Category: Philippine Star

Globe Telecom Inc. sustained an 11-percent drop in profit in the first half, but the telco is confident of recovery thanks to the strength of its revenue base and growth of its e-wallet unit.

Based on its financial report, Globe said its net income declined to P11.04 billion in the six months to June, from P12.44 billion a year ago, taking higher depreciation from building new projects.

Although Globe was able to increase its revenue by six percent to P92.66 billion, it also paid for an expenditure hike of the same level to P47.79 billion.

Likewise, Globe’s depreciation costs went up by eight percent to P28.67 billion, attributed to its ongoing efforts to expand network reach. The telco also started feeling the pang of its decreased stake in GCash, as the e-wallet welcomed a new investor in Mitsubishi Corp. last year.

Still, Globe’s revenue base is firming up, as mobile and broadband revenues grew by six percent each. The provider booked a 15-percent hike in corporate revenues, capitalizing on businesses in need of enterprise-grade solutions to improve their digital readiness.

The best thing for Globe is that GCash’s parent Mynt Inc. is expanding faster than ever, booking quarterly-high revenues of P22.4 billion in the second quarter.

As such, Globe’s equity share in Mynt’s profit amounted to P3.7 billion in the first half, and the telco now sources 28 percent of its net income before tax from the e-wallet.

Mynt is gearing up for an initial public offering in the fourth quarter worth P92.3 billion, a listing that could become the largest in Philippine history.

As of June, Globe has hiked capital expenditures by 39 percent to P26.3 billion. Capex financed the telco’s deployment of 878 new 5G sites and 80,052 additional fiber-to-the-home lines.

Globe president and CEO Carl Raymond Cruz said the telco has performed within expectations, keeping a 52.6-percent margin in the face of a difficult economy. He informed shareholders that investments are underway to ensure Globe keeps its competitive advantage.

Cruz said the telco industry has been dealing with economic risks recently, especially as consumers cut down on their spending due to elevated fuel prices.

‘The results reflect disciplined execution, resilience of our business model and our unwavering focus on creating sustainable long-term value for customers and shareholders,’ Cruz said.

Households may soon see faster deployment of own-use solar power facilities as the Department of Energy (DOE) streamlines the permitting process by removing administrative hurdles.

The DOE has ordered distribution utilities to eliminate ‘administrative barriers’ to putting up small-scale solar power generation systems, including pre-installation clearances, technical permits and inspection fees.

The directive covers zero-export solar systems (ZESS) and micro-solar systems (MSS), which are designed to supply electricity for their own use without exporting excess power to the grid.

‘There is a need to issue a policy that supports the participation of small-scale end-users in the deployment of RE (renewable energy) technologies by providing a streamlined regulatory approach,’ the DOE said in a department circular issued yesterday.

For both connected and isolated ZESS, eligible end-users must secure a certificate of compliance (COC) from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

The requirement, however, does not apply to facilities used by households, clinics, hospitals and other medical facilities, subject to the ERC’s authority to set applicable technical and commercial rules and requirements.

MSS end-users, meanwhile, will no longer be required to obtain a building permit or a COC, without prejudice to compliance with other applicable laws, rules and regulations.

ZESS refers to solar photovoltaic installations of any capacity intended solely for personal use. This may be fully off-grid or grid-connected, as long as it is equipped with control mechanisms that prevent any power from being exported to the grid.

MSS, on the other hand, covers consumer-grade, plug-and-play solar generation systems designed for one’s own consumption.

To meet the country’s RE targets, the DOE aims to maximize the inclusion, utilization and acceleration of renewables even at the consumer level, specifically through the rollout of self-generating facilities.

Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the government seeks to increase the share of renewables in the power mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040 from the current 25 percent.

Meanwhile, power giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) continues to ramp up its smart meter investments as part of a broader effort to modernize its electricity distribution network.

Through its metering transformation initiatives, Meralco is deploying advanced technologies that enable remote meter reading, disconnection and reconnection while also strengthening the protection metering facilities for customers.

The elevated metering transformation also allows early detection of potential irregularities and pilferage.

‘These improvements strengthen the integrity of the metering system and support Meralco’s continuing efforts to reduce avoidable non-technical losses while delivering reliable service to customers,’ the company said.

System loss refers to the electricity lost before it reaches consumers, with the cost currently recovered through a line item on power bills.

In Metro Manila, system loss charges account for around five percent of consumers’ power bills. The burden can be even higher for consumers served by electric cooperatives.

