UAE pardons 68 Filipino detainees

July 29, 2025 | 8:21 pm

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THE UNITED Arab Emirates (UAE) has pardoned about 68 Filipinos detained on humanitarian grounds, according to the Foreign Affairs department on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed gratitude to the Middle Eastern country for pardoning the Filipino detainees last month. It did not disclose specific offenses committed.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs would like to express its gratitude to the government of the UAE for granting humanitarian pardon to 68 Filipino detainees on the occasion of the celebration of Eid al-Adha last month,” it said.

“This generous and benevolent gesture is a testament to the robust bilateral relations between the Philippines and the UAE, and a lasting gift to the families of the pardoned Filipinos,” the DFA added.

In March, it granted clemency to about 115 detained Filipinos ahead of its Ramadan celebration. It had also pardoned a total of 363 Filipinos last year.

The UAE typically conducts mass pardoning ahead of major Islamic holidays, like the month of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice.

During his fourth State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. thanked Middle Eastern countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, for extending clemency to detained Filipinos.

“Through our diligent diplomatic efforts, more than 600 of our fellow Filipinos who were convicted of various legal violations abroad — particularly in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and other countries — were granted pardon over the past three years,” Mr. Marcos said last Monday. — Adrian H. Halili

DEPDev clarifies probe of projects

July 29, 2025 | 8:20 pm

Public market-flood — Vendors at the Baclaran Market in Parañaque City experienced flooding on July 22 following overnight heavy rains. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

THE DEPARTMENT of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) on Tuesday said it will craft objective protocols for the review of government flood-control projects to ensure that it will not be a “witch hunt.”

DEPDev Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon said they will prioritize examining the list from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) following the President’s directive, considering the large number of total projects.

“While waiting for that list, our regional development group is discussing what the protocol for review will be so that it will be objective. We will not be witch-hunting,” Ms. Edillon said in mixed English and Filipino during the 2025 post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) discussions.

In his fourth SONA at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. ordered the DPWH to submit a list of the government’s flood-control projects in the last three years.

This came after he discovered collapsed flood-control projects during his recent inspection of the aftermath of the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Wipha (Crising), Francisco (Dante) and Co-May (Emong).

The Regional Project Monitoring Committee, under the DEPDev’s Regional Development Council, will then examine the list to flag projects that failed and remained unfinished as well as alleged “ghost” projects.

Ms. Edillon said the committee consists of representatives from regional agencies and the private sector.

“Of course, we’ll also vet with the agency if the parameters we’re looking at are correct before we deliberate,” she told reporters on the sidelines of the discussion.

When asked how they will ensure the list is complete, Ms. Edillon said they are “under the assumption of regularity.”

“Number one, we’re still under the assumption of regularity. But they are able to know that down at the Regional Development Council because even before they submit the budget — the regions — they discuss it with those at the bottom. So, they have an idea of what to propose,” she said.

Mr. Marcos said the list will be published for public scrutiny, but DEPDev said they are uncertain when it would be released.

AUDIT COMMITTEE
Meanwhile, the Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) urged the President to establish a public audit committee that could help in efforts to scrutinize the government’s flood control projects.

The proposed audit panel that would probe the flood control projects should be composed of civil society groups, anti-corruption watchdogs, engineers and community leaders, CenPEG said in a statement.

“Historically, the flood control budget has been riddled with corruption, political patronage and manipulation — especially during election cycles,” CenPEG said. “The mere publication of flood control projects, although a gesture toward transparency, lacks the participatory oversight and institutional power required to dismantle entrenched corrupt practices.”

The audit committee should be granted the authority to summon officials and contractors for questioning and subpoena documents on flood control deals, the think-tank added.

The panel should also be institutionalized via an executive order or through a law and be funded by the government, it said. — Katherine K. Chan and Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Senate eyes stricter bidding policy

July 29, 2025 | 8:19 pm

A PHILIPPINE Senator on Tuesday said that he is looking to bar relatives of public officials from bidding on government contracts.

