Category: Business Mirror

‘I’m sure you have heard, the Department of Energy is already starting to auction. So, they’re bidding on that waste-to-energy project,’ Marcos said.

‘As long as the financing is fixed and is available, I think we will be able to put those into action by next year,’ he added.

Aside from inspecting the Tripa De Gallina Pumping Station, Marcos visited the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Command Center, where he was briefed on the ‘nature-based’ solutions to floods after the latest weather disturbances inundated many parts of NCR this week.

‘I’m sure you have heard, the Department of Energy is already starting to auction. So, they’re bidding on that waste-to-energy project,’ Marcos said.

‘As long as the financing is fixed and is available, I think we will be able to put those into action by next year,’ he added.

Aside from inspecting the Tripa De Gallina Pumping Station, Marcos visited the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Command Center, where he was briefed on the ‘nature-based’ solutions to floods after the latest weather disturbances inundated many parts of NCR this week.

Last Thursday, Castro released the shortlist of 39 priority sites for the said project.

The said sites include the open area in Brgy. Moonwalk in Parañaque; University of the Philippines Sunken Garden in Quezon City; Ermitaño Creek in San Juan; Navotas Coastal Dike in Navotas; Pasay City Linear Ecopark in Pasay; Maytunas Creek (Downstream) in San Juan; Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Manila; Chino Roces Ave. Underpass in Makati; Tanza Marine Tree Park in Navotas; Malabon Sports Complex in Malabon; Damar Village Park in Quezon City; Wawang Pulo Pumping Station in Valenzuela and the Polo Riverwalk (right bank) in Valenzuela.

Also in the list are the Camella 3D Basketball Court in Las Piñas; Malabon People’s Park in Malabon; Bukuhan Agricultural Area in Pateros; Open Area beside Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Muntinlupa; NHA 4PH Property (Bagong Silang) in Caloocan; Parking Lot in Bukuhan in Pateros; Buhangin Creek in Mandaluyong; University of Caloocan (proposed sunken garden) in Caloocan; Maytunas Creek (upstream) in Mandaluyong; Jamboree Lake in Muntinlupa; Hardin ng Bayan in Marikina; and the Pumping Station, Maya and Maysapang Creek in Taguig.

Rounding up the list are in Freedom Triangle Plaza in Manila; New Township/Development Area in Pasig; Rizal Highschool Track and Field Oval in Pasig; Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City; Pinagsama Creek Daylighting in Taguig; CCP-Roxas Boulevard in Pasay; Open Space behind the Avida Towers in Parañaque; Marikina River Floodplains (Bagong Sibol) in Marikina; Daang Hari Road in Las Piñas; Tierra Verde II Park in Quezon City; Estero de Tripa de Gallina in Makati; Miriam College Open Field in Quezon City; and Remedios Circle in Manila.

Among the said structures and projects, which are expected by setup in the said sites includes inland wetlands; bioretention areas (detention ponds); river renaturation; mangrove forests; green corridor or spaces; and river flood plains.

Visayan Electric has limited the increase in its residential electricity rate for August to just P0.06 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), preventing what the utility said could have been a much steeper P2.10/kWh increase amid power supply shortages across the Visayas Grid.

The adjustment brings the overall residential rate this month to P14.96/kWh, instead of the projected P17.00/kWh rate.

For a household using around 200 kWh monthly, the six-centavo increase translates to an additional P12 on the electricity bill. Visayan Electric said its measures effectively spared consumers an estimated P420 in potential additional charges.

The August adjustment is the fifth consecutive monthly increase in power rates since April, underscoring the continued pressure on electricity costs in Metro Cebu.

Visayan Electric said rate increase was largely driven by higher prices at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), increased transmission charges linked to rising ancillary service costs, and a continuing shortage in power supply across the Visayas Grid.

The utility said it worked with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and its power suppliers and implemented measures to mitigate the impact of these external pressures on consumers.

Visayan Electric President and General Manager Mark Anthony Kindica said the company is focused on limiting the effect of volatile power market conditions on households.

‘We understand the importance of every peso to our customers,’ Kindica said in a statement, adding that the company continues to optimize its power sourcing to keep rate adjustments as low as possible.

