South Palms Panglao opens Bohol’s first luxury wellness spa

December 18, 2025 | 12:02 am

SOUTH PALMS Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection has opened Bohol’s first luxury wellness spa, aiming to attract both local and international tourists seeking traditional Filipino wellness practices.

The spa, named Lola’s Sanctuary, blends heritage-inspired treatments with modern design, using farm-grown botanicals in its wellness offerings. It follows the August opening of the 188-room luxury resort, developed by the tourism arm of the Uy-led Alturas Group of Companies and managed by French hospitality chain Accor.

“The new space draws on the region’s deep-rooted healing traditions to create an experience that is both restorative and culturally resonant,” the resort said in a statement on Wednesday.

One of the signature treatments, Hilod Dalisay, is a 90-minute ancestral body-purifying ritual using asin tibuok, Bohol’s traditional sea salt, combined with lemongrass and virgin coconut oil.

“We wanted to preserve Bohol’s ancestral healing traditions while presenting them through a refined, contemporary lens,” said Danish Khan, general manager of South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection.

The spa features an open-air reception surrounded by pandan, lemongrass, and fruit trees, where guests can enjoy detox juices and herbal teas.

According to the resort, “every treatment reflects knowledge passed through generations of Filipino healers, blending botanicals grown at South Farm with techniques that balance authenticity and refinement.”

The spa complements the resort’s other luxury offerings, including beach yoga sessions and a fitness studio. Guests can also learn about Bohol’s traditional salt-making practices through the resort’s cultural immersion activities, branded as “M Moment.”

South Palms MGallery Panglao is Accor’s second luxury MGallery property in the Philippines. It sits within the 50-hectare Panglao Shores estate, which is slated for future residential and commercial developments.

In the Philippines, Accor operates hotels under brands including Fairmont, Raffles, Pullman, Mercure, and ibis Styles across Metro Manila and the Visayas. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Indonesia’s central bank keeps rates steady, focuses on rupiah’s stability

December 18, 2025 | 12:01 am

USA-TRUMP-TARIFFS-INDONESIA — A teller prepares rupiah bank notes at a money changer in Jakarta, Indonesia, April 9, 2025. Picture taken through glass. — REUTERS/WILLY KURNIAWAN

JAKARTA — Indonesia’s central bank held its policy rates unchanged for a third straight meeting on Wednesday, maintaining its focus on supporting the rupiah currency while it assesses the impact of its earlier easings.

Bank Indonesia (BI) kept the benchmark 7-day reverse repurchase rate at 4.75%, as expected by 18 of 31 economists polled by Reuters. The rest had predicted BI would resume its rate cut cycle.

The bank also left unchanged its overnight deposit rate and lending rate at 3.75% and 5.5%, respectively. BI had slashed its main rates by a total of 150 bps between September 2024 and September 2025 as it looked to stimulate growth in Southeast Asia’s biggest economy.

Governor Perry Warjiyo said in an online press conference the decision was in line with efforts to maintain the stability of the rupiah as global market uncertainties remain high, while the central bank continues to monitor if it has room for further policy rate easing.

BI has forecast growth of 4.9% to 5.7% next year, from 4.7% to 5.5% in 2025.

The rupiah has been among emerging Asia’s weakest currencies against the dollar this year. Hoping to increase domestic US dollar supply to bolster the rupiah, the government has said it would change export earnings retention rules to make exporters keep their dollars onshore for longer from next year.

Inflation has remained comfortably within the central bank’s 1.5% to 3.5% target range for most of the year, with the November rate at 2.72%. BI expects inflation to stay anchored next year. — Reuters

Rising chip costs to push smartphone shipments down in 2026 — Counterpoint

December 18, 2025 | 12:01 am

mobile-phone — STOCK PHOTO | Image by Pongsawat Pasom from Unsplash

GLOBAL smartphone shipments are expected to decline 2.1% next year as rising chip costs are likely to impact demand, technology-focused market research firm Counterpoint said on Tuesday.

Electronics supply chains around the world have been hit by a shortage of legacy memory chips in recent months as manufacturers turned their focus to high-end memory chips suited for semiconductors designed for artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

What we are seeing now is the low end of the market (below $200) being impacted most severely, with bill-of-materials costs (total cost of parts) increasing by 20% to 30% since the beginning of the year, Counterpoint’s Research Director MS Hwang said.

