Para team record-setting fourth place to receive windfall of incentives

January 26, 2026 | 7:00 pm

EXPECT a windfall when the Philippine team that finished a record fourth place in the just concluded 13^th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand flies back home.

“That’s for sure especially if they surpass their targets, which they did,” said Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chair Patrick Gregorio a day after the Para team’s record-setting 45-gold, 37-silver and 52-bronze harvest in Korat.

Mr. Gregorio was, of course, referring to the incentives the Filipino medalists will receive since, by law, a gold in the ASEAN Para Games is worth P150,000, a silver P75,000 and a bronze P30,000 each.

Of all, tanker Angel Mae Otom will be guaranteed P750,000 for his five individual golds.

That is apart from the extra bonus for a silver in the mixed 4×50-meter freestyle relay team where she teamed up with Gary Bejino, Marco Tinamisan and Josephine Beariz.

Chesser Darry Bernardo emerged the most bemedaled Filipino athlete with six but half of it came in team events alongside Menandro Redor and Arman Subaste, which meant he would get P675,000.

Mr. Bejino, for his four mints, will receive P600,000 while another woodpusher, Sander Severino, stands to receive P575,000 for his five golds — three individual events and two team — and a team silver.

Mr. Gregorio, who gave P6,000 each as extra allowance to all athletes before they left, said the full backing from the PSC paid off since the national para team got the chance to break in its fresh talents.

“We will honor them as heroes when they come back,” he said. — Joey Villar

Former Philippines president Duterte fit for pre-trial hearings, ICC judges rule

January 26, 2026 | 6:51 pm

FPPRD Duterte-ICC — FORMER PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. DUTERTE — INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT / COUR PÉNALE INTERNATIONALE

THE HAGUE — Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have ruled that octogenarian former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte is fit to attend pre-trial hearings and will hold a confirmation of charges hearing on February 23, the court said on Monday.

Duterte’s defence had said the elderly politician, who is being held in The Hague over murders during his war on drugs, could not stand trial due to cognitive decline.

Judges said in a statement that a report by independent medical experts found that Duterte would be able to understand and participate in his case.

They recalled that for someone to be deemed fit to take part in their case it is enough that they have a broad understanding of the procedures, not that they operate at their highest level.

“The Chamber is satisfied, in law, that Mister Duterte is able effectively to exercise his procedural rights and is therefore fit to take part in the pre-trial proceedings,” the judges said.

They also set a new date for his confirmation of charges hearing, an important step towards a trial. — Reuters

Taiwan monitoring ‘abnormal’ China military leadership changes after top general put under investigation

January 26, 2026 | 6:23 pm

China-Taiwan-flags — A NAVY miniature is seen in front of displayed Chinese and Taiwanese flags in this illustration taken April 11, 2023. — REUTERS

TAIPEI — Taiwan is monitoring what it called “abnormal” changes to China’s military leadership after its most senior general was put under investigation, and will not lower its guard as the threat level remains high, the defense minister said on Monday.

China announced on Saturday that Zhang Youxia, second-in-command under President Xi Jinping as vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, and another senior officer, Liu Zhenli, were under investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline and law.

“We will continue to closely monitor abnormal changes among the top levels of China’s party, government, and military leadership. The military’s position is based on the fact that China has never abandoned the use of force against Taiwan,” Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo told reporters at parliament.

Mr. Zhang has long been seen as Mr. Xi’s closest military ally, and is one of the few senior Chinese officers with combat experience, having taken part in the 1979 border conflict with Vietnam.

China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, sends warplanes and warships into the skies and waters around the island on an almost daily basis, in what Taipei views as a harassment campaign to get the government to accept Beijing’s sovereignty claims.

Mr. Koo said what the ministry was looking at is not any “single leadership reshuffle that would be enough to draw conclusions”.

Taiwan will use a range of joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance methods, as well as intelligence-sharing, to “grasp” China’s possible intentions, he added.

China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, and held its latest round of war games around the island late last month. Taiwan’s government says only the island’s people can decide their future.

Speaking later in the day to lawmakers, Mr. Koo said it was clear that the Chinese threat was worsening, pointing to the war games, daily military activities, and ongoing rise in China’s defense spending, and Taiwan cannot let down its guard.

“We won’t let the downfall of any one person make us lower our guard or slacken the level of war preparedness we should maintain,” he added.

Taiwan will exchange intelligence with its partners on what changes may be taking places in China’s military command structure, Mr. Koo said.

