Procurement IRR to require video record of bidding

February 11, 2025 | 8:27 pm

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the new procurement law will require bidder conferences to be recorded on video for procurement exercises beyond a certain value.

“To enhance the transparency of the procurement process, the Procuring Entity shall keep a video recording of all procurement-related conferences for Competitive Bidding,” according to the IRR, which was released on Feb. 10.

The New Government Procurement Act IRR was approved and finalized in a meeting led by the DBM and the Government Procurement Policy Board’s Technical Support Office on Feb. 4.

The sessions to be recorded include the pre-procurement conference, the pre-bid conference, the bid opening, and other Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) meetings.

“All procurement-related conferences for Competitive Bidding shall not commence without a video recording initiated by the BAC,” it said.

The DBM also said that the procuring entity should livestream activities on its website, social media account, or any other form of live-streaming service.

The video recording only applies to the procurement of goods valued at above P10 million, infrastructure above P20 million, and consulting services exceeding P5 million, when using Competitive Bidding as the mode of procurement.

The procuring entity should also ensure that it has copies of the recordings stored for at least five years, to be made available to the public upon request and payment of a fee.

It also said that when national security is involved, the head of the procuring entity will decide whether the procurement activities are recorded or not, it added. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Kadiwa rice prices cut by P2-P3

February 11, 2025 | 8:26 pm

nfa rice — PHILIPPINE STAR/NOEL B. PABALATE

RICE PRICES at government-subsidized food markets will drop by as much as P3 starting on Wednesday, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The DA said it will decrease the price of Rice for All (RFA) goods in Kadiwa markets — which are farm-to-market stores supported by the government — P2 to P3, in line with declining global rice prices and the upcoming peak of the rice harvest season.

Starting Feb. 12, the price of RFA5 — rice with no more than 5% broken-grain content — will be reduced to P43 per kilo from P45 per kilo, the DA said in a statement.

RFA25 will be priced at P35/kg, down from P38 and RFA100 — white rice consisting of 100% broken grains — will sell for P33/kg, down from P36, it added.

“The KADIWA ng Pangulo program will continue to provide rice at P29 per kilo for vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and indigent individuals,” the DA said.

As of Monday, imported premium rice sold for P48 to P58/kg in Metro Manila markets, according to DA price monitors.

It said imported well-milled rice sold for P44 to P45/kg while imported regular-milled rice fetched P38 to P46/kg.

Domestically grown premium rice sold for P46 to P58/kg, with well-milled at P42 to P52/kg. The range for domestic regular-milled rice was P38 to P45/kg.

The DA said the National Food Authority (NFA) “has sufficient funding to support farmers and uphold its mandated rice buffer stock, now equivalent to 15 days of national consumption under the revised Rice Tariffication Law.”

The DA said starting Feb. 15, the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice will be lowered to P52 per kilo from P55, and reduced further to P49 by March 1, to “mitigate potential market disruptions.”

The DA has declared a national emergency for rice, citing an “extraordinary” spike in the prices of the staple grain despite lower import tariffs.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel, Jr. said on Monday that the DA is set to release NFA rice onto the market by next week, with over 50 local government units expressing interest in purchasing the low-cost rice stocks.

Under Republic Act No. 12708 or the Agricultural Tariffication Act, the Secretary of Agriculture can declare a food security emergency in case of supply shortages or extraordinary price spikes.

The DA added that economic managers will soon review Executive Order No. 62 to assess whether rice tariffs need to be adjusted.

It said Mr. Laurel is “only inclined to recommend a revision of the current tariff level if retail prices of imported rice ease to the P42-P45 per kilo range.”

The DA said it is also eyeing an MSRP on pork to address an excessive gap between farmgate and retail prices, describing retail pork prices of P400 per kilo or higher as “unreasonable.”

A decision regarding the possible MSRP for pork is expected by the end of February, “with the aim of curbing profiteering,” the DA said.

“We are conducting a thorough analysis of the pork value chain,” Mr. Laurel said. “If evidence of profiteering emerges, we will not hesitate to institute an MSRP for pork.”

The farmgate price of hogs was at P240–P250 per kilo. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

2024 new RE capacity tops 794 megawatts

February 11, 2025 | 8:25 pm

researchers-looking-alternative-energy-souces — STOCK PHOTO | Image from Freepik

NEW renewable energy (RE) capacity hit a record 794.34 megawatts (MW) in 2024, exceeding the combined new capacity installed over the preceding three years, according to the Department of Energy (DoE).

