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ERC hopes to complete NGCP rate reset in 2026

BW FILE PHOTO

THE ENERGY Regulatory Commission (ERC) said it hopes to resolve the rate review of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) for the fifth regulatory period (5RP) by early next year.

“We are targeting to finish it as early as possible,” ERC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Francis Saturnino Juan told reporters, referring to the 5RP, which covers the years 2023-2027.

Mr. Juan said the ERC is deliberating the NGCP revenue application to determine which policies or decisions to apply.

“And then based on these policies, we will calculate and then we will go back to the commission meeting,” he said. “We will discuss again until we are able to decide all the components of the rate. And then we can come out win a final determination.”

The Electric Power Industry Reform Act tasks the ERC to establish a method for setting transmission and distribution wheeling rates. The rates must be set in a way that allows the recovery of “just and reasonable costs and a reasonable return on rate base” to enable the entity to operate viably.

The rate reset process is usually a forward-looking exercise that requires the regulated entity to submit forecast expenditures and proposed projects.

In April, the ERC rendered its decision on NGCP’s 4RP, covering the years 2016-2022, allowing the company to collect a total under-recovery of P28.3 billion from consumers.

The NGCP is the country’s sole grid operator. Holding a congressional 50-year franchise, the company has the right to operate and maintain the transmission system and related facilities.  —  Sheldeen Joy Talavera

16 companies recognized for 100% plastic recovery rate

REUTERS

SIXTEEN companies and organizations that recovered the equivalent of 100% of their post-consumer plastic waste in 2025 were recognized at the PCX Markets’ PULSE event Thursday.

“Responsible action is possible. When companies commit to verified recovery of 100% of their plastic footprint, we can turn the tide on plastic waste and create lasting impact for people and planet,” Nanette Medved-Po, founder and executive chair of PCX, said at the event.

The companies that posted 100% plastic recovery rates were Beko Pilipinas Corp., Century Pacific Food, Inc., Concepcion Durables, Inc., Concepcion Midea, Inc., Concepcion-Carrier Air Conditioning Co., Concepcion Industrial Corp. – Cortex Technologies Corp., Domino’s Pizza Philippines, Generation Hope, Inc. (HOPE), General Odyssey, Inc., L’Oréal Philippines Inc., Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., Monde Nissin Corp., Mondelez Philippines, Inc., Mr. DIY, The Pacific Meat Company Inc., and Wildflour Bakery + Cafe Corp.

Republic Act. No. 11898, or the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022, requires large companies to take responsibility for the post-consumer management of their plastic packaging waste.

PCX Markets helps companies achieve their plastic recovery goals by offering a suite of plastic responsibility tools, including EPR compliance software, verified recycled resins, and a platform for purchasing verified plastic credits that fund the collection, transport and processing of plastic waste.

In 2024, PCX Markets enabled the recovery and diversion of 160,000 metric tons of plastic waste from around the world, through 44 projects and 238 companies in 14 countries, including the Philippines.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) urged other companies to follow the 16 companies’ example.

“Your achievements highlight what is possible when enterprises embrace responsibility, not just as a compliance requirement, but as a part of your long-term sustainability strategy,” Environmental Management Bureau Assistant Director Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe said at the event.

PCX Markets also highlighted its “Aling Tindera” program, which consists of partnerships with sari-sari stores that serve as community waste collection points that give out cash to participating consumers who turn in their plastic waste. Collected plastic waste is then either recycled or processed into new materials.

Companies seeking to fund downstream plastic waste recovery can purchase credits issued by the Aling Tindera program.

According to PCX, only about 9% of waste worldwide is recycled and 19% is incinerated. Approximately 72% is dumped in landfills, openly burned, or ends up in the environment. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

PHL dairy demand, output seen rising in 2026; import growth to slow down

REUTERS

PHILIPPINE dairy demand is expected to increase in 2026, while the growth of imports is likely to slow down due to an increase in domestic production, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA projects that dairy consumption in the Philippines will increase 1.5% to 3.54 million metric tons (MT) in 2026, driven by a growing population and an expanding middle class.

“Middle-class households spend a higher percentage of their income on dairy products … As incomes grow among the middle class, spending can increase up to nine times for milk and dairy products,” the USDA report said, citing the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The USDA said rising consumption is also supported by infrastructure investments, particularly in cold chain facilities, supermarkets and display areas.

