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Farmers wary of tariff concessions to US

REUTERS

By Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza, Reporter

FARMERS said any tariff concessions extended to the US on agricultural goods will favor “privileged importers” while harming workers and the environment.

“We reject any response that leads to a race to the bottom — slashing tariffs on key agricultural commodities, weakening labor protections, or compromising environmental standards,” Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura spokesman Jayson H. Cainglet said via Viber.

“Trade policy must be shaped by the national interest, not by external pressure or short-term market gains of a few privileged importers,” it said.

Philippine officials are set to fly to the US this week for negotiations to convince President Donald J. Trump not to impose a 20% tariff on imports from the Philippine exports starting Aug. 1.

Secretary Frederick Go, the President’s adviser on investment, said last week that  the Philippines is pursuing a bilateral deal with the US, up to and including a free trade agreement.

Mr. Cainglet noted that negotiators from the Philippines have failed to consult farmers.

“We strongly caution against rushing into such a deal without considering its broader implications for our domestic economy,” he said.

The proposed 20% US tariff rate for Philippine goods was higher than the 17% rate announced by Mr. Trump in April.

At that time, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said it was diversifying the markets for its agriculture exports in preparation for higher US tariffs.

In a July 7 statement, the DA noted that “international market access is expanding” for Philippine farm goods.

“Durian, mangoes, and avocados have secured new export approvals, while tamban (a type of sardine) has been officially recognized by the EU Codex, paving the way for broader sardine exports.”

The Philippines charges a 34% tariff on US goods. Its trade surplus with US amounted to $4.9 billion in 2024.

Mr. Cainglet said Philippine exports that will be affected the most by the new US tariff rate are semi-processed goods like coconut oil, desiccated coconut, canned pineapple, and coconut water.

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) said in a statement on Sunday that it met on July 8 with chief executives of leading coconut processing firms, who “stressed the importance of continued negotiations with the US to reduce tariff barriers.”

“Major processors pledged to back PCA’s replanting initiatives, assuring international buyers that the Philippines can maintain a stable supply of high-quality coconut products,” it said.

While global demand for coconut products “continues to grow,” climate change and international trade regulations “present new challenges for producers,” it added.

“A unified strategy is key to protect farmer livelihoods and maintain the country’s dominant market position.”

Mr. Cainglet urged the government to prioritize the welfare of producers over that of importers and traders in its negotiations with the US.

“The US tariff should be viewed as a signal of how the US is protecting its own farmers, manufacturers, and domestic markets,” he said.

“Tariffs, when used strategically, can serve as essential tools to support local agricultural production, promote industrial growth, protect jobs, and preserve rural livelihoods.”

PCCI calls for sanctions on spot market defaulters

BW FILE PHOTO

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is calling on the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) to hold to account parties defaulting on spot market transactions.

According to the business group, the costs resulting from Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) members defaulting on payments are being passed on to consumers through higher electricity prices while imposing burdens on compliant participants.

“These defaults distort market signals and expose law-abiding market players to significant financial risk,” it said.

“Imposing the burden on compliant WESM members effectively penalizes those who fulfill their financial obligations while relieving delinquent members of their responsibility,” it added.

Citing WESM rules, the PCCI said IEMOP has the authority to suspend and deregister defaulting members if their financial obligations remain unfulfilled after receiving default and suspension notices.

“IEMOP should implement a policy framework that ensures defaulters are held accountable and that compliant members are protected from bearing the cost of others’ failures,” PCCI said.

The group also pushed for greater transparency in billing systems of retail electricity suppliers (RES), particularly on WESM-related charges for contestable consumers.

“The group proposed that electricity bills issued by RES providers clearly itemize WESM charges — including energy transactions, line rentals, feed-in tariff components, and net settlement surplus allocations,” the PCCI said.

“This would provide contestable customers — now encompassing a wider base under the expanded Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) — with a better understanding of how charges are computed,” it added.

