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Globe CEO Carl Cruz: ‘Connectivity is a right — and we’re making it happen’

Globe is making it easier for Filipinos to be connected across the country by rolling out new technologies that improve both mobile and home internet experiences.

As of March, Globe has expanded its 5G coverage to 98.71% in Metro Manila and 97.97% in key cities across the Visayas and Mindanao, thanks to the addition of 235 new 5G sites. This means faster, more reliable connections for millions of Filipinos who use their mobile phones anywhere from work to entertainment. These new sites are already supporting over 9.5 million 5G devices, helping make high-speed internet available to even more people across the country.

“We’re focused on making sure Filipinos get the best mobile experience possible,” said Carl Cruz, Globe’s President and CEO. “This is about more than speed — it’s about making sure every Filipino, wherever they are, can tap into the future. It’s key for supporting future technologies like AI, and as the cost of 5G devices goes down, we want to make sure more people can access these advancements.”

In the first quarter of this year, Globe built 487 new cell towers and upgraded 3,940 existing ones with LTE technology, making sure that the network stays strong, even during busy times. Plus, with new technology like 32T32R Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), the network is becoming faster and more stable for customers in crowded areas.

Globe is steadily changing the story. Under the Connectivity Plan Task Force (CPTF) led by the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), it has already switched on 600 new cell sites in geographically disadvantaged and isolated areas. From northern mountain provinces to island barangays in the south, each new site brings essential access to education, livelihood, health services, and hope. And the mission isn’t over. By the end of 2025, Globe aims to expand this further to 700 as part of a broader industry-wide movement to close the digital gap and ensure that no Filipino is left offline.

Globe’s efforts have also been recognized globally. At the Mobile World Congress 2025, the company has been recognized as the Philippines’ Most Consistent Mobile Network from 2022 to 2024. Globe was also honored with the Excellent All-Optical Network for AI Enablement award for creating energy-efficient infrastructure that supports the needs of today’s digital world.

“Connectivity is no longer a privilege, it’s a right,” Cruz added. “Globe is working to make sure that right is protected, expanded, and felt in every home and every pocket in this country.”

With ongoing upgrades and continued expansion, Globe is ensuring millions of Filipinos have access to fast, reliable mobile and home internet while driving innovation and growth across the country.

 

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First Gen bats for policy reforms to spur power sector growth

FIRSTGEN.COM.PH

FIRST GEN Corp. is calling for reforms in the regulatory framework, including a review of price caps in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), to allow power generators to recover returns and encourage further investments.

“There are regulatory policies and market mechanism structures that make critical power investments difficult to sustain,” First Gen President and Chief Operating Officer Francis Giles B. Puno said during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting on Thursday.

Mr. Puno said there is a need to re-evaluate market price caps that compress margins and deter investments.

Under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is responsible for promoting competition, encouraging market development, and discouraging abuse of market power within the restructured electric industry.

Mr. Puno said current market caps prevent merchant generators — who do not operate continuously — from earning sufficient returns.

“The way it’s working right now is that at the time when the power is needed the most, the market intervenes — so it’s like, what’s the incentive for you to operate? If that’s the case, or even worse, what’s the incentive for you to make more investments in merchant facility?” he said.

He noted that other countries have clearer policies to ensure sufficient capacity is built, including merchant capacity.

Mr. Puno also called for stronger government support through longer-term offtake agreements, commercially viable structures, and credit guarantees to attract major infrastructure investments.

First Gen’s current portfolio includes 3,668 megawatts of combined capacity from geothermal, wind, hydropower, solar energy, and natural gas plants.

For 2025, the company set a capital expenditure budget of $601 million, with a significant portion allocated to geothermal projects under its subsidiary Energy Development Corp., First Gen Chief Finance Officer Emmanuel Antonio P. Singson said. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Union seeks worker support during EDSA rehab

Motorists deal with heavy traffic along EDSA in Makati City. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

A LABOR UNION is urging the government to protect and support workers affected by the rehabilitation of Metro Manila’s busiest highway.

