Gov’t could offset travel tax losses

February 15, 2026 | 7:47 pm

A CONGRESSMAN said on Sunday that scrapping the travel tax could generate as much as P22 billion in annual government revenue, countering projections by the Finance department that the move would result in losses.

In a statement, Marikina Rep. Romero “Miro” S. Quimbo said that there may be an initial revenue loss from the first 18 months of cutting the travel tax, but it could be offset by economic activity generated by its removal. The House Ways and Means Committee aims to approve the proposal before the June congressional break, he added.

“Based on our computation, the additional income tax, since they will be earning more, will reach P22 billion,” he said in Filipino.

The government collects a travel tax of P1,620 ($28.35) from economy air passengers and P2,700 ($47.24) from first class air passengers.

“If we remove the P1,620 from a plane fare, it means more people will be able to travel,” Mr. Quimbo said. “That will increase the earnings of our travel agencies and airline companies.”

The Finance department last year projected that scrapping the tax could result in up to P5.1 billion in foregone revenue. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Rains likely to persist this week

February 15, 2026 | 7:47 pm

THE Philippines will see changing weather patterns this week as a shear line and the northeast monsoon take turns influencing rainfall across the archipelago, according to the state weather bureau on Sunday.

Rain is likely to persist through Monday and Tuesday in the eastern sections of Northern Luzon, where the interaction between cool northeasterly winds and warm easterlies may bring cloudy skies, scattered showers and thunderstorms, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Areas including Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora and Quezon are expected to see the heaviest precipitation early in the week, while much of the rest of Luzon — including Metro Manila — will likely experience generally fair weather punctuated by isolated thunderstorms.

PAGASA said a transition by midweek as the northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, is forecast to re-intensify from Tuesday through Thursday, potentially expanding rain coverage across a larger part of the country.

It noted this could bring cooler air and renewed rainfall in northern and central areas, while eastern Mindanao may also see scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.

No tropical cyclones or low-pressure areas are currently being monitored within or near the Philippine Area of Responsibility, limiting the risk of severe storm-related disruptions for the week.

Marine conditions are also expected to remain relatively stable, with no gale warnings raised over the country’s seaboards as of the latest advisory. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Next phase of MTerra Solar begins

February 15, 2026 | 7:46 pm

MERALCO PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) has begun with the construction of the next phase of the P200-billion MTerra Solar project following the integration of its initial phase to the Luzon grid.

Construction of the project is continuing to progress toward full completion, on track to become the world’s largest integrated solar and storage facility, the company said in a statement on Saturday.

Spanning across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, MTerra Solar is developing a 3,500-megawatt-peak solar power plant and a 4,500-megawatt-hour energy storage system.

The company said that it has successfully completed the initial grid synchronization and energization of the project, allowing the facility to export 85 megawatts (MW) of constant power to the grid by the end of the month.

“MTerra Solar proves the Philippines can build big — and build fast. Today’s energization is not the finish line; it is the start of a bigger journey that will expand our capacity, broaden our impact, and demonstrate that the Philippines can lead in delivering renewable energy at scale,” MGEN President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel V. Rubio said.

MGEN is the power generation arm of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), which currently has more than 5,068 MW of net sellable capacity across conventional and renewable energy assets.

Meralco’s controlling stakeholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT, Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., holds an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Bill seeks digital payment integration

February 15, 2026 | 7:46 pm

Phone-hand — STOCK PHOTO | Image by David Dvořáček from Unsplash

A BILL seeking to mandate the adoption of digital payment methods for transactions in the government and all merchants has been filed in the Senate, aimed at modernizing payment systems, reducing reliance on cash, and improving transparency.

“It promotes the adoption of digital payments across government and private sector transactions while ensuring that such adoption is inclusive, interoperable, and aligned with existing regulatory standards,” Senator Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva said in the explanatory note of Senate Bill No. 1821.

The proposed measure mandates national government agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations, foreign-based Philippine government agencies, local government units (LGUs), State Universities and Colleges, and Local Universities and Colleges to use digital payment systems for the disbursement of government funds.

It also orders all government entities to offer digital payment options for collection of taxes, fees, tolls, imposts, and other revenues.

LGUs are also encouraging merchants in their jurisdiction to adopt digital payments through monetary and non-monetary incentives, and capacity-building.

