Category: Philippine Star

The Philippines has secured a $600-million grant from the United States to improve the country’s health care sector and its capacity to respond to public health threats, the Department of Finance (DOF) said.

In a statement, the DOF said it facilitated up to P36.95 billion grant under the Strategic Objective Agreement (SOA) for Integrated and Sustainable Health Systems in the Philippines, proposed to be implemented by the Department of Health.

‘Investing in health care is investing in our people, our productivity and our future. Through this grant, we are strengthening the country’s ability to respond to health emergencies while building a more resilient and sustainable health care system that benefits our people,’ Finance Secretary Frederick Go said.

It will build an integrated, sustainable, resilient and self-reliant health system by boosting health security, improving health care delivery and enhancing the Philippines’ capacity to respond to infectious disease threats, the agency said.

The assistance will also advance bilateral cooperation on global health security and other priority health programs.

Under the SOAG, the two countries will work on three key results, such as strengthening disease surveillance, detection and outbreak response, integrating health service delivery across disease programs and improving the government’s strengthened domestic capacity to finance and manage the health sector.

The initiative will also support programs addressing HIV, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases and maternal, newborn and child health.

‘SOAG reflects the shared commitment of both governments to strengthen public health systems, improve preparedness against emerging and existing infectious diseases and promote sustainable economic growth through healthier communities,’ the agency said.

The DOF said grants are non repayable assistance from development partners, allowing the government to invest in priority programs such as its health care system.

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte and the Senate regular session were canceled yesterday due to inclement weather and flooding caused by Tropical Storm Maymay and the enhanced southwest monsoon.

Senate secretary Renato Bantug Jr. issued Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian’s work-from-home advisory yesterday following Malacañang’s Memorandum Circular 123 allowing remote work setup in government offices due to continuous rains.

‘The impeachment trial and plenary session of the Senate today are cancelled and shall resume tomorrow, Tuesday, 11 August 2026,’ the advisory added.

The cancellation came after the House prosecution panel assailed Duterte’s remarks implying that the impeachment trial against her is like ‘bending the law.’ ?

‘If a litigant attacks the integrity of the court, that actually constitutes not just violation of the sub-judice rule, but even an act that’s considered as a contempt of court or contemptuous,’ Benjamin Tolosa Jr., counsel for the prosecution, warned.

It was in reaction to Duterte saying, ‘There’s no need to disturb the impeachment (trial) because it’s already a mess for bending the law.’

The prosecution said that while litigants can criticize the courts, one thing they cannot do is attack its integrity.

Tolosa said the Vice President’s verbal attack on the impeachment court is dangerous, especially in a case of this magnitude.

‘This is because this may destroy the people’s confidence in the proceedings. It could cause prejudgment. People might think the court is inclined to ignore the law,’ he said.

Tolosa added that the prosecution will leave it up to the discretion of the impeachment court on how to respond to these attacks by the Vice President since they have the authority and power to take action – if necessary.

Tolosa said pronouncements coming from a very high official are bothersome.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) net inflows into the Philippines plunged by 65 percent in May to their lowest level in more than 11 years, weighed down by a sharp drop in intercompany borrowings from foreign investors.

Preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed FDI net inflows fell by 64.7 percent to $210 million in May from $595 million in the same month last year.

The May figure was also 16 percent lower than the $250 million recorded in April and marked the smallest monthly inflow since the $200 million posted in March 2015.

The steep annual decline was driven almost entirely by a collapse in net investments in debt instruments, which mainly represent borrowings and lending between foreign direct investors and their Philippine subsidiaries or affiliates.

Net debt investments sank by 92.1 percent to just $35 million in May from $440 million a year earlier, accounting for more than the overall decline in FDI during the month. This offset improvements in the other two major components of FDI.

Foreign investors’ net equity capital placements rose by 24.5 percent to $77 million from $62 million. Reinvestment of earnings likewise increased by 5.7 percent to $98 million from $93 million.

The increase in net equity investment, however, reflected lower withdrawals rather than stronger fresh placements. Gross equity placements declined by about 19 percent to $87 million from $108 million, while withdrawals dropped sharply to $10 million from $46 million.

For the first five months, FDI net inflows reached $2.18 billion, down by 33.4 percent from $3.27 billion in the same period last year.

The BSP said the January-to-May decline was driven by lower net investments in debt instruments and reinvestment of earnings, which more than offset the increase in net equity capital investments.

