Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Filipino freelancers have long been promised with global earning potential, but they are charged like tourists when it comes to conversion costs and transfer fees.

A new service offered by local e-wallet GCash eliminates these struggles by enabling a direct access for freelance workers to their US paycheck.

GCash recently launched the virtual US account, powered by technology company Meridian, a US-based provider that allows real time global payment transfers.

Separate from their regular GCash account, users will have a unique automated clearing house and wire routing number, which they can share directly with their US employers.

This means that freelancers can receive their earnings real time and avoid delayed payouts.

For other banking platforms, international money transfers take an estimated one to three business days.

Conversion woes

A recent report from global money transfer platform Wise tallied an estimated P8.37 million loss on Filipinos’ international transfers in 2023 due to unseen foreign exchange (forex) fees on cross-border transactions, chipping away a portion of the actual take-home pay.

GCash virtual US account is seen to allow freelancers to decide when to convert savings to Philippine currency, rather than being forced to accept low exchange rates.

‘With over 2 million Filipino freelancers working with international clients, they are a major force in today’s economy, yet they’ve had to live with the compromise of costly transfer fees, unfavorable forex rates and delayed payouts,’ said Paul Albano, general manager for GCash International.

Albano added, ‘With the GCash virtual US account, we’re finally removing those barriers.’ INQ

Looking for ideas on what to buy this Christmas? Whether it’s a gift for someone special or something you’ve been eyeing all year, Filipinos are choosing items that bring comfort, convenience, and good memories. To give you a few ideas, Skyro, a reliable SEC-registered lending app in the country, rounded up the top 10 purchases trending this holiday season.

These items are wish list-worthy because they are experience-driven, and ideal as more Filipinos are opting for an easier, more convenient lifestyle. According to Yernar Ashimov, Skyro’s head of POS Key Accounts, ‘This Christmas, Filipino shoppers are going beyond traditional gifts and embracing smarter, more lifestyle-focused purchases.’

From smart wearables to home essentials, here are the must-have items that are defining this year’s holiday shopping trends:

1. Smart watch

Smart watches are considered a leader in the wearable market. This Christmas, they continue to be in-demand with more Filipinos customers opting for wearable technologies that allow them to stay connected, as well as monitor and track their daily physical activities.

2. Smart speaker

Many homeowners these days are upgrading their homes by adding smart appliances. One of the popular purchases are the smart speakers which act as a ‘central command’ to control other smart home devices. This makes daily tasks convenient and more efficient.

3. Two-door refrigerator

Two-door refrigerators are popular purchases during this time of the year for bigger food storage during the endless gatherings. Two-door refrigerators also often come with more advances cooling technologies, frost-free options, and features like ice makers or water dispensers. Some of the most trending two-door refrigerator models in the Philippines include the Fujidenzo 9.4cu ft Inverter Two Door INR-103HS and Panasonic 8.6cu ft. Inverter Two Door NR-BP242VD.

4. Smart Television

Smart TV is usually a top pick to gift during Christmas because it appeals to all ages – it provides entertainment for the whole family as they come with preloaded streaming services such as Disney+, Netflix, YouTube, and more. The top trending brands for television include TCL C7K and Samsung Crystal UHD 4k Smart TV.

5. Inverter air conditioners

Inverter air conditioners offer a range of benefits: not only do they provide maximum cooling, but the newer models offer air purifying and deodorizing features, filters from allergens and other dust. They also offer bigger savings on lower electricity bills. Top picks include the TCL Titan KEI-S Split Type, Carrier 53CAC009308 1.0 HP Split Type, and Kolin KAG-100WCINV 1.0 HP Window Type.

6. Washing machines

More gatherings during the holidays mean more laundry, from table linens to beddings, encouraging people to upgrade to their inefficient or broken machines. Modern washers not only save time but also offer smart features and better energy efficiency, making them a practical long-term investment. Some popular options include the LG 7.5kg Top Load Smart Inverter, TCL TWF105-C20 10.5kg Front Load Washer and 7kg Dryer Combo, and the LG 8.0kg Front Load Washer and 5.0kg Dryer.

7. Smart phones

Smart phones feel like a premium yet practical gift because almost everyone use their phone daily for a variety of reasons – whether it’s for essential transactions, school or work-related, or staying connected with loved ones. Not only that, new phone models are also released during September to October, making Christmas the first major gifting season after the release. Popular picks this season include the Samsung Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, Galaxy A26 5G, and the new Apple iPhone 17 series.

