Category: Business Mirror

RECENT rains induced by typhoons and the southwest monsoon (habagat) have surfaced once more the dismal state of public infrastructure, and the chairman of the Senate Blue-Ribbon committee, Sen. Erwin Tulfo, vowed to move decisively against public infrastructure that crumbles at the first sight of rain.

Setting his sights on exposing substandard government projects and holding those responsible to account, Tulfo said in a radio interview, ‘Apart from the new names and issues connected to flood control mess, we will also investigate substandard projects. Bridges, roads, and public works that clearly failed to meet standards. We will investigate them one by one.’

Tulfo added, ‘Obviously there’s corruption in there because you are given this certain amount of budget to construct these structures according to standards, but it’s unfinished or subpar.’

The Blue-Ribbon chairman said the committee is coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other related agencies.

Highlighting the urgency, a major retaining wall along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa)-Ayala northbound lane in Makati City collapsed following a series of typhoons, blocking two crucial lanes and paralyzing metro traffic.

Public Works Secretary Vivencio Dizon flagged the structure after revealing that the collapsed segment was dangerously constructed using light board material that is only suitable for dry season, instead of reinforced concrete.

While Tulfo emphasized his readiness to expand the flood control investigation as new leads and high-ranking figures emerge, he made it clear that the Blue-Ribbon committee is simultaneously zeroing in on systemic corruption across other agencies. Building on his track record as a relentless vice-chairman before taking the committee’s helm, Tulfo underscored that the flood control scam is just one among numerous corruption issues that need to be unraveled.

‘Corruption has plagued this system for too long, and we are tackling it head-on, one issue at a time. We will be strict in gathering rock-solid evidence, and we will conduct this strictly by the book,’ he further concluded.

It will be recalled that the multibillion scandal involving plunder of flood-control funds were first exposed during the President’s State of the Nation Address in 2025.

The economy has suffered the past year, after a massive crackdown on corruption and reforms in the public infrastructure system stalled public spending, crippling growth.

Public anger

SEN. Panfilo M. Lacson said on Monday that unless Filipinos see genuine retribution and restitution, their anger over the flood control issue will not go away anytime soon.

Lacson said the latest flooding in several parts of the country over the weekend, following heavy rains, has once again fueled public anger over the issue.

‘The flood control issue will not go away easily. After a heavy downpour leaves flooded streets and yards, people will not be short on words in cursing politicians, Department of Public Works and Highways officials and contractors-unless, and this is probably-genuine retribution and restitution become the order of the day no matter who were involved,’ he said in a post on X.

Since last week, heavy monsoon rains have affected several parts of the country, prompting the suspension of classes and work. Thousands of families were forced to leave their homes due to the flooding.

In August and September 2025, Lacson delivered two privileged speeches detailing the extent of corruption behind anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan and Mindoro, among other areas.

He also chaired Senate Blue Ribbon committee hearings on the issue, with the evidence gathered during the proceedings contributing to the building of cases against those involved.

Earlier this year, Lacson and his team turned over to the Ombudsman pieces of evidence involving anomalous flood control projects in Taguig City.

Lacson said that if it were not for the Blue-Ribbon investigation under his watch-along with the determination and resoluteness of Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla and the efforts of the media and netizens to keep public anger over the issue alive-I don’t know how the government can even claim whatever accomplishments we have at the moment, or one year after President Marcos’ 2025 Sona ‘Mahiya naman kayo’ remark.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has defended the term limits it imposed on broker directors of the Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE).

SEC Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 17 restricts broker-directors to a maximum cumulative term of 10 years at any exchange.

‘The commission reiterates that MC 17 was promulgated pursuant to the regulatory powers vested upon it under Republic Act [RA] No. 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code [SRC], as well as Republic Act No. 11232, or the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines,’ the SEC said in a statement.

‘Accordingly, the memorandum circular directly advances the commission’s mandate to uphold corporate governance standards, enhance market transparency, and strengthen integrity and accountability in the corporate sector. These are essential toward building a robust, dynamic and world-class Philippine capital market-capable of attracting global investment and driving sustainable economic growth.’

Former PSE Chair Ma. Vivian Yuchengco and Eddie Gobing, a director petitioned the Court of Appeals to declare the rule unconstitutional.

Yuchengco and Gobing sat on the board for 28 years and 25 years, respectively.

The SEC said it is ‘disappointed’ that after providing a reasonable two-year transition period for the implementation of the reform-following extensive consultations-‘we now find ourselves having to defend it in court.’

