Category: Business Mirror

FITCH Ratings Inc. has turned its outlook on state-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) to ‘negative,’ mirroring the credit rater’s recent outlook change on the sovereign due to the bank’s ties to the government.

In a commentary last Tuesday, Fitch revised its outlook on LandBank’s ‘BBB’ long-term issuer default ratings (IDRs) to ‘negative’ from ‘stable.’ Fitch simultaneously affirmed LandBank’s government support rating (GSR) at ‘bbb’ and its short-term IDR at ‘F2.’

This comes after Fitch revised its outlook on the Philippine sovereign to ‘negative’ from ‘stable’ citing disruptions in public investments and exposure to the ongoing global energy shock.

Since LandBank’s GSR and long-term IDRs are equalized with the sovereign, Fitch said a downgrade in the sovereign’s rating would trigger a downgrade for the bank.

Fitch said the sovereign has the ability and propensity to prioritize any required state support for the bank, as it is a wholly state-owned policy institution with ‘high systemic importance’ as it holds 14 percent of the nation’s deposits.

‘The GSR and Long-Term IDRs could also be downgraded if Fitch believes there is a material reduction in the sovereign’s propensity to support the entity,’ the credit rater said. If a ‘material dilution’ in the state’s ownership of the bank, or if the bank’s policy roles were to diminish materially or be transferred to other institutions, then a downgrade would be possible.

‘However, we believe both scenarios are unlikely to occur in the near term,’ Fitch said.

As the implementing agency for agrarian reform, LandBank’s policy mandate is to serve the agriculture and fisheries sectors and support rural development. ‘We believe these remain highly relevant policy priorities for the Philippines today, and its broader remit of enhancing financial inclusion to micro, small and medium enterprises take on increased importance during periods of slower economic growth,’ Fitch said.

A positive credit rating action or upgrade is possible if the sovereign outlook returns to ‘stable,’ Fitch said.

‘An upgrade of the GSR or Long-Term IDRs would require an upgrade of the sovereign rating, which is unlikely in the near term in light of the Negative Outlook,’ it added. LandBank has been one of the top contributors of dividends to the national government in recent years, with its dividend declaration amounting to P32.35 billion in 2025.

The state-run lender’s net income rose by 24 percent to P43.98 billion in 2025 from P35.36 billion in 2024. Its total assets hit P3.52 trillion, while capital stood at P278.44 billion.

In 2023, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported that the Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) is around 3.6 million vehicles in the metropolitan areas alone.

In 2025, a reported 490,000 vehicles and 1.87 million motorcycles were added to the country’s vehicular population. Comprising just 1.5% of the 209,000-kilometer total road network around the Philippines, Metro Manila has approximately 3,100 kilometers of roads with 910 kilometers of national roads, 340 kilometers of city, municipal, and barangay roads, and 1,850 kilometers of private roads in subdivisions and commercial areas.

Cramming more than 4 million vehicles in just 3,100 kilometers of roads will definitely result in unforeseen incidents such as vehicular collisions, fender benders, scratches, and nicks. Because of the increasing number of vehicles on the road, accident statistics are likewise increasing. Now, more than ever, motorists and motorcyclists have to have protection provided by non-life insurance coverage. Having your vehicle insured may incur additional expenses, but it offers peace of mind while you’re on the road. A Different Approach

For your non-life insurance needs, there are insurance agencies, and there’s Uni-Vanguard Insurance Agency Incorporated. Operating under the supervision of the Insurance Commission, Uni-Vanguard is not your typical insurance agency but a system-driven institution designed to lead, standardize, and scale the delivery of non-life insurance services in the Philippines. As a multi-division structure where sales, customer service, claims advocacy, and partner distribution are fully integrated into a single operational system, Uni-Vanguard takes control of the entire client lifecycle – from acquisition to claims resolution – ensuring that every policy issued is supported by a system that protects, responds, and delivers. Uni-Vanguard operates through a hybrid distribution architecture, combining direct channels, digital platforms, and a nationwide network of partners, dealers, and independent sellers. This allows the institution to expand aggressively while maintaining centralized standards and operational discipline. It takes a core position as a client representative, actively managing, guiding, and defending the interests of policyholders across every stage of the insurance process. Transitioning to a fully integrated insurance provider, Uni-Vanguard invests continuously in automation, AI-driven systems, and 24/7 service infrastructures.