“With sustained collaboration, strategic investments, and policy support, we are confident in achieving our target of increasing the renewable energy share in the power generation mix to 35% by 2030 and to 50% by 2040,” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said in a statement on Tuesday.

Moreover, the government’s Net-Metering Program also accounted for around 141 MW between 2015 and 2024, while own-use renewable energy projects between 2009 and 2024 generated an additional 252 MW.

“These capacity additions have helped strengthen grid reliability and resilience, providing a more stable and secure energy supply,” the DoE said.

Mr. Lotilla attributed the growth in renewable energy capacity to the effectiveness of the government’s policies and commitment to chart “a more self-reliant energy future for the Philippines.”

Policy reforms, streamlined regulation, investment-friendly mechanisms, and the government’s “steadfast commitment to advancing clean energy” drove the growth in RE, according to the DoE.

Among the regulatory enhancements made was the integration of all applications and permitting processes for energy projects, including renewable energy, in the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop System, which has improved the efficiency of application processing, allowing for more seamless approvals.

The increase in the minimum annual incremental renewable energy requirement to 2.5% from 1% under the Renewable Portfolio Standards has also led to stronger demand for RE.

Declining technology costs, such as the significant decrease in the cost of solar panels, also drove the capacity buildup, making solar more competitive with fossil fuels, according to the DoE.

“As the Philippines continues its aggressive push for renewable energy, the DoE remains committed to implementing policies and initiatives that will strengthen energy security, attract investments, and ensure a sustainable and resilient power sector for future generations,” it said.

Moving forward, the DoE said it will continuously monitor critical transmission line projects to ensure they are completed on schedule and can support the integration of additional renewable energy capacity.

It is also working with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and development lenders to explore the use of innovative financing instruments that support environmentally sustainable projects. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

15 projects join PPP pipeline led by Davao airport

February 11, 2025 | 8:23 pm

THE GOVERNMENT has added 15 projects to its public-private partnership (PPP) pipeline, expanding the total to 176 projects valued at P2.47 trillion, the PPP Center said.

Of the 15 new projects, four are national level while 11 are local. Six of the 15 projects are solicited, according to a document released to reporters on Feb. 10.

Added to the list was the rehabilitation of the Francisco Bangoy International Airport Project in Davao, estimated to cost P12.9 billion.

This gateway is the third busiest airport in the country after Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Also added were the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program in Baguio and Pangasinan, which cost P4.35 billion and P2.35 billion, respectively.

Other Baguio projects include the Central Terminal and Cultural Center, valued at P2.7 billion, and the Water Supply Project, which has no disclosed valuation.

The municipality of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon also added to the list with a Septage and Sewage Treatment Facility, the preservation of the Historical Old Del Monte Airstrip, and the RQ Village Economic Housing subdivision.

General Trias, Cavite will be the site of two projects — a new public market with multi-level parking (P20 million) and a bagsakan trading post for agricultural products (P3 million).

Other new PPP projects on the list were the rehabilitation of the Manila Central Post Office (MCPO); upgrades to the operation and maintenance deal for the information technology infrastructure of the Philippine National Identification System (P1.28 billion); and the Traveler Information and Data Security System or eTravelPLUS (P1.42 billion).

Also added were the proposed improvement and management of the Water Supply and Sanitation Services of the Freeport Area of Bataan (P1.3 billion); and Pasig Common Underground Network project (P980 million).

On the other hand, the government delisted nine PPP projects, of which seven are national and two local.

These included the Metro Rail Transit System Line 3 (MRT3) Rehabilitation, Operations, and Maintenance with an estimated cost of P98.5 billion, and the joint redevelopment of the Bonifacio Global City properties of the Philippine National Oil Co. and the Department of Energy worth P83.19 billion.

Also delisted were the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority’s Power Generation and Distribution project in the San Vicente Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (P1.3 billion) and the Rizal Park Western Section Development Project (P1.43 billion).

Iloilo City’s High-Capacity Bus System (P2.48 billion) and the Marinduque Decarbonization Project (P4.24 billion) were also delisted.

The PPP Center added that it removed the New Bohol International Airport project in Panglao and the Operations and Maintenance of Pampanga Dialysis Centers project from the pipeline database following their award, entering the database of projects under implementation. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Joint marketing of PHL, Cambodia as investment destinations proposed

February 11, 2025 | 8:23 pm

THE PHILIPPINES and Cambodia should work together in attracting investment due to their complementary economies, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

The Philippines and Cambodia can “work together to bring in investors from outside of the Philippines and Cambodia to invest in both,” DTI Undersecretary and Board of Investments (BoI) Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo said at the Philippines-Cambodia Business Forum.