‘We see no deprivation of shareholders’ rights. Shareholders remain free to elect the directors of their choice from among those who are qualified under the law and SEC regulations. The law does not recognize an unfettered right to elect any specific individual regardless of applicable regulatory qualifications.’

In their petition which they filed last week, Yuchengco and Gobing said ‘the SEC ironically seeks to exclude those with the most experience and insight in managing and directing the affairs of the Exchange, just so other ‘qualified brokers’ may be given an opportunity to serve on the board’.

‘Reading between the lines, these other ‘qualified brokers’ are those who are unable to get the required number of votes to be elected as members of the board of the Exchange.

‘The only way they can sit on the board is if the SEC disqualifies long-serving Broker Directors who, because of their experience and qualifications, have consistently received the greatest number of votes from the shareholders during the annual elections,’ the petition read.

SEC Chairman Francis E. Lim said the agency is fully prepared to defend this reform.

‘The SEC remains steadfast in strengthening investor confidence, enhancing market integrity, and building a more dynamic, competitive, and trusted Philippine capital market,’ he said.

‘Serving as a director of an exchange is a privilege, not a vested right. It is subject to the qualifications and regulatory standards prescribed by law and the SEC. Good governance requires board renewal, fresh perspectives and a commitment to advancing the long-term interests of our capital market above individual or institutional interests.’

WHEN Spencer Ozo made his solo exhibition debut in 2022 at Conrad Manila’s Gallery C, he was touted as the hotel’s homegrown artistic talent, serving as its assistant front desk manager.

Four years later, Ozo returns for his follow-up showcase at the hotel’s long-running Of Art and Wine series with Intimate Reflections. The 25-piece presentation serves as a visual diary that logs his deepest emotions, personal experiences, and ongoing journey with self-discovery. It also carries the theme of duality beyond Ozo’s titles with a balanced mix of figurative and abstract artworks.

‘Through this collection, I hope to encourage reflection and meaningful conversations about identity, growth, and the shared human experience,’ the multihyphenate said.

Born and raised in Baguio City, Ozo joined Conrad Manila in 2017 and only began painting during the height of the Covid-19 global pandemic. He lost several loved ones during that time, and channeled his emotions on canvas using materials gifted by his cousin.

Ozo proved to be a natural. Given his state of mind then, his earlier pieces centered on darker tones and themes, before expanding in concepts, colors and techniques. The growth takes center stage in Ozo’s ongoing show, which runs until September.

The exhibition features several triptychs that visualize the artist’s psyche and appreciation for natural beauty. Inner Thoughts shows a human subject with its eyes closed and hair shared, as if caught deep into a state of introspection, turning in the series from one side to the next. Then, Whisper of the Wind shows a maya mid-flight, flapping its wings rendered in realistic detail. Meanwhile, Oro del Mundo and Sun Glints serve as series of textured, cosmic-inspired abstractions heavy on gold and its complementary tones of blue and black.

Ozo also presents a creative rendition of Osaka, with some of its culinary and pop-culture iconographies orbiting a heaping bowl of ramen.

Whenever asked how he balances his day job with an art career, Ozo cites those who juggle the same roles as inspirations, including SM Investments executive vice president/feng shui artist Lizanne Uychaco and senior business analyst/environmental artist Lara Latosa, who have both exhibited at

Gallery C as well. Ozo also points to a Japan trip

with his wife, saying it keeps him inspired to create new artworks.

In his speech during the show’s opening reception, Ozo shared that he encountered the Japanese concept of misogi during their most recent trip. It’s about conquering a life-defining challenge as a key to self-discovery and happiness. Ozo said that this stretch of his exhibit feels like the payoff of his misogi, because he also learned the day before it opened that he’s going to be a dad.

From his current post as front desk manager to his expanding role as visual artist and upcoming function as a father, Ozo has learned over the years to blur the boundaries between his many duties. After all, the path toward self-discovery is less about an either-or proposition and more of an amalgamation of all things at once.

‘Art has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of who I am,’ Ozo said. ‘It allows me to navigate personal histories, cultural influences, and emotional truths with honesty and intention.’

Farmers and fisherfolk may soon get timely technical assistance in the use of technologies and climate-smart farming practices with the inclusion of two bills in the priority list of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), according to the chairman of the Senate agriculture committee.