Meralco ramps up smart meter investments

MANILA, Philippines – Households may soon see faster deployment of own-use solar power facilities as the Department of Energy (DOE) streamlines the permitting process by removing administrative hurdles.

The DOE has ordered distribution utilities to eliminate ‘administrative barriers’ to putting up small-scale solar power generation systems, including pre-installation clearances, technical permits and inspection fees.

The directive covers zero-export solar systems (ZESS) and micro-solar systems (MSS), which are designed to supply electricity for their own use without exporting excess power to the grid.

‘There is a need to issue a policy that supports the participation of small-scale end-users in the deployment of RE (renewable energy) technologies by providing a streamlined regulatory approach,’ the DOE said in a department circular issued yesterday.

For both connected and isolated ZESS, eligible end-users must secure a certificate of compliance (COC) from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

The requirement, however, does not apply to facilities used by households, clinics, hospitals and other medical facilities, subject to the ERC’s authority to set applicable technical and commercial rules and requirements.

MSS end-users, meanwhile, will no longer be required to obtain a building permit or a COC, without prejudice to compliance with other applicable laws, rules and regulations.

ZESS refers to solar photovoltaic installations of any capacity intended solely for personal use. This may be fully off-grid or grid-connected, as long as it is equipped with control mechanisms that prevent any power from being exported to the grid.

MSS, on the other hand, covers consumer-grade, plug-and-play solar generation systems designed for one’s own consumption.

To meet the country’s RE targets, the DOE aims to maximize the inclusion, utilization and acceleration of renewables even at the consumer level, specifically through the rollout of self-generating facilities.

Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the government seeks to increase the share of renewables in the power mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040 from the current 25 percent.

Meanwhile, power giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) continues to ramp up its smart meter investments as part of a broader effort to modernize its electricity distribution network.

Through its metering transformation initiatives, Meralco is deploying advanced technologies that enable remote meter reading, disconnection and reconnection while also strengthening the protection metering facilities for customers.

The elevated metering transformation also allows early detection of potential irregularities and pilferage.

‘These improvements strengthen the integrity of the metering system and support Meralco’s continuing efforts to reduce avoidable non-technical losses while delivering reliable service to customers,’ the company said.

System loss refers to the electricity lost before it reaches consumers, with the cost currently recovered through a line item on power bills.

In Metro Manila, system loss charges account for around five percent of consumers’ power bills. The burden can be even higher for consumers served by electric cooperatives.

Young basketball and volleyball hopefuls begin their sports journeys at the Ateneo and Inspire Sports courts this month when the multi-awarded and pionering BEST Center starts its clinics on Saturday.

New students are also still being welcomed for the cage and volley clinics at the Ateneo College Covered Courts in Katipunan, Quezon City. Classes backed by Milo in cooperation with Chris Sports will be held every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. from Auguest 8 to September 19.

Sunday sessions, meanwhile, are to be held at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba Laguna from August 16 to September 20.

The Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training Center, founded in 1978 by the late national coach Nicanor “Nic” Jorge, is a recipient of the Philippine Olympic Committee Olympism Award and is a Philippine Sportswriters Association Hall-of-Fame awardee, among others.

Three public schools in Cebu City’s mountain barangay became the latest schools targeted by an online threat, prompting officials to temporarily halt classes to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and other personnel.

The threat came from a Facebook account using the name ‘Jade Jay Bong,’ which posted a message on Tuesday warning of a possible shooting within two days.

The post stated: ‘Sunod pusilon within two days andam2 lang mo dra kay basin mag uwan ug dugo dra kay mga feelingon kaau ang mga tao dra dili kahibawo mo respecto ang mga tao andam2 lang mo dra mga wlay Moy respectar ha.’

The same post named Adlaon Integrated School, Taptap Integrated School, and Sibugay Integrated School in Pung-ol Sibugay as possible targets.

In its statement, Sibugay Integrated School said the social media post had caused fear and concern over the security of schools, prompting the administration to implement precautionary measures while authorities continued investigating the alleged threat.

School officials said ensuring the safety and security of the school community remains their top priority as they continue to coordinate with law enforcement authorities during the ongoing investigation.

The City’s Public Information Office, for its part, stressed that the suspension was a precautionary measure, emphasizing that ‘the safety and well-being of learners and school personnel remain the highest priority.’

Just days earlier, Cebu City was also jolted by another incident involving youth violence.