For liquid or ready-to-drink (RTD) milk, growth will be driven by the expansion of the government’s milk feeding program (MFP) and strong food service growth, especially in the coffee shop industry, takeout and delivery services.

The market for RTD milk is growing as a result of Republic Acts (RA) No. 11037 and RA 11148, requiring investment in the MFP to benefit preschoolers and malnourished school children. According to the USDA, around 60% of domestic fresh milk production goes to the MFP program, and the remainder to local commercial sales or household consumption.

The USDA projected 1.5% growth in dairy imports in 2026, decelerating from 20% growth recorded in 2024.

The Philippines imports 99% of its dairy requirements as domestic production cannot meet demand. “The Philippine dairy market remains competitive, with the US and New Zealand having the largest shares, followed by Indonesia, Australia and Denmark,” the USDA said.

The USDA forecasts domestic dairy production to grow 3% to 37,000 MT in 2026, supported by an increase in the dairy herd and the active implementation of the government’s dairy development projects.

The Philippine National Dairy Authority and the Philippine Carabao Center are rolling out various projects to increase the herd and boost milk production. The program includes the establishment of stock farms and feed centers, community-based farm enterprise development, and various dairy food safety projects.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) earlier said it set a target of 5% of the Philippines’ dairy requirements to be serviced by domestic production within the next two or three years. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

BCDA signs Clark golf, residential project deal with KOREIT

THE BASES Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) signed a P5.1-billion agreement with a South Korean real estate investment management firm for a golf course and residential villa estate in New Clark City.

Under the agreement, the BCDA, Korea Real Estate Investment & Trust (KOREIT) Asset Management, and Sky Blue New Clark City Golf & Resort Corp. will develop a 150-hectare estate within the BCDA property.

“(The) development is set to create 1,200 direct and indirect jobs and boost the Philippines’ sport and tourism infrastructure,” the BCDA said in a statement Thursday.

The project, which will begin commercial operations by the first quarter of next year, will include an 18-hole championship golf course and clubhouse, a nine-hole extension and supporting facilities, and residential villas and related amenities.

It will be fully developed and managed by KOREIT through its Philippine subsidiaries Eagle-K GC Corp. and Eagle-K RV Corp.

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said the partnership “reflects growing interest from international institutional investors in New Clark City’s long-term development plan.”

“KOREIT’s entry shows the level of confidence that major global investors place in New Clark City. This strengthens our investment pipeline and supports our goal of building competitive, sustainable growth centers,” he added.

The project is expected to generate economic activity in Tarlac and nearby areas, supporting local businesses and employment.

“The development is also projected to attract both domestic and international visitors, positioning New Clark City as a rising sports and lifestyle destination,” he said.

“This project goes beyond building new facilities. It creates jobs, opens opportunities for local communities, and supports regional growth. It is another step in making New Clark City a world-class, sustainable district,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

PHL raises P2.08 trillion from domestic sources, nears 2025 fundraising target after 11 months

BW FILE PHOTO

THE National Government (NG) raised P2.08 trillion from domestic sources in the year to date, the Department of Finance (DoF) said, approaching its full-year fundraising target.

“We have raised P2.08 trillion, nearly the entire P2.11 trillion domestic issuance program for 2025, through a combination of regular Treasury bill and Treasury bond auctions and special issuances, as of yesterday,” Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said.

Mr. Go’s Nov. 25 remarks were contained in a speech delivered by Undersecretary Karlo Fermin S. Adriano during the 128th Anniversary of the Bureau of the Treasury and the awards ceremony for outstanding Government Securities Eligible Dealers.

Based on the 2026 Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing, government’s overall borrowing program was set at P2.6 trillion this year, rising to P2.68 trillion in 2026, with the bulk to be raised from domestic sources.

Domestic borrowing targets in 2025 include P2.05 trillion in fixed-rate Treasury bonds and P60 billion in Treasury bills.

Gross domestic borrowing is set to fall to P2.05 trillion in 2026.

The government relies on domestic financing sources to minimize foreign currency risk.

Mr. Go, addressing the securities dealers, said: “We look to you to help us replicate this success as we raise funds for next year’s P6.79-trillion budget.”