“The DoTr (Department of Transportation) has outlined a few alternatives. But they’ve failed to provide any assurance that things won’t get harder for workers over the next two years,” Joanna Bernice S. Coronacion, deputy secretary general of the Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO) said in a statement.

Ms. Coronacion said the rehabilitation project will impact workers who use Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) daily. “For millions of workers already enduring long, exhausting commutes, this will make a bad situation even worse,” she added.

The government is set to invest P8.1 billion in rehabilitating EDSA starting June 13. The road is used by an average of 437,000 vehicles daily.

“We call on the government to convene an emergency summit — now. Bring all stakeholders to the table. Open the plans. Listen to commuters, workers, and communities,” she added.

She added that the government and those affected by the roadworks need to agree on a comprehensive response, including smart traffic management and expanded and reliable public transportation.

The plan should also incorporate flexible work arrangements to give workers options during the rehabilitation.

The Department of Labor and Employment has urged companies to adopt work-from-home schemes to avert potential gridlock while the roadworks are ongoing.

“Workers and commuters are not collateral damage. They are the heart of this city. They deserve respect, dignity, and a voice in the decisions that shape their daily lives,” Ms. Coronacion said.

SENTRO is also pushing for a high-capacity busway with proper pedestrian access to train stations and 3.5-meter-wide, tree-lined and shaded sidewalks.

“If the goal is a livable, inclusive Metro Manila, then EDSA must be rebuilt with the people in mind,” she added.

The rehabilitation project is expected to run for two years and will be the road’s first major upgrade since the 1980s. — Adrian H. Halili

Hailey Bieber sells makeup brand Rhode to Elf Beauty in $1-billion deal

RHODESKIN.COM

MODEL Hailey Bieber’s makeup and skincare brand, Rhode, is being snapped up by Elf Beauty for about $1 billion, giving the budget cosmetic retailer access to a celebrity-endorsed product line that has become hugely popular among Gen Z and millennials.

Elf said on Wednesday it would pay Rhode shareholders $800 million in a combination of cash and stock and an additional potential earnout consideration of $200 million subject to certain performance-related conditions.

Last month, Reuters reported that Ms. Bieber was exploring a sale of the brand, which could be worth more than $1 billion.

For Elf, the deal would mark a shift in strategy and expand into the prestige beauty market as the company faces weak demand from mass market customers who are being pressured by persistently high inflation.

“The Rhode deal is a bold move for e.l.f. into premium beauty at a time when the prestige side of the industry has lost some of its momentum as a result of consumers buying less or trading down,” said Sky Canaves, eMarketer analyst.

However, Rhode has bucked this trend, Ms. Canaves added, with a strong Gen Z following and significant buzz around its product launches, positioning it well for a strong expansion.

Elf — short for eyes, lips, and face — offers products priced as low as $2 at US retailers including Walmart, Ulta Beauty, and Target.

On the other hand, Rhode — which launched in 2022 and gained popularity with TikTok viral products such as its $18 “peptide lip treatments” — sells exclusively through its own website or pop-up stores, relying heavily on Hailey Bieber’s social media influence.

Ms. Bieber said, “e.l.f. Beauty marks an incredible opportunity to elevate and accelerate our ability to reach more of our community with even more innovative products and widen our distribution globally.”

The company raked in about $212 million in sales for the year ended March 31 and is planning to start selling at Sephora stores across the US and Canada coming this fall, followed by the UK.

“Rhode further diversifies our portfolio with a fast-growing brand that makes the best of prestige accessible,” Elf Chief Executive Officer Tarang Amin said in a statement.

Earlier this year, Elf’s shares cratered 20% after the company cut its annual forecasts and warned of weakening demand.

Elf’s deal with Rhode would mark its biggest acquisition to date and follows its $355-million acquisition of skincare company Natrium in 2023.

