Category: Business Mirror

LOCAL government employees, including barangay workers, stand to receive higher pay after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the implementation of the third tranche of salary increases.

The DBM has issued Local Budget Circular No. 172, which provides the guidelines for the implementation of the third tranche of the salary hike for local government personnel under Executive Order (EO) No. 64, Series of 2024.

All LGU personnel, whether regular, contractual or casual, elective or appointive, and full-time or part-time, as well as barangay personnel receiving monthly honoraria, will be granted a salary increase.

Consultants and experts engaged for specific projects, job-order and contract-of-service workers, laborers paid on a piecework basis and student workers and apprentices are not included in the salary adjustment.

According to DBM, LGUs may either fully adopt the salary schedule, implement the schedule corresponding to their income classification, or adopt lower but uniform salary rates if funds are insufficient or if necessary to comply with personnel services limits.

LGUs must also ensure that they can fund on a ‘sustainable basis’ the increased salaries, along with the bonuses and incentives and contributions to government-mandated benefits.

The DBM said the funding for the salary adjustments, honoraria increases and related expenditures will come exclusively from local government funds and must comply with the personnel services limitations prescribed under the Local Government Code.

The third tranche of the salary increase may only be implemented by the LGUs if they have already implemented the second tranche salary schedule for at least one year.

The third tranche must likewise remain in effect for a minimum of one year, the DBM said.

The pay adjustment forms part of the government’s four-year salary increase program for civilian government workers.

EO No. 64, issued in August 2024, updated the salary schedule for civilian government personnel as part of efforts to maintain a competitive, effective and sustainable compensation system in the public sector.

THE Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed the ruling issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Antipolo City, Rizal which found Robinsons Land Corporation negligent in operating a walkalator in one of its shopping malls that caused damage to a customer and trauma.

In an 11-page decision penned by Associate Justice Ronaldo Roberto Martin, the CA’s Twelfth Division, however, dismissed the appeal filed by Bernadette Reyes, a board examiner of the Philippine Regulatory Commission, seeking moral and exemplary damages against Robinson.

The CA held that the trial court correctly ruled that Reyes is only entitled to actual damages.

‘Considering that petitioner did not sustain any physical injuries as a result of respondent’s negligence, she is not entitled to moral damages. Hence, she is likewise not entitled to any exemplary damages,’ the CA said.

In the assailed July 4, 2024 decision and order dated October 18, 2024 of the Muntinlupa RTC, the trial court merely ordered Robinson to pay Reyes actual damages in the amount of P11,000 plus addition award of actual damages in the amount of P3,000 representing the value of Reyes’ footwear which was damaged during the incident.

This prompted Reyes to elevate the case before the CA seeking to recover additional compensatory damages including moral and exemplary damages, and attorney fees.

The CA ruled that Reyes sustained damages as a result of the incident since her shoes were destroyed and she underwent several counselling sessions to address her trauma.

It was also established based on record, according to the appellate court, that Robinson was negligent in operating the walkalator.

The CA noted that Robinson admitted that when a patron is using its walkalator with a filled pushcart, the pushcart may obstruct one’s vision such that it would be difficult to see the end of the walkalator’s metal conveyor flooring while simultaneously dislodging the pushcart and stepping off the machine.

‘Further, it is without question that since the Mall is open to the public, a variety of patrons, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other persons with vision or mobility issues, use the walkalator,’ the CA said.

‘Thus, it was incumbent upon the respondent to implement reasonable safeguards and precautions to ensure that patrons, especially those with limited vision or mobility, would be able to use the walkalator safely,’ it added.

While respondent claims that the advisory it posted in front of the walkalator adequately disproves petitioner’s claim of negligence, the CA said ‘such a meager precaution falls short of the care and caution expected from the former under the circumstances.’

The CA pointed out that Robinsons failed to prove that the advisory was already installed before the incident.

The appellate court added that the sign could easily be overlooked by an ordinary patron because it was not noticeable.

‘To reiterate, the incident would not have occurred if respondent had implemented the proper safeguards and precautions in operating the walkalator,’ the CA said.

