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Romero led 2nd Air Force Wing Command brings Holiday cheer to Aeta indigenous children and families in Angeles City

The 2nd Air Force Wing Command under the leadership of former House Deputy Speaker and Colonel Michael Odylon “Mikee” Romero delivered a heart-warming “Wings Christmas Community Development” relief mission to over 200 Aeta Indigenous People (IP) children and families in Sapang Bato, Angeles City.

“Today, the 2nd Air Force Wing Reserve, 2nd ARCEN, and Class Salimbay 2025 gave toys, gifts, and food packs — including 5 kilos of rice per family — to 100 Aeta IP children and 100 Indigenous families here as part of our Wings Christmas Community Development,” Col. Romero said. “This effort reflects our deep commitment to uplift marginalized communities, spread joy during the holiday season, and bring meaningful support to our countrymen wherever they are.”

The relief effort included the distribution of toys, gifts, and essential food items — with each family receiving 5 kilos of rice — bringing both immediate relief and Christmas cheer to communities that often have limited access to basic services.

Col. Romero, PhD, a Philippine Air Force reservist and long-time public servant, has been widely recognized for his humanitarian and community outreach initiatives throughout the country specially during pandemic. His extensive work with ARRAPI, a key partner of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in civil-military operations, continues to expand disaster-response readiness, deliver critical aid, and strengthen frontline support networks. ARRAPI now counts more than 5,000 trained reservists nationwide, ready to respond to emergencies and provide humanitarian assistance across regions.

Col. Romero was recently honored with the 2025 Philippine Choice Award for Outstanding Humanitarian and Community Service in recognition of his unwavering dedication to uplifting underserved communities through healthcare missions, education support, disaster response, and direct aid distribution across geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas nationwide.

His humanitarian footprint includes medical and dental missions, the distribution of medical equipment in far-flung islands, rebuilding schools damaged by fire and natural calamities, and delivering emergency food and supplies in times of crisis — reaching from Basco, Batanes to the remote island communities of Tawi-Tawi.

Before transitioning fully to reserve leadership and philanthropic work, Col. Romero served three terms in the Philippine House of Representatives, where he was widely regarded as a “people’s lawmaker.” Among his legislative priorities were programs aimed at poverty alleviation, community welfare, and expanding access to essential services. As chair of the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation, he was the principal author of measures strengthening support for vulnerable families, including conditional cash transfer programs that eventually became law, helping reduce poverty and improve social support systems for millions of Filipinos.

Col. Romero also authored or sponsored a range of bills focused on national development, consumer protection, health, rural financing, and agricultural support, demonstrating his broad commitment to holistic national progress.

Through ARRAPI and his ongoing community development efforts, Col. Romero continues to champion a vision of service, solidarity, and nation-building, ensuring that even the most remote and underserved communities feel supported and valued.

 

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US to invite Philippines to AI pact talks amid tech dominance push

The Pax Silica Summit is a historic gathering of nations at the forefront of the global AI supply chain. — OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, US DEPT. OF STATE OFFICIAL LINKEDIN PAGE

The US plans to invite the Philippines to join a multinational initiative to bolster supply chains for technology vital to artificial intelligence (AI), a top US Department of State official said on Tuesday, as Washington moves to secure dominance in the advanced sector.

Manila’s role in the US-led Pax Silica initiative could center on strengthening supply chains for materials and products vital to AI, US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jacob Helberg said.

Mr. Helberg said there had already been exchanges with his Philippine counterparts on possible deeper supply chain ties, but he did not elaborate on the plan or identify the officials he spoke with.

“We are very eager and look forward to engaging the Philippines on Pax Silica,” he told a virtual media briefing.

“I plan to extend an invitation to my counterpart in the first half of next year in order to be able to resume these discussions face-to-face, and we are confident they’re going to be very fruitful exchanges,” he added.

The US-led C was launched last week with initial partners, including Japan, Singapore, Australia and South Korea, among others. Designed to deepen economic and technology ties among participating countries, the initiative also seeks to diversify sources and reduce risks from dependence on material suppliers.

“If the 20th century ran on oil and steel, the 21st century is going to run on compute and minerals,” said Mr. Helberg. “And so, we’re aligning our supply chains accordingly.” — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Bondi gunmen were inspired by Islamic State, had traveled to the Philippines, Australia police say

People gather at the floral tribute at Bondi Beach to honor the victims of a mass shooting targeting a Hanukkah celebration on Sunday at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. — REUTERS

SYDNEY — Two alleged gunmen who attacked a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach had traveled to the Philippines before the assault which killed 15 people and appeared to be inspired by Islamic State, police said on Tuesday.