‘This reflected lower intercompany borrowings from foreign direct investors and reduced earnings retained for reinvestment during the period,’ the BSP said.

Net investments in debt instruments fell by 49.5 percent to $1.25 billion in the five-month period from $2.48 billion a year ago. Reinvestment of earnings also slipped by 9.7 percent to $383 million from $424 million.

In contrast, net equity capital investments surged by 48.7 percent to $541 million from $364 million.

The BSP said equity capital placements during the first five months came mainly from Japan, the United States and Singapore. These investments were directed largely toward manufacturing, financial and insurance activities and real estate.

The BSP’s FDI figures measure actual cross-border investment flows and are distinct from foreign investment approvals reported by investment promotion agencies, which represent commitments that may not necessarily materialize within the reporting period.

RCBC chief economist Michael Ricafort said the decline in FDI reflected a combination of geopolitical and domestic uncertainties that have weighed on investment appetite.

He also said the weakness in foreign investment was also consistent with the slowdown in overall investment and economic growth in the second quarter.

Being the secretary of health must be bad for the health.

Last month, President Marcos’ first regular Department of Health secretary Teodoro Herbosa resigned amid various issues raised against him. Herbosa cited health reasons for his resignation, which was quickly accepted.

On July 13, President Marcos named top orthopedic surgeon Jose ‘Brix’ Pujalte Jr. as the new DOH secretary. Pujalte was plucked from his post as medical center chief of the Philippine Orthopedic Center, an institution that his father Jose Senior also headed during the first Marcos administration.

With a master’s degree in hospital administration, Pujalte’s selection as the replacement for Herbosa was widely hailed.

But the praise was short-lived. Just days later, a complaint was filed against him before the Presidential Complaint Center at Malacañang, allegedly for gambling on July 20 at Okada Manila and Solaire Resort and Casino under the aliases ‘Louis Santos’ and ‘Louiss Santos.’

Pujalte explained that he merely met with local officials of Masbate and Sorsogon at the hotels to discuss possible assistance to public hospitals in the Bicol region.

The complainants, however, said Pujalte violated civil service rules and laws prohibiting public officials from gambling in casinos and using aliases.

On Aug. 5, an anonymous complaint was filed before the Office of the Ombudsman against Pujalte, alleging that he delayed the public bidding for the procurement of tuberculosis medicines ostensibly to buy time for a supplier he favored.

Yesterday, Malacañang announced that Pujalte had ‘voluntarily resigned’ for unspecified health reasons, and would be replaced by another orthopedic surgeon, acting Philippine Health Insurance Corp. president and CEO Edwin Mercado. Beverly Lorraine Ho, chief health officer of Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. and a former DOH official, replaces Mercado as PhilHealth chief.

In the past years, PhilHealth itself has had its share of controversies involving corruption and mismanagement. Beverly Ho has her work cut out for her.

And so does Edwin Mercado.

Like public education, healthcare in this country is in crisis. Inadequate resources, manpower shortages and institutional weaknesses are aggravated by political intervention in the delivery of medical services, corruption scandals and other controversies that take forever to resolve.

It’s enough to make a DOH secretary sick of the job. But perhaps Mercado can hold the post long enough for him to make a dent in addressing that multitude of problems.

San Juan and Binan won in runaway fashion, while Mindoro scrambled past Marikina in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season on Monday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

The San Juan Knights dumped the Manila Batang Quiapo, 124-75, in the nightcap, improving on Binan Tatak Gel’s 110-86 conquest of the Paranaque Patriots in the opener.

Powered by Patrick Sleat and Harold Alarcon, the Knights led as far as 82-39 in cruising to their 16th win against two losses that put them closer to the Abra Solid North Weavers (18-1) and the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo (17-2) in the race for playoff spots in the North Division.

Ex-Perpetual Help star Sleat finished with 21 points – highlighted by a two-handed slam – four rebounds and two assists to clinch Best Player honors over Alarcon, a former UP Fighting Maroons stalwart, who missed a triple-double with 10 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists.

Michael Calisaan supported with 14 points and eight rebounds; Nikko Panganiban with 12 points and five rebounds; and Dexter Maiquez with 10 points, six assists and four rebounds.

Mindoro scrambles past Marikina

Mindoro crawled out of a deep hole in the fourth quarter to nip Marikina, 71-69, in the second game and boost its playoff drive in the South Division, where Binan holds a 17-4 record.

