Category: Business Mirror

Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero on Sunday urged Congress to reassess the country’s juvenile justice laws in the wake of the recent school shooting in Tacloban, saying no humanmade statute is ‘perfect or untouchable’ and must be revised when no longer responsive to current realities.

Escudero, who coauthored Republic Act No. 9344 in 2006 and its amendatory law Republic Act No. 10630 in 2013, said his long involvement in crafting the juvenile justice framework obliges him to support a fresh, evidencebased review amid fresh debates on juvenile accountability, school safety gaps, and gun access.

‘Matagal na akong mambabatas at palagi kong sinasabi [na] iisang batas lamang ang inukit sa bato at galing sa Diyos, at ‘yon ang hindi natin pwedeng baguhin. Lahat ng iba pang batas, sinulat lang sa papel…galing ‘yon sa tao. Walang perpektong mambabatas na alam ang lahat para makagawa ng batas na hindi na pwedeng baguhin habang buhay,’ Escudero said at the conclusion of a two part edition of his Chiz Wiz podcast tackling the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

The senator noted that even the framers of the 1987 Constitution included mechanisms for amendment, recognizing that no law can anticipate all future problems. ‘Kinikilala nila na hindi nila angkin ang lahat ng talino para sagutin ang mga problemang noong sinulat nila ‘yon.’

According to Escudero, revisiting the law should not be seen as an admission of error but as a necessary response to changing circumstances.

‘Dapat bukas kaming lahat na mambabatas sa anumang pagbabago at tingnan ang pagkakataon para pagandahin, ayusin, iwasto, pabilisin, at tiyakin na mas maayos ‘yung mga batas na ating ipapasa alangalang sa interes ng ating bansa, mga kababayan, at siyempre ang mga kabataang Pilipino,’ he said.

Responding to questions from his podcast guests, he clarified that RA 9344 and RA 10630 already contain accountability, intervention, and rehabilitation mechanisms for children in conflict with the law, contrary to claims that minors ‘cannot be punished.’

Escudero said he supports a ‘fullcycle review’ of the juvenile justice system to address gaps in implementation and strengthen measures that protect public safety while upholding the principles of juvenile justice.

‘Ang batas ay para sa tao. Kung hindi na tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng panahon, tungkulin naming ayusin at iakma ito,’ he concluded.

German logistics firm Rhenus has expanded its warehousing operations in the Philippines, opening a new warehouse facility in Parañaque and a new head office in Pasay as it deepens its push into the country’s growing logistics market.

The expansion comes as the logistics group ramps up services for multinational clients in the country, including technology and engineering firm Bosch Philippines, which it supports with storage, handling, fulfillment and value-added warehousing services.

‘Rhenus is committed to continually investing in the Philippines as we strengthen our local logistics capabilities. This marks another step in supporting the market’s evolving needs through reliable operations, modern facilities, and solutions tailored to customers in the country,’ said Deepak Sharma, managing director of Rhenus Warehousing Solutions Philippines.

The company said its local warehousing operations run on a fully electric material handling equipment (MHE) fleet and follow processes designed to minimize waste, part of its pitch as a sustainable logistics provider in a market shaped by rising consumer demand.

Rhenus holds a ‘preferred supplier’ status from the Bosch Group for overland services, a recognition the German conglomerate grants to providers that have consistently delivered strong performance over an extended period.

‘Our longstanding business relationship with Bosch reflects our shared focus on operational excellence and reliable logistics support. As supply chains continue to evolve globally, and as markets such as the Philippines become increasingly important in regional growth, we remain focused on delivering reliable and efficient logistics solutions tailored to local business needs,’ said Ricardo Almeida, global strategic account manager at Rhenus.

The Rhenus Group posts annual turnover of EUR 8.2 billion and employs 39,000 people across 1,300 business sites in more than 70 countries, offering transport, warehousing, customs clearance and value-added services along the supply chain.

RESCUED Philippine eagle Sawaga-Dalwangan, who was reportedly being attacked by some 30 monkeys when it was saved on July 3, passed away on the morning of July 18, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) announced.

In a statement, the PEF said Sawaga-Dalwangan’s death is ‘a painful reminder of the serious threats Philippine Eagles continue to face and of the importance of preventing shooting, trapping, and other harm to wildlife.’

The initial examination found no evidence of new external trauma or internal bleeding. However, the veterinarians observed that her heart was thickened and unusually firm, her liver was enlarged, and her stomach was greatly enlarged, containing a large amount of compacted prey fur.

