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Philippine, US soldiers hold exercises in bomb disposal under Balikatan

V-22 Osprey — COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG

PHILIPPINE and US military engineers were trained in repairing damaged airfields and disposing of explosives in the Visayas region as part of their annual Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercise, the Philippine Army said on Tuesday. 

The Filipino soldiers conducted drills with their US counterparts on rapid runway restoration and bomb disposal to enhance military response capabilities, it said in a statement.

“Airfield repairs and explosive ordinance disposal skills are crucial in ensuring mission success as they ensure operational continuity through the rapid restoration of damaged runways and removal of explosive hazards,” the army said.

More than 14,000 Filipino and American troops are participating in the Balikatan exercise, held in areas of the Philippines facing regional flashpoints like the South China Sea and Taiwan, and featuring advanced US missile systems. It began on April 21 and will run until May 9.

Also on Tuesday, the Philippine Air Force held search and rescue drills off the coast of Zambales province to improve personnel recovery capabilities in war time conditions.

The Philippines’ 505th Search and Rescue Group and its American counterpart held realistic combat rescue drills at sea by simulating the recovery of a downed aircraft in hostile conditions, it said in a separate statement.

A US C-130 turboprop transport aircraft and V-22 Osprey tiltrotor transport aircraft participated in the drills alongside the Philippines’ Bell 205A and Super Huey helicopters.

Meanwhile, Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Anna Ferry visited the Philippines’ military headquarters in Manila, where she paid a courtesy call on military chief Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. and talked about expanding security ties between the two nations.

“Both leaders discussed opportunities for expanding bilateral engagements and enhancing interoperability to address evolving regional and global security challenges,” the Armed Forces of the Philippines said in a separate statement.

The Philippines is forging deeper security ties with western countries and regional allies like Japan and Australia amid tensions with China over disputed features in the South China Sea.

Philippine forces have repeatedly sparred with Chinese ships and aircraft in the sea over competing claims on Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal, among other features.

Beijing asserts sovereignty over almost the entire waterbody based on its 1940s nine-dash line, which overlaps with claims of the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Half of party-list groups belong to political dynasties

BW FILE PHOTO

By Adrian H. Halili, Reporter

HALF of party-list groups participating in the 2025 Philippine midterm elections have been hijacked by political dynasties, a global human rights coalition said on Tuesday.

In a report, the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) said its International Observer Mission (IOM) concluded that at least 78 of the 156 party-list organizations certified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) belong to political families.

“Political dynasties are inherent in a society marked by high inequality and poverty, which stem from the historical concentration of land and wealth ownership in the hands of a few,” it said.

The Philippine party list system was introduced in the 1987 constitution to give marginalized groups representation at the House of Representatives. 

“This system has been increasingly corrupted by political dynasties,” the coalition said.

Hansley A. Juliano, a political science lecturer from the Ateneo de Manila University, said the Philippines continues to be at risk from developmental stunting due to the country’s dynastic system.

“Any policy change is likely to perpetuate the status quo of rent-seeking behavior and elite domination of state resources,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

Maria Ela L. Atienza, who teaches political science at the University of the Philippines, said the party-list system has failed to give marginalized sectors a voice.

“The party-list system has not achieved its purpose of leveling the playing field and promoting progressive and marginalized interests,” she said via Viber. “It’s time to reconsider.”

Ms. Atienza added that the party-list system could be reformed based on performance, while anti-dynasty laws could be enforced at the local level.

The ICHRP said 142 of district representatives seeking re-election on May 12 belong to political dynasties.

It added that these dynasties cover at least 87% of the Philippines’ provincial government, or 71 of 82 positions.

“Forty-seven of the 71 incumbent governors belonging to political dynasties are seeking re-election,” it said. “At the same time, 19 sitting governors who are not running for re-election have family members seeking to replace them.”

The group raised concerns about the impact of political dynasties on representation and diversity since power is frequently passed down to family members.

The coalition said three of the country’s 10 wealthiest tycoons are behind three of the biggest political parties, while a fourth political faction is led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., who presides over the Marcos-Romualdez dynasty, it pointed out.

Filipinos will pick 317 congressmen and thousands of local officials. The biggest battle will be for 12 spots in the 24-member Senate, a chamber packed with political heavyweights and wielding outsized influence.

Senate frontrunners’ climate silence scored

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

FRONTRUNNERS in the 2025 senatorial race were silent on pressing environmental issues despite the climate crisis’s growing impact on the economy, according to a coalition of “green” groups.

In a statement, the coalition said 88% or 56 of 64 senatorial bets did not respond to its pre-election survey that sought to capture candidates’ position on crucial environmental issues facing the country.

