ICCP: GSIS’ P1.45-B investment in Alternergy complied with regulations

July 22, 2025 | 12:01 am

THE P1.45-billion investment by state-run Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in Alternergy Holdings Corp. complied with the “rigorous requirements” of regulators, according to the latter’s financial advisor, Investment & Capital Corp. of the Philippines (ICCP).

In a statement on Monday, ICCP affirmed that the redeemable preferred shares (RPS) offering to the institutional investor was conducted in accordance with corporate governance standards and existing securities regulations.

The RPS, an equity security specifically designed for investors seeking attractive and long-term fixed income yield, also complied with the rigorous requirements of the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE) and the Securities and Exchange Commission for its subsequent listing on the exchange in March last year, the advisor said.

“These transactions followed strict due diligence and compliance processes. We ensured transparency at every stage of these transactions in line with our commitment to ethical and professional standards,” said ICCP Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Valentino S. Bagatsing.

Mr. Bagatsing added that Alternergy reported to the PSE the payment of the first annual coupon on the RPS in December 2024.

In November 2023, GSIS subscribed to P1.45 billion worth of Alternergy’s perpetual preferred shares 2 Series A under a private placement.

“ICCP remains committed to providing trusted financial advisory services that enable companies like Alternergy to raise capital responsibly, supporting national objectives for energy security and sustainability,” the advisor said.

The statement follows a report saying that the Ombudsman imposed a six-month preventive suspension on GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso over GSIS’ investment in Alternergy. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Decoding hints that Xi Jinping may be under pressure to relinquish some of his power

July 22, 2025 | 12:01 am

Political and economic pressures might force Chinese president and overall leader Xi Jinping to delegate some of his powers to his deputies in a highly significant move. This has prompted some observers and media outlets to speculate that Xi’s grip on power may be waning.

A major part of why this is happening is likely to stem from Xi’s difficulties in dealing with China’s economic woes, which began from a real estate crisis in 2021. For years, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has relied on providing economic prosperity to legitimize its rule over the country.

But the continuously lackluster performance of the Chinese economy over the past four years coupled with Trump’s trade war with Beijing is making recovery a difficult task. And this is likely to be a factor that undermines Xi’s rule.

These rumors about Xi started just after the latest meeting, on June 30, of the politburo (the principal policy making body of the party), which brings China’s top leaders together to make major decisions.

For people who don’t follow Chinese politics, the idea of Xi delegating some authority might seem nothing special. However, in understanding China, it’s important to understand that Xi has massive power, and it seems the politburo is signaling there are some changes on the horizon.

WHAT ARE THE CLUES?
Symbolism and indirect language play an important role in how the communist party communicates with Chinese people. The way it is done comes through slogans or key phrases, which are collectively known as “tifa .”

This method of information is important since it shapes political language and debate, and influences how a Chinese, and international, audience understands what’s going on. At first glance, the politburo’s call for enhancing “policy coordination” and the “review process” of major tasks may appear to indicate that the central government is seeking to ensure local officials follow through with Beijing’s agenda.

But there is probably more to the politburo’s statement than meets the eye. The statement said that specialized bodies that exist within the party’s central committee, which includes the powerful commissions that Xi’s loyalists now hold, should focus on “guidance and coordination over major initiatives” and to “avoid taking over others’ functions or overstepping boundaries.”

For experienced China watchers there are hints here that this powerful decision-making body is making a veiled threat against Xi for holding on to too much power. But the opaque nature of China’s elite decision-making process, where a great deal of backroom politics occurs behind closed doors, means that decoding its messages isn’t always easy.

Because of all of this, there is increasing speculation that a power struggle is in progress. This isn’t entirely surprising given Xi’s purge of many senior party officials through anti-corruption campaigns and dominance over the highest levels of government is likely to have earned him many enemies over the years.

Another sign that all isn’t going well with Xi’s regime is the removal of some of his allies from key positions within the government. Xi began his anti-corruption campaign in 2012 when he became China’s leader. On paper, while officially framed as a drive to clean up corruption, evidence suggests that the campaign may have been used to remove Xi’s political rivals.

The problem for Xi is that the campaign is being used against his loyalists as well. In October 2023, defense minister Li Shangfu, who was considered a Xi ally, was sacked due to what was later confirmed in 2024 to be from due to corruption charges. But the dismissals of Xi loyalists continued.