‘We understand that many people followed Sawaga-Dalwangan’s recovery and shared our hope that she would survive. We remain grateful to the communities, government agencies, veterinarians, supporters, and partners who helped rescue and care for her.

‘These findings do not yet establish the cause of death. Tissue samples from her organs have been collected for microscopic examination and further laboratory analysis,’ the PEF said.

PEF said it will release a consolidated report once the remaining veterinary and laboratory results have been completed.

Before her death, Sawaga-Dalwangan had been showing encouraging signs of recovery. Her wounds were healing, her hydration and appetite had improved, and she was displaying normal behavior such as preening and casting food remains.

However, on the morning of July 18, she suddenly experienced seizures.

Despite immediate emergency intervention, she passed away shortly afterward.

To recall, Sawaga-Dalwangan was discovered in a weak, dehydrated, and wounded state near the Sawaga River in barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. The rescue was carried out by resident Marven Linoy, with assistance from the Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain Indigenous Political Structure and the Inhandig Tribal Multi-Purpose Cooperative, who claimed that monkeys were reportedly ganging up on the eagle, which he thought was just a chicken.

MORE than 1,000 delegates from 62 countries from AsiaPacific, Europe, Africa, and the Americas are converging in Manila this week for one of the year’s biggest diplomatic gatherings.

Despite the scale, authorities say there will be no suspension of classes and no special lanes on city roads.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers-except Myanmar’s-opened their meeting in Manila Monday, their third inperson session this year and seventh overall if virtual and informal meetings are included.

Alongside the 10 Asean ministers, top diplomats from dialogue partners such as the United States, Russia, China, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, India, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are expected in the coming days.

Hellen Barbers de la Vega, directorgeneral of the Asean National Organizing Council, said preparations remain manageable: ‘As of this writing, we have no indication, re: suspension of classes.’

In Cebu last May, classes were suspended when Asean leaders met for the 48th Summit.

De la Vega added there is no need yet for designated Asean lanes on city roads, though special lanes are in place inside the airport for arriving delegates.

The Manila meetings include Asean Plus One sessions with dialogue partners and Asean Plus Three sessions with China, Japan, and South Korea. There will also be conferences on East Asian cooperation for Palestinian development and on MekongJapan initiatives.

Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Asean SecretaryGeneral Kao Kim Hourn will hold trilateral meetings each with Trkiye, Norway, Switzerland, and Brazil foreign ministers.

On Thursday, Asean ministers will meet separately with China, Japan, and South Korea, then convene with the Asean Regional Forum (ARF) to tackle regional and global security issues.

Later that day, the 19 members of the East Asia Summit-comprising 11 Asean states plus Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States-will hold their own foreign ministers’ meeting.

The highlight is Friday’s commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Asean Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), the bloc’s peace blueprint. In addition to the 58 current signatories, five or six new countries-including Sweden, Poland, Romania, Cyprus, and Lithuania-are expected to accede.

DFA Spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial said the weeklong meetings provide ‘a very good opportunity, a venue for dialogue partners in Asean to engage and discuss whatever is impacting not only regionally but also globally.’

Beyond the South China Sea disputes, Asean will address the Myanmar crisis, Cambodia-Thailand border tensions, and global conflicts including the IranUS war, RussiaUkraine war, and the Korean Peninsula.

Eight Middle East states-Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE-are already TAC parties, along with Russia, Ukraine, South Korea, and North Korea.

Imperial emphasized Asean’s resilience: ‘Despite the challenges, it remains united, it remains towards the path of maintaining Asean centrality…adhering to the principles of the Asean Charter.’

Decisions reached by the foreign ministers will be elevated to Asean leaders and dialogue partners, who are expected to meet again in Manila this November.

This Thursday, July 9, 2026, photo courtesy of the Land Bank of the Philippines shows Landbank President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (right) and Makati City Mayor Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay-Angeles signing an agreement at the Makati City Hall to advance the digitization of government transactions through the Landbank’s Link.BizPortal.

Under the agreement, Landbank will serve as the depository and financial settlement bank for Link.BizPortal transactions of the City Government of Makati.

The bank will also provide transaction monitoring, reporting, and technical support to ensure a smooth transition.

Travelers exploring Cebu province can now access 17 accredited clean toilet stops strategically located along key tourism and transportation corridors under the provincial government of Cebu’s Clean Toilet Stop Partnership Program.

The initiative, implemented through partnerships with local governments and private establishments, is designed to provide motorists, commuters, residents, and both local and international tourists with clean, safe, and accessible restroom facilities while traveling across the province.