“Regarding the threat to us, we need to focus on early-warning indicators and signs. This has to be continuous not only on the military side but also on the non-military side.” — Reuters

China’s Xi says India, China are ‘friends, partners’

January 26, 2026 | 6:22 pm

HONG KONG — China’s President Xi Jinping said China and India were “good neighbors, friends and partners” as he wished President Droupadi Murmu congratulations on the South Asian nation’s Republic Day, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Monday.

Mr. Xi said that over the past year, China-India relations have continued to improve and develop and are of “great significance for maintaining and promoting world peace and prosperity,” according to Xinhua.

Mr. Xi said China has always believed that being “good neighbors, friends and partners” is the right choice for both China and India.

He referred to China and India as the “dragon and the elephant dancing together,” Xinhua said.

Mr. Xi said he hoped that both sides would expand exchanges and cooperation and address each other’s concerns to promote healthy and stable relations.

The nuclear-armed Asian neighbors share a 3,800-kilometer (2,400-mile) border that is poorly demarcated and has been disputed since the 1950s.

Ties between the countries were shaken by a 2020 clash in which 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers died in hand-to-hand combat. After that, the Himalayan border was heavily militarized by both sides.

Both countries began improving ties last year after staging a series of high-level bilateral visits.

Direct flights resumed in 2025 as both countries stepped up trade and investment flows against the backdrop of US President Donald J. Trump’s combative foreign policy. — Reuters

South Korea mourns death of former prime minister who nurtured democracy

January 26, 2026 | 6:22 pm

HANOI — Former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, a veteran politician and influential fixture on the country’s road to democracy, died during an official visit to Vietnam’s southern hub of Ho Chi Minh City, both governments said.

Mr. Lee, 73, died on Sunday, after emergency medical aid for a heart attack, a South Korean presidential advisory panel said in a statement.

“The country has lost a great mentor in the history of our democracy,” President Lee Jae Myung said. “He dedicated his life to protecting and growing democratic values through our turbulent modern history.”

Mr. Lee spearheaded government reform as prime minister from 2004 to 2006. The seven-term former member of parliament had started out as a student activist who was jailed in the 1970s for leading a democracy movement.

A firebrand who often clashed with political opponents, he was considered a shrewd strategist who helped four liberal presidents, including the current incumbent, to win the office.

Mr. Lee’s death turns a “chapter in our political history,” the conservative opposition People Power Party said in a condolence statement.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other leaders offered condolences to South Korea and Mr. Lee’s family.

The Southeast Asian nation’s foreign ministry worked with city officials, among others, to ensure Mr. Lee received the best medical care, but the efforts were unavailing, because of the severity of his condition, it said in a statement.

Mr. Lee had arrived in Vietnam on Thursday for a meeting of the panel, which advises the government on policy with North Korea.

He was the civilian head of the panel, known as the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, with members both at home and overseas. — Reuters

US, South Korea agree to deepen cooperation on nuclear-powered subs, Seoul says

January 26, 2026 | 6:21 pm

South-Korea-flags — STOCK PHOTO | Image by Vitamin from Pixabay

SEOUL — US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby and South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back agreed during talks on Monday to deepen cooperation on Seoul’s pursuit of a nuclear-powered submarine, South Korea’s defense ministry said.

Mr. Colby is visiting Seoul on his first overseas trip in the post, which comes as Washington signals it expects South Korea to take a more leading role in deterring North Korea.

In a statement, the ministry said both sides viewed cooperation on a nuclear-powered submarine as a step that would strengthen South Korea’s ability to lead the defense of the peninsula and elevate the security alliance.

The Pentagon’s new National Defense Strategy released on Friday said that it expects a “more limited” US role in deterring North Korea, with South Korea taking the primary responsibility.

Mr. Ahn also pressed for faster progress on the transfer of wartime operational control to Seoul and called for closer coordination on alliance follow-up measures, the ministry said.

Mr. Colby, the Pentagon’s top defense and foreign policy official, said in a post on X on his arrival that South Korea is a “model ally” committed to increasing defense spending in line with US regional strategy.

South Korea hosts about 28,500 US troops and last year pledged to lift defense spending to 3.5% of gross domestic product, a move that Mr. Colby and other US officials have praised as strengthening Seoul’s role in deterring North Korea.

Mr. Colby will also visit Japan during his Asian trip, according to media reports. — Reuters

Death toll from landslide in Indonesia’s West Java rises to 17

January 26, 2026 | 5:23 pm

JAKARTA — The death toll from a landslide that hit Indonesia’s West Java province at the weekend rose to 17 on Monday, the country’s disaster mitigation agency said, with dozens still missing.