Admiral Miao Hua, who was in charge of ideological control and personnel appointment within the armed forces and Xi’s associate since his days as a party official in Fujian province, was suspended from office in November 2024. And in June 2025, he was removed after being investigated for corruption.

The previous month, General He Weidong, who was vice-chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission, was arrested also for alleged corruption. Are the purges a consequence of Xi ceding ground to political rivals? This is a possibility.

But even if it weren’t and the purges are part of a concerted effort to stamp out corruption, Xi’s campaign will not only cast aspersions on his ability to appoint the right people into government, but also create a climate of fear among allies and potentially create further enemies. Either scenario puts Xi on the spot. But since Xi became China’s head of state in 2013, he and his loyalists have taken over leadership of many key national commissions, making him the most powerful Chinese leader since the time of Chairman Mao.

These commissions include the Central Financial Commission, which regulates China’s financial markets, the Central Science and Technology Commission, which aims to accelerate China’s technological progress, and the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, which regulates China’s digital content.

WHO IS ON THE UP?
But it looks like Xi is about to delegate some of his power, and there are some other decisions that may indicate a shift. For the first time since coming into power in 2012, Xi skipped the annual summit organized by the BRICS group (named after Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Instead, from July 5 to 7 this year, Chinese premier Li Qiang, led a delegation to Rio de Janeiro.

This isn’t the first time that Li has represented Xi in high-profile conferences abroad. In September 2023, Li attended the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, and has taken part in ASEAN summits.

But the BRICS appearance alongside with Li’s increasingly prominent role in economic policy making may suggest that his influence is on the rise, while Xi’s is declining. Watch this space.

THE CONVERSATION VIA REUTERS CONNECT

Chee Meng Tan is an assistant professor of Business Economics at the University of Nottingham.

Peso slips as markets eye trade talks

July 22, 2025 | 12:01 am

THE PESO slipped against the dollar on Monday as markets await developments on countries’ negotiations the United States ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline for its planned “reciprocal” tariffs.

The local unit closed at P57.175 per dollar, dropping by three centavos from its P57.145 finish on Friday, Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed.

The peso opened Monday’s session slightly stronger at P57.10 against the dollar. Its intraday best was at P57.06, while its worst showing was at P57.23 against the greenback.

Dollars exchanged went up to $1.36 billion on Monday from $1.31 billion on Friday.

The peso weakened slightly as the dollar continued to be supported by safe-haven demand as the Aug. 1 deadline for trade negotiations with the US draws closer, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

Several countries, including the Philippines, are moving to negotiate the Trump administration’s planned reciprocal tariff rates, which are set to take effect starting next one.

“The peso depreciated anew from the uptick in US consumer sentiment report last Friday, underscoring the persistent strength of the US economy,” a trader added in an e-mail.

US consumer sentiment improved in July and inflation expectations declined, but households still saw substantial risk of price pressures increasing in the future, the University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers released on Friday showed, Reuters reported.

For Tuesday, the trader said the peso could depreciate further ahead of potentially hawkish remarks from US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell at the Integrated Review of the Capital Framework for Large Banks Conference in Washington, DC.

The trader expects the peso to move between P57.05 and P57.30 on Tuesday, while Mr. Ricafort said it could range from P57.05 to P57.25. — A.M.C. Sy

Metro Manila surpasses national average in internet usage

July 22, 2025 | 12:01 am

DESPITE HIGHER cybersecurity awareness, the number of individuals who fell victim to cyber incidents, such as text scams, phishing, and hacking, in the country doubled in 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported. Read the full story.

Developers told to spread risk across locations, segments

July 22, 2025 | 12:01 am

Davao City-skyline-aerial view — Davao City, Philippines — STOCK PHOTO | Image by Maynard Magallen from Unsplash

PROPERTY CONSULTANTS said Philippine developers should diversify their real estate portfolios across segments and locations to manage risks amid high vacancies.

“If you are a developer and all your assets are in one city, and the area where they are located is down, then your assets depreciate,” PRIME Philippines Founder and Chief Executive Officer Jettson P. Yu told BusinessWorld.

This comes as some areas within the commercial real estate sector have experienced “persistently high vacancies and falling rents,” a spokesperson for the International Monetary Fund said.