According to the group, the transparency will help contestable customers make informed decisions while promoting greater competition within the energy sector.

“As the energy market continues to evolve … fair enforcement of rules and transparent billing practices are essential to building a more accountable and efficient power sector that benefits both suppliers and consumers,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Malampaya gas exploration program fourth phase seen completed this year

BW FILE PHOTO

THE Department of Energy (DoE) said the Malampaya Phase 4 drilling program is expected to be completed within the year to determine the extent of the remaining gas resources in the field.

“Within the year, we will know if there is any resource there,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said in a briefing last week.

Ms. Garin said that the drilling is on track and “very positive.”

Demujin F. Antiporda, assistant director of the DoE’s Energy Resource Development Bureau, said drilling at Camago well — one of the three sites being evaluated in Phase 4 — is expected to be conclude by the end of July or early August.

“We have two development wells ongoing, to be followed by one exploration,” he said.

Phase 4, part of the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project, covers the Camago and Malampaya East production wells and the Bagong Pag-asa exploration well. The project aims to extend the life of the Malampaya gas field, which supplies about 20% of Luzon’s power needs.

The project is operated by the Malampaya consortium, which is composed of Prime Energy Resources Development B.V., UC38 LLC, Prime Oil & Gas, Inc., and state-owned PNOC Exploration Corp.

“It’s a gamble for the country. But we’re very hopeful because all of the geologic studies show that there is potential in those areas,” Ms. Garin said.

Last month, the DoE announced the arrival of the seventh-generation Drillship Noble Viking at the Bagong Pag-asa site off Palawan, with first gas, if any, expected by the fourth quarter of 2026.

In October, the Malampaya Phase 4 was certified as an energy project of national significance, making it eligible for expedited permit processing. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Transforming the role of accountants

IN BRIEF:

• Accountants are transitioning from traditional roles to strategic partners within organizations, offering insights into business strategy and risk management.

• The demand for specialized skills is on the rise, particularly in areas such as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting and data analytics, requiring strong communication and relationship-building abilities.

• Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies are automating routine tasks, enabling accountants to focus on higher-value activities and enhancing their long-term career prospects.

The accountancy profession is undergoing a significant transformation. A recent report from the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) emphasizes that various factors, including shifts in the business landscape, technological advancements, and an expanding scope of responsibilities for accounting professionals, have intensified the need for the profession to adapt and innovate. As the landscape evolves, accountants must embrace new technologies and skill sets to remain relevant and valuable in their organizations. This transformation is not merely a reaction to change; it is an opportunity for accountants to proactively shape the future of their profession.

ACCOUNTANTS AS STRATEGIC PARTNERS
Gone are the days when accountants were merely viewed as number crunchers. Today, finance professionals play a crucial role in nearly every aspect of an organization. This unique position allows them to gain a comprehensive understanding of the company’s financial health and overall performance.

Accountants and finance leaders are increasingly recognized as trusted stewards of financial integrity and strategic advisors to management and the board. They provide essential insights into business strategy, risk management, and performance enhancement, a trend that is expected to continue growing.

THE NECESSITY FOR SPECIALIZED SKILLS
As the role of accountants expands, so does the demand for specialized skills. The complexity of regulations and compliance requirements has surged, requiring accountants to stay informed about evolving international accounting standards, tax regulations, and financial and sustainability reporting obligations. The growing emphasis on transparent and credible environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures further highlights this need. Accountants must be skilled at translating intricate financial and non-financial data into clear, accessible language for a diverse range of stakeholders.

Moreover, there is an increasing expectation for integrated services, prompting accountants to extend their expertise beyond traditional accounting and tax functions. They must cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders to understand their unique challenges and deliver tailored solutions.

