OFW remittance bill advances

March 10, 2026 | 9:06 pm

THE Philippine Senate on Tuesday approved on second reading a bill that aims to protect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from excessive remittance fees and strengthen transparency in cash transfers.

Senators approved Senate Bill No. 1917 or the proposed OFWs Remittance Protection Act, which seeks to regulate remittance fees, disclose foreign exchange rates, impose stronger protections, and facilitate financial literacy programs for OFWs.

Under the proposed measure, the departments of Finance and Migrant Workers, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will be tasked to impose the range of remittance fees and other related charges for BSP-supervised banks or other entities servicing OFW remittances.

It also mandates all remittance centers to post in a conspicuous place the Philippine peso equivalent rate of the foreign currencies being transacted.

“The Philippine peso equivalent of the amount as remitted shall be the same amount that the beneficiary of the remittance shall receive,” the bill stated.

The measure also seeks to create a free mandatory financial protection and literacy program for OFWs and their families.

The training program will be integral to the OFWs Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar, their Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar, and Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar.

Topics will include financial management and responsibility, financial opportunities and pitfalls, disinformation and financial scams, consumer protection, protection on mortgaged or collateralized properties, and credit information on micro- and small-scale enterprises.

Those imposing excessive or hidden remittance fees, found suddenly changing rates, not disclosing charges, conducting fraudulent practices, and failing to comply with reporting requirements may imprisoned between six months to six years or a fine between P50,000 to P750,000, or both. — Adrian H. Halili

Estrada’s counter-affidavit sought

March 10, 2026 | 9:05 pm

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) has given a senator linked to flood control fund scandal until Thursday this week to answer plunder charges.

Justice spokesperson Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez told reporters on Tuesday that Senator Jose P. Ejercito Estrada, Jr. asked for more time to submit his counter-affidavit, and the panel of prosecutors approved the request.

Mr. Estrada was originally scheduled to file his counter-affidavit on Monday, March 9, but did not do so.

The senator also asked the anti-graft court on Tuesday for permission to travel abroad during the Holy Week, as he remains on the travel lookout list over ongoing graft charges linked to the 2014 Priority Development Assistance Fund scam.

“The precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) is a court order. As a court order, it can be revoked by order of the same court that issued it,” Mr. Martinez said. “The DoJ will oppose any motion to lift the PHDO as sufficient grounds exist that warrant its continued effectivity.”

“It will be up to the court to determine if Senator Estrada’s motion has merit. The DoJ maintains that he remains a flight risk and should not be allowed to leave the country,” he added. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

P100M from Discaya cars remitted

March 10, 2026 | 9:03 pm

Discaya-Cars---BoC-photo — The Bureau of Customs recovered 12 luxury vehicles linked to the Discaya family following a court-ordered search operation in Pasig City, Sept. 2, 2025. — BUREAU OF CUSTOMS

THE Bureau of the Treasury has received over P100 million in proceeds from the auctioned luxury vehicles of the contractor couple Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” C. Discaya and Pacifico “Curlee” F. Discaya II.

In a statement on Monday, the Bureau of Customs (BoC) said it turned over a total of P102.469 million to the Treasury from its auctions which began in November last year.

“The Bureau of Customs today conducted a symbolic turnover ceremony of the proceeds from the public auction of luxury vehicles registered to the Discaya family and their companies to the Bureau of the Treasury, reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the restitution of unlawfully acquired assets for the benefit of the Filipino people,” Customs said.

According to the BoC, they confiscated 13 luxury vehicles found to be against the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act for being illegally imported.

Of the total, the BoC sold nine cars, including a 2022 Toyota Tundra, 2023 Toyota Sequoia, 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, 2022 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, 2019 Mercedes-Benz G500 Brabus, 2021 Lincoln Navigator L, 2022 Bentley Bentayga, 2024 Lincoln Navigator and a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV.

The 2022 GMC Yukon Denali, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, the 2022 Maserati Levante Modena and the 2022 GMC Yukon XL Denali were still unsold, which the BoC said may be auctioned off to the public soon.

