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Philippines’ Defense chief asks Congress to tweak military modernization plan

ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES

PHILIPPINE DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. on Wednesday urged Congress to amend the military’s modernization program, hinting at the need for greater agility as equipment becomes outdated more quickly in modern warfare.

“The challenge isn’t just traditional threats anymore,” he said in a panel discussion in Filipino. “We now face asymmetric and hybrid threats, like cyberattacks and others.”

“We know that equipment becomes obsolete in a much shorter time,” he added.

The Philippines has launched a sweeping $35-billion, or around P2 trillion, military modernization program aimed at bolstering its defense capabilities over the next decade, including the acquisition of advanced naval vessels, planes and missile systems, as it pushes back against China’s military might in the region.

The South China Sea has become a regional flashpoint as Beijing continues to assert sovereignty over almost the entire sea, a vital global trade route that is believed to be rich in undersea gas and oil deposits.

Manila and Beijing have repeatedly locked horns over maritime features that both nations claim in the contested waterbody, leading to confrontations that involve the use of water cannons and repeated sideswipes by Chinese vessels against Philippine ships.

A United Nations-backed tribunal voided China’s expansive claims in 2016. Beijing, however, has rejected the ruling and continues to increase its presence in the disputed area.

Mr. Teodoro said that modern warfare has shown that materiel is becoming obsolete at an accelerating pace due to technological advancements and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military surveillance.

“What they used to call Moore’s Law – where cyber technology became obsolete every two years – no longer applies. In some conflict areas today, changes happen every three months,” he said. “Artificial intelligence now enables adversaries to immediately pinpoint your capabilities.”

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff General Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. said the military is enhancing its cyberwarfare capabilities, as he described cyberspace as a new frontier for conflict.

“We are continuously updating and upgrading our cyber systems, because we have seen that one of the emerging forms of warfare is what we call cyberwarfare,” he said in the same forum in Filipino.

“That’s why we’re strengthening this capability — because we know that Filipinos are truly skilled, talented and excellent in cyber. We will harness this not only to defend our country, but, if necessary, to be on the offense,” he added.

Bolstering cyber defense capabilities has become increasingly vital for the Southeast Asian nation as Beijing allegedly escalated state-sponsored attacks since last year, according to a report by US-based cybersecurity company CrowdStrike.

“The underlying motivation is likely China’s desire for regional influence in the nation’s near abroad,” it said in its 2025 report.

ISRAEL FTA
Meanwhile, Manila’s potential free trade agreement (FTA) with Tel Aviv is seen benefiting not just the Philippines’ agriculture and health sector, but also security industries, Israel’s minister of economy said.

“The one that I believe is very attractive to collaborate with the Philippines is agritech, food tech and aqua tech and that’s creating food from the sea, improving the yield of the farmers, creating more healthy food, better food,” Israel Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat told reporters on Tuesday evening.

“These are things we have over 750 companies and startups in Israel that focus on export and bringing new innovation to the world,” he added.

Israel’s private sector has investments in local agriculture and water treatment projects, among other ventures.

He added that his country’s health and life sciences industry could potentially invest in the Philippines.

“Israel has 2,000 companies and startups in the area of health life sciences. A lot of digital new innovation, AI based applications that are looking at the future of medicine, precision medicine,” he said.

Mr. Barkat added that Israel also specializes in cybersecurity and homeland security, where the Manila and Tel Aviv could collaborate.

“We collaborate very well together on helping our friends defend themselves and the Philippines is certainly a friend of Israel,” he said.

Earlier that day, the Philippines and Israel agreed to conduct negotiations on a potential FTA between the two countries after a joint committee meeting between Philippine Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque and the Israeli minister.

“Because we have good people-to-people [relations] between the Filipinos and Israelis, and good government-to-government [ties], in my mind it’s just a matter of time that we process a free trade agreement, and we’ve made the first steps,” Mr. Barkat said.