He also expressed hope that cooler temperatures during the coming ‘Ber’ months would reduce electricity demand, help stabilize market prices and eventually ease pressure on consumers’ monthly bills.

With electricity rates continuing to fluctuate, Visayan Electric is encouraging customers to manage their consumption by setting air conditioners at 24°C to 25°C, unplugging appliances and electronic devices when not in use, and monitoring household electricity use through the utility’s appliance calculator.

The company also urged consumers to report suspected illegal connections, which it said can be reported anonymously through its designated telephone, email and online reporting channels.

Visayan Electric serves Metro Cebu and neighboring municipalities and is part of the Aboitiz Power Distribution Utilities group.

JUSTICE Secretary Fredderick Vida on Thursday said that the shooting incident inside the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) in Zamboanga City which left two junior high school students dead may be considered as an act of terrorism.

‘On the aspect of it being a terrorist act, definitely. It is obvious, because the purpose of terrorism is to sow fear in the general population,’ Vida said.

‘So, when you see that element of creating fear among the public, it is present,’ he added.

Vida said investigators are pursuing the possibilities that there are individuals who mentor young people into committing violent acts.

‘It involves engaging with the children. When they see certain flags such as when a child spends a lot of time playing violent games, there are people who target them. They are then recruited on certain group chats. Then it starts from there,’ Vida explained.

‘Our law enforcement agencies are heavily focused on this. We are pursuing these leads,’ he added.

Vida also appealed to parents and those exercising parental authority to pay attention to what their children are doing and constantly communicate with them.

Meanwhile, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. has issued a memorandum reminding all personnel of their responsibility to properly handle and strictly safeguard government-issued and privately owned firearms.

Catapang issued the memorandum following reports that the firearms used by the shooter were issued by the Bureau of Customs to his father who is the district commander of the Port Zamboanga Enforcement and Security Services.

The student reportedly livestreamed the attack using a body-worn camera.

The footage showed the shooter firing at students inside a classroom which left one student dead.He later shot himself which resulted in his death.

‘The directive emphasizes that firearm safety is a continuing duty that extends beyond the workplace. Personnel who are authorized to possess firearms must ensure that their weapons are secured at all times and cannot be accessed by unauthorized individuals, particularly children and other minors, Catapang said. The memorandum directed all BuCor personnel to observe strict physical security and maintain constant control of their firearms.

‘Weapons must never be left unattended or placed in locations where family members, coworkers, visitors, or strangers can easily reach them. Unauthorized access must be prevented under all circumstances,’ Catapang pointed out.

Catapang reminded BuCor personnel to use secure storage facilities for their service firearms.

The memorandum recommends a heavy-duty gun safe or lockbox that is firmly bolted to a wall or floor.

‘Such storage equipment should be strong enough to resist forced entry and should be installed in a discreet and secure area of the residence,’ the memorandum read.

‘The key or combination code of the gun safe must be kept hidden and must not be disclosed to unauthorized persons,’ it added.

Catapang also instructed their personnel not to leave keys in obvious places, such as drawers, tables, cabinets, or other areas accessible to family members or household visitors and to keep combinations codes confidential.

For added protection, firearms should be fitted with a trigger lock or cable lock whenever they are not in use.

The BuCor chief also directed its personnel to separately store the ammunition from the firearm in a different locked container.

‘Keeping ammunition apart from the weapon reduces the risk of accidental discharge and makes unauthorized use more difficult. Personnel should ensure that both the firearm and ammunition remain inaccessible to children and other unauthorized individuals,’ he added

Strengthen support systems

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara urged school administrations nationwide to strengthen support systems that help teachers foster protective classroom environments, following the tragic shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School campus on August 18.

‘Checking in on our learners is an inherent strength of our educators, especially our class advisers who interact with them every day,’ said Angara, who visited Zamboanga City on Wednesday to lead emergency intervention efforts with the school community and local authorities, and personally extend condolences to grieving families. ‘Following President Bongbong Marcos’ mandate, we must ensure that our teachers truly know their learners, that they do not just teach, but also actively check on their learners’ well-being.