The landslide that hit a residential area in the Bandung Barat region early on Saturday was triggered by heavy rains starting the day before, which the weather agency warned could continue in the province and several other regions for another week.

The impacted Pasir Langu village is located in a hilly area of the province about 100 kilometers (60 miles) southeast of Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. More than 30 houses were buried by the landslide, the agency said.

At least 17 people have died, agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari told Reuters on Monday, with 73 still missing.

Indonesia’s navy chief Muhammad Ali said on Monday that 23 navy officers were among those trapped.

The officers were involved in border patrol training at the time of the landslide, he said, adding that heavy equipment was not able to reach the disaster zone due to bad weather.

The agency said on Sunday that a smaller landslide together with bad weather had also hindered the search, which requires drones and heavy equipment.

Flash floods hit several parts of Indonesia last week, including West Java and Jakarta, forcing residents to flee their homes and evacuate to higher ground.

The landslide occurred two months after cyclone-induced floods and landslides on the island of Sumatra killed 1,200 people, destroyed homes and displaced over a million residents. — Reuters

South Sudan orders UN personnel, civilians to leave parts of Jonglei State

January 26, 2026 | 5:03 pm

Sudan-war — SMOKE is seen rising from buildings during clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum North, Sudan, April 22, 2023. — REUTERS

JUBA — South Sudan’s military has ordered all civilians and personnel from the UN mission and all other charities to evacuate three counties in Jonglei State ahead of an operation there against opposition forces.

Clashes that the United Nations says are occurring at a scale not seen since 2017 have been convulsing South Sudan, Africa’s youngest country, for months.

Some of the fiercest fighting has taken place in Jonglei, located in the country’s east on the border with Ethiopia, where the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) is seeking to halt an offensive by fighters loyal to Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO).

An operation code-named “operation enduring peace” was “imminent,” the SSPDF said in a statement on Sunday.

The military said all civilians living in Nyirol, Uror, and Akobo counties in Jonglei were “directed to immediately evacuate for safety to government-controlled areas as soon as possible.”

All personnel from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and those working for non-governmental organizations were also ordered to evacuate the three counties within 48 hours.

“Our peacekeepers in Akobo remain in place, carrying out all efforts under our mandate to help de-escalate tensions and prevent conflict,” a UNMISS spokesperson told Reuters. She did not say whether UN staff also remained in the other counties.

Last week SPLA-IO called on its forces to march on South Sudan’s capital Juba, signaling a major escalation.

Earlier this month SPLA-IO forces seized the town of Pajut in heavy fighting in the north of Jonglei and the town’s capture was seen as putting the state capital of Bor at risk.

In a statement on Sunday UNMISS said 180,000 people in the state had already been displaced by the conflict and urged South Sudan’s leaders “to put the interests of their people first by stopping the fighting.”

Medical charity Mйdecins Sans Frontiиres (MSF) said in a statement on Sunday it had evacuated key staff from Akobo county after “clear instruction from the relevant authorities, and in response to the deteriorating security situation in the area.”

SPLA-IO forces led by South Sudan’s vice president Riek Machar battled the military in the 2013-18 civil war, which was fought along largely ethnic lines and killed about 400,000 people.

A peace deal in 2018 quieted the conflict, although localized clashes have persisted. — Reuters

Second ouster complaint vs Marcos filed

January 26, 2026 | 1:09 pm

PBBM Marcos — PHOTO SHOWS President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. holding a news briefing at the Presidential Palace last year on his government’s anti-corruption drive.. — PHILIPPINE STAR/NOEL B. PABALATE

A second impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. was filed at the House of Representatives on Monday.

The complainants, composed of activists from opposition political groups, returned to the House after their ouster bid was declined last week by the secretary-general’s office in her absence.

They sought to secure House Secretary-General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil’s receipt of the complaint amid concerns that the impeachment process against Mr. Marcos could begin this week as congressmen return from the holiday break.

The first complaint was filed last Monday, which critics described as weak and likely to be dismissed. Congress may initiate only one impeachment proceeding against the same official within a calendar year, according to the 1987 Constitution.

“What we’re expecting now is the immediate referral to the Speaker,” House Deputy Minority Leader and Party-list Rep. Antonio L. Tinio told reporters after the filing. “But we did not get a definite commitment from the secretary-general to refer the complaint right away.”

Moves to impeach Mr. Marcos underscore deep political divisions over his government’s handling of widespread graft involving politicians, officials and private contractors in the corruption-prone nation, though the effort may falter as Marcos allies dominate Congress.