In particular, the Philippine capital continues to face an oversupply of condominiums, with 82,800 unsold units as of end-June, according to Leechiu Property Consultants.

For Mr. Yu, developers should also diversify their portfolio across various real estate segments to ensure stronger take-up.

“Real estate is always cyclical… it’s not all down. People just move,” Mr. Yu said.

Property developers should further expand their portfolio beyond the Philippine capital amid the ongoing “shift to suburbia,” said Joey Roi H. Bondoc, director and head of research at Colliers Philippines.

“While there’s a slowdown in Metro Manila, developers should look into other growth areas,” he said in an interview.

Mr. Bondoc cited key expansion areas such as Region III (Central Luzon), Region IV-A (Calabarzon), Region VI (Western Visayas), Region VII (Central Visayas), Region X (Northern Mindanao), and Region XI (Davao Region).

These regions, along with Metro Manila, account for more than 90% of the country’s total residential units.

“So, this is where growth is likely to come from, given the slower take-up in the capital region,” he added.

Mr. Bondoc also recommended that property developers take advantage of the rising demand for lot-only projects.

“We’ve noticed that price growth for condominiums has slowed or corrected,” he said. “But if there’s one property segment where we still see capital or price appreciation, it’s the lot-only segment.”

According to Mr. Bondoc, investors typically favor lot-only developments with green, breathable spaces and access to nearby golf courses.

“Imagine buying an upscale luxury condo in Metro Manila at P400,000 to P500,000 per square meter… In comparison, a lot-only unit in Bulacan, Batangas, or Pampanga costs around P20,000 to P30,000 per square meter,” he said.

The take-up rate for lot-only units outside Metro Manila averaged 52% to 97%, according to Colliers data. The provinces of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, Cebu, Davao, and Bulacan posted take-up rates above 90%, while Tarlac recorded the lowest at 52%.

“If there is one important piece of advice we can give, it’s to look into the lot-only projects being launched by major national developers outside Metro Manila, especially if you’re banking on price appreciation,” Mr. Bondoc said. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

How PSEi member stocks performed — July 21, 2025

July 22, 2025 | 12:00 am

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Monday, July 21, 2025.

PHL suspends classes, gov’t work; 2 low-pressure areas being watched

July 21, 2025 | 9:32 pm

flood-road-vehicle-wc — RESIDENTS wade through heavy flooding along Araneta Avenue in Quezon City as the southwest monsoon continued to bring torrential rain on Monday. — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

By Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza and Sheldeen Joy Talavera, Reporters

THE PHILIPPINE government on Monday suspended classes and government work for Tuesday, July 22, as the country continued to reel from the effects of the southwest monsoon and Severe Tropical Storm Wipha (Crising), which left the Philippine landmass at the weekend.

The state weather bureau said it was monitoring two low-pressure areas (LPA) in the country’s north.

In a Facebook post, Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla, Jr., said classes in both private and public schools had been suspended in Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Pangasinan, Tarlac and Occidental Mindoro.

It would be up to private employers whether to suspend work, he added.

Communications Secretary Dave M. Gomez told Palace reporters Mr. Remulla was authorized to announce suspensions.

As of 2 p.m., the LPAs had a “medium” chance of developing into tropical depressions in the next 24 hours, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its afternoon weather bulletin.

In a separate report, the weather bureau said one LPA was seen about 1,220 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon, while the other was estimated at 405 kilometers east of Calayan, Cagayan.

PAGASA said the southwest monsoon remained the dominant weather system affecting large swaths of the country.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said at least five people died from the combined effects of Crising and the monsoon rains, up from two the previous day. At least seven people were still missing.

The tropical storm and monsoon rains have affected almost 900,000 people from about 226,000 families in 1,556 villages. More than 20,000 people from almost 6,000 families were staying in evacuation centers.

Flooding was reported in 138 areas, with 125 floods having subsided and 38 receding as of the latest data. Seven landslides were also recorded — one in Central Luzon, two in Calabarzon, one in Western Visayas and three in Central Visayas.

The agency said 1,234 houses were affected across multiple regions, including Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, Caraga, Bangsamoro, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and Negros Island. Of these homes, 299 were totally damaged.

Infrastructure damage reached P219.37 million, affecting 44 structures in Ilocos, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Mimaropa and Cordillera.

