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Meralco to tap more WESM power following delays in CSP approval

BW FILE PHOTO

POWER distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) expects to resort to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) due to delays in obtaining approval to seal some power contracts via competitive selection.

“We can confirm that the DoE (Department of Energy) has not yet issued any certificate of compliance for any CSP (competitive selection process) scheduled for 2025,” Meralco Vice-President and Head of Utility Economics Lawrence S. Fernandez said on Thursday in reply to a query on the status of the company’s power procurement plans.

Meralco needs certifications for its three proposed CSPs involving 200 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy baseload power, 600-MW baseload, and 450-MW mid-merit.

The three CSPs form part of the power distributor’s 2025 power supply procurement plan to obtain over 2,100 MW between 2026 and 2028, which has already been approved by the DoE.

The CSP policy requires distribution utilities to procure power through a transparent process at a least-cost basis.

Baseload power plants generate a steady supply of electricity to meet regular demand, while mid-merit plants are designed to operate during periods of intermediate demand.

Mr. Fernandez said such delays hold up the signing and submission to the Energy Regulatory Commission of any power supply agreements (PSAs) arising from the CSPs.

“Such delays increase the possibility of Meralco having to resort to the WESM while waiting for regulatory approval of PSAs,” he said.

The WESM is where power companies can purchase electricity when their long-term contracted power supply is insufficient for customer needs. Being a spot market, it is typically more expensive source of power compared to long-term deals.

It said the delay in carrying out one of the CSPs for baseload renewable energy could affect Meralco’s ability to comply with Renewable Portfolio Standards.

At a briefing on Wednesday, Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said that the DoE has forwarded to Meralco the results of a review by the Philippine Competition Commission of the proposed CSPs.

She said that Meralco may not yet proceed pending compliance with the PCC recommendations.

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., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Miners see Trump copper tariffs driving value-adding push

REUTERS

THE Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (CoMP) said on Thursday that the US move to protect its copper industry with tariffs will drive its members to explore new markets and climb the value-added ladder.

“While our copper exports to the US are modest, the move could affect global market dynamics and influence local producers,” CoMP Chairman Michael T. Toledo said via Viber.

He said the Chamber is still assessing the potential impact of the US proposal to set a 50% tariff on imported copper, a key industrial metal used in electric vehicles and semiconductors.

Mr. Toledo added that Philippine copper producers are ready to respond to the planned tariffs “through market diversification, production adjustments and, over the long term, greater focus on value-added processing.”

“We also continue to push for policies that support domestic refining and downstream investments,” he added. 

In a social media post, US President Donald J. Trump cited the need to supercharge the US copper industry, noting the metal’s importance in key industries like data centers, lithium-based batteries, aircraft, ships, radar systems, and other types of defense equipment.

“America will, once again, build a dominant copper industry,” he said.

CoMP noted that copper is vital to the global clean-energy transition, in which the Philippines remains well-positioned.

“Our industry remains committed to the sustainable development of our copper resources,” Mr. Toledo said. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

San Juanico disruptions highlight need for containerizing key island ports — agri lobby

PNA/SARWELL MENIANO

THE GOVERNMENT should consider constructing terminals or barges for refrigerated containers to relieve food supply bottlenecks in island provinces, especially those with underutilized ports, according to the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc. (PCAFI).

Such infrastructure may solve supply chain disruptions in the Visayas caused by the rehabilitation of San Juanico bridge, which has disrupted the logistics of pork and other commodities, the group said in a statement.

“This will not only ensure smooth flow of commodities but also lower inter-island food prices and even in key metro areas,” it said.

“Modern dry and reefer container logistics are essential for access to production inputs and export markets,” PCAFI President Danilo V. Fausto said.

San Juanico bridge connects Samar and Leyte islands, and forms part of the land-and-ferry supply line linking Luzon and Mindanao.

About 10 of the Philippines’ 15 biggest islands have limited access to modern container logistics.

