they are highly-qualified professionals in US TESOL or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages selected by the US Department of State for 10-month assignments abroad to support public diplomacy and educational capacity building.

The workshop ‘The Educator’s Edge: Mastering Literacy, AI, and Critical Thought,’ focused on creating an integrated learning module that guides learners from basic language skills to critical thinking skills. The module will serve as a tool for the educators to utilize in their own classrooms and share with their colleagues, creating a multiplier effect in enriched pedagogical practices.

The training also provided hands-on experience to implement American-developed instructional technology. Educators were given a showcase and hands-on experience with six US AI and education technology tools designed to personalize learning and increase classroom efficiency. These will enable teachers to streamline tasks like content creation, assessment, and differentiation, allowing them to focus more on student interaction and critical thought development.

The US Embassy’s Regional English Language Officer Jeff McIlvenna framed the initiative as an investment in a critical bilateral relationship: ‘The paradigm of this activity was specifically designed by our American trainers for the professional development of Filipino educators. This program is a concrete example of the robust bilateral cooperation and shared values [with the Philippines, providing revolutionary techniques, and showcasing American excellence in English teaching in the country].’

The program is the latest in a series of initiatives by the US Embassy’s RELO to support education in the Philippines. American English Language fellows are currently teaching and assisting in projects at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Southern Leyte State University, and Mariano Marcos State University, actively building long-term collaborations in education.

THAILAND’S leading business conglomerate Siam Cement Group (SCG) continues its long-standing commitment to education as it awarded scholarships to 290 deserving students in the 17th year of its ‘Sharing the Dream’ program.

Since its inception in 2008, the program has been a cornerstone of SCG’s corporate social responsibility efforts, providing essential educational assistance to underprivileged yet promising students across the regions where the company operates-including countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Lao PDR.

This year’s theme ‘Green Generation’ highlighted the program’s strong belief that every person’s potential matters, and that education is the key to building a stronger, more sustainable nation.

SCG Country Director Jirasak Kaewubol echoed the theme by saying that ‘we believe in the value of individuals, [and that] building human capital is the most important, which we achieve through education and upskilling people. That is what we have been doing for so many years.’

The official turnover ceremony on September 12 at Acacia Hotel-Manila saw 250 high-school students and 40 college learners from Batangas, Manila, Bulacan, and Taguig receiving their scholarships.

The high schoolers were awarded individual educational assistance packages of P12,000 each, while their collegiate counterparts were given P20,000 annually to support their educational journeys.

Privilege and commitment

FOR 17 years, Sharing the Dream has awarded over 4,000 scholarships in the Philippines. This enduring commitment is rooted in a meticulous selection process that carefully chooses students for whom the scholarships will be instrumental stepping stones toward their dreams.

High-school applicants must maintain an average grade of 85 percent or higher, with no grade below 80 percent. Meanwhile, those in college must maintain a general weighted average of at least 1.75.

Enlisters are also required to demonstrate active participation in non-academic and extracurricular activities.

An SCG scholarship alumnus, Ma. Jesiery Rose F. Guevarra knows this process well, having received scholarships from SCG for both her high school and college education. They have helped achieve her dream of becoming a nurse.

‘It’s important [that you are] true to yourself for them to see the genuineness of your heart,’ Guevarra advised. Showing eagerness, she added, is crucial for SCG to see an applicant’s true intentions and promise.

Guevarra, who benefited from the program’s support, describes the scholarship as ‘a fuel of my dreams.because when you know there’s someone willing to help you, that’s when you push forward to dream more.’

Similarly, former SCG scholar Ma. Theressa F. Orbeta, who received support for eight years and is now an employee of the company, highlighted the program’s holistic approach: ‘SCG doesn’t just help us financially; we gradually discover ourselves and realize our dreams.’

Orbeta further emphasized the program’s focus on personal growth beyond financial assistance: ‘I also experienced collaboration and socializing activities with other scholars.’

‘Through these [scholars], we learned about their stories and also gained emotional intelligence,’ said Ambassador Makawadee Sumitmor. ‘The Royal Thai Embassy really appreciates the initiative of SCG. It also [promotes] people-to-people connections, which I think is very important and is a strong foundation for every policy that the government would like to move forward with.’

