NCR retail price growth steadies in February

March 29, 2026 | 7:13 pm

sari-sari-store-vendor — A vendor sits in a stall selling products in sachet packaging at a public market in Manila, Philippines, Aug. 1, 2019. — REUTERS

RETAIL price growth of general goods in Metro Manila steadied in February, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday, noting price acceleration in crude materials, inedible except fuels and manufactured goods classified chiefly by materials.

Citing preliminary data, the PSA reported that the general retail price index (GRPI) in the National Capital Region (NCR) grew 2.1% year on year in February, unchanged from January. A year earlier, price growth had been 1.2% growth.

The February reading is the strongest since the 2.5% posted in January 2024.

In the year to date, GRPI growth averaged 2.1%, up from 1.3% a year earlier.

Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development Senior Research Fellow Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes said the year-on-year growth in retail prices in the NCR was down to “selective price increases in certain commodity groups (beverages and tobacco, crude materials except fuels); steady price trends in many retail goods (manufactured goods, chemicals like oils and fats, machinery, miscellaneous manufactured articles, food); and a dampening effect from weaker or declining prices of mineral fuels and lubricants,” he said via Viber.

The PSA noted a pickup in the indices of crude materials, inedible except fuels (3% in February from 2.8% in January) and manufactured goods classified chiefly by materials (1.6% from 1.5%).

“The February acceleration was largely a cost-push effect due to rising prices of key raw materials (especially chemicals and oils), which meant increased costs for producers and higher prices for manufactured goods and related retail items,” Mr. Peña-Reyes said.

Year-on-year growth in the mineral fuels, lubricants, and related materials index was 1%, a turnaround from the 0.4% decline in the previous month.

Meanwhile, slower yearly growth was seen in the indices of food at 3.4% in February, down from 3.6% in January, and machinery and transport equipment at 0.5%, against 0.7% previously.

The indices of other commodity groups steadied in February from their respective levels in January.

The GRPI is based on 2012 constant prices.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said price gauges could climb further in the coming months due to oil price hikes and the weaker peso.

“Both of which would lead to higher prices of imports, and overall inflation, with risk of second-round inflation effects or higher prices of other affected goods and services,” he said in a text message.

He also cautioned about rate hikes by the central bank to keep inflation within the 2%-4% target range.

Meanwhile, Mr. Peña-Reyes expects GRPI growth to remain stable in the short term.

“By mid-year onward, there could be a gradual upward bias, driven by fuel, food, and demand-side pressures. Overall, we can expect controlled, moderate growth, but not a surge,” he said.

The PSA uses the GRPI as a deflator in the National Accounts, particularly in the retail trade sector, and serves as a basis for forecasting. — Isa Jane D. Acabal

The SGV journey toward inclusive leadership and empowerment

March 29, 2026 | 7:13 pm

IN BRIEF:

• SGV & Co. advances women leaders through a strong meritocratic culture, resulting in a leadership bench where women have actively helped shape the Firm’s direction.

• The firm’s efforts highlight that inclusiveness is vital for a thriving future, demonstrated through impactful initiatives empowering women and girls in historically underrepresented areas.

• Equally vital to the ongoing journey towards equity are the male allies and supporters whose shared goals and mutual respect strengthen and amplify these efforts.

In an industry where leadership development and career pathing have traditionally been narrow, SGV & Co. has built something more enduring and increasingly relevant. The firm has long treated meritocracy as an operating principle. The result is a leadership bench where women have advanced and actively help shape its direction.

On International Women’s Month, we celebrate the women honored as leaders and changemakers, exemplifying power that nurtures, uplifts, and transforms lives with grace and purpose. Their leadership guards legacies and guides future generations with courage and compassion, built on a foundation of meritocracy that SGV has always upheld.

WOMEN SETTING THE PACE
SGV’s record on women leadership was built over decades by individuals who navigated, and often remodeled, the structural barriers of their time.

Erlinda T. Villanueva’s appointment as SGV’s first female partner in 1961 signaled a shift that would resonate for decades. It demonstrated that advancement within the firm was anchored in performance, not precedent.

The rise of Gloria L. Tan-Climaco to become the firm’s first woman Chair and Managing Partner marked a defining moment. Her recognition as both a Young Lady Achiever in Public Accounting and an Outstanding CPA in Public Accounting from the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants reflected a career grounded in technical excellence and credibility. Her subsequent role advising former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on strategic initiatives underscored the broader influence SGV leaders would wield.