‘In the wake of this tragic event, we are reminded that building safe schools goes beyond physical security measures and emergency protocols,’ Angara said, reaffirming the crucial role of teachers as compassionate mentors safeguarding the overall well-being of learners.

At the same time, Angara, who personally inspected public schools in the Negros Island Region (NIR) to evaluate campus safety protocols, assess facility conditions, and engage directly with teachers and learners, highlighted the essential Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) as vital partners in preventing school-related violence. role of parents in learner welfare, urging schools nationwide to fully maximize

The Department of Education (DepEd) emphasized that direct teacher-learner engagement serves as a primary line of support in identifying early warning signs.

To support this, Angara reiterated DepEd’s commitment to prioritize learner mental health and expand nationwide intervention programs.

Angara clarified that monitoring behavioral changes does not require teachers to act as mental health professionals or disciplinarians. Instead, it means fostering a compassionate environment where educators can recognize red flags and promptly connect learners with professional support systems.

To protect educators’ well-being while strengthening learner protection, DepEd is accelerating the deployment of School Counselor Associates (SCA) to manage specialized interventions while relieving teachers of non-teaching administrative burdens.

Additionally, DepEd is reinforcing its referral and crisis response mechanisms. Through the Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline (#33733 / 0945 175 9777), learners and school personnel can directly connect with National Center for Mental Health experts for immediate crisis response and reporting of protection concerns.

TROPICAL Depression Neneng and the southwest monsoon are now less likely to bring significant rainfall over the western section of Luzon. However, scattered rains and thunderstorms may still be experienced over Metro Manila and other areas, the weather bureau said.

In its weather advisory issued at 11 a.m. on Thursday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Neneng continues to move slowly over the coastal waters of Eastern Taiwan.

However, severe winds continue to affect land areas, as the southwest monsoon will bring strong to gale-force gusts over most of Luzon and the Visayas, the Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, and Zamboanga del Norte, particularly in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds.

Aside from Metro Manila, which is reeling from severe flooding because of the nonstop rain over the past two weeks, the weather bureau reported that scattered rains and thunderstorms may still be experienced over Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Batanes, Cagayan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, and Palawan until Friday morning.

The center of Tropical Depression Neneng was spotted 450 km North of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h and is moving slowly north-northeastward.

NDRRMC: Death toll now 29

THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), meanwhile, reported that the casualty count due to the combined effects of Tropical Cyclones Luis, Maymay and the southwest monsoon continues to increase.

As of 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, the NDRRMC said 29 people have been confirmed dead, 19 injured, and three others missing. Most of them were killed by landslides and drowning.

NDRRMC said the inclement weather that caused flash floods and triggered landslides affected a total of 1.8 million families, or 6.5 million people.

Despite the improving weather, evacuation of affected families to safer grounds continues.

The NDRRMC said a total of 13,957 families or 47,277 persons are currently receiving care, including food, water, and medicine, in 628 different evacuation centers.

The number of damaged houses is currently placed at 2,108 after being submerged under floodwaters.

The damage to public and private infrastructure has now reached P4.67 billion, while damage to agriculture is pegged at P1.42 billion.

The government said it has spent a total of P96.8 billion to assist the affected families.

The Philippines went from the agung, the bronze gong once used to relay messages across a valley, straight to mobile phones, skipping the landline decades almost entirely. Filipinos never experienced the copper wire the rest of the industrialized world spent generations trenching under streets and threading through walls. Millions who never held a rotary phone now carry a smartphone in a back pocket.

Late arrival is a familiar Philippine strategy. The pattern worked for telecommunications because fixed hardwired infrastructure was obsolete by the time local capital was ready to move. Applying that same logic to electric vehicles, however, confuses skipping a technology with skipping the industrial base required to build it.

In the nineteenth-century, the steam engine built rail transport. Developing nations did not need to invent the locomotive to benefit from it, but those that merely imported rolling stock still remained captive to foreign coal fields and foreign foundries. The value was in owning the coal and the steel and not in laying the railroad track.

