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Tetra Pak calls for upgrades to PHL waste management infra

REUTERS

THE GOVERNMENT needs to improve the country’s waste management infrastructure to help companies execute their sustainability initiatives, food packaging solutions company Tetra Pak said.

“The government plays a key role in creating an environment where circularity can thrive,” the company told BusinessWorld in an e-mail.

“An important area is infrastructure — from improving collection and segregation facilities to supporting transport networks that make recycling more efficient, especially in areas outside major cities — followed by enforcement of such processes to ensure the outcome is maximized,” it added.

Compared to its regional counterparts, the Philippines is still developing the systems that support large-scale recycling.

“Unlike some neighboring countries where infrastructure is more centralized, the Philippines’ archipelagic setup means we need stronger local partnerships to connect collection points, recyclers, and communities,” Tetra Pak said.

“That’s why collaboration is at the heart of how we operate here — it’s the only way to build reach across islands and regions,” it added.

In its sustainability report for 2024, Tetra Pak said there has been a 25% reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its value chain since 2019.

Within its operations, the company achieved a 54% reduction in GHG emissions since 2019, while it is targeting net-zero GHG emissions by 2030.

Meanwhile, the company said that the government could also help companies in their sustainability initiatives through data and coordination.

“Consistent waste-management data across local government units allows us to see where cartons are being recovered and where we need to build new capacity,” it said.

“We’re ready to share our learnings with local governments that want to integrate carton recycling into their solid-waste programs,” it added.

According to Tetra Pak, the direction for packaging materials today is to increase renewable content while lowering the carbon footprint.

“Consumers are hyperaware enough to take action and lead in finding improvements and solutions based on a study commissioned by Tetra Pak in 2023,” it said.

“With this strong pull, food & beverage companies as well as packaging companies will need to secure the sustainable architecture of their product offerings,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Farmers question EOs’ effectiveness in boosting incomes, food security

Farmers are seen in a rice field in Bustos, Bulacan, Oct. 17, 2023. — PHILIPPINE STAR/KJ ROSALES

FARMER organizations raised questions about two executive orders (EO) signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., which are touted to raise increase rural incomes and boost food security.

EO No. 100 will set a yet-to-be-determined regional floor price for palay (unmilled rice) while EO No. 101 directs all government agencies, state universities, and local governments to purchase food directly from accredited farm and fisherfolk cooperatives.

The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) criticized EO No. 101 for focusing too much on procurement, saying via Viber that “procurement does not guarantee food sufficiency or fair pricing for staple crops.”

“Farmers do not just need a buyer for their produce. They need the means to produce in the first place — control over the land, capital, equipment, insurance, protection. This order fails to provide those,” KMP Chairman Danilo Ramos said in the statement.

The KMP recommended that the government shift its focus on strengthening farmer cooperatives, make it the government’s mission to achieve food self-sufficiency, and offer interest-free credit, production subsidies, and debt condonation.

Federation of Free Farmer Chairman Leonardo Montemayor said via Messenger that the impact of EO No. 100 will only show up starting next year.

“Most crops have already been harvested meaning the effects will only be felt starting February 2026.”

He said that the floor price mandate is misleading as it only applies to national agencies and local government units only, whose buying power is not enough to persuade traders to raise palay prices.

Mr. Montemayor added that most LGUs do not have the funds to buy directly from farmers, rendering the EO useless if the National Food Authority (NFA) remains the main buyer and sets its own price.

AMIHAN Secretary General Cathy Estavillo said via Viber that EO No. 100 fails to address problems caused by the Rice Tariffication Law, which she said allowed traders to import an excessive amount of grain.

Ms. Estavillo said the Rice Tariffication Act must be repealed if farmgate prices are to rise. — Andre Christopher H. Alampay

Animal health, dairy singled out as areas of collaboration with EU-ASEAN biz council

REUTERS

THE European Union-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) said they have identified animal health, dairy development, agricultural mechanization, organic and regenerative agriculture, and climate-resilient farming practices as possible areas of collaboration.