The Mindoro Tamaraws rose to 11-9, virtually assured of a play-in slot involving the seventh- to 10th-ranked teams after the eliminations.

Trailing as far as 47-62 and still behind at 52-65, Mindoro bunched 12 points to threaten at 64-65.

Marikina responded with four free throws to pad the lead, 69-64, with 28.3 seconds left.

Mindoro’s Jayjay Caspe, however, sprang a triple and stole off Marikina’s RR Casajeros in the next play, forcing Casajeros to commit an unsportsmanlike foul that sent Mindoro’s Drick Acosta to the free throw line. Acosta settled for a split, after which Bambam Gamalinda drilled a triple to push Mindoro in front, 71-69, with 10.7 seconds left.

It turned out to be the final count, as Casajeros missed two charities with 4.8 ticks to go.

Mindoro drew 15 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and three assists from JC Recto; 14 points and five rebounds from Caspe; and 11 points, eight rebounds and two assists from Marion Magat.

The Tamaraws prevailed despite making only 16 of 38 free throw attempts, with Recto missing all of his seven tries, for 42.1%.

Marikina, which slid to 6-15, got 14 points from Jeepy Faundo, 13 from Jethro Escoto, and 12 from Jomel Landayan.

Binan trounces Paranaque

Up by three points after the first quarter, Binan took the half by six, the third quarter by 17, and as far as 110-84 en route to a 17-4 card and the third position in the South division.

Binan, which recovered from a 53-63 beating it absorbed from Abra Solid North on August 1, trails Quezon Province (15-3) and Batangas City (15-3), and is ahead of Gensan (13-4) in the chase for playoff spots.

Nic Cabanero again shone for Binan with 16 points, six rebounds and five assists, followed by Michael Mabulac with 12 points, 12 rebounds and five assists.

Other major contributors for Binan were Ryan Sual with 12 points – hitting four of five triple attempts – two rebounds and two assists; Jaymar Gimpayan, with 10 points and four rebounds; and Damian Lasco with 10 points plus two rebounds.

Paranaque skidded to 2-22 despite Marlon Monte’s 15 points and six rebounds; Dom Matillano’s 13 points and four rebounds; Paolo Castro’s 13 points; Jomar Santos’ 12 points and four rebounds; and Dan Sara’s 11 points plus four assists.

The tournament returns to the Caloocan Sports Complex on Tuesday, featuring games between Bataan and Sarangani at 3 p.m.; Zamboanga and Valenzuela at 5 p.m.; and Caloocan and GenSan at 7 p.m

The Lapu-Lapu City Government reported significant economic and tourism gains from the recently concluded Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu Cebu, which the city hosted on Sunday, August 9, 2026.

Tourism Officer Garry Lao said the successful staging of the international triathlon further elevated the city’s standing as a premier sports tourism destination while showcasing the resilience and hospitality of the Oponganon community.

Lao told The Freeman that hotels, beachfront resorts and homestays recorded near-full occupancy during the event.

He, however, said the city has yet to quantify the economic gains in terms of actual revenue as officials are still consolidating the figures.

‘From an economic and tourism perspective, the prestigious global sporting event achieved monumental milestones that further strengthened Lapu-Lapu City’s reputation as an elite host for international events,’ Lao said.

He said the race was more than an athletic competition.

‘It was our collective opportunity to showcase the absolute best of Lapu-Lapu City’s culture, capability, and community spirit to the entire world. To every Oponganon who cheered, volunteered, and contributed-this victory belongs to all of us,’ he added.

The influx of athletes, families, coaches and supporters also boosted businesses, particularly restaurants, transport services and local attractions.

Mayor Ma. Cynthia ‘Cindi’ King-Chan said the growing number of international participants reflects the city’s emergence as a world-class sports tourism hub, with the warmth of the Oponganon people serving as a defining factor.

South African Olympian Henri Schoeman, who won his second Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu title, sent a video message to the mayor expressing his gratitude and admiration for the city.

‘What makes this event so special for me though, is that it’s not just a race… I really feel the entire community comes together as one big family,’ Schoeman said, praising the volunteers, schoolchildren and supporters who lined the streets.

Reflecting on his return to the city, Schoeman said: ‘I was here last 2024 and coming back now, it’s amazing to see how Lapu-Lapu City has changed and grown and evolved. The town continues to develop, and at the same time, you can see how much the sport of triathlon is growing and evolving here as well.’

