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OCTA: Marcos trust score slipped to lowest in a year 

PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR. FACEBOOK PAGE

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s trust rating fell to a one-year low in April, according to the latest OCTA Research poll released on Tuesday, a month after his government sent his predecessor Rodrigo R. Duterte on a plane to The Hague to be tried for alleged crimes against humanity.

His trust rating fell five points to 60% from December 2024, OCTA said in a statement on Tuesday. On the other hand, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s trust rating rose nine points to 58%.

“This marks the lowest trust rating for President Marcos since the first quarter of 2024, [but] it is important to note that despite the decline most adult Filipinos still express trust in [him],” OCTA said.

About 23% said they distrusted the President, while 18% were undecided. Ms. Duterte had a lower distrust rating of 19%, with 22% undecided.

Mr. Marcos’s performance rating also plunged to 59% from 64%. About 20% of Filipinos said they were dissatisfied with his performance, while 20% were undecided.

Ms. Duterte’s performance rating rose eight points to 56%, with 20% saying they were unsatisfied and 23% undecided.

“People are beginning to understand what we have been trying to do for the past two and a half, almost three years,” Mr. Marcos told reporters in Silang, Cavite when asked about his ratings. “So, it continues to inspire me because it shows that we’re making progress.”

Mr. Duterte, father of the Vice-President and a maverick ex-mayor and former prosecutor who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, was flown to The Hague on March 11, hours after his arrest in Manila.

This marked the biggest step yet in the International Criminal Court’s probe into alleged crimes against humanity during an anti-drug crackdown that killed thousands and drew condemnation around the world.

Mr. Marcos had said his predecessor’s arrest was not personal, adding that his government was just doing its job.

The arrest of Mr. Duterte further exposed deep fractures within the once-powerful UniTeam alliance that propelled Mr. Marcos and Ms. Duterte to a landslide victory in 2022.

Hansley A. Juliano, a political science lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University, said the decline of Mr. Marcos’s ratings suggest his rule “may not be as strong as they hoped it would be.”

“Especially considering the administration’s reputation for muddling through policy is beginning to give its opponents ammunition even if they are not entirely tasteful themselves, especially the Dutertes,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat. “If it’s beginning to alienate its own base, and the Dutertes continue to build their influence, it is in trouble.”

Mr. Juliano said the President’s falling ratings could affect the chances of his senatorial ticket on May 12 “only if antipathy with Marcos translates to support for the Dutertes, and by extension, their respective bets.”

Senate President Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero had a 55% trust rating and a 53% performance score.

Speaker and presidential cousin Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez posted 54% trust and 55% performance scores, Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo had the lowest marks among top officials, getting just 5% in both categories.

OCTA interviewed, 1,200 Filipino adults on April 2 to 5 for the survey, which had a ±3 percentage point error margin.

BIR files P8.7-B tax evasion complaint vs vape traders

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Tuesday filed a criminal complaint against several large-scale vape businesses for allegedly evading P8.7 billion in taxes.

The cases, filed before the Department of Justice (DoJ), target companies linked to the sale of three vape brands — Flava, Denkat and Flare — Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. said in a statement.

The charges include unlawful possession of vape products without payment of excise tax, tax evasion and failure to file excise tax returns under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.

The BIR seeks to recover almost P9-billion in unpaid excise taxes and penalties from the vape traders.

The move is part of the bureau’s broader campaign to tighten oversight of the fast-growing vape market, which Mr. Lumagui said would face stricter tax enforcement.

He said celebrities and influencers found promoting illicit vape products could also face prosecution.

“Expect more criminal cases to be filed against illicit vape traders,” he said. “Whether your business is large or small, as long as you sell illicit vapes, you will be imprisoned.”

“Celebrities and influencers found to be in conspiracy with illicit vape traders will also be imprisoned. Illicit vape ends now,” he added.

The BIR, which has conducted multiple raids in recent months, has urged the public to report establishments selling untaxed vape products.

It also reminded advertisers and promoters to ensure they only endorse tax-compliant products, warning that violators would face legal action.