Executive Order 121, signed in July, promises P60 billion in incentives to position the nation within the electric vehicle global supply chain. The policy rewards domestic assembly, which means importing complete kits from abroad and fastening them together locally, known as ‘screwdriver manufacturing.’ It is an arrangement that pays for the final, lowest-value link of a supply chain owned entirely by foreign capitals.

China spent two decades constructing that chain from the mine up. The International Energy Agency reports China controls 70 percent of global electric vehicle production and over 80 percent of battery cell output. Chinese battery cell prices sit more than 30 percent below those in Europe and more than 20 percent below the United States, the product of years spent refining lithium-iron-phosphate chemistries while Western competitors remained focused on costlier nickel-based alternatives.

The European Union responded with tariffs up to 35 percent on top of its standard 10 percent auto duty. Chinese electric vehicle market share in Europe rose from 9.4 percent to 14 percent anyway. A tariff raises the price of an import without lowering the cost of the domestic alternative, taxing the outcome while ignoring the cause.

Manila chooses to replicate this logic from the opposite side of the balance sheet. Executive Order 121 offers up to P15 billion per vehicle model for assembly plant construction, plus a subsidy worth 12 percent of the individual car ex-factory price. Because these funds subsidize final assembly, the majority of that taxpayer capital flows directly to foreign component manufacturers mostly in China. A local assembly line stays vulnerable to external supply shocks that can shutter a plant without ever disturbing a mine.

The Philippines already possesses the physical mineral asset. The country is the world’s second-largest nickel producer, extracting roughly 370,000 metric tons in 2024, about 9 percent of global mine supply. Producers exported the overwhelming majority of that ore raw and unprocessed, historically bound for Chinese stainless steel smelters, though a growing share now flows to Indonesian processors instead. Still a bridesmaid with the dowry going to someone else’s smelter.

Raw Philippine nickel is not battery grade. Turning that ore into battery precursors requires high-pressure acid leach processing facilities, an intermediate step Executive Order 121 completely ignores. Developing that refining capability could transform the country into an essential supplier regardless of where vehicles are bolted together.

Indonesia used its mineral reserve position to demand foreign investment in domestic precursor and cathode facilities, banning raw ore exports. The Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE) provides Manila with the regulatory tools to pursue a similar processing partnership within ASEAN countries. Executive Order 121 chooses instead to pursue final assembly, repeating the structure of the previous Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy program, whose funding Marcos vetoed from the 2026 national budget only months earlier, leaving its incentive obligations to participants unpaid.

Manila can draft an incentive program twice in a decade and still not get the payment terms right.

Consumer adoption advances without waiting for industrial policy. BYD captured 71 percent of the domestic electric vehicle segment in the first half of 2026. Among CAMPI-TMA member brands, electrified vehicle sales rose 132 percent to 31,381 units over the same period, even as the overall industry contracted 11.4 percent.

The country was never going to miss the EV party. Filipinos will buy efficient transport at the right price point. The open question is whether the country will remain a customer paying for foreign industrial development, or become an owner of the supply chain supplying it.

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

THE national men’s team won a tuneup match against visiting Korean Basketball League team Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus, 91-86, on Thursday afternoon at the San Miguel Corp. Sports Facility in Pasig City.

It was a victory Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone described as close to ugly.

‘We won a close game, we did not play well,’ Cone told the BusinessMirror via text message. ‘But the game gave us a good indication of where we are and how far we must go to get ready for the window[s].’

The tuneup game was part of Gilas Pilipinas’s preparations for the fourth window of the FIBA 2027 World Cup Asia Qualifiers where the Philippines plays Jordan on August and Iran on August 30 both at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

No stats were provided to the media in the game where Kai Sotto made his comeback in a Gilas uniform.

Sotto has started practicing with the pool that includes RJ Abarrientos, Justin Baltazar, Justine Arana, AJ Edu, Juan Gomez de Liaño, June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Troy Rosario, Carl Tamayo, Scottie Thompson, CJ Perez, Roger Pogoy and 6-foot-10 Geo Chiu.

Only naturalized player Justin Brownlee is nowhere to be seen.