For example, accountants will need a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles to safeguard sensitive financial information and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. Familiarity with cloud computing and automation tools further enhances their ability to work efficiently and accurately in a digital landscape. Accountants are also increasingly required to possess knowledge in ESG reporting, enabling them to prepare and analyze reports that comply with global standards. They must also understand sustainable finance principles, assessing the financial implications of various sustainability initiatives.

A strong grasp of economic analysis is likewise crucial, as it helps them interpret regulatory compliance, economic indicators and trends that inform financial decision-making and strategic planning. In risk management, accountants must be adept at identifying, analyzing, and mitigating financial and operational risks within their organizations. They need to implement effective compliance risk management frameworks to control regulatory risks.

To meet these expectations, accountants are leveraging big data and analytics tools to provide insights and predictive analyses. Techniques in data visualization are already enhancing the communication of complex financial information. To navigate these evolving demands, soft skills such as effective communication, digital literacy, and emotional intelligence are becoming increasingly valuable.

EMBRACING AI FOR ENHANCED PRODUCTIVITY
For years, accountants have been encouraged to adopt digital technologies to alleviate the burden of repetitive tasks. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI (GenAI) and agentic AI, is revolutionizing the profession. Routine activities like data entry, reconciliation, and reporting are being automated, allowing accountants to focus on higher-value tasks and strategic advisory roles that facilitate informed decision-making.

However, investing in technology is only part of the solution. A human-centric approach is essential for successful transformation. Technology investments must be complemented by a focus on people development. Beyond merely boosting productivity, AI investments are crucial for enriching the experience for accounting professionals, supporting long-term career growth.

CREATING NEW CAREER TRACKS
Today’s younger generation seeks diverse experiences before committing to long-term career paths. Consequently, the structure of accountancy careers must be reimagined to retain their appeal.

In response, SGV has the SGV Academy program, which is designed to close the gap between academic learning and industry practice and needs. The SGV Academy offers a suite of initiatives that include educator development, part-time teaching by SGV professionals, guest lectures, collaborative teaching, interactive workshops, and student internships. The firm collaborates with various universities to enhance curricula with industry insights and provides students with relevant industry exposure. This collaboration often includes guest lectures, workshops, and joint research initiatives, enriching the educational experience for accountancy students.

As the profession continues to evolve, lifelong learning becomes imperative for accountants. Every stakeholder in the ecosystem (individuals, employers, professional bodies, and government) has a role to play. Businesses, often regarded as the “schools of tomorrow,” should invest in professional development programs that enhance both the technical and soft skills of their accountants.

EMBRACING TRANSFORMATION
The evolution of the accountancy profession is not just a response to external pressures; it is an opportunity for accountants to redefine their roles and enhance their value within organizations. By embracing specialized skills, leveraging AI, and fostering new career tracks, accountants can position themselves as indispensable strategic partners in the business landscape. This proactive approach will ensure the profession’s relevance and attract the next generation of talent, paving the way for a dynamic and resilient future in accountancy.

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.

 

Cyril Jasmin B. Valencia is the assurance leader of SGV & Co.

Japan’s destroyer transfer to boost PHL’s aging naval fleet, analysts say

DEFENSE SECRETARY Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. and his Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani tackle regional security issues during the latter’s visit to Manila. — DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, Reporter

JAPAN’S plan to transfer Abukuma-class destroyer escorts to the Philippines could enhance Manila’s coastal patrol and maritime defense capabilities, analysts said at the weekend, underscoring the country’s efforts to counter China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

The proposed handover, first reported by Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, involves 1980s-era destroyer ships equipped with anti-ship warfare systems. Security analysts said the vessels, despite their age, would be a valuable addition to the Philippines’ aging and limited naval fleet, providing a much-needed upgrade in maritime deterrence and patrol operations.

“These ships bring credible anti-ship missiles, torpedo launchers and modern sensors, which will improve the Philippines’ ability to deter or respond to China’s naval activity,” Rocio Salle Gatdula, a defense economist studying security at Georgetown University, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

The transfer is viewed as part of broader efforts by Japan and the Philippines to enhance regional maritime security cooperation amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea, where Beijing continues to assert expansive claims. China’s so-called nine-dash line overlaps with the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), as well as the EEZs of Vietnam, Malaysia, and other neighbors.

