Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The Philippine ambassador to the United States is pressing US lawmakers to exempt the country from a new bill that would punish American companies for using overseas call centers.

Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez told Philstar.com on Thursday, October 9, that he is “working hard with our friends in the US Congress to exempt the Philippines” from the proposed Keep Call Centers in America Act. He’s also urging US companies and industry associations “to lobby for less stringent restrictions on BPO’s already established outside the United States.”

The proposed Keep Call Centers in America Act – filed in July – would bar companies that relocate call centers abroad from receiving federal grants or guaranteed loans for five years.

Firms already receiving federal funding would face monthly penalties equal to 8.3% of their total disbursement for each month they remain on a public blacklist of offshore operations.

Under the bill, companies would need to notify the Labor Department 120 days before moving call center jobs overseas or face fines of up to $10,000 per day.

The legislation also mandates that call center agents disclose their physical location at the start of customer service calls and offer to transfer consumers to US-based representatives.

Employers could only get out of the blacklist by relocating call centers back to US soil with staffing levels matching or exceeding the original offshore operation, or by amending contracts to require all call center work to be performed domestically.

Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona introduced the measure in July. Republican Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia co-sponsored the bill, which the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee is reviewing.

Threat to the Philippines

The Philippines has become one of the world’s largest destinations for outsourced call center work and is estimated to hold a sizable chunk – or 10-15% – of the global BPO market.

The BPO industry in the country employs around 1.3 million people and is itself a sector that is a major driver of economic growth.

American firms in particular have been drawn to the Philippines due its English-speaking workers and significantly lower wages than in the US.

An exodus of US call center operations would deal a serious blow to an industry that has become a pillar of the Philippine economy, providing white-collar jobs for university graduates across Metro Manila and other metropolitan areas.

The bill remains at the committee level with no vote scheduled.

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) is conducting a deeper review of the Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC)’s planned acquisition of Franklin Baker Co.

In a notice, the PCC said it is undertaking a Phase 2 review of the proposed acquisition by MPIC subsidiary, Metro Pacific Agro Ventures Inc. (MPAV) of Franklin Baker, one of the country’s oldest and largest manufacturers and exporters of coconut products.

‘The review focuses on how the transaction may affect competition in the markets for coconut products and the supply of mature raw coconuts in Mindanao,’ the PCC said.

A Phase 2 review is a more detailed and extensive assessment to determine whether the proposed transaction will lead to a substantial reduction in competition.

In particular, the review will look at the impact of the transaction on competition in the global manufacture of desiccated coconuts, coconut water, coconut cream, coconut milk and supply of raw coconuts within a 150-kilometer radius from the processing sites of Axelum Resources Corp. in Misamis Oriental and Franklin Baker in Davao del Sur.

The STAR first reported MPAV’s plan to buy out Franklin Baker for P1 billion to save its facilities from closing down.

In July, MPAV announced that it entered into an agreement to acquire Franklin Baker.

MPAV said the transaction would expand its agribusiness platform and reinforce its position as the leading player in the Philippines’ food-grade coconut export industry.

At present, MPAV has a 34.76-percent stake in Axelum Resources Corp.

As part of the deeper review, the PCC is seeking comments on the transaction.

In particular, the PCC said it wants insights on the transaction’s possible impact on prices, quality and range of products and services offered by the transacting parties.

The antitrust agency will be accepting comments until Oct. 10.

A family of 12 in Gibitngil, Medellin is reportedly suffering from mental distress following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Cebu on September 30.

The Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Medellin, together with a medical team from Manila, has conducted Psychological First Aid (PFA) to prevent the affected family members from committing suicide.

According to the Medellin Municipal Police Station, they received a call from Gibitngil Barangay Captain Monina Monato, who sought help after several members of a Christian church showed signs of severe mental distress.

Police Major Manuel Cabanlit, chief of the Medellin Police, said they immediately responded along with personnel from the local government unit and the Municipal Social Welfare and Services Office (MSWSO).

Upon their arrival, the 12 family members-including an eight-year-old child and a pregnant woman-were reportedly unable to communicate properly and were poised to commit suicide.

Rene Barro, president of the religious group to which the family belongs, told police that the members had stopped eating since October 1, 2025, due to trauma from the earthquake.

Authorities also reported that the family threw food packs into the sea, and some members had expressed suicidal thoughts.