The attack on Sunday was Australia’s worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years, and is being investigated as an act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community.

The death toll stands at 16 including one of the alleged gunmen, identified by police as Sajid Akram, 50, who was shot by police. The man’s 24-year-old son and alleged accomplice, identified by local media as Naveed Akram, was in critical condition in hospital after also being shot.

Australian police said on Tuesday both men had traveled to the Philippines last month and the purpose of the trip is under investigation. Philippines immigration officials said both men traveled to Manila and onward to Davao on November 1 and left on November 28, just weeks before the Bondi shooting.

The father traveled on an Indian passport, while the son was on an Australian passport, officials said.

Islamic state-linked networks are known to operate in the Philippines and have wielded some influence in the south of the country. They have been reduced to weakened cells operating in the southern Mindanao island in recent years, far from the scale of influence they wielded during the 2017 Marawi siege.

“Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State, allegedly committed by a father and son,” Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said at a news conference.

“These are the alleged actions of those who have aligned themselves with a terrorist organization, not a religion.”

Police also said the vehicle which is registered to the younger male contained improvised explosive devices and two homemade flags associated with ISIS, or Islamic State, a militant group designated by Australia and many other countries as a terrorist organization.

The father and son allegedly fired upon hundreds of people at the festival during a roughly 10-minute killing spree at one of Australia’s top tourist destinations, forcing people to flee and take shelter before both were shot by police.

Videos have emerged of the younger shooter preaching Islam outside train stations in suburban Sydney. Authorities are still trying to piece together how he went down the path of violence.

MEMORIAL OF FLOWERS
Some 25 survivors are receiving care in several Sydney hospitals, officials said.

Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon visited Bondi on Tuesday and urged the Australian government to take all required steps to secure the lives of Jews in Australia.

“Only Australians of Jewish faith are forced to worship their gods behind closed doors, CCTV, guards,” Mr. Maimon told reporters in Bondi, after laying flowers at the temporary memorial and paying his respects to the victims.

“My heart is torn apart … it is insane.”

A string of antisemitic incidents in Australia has unfolded in the past 16 months, prompting the head of the nation’s main intelligence agency to declare that antisemitism was his top priority in terms of threat to life.

At Bondi, the beach was open on Tuesday but was largely empty under overcast skies, as a growing memorial of flowers was established at the Bondi Pavilion, meters from the location of the shootings.

Bondi is Sydney’s best-known beach, located about 8.2 kilometers (5 miles) from the city center, and draws hundreds of thousands of international tourists each year.

Olivia Robertson, 25, visited the memorial before work.

“This is the country that our grandparents have come to for us to feel safe and to have opportunity,” she said.

“And now this has happened right here in our backyard. It’s pretty shocking.”

Ahmed al Ahmed, the 43-year-old Muslim father-of-two who charged at one of the gunmen and seized his rifle, remains in a Sydney hospital with gunshot wounds. He has been hailed as a hero around the world, including by US President Donald Trump.

A GoFundMe campaign set up for Ahmed has raised more than A$1.9 million ($1.26 million).

TOUGHER GUN LAWS
Australia’s gun laws are now being examined by the federal government, after police said Sajid Akram was a licensed gun owner and had six registered weapons. Mr. Akram received his gun license in 2023, not 2015 as had been earlier stated, police said on Tuesday.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said gun laws introduced by the previous conservative Liberal-National coalition government following the Port Arthur massacre needed to be re-examined.

Former Liberal Prime Minister John Howard, who introduced the gun restrictions in 1996, said on Tuesday he didn’t want to see gun law reform become a “diversion” from the need to tackle antisemitism.

Mr. Albanese had let the Jewish community down, Mr. Howard told reporters. “He should have done more to fight antisemitism, a lot more,” he said.

The 15 victims ranged from a rabbi who was a father of five, to a Holocaust survivor, to a 10-year-old girl named Matilda Britvan, according to interviews, officials and media reports. Two police officers remained in critical but stable condition in hospital, New South Wales police said.

Matilda’s aunt, Lina Chernykh, said the family was devastated by her death.

“We will be forever heartbroken,” she said.