“Managing the national passbook — that I learned does not actually physically exist — and raising 90% of our borrowing requirements to support our programs are no easy tasks. But they are foundations of a stable and prosperous country,” Mr. Go said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

PhilATOM law IRR expected early next year

PNRI.DOST.GOV.PH

THE implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the law establishing the nuclear regulator are expected to be released early next year, according to the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI).

“We’re working on it,” PNRI Director Carlo A. Arcilla said, adding that the IRR would likely be released by March.

Signed on Sept. 18, Republic Act No. 12305, or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, establishes the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM), an independent agency responsible for overseeing all nuclear and radiation-related activities in the country.

PhilATOM is required to promulgate the rules and regulations 180 days from the effectivity.

The new body’s leadership will consist of a director general, appointed by the President for a five-year term, supported by four deputy directors-general.

“The main purpose of PhilATOM is safety, security and safeguards. That’s why it should be independent,” Mr. Arcilla said.

The new authority will consolidate regulatory functions from other agencies and serve as the national counterpart to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The Philippines was elected to the board of governors of the IAEA for the 2025-2027 term, a move that could advance the country’s plans to incorporate nuclear energy into the national energy mix.

The Department of Energy (DoE) aims to introduce nuclear power by 2032, with at least 1,200 megawatts (MW), gradually increasing to 4,800 MW by 2050.

“The fact that the Philippines is there allows the country to shape the policies, to mark the orientation of what the IAEA priorities are,” IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

Earlier this week, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the IAEA signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation on the peaceful, safe, and sustainable use of nuclear energy in Asia and the Pacific.

The ADB updated its energy policy by recognizing nuclear power as an alternative to fossil fuels for baseload generation, lifting its self-imposed ban on financing for nuclear energy.

Mr. Grossi said the partnership between IAEA and the ADB paves the way to support the financing of nuclear energy prospects in the Philippines.

“Now that we have this agreement… our technical teams are going to be moving into specific cases, and countries that have real prospects, and the Philippines is among those,” he said on the sidelines of a briefing.

Mr. Grossi is hoping that the access to financing will help the Philippines pursue the technology to support its power needs given its archipelagic nature.

“You have an archipelagic morphology which is very adapted, for example, to small reactors. You have islands far away, and you cannot connect unless you have submarine cables —  then you have a nuclear reactor that gives you a lot of autonomy,” Mr. Grossi said.

“So it’s incredibly interesting for the country. So we hope that having now access to finance, this could be facilitated. I really hope so,” he added.

Asked to comment, Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said the ADB’s openness to financing nuclear energy would help lower the cost of development.

“We’re so happy with that if they are willing to finance nuclear power plants,” Ms. Garin said. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

FEU’s Janrey Pasaol edges DLSU’s Mike Phillips to snatch MVP award

JANREY PASAOL — UAAP

THE final playdate of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball proved to be more than just a rumble for the final ticket.

In a surprising turn, Janrey Pasaol stole the thunder from league leaders in the nick of time to claim the Most Valuable Player (MVP) honor as a consolation prize to Far Eastern University’s (FEU) exit at the end of the two-round eliminations.

Mr. Pasaol finished with 81.5 statistical points to snatch the award from De La Salle University’s (DLSU) Mike Phillips and National University’s (NU) Jake Figueroa behind a solid performance in the FEU Tamaraws’ 81-79 win against the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers to finish at fifth place with a 7-7 slate.

The brother of PBA player and UAAP great Alvin delivered a double-double of 13 points and 11 assists laced by six rebounds and five steals, proving enough to propel him to No. 1 in the statistical race from No. 3. entering the final game.

Mr. Pasaol, who’s set to be crowned as the first Tamaraw MVP since Terrence Romeo in 2013, was the league’s best floor general with a league-best 7.5 assists on top of 15.43 points, 4.14 rebounds and 2.14 steals.

Before FEU’s last assignment against semis-bound Santo Tomas, Mr. Pasaol was sitting at third with 79.154 points behind Mr. Phillips (79.231) and Santo Tomas foreign-student athlete (FSA) Collins Akowe (82.231), who however is ineligible for MVP award due to the new UAAP ruling.

Mr. Phillips and Mr. Akowe went on to finish with only 80.429 and 79.286 points, respectively.

Mr. Figueroa, as the captain of league-leading NU, led majority of the second round but settled for three points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in the Bulldogs’ 80-71 loss to the Growling Tigers to miss out with 77.286 points.