Uni-Vanguard’s Rise and Growth

Founded in 2019 as ‘Vanguard Guarantee Insurance Consultancy Inc.’, the company transitioned in June 2022 as ‘Uni-Vanguard Insurance Agency Inc.’, a solely-owned Filipino non-life insurance services company with JD Julve leading the charge. Julve and his management team ensured the compliance of the company with the various government agencies, especially with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the Insurance Commission. Starting with just a couple of employees, Julve and his team have grown the business and now work with 35 full-time employees and 20 newly-hired personnel for their sales and after-sales operations in their main office in Novaliches, Quezon City.

In just a few years, Uni-Vanguard established a healthy and trustworthy reputation in the insurance sector. They partnered with highly reliable companies such as Metropolitan Insurance, Standard Insurance, Fortune General Insurance, Alpha Insurance, and Country Bankers Insurance. During the COVID-19 epidemic, their services became easily accessible to a growing number of clients across the nation through social media. Financial stability and a steady growth of its net worth, as well as increased demands for its services, compelled Uni-Vanguard to plan strategic expansion in important cities throughout the country, such as Cavite, Pampanga, and Legaspi City, where the construction of its branches is ongoing.

Simpler, Clearer and More Reliable Insurance

The management of Uni-Vanguard is inspired by the need to make insurance simpler, clearer, and more reliable. Instead of clients dealing with multiple companies on their own, Uni-Vanguard aims to consolidate different insurance providers into one so people can easily compare options, get proper advice, and have the support they need when filing claims. In a nutshell, Uni-Vanguard aims to remove confusion, give better guidance, and ensure clients are protected from start to finish.

As Uni-Vanguard transitions from a traditional agency into a systemized institution, it plans to reach more clients nationwide through digital platforms and partner networks, deliver a new excellence of services to all the Filipinos, build a strong distribution system with agents, dealers, and business partners, invest in technology and artificial intelligence (A.I.) to automate operations and improve customer experience, create and enhance 24/7 EXCLUSIVE customer service and claims support, and expand beyond motor insurance into property and commercial coverage and financial institution. Aside from evolving into a fully systemized insurance institution, Uni-Vanguard Insurance Agency, Inc. is setting a higher standard for service and reliability that no traditional insurance agency can offer. Operating your vehicle in a crowded metropolis requires investing in insurance from a reliable company. Thankfully, Uni-Vanguard is more than just your typical insurance agency!

Further expanding its foothold in Metro Manila, Suntrust Properties Inc., a wholly-owned Megaworld subsidiary, continues to strengthen its presence in Metro Manila with the Ceremonial Blessing of the Suntrust Amadea Showroom in Quezon City.

Located at Scout Reyes cor. Quezon Ave., Brgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City, the showroom showcases the development’s modern, lifestyle-driven residential offering. Attended by Suntrust sales leaders, employees, and investors, the event marked another milestone in Suntrust’s vision of providing homes designed to meet the evolving needs of Filipino homeowners. Modern Living Designed for the City

Positioned as a two-tower vertical community, Suntrust Amadea offers urban comforts with modern units, lifestyle amenities, and easy access to key city destinations-making it an appealing option for both homeowners and investors.

Following the vibrant lifestyle offered by the Metro, Suntrust Amadea provides its residents the spaces and accessibility to savor the best of city living right by their doorsteps. This two-tower vertical community features Studio, 2-Bedroom, and 3-Bedroom units to meet the diverse needs of its residents-all for a reasonable price.