“To me, that’s a clear conflict of interest and shouldn’t be allowed,” Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero told a news briefing.

This comes after President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address where he accused government officials and contractors of pocketing public funds intended for public works, especially flood mitigation projects.

He also ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways to submit a list of all flood-control projects launched or completed in the past three years across all regions.

The President also vowed to file charges against those found to be liable in pocketing government funds.

Mr. Escudero said that his office is already drafting the proposed measure and intends to file a bill within the week.

“In response to the President’s call regarding corruption, conflict of interest, and improper use of funds, we will file a bill whose purpose is to prohibit up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity and affinity any legislator or government official, whether national or local, from being a contractor or supplier to the government,’’ the Senate chief said.

He added the proposed measure seeks to avoid conflicts of interest and the use of public positions for private or familial benefit.

Mr. Escudero said that he is hopeful that the proposed measure would be included among the priority measures of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council for the 20^th Congress. — Adrian H. Halili

DoTr studies free bus ride rollout

July 29, 2025 | 8:17 pm

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) on Tuesday said it is studying the rollout of Love Bus within this year.

In a media release on Tuesday, Transportation Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon said the agency is studying the program and is hoping to start its rollout in the country within this year.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said the pilot testing of the program will be in Davao and Cebu, while the government is working on the eventual expansion of this program to other areas in Visayas and Mindanao.

The Transportation department said it is preparing for the deployment of these buses which is expected to be a free bus ride program for commuters.

Love Bus, which was first launched in 1976, is said to be the first fully air-conditioned bus at the time in the country. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

LANDBANK, DOST launch tech loan

July 29, 2025 | 8:16 pm

FILIPINO INVENTORS may now secure zero-interest loans through a lending program that would help them bring their patented technology to market, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) said.

Earlier this month, LANDBANK partnered with the Department of Science and Technology-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) to launch the enhanced innovation and technology (I-TECH) lending program.

“At LANDBANK, we firmly believe that technology is a key driver of inclusive growth that opens doors to a better, more sustainable future for all. We believe in the potential of every Filipino innovator, and we are here to back that potential every step of the way,” LANDBANK President and Chief Executive Officer Lynette V. Ortiz said in a statement.

Under the updated program, eligible borrowers can now access up to 85% of the total project and 80% of land acquisition after the LANDBANK removed the P12.5-million loan ceiling.

It offers zero-interest loans via funding from the Invention Guarantee Fund (IGF), allowing it to be an off-book facility for LANDBANK.

LANDBANK will serve as the main lending channel for the program, while DOST-TAPI will manage the funding through the IGF.

The I-TECH lending program, first launched in 2017, provides financial support for the commercialization of patented Filipino inventions.

Its first version offers financing with a 5% interest rate, subject to annual review by the LANDBANK, and a 0% interest rate for inventions covered by the TAPI IGF.

According to LANDBANK, a total of P32.25 million in loans have been disbursed under the I-TECH lending program as of June 30.

The LANDBANK said the program’s revisions align with Republic Act No. 7459, the Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines, aimed at supporting local innovators through financial and non-financial assistance. — Katherine K. Chan

CIDG’s national head named Soccsksargen police director

July 29, 2025 | 8:15 pm

COTABATO CITY — The director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) will assume leadership of the Police Regional Office-12 (PRO-12) on Wednesday.

Officials of the Police Regional Office-12 told reporters on Tuesday that their outgoing regional director, Brig. Gen. Arnold P. Ardiente, will relinquish his post to a successor, Brig. Gen. Romeo J. Macapaz, via a symbolic rite on Wednesday at PRO-12’s headquarters in General Santos City.

Mr. Macapaz had served as director of the Bangsamoro regional police for several months before he got to the helm of the CIDG last June.

Different units of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region had secured the surrender, via backchannel dialogues, of 89 members of the allies Dawlah Islamiya and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters while Mr. Macapaz was at its helm.

