Category: Business Mirror

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.

The 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.

A LAWMAKER has urged the immediate passage of the long-pending National Land Use Act (Nlua), saying that a unified national land use policy is crucial in addressing the country’s worsening and recurring flooding problems.

Parañaque Rep. Brian Yamsuan emphasized that flooding is not simply a drainage issue but a broader challenge involving land use planning, infrastructure development, and environmental management. He said that a science-based and long-term approach is needed to prevent communities from repeatedly suffering from destructive floods.

‘Localized solutions won’t fix flooding in the long run because flooding is not merely a drainage problem. It is a land-use, infrastructure, and environmental planning problem. A National Land Use Act is the critical, missing factor in providing lasting solutions to the recurring floods that our countrymen have long endured for decades,’ Yamsuan said.

He said the measure would unify local development plans with a national framework, prevent construction in high-risk and protected areas, and strengthen government enforcement of land use regulations.

‘A National Land Use Act will give the government more teeth in enforcing land use regulations and guide us where we should build so we avoid putting homes, businesses, and infrastructure in high-risk areas,’ Yamsuan said.

He added that isolated flood-control projects may only transfer the problem from one community to another. A national policy, he said, would promote coordinated planning and comprehensive solutions.

The House of Representatives approved the NLUA on its third and final reading on May 5, 2026, making it one of the priority measures of the Marcos administration. However, its counterpart bill in the Senate remains pending.

Among the key provisions of the House version is the integration of climate and disaster risk considerations into land use planning through the use of hazard maps, geospatial data, and environmental assessments. These tools will guide decisions involving flood plains, watersheds, coastal areas, and other disaster-prone locations.

Yamsuan also highlighted the importance of initiatives such as Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) in providing scientific data for zoning and land use decisions.

Aside from legislative action, Yamsuan proposed a three-part assessment framework called BEH, which examines the behavioral, environmental, and historical background of flood-prone communities.

He explained that the behavioral aspect would study population growth, settlement patterns, and waste disposal practices. The environmental aspect would examine water sources, drainage flow, and factors that obstruct water movement. The historical component would determine the original condition and development history of communities.

Using Parañaque as an example, Yamsuan noted that the city was historically an asinan, or salt-farm area, with naturally low-lying locations and unique soil conditions that influence flooding patterns.

Yamsuan also encouraged the government to adopt successful flood-management practices from other countries. He cited Copenhagen, Denmark, which transformed into a ‘sponge city’ by using nature-based solutions such as permeable pavements to improve rainwater absorption and storage.

A similar approach is being explored by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) with support from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which is currently studying possible locations for implementing the sponge city model.

‘We should identify areas where working with water instead of against it offers the best solutions to the flooding problem,’ Yamsuan said.

He also expressed support for House Bill 10028, which seeks to integrate sponge city principles and green infrastructure into national urban planning and development.

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed a P2.228-billion tax evasion case against offshore Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) Hongsheng Gaming Technology, Inc., which was allegedly involved with convicted former Bamban City Mayor Alice Guo and cryptocurrency investment scams.

A statement issued by the BIR last Thursday said the country’s main tax-collecting agency filed a tax evasion case with the Department of Justice on August 6, citing under-declaration of income tax and failure to declare the correct value-added tax (VAT) and final withholding tax from 2021 to 2023.

The BIR said it found ‘significant discrepancies’ between the company’s declared revenues and information contained in records obtained from various government agencies.

‘Honest taxpayers deserve a level playing field,’ Internal Revenue Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza was quoted in a statement as saying. ‘No business should be able to operate in the Philippines, earn income here, and evade the taxes required by law.’

Mendoza said the BIR will continue to pursue tax evasion cases wherever the evidence leads them.

The filing forms part of the BIR’s Run After Tax Evaders program, which targets tax evasion and other schemes that erode government revenues.

Hongsheng previously operated an offshore gaming hub in Bamban, Tarlac, which was raided by authorities in 2023 over alleged involvement in cryptocurrency investment scams. Of the 850 employees detained, 500 were Filipinos and 350 were foreigners.

Gaming regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. ordered the corporation to halt all gaming activities after the raid.

Hongsheng has also been linked to Guo, who was convicted of human trafficking for her connections to the Pogo-linked operations in Bamban, Tarlac.