In a statement issued by the DA, following a meeting with the council last week, EU-ABC Executive Director Chris Humphrey also highlighted his organization’s ongoing engagement in ASEAN through the Health Summit in Kuala Lumpur and the annual Sustainability Summit hosted by its Philippine Chapter.

He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to forging partnerships with rural communities, promoting inclusive and sustainable agriculture, and supporting the conclusion of the EU–Philippines Free Trade Agreement.

Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro was quoted as saying: “This cooperation between the Philippines and EU-ASEAN Business Council will continue to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and food security not just in the Philippines but across the Southeast Asian region.”

Mr. Navarro also noted the EU-ABC’s active participation in the 47th ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Meeting and its interest in supporting ASEAN’s 2026 Priority Economic Deliverable on the Implementation Plan for Regenerative and Resilient Agriculture.

The Philippines is set to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.

Leading with sustainability in mining

IN BRIEF:

• The Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative is a crucial framework for the Philippine mining sector, linking operational resilience to eight interdependent sustainability protocols that address various challenges.

• Recent evaluations show mixed performance among the TSM protocols, with high ratings in Safety and Health but low ratings in Climate Change and Water Stewardship, highlighting the need for improved implementation and collaboration.

• The initiative encourages mining companies to engage with stakeholders and share leading practices, driving change and fostering a more sustainable mining ecosystem in the Philippines.

As the mining and metals industry grapples with operational complexities, the need for sustainable practices has never been more pressing. The Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative emerges as a vital framework for the Philippine mining sector, emphasizing that the operational resilience of mining companies is closely linked to the eight protocols it encompasses. This article delves into the TSM initiative, examining its impact on sustainability commitments and the challenges that lie ahead.

OPERATIONAL RESILIENCE AND TSM PROTOCOLS
The TSM initiative is designed to guide mining companies in their sustainability efforts, focusing on critical areas such as Safety and Health, Community Outreach and Social Development Management, Climate Change, Water Stewardship, Biodiversity Conservation Management, Tailings Management, Preventing Child and Forced Labor and Crisis Management and Communications Planning. Each protocol addresses specific issues, yet they are interdependent, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to sustainability.

The interconnection between operational resilience and the eight TSM protocols is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the mining industry. They collectively form a comprehensive framework that enhances a company’s ability to adapt and thrive in a complex environment. For instance, effective Water Stewardship not only ensures the responsible use of water resources but also mitigates risks associated with climate change, which can impact water availability and quality, both of which are crucial for mining operations.

Similarly, strong Safety and Health practices contribute to a more engaged and productive workforce, directly influencing operational efficiency. When companies recognize that these protocols are not standalone issues but rather interconnected elements of a larger system, they can develop strategies that address multiple challenges simultaneously. This holistic approach fosters greater resilience, enabling mining operations to navigate uncertainties while meeting stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements. Ultimately, embracing this interconnectedness is essential for building a sustainable future in the mining sector.

Recent evaluations of the TSM protocols, as I presented in the session on “Benchmarking Mining Sustainability: Validated TSM Results and Potential ESG Policy Implications” at Mining Philippines 2025, reveal a mixed performance landscape. The verification of the various mining companies were conducted by their respective TSM verifiers, the reports of which are posted in the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines website.

Notably, the protocols on Safety and Health and Community Outreach and Social Development Management received the highest verifier ratings. This success can be attributed to stringent regulations and recognition through various awards, which have incentivized companies to prioritize these areas. However, the same cannot be said for Climate Change and Water Stewardship, which have consistently ranked as the lowest-rated protocols for two consecutive years.

The Climate Change protocol, in particular, has seen minimal progress, with many companies only recently beginning to embrace both concepts of climate change mitigation and adaptation. The upcoming adoption of the IFRS Sustainability Reporting Standards for publicly listed companies and large companies (of a certain revenue threshold) may prove to be a significant driver for the changes that can be seen in the future for this protocol. Similarly, the Water Stewardship protocol suffers from low ratings, primarily due to insufficient information on watershed management for some mining companies, as the Philippines adopts a ridge-to-reef approach to sustainably manage its natural resources.