The three joined Mr. Pasaol to the Mythical Five, now rebranded as the Elite Team, including Santo Tomas’ Nic Cabañero who finished seventh in the race with 66.643 points.

University of the East’s (UE) Precious Momowei (74.214) and FEU’s Mo Konateh (74.786) were ahead of Mr. Cabañero but only one FSA could make it to the Top Five.

New UAAP ruling has a separate MVP award for locals and Best FSA award for foreign players but since there was no top FSA in the statistical race with Mr. Akowe settling for third behind locals Messrs. Pasaol and Phillips, no such plum will be awarded this season.

High school sensation Mr. Akowe will have the Rookie of the Year instead after winning the MVP and Best FSA awards in his final two junior seasons with the NU Bullpups before committing for the Growling Tigers in the collegiate ranks.

In women’s division, NU’s Karl Ann Pingol (93.571) ended the back-to-back MVP reign of Ateneo’s Kacey dela Rosa (91.429) as Santo Tomas’ Kent Pastrana (88.643), NU’s Kristine Cayabyab (73.571) and Angel Surada (71.714) completed the Elite Team.

UE’s Goodluck Okebata clinched the MVP plum in the U16 division with 96.214 points. Joining him in the Elite Team were Santo Tomas’ Rowie Cabañero (95.643), FEU’s Dwyne Enriquez (89.286), NU’s Moussa Diakite (85.143) and FEU’s Prince Cariño (84.769). — John Bryan Ulanday

Dasma Monarchs, Biñan close in on MPVA finals

DASMA MONARCHS

Games on Tuesday
(Alonte Sports Arena, Biñan, Laguna)
4 p.m. – Negros vs Dasma
6 p.m. – Quezon vs Biñan

UNBEATEN Dasma Monarchs and Biñan Tatak Gel Arellano University Lady Chiefs scored contrasting wins to move on the verge of arranging a finals duel in the 2025 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) on Wednesday night at the Alonte Sports Arena in Laguna.

Dasma hardly broke a sweat against the fourth-ranked Negros ICC Blue Hawks, 25-15, 25-15, 25-16, while the third-seeded Lady Chiefs banked on homecourt to stun reigning champion and No. 2 seed Quezon Tangerines, 17-25, 25-21, 15-25, 26-24, 15-13, for 1-0 leads in the best-of-three semifinals.

Another win by both squads in Game 2 on Tuesday at the same venue would seal the finale, also under a race-to-two format for the coveted crown of the regional volleyball league founded also by Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball Association Chairman Manny Pacquiao.

Natasha Kaye Bombita fired 11 points to lead a balanced attack anew as Dasma needed only 80 minutes to extend its perfect campaign to 15 games after sweeping the two-round eliminations.

Vange Alinsug and Celine Marsh added nine and eight points, respectively, as eight more players barged into the scoreboard for the Monarchs, represented by three-time UAAP and four-peat SSL champion National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs.

NU, under the watch of new mentor Regine Diego, is looking to add the MPVA to its treasure and it’s definitely in prime position to do it via sweep behind the coverage of super rookie Sam Cantada, Alexa Nichole Mata and Minierva Maaya with seven points each.

In the other pairing, Biñan clawed back from a 1-2 deficit via slimmest of margins in the final two sets to finally beat Quezon in the rematch of last year’s finalists of the MPVA backed by Mikasa, Asics, Spurway Enterprises, Gerflor, Smart Communications and XIV Apparel.

Laika Tudlasan stamped her class anew with 17 points as the Lady Chiefs avenged their 0-2 finals loss to the Tangerines last season.

She drew solid support from Crisanta Servidad and Keisha Alexa Abitria with 13 and 11 points, respectively, as Biñan’s edge at home played a huge factor.

Zam Nolasco, Clydel Catarig, Camila Amor Bartolome and Shekaina Lleses had 16, 15, 14 and 12 points, respectively, but the Tangerines still fell short to lose steam at a title retention bid.

Gelah Lopez, with 10 points, was the lone silver lining for Negros looking to force a sudden death Game 3 in the MPVA organized by the Volleyball Masters of the Philippines. — John Bryan Ulanday

Gilas Pilipinas eyes World Cup, Olympics in clash with Guam

Game on Friday
(Calvo Field House, Guam)
7 p.m. (5 p.m. Manila Time) – Guam vs Philippines

THE ROAD to the 2027 FIBA World Cup — and long-term, the 2028 Olympics — starts in this Guam stop.

