Facebook Instagram Linkedin X Youtube
Home Blog Page 757

PDEA-12 nabs 8 drug den operators

COTABATO CITY — Anti-narcotics agents clamped down eight individuals operating a drug den in Kidapawan City in an operation on Monday, that also resulted in the confiscation of P102,000 worth of crystal meth (shabu), a .45 caliber pistol and explosives.

City officials and barangay leaders who helped the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-12 (PDEA-12) carry out the law-enforcement operation said the leader of the group, whose name they withheld in the meantime, resisted arrest but was eventually subdued and cuffed by PDEA-12 agents and policemen involved in the drug den raid.

Charlene R. Magdurulang, PDEA-12 director, said on Tuesday that all eight suspects are now locked in a detention facility, to be prosecuted for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The operation was launched after local executives reported the suspects facilitated pot sessions in their drug den.

Ms. Magdurulang said she is thankful to local executives in Kidapawan City and to the director of PRO-12, Brig. Gen. Arnold P. Ardiente, for supporting their operation that resulted in the arrest of the eight suspects and the shutdown of their drug den, now guarded by volunteer community watchmen and barangay officials. — John Felix M. Unson

Comelec disqualifies Laguna mayor

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) First Division has disqualified the incumbent mayor of Cabuyao City, Laguna after finding substantial evidence he engaged in vote buying during the 2025 polls.

In a resolution dated Oct. 23, the poll body granted the petition to disqualify Mayor Dennis Felipe C. Hain for allegedly violating provisions of the Omnibus Election Code related to vote buying.

The petitioner claimed that Mr. Hain and his brother, a city councilor, used their family-owned property in Cabuyao City to hold gatherings presented as “poll watchers’ seminars,” where cash was allegedly distributed to attendees.

Comelec said Mr. Hain’s actions fell squarely under the definition of vote buying, as residents were required to present their voter’s identification cards before entering the premises, where they reportedly received P1,000 each after listening to campaign speeches from the brothers and other members of the National Unity Party (NUP).

Attendees were also asked to surrender their mobile phones, which were sealed in plastic to prevent them from recording the event.

The Commission said photographs, video footage, and judicial affidavits presented by witnesses provided substantial evidence that vote buying took place.

“The presence of long lines of individuals at the respondent’s premises for the distribution of money, accompanied by a direct appeal for electoral support, gives rise to a compelling presumption of an unlawful attempt to influence voters,” the resolution stated.

Mr. Hain, in his defense, denied the allegations and dismissed them as “fabricated and self-serving.”

The poll body, however, rejected his general denial, saying it failed to explain the documented evidence or refute the testimonies confirming his involvement in the distribution of money.

“Respondent Dennis Felipe C. Hain is hereby disqualified as Mayor of Cabuyao City, Laguna for the 2025 national and local elections,” the ruling read. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Makers of basic goods vowed to keep prices steady — Trade dep’t

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said makers of basic necessities and prime commodities have committed to keep prices steady even with the approach of the year-end holidays and the accompanying spike in demand.

In a statement on Tuesday, the DTI said manufacturers and retailers have promised to observe the current suggested retail price for basic goods.

“To ensure price stability, DTI intensifies regular market monitoring and enforcement activities nationwide through its Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau and regional and provincial offices to prevent overpricing, profiteering, and supply disruptions,” it said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday called on the DTI to ensure that basic goods remain affordable in the runup to Christmas.

At the recent Consumer Welfare Month Stakeholders’ Appreciation Night, the DTI also asked manufacturers to hold the line on prices at least until the end of the year.

Under Republic Act 10623, which amended certain provisions of the Price Act, basic necessities are goods “vital to the needs of consumers for their sustenance and existence.” These include rice, corn, bread, fish, pork, beef, poultry, meat, eggs, vegetables, and fruit, among others.

The law defines prime commodities as “goods not considered basic necessities but are essential to consumers in times of need.” Such items include onions, garlic, oil, toilet soap, fertilizer, pesticides, light bulbs, and electrical supplies. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

PHL gets ‘verbal’ assurances from Fitch, Moody’s on outlook 

REUTERS

FITCH RATINGS and Moody’s Ratings will stick to their views on the Philippines’ prospects even in the face of the flood control scandal, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said.

