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Nationals dominate Giants; Justin Verlander reaches career milestone

JAMES WOOD had a pair of two-run doubles out of the leadoff spot, MacKenzie Gore combined with three relievers for a three-hitter and the Washington Nationals spoiled Justin Verlander’s strikeout milestone with an 8-0 thumping of the host San Francisco Giants on Sunday afternoon.

Making his 546th career start, Verlander (1-9) began the day three strikeouts shy of becoming the 10th pitcher in major league history to reach 3,500 in his career. He did not take long to reach that mark, as he struck out three in the first inning and earned a standing ovation from the big crowd.

The rest of the afternoon’s highlights belonged to the Nationals, who scored four times in the second inning and never looked back en route to a second win in the three-game series. Wood’s first double opened the scoring with two outs, after which CJ Abrams bombed his 15th home run of the season for the 4-0 lead.

Paul DeJong made it 5-0 in the fourth and 6-0 in the sixth with a pair of RBI singles, before Wood completed the game’s scoring by driving in two with his second double in the seventh.

Verlander was pulled after five innings, having served up five runs and 11 hits. He walked one and struck out six, giving him 3,503 for his career, six fewer than Walter Johnson, who currently resides in the No. 9 spot on the all-time list.

Coming off a disastrous effort in which he was bombed for eight runs in three innings at home by the Athletics, Gore (5-12) struck out 10 in six shutout innings. He allowed just three hits –— all singles — and one walk.

Cole Henry, PJ Poulin and Clayton Beeter followed up with one scoreless inning apiece, combining for five strikeouts, in recording a combined shutout for Washington.

DeJong and Josh Bell had three hits apiece for the Nationals, who totaled 17 hits, their second-most this season. Abrams, Riley Adams and Daylen Lile joined Wood with two hits each, helping the Nationals win a series for the first time since July 26-28 against the Minnesota Twins.

Heliot Ramos, Matt Chapman and Patrick Bailey accounted for the three total hits for the Giants, who lost at home for the 10th time in their last 11 games. — Reuters

Houston Astros jump on Max Fried early to put away NY Yankees

JASON ALEXANDER took a no-hit bid into the sixth inning and pitched six scoreless innings as the visiting Houston Astros took an early lead on Max Fried en route to a 7-1 victory over the struggling New York (NY) Yankees on Sunday afternoon.

Making his 15th career start and fourth for Houston, Alexander (3-1) did not allow a hit until Ben Rice lined a one-out single. Five pitches after Rice’s hit, Alexander used his sweeper to induce a double play by Aaron Judge.

It was Alexander’s second career scoreless start since debuting in August 2022 for the Milwaukee Brewers. Alexander also tossed six scoreless innings in Monday’s 8-2 win over the host Miami Marlins.

Alexander had a lead before taking the mound as Jose Altuve homered on the first pitch he saw from Fried (12-5). Altuve hammered a fastball into the left-field seats for his 250th career homer.

It was the second home run of the series and 14th in the regular season against the Yankees for Altuve, who has 21 homers on the year.

Altuve started at designated hitter and became the 12th player whose primary position is second base to hit 250 career homers.

Altuve singled in the third and scored Houston’s second run on a double by Christian Walker. Altuve reached base four times by drawing walks in the seventh and ninth.

Rookie Cam Smith added a two-strike, two-run double with two outs in the fifth for a 4-0 lead.

In the ninth inning, Carlos Correa blasted his second homer in nine games since returning to Houston in a trade from the Minnesota Twins. Correa’s homer started a three-run inning off Tim Hill, and the Astros upped their lead on run-scoring singles by pinch-hitter Ramon Urias and Mauricio Dubon.

The Yankees threatened in the seventh against Bennett Sousa and Bryan Abreu. Sousa loaded the bases with one out, and Ryan McMahon hit a sacrifice fly to bring in a run. But after allowing the score, Abreu easily retired Austin Wells.

The Yankees lost for the seventh time in nine games and manager Aaron Boone was ejected in the third inning by plate umpire Derek Thomas for arguing a called strike on McMahon.

ERNIE CLEMENT HOMERS IN 9TH TO LIFT BLUE JAYS OVER DODGERS
Ernie Clement hit the first pitch of the ninth inning over the fence in left and the visiting Toronto Blue Jays avoided a three-game sweep by the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 5-4 victory on Sunday afternoon.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Addison Barger hit back-to-back solo home runs in the eighth inning to erase a one-run deficit for the Blue Jays.

Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman homered for the Dodgers, who were trying to sweep a team with a winning record for the first time this season.

Los Angeles reliever Blake Treinen took over in the eighth with the Dodgers leading 3-2, but Guerrero homered to left-center field on an 0-and-2 pitch and Barger went deep to right-center field on another sweeper.

The Dodgers then loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the eighth and Freeman drew his second bases-loaded walk of the game to force in a run and tie it 4-4.

Los Angeles reliever Alex Vesia (2-2) took the mound for the ninth and immediately gave up the solo shot to left by Clement.

Toronto left-hander Eric Lauer came in 7-2 in 12 career starts against the Dodgers with a 2.63 ERA, but he went just three innings, allowing three runs and six hits while striking out four and walking four.

Dodgers right-hander Tyler Glasnow allowed two runs and four hits in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out eight and walked four.

Bo Bichette walked with one out in the first inning and Guerrero followed with a double just over the outstretched glove of left fielder Alex Call, scoring Bichette from first base for a 1-0 lead.

The Dodgers quickly got the run back when Ohtani homered to lead off the bottom of the first, his first 41st of the season, tying the score 1-1.

Mookie Betts followed with a walk, but he was caught stealing one pitch before Freeman hit an opposite-field home run for a 2-1 lead.

Both teams had the bases loaded with one out in the second. Toronto didn’t take advantage, then Lauer got Will Smith on a shallow flyout, but he walked Freeman to force in a run and extend the Dodgers’ lead to 3-1.

Toronto cut the lead to 3-2 in the sixth after Bichette led off with a single, took second on a comebacker and scored on a two-out looping single to right by Ty France, ending the day for Glasnow. — Reuters

Umpire Jen Pawol earns praise after her day behind the plate

UMPIRE Jen Pawol had already written her name into the history books on Saturday when she became the first female umpire to officiate a regular-season major league game.

The 48-year old rover umpire was stationed at third and first bases for the doubleheader between the Miami Marlins and the host Atlanta Braves. But the real test would occur on Sunday, when Pawol crouched behind catchers Sean Murphy (Braves) and Liam Hicks (Marlins) to call balls and strikes in the series finale.

Atlanta scored the game’s final seven runs and triumphed 7-1, but even losing manager Clayton McCullough felt Pawol was more than up to the task.

“I think Jen did a really nice job,” McCullough said. “I think she’s very composed back there. She handled and managed the game very well. And big day for her. Big day for Major League Baseball. I congratulated her again on that because it’s quite the accomplishment.”

Pawol called 47 strikes, compared to 34 swinging strikes, including a 15-5 breakdown for Braves’ starter and winner Joey Wentz.

When asked about Pawol’s calls, Wentz said, “I try not to focus on the zone, to be honest with you… I thought it was good though.”

As a roving umpire, Pawol’s next MLB assignment is unknown.

She is a 10-year minor league umpiring veteran, beginning in the Gulf Coast League in 2016. She earned the assignment in the Triple-A championship game in 2023 and worked major league spring training games in 2024 and 2025.

“I wish her the best moving forward as she continues to, I’m sure, hopefully one day be up full time, you know, a permanent big league umpire,” McCullough said. — Reuters

Israel strike kills Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza

PALESTINIANS inspect the site of an Israeli strike where Al Jazeera says its journalists Anas Al Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh and three photojournalists were killed in Gaza City, Aug. 11, 2025. — REUTERS/EBRAHIM HAJJAJ

CAIRO/JERUSALEM — A prominent Al Jazeera journalist who had previously been threatened by Israel was killed along with four colleagues in an Israeli airstrike on Sunday, in an attack condemned by journalist and rights groups.

Israel’s military said it targeted and killed Anas Al Sharif, alleging he had headed a Hamas cell and was involved in rocket attacks against Israel.

Al Jazeera rejected the claim and before his death Mr. Al Sharif had also rejected earlier claims by Israel that he was connected to Hamas.

Mr. Al Sharif, 28, was among a group of four Al Jazeera journalists and an assistant who died in a strike on a tent near Shifa Hospital in eastern Gaza City, Gaza officials and Al Jazeera said. An official at the hospital said two other people were also killed in the strike.