Mr. Macapaz was named regional director of PRO-12, effective July 28, in a directive signed by Major Gen. Neri Vincent D. Ignacio, acting chief of the directorial staff ng Philippine National Police.

The same document also stipulated that Brig. Gen. Christopher N. Abrahano, Region XIII police director, will take over CIDG’s directorship. — John Felix M. Unson

From teammate to rivals, Tenorio as new head coach of Magnolia

July 29, 2025 | 6:38 pm

MANILA Clasico will never be the same, especially for Barangay Ginebra players who will now be at the frontlines against the longest-tenured Gin King LA Tenorio as the new head coach for archnemesis Magnolia starting in PBA Season 50 in October.

From teammates to rivals, Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos and Justin Brownlee look forward to a bittersweet moment when they share the court with “kuya” LA albeit from different ends in an unbelievable whirlwind of PBA order.

Mr. Tenorio, originally from San Miguel and Alaska as the No. 4 pick in the 2006 draft, has been with Ginebra since as its leader since 2012 before being named by SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua on Monday as the new mentor in Magnolia in lieu of its long-time coach Chito Victolero.

And that has not sunk in yet to any Gin King, including resident import and Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Mr. Brownlee, who looks up to Mr. Tenorio as his second coach next to Tim Cone since his arrival in the PBA in 2016.

“I can’t believe it, man. But to be honest, in my nine years in the Philippines playing for Ginebra, I feel like LA has been my second coach on the floor,” said Mr. Brownlee, who’s been with the Gin Kings since 2016.

“His moniker is ‘The Gineral’ for a reason and I wish him nothing but the best. It’s like a bittersweet feeling. Obviously, Magnolia is Ginebra’s biggest rival and yeah, I can’t wait to see what Manila Clasico is gonna be like, especially with LA now on the other side.”

Messrs. Tenorio and Brownlee have won six championships together in almost a decade but he and Mr. Aguilar have been playing together longer for almost 20 years, making it a tough transition for the latter.

It may be a little different with the younger Messrs. Thompson and Abarrientos, who have received the torch from the aging Mr. Tenorio in Ginebra’s changing of the guard for years now.

Mr. Abarrientos, the youngest of Mr. Tenorio’s proteges, echoes the same sentiment while being grateful for his lessons even for just a year since his Ginebra arrival as the No. 3 pick in last year’s rookie draft.

As per SMC official Mr. Chua, the possibility of being a playing coach for Magnolia is in the hands of Mr. Tenorio and for Ginebra players, that will be another different bridge they have to cross over once they get there.

For now, one thing’s clear, Mr. Tenorio — an eight-time PBA champion and four-time Finals MVP — has turned into a rival and the greatest respect they could ever have for a former comrade is playing to their fullest against him. — John Bryan Ulanday

Millora-Brown appeals case to FIBA to play Gilas as local

July 29, 2025 | 6:29 pm

IT may not be for now but top prospect Quentin Millora-Brown (QMB) is hoping to don national colors on the international stage — sooner than later.

The 6-foot-10 Filipino-American standout revealed that he’s in the process of appealing his case to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to finally be eligible to play as a local.

“Absolutely, there’s an appeal in the works,” said Mr. Millora-Brown after facing Gilas Pilipinas himself with his club Macau Black Bears in a send-off tune-up match on Monday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

“The lawyers and my agent are kind of taking care of that. I don’t really have all the details on that but if you want to know more about that, they can probably tell you more if you reach out to them.”

Mr. Millora-Brown, whose grandfather was a University of the Philippines (UP) alumnus himself, has been on the Gilas radar since his rise as a one-and-one player for UP in the UAAP last season but FIBA ruled him as a naturalized player due to lack of necessary citizenship requirements.

FIBA requires a home player with foreign blood to secure a passport of his preferred country before turning 16 years old and Mr. Millora-Brown’s camp has moved leaps and bounds to prove that to FIBA but to no avail.

There’s no stopping that effort for Mr. Millora-Brown, whose dream is to represent the country in a homage of his Filipino roots, even if it takes a long while.