Budget Undersecretary and Principal Economist Joselito R. Basilio said the two credit-rating agencies “verbally” affirmed their outlooks for the Philippines.

“(Fitch Ratings knows) that (the scandal) will only improve the way we do things. It will result in reform,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Monday.

“Tapos alam nila ’yung internal, domestic economy is resilient (And they know that the domestic economy is resilient),” he added.

On Monday, Fitch Ratings issued a peer credit analysis flagging the potential impact of the ongoing corruption scandal on the Philippines’ growth outlook.

It retained its gross domestic product projection at 5.6% this year, within the government’s 5.5-6.5% goal.

Fitch Ratings last affirmed its “BBB” long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating and “stable” outlook for the Philippines in April.

A “stable” outlook means the Philippines will likely maintain its rating in the next 18 to 24 months.

Meanwhile, Moody’s Ratings last affirmed the Philippines’ investment-grade “Baa2” rating and “stable” outlook in August last year.

Mr. Basilio said both credit raters asked the government about the flood control issue during a meeting in Washington earlier this month.

“Nagtanong sila ng madami, but… they know that this will only improve processes. At saka wala silang sinasabing growth impact (They asked a lot of questions, but they know that this will only improve processes. And they didn’t say anything about its impact on growth),” he said.

Government officials and private contractors are under scrutiny over the alleged misuse of government funds in substandard or non-existent flood control projects.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto has said that the controversy derailed a potential credit rating upgrade from S&P Global Ratings.

S&P Global affirmed its “BBB+” long-term credit rating for the Philippines in November. 

It also upgraded its outlook to “positive” from “stable,” giving the country an opportunity to improve its credit rating in the next two years if it maintains its improvements. — Katherine K. Chan

Rice tariff consultations conclude; draft amendments due by Nov. 10

PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said consultations have wrapped up on planned amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law of 2019, with reforms designed to curb high rice prices while offering farmers a fair return on their harvest.

The results of the regional consultations will be incorporated into the draft amendments to be submitted to Congress, the DA said in a statement.

The 2025 Quinta Hearings in the House of Representatives reached a consensus that the 2024 round of amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (Republic Act 12078) require follow-up measures.

The DA said the amendments are among the 44 priority measures endorsed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.

The new set of planned amendments hope to address the erosion of farmer incomes due to cheap imports, the failure of retail prices to reflect the reduction in import costs, and growing dependence on global grain markets.

“We cannot allow our farmers to be the casualties of market inefficiencies and unchecked speculation,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said. “Our goal is a rice industry that rewards productivity, ensures stability, and protects both producers and consumers.”

The consultation findings will form the basis of the proposed Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment (RICE) Act. The DA described the legislation as restoring calibrated state intervention in the rice market through the National Food Authority (NFA).

The NFA would regain limited authority to manage the rice inventory, regulate imports, and stabilize prices without reversing trade liberalization.

The draft calls for the establishment of the Philippine Rice Industry Development Program, which will receive an annual allocation of P30 billion from tariff revenue to finance productivity and resilience programs.

The bill will also set a flexible floor price for palay (unmilled rice) to ensure fair returns for farmers and a targeted rice subsidy for low-income consumers.

The final consultations were held in Cagayan de Oro on Oct. 27 and Quezon City on Oct. 28, following earlier sessions in Iloilo. The DA plans to submit a draft to Congress and the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office on Nov. 10.

APEC seen as platform for diversifying markets

APEC.ORG

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Reporter

DEVELOPING countries could harness the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in diversifying their markets in the face of the disruption resulting from the US reciprocal tariffs, an analyst said.

Raphael J. Cortez, a diplomacy instructor at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, said APEC plays a role in supporting developing countries in dealing with global economic shifts.

“APEC serves as an avenue for the Philippines and other developing countries to further their respective trade diversification efforts, cognizant of the need to not merely focus on trading with one or two markets, but to approach it from a multilateral perspective,” he told BusinessWorld via Messenger.

“In the case of the US reciprocal tariffs, APEC can safeguard in a way its member economies that are facing ballooning tariffs,” he added.

