Category: Philippine Star

Accused sex trafficker Apollo Quiboloy’s fate will be known ‘in a couple of weeks’ as the government will decide on the United States’ extradition request, Malacañang said yesterday.

Palace press officer Claire Castro said President Marcos wants the extradition request to be studied carefully.

‘In a couple of weeks, they will give an announcement about the decision on the matter,’ Castro said.

Quiboloy, founder of religious group Kingdom of Jesus Christ and spiritual adviser of detained former president Rodrigo Duterte, is on the most wanted list of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation for reportedly orchestrating a sex trafficking operation.

The Philippine government has two options regarding the extradition request: Quiboloy can either stay in the Philippines while on trial or the case can be put on hold for the pastor’s extradition, Castro said.

Malacañang said it is fully supporting efforts to strengthen territorial defense and disaster preparedness in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

This, as government agencies, local government units and security forces launched the KALASAG-Zamboanga Peninsula Inter-Agency Territorial Defense Operation Exercise on Monday, August 10.

Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo Jr., who led the opening of the exercise, conveyed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s appreciation to the participating agencies and personnel.

He emphasized the need for stronger inter-agency coordination amid evolving security and disaster-related challenges.

Lagdameo added that the exercise comes at a critical time as the Zamboanga Peninsula continues to strengthen its gains in peace and internal security while preparing for a broader range of potential threats.

‘KALASAG-Sibugay comes at an important point in our security efforts in the Zamboanga Peninsula. This means strengthening our territorial defense and making sure we are ready for challenges that may come not only from within but also from beyond our borders,’ Lagdameo said.

The exercise is designed to test the readiness of government institutions to respond to external threats, protect communities and critical infrastructure, sustain government operations during crises, and ensure public safety. Lagdameo stressed that responding effectively to emerging threats requires close coordination among government agencies, local authorities, and the security sector.

‘No single agency or sector can answer these questions alone. This is why inter-agency coordination is at the heart of KALASAG-Sibugay,’ he said.

He also underscored that preparedness goes beyond the capabilities of security forces, noting the importance of keeping government services operational, providing accurate and timely information, and protecting civilians during emergencies.

Following the exercise’s opening, Lagdameo met with security officials, Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Ann Hofer, and other local officials during a Security Executive Briefing and luncheon. Discussions focused on the region’s security situation and measures to further strengthen coordination between national and local government authorities.

The KALASAG-Zamboanga Peninsula Inter-Agency Territorial Defense Operation Exercise is part of the national government’s continuing efforts to enhance territorial defense, disaster preparedness, and whole-of-government coordination, with the goal of keeping communities resilient and government institutions prepared to respond to emerging security and emergency challenges

Monsoon rains prompted the Sandiganbayan to defer the pretrial hearing for Sen. Rodante Marcoleta in his plunder case.

Yesterday’s proceedings were rescheduled for Friday.

Marcoleta and businessman Joseph had pleaded not guilty to plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan Third Division.

The senator had publicly admitted to not declaring P75 million in donations from Espiritu and two others for his campaign in the 2025 midterm elections.

Aside from plunder, Marcoleta and his co-accused were charged with violating the law banning officials from accepting gifts.

Meanwhile, the anti-graft court’s Third Division has summoned former public works secretary Manuel Bonoan to testify in former senator Ramon Revilla Jr.’s trial for malversation.

Bonoan is still confined at the Philippine National Police General Hospital.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court yesterday implemented work-from-home arrangements due to inclement weather.

Every breath powers the moments that matter, from keeping up with a busy workday and staying active with loved ones to exercising, sleeping, and simply going about everyday life. Yet despite working around the clock, our lungs are often taken for granted until something goes wrong.

Today, global health experts are calling for a shift in perspective, recognizing that lung health is not only about preventing respiratory disease, but also about supporting overall wellness throughout life.

Last year, the World Health Assembly adopted a landmark resolution promoting an integrated approach to lung health, recognizing healthy lungs as essential to physical well-being, resilience and quality of life.

This renewed focus comes as the World Health Organization estimates that 99% of the world’s population breathes air that exceeds its recommended air quality guidelines, highlighting how everyday environmental exposures continue to challenge respiratory health regardless of age or location.

In line with National Lung Month this August, LAC Philippines encourages Filipinos to make lung health an integral part of their daily wellness routine.