Senator Francis N. Pangilinan said his twin measures-the Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Act and the Agricultural Cooperatives Act-were shortlisted at last week’s Ledac meeting among the measures agreed on by the Executive and Legislative branches as deserving of passage in the Second Regular Session of Congress.

Panglinan, who has been pushing for the passage of these two bills since his return to the Senate last year, welcomed their inclusion in the Marcos administration’s priority list.

He underscored the urgent need to provide farmers and fisherfolk with stronger institutional support, better access to technology and knowledge, and more effective cooperative structures.

‘We need to get these bills across the finish line. It’s not enough that the promised support for farmers and fishers remain on paper. They deserve concrete systems and services to ensure such assistance reaches their farms and their fishing grounds,’ Pangilinan said, speaking partly in Filipino.

The proposed Senate Bill (SB) 1991, or the Agricultural and Fisheries Extension Services Act, seeks to establish a stronger, more responsive, and better-coordinated national extension system that will provide farmers and fisherfolk with timely technical assistance, research-based technologies, climate-smart farming practices, and continuous capacity-building.

SB 1990, or the Agricultural Cooperatives Act, will reestablish the Bureau of Agriculture Cooperatives. It aims to strengthen farmers’ and fisherfolk’s capacity to organize themselves and compete effectively.

Once capacitated, agricultural cooperatives will have improved access to financing, markets, equipment, and value-adding opportunities.

‘As it is, our farmers and fishers are not just reeling from soaring production costs; they have also been left behind in terms of new technologies, new farming practices, and new knowledge,’ said Pangilinan.

‘The farmers and fishers of a country that is rich in terms of soil and sea should not be left behind. They hold the dreams of their sector, but public servants must provide the support and opportunities to fulfill these.’

The two measures, Pangilinan also said, are closely linked to the country’s long-term food security agenda because a stronger agriculture and fisheries sector will bring down the prices of basic goods and commodities, increasing the buying power of ordinary Filipinos.

He expressed readiness to work with his colleagues in the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Executive to ensure the timely passage of the two measures.

CEBU CITY-The Office of the Ombudsman is set to scrutinize some P60 billion worth of flood-control projects implemented in Cebu over the past six years, as Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla raised questions over whether the projects were properly designed and executed or were tainted by corruption.

Remulla said the amount was based on the office’s initial accounting of flood-control spending in Cebu, with a significant portion going to the province’s Seventh District and about 25 percent to a single contractor.

‘That should be a lot of money to control the flooding,’ Remulla said during a news conference here.

However, he noted that flooding remained a recurring problem in the province, particularly after recent rains, prompting the office to examine whether the projects were technically deficient or whether corruption was involved.

‘We have to look at what’s happening. Is it the design? Is it the execution? Or is it just corruption?’ Remulla said.

He said the investigation would cover flood-control projects in the province, as well as Cebu City, including projects affecting several local governments.

The Ombudsman for the Visayas is expected to file cases soon, Remulla said, although he stressed that the agency would first have to establish sufficient evidence.

‘We always go by the evidence,’ he said, adding that the office could not simply file cases or order people jailed without strong evidence that could withstand scrutiny in court.

Ghost projects, substandard work

REMULLA said the Ombudsman would also verify reports of alleged ghost flood-control projects, including one in barangay Singsing in Balamban that was being disputed by a former congressman.

The agency will use digital tools and project coordinates to determine whether projects actually exist at their reported locations and whether the structures comply with their specifications.

He said investigators would also examine the possibility of projects being counted more than once or locations being altered in project records.

‘We will look at all possible violations,’ Remulla said.

‘So it’s possible that it’s a ghost. But we will have to check and verify and validate,’ he added.

The investigation will also look into whether flood-control structures were built according to contract specifications.

Remulla cited sheet piling as an example, saying the national specification calls for 14-meter sheet piles in certain flood-control structures. He said investigators would determine whether the specified depth was appropriate and whether contractors actually complied with it.

He recalled findings from investigations in Bulacan where 14-meter specifications were allegedly reduced to four meters, leaving a substantial portion of the required structure unbuilt.

For Cebu, he said investigators would similarly examine whether projects were built according to their contracts rather than relying solely on what could be seen on the surface.

Contractors, bidding under scrutiny

ASIDE from project implementation, the Ombudsman will examine the contractors involved in the projects, possible rigged bidding and the alleged practice of awarding contracts without competitive bidding.

Remulla said lifestyle checks would also be conducted on district engineers and other Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers, although he cautioned against focusing exclusively on government personnel.

