Category: Philippine Star

Ex-senator Bong Revilla was allowed to post bail last Friday from non-bailable malversation raps.

‘May trumabaho,’ the ombudsman sneered Saturday.

On Tuesday a star witness testified to delivering P250-million malversed money to Revilla.

Revilla skipped the hearing, having paid P1-million bail.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s remark insinuated ruses. Revilla’s counsel Ramon Esguerra manifested concern that it cast doubt on the integrity of the Sandiganbayan Third Division.

But Justices Ronald Moreno and Fritz delos Santos didn’t take offense. Moreno said that in his two decades as magistrate, ‘I have never been accused of being influenced, never been bribed and never inhibited.’

A Facebook reel on the controversial bail went viral. Political vlogger Chris Tan researched Moreno’s past rulings.

President Rody Duterte appointed Moreno to the anti-graft court in June 2018, Tan recounted. Three years later, Moreno was among four justices who cleared Makati ex-mayor Elenita Binay of malversation in overpriced hospital equipment.

In 2025, Moreno also penned the clearing of Makati ex-mayors Jojo and Junjun Binay of malversation, Tan added. It concerned what senators had scrutinized for overpriced parking building construction.

Tuesday’s star witness was DPWH ex-Usec. Roberto Bernardo. He swore to have brought P125-million cash to Revilla’s White House residence in 2024. Plus another P125 million in March 2025.

Driver-aide Vergel Niño Garcia also delivered P250 million in February 2025, Bernardo added.

The first delivery consisted of cash in six boxes and one paper bag. The second, 13 boxes. The third, six boxes.

The money was supposed to be for Revilla’s 2025 reelection campaign. He ran but lost under President Bongbong Marcos’ Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.

Malversation has four elements:

offender is a public officer;

he has custody or control of funds or property by reason of the duties of his office;

government owns the funds or property involved for which he is accountable and

he appropriated, took or misappropriated, or consented to, or through abandonment or negligence, permitted the taking by another person of such funds or property.

Malversation, like plunder, is non-bailable. Still, an accused can plead for bail as a matter of right. Justices hold bail hearings separate from the case proper.

Revilla’s bail petition was granted Friday morning. Custodians then brought him back to Quezon City Jail in Payatas, near Sandiganbayan. Lawyers worked on papers for the P1 million. Before dusk, Revilla was set free.

Revilla’s co-accused are DPWH Bulacan ex-district engineer Brice Hernandez, engineers Jaypee de Leon Mendoza, Arjay Salvador Domasig, Emelita Juat, accountant Juanito Mendoza and cashier Christina Mae Pineda.

The six have not been accorded bail.

On Tuesday Bernardo incriminated his ex-boss DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan.

Bernardo detailed their modus operandi:

Revilla approached him and asked for 25 percent ‘commitment fee.’

Bonoan had access to DPWH allocations and discretion to set aside lump-sums for lawmakers who requested projects from him.

Bonoan got 75 percent, and shared 25 percent each with Bernardo and fellow-Usec. Catalina Cabral (now deceased).

Although denying participation in the ghost project in Pandi, Bulacan, Bernardo admitted to profiting from other lawmakers.

Bernardo swore in his affidavit to have serviced Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Francis Escudero and former senator and Makati Mayor Nancy Binay.

Justices Moreno and Delos Santos concurred with Third Division chairman Justice Karl Miranda in denying bail to Revilla’s six co-accused.

Miranda dissented from Revilla’s bail grant, but was overruled by Moreno and Delos Santos, the decision author.

Justice Miranda asserted: ‘The prosecution was able to present strong evidence against Revilla to warrant the denial of his bail application… Alleged acts of Revilla may only be appreciated properly when contextualized in the kalakaran or scheme perpetrated in DPWH.

‘There is strong evidence that Revilla committed the acts alleged in the Information, in furtherance of a conspiracy and this warrants the denial of his bail.

‘It is not required to prove that Revilla personally intervened in congressional deliberations to ensure the funding of the project. It is sufficient to show that he committed overt acts, in the absence of which the project would not have been included in the General Appropriations Act.’

Revilla was among lawmakers implicated in 2013 in Janet Lim Napoles’ pork barrel scam. Despite acquittal in 2018, the Sandiganbayan ordered him to return P124.5 million. He refused because already declared innocent.