Ms. Bieber will continue her role as founder and will also act as a “strategic advisor” after the deal closes. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of fiscal 2026.

Separately, Elf on Wednesday refrained from providing a fiscal 2026 forecast due to uncertainty surrounding import tariffs despite beating Wall Street expectations for fourth-quarter sales.

The company, which sources about 75% of its products from China, down from 100% back in 2019, said last week it would raise prices by $1 to combat tariff pressure. — Reuters

Consumer AI gadgets will come with a whimper, not a bang

FREEPIK

By Catherine Thorbecke

WHERE are all the artificial intelligence (AI) consumer gadgets? Even a year ago, it seemed tech companies were working to incorporate the technology into every physical device, from coffee makers to vacuums, making “AI-powered” hardware seem like it would soon be as ubiquitous as “battery-powered” electronics.

Typically, tech conferences offer a glimmer of these futuristic toys. Not all of them end up hitting the market, but it’s where we can dream a little about new pocket devices or household robots taking on a greater role in our lives.

So it was a little disappointing last week at Asia’s biggest artificial intelligence conference, Taiwan’s Computex, to find hardly any mentions of consumer-facing tech. Most keynotes focused on enterprise applications of AI, such as agents or automated manufacturing. Walking around the exhibitors’ hall, the only thing that caught my eye were wireless computer mice shaped like cats.

A few things seem to have changed. For starters, there’s the reality that hardware engineering presents an entirely different set of physical challenges compared to tinkering with AI software. And a global trade war also makes it a risky time to launch a new gadget when it’s unclear if consumers are interested. Companies also may be starting to pick up on the fact that while Wall Street is awash with global hype on the AI boom, it isn’t exactly a selling point on Main Street.

If anything, some of the executives speaking at the conference threw cold water on the next generations of these AI-first consumer products. Asustek Computer, Inc. co-Chief Executive Officer Samson Hu told Bloomberg News that it will take another year or more for AI-powered PCs to go mainstream because the technology isn’t quite there yet and macroeconomic uncertainty is impacting people’s spending. There have been few compelling use cases for AI PCs so far, despite the mountain of promotion.

Meanwhile, the graveyard of AI hardware that was supposed to transform our lives is already growing. The Humane Ai Pin wearable device — launched last year to much hype about how it was going to replace the smartphone — ended up receiving brutal reviews while being a fire hazard. The startup, run by two former Apple, Inc. employees, stopped selling the Ai Pin earlier this year and was sold for parts. The Rabbit R1 assistant is another cautionary tale of the false promises of these gadgets.

But that doesn’t mean the future of AI consumer products isn’t coming. OpenAI made the major announcement last week that it is working with legendary iPhone designer Jony Ive to launch something that takes AI into the physical realm for consumers. But even the might of OpenAI’s technology and Ive’s design prowess make whatever it is a far from certain bet.

There were perhaps some lessons for the future of such devices from the gathering in Taiwan. During his keynote speech, Qualcomm, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Cristiano Amon said that AI computers are at the phase where they will require the work of outside developers to make them appeal to consumers. The iPhone, for example, didn’t take off immediately after it was launched. But it became essential to so many people because of the myriad apps developers built on top of it that we now use to hail taxis, order food, or move around new cities. “Really, the developer ecosystem is going to make this shift to AI PCs,” Amon said. He’s right, and the same is true beyond just AI computers.

For any revolutionary AI hardware device, and especially a smartphone killer, the more that global developers lead the charge to meet peoples’ needs and solve small, everyday problems, the more likely they are to succeed. In this economy, maybe that doesn’t mean repackaging the same old gadgets with shiny new AI labels. It means iterating and perfecting real use cases that incorporate the buzzy technology into devices and make our lives easier. And this will inevitably be a collective effort.