Contractors would be examined alongside government officials as part of the investigation, he said.

The Ombudsman will also look into the ‘no-bidding phenomenon’ and possible rigging of procurement processes.

Remulla acknowledged that investigating flood-control projects is complicated because of the volume and technical nature of government contracts.

He said artificial intelligence could assist investigators in reviewing documents, but could not completely replace human examination of contracts and evidence.

‘Proving our cases is always possible. But it’s not as easy as it seems. It’s easy to conclude. But to prove is harder,’ Remulla said.

20 more lawyers

TO strengthen the agency’s investigative and prosecutorial capacity in the region, Remulla said he had committed to add 20 lawyers to the Ombudsman Visayas office.

The lawyers would be involved in prosecution, fact-finding and preliminary investigations.

He said strengthening the regional office was necessary given the volume of cases and the need to build evidence-based cases before filing them in court.

Remulla emphasized that the Ombudsman should not be used to ‘weaponize’ investigations against individuals.

‘What we want to happen is that cases are filed because there is evidence against those who we go up against,’ he said.

Greater transparency

REMULLA also reiterated his push for legislation requiring greater transparency in government transactions from the barangay level up to national agencies.

He said government bidding processes should be digitally recorded and made accessible to the public, including through digital platforms that would allow citizens to monitor government contracts and transactions.

The Ombudsman said he had already discussed the proposed transparency measures with the Speaker and the Senate President.

He said the proposed reforms would cover government hiring, salaries, contracts, permits and business and licensing transactions at the local-government level.

Remulla argued that existing digital technology, including mobile phones, closed-circuit television cameras, artificial intelligence and the internet, could make greater transparency possible without requiring prohibitively expensive systems.

He said transparency should not stop at national government agencies but should extend to local governments, where corruption could also begin.

Conflict of interest

BEYOND implementation of flood control projects, Remulla said the Ombudsman would investigate other government programs and alleged schemes involving the misuse of public funds.

He identified conflict of interest as one of the agency’s major concerns, particularly situations where public officials and contractors have overlapping interests.

He said the Ombudsman would examine instances where politicians and contractors are closely linked, noting that public office should not become a means of serving private interests.

‘We have to start with conflict of interest. Everywhere in the country. We have to return to decency,’ Remulla said.

Remulla added the Ombudsman’s broader objective was not simply to pursue individual cases but to help restore public confidence in government and create a culture where corruption carries a greater certainty of punishment.

He said the agency expects the next three years to be focused heavily on filing, investigating and prosecuting cases involving corruption.

‘It’s not about targeting people. It’s about targeting a change in our society,’ Remulla said.

For Cebu, however, the immediate focus will be determining what happened to the billions of pesos spent on flood-control projects-and whether the spending delivered the protection it was supposed to provide.

NOMURA Global Markets Research has cut its 2026 growth forecast for the Philippines following a slowdown in the second quarter, as foreign research firms see only a gradual recovery in the second half amid weak investment and still-elevated prices.

Nomura on Sunday lowered its full-year gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast to 3.8 percent from 4.6 percent, although it still expects economic activity to improve in the latter half of the year.

This comes as the Philippine economy grew by 2.3 percent in the second quarter, slower than the 2.8-percent expansion in the first three months of the year and the weakest quarterly growth since the first quarter of 2021.

Excluding the pandemic period, it was the slowest expansion since the fourth quarter of 2009, when GDP grew by 1.8 percent.

This brought average growth in the first half to 2.6 percent, less than half the 5.4 percent recorded in the same period last year.

‘We cut our 2026 GDP growth forecast to 3.8 percent from 4.6 percent, which still pencils in an improvement in H2. We maintain our call for two more 25-basis-point Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ hikes this year,’ Nomura said.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, the economy expanded by 0.6 percent quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter, slower than the 0.9 percent growth in the first quarter.

Nomura said the further moderation indicated that the economy continued to lose momentum rather than begin to recover from the prolonged slowdown associated with the flood-control corruption controversy.

‘This suggests the impact of the war in Iran has likely exacerbated some lingering spillover effects on private sector spending from the sharp fiscal tightening and associated governance concerns, hurting domestic demand overall,’ it added.

Infra-led recovery

ANZ Research and Capital Economics likewise expect growth to improve in the coming quarters, although both see constraints to a stronger rebound.

ANZ said a recovery in public infrastructure spending beginning in the third quarter could help revive capital formation, which emerged as one of the biggest drags on second-quarter growth.