In 2024, trade between the Philippines and Israel amounted to $400.42 million, making Israel the country’s 34th largest trading partner.

Net foreign direct investment from Israel hit P45.94 million last year, making it the Philippines’ 20th largest source of FDI.

“We want to go to zero taxes on both sides. We want to have what the entrepreneurs business people on both sides want, that business flows from one side to the other where there are no obstacles,” he added.

He said that delegates from both countries are now consulting with businesses to define certain problems and obstacles hindering trade.

“The two governments will now have to get into the agreement and remove obstacles to enable the business community to do swift and better business together,” he added. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio and Adrian H. Halili

No demands yet for captive seafarers

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Wednesday said that it has yet to receive demands from Houthi rebels holding captive nine Filipino seafarers, whose ship they attacked and sank last month.

“We don’t know any information (on demands) right now,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac told reporters. “What’s important is that the Houthis themselves have already said that the crew members can call their families, as of now they are in good condition.”

On Tuesday, the agency confirmed that nine of the Filipino crew members of the Liberia-flagged vessel MV Eternity C were being held by Houthi rebels who attacked the bulk carrier on July 8. It was also confirmed that at least three Filipinos were killed in the attack.

Mr. Cacdac added that all eight crewmen, who have been rescued, have safely been repatriated to the Philippines.

He added that the agency is currently coordinating with the families of the kidnapped seafarers to check up on their conditions in the hand of Houthi rebels.

“Our President has ordered that the welfare of the families of all the crew members of the Eternity C, be taken care of. We are also talking to the families themselves to find out how the crew members are doing in the hands of the Houthis,” he said.

Mr. Cacdac said that the agency still has no definite timeline for the return of captive Filipinos and had deferred all negotiations to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Separately, Sherwin T. Gatchalian called on the Philippine government utilize all avenues to hasten the release of the captive crew members.

“The DMW and the DFA should actively engage in diplomatic efforts and reach out to friendly countries and international partners who can provide assistance and leverage their influence to help resolve this situation,” Mr. Gatchalian said in a statement.

Houthi rebels in small boats attacked and sank the MV Eternity C using drones and rocket propelled grenades as it was sailing in the Red Sea near Yemen. This was among the lates attack by the rebels after it pledged support for Palestinians in Gaza, since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in 2023. — Adrian H. Halili

House elects committee heads

PHILIPPINE STAR /KJ ROSALES

THE House of Representatives began electing chairmen for its 84 committees on late Tuesday, with lawmakers confirming the leadership of the chamber’s influential ways and means and appropriations panels.

The House floor elected Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Angela B. Suansing as chairperson of the powerful appropriations committee, which oversees the initial discussions on the yearly national budget and handles bills concerning government spending.

Ms. Suansing was the vice-chairperson of the House ways and means committee in the 19th Congress.

Meanwhile, Marikina Rep. Romero Federico “Miro” S. Quimbo was elected as chairman of the House tax panel, a post he previously held during his first term as congressman in the 2010s.

The House appropriations and ways and means committees are vital to the legislative process, as the 1987 Constitution prescribes that tax measures and the annual national budget should originate from the lower chamber.

On Wednesday, the House floor elected Mt. Province Rep. Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr. as chairman of the House trade and industry committee, while Antique Rep. Antonio Agapito B. Legarda, Jr. was picked to head the House economic affairs panel.

Manila Rep. Irwin C. Tieng retained his chairmanship of the House banks and financial intermediaries committee, with Bacolod City Rep. Jeffrey P. Ferrer heading the House legislative franchises panel.

Quezon Rep. Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga will lead the House agriculture committee, keeping the post he has held in the 19th Congress. The House committee on aquaculture and fisheries will be headed by Camarines Sur Rep. Tsuyoshi Anthony G. Horibata.

Occidental Mindoro Rep. Leody F. Tarriela was elected to lead the House micro, small and medium enterprise development panel, with the House labor committee being chaired by Cavite Rep. Ramon B. Revilla III.