He pitched the idea of “looking at the Philippines and Cambodia as a seamless supply chain, particularly on agri-processing and garments and textiles.”

He was speaking at the signing by the Council for the Development of Cambodia and the BoI of a memorandum of intent on investment cooperation.

Under the agreement, the two parties declared plans to exchange information on the investment environment and opportunities, encourage companies to setting up businesses in the partner country, and provide support to facilitate inward investment.

He said that the collaboration will allow Philippine businesses to gain a foothold and access in mainland Southeast Asia, where entry costs are high.

“Cambodia can be a good entry strategy for Filipino companies who would like to address not only Cambodia, but also Vietnam and Thailand because of their proximity,” he added.

TOURISM COOPERATION
In a separate statement, the Department of Tourism (DoT) said the two countries’ memorandum of understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation was presented to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday.

“The newly signed Implementation Program for 2025-2028 builds on the long-standing tourism cooperation between the two nations, which began with the signing of the original MoU in 2000,” the DoT said.

Tourism Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina G. Frasco said that the Philippines and Cambodia can both offer diversity of destinations.

“Both nations recognize the vital role of tourism in driving economic growth, making this renewed partnership a significant step toward greater collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mutual advancement in our tourism sectors,” she said.

In 2024, the Philippines received 4,268 visitors from Cambodia.

“This collaboration aligns with our National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028 and supports the Philippines’ goal of expanding its tourism market and strengthening regional partnerships,” Ms. Frasco added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Middle East mission pushing PHL exports of farm, fisheries products

February 11, 2025 | 8:23 pm

UAE-Dubai-Burj Khalifa skyline — REUTERS

THE departments of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Agriculture are leading a mission to the Middle East to seek out trade partnerships and expand access for Philippine agricultural and fisheries exports.

“The mission aims to strengthen trade partnerships with Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates,” the DTI said in a statement on Tuesday.

The departments’ mission will run until Feb. 21.

An agreement formalized between the two departments during the 2024 National Export Congress seeks to enhance the global competitiveness of Philippine agribusiness.

“This will be achieved by streamlining value chains, promoting value-added processing, and ensuring compliance with international standards,” the DTI said.

Around 26 exporters are participating in the business mission, embarking on store visits, supplier meetings, and business matching activities in Doha, Amman, Riyadh, and Dubai.

The exporters will also meet regulators such as the Qatar Ministry of Public Health and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority to address market entry requirements and compliance issues.

According to the DTI, business-to-business (B2B) meetings were held in Doha and Amman on Feb. 9 and 11, respectively, while B2B activities are expected to take place in Riyadh and Dubai on Feb. 12 and Feb. 14, respectively.

“The mission will culminate in Gulfood 2025, one of the world’s largest food and beverage sourcing events, showcasing the quality, sustainability, and competitiveness of Philippine exports,” the DTI said.

“The Philippine delegation invites buyers, distributors, and industry stakeholders to the business matching sessions and connects with Philippine exporters of high-quality frozen and fresh produce, processed food, and personal care products,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Golden Tigresses’ redemption tour in UAAP 87 hit by injuries

February 11, 2025 | 8:10 pm

UST’s Gula, Perdido ruled out for the season

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas’ (UST) redemption tour in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament just took another massive hit.

Wing spiker Xyza Gula has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to back injury according to Santo Tomas’ statement days before the anticipated opener on Saturday.

Ms. Gula suffered a tailbone fracture after a bad fall during practice as Santo Tomas braces for revenge after a runner-up finish to National University (NU) in Season 86.

“With this, it has been decided that she will not be in the UST lineup for the upcoming season because her health and future as an athlete are far more important than our campaign,” the Golden Tigresses stated.

Ms. Gula’s injury came on the heels of opposite hitter Jonna Perdido’s anterior cruciate ligament injury last month that will definitely take a toll on Santo Tomas’ campaign as one of the title contenders.

The duo provided solid coverage to ace player and Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos in Santo Tomas’ stellar run last year after finishing as the second seed behind the mighty NU.

The Golden Tigresses would absorb a 0-2 sweep against the Lady Bulldogs in the finale but gained a much-needed experience for their planned redemption this year.

Without Mses. Gula and Perdido, massive responsibility will be on the hands of Ms. Poyos, the UAAP’s Second Best Outside Spiker, as well as team captain and reigning Best Libero Detdet Pepito.

