Category: Philippine Star

Motorcycle taxi workers are asking for a dialogue with President Marcos and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to discuss new regulations that seem to prohibit them from earning more.

In a statement, motorcycle-for-hire group Nexus Riders Alliance said it is seeking a dialogue with the President and acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez in the hope of scrapping the new capping system.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) yesterday started accepting applications for motorcycle taxi riders.

Filings deemed successful will be issued provisional authority to operate (PAO) as a motorcycle taxi rider. The LTFRB committed to enforce the fleet cap in Metro Manila at 23,164 for Angkas, 15,000 for JoyRide PH and 6,836 for Move It.

This is causing anxiety among riders, Nexus Riders warned, as some of them may lose the right to work in the motorcycle taxi industry. Nexus Riders chairman Renato Emblado wants to know what would happen to riders who would exceed the cap of their platform.

‘Our question is simple: If a platform could only accept a limited number of riders, where would those not included in the allocation go?’ Emblado said.

Emblado also questioned the prohibition on multi-apping, wherein a rider could accept bookings from different platforms to earn more.

He said riders should be given the opportunity to choose their platform at any time of the day, as this will force apps to improve their booking and incentive systems for competitive advantage.

Emblado said riders support the government’s push to establish a legislative framework for their industry. However, in the absence of legislation, he told regulators to be more practical with their policies, saying the current cap fails to meet demand.

Currently, the motorcycle taxi industry operates under the oversight of a technical working group led by the DOTr and LTFRB. Lawmakers have been pushing to set up a regulatory environment, but proposals have so far failed to hurdle Congress.

The DOTr is cracking down on platforms exceeding their rider cap, which was exposed during the recent distribution of fuel subsidies at the height of the Middle East conflict.

Commuters, for their part, have relied on motorcycle taxis for a cheaper and faster way to reach their destination in the metro, but worries on safety and security are mounting in light of reports of road accidents.

DandL Industries Inc., the country’s largest producer of oleochemicals and specialty plastics and food products, overcame headwinds in the first half, as the company managed to expand its profits by eight percent to P1.5 billion.

DandL president and CEO Alvin Lao said 2026 has remained a challenging year thus far, marked by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, elevated inflation and higher interest rates.

However, Lao said the diversified nature of the company’s business, coupled with the essential nature of its products, has enabled DandL to navigate volatility with resilience.

‘In many ways, periods of disruption – particularly those affecting global supply chains – have created opportunities for us to further strengthen our position as a reliable partner to our customers,’ Lao said.

‘These situations allow us to demonstrate the value we bring through our differentiated products, technical capabilities and ability to ensure business continuity for our customers. Together, these strengths continue to deepen customer relationships and reinforce our competitive position in the marketplace,’ he added.

Net income during the second quarter reached P786 million, up by 10 percent year-on-year.

Lao said the company’s food ingredients business delivered a significant turnaround in the second quarter, indicating that earnings have likely bottomed and reached an inflection point.

‘As raw material costs stabilize and our portfolio optimization initiatives continue to gain traction, we are optimistic about the segment’s ability to deliver more stable and improved profitability moving forward,’ Lao said.

While prevailing macroeconomic uncertainties continue to weigh on market valuations and liquidity, Lao said DandL remains confident in the long-term prospects of the business.

The country’s higher palay (unhusked rice) production in the second quarter could provide additional rice stocks in preparation for the impact of El Niño on local farm production, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the DA has conducted early preparation to safeguard food supplies and farmer incomes in response to the upcoming drought.

Tiu Laurel added the four-month suspension on rice imports, which ran from September to December last year, supported the improvement in market conditions and gave farmers a better opportunity to receive higher earnings.

The country’s palay production rose by 5.7 percent to 4.63 million metric tons (MT) in the April to June period, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This was the highest second quarter output since 1987, when the PSA started recording the production data.

The record palay output was mainly driven by a

6.5-percent expansion in harvested area to 1.04 million hectares.

The DA said the expansion of palay land was due to favorable growing conditions, continued government support and improved market conditions, which encouraged farmers to plant more.

Favorable production in the second quarter had offset the 6.3 percent decline of harvest in the previous quarter, leading to a total rice output amounting to 9.02 million MT in the first half.

The DA said while the higher output provides the government more room to rebuild its rice inventories through the National Food Authority, conditions may become more challenging in the coming months.

‘Food security means being proactive. We must keep farmers planting despite higher costs and the threat of El Niño,’ Tiu Laurel said.

The agency added that it is closely monitoring other planting areas amid PSA projections that palay output would drop by 13.3 percent to 3.25 million MT.

‘While the estimate reflects crops already established at the time of assessment, the DA continues to closely monitor succeeding planting areas through field validation and remote sensing as weather conditions evolve,’ the DA said.