8. Tablets and laptops

Like smart phones, tablets and laptops are great gifts because of their universal appeal, they are useful to people of all ages, they’re easy to personalize and they’re highly valuable not just for work but also for business, school, and entertainment purposes.

9. Small appliances

Small appliances such as microwaves, oven toasters, coffee makers, blenders, among others, are popular giveaways or raffle prizes during Christmas celebrations. They are affordable, practical and easy to package, making them ideal for gifting under the tree. One of the top trending small appliances is the Whirlpool MWP-253 SX 25 Liters Microwave as it offers various special functions including auto cook, defrost, grill, and auto clean.

10. Self-care products

Self-care products offer a universal appeal as they are generally suitable for almost anyone. Some of the most popular self-care items include skincare sets, essential oils, scented oils and candles, and other relaxing spa items. During the holiday season, many of these items come in pre-packaged gift sets, making them easy to buy, wrap and give away.

Filipinos love to make Christmas special for their families, from gifts to home upgrades that bring everyone together. According to Yernar, these purchases become easier to manage through installment plans that ‘allow Filipinos to give meaningful gifts, celebrate the season in comfort, and prepare their homes for gatherings without breaking the budget. For budget-conscious shoppers, making Christmas memorable is all about planning, creativity, and smart spending.’

He also encourages consumers to make the most of holiday promos, bundle deals, cashback offers, and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options.

With this in mind, Skyro continues to make gift-giving more accessible through its Zero Plan, which offers 0% interest for up to six months and zero down payment on purchases from select partner merchants. This makes it easier for customers to take home what they need, from gadgets to home appliances, without waiting for bonuses or savings to catch up.

Beyond BNPL, Skyro product loans make larger purchases even more achievable. Customers can easily apply in partner stores or online, get quick approval, and pay through flexible installment terms that fit their budget.

By combining flexibility, affordability, and smart financing options, Skyro helps Filipinos turn their holiday wish lists into reality, one thoughtful purchase at a time.

Launched in August 2022, Skyro has quickly earned recognition for its innovative digital financial services. It is now present in over 6,000 partner merchant stores nationwide with more than 1,000,000 loan customers.

Ready to tick off your Christmas wish list stress-free? Download the Skyro app today and experience the ease of shopping with Skyro! The app is available for free on the Apple Store for iPhone users and Google Play for Android users, or visit skyro.ph. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

There’s guaranteed to be a new NCAA men’s basketball champion after College of St. Benilde edged defending titleholder Mapua, 74-72, in the Season 101 quarterfinals on Friday at San Juan Arena.

‘It looked like a game we almost let slip away. Beating Mapua’s really something,’ coach Charles Tiu said. ‘Everybody was counting us out. Nobody believed in our team so I told them we have something to prove. The job’s not done.’

The Blazers led by as many as 18 points but still had to weather Mapua’s late surge.

Benilde held a 62-54 lead early in the fourth before the Cardinals’ 9-0 run, capped by a Cyrus Cuenco triple, pushed Mapua ahead, 63-62.

The Blazers responded with a 10-1 rally punctuated by a Shawn Umali three, restoring a 72-64 cushion with 2:08 left.

Mapua had a chance to force overtime when JC Recto was fouled with 5.5 seconds remaining, but he missed both free throws as Benilde held on.

Raffy Celis led the Blazers with 18 points and five rebounds. Ian Torres added 12 and Tony Ynot had 11.

Recto finished with 18 and five in Mapua’s final outing. Graduating guard and former Finals MVP Clint Escamis struggled with three points before being ejected in the third quarter for a disqualifying foul.

Benilde advances to a best-of-three semifinal against San Beda starting Tuesday.

‘They’ve beaten us twice already so I hope this time kami naman,’ Tiu said. ‘We have to look forward to San Beda. They’re a great team.’

As the NCAA Season 101 semifinals loom, Letran coach Allen Ricardo is already plotting how to contain Perpetual Help’s top scorers.

‘Of course, we have to know what they’re doing and we have to know their personnel and who they’ll go to at the end of the day,’ Ricardo said after Letran’s 77-69 win over Arellano in the quarters at San Juan Arena on Friday.

‘They have Patrick Sleat and (Mark) Gojo Cruz, who are the heart and soul of that team. We need to limit those two to have a good chance of closing the game and winning the series.’