AI is already transforming our world in small ways. I find asking ChatGPT to quickly translate phrases for me while on the go a lifesaver when navigating a new country. But I hardly want to shell out money to carry around a new device simply to access ChatGPT.

The more the tech industry tries to slap AI onto everything and market it as a panacea for all our problems, the more I get a snake-oil salesman ick. The future of AI hardware won’t come in a magical new gadget, it will be built by tackling these tasks one-by-one and not all at once.

BLOOMBERG OPINION

Philippine transition to a low-carbon economy

The Philippines remains one of the most at risk and vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Its location and the frequency of several other phenomena related to the worsening climate crisis threaten the country’s communities, infrastructure and economy.

For businesses, these disruptions may result in operational setbacks, logistical challenges and financial losses. Given the high risks posed by climate change, it is crucial that companies in the Philippines take a proactive role in transitioning to low-carbon operations. This is not merely a global trend; it is a necessity to ensure financial and operational sustainability of businesses and to uphold national stability and resilience.

The transition to a low-carbon economy is also not just about mitigating risks for individual businesses. It is also a national obligation under the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, in which all member countries must submit their updated nationally determined contributions based on a five-year cycle of review. The Philippines has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030, and the National Government must implement measures that require scaled and extensive corporate participation, pushing them to submit their decarbonization plans every five years and compliance reports yearly.

The transition to a low-carbon economy will vary for each company, and so will the risks associated with their movements. Some businesses may undertake considerable financial investments in cleaner technologies, while others may experience operational disruptions as they shift away from carbon-intensive processes. These transition risks, combined with evolving market expectations and policy changes, reinforce the urgency for companies to prepare effectively and choose strategic planning methods that allow them to assess risks and opportunities competently.

A strategic planning method based on varying circumstances and scenario analysis plays a critical role in the transition to a low-carbon economy because it helps businesses assess their readiness for climate-related risks. It examines and evaluates potential future scenarios of the world to assess the resilience of an entity’s strategy and business model to climate-related risks and opportunities, allowing companies to hypothetically quantify the effects of transition risks to entities across relevant time horizons based on the degree of policy and regulatory implementation and changes.

Furthermore, the analysis involves looking into the company’s greenhouse gas inventory and decarbonization strategy, and investigating its emissions based on the mix of energy consumption and the related costs. The analysis varies depending on the industry and business model, but its core purpose remains the same: to help companies anticipate how their financial performance, asset values and operations might change under different climate-related scenarios.

The benefits of scenario analysis extend beyond compliance. It helps businesses anticipate additional costs for nonrenewables, polish their decarbonization strategies and bolster the confidence of investors who are starting to factor sustainability and climate risk in their decision-making.

Companies that model their sustainability initiatives based on scenario analysis enhance their reputation, build resilience against unforeseen risks and gain a competitive edge in evolving markets. Furthermore, it ensures compliance with international standards such as the International Financial Reporting Standards, International Sustainability Standards Board and the Security and Exchange Commission’s Sustainability Report Form.

The transition to a low-carbon economy is no longer optional; it is a business imperative. With global markets fluxing toward a clean and sustainable future, companies that fail to adapt will face increasing risks. Philippine businesses must recognize their distinct vulnerability to climate change and take decisive and steady actions to prepare for the future. This is not just about their internal risk mitigation, but also the assurance of their resilience, the attraction of potential investments and their meaningful contribution to national and global sustainability goals.

The views and opinions are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of FINEX, Deloitte and BusinessWorld.

 

Jesus Ma. Lava III is the sustainability & emerging assurance leader at Landicho Abela & Co. (Deloitte Philippines), a member firm of the Deloitte network and also a FINEX member. This article was developed with significant contributions from Deloitte Philippines’ senior consultant Sebastian Carino, whose insights helped shape its content. For comments or questions, e-mail phcm@deloitte.com.

What employers can do in a dry job market?