Chernykh, who visited the memorial on Tuesday afternoon with Matilda’s relatives, said she wanted her niece to be remembered as a “happy kid who gives life, laughs, cuddles, and smiles”. — Reuters

Rob Reiner’s son, arrested for parents’ murder, battled with drug addiction

AMERICAN actor, director, producer, writer, and political activist Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner at the Human Rights Campaign’s 2025 Los Angeles Dinner held at the Fairmont Century Plaza on March 22 in Century City, Los Angeles. — REUTERS FILE PHOTO/XAVIER COLLIN/IMAGE PRESS AGENCY/NURPHOTO

LOS ANGELES — Director Rob Reiner struggled with how to end a movie that was inspired by his son Nick’s years-long battle with heroin addiction and the impact of his substance abuse on the family.

On the day the final scene of “Being Charlie” was set to be filmed, Mr. Reiner decided to conclude the movie with the lead character not fully recovered but on his way to a better life.

“It’s a tough ending,” Rob Reiner told podcaster Marc Maron in 2016. But he added, “It’s hopeful and honest. His relationship isn’t perfect with his father, but it’s better than it was and it’s going to get better.”

On Monday, authorities announced they had arrested Nick Reiner for the murder of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, after the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home.

Nick Reiner began using drugs at age 15, Rob Reiner said on the podcast. At 19, after several stints in rehabilitation facilities, the younger Reiner decided to start writing about his experiences. Father and son worked to develop the writings into a movie directed by Rob Reiner, maker of acclaimed films including “The Princess Bride” and “When Harry Met Sally.”

“It was the most personal thing I’ve ever been involved in,” Rob Reiner said of “Being Charlie,” which was released in 2015. “It’s one of the most emotional and satisfying creative experiences I’ve ever had.”

Nick Reiner, now 32, spoke openly over the years about his struggles with substance abuse. He told People magazine in 2016 that he had been homeless at times when he was on the run and refusing to go into rehab. He said he had at least 17 stays in rehab facilities.

“When I was out there, I could’ve died,” Nick Reiner said. He added that he had left his last rehab facility at age 19 and had “gotten acclimated back to being in LA and being around my family.”

Rob and Michele Reiner, who married in 1989 after meeting on the set of “When Harry Met Sally,” had two other children: a son, Jake, and daughter, Romy. The family posed for photographs together in September at the Hollywood premiere of Rob Reiner’s film “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.” Pictures showed Nick with a shaved head and a beard, the only person not smiling.

Rob Reiner’s first marriage was to Penny Marshall, who starred in the TV sitcom “Laverne & Shirley,” and was also a producer and director. He was an adoptive father to Marshall’s daughter, Tracy.

“I came from the greatest family ever,” Tracy Reiner told NBC News on Monday. “I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”

Romy Reiner’s affection for her dad was evident in photos and videos the 28-year-old posted in the past few years on social media.

“Thankful for family,” she wrote two weeks ago under a series of pictures from a seaside location. Two of the shots showed her next to her father in the water.

In May, a video showed the pair discussing her father’s three rules of getting older. “Number one – never pass up a bathroom,” Rob Reiner joked. An October 2024 video featured Romy Reiner cutting her father’s hair while asking him if he would pay for plastic surgery to help boost her career.

Celebrity friends of the Reiners remembered the love the couple had for their family.

“They loved their kids so much, and they never stopped trying to be really good parents,” journalist Maria Shriver wrote on social media.

“Spinal Tap” actor Harry Shearer remembered Rob Reiner as funny and smart and said Michele Reiner had been a good friend to his own wife.

“This is unspeakable, the stuff of Greek tragedy,” Mr. Shearer said of the killings.— Reuters

Philippines denounces China’s ‘dangerous’ and ‘inhumane’ actions against Filipino fishermen

DEFENSE SECRETARY GILBERTO C. TEODORO, JR. — DND
MANILA — Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Tuesday denounced what he described as “dangerous” and “inhumane” actions by Chinese maritime forces against Filipino fishermen in a contested South China Sea shoal last week.

Three Filipino fishermen were injured and two fishing vessels damaged when Chinese coast guard ships used water cannon and cut their anchor lines near Sabina Shoal on Friday, Manila’s coast guard said over the weekend.


“Water cannoning, aggressive maneuvering, and the cutting of anchor lines resulting in physical injuries of Filipino civilians are wholly inconsistent with the duty of all States to ensure the safety of human lives,” Mr. Teodoro said in a statement.