“The successful auction and turnover of these proceeds demonstrate the Bureau of Customs’ resolve to enforce the law while ensuring that recovered assets are returned to the Filipino people and utilized to support national development,” Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said. — Katherine K. Chan

Thai stevia maker eyes PHL facility

March 10, 2026 | 9:03 pm

A THAI STEVIA processing firm is looking to build a $300-million (P17.78-billion) facility in the country to support its Southeast Asian expansion, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, PEZA said the company is exploring investment opportunities in the Philippines, including the establishment of a plantation and processing facility.

The company is also selecting a 1,000-hectare site within an ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) country to support its planned expansion.

During a Bangkok event, PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said it is looking to engage with Thai firms in key sectors like manufacturing, agribusiness, renewable energy, and services.

He touted the Philippines’ fiscal incentives under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy Act.

He also cited the country’s strong investment fundamentals as a reason for Thai firms to invest in the Philippines.

PEZA also met with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) provider FiberHome International (Thailand) Co. Ltd. to benchmark its manufacturing facility for optical fiber cables, networking equipment, and ICT solutions.

This aligns with the memorandum of understanding signed by the two parties last year to explore partnerships seeking to transform PEZA economic zones into smart industrial communities.

FiberHome operates service facilities in the Philippines to ensure end-to-end fiber-optic communication, data networking, and wireless communication solutions.

“Thai companies have shown that when you invest in the Philippines, you gain more than market access — you gain a partner that values speed, stability, and sustained support,” Mr. Panga said. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

BoC digitalizes car import payments

March 10, 2026 | 9:02 pm

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) has launched a new electronic certificate of payment (e-CP) system, fully digitalizing most transactions related to vehicle registration as part of efforts to fast track and modernize government processes.

The new e-CP will facilitate automated and real-time submission, processing, and transmission of motor vehicle, components, and parts information, together with the corresponding duties and taxes paid, from the BoC to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

“The new e‑CP significantly reduces processing time, strengthens data integrity, and improves service delivery for both government agencies and industry stakeholders,” BoC said in a statement on Tuesday.

This was designed to replace the previous system, which involved manual verification and separate processing of the two agencies.

“The new e‑CP system is a clear demonstration of the bureau’s commitment to modernization and whole‑of‑government collaboration,” Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said in a speech during the platform’s launch on Monday. “By automating validation, eliminating redundant processes, and ensuring real‑time data exchange with the LTO, we are making customs transactions faster, more secure, and more transparent for our stakeholders.”

According to the BoC, the new system will permit automatic validation of payment records and single administrative document details by integrating the e-CP into the bureau’s electronic‑to‑mobile system.

Stakeholders can now also track their e-CP application status in real-time under the new platform.

It likewise provides automatic updates on registered license plates and other vehicle registration details using a feedback mechanism with the LTO’s land transportation management system.

“This closed‑loop integration ensures accuracy, traceability, and improved monitoring of motor vehicle importation transactions — addressing longstanding issues associated with manual reconciliation under the previous system,” the BoC said. — Katherine K. Chan

Magalong warns vs profiteering as Baguio steps up price monitoring

March 10, 2026 | 9:02 pm

BAGUIO CITY — Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong warned businessmen against profiteering as the city government intensified monitoring of commodity prices amid the Middle East crisis.

Mr. Magalong promised the city government will cancel the business permits of traders found engaging in profiteering, hoarding or other illegal trade practices.

He issued the warning during the Local Price Coordinating Council meeting on March 9, which was convened to assess the possible impact of the conflict on local markets and ensure protection for consumers.

The city also plans to set up a unified platform where the public can report cases of overpricing for immediate action by concerned agencies.

Mr. Magalong said regular price monitoring will be strengthened by the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture and other city offices. He also urged consumers to remain vigilant and report unscrupulous businessmen. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Most structures in Baguio City still lack building permits

March 10, 2026 | 9:02 pm

BAGUIO CITY — About 74% of structures in Baguio City still do not have building permits, the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) said.

CBAO records showed that of the 83,335 structures documented in the city, 61,645 have no building permits, and only 21,690 or 26% have secured the required documents.

The figures, which are based on the city’s ongoing inventory of buildings across barangays, also revealed that 105 out of 128 barangays completed the census while 23 are still undergoing validation.

CBAO Assistant Department Head Stephen Capuyan said high costs of building plans, land ownership issues and structural encroachments prevent some owners from securing permits. He noted that about 74% of lots in the city remain untitled.

City officials said the local government is coordinating with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to speed up land titling and is encouraging barangays to assign engineers who can help residents prepare building plans at lower cost.