You July 15, 2026 issue told about Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan, a senior citizen reaching the age of 80 and had already received P10,000 at ‘Pinambili na ng birthday cake’ as mentioned in your newspaper.

I am Antonio Tan of Las Piñas City and had celebrated my 80th birthday on May 25, 2026.

I already applied for P10,000 benefit on Jan. 21, 2026 at the office of the Senior Citizen Office (OSCA) at Las Piñas City Hall. The office informed me that I will receive the P10,000 maybe in the last quarter of 2026 or first quarter of 2027 and have to check with that office or will inform me through text message about the release of the P10,000.

I had been employed for 21 years and had paid my income tax monthly when I was still an employee; and now being a businessman has been paying all kind of taxes, local or national to our government. This letter would like to clarify what kind of system, our government has.

I am seeking your favor to publish this letter. I am a daily reader of The Philippine STAR for your information.

The Department of Energy (DOE) expects a big time rollback in local fuel prices next week as global oil prices continue to ease.

The DOE’s Oil and Management Bureau director Rino Abad said Friday, August 7 that pump prices are expected to go down by more than three to four pesos by next week.

‘Relatively speaking, sa mga nakaraang mga rollback kumpara dito, mukhang malakihan na rin itong masasabi at mukhang tuloy-tuloy pa itong lalaki sa last day trading ngayon,’ Abad told dzBB in an interview.

(Relatively speaking, compared to previous rollbacks, this one seems big and will continue to increase on today’s last trading day.)

This week, pump prices were only reduced by a few cantavos after two consecutive weeks of increases.

Abad said the agency will announce the exact amount of the price decrease on Monday at their weekly press briefing.

Abad said the temporary pause in the exchange of attacks between the United States-Israel and Iran had pushed global oil prices down.

‘Ang nabago lang naman ho tumigil ho sila sa actual na atake,’ Abad said.

(What has been changed is that they stopped the actual attacks.)

At the beginning of this week, US President Donald Trump announced that they had an agreement with Israel to halt new attacks against Iran on the condition that a deal to end the conflict is reached ‘rapidly’.

Iran, however, called Trump’s claims ‘nothing but a new lie’ and said that their forces are ready for any potential attacks.

The country’s economic growth rate was kept at 2.8 percent in the first quarter, but upward revisions were made in some sectors, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

In a statement, the PSA said the gross domestic product (GDP) year-on-year growth rate for the first quarter remained at 2.8 percent.

However, it said upward adjustments were made in three sectors.

In particular, the growth rate for manufacturing was revised to 0.7 percent from 0.5 percent.

For transportation and storage, the growth rate was adjusted to five percent from 4.4 percent.

Growth for wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles was revised to 4.7 percent from 4.6 percent.

On the other hand, downward revisions were seen in the following: other services (2.9 percent from 3.9 percent); electricity, steam, water and waste management (0.03 percent from 0.7 percent); and education (5.9 percent from 6.1 percent).

The gross national income in the first quarter was revised downward to 2.9 percent from three percent.

Net primary income from the rest of the world also had a downward revision to 3.5 percent from 4.5 percent.

‘The PSA revises the GDP estimates based on an approved revision policy (PSA Board Resolution 1, Series of 2017-053), which is consistent with international standard practices on national accounts revisions,’ the statistics agency said.

Data on the second quarter economic performance will be released today (Aug. 7).

Earlier, Department of Economy, Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the economy needs to grow by at least 3.7 percent from the second quarter to fourth quarter to achieve the lower end of the revised 3.5 to 4.5 percent growth target for the year.

To meet the upper end of this year’s revised growth goal of 4.5 percent, he said average growth in the remaining three quarters should be at 5.07 percent.

No UAAP player suspensions for the Blue Eagles.

Two months after the fatal team l-building activity in Aurora that resulted in the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, the UAAP said that Ateneo will remain eligible to compete in the league’s upcoming Season 89.

This, ‘taking into consideration the expressed desire of these student-athletes to honor the memories of their fallen teammates through competition.’

In a statement from the UAAP board on Friday afternoon, the league said that the student-athletes present during the incident will not be held liable, as ‘the Board also recognizes that the Ateneo men’s basketball student-athletes are themselves victims of this tragedy.’

Still, the Board required Ateneo to ‘undertake a comprehensive reassessment of the organizational structure and management of its men’s basketball team in relation to the University’s entire athletics program in order to strengthen student-athlete protection, welfare, accountability and institutional oversight.’