Beyond improving public convenience, the program also promotes Cebuano hospitality and encourages greater community participation in tourism development.

The accredited toilet stops are distributed across northern and southern Cebu to ensure wider accessibility.

In northern Cebu, the designated facilities include the SeaOil Gas Station in Poblacion, Daanbantayan; ARC Fuel Gas Station in Purok Upo, Hagnaya, San Remigio; Shell Gas Station in Dakit, Bogo City; Bastap in Luyang, Carmen; Boardwalk in Poblacion, Compostela; Shell Gas Station and Café in Hika, Poblacion, Compostela; Shell Gas Station along the Central Nautical Highway in Labogon, Mandaue City; Mactan Shrine in Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City; and the Shell Gas Station along M.L. Quezon National Highway in Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City.

Meanwhile, accredited facilities in southern Cebu include RM Shoppe in Poblacion, Sibonga; Caltex (SOS Ceres Stop) in Poblacion, Argao; VANZ Gas Station in Lagunde, Oslob; SeaOil in Bonbon, Aloguinsan; Fill It Up in Dakit, Barili; Shell Gas Station in South Poblacion, Naga City; Robinsons Shell Cebu in Barangay Tejero, Cebu City; and Jas Trading and General Services Inc. along Diosdado Macapagal Highway in Toledo City.

To make the facilities easier to locate, the provincial government has also provided a QR code that directs travelers to the Google Maps locations of all accredited Clean Toilet Stops.

Last month, the program was formally launched after the Cebu Provincial Government signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with participating local governments and private establishments, paving the way for the accreditation of public and private facilities as official toilet stops along major tourism and transport routes.

Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said the quality of tourism should be measured not only by visitor arrivals but also by the experience guests have while exploring the province.

She emphasized that seemingly small details, such as access to clean restrooms, can leave a lasting impression on visitors, contribute to better public health, and reinforce Cebu’s standing as one of the country’s premier tourism destinations.

She added that providing a comfortable, safe, and welcoming environment for guests reflects the province’s commitment to delivering quality tourism experiences.

The governor also expressed gratitude to business owners, managers, and local government leaders who partnered with the provincial government, noting that tourism development is a shared responsibility among both the public and private sectors. Provincial Tourism Officer Rowena Lu Y. Montecillo said participating establishments underwent inspection and validation to ensure compliance with the standards set under the Clean Toilet Stop Partnership Program before receiving accreditation.

THE Senate sitting as the Impeachment Court on Monday allowed the prosecution to secure subpoenas for selected bank documents, as well as records from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, Carpio Lawyers; and 19 entities identified by the prosecution.

In a ruling, Impeachment Court Presiding Officer Francis Escudero overruled the defense’s objections and allowed the production of financial documents covering the period from 2007 to 2021, saying these would help establish a financial baseline relevant to the allegations under Article II, which involves claims of unexplained wealth.

After reviewing the requests, Escudero said the court found the documents sufficiently defined, identifiable, and materially relevant to the case.

He noted that similar financial records had been examined in past impeachment proceedings, including that of former Chief Justice Renato Corona, and cited the law recognizing impeachment cases as exceptions to bank secrecy protections.

The court approved requests involving 19 corporations and Carpio Lawyers, finding preliminary evidence linking Duterte to these entities through official filings and her declared assets. It ruled that the subpoenas were not exploratory in nature and limited them to peso-denominated accounts relevant to Article II.

However, foreign currency accounts were excluded without written consent from depositors. Requests involving JTC Group of Companies and Pikimong Pikimong Philippines Corporation were denied due to insufficient initial linkage.

Deadline

THE Senate Impeachment Court ordered banks to submit the requested records by July 30, 2026, with the documents initially to be reviewed in-camera by the presiding officer to prevent the disclosure of sensitive information. Only peso-denominated accounts will be covered, while foreign currency deposits are excluded without the consent of the depositors.

Subpoenas were also issued to the AMLC for records involving Carpio, whether individually or jointly with Duterte, as well as accounts tied to their law firm and several corporate entities. However, the court denied requests for records linked to certain companies, citing the prosecution’s failure to establish their relevance to the case.

Escudero emphasized that the records from 2007 to 2021 would be used solely to establish a comparative financial baseline and not to prove separate impeachable offenses outside the current charges. He added that the admissibility of the documents would still depend on the prosecution’s ability to link them to alleged unexplained wealth during Duterte’s term.

INDEPENDENT think tank Stratbase Institute on Friday said the Philippines made the right strategic and diplomatic decision in pursuing the 2016 arbitral ruling, as evidenced by the nearly 30 diplomatic missions that joined the country in commemorating the ruling’s 10th anniversary.