On Monday, China’s foreign ministry said the measures taken were necessary to safeguard its territorial sovereignty, saying the actions were “reasonable, lawful, professional and restrained.”
Mr. Teodoro urged nations aspiring for regional leadership to act responsibly, and dismissed as “blatant lies” China’s assertions that the fishermen brandished knives to threaten Chinese coast guard officers.
“We call on China to stop spreading false narratives and engaging in a state-orchestrated disinformation campaign,” Mr. Teodoro said.
The Philippine foreign ministry said it has issued a demarche, or formal reprimand, to the Chinese Embassy in Manila on Monday. The Chinese Embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Mr. Teodoro’s remarks.
Sabina Shoal, which China refers to as Xianbin Reef and the Philippines as the Escoda Shoal, lies in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone 150 kilometers (95 miles) west of Palawan province.
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a waterway supporting more than $3 trillion of annual commerce. The areas Beijing claims cut into the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
An international arbitral tribunal ruled in 2016 that Beijing’s sweeping claims had no basis under international law, a decision China rejects.—Reuters

Philippines to protest China’s actions that injured Filipino fishermen in South China Sea

FILE PHOTO of a China Coast Guard vessel fires a water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya near Thitu Island, in the latest flare-up between Manila and Beijing in the disputed South China Sea. — PCG

MANILA — The Philippines said on Monday it will protest the Chinese coast guard’s “harassment and endangerment” of Filipino fishermen in a South China Sea shoal last week.

Three Filipino fishermen were injured and two fishing vessels damaged when Chinese coast guard ships blasted water cannon and cut their anchor lines near Sabina Shoal on Friday, Manila’s coast guard said over the weekend.

The Philippines said it was alarmed by the actions of China’s coast guard, saying the use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers that cause injury and damage “cannot be justified”.

“The Philippines will undertake the appropriate diplomatic response and register its strong objection to these actions and demand that China cease such aggressive acts,” the Philippines’ maritime council said in a statement.

Presidential press officer Claire Castro told reporters that the Philippines will file a demarche to the Chinese embassy on Monday, citing information from the foreign minister.

China said the Philippines had deployed a large number of ships on Friday to “create trouble”, adding the vessels ignored repeated dissuasion and warnings to stubbornly remain in the lagoon.

The Philippine vessels took dangerous actions such as malicious course changes and their personnel “even brandished knives to threaten Chinese coast guard officers” who were carrying out law-enforcement duties, foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters during a regular press conference on Monday.

On Friday, China’s coast guard said it had driven away multiple Philippine vessels and taken “control measures”. The Philippines said that the Chinese statement was “deeply troubling”.

“We call on the CCG, in particular, to act responsibly, adhere to international standards of conduct, and place the preservation of life at sea above actions that sow fear and endanger civilians,” the council said.

Treaty ally the United States has also condemned China’s use of water cannons and the cutting of anchor lines of Filipino fishermen.

“We stand with our Philippine allies as they confront China’s provocative actions and increasingly dangerous tactics against its neighbors, which undermine regional stability,” US State Department principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement.

Mr. Guo said on Monday that the US had no right to interfere in these maritime matters and China urges it to stop distorting facts and inciting confrontation.

Sabina Shoal, which China refers to as Xianbin Reef and the Philippines as the Escoda Shoal, lies in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone 150 kilometers (95 miles) west of Palawan province.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a waterway supporting more than $3 trillion of annual commerce. The areas Beijing claims cut into the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

An international arbitral tribunal ruled in 2016 that Beijing’s sweeping claims had no basis under international law, a decision China rejects.— Reuters

Smarter stays: Samsung SmartThings spearheads the future of hospitality

Across industries that rely on service, clients and patrons now expect environments that feel adaptive, seamless, and personalized. Whether arriving at a lobby, settling into a room, or navigating shared facilities, today’s guests favor interactions that mirror the ease of connected living.

Anchored in its vision of “Powering Connected Innovation,” Samsung is positioning SmartThings as a unifying platform that makes these interactions possible. By integrating intelligence into displays, sensors, and devices, Samsung aims to create environments that anticipate needs, reduce friction, and enable staff to focus on higher-value service.

Samsung Philippines recently gave an exclusive, curated look at how digital ecosystems can enhance both the visible and behind-the-scenes flow of a space at the Samsung Business ​​Experience Studio and SmartThings Home Showroom at the Science Hub Tower, McKinley Hill last Dec. 4.

Led by the head of Samsung Philippines’ One Samsung B2B Vertical, Anthony Atacador, the showcase demonstrated how Samsung’s connected ecosystem — spanning from professional displays, security solutions, to SmartThings-powered automation — can transform spaces into intuitive, responsive environments that elevate comfort, convenience, and overall experience of guests and clients.