It added that initial field reports indicate that there was delayed planting in some areas due to the onset of rains and a slowdown in irrigation delivery.

The agency noted that it is looking to balance support for domestic farm production while also allowing timely rice imports to strengthen local supply. Rice import arrivals have reached 3.5 million metric tons.

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake jolted Sarangani shortly past noon yesterday, and was expected to generate aftershocks, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said the quake occurred at 12:14 p.m., with its epicenter located 37 kilometers southwest of Balut Island.

The quake, which was tectonic in origin, was initially reported to be magnitude 7.1, but was later downgraded by state seismologists.

It was felt at Intensity 5 in Glan, Sarangani.

Intensity 4 was felt in Alabel, Kiamba and Malungon in Sarangani, and Tupi and Polomolok in South Cotabato as well as in General Santos City.

Intensity 3 was felt in Maasim, Maitum and Malapatan in Sarangani, and Lake Sebu and Tampakan in South Cotabato.

Intensity 2 was recorded in Banga, Koronadal and Surallah in South Cotabato.

Phivolcs said the quake was an aftershock of the magnitude 7.8 temblor that struck Sarangani in June.

Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said the 6.4 temblor occurred 50 kilometers from the epicenter of the 7.8 magnitude quake, making it an aftershock of the powerful quake.

Bacolcol said that yesterday’s quake caused the sea level to rise by about 20 centimeters.

Court operations suspended

The quake prompted court administrators and officials in General Santos City and Sarangani to suspend work.

Judges Dennis Velasco and Paulo Aquino of General Santos City and Sarangani, respectively, suspended court operations starting 1 p.m.

Filing and submission of time-bound pleadings, and issuance of court resolutions and decisions were deferred.

Amid the suspension, the courts were ordered to remain accessible through their hotlines and email accounts.

Judges and clerks of court were directed to inspect and assess office premises, arrange necessary clean-up or maintenance works, and ensure that equipment, records and other properties are secured.

The local stock market declined for the second straight session as investors opted to take profits late in the session.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) slipped by 0.16 percent or 10.33 points to close at 6,286.31.

The broader All Shares index also tumbled by 0.07 percent or 2.53 points, settling at 3,412.82.

AB Capital Securities said the PSEi failed to hold above 6,300 despite better-than-expected July inflation, a stronger peso and easing Brent.

‘Weakness was broad-based, suggesting investors were reluctant to add risk ahead of Friday’s second quarter GDP (gross domestic product) release. Conviction continued to fade despite the supportive macro backdrop,’ it said.

Luis Limlingan of Regina Capital said investors initially welcomed the softer inflation data, raising hopes for a more accommodative monetary policy outlook.

Inflation eased to 6.2 percent in July from 6.4 percent in June on softer global oil prices and lower transport costs, data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority showed..

However, Limlingan said selling pressure intensified toward the close as traders locked in recent gains, resulting in a weaker finish.

‘The local bourse ended lower despite a better-than-expected inflation print, as late-session profit taking erased earlier gains and dragged the index into negative territory,’ Limlingan said.

All sectors were in the negative territory, except for mining and oil, which climbed by 4.63 percent.

Financials and industrial indexes lost the most, sliding by 0.33 percent and 0.31 percent, respectively.

Total turnover value amounted to P6.77 billion. Advancers outnumbered decliners, 102 to 84, while 49 issues were unchanged.

ICTSI was the session’s top traded stock, increasing by 0.2 percent to P1,005 per share, followed by BDO Unibank and Globe, which shed 0.49 percent and 3.25 percent, respectively, to P123 and P1,755.

Harmie Constantino’s spirited comeback bid came undone with a costly mistake on the final hole as she hobbled with a 74 and all but dropped out of title contention in the Chonburi Ladies Championship at the Treasure Hill Golf Club in Chonburi, Thailand on Thursday.

Battling difficult scoring conditions, Constantino fought back after slipping to three-over for the round, sparking hopes of a strong finish with back-to-back birdies on Nos. 16 and 17. But she failed to get up-and-down on the closing par-4 18th, settling for a 38-36 card.

Counting her opening-round 72, the Filipina standout fell from a share of 25th to a tie for 34th at 146, nine strokes behind Thailand’s Pattharat Rattanawan.

Rattanawan also struggled but rescued a 73 to retain the lead at 137.

Onkanok Soisuwan, a former Ladies Philippine Golf Tour winner, emerged as Rattanawan’s closest challenger after firing a 69 to pull within, 138, while Navaporn Soontreeyapas and amateur Chonpansa Tawinsang stood another shot back at 139 after rounds of 70 and 73, respectively, setting up a wide-open battle for the championship in the final round.

Constantino looked poised to make a move after birdieing the par-4 second, but her momentum quickly faded as she bogeyed Nos. 3, 5 and 8 after a series of errant shots and missed birdie opportunities.