Another area of concern is the Tailings Management Protocol, where companies that align with international standards, such as the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), tend to perform better. The GISTM not only provides guidance on managing tailings facilities but also addresses critical stakeholder issues, including human rights, environmental protection, governance and public disclosure and transparency aimed at building trust with local communities and regulators. As such, the adoption of standards, such as the GISTM, becomes more critical as it would help to address previous failures that have hounded the industry.

OPPORTUNITY FOR ENHANCED COLLABORATION
It should be noted that there remains a significant variability in the scores among mining companies. While some excel in the TSM protocols, others find some protocols to be a continued struggle. This disparity presents a valuable opportunity for enhanced collaboration within the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (Chamber), where companies can thrive by sharing leading practices and supporting one another in their pursuit of higher ratings.

Unfortunately, external stakeholders often generalize the industry’s practices based on the shortcomings of a few, undermining the efforts of those committed to sustainable mining. As such, collaboration is even more crucial for the Chamber and its member mining companies.

Understanding the critical role of stakeholders, value chains, and transparency is essential for fostering a sustainable mining ecosystem. The TSM initiative serves as a guiding light, encouraging companies to engage with their communities and stakeholders openly.

DRIVING CHANGE IN THE MINING INDUSTRY
In conclusion, while there is still much work to be done as the Philippine mining industry continues to adopt the TSM Protocols, the initiative is clearly facilitating transformation within the sector.

Adapting the TSM Initiative’s tagline, the Philippine Mining Industry is changing, and TSM is helping to drive change. By embracing this transformative journey, the industry can enhance its sustainability commitments and secure a more resilient future.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of SGV & Co.

 

Katrina F. Francisco is a sustainability partner of SGV & Co.

China likely poised for island-building at Scarborough Shoal, analysts say

A LANDSAT 7 image of Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. — WIKIPEDIA

By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, Reporter

CHINA MAY be preparing for island-building at Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea, in a move that could bolster its sweeping claims over the waterway and heighten regional tensions, analysts said over the weekend.

The Philippines should prepare its diplomatic and military toolkit to push back against possible land reclamation at the shoal, which could reshape the strategic balance in the contested waters, they added.

“A militarized outpost at Scarborough Shoal would present a severe security setback for the Philippines,” defense economist Rocio Salle Gatdula said in a Facebook Messenger chat, adding that it would place key military bases within striking range of Chinese missiles.

She added that it would allow China to “further surveil and potentially prohibit Philippine and US forces from operating in the Luzon Strait,” a key waterway between Manila and Taiwan, which China claims as its breakaway province.

Scarborough, named Panatag by Manila and called Huangyan Dao by China, has been at the center of renewed tensions between the countries that lay competing claims over features in the South China Sea, where trillions of dollars worth of trade passes through annually.

The shoal is a vast fishing lagoon that lies within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone and was seized by China in 2012 following a standoff with Philippine forces.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. last week said Manila is not ruling out possible Chinese island-building activity at Scarborough Shoal after Beijing’s nature reserve plan.

In September, China approved the creation of a 3,500-hectare reserve at the northeast rim of the shoal, which it said is intended to preserve the ecological diversity of one of the most contested areas in the strategic waterway.

“By declaring only the northeast side of Scarborough Shoal a ‘nature reserve,’ China has left itself the option of building on the other parts of the feature,” Raymond M. Powell, director of SeaLight, a maritime transparency group focused on the South China Sea, said in a Messenger chat.

Ms. Gatdula said Beijing’s reserve plan could be used as a cover for land reclamation, adding that there are “multiple indicators” suggesting that China is seeking to build an artificial island at Scarborough, like floating barriers and buoys within the feature.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment.