He said the reciprocal tariffs can be “perilous” to the economic interests of developing countries, which is why the APEC should be used to facilitate dialogue.

“APEC (could become) a negotiating platform — as it involves both the US and China — not just to guarantee economic order between the two superpowers, but also to devise solutions on how such high tariffs can be alleviated through joint action,” he added.

He said that APEC’s commitment to climate action and digitalization will help the Philippines in its climate change-related goals as it assumes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations chairmanship.

“It may also provide the necessary support for our policy toolkit for us to effectively address climate change-related and digital transition-related gaps,” he said.

“As a country known for its labor force, such issues may undoubtedly cause disruptions in terms of our economic development, hence working with APEC countries on these facets will be very much pivotal,” he added.

APEC is a regional economic forum established in the late 1980s to leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific.

It comprises 21 economies — the US, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, South Korea, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Hansley A. Juliano, a political science lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila, warned that US President Donald J. Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are “sabotaging” the system APEC has put in place.

“APEC has been a longtime space the Philippines participates in, which is also worrisome considering that the US is basically sabotaging the system due to its domestic politics,” he told BusinessWorld via Messenger.

“The US is actively sabotaging global free trade due to its own leaders’ economic illiteracy, (which) compromises not only its own domestic economy, but also ruins the investment and economic opportunities of longtime allies like us,” he added.

“In my view, APEC can perhaps address its Northern Hemisphere centrism by pushing for more multilateral representation and abandoning uncritical neoliberal policy mandates to participating states,” he said.

“It is one thing to willy-nilly impose tariffs on everyone the way the US does, but it is also wrong to go on with the push for removing all tariffs even for countries whose domestic products will be overrun by bigger economies like China and European Union member states,” he added.

The US imposed sweeping tariffs on its trading partners, including a 19% tariff on Philippine goods entering the US market.

On Oct. 26, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that Mr. Trump secured agreements on reciprocal trade with Malaysia and Cambodia.

Meanwhile, Mr. Trump also reached frameworks of agreements on reciprocal trade with Thailand and Vietnam.

“These landmark deals demonstrate that America can maintain tariffs to shrink the goods trade deficit while opening new markets for American farmers, ranchers, workers, and manufacturers,” Mr. Greer said.

Asked to comment, Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said the Philippines and the US are still negotiating their tariff deal.

“Hindi pa tayo tapos, ongoing pa. Malaysia and Cambodia ang tapos na (We’re not done yet, talks are ongoing. It’s Malaysia and Cambodia that have wrapped up talks),” he said via Viber.

At the Department of Trade and Industry Senate budget hearing earlier this month, Mr. Gepty said that it will be difficult to conclude the negotiations within the year, adding that a final agreement is expected next year.

Clean-energy development in region being hindered by uneven access to capital

BW FILE PHOTO

By Sheldeen Joy Talavera, Reporter

SINGAPORE — Capital for developing energy-transition projects in Asia is unevenly distributed, hindering the industry’s efforts, analysts said at the Asia Clean Energy Summit here Tuesday.

“The main question actually, is there enough money coming into the right projects? Are they going to the right locations? And overall, are we contributing where we should in order to transition?” according to Diana Parusheva-Lowery, managing director and head of public policy and sustainable financial at Asia Securities Industry & Financial Markets Association.

Ms. Parusheva-Lowery said that the “money flow is not distributed equally.”

She said everyone in the industries involved should work with the financial sector to identify where the technological opportunities lie.

“I think the bottom line is that within the governmental and policy framework, you can create enough enablers, and we still live in a world that there are bank-quality invested projects, which everybody knows, and we have a lot of competition there,” she said.

Jun Wei Ong, vice-president for Asia private credit at Allianz Global Investors, said that while the global investment management firm focuses on India and Saudi Arabia, there are very strong markets like the Philippines and Thailand.

The Philippines has set an ambitious goal of increasing the share of renewable energy to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

“The Philippines becomes a regional example — proof that an emerging economy can commit to and achieve an energy transition,” Jay Joel L. Soriano, vice-president and head of strategy and planning at First Gen Corp.