“The goal of Samsung is really to empower and help business owners through our technology. And when I say technology, it’s not only our products but the solutions that Samsung has. What’s innovative about Samsung are the solutions we created,” Mr. Atacador said.

Anthony Atacador, One Samsung Philippines B2B Vertical Head, demonstrates how Samsung enhances learning environments through its displays, tablets and seamless ecosystem.

Responsive room controls

Despite the sophistication, Samsung has designed its interfaces so clients are able to navigate controls with minimal effort.  At the core of this is SmartThings, which enables centralized and user-friendly control of a room’s key functions. By simply scanning a QR code, a visitor can adjust lighting, temperature, entertainment and more.

This approach allows spaces to adapt in real time. Lights can dim gradually in the evening, air-conditioning can adjust before arrival, and entertainment systems can sync with a visitor’s device within moments.

The ease of use is essential in environments that welcome diverse guests, ensuring that comfort and convenience are accessible regardless of a visitor’s age, tech fluency, or familiarity with connected spaces.

Dynamic ambiance

Samsung’s professional displays and hospitality TVs play a major role in creating visually unified environments. With advanced calibration, crisp resolution, and customizable interfaces, these displays can shift seamlessly between welcome messages, content streaming, and branded information.

This means lobbies, corridors, and rooms can maintain consistent visual quality. Businesses can tailor messaging, present information, or enhance ambiance with curated visuals, all managed through centralized content systems.

Another forward-looking element of the studio is the demonstration of automated routines. SmartThings allows spaces to react based on time, occupancy or specific triggers.

Motion sensors can activate gentle lighting during late hours, shades or curtains can adjust automatically at sunrise, and rooms can switch to energy-saving settings when unoccupied.

Efficiency and control for operations

SmartThings and Samsung’s B2B solutions allow administrators to oversee multiple spaces from a single dashboard. This includes monitoring device status, adjusting room conditions, pushing broadcast messages, and scheduling routing automations.

Additionally, Samsung’s Knox security platform provides device-level protection across connected displays and mobile devices. In environments where visitors often use personal smartphones to interact with in-room or in-space systems, Knox ensures that data is protected and that device connections are automatically cleared after use.

Optimized energy efficiency

Samsung also eases energy management within hospitality spaces. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and through automated controls that respond to occupancy and time-of-day patterns, SmartThings ​​helps reduce unnecessary consumption without compromising comfort. HVAC adjustments, lighting routines, and system-wide automations contribute to more sustainable operations.

“If I [manage] a building and I have SmartThings Pro, SmartThings Pro can study the activity inside the building. But of course, you can manually set it up,” Mr. Atacador shared.

Over time, these optimizations contribute to lower utility costs and more environmentally responsible operations—an increasingly important consideration for organizations that manage large facilities and aim to balance guest comfort with long-term sustainability commitments.

From spaces to cities

At a broader level, solutions offered by SmartThings not only can strengthen industries like hospitality but can also support the government’s long-term push toward building smarter, future-ready communities.

As government agencies and private sectors explore digitalization initiatives, connected ecosystems offer models for modernizing public facilities, boosting operational efficiency, and raising service standards across sectors.

“Samsung is very passionate in helping our country develop,” Mr. Atacador said. “Not only we’re trying to work with the government in terms of smart cities but also with businesses.”

By showcasing how intuitive automation and centralized management can improve comfort while reducing resource consumption, Samsung’s ecosystem aligns with national priorities on digital transformation.

“If our businesses are not digital, they will get challenged later on, even our country,” he emphasized. “Samsung will provide awareness and would provide the needed education for people to understand the importance of technology, specifically Samsung’s.”

As people increasingly experience connected living in their homes, their expectations carry over into the places they visit. Samsung’s preview underscored how thoughtfully designed connected environments can elevate the way people experience spaces and engage with them.

 

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Taiwan says its military can respond rapidly to any sudden Chinese attack

REUTERS

TAIPEI — Taiwan’s military can respond rapidly to any sudden Chinese attack with all units able to operate under a decentralized mode of command without awaiting orders from above, Taipei’s defense ministry said in a report to lawmakers.

Democratically-governed Taiwan, which Beijing views as its own territory, has repeatedly warned that China could try to suddenly shift its regular drills into active combat mode to catch Taiwan and its international supporters off guard.

China’s military operates around Taiwan on an almost daily basis, in what Taipei says is part of a “grey zone” harassment and pressure campaign that stops short of actual combat but is designed to wear out Taiwan’s armed forces by putting them constantly on alert.