Chinese Smartphone brands such as Honor Device and Oppo are expected to be more vulnerable, particularly in the entry-level segment, due to tight margins, the report said.

“Apple and Samsung are best-positioned to weather the next few quarters,” Counterpoint senior analyst Yang Wang said.

The research firm said last month that Nvidia’s move to use smartphone-style memory chips in its AI servers could cause server-memory prices to double by late 2026.

As each AI server needs more memory chips than a handset, the change is expected to create sudden demand that the industry is not equipped to handle, according to Counterpoint.

Earlier this month, research firm IDC also said it expects a decline of 0.9% in 2026 smartphone shipments globally, citing rising memory chip prices. — Reuters

Dining In/Out (12/18/25)

December 18, 2025 | 12:01 am

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FOR THIS EDITION, we’re compiling a list of gifts: not just physical gifts in the form of holiday hampers and goodies, but holiday experiences that set a standard for years to come.

GIFTS

Hilton’s shiny hampers

CELEBRATE the season with hampers inspired by Filipino flavors and holiday traditions at Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts. The Tala (P3,000 net), Liwayway (P3,800 net), and Sinagtala (P5,800 net) hampers are named after the stars that guide and shine, carrying within them a selection of sweets, treats, and fine beverages. Reach out to 0917-851-4044 or e-mail MNLPH_FB@hilton.com for more information.

Meaty hampers from Marriott

WITH the Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts Cru Steak Box, a Michelin-standard feast is created for holiday tables at home. The 250 gm Portoro Rib Eye rests in a box with the signature Cru Spice, offering rich flavors. The special offer of one complimentary box for every four purchases adds a flourish to gifting or entertaining. For orders and inquiries, contact 0917-827-6656 or 0917-859-9521.

Sheraton Manila Hotel hampers go local

AT THE Pinas Muna Hub of Sheraton Manila Hotel at Newport World Resorts, the Festive Hamper allows guests to create a personalized holiday gift by mixing and matching retail and bakery favorites with a minimum purchase of P3,000. The selection includes whole cakes, mini cakes, mini tarts, cookies, and seasonal specialties such as the Christmas Treeffle Chocolate Cake at P2,200, along with many more holiday treats perfect for gifting and sharing. For reservations and inquiries, contact 0917-859-7496.

Christmas Hamper at Garden Wing Café

CELEBRATE the joy of the season at Garden Wing Café on the Ground Floor of the Garden Wing of Newport World Resorts with its Christmas Hamper. Priced at P6,888 net, the hamper features a choco dip gingerbread man, lebkuchen cookies, WR La Belle Vie Cabernet Sauvignon (750 ml), and other festive treats. The life-sized Gingerbread House returns to the Garden Wing Café. Step inside and discover an array of holiday delights, including the grand White Chocolate Christmas Tree for P2,900, the traditional Pandoro for P4,500, the Panettone 500 gm for P3,000, and other handcrafted treats. For more information, contact 0917-878-0182 or 7908-8889.

Hotel Okura Manila hampers

SWEET CONFECTIONS for the holiday tradition at the Yawaragi Pastry Boutique are available until Jan. 6. Choose from pastries, Christmas cookies, chocolate bars, chocolate figurines, loaves of bread, banana bread, festive mochi donuts, and cakes such as the Bibingka Negra Navidad at P1,900++, Holly Jolly Matcha at P2,000++, and Berry Merry Velvet at P2,450++. For orders and inquiries, call 5318-2888, 0917-842-9067, or e-mail yawaragi.service@hotelokuramanila.com.

Venchi Philippines unveils exclusive Rum Raisin flavor

VENCHI PHILIPPINES introduces Rum Raisin, a Philippine-exclusive gelato flavor created in collaboration with Don Papa Masskara Rum. Available in-store at all Venchi Philippines branches from Dec. 15 to March 31, Rum Raisin invites guests to indulge in the rich flavors of Venchi and Don Papa. This exclusive creation features Venchi’s signature creamy milk gelato, layered with chocolate inclusions and plump raisins soaked in Don Papa Masskara Rum. The flavor is available as gelato scoops or takeout tubs, making it ideal for in-store enjoyment or indulgent moments at home. Please note: Rum Raisin contains 1.44% alcohol content and is intended for adult consumption.