‘Steady normalization of public infrastructure spending will be key for a meaningful recovery in GDP growth in the upcoming quarters,’ ANZ Research said.

The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) earlier said it was banking partly on a rebound in infrastructure spending after the Department of Budget and Management began releasing mobilization funds for 2026 projects toward the end of June.

The Department of Public Works and Highways also started awarding contracts in June and July, which DepDev expects to support a pickup in public construction beginning in the third quarter and gain momentum in the succeeding months.

Capital Economics, meanwhile, expects only a modest improvement after the weak first-half performance.

‘Growth should improve a little from here, but the recovery will be very gradual. The recent falls in oil prices, if sustained, will help reduce inflation and boost the purchasing power of consumers. But the corruption scandal is unlikely to go away,’ it explained.

The research firm said President Marcos’s renewed emphasis on combating corruption in his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) suggests that tighter scrutiny surrounding public projects could continue to weigh on investment.

It added, however, that continued economic weakness could put pressure on the government to ease the constraints on public investment arising from its anti-corruption drive.

Capital Economics expects GDP to grow by around 3 percent this year, while ANZ forecasts a 3.9-percent expansion.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) in late June lowered its 2026 growth target to a range of 3.5 to 4.5 percent from 5 to 6 percent, citing weaker-than-expected economic performance following the flood-control controversy and the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict.

Growth targets for 2027 to 2030 were likewise reduced to 5 to 6 percent. The previous targets were 5.5 to 6.5 percent for 2027 and 6 to 7 percent for 2028 to 2030.

The Philippines has suspended imports of live animals and selected animal products from seven countries following confirmed outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the restriction covers Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait and Palestine.

Under Department Circular 39 signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., imports of live swine, cattle, water buffaloes and other FMD-susceptible animals from the affected areas are prohibited.

The ban also covers fresh skeletal muscle meat, casings, tallow, hooves, horns and animal semen originating from the seven countries.

An official report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations confirmed outbreaks of the FMD virus serotype SAT1 in the affected countries.

The cases were validated through laboratory testing in coordination with the World Organization for Animal Health’s (WOAH) reference laboratory network.

‘The Philippines has worked hard to protect its livestock sector from devastating animal diseases. Acting swiftly against emerging risks is essential to safeguarding food security, protecting farmers’ livelihoods and preserving public confidence in our food supply,’ the DA chief said.

Products classified by WOAH as ‘safe commodities,’ however, may still enter the country subject to strict import requirements. These include ultra-high temperature milk and dairy products, heat-treated canned meat, protein meal, gelatin and certain processed hides and leather products.

Such products must meet prescribed veterinary certification and processing standards.

‘We are taking a science-based and precautionary approach. While we remain committed to facilitating safe trade, protecting the health of our livestock industry must always come first.’

FMD is a highly contagious disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, goats, sheep and buffaloes.

While it poses no public health risk and is not considered a food safety concern for humans, outbreaks can disrupt livestock production, raise production costs and inflict heavy losses on farmers.

Veterinary quarantine officers have been instructed to stop and confiscate prohibited shipments from the affected economies arriving at Philippine ports.

The Philippines was nearly brought to its knees by the devastating FMD outbreak in 1995. It reached epidemic proportions, spreading to 27 provinces and setting the highest number of recorded outbreaks in one year at 1,553.

At the peak of its outbreak in 1995, the DA noted that FMD caused an estimated P2 billion in direct losses to the hog sector. The government had to spend hundreds of millions of pesos to bankroll measures that sought to eliminate FMD in commercial and backyard hog farms.

It took six years for the Philippines to wipe out the disease and obtain FMD-free without vaccination status from WOAH.

Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) is set to start the construction of the Las Piñas station of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT 1) Cavite Extension Project as early as next year.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the Villar Group of Companies has agreed to the government’s three ‘non-negotiable conditions’ for the donation of two mortgaged lots needed for the site. The concession removes what officials described as the last major obstacle to building the station, the conspicuous gap in the first phase of the Cavite Extension.

‘This development is good for DOTr, LRMC, LRTA and the Villar Group, but best for the commuting public,’ Transportation Secretary Giovanni said, referring to state-run Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA). ‘Itong pagkakasundo natin, talagang commuters ang pangunahing makikinabang, at ‘yun naman talaga dapat ang priority natin.’