“When climate justice is absent from platforms, it shows a dangerous disregard for the crises deepening hunger, worsening health, and driving poverty,” Lea B. Guerrero, country director at Greenpeace Philippines, said in the statement.

“We need leaders who will stand with people, hold polluters accountable and put climate at the top of the agenda,” she added.

The candidates who responded to the survey were Leodegerio “Ka Leody” De Guzman, Renecio “Luke” S. Espiritu, Jr., Teodoro “Teddy” A. Casiño, Jocelyn S. Andamo, Modesto “Mody” T. Floranda, David Delano D’Angelo, Norman C. Marquez and Arnel Bondilles Escobal.

But Greenpeace cited “previous positive efforts and track records” by nonrespondents like former Senators Francis Pancratius “Kiko” N. Pangilinan, who is cited for the Sagip Saka Act and legislative efforts to address single-use plastics, and Gringo N. Honasan for authoring the Clean Air Act and Solid Waste Management Act. 

The Sagip Saka Act empowered local governments to buy rice, vegetable and poultry for their feeding and relief programs directly from farmers’ groups without the need for bidding.

“While Filipinos grapple with climate disasters, plastic pollution and biodiversity collapse, our politicians cling and aspire to power through dynastic politics, smear campaigns and empty theatrics,” said Von Hernandez, Global Coordinator of the Break Free from Plastic movement.

Greenpeace said the state of the Philippine environment is “regressing,” citing the push for nuclear energy and waste-to-energy facilities.

It also cited the proliferation of single-use plastics, which the government had planned to tax, and attempts to open municipal fishing waters to commercial fishing interests.

The group urged policymakers to support a proposed ban on single-use plastics and institutionalize reuse and zero-waste solutions.

They should also reject “false fixes” like waste-to-energy incineration and nuclear energy, and push measures that would protect and rehabilitate the country’s terrestrial, coastal and marine resources, it added.

“Our communities are drowning in plastic, our coastlines are eroding, and our children are growing up in a world where clean water and safe food are no longer guaranteed,” said Wes Lipana, marine litter management officer at Ecowaste Coalition.

“Our environment is in a state of emergency, and that demands leadership,” he said. “Voters must demand bold environmental leadership and scrutinize candidate track records, not slogans.”

A World Bank report in 2022 showed that climate change could cut the Philippines’ gross domestic product by as much as 13.6% by 2040.

It said “adapting to the risks of climate change, including extreme events and slow-onset problems, is critical for the Philippines.” “It cannot wholly eliminate the costs of climate change, but it can greatly reduce them.” — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Marcos declares May 12 a holiday

PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., on Tuesday declared May 12 a nonworking holiday to allow Filipinos to vote in the midterm elections.

“There is a need to declare Monday, 12 May 2025, as a special (nonworking) holiday to enable the people to properly exercise their right to vote,” according to Proclamation No. 878.

The order was signed on May 6 in response to a request from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).  Previous elections have been declared special nonworking holidays.

Meanwhile, Comelec has extended the pre-enrollment period for overseas internet voting until May 10 from May 7.

Registered Filipino voters overseas must complete pre-enrollment before they can vote.

Also on Tuesday, The Comelec started distributing ballots for National Capital Region precincts. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Marcos bets dominate poll

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. attended a party convention in Pasay City where the administration’s senatorial bets for the 2025 elections were announced. The alliance comprises the country’s five major political parties — Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Nacionalista Party and National Unity Party. — PPA POOL/ RYAN BALDEMOR

NINE of the 15 candidates in the “likely winning circle” in the pre-election senatorial preference survey are backed by the Marcos government, according to research firm WR Numero.

“Rule of thumb in every intervention under the current political system: the advantage is always on the administration,” Julio C. Teehankee, a political science professor from De La Salle University, told a news briefing.  “These individuals were selected by the administration because of their winnability.”

Party-list Rep. Erwin T. Tulfo and reelectionist Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go topped the list with 48.7% and 45.3%, respectively.

They were followed by former Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III with 37%, Senator Ronald M. Dela Rosa with 36.8% and Senator Pilar Juliana S. Cayetano wit 36.6%.

Broadcaster and independent candidate Bienvenido T. Tulfo (35.2%) and Senator Manuel “Lito” M. Lapid (34.8%) were ranked six to seven, while ex-Senator Panfilo M. Lacson, Sr., ranked eighth with 33.8%, followed by Makati Mayor Mar-len Abigail S. Binay at No. 9 with 31.7%.