“This is reminiscent of what China had done at Mischief Reef and Fiery Cross Reef,” she said.

China has built man-made islands on numerous submerged features in the strategic waterway despite protests from neighboring countries, outfitting them with runways, hangars, radar systems and ports that could bolster its naval presence in the resource-rich waters.

Allowing China to build and militarize an artificial island at Scarborough Shoal could heighten regional instability and increase the risk of conflict between Beijing, Manila and its treaty ally Washington, Ms. Gatdula said.

“The result is an expansion of China’s de facto control over international waters and airspace,” she said. “This militarization fosters an environment of instability and raises the risk of inadvertent escalation between China, its neighboring countries and US allies.”

Artificial islands have become a key asset for China to project greater power in the South China Sea, said Mr. Powell. “[They have] proven to be effective power projection platforms from which to stage its paramilitary forces… deep into its neighbors’ waters.”

Chinese forces have built about 3,200 acres of new land in the heavily contested Spratly Islands since 2013, according to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative.

“Additionally, the deployment of bombers and warships near the shoal further shows strategic preconditioning for a permanent military facility intended to close the gap in China’s South China Sea defense triangle of the Paracels and Spratly Islands,” Ms. Gatdula said.

Two Chinese long-range bombers flew east of Scarborough in March, Reuters reported.

Beijing’s declaration of a reserve at the disputed shoal calls for a “full court press” from Philippine authorities, said Sherwin E. Ona, a security analyst and associate professor at De La Salle University. He sought a combined response of legal challenges and intensified joint maritime patrols in the contested waters.

“We need to be ready for escalation,” he said in a Viber message. “The Philippines needs to be ready for any eventuality.”

The Philippine government should strike a balance of “diplomatic-military-political responses” while accelerating its military modernization program, which includes the acquisition of warships and advanced fighter aircraft, he added.

The South China Sea has become a regional flashpoint as Beijing asserts sovereignty over almost the entire waterway, defying a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that voided its sweeping claims.

Acquittal of Enrile draws parallels to flood control scam

PILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

By Erika Mae P. Sinaking

THE ACQUITTAL last week of high-profile officials in large-scale graft cases poses a familiar risk that newly lodged corruption complaints, including those over multibillion-peso flood control anomalies, could end up the same, political analysts said.

“It’s a farcical decision and it gives us a clue to what will happen to the flood control mess if we do not change the system,” David Michael M. San Juan, De La Salle University professor and convener of Professionals for a Progressive Economy, told BusinessWorld in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“Current officials will file cases against both big fish and small fry to show they are doing something, but the pace will be slow,” he added.

The Sandiganbayan Special Third Division on Friday cleared Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, his former chief of staff Jessica Lucila G. Reyes and businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, along with several others, of 15 counts of graft over the alleged misuse of P172 million in the former senator’s priority development assistance fund (PDAF) from 2007 to 2009.

In its 192-page decision, the anti-graft court said the prosecution had failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt, ruling that the evidence “did not pass the test of moral certainty.” The justices stressed that “not every alleged irregular act of a public officer constitutes a violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.”

The court further noted that in the absence of concrete and credible proof that the accused public officers and employees actually received cash intended as kickbacks or commissions, a graft violation could not be established.

Fifteen others, including officials from the Department of Budget and Management and the Technology Resource Center, were also acquitted.

“After years of trial and public fatigue, everyone will be acquitted, though some will be ordered to return money,” Mr. San Juan said. 

In a statement last week, House Deputy Minority Leader and Party-list Rep. Leila M. de Lima said the acquittal highlighted the difficulty of sustaining accountability amid judicial delays.

“We started fresh and strong on the evidence when we filed the PDAF cases, strong enough to deny Enrile and Reyes bail,” she said. “The problem is the slow wheels of justice, with the accused relying on the public’s short memory.”

“If this is what will happen to the flood control project cases, good luck to us. Faith in our justice system is difficult to sustain if the courts apply a different kind of justice to privileged offenders,” added Ms. de Lima, who as Justice secretary led the indictment of Mr. Enrile and the others in 2013.