The 10 islands, which make up 18% of the country’s landmass, are Samar, Palawan, Mindoro, Leyte, Bohol, Masbate, Catanduanes, Basilan, Marinduque, and Busuanga.

These islands also suffer from bottlenecks in the supply of animal feed, fertilizer, chemicals machinery, apart from challenges in transporting their produce, according to PCAFI.

Stopgap measures like container barges or landing craft with drop-down ramps, adapted from military transports designed to carry tanks, have made container logistics somewhat viable, it said.

“This mode of logistics is somehow like the extensive river barge trade in the US and in Europe but adapted to open water.”

The government can pilot the project in the underutilized San Isidro Ferry Port in Northern Samar to address the logistics crisis caused by the current load limits on San Juanico bridge, according to PCAFI.

The proposal, estimated to cost P100 million, involves equipping the port with forklifts and reach stackers to move 20-foot containers to and from landing craft.

San Isidro port is 130 nautical miles away from Cebu and 150 nautical miles from Iloilo, which PCAFI said need additional supplies of food. They also serve as transshipment points for food exports.

The National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. has said that hog producers will be forced to pass on to consumers additional logistics costs of about P4-P6 per kilo of pork due to disruptions at the bridge.

He said producers must pay for an additional Roll-on, Roll-off (RoRo) vessel to ship hogs from the Visayas to Mindanao, with each cargo truck paying an average of P40,000 to P60,000.

“The project will relieve pressure on RoRo operations,” PCAFI said.

At a throughput of 100 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in and 100 TEUs out per day, the container logistics project will take out up to 200 truck movements per day from the congested Matnog and Amandayehan sea crossings, it noted.

The project will facilitate easier inbound movement of key items like rice, canned goods, and animal feed and fertilizer to Samar while allowing better outbound movement of raw materials like fresh or dehusked coconut for processing, banana and even coffee and ube, it added.

It said aside from Samar, the government can pilot the container logistics project in Bohol using the underutilized Ubay port; Southern Palawan via and expansion of Brooke’s Point port (for about a P250-million investment) and Mindoro using Calapan and Abra de Ilog ports (for an investment of P50 million). — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

DENR seeking to plant 3 million trees in Upper Marikina watershed by 2028

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said it proposed to plant 3 million trees along the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPL) over the next three years.

This is expected to increase the protected landscape’s forest cover to 43% from 24.99%, the  DENR said in a statement.

The protected area covers 26,125.64 hectares in the city of Antipolo and in the municipalities of Baras, Rodriquez, San Mateo and Tanay, all in Rizal province.

The UMRBPL was proclaimed a protected area through Proclamation No. 296 dated Sept. 26, 2011, two years after Super Typhoon Ondoy inundated Rizal Province, Marikina City, and Metro Manila. 

The proclamation calls for the protection of its watersheds and sustainable management of its natural resources.

Included in the list of threatened and endangered wildlife species found in the Marikina watershed are forest trees like narra, red and white lauan, bagtikan, kamagong, and molave while the wild fauna includes birds like the Philippine bulbul, black-naped oriole and jungle fowl; mammals like the Philippine deer, wild pig and Philippine monkey; and monitor lizards and forest frogs.

The DENR cited an increase in closed forest cover in Upper Marikina, which it said “signifies that previously degraded or barren areas are now thriving with healthy trees.”

“As the closed forest cover expands, a corresponding decrease in open forests was noted, indicative of a healthy ecological progression,” it said.

Open forest areas within Upper Marikina have decreased by 20.95% or 1,138.28 hectares, “signifying a transition towards more mature, closed forest ecosystems.”

Some 628.47 hectares (1.77%) of shrubland in the area have developed into open forests.

The target of three million trees for UMRBPL by 2028 sets a precedent for sustainable development and conservation efforts in the region, it said.