Ricardo barely cracked a smile even after successfully discarding the Chiefs, who had a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

Instead, the up-and-coming tactician chose to look ahead for their series against the Altas, who finished the classification games as the best team of Group A.

Much like Ricardo said, Sleat and Gojo Cruz have been the driving force for Perpetual this season. In the Altas’ 81-74 win over Jose Rizal University in the quarterfinals, Gojo Cruz scored 23 while Sleat recorded a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Fortunately for Ricardo, he has some weapons to match Perpetual’s firepower as showcased in the Knights’ recent win.

Jimboy Estrada exploded with 19 points built on three triples. Kevin Santos finished just two rebounds shy of a double-double with 15 points and eight rebounds.

Jonathan Manalili struggled, finishing with just three points but he still managed to dish out 12 assists.

Matchups aside, Ricardo knows they will have to pull out all the stops against the Altas as they go on a race for two wins to get to the Finals.

‘We’re here in the semifinals so we have to do what it takes to move on to the championship. We’ll take it one game at a time and we’ll study Perpetual. We’ll try to limit their scoring abilities so we can have a chance to stick with them.’

Letran and Perpetual clash on Tuesday at Araneta Coliseum to officially begin the Season 88 semifinals.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) delivers its decision on the interim release appeal of former President Rodrigo Duterte who is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands over alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s war on drugs. (Video by International Criminal Court)

The funding for basic education facilities, including the construction of more classrooms, secured a drastic increase following the Senate endorsement of P85.4 billion to help address the needs for basic facilities.

This amount, which represents a raise of 203%, is a ‘dramatic jump’ from the original allocation of P28 billion in the proposed 2026 budget, according to Education Secretary Sonny Angara.The secretary said this development will enable them to ‘broaden construction modality’ as part of the current administration’s education agenda.

The hike comes at a crucial time when teachers and other members of the education sector have been raising concerns about the 165,000-classroom backlog.

It also happens after the Senate initiated a bill that will allow non-government organizations and local government units to be tapped for classroom construction.

‘This is a clear message that the government is ready to bank its money for the youth. As long as there is enough funding and reforms, we can expedite the construction of more schools,’ Angara said in a statement.

The Senate endorsed the P85.4 billion funding for the basic education facilities for next year, which Angara said, will provide the Department of Education (DepEd) ‘more flexibility’ by utilizing other modes for the construction of classrooms.

These alternative modes include partnerships with the local governments, civil society organizations, private-public partnerships, and even ‘selective’ implementation with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Angara also noted that his former colleagues in the Senate ‘raised the urgency’ for the DepEd to confront the classroom gap, citing condemned rooms, damage caused by disasters, and yearly increases in enrollment.

The Senate committees on finance and basic education, headed by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian and Sen. Bam Aquino, both told the DepEd that it can now test which modality works best each year to deliver the ‘quickest and most cost-effective results.’

Of the increased budget, Angara said allocation for classroom construction, replacement, technical-vocational laboratories and water and sanitation facilities surged to P65.9 billion.

This will support the DepEd in building 24,527 new classrooms, complete with school furniture, and will benefit around 1 million learners nationwide.

For repair and rehabilitation, the funding went up to P7.7 billion, which will restore a total of 11,886 classrooms.

The allocation for school furniture buffer or replacement also increased to P3.6 billion, which will provide 25,451 sets of furniture.

A funding of P1 billion was also secured for the DepEd’s Library Hubs program, which he said can deliver 72 hubs nationwide.

The medium-rise school buildings bagged a P2 billion budget that will support the completion of three multi-storey facilities designed for ‘dense and fast-growing school communities,’ Angara said.

The secretary hopes that the bicameral conference committee will allow the Senate’s ‘forward-looking investments’ for DepEd, especially as it will tackle the final budget that will include the country’s school infrastructure.

‘What the Senate approved gives us room to build faster, repair smarter and deliver better,’ Angara said.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will do everything it can to cover a two-year contract that will keep Korean archery coach Ryu Su-jeng with the national team.

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio said the opportunity to have a world-class coach with tangible Olympic credentials is too good to pass up on and he is helping the World Archery Philippines (WAP) secure a sponsor to help defray the cost of Ryu’s two-year contract.

‘That she chose us is too good to be true,’ Gregorio told the Inquirer on Thursday. ‘This is an opportunity that’s too precious, too good to let go.’