“It would be amazing (to play for Gilas). There’s so much respect for all of those guys and absolutely, just the ability to play for your country is amazing. So, if that comes up, there’s no way I could turn it down,” added Mr. Millora-Brown, who came from three US NCAA schools before towing UP to the UAAP Season 87 crown in his lone collegiate year at home.

Mr. Millora-Brown, who also admitted choosing Europe over the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft for now, showed a glimpse of that potential to help Gilas down the road with six points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block in Macau’s 103-98 loss to Gilas.

Even Gilas head coach Tim Cone admitted his desire to have a versatile and agile center like Mr. Millora-Brown, especially on his squad in need of size following the ACL injury of 7-foot-3 sensation Kai Sotto.

“He’s awesome. Man, I’d love to have him. He’s physical, he gets to the offensive boards really well. He has great size but (the possibility) is not there yet,” said Mr. Cone, who cleared that the Gilas’ naturalized spot belongs to Justin Brownlee alone at this point.

“I can dream and wish. I dream we had Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, but that’s not possible either. But if I had an opportunity, man, I would love QMB on the team.” — John Bryan Ulanday

Gilas Pilipinas beats Macau Bears ahead of FIBA Asia Cup mission

July 29, 2025 | 6:28 pm

FAR from ideal but getting there.

A listless performance in the first half and a fiery showing in the second marked Gilas Pilipinas’ 103-98 come-from-behind victory over the Macau Bears Monday in a testy warm up ahead of its FIBA Asia Cup mission.

Much work is still needed from hereon but the Nationals are confident of hitting top form in time for the gold-medal mission in the Aug. 5-17 Continental meet.

“I really like our chances. The team has been having really great practices. As you saw (against Macau), I think the second half is more how we want to play, especially on the defensive end,” said Justin Brownlee, who exploded for a game-high 32 points spiked by a five-of-seven shooting from three point range in Gilas’ fightback from 21 down versus import-laden Macau.

“And yeah, it’s been a really great couple of weeks for us. Everybody’s getting more comfortable with each other, the chemistry has been really great. So I’m just excited overall for the whole experience and I can’t wait to see how we do out there.”

Brownlee and Co. leave for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Wednesday to continue their more-tournament buildup there. They’re slated to face Jordan on Saturday in a tuneup, though Rondae Hollis-Jefferson won’t be beefing up their old rival.

Coach Tim Cone said after taking a breather against the Bears, June Mar Fajardo is expected to join the scrimmages in Jeddah. But Calvin Oftana, he reported, is “doubtful” due the ankle sprain he sustained during the PBA Philippine Cup finals.

“We were given a medical report from his camp and we’re not sure if he’s going to be available for the whole tournament. We’re going to try to address that (in the coming days). And we got Troy (Rosario) and RJ (Abarrientos) sitting on the wings to step in if necessary,” said Mr. Cone.

The Nationals will kick off their Asia Cup campaign in Group D against Chinese-Taipei on Aug. 6 before taking on New Zealand the next day and Iraq on Aug. 9.

Their initial object is to advance to the quarterfinals and ultimately, rule it all.

“Our goal is to win a gold medal. We’re going to go out there to try to win a gold medal. Will we? I’m not sure. That’s certainly our goal. That’s not what we’re focused on, though, we’re focused on every day, And right now, we’re focused on the first game we play,” said Mr. Cone.

“Man, it’s an incredible challenge you know. You got some really good teams out there… I think with the team we have, that’s very possible. It’s just going to take us an extreme amount of hard work and dedication from everybody to buy into that. With everybody doing that, I think it’s a bright future to be honest for the Gilas program,” said Mr. Brownlee. — Olmin Leyba

The Scores

Philippines 103 – Brownlee 32, Ramos 19, Edu 15, Quiambao 14, Thompson 10, Perez 7, Newsome 2, Malonzo 2, Abarrientos 2, Aguilar 0, Tamayo 0.