The BIR has also filed criminal tax charges against Guo for allegedly evading taxes and for her failure to file annual income tax returns for taxable years 2019 to 2023, involving an estimated income tax deficiency of more than P1.008 billion, inclusive of surcharges and interest.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) issued the revised rules for the implementation of a measure aimed at boosting the competitiveness of domestic industries injured by the influx of cheaper imports.

In a document obtained by the BusinessMirror, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed Memorandum Circular (MC) 34, which outlined the revised guidelines for the implementation of the competitiveness enhancement measures fund (CEMF).

‘The CEMF shall specifically finance and support initiatives within the domestic agri-fishery industries affected by the increased imports.’

The DA retained the P50-million grant ceiling per project for every proponent, which will be disbursed in a staggered or milestone release following a memorandum of agreement (MOA) entered into by both parties.

The MOA should stipulate the terms, requiring the proponent to provide an equity contribution for the project, which could be given in the form of cash, labor, land for the project site, facilities, equipment, or a combination of these.

Under MC 34, however, the value of a proponent’s contribution would depend on the size of their assets.

For those whose assets do not exceed P3 million, their equity contribution should be 20 percent of project cost; more than P3 million to P15 million, 40 percent; over P15 million to P100 million, 60 percent; and more than P100 million, 85 percent. The DA will complete the required amount through grants.

‘The proposed counterpart contribution of the proponent shall be considered in the prioritization for the grant of the fund, taking into account the need to distribute the limited funds equitably.’

‘The amount of the request per proponent shall not exceed the value of their total assets, provided that the maximum amount that may be requested remains at P50 million.’

Eligible project proponents include registered cooperative or associations of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk accredited by the DA as well as registered agribusiness enterprises or corporations, preferably micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the farm sector.

The CEMF was created under Republic Act (RA) 8800 or the Safeguards Measures Act, comprising 50 percent of earnings collected from fees, charges, and safeguard duties on imported goods.

Budget documents showed that the government allocated P25 million for the CEMF this 2026.

This adds to the P1.25 billion funding earmarked for the CEMF under the DA’s 2025 budget, which Tiu Laurel had confirmed to this newspaper that the DA is yet to use amid the guidelines’ revision.

Industry sources said the fund consists mostly of safeguard duties collected from coffee and poultry shipments. The DA earlier said it already received eight project proposals from the coffee sector.

The balance of the CEMF as of end-2024 stood at P5.16 billion.

SENATOR Bam Aquino is seeking to update the country’s principal laws governing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to provide entrepreneurs with better access to financing, markets, technology and government services.

Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, said the government must do more than encourage the creation of small businesses. It should also provide entrepreneurs with a clear path to survive, expand and generate more jobs.

‘It is time to revisit our laws,’ Aquino said as he opened a public hearing Thursday on proposed amendments to the Magna Carta for MSMEs and the Go Negosyo Act.

The hearing, conducted jointly with the Senate committees on economic affairs and finance, covered Senate Bills 492, 761, 931 and 2054, which seek to amend the Magna Carta for MSMEs, as well as Senate Bills 759 and 1875 on the Go Negosyo Act.

Aquino said lawmakers would examine whether the present classification of MSMEs still reflects economic conditions and whether government assistance is properly tailored to the different stages of a business’s development.

Proposed improvements include stronger Negosyo Centers and expanded assistance in financing, market access, digitalization, skills development and ease of doing business.

Aquino said government programs should help microenterprises become small businesses, small businesses develop into medium-sized firms and medium enterprises expand further.

The objective, he added, should not be measured simply by the number of registered MSMEs but by how many remain viable, create employment and gain access to larger markets.

Republic Act 9501, or the Magna Carta for MSMEs, establishes the government’s framework for promoting and assisting small businesses. The Go Negosyo Act, or RA 10644, created Negosyo Centers to provide entrepreneurs with registration assistance, business advisory services, training and access to government programs.

Aquino was the principal author and sponsor of the Go Negosyo Act during his first term in the Senate.

THE investigation involving former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has entered a new phase after his legal team announced the submission of additional affidavits from 25 former personnel connected to former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co of Ako Bicol.

The new statements are expected to challenge earlier allegations involving alleged cash deliveries and form part of Romualdez’s supplemental counter-affidavit before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Romualdez’s lawyer and spokesperson, Ade Fajardo, said the affidavits include the reported recantation of Orly Guteza, a former marine and security aide of Co, who previously testified that he delivered suitcases containing cash to Romualdez but later withdrew his accusation.