“There is enough time to consolidate the impeachment complaints so that there will be a single initiation of proceedings immediately,” Mr. Tinio said.

Meanwhile, House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos III recused himself from discussions on when the impeachment complaints would be referred to the House justice committee, a step that would effectively start proceedings against his father.

“The House must be allowed to discharge its constitutional duties without any shadow of personal interest, real or imagined,” he said in a statement. “My recusal ensures that no question may be raised about the fairness, objectivity or legitimacy of the process.” — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

PCPI backs FDA move to institutionalize Green Lanes for health establishments, products

January 26, 2026 | 1:05 pm

The Philippine Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industry (PCPI), which unites Filipino-owned pharmaceutical companies to champion policies that promote innovation, affordability, and self-reliance in medicines, has expressed strong support for the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) efforts to institutionalize a “Green Lane” to accelerate regulatory processes for health establishments and products covered under the government’s Strategic Investment Priority Plan, Tatak Pinoy enterprises, and other national development priorities. PCPI is the biggest association of local pharmaceutical companies, with a membership of about 90 companies, including Unilab Inc., the country’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturer.

Under the leadership of FDA Director General Atty. Paolo S. Teston, the Green Lane initiative seeks to establish a regulatory pathway that prioritizes applications from qualified local manufacturers, particularly those producing essential and critical medicines. The framework is designed to provide streamlined review timelines, clearer documentation requirements, and closer coordination between regulators and manufacturers while fully upholding the FDA’s rigorous standards of safety, quality, and efficacy.

PCPI has actively supported the expansion of the Green Lane through sustained policy dialogues, public-private partnerships, and regulatory engagements with the FDA, the Department of Health, the Anti-Red Tape Authority, and other key stakeholders.

“PCPI strongly applauds the FDA’s proactive regulatory reforms, which strike a balance between efficiency and unwavering safety standards,” said Dr. Lloyd Balajadia, president of PCPI. “This initiative will generate economic value, create more jobs, and help deliver life-saving medicines to patients faster—drawing from proven regulatory models in countries such as Singapore, India, and China.”

According to Dr. Balajadia, the Green Lane marks a significant step toward strengthening the Philippine pharmaceutical industry and building a more resilient, self-reliant medicines supply chain. “It recognizes the critical role of local manufacturers in ensuring the steady availability of affordable, high-quality medicines for Filipino patients,” he added.

PCPI noted that local pharmaceutical companies play a crucial role in maintaining a stable medicine supply, particularly during public health emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic, global supply chain disruptions, and ongoing geopolitical tensions have underscored the risks of over-reliance on imported medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

“Local manufacturers are often the first to respond to sudden spikes in demand for essential medicines,” PCPI said. “An institutionalized Green Lane will allow them to bring products to market faster, while remaining fully compliant with stringent regulatory requirements.”

The chamber also highlighted the Green Lane’s strong alignment with national priorities under the Universal Health Care Law and the Philippine Pharmaceutical Industry Roadmap. By encouraging investment in local manufacturing, the initiative supports broader government goals of reducing import dependence, enhancing national health security, promoting sustainable industrial growth, and generating quality employment.

PCPI expressed appreciation for the current FDA leadership’s understanding of the realities and capabilities of the domestic pharmaceutical sector, noting that local manufacturers possess the technical expertise to produce a wide range of medicines. The Green Lane initiative, the group said, will further position the Philippines as a competitive pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in the region.

PCPI urged the swift finalization of the Green Lane guidelines through continued consultations and active stakeholder engagement, building on ongoing collaborative efforts to advance regulatory reforms that benefit both public health and industry development.

DENZA sets the stage in the Philippines

January 26, 2026 | 12:16 pm

Dealer recognition marks a key step toward redefining premium new energy mobility

Global premium new energy vehicle (NEV) brand DENZA reinforced its commitment to the Philippine market with a ceremonial dealer awarding and media briefing on Jan. 22, signaling a decisive step toward the brand’s formal launch and long-term growth in the country.

Bringing together leaders from the BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division, DENZA Philippines, and members of the local media, the gathering cemented DENZA’s positioning as a premium brand shaped by intelligence, refinement, and sustainable innovation — and its intent to build a meaningful presence in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-evolving mobility markets.

Speaking on DENZA’s global direction, Liu Xueliang, general manager of the BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division, shared how the brand continues to gain traction across international markets by redefining what modern premium means in the age of electrification.