The defense ministry said in its report that the frequency and scale of China’s military activities have increased year by year, including their regular “joint combat readiness patrols”.

The military has a standard operating practice on how to raise its combat alert level in case Chinese exercises move “from drill to war”, the ministry added.

“If the enemy suddenly launches an attack, all units are to implement ‘distributed control’ without waiting for orders and, under a ‘decentralized’ mode of command, carry out their combat missions,” it said, without giving details.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo is scheduled to take questions from lawmakers on the report on Wednesday.

PRACTICE ATTACKS
China has also been practicing how to attack Taiwan, and sending its warships further and further out into the Pacific and down towards Australia and New Zealand, the ministry added.

“The Chinese communists have never renounced the use of force to annex Taiwan and continue to intensify joint training across services, shifting from purely military drills to routine, multi-service, real-combat-oriented exercises.”

Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying only the island’s people can decide their future.

On Monday, China’s defense ministry said Taiwan President Lai Ching-te was “hyping up” the threat from China and “peddling war anxiety”.

“We hope that the broad mass of Taiwan compatriots will clearly recognize the extreme danger and harmfulness of the Lai authorities’ frantic ‘preparing for war to seek independence’,” the ministry said in a statement.— Reuters

Trump sues the BBC for defamation over editing of January 6 speech, seeks up to $10 billion in damages

The BBC logo on The Forum, Norwich. — WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/SEBASTIAN DOE, VIA CC BY-SA 4.0

PRESIDENT Donald Trump sued the BBC on Monday for defamation over edited clips of a speech that made it appear he directed supporters to storm the US Capitol, opening an international front in his fight against media coverage he deems untrue or unfair.

Mr. Trump accused Britain’s publicly owned broadcaster of defaming him by splicing together parts of a January 6, 2021 speech, including one section where he told supporters to march on the Capitol and another where he said “fight like hell”. It omitted a section in which he called for peaceful protest.

Mr. Trump’s lawsuit alleges the BBC defamed him and violated a Florida law that bars deceptive and unfair trade practices. He is seeking $5 billion in damages for each of the lawsuit’s two counts.

The BBC has apologized to Mr. Trump, admitted an error of judgment and acknowledged that the edit gave the mistaken impression that he had made a direct call for violent action. But it has said there is no legal basis to sue.

Mr. Trump, in his lawsuit filed Monday in Miami federal court, said the BBC despite its apology “has made no showing of actual remorse for its wrongdoing nor meaningful institutional changes to prevent future journalistic abuses.”

The BBC is funded through a mandatory license fee on all TV viewers, which UK lawyers say could make any payout to Mr. Trump politically fraught.

A spokesman for Mr. Trump’s legal team said in a statement the BBC “has a long pattern of deceiving its audience in coverage of President Trump, all in service of its own leftist political agenda.”

A BBC spokesperson told Reuters earlier on Monday that it had “no further contact from President Trump’s lawyers at this point. Our position remains the same.” The broadcaster did not immediately respond to a request for comment after the lawsuit was filed.

CRISIS LED TO RESIGNATIONS
Facing one of the biggest crises in its 103-year history, the BBC has said it has no plans to rebroadcast the documentary on any of its platforms.

The dispute over the clip, featured on the BBC’s “Panorama” documentary show shortly before the 2024 presidential election, sparked a public relations crisis for the broadcaster, leading to the resignations of its two most senior officials.

Mr. Trump’s lawyers say the BBC caused him overwhelming reputational and financial harm.

The documentary drew scrutiny after the leak of a BBC memo by an external standards adviser that raised concerns about how it was edited, part of a wider investigation of political bias at the publicly funded broadcaster.

The documentary was not broadcast in the United States.

Mr. Trump may have sued in the US because defamation claims in Britain must be brought within a year of publication, a window that has closed for the “Panorama” episode.

To overcome the US Constitution’s legal protections for free speech and the press, Mr. Trump will need to prove not only that the edit was false and defamatory but also that the BBC knowingly misled viewers or acted recklessly.

The broadcaster could argue that the documentary was substantially true and its editing decisions did not create a false impression, legal experts said. It could also claim the program did not damage Mr. Trump’s reputation.

Other media have settled with Mr. Trump, including CBS and ABC when Mr. Trump sued them following his comeback win in the November 2024 election.

Mr. Trump has filed lawsuits against the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and a newspaper in Iowa, all three of which have denied wrongdoing.