The UAAP also slapped former Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin with a lifetime ban from all UAAP competitions and related activities, ‘in any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official capacity.’

He will also be prohibited from entering any UAAP competition venue, according to the sanction that is final and unappealable.’

Team manager Epok Quimpo, assistant coaches Dean Caesar Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Hernan Ameer Domingo, Caesar Vincent Javellana Elumba and Grant Dearns, and physical therapist John Eric Rueca will also be suspended from participation in UAAP competitions.

‘During this period, they shall likewise not be permitted to enter UAAP competition venues in an official capacity. This sanction may be appealed to the UAAP Board in accordance with its applicable rules and procedures,’ the UAAP said.

‘The UAAP’s approach in imposing these sanctions is both protective and restorative. It is intended to ensure accountability, strengthen safeguards for the welfare and best interests of all student-athletes, address the harm caused by this incident, and reinforce the lessons learned to foster a safer and more responsible environment across the league,’ it said.

‘The UAAP again extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili. Their passing is an immeasurable loss to the community.’

In a statement also on Friday, Ateneo de Manila University welcomed the UAAP’s decision to allow the Blue Eagles to participate in the upcoming season.

“We are grateful that our student-athletes will once again have the opportunity to represent the University in the UAAP. For our players, this is more than a return to competition. It is an important step forward in their continuing journey of healing as a team and as young men who continue to grieve the loss of their brothers,” it said.

“Divine and Rene will remain with them every time they put on the Ateneo jersey and take it to the court. The Blue Eagles have always been more than a basketball team. They are brothers, bound by their shared love of the game and by the trust, sacrifice, and care they have for one another. Divine and Rene will always have a place in that brotherhood, and the team will carry their memory with them through the season ahead,” it added.

The university also voiced respect to the UAAP’s sanctions.

“The University remains steadfast in strengthening its policies, systems, and safeguards to better protect the safety and well-being of our student-athletes and support their holistic formation. We will continue to learn from what has happened and undertake the measures necessary to live up to the responsibility and trust placed in us,” Ateneo said.

“Even as our team returns to the court, we do so knowing that the loss of Divine and Rene will always be part of our story. We remember them with gratitude, continue to pray for their families and loved ones, and entrust them to God’s loving embrace,” it added.

“As the Blue Eagles begin a new season, they carry with them not only the hopes of the Ateneo community, but also the enduring bond of a brotherhood strengthened by love, tested by loss and sustained by the memory of those who will always be part of them.”

Leading automotive firm Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) is optimistic that cumulative sales will breach the three-million mark this year amid improving market conditions.

In a statement, TMP president Masando Hashimoto said the firm expects to achieve its three-millionth-cumulative sale later this year on expectations of improving demand.

‘While oil prices and supply chain pressures remain volatile, we are seeing encouraging signs of market recovery and we are steadily rebuilding our sales momentum,’ he said.

Despite market softening due to recent geopolitical headwinds and global energy security issues, TMP said the automotive industry is able to quickly bounce back after economic pressure.

‘We are ready to respond with significantly better supply for our high-demand models. Now, success depends on execution,’ he said.

TMP, which marks its 38th anniversary this year, has been leading in terms of overall vehicle sales in the country since 1994. Within Southeast Asia, the Philippines is Toyota’s third largest market.

Globally, the Philippines ranks as the 10th biggest market for Toyota, reflecting the country’s growing economy and positive motorization outlook.

Through its local manufacturing operations, TMP has been creating multiplier effects for the economy.

To date, TMP has produced over 1.21 million units of completely knocked down models.

At present, TMP produces the Vios, Innova and newly revived Tamaraw at its plant in Sta.Rosa, Laguna.

Last year, TMP’s production volume hit a record-high of 63,803 units.

TMP employs over 4,500 and also contributes to 83,000 jobs through its network of dealers, suppliers and subsidiaries.

Apart from job creation and exports, TMP has also been investing in the Filipino workforce and in technology upgrades.

What do Maggi, Toblerone, Rolex, Emmental cheese, Mt. Matterhorn, Msli, Victorinox, UBS, Logitech, Bally, Nestle, Lindt and Novartis all have in common? They are all global brands of Swiss origin or ‘Made in Switzerland.’

I honestly did not associate all of these brands as Swiss brands because they are well established all over the world. But after being asked ‘What are the well-known products from Switzerland,’ I could only answer ‘chocolates’ and a nature for technical accuracy second to none.