Outside their doorsteps, residents can also experience modern comforts with community amenities and green open spaces designed for growth and personal wellness. ‘Suntrust Amadea is a reflection of our commitment to creating homes that are both accessible and aspirational,’ says Jerry R. Rubis, First Vice President of Sales and Marketing ‘We aim to provide our residents with a balanced lifestyle where comfort, convenience, and community come together in one secured address.’

Set against the backdrop of a bustling city, this vertical community serves as a serene sanctuary where residents can seek retreat from the fast pace of urban life without losing access to its conveniences.

A Strategic Address in Quezon City

Located along a key thoroughfare in Quezon City, Suntrust Amadea provides access to major transport routes, commercial hubs, and essential establishments, helping make daily commutes and city travel more efficient. As one of Metro Manila’s largest and most progressive cities, Quezon City continues to attract homeowners and investors for its accessibility, infrastructure, and vibrant community. Its strategic location makes it a prime address for those seeking both convenience and opportunity.

‘At Suntrust, we understand that location plays a vital role in everyday living,’ adds Rubis. ‘With Suntrust Amadea, residents are never far from where they need to be, while still enjoying the comfort of a well-designed home.’ With its ideal location, well-crafted units, and lifestyle-focused amenities, Suntrust Amadea stands as a promising investment and a place where urban aspirations come to life.

Discover more about Suntrust Amadea through www.suntrust.com.ph or contact your trusted Property Specialist today.

Pag-IBIG Fund released ?32.92 billion in home loans in the first quarter of 2026, up 9% from ?30.22 billion in the same period last year, as the agency continued to expand access to home financing for Filipino workers.

The amount financed 20,926 homes from January to March 2026, also higher than the 20,315 homes financed in the first quarter of 2025. Of these, socialized housing loans accounted for ?2.95 billion, financing 3,439 homes, up 68% in amount and 92% in number of units from the same period last year, reflecting Pag-IBIG Fund’s sustained push to serve members from lower-income sectors.

The growth comes as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited housing projects financed by Pag-IBIG Fund in recent weeks, where he checked on the progress of housing developments and met with borrowers who are now homeowners. The visits highlighted the continuing efforts of the Marcos administration to make decent homes more accessible to Filipino families under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling said the higher home loan releases show the progress being made in carrying out President Marcos’ directive to expand access to homeownership, while also helping stimulate economic activity through housing production.

‘The efforts of the Marcos administration are bearing fruit. More Filipino workers are now gaining access to decent homes, and this is a clear step forward in fulfilling President Marcos’ directive to make homeownership within reach of more families. Housing also creates jobs, supports construction and allied industries, and helps drive economic activity. As the Expanded 4PH Program continues to provide greater affordability, we expect even more opportunities for homeownership to open for our members, especially those from underserved sectors. This is Bagong Pilipinas in action,’ Aliling said.

Meanwhile, Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the agency remains focused on helping members own homes through monthly payments they can afford, while keeping Pag-IBIG Fund strong for future borrowers. ‘What the Pag-IBIG Housing Loan gives our members is a real chance to own a home through monthly payments that are often lower than rent. Instead of spending on rent, our members are able to make payments toward a home they can call their own. The amount they save from lower monthly payments can then go to food, education, daily needs, and even to their Pag-IBIG Regular Savings and MP2 Savings. This matters most for our members from lower-income sectors, which is why we are glad to see more of them benefit through socialized housing,’ Acosta said.

‘At the same time, Pag-IBIG Fund remains strong because our borrowers continue to pay responsibly. We thank them for keeping their accounts updated, because through their discipline, we are able to help more Filipino families own a home,’ Acosta said.

Mother’s Day gifts may come in many forms, but the ones moms treasure most are often the simplest: time to relax, and moments made more meaningful by the presence of family.

This Mother’s Day, Richmonde Hotels invites families to give mom exactly that-a day, or even a weekend, filled with comfort, good food, and the joy of being surrounded by her favorite people. Instead of spending hours on the road or settling for the usual celebrations at home, families can enjoy a thoughtfully prepared staycation experience where every detail is designed to make mom feel cherished.