Partnership for uplifting lives

THE partnership between SCG and the Department of Education (DepEd) is a powerful one, as highlighted by Education Department director Atty. Amorsolo R. Camara Jr.: ‘We [are seeing] through the high-school students that it was not only the material things that were brought in, but actually the confidence that empowers them. That actually changes not only their lives, but the lives of their families and communities as well.’

Atty. Camara further elaborated on the broader impact of this collaboration: ‘This partnership brought not only the resources of SCG, but also a sense of solidarity between our two countries.’

The DepEd official believes the program demonstrates global friendship and industry collaboration significantly strengthening a nation’s education system: ‘SCG’s presence in our communities shows that the challenges of poverty and inequality can be confronted not just by the Philippines, but with our partners.’

Drawing on its 17-year history of providing educational support in the Philippines, ‘Sharing the Dream’ continues to champion the next generation of Filipino leaders. The initiative goes beyond financial aid as it strategically invests in students from select areas by providing comprehensive assistance, fostering strong character, and encouraging active community participation.

The October 8 Senate Blue Ribbon hearing to continue the inquiry into corruption in flood control projects has been cancelled ‘until further notice,’, according to panel chairman Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Saturday, citing several reasons.

Only the one for Oct 8 is cancelled, but the inquiry is not being suspended, his office clarified in response to reporters. This, as speculation – with apparently pro-Duterte camps fueling it – swirled anew, there may be attempts by some quarters to shield former Speaker Martin Romualdez from the fallout.

Lacson had earlier vowed there would be no cover-up and no party, no matter how powerful, would be shielded. Former Senate President Chiz Escudero, in a lengthy, scathing speech last week, had denounced what he saw as the apparent direction of all investigations – to stop before it reaches the former speaker. Escudero accused Romualdez of being behind a ‘script’ that would pin down several senators and other personalities in the ghost and substandard flood-control projects that caused billions in tax money to be plundered.

In a text message shared with reporters on Saturday, Lacson said, ‘Initially, I had scheduled a hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 8, upon the request of Sen JV Ejercito to summon former DPWH RD IVB Paçanan.

‘To maximize the discussions, I checked with the DOJ if the supposed ‘tell-all’ affidavit/s of the Discayas were already available. Corollary to that, I also checked with the office of the executive judge of Manila RTC if they have concluded the investigation on the possible violations of the notarized document involving TSgt [Orly] Guteza and Atty Espera,’ Lacson added.

‘Having been informed that both would not be ready within one week, not to mention that the BRC hearing will conflict with the budget and CA [Commission on Appointment] hearings, I informed SP Sotto of the cancellation until further notice,’ the Senate President Pro Tempore said.

The affidavit of Guteza, whose BRC testimony became controversial because he was brought in by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta without even informing Lacson, became the subject of an investigation of the RTC court after the lawyer whose name was listed as the notary public in his statement claimed her name was used without her consent.

Senate sources explained that even if the chamber adjourns for recess as scheduled on October 10, they can still conduct committee hearings. Only the plenary session is suspended.

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) on Wednesday led the launch of the 2025 Elderly Filipino Week with the rolling out of simultaneous activities and service caravans across the country to honor the contributions of senior citizens.

NCSC spokesperson Loraine Cerillo Valdevieso said the annual celebration is mandated under Proclamation No. 470 signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos to recognize the role of the elderly in nation-building.

‘The celebration started very early with masses nationwide, followed by a walk for life and service caravans with DSWD, PhilHealth and PSA to deliver services for senior citizens,’ Valdevieso said in a news release.

As part of this year’s celebration, Valdevieso said the NCSC is also strengthening its partnership with the Department of Tourism to train seniors as accredited community tour guides.

‘This gives our senior citizens an opportunity to remain part of the tourism sector. They undergo a seven-day training to become accredited tour guides in Intramuros,’ she said.

The program aims to replicate the Intramuros model in other priority tourism areas nationwide, allowing senior citizens to serve as storytellers of history.

Valdevieso also urged young Filipinos to assist their elderly family members in joining the activities.

‘It is important for the youth to help senior citizens so we can strengthen intergenerational relationships,’ she said.