The House energy committee will be led by Palawan Rep. Jose C. Alvarez, with the House environment panel being chaired by Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo D. Maranon III.

Cavite Rep. Orlando A. Ferrer retained his chairmanship of the House games and amusement committee. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

DMW signs anti-trafficking deals

OFFICIALS of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and social media platform TikTok signed agreements to combat trafficking of Filipino workers. — KATHERINE K. CHAN

THE DEPARTMENT of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Wednesday signed partnership agreements with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and social media app TikTok for a campaign against the trafficking of Filipino workers.

“The two agreements, one grounded in legal defense, the other in digital advocacy, represent a strategic, complementary approach to migrant protection,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said during the signing ceremony at the Department of Migrant Workers in Mandaluyong City.

“They remind us that no single solution exists to end trafficking. What we need is a whole-of-society approach where law, media, government, private sector, and civil society converge to uphold the rights of Filipinos,” he added.

Under the memorandum of agreement with IBP, Filipinos who fell victim to illegal recruitment may access free legal aid through at least 1,000 volunteer lawyers.

“With the IBP, we strengthen access to justice, legal representation, and accountability for trafficked migrant workers — ensuring they are no longer silenced, but heard and protected,” the DMW said in a statement.

IBP National President and Chairman Allan G. Panolong said they will offer “traditional” and “developmental” legal aid to overseas Filipino workers (OFW).

“Traditional is the representation in court or quasi-judicial agencies. We will represent the OFWs… But when it comes to our development legal aid, it consists of legal advice, legal education, our thoughts on how to avoid being scammed, (and) what your rights are as an OFW,” Mr. Panolong said.

The IBP said OFWs may opt to get a referral from the DMW or directly approach volunteer lawyers at the IBP desk stationed at the DMW for consultations.

Meanwhile, DMW’s partnership with TikTok entails a public awareness campaign, content monitoring, and training for DMW personnel.

“Through our partnership with TikTok Philippines, we leverage the influence of digital platforms to raise awareness, educate the public, and prevent trafficking before it begins,” the agency said in a statement.

TikTok Philippines Public Policy Manager Peachy Paderna said they will take down and ban content creators proven to be involved in trafficking or illegal recruitment activities.

“If you do attempt to scam or defraud TikTok users or even people off the platform, what we do is ban accounts that have severe violations or repeated violations. So, our assurance and commitment, not just to the DMW, but to the Filipino community, especially our OFWs, is that our priority is your safety,” Ms. Paderna said.

DMW Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia said they handled 300 illegal recruitment cases from January to June this year, significantly higher than the 71 recorded in 2024. — Katherine K. Chan

Metro Manila Subway partial operations remain uncertain

THE Tunnel Boring Machine at the Camp Aguinaldo station of the Metro Manila Subway Project in Quezon City on Jan. 16, 2025. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) is working to start the partial operations of the Metro Manila Subway by 2028, although the target remained uncertain as the project’s completion encountered delays.

“We are pushing for partial operations; we are discussing it… The whole line of the subway will be completed in 2032, that is our target,” Transportation Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon told reporters on the sidelines of a forum on Wednesday.

The Transportation department said it is working with the local government unit of Pasig to resolve right-of-way (RoW) issues for the Ortigas station of the Metro Manila subway project.

“The Ortigas station will definitely not be finished by 2028. We never promised that… We want to finish at least two to three stations by 2028,” he said.

Earlier, the DoTr said it is targeting to complete RoW acquisition for the Metro Manila Subway project by the first quarter of 2026.

In April, the agency said it is fast-tracking the project by addressing RoW issues, which is estimated at 59.12%.

The DoTr said previously that it is hoping to acquire up to 80% of the needed RoW by end of 2025, with the remainder completed by the first quarter.

The DoTr is also hoping to award the three remaining contract packages of the Metro Manila Subway project within the year. The remaining contract packages are valued at between P10 billion and P15 billion each.