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas: A Gathering Place for the Whole Family

At Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Mother’s Day is made for families who want to slow down and reconnect. From grandparents to grandchildren, everyone can settle into a relaxing weekend with the hotel’s special Richmonde Exclusives room offer available from May 8 to 10, 2026 at room only rates starting at PhP 3,900nett, complete with perks for mom that include a welcome amenity, discounts on in-room massage and food and beverage orders, and coupons for discounts on beauty treatments and complimentary Photo Activated Light Therapy service from Vine Aesthetics at Rockwell Ortigas.

The celebration continues at Richmonde Café’s Flavors of Asia Mother’s Day Lunch Buffet on May 10, where a vibrant spread of well-loved dishes and live cooking stations creates the perfect setting for a leisurely family feast. It is a table where lolos and lolas, parents, and little ones can all find something to love, making the meal itself a shared experience across generations. Reasonably priced at PhP 1,388nett with discounts applicable for seniors and kids, the buffet is an indulgent treat for everyone that won’t break the bank.

‘As a mother myself, I truly believe that what moms cherish most are the moments when the whole family is together-no distractions, no rush, just genuine time shared with the people we love,’ says Tina Lazaro, Director of Sales and Marketing for Richmonde Hotel Ortigas and Eastwood Richmonde Hotel. ‘At Richmonde, we wanted to create an experience where families can simply enjoy being with one another and turn Mother’s Day into a memory that stays with them.’ Eastwood Richmonde Hotel: Easy Celebrations, Meaningful Moments

For families who want a celebration that is both effortless and memorable, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel offers the perfect setting. With direct access to the mall, the hotel makes it easy to turn Mother’s Day into a full day of bonding-whether it’s a relaxed lunch, a little shopping for mom, or a cinema date with the kids.

Its Richmonde Exclusives for Mom room package, also available from May 8 to 10, 2026, starts at PhP 4,500 nett and comes with thoughtful inclusions such as a meaningful token from Project Payatas, hotel dining and massage discounts, marked-down spa services from Lumiere Skin and Spa, plus the welcome bonus of a late check-out so the family can linger a little longer.

At Eastwood Café+Bar, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, a Filipino Fiesta is served in honor of mom on May 10th, bringing families together over a lunch buffet spread of well-loved local dishes priced at a budget-friendly rate of PhP 1,200 nett, with special group offers of 20% off also available for families of 4 or more.

‘Sometimes the best celebrations are the simplest ones-the kind where everyone is together and no one has to worry about the logistics,’ Lazaro adds. ‘That’s what we hope to give families here: the gift of a day that flows naturally from one beautiful moment to the next.’

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo: Spacious Stays and Memories Made with LoveAt Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Mother’s Day unfolds at a more leisurely pace. Spacious rooms, the refreshing pool, and the hotel’s prime location within Iloilo Business Park make it an ideal escape for families looking to spend uninterrupted quality time together. Just for the weekend of May 8 to 10, 2026, a room package ‘Made for Moms’ includes a sumptuous breakfast buffet for two, complimentary massage and token for mom and priced starting at PhP 6,300 nett.

At The Granary, the Daha: From Mom’s Recipes to Your Table buffet pays tribute to mothers through food and family tradition. Inspired by heirloom recipes from the chefs’ own nanays, each dish tells a story of love passed down through generations. Interactive stations-from freshly prepared ukoy to hands-on pancit molo and a delightful DIY cupcake corner-bring an element of storytelling and shared experience to the table.

‘There is something deeply special about memories made around the table,’ shares Czarina Galano, Director of Sales and Marketing of Richmonde Hotel Iloilo. ‘As mothers, we hold close the moments when our families are complete-sharing stories, enjoying a meal, and simply being together. This Mother’s Day, we want to give families a space where those moments can happen beautifully and effortlessly.’

Richmonde Iloilo’s unique yet familiar spread of comforting dishes at The Granary’s Mother’s Day buffet is available for lunch and dinner service and is priced at PhP 1,650 nett with discounts for seniors and children applicable.