The Elderly Filipino Week, initiated during the Ramos administration, sought to raise awareness about the issues facing the elderly and to celebrate their contributions to society. The effects on Filipino seniors include:

Increased awareness and recognition: The week highlights the importance of the elderly in Filipino culture, fostering respect and appreciation for their life experiences and wisdom.

Social engagement: Activities organized during this week encourage social interaction among seniors. These events often include seminars, workshops, and recreational activities that promote community involvement.

Access to resources: Various government and non-government organizations take this opportunity to provide information about available services and benefits for seniors, such as healthcare, pensions, and social services.

Advocacy for rights and welfare: The week serves as a platform for advocating the rights and welfare of the elderly, addressing issues such as elder abuse, healthcare access, and financial security.

Intergenerational bonding: Events often encourage interaction between the elderly and younger generations, fostering understanding and respect. This helps to strengthen family ties and community bonds.

Promotion of healthy living: Health-related activities and discussions are common, emphasizing the importance of active lifestyles and wellness among seniors, which can lead to improved physical and mental health.

Overall, the Elderly Filipino Week has contributed positively by enhancing the visibility of senior citizens, promoting their rights, and encouraging a supportive community environment.

This year, the Elderly Filipino Week will run until October 7 with simultaneous events in all regions.

THE House of Representatives on Friday wrapped up plenary deliberations on the proposed P6.793-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for 2026, hailing it as the ‘best and cleanest’ national budget that prioritizes programs aimed at directly uplifting the lives of Filipinos.

House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Rep. Mikaela Angela B. Suansing assured the public that the chamber is committed to ensuring that the 2026 national budget remains people-centered, transparent, and accountable.

‘We will make sure-in the House of Representatives-that the 2026 budget will be responsive to the needs of the Filipino people, transparent, and clean,’ Suansing said.

The House concluded plenary deliberations on the 2026 budgets of government agencies just past midnight on Friday.

The House Minority Leader is expected to deliver the traditional turno en contra on the proposed 2026 national budget this Monday.

She stressed that the budget priorities reflect the urgent needs of the population, highlighting investments in education, agriculture, health, job creation, and livelihood programs.

‘Our goal is to make it a human-centered budget. That is why our priority is education, agriculture, health, job creation, and livelihood. We want to improve the quality of life of every Filipino. That is what we pray will be the result of the budget we will pass,’ she added.

Suansing also expressed confidence that the measure will gain full support from the chamber.

‘With the help of the whole House and the collective wisdom of all its members, I am confident that we will be able to pass the best budget for 2026-one that truly responds to the needs of our people,’ she said.

Suansing stressed that the budget is not merely a policy document but a ‘backbone of fiscal policy’ and a reflection of government priorities.

Despite these challenges, she said the 2026 spending plan is anchored on a sound macroeconomic framework crafted by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), projecting 6.0 to 7.0 percent GDP growth, inflation of 2.0 to 4.0 percent, a fiscal deficit of 5.3 percent of GDP, and a sustainable debt-to-GDP ratio of 61.8 percent by end-2026.

Suansing highlighted the redirection of P255 billion initially earmarked for flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to essential services such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and social welfare. The DPWH’s allocation was reduced from P881.3 billion to P625.7 billion, while education received P1.17 trillion, the largest in Philippine history. Healthcare will get P409.8 billion plus an additional P89.3 billion from realignments, and social welfare programs, including the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), will receive P59.1 billion to help about 5.9 million Filipinos.

Agriculture is allocated P284.13 billion, including P41.09 billion for farm-to-market roads, irrigation, post-harvest facilities, and crop insurance. Under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk program, one million beneficiaries will receive P7,000 each. Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment’s TUPAD program will be doubled to P26.96 billion to assist 4.9 million displaced or disadvantaged workers.

The period of amendments and second reading approval will be on October 10.

In pushing for amendments, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste, vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, wants the DPWH to cancel or re-price P1.6 trillion worth of ongoing and planned projects. Leviste said this could save the government P400 billion, which could be redirected to health and education programs next year. He cited the recent termination of a P95.99-million flood control project in Lemery, Batangas, as an example of how DPWH can enforce cost efficiency under existing procurement laws.

