Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

policymakers, technology leaders and industry professionals. With the theme ‘AI at Scale: Driving Value with Governance and Security,’ the Summit will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries, governance and the broader business landscape through discussions on AI adoption in the Philippines, AI governance and public policy, enterprise and sector applications, including the business process outsourcing industry and data governance and cybersecurity.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded across both public and private sector systems, it is reshaping how organizations design policies, manage risk and deploy technology at scale. This shift underscores the growing need to align innovation with governance frameworks that ensure responsible use, protect data integrity, strengthen cybersecurity resilience and support sustainable enterprise transformation across industries. At the same time, as organizations increasingly integrate AI into decision-making processes, trust, transparency and accountability are becoming essential pillars alongside technological advancement.

The Philippines also continues to benefit from a young, digitally connected and highly adaptable workforce that is contributing to the country’s growing innovation landscape. As more organizations invest in digital capabilities and emerging technologies, there is significant opportunity for Filipino innovators to help shape solutions that are both locally relevant and globally competitive.

With the 2026 GTI Competition in the Philippines, we look forward to seeing the next wave of Filipino companies bring forward innovations that can help shape industries, accelerate digital transformation and contribute to the country’s growing technology landscape.

As innovation continues to drive the future of business and society, we remain committed to supporting technology entrepreneurs whose ideas and solutions have the potential to create meaningful impact and contribute to a more innovative and resilient future for the Philippines and beyond. INQ

The author is former vice president of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP). He is the vice chair, COO and head of advisory of R. G. Manabat and Co. (KPMG in the Philippines).

The Senate blue ribbon committee headed by Sen. Erwin Tulfo on Monday resumes proceedings on the controversial flood control project scam amid the continuing leadership dispute in the chamber.

The conflict stems from the Senate reorganization that installed Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as acting Senate president, a move contested by allies of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.

The standoff has fueled uncertainty over committee jurisdictions and the legitimacy of hearings, even as lawmakers from both sides push ahead with investigations and other Senate business.

There are indicators that the testimonies of the 18 supposed bagmen of former lawmaker Zaldy Co were ‘coached’ and ‘coordinated,’ National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said on Monday.

He disclosed these indicators during the Senate blue ribbon committee meeting on the flood-control probe, citing the NBI’s assessment.

‘The political context shows that this is a coordinated operation, not independent whistleblowing,’ Matibag said in Filipino.

He explained that the political context, in this case, includes changes to the affidavits in response to the change in Senate leadership.

‘Because it is being coached, it depends on the person’s political belief. For example, in the first affidavits that were released, the two Senators were mentioned, but when the Senator’s alliance changed, the affidavit changed, and more personalities were added,’ Matibag said in Filipino.

Earlier, Levito Baligod, the lawyer of the 18 individuals, rebuked the testimony, claiming that Sen. Loren Legarda received cash-filled luggage, contrary to the initial publicized version of the affidavit.

Legarda is among the 12 senators allied with Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.

Matibag also mentioned testimonies alleging that Baligod had been providing monetary allowances.

‘What are the signs that this is coordinated? They say that they are all from White Plains… and then someone also admitted that someone is giving money, like an allowance, to Atty. Baligod,’ he said in Filipino.

Matibag also read a line from the testimony, which stated: ‘Baligod suggested to [Johnny] Buduan that the 18 should stay at Baligod’s residence.’

Buduan is one of the 18 individuals who claimed to be a former employee of Co.

The NBI director further cited testimony from the affidavits regarding the date the 18 men began meeting and the claim that it was Baligod who approached them.

‘There is testimony there that they have been together since November. The testimony came out in February. This means they created a narrative,’ Matibag said in Filipino.

‘Please take note that they were not the ones who approached Atty. Baligod, but Atty. Baligod approached Buduan, and Buduan recruited those who would join,’ he added.

Baligod has since accused Matibag of using fake documents, but Matibag did not directly respond to the allegation, saying Baligod has been inconsistent.

Food lovers in Iloilo now have a new destination to satisfy every craving as The Cabalen Group officially opened Cabalen, Tsurumaru and Soi at SM City Iloilo on June 8, bringing together the best of Filipino, Japanese, and Thai cuisine in one exciting location.