WAP president Bing Reaport revealed last Tuesday that Ryu, whose wards have won a total of five gold medals in the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, is being sought by the archery federations of Mexico and China, but she chose to try to work a deal with the Philippines.

Several countries are also trying to reel in Ryu.

Reaport also said he has been working with Gregorio to forge a deal with private sponsors to help fund Ryu’s stint here. While Gregorio has said the PSC will fund foreign coaches who can also train local mentors, the government’s sports funding arm has limitations on how much it can pay coaches.

Ryu is famous for coaching Korean star An San to three golds in the Tokyo Olympics but what’s important for the Philippine national team is her ability to find untapped potential and turn that into medal winners.

The 57-year-old coach did that with Jang Hye-jin, who was relatively unknown in Korea’s rich archery scene until Ryu took her under her wing. Jang won two Olympic golds in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

‘It would be such a waste if we don’t take advantage of her interest in Philippine archery and get her to coach here,’ Gregorio said.

The Quezon City government said Thursday that all of the 14 ‘lechon’ (roasted pig) establishments in La Loma, which were earlier ordered temporarily closed, have been declared free of African Swine Fever (ASF).

‘The local government is pleased to announce that there is no longer any [ASF] virus in 14 lechon establishments in La Loma, Quezon City,’ it announced in a statement.

The lechon stores in the area, which is considered the city’s ‘lechon capital,’ were shut down by the local government on Nov. 13 after some pigs tested positive for the infectious disease.

The establishments were directed to conduct daily disinfection activities for a week in compliance with a memorandum issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry.

They were also ordered to comply with mandatory sanitary, safety and health protocols.

Cleared

According to the city government, three of the 14 establishments have been given the go-ahead to reopen after passing the regulations set by the City Health Department and City Veterinary Department.

It added that it would continue to assist entrepreneurs to ensure that all of them follow protocols and ‘maintain the quality of products coming from La Loma.’

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier assured the public that the virus cannot be passed on to humans.

‘The ASF is a disease affecting pigs, not humans,’ the DOH said in a social media post. ‘Humans cannot be infected with ASF. It is still safe to eat the meat of pigs. Just make sure that the meat is thoroughly cooked before it is eaten.’

Were they smart and cunning enough to game the system, or were they clueless patsies thrown to the wolves as fall guys?

Virtual unknowns until Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson linked them to the flood control scandal, resigned Department of Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar and Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Undersecretary Adrian Carlos Bersamin gained sudden notoriety for allegedly engineering and carting off P25 billion in kickbacks from budget insertions reportedly ordered by President Marcos.

Quoting Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, Lacson detailed how the two allegedly used the President’s name to facilitate the insertions, from which they later drew kickbacks. Bernardo’s claims belied the series of video clip exposes posted by resigned Ako Bicol party list Rep. Zaldy Co, that implicated the President to the P100-billion insertions in the 2025 budget. Co quoted Olaivar and Bersamin as saying that the President wanted a 25 percent cut from the insertions some of which, Co said, he delivered to Malacañang and to the house of the President’s cousin, former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

In Bernardo’s private testimony to Lacson, the deliveries reportedly involved armored vans loaded with between P800 million and P2 billion each time, with the exchange between the two underlings done at the basement parking of a five-star hotel in Manila.

Shady deal

Could it be that Co had been played by Olaivar and the grand nephew of former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin? After all, ‘who would not believe a Bersamin?’ Lacson noted.

Co’s online exposé, which banked mainly on the say-so of the two young officials instead of being said under oath, were dismissed as ‘pure hearsay’ by Malacañang. Olaivar and the younger Bersamin have since resigned in the wake of Lacson’s statements.

But the fallout from Bernardo’s confession unexpectedly hit the older Bersamin as well, Citing the DPWH official’s revelation, Lacson said the former executive secretary had volunteered to ‘take care’ of facilitating the release of the P52-billion insertion which, Bernardo said, he himself handled.

While Lacson has cleared Mr. Marcos of involvement in the shady deal, saying it would be illogical for the President to eventually veto funding items that he had supposedly sought to be inserted, it is alarming that Olaivar and Bersamin had managed a multibillion peso scam right under the nose of the President. Such optics reflect badly on the top executive’s leadership style and control over his people.

Daring heist

Was there no oversight in the release of public funds such that underlings can just appropriate billions of pesos in kickback for themselves with impunity? How could two relatively young bureaucrats stage such a daring heist, and almost got away with it? Olaivar and Bersamin practically ran circles around their superiors, with the public none the wiser had Bernardo not snitched on them.