“Across Asia-Pacific, we’ve seen strong momentum for DENZA as more markets embrace premium new energy vehicles. That experience gives us confidence in the Philippines, where consumers are increasingly sophisticated and ready to engage with a brand that combines intelligent technology with refined design and comfort,” said Mr. Liu.

(L-R) Mr. Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia-Pacific’s Auto Sales Division; Mr. James Ng, Managing Director of BYD Singapore and Philippines; Mr. Adam Hu, Country Head of BYD and Denza Philippines

For the local market, Adam Hu, country head of BYD & DENZA Philippines operations, outlined the brand’s direction and reaffirmed its long-term commitment. He emphasized that DENZA Philippines is the sole distributor of the brand locally, with a clear strategy focused on sustainable growth rather than short-term volume.

“Our role in the Philippines is to build DENZA the right way — with leadership, clarity, and long-term intent. We’re not here simply to introduce vehicles, but to establish a premium brand that Filipino customers can trust and grow with over time,” he explained.

Mr. Hu shared that DENZA plans to expand its dealership footprint in 2026, alongside the gradual introduction of a broader portfolio of premium NEVs across key vehicle segments. Each introduction, he noted, will be intentional and aligned with the brand’s philosophy.

“The Philippine market is advancing rapidly and is ready for a new expression of premium. Our responsibility as brand leaders is to introduce DENZA in a way that reflects local expectations while staying true to its global standards.”

A key moment of the event was the recognition of DENZA’s initial dealer partners, marking the foundation of its retail presence in the Philippines. These include DENZA Alabang and DENZA Cebu, operated by ACMobility Premium Dealership Inc.; DENZA Makati, operated by Harmony New Energy Auto Service (Philippines) Ltd. Corp.; and DENZA Greenhills, operated by E-Vantage Motors Inc. Together, these partners represent the first step in building a premium ownership ecosystem designed to support DENZA customers nationwide.

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Globe seals Climate Leadership A- rating in CDP

January 26, 2026 | 11:36 am

Globe has been recognized as a Climate Leader by CDP after earning an A- score for Climate in 2025, marking the company’s entry in leadership ranking under the global environmental disclosure platform. Globe also received a B score for water security in its first year of assessment, reinforcing its environmental action in the telecommunications industry.

CDP is a global nonprofit that runs the world’s most comprehensive environmental disclosure system, used by investors, governments, and capital markets to assess how organizations manage climate change, water security, and deforestation. Its scoring framework evaluates companies based on the completeness of disclosure, depth of risk awareness, quality of management, and evidence of leadership through strategy and performance.

The company’s A- climate score reflects years of deliberate work to understand and reduce its environmental impact. In 2021, Globe conducted climate scenario analysis to identify physical and transition risks that could affect its operations. The company also continues to maintain a comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory covering Scopes 1, 2, and 3 and these assessments inform Globe’s science-based targets and its roadmap toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2050.

“This CDP Climate Leader rating reflects disciplined action, strong governance, and a clear commitment to transparency,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe. “It confirms that our climate strategy is both credible and measurable.”

Globe’s climate action spans its operations, network infrastructure, and customer experience. The company has transitioned 171 cell sites, corporate offices, and key facilities to renewable energy through power purchase agreements and has deployed more than 38,000 green network solutions, including fuel cell systems, hybrid generators, free cooling technologies, and lithium-ion batteries. These initiatives help reduce emissions while strengthening network resilience.

Sustainability is also integrated into Globe’s products and services. The company has promoted paperless billing and introduced EcoSIM cards made from recycled materials. In 2024, all postpaid SIMs procured by Globe were EcoSIMs, helping avoid the use of over 1,200 kilograms of virgin plastic. Globe’s continued promotion of eSIM adoption further reduced plastic consumption and resource use.

For water stewardship, Globe’s B score highlights concrete action. Water efficiency is a key focus at The Globe Tower, the company headquarters which houses more than half of the company’s workforce and is equipped with rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems. These systems capture rainwater, air-conditioning condensate, and cooling water, which are treated and reused as graywater for non-potable purposes such as flushing, landscaping, and facility maintenance.

In 2024, Globe reused more than 33,500 cubic meters of graywater, significantly reducing its demand for freshwater. Water conservation is reinforced through facility design and employee engagement, including motion-sensor faucets and internal campaigns that promote responsible water use.

The CDP recognition, including being named as a Supplier Engagement Leader (A Score) in 2024, adds to Globe’s growing list of sustainability milestones, including international and regional awards for ESG performance and environmental leadership. Together, these reflect a long-term commitment to responsible growth that supports climate action, resource stewardship, and resilience in a rapidly changing world.

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