The defense said the 25 former Co aides denied involvement in any alleged money deliveries to Romualdez or other government officials. They also claimed that they were encouraged to join a witness group in exchange for financial compensation and that affidavits had already been prepared for them.

‘They have come forward and directly contradicted the earlier accounts of the 18 Maleta Boys presented by Attorney Baligod,’ Fajardo said, referring to the former uniformed personnel who allegedly provided earlier testimonies against Romualdez.

Lacson not surprised

GUTEZA’s recantation is not surprising, considering that he was identified as a ‘coached’ witness during a Senate Blue-Ribbon committee hearing last year, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who was then the panel’s chairman, said Thursday.

Lacson said Guteza’s backtracking was foreseeable after noting that he was ‘coached’ by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta during the hearing on September 23-and after some of the ‘Maleta boys’ did the same earlier.

‘Since it is on record that Marcoleta coached Guteza, it is not surprising that Guteza would backtrack on his claims someday,’ he said.

The backtracking of the so-called ‘maleta boys’-how the former bodyguards of Co and Guteza were described after they claimed dropping off luggages of cash at the residence of several politicians-‘has become a dime a dozen so it’s not surprising that Guteza, the original ‘Maleta Boy’ a.k.a. Basura, followed suit,’ Lacson added.

He said the case of Guteza and the other ‘Maleta boys’ smacks of attempts to personally gain from their alleged involvement in the flood control mess.

‘In the words of swindlers, it’s ‘lagareng hapon’ or ‘doble kita,’ or 40-40 vision,’ he said.

Earlier, Lacson had noted that during the Blue-Ribbon panel hearing which he chaired in September, Marcoleta was observed to be coaching Guteza by prompting him on what to say in Guteza’s affidavit.

Also, Lacson cited Senate CCTV records showing Guteza went to Marcoleta’s office, spending half an hour there, before appearing at the Blue-Ribbon hearing.

Guteza, after a long absence, resurfaced and recanted his statements, adding that Marcoleta and former Party-list Rep. Michael Defensor of Anak Kalusugan had him ‘testify’ in exchange for money and scholarships for his children.

Conflicting statements

FAJARDO argued that the conflicting statements from witnesses have weakened the credibility of the accusations. He said several individuals who were previously mentioned as participants in alleged cash deliveries are now denying that the events happened.

‘It is no longer credible. There is no credible testimony anymore,’ Fajardo said, arguing that repeated changes in witness accounts have affected the reliability of the allegations.

Fajardo also questioned how witnesses could provide details about incidents they allegedly did not personally experience. He said the affidavits of the 25 former aides were important because some of them had been named in previous accounts as drivers or companions during supposed deliveries.

‘Some of them were named as drivers’ companions, but they themselves are denying it. So what is the credibility of a statement saying that driver X and Y were part of the delivery when X and Y are actually saying it never happened?’ Fajardo said.

The defense further claimed that several witnesses had been offered financial rewards to participate in the original complaint. Fajardo said the identities of those allegedly involved in making the offers would be disclosed once the affidavits are formally submitted.

Romualdez’s legal team maintained that the complaint lacks direct evidence connecting the former speaker to the alleged cash deliveries. Fajardo said the case relies mainly on changing oral testimonies rather than forensic or documentary proof.

Noticeable

‘WHAT is noticeable is that this investigation has been ongoing for several months, yet there is still no forensic evidence, no object, and no documentary evidence linking the former Speaker,’ Fajardo said.

He added that the defense believes the allegations should not be sustained based only on inconsistent statements.

‘It is a non-case. It should be dismissed because there is no evidence left except stories, and those stories are different and constantly changing,’ Fajardo said.

Meanwhile, other witnesses have continued to stand by their earlier statements, while the Ombudsman proceeds with its preliminary investigation. The investigation involves allegations related to possible plunder, graft, bribery, and money laundering. However, the filing of counter-affidavits does not mean criminal charges have already been filed in court or that any party has been found guilty.

Fajardo said the Ombudsman should conduct a complete and impartial evaluation of all evidence before reaching a decision.

‘The result should not be considered predetermined. We can only hope for fairness,’ Fajardo said, emphasizing that the defense expects a careful review of all submissions.