Jalton Garces Taguibao, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, said transparency should be applied consistently in both high-profile and underreported cases. “Transparency is not only the yoke of the public, but the burden of government,” he said in an e-mailed reply to questions. “Within what is allowed by law, the Philippine government must also proactively demonstrate its sincerity in promoting transparency, especially when it comes to matters related to its offices and the public officials, elected or appointed, who occupy positions of authority and trust.”

He added that vigilance and rigor in inquiry should be consistently applied “if all of us are truly serious about exacting accountability.”

The Philippines’ flood control scandal involves allegations of ghost projects, inflated contracts, and substandard infrastructure in projects worth billions of pesos, implicating public officials and contractors in widespread corruption.

The Marcos administration has launched multiple investigations and vowed to reform the bureaucracy to restore public trust in government institutions.

Most Filipinos against military coups, says OCTA poll

FILIP ANDREJEVIC-UNSPLASH

MOST FILIPINOS oppose military coups as a means of settling political disagreements, according to a poll released on Sunday, showing strong support for democratic processes amid rising political tensions.

About 70% said they are against the Philippine military intervening in political disputes, according to an OCTA Research survey conducted from Sept. 25 to 30. Only 5% of respondents said they supported a military coup, while 22% remained undecided.

OCTA interviewed 1,200 adults for the poll, which had an error margin of ±3% points.

“The findings make it clear that any attempt by the military to settle or influence political disputes would not gain the backing of majority of Filipinos and would likely be met with broad public opposition,” OCTA said in a statement on Sunday.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is facing mounting pressure as his administration continues to be rocked by an unfolding controversy involving substandard, incomplete or nonexistent infrastructure in a country regularly battered by flooding.

There were reports of a coup plot against him that circulated on social media last month as thousands of Filipinos took to the streets in the biggest protests in years over the multibillion-peso flood control scandal.

Philippine military chief General Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. said in October he had rejected calls from retired generals — mostly critical of Mr. Marcos — who sought to rally the armed forces to remove him, amid simmering discontent over a public works controversy.

Opposition to military intervention in politics was highest in Mindanao at 79%, followed by the National Capital Region at 78%, the Visayas at 71% and Balance Luzon at 63%, according to OCTA.

Skepticism over the military’s role in government ran strongest among upper and middle-income groups, with 73% of Classes A, B and C and 71% of Class D opposing armed forces involvement. Disagreement dipped to 64% among Class E.

“These survey results reaffirm the strength of democratic norms in the Philippines and highlight the enduring commitment of Filipinos to uphold civilian and constitutional rule,” OCTA said, adding that “widespread resistance reflects both the enduring influence of democratic values and the collective memory of past authoritarian rule.”

The Philippines has a long history of coup plots, with more than a dozen military mutinies since democracy was restored in 1986, following the overthrow of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. in a popular street uprising.

Each succeeding president has seen the threat of a coup by disgruntled troops, with the government of ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte having to deal with alleged plots to unseat him during his 2016-2022 presidency.

The last serious attempt to unseat a civilian government was in 2006, during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, but it was foiled by state security forces and led to the arrest of several military and police officials. A week-long national state of emergency was declared to quell the uprising. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Marcos hails Timor-Leste entry as ASEAN member

HEADS of Southeast Asian states are joined by other world leaders at the opening ceremony of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. — MARK BALMORES/PPA POOL

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter

KUALA LUMPUR — Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. welcomed Timor-Leste’s formal admission into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Sunday, describing it as a “historic milestone” that strengthens the region’s pursuit of unity and shared prosperity.

“Today marks a historic milestone for Southeast Asia as we officially welcome Timor-Leste into the ASEAN family,” Mr. Marcos said in a statement after the opening of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur and after he signed the official declaration admitting Dili to the bloc.