The grand opening transformed the mall into a vibrant celebration of culture and flavor. Guests were welcomed by energetic performances inspired by the three concepts-from Dinagyang dancers representing the Filipino heritage of Cabalen, to graceful Thai dancers for Soi, and lively Japanese performance for Tsurumaru. The festivities continued with ceremonial ribbon cuttings led by Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Maria Lourdes S. Treñas-Chu, Iloilo’s Focal Point for UNESCO Ms. Leny Ledesma, The Cabalen Group Founder and President Maritel O. Nievera, Fujio Group Executive Vice-President Hideo Fujio and SM Supermalls Vice-President for Visayas Mall Operations Ms. Michelle Leslie Llanos and other distinguished guests.

‘This opening is more than just the launch of three restaurants-it is an invitation for Ilonggos to experience different cultures and flavors through food,’ shared Ian N. Tiongson, Vice-President of The Cabalen Group. ‘Whether you’re craving a Filipino feast at Cabalen, authentic Japanese comfort food at Tsurumaru, or the bold and vibrant flavors of Thailand at Soi, we want every visit to be a memorable dining experience worth sharing with family and friends.’

Adding excitement to the opening, the first 100 customers received the exclusive Passport to Cravings-packed with instant rewards and special vouchers from all three restaurant concepts. Designed as a fun food crawl experience, guests are encouraged to discover Filipino favorites at Cabalen, savor authentic Japanese comfort food at Tsurumaru, and indulge in the bold flavors of Thailand at Soi.

Cabalen Tsurumaru and Soi SM Iloilo

The opening serves as an exciting prelude to The Cabalen Group’s upcoming 40th Anniversary celebration, marking both a milestone in its continuing growth and a celebration of four decades of culinary excellence, innovation, and Filipino hospitality. The launch of Cabalen, Tsurumaru, and Soi in Iloilo reflects the Group’s enduring commitment to creating memorable dining experiences that bring people together through great food and warm service. As it looks ahead to this landmark anniversary, The Cabalen Group continues to expand its portfolio of beloved brands while sharing its passion for hospitality and meaningful celebrations with more Filipino communities nationwide.

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court should not interfere in the Senate fiasco just yet, and allow the senators to resolve the leadership issue by themselves lest the judiciary become tainted by the politics of the legislative and executive branches of the government, said a constitutional law expert.

According to University of the Philippines College of Law associate dean Paolo Tamase, the SC should only get itself entangled ‘when there is a ripe dispute.’

‘It’s tempting to go immediately through the judicial route, since the Supreme Court can definitively interpret the constitutional provisions and rules involved,’ he told the Inquirer on Sunday.

‘But in past disputes like this, the Court has been careful to function as a safety valve only when all options have been exhausted, since premature intervention will risk being seen by the public as partisan-regardless of what lawyers or even the Court insists-and thus its legitimacy as a politically neutral body,’ Tamase explained.

While Congress is adjourned until next month, committee hearings of the Senate and the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte shall proceed as scheduled.

For Tamase, despite a wrestle for the Senate presidency, there exists a ‘functional majority’ in the chamber, with Senate Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian, serving as acting Senate president, with 12 members. Meanwhile, the new minority led by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano has 10 members.

‘There doesn’t seem to be a grave urgency yet for the Court to intervene, unless critical developments emerge in the next few days,’ he said.

The power shift occurred during the June 3 proceedings, when Gatchalian invoked SC’s 1949 ruling in Avelino v. Cuenco, arguing that quorum should be determined based on senators who are available and subject to the chamber’s jurisdiction rather than the total number of Senate seats.

According to Gatchalian, the Senate effectively has only 22 members over whom jurisdiction may currently be exercised.

Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa remains beyond the Senate’s coercive reach while reportedly evading an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. Meanwhile Sen. Jinggoy Estrada has been detained following his arrest on plunder and graft charges on June 1.

Under that interpretation, the presence of 12 senators-instead of 13-constituted a valid quorum sufficient to transact business and reorganize the chamber.