City of Dreams Manila hampers

CAFÉ SOCIETY offers seasonal breads, pastries, handcrafted chocolates, and confections thoughtfully prepared to spread cheer and capture the season’s flavors. From buttery cookies, rich fruitcakes, and decadent chocolates to elegant hampers and artisanal gift sets, the creations are wrapped in festive packaging. Available until Jan. 4, choices include Christmas hampers starting at P7,980; gingerbread houses in different sizes with the smallest at P1,500; and various Panettone (Italian Christmas bread) at P3,600. Holiday indulgences include Christmas-themed cakes including the Christmas Gift Box Surprise Cake (P2,400), Pistachio Wreath Cake (P2,200), Santa Belt Cake (P1,900), and other yule log cakes. For reservations and more information, guests may call 8800-8080, or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com.

EXPERIENCES

City of Dreams Manila holiday stays

TWO-NIGHT STAY holiday packages beckon families starting at P19,600 at Hyatt Regency, P20,600 at Michelin Guide recommended property Nobu Hotel Manila, and P22,600 at Nüwa Manila, all of which include: daily complimentary breakfast buffet at The Café for two adults and two children, 12 years old and below; a special Christmas welcome amenity of handcrafted chocolates, and a complimentary maxibar; two participant tickets and two non-participant tickets at DreamPlay, and one Gingy plush toy, per stay. Booking period is until Dec. 29 with stay period until Dec. 30. For reservations and more information, guests may call 8800-8080, or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com.

Conrad Manila presents Manila’s longest brunch

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, Conrad Manila sets the stage for a celebration with the launch of Manila’s longest brunch at Brasserie on 3. Part of the hotel’s “Bright Holidays, Brilliant Memories” collection of experiences, this dining highlight will take place on Dec. 25 and 31, offering an extended, indulgent brunch from noon to 3:30 p.m. Guests can expect a spread of holiday classics and festive specialties, including herb-crusted roast beef with red wine jus, honey-glazed ham with pineapple chutney, lemon-rosemary roast lamb with tzatziki, roast turkey with sage and chestnut stuffing, tomahawk ribeye roast, lechon, and Omaha beef leg, among other culinary masterpieces. This holiday spread is priced at P4,888 net per person, with an optional beverage upgrade at P1,000 net per person for select alcoholic beverages to elevate the celebration. Meanwhile, they are also open for dinner on Christmas Eve (lunch at P3,188 net per person and dinner at P4,888 net per person), and Christmas Day Dinner (P4,888 net per person). They will have a Radiant New Year Feast on Dec. 31, with dinner buffet at a standard table at P4,799 net and a Bay View table at P4,899 net. There is also an afternoon tea buffet at the C Lounge featuring sweet indulgences such as Santa chocolate dome belt, gift box mango coconut, strawberry macaron, mini Christmas yule log, and Christmas tree red wine jelly panna cotta while savory delights include peppered roasted beef, cucumber and cream, smoked apple cheddar, honey-glazed ham slider, Parmesan and polenta bite, avocado tuna tartare on savory tart, turkey sage and onion stuffing ball, and more treats. Guests may also savor a crepe made based on their preference at the live station. Served with freshly brewed coffee or a pot of tea, they can enjoy moments overlooking Manila Bay for P3,288 ++ per person, from Dec. 20 to 26 between 2 to 5 p.m. Visit www.conradmanila.com, or call 8833-9999.