We are a small cosmetics company in dire need of chemists. We can’t seem to attract applicants as major companies have cornered the job market. Even graduating students would want to work for multinationals that offer not only lucrative pay but sophisticated training programs. How do we compete with them? — Little Lamb.

You don’t compete with them in that same traditional space. Rather, you’ve got to create your context like marketers do with the Blue Ocean Strategy. That means creating untapped job markets with little or no competition where the “pie” is made bigger rather than fought over.

Your best approach is to make your competitors irrelevant in your quest for chemists. Focus on what your competitors are ignoring rather than fighting with them in their own game, which you may not be able to afford anyway.

But first things first. I suggest that you examine your current value as an organization. Why are you having difficulty hiring chemists? Do an honest-to-goodness self-evaluation. You may find out that money is not everything.

SELF-EVALUATION
To evaluate your organization, you can do many things with the help of an external management consultant, preferably those outside of your industry. Topping my list are the following programs, which you can do one after another, in the following sequence:

One is SWOT analysis. This is about understanding the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. You can do this in a two- to three-day weekend get-away with top management and lieutenants to participate in strategic planning, and corporate visioning, and to revisit the vision, mission, and value statements.

Two, recruitment analytics. How well do you understand the job applicants’ acceptance rate and their time-to-hire situations? In real terms, how many candidates would accept a job offer? Sometimes, it’s surprising that a low acceptance rate may point to issues like the candidate’s poor experience during the recruitment process, among other reasons.

Three, employee morale survey. This is an annual, structured tool used by organizations to measure the general mood and satisfaction level of their employees. It helps employers understand how people feel about their work, management, team dynamics, and culture. That’s how sophisticated applicants would want to gauge the emotional well-being of their current employees.

Four, employer branding. This refers to the reputation and image a company projects as an employer — both to current employees and to potential job candidates. It’s essentially how your company is perceived as a place to work and what makes it attractive or unattractive to job seekers. It answers one simple question — “Why would anyone want to work there?”

Five, competitor benchmarking. The goal is to identify gaps, discover best practices, and find opportunities for improvement to stay competitive in your industry. This is difficult to do, especially if you have nothing to offer in exchange for comparing your company’s performance, strategies, products, or practices against competitors.

OTHER OPTIONS
Are you sure you know what you’re doing? Be skeptical about your current policies and practices to discover what you’ve been ignoring or missing out. To do that, answer the following questions:

One is job requirements. What are the imperative skills of the job? What skills are optional? How about years of work experience? Would 10 years of experience be needed or optional? Why can’t five years of experience suffice? How about applicants from other industries?

Two, sourcing platforms. How well do you know of potential candidates outside of the job market? How about those people active in professional groups? What are the upsides and downsides of hiring highly visible candidates in industry associations? How effective are referral bonuses for current workers?

Three, pay and perks package. How competitive are your compensation policies when compared to those in the industry? How low is low in absolute terms? Can you offset this with strong non-monetary benefits like flexibility, independence, mission-driven work, and faster career growth? How about giving them a performance bonus and stock option plan?

Four, training and upskilling. Can you hire for the candidates’ potential, rather than their current skill and experience? How about establishing a management development program to train junior hires in exchange for their three-year employment? Can you do this program with a reputable educational institution?

Five, specialized recruiters. Can you outsource the hiring process to trustworthy manpower agencies that can reach out to hidden talent? How sophisticated are these agencies in processing job applicants to avoid mismatch? What are the reasons why it’s better to subcontract the hiring process to these agencies?

Six, management consultants. How about hiring special subcontractors to do the job? Are you willing to hire retired chemists, either as project workers or short-term consultants? How about exploring the idea of hiring subcontractors or external vendors with the same talent and skill?

Surely, you can attract talent with below-market pay, but only if you’re exceptional in other areas that matter to candidates. In other words, what’s your value proposition beyond money?