SGV Senior Consultant Delia Domingo Albert followed a similarly expansive path. As former Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Philippine Ambassador, she brought institutional discipline to the global stage. Her tenure included serving as chair of the United Nations Security Council in 2004, where she championed the role of women in peace-building. Her career has since become a template for leadership that crosses sectors while consistently advocating gender equity.

These women leaders did more than succeed individually. They embodied the values of integrity and excellence that the firm’s founder, Washington SyCip, built the firm upon. Today, women make up the majority of SGV’s workforce and more than half of its partners and principals.

MERITOCRACY BY DESIGN
At SGV, meritocracy is part of the organizational infrastructure. From recruitment to promotion, the firm has relied on performance metrics, technical proficiency, and leadership potential as its primary filters. Advancement is neither automatic nor arbitrary.

This philosophy is reinforced through deliberate investment in mentorship and professional development. Programs ensure that high-potential employees, regardless of gender, gain access to sponsors, stretch assignments, and leadership exposure. Over time, this has produced a steady influx of women leaders who are not only qualified but also well-suited for the positions.

The result is an organizational culture that is both competitive and collaborative. Individuals are encouraged to excel and contribute to the firm’s collective strength. For women professionals steering through a historically male-dominated industry, this environment has been significantly influential.

IMPACTFUL INITIATIVES TO EMPOWER AND UPLIFT
The firm takes pride in the progress it has made in its ongoing journey toward equity. Its efforts serve to underscore that inclusiveness is essential to shaping a future where everyone can thrive. These efforts include a range of impactful initiatives designed to empower and uplift women and girls, particularly in areas where they have been historically underrepresented.

One such initiative is the EY STEM Program, which equips girls aged 13 to 18 with future-ready STEM skills through a free, gamified app. This innovative approach builds confidence and curiosity in science and technology, engaging 600 students during its launch at one high school. The program has inspired many young Filipinas to explore STEM fields and is set to expand its reach in 2026 through a new memorandum of agreement with the school’s LGU. This expansion aims to bring STEM opportunities to more public schools, empowering even more young women to pursue careers in science and technology.

Complementing this is the EY Women in Tech (WiT) program, which SGV participates in as a member firm of EY. This global initiative was established by EY in 2020 to empower girls and women to enter, remain, and lead in the technology sector. Serving as an umbrella network of over 40 regional and competency-based WiT communities across the EY network, the program connects members, shares best practices, and fosters a strong sense of community. Open to everyone regardless of gender, rank, or professional background, WiT encourages participation in both global and local events that promote learning, inclusiveness, and career growth within the technology space.

Further strengthening SGV’s commitment to gender equality is the Gender Equality Assessment, Results, and Strategies (GEARS) Program. Building on the firm’s distinction as the first professional services firm in the Philippines and Southeast Asia to receive the EDGE Assess-level certification, GEARS enables the firm to measure its progress and continuously enhance gender equality in the workplace. This program reflects the firm’s dedication to creating an equitable environment where all employees can thrive.

Together, these initiatives highlight the firm’s holistic approach to inclusiveness, ensuring that equity is not just an aspiration but a lived reality for women and girls across all levels and sectors.

A PRAGMATIC BLUEPRINT FOR LEADERS
The SGV model offers a pragmatic blueprint for business leaders. While essential, meritocracy is not sufficient on its own. Without conscious efforts to eliminate systemic barriers, organizations risk underutilizing significant portions of their talent pool.

Embedding inclusiveness into leadership training is a critical first step. Bias, often subtle and unintentional, can accumulate into structural disadvantage if unchecked. Equally important is cultivating mentorship and sponsorship networks. At SGV, these have been instrumental in bridging the gap between potential and opportunity, especially for younger professionals. Transparency plays a pivotal role as well. Setting clear diversity targets and holding leadership accountable ensures that progress is visible and sustained.

Finally, flexibility should be viewed as part of the policy, and not just a perk. In a global talent market, accommodating diverse needs can be a decisive differentiator.

COLLABORATION ACROSS ALL GENDERS
As SGV celebrates its 80^th anniversary, it is important to see the bigger picture: SGV’s story is ultimately one of continuity. The firm’s early commitment to meritocracy laid the foundation for a leadership culture that could evolve without losing its identity.