Another bogey on the 10th pushed her further down the leaderboard. Although she responded with a birdie on the next, she gave the stroke back immediately with another bogey on No. 12.

After three straight pars, Constantino, a multi-title campaigner on the LPGT, reignited her charge with consecutive birdies on Nos. 16 and 17, only to see her rally end with a costly closing bogey.

Meanwhile, Tiffany Lee survived the cut on the number despite a 76, finishing at 151 to tie for 61st heading into the final round of the THB1.5 million championship.

Distance may separate families, but love continues to find its way home. This August, SM Cinema, together with TinBo powered by PLDT Global and Pioneer Films, invites moviegoers to experience “Dear You,” a moving Chinese family drama that celebrates love, sacrifice, and the unbreakable ties that connect generations across borders.

Opening exclusively at SM Cinema on August 12, “Dear You” follows Xiaowei, a young man who journeys to Thailand in search of his grandfather, uncovering decades of family secrets through a collection of heartfelt letters.

Blending emotional storytelling with themes that resonate deeply with Filipino families, the film offers a touching tribute to the enduring bonds between loved ones, no matter how far apart they may be.

As the country’s most loved cinema, SM Cinema continues to deliver maxed out experiences that go beyond entertainment. Through Love Knows No Distance, the exclusive campaign inspired by “Dear You,” the story extends beyond the screen and into the lives of moviegoers by creating meaningful opportunities for families to reconnect.

The campaign held the film’s premiere on July 30 at SM Mall of Asia IMAX, where guests were the first to experience the film on the country’s premier cinema screen.

The special screening gathered representatives from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, members of the Filipino-Chinese community, partners from SM Cinema, TinBo powered by PLDT Global and Pioneer Films, along with members of the media, influencers and key opinion leaders.

At the heart of the campaign is the Love Knows No Distance Message Wall, an interactive installation that transforms handwritten letters into real opportunities for reunion.

From July 31 to August 21, moviegoers who purchase at least two “Dear You” tickets at any SM Cinema branch, through the website, or via the SM Cinema app may visit participating Message Walls at SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA and SM Aura.

Participants are invited to write heartfelt letters to loved ones living overseas and submit them for a chance to win roundtrip airfare for two to reunite with family in select Asian destinations.

The winning entries will be judged based on sincerity and emotional impact, relevance to the campaign’s message, and creativity in storytelling.

Two winners will each receive two roundtrip economy-class airline tickets, to eligible destinations including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia or Myanmar.

The campaign reflects the realities of millions of Filipino families whose relationships are strengthened by love despite living in different countries. Through TinBo powered by PLDT Global, the initiative demonstrates how technology can help bridge emotional distances, making it easier for Global Filipinos to stay connected with the people who matter most.

More than a film release, “Dear You” is a celebration of family, remembrance and hope. It is a reminder that even across oceans, heartfelt words have the power to bring people closer.

Experience “Dear You” the way it was meant to be seen. Only at SM Cinema, where stories come to life through the biggest screens, immersive sound and shared moments that make every movie unforgettable.

“Dear You” opens exclusively at SM Cinema on August 12.

Five more state officials are among the intended victims of an alleged plot to fabricate a human trafficking scandal against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said yesterday.

Targets of the alleged honey trap include Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and Information and Communications Secretary Henry Aguda, the NBI said.

Following an anti-trafficking operation last week, the suspect and one of the rescued women linked former Cabinet official Jacinto Paras to the scheme, with Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste as the alleged financier.

‘As of now, these are all speculations because there’s no proof yet,’ NBI Director Melvin Matibag said. ‘What’s clear and with evidence is that based on the statement of the two people, they were talking with (former) congressman Jing Paras and planning what we called character assassination.’

Leviste and Paras have been summoned to the NBI today to shed light on the incident.

Had the honey trap succeeded, Recto would have been accused of forcing the rescued women to engage in sexual activities with him.

Paras’ lawyer Mark Tolentino pushed back against Jonvic Remulla for labeling Paras as the ‘mastermind.’

Remulla has said he is considering filing trafficking charges against Paras.

For many young Filipinos, SB19 is more than a chart-topping Pinoy Pop (P-pop) group.

Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin have become symbols of a generation that’s proudly embracing Filipino talent on the global stage. Their music has filled arenas around the world, but it’s their authenticity, relentless work ethic and unwavering pride in being Filipino that have earned them a loyal following.

Their success isn’t simply about producing hit songs. It’s about proving that staying true to your roots can also be the key to moving forward.

That’s why SB19’s influence extends beyond music.

For many fans, the group has become a source of inspiration not only in pursuing their dreams but also in celebrating Filipino culture. Whether through music, language or everyday traditions, SB19 has shown that being proudly Filipino never goes out of style.