In her complaint, Reyes claimed that the incident happened on April 5, 2018 at Robinsons Metro East Mall.

After shopping for groceries, Reyes said she took the walkalator from the basement level to the ground floor and that when she was nearing the top of the said walkalator, it suddenly jerked causing both her Crocs shoes to be sucked into the machine.

The petitioner added that her ordeal elevated her heartbeat and deeply embarrassed her especially when the other mall patrons stared at her.

Reyes said she tried to push the walkalator’s ‘stop’ button after standing up, but that the machine continued moving.

She also asserted that the incident traumatized her, thus, she underwent counseling sessions with a psychologist.

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said there is no legal basis to suspend the second tranche of Metro Manila’s daily wage increase after the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) urged the government to defer its implementation.

The group argued that postponing the remaining P25 increase would help temper inflationary pressures and ease the burden on businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises.

Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino, however, said wage orders issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards take effect in accordance with the Wage Rationalization Act once the required legal process has been completed.

‘We respect the views of all stakeholders,’ Tolentino said in a text message.

‘However, under the Wage Rationalization Act, wage orders issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards take effect in accordance with the law, and there is no legal basis for their suspension or postponement once the prescribed process has been complied with,’ he added.

The labor chief said the country’s tripartite wage-fixing mechanism already provides employers, workers and government representatives the opportunity to weigh economic conditions before wage orders are approved.

‘We remain committed to balancing the welfare of workers, the sustainability of businesses, and the country’s overall economic competitiveness through the established tripartite wage-fixing mechanism,’ Tolentino said.

Metro Manila’s wage order grants an P85 daily increase to minimum wage earners, with the adjustment split into two tranches.

The first P60 increase will take effect on July 25, while the remaining P25 is scheduled for implementation on January 1, 2027.

Republic Act No. 6727, or the Wage Rationalization Act, authorizes regional wage boards to determine minimum wage adjustments after consultations with labor, employers and government representatives.

The FEF earlier warned that proceeding with the second tranche could do ‘more harm than good,’ saying higher labor costs could outweigh the expected benefits if inflation continues to ease.

Trkiye has been given a seat at ASEAN’s many tables – joining heavyweight dialogue partners that already include the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and South Korea – a move that expands the bloc’s reach and underscores its growing ties with Euro-Atlantic allies.

With Turkiye accepted as the bloc’s newest dialogue partner, ASEAN foreign ministers decided to lift the moratorium in accepting new dialogue partners.

Foreign Affairs Secretary and ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) Chairperson Ma. Theresa Lazaro also announced Tuesday that ASEAN also granted Germany and Qatar Sectoral Dialogue Partner status, reflecting the bloc’s widening external network.

‘These developments demonstrate the continued confidence of our partners in ASEAN. We also view this as a positive step in realizing the aspirations laid down in the ASEAN Community Vision 2045,’ Lazaro said.

Trkiye’s Fast Track

Trkiye’s upgrade is notable for its speed. After acceding to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in 2010, it was conferred Sectoral Dialogue Partner status in 2017.

Less than a decade later, ASEAN approved its request to become a full Dialogue Partner in 2026 – one of the fastest progressions in ASEAN’s partnership history.

According to Malaysia’s Bernama news agency, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Turkiye had already accepted the dialogue partner status last year. But ASEAN leaders forwarded the decision to the ASEAN secretariat and foreign minister to decide because the bloc still has a moratorium on accepting new dialogue partners.

Trkiye’s admission adds to the roster of NATO states already embedded in ASEAN’s framework.

The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom are long-standing Dialogue Partners.

France and Italy hold Development Partner status, a status conferred in 2020. Their cooperation focuses on practical projects – energy efficiency, maritime waste management, mine action, gender equality, and MSME access – but does not yet extend to full participation in ASEAN’s political-security mechanisms.

Benefits of Dialogue Partner Status

Being an ASEAN Dialogue Partner confers significant privileges:

– Participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Plus Three (APT).

– Comprehensive cooperation across political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars.

– Annual summits and ministerial meetings with ASEAN leaders, providing a platform to shape regional policy.