Today, SGV is extending that legacy into a more complex and demanding era, shaping it in its own image. For the women leaders who have risen through the firm’s ranks, and for those who will follow, the message is clear: capability remains the currency of advancement. In a system that increasingly values inclusiveness, that currency now circulates more freely.

In celebrating International Women’s Month, it is important to recognize that true progress toward equity and empowerment is achieved through collaboration across all genders. Equally vital to this journey are the male allies and supporters whose shared goals and mutual respect strengthen and amplify these efforts. Together, women and men stand united, building a brighter, more inclusive future. This collective commitment ensures that the impact made today will inspire lasting positive change for generations to come.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of SGV & Co.

Rossana A. Fajardo is the chairman and country managing partner of SGV & Co.

Yemen’s Houthis enter Iran war with attacks on Israel, while US Marines arrive in region

March 29, 2026 | 6:05 pm

IRAN-CRISIS-ISRAEL — AN IRANIAN MISSILE flies toward Israel, amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran, as seen from Jerusalem, March 11, 2026. — REUTERS/JAMAL AWAD TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

CAIRO/DUBAI — The risk of an expanded Iran war grew as Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis on Saturday launched their first attacks on Israel since the start of the conflict, as additional US forces reached the Middle East.

Washington has dispatched thousands of marines to the Middle East in the month-old war. The first of two contingents arrived on Friday on an amphibious assault ship, the US military said on Saturday.

The Washington Post reported on Saturday that US officials said the Pentagon was preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran, possibly involving raids by Special Operations and conventional infantry troops. Whether President Donald J. Trump would approve plans for deploying ground troops remained uncertain, the Post reported.

Reuters has reported the Pentagon was considering military operations that could include deploying ground troops in Iran.

LEBANESE JOURNALISTS, RESCUE WORKERS HIT
The war, launched on Feb. 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has spread across the Middle East, killing thousands and hitting the world economy with the biggest-ever disruption to global energy supplies.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday the US could achieve its aims without ground troops but that it was deploying some to the region so Mr. Trump would have “maximum” flexibility to adjust strategy.

The Pentagon was also expected to deploy thousands of soldiers from the US Army’s 82^nd Airborne Division.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, which hosts talks from Sunday with the Turkish and Saudi foreign ministers on ways to ease regional tensions.

Israel carried out a wave of attacks on Tehran on Saturday, targeting what Israel’s military said was Iranian government infrastructure.

It also hit targets in Lebanon, resuming its war against Iran-backed Hezbollah, killing three Lebanese journalists in a strike on a media vehicle, Lebanon’s Al Manar TV reported, as well as a Lebanese soldier. A follow‑up strike on the rescue workers sent to assist them also caused fatalities.

Israel’s military said it had targeted one of the journalists, accusing him of being part of a Hezbollah intelligence unit and saying he had reported on locations of Israeli soldiers.

Iran kept up attacks on Israel and several Gulf states after hitting an air base in Saudi Arabia on Friday and wounding 12 US military personnel, two of them seriously, in one of the most serious breaches of US air defenses so far.

Air defenses shot down a drone near the residence of the leader of the Iraqi Kurdish ruling party, Masoud Barzani, in Erbil, security sources told Reuters early on Sunday. Security sources said on Saturday that another drone attack had targeted the home of the president of Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

Israel, which regularly faced missile attacks from the Houthis before the war, confirmed a missile had been fired at it from Yemen. There were no reports of casualties or damage.

HOUTHI STRIKES MAY MEAN NEW THREAT TO SHIPPING
The attack pointed to a potential new threat to global shipping, already hit by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, previously a conduit for about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

The group carried out a second strike on Israel, said Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree, vowing more strikes to come.

The Houthis have shown an ability to strike targets far beyond Yemen and disrupt shipping lanes around the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea, as they did in support of Hamas in the Gaza war.

With US midterm elections due in November, the increasingly unpopular war has weighed on Mr. Trump’s Republican Party. He has appeared eager to end it soon, while also threatening escalation.

Demonstrators took to city streets across the US on Saturday in anti-Trump rallies described by organizers as a call to action against the war on Iran.