‘Ang katong father kuno ni-try (suicide) gyud, murag naa siyay samad gamay sa liog pero gamay ra kaayo unya nadala dayon sa DRRMO sa ospital pero ang other members sa family daw kay mo-estorya kuno sila nga mag suicide sila,’ said Cabanlit.

(The father reportedly attempted suicide. He had a small wound on his neck, but it was very minor. He was immediately brought by the DRRMO to the hospital. However, other family members were saying they would also take their own lives.)

Janice Sumalinog of the MSWSO said that a team from the RHU and the visiting Manila medical team provided psychological first aid to the family.

The head of the family remains confined in the hospital for treatment. When asked if the family had any pre-existing problems, Sumalinog said they had not received any such reports.

Those identified with mental distress have already been given medication.

The International Criminal Court has denied former president Rodrigo Duterte’s request for temporary release, ruling that his daughter’s public threat to ‘break him out’ and his recent election as Davao City mayor show he still wields the power and influence to flee or obstruct justice.

The decision sets back the Duterte family’s efforts to return the former president to the country and vindicates the position of victims’ families and their lawyers, who had opposed his release on grounds he would be a flight risk and a threat to witnesses.

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I’s decision, dated September 26 but made public Friday, found that Duterte’s continued detention is necessary on these three grounds: to ensure he appears for trial, to prevent him from obstructing proceedings, and to stop him from committing new crimes.

None of the conditions proposed by Duterte’s lawyers – including electronic monitoring and undertakings by a third country to host him – could adequately contain the risks if Duterte is temporarily freed, according to the decision.

‘The detention of Mr. Duterte is required so as to ensure his appearance in these proceedings, that he does not obstruct or endanger the investigation or the Court’s proceedings, and to prevent the commission of related crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court,’ the decision read.

Why he’s a flight risk

In rejecting Duterte’s request for temporary release, the court cited the former president’s ‘rejection of the proceedings’ of the ICC itself and his family’s ‘will to help him elude detention and prosecution.’

The court pointed to several public remarks by Vice President Sara Duterte, who told supporters in July that she would ‘break [her father] out’ of detention and accused the ICC and the Philippine government of using ‘fake witnesses.’

The vice president also said in August that her father had supposedly expressed his desire to return to Davao City if granted interim release, which the court noted contradicted the defense’s assertion that Duterte would willingly remain in the host country he would be released to.

These several off-the-cuff and public statements by Sara reinforced the view that the elder Duterte still commands loyalty and political power strong enough to undermine future proceedings, according to the court.

Duterte’s continued influence, according to the court, was on full display when he won another term as mayor of Davao City in May. This placed him once again at the helm of the city where many of the alleged drug war killings occurred.

His son, elected vice mayor, and his daughter’s position as vice president, gave Duterte the “necessary political contacts … that may help him abscond,” the court ruled.

The National Union of People’s Lawyers had said in March that while “interim release pending trial is a right of the accused,” relatives of victims of the drug war believed Duterte is “a flight risk … and a threat to the safety of witnesses and evidence.”

Risk to witnesses, ongoing obstruction

The court found the second ground for detention – preventing obstruction of proceedings – was also clearly met.

Judges cited Duterte’s “repeated history” of interfering with investigations, including “alleged involvement in briefing a witness due to testify before the Philippines Senate’s inquiry into the Davao Death Squad” and “threatening and taking retaliatory actions against individuals opposed to him.”

Releasing Duterte “would provide him with greater access to his associates and family who are actively attempting to interfere with the proceedings against him,” the judges wrote.

The court said there is “a risk that Mr. Duterte would pose a threat to (potential) witnesses, either directly or indirectly through his supporters.”

Critically, with his son Baste Duterte now serving as Davao vice mayor – in one of the locations where alleged crimes against humanity occurred – the court said the risk of witness intimidation exists “even if Mr. Duterte would be released to a location that falls outside of the geographic scope of the alleged crimes.”

Risk of continuing crimes

The third ground for detention – preventing new crimes – was also satisfied, the court found.

Duterte’s election as Davao City mayor in May concerned the court, because the charges against him include crimes allegedly committed during his previous terms as Davao mayor.

“Should he return to Davao City, Mr. Duterte would be placed in the very position that allowed him to commit the crimes for which his arrest and surrender to the Court was initially sought,” the decision stated.

The court also cited prosecutors’ evidence that Duterte “reportedly pledged to ‘double’ the killings” during the 2024 campaign if elected mayor again.

The judges said this risk continues “even if Mr. Duterte would be released to a location that falls outside of the geographic scope of the alleged crimes,” given his son’s position of power in Davao.