As a Swiss friend always tells me, ‘There is only one way of doing things the right way, and it is doing things the Swiss way.’

Far from being arrogant or culturally elitist, there is no denying how Switzerland and its people have developed products, systems and principles that have withstood the test of time and benefitted the world as well.

Since 1815, Switzerland has practiced a policy of neutrality, never taken sides or joining alliances designed for military purposes. While there are critics of the constitutionally enshrined practice, the Swiss principle of neutrality has helped develop its role in international relations.

Their commitment to being neutral has established Switzerland as a third-party host, broker or negotiator related to economic and political disagreements between nations. This reputation eventually helped strengthen Swiss banking practices as ‘all business, no politics.’

Yes, Swiss culture and business have grown worldwide and the same is true in the Philippines, where some Swiss companies have been around for 30 to 100 years. Many people think they are Spanish or American companies but not so.

For instance, there is the century-old Zuellig group that has hugely contributed to establishing availability, supply chain distribution of much needed pharmaceutical products all over the Philippines.

They are essentially the largest network ensuring quality and equal distribution of medicines nationwide. What’s interesting is that Zuellig Pharma has been low key through decades of operations, choosing to be ‘strictly business.’

Last Tuesday, Aug. 4, I was invited to watch a leadership conversation series focused on ‘Swiss Perspectives: Building businesses in the Philippines’ hosted by the Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in partnership with Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE).

I assumed that it was a briefing session for Swiss investors and select members of the media. As it turned out, the forum was an honest sharing of knowledge and experience that was positive and uplifting for Filipinos and the Philippines.

Yes, what I thought was all about Swiss doing business in the Philippines sounded more like PDA or Public Display of Affection for Filipino talent and culture. Aside from Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Nicolas Br?hl and David Zuellig, co-managing director of the Zuellig group, a handful of locally established Swiss companies also took part in the event.

At the head of the talks was the chairman of the SwissCham PH Felix Fletcher, who is also the president and CEO of Target Display, and the youngest in the group was Bryan Gigher, co-founder of Dashlabs ai. Also joining was Patrick Lengacher, CEO of Amihan Solutions and DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo.

As the presenters went about sharing their origins, how and why they invested and established operations in the Philippines, I noticed a common thread or key. They spoke positively about Filipino talent, respectful character, skills and culture.

They also addressed the need to develop ‘your people,’ trust them and let them make decisions instead of persisting in the culture of permission that prevents staff and executives from growing and being promoted to bigger responsibilities.

One serious concern expressed was the deteriorating quality of education and graduates. One speaker shared the observation that in the last 30 years, things have not improved or caught up with the quality of education in the region.

Equally important is the fact that unlike countries such as Singapore or China which determine future development and the qualifications that will be required from the work force, the Philippines plays ‘catch up’ on trends, not having long-term directions due to ever changing political structures.

As I listened, it became evident that a number of the investors or business leaders speaking at the forum had planted roots and relationships, both marital and personal, which in turn give them a better perspective of life and thereby of doing business in the Philippines.

The impression I had as I listened was that the Philippines needed more if not better marketing beyond what lands in the news or subjective views that don’t necessarily reflect the realities or opportunities on the ground.

I did pose a couple of questions to the speakers. First was if Swiss investors are by nature risk averse or not real risk takers? The short answer was, ‘We are here, aren’t we?’

My next question was how can potential Swiss investors ‘politics-proof’ their business and investments. ‘You can’t.’ You simply have to deal with things as they develop and work your way through.

To the question, how much inputs and decisions are made by Filipinos in Swiss companies? One speaker essentially admitted ‘not enough,’ but it was not a reflection on Filipino executives and decision making.

Swiss top management, for their part, have to learn to focus more on vision and future plans and not get tied down with operational decisions. And that’s a wrap!

Having served guests for almost two decades, Ascott Makati continues to set the benchmark for luxury extended-stay accommodations in the Philippines.

As the country’s pioneering serviced residence brand, it introduced a premium home-away-from-home experience for both long-stay and short-stay travelers seeking the space and comfort of an apartment with the services of a hotel.

As the needs of travelers continue to evolve, so has Ascott Makati’s approach to hospitality. In recent years, the property has strengthened its commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the guest experience-embracing initiatives that support sustainability, community engagement and meaningful guest connections.