Mr. Trump has threatened to hit Iranian power stations and other energy infrastructure if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz. But he extended a deadline he had imposed for this week, giving Iran another 10 days to respond.

Iranian threats to attack ships in the Strait have kept most oil tankers from attempting the waterway. Iran has agreed to let an additional 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels pass through the Strait, with two ships permitted to transit daily, said Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Israel has targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The head of Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom, which has evacuated staff from the Bushehr nuclear power plant on the Gulf coast, said the attacks threatened nuclear safety.

Mr. Pezeshkian said Iran would “retaliate strongly if our infrastructure or economic centers are targeted.”

Iranian attacks were reported in multiple areas across the Gulf, including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

An Iranian airstrike hit the Israeli village of Eshtaol, near Jerusalem. Seven people were hospitalized, Israel’s ambulance service said. Aluminium Bahrain said its facilities were targeted in an Iranian attack on Saturday, Bahrain’s state news agency reported.

In Iran, media said at least five people were killed in a US-Israeli attack on a residential unit in the northwestern city of Zanjan, and in Tehran, the Iran University of Science and Technology was struck. — Reuters

WTO talks stalled going into final day amid U.S.-India e-commerce deadlock

March 29, 2026 | 6:00 pm

YAOUNDE — Talks to reform the World Trade Organization (WTO) and extend a moratorium to not impose customs duties on electronic transmissions such as digital downloads entered their final day on Sunday with no breakthrough yet in sight, diplomats said.

Trade ministers are working at a WTO meeting in Cameroon to close the gap between the United States and India over extending the e-commerce moratorium due to expire this month, three diplomats told Reuters.

Extending the moratorium is seen as a test for the WTO’s relevance, following a year of tariff-fueled trade turmoil and major disruptions due ‌to the Middle East conflict.

India indicated it would accept an extension of two years, three diplomats said. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, however, has said Washington was not interested in a temporary extension to the ban, only a permanent one.

Business leaders say an extension is critical to guarantee predictability, fearing duties could otherwise be introduced.

There are suggestions the US could accept a “pathway to permanence” with a 10-year extension, a Western diplomat said. A second said a five- to 10-year extension was being explored, while a third indicated it was unlikely all WTO members would agree to go beyond two years.

A new draft document seen by Reuters on Saturday evening proposes support for developing country members, as well as a review clause.

Extending the moratorium permanently would give the US confidence to remain “fully engaged” in the trade body, the US Ambassador to the WTO, Joseph Barloon, told Reuters ahead of the talks.

“If the moratorium does not get extended, the US will use it as an excuse to beat the WTO on the head,” a fourth senior diplomat said.

REFORMS
The debate comes amid efforts to rework WTO rules to render subsidy use more transparent, make decision taking easier and potentially rethink the so-called Most-Favored-Nation principle that ensures members extend all trade benefits equally to one another.

The US and the European Union argue China in particular has taken advantage of current rules to their detriment.

Meanwhile, decision making under the consensus-based system has often been stymied by individual countries’ objections.

A handful of countries are opposing a detailed work plan on reforms, while most members support it, two senior diplomats said.

“We are frustrated that we are spending a lot of time talking about process, when we want to get on with the real work, reforming the WTO,” a Western diplomat said.

Including into WTO rules an agreement reached by a subset of members aimed at boosting investment in developing countries also remains blocked by India, which said plurilateral accords risk eroding the body’s founding principles. — Reuters

Australia LNG disruptions continue after Narelle; thousands without power

March 29, 2026 | 5:59 pm

AUSTRALIA-map-8526430_1280 — STOCK PHOTO | Image by beasternchen from Pixabay

SYDNEY — Australia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) production remained disrupted, and thousands were without power in the remote northwest on Sunday, more than a week after the Narelle storm system hit the country.

The impact of Narelle, downgraded from a tropical cyclone on Saturday, on LNG plants run by Chevron and Woodside has exacerbated a global LNG supply crunch caused by the month-old Iran war.

Australia became the world’s second-largest LNG exporter when Qatar halted production following damage from Iranian strikes.

Narelle made landfall as a severe tropical cyclone in Queensland state on March 20 and crossed the Northern Territory before hitting Western Australia. The storm made landfall at the Western Australian town of Exmouth on March 27, also impacting the town of Karratha.