Authorities urged property owners to secure building permits to ensure compliance with safety, zoning and environmental regulations. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Shares rebound sharply on hopes of end to war

March 10, 2026 | 9:00 pm

PHILIPPINE SHARES rebounded strongly on Tuesday amid hopes of an end to the Middle East conflict and bargain hunting after Monday’s sharp drop.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) jumped by 2% or 120.44 points to close at 6,126.66, while the broader all shares index went up by 1.81% or 60.86 points to end at 3,407.61.

“PSEi rebounded sharply after (Monday’s) sell-off, tracking gains in global equities as optimism over potential geopolitical de-escalation improved risk sentiment following President (Donald J.) Trump’s remarks suggesting the conflict may end soon,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a Viber message.

“The Philippine Stock Exchange index rebounded on Tuesday … as investors engaged in bargain hunting following the previous day’s sharp sell-off while also taking cues from the strong rebound in US equities. US stocks recovered in regular trading after earlier losses after President Donald J. Trump said the war was ‘pretty much complete’ and that the US was considering taking control of the Strait of Hormuz,” Unicapital Securities, Inc. Research Head Wendy B. Estacio-Cruz said in a Viber message.

On Monday, the PSEi sank by 4.97% or 314.19 points to close at 6,006.22, marking its steepest single-day drop since April 2020, as oil prices surged past $100 a barrel amid the conflict.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Tuesday they would not let any oil be shipped from the Middle East if US and Israeli attacks continue, prompting Mr. Trump to say the US would hit Iran much harder if it blocked exports, Reuters reported.

The rhetoric did little to quell a fall in crude prices and a rally in global shares that followed Mr. Trump expressing confidence in a swift end to hostilities, even after Iran showed defiance by naming Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader.

All sectoral indices closed in the green on Tuesday. Mining and oil rose by 3.23% or 560.02 points to 17,885.39; services increased by 2.88% or 77.86 points to 2,779.48; financials went up by 1.89% or 36.51 points to 1,964.58; industrials climbed by 1.82% or 157.15 points to 8,791.81; holding firms increased by 1.79% or 83.03 points to 4,707.45; and property advanced by 0.97% or 19.65 points to 2,039.81.

Advancers outnumbered decliners, 147 to 58, while 64 names closed unchanged.

Value turnover went down to P7.49 billion on Tuesday with 1.4 billion shares traded from the P11.08 billion with 2.54 billion issues that changed hands on Monday.

Net foreign selling declined to P498.05 million from the P1.58 billion in the previous session.

“Despite the broad-based recovery, the rebound remains fragile as investors stay cautious, with sustained gains likely dependent on continued positive cues from global markets and clearer developments in ongoing geopolitical tensions,” Mr. Limlingan said.

Ms. Estacio-Cruz added that the market will continue to monitor global developments and their potential impact on financial markets. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno

Eala eyes quarters berth against world No. 14 Noskova of Czechia

March 10, 2026 | 6:48 pm

ALEXANDRA “ALEX” EALA attempts to topple another giant in world No. 14 Linda Noskova of Czechia in a tall order of snatching a quarterfinal ticket in the Indian Wells Open on Wednesday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California.

Ms. Eala, WTA No. 32, will be out to ride on the momentum of her win against No. 4 Coco Gauff — albeit not in the way she would have desired it via retirement — when she locks horns against the Czech ace at 11 a.m. (Manila time).

The duel is set at the majestic Stadium 1 at the Tennis Paradise once again with a looming full capacity of over 16,000. It’s the second-biggest tennis venue in the world, next only to the home of the US Open at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, where Ms. Eala eliminated Ms. Gauff on Monday.

And expect the fired up Filipina, once again buoyed by a throng of Filipinos in California, to smash it with guns ablaze for a shot at either world No. 7 Jasmine Paolini of Italy or Talia Gibson of Australia (No. 112) in the Last 8.

“I hope I can make the best out of the momentum,” said Ms. Eala in the post-match press conference following a huge 6-2, 2-0 (ret) triumph over the American star Ms. Gauff at home.

“Linda (Noskova) is an amazing player. She’s very powerful and very experienced even at such a young age. I’m excited so I’m gonna go in with a good preparation and a lot of motivation.”

