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CA to review promotions of 278 military officers when sessions resume in June

THE COMMISSION on Appointments (CA) has received the nomination documents of 278 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officers up for promotion, a congressman said on Sunday.

The constitutional panel would conduct its confirmation hearings on the officers once Congress resumes sessions in June, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny T. Pimentel said in a Viber message.

The appointment body, which is composed of 12 members each from the Senate and House of Representatives has the authority to approve or reject presidential appointments and the promotion of military officers from colonel or naval captain and higher, according to the 1987 Constitution.

“We have a new batch of senior military officials awaiting confirmation from the CA,” Mr. Pimentel, CA assistant minority leader, said in a statement.

There are 30 military generals, 45 naval captains and 202 colonels up for CA confirmation, he said.

The military officials up for the body’s deliberation are led by AFP deputy Chief of Staff for personnel Rommel P. Roldan of the Philippine Air Force, who has been promoted to lieutenant general from major general, said Mr. Pimentel.

He urged Filipinos that have objections to the promotion of the military officers to submit their complaints to the constitutional body in writing.

“The public is encouraged to submit any information, written reports, or sworn and notarized complaints or opposition against any of the appointees to the CA secretariat.”

The CA last year rejected the promotion of a Philippine army colonel to brigadier general after allegations of physical abuse and neglect of financial support by his estranged wife, Mr. Pimentel pointed out. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Support for Marcos camp at risk as Duterte feud escalates, analysts say

PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR. — YUMMIE DINGDING/PPA POOL

By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, Reporter

PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. should not appear to go overboard in his squabble with the Dutertes as it could backfire and weaken political support for his camp as the country nears its midterm polls, analysts said.

Mr. Marcos’ government dealt successive blows against the Dutertes by surrendering his predecessor, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) last week to face trial for alleged crimes against humanity, just over a month after his daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio, was impeached by the House of Representatives on Feb. 5.

“The Marcos camp should handle this carefully since they cannot appear to be overdoing it,” Arjan P. Aguirre, who teaches political science at the Ateneo de Manila University, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“It may backfire. There already seems to be a shift, a resurgence of wide support for the Dutertes,” he added.

The Philippines has been embroiled in a deepening political feud between two of the country’s most influential families. Their alliance publicly eroded last year after a series of escalating tit-for-tat exchanges between the Marcoses and the Dutertes.

“People might develop sympathy for Duterte if they appear pitiful… The Duterte camp will exploit this moment and further… strengthen their support,” Mr. Aguirre said.

“The Marcos government should handle everything by the book and in a calibrated manner,” he added.

The Duterte camp will likely benefit from efforts to paint Mr. Duterte’s arrest by ICC as “mere politicking,” Mr. Aguirre said.

In a statement, Deputy Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo P. Ortega V said allies of Mr. Duterte should stop politicizing the former firebrand leader’s ICC trial.

“Stop deceiving the people. This is not an election, not a propaganda war, and certainly not fake news. Do not turn a serious trial into a drama,” he said.

The government’s decision to hand over Mr. Duterte to the ICC would spark further partisanship between the Marcos and Duterte camps, Anthony Lawrence A. Borja, an associate political science professor at the De La Salle University, said in a Facebook chat.

The development would make it harder for independent and opposition candidates to gain electoral traction as the midterm election approaches, he added

“[It] would reinforce already existing tribal lines and put the liberal-progressive opposition in a tight space as the awkward third party in this polarized political arena,” he said.

“It is now a challenge for them to… make themselves distinct from both [the Dutertes and Marcoses],” he added.

Opposition candidates should not side with the Marcoses just to pin the Duterte camp, Mr. Aguirre said. “They must learn how to distance themselves from the two warring dynasties.”

They should also shun personality politics and lean towards being more issue-based to raise the political discourse, he added.

Marcos urged to rejoin ICC

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT FB PAGE

PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. should consider rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC) to show his government’s “genuine commitment” to upholding human rights, a political group said on Sunday.

The Philippines should also re-engage with the tribunal to ensure accountability for its leader, Neri J. Colmenares, chairman of political group Bayan Muna, said.

“The ICC is an essential institution to ensure that no head of state escapes accountability for severe human rights violations. The Philippines must return as a member of the ICC to protect the rights of the Filipino people,” he said in a statement.

Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte in 2018 unilaterally withdrew the Philippines from the ICC’s founding treaty when it started looking into allegations of systematic extrajudicial killings. It took effect in 2019. 

Last week, Philippine authorities sent Mr. Duterte to the Netherlands to face allegations of crimes against humanity linked to his signature anti-drug campaign.

“The ongoing ICC proceedings against former President Duterte should serve as a wake-up call to our current leadership. Rejoining the ICC would be a decisive step toward ensuring justice for the thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings and their families,” Mr. Colmenares said. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Review of truck overloading sought

Trucks with container vans are stuck in traffic in Manila in this file photo. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

A SENATOR is calling for a review of the government’s policies against the overloading of trucks and trailers, following the collapse of a multi-billion-peso bridge in Isabela province.

“We must find out how the truck that reportedly weighed 102 tons was able to get on the bridge that has a 45-ton maximum capacity. I am certain that this is not an isolated incident, and a lot of overloaded trucks are able to go about their business without being flagged,” Senate President Francis G. Escudero said in a statement on Sunday.

Mr. Escudero said that the government should also prohibit the installation of reinforcement on truck beds or trailers, adding that a visual inspection of trucks would already reveal if they were reinforced or not.

“The (Land Transportation Office) should prohibit the addition of any reinforcement to the beds of trucks to automatically prevent overloading of trucks, and if that happens, the truck owners should be held responsible,” he added.

He said that government agencies should also determine the load capacity of the roads and bridges used by trucks, based on the thickness of the concrete used to pave them, “because these have specified maximum weights that must be followed by the trucks.”

Mr. Escudero said that he would call for an accounting of the expenses incurred due to the result of the infrastructure damaged from the overloading and the effectiveness of the policies and programs to prevent overloading, during the budget deliberation of the Department of Transformation and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The P1.2-billion Cabagan-Santa Maria bridge in Isabela province collapsed on Feb. 27, due to alleged critical design flaws. The bridge ultimately failed under the weight of two overloaded trucks, each exceeding 100 tons and far beyond the bridge’s 44-ton capacity limit. — Adrian H. Halili

Back small businesses, gov’t told

PACKWORKS.IO

THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT should provide financial support to small enterprises when costs of goods surge, a senatorial candidate said on Sunday.

In a statement, senatorial candidate Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said he will file a bill providing small businesses, such as neighborhood convenience stores, eateries, and market vendors financial aid and other forms of assistance during times of high prices.

“The impact of inflation on small businesses like sari-sari stores is immense because your capital and profit margins shrink, making it harder to sell when the prices of goods are high,” he said in Filipino.

“In situations like these, it is crucial for the government to be present to provide immediate assistance, especially financial aid, which we will advocate for once we return to the Senate,” he added.

The Philippines has about 1.2 million small businesses, accounting for more than 99% of total establishments, according to government data. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

PNP Academy bags P300-M grant

FACEBOOK.COM/OFFICIALPNPA

THE Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) has secured P300 million in financial grant from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to enhance its facilities and provide advanced training resources for cadets.

In a statement on Sunday, PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco said law enforcement remains its “top priority.”

PAGCOR’s grant will finance the construction of a PNPA Alumni Association, upgrade the Crime Scene Plaza, and cover the purchase of firearms training simulators.

Mr. Tengco also turned over P2.2 million to the PNPA Alumni Association Inc. for a new service vehicle aside from 100 tablets for cadets.

He said PAGCOR’s licensed casino foundations contributed P700 million annually to PNP-related projects since 2017.

“Newport World Resorts Foundation alone has provided almost P600 million, including a P500-million grant for the ongoing construction of a 100-bed PNP NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) Medical Center in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig,” he said. 

PAGCOR also reported the P40-million donation from the Razon-led Bloomberry Cultural Foundation accompanied by eight patrol vehicles for the PNP Southern Police District, P21 million from Melco Resorts Philippines Foundation, and P50-million grant from Okada Foundation. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

P1.2-B counterfeited goods seized

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE BUREAU OF CUSTOMS (BoC) seized an estimated market value of P1.2 billion of illicit goods in multiple warehouses in Malabon last Tuesday.

In a statement on Sunday, it said illegal counterfeit goods and disposable vapes were found during a joint operation of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (MICP), the Enforcement and Security Service-MICP, and the Philippine Coast Guard-Task Force Aduana.