 

Bring Rey Elbo’s branded leadership program called Superior Subordinate Supervision to your organization. For details, e-mail elbonomics@gmail.com or DM him on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or via https://reyelbo.com

AboitizPower to expand AI use in Luzon, Visayas coal plants

ABOITIZPOWER.COM

ABOITIZ POWER Corp. (AboitizPower) plans to expand the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to its coal-fired power plants in Luzon and the Visayas to help ensure plant availability and reliability.

In a statement on Thursday, AboitizPower Transition Business Group President and Chief Operating Officer Celso Caballero III said the company is set to complete AI implementation at its Visayas plants and will begin rollout in Luzon next year.

This initiative follows AboitizPower’s partnership with Thailand-based REPCO NEX Industrial Solutions to transform its conventional coal-fired plants into smart facilities.

The 340-megawatt (MW) Therma Visayas, Inc. plant in Toledo City, Cebu, and the 300-MW Therma South, Inc. plant in Davao City were the initial sites for Project Arkanghel.

Project Arkanghel features a unified operations center equipped with digital twin technologies, early warning and anomaly detection systems, and an end-to-end integrated live asset health monitoring system. The center enables engineers to anticipate potential issues and optimize plant operations.

“The first phase of Project Arkanghel is up and running, currently in one of our circulating fluidized bed plants in Mindanao,” Mr. Caballero said, referring to the Cebu plant.

According to the company, AI-based systems can enhance plant efficiency, resulting in lower heat rates, improved fuel use, reduced unplanned outages, and longer intervals between scheduled maintenance. These data-driven systems are designed to support more accurate and confident decision-making.

Mr. Caballero said integrating AI and data analytics into its baseload power plants is intended to help address issues related to growing electricity demand, disaster resilience, and cost affordability.

“The expansion of Project Arkanghel to AboitizPower’s coal plants in Luzon and Visayas is a pragmatic step in the company’s balanced energy mix strategy,” the company said.

“It acknowledges the immediate need for stable, dependable, and cost-effective baseload power while renewable energy capacities continue to grow,” it added.

AboitizPower is the Aboitiz Group’s investment vehicle for power generation, distribution, and retail electricity, as well as related energy solutions.

The company aims to expand its generation portfolio with renewable and selected baseload projects. It seeks to grow its renewables business through assets powered by indigenous energy sources such as solar, hydro, geothermal, and wind. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Philippines lags in Trade Barrier Index

The Philippines tumbled 35 places to 116th out of 122 countries in the 2025 edition of the International Trade Barrier Index (TBI), published biennially by nonprofit Tholos Foundation. The country’s TBI score worsened to 5.25 in 2025 from 5.15 in 2023 on a 10-point scale where lower is better, lagging behind the global average of 4.22 and the East Asia & Pacific average of 4.20. The index evaluates trade openness based on tariffs, nontariff barriers, services restrictions, and facilitation.

Philippines lags in Trade Barrier Index

How PSEi member stocks performed — May 29, 2025

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Philippines ‘rejects and refutes’ China’s claims over Spratly Islands

AN AERIAL photo of Philippine-occupied Thitu Island, locally known as Pag-asa, in the contested Spratly Islands. — REUTERS

THE Philippines on Thursday said that it “rejects and refutes” China’s recent remarks claiming it has “indisputable sovereignty” over Spratly Islands, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

“The fundamental fact is that Pag-asa Island and the Pag-asa Cays form part of the Kalayaan Island Group (Spratly Islands), which is an integral part of the Philippines over which it has longstanding sovereignty and jurisdiction,” DFA Spokesperson Teresita C. Daza said in a statement.

“The Philippines is clearly within its rights to conduct routine maritime operations and scientific research in and around these features and will continue to do so.”

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

The Embassy on Monday accused the Philippines of intruding its territorial waters, claiming that the Southeast Asian nation conducted “27 unauthorized landings,” involving 167 personnel on uninhabited features in the South China Sea.