Romualdez has consistently denied receiving money from Co or his personnel. His defense argued that the accusations appear to rely heavily on the fact that Romualdez was Speaker of the House while Co served as chair of the House appropriations committee, rather than on direct proof of wrongdoing.

Fajardo maintained that the legislative budget process involves several institutions, including Congress and the executive branch, and that holding a leadership position alone does not establish participation in an illegal transaction.

‘Just because he was Speaker of the House when Zaldy Co was Appropriations [committee] chairman does not mean that he controlled or participated in every transaction connected to the budget process,’ Fajardo said.

The defense said it would continue submitting documents and cooperating with the Ombudsman’s investigation, insisting that the allegations should be judged based on evidence and not solely on disputed testimonies.

THE Office of the Ombudsman belittled the reported recantation of former ‘maleta boy’ Orly Guteza who earlier executed an affidavit accusing former Speaker Martin Romualdez of receiving suitcases containing multi-billion kickbacks from flood and infrastructure projects of the government.

In a statement, the Ombudsman called Guteza’s sudden turnaround as ‘pressure tactic’ which would not affect its ongoing effort to prosecute Romualdez for plunder, graft, bribery and money laundering charges.

Romualdez is being accused of manipulating and pocketing funds intended for flood control projects of the government from 2022 to 20225 amounting to at least P56 billion.

The charges are now undergoing preliminary investigation before the Ombudsman to determine if there is prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to file the case before the Sandiganbayan.

The anti-graft agency disclosed that it still has 28 witnesses who are ready to provide direct and material information pertaining to transactions related to the cases involving the former Speaker.

The Ombudsman said some of these witnesses are still in active service.

‘Recantation is not new in high-profile cases. This is a classic pressure tactive. The investigation does not revolve around a single witnesses or even a handful of witnesses,’ the Ombudsman pointed out.

‘For those who have been or will be subjected to legal process, cooperation is not a choice. It is an obligation under the law. Anyone who will obstruct, impede or interfere with the Ombudsman’s proceedings will face the full force of the law,’ it added.

Aside from Guteza, four former security escorts of former Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co of Ako Bicol have also recanted their sworn affidavits implicating Romualdez in the illegal cash delivery scheme.

The Ombudsman had threatened to include the four former security escorts in the plunder charge against Romualdez.

‘But for all intents and purposes, the investigators do plan to include them as part of the charge because if they will not become witnesses for the prosecution, then they are merely respondents in a crime where they delivered billions of pesos to the respondents in this case,’ Assistant Ombudsman Jose Dominic Clavano IV earlier said.

The recantations of Guteza and Co’s former security escorts were attached in the counter-affidavit filed by Romualdez before the Ombudsman.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) officially introduces the All-New Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SUV, the brand’s first Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV) Vehicle in the Philippine market. Recognized as Japan’s best-selling PHEV in the SUV segment, the All-New Outlander PHEV serves as MMPC’s flagship model and represents the culmination of Mitsubishi Motors’ expertise in SUV engineering, bringing together its renowned Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system and advanced PHEV technology to deliver ‘The Power of Both Worlds.’

A World of Unbound Electrification: Advanced PHEV Technology

The All-New Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ushers in a new era of electrified mobility with its advanced PHEV technology. Powered by a 2.4L gasoline engine with MIVEC, paired with front and rear electric motors, the All-New Outlander PHEV intelligently switches between electric and gasoline power to deliver exceptional performance while maximizing efficiency. Together, the system produces a combined system output of 306 PS maximum power and 450 N-m of torque, enabling responsive and smooth acceleration, and a combined driving range of almost 1,000 kilometers, with 100 kilometers of pure electric range.

Designed to deliver seamless and flexible mobility, the All-New Outlander PHEV effectively eliminates range anxiety by seamlessly engaging the gasoline engine whenever additional power or extended driving range is needed. Unique to this model, driver has full control over switching multiple EV drive modes (Normal, Save, Charge, and EV Priority), giving drivers the confidence to travel farther with peace of mind. Further, it supports AC Type 2 charging protocol, making it compatible with the Philippines’ EV charging infrastructure.

Even when charging facilities are unavailable, the All-New Outlander PHEV continues to operate efficiently as a hybrid electric vehicle, ensuring uninterrupted mobility while allowing drivers to embrace electrification at their own pace.