This year, give mom something she will truly treasure: a day filled with laughter, warmth, and family togetherness. At Richmonde Hotels, the most meaningful celebration is not about going far or spending more-it’s about making every moment count with the people who matter most.

Businesses in Cebu are feeling the ripple effects of the ongoing Middle East crisis, as rising fuel costs disrupt operations across industries heavily reliant on transport and logistics.

For a region long known as a central trading hub, the sudden spike in fuel prices has created both immediate strain and a longer-term call for adaptation.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President Regan Rex King described the situation as both challenging and eye-opening for the local business community. ‘The fuel crisis has hit us really hard and unexpectedly,’ King said, emphasizing that fuel remains the lifeblood of most enterprises in Cebu.

‘We are dependent on shipping and logistics. From importation to transferring goods, everything uses fuel, so a lot of businesses are really affected,’ he added during the Open Line Media Forum on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

Despite the impact, King stressed that the situation is not without opportunity. ‘It’s not doomsday. It’s a wake-up call for us to find ways of mitigating these risks,’ he said, noting that similar disruptions may recur in the future.

He pointed to the growing interest in electric vehicles and solar energy as signs that businesses are beginning to explore alternatives to reduce dependence on traditional fuel sources.

For now, many companies are focusing on practical cost-cutting measures. King highlighted simple but effective strategies, such as reducing electricity consumption and optimizing fuel use.

One example is implementing carpool systems within companies.

‘If you have 10 employees each using separate vehicles, that’s 10 vehicles consuming fuel daily. But if you shift to carpooling, that’s a significant reduction already. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each company has to understand where and how it can cut costs,’ he explained. The strain is particularly evident among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which make up about 60% of CCCI’s more than 800 members.

Some businesses have already been forced to temporarily close or scale down operations, with empty storefronts becoming more visible in shopping centers.

‘We are very conscious of helping MSMEs thrive because they are critical to Cebu’s economy,’ King said.

To address this, CCCI has been coordinating with government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), which offers financial support programs for struggling enterprises.

Earlier this month, SB Corp., DTI’s financing arm, introduced a P4-billion MSME Business Fund offering affordable financing with interest rates of less than one percent per month for MSMEs affected by the crisis.

The chamber is also working with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to address employment gaps by aligning workforce skills with industry needs.

Alongside rising fuel costs, the issue of wage increases has also come into focus.

King acknowledged the need for compassion toward workers but cautioned against measures that could further strain businesses already grappling with high operating costs.

‘We understand that employees depend on us for their daily sustenance. But businesses also need to survive. If costs keep increasing across the board, it could lead to losses and eventually bankruptcy,’ he said.

He emphasized the importance of balance, suggesting that support for workers need not always come in the form of wage hikes.

‘There are other ways to help, like providing basic goods or in-kind support,’ he added.

As Cebu’s business sector navigates these challenges, King remains cautiously optimistic.

‘These are very challenging times, but when a business closes, it doesn’t mean giving up. There’s always a future-we just need to adapt,’ he added.

ARMED communist rebels are running out of fighters and have resorted to recruiting minors and foreigners, an official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac).

Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., NTF-Elcac executive director, said the recruitment of minors and foreign nationals into into the ranks of armed guerrillas ‘is a clear sign that the New People’s Army [NPA] is running out of local support and resorting to desperate measures to sustain its ranks.’

Torres said recent encounters between the military and NPA rebels proves ‘the fact that they are now deploying children and even foreigners into armed encounters.’ This he said, ‘exposes the true state of the movement-it is no longer sustained by the Filipino masses.’

The statement follows the April 19, 2026 encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental, where 19 NPA fighters were killed, including two Americans-Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem.

‘This is not international solidarity. This is exploitation. These individuals are being drawn into a violent conflict that is not theirs, simply to fill a dying movement’s ranks,’ Torres pointed out. Authorities also confirmed that two of those killed in the same encounter were minors-16-year-old Jolinda Jimena and 17-year-old Dexter Patoja-whose identities were validated through investigation and claimant-relatives.