Contract package (CP) 105 covers the construction of the station in Kalayaan Avenue and Bonifacio Global City; CP 108 covers the Lawton and Senate-DepEd stations; and CP 109 is the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 station.

The subway is 33 kilometers long with 17 stations. The goal is to cut travel time between Quezon City and NAIA to 35 minutes from over an hour currently. It is expected to accommodate up to 370,000 passengers daily. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Magsaysay Maritime Academy signs exchange program with 5 Japanese tech institutes

MARINA.GOV.PH

MITSUI O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Magsaysay Maritime Corp., through the MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy Inc. (MMMA), signed on Wednesday an agreement with five Japanese national institutes of technology to expand their international exchange programs for student-seafarers.

The agreement will allow students and faculty members from Toyama College, Toba College, Hiroshima College, Oshima College, and Yuge College to join the exchange program to “strengthen mutual research and educational processes, and cultivating a global perspective for future seafarers,” according to a statement.

Before the signing, MMMA accepted four students and two faculty members from Oshima College and six students from Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology.

Meanwhile, MOL Maritex Co., Ltd., Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), and Magsaysay Training Center (MTC) have opened a dynamic positioning (DP) training center at the MAAP campus in Mariveles, Bataan.

“The DP Training Center will provide operation training for seafarers and engineers to meet the requirements for offshore wind power generation and for special vessels involved in offshore and ocean development,” MOL said in a separate statement. The three parties signed a memorandum of agreement on Tuesday.

Five courses accredited by the Nautical Institute will be offered at the center including a DP induction course, DP simulator course, DP sea time reduction course, DP revalidation or DP refresher and competency assessment course, and DP vessel maintainer course.

Trainees can access the center and train, using the same model of DP simulator installed on MOL’s special vessels.

According to the MOL, the center is open to all seafarers and engineers, with the first training course set to begin on Sept. 1.

“This partnership plays a vital role in shaping the future of Filipino seafarers in offshore operations. Through the expansion of access to DP training, MOLMAT, MAAP, and MTC will continue to develop highly skilled seafarers and continue to play a key role in meeting the evolving needs of the maritime industry in the Philippines,” said MOL. — Katherine K. Chan

Bills boosting PHL shipbuilding filed in House

WEST CEBU ESTATE is home to some of the world’s leading maritime companies such as Australia’s Austal Philippines. Austal Philippines recently delivered the largest, high-speed Catamaran ever constructed in its 35-year history — the Express 5. — COMPANY HANDOUT

TWO measures seeking to revitalize the country’s shipbuilding industry were filed at the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

House Bill (HB) No. 2597 aims to boost the domestic shipbuilding sector through government support, including industry aid and research and development assistance, to help scale operations and reduce business costs.

Meanwhile, HB No. 2598 seeks to provide fiscal incentives to shipbuilding companies, like exempting them from value-added taxes and removing duties on the importation of capital equipment, which could help incentivize investments into the industry.

“It’s time to bring maritime jobs home for the sake of our maritime workers and our overall economy,” Party-list Rep. Nathaniel M. Oducado, who authored the bills, said in a statement.

The filing of the measures comes amid renewed foreign interest in the Philippine shipbuilding sector following the 2019 bankruptcy of South Korea’s Hanjin Heavy Industries.

South Korean HD Hyundai Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. and the Hanwha group have expressed desires to acquire Hanjin’s naval shipyard in Subic, Zambales province, Seoul’s BusinessKorea reported in April.

“These bills send a positive signal to both local and international shipbuilders that the Philippines is ready to be a leading destination for ship building and ship repair,” Maritime Industry Authority Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan said in the same statement. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Sotto-less Gilas fully harnesses big man Edu for FIBA Asia Cup duty

AJ EDU — FIBA

GILAS Pilipinas coach Tim Cone looks to fully harness the topnotch skills of big man AJ Edu as the Nationals vie for the FIBA Asia Cup mint minus Kai Sotto.