Holidays at Richmonde

RICHMONDE HOTEL Ortigas’ holiday room offerings — starting at P4,500 net — provide a soothing escape from the rush of December. Special stays on Dec. 24 and 31 come with inclusions. Richmonde Café becomes a gathering place for dining, serving Fil-Hispanic-inspired Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinner buffets at P1,950 net, along with Christmas and New Year breakfast buffets starting at P1,250 net. The hotel continues its tradition of fun festivities with its New Year’s Eve Countdown Party (P1,450 net), complete with a bar chow buffet, select drinks, live entertainment, and party favors for a thrilling welcome event for 2026 at the hotel lobby. To enjoy the evening affair, the New Year’s Eve Celebration Bundle combines the dinner buffet and countdown experience, available at the discounted rate of P2,850 net. For children six to 12 years old, all buffet and countdown offerings are at half price and are free for those five years old and below. For more information or to make a reservation, call 8638-7777 or 0917-534-4352 (Richmonde Café) / 0917-859-7914 (Room Reservations) or e-mail stay@richmondeortigas.com. For instant confirmation on room bookings, log on to www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph. Over at Eastwood Richmonde, the Eastwood Café+Bar sets the stage for radiant celebrations. The Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet (P2,250 net) offers festive local and international dishes, wine and drinks, plus fun giveaways, while the Christmas Day Breakfast Buffet at P1,399 net per person, sets a comforting tone for holiday mornings. The hotel keeps the merriment bright with its Decades & Dancing New Year’s Eve Countdown Party (P2,250 net) at the hotel lobby featuring a cocktail buffet, bottomless drinks, live band performance, games, and dancing ‘til the clock strikes 12. The festivities continue the next morning with a hearty New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet served at the Ballroom for P1,699 net. And for feasting that’s truly family-friendly, children six to 12 years old get a 50% discount on buffet rates and toddlers five years and below eat for free. For more information or to make a reservation, call 8570-7777/ 0917-821-0333 (Eastwood Café+Bar) / 0917-531-6867 (Room Reservations), or e-mail stay@eastwoodrichmonde.com. For instant confirmation on room bookings, log on to www.eastwoodrichmondehotel.com.ph.

Book a room, support a cause with Robinsons Hotels

ROBINSONS Hotels and Resorts (RHR), the hospitality arm of Robinsons Land Corp., is welcoming the Christmas season with a festive lineup of holiday offerings across its portfolio of Grand Summit, Summit Hotels & Resorts, Go Hotels, and Go Hotels Plus nationwide, from Luzon to Mindanao. The season is unified under the theme, “A Brighter Christmas Together.” To encourage family bonding and leisure escapes, RHR’s local brands are offering special room rates. The most significant feature of this campaign is RHR’s commitment to giving back: a portion of the revenue from every room booking throughout the holiday season will be donated directly to partner organizations supporting meaningful advocacies nationwide. These beneficiaries include the elderly, children with cancer, orphans and abandoned children, tribal communities, street children, persons with disabilities, and marginalized women. On Dec. 24, 25, and 31, guests can enjoy special buffet spreads at the brand’s signature Café Summit, featuring seasonal specialties and crowd favorites. Summit Hotels & Resorts properties are located in Greenhills, Robinsons Magnolia, Tagaytay, Naga City, Cebu City, and Tacloban City. Go Hotels Plus are located in Mandaluyong, Naga, Tuguegarao, and Bacolod; while Go Hotels are found in the Ortigas Center, Otis-Manila, Puerto Princesa, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Tacloban, Butuan, Iligan, and Lanang-Davao. Room reservations can be made through the brand websites: summithotels.ph, gohotels.ph, and grandsummithotels.ph/ or through the Robinsons Hotels and Resorts app.

Pancake House bringing people together

WITH refreshed interiors, more seats, and extended hours, Pancake House is opening its doors with familiar favorites in brand-new locations. These include Ayala Malls Capitol Central (Bacolod), SM City San Lazaro (Manila), and NAIA Terminal 3 (Pasay). This season, they’re also pushing their catering for holiday parties. Whether at home, the office, or anywhere else, Bulk Orders, To-Go Trays, and Takeout Boxes make sharing easy, with favorites like Pan Chicken, Breaded Pork Cutlet, Salisbury Steak, and Fish Rolls. E-mail catering@pancakehouse.com.ph, call 888-79000, or visit pancakehouse.com.ph/catering. Select Pancake House stores transform into private venues for friends, family, or colleagues. Guests can enjoy all menu items or curated packages; each served with Iced Tea or Minute Maid Orange Juice. Menus range in price from P399 to P599 per person with dishes like Pan Chicken, Spaghetti, and Salisbury Steak. Celebrate in-store with a P5,000 minimum spend. Reservations are valid for two hours, with extensions at P1,500 per hour (consumable). Rates include 12% VAT; service charges may apply. Meanwhile, enjoy their holiday menu, with dishes like Bibingka Pancakes (P199), Puto Bumbong Pancakes (P199), Maple Walnut and Apple Salad (P349), and Pan Chicken Steak (P349). These are available until Dec. 31 in all Pancake House stores, for dine-in, takeout, curbside pick-up, and delivery.