The intensified campaign comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of unregulated vape products in the Philippine market, which authorities said undermine both public health and government revenue. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

64% say Philippine democracy has ‘problems’

PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

NEARLY two-thirds of Filipinos view Philippine democracy as flawed, indicating concerns over the government’s integrity, according to a recent poll by the Philippine Observatory on Democracy.

Around 64% of Filipinos in urban areas see the country’s democracy as a “democracy with problems,” citing issues like corruption, perceived lack of integrity among leaders, and bureaucratic red tape, said Philip Arnold P. Tuaño, dean of the Ateneo School of Government, who presented the survey’s findings on Tuesday.

The Philippine Observatory on Democracy conducted face-to-face interviews with 842 respondents, aged 18 years old and above, in key urban areas: Metro Manila, Naga City, Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro, Davao City, and Zamboanga, from Dec. 2 to 21 last year. It has an error margin of ±5.2 points.

Around 27% said Philippine democracy has a minor problem, while 37% said it has major issues. “These perceived problems with Philippine democracy underscored deep-seated anxieties about the integrity of the government and its trustworthiness — two pillars for democratic legitimacy,” he said.

Only 20% of Filipinos consider Philippine democracy as a “full” democracy,” while 4% said it is not a democracy at all. It also revealed that one in ten Filipinos admitted to not understanding democracy.

The Philippines is often regarded as Southeast Asia’s oldest democracy, having adopted democratic practices from the US early in the 20th century. Philippine democracy was disrupted in 1972 when the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos declared martial law, but it was restored 14 years later.

Democracy remains the most preferred type of government with around 41% of Filipinos supporting a democratic style of governance over authoritarianism. However, a significant share of urban Filipinos (37%) said they do not care whether the government is democratic or authoritarian.

Almost 20% said they favor authoritarian governance under specific conditions, while the remaining 3% said the question was unclear.

“These findings point to a weakening attachment to democracy among urban Filipinos,” said Mr. Tuaño. “It also confirms findings in other studies in Asia that there is high general support for democracy as the best form of government, but a low commitment to it when it competes with economic priorities.”

The Marcos administration faces unresolved economic challenges, including inflation, which may have influenced Filipinos’ perception of democracy as flawed, said Robin Michael U. Garcia, founder of WR Numero Research.

“There are still persisting problems… in terms of economic output. The Marcos administration has a lot of economic problems, and chief among them is actually inflation.”

Inflation eased to its lowest annual rate in nearly five years in March, as food and transport costs rose at a slower pace.

Inflation averaged at 2.2% for the first quarter of 2025, well within the Philippine central bank’s 2-4% target. March data showed the consumer price index rose to 1.8%, easing from 2.1% in February and 3.7% a year ago. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Philippines, Japan start talks on key security deals

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THE Philippines and Japan have started negotiations on an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement (ACSA) to facilitate the exchange of defense supplies and logistical support.

“We agreed to start the negotiation through… the acquisition and cross-servicing agreement,” Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said in Japanese at a news briefing at the presidential palace in Manila on Tuesday.

“We also confirmed to start the government-to-government discussion on [the] potential conclusion of security of information agreement in the future,” he added.

Mr. Ishiba will be in the Philippines from April 29 to 30 after visiting Vietnam.

The deal would allow for greater logistical and operational interoperability between the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including the exchange of supplies and services during joint exercises, peacekeeping operations and humanitarian missions.

The deepening strategic ties between Tokyo and Manila come amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the East and South China Seas.

Mr. Ishiba cited the importance of trilateral cooperation with the US, saying the three nations have affirmed the importance of their growing security partnership.

“Having gone through close to a century of hardships and efforts by our forefathers, I am deeply moved that Japan and the Philippines are now partners closing on alliance,” he said.

Beyond defense, Mr. Ishiba and President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., also discussed partnerships in agriculture, energy, infrastructure and disaster risk reduction.

Tokyo committed to use its technological expertise to support Manila’s goal of achieving upper-middle-income status through initiatives in telecommunications, mineral resources and the ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation (AZEC) framework.

“I explained that we will work with the Philippines in a package of corporations covering telecommunications, AZEC, energy, mineral resources, infrastructure and disaster risk reduction and others,” he said. “The President and I agreed to further strengthen our partnership in these areas.”