Calling Mr. Al Sharif “one of Gaza’s bravest journalists,” Al Jazeera said the attack was a “desperate attempt to silence voices in anticipation of the occupation of Gaza.”

The other journalists killed were Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher and Mohammed Noufal, Al Jazeera said.

Mr. Al Sharif was previously part of a Reuters team which in 2024 won a Pulitzer Prize in the category of Breaking News Photography for coverage of the Israel-Hamas war.

The Israeli military said in a statement that Mr. Al Sharif was the head of a Hamas cell and “was responsible for advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF (Israeli) troops,” citing intelligence and documents found in Gaza as evidence.

Journalists’ groups and Al Jazeera denounced the killings.

A press freedom group and a United Nations (UN) expert previously warned that Mr. Al Sharif’s life was in danger due to his reporting from Gaza. UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan said last month that Israel’s claims against him were unsubstantiated.

Al Jazeera said Mr. Al Sharif had left a social media message to be posted in the event of his death that read, “…I never hesitated to convey the truth as it is, without distortion or misrepresentation, hoping that God would witness those who remained silent.”

Last October, Israel’s military had named Mr. Al Sharif as one of six Gaza journalists it alleged were members of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, citing documents it said showed lists of people who completed training courses and salaries.

“Al Jazeera categorically rejects the Israeli occupation forces’ portrayal of our journalists as terrorists and denounces their use of fabricated evidence,” the network said in a statement at the time.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which in July urged the international community to protect Mr. Al Sharif, said in a statement that Israel had failed to provide any evidence to back up its allegations against him.

“Israel’s pattern of labeling journalists as militants without providing credible evidence raises serious questions about its intent and respect for press freedom,” said Sara Qudah, CPJ’s director for the Middle East and North Africa.

Mr. Al Sharif, whose X account showed more than 500,000 followers, posted on the platform minutes before his death that Israel had been intensely bombarding Gaza City for more than two hours.

Palestinian militant group Hamas, which runs Gaza, said the killing may signal the start of an Israeli offensive. “The assassination of journalists and the intimidation of those who remain paves the way for a major crime that the occupation is planning to commit in Gaza City,” Hamas said in a statement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he would launch a new offensive to dismantle Hamas strongholds in Gaza, where a hunger crisis is escalating after 22 months of war.

“Anas Al Sharif and his colleagues were among the last remaining voices in Gaza conveying the tragic reality to the world,” Al Jazeera said.

The Hamas-run Gaza government media office said 237 journalists have been killed since the war started on Oct. 7, 2023. The CPJ said at least 186 journalists have been killed in the Gaza conflict. — Reuters

Australia to recognize Palestinian state at UN in September

VECTONAUTA-FREEPIK

SYDNEY — Australia will recognize a Palestinian state at next month’s United Nations (UN) General Assembly, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday, a move that adds to international pressure on Israel after similar announcements from France, Britain and Canada.

“Australia will recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Sessions of the United Nations General Assembly in September, to contribute to international momentum towards a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages,” Mr. Albanese said in a statement.

Mr. Albanese made the announcement after a cabinet meeting, and told reporters in Canberra that recognition would be predicated on commitments Australia received from the Palestinian Authority, including that Islamist militant group Hamas would have no involvement in any future state.

“A two-state solution is humanity’s best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza,” Mr. Albanese said at a news conference.

Mr. Albanese said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday and told him a political solution was needed and not a military one.

Australia last week criticized Israel’s plan to take military control of Gaza, and Mr. Albanese said the decision to recognize a Palestinian state was “further compelled” by Mr. Netanyahu’s disregard of the international community’s calls and failure to comply with legal and ethical obligations in Gaza.

“The Netanyahu Government is extinguishing the prospect of a two-state solution by rapidly expanding illegal settlements, threatening annexation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and explicitly opposing any Palestinian state,” Mr. Albanese said in the joint statement with Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Commitments by the Palestinian Authority to reform governance, demilitarize and hold general elections, as well as Arab League demands for Hamas to end its rule in Gaza, created an opportunity, he said.

“This is an opportunity to isolate Hamas,” he added.

Ms. Wong said she had informed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of Australia’s decision.