“Notably, these so-called scientific research missions included media crews, seemingly to stage and record the events, resembling film production rather than genuine research,” the embassy said. “The underlying intentions behind such activities are self-evident. It is clear which party initiated the provocation, and which is engaging in deception.”

The DFA asserted the Philippines’ actions in the area are a valid exercise of Philippine sovereignty and consistent with international law, citing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea

“China has no right to object much less interfere with these lawful and routine activities,” Ms. Daza said, adding it should respect the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction.

Last week, Manila accused Beijing’s coast guard of endangering two Philippine civilian vessels conducting research near the in Pag-Asa Cays 1, 2 and 3 in the South China Sea.

The Chinese coast guard had reportedly fired its water cannons at BRP Datu Sanday before colliding the vessel, damaging its bow and chimney.

In April, Chinese state media reported that China’s coast guard had asserted sovereignty over the Sandy Cay by landing and displaying Beijing’s national flag on the feature.

Manila has since rejected their claims as the features form part of the country’s exclusive economic zone. It had likewise deployed its own troops shortly after reinforcing its claims.

Ties between Beijing and Manila have worsened in recent years due to repeated encounters between their coast guard ships in the South China Sea.

China claims more than 80% of the South China Sea based on a 1940s map, which a United Nations-backed arbitration court in The Hague voided in 2016 for being illegal. Other countries like Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam also have claims in the disputed waterway.

PHL-JAPAN SECURITY TIES
Meanwhile, the Philippines and Japan are in talks to deepen their security and economic ties after a bilateral meeting between the Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya in Tokyo.

“Regarding security, the two foreign ministers held in-depth discussions on further strengthening the foundation for security and defense cooperation, based on last month’s Summit Meeting,” the Japanese Embassy said on Thursday.

Mr. Iwaya had also pushed for further cooperation between the two nations through the official security assistance to further build the Philippines’ defense capabilities.

Manila was one of the first recipients of Tokyo’s official security assistance, a program aimed at helping boost deterrence capabilities of partner countries.

The two envoys also discussed the possibility of a potential information security agreement between Manila and Tokyo, that would enable the sharing of classified information and strengthen security cooperation.

They also agreed to hold maritime consultations and vice-ministerial strategic dialogue within the year to “share strategic perceptions and further advance cooperation in the field of security, including the maritime domain.”

Security ties between the two US allies have strengthened in the past two years as Japan and the Philippines share common concerns over China’s increasingly assertive actions in the region.

Mr. Iwaya added that Japan would also like to further promote infrastructure development in the Philippines as equal partners through public-private partnerships.

The two envoys also recognized the need for a stable investment environment for the development of mineral sources projects in the Philippines.

Mr. Iwaya and Mr. Manalo said that they will proceed with preparations on or the next Japan-Philippines High Level Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation in Japan this year.

SHANGRI-LA DIALOGUE
Separately, the Philippines’ defense chief is set to attend a high-level security summit in Singapore, where he will be joined by counterparts from other nations and push for talks on advancing Manila’ strategic interests amid tensions in the South China Sea.

Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. will attend the Shangri-La Dialogue alongside other top military officers in Singapore from May 30 to June 1 in hopes of strengthening defense ties with allies, the Department of National Defense (DND) said.

“The DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is scheduled to hold bilateral and multilateral meetings with counterparts from various countries,” it said in a statement.

The Shangri-La Dialogue is Asia’s leading security summit, convening top defense officials from across the region and beyond. It features debates led by officials and is an avenue for bilateral talks among delegates.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. defended Manila’s territorial claims in the contested South China Sea in last year’s forum.

“Secretary Teodoro’s participation underscored the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based international order and sustained peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region through open dialogue and strategic partnerships,” the DND said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine military has activated a new special operations command on Wednesday, a move aimed at making its forces more responsive amid persistent security challenges faced by the Southeast Asian nation.