The BoC said the seized goods had no tax stamps from the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Import Commodity Clearance stickers from the trade department.

“The authorities sealed and padlocked the subject warehouses, ensuring that the confiscated goods remain secured until an official inventory is conducted,” the Customs said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

4 soldiers hurt in grenade attack

COTABATO CITY — Four soldiers were injured in a grenade attack in Barangay Madia in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur late Saturday.

Local officials said the bombing was perpetrated by terrorists helplessly trying to project capability to sow terror still after 516 of their companions in Maguindanao del Sur and in nearby Central Mindanao provinces had surrendered in batches to different units of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region since 2020.

Municipal officials and barangay leaders in Datu Saudi Ampatuan said on Sunday that the bombing hurt four members of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, who were immediately rushed by their companions to a hospital for treatment.

The victims were in their roadside detachment in Barangay Madia in Datu Saudi Ampatuan when someone threw a fragmentation grenade at them and ran away.

Lt. Col. Roden R. Orbon, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the bombing was preceded by the surrender of 16 local terrorists in a symbolic rite in Barangay Buayan in nearby Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur on Friday.

Three of the 16 gunmen had told local officials and reporters then that their companions had tried to prevent their surrender. They also warned to carry out attacks to counter public perception that the Dawlah Islamiya and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters had been decimated after hundreds of members had been reintegrated into society.

“Our constituents had relayed to us that there is really this desperate bid by the few remaining terrorists out there to overcome public awareness that these two groups are now so weak,” said a local official, who requested anonymity for security reasons. — John Felix M. Unson

Experience a royal first: Warabimochi Kamakura opens at SM Megamall

The wait is over! The globally celebrated Japanese dessert brand Warabimochi Kamakura has officially opened its doors at SM Megamall’s Level 3, Mega Fashion Hall. Known for its melt-in-your-mouth magic, this viral sensation is the latest addition to SM Supermalls’ reputation as the #HomeOfFirsts, bringing first-to-market brands and world-class culinary experiences to Filipino foodies.

A Taste Fit for Royalty

Once a delicacy reserved for Japanese royalty, warabimochi has been reimagined by Warabimochi Kamakura into a global phenomenon. Crafted with a secret recipe and premium ingredients, their signature warabimochi boasts a delicate, jelly-like texture that dissolves blissfully in your mouth. Available in Kinako (roasted soybean flour) and Matcha, each serving is paired with a luscious Kuromitsu syrup that elevates the flavor.

But the experience doesn’t end there — Warabimochi Kamakura is also famous for its warabimochi drinks, a modern twist on the classic dessert. These refreshing beverages come packed with chewy warabimochi pieces in flavors like Matcha, Hojicha, Strawberry, Coffee, and the zesty Matcha Lemonade. Don’t miss out on their limited-edition seasonal flavors, with the first to be launched this Valentine’s Day, which are always worth the wait!

A Global Sensation Lands in Manila

With over 65 stores across Japan and a growing presence in foodie destinations like South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, USA, Australia and China, Warabimochi Kamakura has captured the hearts of dessert lovers around the world. Known for its viral appeal and signature taste, it’s no surprise that the brand has become synonymous with long lines and eager customers. Now, as part of SM Supermalls’ #HomeOfFirsts, SM Megamall is proud to be the exclusive Philippine destination where you can experience this sweet sensation firsthand.

Discover What’s New at SM Megamall

SM Supermalls takes pride in being the #HomeOfFirsts — bringing you the best in world-class dining, first-to-market brands, and groundbreaking experiences that redefine what it means to have it all. Warabimochi Kamakura’s arrival at SM Megamall expands the mall’s roster of brands offering Filipino mallgoers unforgettable experiences that both inspire and connect communities. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in the world-renowned Japanese dessert phenomenon — come visit and be part of this sweet sensation!

Stay connected! Follow @kamakura_philippines on Instagram for updates, exclusive content, and sneak peeks. For more sweet discoveries and exciting first-to-market brands, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

 

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NCR building materials retail price growth cools further in February

PHILIPPINE STAR/ RUSSELL PALMA

Price growth of retail construction materials in the National Capital Region (NCR) eased to eight-month low in February, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday.

Preliminary data from the PSA showed February construction materials retail price index (CMRPI) slowed to 1.1% in February, from 1.2% recorded in January. The index maintained its rate from February last year.