The attack on the US Capitol in January 2021 was aimed at blocking Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s presidential win over Mr. Trump in the 2020 US election.— Reuters

EU to relent on combustion engines ban after auto industry pressure

EREN GOLDMAN-UNSPLASH

STRASBOURG — The European Commission is set to backtrack on the EU’s ban on new combustion-engine cars from 2035 by allowing up to 10% of non-electric vehicles after intense pressure from Germany, Italy, and Europe’s auto sector.

The EU executive appears to have yielded to the call from carmakers to be allowed to keep selling plug-in hybrids and range extenders with CO2-neutral biofuel or synthetic fuel as they struggle to compete against Tesla and Chinese electric vehicles.

The move, which will need approval by EU governments and the European Parliament, would be the EU’s most significant climb-down from its green policies of the past five years.

Carmakers such as Volkswagen and Fiat owner Stellantis have pushed for an easing of targets and fines for missing them. European automotive lobby group ACEA called it “high noon” for the sector, adding that the Commission should ease intermediate 2030 targets as well.

However, the electric vehicle industry says this will undermine investment and result in the EU yielding even more ground to China in the shift to EVs.

“Moving from a clear 100% zero-emissions target to 90% may seem small, but if we backtrack now, we won’t just hurt the climate. We’ll hurt Europe’s ability to compete,” said Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller.

William Todts, executive director of clean transport advocacy group T&E, said the EU was playing for time while China was racing ahead.

“Clinging to combustion engines won’t make European automakers great again,” he said.

The Commission will also detail plans to boost the share of EVs in corporate fleets, notably company cars, which account for about 60% of Europe’s new car sales. The precise measure is not clear, but there may be an insistence on some local content. The auto industry wants incentives rather than mandatory targets.

The EU executive is also likely to propose a new regulatory category for small EVs that would incur lower taxes and earn extra credits towards meeting CO2 targets.

Credits might also be earned through more sustainable production, such as vehicles made with low-carbon steel.— Reuters

October remittance growth slowest in five months

REUTERS

By Katherine K. Chan

MONEY SENT HOME by Filipinos abroad grew by 3% year on year in October, the slowest pace in five months, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said on Monday.

Cash remittances coursed through banks climbed to $3.171 billion from $3.079 billion in the same month last year, data from the central bank showed.

This was the slowest growth since May when remittances rose by 2.9%. It also matched the 3% growth in July.

In terms of amount, October had the highest monthly remittance level in three months or since the $3.179 billion logged in July.

“Cash remittances from overseas Filipinos totaled $3.17 billion in October 2025 and $29.2 billion in January-October 2025,” the central bank said in a statement.

Month on month, remittances grew by 1.6% from $3.121 billion in September.

“Growth was driven by steady overseas employment and seasonal transfers ahead of the holidays, with the US accounting for over 40% of inflows,” Union Bank of the Philippines Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said in a Viber message.

“While October marked the slowest pace in five months, this reflects timing rather than a structural slowdown.”

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the peso trading at the P58 to P59-per-dollar level benefited overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who sent remittances in October.

“The relatively higher US dollar-peso exchange rate at P58-P59 levels in recent months amid the political noises especially in September…, was an opportunity for some OFWs and their families or dependents to convert remittances to pesos to finance their various expenditures in the country,” he said in a Viber message.

In October, the peso performed weaker against the greenback at an average of P58.2984 per US dollar from the P57.2501 recorded in September.

Jonathan L. Ravelas, a senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said high labor demand and pre-holiday preparations helped sustain the annual growth in remittances.   

He also noted that the slowdown in October was a trend typically observed before remittances hit their highest level by yearend.

“The slower October pace isn’t alarming — it’s a typical lull before the year-end surge, and the weak peso actually gives OFWs more bang for their buck,” Mr. Ravelas said in a Viber message.

Money sent home by land-based workers went up by 2.98% to $2.55 billion in October from $2.476 billion in the same month in 2024.

On the other hand, remittances from sea-based migrant workers grew by 3.11% to $621.113 million in October from $602.35 million a year ago.

Meanwhile, personal remittances, which include both cash coursed through banks and informal channels and in-kind remittances, rose by 3% to $3.519 billion in October from $3.415 billion a year earlier.

10-MONTH REMITTANCES
In the 10-month period, cash remittances reached $29.202 billion, up 3.2% from the $28.304 billion seen a year ago.

This is slightly faster than the BSP’s 3% full-year growth forecast. The BSP expects to end the year with $35.5 billion in total cash remittances.

However, Mr. Asuncion said remittance inflows will likely increase in the remaining two months of the year.