The broad international participation underscored growing global support for the Philippines’ assertion of its rights in the West Philippine Sea and reaffirmed the significance of the landmark ruling.

In a statement, Stratbase Institute president Victor Andres Manhit said the presence of representatives from 26 foreign missions at its recent Makati forum marking the award’s 10th anniversary reflected the international community’s resolve to ensure that the landmark ruling remains relevant amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

‘By standing firmly with the Philippines, these partners are ensuring that the 2016 Arbitral Award remains a living document that defines the future of a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific,’ he said.

The forum was headlined by ambassadors from Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, who all affirmed their support for the arbitral ruling.

Also present during the forum were the chief of missions of the United States, Ukraine, the Netherlands, Ireland, Israel, Denmark, Czech Republic, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Slovenia, and Austria.

The foreign missions of Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Italy and Thailand were also represented in the forum.

The event comes as international recognition of the arbitral ruling continues to expand.

Data from the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative showed that as of January 2025, 27 governments had publicly called for the award to be respected.

Between November 2022 and October 2024, 18 countries-including France, South Korea, and Norway-strengthened their positions by explicitly recognizing the ruling as legally binding.

Last July 12, EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas, on behalf of the 27 EU member states, affirmed that the ‘2016 Arbitral Award, adopted by the independent and impartial arbitral tribunal in accordance with Unclos, was final and legally binding upon the parties to the proceedings.’

‘As a landmark decision in the peaceful settlement of disputes, it must be respected and fully implemented by the parties involved,’ she said.

She added that the EU was concerned by the steady increase of tensions and dangerous incidents in the South China Sea ‘and firmly opposes any unilateral actions that threaten to undermine regional stability and the international order based on international law and the rule of law.’

Other ambassadors were equally firm in their recognition of the award’s finality.

During the forum, Indian Ambassador Sri Harsh Kumar Jain affirmed that New Delhi considers the 2016 Arbitral Award to be ‘final and binding’ and that it constitutes the basis for peaceful dispute resolution. South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa said Korea fully supported the Philippines’ chairmanship of the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit, adding that ‘prosperity flourishes when seas unite rather than divide, when rules prevail over coercion, and when freedom of navigation and overflight are respected in accordance with international law.’

The Stratbase Institute acknowledged these nations for their courage in calling out dangerous and destabilizing conduct, such as the use of water cannons and most recently the launch of a nuclear-capable missile in the Pacific.

Manhit said the collective recognition is being translated into tangible action, with Australia planning a new defense cooperation arrangement for 2026 and the United Kingdom commencing formal negotiations for its own Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (Sofa).

An agreement between the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Monday, July 20, has designated the Port of Subic as the preferred maritime gateway for Pax Silica operations within the Luzon Economic Corridor.

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang and SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño signed the agreement in preparation for the establishment of an ‘AI-Native Industrial Acceleration Hub’ in New Clark City, Tarlac, under the Pax Silica project.

Under the BCDA-SBMA memorandum of understanding (MOU), the two agencies established a cooperation framework to support, study, and promote the use of Subic Bay as the preferred port for Pax Silica’s maritime logistics, cargo handling, import and export, data integration, and related supply chain activities.

The collaboration primarily involves the joint evaluation of current maritime logistics infrastructure in Subic to determine handling capacity for specialized cargo requirements of the Pax Silica initiative; studying the feasibility of establishing ‘green lanes’ or expedited import and export processing protocols in Subic for accredited Pax Silica locators; and exploring the interoperability of their digital logistics and port management platforms for a secure exchange of manifest data, supply chain tracking, and terminal operations metrics.

The parties also agreed to jointly map and optimize the multimodal logistics corridor connecting the Port of Subic to the BCDA-administered economic zones in Pampanga and Tarlac to ensure a seamless end-to-end supply chain.

In his message during the MOU signing, Aliño said the designation of Subic as the preferred maritime gateway is ‘a crowning recognition of the invaluable role that the Port of Subic can possibly play in support of the initiatives of the national government [for the] Pax Silica [project].’

‘With the Luzon Economic corridor as a trilateral, strategic, and high-impact logistics and industrial hub that would connect key economic gateways across western Luzon, we at the SBMA are putting the Port of Subic and its facilities at the disposal of the Pax Silica initiative to maximize international trade and supply chain resilience,’ Aliño added.