The AFP has transferred its special operations command to the Philippine Army and launched a new joint special operations unit in a restructuring aimed at enhancing force agility.

“This transformation is operationally driven, doctrinally sound and aligned with our vision of a credible and unified armed forces,” AFP Chief-of-Staff General Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. said in a separate statement. — Adrian H. Halili and Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Marcos keeps Remullas, Teodoro in Cabinet, appoints new SolGen, PNP chief in line with gov’t reset

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. spoke at the ceremonial signing at Malacañan Palace of a joint circular for the establishment of P1 billion worth of child development centers in low-income parts of the country. — PPA POOL/MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., retained his administration’s current Justice, Interior and Local Government, and Defense secretaries, but appointed a new solicitor general (SolGen) and police chief amid the “bold” reset of government.

The President declined the courtesy resignation of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla, Jr., and Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin said at a news briefing on Thursday.

Mr. Bersamin noted there are no updates yet on the resignation of National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año, whose letter was addressed directly to the President.

Mr. Marcos, however, decided to replace Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra, appointing University of the Philippines College of Law Dean Darlene Marie B. Berberabe as the government’s new top legal counsel. She was sworn in on Thursday morning.

“It’s time for fresh blood to come in,” said Mr. Bersamin. “Her strong philosophy background will help her use the wisdom and the ethical leadership she has gained from deep reflection and rigorous study to competently perform her tasks as the Solicitor General.”

Mr. Bersamin denied the move to replace the government’s top lawyer was tied to the arrest of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, whose justice secretary was Mr. Guevarra.

The former justice chief had recused his entire office in March from representing the government in lawsuits questioning the arrest of Mr. Duterte.

The 80-year-old tough-talking leader is currently detained in The Hague, awaiting trial for alleged crimes against humanity tied to his bloody war on drugs.

“I don’t think that that was a factor at all because if you recall, there was a strong clamor for the termination or removal of Solicitor Guevarra at the time,” Mr. Bersamin said. “But he and the president had a conversation about this, and the president respected his ethical decision to recuse.”

According to Mr. Guevarra, the 11th highest-paid government official in 2024, it is time for him to “go back to a quiet and peaceful private life.”

“I am happy for Darlene Berberabe. As a top-caliber lawyer with an impressive management background. She will surely do as well as Solicitor General,” he said in a message to reporters through Viber.

Ms. Berberabe served as the chief executive officer of the Home Development Mutual Fund in 2010 before becoming a law school dean.

The President also accepted the courtesy resignation of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Rommel Francisco D. Marbil ahead of his retirement in June.

He will be replaced by Nicolas D. Torre III, who currently heads the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, effective starting June 2.

Mr. Torre also led the high-profile arrests of Mr. Duterte and his spiritual advisor accused of trafficking, Apollo C. Quiboloy.

This is the first time a graduate of the PNP Academy (PNPA) has held the top police position. Mr. Torre graduated from the PNPA in 1993, ranking fourth in his class.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Remulla welcomed Mr. Torre’s appointment, saying in a statement the department is “confident his leadership will drive transformation, innovation, and strengthen the PNP’s mandate to serve and protect.”

Meanwhile, the President also sacked the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Prospero E. De Vera III. He will be replaced by CHED Commissioner Shirley C. Agrupis.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Ms. Agrupis served as the president of the Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte, the president’s hometown. She became CHED commissioner in September 2024.

Mr. De Vera, who led the Commission since 2018, was an appointee of Mr. Duterte.

“I respect the President’s decision and thank him for the trust and the opportunity to continue with the educational reforms in higher education that I started when I was appointed Commissioner in 2016 and Chairman in 2018, and under his administration,” he said in a statement.

More than 50 agency leaders handed the President their resignation last week after he issued a sweeping order for a government reset following the dismal performance of his bets in the recently concluded midterm elections. Mr. Marcos has also retained his economic team, composed of the Trade, Finance, Budget, and Economic planning secretaries. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

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