“It is important to note that OFW remittances and conversion to pesos seasonally accelerate, if not peak, in (the fourth quarter) especially during the Christmas holiday season towards the end of the year,” Mr. Ricafort said.

Personal remittances grew by 3.2% annually to $32.493 billion in the January-to-October period from $31.487 billion a year ago.

BSP data also showed that remittances from land-based OFWs edged up by 3.28% year on year to $23.36 billion from $22.618 billion in 2024.

Meanwhile, sea-based Filipinos have sent home a total of $5.841 billion at end-October, 2.73% higher than the $5.686 billion recorded in the comparable year-ago period.

As of October, OFWs in the United States sent the most money home, accounting for 40.3% of the total cash remittances during the period.

This was followed by Singapore (7.2%), Saudi Arabia (6.4%), Japan (4.9%), the United Kingdom (4.7%), the United Arab Emirates (4.5%), Canada (3.5%), Qatar (2.9%), Taiwan (2.8%) and South Korea (2.5%).

Most of the cash remittances from land-based OFWs at end-October came from the US, accounting for 42.3% of the total, while the rest were from Saudi Arabia (7.9%), Singapore (6.4%), the United Arab Emirates (5.5%) and the United Kingdom (4.5%).

The US was also the top source of sea-based remittances during the period with 32.3%, followed by Singapore (10.2%), Japan (7.2%), Germany (5.5%) and the United Kingdom (5.4%).

Manila Water, Maynilad to hike rates next year

Residents line up to get water from a tanker. — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

RESIDENTIAL HOUSEHOLDS in Metro Manila will see higher water bills in the first quarter of 2026 as the regulator approved the rate adjustments sought by the two concessionaires.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System – Regulatory Office (MWSS RO) approved a rate hike of P8.39 per cubic meter (cu.m.) for Manila Water Co., Inc. and P2.15 per cu.m. for Maynilad Water Services, Inc.

The new rates will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, MWSS RO Chief Regulator Patrick Lester N. Ty. told a press briefing on Monday.

Customers served by Manila Water in the east zone who consume 10 cu.m. or less will see their monthly bills go up by P29.86. Those who consume up to 20 cu.m. and 30 cu.m., will have to pay an additional P66.25 and P135.22, respectively.

Mr. Ty said the steep increase in Manila Water’s overall rate was due to the higher environmental charge as the company was able to increase its sewer coverage.

“Since Manila Water was able to increase their sewer coverage to 30%, they are allowed to increase the environmental charge to 30%,” he said.

The chief regulator said that allowing the increase in the environmental charge encourages the water concessionaires to fast-track their sewerage coverage programs.

Meanwhile, Maynilad customers who use 10 cu.m. or less will see an upward adjustment of P5.06 in their monthly bills. Those who consume up to 20 cu.m. and 30 cu.m. will see their bills increase by P19.06 and P39.04, respectively.

The tariff increase has less impact for low-income households who are beneficiaries of the enhanced lifeline program of Manila Water and Maynilad.

According to MWSS, the increases reflect changes in basic charge, tax rates, environmental charges, sewerage charge, and foreign currency differential adjustments.

The rate hike is the fourth tranche of the approved tariffs for the 2023-2027 rate rebasing period. Rate rebasing is a periodic performance review and general tariff adjustment that sets the maximum rates that the concessionaires may charge for their services.

Mr. Ty said that Manila Water and Maynilad are entitled to collect their fourth tranche as they were able to comply with the required capital expenditure (capex) spending.

Manila Water and Maynilad have spent P48.56 billion and P75.06 billion respectively, which are more than 70% of the target spending for the 2023-2025 period.

“The MWSS RO is here to protect their interest, and we actually double-check if Manila Water and Maynilad indeed spent their capex, rollout projects and they indeed did their projects,” he said.

“We are here to audit and do inspections to make sure that these are the programs that are required, and Maynilad and Manila Water are good and efficient in their capex spending,” he added.

Mr. Ty also assured the public that there will be “no water crisis” next year, with the infrastructure projects that the two water concessionaires are implementing.

Manila Water serves the east zone network of Metro Manila, covering parts of Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, Pateros, Mandaluyong, San Juan, portions of Quezon City and Manila, and several towns in Rizal province.

Maynilad serves parts of Manila, Quezon City, and Makati, as well as Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Malabon. It also supplies water to the cities of Cavite, Bacoor, Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario in Cavite province.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which has a majority stake in Maynilad, is one of three Philippine units of First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and 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

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