A video showing two Grade 7 students of Talamban National High School engaged in a fistfight near San Isidro Parish Church in Barangay Talamban went viral on social media.

The altercation, which occurred on July 29 but surfaced online on August 3, prompted swift intervention from the Talamban Police Station, barangay officials, and school administrators.

A case conference was held with parents, guidance counselors, and barangay representatives, resulting in the minors being placed under a diversion program supervised by the Department of Social Welfare and Services.

In response, City Councilor Pastor M. Alcover Jr. delivered a privilege speech on the City Council floor, describing the incident as a wake-up call for Cebu City to confront deeper issues affecting its youth.

‘This is not merely about two students exchanging blows,’ Alcover said. ‘It is a reflection of bullying, peer pressure, the influence of violence on social media, inadequate parental supervision, and the mental health struggles our children face today.’

Alcover warned that the viral nature of the fight subjected the minors to ‘public scrutiny and possible psychological trauma, despite the protections afforded to them under our laws.’

Alcover cited Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act), Republic Act 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act of 2013), and Republic Act 9344, as amended by Republic Act 10630 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act), stressing that these laws mandate government action to safeguard children and promote restorative justice.

He then moved for the City Council to convene an executive session through the Committees on Peace and Order, Education, and Youth to review existing child protection and anti-bullying policies.

The session is expected to involve representatives from the Cebu City Police Office-Women and Children Protection Desk, the Department of Education-Cebu City Division, the Department of Social Welfare and Services, Barangay Talamban officials, the school principal, and the Parents-Teachers and Community Association of Talamban National High School.

‘We must ask ourselves: are our current policies enough? Or do we need stronger legislative measures to prevent youth violence and protect our children?’ Alcover said. ‘The Council cannot remain reactive. We must be proactive in ensuring that our schools and communities are safe spaces for learning and growth.’

The Cebu City Government reiterated its appeal for vigilance, calm, and reliance on official advisories as authorities continue to investigate both the mountain school threats and the Talamban incident.

Officials urged the public to report credible information to law enforcement immediately, assuring that timely updates will be released once verified.

One of the government’s biggest sources of dividends is on its way to another year of profit growth, gaining a nine-percent increase in the first half due to higher revenue.

In its financial report, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said its earnings went up to P7.3 billion from January to June, from P6.72 billion a year ago.

The regulator of local ports logged a 13-percent hike in expenses to P7.88 billion, but mitigated its impact by raising revenue by 11 percent to P16.34 billion.

The PPA raked in P16.33 billion in service and business income, largely collected from operating terminals and payment from concessionaires. It also booked P3.44 million in other non-operating income and P2.09 million in gains.

The PPA’s spending bill covered P4.62 billion in non-cash costs and P1.97 billion in maintenance expenses. It spent P1.29 billion on personnel services and P4.15 million on financial costs.

With a higher profit to date, the PPA is poised to match, if not exceed, its P8.27-billion record in 2025 to remain as one of the most viable government-owned and controlled corporations.

Given this, the government can look to another year of drawing higher dividends from the PPA, following its all-time high remittance of P5.33 billion in 2025.

Under Republic Act 7656, or the Dividends Law, state-run firms like the PPA must contribute at least half of their profit to the Bureau of the Treasury to improve funding for state projects.

So far, the PPA has transferred P62.33 billion in dividends since 1986. More than a third at P41.5 billion has been made under the term of general manager Jay Santiago, who took over in 2016.

The PPA, however, could face revenue slowdown if trade and travel volumes come down due to uncertainties in global logistics. Right now, some of the world’s busiest shipping corridors, such as the Strait of Hormuz, are dealing with naval blockades because of the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East.

The positive thing for the PPA is it can anticipate higher port activities in the fourth quarter, as it is historically the busiest season for sea travel during the Undas and Christmas holidays.

The PPA manages domestic ports across the archipelago, spending capital for the construction of new projects and the expansion of existing ones.

The Harley Davidson Batch 2012 completed a two-game sweep of Hatch IT Solutions Batch 2010, 102-95, to repeat as Division B champions in the Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) Season 29 at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles Arena in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City.

Adven Jess Diputado delivered a scintillating 41-point show laced with six rebounds, four assists, and a steal while Finals Most Valuable Player Dave Wilson Yu recorded an impressive double-double of 27 points and 15 rebounds with two assists and two steals to help Batch 2012 secure back-to-back crowns.