Santo Tomas along with NU, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, Ateneo de Manila University, University of the East, Adamson University and host University of the Philippines will have their first faceoff on Thursday in the UAAP’s pre-season press conference at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Coaches, team captains and representatives from broadcast partner Cignal will grace the presser as all teams led by title holder NU gear up for a volleyball slugfest. — John Bryan Ulanday

Newsome, Bolts eye EASL semis vs New Taipei Kings

February 11, 2025 | 8:10 pm

MERALCO STAR Chris Newsome said the Bolts are motivated to make the most of their opportunity to make the East Asia Super League (EASL) Final Four following their exit from the PBA playoffs.

The Bolts (2-3) battle the New Taipei Kings (3-2) on Wednesday at the University of Taipei Gym in a you-or-me clash for the second and last seat to the next round from Group B.

Mr. Newsome even delayed his entry in Gilas Pilipinas’ training camp in Laguna so he could join the Bolts in vying for the right to face Group A topnotcher Hiroshima Dragonflies of Japan in the KO semifinals.

“We still have a chance. If we win this game, then we’re in the Final Four so I definitely don’t want to abandon my brothers whenever they have a chance to get to the semis,” said the Fil-Am guard, whose squad is gunning for redemption in the EASL three nights after yielding to Barangay Ginebra, 87-94, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal rubbermatch.

“That (making the EASL semis) is something that will be great for the whole program, something that will allow some of these guys to get a semifinals bonus, which we missed out on in the PBA,” he added.

Additionally, Mr. Newsome hopes to get to face Jeremy Lin in this do-or-die.

“New Taipei is a tough team. They got Jeremy Lin. I know he’s coming off an injury too so they’re dealing with their own things as well but it really comes down to who’s going to come out and play,” he said.

“I’m excited for that match up especially since I didn’t get the match up against him when he was in Manila (in January 2024) as I was injured that time so I’m excited to get another chance at Jeremy Lin and get Meralco into the semis.”

From Taipei, Mr. Newsome will fly straight to Doha to link up with the Nationals for the next part of their training sessions and stint in the Feb. 14 to 16 pocket tournament in the Qatar capital. — Olmin Leyba

Gilas starts buildup for FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers

February 11, 2025 | 8:08 pm

GILAS PILIPINAS got the ball rolling for its buildup for the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday.

The Nationals, including overseas-based Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu, entered their usual hub at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna to spend the next two days reconnecting and familiarizing with coach Tim Cone’s system again after their last gig in November.

While Justin Brownlee and new addition Troy Rosario were given a breather to recover from blister and knee issues, respectively, Gilas called up Barangay Ginebra young guns Ralph Cu and RJ Abarrientos to provide warm bodies at Inspire.

On Thursday, the Gilas regulars, Messrs. Brownlee and Rosario among them, are set to leave for Doha, where they are booked for the next part of the preparations highlighted by a pocket tournament against Qatar, Lebanon and Egypt from Feb. 14 to 16.

Meralco’s Chris Newsome will join them in the Qatari capital once he’s done with Wednesday’s East Asia Super League road game against the New Taipei Kings in Taiwan. Carl Tamayo will fly in from Korea, where he’s plying his trade.

Mr. Cone expects the Doha trip to prepare Kai Sotto-less Nationals for back-to-back away outings in the Qualifiers against Chinese Taipei on Feb. 20 and New Zealand three days later.

The Pinoys dribblers will aim to complete a six-game sweep of the Qualifiers in a bid to secure a high seeding in the Asia Cup tournament proper in August. — Olmin Leyba

Bacolod Golf Club steals PAL Interclub spotlight

February 11, 2025 | 8:08 pm

BACOLOD CITY — The Bacolod Golf Club is on the brink of making history as the first senior team to win the PAL Interclub title while competing in the Founders Division.

As top teams across the country struggled, the host club seized the opportunity, building a 10-point lead after an impressive 141-point performance at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club on Tuesday. This follows their solid 148-point showing at their home course on Monday, giving Bacolod 289 points.

The competition in the championship flight remains tight, with Canlubang trailing at 279 points, just three points ahead of Manila Southwoods. Cebu Country Club (CCC) and Luisita are tied at 274, while Del Monte is close behind at 273.

With Bacolod set to join the championship flight at its home course on Wednesday, an intense battle among the six clubs is expected.

Aguinaldo and Cebu Country Club have both claimed the overall title while competing in the men’s regular Founders Division.

Bacolod signaled its intent early on Monday, led by Julius Susarno’s 58 points. The four-point performance served as a clear warning that another similar effort from any of the players would push the club up to the championship division.

However, that’s the least of Bacolod’s worries, as the club appears determined to go all the way.

Armando Eso spearheaded Bacolod’s charge with 50 points, receiving strong support from Calixto de Leon and Woo Sung Seo, who carded 47 and 44, respectively.