And so this is foremost on the minds of Gilas Pilipinas as it takes on Guam on Friday at the Calvo Field House in the Asian side of the World Cup Qualifiers.

The 7 p.m. game (5 p.m. in Manila) touches off a two-way swing that brings the two protagonists to the Blue Eagle Gym, the Nationals’ new home venue, on Monday for the return leg.

“Our number 1 goal is to get to the Olympics. If we don’t win this window, then we don’t make the World Cup. If we don’t make the World Cup, we can’t make the Olympics,” Gilas coach Tim Cone said in emphasizing the value of the twin opening matches in Group A.

The Top 3 teams in the bracket will advance to the second round of the qualifiers and with reigning three-time FIBA Asia Cup titlist and world No. 6 Australia and 25th ranked powerhouse New Zealand around, the No. 37 Philippines and No. 81 Guam are expected to battle it out for the third slot.

Gilas faces the Boomers and the Tall Blacks in succeeding windows next year.

“These two games (against Guam) are the most important games we play. And Guam knows that they’re the most important. They’re looking at New Zealand and Australia, and saying: we can’t beat them, but maybe we can beat the Philippines,” said Mr. Cone.

“Home court means something and that’s why this Friday game is really crucial to us. We’ve got to come with our best foot forward. We can’t take anything for granted with them being at home in front of their home crowd,” he added.

Mr. Cone added two new faces in big man Quentin Millora-Brown and guard RJ Abarrientos to Gilas’ regular crew of Justin Brownlee, Dwight Ramos, June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, Japeth Aguilar and CJay Perez for this mission.

“We had a really good camp. I was really impressed by the way the guys came,” he said.

“We took a little different approach this time. We really pushed much harder than we normally have done in the previous windows. We kind of wanted to play with a more aggressive style,” he added.

Expected to lead Guam are Fil-Guamanian Jericho Cruz, post-up specialist Tai Wesley, 6-foot-10 Jonathan Galloway and shooter Takumi Simon. — Olmin Leyba

Federal Land opens first FIFA-standard football field in Marikina City

ALMIRA LOUISE S. MARTINEZ

By Almira Louise S. Martinez, Reporter

THE Federal Land, Inc. (FLI) on Wednesday said that it seeks to encourage a more active lifestyle and bring new opportunities to Marikina City through its first football field aligned with the standards of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

“We believe that football brings people in, so it increases foot traffic, and in turn supports nearby businesses, and it creates an active environment,” FLI Senior Project Development Manager Caryl S. Rodolfo told BusinessWorld in an interview.

“We want the community to stay active, play together, and enjoy sport,” she added.

The football turf, which is currently working towards obtaining FIFA certification, measures 106 meters by 76 meters, with a playing area of 100 by 68 meters.

A FIFA quality mark is awarded to football fields that have undergone field and laboratory testing by FIFA-accredited institutes.

Ms. Rodolfo noted that the football field plays a vital role in the Marikina Town Center initiative that promotes the city as an emerging hub for business, employment, and leisure.

“Our vision really is for Marikina Town Center to be a hub for families and residents, and we believe that the football field is a step towards that vision,” she said.

“We want Marikina Town Center to be a place where people can not just eat and shop but also to play and connect with other people,” she added.

According to City Mayor Marjorie Ann Ang-Teodoro, the world-class pitch will help drive economic growth in the city.

“This is an opportunity for economic growth, especially here in Marikina. Facilities like this are something new here in Marikina,” she told BusinessWorld at the sidelines of the launch.

“We know that other athletes or people from other towns will go here and visit Marikina; they will rediscover what Marikina is,” she added.

Apart from the football field, the town center features commerce and leisure spaces that could boost local businesses within the area.

“We have 17 hectares of this prime location in Marikina,” FLI President Jose Mari H. Banzon said at the launch. “We’re still going to do much, much more.”

“What we’re doing is that we’re trying to develop it to be a complete community. That’s why we’re building this football field to complement the residential development,” he added.

The Blue Wave Mall, which is under the FLI, is also set to finish its renovation in 2026. The new features of the mall include sports and lifestyle facilities, such as basketball, badminton, and pickleball courts.