Woodside Australia said on Sunday that Narelle was still interrupting production at the company’s Karratha gas plant, the onshore processing facility for the North West Shelf Project.

“We have commenced remobilizing our workforce to some of our offshore facilities and inspections will inform startup processes and timing,” a company spokesperson said in a statement, adding that “production at the North West Shelf Project will recommence once it is safe to do so.”

Production was unaffected at its Macedon and Pluto facilities, the spokesperson added.

Chevron did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday. On Saturday, it said it was working to restore production at its Gorgon and Wheatstone gas facilities following production outages due to Narelle.

Gorgon is Australia’s largest LNG export facility, producing 15.6 million metric tons a year with three processing trains, while Wheatstone has two trains producing 8.9 million tons.

Power remained out late on Saturday in Exmouth, a town of 2,800 people some 1,100 kilometers (700 miles) north of West Australia’s state capital Perth, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said.

State-owned Horizon Power said extra crews were on their way to Exmouth “to support local crews to restore power to affected properties as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Exmouth, a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, suffered significant damage in the cyclone but no one was injured, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported. — Reuters

North Korea’s Kim inspects solid-fuel engine, new tank as Pyongyang steps up military development

March 29, 2026 | 5:59 pm

North-Korea-Kim-Jong-Un — KCNA VIA REUTERS

SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended a ground test of a solid-fuel rocket engine made with carbon-fiber materials, as well as inspections of special operations forces training and a new main battle tank, state media KCNA said on Sunday.

KCNA said the new high-thrust solid‑fuel engine had a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilonewtons and that the ground test formed part of a new five-year defense development plan aimed at upgrading the country’s strategic strike capabilities.

Mr. Kim was quoted as saying the test was of major significance for modernizing North Korea’s strategic forces.

North Korea has in recent months stepped up a series of weapons demonstrations and military inspections, highlighting efforts to modernize both its conventional forces and its missile arsenal despite international sanctions.

In separate reports, KCNA said Mr. Kim also inspected a special operations forces training base, stressing the need for intense peacetime training to prepare for modern warfare, and outlined plans to reorganize the country’s special operations units.

Mr. Kim also attended tests of a new main battle tank, with KCNA quoting him as claiming its active protection system was capable of intercepting nearly all existing anti-tank weapons and that the tank was unmatched globally.

At a rare ruling party congress held in February, Mr. Kim unveiled a new five-year plan that reaffirmed continued development of nuclear weapons, while calling for a broad upgrade of the country’s military capabilities.

The country has focused in particular on solid-fuel missile technology, which analysts say allows for faster launch preparation and greater survivability compared with liquid-fuel systems.

Analysts and regional governments also pointed to new tank and combined-arms drills as part of Pyongyang’s effort to adapt its military doctrine to modern warfare, drawing lessons from recent conflicts and emphasizing integration across ground and missile forces.

South Korea and the United States say they are closely monitoring North Korea’s weapons development. — Reuters

Manila, Beijing resume talks on South China Sea, energy security

March 29, 2026 | 2:11 pm

MANILA/HANOI — The Philippines and China have resumed high-level talks this week over the disputed South China Sea, exploring preliminary steps toward oil and gas cooperation while addressing energy and fertilizer supply issues amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, the Philippine foreign ministry said.

The 11th round of talks under a bilateral consultation mechanism established in 2017 was the first such meeting since January 2025.

Manila “firmly reiterated its principled positions,” raising concerns about incidents threatening Filipino personnel and fishermen, and underscoring the importance of diplomacy, communication, and adherence to international law, the ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

Both sides discussed initial exchanges on oil and gas cooperation and emphasized stable energy and fertilizer access.

The talks come after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency earlier this week, citing oil supply disruptions due to the Middle East conflict and announcing efforts to diversify fuel imports, including sourcing from China.

The talks also addressed renewable energy, agriculture, trade, and potential people-to-people initiatives, such as visa-free travel and direct air routes, the ministry said. The Philippines added both sides “continued to make progress” to shore up confidence at sea, including communication between their coast guards.

In a separate statement, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong called for “concrete actions” from the Philippines to improve ties.

Further consultations between the countries’ foreign ministers are planned for later this year.

Beijing’s expansive claims over the South China Sea overlap with the exclusive economic zones of multiple Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines.