Medical condition, proposed conditions rejected

Duterte’s defense team submitted medical reports arguing his age – 80 – and alleged cognitive decline do not make him a threat.

But the court dismissed this entirely.

The medical documents submitted by the defense, according to the court, didn’t show how Duterte’s condition would eliminate the risks he poses. The defense’s health arguments “consist in mere extrapolation of the above-mentioned documents by the Defence – who does not have the requisite expertise to draw such a conclusion – and as such, are purely speculative and without basis,” the ruling stated.

Duterte’s lawyers also offered 16 conditions for his release to an unnamed country, including electronic monitoring, communication restrictions and limited movement.

The court found the proposal unworkable. The unnamed country lacked infrastructure for electronic monitoring – which the defense itself called “essential to mitigate the risk of flight.” Some proposed conditions would require substantial involvement from the court’s Registry, raising implementation concerns.

“The Chamber finds that the proposed conditions are not sufficient to mitigate the risks enumerated above in relation to Mr. Duterte’s interim release,” the decision stated.

What’s next? The confirmation of charges hearing initially set on September 23 has been postponed. Meanwhile, independent medical experts are assessing whether Duterte is fit to participate in proceedings – a separate legal question from whether he should be granted interim release.

Five luxury properties in the Philippines were honored by the website of the prestigious Michelin Guide.

The France-based travel guide awarded the ‘Michelin Key’ distinction to Amanpulo in Palawan, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, Fairmont Makati, Nay Palad Hideaway Siargao and Raffles Makati, according to information from its website.

They all earned ‘One Michelin Key,’ which ‘set the standard for excellence in Filipino hospitality.’ Based on the Michelin Guide, ‘One Key’ denotes ‘a very special stay,’ where ‘service always goes the extra mile and the hotel provides much more than others in its price range.’

It added the ‘One Michelin Key’ was similar to the ‘Michelin Stars’ awarded to restaurants, wherein a recommended hotel or resort could be given as much as ‘Three Michelin Keys.’

‘As the Michelin Guide broadens its recognition to include outstanding stays, the Philippines debuts on the Michelin Key stage with properties that reflect the nation’s unparalleled warmth and natural beauty,’ wrote the guide on its website.

It added, ‘Each hotel, from city landmark to island escape, offers an experience as memorable as the country itself.’

The five luxury properties awarded each with a ‘One Michelin Key’ were among the 20 hotels and resorts recommended by the Michelin Guide, which also includes Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery, Hotel Okura Manila at Newport World Resorts, Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts, Shangri-La The Fort Manila, Solaire Resort Entertainment City, The Peninsula Manila, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, NUSTAR Hotel Cebu, City of Dreams – Nobu Hotel Manila, Grand Hyatt Manila, The Westin Manila, Piece Lio El Nido, The Funny Lion El Nido, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort and The Lind Boracay.

The Michelin Guide also announced the launch of its expansion to Manila and Cebu on Oct. 30, 2025, wherein its inspectors would ‘seek out the most exceptional dining destinations’ in Manila and neighboring Pampanga, Tagaytay and Cavite, as well as Cebu.

Looking for your next food trip? These dining spots inside SMDC properties are low-key, amazing and worth a visit whether you live nearby or are just dropping in.

From Japanese beef bowls to Tagaytay cafés with a view, these places offer more than good eats. They bring flavor, vibe and convenience to everyday dining.

Here’s where to eat when hunger strikes:

1. Liminvl Coffee – SMDC Strip at Wind Residences, Tagaytay

Liminvl Coffee at SMDC Strip at Wind offers approachable specialty brews in a cozy, home-like space where residents, office workers and coffee lovers gather. Its best-seller is the Apricot Latte, a smooth espresso topped with apricot-infused foam, while favorites like the Americoco, Mushroom Melt, Fish and Chips, and hand-brewed pour-overs keep guests coming back, with seasonal coffee mocktails, an expanded food menu, and upcoming workshops making it a true community hub.

Price range per head: P400 – P700

2. Koibitos Gelato – SMDC Strip at Wind Residences, Tagaytay

Koibitos Gelato brings a little taste of Italy to SMDC Strip at Wind, offering authentic artisanal gelato made fresh daily with Batangas milk and premium ingredients from around the world. Families and kids keep coming back for must-try flavors like Batangas Tablea, Pistachio, Cashew Butter and Kapeng Barako, while adventurous guests go for the affogato with gelato and espresso. More than just dessert, Koibitos creates a space for families and friends to connect, play and relive childhood moments, all while enjoying handcrafted gelato in a warm, thoughtfully designed store.