Under the agreement, the property firm will grant the government an unconditional permit to enter, execute a waiver of subrogation in favor of the state, and cancel the mortgage on the parcels to be donated.

The terms clear the path for the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement, the Right-of-Way Acquisition Agreement, and the Deed of Donation within the month.

‘I see that there’s this urgency from the government to provide relief for passengers. And on the part of the Villars there’s a good sign that they’re talking to the grantors in good faith,’ LRMC President Enrico Benipayo said. ‘With this milestone, I think a major hurdle has been finished.’

Of the six parcels of land to be turned over by the Villar Group, two carry mortgage encumbrances that had stalled their transfer to the government. The cancellation of the mortgages will be processed within six months, and that substitute properties have already been identified as collateral replacement to free up the lots for donation.

Right-of-way complications over the privately held land forced the government to open the extension’s first segment without the Las Piñas station, requiring passengers in the area to use adjacent stops.

‘Nagpapasalamat ang DOTr sa Villar Group of Companies dahil sa inyong cooperation para mapabilis natin itong proseso,’ Lopez noted. ‘Ang laging bilin sa atin ng Pangulo, dapat mapakinabangan na ng commuters ‘yung mga transport projects natin sa lalong madaling panahon at resolbahin na rin ang mga dapat ayusin.’

Last June, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the DOTr to immediately resolve the issues delaying the Cavite segment of the project.

Marcos instructed DOTr Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez to coordinate closely with concerned agencies and stakeholders to remove bottlenecks, settle pending issues, and ensure the uninterrupted implementation of the long-delayed project.

The LRT-1 Cavite Extension, with a total cost of P64.915 billion, is funded through a hybrid scheme: P17.80 billion in official development assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), P39.57 billion from private operator LRMC, and P7.55 billion from the national government.

ANEW set of trustees with a new leader took over the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) on Monday with businessman Frank Lao getting elected as president.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino, entrusted by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) to hold a special election of the suspended federation, thanked 20 of the 25 officially registered clubs and organizations which supported the exercise.

‘We are incredibly glad to announce the new working board of trustees committed to unify Philippine volleyball and prioritize the formation of strong national teams,’ said Tolentino after the proceedings at the Solaire Theater Southlinks Board Room 2M.

‘This is a ‘committed team’ and I believe they could sustain the progress of volleyball that started when the PNVF was established in 2021,’ he added.

Also elected were Atty. Don Rico Capunan as vice-president, Rommel Ng as treasurer and Atty. Wharton Chan as auditor while named to the board of trustees were former PNVF president Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara, also the Asian Volleyball Confederation president, as well as Rustico Camangian, Jonas Cabochan, Carmela Gamboa, Sienna Olaso and Francis Chad Salimbangon.

Don Caringal returned to his old post as secretary-general appointed by Lao.

Tolentino is hoping the FIVB will soon reinstate the association after getting suspended last May.

The POC thus relinquished its role as ‘caretaker’ of the federation, which was mandated by the volleyball’s world governing body, FIVB, which suspended the previous PNVF elected officers on November 21 last year primarily on poor governance.

The Alas Pilipinas Men and Women teams that were formed under POC supervision for the Aich-Nagoya 20thAsian Games during the suspension, Tolentino said, will remain.

FIVB appointed Ad Hoc Committee chair Hila Asanuma of Palau and FIVB External Legal Consultant Atty. Alexa Monica Dabao witnessed and certified the exercise.

AS Filipino families continue to grapple with high electricity costs, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said making power more affordable for consumers must go hand in hand with ensuring universal access to electricity.

Marking National Electrification Awareness Month this August, Gatchalian urged the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to complete the government’s rural electrification program by 2028, emphasizing that millions of Filipinos remain without electricity. He noted that, as of June last year, nearly 3 million Filipino households still had no access to electricity.

The NEA has been allotted P13.16 billion this year, including P9.342 billion for the National Rural Electrification Program and P2.6 billion in loans to electric cooperatives.

‘Hindi katanggap-tanggap na mayroon pa tayong mga kababayan na wala pang kuryente sa panahon ng digital age. Binigyan natin ng sapat na suporta sa budget ang programang ito sa loob ng maraming taon kaya’t dapat lang na magkaroon ng kuryente ang lahat ng Pilipino sa lalong madaling panahon,’ Gatchalian said.

‘Reliable electricity for every Filipino household is crucial to improving lives and lowering long-term power costs by expanding access and strengthening the distribution network. ‘