Timor-Leste is the 11th member of ASEAN. Its accession opens up a market of more than 670 million people. Malaysia, the host of the bloc, will pass the baton to the Philippines on Tuesday. ASEAN chairmanship goes by in an alphabetical order with a one-year tenure.

The bloc members are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste.

The regional bloc is holding its annual meeting at the Malaysian capital, tackling topics across geopolitics, geoeconomics, money laundering and climate change.

The summit was also attended by notable world leaders such as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and US President Donald J. Trump.

Timor-Leste’s long-delayed entry into ASEAN marks a major milestone that underscores the bloc’s unity and growing role in strengthening South-South cooperation amid global uncertainties, said Josue Raphael J. Cortez, ASEAN Studies lecturer at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde in Manila.

While some fear the move could weaken cohesion, he argued it could spur economic diversification by expanding ASEAN’s trade in petroleum and liquefied natural gas (LNG) — Timor-Leste’s key exports — and enhance the bloc’s leverage in mitigating trade shocks affecting developing economies.

“Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN is undoubtedly a much anticipated milestone for the bloc’s history as it took a decade for it to become a full member,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“With petroleum and oil-related sanctions being used as a geoeconomic weapon today, ASEAN may collectively harness its petroleum reserves as an alternative market where other nations may import their oil and LNGs from,” he added.

MARCOS BILATERAL TALKS
Also on Sunday, Mr. Marcos met with the leaders of Cambodia, Thailand, Canada, Japan and the European Union on the sidelines of the Summit, reaffirming regional cooperation and shared commitments to stability and growth.

During talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Mr. Marcos reaffirmed Manila’s support for a peaceful resolution to the Thai-Cambodian border conflict through dialogue and adherence to international law.

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center the President welcomed progress in resolving the dispute, as witnessed by Mr. Trump.

Mr. Hun, in turn, expressed Cambodia’s strong support for the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in 2026.

Mr. Marcos also met with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, offering condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation in tourism, trade and investment, while exploring stronger agricultural exchanges and private sector engagement.

In a separate meeting, Mr. Marcos and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Joseph Carney highlighted the robust people-to-people ties between their nations.

Mr. Marcos thanked Canada for its continued support for the Philippines and reaffirmed shared commitments to a rules-based international order, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Ms. Castro said both leaders agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment and energy and to sustain constructive engagement within ASEAN frameworks.

No leadership change seen in Senate

PHILIPPINE STAR/PAOLO ROMERO

ANOTHER CHANGE in leadership is not expected in the Senate as it could further erode public trust, analysts said, following the reappointment of Senator Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson as the head of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee last week.

“Senators may not have the appetite for a leadership change for now because of the potential public backlash,” Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco, a fellow at the Ateneo de Manila University Policy Center said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“Right now, the people want action against corruption. A leadership change might be seen as the senate trying to obfuscate the situation and evade accountability,” he added.

Gary D. Ador Dionisio, dean at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde’s School of Diplomacy and Governance said that any leadership shuffles in the upper chamber may face further backlash from the public.

“Given the invested interest of various groups in the flood control probe, any attempt to cover up any individuals, either from the congress, contractors or (Public Works) officials will create a major backlash to our political institutions,” he said in a Messenger chat. “Thus, leadership shuffle is the least important concern at this point.”

Mr. Ador Dionisio said that the senator’s return to the committee was inevitable as most of the lawmakers eyed for the position declined the Senate chief’s offer.

“The return of Sen. Lacson as head of committee is inevitable given that members of the senate majority decided to decline this highly important position at this critical juncture of Philippine politics,” he added.

Hansley A. Juliano, a political science lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University, said it may trigger a leadership struggle in the Senate.

“The (Blue Ribbon Committee) shuffle, in my view, may trigger a leadership struggle only insofar as the Duterte bloc raises hell, and the rest of the Senate gets intimidated by it again,” he said in a Messenger chat.

Mr. Juliano added the Mr. Lacson has developed a longer and more established reputation that can insulate him from the current partisanship.