He highlighted geothermal as the “most reliable clean energy of all” as it can run 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Yet geothermal often goes unseen and undervalued.  Why?  Because it’s underground — literally three to four kilometers beneath us — and because regulations and incentives were designed to support more recent technologies, like solar and wind,” Mr. Soriano said.

In order to inject more geothermal energy capacity into the power mix, Mr. Soriano said regulations must recognize the industry’s characteristics, such as large upfront capital intensity, baseload reliability, and long service life.

“When frameworks recognize all clean technologies have a role to play, capital will flow and unlock potential for a 24/7 clean and renewable energy future,” he said.

First Gen, one of the Philippines’ leading renewable energy firms, controls a portfolio of 1,300 MW of renewable energy capacity from geothermal, solar, and wind. It also has an interest in gas-fired power plants in Batangas with a combined capacity of 2,017 MW.

To unlock the region’s wealth of renewable energy, Singapore Minister of State Foreign Affairs and Trade & Industry Gan Siow Huang said the ASEAN Power Grid will play a key role in enhancing energy access.

“I’m heartened that this vision is not only shared within ASEAN, but is increasingly drawing in strong interest from governments, financial institutions and companies from beyond our region,” she said during her opening address.

The ASEAN Power Grid aims to connect the electricity networks of the member countries, enabling cross-border power trading by 2045.

“We are making progress on rail projects that will form the building blocks of the ASEAN power grid,” Ms. Huang said.

She highlighted Singapore’s grid interconnection with Malaysia, allowing bidirectional flows of electricity. Both countries will soon commence detailed feasibility studies for a second electricity connector with a potential capacity of up to 2,000 MW.

“Building connectivity is not only about physical interconnectors between countries. It’s also about leveling up our knowledge and skills collectively, and also investing in the human capital,” she said. “This is to ensure that our region’s energy transition is inclusive and people centric.”

PHL posts middling rating on retirement preparedness index

RETIREMENT preparedness in the Philippines has been assessed as suboptimal based on a survey of 1,000 adults, Insular Life Assurance Co. Ltd. (InLife) said.

“We want a higher score because the score indicates how prepared we are as a nation,” InLife Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Bancassurance Officer Gae L. Martinez said at a briefing on Tuesday.

The Philippines was rated 47 on a scale of 100 on InLife’s retirement index, which the company said was in the medium range but far from optimal.

The survey respondents were aged 18 to 59 across various income classes.

“47 is on the low side so there’s definitely a lot of room to improve the readiness of Filipinos,” InLife Chief Product and Innovation Officer Jose Eduardo O. Ang said.

“Many Filipinos only begin to seriously think of retirement if there are changes in their life. So, if they get married, they have children. It’s often reactive. We don’t have a proactive mindset in terms of retirement,” InLife Business Insight and Community Management Head Abigail A. Magtibay said.

“For the average Filipino, there’s still a tendency (to keep funds in) savings or digital wallets, but what will be good to increase our retirement readiness would be to diversify into other financial instruments. We also look at insurance ownership. Inlife policy holders scored 62 compared to their counterparts that do not have an Inlife policy, who scored 42,” she said.

“Filipinos who feel excited about retirement, and have a positive sentiment toward retirement, will score significantly higher on the index. In contrast, those who are indifferent or anxious will tend to delay planning. Of course, that would mean a lower score,” she added.

“The index also shows that social support is a key driver. People who regularly discuss retirement with their family, with their friends, or financial advisors would score higher because they are more prepared,” she said.

Ms. Magtibay added coverage under the Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System is insufficient, especially for those in informal employment.

“Many Filipinos, especially those in the freelance or gig economy or informal employment, have no employer-provided pension plans and have limited awareness for their entitlements. The index shows that pension participation contributes significantly to retirement readiness. On the other hand, those who have employer-provided pension plans would show higher preparedness,” she said. — Aaron Michael C. Sy

Casiguran port development deal signed

NEW.APECO.GOV.PH

THE Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) said it signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with South Korea’s Yooshin Engineering Corp. and the Philippines’ Lordsbridge Resources Corp. to develop the Casiguran International New Port in Aurora.