Dave Yu also made it to the elite Mythical 5 together with season MVP Gabe Branzuela and Jasper Diaz of Batch 2012, Franco Te of Batch 2004, and Elddie Cabahug of Batch 2005.

Batch 2012 never looked back after sprinting to a hot 33-17 start, even stretching its lead to as high as 25 points, 49-24, late in the second quarter.

Batch 2010 staged a spirited comeback in the second half, chopping the deficit down to a single digit but the gritty team of noted businessman-sportsman Regan King held on for an emphatic seven-point victory.

Julius Cadavis, the Defensive Player of the Year, and Kyle Matthew Dumon also made their presence felt after combining for 18 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists for Batch 2012.

Diaz banged in 39 with 14 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block but his stellar showing went to dustbin for Batch 2010.

Charles Divinagracia bagged 21 points with three rebounds and one assist while Branzuela posted a 20-point, 13-assist double-double with six rebounds and three steals in a losing cause.

Meanwhile, Janjan Jaboneta erupted for 30 points with 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals as the BRX Batch 2015 lived to fight for another day after downing the defending champions Core+ Batch 2018, 84-75, in Game 2 of the best-of-three Division C finals. The deciding match is set for Sunday, August 9.

The Senate has approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to institutionalize greater benefits, protection and recognition for the country’s volunteer barangay health workers (BHWs).

Senate Bill No. 1905, or the proposed Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers, was approved with 20 affirmative votes, no negative votes and no abstentions.

Under the proposed measure, registered and certified volunteer BHWs will receive a minimum monthly honorarium of P3,000, subject to review every three years. It also establishes a standardized system for the registration, certification, training and continuing professional development of barangay health workers.

The bill further guarantees transportation support, hazard allowance, annual cash gifts, loyalty incentives, insurance coverage, free medical checkups, scholarship opportunities, plantilla positions and recognition of years of service for retirement benefits.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure formally recognizes the indispensable role of barangay health workers in the country’s healthcare system.

‘Sa ating Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers, malinaw nating kinikilala ang mga BHW bilang mahalagang bahagi ng ating sistemang pangkalusugan. Sila ang pangunahing katuwang sa primary health care at sa pagpapatupad ng Universal Health Care,’ Hontiveros said.

She also thanked barangay health workers for their years of volunteer service.

‘Maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong araw-araw na sipag, tiyaga, boluntaryismo at serbisyo. Dahil ang mga nag-aalaga sa kalusugan ng ating komunidad ay dapat ding maalagaan,’ she added.

Aside from the monthly honorarium, the proposed Magna Carta grants a P10,000 loyalty incentive after 15 years of continuous and satisfactory service, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) insurance coverage, free legal assistance from the Public Attorney’s Office, educational assistance or scholarship for one child of a qualified BHW, and sub-professional civil service eligibility after five years of continuous service.

The measure also directs the Department of Budget and Management to create plantilla positions and corresponding salary grades for qualified barangay health workers.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health, in coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), will institutionalize continuing education and skills training programs and establish a National Barangay Health Worker Information System to strengthen the country’s primary healthcare workforce.

The bill likewise designates April 7 as Barangay Health Workers Day in recognition of the sector’s vital contribution to community health and the implementation of the Universal Health Care program.

Senator Loren Legarda, a co-sponsor of the measure, described the bill as long-overdue recognition for barangay health workers, noting that they have long served as the first point of contact for healthcare services in communities despite receiving limited compensation.

Senate President Win Gatchalian also welcomed the bill’s approval on third reading.

‘Ang ating mga barangay health workers ang nagsisilbing frontliners upang tugunan ang pangangailangang pangkalusugan ng ating mga komunidad. Ipinasa natin ang Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers bilang pagkilala sa kanilang mahalagang papel, at bilang pagtataguyod sa kanilang kapakanan,’ said Gatchalian, a co-author and co-sponsor of the measure.

If enacted into law, the Magna Carta is expected to strengthen the welfare, security and professional development of thousands of barangay health workers nationwide while reinforcing the country’s primary healthcare system.

National Nutrition Council (NNC)-7 Regional Program Coordinator Archie Labordo welcomed the Senate’s approval of the measure, saying it would also support the implementation of Republic Act No. 11148, or the “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act.”

‘This will help improve the health and nutrition landscape of the country particularly the implementation of RA 11148,’ said Labordo.

Republic Act No. 11148, signed into law on Nov. 29, 2018, serves as the country’s cornerstone legislation for improving the health and nutrition of mothers and young children by strengthening interventions during the critical first 1,000 days of life.