‘No legitimate cause will ever justify placing children in the line of fire. This is a gross and inexcusable violation of their rights,’ Torres said.

In a separate incident on April 17 in Samar, another minor identified as alias ‘John Paul’ was killed in an encounter with government troops, bringing to three the number of minors killed in combat this month alone. ‘This is no longer an isolated incident. This is a pattern. And that pattern is one of desperation. They are scraping the bottom of the barrel-recruiting the young, the vulnerable, and even foreigners-just to keep their armed struggle alive,’ he added.

Torres emphasized that the recruitment and use of minors in armed conflict violate the International Humanitarian Law, as well as Republic Acts 11188 and 7610, and the Philippines’ commitments under the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict.

‘These are not just tactical decisions. These are criminal acts. The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front must be made to account for these grave violations of both domestic and international law,’ he said. Torres also warned that the involvement of foreign nationals suggests that recruitment efforts have expanded beyond Philippine borders, targeting individuals from the diaspora and foreign sympathizers.

‘When a movement can no longer convince its own people, it looks [for succor] elsewhere. That is exactly what we are seeing now,’ Torres said.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally referred the case The Prosecutor v. Rodrigo Roa Duterte to Trial Chamber III, composed of Judges Joanna Korner of the United Kingdom, Keebong Paek of the Republic of Korea, and Nicolas Guillou of France.

The referral order, signed on April 24 by ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane, First Vice-President Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala, and Second Vice-President Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou, cited the need to manage workload and expedite proceedings.

The move comes a day after Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed all charges of crimes against humanity against Duterte.

The judges found substantial grounds to believe he is responsible for murder and attempted murder committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against civilians in the Philippines between November 2011 and March 2019, in the context of the ‘war on drugs’ campaign. See related story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2026/04/24/duterte-bound-for-icc-trial-on-crimes-against-humanity/

Judges’ profiles

Joanna Korner (UK)-Serving a nine-year term since 2021, Korner is a Queen’s Counsel and Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. With more than 45 years in criminal law, she previously prosecuted high-ranking leaders at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

At the ICC, she has presided over complex trials including The Prosecutor v. Ali Kushayb. She is known for her ‘no-nonsense’ trial management.

Keebong Paek (Republic of Korea)-Elected in 2024, Paek began his career as a public prosecutor in 1992 and later served as Director at Korea’s Ministry of Justice, handling ICC-related matters. He also worked at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime before joining Kim and Chang law firm, specializing in white-collar crime and cross-border asset recovery.

A graduate of Seoul National University, Columbia Law School, and Hanyang University, his PhD focused on ICC evidence law.

Nicolas Guillou (France) – Also elected in 2024, Guillou previously served as Pre-Trial Judge at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, Chef de Cabinet at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and Liaison Prosecutor at the U.S. Department of Justice. He has sat in ICC chambers handling cases including Lubanga, Katanga, Ntaganda, Al Mahdi, and Ongwen, and presided over proceedings in the Palestine situation.

His reputation as a principled jurist has drawn respect in Europe and controversy abroad, particularly after U.S. sanctions in 2025 linked to his role in the Israel/Palestine investigation.

What to expect during the trialTrial Chamber III will convene status conferences with the parties to set the trial date and adopt procedures for fair and expeditious proceedings.

The Chamber will rule on preliminary issues, including disclosure of evidence.

Under Article 63 of the Rome Statute, Duterte must be present during the trial. He has been detained at the ICC Detention Centre in The Hague since March 2025.

Victims will play a central role: 539 have already been authorized to participate, represented by lawyers Joel Butuyan, Gilbert Andres, and Paolina Massidda of the ICC’s Office of Public Counsel for Victims. Additional victims may still apply through the Court’s Victims Participation and Reparations Section.

ICC suspects, including Duterte, are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. They retain rights such as legal representation, the ability to present evidence and call witnesses, the right to remain silent, and protection against self-incrimination.

The Court also requires the Prosecution to disclose both incriminating and potentially exonerating evidence.