For Schoeman, the city’s development alongside the growth of triathlon made the event particularly meaningful.

‘That’s incredibly special to witness-seeing the city grow alongside the sport and seeing an event like this bring everyone together,’ he said.

He closed his message with a promise: ‘Now that I’ve got two wins, I’d absolutely love to try and come back here again and make it a 3-peat. Thank you Mayor Cindi and thank you Lapu-Lapu City… I’ll see you soon.’

Despite strong winds and rough seas, 1,412 athletes completed the demanding 1.9-kilometer swim, 90-kilometer bike and 21.1-kilometer run covering portions of Lapu-Lapu City, Cordova and Cebu City through the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

Residents along the route provided free water, music and cheers for the athletes, further highlighting the city’s reputation for hospitality.

Security operations were led by the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office under PCOL Agosto P. Daskeo, which deployed 639 personnel in coordination with the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection and barangay tanods.

The security forces handled crowd control, traffic management and emergency response during the event.

Organizers also clarified that motorcycle-related incidents reported at the South Road Properties on race day occurred outside the race route. No major accidents involving the race were reported, while four athletes who were briefly hospitalized were later discharged.

A fourth straight championship for the University of Cebu or back-to-back crowns for Jose Rizal University?

This question will be answered tonight (Tuesday, August 11) as the UC Webmasters and the JRU Heavy Bombers collide against each other for the coveted title of the Cebu City Collegiate Invitational Basketball Tournament 2026 at the Cebu City Sports Institute in Barangay Sawang Calero.

Tip-off is set for 8 p.m., right after the 6 p.m. battle for third place between the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers and the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors.

The Webmasters of coach Atty. Kernn Sesante are eyeing their fourth straight trophy this year after coming out as champions in the 89th Araw ng Dabaw Invitational Basketball Tournament in Davao City last March, the 1st Moalboal Commercial Fiesta Basketball League in May, and the 78th Mabungahong Socorro Fiesta Basketball Tournament in Socorro, Surigao del Norte two months ago.

The Webmasters face a tall order against the Heavy Bombers, who are seeking another glory after reigning supreme in the 2026 Filoil EcoOil NCAA Preseason Cup two weeks ago.

But the Webmasters are itching to exact vengeance on the Heavy Bombers who beat them in their previous meeting last August 8.

The Webmasters put up a gallant stand after being down by as much as 27 points, albeit in a losing cause, 85-89, against the Heavy Bombers.

Fans can expect another thrilling battle as the Webmasters and the Heavy Bombers clash again, this time for the crown that comes with a P130,000 cash prize.

Over 200 nano, micro, small and medium enterprises (NMSMEs), including sari-sari store owners and vendors gathered at the Wais Tindera Caravan in Cebu to deepen their understanding of digitalization and responsible borrowing.

In celebration of MSME Month, GCash reinforces its commitment to being the trusted growth partner of Filipino NMSMEs, powering every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. GCash continues to champion local businesses by providing easier access to the integrated financial and digital tools they need to sustain their livelihoods, navigate uncertainty and drive the Philippine economy.

The Wais Tindera Caravan serves as the Financial Literacy x Business Literacy (FinLit x BizLit) of GCash and Fuse Financing designed for Filipino micro-entrepreneurs.

The program provides lessons on budgeting, pricing, inventory management, sales tracking and business growth. The caravan also tackled the risks of predatory lending as many micro-retailers still rely on informal lenders, including the ‘5-6′ system, which often carries high interest rates and can lead to cycles of debt.

Digital financial tools were also introduced, like GLoan Negosyo-a Fuse cash loan product designed to meet NMSMEs’ urgent funding needs-and GCash Pera Outlet Plus (GPO Plus), which enables store owners to earn extra income by offering cash-in, cash-out, bills payment, and other digital transactions to their communities.

“Through the Wais Tindera Caravan, we aim to equip NMSMEs with the practical financial and business skills needed to make informed decisions, manage their finances effectively, and adopt responsible borrowing practices to grow their businesses sustainably.” said Kevin Yu, head of B2B lending at Fuse Financing. Responsible borrowing for NMSMEs

A key focus of the Cebu leg was responsible borrowing. Participants learned how to assess whether a loan is necessary for business growth, borrow within their capacity to repay, and use credit for productive purposes such as inventory expansion.