The involvement of the two junior officials are a telling reason why being in government is a coveted post: being so close to power could mean enjoying the crumbs-still sizable and lucrative, by the way-that fall from the festive table groaning with multibillion peso worth of government projects. It would take a sterling character and unassailable integrity to resist such accessible perks that come with proximity to power.

The revelation that the two deputies would switch armored vans to drive off with the loot from the basement of a decent hotel also raises questions on the hotel’s lax security protocols. Would more stringent security measures have flagged the anomalous transactions? But then again, as Lacson had previously asked, who would dare challenge a Bersamin?

Reputation in public service

What’s even more incredible, if Bernardo’s confession were to be believed, was how a former Supreme Court justice and trusted lieutenant of the President could sully his name and discard years building up a reputation in public service by allegedly being complicit in the fund diversion.

Letting go of the Bersamins and Olaivar is so easy, which begs the question of who are afraid of them. Why are the appropriate agencies not even trying to get ahold of them? They should be summoned before the Senate’s blue ribbon committee, the Ombudsman, and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, and encouraged to reveal the machinations they’ve apparently mastered to run loops around government systems if only to plug vulnerable cracks that allowed them. More importantly, they must be held accountable for their deeds.

With errant contractors and DPWH officials now facing trial and possible jail terms for looting the country’s resources, the other actors behind the scene in similar illicit transactions should be prosecuted as well. An arrest warrant posthaste should precipitate a hold departure order to prevent them from leaving the country and escaping accountability. Government service is a public trust after all, and woe to those who would betray it.

Republic Act No. 9851, the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity, does not require implementing rules and regulations (IRR), contrary to the contention of the legal counsel of Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa.

This is in view of his possible surrender or extradition by the Philippine government under Section 17 to the International Criminal Court, based on the warrant of arrest and surrender for Dela Rosa as a charged co-perpetrator in the crimes against humanity of murder case linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s ‘drug war.’ Dela Rosa’s counsel further contends that surrendering or extraditing the senator under Section 17 without an IRR would be unconstitutional purportedly for depriving him of liberty without due process of law, with the IRR serving as the legal instrument of that due process.

Before dealing with this issue of procedural due process and safeguards for a Section 17 surrender or extradition of Dela Rosa to the ICC under RA 9851, it should be noted that the law has been in effect since early 2010, or for more than 15 years, without an IRR. RA 9851 has also been reaffirmed and applied several times by the Supreme Court. In Pangilinan v. Cayetano (2021), the Supreme Court reaffirmed the fallback value of RA 9851. There have also already been convictions and acquittals for violations of RA 9851 at the regional trial court (RTC) level.

These judicial affirmatory rulings and applications of RA 9851 were done even without an IRR. The legislative intent of RA 9851 indicates that it no longer requires an IRR, otherwise one would have been provided. As it is, a number of our major criminal laws, most notably the Revised Penal Code, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and the Anti-Plunder Act, do not provide for an IRR. Even without an IRR, these are laws that can and must be implemented.

RA 9851’s constitutionality has never been questioned before the Supreme Court. We may sooner or later see it being questioned there in case not only of a RA 9851 Section 17 surrender or extradition of Dela Rosa to the ICC, but also in a possible later RA 9851 case for the crime against humanity of murder that may yet be filed, as ought to be, in the RTC against perpetrators of the Duterte ‘drug war,’ whether or not they are haled to the ICC.

Dealing now with the issue of procedural due process and safeguards, in the absence of an IRR, the law itself provides the recourse under Section 10, which covers the ‘applicability of international law.’ This includes the Rome Statute whose Article 59 on ‘arrest proceedings in the custodial state’ (which also covers interim release and surrender) is particularly relevant to the Philippine government’s continuing obligation to cooperate with the ICC, despite its withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

The Rome Statute’s Article 59(2) provides that ‘A person arrested shall be brought promptly before the competent judicial authority in the custodial State which shall determine, in accordance with the law of that State, that: (a) The warrant applies to that person; (b) The person has been arrested in accordance with the proper process; and (c) The person’s rights have been respected.’ The ‘competent judicial authority’ can be an RTC which has original and exclusive jurisdiction over crimes against humanity, or it can and would likely be the Supreme Court, in this prominent case of first impression. We have laws on arrest and rights of arrested persons. No need for an IRR.