– Strategic action plans aligning external partners with ASEAN’s integration and development goals.

– Enhanced trade and investment opportunities through closer frameworks.

ASEAN’s Expanding Network

The ministers also expressed full support for the 50th anniversary commemoration of the TAC on July 24, when Poland, Romania, Sweden, and Lithuania – all NATO members – are expected to accede to the treaty formally.

ASEAN also adopted the Guidelines on Modalities for Engagement with High Contracting Parties to the TAC.

The guidelines establish a framework for practical cooperation between ASEAN and TAC signatories to strengthen political, economic, and socio-cultural ties.

The 59th AMM continues this week with ASEAN’s engagements with Dialogue Partners, the ASEAN Plus Three (APT), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the TAC’s golden anniversary activities.

PUBLIC schools are a step closer to hiring guidance and mental health professionals after the Civil Service Commission (CSC) approved the qualification standards for newly created school counselor positions.

The standards, approved through CSC Resolution 2600920 promulgated on June 30, cover the plantilla positions of Schools Division Counselor, School Counselor I to IV, and School Counselor Associate I to V in the Department of Education (DepEd).

The move supports the implementation of Republic Act N12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which requires the establishment of Mental Health and Well-Being Offices in public basic education institutions.

CSC Chairperson Marilyn B. Yap said the approved qualification standards will help ensure that schools are staffed with qualified mental health professionals.

‘By approving these QS, the CSC supports the implementation of RA 12080 and its implementing rules [IRR], which recognize the urgent need to provide accessible, quality, and responsive mental health services for learners,’ Yap said.

‘Investing in the psychological well-being of our youth is also an investment in building future public servants who embody puso, dangal, at galing,’ she added.

The qualification standards, proposed by the DepEd, cover the education, experience, training and eligibility requirements for the newly created positions.

Applicants for Schools Division Counselor and School Counselor I to IV positions must possess a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling or Psychology and hold a valid professional license as a Guidance Counselor or Psychologist.

Required experience and training will vary depending on the position level.

Meanwhile, applicants for School Counselor Associate I to V positions must have a bachelor’s degree in Guidance and Counseling, Psychology, or a related field with at least 18 units in Behavioral Science, including 200 hours of supervised practicum or internship in guidance and counseling, preferably in a school or community setting.

They must also possess Career Service Professional Eligibility, while the required experience and training will likewise depend on the position level.

The CSC said the approved qualification standards will serve as the basis for attesting appointments and evaluating other human resource actions involving the new school counselor positions in the DepEd.

ON his milestone birthday, PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan returned to the City of San Juan to inspire a new generation of dreamers through a learning and community initiative led by the PLDT-Smart Foundation and Tulong Kapatid.

Returning to the city that shaped his early years, Pangilinan marked his milestone 80th birthday by giving back to the next generation.

Through Tulong Kapatid, the corporate social responsibility alliance of foundations under the MVP Group of Companies, PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), together with Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc (AKFI), Cardinal Medical Charities Foundation, Maynilad, Makati Medical Center Foundation and One Meralco Foundation-as well as members of the Pangilinan family, turned over learning support items and launched a community mural painting activity at the Tibagan Child Development Center in barangay Tibagan, San Juan City.

Inspired by Extraordinary Manny, the children’s storybook that traces Pangilinan’s journey from his childhood to becoming one of the country’s most respected business leaders, the initiative encourages children to dream big, persevere, and believe in their potential.

The occasion held special significance for Pangilinan, whose family moved to San Juan in 1951. Growing up in Little Baguio, he spent many of his formative years in the city, where many of his earliest aspirations took root.

Joining the event were MVP and members of his family, PSF President Ma. Esther O. Santos, PLDT and Smart Chief People Officer and PSF Trustee Gina P. Ordoñez, PLDT Treassurer, OIC CFO and PSF Treasurer Leo I. Posadas, DMCI President and CEO and PSF Trustee Jorge A. Consunji, AKFI Executive Director Menchie Silvestre, Cardinal Medical Charities Foundation Executive Director Jenny Laxamana, Makati Medical Center Foundation Executive Director Marge Macasaet-Barro, Maynilad Corporate Affairs and Communication Head Marie Antonette De Ocampo, and employee volunteers.