Mr. Ishiba said he and Mr. Marcos also discussed the repercussions of US President Donald J. Trump’s tariff measures on the multilateral free trade system and the broader world economy.

The US earlier this month slapped almost all of its trading partners with massive tariffs. Japan is facing a 24% reciprocal tariff, while the Philippines will be facing 17%.

The Philippines and Japan will mark their 70th year of diplomatic relations next year. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Free train rides on April 30-May 3

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., said on Tuesday that Light Rail Transit (LRT)-1, LRT-2, and Manila Metro Rail Transit System (MRT)-3 will offer free rides from April 30 to May 3, in light of the Labor Day.

The train rides will be free throughout the operating times of the three train lines.

“I have ordered the implementation of a small tribute to our workers — as part of the Labor Day celebration, rides on MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 will be free,” Mr. Marcos said in Filipino in a video message.

For weekdays, MRT-3’s last train leaves at 10:30 p.m. (North Avenue) and at 11:09 p.m. (Taft Avenue). On the weekends, it closes an hour earlier.

For LRT-1, the last train during the weekdays is at 10:30 p.m. (Dr. Santos) and 10:45 p.m. (Fernando Poe Jr.), and an hour earlier for weekends, while LRT-2’s last train leaves at 9 p.m. (Antipolo) and 9:30 p.m. (Recto). — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Imee alleges Duterte arrest cover-up

IMEE R. MARCOS — FACEBOOK.COM/SENATEPH

SENATOR and Presidential sister Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos on Tuesday claimed that the government is covering up details on the arrest of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

“There is a coordinated attempt to cover-up the details and motives behind the arrest of (Mr. Duterte),” Ms. Marcos said in a news briefing, where she presented the findings of her senate committee hearing.

Local police arrested Mr. Duterte on March 11, upon his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, acting on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). He was flown to the Netherlands hours later.

She added that the arrest and transport of Mr. Duterte by the ICC was politically motivated.

“There is a clear pattern where major political incidents precede significant statements and actions of the administration relative to the ICC,” she said.

Additionally, Ms. Marcos called in the Office of the Ombudsman to file criminal and administrative charges against officials involved in the arrest of Mr. Duterte.

She added the officials are liable for graft, grave misconduct, usurpation of judicial functions, and arbitrary detention, among others. — Adrian H. Halili

Stop PHL-US war games, group urges

PHILIPPINESTAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

A GLOBAL human rights watchdog on Monday urged the Philippine government to halt its annual joint war games and anti-China narratives amid concerns that it could skew voters towards candidates friendly to Washington’s interests.

The joint Philippine-US combat drills may be politicized and used to rally support for a stronger US presence amid heightened concerns over a Chinese threat to sovereignty, the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines said.

“By fearmongering and promoting a ‘national security emergency,’ the Marcos administration seeks to stampede voters into supporting their chosen candidates who will further facilitate and justify the US pivot to Asia and military buildup against China,” the coalition said in a statement.

“This is political manipulation at gunpoint: democracy under siege.”

US Embassy in Manila spokesperson Kanishka Gangopadhyay in a Viber message said the Balikatan represents “our ironclad commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, and our solemn commitment to each other, as allies, to defend our shared interests.”

The Presidential palace and Philippine military did not immediately reply to separate Viber messages seeking comment.

“Elections must be free from fear, free from foreign soldiers, and free from proxy war manipulations,” coalition chairman Peter Murphy was quoted as saying.

Philippine and US forces last week started their annual combat drills that are staged near key locations facing regional flashpoints like the South China Sea and Taiwan. The exercises, which will run until May 9, will involve about 14,000 troops and an array of advanced weaponry to enhance force interoperability.

Filipinos will pick a new set of lawmakers, including half of the Senate, as well as thousands of local officials on May 12.

“The government and military have unleashed an aggressive, full-spectrum PR blitz to push anti-China narratives… they are manufacturing consent for heightened militarization and foreign intervention,” said Mr. Murphy. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Law on digital nomad visa eyed

FREEPIK

A PHILIPPINE SENATOR on Tuesday said that he is pushing for a law that will solidify policies on the implementation of digital nomad visas, following the issuance of an executive order allowing foreigners to remotely work in the Philippines.