Alongside healthy habits such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, adequate hydration and avoiding tobacco smoke whenever possible, nutritional support can help maintain healthy respiratory function while supporting the body’s natural immune defenses.

To support these everyday wellness habits, LAC Philippines highlights two daily nutritional supplements designed to help maintain respiratory wellness and immune health: LAC Activated® Lung ProtectS and LAC TriAction C1000.

Formulated with a proprietary blend of eight Traditional Chinese Medicinal herbs, LAC Activated® Lung Protect provides nutritional support for healthy respiratory function.

Its formulation includes ingredients such as Radix rehmanniae, Radix ophiopogonis, and Herba menthae, which have been traditionally used to nourish and support the respiratory system.

It is suitable for individuals aged nine years and above, with a recommended intake of three vegetarian capsules daily for ages 9 to 18, and three capsules twice daily for adults.

Complementing respiratory wellness is a strong immune system. LAC TriAction C1000 delivers 1,000 mg of Vitamin C in a unique triple-action, buffered, timed-release formula that provides gradual nutrient release while remaining gentle on the stomach.

Suitable for adults aged 18 years and above, it is recommended once daily as part of an everyday wellness routine.

This National Lung Month, let every breath serve as a reminder that wellness is built through the choices we make every day. While we may not always be able to control the air we breathe, we can take meaningful steps to support the organs that make every breath possible.

Through proactive lifestyle habits and scientifically based nutritional support from LAC Philippines, caring for your lungs can become part of living stronger, healthier, every day of the year.

Over P11.6 million worth of shabu from South Africa has been seized by the Bureau of Customs.

BOC agents found 1.7 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride hidden in car parts at the Port of Clark.

Bound for Angeles City, the shipment that arrived on Aug. 5 contained 17 packages of shabu.

Authorities issued a warrant of seizure and detention for the shipment.

‘Seizing illegal drugs is not the only thing that is important. Every successful operation means stopping more dangerous illegal drugs from reaching families and Filipino communities,’ Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.

Tycoon Ramon ‘RSA’ Ang, as I hinted in past columns, becomes the white knight that saves the troubled Lopez empire or, at least, provides the third-generation cousins a way out of their ugly war.

He acquired the stake of Gabby Lopez III’s family in Lopez Inc., which in turn, gives Gabby, the former CEO, chairman and chairman emeritus of ABS-CBN, the war chest to save the troubled media giant that has always been his baby.

I asked RSA if he would also acquire the respective stakes of the other branches, namely those held by the families of Oscar and Manolo Lopez.

But, he said, ‘they are not selling.’

Perhaps they are still undecided about their options.

Gabby, on the other hand, must have realized that he had to make the first bold step.

In a statement yesterday, Gabby said that Crème Investment Corp., the holding company through which his branch of the family owns a 25.7 percent stake in Lopez Inc., has completed the sale of that shareholding to RSA.

RSA, the statement said, invested in his personal capacity.

The transaction can be valued at P11 to P12 billion (25.7 percent), based on the reported valuation of P45 billion for the entire Lopez Inc.

In the statement, Gabby said he sold for two reasons:

‘The first is my family,’ he said.

‘This dispute has not been good for any of us, or for the people who work in our companies. This allows us to take a step toward the restoration of family peace.

‘The second is that it allows me to channel our family’s resources into businesses aligned with our personal mission. We will announce more on this in due time. Our families have known Ramon a long time. I am confident he will be a good partner to Lopez Inc.’

RSA, for his part, said that he has known the Lopez family for decades.

‘Not one branch of it, but all of them. I am a friend to each, and I intend to stay that way. I came in because I believe in these businesses, and because a steady partner at the table can be good for everyone around it,’ he said.

Still Lopez-led

RSA also said that the family branches that continue to hold the controlling majority of Lopez Inc. will continue to lead it.

‘My interest is that the group comes out of this stronger,’ RSA said.

Initially, the buzz in the grapevine suggested that all the Lopez cousins would sell their respective shareholdings to RSA, but a member of one branch told me they are still undecided.

Another source said the cousins wanted to retain control of Rockwell and ABS-CBN.

Here’s a background on Lopez Inc. that I previously wrote.

It is owned by the four branches of the Lopez heirs, through each branch’s respective private holding companies: Presentacion Lopez-Psinakis branch through Presta Holdings Company Inc. (15.98 percent); Oscar Lopez branch through Croslo Holdings Corp. (29.17 percent); Manuel Lopez branch through Mantes Corp. (29.17 percent) and Geny Lopez branch through Crème Investment Corp. (25.68 percent).