Macau Black Bears 98 – Douglas 23, Amorie Anthony 22, Leung 17, Peek 14, Shackleford 7, Millora-Brown 6, Dennis 5, Obasa 2, Ndiaye 2, Micek 0.

Quarterscores: 25-33, 46-63, 79-81, 103-98

Larga Pilipinas delayed its return due to damaged roads in parts of Benguet

July 29, 2025 | 6:26 pm

THE Larga Pilipinas’ return will be delayed for a few months after race organizers rescheduled the six-stage cycling event to late this year due to damaged roads in the mountains of Benguet caused by inclement weather.

“Unfortunately, Northern Luzon was heavily battered, roads were damaged and some of our terminals were isolated,” said Larga race operations executive Snow Badua during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum in Manila.

Mr. Badua had already coordinated with the eight participating teams as well as the PhilCycling headed by Abraham Tolentino as well as the local government units considered and said they have tentatively reset the race in November.

“It was only decided last night (Monday) after Baguio called us that Kennon Road is closed and Marcos Highway is one-way traffic,” he said. — Joey Villar

Yoshinobu Yamamoto strikes out 9, leads Dodgers over Reds

July 29, 2025 | 6:25 pm

YOSHINOBU YAMAMOTO allowed just one run with nine strikeouts over seven innings, and Shohei Ohtani hit a two-run double to send the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night.

Yamamoto (9-7) matched a season-high seven innings, allowing just four hits and one run with two walks. The right-hander improved his road record to 6-3 in 11 starts. The only blemish on his slate was an RBI groundout by former Dodger Gavin Lux in the first inning.

Ohtani walked twice and cashed in a pair of runners to break a 1-1 tie with a double to center field off Cincinnati starter Chase Burns (0-3). Teoscar Hernandez had two hits and drove in two runs while Mookie Betts also had a pair of hits and three runs for the Dodgers, who bounced back after losing two of three in Boston to open their three-city, nine-game road trip.

Burns failed again in his bid for his first Major League win in his sixth career start. The righty was charged with three runs on six hits over 5 2/3 innings while walking one.

But the highly-touted rookie did achieve another historic milestone, striking out 10 for a third straight start to become just the second Cincinnati pitcher with 10+ strikeouts in three straight starts, joining Raisel Iglesias in 2015.

Reds right fielder Will Benson singled in a run with one out in the ninth to bring the tying run to the plate. Reliever Blake Treinen, in a non-save situation, struck out Noelvi Marte but walked TJ Friedl on four pitches to bring Matt McLain to the plate with the bases loaded.

Lefty reliever Jack Dreyer retired McLain on a grounder to short for his first career save in two chances.

Cincinnati had its four-game win streak snapped. The Dodgers won in Cincinnati for the first time since June 8, 2023, a string of three straight losses at Great American Ball Park. — Reuters

PTA hoping Eala could join the PHL team in SEA Games

July 29, 2025 | 6:24 pm

FOR a national sports association that is still picking up the pieces less than a year after its reinstatement from suspension, the Philippine Tennis Association (PTA) is accepting everything that could serve as a shot in the arm to its battered program.

And that is why it wants its best player to spearhead its national team wading into battle in this December’s Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand — Alexandra “Alex” Eala.

“We’re hoping she could play for the Philippines, let’s all pray she does,” said PTA Executive Director Tonette Mendoza during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Ms. Mendoza said everything would depend on the World No. 65 Ms. Eala’s schedule.

“She’s just trying to fit it to her schedule but she seems very excited so we really hope she could fit it all in,” said Ms. Mendoza.

If Ms. Eala ends up playing, she will have a shot at her first gold in the SEA Games after copping three bronzes in the 2021 Hanoi edition.

Meanwhile, the country is preparing for Group III in the Davis Cup with hopes of winning there and securing a return to Group II where the country was once a regular.

“It’s a slow climb, we’re hoping to climb back to Group II,” said Ms. Mendoza, who was accompanied by Davis Cupper Jed Olivarez. — Joey Villar