FARM DAMAGE
The Department of Agriculture (DA) at the weekend estimated farm damage at P53 million in Western Visayas and Mimaropa. More than 2,000 farmers working on more than 2,400 hectares of land were affected.

“Floodwaters have submerged fields planted with rice, corn and other high-value crops,” the agency said. “Poultry and livestock operations have also suffered losses. Meanwhile, damage assessments in the fisheries sector are still under way.”

It said the National Food Authority (NFA) warehouse in Mindoro was affected by flooding. In response, the NFA has been releasing rice stocks to local government units and national agencies, with 500 sacks already distributed in Palawan, it added.

The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) has been tasked to conduct rapid damage assessments in affected areas to fast-track insurance claim processing. “The PCIC has instructed its personnel to extend full assistance to affected farmers and expedite the processing of their damage claims,” the DA added.

The department said it might offer additional assistance to affected farmers and fisherfolk, such as agricultural inputs through its regional field offices, rehabilitation support under the quick-response fund and zero-interest loans of up to P25,000 payable in three years.

Meanwhile, parts of the Cordillera Administrative Region were still experiencing brownouts due to the combined impact of Crising and the southwest monsoon, the Department of Energy (DoE) said in a separate statement.

Power and fuel supply across the country had largely normalized, except in certain areas of CAR, where restoration efforts continued.

As of 10 a.m., three electric cooperatives remained under close monitoring — Benguet Electric Cooperative, Inc., Mountain Province Electric Cooperative, Inc., and Abra Electric Cooperative, Inc., based on the latest report from the National Electrification Administration.

“Restoration efforts are well under way, with power already restored in 37 of the 51 affected municipalities, energizing 5,487 customer connections, representing 72.55% of affected areas,” the DoE said.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and actively assisting our local distribution utilities,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said. “We urge all concerned entities to continue proactive clearing operations including the removal of debris and vegetation that may obstruct power lines to accelerate restoration in affected areas.”

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said its transmission facilities remained unaffected.

“All NGCP transmission facilities are currently under normal conditions,” it said in a statement. It was ready to operate its 24/7 command center if monsoon rains or other weather threats disrupt transmission, it added.

Controlled spilling operations were ongoing at Binga and Ambuklao Dams to manage high water levels, with discharges at 161.57 cubic meters per second (cms) and 78.74 cms, respectively.

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said about 11,000 customers, or less than 1% of its total customer base, experienced service interruptions as of noon.

Most of the affected households were in Cavite, Bulacan, and Rizal, with others in Metro Manila, Laguna, Batangas and Quezon.

“Our crews are continuously working to restore power service to affected areas as soon as possible,” Meralco Vice- President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said in a separate statement. “We are closely monitoring the situation and urging our customers to continue observing electrical safety practices.” — with Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Philippines and US agree to bolster deterrence in disputed South China Sea

July 21, 2025 | 9:31 pm

US-PHL combat exercises — Filipino and American air force servicemen at this year’s Exercise Cope Thunder. — PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE

THE PHILIPPINES and the US last week affirmed their commitment to boosting deterrence measures in the South China Sea amid China’s increasing assertiveness in the contested waterway.

In a statement on Monday, Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año said he had met with US Secretary of State Marco Antonio Rubio in Washington, DC, where both sides discussed efforts to deepen their alliance and expand cooperation in defense and security.

“They underscored the need to enhance deterrence in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea and the importance of maintaining peace and security in the region for the economic security of both the Philippines and the United States,” he said.

The meeting came as both countries aim to counter increasingly aggressive Chinese activities in the region, including the deployment of China Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels near Philippine-occupied features.

The 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty obligates both nations to come to each other’s aid in case of an armed attack in the Pacific area, including the South China Sea.

Relations between the two countries have strengthened under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., who has taken a more assertive stance against Beijing’s maritime claims.

The Marcos administration has expanded joint military exercises with US forces, opened additional sites under their Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and pursued stronger ties with other Indo-Pacific partners.

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea through its so-called nine-dash line, a sweeping assertion that overlaps with the exclusive economic zones of Southeast Asian nations such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.

In 2016, a United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal in The Hague voided China’s expansive claims, ruling in favor of the Philippines. China, however, has rejected the ruling and continues to maintain a large presence in disputed areas, including Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands.