US President Donald J. Trump last month criticized Canada’s decision to back Palestinian statehood and Mr. Rubio has said the decision by France was reckless.

Israel’s Ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, criticized Australia’s decision on social media platform X as undermining Israel’s security and derailing hostage negotiations.

Last month, Mr. Albanese would not publicly commit to a timeframe for recognition, and has previously been wary of divided public opinion in Australia over Gaza.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched across Sydney’s Harbour Bridge this month calling for aid deliveries in Gaza as the humanitarian crisis worsened.

Mr. Albanese said on Monday “massive concern” over the devastation in Gaza came not just from international leaders but community members.

New Zealand said it would consider its position on recognition of Palestine this month.

Israel launched its assault on Gaza after Hamas-led fighters stormed Israeli towns near the border, killing some 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages on Oct. 7, 2023. Since then, Israeli forces have killed at least 60,000 people in Gaza, health officials there say, and reduced much of the enclave to ruins.

Malnutrition is widespread in the enclave due to what international aid agencies say is a deliberate plan by Israel to restrict aid. Israel rejects that allegation, blaming Hamas for the hunger among Palestinians and saying a lot of aid has been distributed. — Reuters

South Korea, Vietnam leaders pledge deeper ties amid challenges

A VIETNAMESE naval soldier stands guard at Thuyen Chai island in the Spratly archipelago, Jan. 17, 2013. — REUTERS

SEOUL — South Korea and Vietnam pledged deeper economic and strategic cooperation as their leaders held a summit on Monday, with the countries seeking to leverage their business ties to navigate a challenging global trading environment.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is hosting Vietnamese leader To Lam as his first state guest since taking office on June 4 and discussed promoting trade and investment in the Southeast Asian country, Mr. Lee’s office said.

Mr. Lam, who is the Vietnamese Communist Party general secretary, leads a delegation of industry, trade, foreign and technology ministers and senior party and parliament members on the four-day state visit.

“Our countries agreed that about 10,000 Korean companies operating in Vietnam contribute to Vietnam’s economic development and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.” Mr. Lee said in a televised address.

“I asked for a continued interest in the stable economic activities of our companies in Vietnam.”

Mr. Lam said the countries agreed to further open up their markets and expand trade to $150 billion by 2030, adding Vietnam welcomed an increase in investment by South Korean businesses along with greater technological cooperation.

The countries are due to sign at least 10 memoranda of understanding at the summit meeting, pledging cooperation in areas including nuclear and renewable energy, monetary and financial policies, and science and technology, Mr. Lee’s office said.

Other agreements covered cooperation in infrastructure, including high-speed rail, Mr. Lee’s office said.

The rare visit by the Vietnamese leader is expected to contribute to a favorable condition for South Korean businesses to invest in major infrastructure and nuclear energy projects planned in Vietnam, it said.

A number of major South Korean companies including Samsung Electronics have used Vietnam as an export hub, benefiting for years from lower labor costs, generous tax incentives and Hanoi’s numerous free trade pacts with dozens of countries.

But the trade policy of US President Donald J. Trump, who imposed sweeping new tariffs on the Asian countries in recent weeks, has increased uncertainty over future business commitments, with Vietnamese official data showing a slowdown in new investment.

South Korean companies have been cited as potential investors in Vietnam’s planned nuclear energy, liquefied natural gas power plants and high-speed rail projects.

Mr. Trump has imposed a tariff rate of 15% for South Korean goods and 20% for imports from Vietnam. — Reuters

Prominent Chinese diplomat Liu Jianchao taken for questioning, sources say

LIU JIANCHAO — EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG

BEIJING — Senior Chinese diplomat Liu Jianchao, widely seen as a potential foreign minister, was taken away by authorities for questioning in early August, five people familiar with the matter said.

Mr. Liu, 61, was detained after returning from a work trip to Singapore, South Africa and Algeria, which ended on July 30, according to the sources. His house was searched by authorities in early August, two of the people said.

The people did not know why the authorities questioned Mr. Liu. They could not be named for safety reasons. Mr. Liu’s detention was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Mr. Liu’s detention marks the highest-level disappearance of a diplomat since China ousted its former foreign minister and President Xi Jinping’s protégé, Qin Gang, in 2023 following an unexplained public absence.