‘Justin [Brownlee] is not with us yet,’ Cone said, adding his prized import at Ginebra is recovering from knee injuries in the US.

Through its group-wide drive to create truly inclusive and accommodating spaces for Persons with Disabilities, SM was commended by key industry organizations focused on disability affairs.

With inclusivity and access as a key pillar in SM’s corporate purpose, inclusive spaces and facilities enhance the SM Group’s portfolio of malls, offices, and retail spaces. It is this universal implementation of accessible environments, and commitment to advance disability inclusion that bagged SM Group industry distinctions from The Philippine Foundation For the Rehabilitation of the Disabled Inc. (PFRD) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).

Through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, disability-friendly facilities are overseen and supported nationwide with manpower training in line with industry standards to effectively accommodate Persons With Disabilities.

‘Every single person entering and engaging in the spaces built by SM deserves to feel welcomed and accommodated,’ said Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Operations and Program Director for Disability Affairs, SM Cares. ‘Our benchmark for true inclusivity expressed well is when every guest, visitor, and mallgoer can freely move around our spaces while still receiving the support they need when challenges arise.’

SM and SM Cares: Serving to supplement accessibility gaps

For SM Cares, accessibility is a priority-a crucial component of property planning for mobility and manpower training, ultimately contributing to community service.

The results of this enduring commitment over the years were recognized at the 2026 Apolinario Mabini Awards, where SM’s mall, retail, and office properties received multiple citations for advancing accessibility and creating more inclusive environments for Persons With Disabilities.

Presented by the PFRD, the Apolinario Mabini Awards recognize organizations and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to the welfare and inclusion of Persons With Disabilities.

SM’s largest network of real estate for retail, SM Supermalls, bagged 12 citations with SM Store, SM Commercial Properties Group, and SM Supermarket, taking home ten awards for the Disability Friendly Establishment category.

Among the recipients are SM City Roxas with silver and SM Center Angono, SM City Bacolod North Block Extension, SM City East Ortigas, SM City Sto. Tomas, SM Store J Mall, SM Store Puerto Princesa, E-Com Three, and E-Com Five with bronze. Special awards were also presented to several SM malls, SM Stores, and Savemore branches for initiatives ranging from substantial compliance with Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 to improvements that addressed accessibility gaps and expanded access for customers.

Additionally, SM Cares was recognized by the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) for its sustained leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing disability inclusion in the Philippines through its Advocate for Equity Award.

The distinction highlights how SM Cares has consistently demonstrated exemplary support in creating accessible and inclusive spaces which enable meaningful participation of Persons With Disabilities in community life. SM Cares was further noted as an instrumental force in promoting awareness, accessibility and equal opportunities for the sector, generously opening mall spaces nationwide as venues for various disability-related events, fostering visibility, and engagement.

‘Inclusion is intentional at SM because of our purpose on sharing social equity and our drive of becoming a truly inclusive Mall for All. It is woven into how we train our people, create our programs, and design our spaces. We believe accessibility is about making every person feel welcome, respected, and able to fully participate in the experiences we create every day,’ said Eusebio.

ASUS Philippines today announced the arrival of its newest battle-tested desktop family, bringing heavy-duty performance and military-grade durability to Filipino gamers. Engineered to endure extreme operational demands while delivering rock-solid stability, the new TUF Gaming T700 desktop series combines aggressive mecha aesthetics with factory-validated hardware right out of the box.

Designed for gamers who demand unyielding reliability without compromising gaming performance, the new lineup offers both full-sized tactical powerhouses and compact, space-saving battle stations tailored for any desk.

ASUS TUF GAMING T700 (TM700TZ): DOMINATE THE BATTLE WITH UNYIELDING POWER

The all-new ASUS TUF Gaming T700 (TM700TZ) is engineered to take on modern AAA titles with uncompromising performance. Featuring an aggressive mecha-inspired chassis, its transparent side panel puts the powerful internals on full display. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 8700F processor and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti GPU, the T700 delivers high-frame-rate gaming and immersive visual fidelity, while vibrant orange ambient lighting adds a bold finishing touch that signals tactical readiness for any battle station.