While Cayetano or any member of his bloc has announced plans to question the Avelino ruling before SC, external personalities were already urging the high court to step into the issue.

For former Senate President Franklin Drilon, an SC intervention is necessary to settle the Senate leadership row, as the high court has the power to question the legality of the leadership reorganization.

‘The Supreme Court is needed because this has gone deep and far. Many statements have been made, and the public and government operations are being inconvenienced if this is not resolved,’ he said.

A teacher also asked the SC to affirm the legality of the June 3 session in the Senate where a quorum was declared with only 12 senators and a reorganization of the chamber was held.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also said he was ‘examining all options’ and ‘looking at the law and the Constitution’ to remedy the Senate situation.

According to Tamase, the Supreme Court often does not disturb political settlements and movements that have already been accomplished, especially if they concern only the internal leadership of either chamber of the Congress, ‘at the risk of reigniting the political dispute it so cautiously avoids.’

‘Senate leadership issues do not involve fundamental rights of citizens, so unlike in cases where the Court will intervene even when unpopular, it often steps back in these types of challenges,’ he said.

‘If we look at past instances of leadership challenges, we’ve always allowed the Senate to politically fight it out,’ he added.

According to Tamase, the growing public impatience over the deadlock could pressure some senators to switch sides, allowing one bloc to gain a majority of 13 members and elect a permanent Senate President.

It was his remarks about corruption in the country and injustices around the world in the final round of the competition that helped Oliver Eugen Kretz score the Philippines’ first victory in the Man of the World pageant.

The German-Filipino hunk from Palawan bested 27 other aspirants for the title at the eighth edition of the Manila-based international competition held at Palacio de Maynila in Manila on Saturday evening.

In the second phase of the ‘Intelligence Round’ of the competition where the Top 5 finalists delivered their respective ‘Statements of the World,’ Kretz looked back to the time his parents separated when he was young.

‘I thought survival was my only option and that dreaming was no longer meant for me. As I grew older, I realized I was not alone. Many children are forced into survival because of corruption, while others across the world are robbed of their childhood because of the injustices of war, crisis, and conflict,’ he said.

‘Humanity must be rooted in peace and integrity. Our future should never be shaped by greed, but by compassion and responsibility. I hope one day no child will be homeless or broken like me, because every child will finally have a future they can call their own,’ Kretz continued.

Wit and intelligence

The competition placed a premium on the candidates’ wit and intelligence, which accounted for 30 percent of the total scores. Two segments in the program were dedicated to the Intelligence Round.

In the first phase of the final round of competition, the finalists were asked to give a title for a book if they were to write about their experience in the pageant. Kretz wrote ‘Journey to Growth and Purpose’ on his white board. The written portion was the first of its kind in any major global tilt.

Kretz inherited the title from last year’s winner, Juul Missiaen of Spain, to become the first Filipino contender to be crowned Man of the World, something that has been elusive to the Philippines in the past seven editions of the international competition for men.

Settling for the first runner-up spot was Ecuador’s Abel Adrian Diaz, while Chile’s Fidel Arellano was second runner-up. Mexico’s Luis Arturo Jauregui was thrid runner-up, and Malaysia’s Afiq Naufal was fourth runner-up.

he southwest monsoon or habagat has slightly weakened as monsoon break prevails, bringing generally fair Monday weather in most parts of the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Pagasa weather specialist Chenel Dominguez said that habagat only prevails in western section of northern and central Luzon.

‘If we observe, we have already announced the start of the rainy season, but we are still experiencing hot and humid noon to afternoon conditions in large parts of the country,’ Dominguez said in a public weather forecast.

‘This is because of what we call a monsoon break, or sometimes the weakening of the southwest monsoon, which only affects certain parts of the country,’ she continued.

Habagat only prevails in the Ilocos Region and Zambales, bringing cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms.

On the other hand, Metro Manila and the rest of the country is expected to have a fair weather or partly cloudy to cloudy skies with possibility of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

Pagasa announced the start of rainy season in the country last week, or days after it declared the onset of habagat, or the warm moist winds from the Indian Ocean causing rains in the country within May to September.

The state weather bureau also said that monsoon breaks, or periods of reduced rainfall, may be expected to occur or last for several days or weeks.