In 2016, a United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal ruled that China’s sweeping claims had no legal basis — a decision Beijing refuses to recognize. Since then, Chinese coast guard and naval vessels have repeatedly entered waters claimed by the Philippines, drawing protests from Manila.

Like the Philippines, Japan has its own maritime dispute with China over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Analysts say both nations face a common challenge in pushing back against China’s expanding maritime presence.

Sherwin E. Ona, a security analyst and associate professor at De La Salle University, said accepting the destroyers could strengthen the Philippines’ ability to monitor and control activity within its EEZ.

“The transfer will have a significant impact on the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ anti-access/area denial capabilities and strengthen the deterrence posture of the country,” he said in a Viber message. “These destroyer escorts… are smaller ships that can be employed for coastal patrols or littoral missions. These are perfect for our EEZ.”

At about 109 meters in length, the Abukuma-class destroyers are comparable in size to the Philippine Navy’s BRP Miguel Malvar, which measures 118 meters. Analysts say these vessels would expand the country’s capacity for surface warfare and anti-submarine missions.

“The Abukuma-class destroyer escorts would be a substantial expansion and capability upgrade for the Philippine’s small surface fleet,” Raymond M. Powell, a fellow at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, said via Messenger chat.

The Philippine Navy operates a fleet composed mostly of hand-me-down ships from the US and UK, many of which are aging and lack advanced weaponry.

“The Philippines has few ships with modern missile and anti-ship warfare capabilities… Many of its current vessels are outdated or lightly armed,” Ms. Gatdula said, adding that the Japanese ships would add critical versatility.

Mr. Ona noted that the destroyers would complement the Philippines’ upcoming Rajah Sulayman-class offshore patrol vessels, six of which are being built by South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries under a P30-billion contract. Deliveries are expected to begin next year.

“The Philippine Navy has to keep accepting materiel capability that would upgrade its arsenal,” Chester B. Cabalza, founding president of the International Development and Security Cooperation think tank, said in a Messenger chat. “China has been pumping its own navy by the numbers. Countering it by quantity and strategy are obligatory for Japan and the Philippines.”

However, analysts warned that not all weapon systems on the Japanese ships may be included in the transfer due to Japan’s strict arms export regulations.

“The Philippines should expect the exclusion of some missiles, advanced sensors, or electronic warfare systems, depending on what the Japanese government’s decisions and the specific export framework agreed upon,” Ms. Gatdula said.

To maximize the value of the ships, she said the Philippine Navy could retrofit them with upgraded communication systems, torpedoes and close-in weapon systems to enhance combat performance and interoperability with allies.

Mr. Powell, meanwhile, cautioned that the integration of the Japanese ships could present logistical and operational challenges for the Philippine Navy.

“The navy would need to rapidly absorb an entirely new class of surface combatant with very different weapon systems than it has operated before,” he said. “More capital ships will require more trained sailors and technicians, more port facilities and more money.”

“That means a real commitment not just from the navy but from the entire government to prioritize a major naval expansion,” he added.

The Philippine Navy is sending a six-member inspection team to Japan in August, including officers for weapon systems, ship maintenance and financial evaluation, according to Philippine Navy spokesman Captain John Percie Alcos.

The destroyers would become part of a broader P2-trillion ($35 billion) military modernization program, which aims to improve the Philippines’ defense posture over the next decade. The plan includes acquiring new warships, aircraft and missile systems amid tensions with China.

As part of this strategy, the government is also looking to procure multi-role combat jets to strengthen its air defense capabilities.

“The multi-role fighter program provides the country with credible deterrence plus the ability for interdiction, strike and air defense missions,” Mr. Ona said. “With its capability to intercept and challenge airborne intruders, it is seen as the backbone of the country’s air defense identification zone.”