Sessions also covered how to understand loan terms, interest rates and repayment obligations before borrowing. The program highlighted how formal lending solutions can support business growth when used with proper planning.

Through this campaign, entrepreneurs learned about excessive interest rates, lack of transparency, and unsustainable repayment terms.

Partner in every stage of growthThe caravan underscores the commitment of GCash to empowering Filipino MSMEs at every stage of growth. By introducing innovations like GCash SoundPay Plus and GCash EasyPOS, the platform helps small businesses seamlessly adopt digital QR and card payments, driving operational efficiency.

Beyond accessible payment solutions, GCash fosters grassroots, community-wide economic growth. Through GCash Pera Outlet Plus, neighborhood merchants can earn extra income by providing vital Cash In and Cash Out services to their localities, while accessible insurance offerings protect these grassroots businesses from unexpected financial shocks.

The caravan, in addition, addressed the digital trust gap as well among small business owners who may be hesitant to adopt digital financial services. Sessions explained how digital payments work, how to use GCash safely and securely, how responsible use of digital tools can help build a financial track record, and gain access to formal financial products and services.

The Wais Tindera Caravan supports the ‘Finance for All’ mission of GCash. Financial literacy remains central to the program, with participants learning skills they can apply immediately and tools they can integrate easily.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday raised the possibility of postponing the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections on Sept. 14, if the voting centers in the region will be submerged in flood and people will not be able to vote.

‘There are certain areas, such as in Maguindanao and Cotabato, wherein severe flooding occurs. We are thinking of where people can go to vote, especially if flooding happens in their schools on election day,’ Comelec Chairman George Garcia told a press briefing yesterday.

He cited Section 6 of the Omnibus Election Code, which allows a resetting or postponement of election in areas affected by force majeure where people may not be able to vote.

‘If election paraphernalia are destroyed, there is nothing that we can use for the election. We have to postpone the election. But at this point, we are not seeing that kind of scenario,’ Garcia said.

He added that the Comelec started deploying last week ballots and other election materials to Tawi-Tawi and Basilan, the farthest provinces.

This week, the poll body is set to deliver the materials to four other provinces.

A proposed memorandum of agreement between the Mandaue City Government and the Cebu Technological University (CTU) seeks to protect the Mandaue City College (MCC) from potential ‘poaching’ of its faculty and administrative staff.

Councilor Carlo Fortuna said the anti-poaching provision was included in the MOA to prevent the planned CTU Mandaue Campus from affecting MCC’s academic quality and human resources, particularly since salaries at a state university may be more competitive.

Fortuna said there is a possibility that MCC teachers could be enticed to transfer to CTU once its Mandaue Campus is established in Barangay Looc, potentially affecting MCC’s academic operations.

Under Section 6-B of the MOA, CTU will not be allowed to recruit, ‘pirate,’ or hire active full-time faculty members or administrative staff of MCC for its Mandaue Campus.

The restriction will remain in effect for 24 months from an employee’s formal separation from MCC, unless the MCC Board of Trustees issues a written waiver or No Objection Certificate.

Fortuna said the provision is intended to ensure that the CTU campus complements MCC rather than competes with it.

The MOA also provides that CTU will not offer undergraduate degree programs already being offered by MCC, including the Bachelor of Secondary Education, Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology.

The CTU Mandaue Campus is expected to offer engineering programs.

‘The city government is just thinking of a harmonious relationship, at the same time makatabang ang CTU sa educational system sa Mandaue City College,’ Fortuna said.

He said MCC students would also be allowed to benefit from CTU’s facilities, particularly since the two institutions will be located in the same area in Barangay Looc.

Under the MOA, qualified MCC students may use CTU’s laboratories, libraries, research databases and specialized equipment, subject to CTU policies and availability.

They may also cross-enroll in high-cost specialized laboratory subjects that MCC may not have the financial capacity to maintain.

Fortuna said students could also earn academic units through cross-enrollment that may be credited toward their MCC programs.

He said the two institutions would maintain separate operations, with CTU functioning as a university and MCC as a college, while working toward academic curriculum synergy.

The MOA also provides for a faculty mentorship program, joint laboratories and research initiatives, as well as joint board examination review sessions for programs such as education and engineering.

The committee report containing the revised MOA was approved by the City Council during its regular session yesterday, August 10.

The approval of the committee report clears the way for Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito ‘Jonkie’ Ouano to sign and execute the agreement with CTU