Mr. Año said his discussion with Mr. Rubio included future activities aimed at enhancing defense cooperation and building a “credible deterrence posture” in the region.

“They also underscored the importance of engaging with traditional allies and other like-minded partners to ensure a rules-based international order and a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” he said.

The visit came amid growing regional concern over China’s militarization and use of force in the South China Sea, including recent water cannon incidents targeting Philippine resupply missions to Second Thomas Shoal.

The Philippines has increasingly leaned on multinational cooperation to shore up its maritime defenses. It has participated in more frequent joint patrols and multilateral naval exercises in the South China Sea, often alongside US forces and other regional partners.

Multinational military cooperation, once rare in the contested waters, is fast becoming routine. Earlier this year, the Philippines conducted trilateral air and sea patrols with the US and Australia.

Washington has repeatedly assured Manila of its “ironclad” defense commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty.

Beijing, for its part, has accused the US of stoking tensions and interfering in regional matters. It maintains that its activities in the South China Sea are lawful and aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty.

Despite diplomatic overtures, tensions continue to rise. Philippine officials have reported nearly daily sightings of Chinese maritime militia vessels within its EEZ. Confrontations at sea — including ramming incidents and the use of lasers and water cannons by Chinese forces — have led to repeated diplomatic protests from Manila. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Philippines needs 7,000 classrooms yearly to address backlog, says PIDS

July 21, 2025 | 9:30 pm

Teacher-students-classroom — BW FILE PHOTO

By Adrian H. Halili, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINE government must build at least 7,000 classrooms annually in the next 15 years to close the country’s severe public school classroom gap, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said.

In a statement on Monday, PIDS highlighted the urgency of sustained infrastructure investment in education.

“If education is something important to us as a nation, we should be able to put our heads together to address this issue,” PIDS Senior Research Fellow Michael Ralph M. Abrigo said.

He said the Department of Education (DepEd) should consider alternative solutions beyond building alone. “DepEd is not in the business of constructing buildings. Their mission is improving education, and classrooms are just one part of that.”

Earlier this year, DepEd estimated it would take 55 years to bridge the backlog of about 165,000 classrooms if the present pace of construction continues.

To expedite progress, Mr. Abrigo urged the government to adopt flexible classroom scheduling, promote shared space agreements for underused facilities and develop a forward-looking infrastructure master plan.

He also recommended a forward-looking master plan that will be regularly updated to identify areas with impending demand and ensure that classrooms are built ahead of enrollment surges.

He also cited the need for transparent, data-driven planning and coordinated infrastructure deployment, noting that construction timelines are slowed by phased budgeting, site verification, bidding and hazard assessments.

A separate PIDS study identified the National Capital Region, Calabarzon, Soccsksargen and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao as having the widest gaps in classroom-to-student ratios. Most shortages were reported in elementary schools, followed by junior and senior high schools.

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) has also urged DepEd to factor in population growth, building deterioration, disaster vulnerabilities, and the capacity of private schools when mapping out long-term classroom needs.

Under the 2025 national budget, DepEd was given P28 billion for basic education facilities, P7.18 billion of which was earmarked for new kindergarten, elementary and high school buildings, while P6.13 billion was allotted for school repairs.

Maria Ella Calaor-Oplas, an economics professor from De La Salle University in Manila, said the state should expand its school voucher program.

“One of the programs that can greatly facilitate education despite the limited classrooms is by government providing vouchers,” she said in a Facebook Messenger chat. “The government doesn’t have to worry about classrooms and the quality of education because the private schools should be able to provide that.”

Party-list Rep. Terry L. Ridon, convenor of think tank InfraWatch PH, said the government should pursue public-private partnerships (PPP) to help bridge the infrastructure gap.

“PPPs for public classrooms had already been undertaken in the past, and this has contributed to reducing the shortage, particularly as government continues to find itself in a very limited fiscal space,” he said.

However, Mr. Ridon cautioned that such arrangements must comply with competitive bidding processes to ensure optimal outcomes for the government.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo M. Angara earlier said the agency might pursue PPPs to fast-track the construction of about 105,000 classrooms.