Since 2022, Oxford-educated Mr. Liu has led the International Department of the Communist Party, the body in charge of managing ties with foreign political parties. His profile remains on the department’s website.

He was widely viewed by diplomats in Beijing and analysts as a likely candidate to succeed veteran Wang Yi as foreign minister but was not promoted to the role at a recent annual government reshuffle.

“If true, Liu Jianchao’s downfall will lead to further power vacuum at the top of China’s foreign affairs portfolio,” said Wen-Ti Sung, a fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub.

“It removes a frontrunner to succeed Wang Yi and deprives China of a potential next steward for China’s foreign policy.”

China’s State Council Information Office, which handles media queries for the Chinese government, and the Chinese Communist Party International Department did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

At an annual forum at Beijing’s Tsinghua University in early July, Mr. Liu said he was optimistic about the future of US-China relations and that it was “unimaginable that China and the US will ever go to war.”

Mr. Liu was known for the unusual frequency and intensity of his overseas travel unlike his more low-profile predecessors.

Foreign diplomats in Beijing praised his confident and relaxed manner, fluent English and ability to engage spontaneously without pre-prepared talking points.

“He knows how to shape Chinese narratives in a way that’s engaging and appealing to foreigners,” said one who met him in late 2023. Another diplomat who met his aides around that time said they were very confident that he would soon be promoted to foreign minister.

During a high-profile 2024 trip to the United States, which was widely viewed by analysts as a foreign minister trial run, he met a wide range of counterparts, including then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Born in the northeastern province of Jilin, Mr. Liu majored in English at Beijing Foreign Studies University and studied international relations at Oxford before taking up his first post as a translator with the foreign ministry.

He has served in China’s mission to Britain and later as ambassador to Indonesia and the Philippines.

Unusually for a Chinese diplomat, he served two successive postings in China’s anti-corruption bureaucracy between 2015 and 2018, when he helped track down corrupt officials who fled overseas.

During his time as ministry spokesman, he was known for humorous, spontaneous comments while making a robust defense of China’s position.

A person familiar with China’s foreign ministry said that Liu was liked and well-respected by Chinese diplomats for his outstanding ability and warm, friendly demeanor.  — Reuters

Singlife PH marks 5th year with brand refresh, doubles down on digital CX to lead insurance innovation

Mobile-first life insurer Singlife Philippines is ushering in a new chapter with a refreshed brand identity and bold customer experience innovations, as it celebrates five years of disrupting the country’s insurance landscape through digital technology.

The brand refresh marks a turning point for the company, signaling not just a new look but a renewed commitment to making insurance simpler, more accessible, and deeply relevant to the everyday Filipino.

“Five years ago, we set out to break the barriers that kept people from purchasing insurance,” said Singlife Philippines CEO Lester Cruz in a media round table ahead of the company’s anniversary. “Today, we’re not just celebrating growth — we’re evolving to better reflect who we serve and how we help them move from surviving to thriving.”

Humanizing the Brand for the Digital Filipino

The updated brand identity trades in abstract icons and caricatures for real stories and real people. With a more vibrant and inclusive visual language, the new Singlife brand aims to resonate with modern Filipinos navigating life’s uncertainties with a mobile device in hand.

This shift also reflects Singlife’s maturing voice as a digital insurer — one that speaks with clarity, empathy, and empowerment.

 “Digital doesn’t have to mean impersonal,” Mr. Cruz added. “We believe in combining the power of technology with a human touch. That is how we earn trust and make insurance something people actually want to engage with.”

A Seamless Digital CX Journey

Singlife’s Plan & Protect app anchors this promise. Designed as an all-in-one financial platform, the app allows users to save, plan, invest, and insure themselves completely on their smartphones — no agents, no paperwork, and no branch visits required.

The app has logged over 1.4 million installs, with the app achieving a six-fold increase in annualized premium equivalent (APE) from the previous year and now accounts for significant proportion of Singlife’s total APE.

Award-winning in its own right, the app was recently recognized with major honors at the 2025 Asian Banking & Finance Fintech Awards, including Mobile App of the Year and Customer Experience Solution of the Year.

Performance fueled by experience, innovation

Since its official launch in 2020, Singlife has sold more than 1 million policies and covered nearly a million lives. The company also recorded its highest-ever APE in June and continues to show strong month-on-month growth.