“Government entities may adopt incentive frameworks to encourage digital payments, including reduced transaction fees for fees for micro-payments, administrative incentives, and financial and digital literacy programs,” the bill states.

The bill penalizes noncompliance with a fine of P200,000 to P2 million or imprisonment of not less than three years up to 10 years.

Public officer or employee held liable will also face perpetual or temporary disqualification from public office — Adrian H. Halili

Aparri port upgrades sought

February 15, 2026 | 7:46 pm

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — The Cagayan provincial government is advancing plans to modernize the Port of Aparri, aiming to position it as the country’s “Northern Gateway to the Asia-Pacific” and a new driver of trade and industry in Northern Luzon.

Governor Edgar Aglipay is leading the initiative in coordination with the Bureau of Customs, headed locally by District Collector Segundo Sigmundfreud Barte, Jr.

Mr. Aglipay said Aparri’s proximity to China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea gives it a strategic advantage, supporting national priorities on infrastructure modernization, trade facilitation, and border protection while helping ease congestion at Manila’s seaports.

Modernization plans include expanded berths and container yards, dredging works, and upgraded navigational systems to accommodate larger vessels.

The proposal also covers the establishment of inland container terminals in Tuguegarao and Aparri to streamline cargo movement and improve logistics efficiency across the region.

In the long term, the province envisions developing Aparri into an offshore oil transshipment hub and an industrial complex comparable to Singapore’s Jurong Island, attracting investments and generating employment. Officials said the strategy aims to open new trade corridors for Northern Luzon and stimulate broader economic activity.

The project is being pursued in coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Regional Development Council Region II, as Cagayan positions itself as a connected and competitive gateway to the Asia-Pacific. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Eala battles US qualifier Baptiste in Round 1 of Dubai Championships

February 15, 2026 | 6:54 pm

ALEXANDRA “ALEX” Eala faces a familiar opponent in qualifier Hailey Baptiste of the United States to begin her second WTA 1000 campaign in the Dubai Tennis Championships at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

Seeded in the main draw, the 20-year-old Filipina drew the 24-year-old American after her qualifying supremacy for Round 1 starting on Monday with hopes of keeping mastery of her rival after a big win last year.

Back in the 2025 Eastbourne Open in England, Ms. Eala pulled off a pulsating 6(1)-7, 7-6(4), 6-1 comeback win against top-ranked Ms. Baptiste in the qualifiers to ignite magical run all the way to earning her first WTA Finals appearance. Ms. Eala, however, bowed to Australia’s Maya Joint, 4-6, 6-1, 6-7 (10-12), in the epic marathon finale.

The WTA No. 39, Ms. Baptiste, this time around ruled the qualifiers as the No. 1 seed with a 6-4, 6-4 win against Chinese Shuai Zhang (WTA No. 86) to get a shot at WTA No. 40 Ms. Eala.

Ms. Eala, who’s supposed to still go through the qualifiers, advanced straight to the main draw after her seat was upgraded by organizers as one of the hottest tickets in town on Monday.

Waiting for the survivor of the Mses. Eala-Baptiste duel is world No. 6 Jasmine Paolini of Italy, who gained a first-round bye in the stacked 64-player main draw.

The Dubai tilt will serve as Ms. Eala’s sixth straight campaign in a hopeful 2026 season so far marked by a bevy of playoff finishes.

Ms. Eala made the semifinals in the WTA 250 ASB Classic in New Zealand on top of a pair of quarterfinals finishes in the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open for her first home tourney and the WTA 500 Abu Dhabi Open, where she also reached the doubles final four with Indonesian partner Janice Tjen.

She also completed an appearance in all four major main draws after a debut in the Australian Open last month in Melbourne, where she ran away with an exhibition crown in the Kooyong Classic as well.

Ms. Eala’s lone early exit so far was a first-round elimination in the WTA 1000 Qatar Open after yet another defeat against Tereza Valentova of Czechia, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1.

Her solid run so far has catapulted her to a new career-best of No. 40 in the world rankings with a pretty chance to garner more points and hopefully enter the Top 30 in the 1000-level Dubai joust.

And like what she had in every stop of the WTA Tour so far, the nation’s pride is tipped to receive roaring support from overseas Filipinos in the bustling Middle Eastern city. — John Bryan Ulanday

Malixi ties for third in Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific

February 15, 2026 | 6:54 pm

FILIPINA ace Rianne Malixi closed out with a three-over 75 to finish tied for third in the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) topped by Korean Yang Yunseo at the Royal Wellington Golf Club in New Zealand.