Marcos unlikely to tackle Trump’s policy vs illegal immigrants in US visit — envoy

July 21, 2025 | 9:29 pm

PBBM Marcos — President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel G. Romualdez (farthest left) and US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson (second from left) as he arrived on Sunday in Washington, D.C. for an official visit. — PCO

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., and American President Donald J. Trump are unlikely to tackle deportation-related issues concerning overseas Filipinos in the US, Manila’s envoy to Washington said on Sunday, as the second Trump administration intensifies crackdown against illegal immigrants.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said the two leaders would probably not talk about Mr. Trump’s signature program against illegal immigrants, as the envoy had already talked with the US Department of Homeland Security on cooperation.

“As I’ve always said, those who have a legal path should have already contacted the immigration lawyers,” he told a press briefing late Sunday (Manila time), according to a video posted by the Radio, Television Malacañang on YouTube.

As Mr. Trump ramps up deportations under his “America First” agenda, the deportation of undocumented Filipinos risks rippling through the Philippine economy, where millions depend on remittances to survive.

In the first five months of the year, cash remittances grew by 3% to $13.77 billion from $13.37 billion a year prior.

Around two-fifths of the Philippines’ remittance flows come from the US, with the latest central bank data showing that the US was the top source of remittances in the five-month period, accounting for 40.2% of the total.

“The bottom line is there is really not much room for discussion, but to simply work in such a way that all Filipinos are up for deportation will be deported to the Philippines and not to another country,” the envoy added.

This comes as Mr. Marcos visits the American capital for an official trip, the first Southeast Asian leader to meet with Mr. Trump after assuming office last January. The Filipino leader will be in the US until July 22.

Mr. Romualdez noted that Filipino-American lawyers are also extending their services to aid Filipinos up for deportation.

According to the envoy, while there is no exact number on how many Filipinos may be deported, the figure is “perhaps a little less than 100,000.”

“But again, these are confidential matters that the Homeland Security and the US immigration only inform us about when they see that it’s important for the Philippine Embassy to work with them on how we can repatriate the Filipinos,” he added.

“At the end of the day, the laws of the United States must be respected, just like we expect citizens who come to the Philippines to also respect our laws.”

An estimated 4.6 million people in the US identified as Filipino in 2023, according to estimates published by the US Census Bureau. Filipino-Americans are the third-largest Asian origin population living in the US, accounting for approximately 19% of the country’s Asian population.

The Philippine government has urged the US government to deport undocumented Filipinos directly back to the Philippines and not to third countries like El Salvador, with Mr. Romualdez stressing that the Philippines is willing to accept all its nationals.

According to the Philippine envoy, around 100 to 300 Filipinos have been deported from the US so far this year, with some cases involving allegations of criminal activity.

APPEASING TRUMP
Josue Raphael J. Cortez, who teaches diplomacy at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, said that Mr. Marcos’ possible decision to avoid discussing deportation issues reflects a form of appeasement, as his government focuses on negotiating lower US tariffs.

This approach exemplifies transactional diplomacy, prioritizing economic concerns while steering clear of topics like illegal migration that Mr. Trump is sensitive about, he added.

“We are trying to negotiate for something and given that Trump has been wary of illegal migrants and the Philippine government is already doing something about it, then we now opt to bring other relevant and pressing matters to the negotiating table,” he said via Messenger chat.

Washington earlier this month slapped Manila with an unexpected 20% tariff, higher than the “Liberation Day” levy of 17%. Mr. Marcos, joined by a Philippine delegation, is currently in Washington to negotiate the duties, as well as explore business opportunities for the country.

Cybercrime victims in PHL double in 2024

July 21, 2025 | 9:28 pm

Cybersecurity-hacker — STOCK PHOTO | Image from Freepik

DESPITE HIGHER cybersecurity awareness, the number of individuals who fell victim to cyber incidents, such as text scams, phishing, and hacking, in the country doubled in 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

Preliminary results of the National Information and Communications Technology Household Survey (NICTHS) showed that over 50.9 million, or 62.5% of Filipinos with ICT devices encountered technology-enabled incidents last year. This is a significant jump from the 31.1% reported in 2019.

This comes even as Filipinos report an increased awareness on cybersecurity or data privacy, with 33.4% saying they are aware, up from the 24.1% identified in 2019.

“The scammers are taking advantage of the innocence or the vulnerabilities, especially those who are senior citizens and children,” National ICT Planning, Policy and Standards Bureau Director Ma. Victoria C. Castro said in a forum on Monday.