Mr. Cabalza said the Philippines should develop a robust air defense network to complement its naval expansion.

“Since the country has the longest coastlines in Asia, it has to build a network of visible air power around the maritime nation to patrol its vast maritime domains to its identified air defense zones,” he said.

Corruption, inflation still top worries under Marcos

PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

FILIPINOS continue to view corruption, economic management and inflation as the most urgent issues that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. must address, according to the latest survey by research firm Publicus Asia.

The survey results, released on Sunday, showed that 21% of respondents cited corruption as their top concern — keeping its lead for the fourth straight quarter since the third quarter of 2024.

Concerns about the economy and inflation followed at 11% each, while poverty ranked next at 9%. Education and illegal drugs were tied at 7%, registering as the least urgent issues for most respondents.

“The latest survey underscores the public’s continuing demand for economic relief, anti-corruption reforms and opportunities, while also revealing nuanced concerns shaped by region, age, and socio-economic status,” Publicus said in a statement.

The survey results suggest that while national issues remain broadly consistent, regional variations persist. For example, inflation was a more urgent concern in Metro Manila, while poverty was more pressing in North-Central Luzon, the Visayas, and among young, unemployed and low-income Filipinos.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) earlier reported that inflation in June rose slightly to 1.4% from 1.3% in May, though slower than 3.7% a year earlier. The latest figure fell within the central bank’s forecast of 1.1% to 1.9%.

In Mindanao, the illegal drug problem emerged as the second-most pressing issue, signaling that security concerns remain high in the region despite waning national attention.

“This shift may be attributed to the waning media attention on the ongoing investigations into extrajudicial killings linked to the Duterte administration, which likely influenced public focus,” Publicus noted.

Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who hails from Davao City, is detained in The Hague, Netherlands, for alleged crimes against in connection to his deadly drug war during his time as mayor and president. Human rights groups have said as many as 30,000 mostly poor Filipinos died.

At the household level, job scarcity and affordability were key issues. Fifteen percent of respondents identified rising prices as their primary concern, while 15% highlighted job scarcity, particularly among the youth.

Despite this, PSA data showed some improvements in the labor market. The unemployment rate fell to 3.9% in May from 4.1% in April, with the number of jobless Filipinos dropping to 2.03 million, down from 2.06 million in April and 2.11 million in May 2024. The unemployment rate averaged 4% from January to May 2025, unchanged from the same period last year.

Among employed respondents, 13% expressed concerns over job insecurity, while fear of crime was more common among those in their 50s (16%).

The findings come just weeks ahead of Mr. Marcos’s fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28, as he seeks to define his administration’s legacy midway through his term.

The survey was conducted from June 27 to 30 among 1,500 registered voters nationwide. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Senator-judges urged to stay impartial during Sara’s trial

VICE-PRESIDENT Sara Duterte-Carpio — OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

A NEWLY elected senator on Sunday called on fellow members of the Senate to uphold impartiality as senator-judges in the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio.

“A gentle caution to senator-judges of the impeachment court — we should leave the filing of all motions and pleadings to the prosecution and defense teams,” Senator Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said in a statement.

He said the sole responsibility of senator-judges is to listen to the arguments presented by both sides before rendering a decision.

“Senator-judges should behave and speak like judges — be impartial, speak only to clarify statements from the prosecution and defense, and not express personal opinions on the case since the public will observe their demeanor during the trial,” he added.

The Senate is expected to reconvene as an impeachment court on July 29, a day after the official start of the 20th Congress. A new roster of senator-judges will be sworn in on the same day.

The call for neutrality comes after Senator Ronald “Bato” M. Dela Rosa, a known Duterte ally, said he intends to raise a motion questioning whether the Senate of the 20th Congress is bound by actions taken during the 19th Congress.