Checking on lifestyles

December 18, 2025 | 12:01 am

side-view-rich-woman-car — STOCK PHOTO | Image from Freepik

LIFESTYLE CHECKS as a way of establishing the integrity (or the opposite) of public officials are premised on a simple assumption. A person, especially in public service, is expected to live within his means. This income source is defined as his monthly salary, net of taxes.

The lifestyle check is based on the principle of “living within one’s legitimate (or explainable) finances.” It pays attention to “discretionary” spending. These are purchases of goods and services outside the “basket” of necessities, such as rent, food, and energy. Prices of these commodities are used to set the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and track the quarterly inflation rate.

There is also the statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) that details a government official’s financial status. This is intended to include any wealth already amassed or liabilities incurred, and unconnected with present government service. This list does not include assets, including cash, in the name of other people.

Does the salary of a public official buy the same goods and services as an identical amount for his private sector counterpart?

Public officials don’t pay for their staff (some of them are designated as researchers or executive assistants), cars, drivers, domestic help, caregivers; and gasoline, restaurant meals when they’re guest speakers, salaries and food allowances for their security contingent, first class travels abroad, planes for private use when visiting devastated areas, and parking fees when eating out. Do these expenses come out of their own declared income?

Add to these savings and other perks like Christmas and birthday gifts, insider info on stocks and allocations on IPOs, and associates in car dealerships providing discounts (or free test driving) for bullet-proof cars. And what about the undisclosed and undeclared income from other members of the family, some of whom may be management consultants or franchisees of fast-food outlets?

One assumption in a lifestyle check is clear — that flaunting wealth leads to suspicion. Public servants, like academics and NGO leaders, are not expected to be rich or even look like they are.

In the corporate world, lifestyle checks, which are also randomly conducted, can have a second purpose. Does an executive’s lifestyle support the corporate brand? What if a senior executive lives in a low-income rented apartment? Why is this vice-president of a large utility company living in dire straits? Isn’t he paid enough? What does he do with his money?

Can lifestyle checks also deal with unexplained poverty?

Is it only the poor in spirit (and assets) who are certain to be above suspicion? But should that be the case? In the private sector, financial distress is too readily explained by a lack of talent or enterprise, or a clerical position achieved after all those years.

Certain countries aim to make public service attractive by matching corporate remuneration to attract the best and the brightest to serve in government. It is also presumed that the temptation to steal public funds is lessened, if not made unnecessary, when the paycheck is hefty. Even locally, this remuneration practice is upheld, especially in the banking and monetary sector, including sovereign funds. Of course, sometimes the greed is insatiable, and “other income” outpaces the paycheck.

Socially, there is not the stigma that the lifestyle police seem to attach to an extravagant lifestyle. A possible reaction to a government official’s life of unexplained poverty is a distinct lack of ability or a low position in the totem pole. How come his cousin seems to be raking it in at the public works?

Perhaps there is an accepted decorum in spending. In a high-income economy where tech billionaires now rule, there is more attention paid to market cap than a luxurious lifestyle and multiple spouses.

Of course, the definition of an accomplished person is not limited to wealth and how it is flaunted. There are elements of public service, employment generation, intelligence, and long-term vision that enhance the perception of public figures.

Perhaps more than lifestyle checks, rating effectiveness in one’s job is more relevant. Usually, it is the dedicated public servant anyway that adds value to the efficiency of the public sector. He can have a steak dinner with the family now and then… entitled to a senior discount.

Tony Samson is chairman and CEO of TOUCH xda

ar.samson@yahoo.com

Jollibee sees momentum in domestic and overseas markets

December 18, 2025 | 12:01 am

JOLLIBEE FOODS Corp. (JFC) said its sales continue to show momentum, driven by international markets and consistent domestic operations.

“The underlying fundamentals of the Jollibee Group remain strong. Based on preliminary internal indicators, we are seeing continued sales momentum in fourth-quarter 2025, consistent with our previously communicated full-year systemwide and same-store sales growth guidance,” JFC Chief Financial and Risk Officer Richard Shin said in a statement on Wednesday.

The company reported positive operating updates, with preliminary fourth-quarter sales showing growth aligned with prior forecasts. JFC added that it expects this momentum to carry beyond 2025 as it executes its growth strategy across key markets.