The DENR largely attributed the improvements in UMRBPL’s forest cover to a 2011 greening program that coincided with UMRBPL’s proclamation as a protected area.

“This was further supported by Executive Order No. 23 in 2011, which established a moratorium on timber cutting and harvesting in natural and residual forests,” it noted. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Ground broken on New Clark affordable-housing project

BCDA.GOV.PH

THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said construction started on an affordable housing project in New Clark City on Thursday.

This housing project is part of the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino program, BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said.

It is a partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and a consortium of Sta. Clara International Corp. and South Korea’s Saekyung Unitless Co.

The project, which will begin vertical construction this year, will initially deliver 840 housing units within two years.

“These units form part of a larger, masterplanned 5.84-hectare community that will eventually offer more than 3,400 residential units, including mid-rise buildings for affordable housing,” it added.

According to BCDA, the project will prioritize local hires from Capas and surrounding towns during construction and operations.

Human Settlements Undersecretary for Freeport Economic Zones Emmanuel D. Pineda said that the project “is a real and tangible step forward in our collective pursuit of Bagong Pilipinas, where housing is a right, not a privilege.”

The housing project is also expected to integrate green parks, community spaces, sports and recreation facilities, retail zones, and access to nearby national institutions and employers.

“The community will also serve as a potential housing site for uniformed personnel, allowing them to live closer to their place of duty,” BCDA said.

The project is also set to benefit from the New Clark City–MacArthur Highway Connector Road and Connecting Road Package 2, which link the city to the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas complex, and the National Academy of Sports.

New Clark City is expecting to host locators with P274.52 billion in pledged investments and 150,000 jobs. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

PHL slips in investor relations, debt transparency rankings

THE PHILIPPINES has slipped in rankings for investor relations (IR) and debt transparency compiled by the Institute of International Finance (IIF).

In its 2025 Investor Relations and Debt Transparency Report, the Philippines, which scored 49.3 out of 50 was displaced by Indonesia for first place, with a score of 49.4.

“The Philippines ranked among the top five countries with the highest IR scores in 2023, 2024 and 2025,” the IIF said.

Other top performers were Brazil (49.0), Türkiye (48.4), and Hungary (47.2). The global average was 36.1, up from 34.1 in 2024.

Last year, the Philippines scored 48.8 and topped the IR rankings.

The IIF annually reviews emerging-market borrowers for adherence to best practices.

In addition, the IIF said the Philippines met 91% of all IR assessment criteria.

The Philippines also lost its place as first in debt transparency to Türkiye (12.8) and Indonesia (12.4.). Its score of 12.3 out of 13 was tied by Brazil and Chile.

The Philippines took top spot in terms of ESG Data and Policy Dissemination Scores, a subset of the headline IR country score, which assesses sovereign borrowers’ ESG data and policy dissemination practices.

“The highest ESG Data and Policy Dissemination Scores in 2025 were attained by the Philippines, Türkiye, Hungary, Uruguay, and Chile, all achieving a score of 4, followed closely by Indonesia, Egypt, Uzbekistan and the Dominican Republic (3.9 each),” it said. 

According to the IIF, the Philippines should improve disclosure of available data on non-resident holdings of private debt issued domestically.

The IIF’s evaluation of ESG data and policy dissemination practices considers the availability of ESG data, including information on the environmental and social dimensions of budgetary and fiscal policies from a forward-looking perspective, as well as ESG debt issuances and supporting documents. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

SBCorp. approves P4.22 million in loans for female entrepreneurs

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the Small Business Corp.’s (SBCorp.) Women’s Enterprise Fund (WEF) approved P4.22 million worth of loans for 24 women-owned businesses.

“This demand demonstrates that women entrepreneurs are poised for growth. They just need access to the right tools,” Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said.

“We encourage more women-led enterprises to take advantage of this dedicated facility. The government is here to provide not just financing, but a fast and focused support system to help them thrive,” she added.