Last week, Senate President Vicente “Tito” C. Sotto III confirmed the Mr. Lacson is set to return as the head of the committee after the upper chamber resumes next month.

The senator earlier resigned as the committee chair, noting criticism from fellow senators on his handling of the chamber’s probe on anomalous flood projects.

Mr. Lacson said in a statement on Saturday that he will resume the Senate committee’s inquiry on anomalous infrastructure projects once the session resumes next month.

“If elected again as Blue Ribbon chairman on Nov. 10, our hearing will resume on Nov. 14,” he added.

He added that the committee will also invite Orly Guteza, the former security aide of Party-list Rep. Elizaldy S. Co, to the next Senate hearing.

“To help speed up the filing of airtight cases against some politicians, DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) officials and errant contractors, we will invite among others, a ‘very important witness’ and retired TSgt. Orly Guteza to shed more light on his (sworn statement),” Mr. Lacson said.

Mr. Guteza claims that he was part of a team that would deliver bags of money, which they referred to as “basura” (garbage), to the lawmaker. — Adrian H. Halili

222 in Myanmar want repatriation

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are seen at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. — PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

THE DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday said that there are 222 active requests by Filipinos seeking to be repatriated from Myanmar, after the raid on a major online scam hub in Myawaddy last week.

“The Embassy is working with Myanmar authorities to finalize the deportation procedures for those currently in holding camps and to facilitate the rescue of those who remain in scam hub compounds,” the agency said in a statement.

The DFA confirmed that a raid of scam hubs was conducted by Myanmar authorities last Oct. 20.

The agency added that of the total requests 66 were reported to have crossed to Thailand, while nine managed to travel to Yangon and are now under the Embassy’s custody.

It added that it is also working with the Department of Migrant Workers and other agencies to facilitate the repatriation of affected Filipinos through official government to government channels.

The DFA added that it continues to work with both Myanmar and Thai authorities to hasten the return of Filipinos. — Adrian H. Halili

Bill sets up PWD pension

BW FILE PHOTO

A BILL seeking to establish a social pension program for persons with disabilities (PWD) was filed in the House of Representatives in early October, as part of efforts to expand government support for the sector.

House Bill No. 5400 proposes a P1,500 monthly stipend for indigent PWDs, aiming to deliver “regular financial support” for basic needs such as food and shelter and ease the economic burden on families.

“PWDs face unique challenges that often hinder their full participation in society,” Palawan Rep. Rosalie Ang Salvame said in the bill’s explanatory note, which was filed on Oct. 9.

She said while there are laws providing assistance to people with disabilities, “there remains a gap in institutionalized financial assistance for PWDs, especially those who are indigent, unemployed or unable to earn a living due.”

To qualify, persons with disabilities must be registered with their local government’s disability registry, certified as indigent and not receiving any pension from government or private institutions, according to the bill. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Masbate gets Starlink units

PPA POOL

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has rolled out 100 Starlink units in the Masbate province to restore internet connection, following the impact of recent typhoons.

In a statement over the weekend, the DICT said 100 priority locations across the province were identified for the strategic installation of Starlink units.

These sites include government offices, barangay halls, healthcare facilities, and response units crucial to disaster coordination, emergency communication, and public service delivery, it said.

The units donated by satellite-based internet provider SpaceX. Installation began on Oct. 15, DICT said.

As of Oct. 24, DICT noted that 48 Starlink units have been installed and activated.

“These terminals will provide high-speed, low-latency internet enabling real-time communication and coordination during emergencies,” the department said

The rollout forms part of the DICT’s push to empower geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) through stronger connectivity.

“Through this collaboration between DICT, SpaceX, and local government partners, Masbate moves closer to achieving resilient, inclusive, and digitally connected communities,” the department said.

About 44,536 families were affected by Typhoon Opong (international name: Bualoi) last month, Masbate Governor Richard Kho said.

Over 19 local government units reported power interruptions due to incidents of flooding and soil erosion. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

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