Administration bets Camille A. Villar got 29.8% and Senator Ramon “Bong” B. Revilla, Jr. got 29.5% for ranks 10-11, while former Senator Paolo Benigno A. Aquino IV placed 12th with 28.5%.

Completing the “magic 15” were presidential sister Senator Maria Imelda Josefa Remedios “Imee” R. Marcos with 26.4%, former Senator and boxing camp Emmanuel D. Pacquiao, Sr. with 26.1% and former Senator Francis Pancratius N. Pangilinan with 24.5%.

In Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, Mr. Tulfo was at the top with 49% and 59%, respectively, while in the Visayas, Mr. Go and Mr. Tulfo tied with 52%. In Mindanao, Mr. Dela Rosa was No.1 with 70%, trailed by Mr. Go with 63%.

“Looking at the survey results, it’s safe to say that the top two positions would be a toss-up between either Erwin Tulfo or Bong Go,” Mr. Teehankee said.

WR Numero interviewed 2,413 Filipino voters on April 23 to 30 for the poll, which had an error margin of ±2% points. — Almira Louise S. Martinez

Zamboanga airport designer eyed

CAAP PHOTO

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) is seeking a consultant to craft the design of the New Zamboanga International Airport development project.

In a request for expression of interest on Tuesday, the agency said it is looking for consultancy services for the detailed engineering design study for the New Zamboanga International Airport development project for P92.51 million.

The contract must be completed within 360 calendar days, the DoTr said, adding that interested parties may submit their bids until May 14.

The Transportation department said qualified bidders must have completed consulting services of size, complexity and technical specialty comparable to the job. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Groups unite vs poll violence

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

COTABATO CITY — Seven big groups promoting good governance, human rights and Muslim-Christian solidarity have set up an election monitoring system to ensure peaceful and clean elections in southern Moro communities on May 12.

The nonpartisan Independent Election Monitoring Center (IEMC) will be jointly operated by the nongovernment Institute for Autonomy and Governance, National Citizens Movement for Free Elections, Notre Dame University, Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting-Cotabato City, Climate and Conflict Action Asia and the Coalition for Social Accountability and Transparency.

Launched on May 5, the IEMC, located inside the campus of the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City will monitor the May 12 elections and disseminate information through partner media on possible election-related violence that need policy and military intervention.

The IEMC will also operate in the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in October, Benedicto R. Bacani, executive director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance, told reporters. — John Felix M. Unson

ARTA cites economic optimism

BW FILE PHOTO

PHILIPPINE businesses are optimistic about economic prospects amid a continued push to streamline government processes and cut red tape, according to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).

“We’re seeing a very upbeat business community,” Ernesto V. Perez, ARTA Director General, told a news briefing in mixed English and Filipino on Tuesday, citing recent collaborations with chambers of commerce and visits from foreign diplomats backing regulatory reforms.

Business groups including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Employers Confederation of the Philippines and Philippine Exporters Confederation have vowed to support ARTA’s initiatives, he pointed out.

The upbeat sentiment reflected growing investor confidence as the government accelerated the rollout of digital systems such as the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (e-BOSS) and enforced compliance across local government units (LGU).

“In 2028, we want all LGUs to be compliant with e-BOSS… that’s why we’re replacing red tape with red carpet, because this is the number one concern among businessmen,” Mr. Perez said. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Agencies told to explain Duterte arrest

FORMER PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte — OFFICIAL FACEBOOK ACCOUNT OF THE SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES

THE Ombudsman has ordered several high-ranking government officials to file a counter-affidavit in response to the findings by the Senate foreign relations committee of ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s allegedly illegal arrest.

The Justice and Interior secretaries, national police chief, Crime Investigation and Detection Group director and special envoy on transnational crimes of the Foreign Affairs department were given 10 days to comment on the committee findings.

“Failure to file a counter-affidavit within the aforesaid period shall be deemed as a waiver of respondents’ right to submit controverting evidence and the preliminary investigation shall proceed accordingly,” according to the three-page order.

The complaint came after the Senate body probed the arrest of Mr. Duterte, who is now in custody of the International Criminal Court in The Hague awaiting trial for his alleged crimes against humanity. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Tagbilaran gets NGA 911

MORONG’S emergency response units participate in a tournament with the Philippine Army on March 3. — MDRRMO MORONG, RIZAL

THE local government of Tagbilaran City in Bohol last week launched a command center under the Next Generation Advanced 911 (NGA 911) emergency response technology.

The emergency communication tech was patterned after the US and provided by NGA 911 Philippines, a unit of American cloud-based emergency telecommunications solution provider NGA 911 LLC, the local company said in a statement.