This growth is driven not just by mobile convenience but by product innovation. Singlife’s offerings include industry-first products such as Cash for Funeral Costs, Protect from Funeral Costs, and Income Multiplier, which combines insurance and investment with monthly payouts. 

Singlife also pioneered in-app savings with up to 15% net annual returns through its Super Boost Rewards Program, further integrating financial wellness into the customer journey.

Expanding reach, deepening impact

Beyond technology, Singlife is building a more grounded presence through partnerships with platforms like GCash, Maya, UNO Digital Bank, and GlobeOne. It’s also increasing community visibility via Runrio-organized races, baby fairs, and grassroots events.

Geographic expansion beyond Metro Manila is a key priority, as the company seeks to bring protection closer to underserved communities nationwide.

As part of the brand refresh, Singlife is preparing to launch two new market-first products this year — further reinforcing its position as a digital-native insurer that listens, learns, and leads with purpose.

“Our journey is just beginning,” said Mr. Cruz. “We’re building a brand that grows with our users, speaks their language, and adapts to their needs — not just with tech, but with heart.”

 

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Retelling Filipino comic classics

Filipino comic artist Randy Valiente has found a new sense of purpose in reviving old Filipino comics, like the works of the late Francisco V. Coching, known as the “King of Comics.”

Mr. Coching’s works, such as Condenado, Satur, and Dumagit, have been republished under Grafika, a new imprint of Vibal Foundation.

“Unang-una, if you’re an artist — a Filipino artist — kailangan malaman mo yung mga old masters natin na you might not be aware of (First of all, if you’re an artist — a Filipino artist — you need to know our old masters, whom you might not be aware of),” Mr. Valiente, editor-at-large of Grafika, told BusinessWorld.

Full story: https://www.bworldonline.com/arts-and-leisure/2025/07/11/684568/reviving-classic-filipino-comics/

Interview by Edg Adrian Eva
Video editing by Jayson Mariñas

#FilipinoComics
#PhilippineLiterature
#CulturalPreservation
#PinoyArtRevival
#BusinessWorldPH

PAGCOR-licensed online gambling operators unite to launch ‘PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines’ amid industry review

Proponents of PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines in a show of unity

In a landmark move for the country’s regulated online gambling sector, a majority group of licensed operators today announced the formation of PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines, a unified industry association committed to responsible gaming, regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and combatting illegal gambling.

The alliance, composed of 19 founding organizations, was formally signed into agreement during an initialing ceremony held in Ascott Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Its Interim Council includes licensed online gambling operators 1) DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, GameZone); 2) World Platinum Technologies, Inc. (KingPH, LuckyPH, QueenPH); 3) Trojans Well Entertainment Corp. (Bet88); 4) Gavin Ventures, Inc. (OKBet); 5) Playmate Leisure Solutions Corp. (PlayTime); 6) Stotsenberg Leisure Park & Hotel Corp. (Casino Plus, Perya Plus); 7) Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies, Inc. (Jade Sportsbet); 8) Meta Interactive Software Solutions, Inc. (123Go); and 9) Enigma Software Solutions, Inc. (Patokbet).

The launch of the industry association comes as the Philippines undergoes a comprehensive review of the local online gambling industry with lawmakers, regulators, and industry leaders now debating the best path forward to balance public welfare and economic contribution.

“Ang tunay na kalaban sa usapin ng online gambling ay ang ilegal na market. Walang lisensya, walang kontrol — puwedeng maglaro ang menor de edad, walang bayad na buwis, at hindi sumusunod sa mga patakaran. Sa halip na protektado, nalalagay sa panganib ang publiko,” said Mike Defensor, appointed Spokesperson of the industry association and President of World Platinum Technologies, Inc. “Sa kasalukuyan, tinatayang 70% ng online gambling market ay ilegal, habang 30% lamang ang legal na sumusunod sa regulasyon at nagbabayad ng buwis sa gobyerno. Kaya mahalaga ang mahigpit na regulasyon at pagtutok sa mga ligal na operator upang matiyak ang ligtas, responsable, at makatarungang paglalaro para sa lahat,” he emphasized. 

PlaySafe members link hands.