The 18-year-old Ms. Malixi wound up with a six-under 282 aggregate, or 10 shots behind Ms. Yang, who had a final round 69 to rule the event.

It was Ms. Malixi’s third top five finish in the prestigious championship, which is now on its eighth edition.

Under breezy and tough conditions, Ms. Malixi, who was just four strokes back entering the last day, limped to an outward 39 that was saddled by a pair of bogeys and a double-bogey against a low birdie, leaving her fighting for a top three finish in the late stretch.

But she had a blistering eagle on 10 where she sank a long putt from 215 yards out that may not have resuscitated her bid to become the first Filipina winner of the WAAP but somehow helped her secure a top five finish.

“We got like bad weather… finally showed its teeth, so it was really struggling (Sunday). I hit a lot of good low shots, couple of bad ones. Putting was also a struggle. I couldn’t get any of my putts to drop,” said the 2024 US Women’s Amateur champion.

“I was like far back heading into the last round, and there is always like a chance, but I didn’t really capitalize (Sunday).”

“I’m glad to be playing in a really good event since the past year and a half maybe since my injury. I’m happy and grateful. I’m looking forward for what’s in store for me. It sucks I couldn’t really back a win, but I’m looking forward to the upcoming season,” she added. — Joey Villar

Tabuena finishes joint 44^th at LIV Golf Adelaide

February 15, 2026 | 6:53 pm

MIGUEL TABUENA capped an up-and-down stint at LIV Golf Adelaide with a one-over 73 as he finished joint 44^th at the Grange Golf Club on Sunday.

Mr. Tabuena mixed an eagle, three birdies, two bogeys and a pair of double bogeys as he lost momentum after a solid 69, 71 and 71 in the first three rounds of his debut tournament as a LIV Golf Wild Card player.

The Filipino ace netted $88,500 (around P5.1 million) for his showing in Australia, the second event of 2026.

Before earning full-time status in the lucrative circuit this week, Mr. Tabuena played as sub for the 4Aces team of Dustin Johnson in the season-opener in Riyadh, where he shared 48^th.

Anthony Kim, whose signing with 4Aces prior to the Adelaide stop opened a permanent spot for Mr. Tabuena in the Wild Card roster, pulled through with a remarkable comeback triumph.

Trailing by five shots to begin the final round, Mr. Kim sizzled with a nine-under 63 to blitz past Jon Rahm and the other stars en route to his first pro win in nearly 16 years.

Mr. Kim finished at 23-under to reign supreme again, leaving Mr. Rahm (268 after a closing 71) in his wake. Bryson DeChambeau (71), Tyrrell Hatton (67) and Peter Uihlein (68) shared third spot at 271s. — Olmin Leyba

Keshad Johnson tops dunk contest; Damian Lillard wins 3^rd trey contest

February 15, 2026 | 6:53 pm

INGLEWOOD, California — Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat has not started a game this season, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers has not played in one, and yet both made their impact on All-Star Weekend.

Johnson delivered the defining moment of his short, two-season NBA career so far when he won the Slam Dunk competition over rookie Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs to close out Saturday’s prelude of events to Sunday’s All-Star Game.

In the 3-point Contest, the veteran Lillard defeated seven other long-distance shooting rivals and won the event for a third time, tying the record previously held by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges. The 35-year-old has been out due to an Achilles injury.

Johnson used a between-the-legs reverse dunk and a running dunk from just inside the free-throw line to post a combined score of 97.4 in the final round. He then had to wait out a final dunk from Bryant, who delivered a perfect 50 on his opening dunk of the final round.

Needing a score of 47.5 to become the dunk champion in his native Southern California, Bryant struggled to deliver some flash and settled for a 360-degree dunk just before time expired. His score of 43 left him with a final-round total of 93.

“I beat the odds. I made it. I made it into the NBA,” Johnson said. “Every year I was watching the NBA Dunk Contest, I dreamed of being out there, putting on a show for everybody. I learned from all the people that came before me, paying homage to them. And now that I’m here, I had to have crazy faith to be here and be in this position.”

Bryant said that whether the result is last place or a close second, the pain is all the same.