The first approvals will be followed by initial loan disbursements to 10 pioneering women-led enterprises.

The ten enterprises are Appleseed Montessori, Inc., Soyuz Foods International, Inc., Tejeron Burgatory Coal Grilled Burger Station, Essiense Pharmacy, and Stimula Productions, Inc., which will receive P1 million each.

Also being funded are Aqua Freight Cargo Services (P850,000), Wix Manila Personal and Home Care Products Trading (P800,000), Maxi Food Hub (P750,000), Ciavinmar Enterprises (P300,000), and Jonnah JE Trucking Services (P300,000).

An initial disbursement of P8 million is also planned for SBCorp.’s RISE UP Program.

“The majority of the initial borrowers are from the trade and services sector, including retail enterprises like sari-sari stores, garment sellers, and pharmacies, as well as restaurants, cafes, and beauty salons,” DTI said.

Launched on June 27, the P1-billion WEF is establishing a “fast lane” for women-led enterprises across SBCorp.’s major financing programs.

WEF, which offers loans of up to P20 million, is also integrated into SBCorp.’s franchising loan facility, purchase order financing, and business expansion financing programs.

WEF “aims to bolster the growth of women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises nationwide by providing greater access to capital,” the DTI said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Proposal reviving ‘Cha-cha’ talks in the works, congressman says

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address before the joint session of the 19th Congress at the Plenary Hall of the House of Representatives, July 22, 2024. — PHILIPPINE STAR /KJ ROSALES

By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, Reporter

A PROPOSAL seeking to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution is being crafted at the House of Representatives, a congressman said on Thursday, which could revive yet again a contentious effort in changing the 38-year-old charter.

Party-list Rep. Alfredo A. Garbin, Jr. said he is drafting a House resolution that could kick-start discussions on economic Charter change, referred to as Cha-cha. He did not share details about its content and timeline.

“I’m still working on the draft,” he told BusinessWorld in a Viber message in Filipino.

Philippine lawmakers last year launched efforts to ease foreign ownership limits in sectors like public utilities, education and advertising, but the push stalled after senators and congressmen failed to agree on how to collectively deliberate the proposed amendments.

The Constitution caps foreign ownership in key industries to 40%, requiring the remaining 60% to be held by Filipinos.

The House has pushed hard to ease the economic provisions of the Constitution in the first half of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s term, as it passed a bill to form a constitutional convention in 2023, and a year later, a resolution that urged lawmakers to discuss proposed amendments jointly.

There was also a separate push to initiate Charter change through a signature drive, but it fizzled following allegations that several congressmen were behind the campaign.

Constitutional amendments have long been a divisive issue in the Philippines, with nearly every administration since the 1980s attempting to revise parts of the charter.

Proposals have ranged from former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s push to replace the bicameral Congress with a unicameral legislature, to ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s call for a shift to federalism during his term.

A LONG SHOT
The Marcos administration would unlikely back a move to amend the economic provisions of the Constitution, Arjan P. Aguirre, who teaches political science at the Ateneo de Manila University, said in a Viber message. “Any attempt to change the Constitution after the midterm elections is a long shot move.”

He said Mr. Marcos has entered his “lame-duck” period of his six-year term, which could potentially limit his political appetite for sweeping reforms.

Lawmakers should instead pursue measures strengthening the country’s political institutions while curbing corruption to entice foreign investors into the Philippines instead of another Charter change push, said Mr. Aguirre.

“I hope the government will consider investing in social capital — strengthening education through bills that improve our system, expanding healthcare access for more people, and supporting labor with a legislated salary increase,” he added.

On the other hand, the shift may also embolden the President to pursue Charter change, as he seeks to cement his legacy in the second half of his presidency, Ederson DT. Tapia, a public administration professor at the University of Makati, said via Facebook chat.

Still, there are possible “deterrents” to pursuing Charter change, he said, pointing to a “trust deficit” surrounding the government’s intentions in seeking constitutional amendments. “The ghost of political self-interest haunts any Charter change drive.”