In a statement on Tuesday, it said APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Gil G. Taway IV, Yooshin Director and Philippine Regional Representative Jin Ho Lee, and Lordsbridge Resources President Victor Lee signed the agreement on Oct. 28.

“Through this partnership, APECO aims to correct that imbalance by developing Casiguran Port into a resilient gateway that opens the Philippines directly to Pacific trade routes and drives inclusive development across the eastern corridor of Luzon,” Mr. Taway said.

Yooshin Engineering will update the 2011 Korean Export-Import (KEXIM) Bank feasibility study. Lordsbridge will serve as the developer and funding coordinator, while APECO will provide policy, logistical, and data support for the study.

The 2011 feasibility study by KEXIM identified Bangas Point in Casiguran Bay as the optimal site due to its deep waters and natural protection from typhoons.

“According to the old port study, the Casiguran Port would cost around $56 million. Adjusted for inflation, the current investment needed to build would be around $83 million (P4.7 billion),” APECO said.

Citing the KEXIM study, APECO said the port will feature multipurpose berths, passenger and fishery wharves, and supporting facilities.

Once operational, the port is also projected to handle over one million tons of cargo annually, servicing the logistics needs of APECO Freeport.

Port development will be conducted in phases, starting with the updated feasibility study in 2025-2026, followed by design and regulatory approvals in 2026-2027.

Construction and development of the port is scheduled between 2027-2030, with the project due for completion by 2030. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

PEZA on track to hit 2025 investment pledges goal

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said it is on track to achieve this year’s P250-billion investment pledges target.

“We’re hopeful because we’re targeting P250 billion, but the ambitious target is P300 billion,” PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga told reporters on the sidelines of the Philippine Semiconductors and Electronics Convention and Exhibition on Tuesday.

“With maybe three or four board meetings to go, we’re hopeful that we can realize more investments.”

Mr. Panga said that as of the end of October, PEZA approved over P170 billion worth of investment pledges. In October, investment approvals stood at P20 billion.

PEZA has yet to release a detailed breakdown of investment approvals for October.

Mr. Panga noted a decline in ecozone exports of finished electronic products to the US as the reciprocal tariffs caused a drop in demand.

“We have companies that reduced their production for export to the US, because there’s a huge drop in demand for their products; thus, the need to scale down,” he said.

The US began imposing a 19% tariff on Philippine goods on Aug. 7.

He noted that uncertainty over US tariff policy is “a cause for concern.”

US President Donald J. Trump also threatened to impose sectoral tariffs on chips as high as 300%.

At present, semiconductor exports are not included in the 19% tariff imposed by the US on Philippine-made goods.

“We’re hopeful that it will remain that way for EMS (electronics manufacturing services) products, being our biggest sector in the Philippines.”

Meanwhile, PEZA has yet to see the impact of the infrastructure corruption scandal on investment pledges.

“As we speak, it’s all positive for PEZA when it comes to investments, exports and jobs. Investments have been going up, upward trajectory, so we don’t feel that yet,” Mr. Panga added. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Freddie Freeman home run gives LA Dodgers 2-1 lead vs Blue Jays

LOS ANGELES DODGERS first baseman Freddie Freeman hits an RBI single against the Toronto Blue Jays. — REUTERS/KIYOSHI MIO-IMAGN IMAGES

The 18-inning game matched the longest in World Series history

LOS ANGELES — Freddie Freeman hit a game-ending home run in the 18th inning, Shohei Ohtani hit two homers and the Los Angeles (LA) Dodgers pulled off a 6-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday in Game 3 of the World Series.

Teoscar Hernandez also hit a home run, while Ohtani added two doubles and reached base a postseason-record nine times with five walks (four intentional) as the Dodgers pulled in front 2-1 in the best-of-seven series after losing Game 1 at Toronto.

The 18-inning game matched the longest in World Series history, also at Los Angeles in 2018 against the Boston Red Sox. Monday’s contest lasted 6 hours, 39 minutes, the second-longest World Series game by time.

Game 4 is Tuesday at Los Angeles, with Ohtani opposing Toronto right-hander Shane Bieber.