To keep thermals under control during intense combat, the T700 features a robust thermal solution equipped with quad 65 CFM fans paired with a 240mm liquid cooler, ensuring sustained clock speeds under heavy load. Built on the foundation of an ASUS No.1 Motherboard, every component of the T700 is crafted for long-term reliability and stability. The chassis is MIL-STD Tested, undergoing rigorous testing to withstand environmental stress, shock, and vibration.

Beyond its core hardware, the T700 provides clear long-term advantages for serious players. The combination of toughened glass paneling and EMI shielding protects internal signals while giving gamers an unhindered view of their components illuminated in signature TUF orange. Built with easy internal access and modular layout planning, players gain the benefit of hassle-free maintenance and seamless component upgrades over time, securing their investment for future gaming generations.

ASUS TUF GAMING T700 MINI (T700MF): BUILT TOUGH FOR VICTORY

The ASUS TUF Gaming T700 Mini (T700MF) is tailored for competitive gamers, bringing full desktop performance to a compact, battle-tested chassis that fuses bold futuristic styling and signature TUF orange ambient lighting.

At its core, the T700 Mini is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 225F desktop processor paired withNVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics. This potent combination provides seamless multitasking, crisp visuals, and reliable frame rates across today’s popular titles. To sustain peak clock speeds under heavy gameplay, the internal hardware is cooled by a custom thermal matrix featuring dedicated copper heat pipes and a heavy-duty 90mm cooling fan.

True to the TUF Gaming legacy, the T700 Mini is MIL-STD Tested, built from the ground up to endure extreme operational demands. The T700MF guarantees rock-solid structural integrity and long-lasting durability, and stands ready as a dependable, ultra-tough gaming rig built to serve gamers faithfully through endless victories.

Tailored specifically for space-conscious setups, the T700 Mini gives gamers the practical advantage of a gaming desktop without adding clutter to their station. Its reinforced outer frame and reduced overall volume mean players can effortlessly relocate their rig for LAN events or tournament travel, benefiting from true portability without sacrificing physical protection or structural rigidity.

AVAILABILITY AND PRICING

Engineered for mainstream gamers, esports enthusiasts, and PC builders who demand maximum endurance without the premium price tag, the new ASUS TUF Gaming T700 (TM700TZ) and ASUS TUF Gaming T700 Mini (T700MF) provide local gamers across all tiers access to battle-ready, factory-built gaming rigs built to outlast the competition.

Introductory pricing for the ASUS TUF Gaming T700 (TM700TZ) starts at PHP 139,995, while the ASUS TUF Gaming T700 Mini (T700MF) will be available in the coming months.

he Department of Budget and Management’s endorsement of public scrutiny for congressional bicameral deliberations marks a welcome, if overdue, step toward genuine fiscal transparency. Budget Secretary Kim Robert C. De Leon’s statement that ‘greater transparency strengthens, not complicates, the budget process’ acknowledges what civil society groups have long demanded: the people’s business should be conducted in full view of the people. Last year’s historic live-streaming of bicameral sessions on the P6.793-trillion 2026 budget proved that openness is not only possible but productive. Yet transparency cannot be selective. The DBM’s support for open bicam proceedings must be matched by Congress’s willingness to dismantle the institutional shadows where questionable budget practices have long thrived.

Chief among these is the persistent scourge of unprogrammed appropriations-the so-called ‘shadow budget’ that operates outside legitimate oversight. At P111.984 billion in the proposed 2027 budget, these standby funds represent executive discretion run amok. They function as a slush fund, activated not by legislative appropriation but by vague triggers like ‘excess tax collections’ or foreign loans that may never materialize. This is not budgeting; it is budgeting by loophole.

The constitutional question raised by Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando-that unprogrammed appropriations in any form are unconstitutional-should have settled this debate. Yet year after year, billions continue to be set aside for projects that lack dedicated revenue sources and escape the scrutiny that regular appropriations must endure. The DBM’s openness to ‘further reducing’ these funds is tepid at best. De Leon’s ‘the lower, the better’ formulation suggests a negotiation rather than an acknowledgment that these appropriations may be legally indefensible.