Unlike the previous window in February when he made his debut for Mr. Cone’s crew after missing previous campaigns due to knee injury, Mr. Edu is fully healthy and has clocked more training time with the Nationals now.

“He was awesome in the tuneup against Macau,” said Mr. Cone of the 6-foot-10 Mr. Edu, who banged in 15 points, three rebounds, and two assists in manning the fort while Mr. Sotto and June Mar Fajardo sat it out in Gilas’ 103-98 comeback win over the Black Bears on Monday.

“It was really important for AJ to be here. Last trip we took, we only had him for two days and then we arrived in Doha and played games and then we went to Taiwan, had one practice and then we went to New Zealand and had one practice. So, in effect, we only had like four practices the whole last trip we had. So getting practice time (with Mr. Edu) was crucial.”

Mr. Edu is embracing the heavier frontcourt load he would share with Mr. Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar as the 7-foot-3 Mr. Sotto continues to recuperate from ACL injury.

“It’s still an adjustment. Kai (Sotto) is such an important piece, especially to the way we play the triangle. But we’re going to have to make do without him for now and everyone has to step up,” he said.

The 25-year-old Mr. Edu is grateful to be injury-free for this window.

“Body’s feeling great. I have no issues so I’m really thankful for that, thankful for everyone who’s been helping me get healthy and stay healthy so I’m hoping to keep that going,” he said.

Gilas wrapped up its domestic training on Wednesday and will resume work in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the host city of the Aug. 5 to 17 Asia Cup.

Mr. Cone’s troops are scheduled to play the Jordan national team in a friendly on Saturday before plunging into the action in Group D of the Continental meet against Chinese-Taipei (Aug. 5), New Zealand (Aug. 7) and Iraq (Aug. 9).

Notes: Though not fully recovered from the sprain on both ankles he sustained in the PBA Philippine Cup finals, TNT’s Calvin Oftana is soldiering on, ready to resume playing duties for Gilas Pilipinas in next week’s FIBA Asia Cup. Mr. Oftana, who took a breather in the Nationals’ send-off tuneup against the Macau Black Bears last Monday, would be joining the Gilas delegation scheduled to leave for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia last night, as confirmed by assistant coach Richard del Rosario. — Olmin Leyba

Rhenz Abando returns to Korean Basketball League for Anyang Red Boosters

RHENZ ABANDO — ONE SPORTS/ANYANG JUNG KWAN JANG RED BOOSTERS FACEBOOK ACCOUNT

RHENZ ABANDO is returning to his ball club Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) this season.

Mr. Abando last played overseas for the same squad in 2023-2024 season with averages of 8.48 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist but had a long recovery for his injured back before finally coming back to fine form recently. He also saw action for Anyang in the EASL Final Four last year in Cebu prior to being a free agent in Korea featuring fellow Filipino imports like Gilas Pilipinas stars Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao.

Mr. Abando will take the Asian Import quota spot of compatriot Javi Gomez de Liaño, who jumped from Terrafirma in the PBA to Anyang, which had a 25-29 record in the KBL last season.

Mr. Abando, a former NCAA MVP from Letran, recently stamped his class for Strong Group-Philippines in its 2025 William Jones Cup title conquest this month.

The 27-year-old forward pride served as one of the best local players of coach Charles Tiu as Strong Group, led by ex-NBA standout Andre Roberson, completed a back-to-back feat for the country’s eighth overall title.

Hailing from La Union, Mr. Abando was also considered by head coach Tim Cone in the expanded 16-man Gilas pool for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup along with other additions Zavier Lucero, Troy Rosario and RJ Abarrientos.

But Mr. Abando wasn’t able to attend practices due to his Strong Group campaign as Gilas flies to Jeddah on Friday for the Asian tournament on Aug. 5 to 17.