“We take advantage of the opportunity to renovate it by developing a sports center,” Mr. Banzon said. “Our vision for our Marikina development is to be the center for wellness and recreation.”

James picks his spots

The latest meeting between the Lakers and Clippers functioned both as spectacle and as affirmation of the pecking order. The final score in favor of the purple and gold comes off as a whipping on surface, punctuated by scoring bursts from marquee names. At the same time, clarity lies beyond the numbers: Roles, rhythms and resolve have clearly coalesced for the winners and unravelled for the vanquished.

From the jump, the Lakers moved with purpose. Luka Doncic erupted for 24 of his 43 points in a first half that disabused the Clippers of any notion of competitiveness. LeBron James — still getting back to shape after a prolonged absence to start the season — moved with an air of authority and assurance, his 25, six, and six underscoring his willingness to cede the limelight (yes, even to undrafted Austin Reaves) and pick his spots. And when the battlesmoke cleared, with victory came validation.

For the Lakers, what mattered wasn’t just who scored; it was when and how. Notwithstanding their pronounced preference for isolation sets when pressed, they operated in sync. If nothing else, the outcome of the set-to against their crosstown rivals proved their capacity to threaten for the hardware when healthy. Meanwhile, the Clippers looked lost on the court and unable to get any reprieve off it.

In the aftermath, beleaguered Kawhi Leonard stressed the need for the Clippers to acquire “more talent” and “better talent.” And while he may not have been wrong, his colorful injury history effectively deprived him of any moral ascendancy to make the call. A supposed leader making public demands after an embarrassing loss rarely offers solace. Far more often, it leads to diminished confidence in the status quo.

Against this sobering truth, the Lakers stand tall. Their net rating is barely in the black, but there can be no denying that they find ways to prevail. Their brand of dominance may not reflect ebullience, but it is no less effective. It whispers in timing, unifies in purpose, and defines itself in unmistakable efficiency. But will it be enough against more pronounced opposition? Only time will tell.

 

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

US ordered diplomats to lobby gov’ts against mass migration, cable says

A “Make America Great Again” hat is seen on display on the trading floor at The New York Stock Exchange. — REUTERS

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration last week ordered US diplomats abroad to lobby against pro-migration policies and raise concerns over what it says are migrant populations committing violent crimes, according to a State Department cable seen by Reuters.

The cable, sent on Friday to dozens of US embassies across Europe, Canada and Australia, argues that crime and human rights abuses linked to mass migration and “individuals of a migration background” were a significant concern in Europe and the West. It says these incidents threaten public safety and social cohesion around the world.

It instructs US missions to report to Washington on such crimes and abuses and to provide analysis of how the host country reacts, while pushing the governments to reform migration policies and limit any programs that enable mass migration.

“We encourage your government to ensure that policies protect your citizens from the negative social impacts of mass migration, including displacement, sexual assault, and the breakdown of law and order,” reads one of more than a dozen talking points the State Department provided to US diplomats in the cable, which was first reported by the New York Times.

Anti-immigration was a major part of Donald J. Trump’s presidential campaign. After taking office, he launched an aggressive enforcement campaign, surging troops to the southern border and pledging to deport millions of immigrants who were in the US illegally.

The Republican president has repeatedly blamed migrants in the US illegally for fueling violent crime, although studies show immigrants are not more likely to commit crimes.

The administration has also worked to internationalize its restrictive approach. In September, top officials urged other nations to join a global campaign to roll back asylum protections, a major shift that would seek to reshape the post-World War II framework around humanitarian migration.

Late last month, Mr. Trump slashed the limit on refugee admissions for fiscal 2026 to a record low 7,500 from the 100,000 who entered under then-President Joseph R. Biden in fiscal 2024. Mr. Trump said his administration would focus on bringing in white South Africans of Afrikaner ethnicity.

A State Department spokesperson, asked for comment on the cable, said mass migration was a human rights issue and that it regularly led to a rise in violent crimes. The spokesperson did not provide any data to support the assertion.

The cable, which quotes Mr. Trump as saying that “a nation without borders is not a nation,” also asks governments to resist practices that “disproportionately favor migrant populations at the expense of local communities, including displacement, legal consequences for criticizing mass migration.” — Reuters

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