Last week, he said the first motion he would raise is to determine whether or not the Senate of the 20th Congress is willing to be bound by the actions of the previous Senate.

Last month, Mr. Dela Rosa also moved to dismiss the impeachment case, but the charges were returned to the House of Representatives to certify compliance with constitutional requirements before being resubmitted to the Senate.

Mr. Lacson reiterated that only the defense panel — not a senator-judge — should file such motions.

On June 30, Vice-President Duterte’s legal team asked the Senate to drop the complaint on grounds that it violates the constitutional ban on multiple impeachment proceedings.

Ms. Duterte, who is widely seen as a potential presidential contender in 2028, faces accusations of secret fund misuse, unexplained wealth, destabilization and plotting the assassination of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., his family, and the Speaker. She has denied all allegations.

The impeachment complaint was filed in February with the backing of more than 200 lawmakers — exceeding the one-third threshold required to transmit the charges to the Senate. — Adrian H. Halili

PHL told to enforce stricter rules for Filipino seafarers

STOCK PHOTO | Image by iliastefanidis30 from Pixabay

By Adrian H. Halili, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES should consider enforcing stiffer penalties on ship owners with Filipino crew members that sail through high-risk areas, analysts said, following consecutive attacks of Houthi rebels on two separate ships in the Red Sea last week.

“The Philippine government, to ensure that the interests of Filipino seafarers are protected and promoted, should impose stricter sanctions on shipping companies,” Josue Raphael J. Cortez, a diplomacy lecturer at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde said in a Messenger chat.

He added that the Philippines could also work with its partners in the region to explore possible shared practices to equip seafarers with skills in managing during times of crisis.

“A layer of training requirements must be imposed concerning how they can protect themselves should such an event transpire,” Mr. Cortez said.

Last week, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said that Houthi rebels in small boats attacked two bulk carriers — the MV Magic Seas and the MV Eternity C — carrying Filipino seafarers sailing through the Red Sea near Yemen.

Labor leader and Federation of Free Workers (FFW) President Jose Sonny G. Matula called on the government to impose stricter employment controls on shipping companies that send Filipino seafarers into active war zones without adequate protection.

Last week, the DMW had released Advisory No. 21, calling all ship owners with Filipino crew members to avoid or divert their routes from “high risk and war like areas, particularly the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.”

“There must also be strong diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages and ensure accountability from all parties,” Mr. Matula said in a Viber message.

He added that the government should provide long-term support for the affected seafarers and their families, including financial aid, trauma counseling, and legal assistance.

“The FFW holds that Filipino seafarer’s power global trade. Their lives must not be treated as disposable,” he said.

There is little the Philippine government could do except banning the deployment of Filipino seafarers in the area, Benjamin Velasco, assistant professor at the UP Diliman School of Labor and Industrial Relations.

“Ships of course can avoid the Red Sea but that is beyond the control of the Philippine government,” Mr. Velasco said via Facebook chat.

In a statement on Sunday, the DMW said all 17 Filipino crewmen of the MV Magic Seas have arrived in the Philippines and are set to receive assistance and support from the government.

The agency said that 11 crew members arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Saturday evening, while six seafarers arrived last July 11.

“Aside from our immediate financial assistance and reintegration services, all the seafarers will also be provided with medical check-ups, including physical and mental health assessments, as well as psychosocial counseling to help them recover from the challenges abroad,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said.

Mr. Cacdac added that the affected seafarers will receive support from the agency’s Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan Fund, a support system that offers legal assistance, medical assistance, financial aid, repatriation services, and emergency assistance.

The DMW is still confirming reports of the deaths and kidnapping of crewmembers, following the sinking of the MV Eternity C, last Monday.

Houthi rebels have been attacking ships in the Red Sea in support of Palestinians in Gaza, since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began in 2023.