For the third quarter, JFC posted attributable net income of P3.03 billion, up 8.03% from a year earlier, supported by same-store sales growth (SSSG) in most major markets. Overall SSSG was 3.1%, including 1.2% in the Philippines despite adverse weather, and 6.2% from international operations.

Revenues for the period rose 13.1% to P77.38 billion, while operating income increased 7.3% to P5.2 billion.

The company also reported steady network expansion, with store openings in line with prior plans. “This reflects sustained confidence in consumer demand, disciplined site selection, and the Group’s continued shift toward a more asset-light growth model,” JFC said.

Jollibee Group operates over 10,000 stores and cafés in 33 countries, managing 19 brands. Its portfolio includes nine wholly-owned brands — Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger, and Tim Ho Wan; five franchised brands in the Philippines — Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery; and stakes in other ventures such as 80% of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, 70% of Compose Coffee, 60% of SuperFoods Group (Highlands Coffee), 51% of Milksha, and interests in Tortazo LLC (US) and Botrista.

Jollibee has also been expanding internationally. In October, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf opened its first store in the Maldives, while Mang Inasal launched its first South Luzon drive-thru store in Santo Tomas, Batangas, the chain’s fourth drive-thru location nationwide. Mang Inasal currently operates 597 stores across the Philippines.

At the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday, JFC shares fell 0.9% or P1.70, closing at P187.30 each. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno

How inclusive is the Philippines compared to its neighbors?

December 18, 2025 | 12:00 am

The Philippines climbed nine places to 84^th out of 152 countries in the 2025 edition of the Inclusiveness Index by UC Berkeley’s The Othering and Belonging Institute. With an overall index score of 58.35 out of possible 100, the Philippines was the fourth most inclusive country among its peers in the region. The index examines the experiences of groups across a range of social dimensions including race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and general population.

How PSEi member stocks performed — December 17, 2025

December 18, 2025 | 12:00 am

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

President Marcos rejects Philippines portrayal as terrorist training hotspot

December 17, 2025 | 9:09 pm

PBBM Marcos — PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

THE Philippines rejected claims by some foreign media outlets that portrayed the country as an Islamic State training hub following reports the alleged gunmen linked to the Bondi Beach mass shooting in Australia entered the country 15 days before the incident.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. “strongly rejects” what Malacañang called a sweeping and misleading characterization of the Southeast Asian nation.

There is no validated report or confirmation that the individuals involved in the Bondi Beach incident received any form of terrorist training in the Philippines, Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro quoted the National Security Council (NSC) as saying, in a briefing on Wednesday.

No evidence have also been presented to support such claims, the council noted.

“The President strongly rejects the sweeping statement and the misleading characterization of the Philippines as the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) training hotspot,” she said.

The Palace also urged foreign media to be “critical and responsible” in their reporting, warning that unverified characterizations could undermine the country’s integrity and international image.

The NSC said ISIS-affiliated groups have been significantly weakened since the 2017 Marawi siege and now operate in a fragmented capacity, with violence in Mindanao largely driven by local conflicts rather than extremist groups.

“Recent assessments indicate significant improvements in the domestic security environment that [was] previously affected by terrorism,” the NSC added.

“These developments reflect the sustained efforts of our security forces and the resilience of our communities in advancing peace, order and development across the nation.”

National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año said the government is investigating the travel of the two alleged gunmen, adding that Philippine authorities are coordinating with their Australian counterparts.

“There is no valid report or confirmation that the two received any form of military training while in the country and no evidence supports such a claim at present,” he said in a statement. “A mere visit does not support allegations of terrorist training and the duration of their stay would not have allowed for any meaningful or structured training.”

The NSC earlier assured there is so far no indication their visit posed a security threat and described the matter as not a serious or immediate concern.

Mr. Marcos ordered the Anti-Terrorism Council and member agencies to remain vigilant in preventing any terrorist activity within Philippine territory and to continuously enhance coordination with international partners to safeguard national security.

MINDANAO EXTREMIST NEUTRALIZED
Also on Wednesday, the Philippine military said it had already neutralized top leaders of extremist groups in Mindanao.

Armed Forces spokeswoman Col. Francel Margareth Taborlupa said the military had made strides in keeping the peace in Mindanao, which had long grappled with Muslim extremism, dismantling the leadership and structures of terrorist cells in the region.