With the city’s new emergency response command center, authorities can get quick and accurate caller location and record all calls.

It can use data-driven analytics, integrate CCTV systems and identify and reduce prank calls.

The Port of Tagbilaran, which serves as a major seaport in Central Visayas, is a gateway for both passengers and cargoes from key destinations including Manila. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Bayan Muna backs seaman suit

STOCK PHOTO | Image by iliastefanidis30 from Pixabay

BAYAN MUNA has backed a lawsuit that seeks to void portions of the newly enacted Magna Carta for Seafarers at the Supreme Court.

“Bayan Muna, together with the seafarers, has been protesting against the unjust provisions of the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers since 2023, but our legislators have failed to heed the legitimate demands of the supposed beneficiaries of the Magna Carta law,” former Party-list Rep. Neri J. Colmenares, who lawyers for the seamen, said in a statement on Tuesday.

The lawsuit claims the law violates constitutional guarantees on equal protection of the law and legislative procedures.

The law requires a bond before a seaman can be awarded compensation, which the plaintiffs said puts undue burden that is not imposed on land-based workers.

“The seafarer has already won at the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC); now they also need to pay to get the compensation they won,” Mr. Colmenares said.

“What kind of Magna Carta is this? How can seafarers feed their families and post a bond when they are unemployed due to injuries?” he asked. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Peso strengthens with April CPI at over five-year low

BW FILE PHOTO

THE PESO climbed against the dollar on Tuesday after Philippine headline inflation cooled to an over five-year low last month.

The local unit closed at P55.61 per dollar on Tuesday, strengthening by 16 centavos from its P55.77 finish on Monday, Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed.

The peso opened Tuesday’s trading session weaker at P55.80 against the dollar. Its worst showing was at P55.90, while its intraday best was at P55.51 versus the greenback.

Dollars exchanged inched down to $2.28 billion on Tuesday from $2.296 billion on Monday.

The slower-than-expected April inflation print supported the peso on Tuesday, both Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort and a trader said.

Headline inflation in April sharply decelerated to its slowest print in since November 2019 amid easing food prices, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Tuesday.

The consumer price index (CPI) stood at 1.4% in April, easing from 1.8% in March and 3.8% in the same month a year ago.

This was within the 1.3% to 2.1% forecast of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for the month and well below the 1.8% median estimate in a BusinessWorld poll of 14 analysts conducted last week.

For the first four months, the CPI averaged 2%, at the low end of the BSP’s 2-4% annual target.

“Trade optimism also kept on weighing on the dollar as the market monitors progress on the trade talks and ahead of the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) meeting this week,” the trader added.

For Wednesday, the trader expects the peso to move between P55.50 and P55.80 against the greenback, while Mr. Ricafort sees it ranging from P55.50 to P55.70.

The dollar dipped against major peers on Tuesday as concerns about tariffs and their impact on the economy lingered, while focus was turning to the Federal Reserve’s policy announcement on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

Investor attention has been on the possibility of easing trade tensions between the US and China after Beijing last week said it was evaluating an offer from Washington to hold talks over tariffs.

US President Donald J. Trump said on Sunday that Washington is meeting with many countries, including China, and that his main priority with China is to secure a fair deal.

But with few details coming out about trade discussions, investors have been left trying to make sense of headlines coming out of the White House.

Mr. Trump’s erratic trade policies have fueled significant waves of dollar selling since April as investors shifted away from US assets, pushing the euro, yen and Swiss franc higher.

The euro on Tuesday was up 0.3% against the dollar at $1.1347, and the yen was up 0.5% at 142.95 per dollar.

That dollar selling has spread to other Asian foreign exchange (FX), underscored by the Taiwan dollar’s record surge in recent sessions, which has stoked speculation that a revaluation of regional foreign exchange was possible to win US trade concessions.

Its rally suggested a big unwinding was under way and shone a light on one economy, among many, where years of big trade surpluses have built up large long dollar positions at exporters and insurers that are now under question and on edge.

The Taiwan dollar was fairly sedate on Tuesday last fetching 30.28 per US dollar, not far from the near three-year high of 29.59 it touched on Monday.

The focus turned to Hong Kong on Tuesday, where the de facto central bank bought $7.8 billion to stop the local currency from strengthening and breaking its peg to the greenback.

“The real action today is in Asian FX,” said Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo in Singapore.

“If these currencies keep strengthening sharply, it could spark fears of a ‘reverse Asian currency crisis,’ with potential ripple effects in the bond market amid fears that Asian institutions reassess their unhedged exposure to Treasury holdings.” — Aaron Michael C. Sy with Reuters

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