Recent maritime confrontations have heightened tensions, with Manila accusing Beijing of “dangerous maneuvers” and deploying water cannon to interfere with its resupply missions in contested areas.

A 2016 international arbitral ruling invalidated China’s claims, but Beijing has refused to acknowledge the decision.

The meeting also marked the first broader discussion on bilateral relations since March 2023, aimed at fostering maritime cooperation and confidence-building, the Philippine ministry said. — Reuters

Philippines scales down ASEAN meetings, moves preparatory meetings online to cut costs

March 29, 2026 | 2:05 pm

MANILA — All preparatory meetings for ASEAN, including ministerial sessions, will now be held virtually to cut costs, the Philippines’ executive secretary said on Friday.

A total of 650 preparatory meetings will be conducted online as the bloc scales down non-essential activities, Philippine Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto said in a statement.

“This is not the time for grand ceremonies,” Mr. Recto said. — Reuters

St. Luke’s bags two prestigious Healthcare Asia Awards

March 29, 2026 | 2:04 pm

St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) recently received two major distinctions at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2026, recognizing its Quezon City facility and its top leadership. SLMC Quezon City was named Tertiary Hospital of the Year – Philippines, while Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Dennis P. Serrano was honored as CEO of the Year – Asia.

“These recognitions reflect the collective work of our people,” Mr. Serrano said in a statement released Friday.

“We remain focused on delivering care that our patients can trust, strengthening how we serve, and continuing to lead with responsibility.”

SLMC said the recognition reflects its sustained investment in accredited care programs, medical innovation, and patient-centered systems, which support efficient and coordinated healthcare delivery.

In the past year, BusinessWorld had the chance to cover SLMC’s several initiatives and milestones.

Among these is the opening of a 40-bed charity ward at its Quezon City facility, providing fully free or subsidized care for patients evaluated by the hospital’s social service team.

SLMC also completed over 2,500 robotic-assisted surgeries, reinforcing its leadership in minimally invasive procedures.

The hospital also celebrated the 300th minimally invasive Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure for aortic stenosis, offering patients faster recovery and shorter hospital stays.

Moving ahead, SLMC earlier announced plans for a new hospital in Paraсaque, which will expand its reach beyond Quezon City and Global City by 2030. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

Samsung highlights AI features in new Galaxy A series

March 29, 2026 | 2:03 pm

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd said it will continue to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and features across more devices, following the launch of two new phones under the Galaxy A series.

“The new Galaxy A series reflects our continued commitment to AI democratization by bringing the latest innovations to more Galaxy users,” said TM Roh, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Head of Device eXperience (DX) division at Samsung Electronics, in a statement.

“With Samsung’s fundamental capabilities combined with enriched Awesome Intelligence, Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G will deliver reliable everyday performance to users around the world and drive rapid AI expansion,” it added.

The Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G, launched on Wednesday, feature Samsung’s latest “Awesome Intelligence” innovation through One UI 8.5.

Among the AI features included on the new phones is AI Select, an easy-access tool that helps users drag and extract text and content directly into Samsung Notes or Photo Editor.

Photo editing tools such as Object Eraser, Best Face, Filters, Edit Suggestions, and Auto Trim are other AI tools available on the newly-launched phones that help users enhance their images and videos.

Circle to Search with Google also helps users with multi-object recognition, providing swift information on the selected items.

Apart from generative AI, Samsung also highlights agentic AI features in its upgraded version of Bixby, a conversational device agent that lets users intuitively control Galaxy settings and features.

“The latest Galaxy A series reflects Samsung’s commitment to expanding AI capabilities across more devices and empowering more users to harness the power of intuitive AI that simplifies everyday tasks,” the brand said in a statement.

“Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G strengthen the experiences users rely on every day with upgrades to performance, camera and display, alongside durability and security features,” it added.

The Galaxy A57 5G is priced at P28,990 for 128GB, P30,990 for 256GB, and P37,990 for the 512GB model. It offers four colorways: Awesome Navy, Awesome Gray, Awesome Icyblue, and Awesome Lilac.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy A37 5G, priced at P25,990 for 128GB and P 27,990 for the 256GB variant, comes in Awesome Lavender, Awesome Charcoal, Awesome Graygreen, and Awesome White. — Almira Louise S. Martinez

Lawyers file SC petition to challenge VP Duterte impeachment

March 29, 2026 | 2:02 pm

Legal practitioners supporting Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio on Friday asked the Supreme Court to intervene in the attempt to oust her through impeachment, as the House maintains the process complies with constitutional requirements and earlier rulings.