Under the Government Procurement Reform Act (RA 9184) and DPWH contract rules, projects can be terminated ‘for convenience’ if they become economically, financially, or technically impractical-or unnecessary-due to changes in law or government policy, without penalty to the government. Contracts may also be terminated for unlawful acts, such as corruption, fraud, use of substandard materials, or collusive practices.

Leviste noted that the Lemery case demonstrates how DPWH can use these provisions.

‘After all the hearings and protests against corruption in DPWH, there are still over P1 trillion in ongoing projects and another P600 billion in upcoming projects that DPWH can act on,’ Leviste said.

Meanwhile, the House is expected to approve the 2026 General Appropriations Bill on third and final reading by Monday, October 13. Once passed, it will be transmitted to the Senate, after which a bicameral conference committee will reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions.

Suansing said bicameral sessions will be public.

The 2026 national budget is 7.4 percent higher than the enacted FY 2025 budget of P6.326 trillion and carries the theme ‘Agenda for Prosperity: Nurturing Future-Ready Generations to Achieve the Full Potential of the Nation.’ Anchored on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, it aims to prioritize education, healthcare, social protection, and food security.

Speaking just past midnight on Friday, Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III lauded the collective effort that ensured the budget deliberations were both open and comprehensive.

‘Our people can be assured that our process will remain open and transparent,’ Dy said. ‘When I was elected Speaker, I said we would ensure that every centavo allocated in the budget to every agency would match the needs of our people. We will continue to work together to pass an open, orderly, and clean budget.’

THE Department of Finance (DOF) has ordered all state-run firms to deploy resources, provide critical services and roll out calamity assistance packages to the victims of the recent earthquake in Cebu.

Department Circular 003-2025 issued by the DOF on October 1 directed government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and government financial institutions (GFIs) to accelerate service delivery and ground support after natural calamities.

The order covers the 53 GOCCs and nine GFIs under DOF oversight, particularly those in utilities, infrastructure, logistics, communications, housing, financial services and other essential public functions.

They are instructed to use available resources, personnel, and equipment; prioritize restoring power, water, communications, and transport; and coordinate with national agencies, local governments and stakeholders for an integrated response.

Calamity-related assistance packages, such as cash aid, concessional loans, deferred payment schemes or service subsidies, were also ordered to be immediately rolled out.

In addition, they are also told to fast-track the processing of insurance claims for damaged properties, assist borrowers in affected areas and provide short-term loans for the repair of homes and the recovery of livelihoods.

At the same time, they must ensure the continuity of financial services by keeping branches operational, ATMs functional and other service channels available to the public.

‘Our goal is to make sure that when calamity strikes, the GFIs and GOCCs respond without delay. They must also be the first responders to restore essential public services and work hand in hand with the government to help our people recover faster,’ Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto was quoted in a separate statement as saying.

According to the DOF, the Social Security System is ready to provide P10 billion to P15 billion under its Calamity Loan Program for this year to disaster-stricken members.

To deliver financial relief to affected Filipinos in calamity-declared areas, Recto, who is also the ex officio chair of the Social Security Commission, approved a lower annual interest rate of 7 percent and a faster activation period of seven days under the program.

The Government Service Insurance System is also extending financial aid to disaster-stricken Filipinos through its calamity and emergency loans.

Those with mortgaged houses can file for insurance claims through the Pag-Ibig Fund, where members in affected areas may also be eligible for calamity loans. For minor repairs, members can access short-term improvement loans.

Meanwhile, the Land Bank of the Philippines vows to facilitate quick access to salary loans for employees of government agencies and private companies using the state-run lender’s payroll service.

The Bureau of the Treasury is prepared to submit a claim for the restoration and repair of public schools damaged by the earthquake under the National Indemnity Insurance program, the DOF added.

‘We assure the Filipino people that we have more than enough funds to support the victims, lalo na ang ating mga magsasaka, manggagawa, estudyante, at bawat pamilyang Pilipino na apektado ng trahedya,’ Recto said.

THE Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) secured a major conviction with the decision of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) to convict Janet Lim Napoles of money laundering in connection with the ‘pork barrel’ scam.

AMLC said RTC Branch 158 in Pasig City convicted Napoles of 13 counts of money laundering due to her orchestration of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam in 2013.