This was the weakest reading in eight months or since the 1% growth recorded in June 2024.

Year to date, the CMRPI averaged 1.1%, a bit slower than the 1.2% average in January-February 2023.

The PSA said that six out of seven commodity groups showed slower annual increases in February, with plumbing materials leading the downward trend as the index eased to 0.4% from 0.8% in January.

Plumbing materials was the second most heavily weighted commodity in the index, accounting for 17.3% of the CMRPI.

Other commodity groups also reported slower price growths, such as miscellaneous construction materials (0.4% in February from 0.6% in January), tinsmithry materials (1.5% from 1.6%), carpentry materials (0.9% from 1.0%), electrical materials (1.7% from 1.8%), and masonry materials (0.2% from 0.3%).

Only the index for painting materials and related compounds saw an increase to 2.7% from 2.2%. — P.O.A. Montalvo

Empowering QC women entrepreneurs through digital literacy

Quezon City Mayor Maria Josefina "Joy" Belmonte | photo by Edg Adrian A. Eva

by Edg Adrian A. Eva, Reporter

Women entrepreneurs must be empowered with digital literacy to overcome challenges faced by them, Quezon City and female business leaders emphasized during a women’s entrepreneurship forum held in Robinsons Galleria Ortigas on Tuesday.  

Organized by Robinsons Department Store in collaboration with Spark! Philippines and the Quezon City Government, the event was held in honor of International Women’s Month. 

The event gathered accomplished women entrepreneurs alongside key leaders of Quezon City, including Mayor Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte. 

During the forum, entrepreneurs shared their success stories and discussed the significant role social media played in their achievements. 

For the 42-year-old local cosmetic brand Ever Bilena, listening to customers and embracing change is the key to its long-lasting success. 

“It’s really about listening to where people are going, figuring out the touchpoints, and determining the best ways to reach our customers,” Denice Sy Munez, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc. said in an interview.  

“When you’re focused on truly seeing them and understanding your audience, it becomes easier to embrace change—and right now, it’s means social media,” she added.  

According to Ms. Sy, Ever Bilena has sustained its popularity among the younger demographic, with an average age of 28, by staying attuned to marketing trends, such as its recent partnership with K-pop idol Chanyeol. 

Melanie Lim Magboo, founder of clothing brand Binibini Marikit, and Janine Codizal of women’s underwear brand Ecora Philippines, also shared how social media catapulted their young companies to success.

 

photo by Edg Adrian A. Eva

Bridging the gap for women entrepreneurs  

Despite progress in the fight for equality, women still face limited access to essential resources, opportunities, and knowledge needed to succeed in business, Mona Celine Yap, head of Quezon City’s Small Business Cooperatives and Development Promotions Office (QC-SBCDPO), said in her presentation.  

“Women continue to work twice as hard to prove themselves, have their voices heard, and secure their rightful place in business and society,’ Ms. Yap said.  

According to a 2023 survey by the Asian Development Bank, 58% of women-owned MSMEs in the Philippines identified access to finance as a significant challenge, compared to 37% of their male counterparts.  

This disparity is primarily due to the perceived complexity of application processes, stringent documentation requirements, and associated costs. 

Ms. Yap emphasized that by teaching women to leverage technology like social media, they can overcome these challenges and achieve financial independence. 

“Digital tools will open doors to new markets, provide access to financial literacy, and offer innovative solutions to the challenges women face in economic participation,” Ms. Yap furthered. 

Meanwhile, Mayor Joy Belmonte told BusinessWorld that helping women to be economically empowered is key to addressing various issues faced by them, such as domestic violence.   

“When women are empowered, they are brave enough to leave a relationship that maltreats them… They will be more choosy in terms of who they choose as their partner. They know their self-worth, they know their value, and their value is not attached to any man,” Ms. Belmonte said.  

She added that the local government continues to develop and support programs under QC-SBCDPO initiatives that provide women with business opportunities and help them succeed in the digital space. 

Among these is QC’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, which offers virtual and in-person training to help women develop business skills.  

The city also runs Pangkabuhayang QC, a livelihood and financial assistance program open to all local residents, where women make up 81% of the beneficiaries.  

Another is POP QC (Proudly Original Products of Quezon City), a marketplace opens to all QC businesses owners, with women comprising 77% of its members. 