Bill to abolish padrino system

PHILIPPINE STAR /KJ ROSALES

A BILL seeking to dismantle the padrino system in the government has been filed in the House of Representatives, a congressman said on Sunday as he called on his fellow lawmakers to back the measure touted as restoring credibility and public trust in state institutions.

In a statement, Party-list Rep. Robert Gerard Nazal, Jr. said his proposal aims to dismantle the patronage system often seen in public sector hiring or promotions, emphasizing the need to prioritize merit over personal connections. A copy of the bill was not immediately available.

“Patronage politics is one of the oldest and most deeply embedded ills in Philippine governance,” he said. “For decades, public office has too often been treated as a reward for loyalty rather than a trust for merit.”

“This practice undermines efficiency, demoralizes career public servants, and erodes public confidence in our institutions,” he added.

The bill proposes an “Anti-Padrino Oversight Unit” that would oversee government institutions, conducting audits within the rank-and-file and investigating complaints of nepotism or cronyism.

It would have the authority to recommend administrative or criminal charges against erring officials. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

DBM to cooperate with Ombudsman

BW FILE PHOTO

THE DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) said it will cooperate with the Office of the Ombudsman over the alleged procurement of overpriced laptops, which involved former budget officials.

“We respectfully acknowledge the Ombudsman’s decision and are committed to supporting their legal proceedings. Transparency is our priority at the DBM,” Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said in a statement, late Saturday.

The Department confirmed that officials from its procurement arm, Procurement Service (PS-DBM), who are facing graft and falsification charges, are no longer in office.

This came as the Office of the Ombudsman filed graft charges against former Department of Education (DepEd) secretary and other government officials for the P2.4-billion procurement of outdated laptops for public school teachers in 2021.

Ms. Pangandaman said if the Office of the Ombudsman require any assistance related to the case, the DBM will “fully cooperate.”

The DBM said with its current leadership, the agency is “actively reforming and digitalizing the country’s procurement system to enhance accountability, transparency, and efficiency.” — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

NHA, DoST to use Misamis land

SILK cocoons at silk production hubs — PTRI

THE National Housing Authority (NHA) has inked a 25-year with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DoST-PTRI) to use an eight-hectare (ha) land in Misamis Oriental for textile research.

The land will be used for the potential establishment of a DoST-PTRI Technology Center, which would focus on the development of the country’s silk industry.

It is situated at the Andam Mouswag Project in Barangay Imelda, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.

“The NHA, as the landowner, grants DoST-PTRI the right to use the said property for the possible establishment of the DoST-PTRI Technology Center that will focus on textile research and the thorough development of the Philippine Silk Industry,” the NHA said in a statement.

“The agreement also allows the DoST-PTRI to use the land free of charge for 25 years starting next year, with the option of renewal, as it is based on NHA Board Resolution No. 7474, dated March 27, 2025, with the land being under Transfer Certificate of Title No. 29695,” according to NHA.

During the ceremonial signing last July 7, the NHA and other participants also called on the need for technological support for silkworm germplasm resources, silk cocoon production, processing and services. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

P2.5-M drugs seized in Lanao del Norte

COTABATO CITY — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-10 (PDEA-10) seized P2.5 million worth of crystal meth (shabu) from two traffickers entrapped in Barangay Maranding in Lala, Lanao del Norte on Saturday afternoon.

Provincial officials in Lanao del Norte and members of the multi-sector Lala Municipal Peace and Order Council told reporters on Sunday that the suspects Abdullah Casimra Diamla, 38, and his female accomplice, the 29-year-old Jenjie Genelazo Dael, are now both detained, to be prosecuted for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Officials of the PDEA-10 told reporters on Sunday that the two suspects were immediately frisked and cuffed by their agents after selling P2.5 million worth of shabu during a tradeoff in Barangay Maranding in Lala.

The operation that led to the arrest of Diamla and Dael was laid down with the help of the Lala Municipal Police Station and the Lanao del Norte Provincial Police Office, according to PDEA-10 officials. — John Felix M. Unson

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