1. 100% powered by renewable energy

For over a year, Ascott Makati has been powered by 100% renewable energy, sourcing all its electricity requirements from clean energy sources. This milestone underscores the property’s commitment to responsible hospitality and environmental stewardship. This initiative is also aligned with CapitaLand’s Net Zero Carbon 2050 vision.

Since transitioning to renewable energy, the property has significantly reduced its carbon emissions by 100%, taking a meaningful step toward minimizing its environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable future.

2. Muslim-friendly accommodation

An integral part of Ascott Makati’s culture is its commitment to diversity and inclusion. This extends beyond its workplace and into the guest experience, ensuring that travelers feel genuinely welcomed and supported during their stay.

Most recently, Ascott Makati earned a 2 Crescent Rating from CrescentRating, a globally recognized authority on Muslim-friendly travel. Since 2008, CrescentRating has helped travel brands better understand and serve Muslim travelers through accreditation, research and training programs.

The rating signifies that Ascott Makati is equipped to support the needs of Muslim guests, with team members ready to provide guidance on the Qibla direction and information on nearby halal-certified dining options, grocery stores and healthcare facilities.

As travel continues to become more diverse, Ascott Makati views this recognition as a steppingstone in its ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive and welcoming experience for every guest.

3. Pet-friendly stays

Ascott Makati is the first hospitality brand in the Philippines to recognize that pets are family too. By pioneering pet-friendly stays, the property created a welcoming environment where guests can enjoy meaningful travel experiences without leaving their beloved companions behind.

In 2025 alone, the property welcomed over 500 pet guests, reflecting the increasing number of travelers seeking accommodation that cater to the entire family-including their furry companions.

To make pet-friendly stays even more accessible, Ascott Makati is currently offering room packages with a waived pet fee until September. Interested guests may simply use the promo code PET on the website.

As traveler expectations continue to evolve, Ascott Makati remains committed to embracing initiatives that support sustainability, inclusivity and community well-being.

Through these efforts, the property continues to redefine what it means to deliver hospitality that truly matters.

In preparation for the 2026-2027 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. season and in line with its commitment to promoting the health, safety, and welfare of the student-athletes, the CESAFI will be conducting a Basic Life Support (BLS) Training on Saturday, August 8, at the University of the Visayas (UV)-Main Campus.

CESAFI Commissioner Felix ‘Boy’ Tiuklinhoy Jr. said the training aims to equip the coaches, student-athletes, and referees with essential lifesaving knowledge and practical skills in responding to cardiac arrest and other medical emergencies that may occur during training and competitions.

‘By enhancing emergency preparedness, we strengthen our collective responsibility to provide a much safer sporting environment for all participants,’ said Tiukinhoy.

‘This initiative supports the implementation of Republic Act No. 11462, otherwise known as the Student-Athletes Protection Act (Samboy Lim Law), which mandates enhanced health and safety measures and emergency preparedness for student-athletes,’ he added.

The Philippine Heart Association-Cebu Chapter will facilitate the BLS training. In addition, the group will provide free Electrocardiogram (ECG) screening for student-athletes to help identify possible underlying cardiac conditions, facilitate early intervention, and promote safer participation in sports.

Tiukinhoy said all CESAFI member schools are strongly encouraged to send representatives for this worthwhile activity.

‘Your cooperation and active participation are greatly appreciated as we continue to uphold the highest standards of athlete health, safety, and emergency preparedness within the CESAFI community,’ Tiukinhoy said.

From virtually out of nowhere, rookie Philippine duos struck with a gold and bronze medal in the youth mixed pairs event of the 10th Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships presented by the Philippine Sports Commission early yesterday morning here.

Both Palarong Pambansa standouts in the last edition held in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Rhimel Daniel Cabides and Antonette Amante pranced and danced with both dynamism and elegance in securing the gold medal with a score 17.80 points at the modified Tagaytay CT Velodrome.

General Santos natives Rhys Enoch Balmayor and John Mikaela Ladaran gave the country’s second medal in securing third place (17.150) in the meet backed by the Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

Both pairs made the most of their international debuts in the competition organized by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines and sanctioned by the Asian Gymnastics Union.

‘Napatunayan namin maari kaming makapagsabayan internationally,’ said Amante, a triple Palaro gold medalist, who, like Cabides, is 14 and a Grade 8 Teodoro Alonzo High School student.