Ms. Eala, 20, and Ms. Noskova, 21, are no strangers to each other after slugging it out in their junior days none bigger than the 2020 French Open girls’ singles, where the lefty Filipina ace pulled off a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 comeback win.

Six years later, they meet again in the pros with much bigger stakes up for grabs.

“I think I’ve gained certain experience over the years to handle these high-pressure situations. It’s taken up a notch when you’re playing against big players and playing in big courts,” she added. “It’s a learning experience. What I try to do is just focus on the next thing that I have to do. I try not to think of the bigger picture and I focus on what I can control.”

Ms. Eala, seeded as 31^st with a first-round bye, dominated Ms. Gauff in the first set and was leading two-to-love in the second before the American opted to call off the match due to a pain in her left arm. The Round 3 win served as a solid follow-up to Ms. Eala’s 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 win over No. 52 Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine in the second round.

Ms. Noskova pulled off a 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4 revenge win on No. 38 Sorana Cirstea of Romania, who showed her an early exit door in the Round of 32 at the WTA 1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships where Ms. Eala made it to the Last 8.

Like Ms. Gauff, Ms. Noskova with a career-best at No. 12 boasts the upper hand with higher ranking and deeper experience against Ms. Eala in all 1000-level tours, Grand Slams and Olympic appearances despite being only a year older.

But Ms. Eala will not be marching into battle alone.

Ms. Eala has enjoyed a massive support in every city she has played this season so far and California is no different, billed as the biggest home state for Filipinos abroad at around two million.

On top of a quarterfinal berth, up for taking for Ms. Eala is a shot at Top 20-25 after jumping to No. 28 with 110 additional points for a new career-best according to the WTA live rankings. — John Bryan Ulanday

Canino, DLSU clash with Nitura and AdU in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball

March 10, 2026 | 6:48 pm

Nitura-Canino — SHAINA NITURA (L) and Angel Canino — UAAP

Games on Wednesday
(SM Mall of Asia Arena)
9 a.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Men)
11 a.m. – UST vs UP (Men)
1 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Women)
3 p.m. – UST vs UP (Women)

ALAS PILIPINAS stars Angel Canino and Shaina Nitura clash as unbeaten De La Salle University (DLSU) tries to zero in on a first-round sweep against Adamson University (AdU) in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Still immaculate after five matches, the DLSU Lady Spikers want no let-up at 1 p.m. against the fourth-running AdU Lady Falcons (3-2) to prime up for a heavyweight rematch against the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs (5-1) to end the round.

University of the Philippines (UP) (3-2) and University of Santo Tomas (2-3) collide at 3 p.m., aiming to stay in the thick of the final four race approaching the crucial second phase.

But all eyes are on La Salle, which has been dead serious in its redemption tour by wiping out its first five opponents so far with only a single set loss.

The Lady Spikers did it despite the two-game absence of top spiker Shevana Laput, who marked a comeback in a 25-15, 25-20, 25-19 win against the listless University of the East last week.

Ms. Canino, the league’s second best attacker only behind Ms. Laput, has taken the Lady Spikers under her wings since then and the same should be expected even against her national teammate Ms. Nitura and company led by rising star Frances Mordi.

Mses. Nitura and Mordi combined for 42 points in Adamson’s upset of Santo Tomas, 27-25, 25-22, 25-12, to gain a share of fourth seed with Far Eastern University.

Expect the Lady Falcons to be ready for the Lady Spikers’ onslaught.

“I think we’ll focus on our side, which is back to training, and focus on what we can do to slow them down,” said Ms. Nitura.

In the men’s division, Santo Tomas (4-1) battles UP (2-3) at 11 a.m. in a bid to forge a joint second place with five-peat champion NU after the match between struggling teams La Salle (1-4) and Adamson (1-4) at 9 a.m. — John Bryan Ulanday

Souped-up Converge versus Macau Black Knights kicks off PBA Commissioner’s Cup

March 10, 2026 | 6:43 pm

Games on Wednesday
(Ninoy Aquino Stadium)
5:15 p.m. – Titan vs Terrafirma
7:30 p.m. – Converge vs Macau

AFTER a busy pre-PBA Commissioner’s Cup buildup, Converge tests its souped-up crew right away against guest team Macau in the mid-season conference’s kickoff at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Just a win short of cracking the semifinals of the preceding Philippine Cup, FiberXers went full throttle in acquiring veterans Mikey Williams and Calvin Abueva and young guns Jonnel Policarpio, James Kwekuteye and Kurt Reyson in a series of trades.