Tulong Kapatid donated food and learning kits, bookshelves, whiteboards, hygiene kits and vitamins, vanity kits, and art supplies. The Pangilinan family also contributed classroom toys and playground slides. Beneficiaries enjoyed a storytelling session, while executives and volunteers helped create a colorful mural that transformed the learning space into a vibrant reflection of hope and possibility.

‘We wanted to celebrate MVP’s milestone birthday in a meaningful way. Through the Extraordinary Manny storybook and this classroom mural, we hope to inspire children in the city where he grew up to dream big and believe that they, too, can achieve extraordinary things,’ said Santos.

Addressing children and community members gathered at the center, Pangilinan reflected on the significance of returning to the place he once called home.

‘It’s good to be back home in San Juan. I grew up here, so it brings back memories,’ he said.

For Pangilinan, the activity also embodied the continuing mission of the MVP Group’s foundations to uplift communities and create opportunities for Filipinos.

‘It’s a manifestation of the continued work of our foundations to uplift the communities that we serve. It’s part and parcel of the work. Thank you so much for this opportunity to share these blessings to the people of San Juan.’

Barangay Tibagan Chairperson Daniel Simon Gaa welcomed guests, parents, and children during the event, which was also attended by San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora.

‘Mapalad po ang San Juan dahil kami ay napili sa pagdiriwang ng kanyang kaarawan-hindi lang po ito ordinaryong selebrasyon, siya po ay nagbigay ng napakaraming gamit pang-eskwela para sa mga bata,’ said Zamora.

More than a birthday celebration, the initiative was a tribute to the values that have guided Pangilinan throughout his life-service, education, and creating opportunities for others. Through a brighter and more engaging learning environment, the PLDT-Smart Foundation and its partners hope to inspire every child to pursue their dreams and write their own extraordinary stories.

After all, as Extraordinary Manny reminds us, even the most remarkable journeys can begin in an ordinary neighborhood -in this case, right in San Juan City.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the acquisition of nine additional A350-1000 aircraft, with purchase rights for five more, reinforcing the Philippine flag carrier’s commitment to long-haul growth and fleet modernization.

The agreement was announced during the Farnborough International Airshow by Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings, Inc., Richard Nuttall, President of Philippine Airlines, together with Lars Wagner, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

The order will increase PAL’s A350-1000 fleet and position the aircraft as the airline’s flagship for long-haul operations. ‘The A350-1000 will continue to define the future of our international operations for many years to come,’ said Lucio C. Tan III. ‘As the first and currently the only airline in Southeast Asia to operate the Airbus A350-1000, Philippine Airlines has experienced firsthand the aircraft’s exceptional range, fuel efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort. It has expanded our reach across North America, while delivering the world-class travel experience our customers deserve.’

PAL currently operates two Airbus A350-1000 on key long-haul routes, including nonstop flights from Manila to New York and Toronto, and seven more from the batch ordered in 2023 are expected to be delivered by 2028.

‘We are proud that PAL is strongly expanding its A350-1000 flagship fleet, flying the flag of the Philippines across the world,’ said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. ‘This agreement marks an important milestone in deepening our partnership with Philippine Airlines. Being the long-range leader, the A350-1000 is the perfect platform for the airline to build its future long-haul network and meet continued growth, especially in competitive premium transpacific markets. We look forward to finalizing this new order soon.’

Configured in a three-class layout, PAL’s A350-1000 offers a premium onboard experience featuring Business Class suites with privacy doors, a dedicated Premium Economy cabin, and an enhanced Economy Class product, complemented by the latest inflight entertainment and connectivity systems.

The aircraft also supports PAL’s sustainability objectives. The A350-1000 incorporates advanced composite materials and next-generation aerodynamics, delivering significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared with previous-generation aircraft.

The purchase rights for five additional aircraft provide PAL with flexibility to support future fleet requirements and market opportunities.

PAL expects this second batch of Airbus A350-1000 orders to be delivered from 2034 to 2036.

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.