A World of True 4WD Capability: Legendary S-AWC

At the heart of the All-New Outlander PHEV is Mitsubishi Motors’ renowned Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)-a fully integrated system that brings together the Twin-Motor 4WD, Active Yaw Control (AYC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Active Stability Control (ASC), Traction Control System (TCS). By intelligently coordinating these systems, S-AWC continuously optimizes traction, stability, and handling- giving drivers greater confidence and control across a wide range of road and driving conditions.

Complementing the S-AWC are seven selectable drive modes, grouped according to driver preference and road conditions. Normal, Eco, and Power modes allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s performance to suit everyday driver style, maximizing efficiency and responsiveness. Meanwhile, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud modes optimize power delivery and traction control based on varying road surfaces, helping the vehicle maintain composure and capability to tackle challenging off-road terrains.

By seamlessly integrating advanced electrification with intelligent vehicle dynamics, the All-New Outlander PHEV preserves the joy of driving Mitsubishi Motors is known for, while enhancing safety, capability, and driving confidence. This flawless synergy between a world of unbound electrification and a world of true 4WD capability is what truly defines ‘The Power of Both Worlds.’

Advanced safety is likewise reinforced in the All-New Outlander PHEV with the Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing (MMSS) suite, which includes Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beam, and Driver Attention Alert- providing greater peace of mind for both driver and passengers.

Crafted to Make a Statement

Reinforcing Outlander’s heritage and renowned popularity in the market, the All-New Outlander PHEV is designed to embody its heritage while showcasing a modern and sophisticated presence that reflects Mitsubishi Motors’ evolving design language. Its wide proportions, muscular stance, and sculpted body surfaces communicate confidence from every angle, while the signature Dynamic Shield concept1 front fascia reinforces the vehicle’s unmistakable Mitsubishi Motors identity. The bold exterior is further accentuated by sleek full-LED lighting fixtures and striking 20-inch machine-finished and black two-tone alloy wheels, creating an athletic yet elegant appearance.

Beyond aesthetics, every exterior detail has been thoughtfully engineered to enhance both functionality and road presence. The use of steel on prominent body components improves noise and vibration characteristics. This refinement not only enhances craftsmanship and styling quality but also helps reduce unwanted wind and road noise, contributing to a quieter and more premium driving experience. Combined with its refined proportions and bold SUV stance, the Outlander PHEV delivers a premium visual presence that stands out whether navigating urban streets or embarking on long-distance journeys.

Premium Comfort and Technology

Inside, the All-New Outlander PHEV offers a refined interior, thoughtfully crafted to deliver luxury, comfort, and advanced technology in equal measure. Premium light gray leather-trimmed seats and meticulously finished soft-touch materials create a sophisticated cabin atmosphere that reflects the vehicle’s flagship status. The spacious interior is further elevated by a panoramic sunroof, allowing natural light to fill the cabin and creating an open, lounge-like ambience for every passenger on-board.

The cabin seamlessly integrates modern technology with everyday convenience through a 12.3-inch Smartphone-Link Display Audio (SDA) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired to an immersive 8-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio system. It is also equipped with Smart Rear View Mirror for an unobstructed view from behind the vehicle, as well as Heads-up Display to show relevant information directly onto the windshield in the driver’s front field of view. Comfort is further enhanced by the triple-zone automatic climate control system and 8-Way Power Adjustable Seats for driver and front passenger with lumbar support, memory functions, as well as heating and ventilation. Every element inside the All-New Outlander PHEV has been carefully considered to deliver a first-class driving experience that is both intuitive and relaxing.

Pricing and Color Availability

The All-New Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is offered in the Philippines with an SRP of PHP 2,848,000. To celebrate its arrival, customers may enjoy special introductory pricing for reservations and vehicle releases made from August 20 to September 30, 2026 with an SRP of PHP 2,749,0002.

Customers may choose from three premium exterior colors: White Diamond, Black Diamond, and Red Diamond.

‘The All-New Outlander PHEV is MMPC’s new SUV flagship model. It will be available through authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealerships nationwide starting August 20, 2026. We invite you to visit our dealerships to experience our latest electrified flagship SUV and discover The Power of Both Worlds,’ said Mr. Ritsu Imaeda, President and CEO of MMPC.