Eliminated in the opening round of the dunk competition were Jase Richardson of the Orlando Magic and Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Johnson, who has played in just 21 games off the bench this season and averages 7.6 minutes per game, outlasted them all.

Lillard’s 3-point victory was almost as much of a surprise. He has been out of action since an Achilles tear during last season’s playoffs as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.

“For me, it means a lot just being able to get involved in some competition, feel a little bit of pressure, to do something that I haven’t been able to do all year,” Lillard said. “But just as a shooter, any time you can get in this competition and win it amongst other great shooters, I think that’s one of the greatest honors you can have as a shooter in this league.”

Lillard scored 29 points in the final round to hold off Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns, who had 27 in the final after posting a high score of 30 while advancing from the first round. Rookie Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets also advanced to the final round but was eliminated with a score of 17.

While Lillard made his final 3-point shot to record his 29, Booker reached 27 by making his first two shots on the final rack of balls, then missed all three of his final shots, any one of which would have forced overtime in the competition.

In addition to Booker’s 30 in the first round, Knueppel and Lillard each scored 27 to move on. Failing to advance were the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell (24), the Miami Heat’s Norman Powell (23), the Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray (18), the Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey (17) and the Milwaukee Bucks’ Bobby Portis, Jr. (15).

Lillard said his entry in the contest started off as a joke between NBA executive Michael Levine and became a reality when one player in the field backed out.

“It didn’t really take much,” Lillard said “I think I’ve done it enough times… I think this was my sixth time doing it. I get up every day, and my mind is engaged in being able to play the game. I knew it was an opportunity to get back on this stage.”

Team Knicks — comprised of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and team legend Allan Houston — won the Shooting Stars contest with a dominating 47 points in the final. Team Cameron — consisting of former Duke players Jalen Johnson, Kon Knueppel and Corey Maggette — were the runner-up with 38 points.

The Shooting Stars competition had all three players shoot from seven different spots on the floor with each distance worth a varying amount of points.

Team All Star (Scottie Barnes, Chet Holmgren, Richard Hamilton) and Team Harper (Dylan Harper, Ron Harper, Jr., Ron Harper) were eliminated in the first round of the Shooting Stars contest. — Reuters

Philippine Sports Commission and Hann Reserve join forces to shape golf’s future in the Philippines

February 15, 2026 | 6:52 pm

PSC CHAIRMAN Patrick Gregorio (center) with Hann Reserve General Manager Tim Neil (right) and Arosco Golf Promotions CEO Jaz Kanth.

NEW CLARK CITY, Tarlac — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Hann Reserve are exploring a groundbreaking alliance to nurture the next generation of Filipino golfers, setting the stage for grassroots athletes to rise to world-class standards.

Hann Reserve General Manager Tim Neil revealed plans for a Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA)-certified academy within the eco-luxury estate, designed to provide young golfers with elite training, scientific coaching, and holistic education.

PSC Chairman Patrick C. Gregorio welcomed the initiative, highlighting the synergy with the National Academy of Sports (NAS), located just two kilometers away from Hann Reserve inside New Clark City.

“We want NAS to strengthen linkages, so we can add more sports quickly. This proposed collaboration with Hann Reserve is exactly the kind of initiative that will help Filipino athletes thrive, not just locally but on the global stage,” said Mr. Gregorio.

Mr. Neil emphasized that the proposed partnership with PSC and NAS could extend beyond sports, integrating golf into broader educational and community programs.

“One of the key missions of the PGA is grassroots growth. Whether through our academy or community engagement, we’re committed to building golf from the ground up,” he said.

“As vice-chairman of NAS, I see this as a perfect collaboration. We have eight sports already, and archery will be added soon. Because of Hann Reserve’s program, golf should be next,’’ said Mr. Gregorio.

According to the PSC chief, NAS can offer free education, board and lodging, and allowances to these golf scholars under the care of Hann Foundation, Inc. Should the proposed partnership push through, the National Golf Association of the Philippines will likewise play a key role.

Hann Reserve spans 450 hectares in New Clark City and will feature three championship golf courses designed by Nicklaus Design, K.J. Choi, and Nick Faldo.

Complementing these are a PGA Performance Center and PGA Village, envisioned as hubs for elite training and international-standard competition.