She acknowledged, however, that some members of what she called “local terrorist groups” remain in Mindanao.

“There is no training capability or large-scale attacks,” she said in a media briefing. “There have been no recorded terrorist training activities, recruitment efforts or large-scale attacks by domestic groups since 2016.”

Australian police said on Tuesday the two alleged gunmen behind the country’s worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years had traveled to the Philippines before the assault and may have been inspired by Muslim extremists.

At least 25 people remain hospitalized following the attack, which killed Sajid Akram at the scene and injured his son, and was described by police as a terrorist incident during a Hanukkah event.

Philippine officials said no Filipino casualties have been confirmed, with the consulate in Sydney coordinating with local authorities as Australia reviews its gun laws after confirming the older Akram was a licensed firearm owner.

A Philippine Immigration bureau spokesman confirmed the two men traveled to Manila and flew to Davao on Nov. 1 and left on Nov. 28, just weeks before carrying out Sunday’s shootings that killed 15 people.

The National Bureau of Investigation has also launched its own counterterrorism probe and is coordinating with the Immigration bureau, the military and regional offices to trace the suspects’ activities in Davao and nearby areas.

About 26.2 million people live in Mindanao, recognized as one of the Southeast Asian nation’s most volatile regions long plagued by militant groups advocating for the major Philippine island’s separation.

The region has a long history of extremist attacks, including the 2017 siege of Marawi, when the Islamic State-inspired Maute group seized the southern city and held it for five months through military counterattacks.

Ms. Taborlupa said that only 50 members of extremist groups remain, from more than 1,200 in 2016. “The numbers will clearly show that there are now very few of them, and they are fragmented.”

“They no longer have any real leadership, and the vacuum of leadership is evident,” she said. “These gains are the result of sustained security operations, peace building efforts and strong community engagement.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana and Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

ICC chamber seeks counsel, prosecution ‘observations’ in Duterte’s jurisdiction appeal

December 17, 2025 | 9:08 pm

FPPRD Duterte-ICC — FORMER PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. DUTERTE — INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT / COUR PÉNALE INTERNATIONALE

THE Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has ordered the prosecution and counsel for victims to file “additional observations” on the appeal of former Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte challenging the court’s jurisdiction over his crimes against humanity.

In an order dated Dec. 16, the Appeals Chamber invited the Deputy Prosecutor and the Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV) to submit the observations by Jan. 16, 2026, with the defense allowed to respond by Jan. 23, 2026.

The chamber explained that the additional briefing is needed “for the proper disposal of the Appeal” and that the parties should address issues “which have not been fully developed in the Impugned Decision and in the submissions presented before the Appeals Chamber thus far.”

The ruling was issued by a five-judge panel presided over and signed by Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza.

Specifically, the judges requested input on how Articles 12(2) and 13(c) of the Rome Statute should be interpreted within the ICC’s legal framework on jurisdiction. These articles define the legal framework governing the ICC’s ability to initiate proceedings and exercise jurisdiction over core international crimes.

The judges also sought observations on how these provisions interact with Article 127, which governs the withdrawal of a state from the court.

“How do Articles 12, 13 and 127 of the Statute interact? What are the consequences of such an interaction, both generally and in the specific case at hand?” the chamber asked the parties to clarify, the order read.

In a decision dated Oct. 23, Pre-Trial Chamber I rejected the defense’s challenge to the ICC’s jurisdiction, noting that Article 127 provides for the “consequences” of the withdrawal of a state from the Statute and, as such, takes precedence over the general rules on jurisdiction for the matters the court must decide in this case.

Mr. Duterte’s defense filed its appeal on Nov. 14, arguing that the Pre-Trial Chamber erred in law by treating Article 127 as overriding the jurisdictional requirements in Article 12.

The defense also argued that the ICC shouldn’t be able to continue the case after the Philippines withdrew and questioned whether the court, including the prosecutor, had the authority to proceed.

In its response, the prosecution said citing its first instance submission, that the two articles should be read to only require that a “state has the status of a state party to the Statute” at the time the alleged crimes were committed.

The prosecutor also submitted that the Pre-Trial Chamber’s interpretation of these provisions “was adopted with very limited reasoning, was not strictly necessary.”

The Appeals Chamber rejected the defense’s request for leave to file a reply to the prosecution’s response, noting simply that it considers it appropriate to reject.