When shared values bring brands together

It’s also why the brands that partner with SB19 aren’t simply looking for celebrity endorsers. The strongest collaborations happen when both sides stand for something bigger than a campaign. They reflect shared values, authentic stories and a genuine connection with the people they hope to reach.

That’s what makes SB19’s partnership with Datu Puti feel like a natural fit.

A product of NutriAsia, Datu Puti was founded by Hernan Reyes in 1975, pioneered the Philippine vinegar industry, and became the country’s leading vinegar brand. Over the years, it expanded beyond vinegar into soy sauce and other trusted kitchen staples, becoming part of generations of Filipino family meals.

Today, nearly five decades later, the brand continues to evolve while staying rooted in the traditions that have long defined Filipino home cooking.

Like SB19, Datu Puti has earned lasting trust not by standing still, but by growing alongside the people it serves.

Keeping traditions alive for today’s generation

The Filipino kitchen looks different today than it did a generation ago.

Many young adults, much like SB19 themselves, are navigating a new stage of life. They’re cooking in their first apartments, balancing busy careers or starting families of their own.

Instead of handwritten recipe notebooks, they’re just as likely to learn from TikTok, YouTube, or a message in the family group chat.

But while the way Filipinos learn to cook has changed, the desire to prepare meals that feel like home hasn’t.

It’s this shared understanding of today’s generation that makes the partnership meaningful. While SB19 continues to inspire young Filipinos through their music and story, Datu Puti hopes to inspire the same generation to rediscover the joy of home cooking.

Recognizing these changing lifestyles, Datu Puti introduced the Adobo Series, a ready-to-use line of cooking sauces inspired by one of the country’s most beloved dishes.

Available in Classic Adobo, Spicy Adobo, Pininyahang Adobo, Adobo sa Gata, and Humba variants, the lineup makes it easier for today’s home cooks to recreate familiar Filipino flavors in three simple steps: Pour. Cook. Serve.

“The brands that stand the test of time are the ones that continue to listen to the people they serve. At Datu Puti, we’ve grown alongside generations of Filipino families, and every innovation we introduce is rooted in one goal: helping keep Filipino food traditions alive in ways that fit today’s lifestyles. Through innovations like the Datu Puti Adobo Series, we hope to inspire a new generation to discover the joy of home cooking while staying connected to the flavors and traditions that have long brought Filipinos together,” said Joana Lagurin, senior brand manager of Datu Puti.

More than a brand partnership

The strongest brand collaborations aren’t built on star power alone. They endure because they tell authentic stories that connect with the everyday experiences of Filipinos.

For SB19, that story has always been about proudly representing the Philippines while inspiring a new generation to embrace its culture and identity. For Datu Puti, it’s about ensuring that Filipino food traditions continue to thrive in modern kitchens.

From the concert stage to the family kitchen, SB19 demonstrates that influence isn’t measured solely by chart-topping songs or sold-out arenas. It is also reflected in the values they choose to champion and the conversations they help spark.

By lending their voice to a heritage brand that has long been part of Filipino homes, they remind a generation raised in a fast-moving, digital world that culture is not preserved only in museums.

It lives in everyday rituals, from the meals we prepare to the traditions we pass on.

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) has entered into an agreement to provide wet lease services to Vietnam Airlines, the flag carrier of Vietnam.

The agreement covers the deployment of one Airbus A320neo aircraft powered by Pratt and Whitney engines which Vietnam Airlines will utilize for its flight operations between July 15 and Sept. 7, 2026.

The aircraft will be based in Ho Chi Minh City and will be operated by Cebu Pacific pilots and cabin crew. The operation will cover domestic routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc, Vinh, Da Nang, and vice versa.

‘Vietnam and the broader Southeast Asian market continue to see strong growth in air travel, creating opportunities for airlines to collaborate more closely in meeting demand. As Cebu Pacific’s fleet continues to expand, we are well positioned to deploy our capacity where it is needed most, including through strategic wet lease partnerships during periods of lower demand in the Philippines,’ said Cebu Pacific Chief Financial Officer Mark Cezar.

‘This collaboration with Vietnam Airlines enables Cebu Pacific to broaden its role beyond passenger operations by providing operational support to airlines across the region. It also creates new opportunities to diversify our revenue streams while expanding our presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets,’ he added.

This agreement further demonstrates Cebu Pacific’s strong capability to enter wet lease arrangements with other airlines, both as a lessor and a lessee. In 2023, Cebu Pacific signed a damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air for two A320ceo aircraft to meet the growing travel demand in the Philippines amid the post-pandemic travel recovery.

Cebu Pacific also successfully provided wet lease services to Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier flyadeal, which utilized two A320 aircraft to strengthen the Middle Eastern airline’s fleet during its peak summer flying season in 2025.