While Bacolod made its move, Canlubang and the other contenders were locked in battle at Bacolod Golf Club. Abe Rosal was one of four players to score in the 50s, with his 52 points bolstering Canlubang’s efforts.

With Abraham Avena and Rolly Viray adding 46 and 44, respectively, Canlubang tallied 142, a score bettered by Manila Southwoods and Luisita.

Southwoods collected 144 points from Theody Pascual (51), Don Breganza (48), and Joseph Tambunting (45) to move up to third.

Luisita Golf Club came through with the best team score — 145 points — to climb to a share of fourth place with Cebu Country Club.

Jingy Tuason led Luisita with 50 points followed by Ferdie Barbosa and Marty Ilagan with 49 and 46, respectively.

CCC settled for 138 points through Jay Yuvallos (48), Eric Deen (47), and On Kyu Ok 43.

The 76^th staging of the PAL Interclub is supported by Platinum sponsors PRIMAX Broadcasting Network and Asian Journal.

Mastercard is a gold sponsor while RMN is a silver sponsor.

ABS-CBN Global is joining as a bronze sponsor while VISA, Philippine National Bank, SM Bacolod, Tanduay and Asia Brewery are minor sponsors. Citadines is a hotel partner.

Cavaliers handle T-Wolves in wire-to-wire victory

February 11, 2025 | 8:08 pm

DE’ANDRE HUNTER’S Cleveland debut was a rousing success — even if he didn’t have to do much — as the Cavaliers never trailed in a 128-107 pounding of the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night.

Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards had a game-high 44 before subbing out with 4:45 left and his team down 26. He finished 13-for-28 from the floor with eight 3-pointers.

Evan Mobley had 28 points and 10 rebounds for the Cavs, posting his 23^rd double-double of the season. Donovan Mitchell added 23 points and eight assists and heard “MVP” chants from the crowd in the second half.

The home crowd was eager to see Hunter in the Cavs’ lineup after coming over in a trade-deadline deal with the Atlanta Hawks. Starting in place of Max Strus (ankle soreness), Hunter missed his first two shots and picked up a pair of early fouls in the first quarter.

He finished with 12 points on three-for-four shooting from deep.

But it didn’t matter who was in Cleveland’s lineup early as Minnesota was frozen solid. The Timberwolves started the game 0-for-16 from the floor and didn’t make a basket until Edwards drilled a three with 2:55 left.

Cleveland led 16-0 before the Wolves scored their first points on a Rudy Gobert free throw. They led 30-12 after a first quarter that saw the Wolves shoot 2-for-21 from the floor.

The lead grew to 40-16 after a long three by Hunter before Minnesota put together an 8-0 run capped by a three from Edwards to make it 46-30. Cleveland closed the half with a flourish, getting two threes from Mitchell and another from Garland to build a 66-44 halftime lead.

Edwards picked up his NBA-high 13^th technical of the season walking off the floor at half.

Minnesota pulled to within 15 in the third quarter, but Mitchell and the Cavs were just too much. The final four seconds of the third saw the Cavs score six points: Following a three by Jaylon Tyson with 3.6 seconds left, a Minnesota pass accidentally went straight to Ty Jerome standing on the arc and he drained a three for a 104-78 lead — the biggest to that point.

Cleveland is now 25-4 at home, the most home wins in the NBA. — Reuters

Eala’s WTA ranking slips to No. 139

February 11, 2025 | 8:07 pm

ALEX EALA slightly dipped in the recent Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings after another early exit in the WTA 125 Mumbai in India.

From No. 137, Ms. Eala tripped to No. 139 albeit remained in the elite circle of Top 150 players in the world in her budding career.

The 19-year-old Filipina sensation reached as high as No. 134 — her career-best just yet — last month after a semifinal finish in the Workday Canberra International.

Ms. Eala last week bowed to lower-ranked Japanese Mai Hontama, 7-6(5), 6-2, in the second round of the Mumbai tourney to miss out on a quarterfinal appearance.

Prior to that, the graduate of the Rafael Nadal Academy in Spain also absorbed a second-round exit in the Singapore Open qualifiers against Switzerland’s Simona Waltert, 6-3, 6-2.

She also had a second exit in the main draw of the W100 Bengaluru against Slovenia’s Dalila Jakupovic, 6-4, 6-4.

Ms. Eala’s drought started in the Australian Open, where she aimed to become the first Filipina player to make it to the main draw, last month after her stunning elimination in Round 1 of the qualifiers with a 7-5, 6-2 defeat to Croatia’s Jana Fett. — John Bryan Ulanday