Price range per head: P450

3. The Bakery – SMDC Strip at Wind Residences, Tagaytay

The Bakery at SMDC Strip at Wind serves freshly baked classics made with quality ingredients, offering favorites like the plain buttery Croissants for a taste of Paris, or Ube Cheese Pandesal, best enjoyed with their café-style coffee. More than a stop for your daily bread, it’s a neighborhood spot where residents and families return for comfort, connection and the simple joy of warm pastries straight from the oven.

Price range per head: P450

4. Tulua Café – SMDC Air Mall, Makati

Tulua Café at SMDC Air Mall is part of the Tulua wellness lifestyle brand, offering guilt-free comfort food crafted with wellness in mind. Known for favorites like Truffle Pasta, the Beach Babe Smoothie and nutrient-packed Smoothie Bowls made with natural sweeteners only, the café sets itself apart with clean recipes, a calming ambiance and interiors designed to nourish both body and mind. Residents, professionals and wellness-seekers come not just for the food but for a mini escape, leaving refreshed, cared for and eager to return.

Price range per head: P500 – P600

5. Umi Sushi – SMDC Air Mall, Makati

Umi Sushi at SMDC Air Mall brings simply good sushi to the heart of Makati, offering freshly made rolls and sets that balance flavor, texture and value. What started as a pandemic-born online brand has grown into a welcoming dine-in spot loved by young professionals, residents and families alike. Must-tries include the Umi Set 1 for variety, Crunchy Salmon for something light and Spicy Tuna or Kamikaze Rolls for a flavorful kick. More than just affordable Japanese dining, Umi Sushi delivers a cozy space where guests feel at home and always leave planning their next visit.

Price range per head: P500

6. Wolhwa Galbi – MAAX, Pasay

Wolhwa Galbi at MAAX brings authentic Korean barbecue from Seoul to Manila, offering premium specialties like the 56-hour Aged Premium Galbi and the 168-hour Dry-aged Samgyupsal, both crafted for unmatched tenderness and flavor.

First-time guests often go for the Gold Course, a curated set featuring signature meats and side dishes, while regulars range from families and office workers to concert-goers from the nearby arena. With over 130 seats, the restaurant is ideal for both casual dining and private gatherings, balancing authenticity and local tastes through traditional Korean recipes with flavors Filipinos love. Every visit is designed to be more than just a meal but a shared experience of flavor, warmth and company, leaving guests saying it’s the closest thing to Korea they’ve tasted.

Price range per head: P599 – P699

7. Sukiya – SMDC Strip at Mezza, Quezon City

SUKIYA, Japan’s famous beef bowl chain, brings authentic Gyudon made with the same recipe, equipment, and methods used in Japan. Guests can choose from five Gyudon sizes or try other favorites like Yakiniku and Yakisoba plates starting at just P75. With its unique fast yet full-service system, the store caters to students, professionals, commuters and families alike. Open for longer hours outside the mall setting, SUKIYA delivers Japan’s beloved fast food experience with flavorful, freshly made meals served quickly and consistently.

Price range per head: P300

8. One Pot – SMDC Strip at Shore Residences, Pasay

One Pot is the go-to spot for unlimited hotpot at SMDC Strip at Shore, offering a fun self-serve setup where you can mix sauces, pick fresh ingredients, and let their automatic hotpot system lift your food when it’s ready. Top picks include the Shrimp Bucket and US Prime Wagyu, along with their playful variety of meatballs like the Golden Chiz Ball and Lobster Ball. With its lively and welcoming vibe, it’s a favorite for families, groups and celebrations, especially with their birthday promo where the celebrant eats free with five paying adults.

Price range per head: P699 – P799

9. Jidong – SMDC Strip at Shore Residences, Pasay

Looking for a drink that’s both refreshing and filling? Jidong, an international brand known for its authentic milk teas, brings its signature flavors to SMDC Strip at Shore. Crowd favorites include the Herbal Jelly Milk Tea, Watermelon Coconut and Mango Coconut, loved for their rich, unique blends. First-timers should try the Mango Coconut, a creamy tropical mix with a hint of coconut milk. Every cup is crafted to deliver consistency, authenticity, and a taste that keeps guests coming back.