The families of those killed in the deadly drug war and their counsel have said that the primary issue before the judges is to determine whether Mr. Duterte is fit to stand trial and whether the international court has jurisdiction, arguing that the ICC must affirm its authority to hear the case against him. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Palace optimistic Congress can deliver ‘clean’ national budget on time

December 17, 2025 | 9:07 pm

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter

MALACAÑANG said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is still confident Congress can deliver a “clean” 2026 national budget in time, following recommendations that a reenacted budget may be necessary.

“Senator Ping Lacson’s suggestion is good, but the President’s clear preference is to avoid having a reenacted budget,” Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told a news briefing in Filipino on Wednesday.

“It is still December — only Dec. 17 — and the President believes there is still enough time to study the budget thoroughly.”

Ms. Castro maintained the President is opposed to the use of a reenacted budget in early 2026, which Senator Panfilo M. Lacson, Sr. suggested amid questions over P5 billion worth of farm-to-market projects.

This is on top of an impasse over the P45-billion cut to the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) budget, with senators firm on keeping the billions of pesos it cut, while congressmen warned that failing to restore funding could lead to economic losses.

This has prompted the bicameral conference committee to cancel deliberations of the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 on Monday. It resumed late on Tuesday, tackling other agencies, while it tabled talks on the DPWH budget.

“My position is — better a reenacted budget in January or even in the entire first quarter of 2026 than an unchecked, corruption-conducive and worse, graft-ridden GAA (General Appropriations Act),” he said, according to a statement on Tuesday.

“Most of my colleagues, at least in the majority bloc share the same sentiment.”

Lawmakers are racing to reconcile its budget differences before the Dec. 22 deadline, in time for the President’s signing before the yearend.

Failure to do so would force the government to operate under a reenacted budget, which would mirror the previous year’s spending plan and limit funding for new programs and projects.

Hansley A. Juliano, political science lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University, cautioned that a blanket approach could stall key initiatives.

While a reenacted budget could safeguard taxpayer funds, Mr. Juliano said it also “risks cutting the legs off” of ongoing projects.

He recommended limiting any reenacted budget exclusively to the Public Works department’s allocations and ensuring unconstitutional provisions remain severable.

“Considering we are just dealing with the credibility of DPWH projects, it would not be fair to implicate all other government offices who have established credibility,” Mr. Juliano said via Facebook Messenger.

“If there is a budget to be reenacted, limit it only to the part of the DPWH. Severability of unconstitutional parts of the law should still be considered for this highlighting the need to balance fiscal prudence with continuity in public works projects.”

Marcos tells new PNP generals to exercise restraint, uphold public trust 

December 17, 2025 | 9:07 pm

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. urged newly promoted Philippine National Police (PNP) generals to exercise restraint and uphold public trust as he presided over the oath taking of 50 star-ranked officers at Malacañang on Wednesday.

Speaking to six newly appointed police major generals and 44 brigadier generals, Mr. Marcos said the promotions carried higher expectations and broader authority, placing greater responsibility on senior officers to lead with judgment and consistency in enforcing the law.

He said leadership at their level would be measured by how they balance firmness with respect for citizens’ rights and dignity.

“I ask you to continue to improve yourselves — personally, professionally, institutionally. Do not be complacent,” he said. “Be firm, be fair, be decisive while remaining fully respectful to the rights and dignity of every single Filipino.”

Mr. Marcos said the police force faces increasingly complex challenges, including social divisions, political tensions and digital threats that can spill beyond physical spaces and trigger disorder.

In such an environment, he said, Filipinos rely on the police as their most immediate line of protection, underscoring the need for professionalism and public confidence in law enforcement.

The President reiterated his administration’s support for the PNP, citing reforms aimed at boosting capacity and morale.

He pointed to Executive Order No. 107, issued earlier this month, which updated the base pay schedule for military and uniformed personnel.

The pay hike will be rolled out in three tranches starting January next year, with further adjustments in 2027 and 2028. He also announced an increase in the daily subsistence allowance to P350.

With the holiday season approaching, he called on the police to maintain a visible presence on roads, transport hubs and public spaces as more Filipinos travel and gather.

He said public service does not pause during celebrations and urged officers to ensure public safety so communities can celebrate the season with peace and unity. — Chloe Mari. A Hufana