The law seeks to reduce malnutrition, stunting, wasting and micronutrient deficiencies among Filipino children through the delivery of integrated maternal and child health and nutrition services.

It focuses on the period from pregnancy until a child reaches two years old, which health experts consider the most crucial stage for physical growth, brain development and lifelong health.

Under the law, the government is mandated to provide comprehensive maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition services, including the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding, complementary feeding, proper infant and young child feeding practices, micronutrient supplementation and regular growth monitoring.

The measure also strengthens nutrition education and counseling for pregnant women, mothers and caregivers while promoting coordinated implementation of nutrition interventions among national government agencies, local government units and other stakeholders.

RA 11148 complements the government’s First 1,000 Days (F1KD) Program, which seeks to ensure that pregnant women and young children receive adequate nutrition and health services during the most critical stage of development.

Health officials have emphasized that proper nutrition during the first 1,000 days significantly influences a child’s physical growth, cognitive development, school performance and overall health later in life, making early nutrition interventions essential in preventing childhood malnutrition and improving long-term health outcomes.

Eala-mania was in full swing in Toronto on Thursday morning (Manila time).

It seems wherever Alex Eala plays, she has a ‘home court advantage.’

It was no different in Toronto.

Playing at Center Court against Alycia Parks, Eala barged into the third round of the Canadian Open after outlasting her American opponent, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2.

Like in her previous tournaments, chants of ‘Let’s go Alex!’ rained from the stands.

Whenever she gets behind or scores a point, the Filipino delegation made sure that their voices were heard.

And in Canada, Philippine flags were also on full display from the stands.

‘Iwagayway ninyo ang mga bandila niyo, patingin! There are so many Filipinos in the crowd tonight. So many flags! Thank you!’ Eala said in the post-match interview.

‘I am eternally grateful. I mean, I just came off Washington so I really feel like this is a celebration,’ she added.

Eala won her breakthrough WTA title in the Mubadala DC Open just a couple of days ago, being the first Filipina to win such a championship.

‘And mga kababayan, linggo-linggo ko kayong nakikita, sinusuportahan ako, linggo-linggo kong nakikita gaano niyo kamahal ang kapwa niyo Pinoy. Kaya proud na proud na proud na proud na proud akong maging Pinoy.’

With a huge chunk of the crowd behind her, Eala overcame great service and return performances from Parks.

Parks had 10 aces to Eala’s two, and punched in 34 winners against the Filipina’s 12. But the former committed 56 unforced errors to the latter’s 26.

With a WTA 500 title now under her belt, the 20th-ranked Filipina aims to bring home a WTA 1000 championship this time around.

She will take on Caty McNally in the next round. The American, ranked 70th in the world, stunned Linda Noskova, 7-6(5), 6-1 earlier in the day.

‘Maraming salamat, mga kababayan, mahal ko kayong lahat. Thank you to everyone who came here tonight, thank you. Thank you to everyone who’s supporting tennis and creating atmospheres like this.”

Sen. Bong Go has urged the government to fast-track the hiring of additional mental health personnel in public schools amid growing concerns over bullying and violence.

‘There are only about 4,069 licensed guidance counselors nationwide as of 2022. The country would need around 47,000 guidance counselors to meet the ideal ratio,’ Go said.

‘The mental health of our learners deserves the same attention as their physical health and academic development,’ Go stressed.

In his July 27 State of the Nation Address, President Marcos announced the deployment of 10,000 school counselor associates to public schools.

The Cebu City Inter-Collegiate Invitational Basketball Tournament 2026 kicks off with a double-header on tap today (Thursday, August 6) at the Cebu City Sports Institute in Barangay Sawang Calero.

Reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) four-peat champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers and the newly-crowned FilOil EcoOil NCAA Preseason Cup champions Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers are among the five teams seeing action in the six-day tilt organized by the Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC).

Also in the mix for the coveted title are the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors of the UAAP and the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters and Benedicto College (BC) Cheetahs from the CESAFI.

The UC Webmasters will be tested right away as they go up against the UE Red Warriors in the 6 p.m. opener, while the BC Cheetahs will square off against the JRU Heavy Bombers in the main game at 8 p.m.

The highly anticipated cage wars will follow a single round robin format, with the top two teams fighting it out for the crown in a knockout match.

The champion will take home P130,000, while the first runner-up will pocket P70,000. The third and fourth placers will receive P50,000 and P30,000, respectively.