The bicameral conference committee has earned its reputation as a ‘third chamber’ where transparency goes to die. It is here, behind closed doors, that last-minute insertions like the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap) allocations materialize without committee deliberation or public input. The bicam has become the preferred venue for pork barrel by another name-where political horse-trading replaces policy analysis and patronage masquerades as public service.

Opening these proceedings is not merely symbolic. When taxpayers can witness how their money is allocated, the calculus of accountability shifts. Lawmakers know they are being watched. The insertion of pet projects becomes politically costly. The quality of deliberation improves when participants know the public is listening.

But transparency at the bicam level, while necessary, is insufficient. True budget reform requires eliminating-not merely reducing-the unconstitutional practice of unprogrammed appropriations. It demands that every peso of the P7.2-trillion proposed budget for 2027 be tied to a specific, existing revenue source and subject to the same legislative scrutiny.

The DBM’s support for open bicams is a step in the right direction, but the agency must go further. If the department truly has ‘nothing to gain from making the budget difficult to understand,’ it should lead the charge to abolish the shadow budget entirely. The constitutional imperative is clear: there should be no appropriation without authorization, and no authorization without accountability.

Congress should seize this moment to institutionalize transparency, not treat it as a discretionary favor. Live-streaming should be mandatory, not optional. Unprogrammed appropriations should be zeroed out, not merely reduced. And the bicameral conference committee should be transformed from a backroom dealing chamber into a public forum where the people’s money is allocated in service of the people’s interests.

The budget is the most concrete expression of national priorities. It is time we stopped funding them in the shadows.

THE National Police (PNP) on Thursday said its investigators are now focusing on digital evidence to establish how the shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University was broadcast online and what drove the minor shooter to carry it out.

This, after investigators recovered a cellular telephone and other personal effects from the Grade 8 student who opened fire inside the school’s premises on August 18, killing one classmate and injuring several others before taking his own life, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., National Police chief, said.

‘We will examine the cellphone and other digital evidence carefully and will not conclude until the investigation is completed. The PNP is looking into whether there were prior incidents, threats, or warning signs involving the shooter that could have alerted authorities,’ he added.

Nartatez said the recovered device is expected to help investigators establish the suspect’s online activities before, during, and after the shooting.

Investigators are also checking whether he had been involved in online games or other digital platforms that may have had a connection to the incident.

‘We are also looking into the online activities of the minor, including possible involvement in online games or other digital platforms, to determine whether these had any connection to the incident,’ Nartatez said.

Earlier reports said the suspect allegedly livestreamed the attack to a website called ‘Watch People Die’ using a body camera attached to his chest, giving viewers a ‘first-person shooter’ perspective.

The PNP chief said that investigators are examining whether the suspect planned the livestream and if other individuals were involved in distributing the footage.

‘We would like to find out what’s in the mind of this child having a firearm, shooting at his fellow students, fellow minors, and why he did this,’ Nartatez said.

The shooting in Zamboanga followed a series of violent incidents in schools, including the June attack in Tacloban City that left three students dead.

As this developed, Nartatez said keeping students safe requires vigilance and stronger community involvement beyond physical security measures.

He added that protecting students should not depend solely on physical security measures as police must also work closely with schools and communities to identify threats before they develop into violence.

‘We agree that school safety is not only about guards, cameras, and other security measures. Police can support schools by strengthening coordination and helping identify threats or warning signs before they develop into violence,’ Nartatez said.

He underscored that the organization supports the call of Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara for school communities to regularly check on students and build stronger relationships with them.

Angara earlier noted that Ateneo de Zamboanga University had conducted active-shooter drills in July, but stressed that schools must also monitor students’ well-being and address online grooming and extremist networks.

For his part, Nartatez said parents and other members of the community have an important role in keeping children safe.

He urged them to maintain open communication with young people and immediately alert authorities about threats or suspicious behavior.

‘School safety is a shared responsibility. We encourage parents, teachers, students, and the community to stay vigilant, build stronger communication with our children, and immediately report threats or warning signs so that authorities can act before they lead to violence,’ Nartatez noted.