Wider context

Since its establishment in 2002, the ICC has pursued only a handful of heads of state.

Former Côte d’Ivoire President Laurent Gbagbo was tried and later acquitted; Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta’s charges were dropped; Sudan’s Omar al-Bashir remains wanted but has never been surrendered; Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi’s case was terminated after his death.

Duterte is the first Asian head of state to be committed to trial at the ICC.

The ICC investigation into the situation in the Philippines was opened in September 2021 and continues to pursue alleged crimes committed during the anti-drug campaign.

The Office of the Prosecutor has encouraged individuals with relevant information to come forward through secure channels.

Observers note that while none of the three judges has yet delivered a conviction at the ICC, their combined reputations point to a panel that will demand ironclad proof.

The trial is expected to be lengthy, closely watched, and politically sensitive, as it tests the Court’s ability to hold a former head of state accountable under international law.

Senator Camille Villar, the youngest senator of the 20th Congress and Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, reaffirmed her push for circular and renewable energy solutions as she joined the launch of the biomass facility of Nestlé Philippines in Cabuyao, Laguna-highlighting the role of sustainable industrial practices in strengthening energy resilience and supporting local communities.

‘In a time of global uncertainty and climate urgency, the way we produce our energy and sustain our food systems will define the strength and future of our nation,’ Villar said, emphasizing that solutions for sustainable energy are urgently needed at this point where supply and availability of fuel sources are uncertain and vulnerable.

Villar commended Nestlé Philippines for investing in a facility that converts agricultural residues into clean energy, noting that such innovations not only reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also create economic opportunities for farmers by turning waste into valuable resources. She underscored that this model reflects the kind of inclusive and localized sustainability approach needed in the PhilippiThe senator also reiterated the importance of strengthening policies on resource efficiency, and renewable energy adoption, citing the need to build a more climate-resilient economy amid rising global energy risks and increasing environmental challenges.

‘As legislators and partners in nation-building, our role is to ensure that initiatives like this are supported, scaled, and sustained,’ Villar added, expressing full support for private sector-led innovations that align with national sustainability goals. She also added that she hopes the facility will inspire more investments in clean energy, and that more industries will follow and aspire to become part of the solution.

The biomass facility forms part of Nestlé Philippines’ broader commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, while contributing to the country’s transition toward a more sustainable and energy-secure future.

Ren and Non Matsumoto showed understated dominance, calmly dispatching Thailand’s Mungkhon Salinda and Seehawong Patcharaporns, 21-14, 21-13, on Tuesday in the women’s beach volleyball semifinals at the Asian Beach Games.

Awaiting them in the final match are Thailand’s Kongphopsarutawadee Worapeerachayakorn and Naraphornrapat Taravadee, who pulled off a dramatic victory, 19-21, 21-16, 15-11, over China’s Dong Jie and Jiang Kaiyue, silencing at Tianya Hiajiao center court.

The Matsumoto sisters, winners of two straight Beach Pro Tour Futures titles last year, finally let the big smiles shine through at the mixed zone after a clinical outing. They stayed composed whether leading or trailing, allowing themselves some moments of celebration as they methodically erased a four-point deficit.

The Japanese pair sealed the win in 31 minutes.

Ren said they are ‘very happy’ and are bracing for another stern test from Thailand.

‘Tomorrow will also be difficult, she is very tall,’ Ren said, referring to the 6-foot-3 Kongphopsarutawadee.

Good movement around the court will be key, according to the 26-year-old Ren, noting the Thais’ strength at the net.

Kongphopsarutawadee and Naraphornrapat, silver medalists in the Asian Championships in 2023 and part of the team that placed second to the Philippines in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand last year, look to secure a statement victory in the finale.

The Thais fought tooth and nail against a determined Chinese team being egged on by the home crowd and took control in the second set 5-1 and held on to force a deciding set.

It was nip and tuck in the third, but the Thai pair strung up three consecutive points for a 13-10 lead on the way to victory in one hour and one minute.

Dong and Jiang will battle Mungkhon and Seehawong for the bronze medal.