Each of the four branches of heirs has representatives on the board of directors of Lopez Inc. in proportion to its respective stockholdings through Presta, Croslo, Mantes and Crème.

The heirs and their corresponding representatives on the board are as follows:

Presta: Lauro Eugenio Panganiban III, Maria Eugenia Brown and the estate of Michael Psinakis.

Presta’s 15.98 percent stock ownership in Lopez Inc. is represented by one seat on the board, currently held by Maria Eugenia Brown.

Croslo: Oscar Lopez Jr., Federico ‘Piki’ Lopez, Benjamin Lopez, Mercedes Lopez-Vargas, Elvira Carmen Lopez-Bautista, Beatrice Eugenia Lopez-Puno, Maria Presentacion Lopez-Abello and Angela Cristina Lopez-Guingona.

Croslo’s 29.17 percent ownership is equivalent to two seats on the board, currently occupied by Piki Lopez and his brother Benjamin Lopez.

Mantes: Manuel Lopez Jr., Miguel Ernest Lopez, Martin Lopez and Maita Lopez-Lichuaco.

Mantes’ 29.17 percent translates to two seats on the board, currently occupied by Miguel Ernesto Lopez and Martin Lopez.

Crème: Eugenio ‘Gabby’ Lopez III, Regina Paz Lopez, Maria Rosario Lopez, Rafael Lopez, Roberta Pilar Lopez, Ernesto Miguel Lopez and Ramon Javier Lopez.

Prior to the sale, Crème had a 25.68 percent stock ownership in Lopez Inc. and was represented by two seats on the board, currently occupied by Gabby Lopez and his brother Rafael Lopez.

of an era?

This deal is far from over and details are still being ironed out, sources said, but here’s what I know for sure – it’s a bold decision for Gabby Lopez to let go of his family’s stake in Lopez Inc.

This is reminiscent of the time the Lopezes also lost Meralco, the family’s crown jewel.

I never really imagined that Gabby Lopez would one day sell, but the family feud has definitely pushed the cousins into a fight they could not easily back out of, even if they wanted to.

To think it all started with a much-needed cash infusion for ABS-CBN, which Piki Lopez refused (after already agreeing to an initial infusion).

But it doesn’t have to be the end for Gabby Lopez.

With the money, Gabby can now reinvest his sale proceeds in ABS-CBN and turn the media company around.

In the process, Gabby may yet be the one to save the family’s other crown jewel.

Ribshack, one of the fastest-growing grill brands in the Philippines, has officially opened its first-ever flagship store on McArthur Highway in Tikay, Malolos City, Bulacan.

Launched on July 25, the new branch is Ribshack’s 61st nationwide and features an in-store café experience brought by Primaroma, serving specialty coffee and desserts alongside the brand’s well-loved grilled specialties.

Open Monday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m., the latest location serves Ribshack’s signature Pork Spareribs, Pork Back Ribs, Pork BBQ, Authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal, and other grilled offerings, all with free Unlimited Rice. Complementing the menu is Primaroma’s selection of coffee beverages, blended drinks, cheesecakes, cookies and other sweet treats. The Malolos restaurant also showcases thoughtfully designed Japandi-inspired interiors with industrial accents, creating a warm and inviting space for families, friends, and diners to enjoy every meal.

Since 2012, Ribshack has grown from a single kiosk into a popular fast-casual grill house, known for serving quality grilled meals at affordable prices. The opening of its flagship store marks another milestone in the brand’s journey as it continues to provide great food and value Para Sa Lahat.

‘Great experiences today are gated by price, by geography, and by class. Ribshack exists to remove those gates,’ Ana May Alagao Melendez, chief financial officer of Ribshack Food Group, said.

Guided by this vision, Ribshack is poised to serve even more Filipinos through its expanding network of branches, delivering quality and value-for-money meals diners have come to expect.

‘As Ribshack continues to expand across the country, our commitment remains the same: creating a place where everyone feels at home. More than serving great food, we are building a brand that welcomes every community,” John Paul Ore, marketing at Ribshack Food Group, said.