“Proposals must be surgical and limited strictly to economic provisions: ownership caps, education, mass media,” said Mr. Tapia. “Anything more opens the door to political noise and resistance.”

Meanwhile, Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez urged the incoming 20th Congress to pass more bills and pursue meaningful reforms, citing the “productive” performance of the previous congressional session.

He challenged incoming lawmakers during a fellowship dinner at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday to craft measures that are responsive to the needs and concerns of their constituents, according to a statement from his office released on Thursday.

“We wound up the 19th Congress as a very, very productive one,” he said. “But I’m not going to leave it there.”

“I think the 20th Congress may just live up to be the better one — with you there,” he added, referring to neophyte congressmen.

Mr. Romualdez, the President’s cousin, served as House Speaker for the entirety of the 19th Congress, and is expected to retain the post once Congress convenes again in late July, with a majority of lawmakers having expressed support for his continued leadership.

During the 19th Congress, the House filed 11,557 bills and 2,393 resolutions, passing a total of 1,565 measures, according to his statement. Of these, 287 were enacted into law.

DMW continues search for 17 missing Filipinos after Houthi attack

THE DEPARTMENT of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday said that it is continuing search operations for the 17 Filipino seafarers, who went missing following a Houthi attack on their vessel last Monday.

“The 17 are still being searched, and among the 17 would be the reported casualties that we still have to confirm. There’s an ongoing search operation, and we are still hoping that they are alive,” Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said in a statement.

He added that six, including five of the 22-member MV Eternity C were and an Indian armed guard, have already been rescued after Houthi rebels attacked and sank the ship last Monday.

He said that Houthi rebels in small boats attacked the ship with missiles and rocket propelled grenades.

The rescued crew members are now safe in an undisclosed location, where they will be given basic needs, administered medical exams, and adequate rest.

“Rest assured, once there will be an opportunity to get in touch with them, we will of course do all we can to provide the necessary assistance and starting with the medical and physical and mental health assistance that we can provide to them,” he told reporters in a palace briefing.

There are three reported fatalities, according to information from the UK Maritime Trade Operations, which the DMW has yet to confirm.

“At the moment, we have information about three fatalities through the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) but, again, these too are subject to confirmation so it is important that we speak to the five crew members but of course we will give them some space,” he said.

He added that the license manning agencies (LMA) and the ship’s principal has been suspended, pending an investigation after violating the DMW’s protocols.

“Our initial investigation reveals that (the protocols) were all not observed, and not only that, it traversed the Red Sea twice,” Mr. Cacdac said. “If you trace its route from Egypt to Somalia, that’s one turn or one crossing across the Red Sea, and then back to Jeddah, so a second one.”

The attack also coincided with a separate attack on the Liberian-flagged vessel MV Magic Seas, which came under assault by Houthis. The 17 Filipinos and two other crew members have already been rescued and are expected to be repatriated on Friday.

“The first one was on Sunday when the MV Magic Seas was attacked and the seventeen crew members of the MV Magic Seas are safe and they are slated to come home tomorrow, July 11,” Mr. Cacdac said.

Meanwhile, the agency also released Advisory no. 21, calling all ship owners with Filipino crew members to avoid “high risk and war like areas.”

“All LMAs and their accredited foreign principals must reroute or divert their vessels manned by Filipino crew to avoid designated warlike and high-risk zones, particularly the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden,” the agency said.

The DMW added that LMAs and principals must honor the right of Filipino seafarers to refuse sailing in the high-risk areas.

“Immediate and safe repatriation must be arranged for those invoking this right,” the advisory said.

The notice also strictly prohibits Filipinos from deploying in previously attacked ships, traversing on high-risk zones, and had been targeted by Houthi rebels. — Adrian H. Halili

Palace names new Energy, Communications chiefs

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY — PHILIPINE STAR/IRRA LISING

By Sheldeen Joy Talavera, Reporter

PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., appointed former lawmaker Sharon S. Garin as his energy chief and veteran journalist Dave Gomez as his new communications secretary, the Palace confirmed on Thursday.