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) is stepping up efforts to attract more automotive investments, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs), as it positions its ecozones as manufacturing and export hubs.

Peza Director Gen. Tereso Panga said the agency’s economic zones offer investment-ready locations, fiscal incentives and logistics connectivity that could appeal to vehicle manufacturers looking to expand in the Philippines.

In fact, Indonesian automotive companies Astra Visteon and Diametral Involute recently registered with Peza, Panga said.

Another carmaker Peza is hoping to attract is VinFast Auto Ltd., Vietnam’s pioneering EV manufacturer, which has already established a presence in the Philippines through vehicle sales and its partnership with Green GSM.

In a message to the Inquirer, Panga said VinFast was studying setting up charging facilities within Peza sites and also potentially manufacturing EV charging equipment there.

‘The entry of VinFast into ecozones would complement Peza’s ongoing initiatives to attract investments in electric vehicle manufacturing, battery assembly, automotive electronics, charging infrastructure and other sustainable mobility technologies,’ Peza said.

‘We expect more Vietnamese manufacturing firms to consider locating in Philippine ecozones to take advantage of our growing domestic market, strategic location, skilled workforce and preferential access to key destinations,’ Panga added.

VinFast has been expanding its footprint in the Philippines, with its charging infrastructure unit partnering last month with the Provincial Government of Bataan to deploy 600 charging stations and 1,200 battery-swapping stations.

Business mission

Peza said it had also discussed with Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Lai Thai Binh the possibility of organizing a business delegation to the country that could include representatives from VinFast.

Panga said the agency expects stronger economic ties between the Philippines and Vietnam following Vietnamese President To Lam’s two-day state visit last month.

‘The upgraded partnership opens new opportunities for Philippine and Vietnamese businesses to collaborate, integrate into regional supply chains and strengthen their presence across Asean and global markets,’ he said.

Panga added that while the Philippines and Vietnam compete for foreign direct investments and export opportunities, both countries could also benefit from deeper cooperation.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano is no longer tagged as the Senate president in the chamber’s website, but Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian is recognized as the Senate president pro tempore.

This is after the new Senate majority voted on June 3 to declare all seats in the chamber vacant on the third day of Cayetano and his allies’ absence at the plenary.

Since the shake-up, Cayetano has consistently pushed back on the new leadership, calling it ‘illegitimate.’

However, Malacañang and the House of Representatives also recognized the change in leadership.

In a notice for a coordination meeting for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address, an invitation was extended to Senate Secretary Renato Bantug, Jr., of the Gatchalian leadership.

The House prosecution’s response to Vice President Sara Duterte’s answer to the articles of impeachment was also submitted to Bantug.

As he continued to insist on Monday on being Senate president, Alan Peter Cayetano noted that there were already two upper chambers – ‘the Senate of the Philippines and the Senate of Malacañang.’

According to Cayetano, Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian rejected his proposal of an interim setup, under which both of them would sign Senate documents without their designations.

‘I sent him a letter to talk with [Senate Secretary Rey Bantug], and we offered, if Senator Win would like, that we would both sign [documents] even without designation. But because they don’t like to agree, there are two Senates now. You have the Senate of the Philippines, and you have the Senate of Malacañang,’ Cayetano said in a mix of English and Filipino in a press conference.

According to the senator, Gatchalian’s response to his proposal maintained that there had been a change in leadership and that it would be better to do the necessary turnover.

However, Cayetano contended that Gatchalian is not really the Senate president pro tempore, reiterating the lack of a quorum during the latter’s election.

Cayetano also criticized the Senate blue ribbon meeting held by its chairperson Sen. Erwin Tulfo – a chairmanship unrecognized by the Cayetano bloc.

He called the earlier meeting ‘the biggest cover-up committee hearing of our generation,’ alleging that the panel, under Tulfo’s leadership, aims to acquit high officials of the country.

Meanwhile, the blue ribbon panel under his sister, Sen. Pia Cayetano, is ‘seeking the truth,’ he added.

Inquirer reached out to Tulfo and Gatchalian, but they have yet to reply, as of this writing.