Then the Delta Pineda-coached squad brought in seven-foot dynamo Kylor Kelley to add ceiling and defensive savvy to the talented core of Justin Arana, Justine Baltazar, Alec Stockton and super rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño.

This early, aficionados are tagging Converge as a title contender.

“We’ll just treat the conference one game at a time,” said Mr. Arana ahead of the 7:30 p.m. tiff that follows the 5:15 p.m. curtain-raiser between Titan and Terrafirma.

Mr. Arana said the new mix is still working on jelling at this point.

Macau, which switched monickers to Black Knights from the old Black Bears, parades 6-foot-8 Tony Mitchell as import.

Mr. Mitchell, who previously suited up for the Star Hotshots and NLEX in the PBA, is backed up by former Brent player Jenning Leung, former CBA players Zijie Lu, Zhu Zhaojing and Li Jiashuo.

Meanwhile, the Day 1 opener features two squads out to lay the groundwork for their redemption tours.

The Giant Risers, who finished ninth in the All-Filipino with a 4-7 card, try to also give Rensy Bajar a winning debut as the new head coach. The Dyip (1-10 last time) look to start right as they also finally unleash top pick Geo Chiu. — Olmin Leyba

GOAT debate

March 10, 2026 | 6:42 pm

For decades, the debate has raged with ritualistic predictability. Steady a conversation on who basketball’s greatest player is and it almost immediately narrows to two names: Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Fans marshal statistics, championships, longevity, and aesthetics. Analysts dissect eras, pace, rules, and competition. The arguments repeat themselves so often that they have become part of the sport’s cultural background noise. Needless to say, however, the most significant voices in the discussion belongs to the players themselves.

Jordan recently revisited the subject in an interview segment for NBC, explaining that the label simply “doesn’t exist” for him. And, no, he’s not being modest in the conventional sense; he’s simply considering the subject from a historical perspective. He noted that he never competed against such notables as Oscar Robertson or Jerry West, whose accomplishments helped define earlier generations of the pro scene. Basketball, he argued, evolves in layers: one generation learning from the last, and then passing the craft to the next. His era, he said, influenced the likes of Kobe Bryant and James, just as he himself learned from those who preceded him. Thus, he pointed out, ranking players across decades risks turning appreciation into erasure.

Jordan’s view runs counter to the modern sports ecosystem, which thrives on comparison. The “Greatest of all Time” (GOAT) debate is irresistible because it offers the illusion of a definitive answer. His resume alone invites the argument: six championships with the Bulls, six Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, five regular-season MVPs, and an aura of competitive dominance that defined the 1990s. Yet he himself believes the conversation misses the point. Comparing eras, he contended, inevitably elevates one generation while diminishing another, creating unnecessary friction among players who actually share a common lineage in the sport’s development.

The irony is unmistakable. Jordan’s competitive ferocity is legendary, even mythical. Teammates and opponents alike have long described a protagonist who took every slight personally and treated every contest as a referendum on his greatness. And yet on the question of historical ranking, he has chosen to wax philosophical. He has even suggested that the debate can foster resentment among former players who feel their contributions have been forgotten. Giants such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and Bill Russell built the foundation on which the National Basketball Association rests. From his vantage point, collapsing the sport’s entire history into a two-man argument risks losing sight of the larger continuum.

Of course, the debate persists precisely because fans insist on engaging in it. It keeps the past alive while animating the present. Every generation measures its heroes against those who came before, and the sport gains gravitas in the process. And Jordan remains central to the scrutiny, whether he embraces the title or not. His influence, from style of play to global marketing, reshaped professional basketball in ways that still reverberate today. Even those who argue passionately for James or other candidates rarely do so without acknowledging the shadow he has cast over the game.

All things considered, Jordan’s refusal to claim the throne proves revealing. The GOAT debate seeks certainty in a sport defined by evolution. Perhaps more than anyone who has been part of hoops annals, he understands that greatness is not a fixed summit; rather, it is a long climb built on the footsteps of those who came before. And so the back and forth will continue, in barber shops, studios, and arenas, while the figure most often placed at the center of it deliberately steps aside, content to let the game speak for itself.

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.