Mandate and Objectives of the PlaySafe Alliance

The PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines, in its early phases will focus on:

  • Collaborating with Regulators — Partnering with PAGCOR to enhance industry oversight and compliance, especially around existing marketing and advertising practices.
  • Strengthening Responsible Gaming Measures — Implementing robust KYC (Know-Your-Customer) processes, age verification, and self-exclusion programs.
  • Combatting Illegal Gambling — Launching initiatives to help deter illegal and unlicensed operators.
  • Consumer Education — Launching public awareness and health campaigns on safer gambling and the risks of playing on unregulated platforms.
  • Gambling Harm & Addiction Support — Investing in nationwide research, education, prevention & treatment (REPT) programs for online gambling, including a 24/7 National Gambling Helpline.

“This alliance is not about competition — it’s about collaboration,” added Eusebio Tanco, founding member of PlaySafe Alliance and Chairman of DigiPlus Interactive Corp. “By working as one, we can ensure that online gambling in the Philippines will be more secure, transparent, and beneficial to both players and the nation.”

The PlaySafe Alliance shall soon elect its Officers and thereafter be organized into various Strategic Committees to work on focus areas including but not limited to Player Protection, Advertising & Marketing Governance, Financial Risk Control, and Combatting Illegal Gambling. The association’s founders also announced plans to onboard an independent advisory panel consisting of local and international experts to advise on responsible gaming regulation, public health, financial technology, and consumer advocacy topics.

Other attending organizations who have signed membership into the PlaySafe Alliance today include:

  • Arden Consult
  • GoTech Entertainment, Inc. (Filbet)
  • IGO Digital High Technology, Inc. (iGO, PremyoFun)
  • NEMO Interactive Group Corp. (Fairplay, Arionplay)
  • Nextstage Entertainment, Inc. (ANIBET)
  • RAC Phil Corp. (LakiWin)
  • Silver Goose 8 International Inc. (SG8)
  • Skyline Nexus Corp. (Juan365)
  • Webzoid System Solutions Corp. (Go Play Asia)
  • Xn Solutions, Inc. (MegaPerya)

Future additional members who are interested to join may contact the Interim Council.

 

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Severe tropical storm Gorio maintained its strength, may intensify into typhoon

source: PAGASA

Severe tropical storm Gorio (international name: Podul), which recently entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), has maintained its strength and may reach typhoon intensity within 12 hours, according to the state weather bureau on Tuesday.

In its latest weather bulletin issued at 11 am, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that Gorio has maintained its strength, with maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h and gustiness of up to 135 km/h.

It is also expected to intensify to typhoon category from severe tropical storm category within the next 12 hours.

PAGASA said that Gorio was located 1,170 km east of extreme Northern Luzon and was moving westward at a ‘fast pace’ rate of 25 km/h. The state weather bureau added that it is likely to make landfall in Taiwan on Wednesday.

“At dahil sa bilis ng paggalaw niya, by Wednesday ay nasa labas na ito ng Philippine Area of Responsibility — Wednesday night po [Due to its speed of movement, it will be outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday — Wednesday night, to be exact],” John Manalo, PAGASA’s weather specialist said in a Press Briefing.

Mr. Manalo said that Gorio has no direct or indirect effect on the country’s current weather conditions due to its distance and insufficient strength. So, there is a current low chance of rainfall throughout the country.

However, Mr. Manalo reminded the public that there is still a chance that Gorio may move southward and directly affect extreme northern Luzon areas like Batanes, which may prompt the raising of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1.

PAGASA also cautioned the public and disaster-related offices to take all necessary actions to protect life and property. It also reminded residents in hazard-prone areas to evacuate if advised by officials. – Edg Adrian A. Eva

Philippine central bank governor confident inflation will hit 2% in 2025

BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. — COURTESY OF BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS

MANILA – The Philippine central bank is confident of achieving a 2% inflation rate this year, the lower end of its 2% to 4% target range, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said on Monday.

“We think we will hit 2% in 2025,” Mr. Remolona told an economic forum.

The annual inflation rate was 0.9% in July, the lowest rate since October 2019. That brought the average rate in the first seven months of 2025 to 1.7%.

Mr. Remolona told Reuters on July 28 that the central bank was on track to cut its key interest rate, currently at a two-and-a-half-year low of 5.25%, two more times this year, with the timing dependent on the outlook for growth and inflation.

The BSP’s next monetary policy review is on August 28. — Reuters

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