“It is more appropriate and more permanent if our policies on (digital nomads) were enacted into law like other countries,” Senator Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva said in a briefing.

Last week, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order (EO) 86, which allowed the Department of Foreign Affairs to issue digital nomad visas for foreigners seeking to remotely work in the country temporarily.

“The EO can be revoked at any time and cannot be implemented. Another thing is that it is very simple and cannot be challenged and was not discussed with representatives. It is more serious when it is a law,” he added.

Mr. Villanueva has earlier filed Senate Bill No. 2991, which seeks to implement a new type of visa that would allow visitors to stay in the country for a longer period while working for a foreign-based employer or business.

Under the proposed law, Applicants would need to provide proof of sufficient income generated outside the country, valid health insurance. The visa is valid for one year and renewable for another year.

The issuance of the digital nomad visa is said to boost tourist arrivals in the Philippines, according to the Presidential Palace. — Adrian H. Halili

Davao bypass tunnel work completed

DPWH

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it had completed the excavation works for the 2.3-kilometer twin tube tunnel segment of the Davao City Bypass project.

“This tunnel is both a literal and symbolic passage toward a brighter future. It reflects our shared vision of infrastructure that fosters sustainability, economic growth, and strengthened bilateral ties with Japan,” DPWH Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain said.

The 2.3-kilometer road is part of the Contract Package (CP) I-1, which has an estimated cost of P13.3 billion, according to the DPWH website.

The agency said it has completed the tunnel excavation works for the two lanes northbound tube of the project.

This 2.3-kilometer twin tube tunnel is part of the Davao City Bypass project, which is targeted for completion and operations by 2028.

The Davao Bypass project aims to help decongest Davao City roads by offering an alternative route. The project runs through the mountains and connects Davao City via the tunnel and Panabo City via Davao del Norte.

The 45.6-kilometer bypass road in Davao region has an overall cost of P70.82 billion. It is being financed through a combination of loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency and government funds.

Mr. Sadain said the Davao City Bypass Project will be implemented through six contract packages; of which five are currently under construction while the procurement for the final package is targeted in the third quarter of the year. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Ombudsman dismisses Albay governor over gambling links

OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK PAGE

THE Ombudsman dismissed the Albay provincial governor for grave misconduct for receiving protection money from “jueteng” operators, a type of gambling in the Philippines.

The decision dated Jan. 28, 2025, publicized on Tuesday, ordered the dismissal of an Albay governor for allegedly accepting P60,000 as “weekly protection money” from November 2020 to January 2021.

The case originated from a complaint filed in February 2024 by a self-confessed coordinator for jueteng financiers, also known as “bangkero.”

“This Office finds that respondent had been animated by a corrupt motive to benefit from illegal gambling,” the ruling read.

“His corrupt actions were willful and done with discernment. Corruption is present when an official uses their position to gain a benefit for themselves or someone else, contrary to the duties or rights of others.”

Charges of dishonesty and neglect of duty against the governor were dismissed due to insufficient evidence. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Soldiers seize combat weapons in Maguindanao del Sur operation

COTABATO CITY — Soldiers seized three combat weapons and explosives in an anti-terror operation in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur on Sunday.

The long-range .30 caliber bolt-action sniper rifle, an M1 Garand rifle, a B40-anti-tank rocket launcher, and five rifle-propelled grenades were abandoned by gunmen after a brief clash with personnel of the Army’s 6th IB in a secluded area in Barangay Pagatin.

The Army’s 6th Infantry Division Commander Donald D. Gumiran told reporters on Tuesday that the encounter erupted when a group of local terrorists opened fire at soldiers patrolling near their location.

The personnel of the 6th IB, who were attacked, were dispatched to a farming enclave in Barangay Pagatin after villagers reported the presence of heavily armed men, collecting money and rice from farmers at gunpoint.