Price range per head: P130 – P330

10. Yanggoufu – SMDC Strip at Shore Residences, Pasay

Yangguofu Malatang at SMDC Strip at Shore brings the authentic taste of China’s beloved hotpot-style dish right to the heart of the community. Known for its rich Beef Broth with a light spicy kick, Yangguofu lets you customize every bowl with fresh vegetables, meats and noodles, making each visit a personal culinary adventure.

The self-service concept, paired with their famous condiment bar and attentive service, sets them apart from other dining spots in the area. A favorite among Shore Residences homeowners, visitors and SM employees, Yangguofu has quickly become a go-to destination for flavorful, satisfying meals. First-timers should dive straight into the signature Malatang Beef Broth, a must-try that delivers the perfect balance of spice, umami and comfort.

Price range per head: P350 – P500

11. The Aviary – SMDC Strip at Shore Residences, Pasay

Aviary at SMDC Strip at Shore brings the same calming, nature-inspired vibe it first introduced inside Manila Zoo’s Aviary Sanctuary into a new community setting.

By day, it’s a cozy spot for specialty coffee like the must-try sea-salt latte and refreshing yuzu citron soda, paired with favorites such as salmon ceviche and mala cream dim sum. By night, it transforms into a laid-back cocktail bar, serving globally inspired drinks and hearty mains like honey-glazed salmon with mango salsa and their signature rustic beef burger steak.

With its blend of comfort food, craft cocktails and a serene atmosphere, Aviary offers a pocket of escape in the middle of the bustling MOA complex.

Price range per head: P250 – P500

12. Sweeney Todd – SMDC Jazz Mall, Makati

Sweeney Todd Manila at SMDC Jazz Mall is a hidden speakeasy disguised as a barbershop, offering English-style comfort food, playful cocktails and a cozy vibe that stands out in Makati. Inspired by the movie of the same name, its signature Meat Pie is a crowd favorite, while must-try dishes like Truffle Bacon Pasta, Four Cheese Pizza and Buffalo Wings pair perfectly with drinks such as Blood on the Blade and Amaretto Sour.

The bar draws both professionals unwinding after work and Gen Z crowds on weekends, with themed nights like Tuesday Sing-Alongs and 90s Fridays adding to the fun. It’s a relaxed, music-filled escape where guests leave saying, ‘We’re definitely coming back.’

It was meant to uphold respect between chambers, but has interparliamentary courtesy become a shield for corruption?

As flood control scandals implicate lawmakers, questions arise about whether this political tradition still upholds accountability – or protects those in power.

After a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the coast of Davao Oriental on Friday, October 10, classes and government work in Davao City and other areas have been suspended.

‘In view of the recent earthquake and to give way to the conduct of rapid damage assessment of infrastructures and facilities, classes in all levels, public and private educational institutions, in Davao City are hereby suspended immediately,’ the city government of Davao said in a Facebook post.

Another advisory was issued saying that government office work in Davao City has been suspended until further notice.

‘Private offices and establishments are given the discretion to suspend work or adopt work-from-home arrangements, but are encouraged to do so for the safety and convenience of their employees,’ the local government unit said.

The City Government of Cotabato likewise announced that classes were also suspended in the city.

After the earthquake in Davao, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. has ordered the suspension of work at Cebu City Hall following the advisories on possible aftershocks.

Here is a running list of all the local government units and schools that have announced class suspensions:

Schools

Davao del Sur State College

Tamugan National High School

Polytechnic College of Davao del Sur

Localities

Davao City

Cotabato City

Koronadal City

Municipality of Maitum

Municipality of Malabuyog

Municipality of Albuera

Municipality of Mabini

Municipality of Santa Maria

Municipality of Sta. Cruz

Sultan Kudarat

During these dark times when the country is going through moral and social challenges, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula said people are called to act as saints and become ‘beacons of light.’

According to a CBCPNews post, Cardinal Advincula encouraged everyone to ‘normalize sainthood’ and make it part of their everyday life.

Advincula gave this message during the First National Postulation Conference held last Oct. 7 at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila, and the launching of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Office for the Postulation of the Causes of Saints.

He said that the conference held last Tuesday was timely and crucial amid the nation’s moral and social challenges.

‘It was when times were extremely dark that the Lord called saints to serve as beacons of light amid the decadence and despair,’ Advincula said. ‘We are saints in process, and the Lord is not finished with us yet.’

While not identifying specific moral and social challenges, the archbishop made the statement at the time when the country is going through a corruption scandal in government flood control projects.