In a petition filed before the high court, the lawyers led by Israelito P. Torreon sought to halt the ongoing impeachment process, arguing that the House Committee on Justice committed grave abuse of discretion when it allowed multiple complaints against Ms. Duterte to proceed despite alleged defects. The petitioners also prayed for the issuance of a temporary restraining order, saying the move was meant to ensure that constitutional limits are observed in the impeachment process.

“The core vice we challenge is simple but serious: the House Committee on Justice abandoned the strict threshold discipline required by the Constitution and by the House Rules on Impeachment,” Mr. Torreon said during a news briefing held via teleconference.

“It allowed the third and fourth impeachment complaints to survive despite defects in form and substance, and then attempted to cure those defects through a subpoena-driven evidentiary process,” he added.

On March 25, the committee authorized subpoenas for witnesses and documents tied to the impeachment complaints against Ms. Duterte, covering her statements of assets, liabilities and net worth, her related tax filings, financial statements, and audit reports, as well as supporting affidavits, among others. This comes as the committee moves forward with impeachment complaints against Ms. Duterte, alleging misuse of confidential funds, threats against top officials, and other acts constituting betrayal of public trust and constitutional breaches — all which Ms. Duterte has consistently denied. At least 106 lawmakers must back the complaints for the case to proceed to a Senate trial.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said on Thursday his office is ready to provide Congress with all available SALNs of Ms. Duterte, citing the legality of the process.

Mr. Torreon said the subpoenas turned the proceedings into a “fishing expedition,” noting that the materials sought were not originally included in the complaints and that such a move is illegal.

“You do not subpoena first and theorize later,” Mr. Torreon said, adding that the Constitution requires impeachment complaints to already contain sufficient factual basis before any evidentiary process begins.

He also raised due process concerns, saying the respondent is entitled to answer a fixed complaint and not one that evolves through subsequent evidence-gathering. According to him, allowing complaints to proceed and then expanding them through subpoenas undermines fairness and constitutional safeguards.

The petitioners clarified they filed the case as “citizens and taxpayers” rather than as part of the Vice President’s official defense team.

The petition further alleged that the committee applied a “double standard” in handling impeachment complaints, citing how previous complaints against Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. were dismissed for lack of evidence, while those against Ms. Duterte were allowed to proceed despite what they described as similar deficiencies.

For its part, the House leadership rejected the allegations, insisting that the impeachment proceedings are being conducted in accordance with the Constitution and Supreme Court jurisprudence.

In a statement on Friday, Joel R. Chua, chair of the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, said the supposed constitutional issues raised by Ms. Duterte’s lawyers are “mere hallucinations.” He added that the House deliberately adopted a method designed to avoid the legal pitfalls encountered in earlier impeachment attempts.

“We followed the due process guidelines the Supreme Court meticulously laid out in its two decisions on the previous Articles,” Mr. Chua said. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Women entrepreneurs shine at SM Supermalls this Women’s Month

March 27, 2026 | 5:30 pm

#1-VVIPs-OL — Successful Women Strong Network event launched at SM Lanang showcasing women-led MSMEs. L-R: Irene Boey Lin Fong, Chairperson of AWEN Singapore, Toukta Chounramany, Focal Point of AWEN Laos, Rhoda Caliwaran, Chairperson of WomenBizPH, Maika Nurhayati, Focal Point of AWEN Indonesia, Baby Montemayor, Trustee of Women Biz PH Davao, Mylene Abiva, Trustee of WomenBizPH, Mr. Lin Fong and Russel Aldaba, SAVP for Marketing in Mindanao of SM Supermalls.

Women-led businesses took center stage as the WomenBizPH Trade Fair successfully opened at SM Lanang Premier from March 12–14, celebrating the creativity, resilience, and growing impact of Filipina micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Organized by WomenBizPH in partnership with SM Supermalls, the three-day trade fair brought together inspiring women entrepreneurs showcasing a vibrant mix of proudly local products — from artisanal pastries and handcrafted accessories to healthy snacks, woven apparel, delicacies, and wellness products.