“Every new store is an opportunity to build lasting connections with the people we serve and become part of their everyday lives. We’ll continue expanding while staying true to our commitment to serving affordable Ribshack favorites and creating joyful dining experiences for every Filipino,” Ore added.

Filipino Valorant talent will continue to be represented in the VCT Pacific Stage 2 playoffs, with Paper Rex and Global Esports securing direct playoff qualification in the final week of the group stage.

The biggest development of the week came from Global Esports, which features Filipino standouts Xavier “xavi8k” Juan and Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza.

Global Esports sealed a convincing 2-0 sweep of Zeta Division to finish the group stage at 3-2, keeping itself in contention for one of Group Alpha’s two direct playoff spots.

The victory alone, however, was not enough to mathematically secure qualification.

GE’s playoff fate was officially confirmed after Rex Regum Qeon defeated Nongshim RedForce, 2-1 – a result that prevented Nongshim from overtaking the team in the standings. With both results going their way, Global Esports locked in second place behind unbeaten Gen.G and claimed a direct berth to the playoffs, avoiding the longer play-in stage route.

Joining them in the playoffs is Paper Rex, which features Filipino veteran Adrian “invy” Reyes.

Paper Rex closed its group stage campaign with a 0-2 loss to Varrel, but the defeat ultimately did little damage to the squad’s postseason hopes. Having already built enough wins earlier in the split, PRX still finished second in Group Omega at 3-2 and secured one of the four automatic playoff spots.

The story was less favorable for Team Secret and its Filipino standouts Jhian “Zeus” Vega and Kelly “kellyS” Sedillo.

Team Secret suffered a 0-2 defeat to DetonatioN FocusMe (DFM) in the final week, a result that left the Philippine organization outside the direct qualification spots. If it hopes to stay alive in the tournament, Team Secret must battle through the play-ins with the rest of the Pacific Teams as well as four Tier 2 teams for the last four spots in the playoffs.

Team Secret will open its play-in campaign against Xipto Esports on August 14 at 7 p.m.

Nine justices, led by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, attended the sellout ‘Judiciary Night’ of the Manila Overseas Press Club, which I chair, Aug. 7 at Fairmont Makati’s ballroom.

Lending additional gravitas were the First Lady, Louise Araneta Marcos (the country’s first First Lady lawyer); the secretary of justice, Fredderick A. Vida, the chief of the Anti-Red Tape Authority, lawyer Ernest Perez (who has Cabinet rank) and the director of the National Bureau of Investigation, lawyer Melvyn Matibag.

Chief Gesmundo, First Lady Liza, Secretaries Vida and Perez and NBI chief Matibag have one thing in common – all are Ateneo Law graduates.

The Supreme Court has six justices from Ateneo Law – Chief Justice Alex, and justices Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Rodil Zalameda, Ricky Rosario, Midas Marquez and Monette Singh. The Judiciary Night became a sort of an Ateneo Law homecoming with the presence of four jurists – Chief Justice Gesmundo and justices Zalameda, Rosario, Marquez and Singh. The other justices who were present: Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen (UP), Justice Ramon Paul Hernando (San Beda) and Justice Raul Villanueva (UP). Leonen saved VP Sara Duterte in her first impeachment. He enjoyed a hearty conversation with LAM.

Also present: Philippine Ambassador to the US Babe Romualdez, legal luminary Lorna Kapunan, (UP Law), one of our best women lawyers, of the impeachment prosecution panel; Atty. Benjamin S. Tolosa Jr., the ever articulate, no non-sense spokesman of the impeachment prosecution panel; as well as top lawyers who are at heart pro-Duterte.

Among the blue chip firms present: Divina Law (three tables); Syguion Reyna Montecillo and Ongsiako; Quiason Makalintal Barot Torres Ibarra and Damaso; M. M. Lazaro and Associates, Atty. Perry Pe of Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc and delos Angeles; Gorriceta Africa Cauton and Saavedra, as well as SM Investments Corp. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. with their top lawyers.

Chief Justice Gesmundo had an inspiring presentation on how the Supreme Court, under his leadership, is modernizing the judiciary to speed up delivery of justice, ease access of the less fortunate to justice and prepare the judiciary for the demands of the 21st century amid the advent of AI, the explosion of space in social media and increasingly demanding needs for justice.

Listening to the Chief Justice, First Lady Liza said in her Facebook: ‘It was a meaningful reminder that justice is a responsibility we share. As our justice system continues to evolve, may it always remain close to the people it serves – accessible and guided by fairness.’