“We are pleased to announce that President Marcos has appointed Mr. Dave Gomez as Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office, and Atty. Sharon S. Garin as Secretary of the Department of Energy (DoE),” said Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro in a news briefing.

Ms. Garin has been serving as energy officer-in-charge since June 16.

“Secretary Garin is a lawyer and certified public accountant, with extensive public service experience, having served as a multi-term Iloilo representative and DoE undersecretary with a strong background in energy policy and legislation to advance accessible, reliable and sustainable energy for our people,” Ms. Castro said.

Her appointment is expected to continue the momentum of her predecessors given her experience as an undersecretary.

“Given the threat of high oil prices, an insider is in the best position to lead the country in weathering the turbulent situation,” Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance Chairman Ma. Theresa Cruz-Capellan told BusinessWorld.

“Her three years stint gave her deep knowledge about the industry, close working relationship with stakeholders, and political capital with the legislature,” she added.

For the upstream oil and gas industry, the appointment of an Energy chief is crucial amid the Philippines’ pursuit for greater indigenous energy independence.

“Newly appointed DoE Secretary Sharon Garin will build on the previous administration’s momentum, accelerating energy projects and upstream oil and gas development,” Philippine Petroleum Association Edgar Benedict C. Cutiongco said. 

Ms. Garin is a certified public account with a strong background in public service, legislation, and energy policy.

She was appointed as a DoE undersecretary in 2022, where she led key leadership portfolio as chairperson of the Nuclear Energy Program Coordinating Committee, Financial and Legal Services and served as the department’s legislative liaison.

Prior to this, she served in the House of Representative from 2010 to 2022 under AAMBIS-Owa Partylist.

She replaces Raphael P.M. Lotilla as the Energy secretary after he was tapped to lead the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

“I think the appointment of Secretary Garin eases any anxiety that the changes in DoE leadership will cause unnecessary disruption,” said Energy Regulatory Commission Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Monalisa C. Dimalanta. “She is already very familiar with the sectors and the issues, I trust she already has her priorities in line.”

Ms. Dimalanta said that the new Energy chief can count on ERC working in step with the department as they have done over the last three years.

Energy consumer advocacy group Power for People Coalition (P4P) is hoping for the DoE secretary to prioritize issues on “high price of electricity, the lack of accountability of power companies for their billing practices, and the transition to renewable energy.”

“We will remain, as always, vigilant in protecting the interests of energy consumers. It is our wish that the DoE would do the same,” P4P Convenor Gerry C. Arances said in a statement.

5TH PCO SECRETARY
Meanwhile, Mr. Gomez will replace former broadcaster Jaybee C. Ruiz, who was appointed in February this year.

Mr. Gomez was a senior reporter for The Philippine STAR, director general of the Philippine Information Agency, and a communications director for PMFTC, Inc the Philippine affiliate of Philip Morris International.

“We look forward to their leadership as we strengthen government communications and secure our country’s energy needs,” said Ms. Castro. He is Mr. Marcos’ fifth Presidential Communications Office (PCO) secretary.

Mr. Ruiz will be a member of the Board of Directors of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, which serves as the Philippines’ representative office in Taiwan.

In a statement, he thanked the President for his trust despite the short stint. “My almost five months as PCO Secretary have been a profound learning experience,” he added. — with Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Senator seeks stricter regulation of deepfakes

REUTERS

By Adrian H. Halili, Reporter

A PHILIPPINE Senator on Thursday pushed for stricter regulation of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated or deepfake videos, which are being used for fraudulent money-making schemes on social media.

“Those who do this to cheat others must be punished appropriately. Let’s put an end to this practice because most of the victims are our countrymen who have worked hard to earn their money,” Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said in a statement.