Beyond showcasing the PSC’s sports tourism program through golf, Hann Reserve stands as a powerful testament to the rising investor confidence in New Clark City — a flagship development of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

“We’re not here to replicate, we’re here to reinvent,” Mr. Neil said. “Through the PGA Academy, we aim to create structured pathways that elevate golf development, while integrating education and wellness into a single ecosystem.”

With Hann Reserve’s ambitious development and PSC’s commitment to grassroots empowerment, the Philippines is poised to emerge as a competitive golf destination in Southeast Asia, where young athletes can dream big and thrive on the global stage.

Chris Paul exits NBA

February 15, 2026 | 6:51 pm

The game had already moved on from Chris Paul long before he decided to step away from it for good. Still, the timing mattered to him, as it always did, on and off the court, and across eras. Which was why, when he announced his retirement late last week, the declaration came across as an exclamation point.

Paul leaves after 21 seasons as one of the most accomplished playmakers the National Basketball Association (NBA) has ever known: second all-time in assists and steals, a 12-time All-Star, and a fixture on All-NBA and All-Defensive teams through two decades. True, he failed to secure a championship that could well have ended any debate about his place in history. Then again, it can likewise be argued that a title is mere icing on the cake for a career that was all about orchestration.

Paul arrived in the league as a conductor among soloists. Even as offenses sped up and spacing widened, he insisted on control: of pace, of angles, of accountability. Coaches trusted him because he saw everything. Teammates trusted him because he demanded everything. And opponents respected him because he weaponized everything. NBA commissioner Adam Silver described him as “a true steward of the sport,” essentially capturing both his authority and his burden. He was not just running plays; he was enforcing standards.

Considering Paul’s contributions to the pro scene, it’s fair to consider the closing stretch of his career as largely undeserved. His return to the Clippers was supposed to signal a celebration. Instead, tensions escalated, and his relationship with principals deteriorated in full view of the public. He was sent home midseason, traded, waived, and ultimately orphaned. No doubt, the sharp contrast between the turbulent sequence and the precision with which he had hitherto imposed led him to formalize his exit.

Perhaps Paul was fated to experience a messy departure. After all, he had always resisted tidy framing. He willed the Hornets into relevance, pushed the Rockets to contention, got the supposedly rebuilding Thunder to thrive, and steered the Suns to the Finals. Everywhere he went, competence became a staple. Stability followed. Rings were far more elusive, but consistent competitiveness met expectations all the same.

And so Paul leaves with gratitude. By his own reckoning, he is relieved, fulfilled, and ready to settle down. For two decades, he mastered the art of arriving exactly when and where he was needed by the game. Now, for the first time since he was drafted fourth overall in 2005, the game will have to figure out where to go without him.

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.

Australia pledges $2.7 billion to progress nuclear submarine shipyard build

February 15, 2026 | 5:14 pm

Australia- Anthony Albanese — AUSTRALIAN Prime Minister Anthony Albanese — REUTERS

SYDNEY — Australia said on Sunday it would spend A$3.9 billion ($2.76 billion, $1 = 1.4138 Australian dollars) to progress construction of a shipyard that will help deliver nuclear-powered submarines under the trilateral AUKUS (Australia-United Kingdom-United States) defense pact with the US and Britain.

Announced in 2021, AUKUS is Australia’s largest-ever defense investment and will see US-commanded Virginia-class submarines based in Australia from 2027, several Virginia submarines sold to Australia from around 2030, and Britain and Australia building a new class of AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the A$3.9 billion as a down payment to deliver the new shipyard in Osborne, a suburb of Adelaide in South Australia state.

“Investing in the submarine construction yard at Osborne is critical to delivering Australia’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines,” Mr. Albanese said in a statement.

Official projections put the total cost of the build at A$30 billion “over coming decades,” he said.

Osborne is where Australia’s ASC and Britain’s BAE Systems will jointly build Australia’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, the core component of the AUKUS pact. Until that work begins later this decade, the shipyard is where much of the maintenance is performed on the country’s existing Collins-class submarine fleet.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said the down payment would be spent on building enabling infrastructure for the shipyard. “This is just the beginning,” Mr. Malinauskas said in the statement.

In December, a Pentagon review of the AUKUS project found areas of opportunity to put the deal on the “strongest possible footing,” including ensuring that Australia is moving fast enough to build its nuclear submarine capacity. — Reuters