Advincula also said holiness is not a privilege for only a few people but a call for all the baptized. ‘Let us normalize the idea of sainthood for all, especially among the young people. God did not call the perfect or the ideal – He looked at the heart and the potential,’ the prelate said.

Holiness, he said, is not measured by perfection or miracles but by love, humility and service.

‘The Lord is calling every one of us to be saints – to proclaim the light and joy of the Gospel in our homes, parishes, and communities,’ he added.

Not snap polls, but jail for plunderers

What the country needs is not a new election term but a prison term for the plunderers, CBCP president Kalookan’s Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David said amid calls for a snap election over mounting outrage against corruption in government flood control projects.

Senate minority leader Alan Peter Cayetano suggested last Oct. 5 for all leaders – from the President Marcos to members of Congress – to resign and to hold a snap election.

In response, Cardinal David said that ‘Even if it (the government) fails us, we must not throw it away – it’s something we have built together. Let’s repair it, guard it, and make it work. Not through a coup, not through revolutionary government, not through military rule, not through snap elections.’

‘Let the rule of law work. What we need is not a new election term – but long prison terms for the plunderers,’ he added.

‘We’ve suddenly awakened to the truth that patronage politics and dynastic rule are the greatest plagues of our nation,’ he said.

But there is no simple remedy to the country’s woes because ‘even if all the corrupt officials were to die, they would just be replaced by others like them,’ he said.

‘We are all part of the problem; therefore, we must all be part of the solution. We must help dismantle this culture of corruption,’ he added.

Impeach Marcos?

During Wednesday’s plenary sessions, neophyte lawmaker Rep. Kiko Barzaga said he intends to file an impeachment complaint against President Marcos for alleged ‘betrayal of public trust.’

‘I am filing an impeachment complaint against President Marcos. Hopefully, Congress will remove him soon so we can start investigating those involved in flood control anomalies,’ the 27-year-old lawmaker said.

However, Barzaga only showed the document (Marcos impeachment suit) in his vlog, where he accused the Chief Executive of ‘betrayal of public trust.’

‘Welcome back to the crocodile farm. The crocodiles are absent again, they are in vacation,’ he said, smiling in his vlog as he showed a video of the chamber’s plenary hall. ‘And I have another surprise – the Marcos impeachment complaint! Ameow hehehe Bye Bye Marcos.’

The Cavite fourth district congressman has not filed any complaint yet before the office of House secretary general Cheloy Garafil.

Marcos Jr. too busy

President Marcos is too preoccupied with his responsibilities to pay attention to the effort of Barzaga to impeach him, Malacañang said yesterday.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said filing an impeachment complaint is within the power of the House of Representatives, but the President is too busy to deal with such discussions.

‘At a time when the President is attending to a lot of things, these kinds of discussions are ignored. The President is busy helping our countrymen; many jobs are needed to uplift the Philippines, not to lower the dignity of the country,’ the Palace press officer said at a briefing.

Asked if Marcos is paying attention to Barzaga, Castro replied: ‘Just a smile.’

Castro said it is easy to make allegations, but the public should not believe in claims that are not backed by evidence.

US talent management A-Nexus Inc. announced that global unit Quadlips has added another member, Mashiro, a talented rising star from KLP48.

This marks a milestone in Quadlips’ journey as they continue to expand their diverse lineup of exceptionally talented Asian artists.

Formed in 2023, Quadlips serves as the global unit of the AKB48 Group, bringing together select members from various countries as they continue making waves in the Asian pop music scene.

The lineup currently features FENI (JKT48), COLE (MNL48) from the Philippines, FAME (BNK48), and now Mashiro, who adds a fresh dynamic to further create a diverse ensemble poised for global appeal.

Mashiro, hailing from Japan’s Nara Prefecture, is a proud representative of the second generation of KLP48 (Kuala Lumpur) and was announced as Quadlips’ new member at Japan’s Oshi Tera Idol Matsuri event last month.

“Mashiro’s arrival will not only enrich the group’s performance repertoire but also infuse her exceptional talent and stage presence into our collective work, the Quadlips,” said A-Nexus management.

The singer herself expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity

“I can’t wait to share my passion for music and performance with fans around the world,” Mashiro said. “I look forward to collaborating with FENI, COLE, and FAME to create unforgettable experiences together.”

Quadlips is actively promoting its latest single, “IDGA,” which debuted in the Philippines last August.

In the coming months, Filipino fans will also have the chance to connect with the group through select mall shows, along with opportunities to meet and greet their favorite members.