Of the Judiciary Night, the First Lady gushed: ‘Evenings like this remind me that when good people come together with a shared purpose, we move one step closer to building a more just and compassionate nation.’

That is Ma’am Liza and the Ateneo training in her. At Ateneo, the mantra is service to others. I should know that. My daughter, Ivy Lopez Cabaltica and her husband, Benedict, also a CPA, are both Ateneo Law. After passing the Bar, their first jobs were pro-bono, as human rights lawyers.

‘Although the judiciary and the media perform distinct functions, both rely on the confidence that comes from faithfully fulfilling their respective responsibilities,’ said Chief Justice Gesmundo in his speech. Excerpts:

‘The judiciary earns that confidence through the fair and impartial administration of justice; the media earns it through responsible journalism and fidelity to truth. Together, they contribute to strengthening public understanding of principles and confidence in institutions that uphold the rule of law,’ he explained.

‘This shared commitment makes gatherings such as Judiciary Night particularly meaningful. This year is likewise significant for the judiciary as the Supreme Court marks its 125th anniversary.’

For 125 years, ‘the Court has served as the guardian of the Constitution, the protector of rights and liberties and the final arbiter of legal disputes affecting our nation. Through periods of transformation, uncertainty and challenge, the Court has remained committed to preserving the constitutional order and the rule of law. But the enduring value of an institution is reflected not only in the legacy it inherits, but also in its capacity for renewal.

‘Renewal means safeguarding judicial independence while continuously improving the administration of justice.

‘It means ensuring that courts remain not only independent, but also efficient, accessible and responsive to the needs of the people.

‘The Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, or the SPJI, was developed from a simple but important recognition that an institution entrusted with constitutional responsibilities must continually examine how it can better fulfill its constitutional mission.

‘Today, the SPJI serves as the framework guiding the judiciary’s continuing efforts toward institutional improvement.

‘It has provided direction for reforms designed to strengthen judicial integrity, enhance court efficiency, expand access to justice and modernize the delivery of judicial services.

‘These reforms are not undertaken for institutional advancement alone. Their purpose is to ensure that the justice system remains responsive to the needs and realities of the Filipino people.

‘At the foundation of these efforts is integrity. The legitimacy of judicial authority depends upon the belief that those who administer justice do so according to the highest ethical standards.

‘The judiciary has continued to strengthen the mechanisms that promote accountability and professionalism throughout the justice system.

‘We adopted the Code of Judicial Conduct and Accountability and the Code of Conduct and Accountability for Court Officials and Employees, recognizing that the delivery of justice depends not only on the decisions issued by judges, but also on the dedication, professionalism and ethical conduct of every person who forms part of the judiciary.

‘Every employee who assists a litigant, processes a document, manages a record or performs a court function contributes to the public’s experience of justice.

‘The dignity and credibility of the judiciary are preserved not only in the courtroom, but also in every act of service performed in the name of justice.

‘Integrity, while indispensable, must be accompanied by competence.

‘Justice delayed is not merely an administrative difficulty; it affects lives, families, livelihoods and fundamental rights.’

Alas Pilipinas missed out on a historic outright trip to the Round of 16 after Peru dealt the former a heartbreaking 26-28, 25-22, 25-23, 25-20 defeat last Monday in the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship in San Felipe, Chile.

That sent the Filipinas sprawling to fourth spot in Pool B with an even 2-2 record while propelling the Peruvians straight to the next round along with the Chinese, the reigning titlists who stayed unscathed in four matches.

But there is still hope though for the Nationals, assuming they beat the Venezuelans, currently at No. 3 in the group with a 2-2 mark, in their duel being played at press time.

Or, the Alas girls would lose in five sets, rendering the match between Mexico (1-3) and eliminated Tunisia (0-4) the same day as non-bearing.

Alas appeared headed for another shocker after snatching the opening set, thanks to Caera Celis’ 10-point brilliance.

But Celis, the team’s leading scorer, was held to just a combined seven in the next two and was completely neutralized in the fourth and last set where she was held scoreless.

She ended up with 17 points.

Xyz Ellen Rayco and Sharina Rhyza Lleses tried to carry the fight for Alas and finished with 18 and 12 hits, respectively. But it wasn’t enough in the end as the hole left by Celis was just too big for the Filipinas to fill it.