The Subic chief also gave the assurance that Subic’s deep-water port and shipyard facilities can quickly transport raw materials and processed tech goods between Subic and the proposed AI hub in New Clark City.

He added that Subic also has parcels of land available for strategic development to align with the demands of the Pax Silica initiative.

Likewise, Subic locators and stakeholders are willing to provide their expertise and services to the Pax Silica project, Aliño said.

Pax Silica is an international coalition led by the United States to secure global supply chains for artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and critical minerals.

The Philippines joined the US-led Pax Silica coalition as its 13th member last April and has agreed with the U.S. to develop a 4,000-acre economic security zone at the New Clark City to process locally extracted critical minerals and build next-generation AI infrastructure and computer chips. The New Clark City AI hub is expected to anchor the Philippines’ roles in the Pax Silica Initiative and place the country inside a trusted global technology network, the BCDA said.

Environmental impact assessment

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is now conducting an environmental impact assessment of the Pax Silica project amid emerging concerns on its possible negative effects in the communities to be covered by the United States (US)-led initiative, Malacañang said.

Pax Silica aims to challenge China’s dominance in semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) by establishing new supply chains by building data centers and rare earth processing facilities in partner countries of the US.

As more Filipino professionals navigate increasingly demanding careers and lifestyles, preventive healthcare is becoming less of an afterthought and more of a necessity.

From routine executive health screenings to proactive wellness programs, a growing number of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and working professionals are prioritizing early detection and long-term health management as part of their everyday lives. The shift reflects a broader understanding that staying productive, achieving personal goals, and maintaining overall well-being require more than treating illnesses when they arise-they require preventing them in the first place.

This evolving mindset is something Fullerton Health Philippines has witnessed firsthand.

Now celebrating their second anniversary, the organization continues to champion preventive healthcare as an essential part of modern living, helping more Filipinos take proactive steps toward better health through executive health screening, advanced diagnostics, and personalized wellness solutions.

‘Our mission has always been to empower individuals to take control of their health before illnesses develop or progress. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on helping more people live fuller, healthier lives through preventive care,’ said Carmie de Leon, Country General Manager of Fullerton Health Philippines.

The growing emphasis on prevention has fueled Fullerton Health Philippines’ growth over the past two years. Since opening its doors, the organization has established itself as a trusted partner in executive health by combining advanced diagnostic capabilities, efficient patient experiences, and comprehensive health screening programs designed to offer efficient, fast, and seamless preventive healthcare experience.

A significant highlight in Fullerton Health Philippines’ journey this year was the recognition received at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2026, where they were honored as Specialty Clinic of the Year (Executive Health) – Philippines. The award recognizes the organization’s excellence in executive health screening, mainly in offering advanced diagnostic imaging technologies, evidence-based healthcare practices, and patient-centered care designed to support early detection and better health outcomes.

Fullerton Health Philippines has also expanded access through strategic partnerships with major HMO providers, healthcare organizations, and digital health platforms, making executive health screening more convenient for more Filipinos.

The company has also broadened its preventive health offerings through initiatives such as packages bundled with wellness perks that is also attractive for medical tourism, reflecting its belief that long-term well-being is supported by both preventive healthcare and holistic wellness experiences, as well as offering discounts in partnership with major payment networks to provide a more affordable option for Filipinos.

With this, Fullerton Health Philippines continues to receive consistent five-star reviews from clients. The strong satisfaction ratings reinforce the company’s position as a trusted partner in preventive healthcare.

For Founder and Chairman of COL Financial Group, Inc., Edward K. Lee, preventive healthcare is an essential investment in maintaining both personal well-being and the ability to lead with confidence. ‘Running a business means making decisions that prepare you for the future, and I believe the same mindset should apply to your health. Undergoing regular executive health screenings means I’m taking proactive steps to stay healthy for myself, my family, and the people who depend on me,’ said Lee.

Similarly, President of Upgrade Energy Philippines Inc., Ruth Yu-Owen, who balances leadership responsibilities in the renewable energy sector while championing initiatives that create opportunities for Filipino women, sees preventive healthcare as an important part of sustaining both her personal well-being and professional pursuits.

‘Being able to undergo a thorough health check-up provides me with the opportunity to improve my diet and make necessary lifestyle changes. Most importantly, it gives me peace of mind,’ she shared.

These personal experiences reflect a broader shift toward proactive healthcare, where prevention becomes a cornerstone of long-term wellness rather than a response to illness.

Guided by its advocacy to help individuals to Live Fuller, Fullerton Health Philippines continues to champion a future where preventive healthcare is not just an option, but an integral part of everyday life.