Mr. Abando, with a second wind in Korea, is hoping to make it back to the national team as well next time after being a part of the 2023 FIBA World Cup roster at home. — John Bryan Ulanday

Arca, Cu settle for pair of podium finishes at Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championships in Zhuhai, China

CHRISTIAN GIAN KARLO ARCA — FACEBOOK.COM/NCFPCHESS

FILIPINO FIDE Masters (FM) Christian Gian Karlo Arca and Ivan Travis Cu settled for a pair of podium finishes in separate categories in the rapid event to close out the country’s campaign in the 9th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championships in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China Tuesday.

Mr. Arca couldn’t recover from a sixth and penultimate-round defeat to Mongolian FM Ganbat Tenguundalai and settled for the silver in the open Under-16 section that was eventually topped by the latter.

It was the same fate by Mr. Cu, who fell to Mongolian FM Khishigbat Ulziikhishig in the fifth round and wound up with the bronze in the premier U18 class that the latter eventually won.

It wasn’t a bad finish for both Grandmaster prospects as Mr. Arca also ended up with a standard gold and a blitz bronze while Mr. Cu had the blitz mint in the bag the day before. — Joey Villar

Will Smith drives home game winner as Los Angeles Dodgers rally past host Cincinnati Reds, 5-4

WILL SMITH doubled home James Outman with the go-ahead run with two outs in the ninth and finished with 2-for-5 with two RBIs to rally the Los Angeles Dodgers past the host Cincinnati Reds, 5-4 on Tuesday.

Former Cincinnati closer Alexis Diaz (1-0) picked up his first win of the season and his first-ever with the Dodgers with 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Alex Vesia picked up his fourth save in five chances with a scoreless ninth.

Cincinnati starter Nick Lodolo struck out a season-high 11 in 5 1/3 innings, reaching double-digit strikeouts for the first time since Apr. 29, 2024, when he also struck out 11 at San Diego. Most impressively, he fanned Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani three times in the first five innings.

The Cincinnati southpaw allowed six hits and two runs before being pulled after a Freddie Freeman sharp groundout to first.

Reds’ reliever Graham Ashcraft then struck out Ohtani for the so-called “Golden Sombrero” in the seventh. It was the sixth four-strikeout game in Ohtani’s career.

Ohtani narrowly escaped the indignity of five strikeouts when he flew out to right on a 2-2 count in the ninth, just prior to Smith’s go-ahead double to left against reliever Emilio Pagan (2-3).

Coming off his first career complete game shutout last Wednesday in Washington, Lodolo threw 94 pitches and was in line for his fourth win in as many starts until the Dodgers’ rally. He finished July with a 3-1 record and a 1.89 ERA in five starts.

Scott Barlow recorded the final two outs of the sixth, but Ashcraft couldn’t protect a 4-2 lead in the seventh as Smith and Freddie Freeman produced two-out RBI singles.

Tommy Edman gave the Dodgers a 2-0 lead against Lodolo in the second with his 12th homer of the season, an opposite field line drive that just cleared the wall down the right field line.

The Reds bounced back against Los Angeles starter Tyler Glasnow in the fourth on a two-run homer from Jake Fraley and a solo homer from Noelvi Marte for a 3-2 lead. Glasnow allowed four runs on four hits over four innings, walking five and striking out three. — Reuters

Las Vegas to host 2026 FIFA World Cup draw

LAS VEGAS is set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, according to an ESPN report on Tuesday.

Sources told the outlet that the date of the draw would be on Friday, Dec. 5 and that Las Vegas was selected over cities in Canada and Mexico. FIFA officials have not confirmed the date or site.

For the first time, the competition will take place in three countries and will feature 48 nations, as opposed to the traditional 32.

Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium was rejected as a host venue. Eleven United States cities/venues were selected, along with three in Mexico (Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey) and two in Canada (Toronto and Vancouver).

The US sites are divided into three regions. New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, Miami and Atlanta are a part of the Eastern region, Kansas City, Dallas and Houston comprise a part of the Central Region, while Los Angeles, Seattle and the San Francisco Bay area make up three of the four cities in the Western Region. — Reuters