“So, a big campaign is needed. It’s not only by DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology), but really to push forward the government in coming up with all of this awareness,” she added.

PSA said text fraud was still the most prevalent incident, accounting for 57.1% of the total cases. This was followed by hacking (7.8%), phishing (6.1%), and cyberbullying or e-libel (1.1%).

Of the total, only 1.6% of those who experienced any cybercrime attempts and 1.9% of those who were victimized reported the incident.

The statistics agency saw an uptick in households with internet access at home to nearly half or 13.56 million households in 2024 from 17.7% in 2019.

Most households with internet access were in the National Capital Region (68.7%) and Central Luzon (61.3%), while the lowest rates were recorded in Zamboanga Peninsula (21.2%) and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (27.7%).

Meanwhile, two out of three individuals aged 10 years and above, or 67.3%, reported using the internet last year. This is 41.9 percentage points higher than the 25.4% recorded in 2019.

However, at least 29.9 million individuals did not use the internet, with around 1.9 million or 6.3% citing privacy or security concerns as their reason.

The majority of them use the internet at home daily.

In terms of the digital economy, the NICTHS also found that Filipinos are skeptical of using electronic payment methods when purchasing online due to cybersecurity concerns.

“A secured digital economy depends on a resilient security infrastructure and strong data privacy safeguards,” Ms. Castro said. “We recognize that concerns over data breaches and identity theft undermine user confidence and slow down digital adoption.”

She said the DICT will prioritize “strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure across government and business platforms, conducting nationwide public awareness campaigns on data protection and responsible digital behavior, and establishing clear accountability mechanisms for data breaches and misuse of personal information.”

The DICT will coordinate with its attached agencies, the National Privacy Commission, the National Telecommunications Commission, and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, she added.

Ms. Castro also said that cybersecurity efforts should be brought down to the local level.

“There’s a lot of information campaigns. So, at the national level, it needs to be translated into a local level — I mean, down to our citizenry, especially the scams.”

CYBERSECURITY MEASURES
The DICT also laid out its legislative agenda, which includes refiling a cybersecurity bill to the 20^th Congress and integrating cybersecurity elements in the E-Governance and Konektadong Pinoy bills.

Last month, the Palace said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is expected to sign the Konektadong Pinoy bill, a measure that would modernize the country’s digital infrastructure. It includes provisions aimed at improving cybersecurity standards for internet services nationwide.

The National Government also released the National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028 last year, which serves as the country’s policy direction and operational guidelines for a “trusted, secured, and resilient cyberspace for every Filipino.”

The NICTHS, first released in 2019, evaluates the access, use, and impact of ICT among households and individuals across the Philippines.

PSA, along with the DICT, surveyed 81.38 million individuals aged 10 years and above across the country from Feb. 5 to March 12, 2024. — Katherine K. Chan

Start of VP trial up for discussion

July 21, 2025 | 9:27 pm

francis-chiz-escudero1 — Senate President Francis G. Escudero — SENATE PRIB

SENATE PRESIDENT Francis G. Escudero on Monday said that the proposed start of the impeachment trial of Vice-President (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio will still be open for plenary discussion once the Senate convenes on July 28.

“This will be discussed by the members of the Senate impeachment court once we resume. But that is what we are (pushing for) because we need to give notice to the parties before a hearing is held,” Mr. Escudero told reporters.

Last week, Senator Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva said the Senate is eyeing Aug. 4 as the new date to reconvene as an impeachment court.

The Senate was originally expected to convene as an impeachment court on July 29, a day after Congress opens. Senator judges must take their oath before the trial begins.

Mr. Escudero added that the one-week period once the 20^th Congress convenes would allow the House of Representatives to comply with the orders of the Senate impeachment court.

Senators in early June voted to return the impeachment complaint back to the House to clarify its constitutionality and that it would pursue the impeachment proceedings in the next Congress.

“The second order should have been made by the 20^th House of Representatives, not the previous. If they can’t comply by Aug. 4, we’ll talk about it then,” Mr. Escudero said.

Earlier, the House prosecution panel submitted a document to the Senate certifying that the chamber adhered to the Constitution. It has not yet submitted the second order. — Adrian H. Halili