The case was initiated and prosecuted by the AMLC and the Department of Justice (DOJ). The decision marked another milestone in the fight against corruption and financial crimes.

‘This sends a strong message: those who abuse public funds will be held accountable,’ said AMLC Executive Director Atty. Matthew M. David.

‘The AMLC welcomes this court decision as a demonstration of AMLC’s relentless pursuit of individuals who exploit the financial system to conceal corruption,’ he added.

AMLC said this is the second conviction secured by the AMLC against Napoles involving the ‘pork barrel’ scam, following a 2024 decision issued by RTC Branch 24, Manila-affirming AMLC’s effectiveness in prosecuting money laundering cases linked to corruption.

In this 2025 conviction, AMLC said the Trial Court found that Napoles planned a scheme involving the creation of bogus non-government organizations (NGOs) to receive pork barrel funds for ghost projects.

By making it appear that the funds originated from legitimate sources, Napoles concealed its criminal origin-an act that fully satisfied the elements of money laundering under the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, as amended.

Napoles was sentenced to 7 to 14 years of imprisonment for each count and was ordered to pay a P94.15-million fine. AMLC said, however, the judgment of conviction may be subject to appeal.

MOA between ICI, AMLC

Meanwhile, the AMLC and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for inter-agency collaboration and coordination in light of the ongoing flood project investigations.

The partnership aims to enhance information sharing and coordinated action between the AMLC and the ICI to support more effective investigations.

‘This partnership is a strong demonstration of our collective resolve to uphold integrity in public service, ensure that illicit financial activities tied to infrastructure project anomalies are thoroughly investigated, and to hold accountable those responsible,’ David said.

The MOA outlines provisions for interagency coordination, information sharing, and joint efforts to trace, preserve, and recover assets linked to unlawful activities.

The agreement also reinforces the AMLC’s mandate to investigate money laundering offenses arising from corruption, malversation, plunder, bribery, and related unlawful activities.

Established under Executive Order No. 94, Series of 2025, the ICI was created in response to public calls for greater transparency and accountability in infrastructure spending.

Composed of individuals with unquestionable integrity and expertise, the Commission is tasked to conduct an in-depth investigation into alleged irregularities and misuse of funds in flood control and other infrastructure projects.

THE five-year action plan for the Philippine semiconductor and electronics industry will focus on developing a skilled Filipino workforce to boost the local industry, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

In a statement, the department’s Special Task Force Office said the Semiconductor and Electronics Industry Advisory Council (Seiac), chaired by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (Osapiea), has laid out its Technical Working Group’s five-year action plan during the second meeting of the Seiac.

DTI said the main topic of the discussions was the development of a strong school-to-industry pipeline through closer collaboration among the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), and industry partners.

‘The Council proposed flexible learning pathways-including ladderized programs and micro-credentials-aimed at equipping Filipinos with high-value technical skills that meet global industry standards,’ DTI said.

Chairing the meeting on behalf of Secretary Frederick D. Go was Osapiea Undersecretary Angel Ignacio who emphasized that strong human capital is the foundation of the industry’s long-term growth.

‘Investing in our people is the most critical component of building a resilient and globally competitive semiconductor industry,’ Ignacio said.

The DTI statement added that Osapiea highlighted that the council’s long-term goal is to nurture homegrown talent and encourage Filipinos to pursue careers in the country, strengthening both the industry and national development.

Beyond talent development, the council also discussed initiatives to enhance the country’s investment climate.

These include the development of world-class Strategic Economic Zones, supported by an ongoing infrastructure audit to identify gaps in power, water, and logistics.

In addition, the DTI said, the Seiac reviewed efforts to streamline regulations, promote ease of doing business, and showcase the Philippines semiconductor industry in the global market.

Further, the Trade department underscored that ‘The Council is looking to spearhead the country’s participation in Semicon Europa 2025, the premier European platform that brings together key players across the entire design and manufacturing value chain of the semiconductor and electronics industry.’

DTI said the Philippines’ participation in Semicon Europa is a ‘strategic’ move to diversify the country’s electronics export destinations, reducing reliance on traditional markets and aligning with Europe’s growing demand for alternative suppliers amid geopolitical shifts.

The council also noted that it will continue to ‘refine’ these action plans of their final adoption, according to DTI.