More than just a marketplace, the event highlighted the powerful stories behind the brands, demonstrating how women entrepreneurs continue to transform passion into purpose and innovation into livelihood opportunities.

Filipina entrepreneurs proudly present their brands at the WomenBizPH Trade Fair, highlighting the creativity, resilience, and innovation of women-led MSMEs.

Inspiring Stories Behind Women-Led MSMEs

Behind every product on display is a powerful story of determination, innovation, and purpose. Across the country, women entrepreneurs continue to transform challenges into opportunities, building businesses that uplift communities and preserve Filipino craftsmanship.

From handcrafted fashion pieces to artisanal food products, women-led MSMEs showcased a diverse array of Filipino creations at the WomenBizPH Trade Fair.

Empowering Artisans Through Creativity

For the founder of Sassy’s Creation, entrepreneurship is not only about building a brand—it is also about uplifting communities. “Our goal is not only to create meaningful products but also to support local artisans and weaving communities across the country,” she shared.

Sustainable and timeless — these two words define the aesthetic of Sassy’s Creation Enterprise, a brand where traditional Philippine craftsmanship meets modern innovation. By blending heritage weaving techniques with contemporary design, Sassy’s Creation produces ethically curated fashion staples designed for EveryBODY, using upcycled fabrics and locally sourced weaves that reflect both sustainability and style.

Behind every Sassy piece are the skilled hands of women artisans, including home-based mothers and women from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Antipolo, Rizal, who carefully craft each item with dedication and pride. Through these collaborations, the brand provides meaningful livelihood opportunities while celebrating Filipino craftsmanship.

By working closely with weaving communities and showcasing their handcrafted pieces through trade fairs and retail platforms, Sassy’s Creation continues to help preserve traditional Filipino crafts while bringing them into today’s lifestyle and fashion landscape. Discover their products on Instagram: @sassyscreationph

Carrying Forward a Legacy

“Magpoc’s isn’t just a label — it’s a legacy of providing for our community. I stepped into this role to honor the women who came before me while evolving the brand for the next generation,” she shared.

For Cynthia M. Eusebio, owner of Magpoc’s Pastry Products Manufacturing in Bataan, entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in family heritage.

Now a third-generation leader of the brand, Eusebio continues to innovate by expanding Magpoc’s reach through digital platforms and new product offerings while preserving the traditional recipes that built the business. Discover their products on Facebook: MagpocsAraroCookies.

From Survival to Strength

“I started small, making chicharon and quietly selling to stores and offices. That small income became my hope and my courage — it helped me rebuild my life and prove that even from nothing, you can rise again,” she shared.

For Cebu-based entrepreneur Cuevas Planas, founder of Kirby’s Chicharon, her business journey represents resilience and the courage to start over.

Through perseverance and faith, Planas built her brand from humble beginnings, eventually gaining the confidence to showcase her products in larger markets and trade fairs. Discover their products on Facebook: kirbyschicharonph.

Turning Passion into Healthy Innovation

“Every challenge teaches us something. Even during difficult times like the pandemic, we continued innovating and moving forward — because every step we take brings us closer to success,” the entrepreneur shared.

Meanwhile, Flaviano’s Health Food Products, based in Laguna, was born from a shared passion for creating innovative food products.

Today, the brand continues to develop healthier food options while exploring new opportunities to reach more customers through platforms like SM Supermalls. Discover their products on Facebook: FlavianosFood SM Supermalls: A Launchpad for Future Filipino Brands Through initiatives like the WomenBizPH Trade Fairs, SM Supermalls continues to serve as a marketplace where MSMEs can grow, gain visibility, and reach new markets.

“At SM Supermalls, we see MSMEs not just as exhibitors but as future brands in the making. By providing accessible platforms where entrepreneurs can showcase their products and connect with customers, we help nurture the next generation of Filipino brands,” said Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing at SM Supermalls.

For many entrepreneurs, showcasing their products in SM malls represents a major milestone — opening doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and customers.

This commitment reflects SM Supermalls’ long-standing advocacy of supporting MSMEs as drivers of inclusive economic growth and community development.

Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs

This Women’s Month, SM Supermalls invites shoppers to discover the inspiring women behind these brands and support their journeys toward growth and success.

Because when women entrepreneurs rise, they do more than grow businesses—they uplift families, empower communities, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

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