Deepfakes are a form of media that uses AI and machine learning techniques to superimpose faces to an existing image or video. It has grown in popularity in recent years, often used for illicit activities.
Of all countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the Philippines experienced the biggest jump in deepfakes at 46 times, according to a report by identify verification platform Sumsub.

In March, the Department of Information and Communications Technology said that it will release guidelines that would regulate deep fakes from deceiving more people.

Mr. Aquino said that he is planning to file a bill outlawing the use of an individual’s image and likeness in deepfakes intended to deceive or defraud people.

He said that the proposed measure would prevent the spread of scams using AI-generated videos.

This followed the circulation of an AI-generated video that featured a popular female news anchor reporting on the senator’s alleged endorsement of a “national platform for inclusive financial growth.”

Mr. Aquino called on local authorities to investigate a video of him allegedly enticing Filipinos to invest in a money-making scheme on social media.

“I call on our authorities to investigate and find out those behind this AI video and hold them accountable for their actions,” he added. 

“There is no truth to the AI video circulating where I endorse a program where our countrymen can earn big in exchange for investment,” Mr. Aquino added.

The video claims that potential investors may earn up to P175,000 per week from an initial investment of just P15,000.

SERIOUS RISK
Ronald B. Gustilo, national campaigner for Digital Pinoys, said that deepfakes pose serious risks to public safety, privacy, and democratic integrity, especially when used for scams, misinformation, or character assassination.

“A comprehensive anti-deepfake law must include key components such as Clear Definitions, wherein the bill should define what constitutes malicious use of deepfakes and AI-generated content, distinguishing parody, satire, and artistic use from harmful applications such as scams, identity theft, or election disinformation,” Mr. Gustilo said in a Viber message.

He added that AI-generated content must be properly labeled with visible and audible markers.

A proposed measure regulating deepfakes must also consider declaring the use of someone’s image, voice, or likeness to create manipulated content without their explicit consent, illegal.

Mr. Gustilo said that social media companies and content-hosting platforms should be compelled to detect, take down, and report malicious deepfakes “in a timely manner.”

“Deepfakes are already being used in online scams where victims are duped into sending money or sensitive information because they believe they are talking to a loved one, a boss, or a government official. This bill is a crucial step in shielding the public from these emerging AI-driven fraud tactics,” he added.

Earlier, Senator Pia S. Cayetano filed a bill that seeks to regulate the development and use of AI-related content.

“This bill seeks to strike a careful balance between encouraging technological innovation and ensuring that AI systems remain safe, ethical, transparent, and under meaningful human oversight,” Ms. Cayetano said in the explanatory note of a bill filed in the Senate last week.

The proposed measure penalizes persons that intentionally use AI to commit fraud, facilitate or conceal crimes, or cause harm with a fine between P2 million to P10 million, or imprisonment of six to 12 years, or both.

It also imposes fines between P1 million to P5 million, or imprisonment of three to 10 years, or both for people who use AI to create disinformation, mass opinion manipulation, or conduct surveillance activities without legal authority.

1M voter registrants expected

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday said it is expecting around a million registrants for the upcoming village and youth council polls as it opens registration from Aug. 1 to 10.

“For the eleven days, our estimate is already at one million,” Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia told reporters in Filipino, according to a voice recording from his office.

“It’s better if we stick to that target since we are conducting registration across the entire Philippines.”

The poll body expects that many Filipinos who were unable to vote in the previous election will take the opportunity to reactivate or renew their registration. It is also banking on the interest of younger Filipinos who were left out in the last polls to register for the first time.

“This is their chance to register, vote, and participate in the upcoming village and youth council elections,” he added.

The upcoming polls are scheduled for Dec. 1, but a bill pending President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s signature seeks to move this to November 2026.

The Philippines concluded its midterm elections last May 12 as Filipinos elected Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and thousands of local officials. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

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