Traditional Moro leaders had said that the terrorists fled when they ran out of ammunition, leaving behind some of their combat weapons, now in the custody of the 6th IB. — John Felix M. Unson

Malaysian Wahhi wins Stage Six

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Mervin Corpuz podium finish sends him to second overall

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — When Santy Barnachea won his second title in the defunct Ronda Pilipinas nine years ago, he mentioned in passing a nephew that he thought could become a champion cyclist like himself someday

That boy’s name was Mervin Corpuz and that day may come any day now.

Displaying the same raw power and brilliance that won Mr. Barnachea two Tour titles and two Ronda crowns, Mr. Corpuz posted his second podium finish in Stage Six on Tuesday to jump from fifth to second overall in the MPTC Tour of Luzon: Great Revival.

The 27-year-old Metro Pacific Tollways Drivehub (MPTD) bet was just behind eventual stage winner Muhammad Zahun Wahhi of Malaysia Pro Cycling and barely ahead of No. 3 7-Eleven Roadbike Philippines’ Rench Michael Bondoc in three hours, 31 minutes and 12 seconds.

The three were part of the 14-man lead pack that broke loose early in San Jose, Tarlac and rode a long, long stretch of flat roads amid the scorching heat before breaking up in the final 200 meters where they were met by a loud-cheering massive crowd in Maramba Boulevard.

That spectacular show of force by Mr. Corpuz sent him flying straight to No. 2 in the general classification race with an aggregate time of 17:43:30, or just less than two minutes behind race leader Joo Dae Yeong of Gapyeong Cycling Team of South Korea, who has a total clocking of 17:41:34.

Mr. Corpuz chopped around three minutes off the two-time South Korean national champion’s lead before the stage and should be in legitimate title contention entering the final two stages — on Wednesday’s 15.2-km Lingayen-Labrador Stage Seven Individual Time Trial and on Thursday’s 177.54-km Lingayen-Baguio Stage Eight where they would face the dreaded mountain passes of Benguet.

“I followed uncle Santy when I graduated from high school. I was in the varsity basketball team back then and would have been a seaman if I stayed in school,” said Mr. Corpuz, whose big size was nearly the same body type that Mr. Barnachea has.

But I really wanted to be a champion like my uncle, so I took my bike and followed him,” he added.

Good thing he did.

“I can see myself in him (Mr. Corpuz) and he has a chance to win this Tour if plays his cards right,” said the 49-year-old Mr. Barnachea, who is coach and director of MPTD.

Mr. Wahhi, 27, stole some of the spotlight by topping the stage, his 10th as a pro.

“It was very tough. I tried to survive the hard climbs and broke loose in the last 200 m,” said the Kuala Lumpur native, who is considered the top sprinter in Malaysia on Wednesday.

While Mr. Corpuz took a major leap, Standard Insurance’s Ronald Oranza had a free fall, skidding from second overall down to 13th, or more than four and a half minutes off the pace, that dealt a massive blow to his ambitious title bid.

Mercifully for the Navymen, Jeremy Lizardo and vintage Jan Paul Morales stormed to the contention and leapt to third and fifth with times of 17:44:01 and 17:44:20, respectively.

Another MPTD rider, Jonel Carcueva likewise made a big jump and was now at No. 4 with a 17:44:06 while rounding out the top 10 were 7-Eleven’s Rench Michael Bondoc (17:44:28), Victoria Sports’ Nichol Pareja (17:44:28), Exodus Army’s Emmanuel Dave Montemayor (17:44:33), Go for Gold’s Jerico Jay Lucero (17:44:39) and Excellent Noodles’ Mar Francis Sudario (17:44:40).

Standard Insurance kept the overall team lead though with a 71:01:14, or 32 seconds ahead of MPTD.

Tour Notes: Manny V. Pangilinan, chairman of the MVP Group of Companies, raised the ante of the race by hiking the top individual prize from P500,000 to P1 million. The second and third placers will also receive P500,000 and P350,000 from P400,000 and P300,000, respectively. The team purse stays at P1 million. “Someone called us that MVP was happy with the turnout and the patience, endurance and passion the MPTC Tour of Luzon cyclists have shown,” said organizing DuckWorld PH chair Pato Gregorio on Monday night. “So out of his (MVP) own pocket, he increased the prize.” — Joey Villar

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