With most women engaging in QC-SBCDPO initiatives, Ms. Yap affirmed that “the future of business is female,” with the local government committed to further support. 

US judges order Trump administration to reinstate thousands of fired workers

FREEPIK

Federal judges in California and Maryland on Thursday ordered U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to reinstate tens of thousands of probationary federal workers who lost their jobs as part of mass firings carried out across multiple agencies.

The back-to-back rulings were the most significant blow yet to the effort by Trump and top adviser Elon Musk to drastically shrink the federal bureaucracy. Government agencies face a Thursday deadline to submit plans for a second wave of mass layoffs and to slash their budgets.

U.S. District Judge James Bredar in Baltimore agreed with 20 Democratic-led states that 18 agencies which had fired probationary employees en masse in recent weeks violated regulations governing the laying off of federal workers.

His decision came hours after U.S. District Judge William Alsup during a hearing in San Francisco ordered the reinstatement of probationary employees terminated at the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Department of Interior and the Treasury Department.

Mr. Alsup said the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the human resources department for federal agencies, had improperly ordered those agencies to fire workers en masse even though it lacked the power to do so.

“It is a sad day when our government would fire some good employee and say it was based on performance when they know good and well that’s a lie,” said Mr. Alsup, an appointee of former President Bill Clinton, a Democrat.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in a statement said Mr. Alsup lacked the power to issue the ruling and that the administration would “immediately fight back.”

“The President has the authority to exercise the power of the entire executive branch – singular district court judges cannot abuse the power of the entire judiciary to thwart the President’s agenda,” Ms. Leavitt said.

Mr. Alsup during the hearing said agencies can engage in mass layoffs but are required to comply with a number of legal requirements.

Probationary workers typically have less than one year of service in their current roles, though some are longtime federal employees. They have fewer job protections than other government workers but in general can only be fired for performance issues.

Mr. Alsup ordered the agencies to reinstate workers who were fired over the last few weeks, pending the outcome of a lawsuit by unions, nonprofit groups and the state of Washington.

He did not order the 16 other agencies named in the lawsuit to reinstate workers, but said he would promptly issue a written decision that could expand on Thursday’s ruling.

A Veterans Affairs spokesperson declined to comment. A Department of Interior spokeswoman said the agency does not comment on litigation over personnel matters.

The other agencies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The plaintiffs include the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents 800,000 federal workers. The union’s president, Everett Kelley, said in a statement the decision was an important victory against “an administration hellbent on crippling federal agencies and their work on behalf of the American public.”

 

25,000 WORKERS

Mr. Alsup last month had temporarily blocked OPM from ordering agencies to fire probationary employees, but declined at the time to require that fired workers get their jobs back. The plaintiffs subsequently amended their lawsuit to include the agencies that fired probationary workers.

About 25,000 workers across the U.S. government had been fired as of March 5, according to a Reuters tally, and another 75,000 have taken a buyout. The Trump administration has not released statistics on the firings, and it was not immediately clear how many employees could be affected by Thursday’s decision.

In the lawsuit beforeMr. Alsup, the plaintiffs claim the mass firings were unlawful because they were ordered by OPM rather than left to the discretion of individual agencies.

OPM has maintained that it merely asked agencies in a January 20 memo to identify probationary workers and decide which ones were not “mission critical” and could be fired, and did not order them to terminate anyone.

The agency on March 4 revised that memo, adding that it was not directing agencies to take any specific actions with respect to probationary employees.

OPM has pointed to the updated memo and to press releases by agencies as proof that it had no control over agencies’ decisions.

Mr. Alsup on Thursday told the U.S. Department of Justice lawyer representing OPM, Kelsey Helland, that he did not believe that was true, and scolded the government for not presenting OPM’s acting director, Charles Ezell, to testify at the hearing.

“I’ve been practicing or serving in this court for over 50 years and I know how we get at the truth, and you’re not helping me get at the truth. You’re giving me press releases, sham documents,” Mr. Alsup said.

Helland said it was common for presidential administrations to prevent high-ranking agency officials from testifying in court, and that the information provided by OPM in court filings was enough to prove that it never ordered agencies to terminate workers.

The Merit Systems Protection Board, which reviews federal employees’ appeals when they are fired, earlier this month ordered the Agriculture Department to reinstate nearly 6,000 probationary workers at least temporarily. – Reuters

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