Freeman’s leadoff home run in the 18th came against left-hander Brendon Little (0-2) and made a winner of Los Angeles right-hander Will Klein (1-0), who gave up one hit with five strikeouts over four scoreless innings.

Ohtani hit home runs in the third and seventh innings and has five home runs over his last two home playoff games. Seldom-used right-handers Edgardo Henriquez and Klein combined to pitch six scoreless innings as Los Angeles used a World Series-record 10 pitchers, including left-hander Clayton Kershaw for one out to escape a bases-loaded jam in the 12th.

Alejandro Kirk hit a home run for the Blue Jays, who have lost consecutive games after scoring 11 runs in their Game 1 victory at home. Toronto used nine pitchers, with left-hander Eric Lauer pitching 4 2/3 scoreless innings in relief.

The Dodgers took a 1-0 lead in the second on Hernandez’s home run, his fifth of the postseason. Ohtani gave the Dodgers a 2-0 lead with a home run down the right field line in the third.

The Blue Jays took the lead with a four-run fourth that included a three-run home run from Kirk and a sacrifice fly from Andres Gimenez for a 4-2 advantage.

The Dodgers got even at 4-4 in the fifth on a one-out RBI double from Ohtani and a two-out RBI single just inside of first base by Freeman.

After Toronto’s George Springer departed with an injury to lead off the seventh, the Blue Jays pushed ahead 5-4 in the inning on a two-out single from Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. off right-hander Blake Treinen and an RBI single from Bo Bichette to score Guerrero from first base.

Ohtani’s fifth home run in his last two playoff games at Los Angeles, this one off right-hander Seranthony Dominguez, tied the score 5-5 in the seventh. It was Ohtani’s eighth of the postseason and third of the World Series.

Dodgers second baseman Tommy Edman threw out Isiah Kiner-Falefa trying to advance to third base in the ninth and threw Davis Schneider out at home to end the top of the 10th on a relay from Hernandez in right field. — Reuters

SBP elects Ricky Vargas as president and Manny Pangilinan as chairman

THE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has elected PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas as president and PLDT honcho Manny Pangilinan as chairman.

Mr. Vargas, who served as vice-president under outgoing chief Al Panlilio, and Mr. Pangilinan, who was previously chairman emeritus, will lead a board consisting of 17 seats, 13 of which were filled through an election among the federation’s 34 active members to “ensure broad sectoral representation across Philippine basketball.”

Elected sectoral representatives were Paul Tristan Laus (North Luzon), Edgar Francisco (South Luzon), Robert Uy (Visayas), Renauld Barrios (Mindanao), ose Franco Soberano (Youth), o Perasol, Manuel Raymund Castellano and Eric Altamirano (Schools), Vivian Manila (Women’s) and Messrs. Pangilinan, Vargas, Alfrancis Chua and Archen A. Cayabyab (Commercial and Professional).

Two co-opted members, Jacob Ang and Chaye Cabal-Revilla, were appointed by the president, while Ryan Reyes was named player representative and Peachy Cheng Medina was selected as the interim 3×3 representative.

Mr. Panlilio will remain a valued member of the board by virtue of his position as a FIBA Central Board member.

“This new SBP Board is a healthy mix of wisdom-filled veterans and passionate young leaders who share a common purpose — to build a stronger, more unified future for Philippine basketball,” said Mr. Vargas.

“We’re setting the foundation for the next generation of sports leaders to continue the growth and excellence that Filipino basketball is known for,” he said.

Mr. Pangilinan emphasized SBP’s continued drive for inclusivity and development across all levels of the sport.

“This new SBP Board is a reflection of how far Philippine basketball has come — more inclusive, more representative, and more forward-looking. For the first time, we have three female trustees on the board, even with fewer seats overall, ensuring that the voice of women in basketball continues to grow stronger,” he said.

“The addition of player and 3×3 representatives further broadens our perspective. And with promising young leaders like Jacob Ang and Franco Soberano, we’re making sure that basketball development in the country never stops — it only grows deeper and more united.” — Olmin Leyba

1...756757758...14,212Page 757 of 14,212
© 2024 BusinessWorld Publishing.
All rights reserved.
Read our privacy guidelines
Facebook Instagram Linkedin X Youtube